Join CMA as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and talented Creatives at Soho House West Hollywood!

We’ll discuss how to create with the Hispanic audiences in mind, from writing great shows, creating engaging digital content, and even founding companies with Nico Selma, Storyboard Supervisor (Nickelodeon’s Dora TV Show and Fairly Odd Parents: A New Wish, Disney Jr.’s Vampirina, Dark Horse Comics), Jeanette Lara, Writer (PBS’ Rosie’s Rules + Alma’s Way, Netflix’s Rainbow High), Maria Escobedo, Writer (ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, Disney Jr.’s Ariel) and Nick Rodriguez, Writer (Dreamworks Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, Netflix’s Hot Wheels: Let’s Race)

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NICO SELMA

Nico Selma brings over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, specializing as a Storyboard Supervisor, Visual Development, and Comic Book Artist. 

Currently, he’s immersed in the vibrant world of Nickelodeon Animation Studios, contributing to the latest adventures in the Dora TV Show, drawing on his Latino roots to infuse authenticity and richness into the storytelling. His journey has taken him through renowned studios like DreamWorks, Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, and Dark Horse Comics, where he lent his talents to beloved projects such as Fairly Odd Parents: A New Wish, Santiago of the Seas, Archibald’s Next Big Thing, and Vampirina, among others. 

Hailing from Argentina, Buenos Aires, Nico’s artistic path began in traditional animation, notably with the animated feature film The Ark, followed by the commercially successful Una Película de Huevos franchise, which clinched the 10th spot in Mexico’s highest-grossing films and earned the prestigious Ariel Award for Best Animated Feature Film. 

In the realm of comic books, Nico’s prowess shines through his contributions to the rebooted Tomb Raider (Lara Croft) series and his co-creation with Justin Aclin of the graphic novel S.H.O.O.T First, both under Dark Horse Comics. 

When he’s not bringing characters to life on screen or paper, Nico enjoys the thrill of kart racing and the camaraderie of soccer. As a die-hard supporter of Argentina’s Chacarita Juniors and an avid Messi enthusiast, he’s always up for a lively discussion about the beautiful game. Currently residing in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids, Nico’s passion for storytelling and creativity continues to drive his journey in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

JEANETTE LARA

Jeannette Lara is a Boricua writer who spent her childhood in Japan where she was influenced by comic books and anime. She focuses on coming-of-age stories about unlikely heroes discovering their true identities. 

She got her industry start volunteering for the Atlanta Film Festival, then as a PA for several live-action independent films. She eventually moved to Los Angeles and became a development assistant at Therapy Content, where she met her writing partner. Together, they wrote their first animated feature script Muse, which was a Nichol Quarter Finalist in 2016. 

In 2019, Jeannette transitioned into TV and has since written on shows such as PBS/9 Story’s ROSIE’S RULES, PBS/Fred Rogers’ award-winning ALMA’S WAY, the Emmy nominated SANTIAGO OF THE SEAS, Netflix’s RAINBOW HIGH, Drew Barrymore Executive-Produced PRINCESS POWER, and Lupita Nyong’o’s Executive-Produced YouTube Original SUPER SEMA. 

She has also developed for Moonbug, Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Bros. Discovery, Nickelodeon, Encantos, Grab Bag Entertainment, and consulted for Big Grin Studios. Jeannette’s currently writing on an unannounced Nickelodeon Podcast series.

MARIA ESCOBEDO

Maria Escobedo was born and raised in NYC’s Washington Heights (yes, she was raised In The Heights!) and has lived in LA since she earned a Disney/ABC TV writing fellowship. She writes for both Animation and Live Action. 

Maria has recently worked as Creator/Head Writer/Story Editor for Kids & Family TV. She was nominated for a 2024 Annie Award (animation’s highest honor) for her work as writer/story editor on Rosie’s Rules! for PBS Kids, and also nominated for a Humanitas Award for Nina’s World on Peacock (with the fabulous Rita Moreno). 

Maria is currently writing on Ariel (The Little Mermaid) for Disney Jr. Maria’s animation credits include: Dreamworks’ Madagascar: A Little Wild for Hulu, Dew Drop Diaries for Netflix; Alma’s Way for PBS Kids; Nickelodeon’s Santiago Of The Seas, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go; Disney Channel’s Elena of Avalor, T.O.T.S, Special Agent Oso; and Amazon’s If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. In addition, she also created Season 1 and 2 of Lola Chick, a children’s Audible Podcast with Highlights Magazine. 

Maria’s live action writing credits include Grey’s Anatomy, and Hulu’s teen drama East Los High. She co-wrote and directed, Rum and Coke, an indie film, and wrote a movie for Disney Channel, Lifetime (co-wrote), and developed a half-hour single cam pilot for Nickelodeon. She also co-wrote and developed an hour-long dramedy pilot for ABC.

NICK RODRIGUEZ

Nick Rodriguez grew up as the youngest child in a very loud Puerto Rican family from Staten Island — the Florida Man of NYC boroughs. He spent much of his life between the diversity of the world’s greatest city and the “Blue Lives Matter” signs you now see in his neighborhood. 

Nick’s mission is to make television more colorful. That means he tells stories about and for queer people of color, just like himself. He tells stories about people who become their own heroes, despite what others want or expect from them. Stories about people who don’t fit in — and often in ways we can’t predict. His work explores characters who find their inner strength and use it to help the next generation. 

Nick aims to be the hero he always needed growing up, and to give a sounding board to the voices that need it most. He will always do so in a way that’s respectful, intriguing… and really kicks ass. 

Currently, Nick is a staff writer on the recently-announced MESSI AND THE GIANTS for Sony. Previously, he was a staff writer on JURASSIC WORLD: CHAOS THEORY for DreamWorks Animation/Netflix. (Nick wrote the Season 02 premiere that was screened for a panel at San Diego ComicCon 2024!) In all, he has written over 30 episodes of television for Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, and PBS. Nick is an alum of the FAME high school in NYC, and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts’ screenwriting program — where he co-created the university’s longest-running scripted TV show. Nick has been a Walt Disney Television Writing Program Finalist and a Universal Animation Writers Program semi-finalist. His work has made it to the second round of the WB Writers’ Workshop, the Austin Film Festival screenwriting competition, and the inaugural MACRO Episodic Lab. 

When he’s not writing, Nick can be found attempting pull-ups in the park, getting hit in the face with a dodgeball, or riding a Chocobo. He lives in Los Angeles with his perfect pup, Oreo, who refuses to go up stairs, and his handsome husband, Sheldon, who’s always down to try Nick’s random recipes. 

He is repped for both live-action and animation by the Annette van Duren Agency and Gotham Group.

Join us for another month of mingling with fellow members.

Zoom link will be sent the day of the event.

In celebration of National Book Month, a time to focus on the importance of reading, writing and literature, we’re chatting with award-winning Children’s Author, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich.

Just a few of Olugbemisola’s published books include Operation Sisterhood (Crown/Random House), an IndieNext Top Ten pick and BCALA Best of the Best selection, Makeda Makes A Birthday Treat (HarperCollins), It Doesn’t Take a Genius, a Kirkus Best Book of the Year, 8th Grade Superzero (Scholastic), a Notable Book for A Global Society, Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, and Amazon Editors’ Pick, Two Naomis (HarperCollins), co-authored with Audrey Vernick, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and SAVING EARTH: Climate Change and the Fight for Our Future (FSG/Macmillan)

Olugbemisola has written also written for various outlets, including PBS Parents, Read Brightly, American Baby.

This Fall, YouTube Youth is continuing their support of the Children’s Media Association to present a Back to School series for content creators. This exciting program will feature three virtual panels covering essential topics for content creators and educators.

Learn more about the YouTube Youth team and hear about their ongoing projects and goals for crafting kids culture on YouTube.

