Focal Point

From psychology student to storyteller, Jason Johnston reveals how his background in psychological analysis became the foundation for his unique approach to visual composition. His recent work on the Western film "Killing Jimmy Kelly" becomes a case study as he unpacks the delicate balance between technical constraints and creative vision, while shooting in the punishing Texas heat with...

Eric's path to stand-up comedy began unexpectedly following a medical crisis that left him physically injured. Rather than hide from the attention his appearance would draw, he embraced the spotlight, transforming vulnerability into art. "I'm a big guy with a cane and cast – people are going to stare anyway"  His short film "Maps" exemplifies this philosophy, explorin...

Meet Samantha, a filmmaker who after graduating from Full Sail University in 2014 with a degree in filmmaking, Samantha took a nine-year break before rediscovering her creative voice. She shares stories from the set of "Grease Monkey" where she served as first AD, Samantha reveals the behind-the-scenes problem-solving that makes productions successful—from managing angry neighbors to mai...

Short films are the proper place to experiment with the craft. Having done so Dylan is gearing up for his second feature film Rocky Wake, a story that integrates personal tragedy in the background of horror and suspense in a disturbing way.

A local to the Cincinnati film scene, Nick is frequently brought on to film behind the scenes and document the process. Not always having a department role to fill gives room to observing the set dynamics without the stress of the work. Come listen to his thoughts on the community, set life and who would be the first filmmaker that should get one million dollars for their first feature.

Different productions and set cultures yield a wide array of memories and experiences. From appearing on The Walking Dead: Dead City to the recent Peacock show Long Bright River, Hedley shares some helpful advice for newer actors and set memories that may well deserve a production of their own.

Having two features under his belt Cam reveals the positives and negatives of trying to carve your way in the film industry, and shares his thoughts on local Cincinnati culture and his personal craft.

After starting off contributing to the role of art department on Rachel ended up switching to the much needed and in demand role of sound operators on set. Often understaffed for the problems the surface in the day Rachel recalls her experiences and tips for solving problems on the spot.

After putting her dreams on pause to become a mother and raise a family, Heather has returned to her childhood dreams of becoming an actor. She shares how her life experience has influenced her craft and emotional capacity and her view on the indie filmmaking scene.

No matter what role you are in the camera department, you’re always in a time crunch. Matthew speaks to his experience balancing schedules and creativity, what in the shot deserves high priority and the contrast of working with friends on passion projects versus stressful larger productions.

The Comedy business is a very competitive one, Alan tells us not just about the craft of performing on stage but about the struggles of the entrepreneur behind the microphone. His personal story of balancing life between the ghetto and the suburbs being the foundation for his recent appearance on Four by Three Comedy. 

Joe Palmer having been gaffing for several DP’s, has recently been taking up the role himself. He shares his experiences and thoughts of his introduction to the film scene, dealing with the small budgets of the indie world and talks about how to stretch what you have for the shot.

Joseph Cox has been directing his own screenplays for over ten years. Gives a look behind the scenes of his sets, what makes an idea worth pursuing and why he decided to stay in Cincinnati and not move to LA, or NY.

After only getting started 2 years ago, Greg’s hard work and range has landed him a wide array of supporting roles on many productions being represented by agencies across the US. Along with his personal craft he shares stories from various productions, thoughts on the film industry’s direction and business advice. 

Sound is an overlooked art form, one which Kerry is intimately familiar with, ranging from Boom operator, mixing, and to the jack of all sound trades role of “Utility.” She explains the untold logistics and struggles of the sound department on set, regaling both positive and negative experiences, from lessons learned from close friends and collaborators to questionable productions with A-list tale...

Sometimes it's a small world, David is an actor with 15 years of experience that I ran into on a set years ago in passing only to meet on the podcast by the recommendation of a mutual acquaintance. Many great tips and stories in this episode, from working with young vs older filmmakers, indie vs sag expectations, and getting into the headspace of playing villains.

Jared Shares the dynamic of going from comedy to drama as both a writer and actor and a bit about the duality of the two passion’s. More about red flags and what not to do during an audition and on set.

Having done nearly 200 roles and appearances for both Indie and commercial productions Kira has met every person in the book and her personal philosphy on interpersonal dynamics. Having stepped lately into the water of directing, she tells us why she won’t act and direct at the same time in a  project again.

Meet Brandi Botkin, known for being able to play difficult and emotional roles elevating characters off the page and on to the screen. Tapping into personal vulnerability and getting character's head spaces she reveals how she does it, recalling key moments of playing a cancer patient, and several victims of abuse. Brandi gives a look behind the scenes of her style of collaboration, technique...

Vince recalls the meaningful impact of a trip to russia for a role that shape his perspective and his abilites to preform. Balancing family life with work is task that he sheds some light on as well on silencing your mind to help focus on living as your character. 

Writing over 100 screenplays for both clients and himself, Brandon has journeyed into producing his own works, primarily horror. Starting off as a comic artist he’s found a path working full time as a creative. 

After 30 years of writing music and collaborating with bands, Christopher Smith has turned to composing for cinema and soundscapes, trading the noisy life of performance for the peaceful life of artistic solitude. His unqiue take on Dune 2’s soundtrack may be large, but certainly not overshadowed his passion and experience. 

Passion comes in many forms and Oscar has many of them. After growing up in Mexico learning from his father in show business Oscar has been in TV, hosted ratio and is now pursuing his music career in the heart of Hollywood itself. Find out how he’s doing it!

A fun chat with and old friend, Luke holliday is a Director of Photography shooting music videos for artists between Nashville and New York City. Working with names like Ben Rector and Post Malone, Luke explains his personal style, techniques and the importance of communication skills and setting boundaries with clients.

Running your own film festival is hard. Meet Johnny Catalano the host of the Catalano Film Festival heading into it's third year in 2025. On top of his own projects and collaborations Johnny has further ambitions for building his community.