Scirens: Two Year Update

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Scirens recently celebrated our two year anniversary, and we wanted to share a bit of what we’ve been up to!

THE EVOLUTION OF SCIRENS

When Scirens first began, the common link was everyone’s passion for science. We wholeheartedly believed in the possibilities for entertainment to act as a gateway to inspire curiosity about STEM subjects in the general public. And, as actresses, we wanted to see more inclusive and accurate representations of STEM professionals on screen.

But we weren’t really sure what Scirens should be: A STEM advocacy group? A nonprofit organization? A production company?

As we explored our options (and balanced our hectic schedules!), our work began as basic outreach, sharing science news and highlighting STEM professionals and communicators on our social media feeds. Our outreach efforts dovetailed with a time of examination of and encouragement for women in both entertainment and in STEM in the culture at large. From Jennifer Lawrence’s open letter about the male/female pay gap, to Geena Davis’ call for gender equality on the screen, to the public call for more female mentors in STEM, it seemed the ethos of Scirens was in the air.

Add to the mix the ever increasing threat of climate disruption plus an upcoming election (where the need for a STEM-literate voting population becomes ever more apparent), and it became clear that the time had come for us to act. We’re excited to report that, in addition to our other activities, we have expanded our energies towards developing original series with STEM-infused characters and storylines — shows that we would want to watch with inspiring, diverse characters we’re aching to see.

Though we are primarily known for our work as performers, all of us have writing and producing experience, and we are loving the chance to collaborate as we begin to create projects together. One thing that entertainment and science have in common is that nothing happens in a vacuum (unless you are spherical cow). #PhysicsJokes

THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE

As Scirens continues to evolve, we bid a fond farewell to Sciren Christina Ochoa. Christina was integral in the formation of Scirens and will continue to manifest her love for STEM in a variety of amazing ways. We’ll all be tuning in to her new show Animal Kingdom when it premieres on TNT on June 7th. Don’t miss it!

RECENT ADVENTURES

Hopefully, you’ve been following us on Twitter and Facebook, but in case you missed anything, here’s a recap of a few of our goings on:

  • Taryn and Tamara attended the Science & Entertainment Exchange’s Science Speed Dating event, where Taryn took over their Twitter feed for the evening as their official live tweeter.

  • Gia, a.k.a. Einstein’s Girl, performed at Caltech’s One Entangled Evening where she shared the stage with Dr. John Preskill singing about the wonders of the quantum future.
  • Gia also moderated “Hollyweird Science,” a very lively WonderCon panel, which asked science advisors and screenwriters to speak to the state of science in Hollywood today.
  • Tamara interviewed Inside Out producer Jonas Rivera about how they brought science into the process of creating the narrative in the Academy Award winning film.
  • Taryn was interviewed for the Hollywood & STEM edition of Innovation and Tech magazine.
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COMING UP NEXT

  • Scirens will be guests on the Women of Marvel podcast and on Everyday Science’s “Element a Day in May.” We’ll let you know where and when you can watch and listen as soon as we find out.
  • Taryn chatted Women in STEM and Hollywood with Neil deGrasse Tyson in an upcoming StarTalkRadio Live TV episode that will be airing in the fall.

PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

Over the last two years, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet and work with some incredible organizations. Thanks to all of you for encouraging and supporting us and for trusting us in spreading your messages.

If you or your organization are interested in working with the Scirens, you can contact us here. As we head off to our next set of adventures, we leave you with this bit of inspiration from one of our favorite authors:
There is an art to science, and a science in art; the two are not enemies, but different aspects of the whole.
— Isaac Asimov

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