Panelists: Alexis Rice, Global Youth Partnerships Lead and Mac Malik, Global Head of Programming, YouTube Kids 

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ALEXIS RICE

Alexis Rice oversees the Global Partnerships team for YouTube Youth, where she leads management of partners and strategic initiatives focused on kid, teen and family content. She joined Google in 2016 as a Business Development manager for Google Play Movies & TV. Before joining Google, she served as Vice President of Media Research & Business Analysis for Warner Bros Television. Alexis started her career in entertainment at Lucasfilm Ltd, traveling the country with Darth Vader and Chewbacca for film, tv and live appearances. She earned her MBA from UCLA Anderson and B.A. in economics from Harvard University.

MAC MALIK

With degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson, Mac has extensive experience in strategy consulting (Deloitte) and media entertainment (Disney and Warner Bros.). Over the past five years, Mac has led the global content efforts for both the YouTube Kids app and Learning on YouTube Main, helping deliver high-quality content experiences through data driven analysis and programming partnerships. Efforts include the launch of Kids & Family quality principles (WSJ), a guide for parents on Teen Content Creation, launching Courses homepage, and several DEIA+ intiatives including AAPI History Month with the Conscious Kid.

Join us on October 28th for an unforgettable evening, as we journey to Broadway to see the sensational Tony Award-winning production of Hell’s Kitchen! The curtain rises at 7:00 PM. Be sure to reserve your spot by October 10th to secure your place. 

After the performance, you’ll enjoy an exclusive opportunity to meet and chat with members of the cast onstage. Don’t miss out on this chance for an extraordinary night. Reserve your spot today and get ready for a truly memorable experience!

Synopsis from Website:
Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world.How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you’ve never felt before – HELL’S KITCHEN, a new musical from 16-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose songs and experiences growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who opens her heart and mind to the power of the piano. Set to the rhythm of the 90s, HELL’S KITCHEN is a love story between a mother and daughter. It’s about finding yourself, your purpose, and the community that lifts you. Come remember where dreams begin

We all know that a lot of behind the scenes work contributes to a successful development process of new content. One crucial function for creating relevant and impactful content is research. Join us for a discussion about the role of research in the development of new content and products. We will be joined by special guests Kim Foulds, Vice President, Content Research & Evaluation at Sesame Workshop, and Lewis Freeman, Senior Lecturer in Fordham University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies, and CMA Board of Directors.

Kim Foulds is the Vice President, Content Research & Evaluation at Sesame Workshop, the media and education nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street. She oversees research and evaluation on Sesame Workshop’s co-productions and community engagement interventions around the world. Embedding research activities throughout the lifecycle of Sesame’s projects and working with research institutions to evaluate efficacy, Kim uses learning science to translate data andprovide guidance to maximize the impact of Sesame’s global programming.

In addition to overseeing the research that informs Sesame Streetand Sesame Street in Communities’ resources for parents and providers in the United States, Kim has led in developing and managing the research agenda for Sesame’s initiatives to support children affected by the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East and the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Education and M.A. in African Studies from UCLA and a B.A. in Diplomacy and World Affairs from Occidental College. Lewis Freeman (Ph.D., Columbia), Senior Lecturer in Fordham University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies, is on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Media Association. He also serves on the Executive Council of the New York State Communication Association and previously served on the Task Force on Discipline Advancement for the National Communication Association, the Executive Council of the Eastern Communication Association and as head of the Speech Program at Columbia University. Lewis has also consulted for numerous entrepreneurs, journalists, lawyers, actors, union officials, universities, and NGOs. Lewis’s achievements include: a Neil Postman Mentor Award (New York State Communication Association); an Urban Communication Foundation prize; two Telly awards;a Time Warner Cable grant to study The Future of Children’s Television Programming (2010); and a book, Sitcom Society: Social Stratification and Social Mobility in Situation Comedy (2008).