Empowering Leadership: Syrinthia Studer Takes the Helm as President of Women In Film

In an announcement that feels both momentous and delightfully inevitable, Women In Film has named its new darling—EVP Syrinthia Studer—as the next president of their Board of Directors. The switcheroo will occur next year, taking over the reins from the ever-dedicated Amy Baer, who has gracefully steered the ship for a significant nine years. Isn’t it nice when transitions feel less like a game of hot potato and more like a warm handoff?

Amy Baer, not one to shy away from the spotlight, expressed her enthusiasm by stating, “I’m positively thrilled to pass the baton to an extraordinary woman, executive, and friend. We’re talking about Syrinthia Studer here!” It would seem that after 25 years in the industry, moving through the likes of marketing, development, film, and digital production, Syrinthia has accumulated a wealth of experience that would make any résumé blush with envy. She’s been on the WIF Board since 2018 and was recently elevated to Executive Vice President of the WIF Executive Committee, a position that certainly sounds impressive when tossed around at dinner parties.

Kirsten Schaffer, the CEO of WIF, couldn’t help but join in the chorus of accolades, proclaiming, “Syrinthia’s exceptional leadership record positions her right at the cutting edge of our field.” Can I get a round of applause for that? As Syrinthia prepares to don her new crown, Kirsten also took a moment to tip her hat to Amy Baer for her stellar guidance during a time that felt nothing short of chaotic in the entertainment landscape.

In a statement that was equal parts gratitude and weighty responsibility, Studer remarked, “I'm immensely grateful for Amy’s leadership and honored to take on this role during a period of such rapid change in our industry.” It’s rare to hear someone acknowledge the chaos of the entertainment industry with such grace. She elaborated on WIF’s mission to uplift women, transgender, and nonbinary individuals, emphasizing that this cause is more crucial than ever. It’s as if she’s already channeling the energy of a motivational poster.

Syrinthia brings a well-rounded background, with 25 years of industry experience under her stylish belt, most recently serving as the executive vice president of International Productions and Republic Pictures at Paramount Global. Picture this: she’s the caped crusader watching over content strategy, development, and the intricate art of production—in both local languages and culturally specific remakes. Talk about a juggling act, right? And as if that weren’t enough, she previously donned the hat of EVP of Film for Nickelodeon, where she magically conjured live-action features for the Kids and Family division.

Let’s not forget the magic she has conjured in her previous roles—acquisitions that read like a cinematic wish list, including Book Club, which boasted quite the box office success story, and Richard Linklater’s critically acclaimed Boyhood. Not to mention, she was behind the curtain of quirky teen comedies and star-studded collaborations that would make any film buff swoon.

Before her Hollywood reign, Studer dipped her toes into the worlds of business development and promotional marketing, gracing the stages of notable companies, from Loews Cineplex Entertainment to General Mills and IBM. It seems she’s compiled an impressively eclectic playlist of experiences, reminiscent of a well-curated mixtape.

Moreover, she’s not just about films and marketing; she actively serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles and is a member of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Clearly, this is one woman who wears many hats—each one expertly tailored for her numerous roles in the industry and community.

Looking back, Women In Film was founded in 1973 as a beacon of hope—fighting for gender equity in Hollywood one advocacy effort at a time. As they continue to chip away at the sturdy walls of sexism, they remain committed to increasing gender parity and representation in the entertainment industry. Round of applause, anyone? 🎉