NYC Web Fest (NYCWF) is ushering in a new era for indie storytellers, and Good Star Vibes is thrilled to exclusively unveil the official jury for the 2025 edition. The NYC Web Fest 2025 promises to be its most expansive and inclusive edition yet, spotlighting a diverse range of voices across digital media, film, and now, podcasts.
Set to run from October 3 to October 5 in New York City, the NYC Web Fest 2025 is making a bold leap into audio storytelling by officially including podcasts as a new category. With narrative and nonfiction formats thriving across the podcast space, this addition marks another exciting evolution for a festival that has long championed emerging digital creators.
Submissions for all categories, including the newly launched podcast division, are open now via NYCWebFest.com and will remain open until July 31, 2025.
“We launched NYC Web Fest to shine a light on the creativity we saw exploding online. Now, with the evolution of digital storytelling, it’s only natural we open the door to podcasters too,” said festival founder Lauren Atkins. “Web series were once considered fringe—now they’re launching careers. The same is happening with podcasts.”
Everything You Need to Know About the NYC Web Fest 2025:
Reuniting the Team That Helped Define NYCWF’s Virtual Era
Bringing familiarity and expertise, Zerelda Nothnagel returns as Vice President of Programming, while former Program Director Lindsay Pugh is back as Programming Consultant. Alongside NYC Web Fest founder Lauren Atkins, the three will reunite after previously collaborating on the festival’s virtual 2020 edition, bringing their combined insight to this year’s curation.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Lindsay and Zerelda again,” said Atkins. “The three of us worked together in 2020 when the festival was virtual, and I truly value their insight and experience. I’m grateful to have such talent leading the programming team for 2025.”
Industry Partnerships to Support Emerging Talent
NYC Web Fest 2025 is also rolling out two exciting new partnerships that offer tangible support to creators.
Blue Foxes
Blue Foxes, under the leadership of Paula Layoun, will present a $1,000 grant to one winning podcast project to help develop a video adaptation in collaboration with their production team. This initiative not only recognises standout talent but also helps bridge the gap between audio and video content creation.
“At Blue Foxes, we believe every story deserves to be better told. Empowering creators lies at the heart of our mission,” said Paula Layoun, co-CEO and co-founder of Blue Foxes, who will also serve on this year’s NYCWF jury.
Follow Blue Foxes on social media here:
Aux Mode
Aux Mode, a leading digital rights and media services company founded by Adam Rumanek, will provide one content creator selected by NYCWF with a complimentary YouTube Strategy Session and Channel Optimisation consultation. The one-on-one session will offer tailored advice on growing a channel, improving discoverability, and making the most of YouTube’s monetisation tools.
With a strong track record in content protection, rights management, and global distribution, Aux Mode has become a trusted partner for creators and studios alike. Their involvement in the NYC Web Fest 2025 strengthens the festival’s ongoing commitment to helping indie storytellers not only showcase their work but also succeed in today’s digital-first landscape.
Follow Aux Mode on social media here:
Introducing the NYC Web Fest 2025 Jury
The NYC Web Fest 2025 jury reflects a dynamic range of voices across film, television, digital media, and journalism. These six creatives bring unique perspectives and industry know-how to the judging panel:
Andrea Lewis
Before celebrating her 16th birthday, Lewis had already acted alongside Hollywood heavyweights such as Diahann Carroll and Loretta Devine and worked with Robert Townsend and Dr. Maya Angelou in her directorial debut. After wrapping up on the Disney movie Cadet Kelly alongside Hilary Duff, Lewis soon spent five seasons on the hit show Degrassi: The Next Generation and became known around the world as Hazel as millions of North Americans tuned in each week to watch Lewis in the award-winning drama.
After Degrassi, she went on to other leading roles on Showtime, Nickelodeon and BET. Then, taking her career to another level, Lewis started Jungle Wild Productions, a digital media company, where she wrote, starred in, and produced the award-winning web series “Black Actress”. Through her production company, Lewis has gone on to create multiple web series, short films, and digital content.
You can watch her latest project as the creator and executive producer of “The Black Beauty Effect”, a three-part documentary series on Netflix. And see her in front of the camera as a leading lady in the hit rom-com “Three Ways” on Hulu, “A Nashville Legacy” on Hallmark Mahogany, “Christmas Revisited” on the Oprah Winfrey Network, and catch her in the new series “How to Die Alone” on Hulu.
Follow Andrea Lewis on social media here:
Todd A. Jackson
Todd A. Jackson is a multi-hyphenate force in the film industry—known for being an actor, producer, writer, director, and video editor—with over a decade of storytelling under his belt (and quite a few awards to prove it). His creative journey started early, sketching comic books and writing stories as a kid, becoming a master of storytelling long before he even knew he was telling stories. But when he stepped foot on a film set, that creative passion evolved into a full-blown career, spanning everything from narrative shorts, features, documentaries, and even social media content creation, always with a sharp eye and an even sharper wit.
A first-generation college graduate, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Television, and New Media at San Diego State University. And with wins like Excellence in Screenwriting at SDSU, Best Acting Ensemble at the NYC Web Fest, Best Local Film at the San Diego International Film Festival, and both Best Film and Best Director at the Black LGBTQ Film Festival, Jackson’s work doesn’t just entertain, it resonates.
Jackson also brings 13 years of business and people management experience to the table because creative vision is great, but knowing how to lead a team and hit deadlines doesn’t hurt either. And, having worked at several start-ups over the last 10 years, he’s fostered an entrepreneur mentality, learning from experts in tech, marketing, and even mindset coaches. So, it makes sense that he’s the co-founder of Penjot Media Group, a Black, LGBTQ-owned production company, as well as the co-founder of QuickFlick TV, a brand new streaming platform dedicated to independent web series creators.
