Industry Advice and Media Analysis Articles
Our editorial pieces are all written by female and GNC filmmakers, providing perspectives that aren’t often featured on typical film websites. From help guides, an advice column, to think pieces, these contributors each utilize media to make connections to their identities and lives in unique ways. To pitch to The Light Leaks, go to this link.
A Tarot Reader Dives into Euphoria’s Archetypes
Dani Espinosa, filmmaker and tarot reader, dissects the Euphoria characters their personalities and the show’s plot by assigning tarot cards from the traditional deck. In this combination of media criticism and spiritual interpretation, she shares deeper insight into this now iconic show.
Hey ‘You’: My Chronic Illness Is Not A Plot Device
The chart-breaking Netflix hit You has been the center of many discussions. But writer and filmmaker Brynna Arens brings light to the show’s harmful portrayals of living with chronic illness. As a fan of the show, she shares a unique POV on disability representation.
Saying Goodbye to HBO's Insecure
HBO’s Insecure said its final goodbye on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Here we share some insight into the world of Insecure and celebrate, not only the show, but some of the talent behind it!
AAPI Creators In Hollywood That You Need to Know
Whether it’s in directing for television, film or branded content — or even writing for your favorite tv show, these Asian American and Pacific Islander creators are making a splash on screen with their artistic vision! Read on to learn about Amina Munir, Emily Ting, Christina Xing, Karen Chee, Diane Paragas and Ravenna Tran.
On Screen: Hunter Schafer’s Impact on Queer and Trans Representation
Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp is a genderqueer, pansexual creator who examines the impact of Hunter Schafer's influence on HBO's Euphoria both personally and in the industry. Sophie dissects the HBO storyline that covers trans and queer identity and is modeled after Schafer's own experiences.y stage of production is critical to equitable and realistic representations of our lived experiences.
On Screen: Analyzing the Male Gaze Present in ‘the Queen’s Gambit’
The Queen’s Gambit, follows Beth Harmon, a prodigious young woman who attempts to enter the male-dominated sphere of competitive chess. Critics have praised it for its cinematography but Dhara Patel explores how feminist a show can be when it’s still created in the male gaze.
Golden Globes History: Race and Gender Across the Years
The Light Leak is all about sharing information, inspiring, and supporting women and nonbinary filmmakers. So we took a critical look at how the Golden Globes has amplified (or not) the voices of women and BIPOC communities.
The Hustle: Basic Screenwriting Tips
The Hustle is an advice section from the Light Leaks. If you’re a beginner in screenwriting for fiction short films, or going back to revise an old idea- this is the article for you. This easy breakdown was written by our founder, Kim Hoyos, and includes tips she’s learned from studying film, reading film books, and personal experience.
Free PDFs and Resources on Screenwriting, Film Production, and More
We created this master list of free PDFs for download because one major barrier, especially for students, women, BIPOC, and people living with a disability, is the financial barrier of higher education dedicated to film and tv. Education should be accessible. This list will be updated as more books are found and if a link is broken please feel free to reach out to us at kim@thelightleaks.com)
On Screen: Why Tami Taylor is a Fan Favorite on Friday Night Lights
Think you can’t find a feminist icon in a soapy teen drama? Think again- Friday Night Light’s Tami Taylor is a fan favorite for that very reason. Read Sophie Hayssen’s debrief on Tami’s influence.
On Screen: Fleabag’s Portrayal of Loneliness and Spirituality
Fletcher Peters examines her own views of death and spirituality through the show Fleabag.
Big Little Lies and the Complexity of Public Personas
Film writer Sophie Hayssen discusses the intricacies of Big Little Lies’s domestic abuse plot line through the lens of the Me Too movement’s ousting of public figures. With the manipulative tendencies of abusers to appear like good people, Sophie breaks down the complexity of public personas.
Insecure and Imperfect
Steffy Ramirez explains her deep connections to HBO’s Insecure as a WOC and Cali girl.
Special Affects: Social Responsibility In Film
Interested in human rights and film production, Lauren Cooke explains the importance of social responsibility in media.
On Screen: Teenagers Dealing with Mental Illness
Shaneika Johnson-Simms explains how seeing teenagers on screen coping with mental health allowed her to open up about her own struggles.
My Very Complex Relationship With Lena Dunham & Girls
Filmmaker, Sidney Butler breaks down the dynamics of race in HBO’s Girls and Lena Dunham’s influence.
"These Are Their Stories:” Survivors Voices On SVU And Social Media
Savannah Hemmig dissects the true and lasting impact of Law & Order: SVU.