Reel Wisdom with NK

The Indie Producer's Roadmap with Mike D. Ware Indie film producing takes someone who is gritty, resourceful, and financially savvy. In this episode of Reel Wisdom with NK, we sit down with multi-hyphenate Chicago-based filmmaker and producer Mike D. Ware (Senior Producer at 1986 Studios, Echo Boomers , Pools , Dog Years , Double Blind ). With over a decade of experience bringing ambitious in...

Made in Illinois: Film, Industry & Opportunity - Live with Peter Hawley What does it actually take to make a movie in Illinois—and how can independent filmmakers navigate the state’s resources to get their projects funded and made? Recorded live at the Midwest Film Festival, host NK sits down with Peter Hawley , Director of the Illinois Film Office, to breakdown state tax incentives, underutil...

The conversation continues! In Part 2 of this live recording at the Midwest Film Festival, NK turns the spotlight from behind-the-scenes design to the performances and visuals that bring a story to life. She is joined by three more celebrated Best of the Midwest Award winners to talk performance, visual storytelling, and pulling off a winning feature: Ashlyn Lozano | Winner – Best Actress Brian Za...

In part one of this intimate live conversation, host NK sits down with three standout Best of the Midwest Award winners to unpack the artistry, discipline, and execution behind their craft: Mariah Bennett | Winner – Best Production Design Erick Juarez | Winner – Best Casting Davis Cameron Chu | Winner – Best Editing Whether you are prepping your next short, navigating the festival circuit, or look...

Film Festival Programming Demystified with Raul Benitez & Sandra Bernal Aristizábal Today we are Demystifying the art of film festival programming.  We sit down with the ultimate cinema architects and uncovering the hidden blueprint they use to build the industry. We are revealing exactly what a programmer does and the submission strategies that could land your film on the big screen. If you&a...

Global kaleidoscope: Multicultural Storytelling with Natasha Parker Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator  Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Fai...

Green Lighting Yourself with Troy Pryor Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator  Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manag...

Communication in Freelance with Katelyn Henslin In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , our host, NK, sits down with Chicago-based independent producer Katelyn Henslin for a candid and practical conversation about navigating the freelance film industry and why communication is the backbone of a sustainable creative career. Katelyn is an established freelancer in Chicago, she reflects on recent ca...

The Art of Sound & Scoring with Cory Coken In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, our host NK sits down with Cory Coken, owner of NoiseFloor Chicago, to explore the invisible art form that shapes how every story is felt: sound design and scoring. Cory shares why sound is not just an accessory to film but a storytelling force of its own: one that guides emotion, builds rhythm, and breathes lif...

Leadership in Film with Pemon Rami  In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , host NK is joined by filmmaker, educator, and cultural leader Pemon Rami to explore what true leadership looks like in the film industry and how we can build a creative community that lasts. From his early beginnings walking into a theater company out of curiosity, to becoming a mentor for generations of artists, Pemon sh...

The Importance of Intimacy Coordinating with Aimy Tien & Dr. Nikki Blacksmith In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , host NK welcomes intimacy coordinator and multidisciplinary artist Aimy Tien alongside organizational psychologist Dr. Nikki Blacksmith to unpack the transformative role of intimacy coordination in film and television. Together, Aimy and Dr. Blacksmith highlights why intimacy...

Mental and Physical Health as a Freelancer with Melissa Doman In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , host NK sits down with organizational psychologist and author Melissa Doman to tackle one of the most pressing and often overlooked topics in the film industry: protecting your mental and physical health as a freelancer. With a career advising global companies and a deep understanding of workplac...

The Art of Post Production with Ana Christian & C. Ryan Stemple In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , host NK sits down with Ana Christian and C. Ryan Stemple, co-owners of Journeywork Entertainment, to demystify one of the most overlooked yet essential stages of filmmaking: post-production. More than just cutting footage, post is where the story truly takes shape and it starts long before...

Dear Actors with Brittani Ward and Susan Farlik Carlson In the second episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , host NK turns the spotlight onto the actors, the heartbeat of any story. Joined by two powerhouse industry professionals, Brittani Ward and Susan Farlik Carlson, this episode is an open letter to performers everywhere: You are enough. Drawing from decades of experience in casting, coaching, produ...

The Art of Producing with Angie Gaffney In the premiere episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK , host NK sits down with Angie Gaffney, a powerhouse Chicago-based producer, to unpack the often misunderstood world of independent film producing. With years of experience and a sharp entrepreneurial mindset, Angie shares her journey from passionate theater kid to CEO-level film facilitator, offering an unfilte...