Recently named one of the 6 Great New Media Festivals by Backstage, NYC Web Fest has brought together a multifaceted diverse group of people from around the world to showcase the best of the web. Born in Cape Town and raised in Toronto, Lauren Atkins founded NYCWF in 2014, after recognizing there were several festivals showcasing digital series on the west coast, but nothing in New York. “Our goal is to make this festival the premier home for digital producers on an international level. An organic space where creators can showcase their talent, network with other artists, and learn from industry insiders,” said Atkins.
Lauren Atkins, Founder
@blackcatbaby
Lauren Atkins was born in Cape Town and raised in Toronto, where she developed a deep curiosity about the world and human nature. Her early years were marked by a passion for performance, with experience in choir, theater, and modeling. However, it was the rise of social media and digital entertainment that truly ignited her creative vision.
In 2006, from her Toronto apartment, Lauren launched the online music show Black Cat Baby Presents, which she both wrote and produced. The show quickly gained popularity, attracting musical submissions from artists worldwide. Initially a small hip-hop podcast, it evolved into a global platform for musicians of all genres to showcase their work. In addition to her success in digital media, Lauren’s former weekly blog on life, love, and womanhood has been read by over 10,000 people.
Following the success of her award-winning web series My Friends Think I’m Funny, which she also wrote and produced, Lauren was inspired to create a platform to celebrate the best of online entertainment. This led to the founding of NYC Web Fest in 2014. Since its inception, the festival has continued to grow in both size and reputation, attracting submissions and attendees from around the world.
Working closely with the NYCWF team, she continues to oversee the festival’s programming and growth, further cementing NYC Web Fest as a premier event in the digital entertainment landscape.
Programming
Zerelda Nothnagel, Vice President of Programming
Zerelda Nothnagel is an accomplished filmmaker and creative professional, currently serving as the VP of Programming for NYC Web Fest. Originally from South Africa, she began her career by studying acting for stage and film, and after a formative exchange year in the U.S., she interned at a production company in South Africa. This experience paved the way for her to write, direct, and produce several short films and web series.
Since relocating to the U.S., Zerelda has continued to build a dynamic career in film production, including her role as a producer on a feature film shot in South Africa and Namibia. Most recently, she developed, co-produced, and directed the pilot for a new comedy series, demonstrating her versatility across multiple aspects of production. In 2024, she also became a published author with the release of her children’s book, Little Elephants.
As Programming VP at NYC Web Fest, Zerelda has thrived in her role, overseeing the curation of high-quality content and helping to shape the festival’s innovative programming vision. Her contributions have been integral to the growth and success of the festival, further solidifying her status as a respected leader in the industry.
Laurie Nothnagel, Programming Consultant
Laurie Nothnagel was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa where she completed a number of film production certifications at prestigious film schools. She worked on several low budget short films as well as a full length war drama in South Africa. Most recently she worked on The Big Time, a comedy series set in New York. She is an avid series fan and loves all genres!
Art/Design
MelimeL, Graphic/Web Designer
mldigitalart.com
MelimeL is a creative artist and mompreneur. She is CEO and Lead Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer of MelimeL Digital Art Design. Her published works as a writer and poet include Beneath the Deep Surface which was released as a 2nd edition for print and e-book in July 2022. Aside from designing and writing, MelimeL enjoys travel, photography, performing, and is an aspiring DJ. She hosted an Annual Women Empowerment Event during Women’s History Month for ten years from 2013-2022 and is currently developing a documentary film about the event. In 2015 and 2019 respectively, MelimeL launched The sisSTAR Loop, a platform for women-owned business and professionals and The Empowerment Network, a digital magazine, with its 12th issue currently in production. Through her creative works she hopes to empower others to excel in their personal and professional lives.
Marketing/Outreach/Sales
Robert Watson, Freelance Media Support
Robert Watson is an award winning playwright, actor and fragrance aficionado extraordinaire. He is the creator of the Canadian Comedy Award winning web series A GAY VICTORIAN AFFAIR (agayvictorianaffair.com), and is a two time Dora Award nominee (Toronto’s version of the Tonys) for his writing in theater.
Robert is a mainstay of the Toronto Queer comedy community, producing and hosting Back Room Comedy and Gay AF (And Funny), both live and online. Follow him @ThisIsRobWatson @gayafcomedy