WIP | TAP In Festivals

THANK-A-PRODUCER INITIATIVE
A Campaign by Women Independent Producers
Launched June, 11, 2025

Dear Festival Director/Programming Team,

We’re reaching out as Women Independent Producers (WIP), a nonprofit collective dedicated to empowering independent producers – with primary focus on women and non-binary – the creative forces who bring stories to life across the spectrum of independent film. As part of our ongoing advocacy, we’ve launched the Thank-A-Producer Initiative, which aims to spotlight and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of independent producers. Through this campaign, we encourage film institutions, festivals, and audiences to actively acknowledge producers for their creative, financial, and logistical leadership throughout the filmmaking process.

While film festivals rightly celebrate directors and actors, we see a persistent gap: producers, who are often the backbone of independent projects, remain largely invisible in festival programs, press materials, and the festival experience itself. This lack of recognition does more than diminish credit–it impacts producers’ careers, access to opportunities, mental wellness and the sustainability of their work.

Producers don’t just manage logistics–they are visionary collaborators. They develop ideas, secure funding, build relationships, manage crews, oversee production, navigate legal and financial complexities, and shepherd films from concept through impact campaigns. Yet all too often, their essential contributions go unacknowledged.

We believe film festivals can be powerful agents of change in shifting this narrative — and we invite you to join us in this vital work.

Here’s what we ask:

Recognize producers alongside directors in all festival materials, including programs, announcements, and social media.
Ensure producers are introduced on stage alongside directors and remain equally present throughout the festival experience—highlighting parity in all appearances and engagement
Host or co-host events like our signature “Tales From the Set” series, which gives producers a dedicated space to share candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with audiences.
Extend badges or passes to producers so they can fully participate in the festival experience, including Q&A sessions.
Invite producers to participate in panels and events, offering them a platform to share their stories and expertise.
Include producers in travel and accommodation considerations whenever possible, as their presence is critical to a film’s journey and reception.
Whatever support or recognition is offered to directors, we ask that it also be extended to producers

By elevating producers, your festival affirms the collaborative spirit at the heart of independent filmmaking. It sends a powerful message that every creative contribution matters, fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Women Independent Producers has seen firsthand how recognition leads to stronger careers, better collaborations, and a healthier mental and creative community. Together, we can create festival experiences that truly reflect the diverse talents fueling independent film today.

We hope you will tap in to this movement to #ThankAProducer and make producers — especially independent producers — be visible, valued, and celebrated.

Warmly,

Adetoro Makinde
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Women Independent Producers