The Inner World of Filmmaking

In this episode, we explore the inner world of the feature film editor. Guest Susan Littenberg shares working with directors like Jim Jarmusch, Ang Lee, Steven Soderbergh, and Gary Winick. She also talks about her transition from editing to teaching film. Susan Littenberg has been an Editor on over 15 feature films, including 13 Going on 30, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE, directed...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into building one's brand through content creation with Mar from the vid project. Mar specializes in helping his clients build their brand through video content and making it funny and memorable. He shares tips on having a content-creating mindset and building awareness with video.  He shares how people sometimes forget that social media is social and havi...

In this episode, we will explore the life of a SAG hand model Ashly Covington. She spoke about the precision and skill needed on the production and talent side. It's not an easy task structuring the movements without marks. There is a movement for the camera one needs to be able to nail take after take. And holding positions for long periods without shaking. SAG Hand Model & VO Artist Walk thr...

In this episode, we are discussing what a story consultant does. I have the fabulous writer-director and Story consultant Dr. Annika Hylmo.  She is an award-winning filmmaker and documentarian.  And I am excited to dive into the latest film she wrote and directed, Dr. Penelope.   Annika Hylmö, Ph. D., is an award-winning filmmaker and documentarian whose films have been screened at...

In this episode, we are discussing the role of directing with the talented Michael Vaughn Hernandez. Michael grew up in Miami and is a writer, editor, producer, cinematographer, and director. He has directed various music videos, commercials, marketing campaigns, tv, and narrative films.  Projects include For the Love of Jason, And most recently, an anthology series that includes three short...

In this episode, we will explore the life of Cris Graves, a producer, director, writer, editor, and podcaster. She is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker for The Amazing Race. She’s spent much of her time as a producer on reality TV shows like Made In Mexico, Living Undocumented, Deadly Cults, and Breaking Big, among others. She also has found time in her busy schedule to fit in directing four short f...

In this episode, we explore the role of the background actor and how the terminology has changed from Extras.  We have the wonderful Gaye Nelson, who grew up with Hollywood parents Anne Roberts Nelson and Harmon Oscar Nelson, Jr.  Did you know the Oscars are named after her dad?  And her dad's first wife was the talented Bette Davis. Gaye dishes on the life of growing up amongst the...

In this episode, we are exploring the world of music videos. I have Zeke Kitchen on to share his expertise. He’s a videographer and photographer who primarily focuses on music and commercial content.   I'm Zeke Kitchen & I'm a Videographer / Photographer. Originally from Pennsylvania, but now based out of San Diego, CA. I graduated from Kutztown University, in 2018, with a Bachelor's Degr...

In this episode, we talk about the business of acting with the talented Jim Meskimen who is an actor, artist, designer/cartoonist, improv master, and voice artist. He shares his wealth of knowledge on how to be a full time actor. https://www.workingactorsuccess.jimmeskimen.com/the-working-actor-method-a Jim Meskimen is an accomplished actor, improviser and voice artist whose work is well-known to...

In this episode, we dive into the world of Improv and how it can help actors get out of their Comfort zone.  My guest is the founder and artistic director of ImprovCity, Devin Dugan. He has over twenty-five years of improv experience. He shares his craft and gives tips to improve your acting through improv. improvcity.com Devin Dugan is the Artistic Director of  ImprovCity  and also...

In this episode, we explore the organization of video and audio media onset and how to prepare it for the editor. What do you need to know and how to communicate to all involved for the most success in delivery. Eric Addison is the guy behind 100 ACRE FILMS. Depending on the day, he’s a director, producer, cinematographer, and/or editor. He’s a proud graduate of the SDSU film program, winner...

In this episode, we are talking about story branding with commercial videos. My guest today is Alberto Mendoza, who specializes in creating content that aligns with personal and business branding. He also shares how he found work while traveling!  Alberto Mendoza is a passionate videographer from southern California, specializing in creating content to help brands bring their visions to life....

Today we are talking about Safety on set and why having an armor on set when using weapons is so important. I’m excited to have Dan Cheatham, an Actor, 1st AD, Stunt Coordinator, Armorer, and so much more.  We also spoke about the latest death on set, which involved Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins, and that this was not the first time an actor was killed on set due to negligence. Dan...

