MediaMaker Spotlight

Tara Jabari is joined by Paul and Erika of That Aged Well Podcast f or a crossover conversation to discuss why some movies age better than others, especially the practical effects in horror films like The Exorcist , The Witch , and Poltergeist . They explore what makes horror truly scary, how the “final girl” has evolved, and why films become stronger when they include diverse perspectives. The co...

In this episode, Kate Beyda , EVP of Physical Production at New Line Cinema, joins host Candice Bloch to share her extensive experience in film production. From managing budgets to hiring crews to solving complex logistical puzzles, physical production figures out how to get projects made. In the interview, Kate reveals stories from overseeing production logistics to solving on-set challenges, and...

When Tara Jabbari found out there was a documentary about the history of podcasting and it’s impact of audio storytelling, she had to watch it. She also knew, she had to get them on MediaMaker Spotlight.  She speaks with the director of the doc, Shaun Michael Colón , who spent seven years making it. They go over how he got the idea, the evolution of how he got it made, and how he got some of the b...

In this episode, Margo Precht Speciale , granddaughter of Ed Sullivan and producer of the documentary 'Sunday Best,' joins host Candice Bloch to share insights into her film that explores Ed Sullivan's role as a quiet disruptor during the civil rights era. Margo shares her journey of discovering Sullivan’s impact on social justice and about the power of media to shape culture. With...

In this episode, discover how award-winning director and producer Mary Darling navigates storytelling that fosters cultural understanding and unity. She speaks with Tara Jabbari about her work, especially her latest film, “Cast Aside The Clouds,” a love story set in Iran. They discuss the importance of cultural authenticity and representation in filmmaking, collaborative directing and diversity in...

Did you know that Girl Scout cookies are an $800 million business? In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Alysa Nahmias , the writer and director of "COOKIE QUEENS," a new documentary releasing on August 7 all about the pressure of selling the iconic cookies. The doc, which is winner of the SXSW 2026 Audience Award, spotlights four young Girl Scouts, ages five to 12. It follows A...

Host Candice Bloch is joined by Kalina Ivanov , an Emmy-winning production designer and storyboard artist with a rich background in both film and television, spanning various genres and styles. She’s known for her work on projects like Little Miss Sunshine, Grey Gardens, Peacemaker, Lovecraft Country, and The Penguin.  As the first artists brought on board a project, Production Designers are respo...

Film critic and entertainment journalist, Mara Reinstein joins host Sandra Abrams to talk about the state of the film industry from someone who covers it for a living. The life of an entertainment journalist may look glamorous, but it is not. Between the impossible deadlines when the Emmys run late, followed by an early morning screening for a major studio film, it can be a marathon for various pu...

Host Tara Jabbari chats with actress Wendy Braun , who gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of "Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat.” Learn the fascinating process behind the unique scripted comedy, where real human moments blend with meticulously staged interactions. Wendy shares insights about blending authenticity with improvisation, the human stories that resonate amidst comedy, and how c...

Pack your bags and head to small town Champaign, Illinois with Producer Brandon for one last year of the Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival , affectionately known to movie-lovers as Ebertfest . Brought back for a final year, festival organizers Chaz Ebert and Nate Kohn programmed a lineup of modern classics and under-the-radar films audiences may have missed.  First, Brandon sits down with actre...

Would you search for your sperm donor dad? In this episode, host Sandra Abrams interviews the people behind the award winning documentary, DAD GENES. The doc follows Aaron Long, a single guy who was a sperm donor for the money 20 years ago. Fast forward to a few years ago, when several of his “kids” decided to go looking for their biological father. Sandra talks to the film’s director Craig Downin...

All of our hosts - Candice, Sandra, and Tara - come together again for another host special. This time they explore the fascinating world of film scores and soundtracks, highlighting the differences between the two, chatting about iconic composers and film scores, and how music shapes our emotional experience of stories on screen. Are there songs that always bring to mind certain movies when you h...

