PSWIFT kicks off season with Palm Springs mixer
Movie makers, writers, directors and film lovers gathered on Nov. 17 for the 2023-24 season opener of Palm Springs Women in Film & Television (PSWIFT) to listen and be amazed by the world and words of showrunner Maisha Closson.
It’s no small feat to be a woman in Hollywood and not just survive but actually thrive in a field mostly dominated by men.
What is a showrunner? It’s the most important person when producing a TV show. It’s the one who carries the responsibility of creative direction and production logistics to ensure a cohesive vision and consistent quality throughout.
Closson, who has worked as a writer and/or producer on shows like “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Claws,” fell in love with the desert during COVID and now owns a home here to escape the mad world of working in TV.
Actress-philanthropist Kim Waltrip sat with Closson as heavy appetizers were passed to guests enjoying beverages under the swaying palm trees in the courtyard of Eight4Nine in Palm Springs.
Conversation between the two ladies flowed seamlessly with Closson answering questions and giving us a insider’s view into the days of those who work in the TV industry. After the panel, Closson stayed to pose for photos with PSWIFT board members and supporters, including Andrea Carter, Kate Spates, Levi Vincent, Janice Lopez, Renae Madore, Carolyn Moloshco and Elli Tourje. Also enjoying the evening were Melissa Neiderman, Patti Gribow, Susan Murphy and Tim Gross.
The event offered just a tiny taste of what PSWIFT has to offer. The best is yet to come as the nonprofit has a full season planned featuring guest speakers, fundraisers and holiday parties. The next one, slated for Dec. 13 at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage, will provide guests an opportunity to meet the who’s who of the industry and maybe even participate in the making of a short film. PSWIFT always welcomes new members
For more information and to see upcoming events visit pswift.org.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman’s weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: PSWIFT kicks off season with Palm Springs mixer
