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.

Lindsay Pugh, Programming Consultant

womaninrevolt.com
Lindsay is the founder of Woman in Revolt, an intersectional film and television blog devoted to women behind the camera. WiR is comprised of coverage for events (like the Final Girls Berlin Film Festival), interviews with up-and-coming filmmakers, critical essays, and reviews. When she’s not writing, Lindsay works as a digital strategist for Something Digital, an interactive agency in New York City that specializes in ecommerce, website design, digital marketing, and user experience. Her favorite things include cats (she has three), Halloween, and the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island.

Marketing/Outreach/Sales

Robert Watson, Social Media Marketing

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

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.