In this episode, we are talking about the role of the field producer with Justine Liese and her husband, Paul Matyasovsky. Justine started her career in post-production on Alaska the Last Frontier and went on to story producer on shows like The zoo: San Diego, 9 Months with Courteney Cox, and Leah Remini: It's All Relative. Her husband Paul has worked his way up from Production Assistant to field...

In this episode, we will explore the wild world of the talented Monique Impagliazzo. She has worked as an executive assistant, production manager, and art department coordinator, to writing, producing, and directing her first short film Turkey’s Done, starring Cheri Oteri and Al Sapienza. Monique Impagliazzo was born and raised in South Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Temple University with a...

In this episode, I interview Ebony Roberts, the creator and director of United We Heal Film Festival. This festival screens dynamic cutting-edge short films that amplify marginalized voices, raises awareness, and deliver authentic storytelling. Ever since Ebony Roberts watched ‘Back to the Future’ at age 7, she was intrigued by the film. From then, she knew she wanted to leave her mark in the worl...

In this episode, I talked with semi-nomadic film director and producer Ansley Sawyer in this episode. She shares her experiences with the run-and-gun filmmaking style to achieve the difficult-to-access human stories worldwide. Ansley Sawyer is a semi-nomadic film director and producer. A TEDx speaker, advocate, and entrepreneur, her docu-vérité work has been featured on Vimeo Staff Picks, BBC, Nat...

In this episode, we explore budgeting and scheduling with the fabulous Koura Linda who owns Space Dream Productions. She walks us through what to think about when putting together a budget for a film as well as what goes into scheduling. Koura Linda  is an Independent Filmmaker and Entrepreneur.   As a Writer/Producer/Director Koura founded  Space Dream Productions  in 201...

In this episode, we explore the job of the editor and making seamless cuts so the audience is never taken out of the film experience.  My guest is editor Gregg Stouffer, who edited the award-winning documentary Mary Janes: The Women of Weed, as well as, reality TV shows Making Monsters, Building Alaska, and Monogamy.  He was also one of the editors for the Beijing Olympic Winter Games 20...

In this episode, we explore the inner world of casting.  Our guest Victoria Hoffman is the Manager of Casting at AFI Conservatory.  As a teacher and actor in theater and film, she has a wealth of knowledge to share regarding submitting self-tapes and preparing for auditions. Victoria also shares coaching Mila Kunis before her breakout role on That 70's Show. Victoria Hoffman (Casting) Re...

In this episode, we are exploring gender balance in the film and entertainment industries through the organization Women in Media. I’m happy to introduce today’s guest who is a producer, production designer, public speaker, and Executive Director of Women In Media Tema Staig. Women In Media promotes gender balance in the film and entertainment industries through networking, professional developmen...

In today's episode, I interview lead booking agent Caroline Raedeker from Shamon Freitas Modeling and Talent Agency.  She explained what a booking agent is when to look for representation, and what needs to go into your reel. Caroline (they/them) Raedeker is the lead booking agent at Shamon Freitas Model & Talent Agency, San Diego's premier booking agency. Off the clock, Caroline is a lov...

In this episode, my guest Docs-Style Editor Dave Henry shares his funny stories of working on Avid Media composer for the first time and when to use music, and when it doesn’t work. Dave reveals the importance of cracking the story through the editing process and hitting those emotional beats. How he’s grown in responding to getting notes from the producers, directors, and the network. Dave Henry...

In this episode, my guest Mark Atkinson shares his day on the set of Celina as Denny’s Manager. He also revealed his catchphrase from Celina which turned into a gif. He also commented on getting into Hollywood parties. All in all had a great time with such a great guy. Comedic-Actor Mark Atkinson hails from Rhode Island and started his entertainment career soon after graduating from The University...

In this episode, I interview the talented comedic actor Beto Ochoa on his skit Beto Bananas. Beto Ochoa Beto Ochoa is a comedian and actor who has acted in the Scream marketing campaign and has 2 million views on his own video on TikTok. Other than naming his accomplishments, he's a pretty cool guy and says funny things every now and then. His step-dad used to think he looked like Elvis. He can pl...