Host Tara Jabbari interviews actress and filmmaker Anna Campbell , who shares her journey from acting to directing and producing her first feature film, 'Nora.' They discuss the importance of community in filmmaking, the creative process, and the unique voice each artist brings to their work. Anna emphasizes the need for collaboration, defining one's uniqueness, and the challenges o...

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams talks to Jamie Coughlin Silverman and Gabriel Silverman about the making of their feature documentary, THE SPIES AMONG US and how a German-American journalism program known as RIAS helped them meet Peter Keup, the subject of their film. The husband and wife duo, who run SideXSide Studios, filmed Keup’s personal journey and the actions he took after reading his s...

Jessica Steinrock , a pioneering intimacy coordinator, joins host Candice Bloch to discuss the value and particulars of intimacy coordination. Jessica shares her journey from theater to film, emphasizing the importance of consent, safety, and professionalism in intimate scenes. In their conversation, they explore the significance of intimacy coordination, the range of situations that require it, t...

Host Tara Jabari interviews Grae Drake , a renowned journalist and film critic known for her vibrant personality and insightful commentary on the entertainment industry. Grae reflects on the challenges and joys of being a critic. She highlights the importance of empathy and understanding the filmmaking process. The conversation also touches on Grae's unique approach to interviews, where she b...

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams talks to documentary filmmakers, Oscar winner Paul Wagner and his wife, Ellen Wagner , about their movie, Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light. With actress Clarie Danes serving as the voice of O’Keeffe and Hugh Dancy doing the narration, the feature documentary uncovers new material about the life of the iconic artist known as the Mother of American Modern...

Seasoned documentary producer Lisa Frank chats with host Candice Bloch about her healthcare-focused projects, namely her recent project American Delivery which focuses on maternal health and childbirth, showcasing diverse birthing experiences and the importance of equitable care. In their conversation, you’ll learn about Lisa’s ongoing collaboration with director Carolyn Jones and how creating doc...

In this episode of Media Maker Spotlight, host Tara Jabbari interviews Shellée M. Haynesworth , an award-winning director and producer known for her work in amplifying marginalized voices through storytelling. They discuss Shellée's journey in the film industry, and her recent project, 'Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps,' available on PBS. The conversation also touches on the challenges...

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Eden Raskin Jenkins about her documentary, NOTES OF A CITIZEN: THE MARCUS RASKIN STORY. It is the story about her father’s career before she was born. Through family and notable figures, she learns about his work in the Kennedy White House, his role with the Pentagon Papers, the FBI raided his office, and why he was on Nixon’s Enemies List. The episod...

Award-winning underwater cinematographer Roger Horrocks joins host Candice Bloch to discuss what it takes to capture the amazing underwater scenes we see in epic nature documentaries. Roger has worked on some of the most ambitious and acclaimed documentaries ever created, including My Octopus Teacher, Our Planet, Blue Planet 2, and Our Oceans. These projects have taken him all over the world, and...

In this episode, host Tara Jabbari interviews Sierra Urich , an interdisciplinary visual artist and filmmaker whose documentary, 'Joonam' explores themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience. Sierra shares insights from her festival circuit journey, the significance of her family's story, and the challenges of filmmaking in an authoritarian context. The conversati...

For the first time, our three hosts: Candice Bloch , Tara Jabbari , and Sandra Abrams share the same recording studio for an in-person chat about all things animation! The trio discuss their early memories of the animated category, some of their favorite films and animated TV shows over the years, different voice actors, and some history of this unique and enduring form of entertainment. Learn mor...

Iconic and prolific costume designer Mona May chats with host Candice Bloch to share about her journey becoming a prominent figure in the film industry. Considered the Queen of 90s Movie Fashion, Mona has created iconic looks for over 70 films and television shows. She is best known for her work on Clueless, as well as Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, The Wedding Singer, Never Been Ki...

Host Sandra Abrams chats with former Hollywood PR executive, Libby Gill , about her book, MALIBU SUMMER, a rom-com story inspired by her life marketing high powered TV shows. Using her years of experience promoting shows produced by Universal, Sony, and Turner, including Dr. Phil, Libby knows how to create compelling characters with Hollywood as the backdrop. As Libby tells it, she had no intentio...