(PANEL) BEYOND THE LENS: Addressing Lighting and Styling Challenges for BIPOC Talent
This panel focuses on overcoming lighting and styling challenges specifically faced by BIPOC talent in the film and television industry. This discussion will address these issues through collaboration among cinematographers, makeup artists, and wardrobe, it aims to ensure authentic representation and showcase the diverse beauty of BIPOC individuals on screen.
MODERATOR:
Grace Shutti - Producer and Multimedia Journalist
Grace Shutti is an award-winning producer and multimedia journalist. She has produced two short documentaries – RIP SENI (The Guardian) and Twinkleberry (Netflix) – and is currently working on her first narrative short film. Before moving to Vancouver in late 2022, she lived in London and worked at the Guardian newspaper for six years.
SPEAKERS
Lily Yawson - Actress, Artist, Producer, Director
Lily Yawson is a versatile talent in the entertainment industry, excelling as an Artist, Actress, Director, Producer and Acting coach. She has portrayed a diverse range of roles, most recently in, Danger in the Dorm, starring alongside Bethany Frankel on the popular Lifetime network and her most notable Sci-Fi role as "The Original Dreamer" on "The Flash" playing alongside Candice Patton (Iris) & Nicole Maines (Nia/Dreamer) available on Netflix Lily Yawson founded Ofie Productions Inc (pronounced oh-fee-yay) , bringing her unique vision and storytelling skills to the forefront through producing and directing music videos, web series and short films and is working to create larger-scale projects for Film & Tv.
Suvikram Bedi - Cinematographer
Suvikram, fondly known as Suvi, is a cinematographer with 15 years of experience of working behind the camera. With extensive experience in the world of narrative / dramatic fiction and commercials, his repertoire of work consists of talkies, fight sequences, chases, underwater sequences, fashion, glamour and filming at challenging locations such as glaciers up in the Himalayas. Having lived and worked on two different continents, he comes with the knowledge of working with people of various different ethnicities, textures and skin tones. Two of the projects that Suvi worked on were nominated for the Emmys. His credits include some of the biggest shows produced in Canada and overseas. Inside Edge Season 1, Mirzapur Season 1, Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas, The Watchful Eye Season 1 to name a few. He holds the rank of a DOP with the International Cinematographer's Guild of Western Canada (also known as the IATSE, ICG 669 Local), the Canadian Society of Cinematographers & the Western India Cinematographers Association.
Jason Pillay - Fashion Stylist & Design, Film and TV Costume
Jason Pillay is a talented fashion stylist and costume designer with a passion for storytelling through clothing. With a vibrant blend of South Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, their unique cultural background influences their work, bringing a fresh perspective and rich diversity to every project they undertake. Jason has a keen eye for detail and a knack for seamlessly blending traditional and modern styles, making them a sought-after talent in the industry.
He is committed to fostering opportunities for underrepresented talent in fashion and entertainment, Jason actively seeks to uplift marginalized voices and overcome industry challenges. Their portfolio includes striking billboards in Times Square and Hollywood, marking a significant impact on the fashion landscape. Featured in top magazines, Jason’s work showcases a unique blend of elegance and trend-setting styles that resonate with audiences everywhere. Jason continues to push boundaries and challenge norms in the dynamic world of fashion and entertainment.
