Pop Culture Pioneers

Behind some of the most popular works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror there are forgotten stories of female creators.

It's no secret that genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more, have evolved from niche interest to mainstream staple in the last few decades. However, the countless women who have been instrumental in creating and shaping those genres for the last fifty-plus years have largely gone largely unrecognized -- until now. Pop Culture Pioneers explores and pays respect to the work and influence of the female creators who played a crucial role in creating and influencing of some of the most famous worlds and characters in pop culture from the early 70s through to 2010 including:

Creators like Bonnie Erickson (co-creator of Miss Piggy), Christy Marx (Jem! And The Holograms creator), Roberta Williams (creator of the adventure game genre), and Betty Cohen (founder of Cartoon Network)

Writers & Editors like Jeanette Khan (head of DC Comics), Alice Bradley Sheldon (writing as James Tiptree Jr.) and Malia Scotch Marno (screenwriter for Jurassic Park and Hook)

Animators & Artists like Vicky Jenson (animator and director of Shrek) and Brenda Chapman (animator and director of Brave)

Directors & Producers like Jean MacCurdy (producer of Batman: The Animated Series and Animaniacs), Denise Di Novi (co-producer of Batman Returns and The Nightmare Before Christmas), and Fran Walsh (co-producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy)

* As well as Yvonne Blake (costume designer for Superman), Marlene Clark (Blaxploitation actress), Jane Feinberg (casting director for Blade Runner, E.T., The Goonies, and Indiana Jones), and so many more!

Cher Martinetti is a author, writer, and founder of SYFY's FANGRRLS, the female-centric genre vertical syfy.com that ran from 2016-2020. She co-hosted & executive produced its flagship podcast Strong Female Characters. Cher has also frequently written, developed & appeared in various videos for SYFY, including the 20 Women to Watch in 2020 special during Women's History Month. She's the creator, executive producer, and former cohost of the popular podcast The Churn-the official post-show wrap-up podcast of the critically acclaimed space opera The Expanse. Cher's hosted panels at ATX festival, New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic Con, & has interviewed celebrities on the live stage for ECCC, C2E2, & NYCC. Her work has also been seen on Cracked, Playboy, Death & Taxes, Uproxx, and IFC.com.

Behind some of the most popular works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror there are forgotten stories of female creators. It's no secret that genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more, have evolved from niche interest to mainstream staple in the last few decades. However, the countless women who have been instrumental in creating and shaping those genres for the last fifty-plus years have largely gone largely unrecognized -- until now. Pop Culture Pioneers explores and pays respect to the work and influence of the female creators who played a crucial role in creating and influencing of some of the most famous worlds and characters in pop culture from the early 70s through to 2010 including: Creators like Bonnie Erickson (co-creator of Miss Piggy), Christy Marx ( Jem! And The Holograms creator), Roberta Williams (creator of the adventure game genre), and Betty Cohen (founder of Cartoon Network ) Writers & Editors like Jeanette Khan (head of DC Comics), Alice Bradley Sheldon (writing as James Tiptree Jr.) and Malia Scotch Marno (screenwriter for Jurassic Park and Hook ) Animators & Artists like Vicky Jenson (animator and director of Shrek ) and Brenda Chapman (animator and director of Brave ) Directors & Producers like Jean MacCurdy (producer of Batman: The Animated Series and Animaniacs ), Denise Di Novi (co-producer of Batman Returns and The Nightmare Before Christmas ), and Fran Walsh (co-producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy)* As well as Yvonne Blake (costume designer for Superman ), Marlene Clark (Blaxploitation actress), Jane Feinberg (casting director for Blade Runner , E.T. , The Goonies , and Indiana Jones ), and so many more!

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