From Theater Kid to Emmy Winner and Producer of High On The Hog: Shirlyn A. Cesar’s Journey in Film and Media

In this Sista Brunch episode, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West interview Emmy-winning producer Shrlyn A. Cesar. Highlighting her journey from a theater enthusiast in New Jersey to working on critically acclaimed shows like 'Mad Men' and award-winning documentaries, Shirlyn shares invaluable insights for emerging and seasoned filmmakers alike. She talks about her experiences navigating the industry, the importance of networking, and advocating for oneself. Shirlyn also introduces her initiative, The Hivemind Unified, aimed at supporting emerging talent in the film, TV and media industries. Join the conversation to get an in-depth look at Shirlyn's career, the challenges she overcame, and the advice she offers to aspiring creatives. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:19 Introducing Our Special Guest 01:43 Showcasing the Awards 03:11 The Gracie and Telly Awards 05:17 The Emmy Award and Paul R. Williams Documentary 07:53 A Journey from Theater to Film School 11:42 From College to Career Challenges 12:48 Breaking into the Industry 14:53 Creating Limelight and Winning Student Emmys 18:07 Interning on Mad Men 22:08 Working on Being Mary Jane 26:03 Transitioning to Documentary Filmmaking 26:20 Journey Through Various Assistant Roles 26:56 The PBS Documentary Opportunity 28:23 From Intern to Associate Producer 29:01 The Impact of 2020 on Projects 30:42 Discussing Documentary Budgets 38:54 The Paper Edit Process 42:23 Advice to My Younger Self 46:00 The Hivemind Unified Initiative 49:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell