Film Florida

Andrew Meyer has produced iconic films including “The Breakfast Club” and “Fried Green Tomatoes” as well as cult favorites “Better off Dead” and “One Crazy Summer.” Earlier in his career he worked with legendary musical artists Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Peter Frampton and George Harrison. Andrew is also an author reflecting on his life in the entertainment industry, his travels around the world, the people he’s met along the way and how reinventing yourself can change your life. We talk all of this and more on this episode of the Film Florida Podcast. If you want to contact Andrew, please send him an email via his website: Andrew Meyer Entertainment LLC https://andrewmeyerentertainment.com/. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Florida resident Ellen Jacoby is an extremely accomplished Casting Director having worked on many of Florida’s most notable projects including Burn Notice, The Waterboy, The Truman Show, Contact, Flipper, The Birdcage, True Lies, My Girl, and all the way back to Miami Vice, just to name a few. Ellen’s esteemed career spans decades in the industry across multiple continents in commercials, movies and television. She also teaches acting classes, trying to give back some of the knowledge she has acquired casting more than 50 major films and TV shows, as well as over 500 commercials, in both English and Spanish helping more than 300,000 talent get work in the entertainment business. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 85- Scott Edwards, Executive VP, Head Of Creative Advertising FOX Entertainment, talks about his job producing trailers, launch promos, one sheets, billboards, custom digital and social content for some of the most recognizable titles on television. Scott also talks about a typical day in his role, how he got to this point in his career, his days at Indiana University, learning how to be a good leader, and much more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 84- Susanne Robinson and Vanessa Alava are the co-founders of Mic Drop Creative in Raleigh North Carolina. Their team creates educational and inspiring original Podcasts, Film and TV, Web & Digital Content, Books, and Apps. Wherever possible, they amplify and dignify the voices of under-represented people – with a special focus on women and girls in STEM and STEAM fields. Susanne and Vanessa talk about their passion for telling inspiring stories, their desire to educate audiences about emerging technologies, and their commitment to equipping women and girls with practical professional skills. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 83- Meredith Shea from ARRAY, the Peabody Award-winning multi-platform arts and social impact collective dedicated to narrative change, founded by filmmaker Ava DuVernay, talks about all things ARRAY, including ARRAY Crew, the below-the-line hiring database for film and television professionals. Meredith is responsible for managing and fostering relations with crew members, studio partners and industry organizations for ARRAY Crew. She also talks about her time with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 82- Representative Linda Chaney is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from Pinellas County. She talks about her support of Florida’s film, television and digital media industry, her career as a marketing professional, her passion for dog and cat rescue, her legislative initiatives, hobbies outside the legislature, advice for our industry to keep fighting in Tallahassee, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 81- Representative Dana Trabulsy is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from Fort Pierce. She talks about her passion Florida’s film, television and digital media industry, her career as a marketing and public relations professional, her legislative initiatives, what she learned during her first legislative session, her advice for our industry to keep fighting in Tallahassee, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 80- Actress, writer and producer Austin Highsmith Garces is a self-proclaimed multi-hyphenate artist and activist with a passion for helping others. An actress by trade, she’s most known for her role as “Phoebe” in “Dolphin Tale” and “Dolphin Tale 2” but she’s also a writer and producer. Her acting credits include “Seal Team,” “Criminal Minds,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Big Love,” “NCIS,” “Hawaii 5-0,” and “Scream: the TV series” just to name a few but her current project brings her back to the St. Pete/Clearwater area as the co-writer of a film. She talks about those things along with how adversity in her life has led to opportunities. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 79- Former Florida State Film Commissioner, and longtime DGA member, Paul Sirmons talks about his 40+ year career including his work on iconic television series in the 1980’s and 90’s before turning his attention to independent feature films with a focus on family and faith-based projects. Now, he’s now the Co-Chair of Film Florida’s Legislative Committee and the President of the International Christian Visual Media Association (ICVM). Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 78- The Slamdance Film Festival is a showcase for raw and innovative filmmaking that lives and bleeds by its mantra: By Filmmakers, For Filmmakers. Taylor Miller and Ronald Baez from Slamdance Miami talk about the festival, which will celebrate emerging filmmakers from Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida in an open-air festival experience at the North Beach Band Shell in Miami, October 28-30, 2021. The festival will then continue with a virtual component from October 31-November 7. Taylor O. Miller is an award winning documentary photographer and filmmaker. She studied for her PhD in Communications at the European Graduate School in Sadas Fee Switzerland and is a co-founder and manager of Slamdance Unstoppable and Slamdance Miami. Miller spent 2.5 years as the Director of Photography with Harbor Heights Entertainment filming a docu-series on the city of Detroit. Her work on the series led to an invitation to speak at Google about THIS IS DETROIT which will be released in 2022. Her recent appearances include a panel on Authenticity and Accessibility in Film and Entertainment for NBC Universal as well as being a panelist alongside New York Times Bestseller Francesca Cavallo and Vanity Fair journalist and advocate Marina Coehllo for the Inclusivity in Film Panel at the Not Film Festival in Italy.  Ronald Baez is an Afro-Latinx filmmaker and immersive media artist from Miami, FL. His short films have screened at film festivals and art museums worldwide including HBO’s New York Latino Film Festival, the Florida Film Festival, Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival, and the Norton Museum of Art. Several of Baez’s projects would go on to be broadcast for television by PBS Stations and distributed online by PBS VOD and Seed & Spark SVOD. Baez's award-winning immersive media projects have opened in exhibition at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the National Association of Broadcasters Conference in Las Vegas (NAB Show). Baez was awarded the NAB Futures Innovator's Award in 2019 for his innovative XR work with South Florida immersive media collective Yellow Wood Immersive. Baez and his partners continue to work with local and national organizations and institutions like National Geographic, the New World Symphony, the University of Oregon, the Ford Foundation, and the Knight Foundation on a variety of ongoing immersive media and film projects. In addition to his work as a filmmaker and immersive media artist, Baez is a founding member of the White Elephant Group, a Miami-based filmmaking collective, and also serves as the Artistic Director of the After School Film Institute, a nonprofit organization mentoring at risk, inner-city students in South Florida.