In this episode of Kris Talks About the Wisdom of Women, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joanna Stone—actor, dancer, and producer—about her journey in the entertainment industry and her mission to create opportunities for underrepresented voices.
What happens when a producer decides to flip the script—not just on screen, but behind the scenes? Joanna Stone is doing exactly that. From Off-Broadway roots to indie film sets, she’s championing an all-female and non-binary crew for her latest project, Crazy Love. In our conversation, Joanna shares the challenges and triumphs and explains why representation behind the camera matters just as much as the stories we tell.
About Joanna
Actor, dancer, and producer.
Produced and performed with Dance of the People for 10 years.
Currently producing Crazy Love, based on an Off-Broadway play.
Acting in Vigilance, a psychological thriller releasing in March 2026.
Building an All-Female/Non-Binary Crew
Joanna’s goal is to increase representation on film crews.
Finding a female director was easy; sourcing technical crew (grip, gaffer, DP) was challenging.
Networking and referrals were key to success.
Still seeking an assistant producer—a pivotal production management role.
Faced backlash for the concept but clarified it’s about paid professional roles, not excluding volunteers or donors.
Industry Insights
Women in film databases exist, but often require membership and are hard to maintain.
Persistence and networking are essential for diverse hiring.
Credits matter—many volunteer for on-set roles to gain experience.
Upcoming Projects
Crazy Love: Comedy with an all-female/non-binary crew.
Vigilance: Suspenseful thriller featuring cameos like Eric Roberts.
Personal Notes
We shared stories about unique acting experiences, learning new skills (such as whistling), and the value of collaboration.
I also shared a personal moment—saying goodbye to our elderly dog on New Year’s Eve.
Joanna’s Advice for Producers
Commit to hiring underrepresented talent.
Use networks and referrals to find qualified crew.
Look beyond resumes—focus on potential and fit.
