Mama Bear: Nurturing Talent On Set

Episode 129 - Mama Bear: Nurturing Talent On Set In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Jaclyn interviews Susan Willis, a military veteran who transitioned from serving in the US Air Force to a career in the film industry. Susan shares her unique background, having grown up in a Navy family, and her experiences running a coffee shop before discovering her passion for filmmaking in 2013. Known as 'Mama Bear' on set, Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding all aspects of film production and her commitment to nurturing and guiding others in the industry. The interview touches on her challenges and achievements in background casting and her pivot to focusing on principal casting and acting. Highlights Include: Welcome and IntroductionFrom Military to PerformanceDiscovering the Film IndustryBackground Work and CastingChallenges and Growth in CastingTeaching and TrainingFrom Background to Speaking RolesPrioritizing Acting over CastingFinal Thoughts and Contact InformationBio:Susan grew up in a Navy family and has lived on 2 islands but grew up mainly on the Gulf Coast. She later served in US Air Force where she also met her husband and started a family. Post military Susan entered the Coffee business world, working at several coffee shops including owning her own shop from 2006 - 2010. Although she has been acting since high school she found her call into the film industry in 2013 both on and off camera acting, casting and even some directing and light producing of her own short films. She loves to help things run smoothly on set and not afraid to jump in and help out as needed which is how she acquired the name of Mama Bear. Susan is married to her very supportive husband Brian. They have two grown children and one granddaughter. Susan resides in SC near Augusta GASusan’s Links: https://linktr.ee/susan_willisMamma Bear Casting: https://www.mamabearcasting.com/FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VVIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers,  talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-servicesCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions