We were lucky to catch up with Meredith Yinger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Meredith, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
After four and a half years of blood, sweat, and tears, I have finally premiered my first feature documentary called Scars Unseen – which is a ‘triumph of the human spirit’ documentary following three women who have overcome domestic violence and are paying it forward. Instead of focusing on the gory details or glamorizing the abuser, this film highlights the resiliency of these women and encourages us all to be more trauma informed.
As Director, I have friends and family members that have been affected by domestic violence. Some of which have come forward and shared their stories with me during the process of creating this film. It has been heart-wrenching, eye-opening, but more than anything it has been motivating. This has been motivating me to keep pushing this story forward and to not give up no matter how many challenges I might face. I created this project to spread awareness and encourage us all to become more trauma informed. I am passionate to share similar stories and provide a glimpse of hope in showcasing they are not alone. Ever inquisitive by nature, I believe it’s important to explore the various components surrounding the issue- legal, physical, and emotional experts on the matter are included to give a fuller view of the topic and provide additional insight and perspective.
Why This Film Matters Now
In a time when the pandemic has led to a surge in domestic violence cases worldwide, SCARS UNSEEN serves as a beacon of hope. The film aims to:
De-stigmatize Victimhood: By sharing these raw and real stories, the documentary encourages victims to come forward and seek help without fear of judgment.
Encourage Open Dialogue: It fosters an environment where conversations around abuse are normalized, helping to break the silence that often surrounds this issue.
Change the Narrative: SCARS UNSEEN challenges the conventional narrative around domestic violence, shifting the focus from victimhood to empowerment and resilience.
We are currently looking for sponsors and partner organizations to contribute to our community screening tour. This will be a Chance for partner organizations to lead a discussion, promote their services, or host a workshop of their skills in tandem with the film that can aid in trauma recovery, domestic violence prevention, education, and beyond.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
She TV Media is a female-led, full service video production company dedicated to telling empowering and positive stories through commercials, documentaries, and narratives. She TV Media was first established in 2019, but built upon 10+ years of production experience, including work on Netflix and Nickelodeon shows.
She TV Media is an innovative company working hands on with clients- entrepreneurs to big corporations-in order to raise their voice and brand awareness through stunning video content. We continuously execute impactful video content, always with the goal of generating positive change in the world.
She TV Media has just premiered their first feature documentary called Scars Unseen about triumph of the human spirit in domestic violence cases at the Dances with Films Festival at the iconic Chinese Theaters and is heading to The Women’s Film Festival in Philadelphia on August 17th next. We are a glimmer of hope in a male dominated world shedding light on female stories and voices. We are also in development on a new documentary about the disparity in women’s healthcare.
After graduating and spending a few years in the industry, I noticed the misrepresentation of women in the media, both in front of and behind the camera. If you want to change the media, sometimes you have to become the media, and thus, She TV Media began. I always say I am a filmmaker by trade, and out of necessity have become a small business owner. I am the epitome of ‘if I don’t know how to do something, I will learn’. Scrappy and aggressively optimistic, I am out to change the way content is created and who is illuminated.
She TV Media has worked with a number of high-end clients in the Los Angeles area since its birth in January of 2019. Since its inception, She TV Media has worked diligently with companies that promote women and equality in the workplace –including the likes of Nike, Mc-Graw Hill, California Primary Care Association, Keller Williams, Southern California Water Coalition, Creative Talent Network, TEDx, EXP The Opportunity Engine, and more.
On top of our branded commercial content, we also produce TV Pilots and documentaries. Our work is all about highlighting stories that are not the status quo, and we strive to amplify the voices of the marginalized in order to create a positive change in the world.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The biggest challenge of making a film? which one!? Seriously, anyone in the doc or filmmaking world understands that every day presents a new challenge and a new chance to overcome. I would say the biggest challenge was figuring out how to continue pushing the project forward after covid to get it across the post- production finish line. Finding finishing funds was tough and I bootstrapped as much as I could to get it completed, but that process has made everything more meaningful, because at every stage of the challenges, I was met with people that were passionate about this story and that wanted to help. It really does take a village and I think the sheer fact that people kept showing up, going out of their way to help me push it forward, or bringing their talents to this project whether that be with their story, editing, music, color, what have you, that continually reminds me that this is truly something special and that the world needs Scars Unseen.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Scars Unseen is my first feature doc directing and producing! I am used to simultaneously running sound, interviewing and directing on a set for client work through my company and so the scrappy – wearing a lot of hats to accomplish things -mentality has truly come in handy in doc making as well. If you want it done, sometimes you have to do it yourself! I have learned so much through this process and I am truly thankful that I have been able to learn every single element through this process: Fundraising, grant writing, interviewing techniques, crafting a story, building trust, exploring sound, fundraising again, pitching, post-production, music scoring, flexibility and the ability to pivot, and ultimately getting people behind a project and rallying! I look forward to the opportunity to further expand the genre and grow into the doc space, digging through the weeds to find the hidden nugget. The untold story. The content I want to create is empowering womxn and showcasing stories that are otherwise silenced. I want to grow in my career as an unscripted and tv director, direct a major campaign, and get my second doc which is currently in development off the ground and running. I want to learn from those who have come before me, and pass along the knowledge gained to those who will come after me. This documentary is a launch pad for taking my skills to the next level. Now that I am making my way through the festival and distribution process, I will take what I have learned and apply it to my next film! I am excited for this next chapter and to continue asking questions and seeking answers through film. I see this as my next big career step and am ready to tackle my next doc project and bring it to a large audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shetv.me
- Instagram: shetvmedia, scarsunseen, meredithyinger
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithyinger/
Image Credits
nick giggans-hill