Industry Insights

In this compelling episode of Industry Insights, host Jim Ellis welcomes Michael Wood, a distinguished Producer, Technical Director, Founder, and U.S. Marine Veteran. Currently leading the San Diego Media Pros, Michael shares his vision of transforming San Diego into a recognized production hub, not just a scenic destination. His extensive experience, including his commitment to training wounded v...

In this engaging episode of Industry Insights, host Jim Ellis is joined by Karin Fittante, a distinguished figure in the film and advertising industry and owner of KF Productions. Karin shares her enthralling journey from the bustling streets of New York to becoming a celebrated producer collaborating with elite agencies and global brands. She delves into the inspirations behind her career, the in...

Dive into the riveting journey of Woody Woodburn, a master carpenter and film industry veteran, on this episode of Industry Insights. Discover how a chance encounter transformed his career, leading him to work with icons like John Huston and Paul Newman and contribute to classics like "Paint Your Wagon." Woody shares invaluable lessons on adaptability, problem-solving, and the art of pro...

In this captivating episode of Industry Insights, host Jim Ellis welcomes the dynamic Shamelle Reveter, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the mastermind behind GYSIO (Get Yo’ Stuff In Order). This episode takes us through the less-talked-about but crucial aspects of the entertainment world: business and bookkeeping. Starting as a background actress, she witnessed firsthand the challenges artists fac...

Join host Jim Ellis on the latest episode of Industry Insights as we dive deep with live event streaming master Royce Hildreth. With an illustrious career that boasts collaborations with legends like Oprah Winfrey and Celine Dion to streaming global sensations like Call of Duty and Destiny 2, Royce's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  Explore the thrilling challenges of covering the i...

In this compelling episode of the Industry Insights podcast, host Jim Ellis dives deep into the world of filmmaking and incentives, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of incentives available to filmmakers, such as tax credits, rebates, and grants. The conversation aims to empower those who might be navigating the turbulent waters of starting their own film projects and might not be equipped...

AI (artificial intelligence) is no longer just a tech buzzword; it's become Hollywood's latest (and potentially greatest) new actor and scriptwriter. Welcome to another episode of Industry Insights! In this episode, Jim Ellis sits down once again with film expert Jeff Deverett. With an impressive portfolio of 7 feature films, three of which have been showcased on Netflix, Jeff not only has...

Get ready for an insightful conversation with renowned Cinematographer Jimmy Garcia, our next guest on Industry Insights . Jimmy Garcia has built an impressive reputation with his work on various stage shows, including American Idol , America's Got Talent , the Billboard Music Awards , The Masked Singer , and Dancing With The Stars . Jimmy is a master of handling different types of cameras, su...

In this episode, Jim brings on the brilliant Spencer Hord, a distinguished director, editor, and producer for digital media content. As the co-founder of AWD Media, he has worked with major corporations including the Hyatt Hotel, Atlantic Records, and Interscope. He’s also worked on music videos with notable artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black, Galantis & OneRepublic, and so much more!⁠ ⁠...

Tune into the Industry Insights Podcast as we host DJ Summit, an esteemed Motion Designer and Art Director, discussing the intricacies of motion graphics and art direction. DJ, the founder of Summit Film Works and current President of the Southwest's National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, shares his wealth of knowledge to inspire upcoming filmmakers and creatives. Hear his journey f...

Film & TV enthusiasts, don't miss this episode of the Industry Insights podcast! Host Jim Ellis chats with Sheri Stilson, executive director of Student Television Network, about breaking into the industry. Sheri shares the importance of networking, persistence, and staying true to oneself. A proud San Diego native, Sheri Stilson pursued her passion for film and television at San Diego Stat...

Ken Kebow is an innovative film industry expert with a stellar career upbringing. At age eight, he started creating films with a Super 8 camera and was blown away by the power of images to communicate, captivate, and transform minds. His first project was Wavelength on Cable Access TV, which allowed his team to shoot the Triple Crown in Hawaii. Ken found great satisfaction in creating stories and...

Jim Ellis and Elias Acosta welcome Michael Bean as a guest to the Industry Insights podcast, an experienced camera operator who has worked for Freemantle Media on shows like American Idol and America's Got Talent. Michael talks about how he started in the industry with zero camera experience, unsure of what he wanted to do with his career. He started as a PA, slowly getting more opportunities and...

Jim Ellis and Eli Acosta welcome industry professionals to Industry Insights to share their knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers. Today, they have a special guest, Omar Spahi, known for his work on Netflix's Code 8 and other television series such as Ben 10 and Sonic Prime. Inspired by movies like Children of Men that show how children bring hope into the world, Omar has been motivated...

Chris Soriano is a San Diego-based producer who has found success in the film industry despite having no prior experience in filmmaking. In just 2 years, he has managed to fund and distribute four films!   His first film, Zeus, tells the story of an up-and-coming boxer who must overcome racism and hate while finding unity and strength within the ring. Chris was also able to begin on Manny Pac...

As a casting director, Samuel Warren is responsible for finding the right actors to bring a script to life. But it's not as simple as just finding someone who looks the part—in order to find the best possible match for each role, Casting Directors need to understand the nuances of each character and what kind of actor would be best suited to the role. In the latest episode of the Industry Insi...

If you're an indie filmmaker, your ultimate goal is to get your movie in front of as many people as possible. And for many years, Netflix was the much-coveted destination for indie films. But with time, things have changed. Now, Netflix and most video streaming platforms are focused on high-concept, full-production shows - something that most indie films are not. That’s because this type of conten...

When indie filmmakers are faced with the challenge of making their own film, one thing that can quickly become overwhelming is budgeting.  In this interview from the Industry Insights podcast, host Jim Ellis and Elias Acosta sit down with Jeff Deverett. Jeff produces films including Full Out 2 , Kiss & Cry, God Incorporated, and more. He shares his experience, knowledge, and know-how to g...