Cinematography for Actors

Ever wondered if there's a secret formula to becoming a better leader, parent, or creative professional? In this candid conversation, hosts Indiana and Haley reveal what might be the most profound insight they've discovered through their entrepreneurial journey - the transformative power of self-love and acceptance. The duo shares fascinating research showing how the psychology of buildi...

Join us as we meet the creators of Rafy, an innovative app transforming how actors prepare auditions. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore how this technology is giving actors more control over their audition process while addressing long-standing industry challenges. Jamila Hache and Dani Rojas share how they developed Rafy during the pandemic to solve the common struggle of finding reade...

Cast Me Now: castmenow.co/cfa  Are you tired of spending hours submitting to casting calls every day? Cast Me Now founder Shreyans reveals how their AI platform is transforming the actor submission process by automating applications across multiple casting platforms. Learn how this innovative service is helping actors save hundreds of hours while landing more auditions without lifting a finger. In...

Ever wondered how independent filmmakers create high-production value films on tight budgets? Join us as director Emelie Claxton and producer Cindy Allen reveal the ingenious strategies that transformed their short film “Doggone” from an impossible dream into a festival success story. From raising an impressive amount through crowdfunding to turning one movie theater into six different shooting lo...

Hae chats with Jason Shuman, a film industry veteran who’s transition from the bustling world of production to the contemplative realm of writing offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of storytelling and the crucial interplay between departments in the industry. Explore his trajectory as a young, determined filmmaker finding his voice amidst the chaotic yet thrilling landscape of Hollywood. J...

Join us for an exclusive conversation with the multifaceted Andreas Deja, the creative powerhouse behind the film Mushka. Over a decade in the making, Mushka's journey is a testament to Andreas's dedication to storytelling and animation mastery. With a career spanning 30 years at Disney, Andreas has breathed life into some of the studio's most notorious villains, and in this episode...

Phil Volken, of "Flycatcher," joins us in a captivating conversation about his work featured at the Mammoth Film Festival. Throughout our discussion, he emphasizes the necessity of grounding suspense and horror in reality to forge genuine connections with the audience. Phil's creative process is as fascinating as the film itself, balancing the tension between suspense and terror whi...

Our latest episode features the creative minds behind the world premiere of "The Fall" at the Mammoth Film Festival. Join director and writer Sean Hart, producer Michael Schilf, and talented actors Jeremy Sumpter, Cassandra Scerbo, Matthew Fahey, and Thomas Cocquerel as they share the profound journey of bringing this emotionally charged film to life. Uncover how Sean's personal exp...

Discover the electrifying world of Ice Cross as we sit down with dynamic duo Brittan Morris and DJ Kilpatrick, who bring their multifaceted talents as athletes, writers, directors, and producers to life in this exhilarating episode. Known for their daring exploits on the icy tracks, Brittan and DJ share how Ice Cross transcends the boundaries of sport to become a story of courage and inspiration....

Renowned actor Jaleel White joins us for an intimate chat on the Cinematography for Actors podcast, offering fresh insight into the world of film festivals. With his debut as a judge at the Mammoth Film Festival, Jaleel brings an engaging perspective on how actors can mesmerize audiences without the crutch of celebrity fame. He humorously reflects on his UCLA film school days, weighing the value o...

Shelley Hennig takes on an incredible challenge as she steps into four distinct roles in the psychological thriller "Fluxx," a film conceived during the COVID pandemic. Join us as we chat with Shelley, Director, Brendan Gabriel Murphy, and members of the creative team behind this genre-blending marvel, including Kieran Murphy, Lance Paul, and Shiloh Fernandez. Discover how Shelley's...

What makes a film truly captivating from the very first scene? Join us as we welcome Max Adler, a judge at the Mammoth Film Festival, to uncover the secret behind grabbing audience attention right off the bat. Max shares his journey as a first-time judge, offering insights into the importance of evaluating films independently to maintain a fresh perspective, and the possibility of forming genuine...

Join Inde as she interviews writer/director John Michael Riva Jr., as well as actors Ariana Ron Pedrique and Jack T. Gibson, as we uncover how groundbreaking virtual production technology is reshaping the industry. The conversation reveals the creative journey behind condensing a feature script into a compelling six-minute proof of concept. Ariana shares what she found remarkable about her experie...

Join us for a fascinating exploration into the world of film festival judging with our esteemed guests, Farah White and Hally Leadbetter. Ever wondered how independent films gain recognition at festivals? Farah, a seasoned pro in the judging arena, reveals the significance of celebrating diverse film genres and the transformative power of festival accolades on a filmmaker's career. Meanwhile,...

What if you could tap into funding typically reserved for non-profits—without having to start one yourself? Join CFA co-founders Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall on the latest episode of the Cinematography for Actors podcast as they break down the ins and outs of fiscal sponsorship and what it means for filmmakers. We’ll chat about how fiscal sponsorship can open doors to tax-deductible donat...

What drives a filmmaker to transform deeply personal pain into a powerful message for mental health awareness? Writer, director, producer, and lead actor Nadine Crocker opens up about her survival after a suicide attempt and how this harrowing experience led her to create the film Continue. Recorded live at the Mammoth Film Festival, this episode uncovers the heart and soul behind the project, sho...

Damian Pelliccione, Co-Founder and CEO of Revry, shares his incredible transformation from Toronto actor to entrepreneur in Los Angeles. He reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, highlighting the importance of community and the mission to uplift new voices in the entertainment industry. Damian discusses content development and founding Revry, a free streaming platform supported by ad...

Join us for a chat with Theo Dumont, the co-founder of the HollyShorts Film Festival and manager at Alta Global Media. Theo shares how he and his team turned a small event into one of the world's biggest short film festivals, with over 6,100 submissions each year. We’ll talk about the festival's selection process, commitment to diversity, and exciting new categories like sports and Oscar...

Join us for a deep dive with veteran actor Scott Cohen as he reflects on his 40-year career, offering insights into the evolving landscape of auditions. Scott discusses the shift from traditional in-person auditions to modern self-taping, sharing how this change has influenced his approach.  Scott shares fascinating stories about working with directors, from seasoned veterans to innovative newcome...

Join us for a chat with Lee Pugsley, actor in the award-winning film "Audio Description," director Luke Salewski, and documentary filmmaker Virtic Brown as they discuss the art of audio description in filmmaking. Discover how audio descriptions enhance viewing experiences, even in comedic scenes like the plastic sand in "Barbie." We explore the nuances and timing needed for eff...

In this podcast episode, we talked about working with the legendary Morgan Freeman, our non-profit announcement, and the power of collaboration. Our recent journey led us to an AFI tribute honoring Nicole Kidman, featuring Morgan Freeman. This incredible journey at CFA just got better—we're now an official non-profit! This opens the door to more grants, donations, and educational opportunitie...

Unlock the secrets of film acting and collaboration with Daniel Fathers of Screen Actors Development Lab, London. Journey through diverse acting styles and directorial nuances from the UK, Canada, the US, and mainland Europe. Daniel shares his rich experience from stage to screen, emphasizing adaptability for auditions and the unique perspectives of theater and film actors. This episode dispels dr...

Experience the heart and soul of independent filmmaking as we bring you behind the scenes at the Mammoth Film Festival for THREE Lunar Door films! Join us as we delve into authentic storytelling and the tight-knit bonds formed on set of “The Fall” with the team including director Sean Hart, producer Michael Schilf, and actors Jeremy Sumter and Cassie Scarbo. Then, strap on your skates and glide in...

Join the ranks of those in the know with our latest guest, Traci Hays, a trailblazing director whose flair for fusing horror and humor shines in the Tubi Original "My Bloody Galentine." With a nod to her own evolution in the film industry, Traci takes us behind the scenes of her genre-defying work, from her beginnings in the art department to receiving acclaim as a DGA award-nominated di...

Ever wondered how the dance between actor and camera is choreographed to capture? We sit down with camera operator, Colin MacDonnell, as we traverse the landscape of filmmaking, we talk about the bridge between technical and creative.  The episode is filled with anecdotes spanning from the nerve-wracking jitters of newcomers to the commanding presence of industry veterans. Colin's journey fro...