Media Bolt Podcast

Max Hauser stops by the Media Bolt Podcast to break down their filmmaking journey, from first memories of film and early projects to creating music documentaries. We talk about building the “resourcefulness muscle,” why being versatile across roles on set matters, and how to approach producing when a project starts losing momentum. Plus: AI for productivity vs. creativity, and the ultimate choice,...

In this episode of the Media Bolt Podcast, we sit down with Kaycee Kelsey to talk about the journey that shaped their creativity and the many hats they wear on set. From early projects that helped them hone their craft to working as a true “Swiss Army knife” across acting, writing, directing, and more, Kaycee breaks down how they balance it all while continuing to grow as a filmmaker. We also dive...

From gaffer to DP, Marquel Henderson shares his journey through cinematography. We talk lighting, anamorphic vs spherical lenses, finding inspiration for frames, and why every DP should care about color grading. A conversation about craft, mentorship, and the technical decisions that shape visual storytelling. ----- Find us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/mediaboltpodcast https://www.ins...

In this episode, host Dids sits down with Milwaukee photographer and creative Samer Ghani to explore his creative journey, community impact, and unique approach to visual storytelling. In this episode, we discuss: - The roots of Samer's creativity and how his family background influences his work - The Cactus Club and its importance to the Milwaukee creative community - His experience creatin...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Santana Coleman as she discusses her groundbreaking documentary series "When ___ Got Shot" and shares insights into her journey as a director. We'll explore her creative process, the emotional impact of storytelling, and her work with executive producer Snoop Dogg. Coleman also opens up about her production comp...

Join us for an in-depth conversation with independent filmmaker Cole Sheldon as we explore his creative journey through the world of cinema. From his current success with "Spark Plug" to his ambitious upcoming project "Five More Minutes," Cole shares invaluable insights into natural cinematography, script development, and the art of working with actors. Whether you're curi...

Join us as we sit down with Kelly Dunnigan, an experienced Art Director in the film industry, to explore the intricate world of production design and art direction. From mood boards to color palettes, set building to wardrobe decisions, Kelly shares invaluable insights into how the visual elements of filmmaking come together. Whether you're working with a substantial budget or crafting magic...

In this special episode of the Media Bolt Podcast, we celebrate our 1-year anniversary! Join us as we recap the journey so far, highlighting key moments and lessons learned in business ownership, production tips, and cool happenings in the area. Featuring insights from some of our guests over the past year, this episode is packed with valuable information and exciting stories. Thank you for tuning...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Egan, a seasoned professional in the film industry, to discuss his journey into the craft, inspired by his father. Sean shares invaluable lessons he learned early on, the importance of audio in filmmaking, and tips for capturing high-quality sound. We dive into techniques for booming and lavaliering talent, reducing unwanted noises, and the essentials of an a...

In this episode, we delve into the creative mind of Director Baldwin. From his journey into filmmaking to his unique style, Baldwin leaves no stone unturned. We discuss his projects, including 'The Victorious Red' and he shares valuable insights for new directors. Get ready for a sneak peek into his future projects. Don't miss this insightful conversation! ----- Find us on social me...

In this episode, we sit down with Derek Pfister, the mind behind Chair on Stair Films. We dive into his journey into video production, the inception of his company, and his role in nurturing the filmmaking community in Wisconsin. Derek shares valuable insights on starting a production company, the challenges and rewards of the 48-hour film project, and the importance of team structure in a success...

In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of virtual production with Alex Kudrna the CEO of Backyard Dream in Kenosha, Wisconsin. They operate a 10 x 28 foot LED wall the first of its kind in Wisconsin. We explore the journey of bringing virtual production technologies to independent filmmakers, the benefits of using a virtual wall, and the role of the Unreal Engine in this cutting-edge fi...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of photography with our guest, Andrew Feller. Andrew shares his journey into photography, and how he found his niche in healthcare photography. We discuss the importance of understanding the exposure triangle and camera controls for beginners. Andrew then takes us through his portrait process, from establishing a connection with his subjects to...

Martin Moore, while professionally you can find him crafting amazing work for Koss Headphones, you probably know him for his amazing content strategy. You will be hard-pressed to find anyone in the city of Milwaukee who doesn't know Martin or at least have come across his content. From traveling across the entire USA with his wife to coming up with amazing ways to make impressionable content...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Tony Nuñez to discuss his journey into the world of filmmaking. We delve into his beginnings, the influence of his time in Los Angeles, and his enriching travels to Zambia and Brussels. Tony shares his approach to capturing the cultural richness of the places he visits, his roles as DP and Director, and his unique process for storytelling through film. W...

In this episode of our podcast, we have a conversation with the multitalented Shun Powell. We delve into his journey into the creative space and the valuable lessons he learned from film school. Drawing on his inspirations, he shares his love for sci-fi and how his growth as a director has shaped him over the past year. Not only is Shun an accomplished director, but he is also an amazing photograp...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Sam Li, a double major in college turned filmmaker and Instagram trailblazer. We explore his early inspirations, his unique visual style, and his exciting collaborations with brands like Samsung, Sam shares his experiences creating travel content, his favorite travel destinations, the importance of spec work, and his recent work for Bubblr....

We're joined by Vianca Fuster, the filmmaker behind Violet Lopez AKA The Warrior Princess’ story. We delve into Vianca's journey into documentary filmmaking, her process, and why Violet's story was so crucial to tell. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of documenting Violet's growth as a boxer over the years. Violet also shares her perspective on her relationship with V...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating lives of The Amayas. We explore how the couple met and delve into Stephanie's thriving photography company. We get a glimpse into their creative studio space and Dres shares how he supports Stephanie's work. Dres also opens up about his own musical journey, revealing the role Stephanie plays in creating impactful content. The couple discusses...

Today, we dive into the fascinating world of drone flight. We explore the journey of Cody Retlich from falling in love with drones, the initial experiences with flight, to the importance of certification. With a personal touch on the his experience in getting certified, the episode also uncovers lesser-known facts about flying drones, the role of drones in storytelling, the process of producing an...

In this episode, we delve into the origins and motivations behind our Loki’s journey into filmmaking. We explore the importance of networking, the styles of filmmaking that stimulate creativity, and the invaluable lessons learned from working on 48-hour film projects. Our guest also shares insights about their personal growth as a filmmaker in 2023 and anticipates future projects. Stay tuned to he...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of filmmaking with Cody LaPlant. We explore his beginnings in filmmaking, the source of his unique aesthetic, and his work at Take7productions. Cody shares the story behind his standout Beloit skycarp video and offers insight into the creative process behind his director reels. From preproduction tips to working with superstars like Khalid and Wiz Khali...

Today, we dive into the intriguing journey of JMatt, a former radio DJ turned social media influencer. JMatt shares insights into his transition, the challenges he faced, and how his previous experience shaped his TikTok approach. He talks about his evolution into a Milwaukee influencer, creating content that opens doors to exciting opportunities. JMatt also discusses the creation of HashtagMKE an...

In this episode, we dive into the world of creativity with Sandra Dempsey, the CEO of Source Ten. We discuss the importance of representation in video production and marketing, and how creating Spanish-speaking specific ads for major brands has been a game changer. Sandra also shares insights on her Hispanic specific clientele and why her team is the perfect fit for them. Listen as she talks about...

In this episode, we are joined by the talented filmmaker Xavier Schaetzke. We dive into his journey into filmmaking, his affinity for rock music videos, and the unique emotional resonance of his work. Xavier gives us an insight into his creative process, including how he chooses his vibrant color palettes and achieves them on set. We also explore where he draws his inspiration from for his music v...