Whether he’s directing a scene, cutting a reel, or polishing a script, Jackson is all in, combining his wide range of experience in a way no one else can. And, if you spot him sketching in a notebook between takes, don’t worry, he’s probably just working on the next big thing.
Follow Todd A. Jackson on social media here:
Joanna Pickering
Joanna Pickering is a multi-award-winning British playwright, screenwriter, actress, and activist. Her plays have sold out in New York City, Paris, and London, and are available at The Drama Book Shop in New York. She currently has a one-woman show opening off-Broadway with Tony-nominated producers. Her play Lara’s Journey streamed to over 1 million viewers in collaboration with Natalia Kolonko’s efforts to raise awareness for Ukraine, which also included Gloria Gaynor and Kathy Sledge. Pickering’s previous stage works include worldwide productions of Truth, Lies and Deception, Don’t Harm The Animals, The Endgame, and Bad Victims.
Pickering has won Best Actress six times, as well as outstanding performance (New York International Women Festival, 7th Annual Los Angeles Film Awards, Austin Film Festival, The Actors Awards) and received multiple nominations for her role in Diva (2024).
Pickering is the jury president for the NY2Paris and NYIFF, she was also on the 2019 advisory board for the Chelsea Film Festival and its selection committee for its Screenwriters Incubator 2023, and speaks on many panels for women in entertainment (The Imagine Female International Film Festival, NYIFF, New York Film Fest, Her Story) as well as hosting award shows (NYC Web Fest).
As an activist, Pickering is a feature writer for magazines Louder Than War, leading UK political outlet Bella Caledonia, and an expert contributor for Backstage Magazine, helping young actors. Pickering is a participant speaker at the United Nations with Create 2030. As a story consultant, Pickering has guided scripts from A-list talent to emerging writers, whose scripts went on to win major awards. Pickering is a member of The Actors Studio Playwright Directors Unit, The Actors Gym, International Centre for Women Playwrights, League of Professional Female Playwrights, and SAG-AFTRA. Pickering is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, MAA Agency, and Talented in Paris.
Follow Joanna Pickering on social media here:
Charlii Sebunya
Charlii Sebunya is an award-winning on-camera journalist, executive producer, and director known for his dynamic presence in both broadcast media and digital storytelling. As a NYC Web Fest 2025 juror, Sebunya brings deep industry insight and a sharp editorial eye to the festival’s panel. In 2024, he also covered the NYC Web Fest red carpet for CBS New York, showcasing his versatility and polished on-air charisma.
Sebunya’s creative leadership is at the core of ADDY.media, a trailblazing production company recognised for developing and distributing exclusive, high-impact content to millions of viewers worldwide. Co-founded with Executive Producer Adriana Kaegi—who made history by live-streaming New York Fashion Week to CNN and Elle.com in the late ’90s—ADDY.media continues to set benchmarks in branded entertainment and strategic media placement for celebrities, public figures, and global brands.
Beyond the screen, Sebunya is also a classically trained, award-winning chef. A graduate of the prestigious University of Westminster—where culinary icons like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay also trained—he has appeared on the Food Network and other international platforms.
Known for his signature British flair, tailored ’60s-inspired suits, and deeply researched interviews, Charlii Sebunya is a true multi-hyphenate and a global force in media.
Follow Charlii Sebunya on social media here:
Bethany Watson
Bethany Watson is a showrunner, producer, director, and actor. She serves as an Executive Producer and Co-Director on her latest project, the television show The Trouble with Tessa, which premieres on the horror streaming service Screambox this summer, on July 15. She first became known to national audiences as a co-host on the Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show, where she built a loyal following with her quick wit and relatable personality. She then transitioned into scripted storytelling, co-producing and starring in the comedic web series Labeled, which explores the behind-the-scenes antics of a struggling record label. Watson also co-produced Anya Marina: Indie-Pendent Woman, a companion series set in the same fictional universe, as well as the horror-comedy short film Lonely Hearts.
She holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota and honed her comedic voice at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Watson’s creative work spans both comedy and drama, with a focus on strong characters and emotionally grounded narratives. In addition to her film and television work, she is a long-time supporter of NYC Web Fest and is honoured to serve as a jury member this year. With The Trouble with Tessa, Watson continues to push boundaries as a storyteller and champion of original content. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her partner and collaborator, Dennis Cahlo.
Follow Bethany Watson on social media here:
Paula Layoun
Paula Layoun is the co-CEO and co-founder of Blue Foxes, a global media group formerly known as Jellysmack Originals.
Raised across Canada, Lebanon, and France, Layoun’s multicultural and audiovisual background has deeply influenced her ability to craft inclusive, high-impact content. During her time at Jellysmack, she played a key role in shaping original productions and driving innovation across the media landscape.
Follow Paula Layoun on social media here:
A Festival That Keeps Elevating Independent Storytelling
Founded in 2014 by Lauren Atkins, who was born in Cape Town and raised in Toronto, the NYC Web Fest has cemented itself as a platform that nurtures and celebrates diverse talent from across the globe. Its reputation continues to grow with each edition, having previously welcomed guests and jurors like Kate Walsh, Gina Torres, Francia Raisa, and Danielle Savre.
“Our goal is to make this festival the premier home for digital producers on an international level,” said Atkins. “An organic space where creators can showcase their talent, network with other artists, and learn from industry insiders.”
Creators can now submit their work to NYC Web Fest 2025 across categories such as web series, TV pilots, short films, and podcasts, with entries open until July 31 at NYCWebFest.com.
Stay with Good Star Vibes for exclusive NYC Web Fest 2025 content and updates in the lead-up to this year’s festival.