Here's the "spot" for you to meet your fellow members. This is where WIF.D will lightheartedly spotlight one of its own. Get your answers ready because you never know whom we'll vote on asking next. Feel free to recommend someone that you would like to toss in the limelight by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This Month Meet Karla Patterson of Video 7 Production Co.

How did you get started in this Industry?
My previous career was in packaging design. Media production combines my love of design with my love of video and photography.

How did you get involved with Women In Film.Dallas?
I heard about WIF from a friend in another organization, MCAI. Women in Film is a great fit for my interests and needs. It is amazing to listen to the stories of women succeeding in work that they love.

Who is your role model? Mentor?
Nancy Jackson, former president of BPW/USA. Nancy is THE BEST leader that I have ever met. She can listen with interest and understanding, and bring a team together in a way that is remarkable.

What is your favorite part about working in this Industry?
Since I create a lot of videos for companies and organizations who need to demonstrate products and services, I have the opportunity to learn about some amazing technologies and new ideas.

What area in the Industry would you still like to learn about? Or intrigues you?
The Internet is very intriguing. We are just beginning to really take advantage of the new and interesting way to communicate that the Internet provides. The added level of interactivity is very unique.

How do you feel about your role as a female in this Industry?
It is extremely important because my point of view is influenced by my “role” in society. The stories of women in history are often forgotten, but that is definitely changing. I admire the work of people like Allen and Cynthia Salzman Mondell.

What project are you currently working on?
I’m always working on several projects. One of my current projects is a series of instructional videos, and another is a tribute video for a newspaper reporter.

Who would you like to work with in the future?
I would like to be able to work with Mercy Ships to document their life-changing work. Mercy Ships operates hospital ships and provides healing and hope to people in developing nations. Just showing problems is not effective storytelling. You need to include possible solutions.

What is your best production war story?
Here’s a really funny story…. On one of my trips to Haiti, I was in a very remote area. There were no street lights, but people walk everywhere, even at night.

Nine of us were traveling in a pickup truck and we stopped for a bathroom break. I walked away from the group and down a slope just off the road. Since there wasn’t any “flat” area other than the middle of the road, I was squatting there on the slope.

Then, I lost my balance, and rolled backward down the hill. I picked myself up, dusted myself off and re-joined my group. It was so dark that no one in my group saw what happened.

Do you have a favorite Book? Musical? Play? Film?
I have many favorite films. Some of them are Iron Jawed Angels, Pirates of the Carribean (all 3), My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Monsters Ball, and Who Killed the Electric Car (the DVD version)

What is your favorite color?
Red – Pantone 185.

What is in your CD player? iPod?
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Feeling Good by Michael Buble, lots of recordings of Esther Hicks, dolphin videos, oh… and work demos too.

What would you like to leave as a legacy?
The legacy that I think would improve the world the most is that everyone I ever meet feels that I know that they truly have value and are worthy of a good life. Each of us defines a “good” life differently, and I want to respect that.

When I was younger, I thought that what I believed to be true and right had to be true and right for everyone. What a misinformed idea. My understanding of the world has been broadened by my work telling other people’s stories.