The Unscripted Files with Madelyn Cunningham

In this engaging conversation, Erin Tomasello shares her journey from a small town in California to becoming a prominent casting director in reality television for shows like The Traitors, The Circle, Got To Get Out and more. She discusses her early experiences in front of the camera, her transition into casting, and the evolution of the casting process in the age of social media. Erin emphasizes...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham welcomes Frank Carlisi, a creative partner and producer in the reality TV industry. They discuss Frank's unconventional journey into development, the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, and the critical role of collaboration and trust in the creative process. Frank shares insights on navigating industry insecurities, l...

In this chat, Madelyn Cunningham speaks with John Falchetto, a director of photography and video journalist, about his work in true crime and documentary filmmaking. They discuss the ethical considerations of storytelling, the importance of authenticity, and the unique challenges of capturing the essence of Philadelphia as a backdrop for crime stories. John shares insights into his approach to lig...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham speaks with Naomi Smith, an art director and set decorator based in Atlanta. They discuss Naomi's journey in the unscripted television industry, her role in various popular shows, and the challenges of set design, particularly in terms of budgeting and creative problem-solving. Naomi shares insights on the importance of networking, t...

In this conversation, Madelyn Cunningham speaks with the award-winning Porras sisters, Geraldine and Grace, about their impactful work in documentary filmmaking. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the cultural significance of projects like Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, and the complexities of navigating the legacies of cultural icons such as Bill Cosby in We Need to Talk About...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham speaks with casting director Tracy Sinclair about her journey from professional dancer to casting director for the Below Deck franchise. Tracy shares insights into the casting process, the evolution of reality TV, and the importance of finding the right guests. They discuss the dynamics of wealth and personality, the role of social m...

In this episode of the Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham interviews Derek Helwig, a seasoned producer who worked on over 10 seasons of the Amazing Race. They discuss Derek's journey into the entertainment industry, the complexities of producing reality television, and the unique challenges faced while filming the Amazing Race. Derek shares insights on logistics, cultural sensitivity, and m...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham chats with Anthony Gonzales, a seasoned director in the reality TV industry with shows like Big Brother, Dance Moms, Netflix's Perfect Match, Killer Cakes and Claim to Fame amongst his credits. They explore the nuances of directing unscripted shows, the importance of setting the right tone, and the innovative technologies being used...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham engages with entertainment lawyer - and her lawyer- Ben Moskowitz of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz to explore the complex legal landscape of reality TV and unscripted content. They discuss the role of entertainment lawyers, common misconceptions about litigation, the discovery process, and the importance of protecting creator rig...

In this episode of Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham chats with David Lane, a seasoned television producer with extensive experience in true crime production at Jupiter Entertainment, one of the largest unscripted studios in the country and responsible for hits like Snapped, Fatal Attraction, Homicide Hunter, In Pursuit with John Walsh and more. They explore David's journey from military s...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham speaks with development executive Emily Knight, known for her work on iconic formats like Ex on the Beach. They discuss the resurgence of formats in television, the creative process behind developing successful shows, and the importance of personal anecdotes in pitches. Emily shares insights on adapting formats for different cultures...

In this episode, Madelyn Cunningham interviews Stefano Ferrari, the director of photography for the documentary 'Surviving Black Hawk Down.' Stefano shares the choices behind his framing of both the American Army Rangers and Delta Force soliders, as well as the Somali citizens. He talks about why, thirty years later, telling this story is crtitical. They discuss the importance of storytelling in d...

In this conversation, Madelyn Cunningham interviews Yael Egnal, a development consultant in the unscripted television industry. They discuss Yael's journey into development, the intricacies of crafting compelling pitches and treatments, and the importance of handling rejection gracefully. The conversation also covers effective pitching strategies, nurturing relationships in the industry, and perso...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham engages in a deep conversation with Aurelia Boyle, a seasoned producer at RIVR Media. They explore the significance of storytelling in documentary filmmaking and the experience of creating Escaping Polygamy and later Secrets of Polygamy. Aurelia shares her journey in the industry, the challenges of producing sensitive content, and th...

Amy Stanford, the prolific show runner for Food Network's Chopped, shares her insights on the production process, the importance of problem-solving, and the emotional stakes involved in cooking competitions. She discusses the chemistry among judges, the authenticity of their interactions, and the significance of creating a positive environment on set. Amy discusses the importance of storytelling,...

Host Madelyn Cunningham chats with longtime friend and celebrity hair stylist Mac McAbee, who styles several cast members on Bravo's Southern Charm & Southern Hospitality. They talk about the inception of the show and iconic cast and how he found himself styling his friend, Leva Bonaparte's, gorgeous head of hair. Mac describes the differences in the casts for Southern Hospitality and Charm, a...

In this episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham engages in a candid conversation with development executive Maggie Zeltner, exploring her extensive career in reality television. They discuss Maggie's journey from working on America's Next Top Model to her time directing What Not to Wear, and her innovative work on the Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge for Warner Brothers Discovery. The...

In the inaugural episode of The Unscripted Files, host Madelyn Cunningham engages with Emmy award-winning casting director Quinn Fegan. They explore the intricacies of casting in reality television, particularly focusing on shows like Queer Eye and Love Island USA. Quinn shares her journey into the industry, the importance of empathy in casting, and the challenges faced in producing unscripted con...

Ever wondered how your favorite unscripted shows come to life? The Unscripted Files dives deep into the minds behind reality TV, from creators and casting directors to the producers and showrunners that keep us all glued to the screen. Whether you’re a curious fan or an industry insider, this podcast uncovers the stories, lessons, and creativity fueling the entertainment we love.