Producers' Happy Hour

Attention all freelance filmmakers! Want to take your career to the next level? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of advancing your career in the film industry. With the tough competition out there, it takes more than just talent to succeed.  We sit down with Tony Franklin, a highly successful freelance director, as he shares his journey and the secrets to his success, from networking to self...

Are you feeling the impact of the production industry slowdown?  It's a tough time, but there are ways to keep moving forward. In this episode, we share practical tips on how to handle the lull and stay productive. We'll cover personal admin, catching up on emails, reaching out to old friends, updating your website and social media presence, and taking on passion projects. But it's not just about...

Discover the Secrets of Successful Real People Casting.  Are you ready to take your casting to the next level? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind Real People Casting with Angela Mickey, the Managing Director of Casting at Liz Lewis Casting.  Learn what it takes to find the right real people for your project, and how to plan, prepare, and execute the perfect casting call. Get ready to be surp...

Ready to face the storm? Don't let unpredictable weather rain on your shoot day.  Tune in to learn the secrets of creating a solid weather day budget and calming client nerves. Join us for a crucial episode on how to plan for a weather day like a pro! Topics: Weather day budget, Film weather planning, Rainy Day Shoot, Client Weather Prep FREE RESOURCES WE MADE FOR YOU: 🎬 Get the Episode Guide to...

Get ready to learn the ins and outs of navigating the complex world of union and non-union shoots. If you know anything about us, you know that we fully support unions. Sometimes as producers, however, we are hired to execute non-union jobs and we are tasked with informing the production company of the risks involved in filming non-union in major cities. In this episode, join us as we delve into t...

Location scouting can be a real headache, but what if you could find the perfect location in minutes? Introducing AVVAY, the national location scouting company that's here to revolutionize the way you search for your next filming location. With their marketplaces and concierge services, you can self-service your way to success or get a done-for-you service that takes the stress off your shoulders....

Do you treat your On-Camera Talent as well as you treat your crew? If not, you should. They are just as important as your Gaffer, your Gangboss, and even your Director. They need to be given all the information about the day up front so they can be prepared and be a functioning part of the team. We chat with Mike Nelson, SAG-Aftra actor, about what he needs to feel prepared and ready to work on se...

Processing timecards is a time-suck! Learn how this software eases the burden on production teams! Cameron Woodward is the co-founder of Wrapbook, a breakthrough entertainment payroll, insurance, and production management software. For employers and project-based workforces who work in media production, Wrapbook provides employment profiles that facilitate onboarding, paying, and insuring workers...

How much does a shoot day cost? How much should I budget for Casting? How do I get bigger or better jobs? As we enter the holiday we take a moment to answer production-related questions from our listeners. We want to make sure this podcast is delivering the type of content you are excited to listen to, so If you have a question or show topic you would like us to cover, let us know! Topics: Casting...

You may know the latest IATSE Commercial Contrat Rates, but do you know all the new terms? There are quite a few changes in this new contract, so we are going to walk you through some of the big “watch outs” you need to be aware of.  For all the Non-Union companies and teams out there, you want to pay attention because matching these rates and terms is important for you as well to keep your crews...

Do you know how when you get on a large, all-consuming job, your personal life and all your other projects take a back seat? Well, that’s what happened to us, and we are sure you can relate. In short, we ghosted you, and we are so sorry. After a long, unscheduled break in the podcast, we are back bringing you more insightful interviews and informative show topics. On this episode Sister Christian...

Are you working with your 1st Assistant Director as effectively as possible? Your 1st AD is vital to the success of your production, and setting up the filming days for success is crucial. With 20 years of experience, Kate Greenberg is an extremely accomplished DGA 1st Assistant Director and an up-and-coming Commercial Director with an intense passion for shooting cars. Kate has collaborated with...

There's more to producing than just negotiating great deals. Find out from a Head of Production what they expect of you on each and every job. Knowing how to fulfill their needs can lead to an ongoing working relationship and continued work. Today we chat with Head of Production at Boomshot Production , Krysia Johnstone.  Krysia Johnstone was lucky enough to grow up in the film industry and at the...

Today we chat with the one and only Jordan Brady to find out what he needs from a Producer so he can do his best work. Hey producers… spoiler alert! Come to the table with solutions!   Jordan Brady is a 100% self-taught filmmaker, he’s directed four narrative feature films, three full documentaries and over 1200 national & regional commercials, as well as Maria Bamford’s acclaimed Netflix Come...

Wardrobe is just clothes, right? Think again. It's easy to not put a lot of thought into the wardrobe department, but one small oversight in this department could send your schedule for a loop or your budget down the drain.  Communication is key for Wardrobe Stylist & Costume Designer Amanda Owen. Born in Los Angeles and raised in the Santa Cruz mountains, Amanda Owen has been in the wardrobe...

Learn how we deal with the clash between crew rates and expectations, the ever-problematic shrinkage of budgets, and the end of the California mask mandate. Topics: Crew Rates, Budgets, Expectations, Covid Mask Mandate, Stand With Production EPISODE GUIDE: Get all the Links and Resources we discuss in this Episode. FREE RESOURCES WE MADE FOR YOU: 🎬 ☑️ The ALL NEW Pre-Production Checklist: ☎️ 🎥 N...

A labor movement is sweeping the nation. As we kick off 2022, we review the updates regarding Covid in LA & NY, as well as the open letter Los Angeles Department Heads wrote the AICP letting them know that new rates are now 750/725/700 for 10 hours. We also discuss Stand With Production, its latest efforts, and the AICP response.  If you want to hear more about the labor movement happening wit...

Uncover the Secret World of Film Production: What is it and Why Does it Matter?" Join us as we take a deep dive into the misunderstood world of film production. From supporting unions to navigating contracts and costs, production plays a crucial role on every film set. But why is this department the only one without union representation? Get ready to have your questions answered and learn what rea...

Is film production broken? Tune in to find out in our latest episode where we dive into the topic, with Cathy Scorsese and Danielle Hinde's perspectives. Cathy, daughter of Martin Scorsese, works in TV and film and shares her POV on the industry in a recent interview with Business Insider. Meanwhile, Danielle, an Executive Producer, shares her journey in producing a documentary about her struggles...

Are on-set safety measures becoming a thing of the past? In the wake of the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the growing discontent among production teams, it's time to ask the hard questions. Join us as we explore the state of on-set safety in the film industry and investigate whether greed is putting lives at risk. Listen now to understand the crisis brewing on set and what it...

Tick-tock, the countdown to the IATSE strike is on! Will it happen on Monday, October 18th? Tune in to find out. Get ready for some drama as we follow the IATSE and AMPTP negotiations that could lead to a strike on Monday. As tensions rise, the Art Department IA Locals are preparing their members with a Strike Preparation Checklist. Meanwhile, the industry mourns the loss of Dan Kennedy, founder o...

The stage is set for the first nationwide strike in IATSE history. 60,000 workers from 36 local unions have spoken and 98% have approved the call to action. Will this be the fight for fair treatment the film and TV industry needs? Get ready for the answers you've been waiting for in this episode as we dive into the IATSE strike, the impact on commercials, and the timeline for when it could all go...

Why are film crews struggling to get a good night's sleep? Find out in this episode as we explore the root causes of sleep deprivation in the film industry and the impact it has on the people behind the scenes. Discover the dangerous conditions they work under as they pull 16+ hour days on set and hear the story of Haskell Wexler, who directed a documentary on this issue back in 2006.  As IATSE pr...

Are we witnessing the birth of a new labor movement? Join us as we delve into the latest IATSE contract negotiations and examine what it means for the future of the film industry. With the recent attention drawn to burnout culture, it's time to ask if it's time for a change. Unlock the full potential of your industry knowledge and stay ahead of the game with our insider access to episode topics an...

Join us on a heartfelt journey as we pay tribute to a beloved person in the NY commercial production world. We say goodbye to Greg Peterson, a beloved figure who left a lasting impact on those who knew him. In this episode, we sit down with Sister Christian, a close friend of GP, to share memories, laughter, and tears as we remember and celebrate his life. Don't miss this emotional tribute to a tr...