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 77- From Miami Vice in the 1980’s to her most recent work on a series of made for tv romance films, Elayne Schneiderman Schmidt has worked on than 40 films and television series, most of them in Florida, including The Birdcage, Moonlight and The Florida Project just to name a few. She talks about her loyalty to and her love of filming in Florida, what attracts her to projects, and her advice for the next generation of industry professionals in Florida.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 76- Dana Pellerin is the Studio Sales & Business Development Representative at Universal Studios Florida Production Group. Dana began his career with Universal Studios Florida Production Group in 2014. Prior to Universal, he freelanced as a production assistant and coordinator on numerous commercials all over Florida. Dana talks about being responsible for client relationships and packaging bids for studio facilities, the backlot, offices, and other production service rentals on the lot as well as the precautions in place to ensure safe and healthy productions, all while being interviewed from the USFPG Podcast Center/Broadcast Center. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 75- Florida resident Michael S. Baumohl is veteran publicist in the film industry. He was the unit publicist for Universal Pictures for 50 films, including “Spartacus,” moved to Europe as the unit publicist for “Lawrence of Arabia,” joined Warner Bros as Executive Director of Advertising & Publicity for the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and served as Managing Director of European Operations for Lucas Films. Michael returned to the U.S. and now owns an entertainment consultancy, working with indie producers and companies providing finance, business affairs, co-production, film festival, sales and marketing, licensing & merchandising, subsidy and contract advice while continuing to be a member of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts & Science. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 74- Film Florida member Rich Roddman is an accomplished editor, colorist and digital imaging technician with more than 30 years of professional experience. He advises a variety of clients in purchasing equipment and software for field and post-production along with developing workflows to optimize the time and visual quality of their projects. Before moving to Florida, Rich was the Senior Editor for production companies in New York and New Jersey. His company, SilverBox Studios, is located in Largo, Florida and they specialize in commercials, digital media, independent films, & more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 73- Jeff Friday is the founder of the American Black Film Festival and one of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the film and television industry. He talks about ABFF being the premiere platform that introduces filmmakers of color to the industry and has created opportunities for people of color outside of Hollywood’s doors by helping them find their inroad. Jeff is a successful live event producer; he has financed numerous independent films; created & executive produced television specials; and produced a feature documentary called Storm over Brooklyn for HBO in partnership with Emmy and Oscar winning production company Lightbox all while serving as CEO of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted company specializing in the production of live events, television and films focused on African American culture. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 72- Matthew Curtis is the Director of Programming and Tim Anderson is the Programming Coordinator for one of the premiere film festivals in the country, the Florida Film Festival, celebrating its 30th year in 2021. They talk about the festival being an Oscar Qualifying Festival, the evolution of the Florida Film Festival, their favorite memories from years past, and what to look forward to at the 2021 Florida Film Festival, April 9-22 in Central Florida. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 71- Miami native, award winning writer, producer and director Jose Daniel Freixas is best known for being the co-writer and producer of the feature film MAGIC CITY MEMOIRS, Executive Produced by Academy Award nominated actor Andy Garcia. Jose Daniel talks his start in the industry as a PA, where he laid the groundwork for a very successful career. He's also the Co-Founder of Exilium, a South Florida-based film and television company specialized in developing, producing, and financing content for Film, Television, Digital, and commercial platforms. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 70- Florida-based actor, writer, communications professional and Film Florida member Thom Gossom Jr. talks his journey from Birmingham, Alabama to Auburn University where he was the first African American athlete in the Southeastern Conference to walk on, earn a full scholarship and graduate. He is featured in the HBO special, "Breaking the Huddle," about integration of Southern college football. His acting career has spanned film, television and the stage, and his credits include some of the biggest films and television series of the last 30 years. Thom is also the owner and President of communications firm Best Gurl Inc. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 69- Actress and Florida native Brooklynn Prince burst on the scene at age 7 with her performance in "The Florida Project" but she started her career at age 2. Brooklynn talks about getting started in the industry, everything surrounding “The Florida Project,” her love of Disney, and the opportunities that have come her way after her breakout performance. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 68- Paul Maslansky’s career has spanned more than 50 years and while his credits are numerous, he is most known for being a Producer and eventually Executive Producer on the Police Academy franchise. Paul shares great stories about his start in the industry, his winding worldwide road in the industry, what the last 35+ years have been like being involved in one of the most iconic franchises in comedic film history, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 67- Republican State Representative James Buchanan from Sarasota County is a native of Michigan, but graduated from Florida State University and earned his MBA from the University of South Florida. Rep Buchanan is a strong supporter of the film, television and digital media industry. He talks about his time in the Florida State Seminoles Football Program, his support for the industry, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 66- Republican State Representative Mike Caruso from Palm Beach County was born in Washington, D.C. but has lived in Florida for more than 30 years. In addition to being a legislator, Representative Caruso is a Certified Public Accountant and he’s also strong supporter of the film, television and digital media industry. He talks about his legislative initiatives, why he supports the film, television and digital media so strongly, barefoot waterskiing, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 65- Republican State Representative Vance Aloupis from Miami-Dade County was born in Maine but is a graduate of the University of Miami. In addition to being a legislator, Representative Aloupis is an advocate for early childhood education and serves as the CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida. He’s also a big supporter of the film, television and digital media industry. He talks about his legislative initiatives, his support for the industry, great advice for those wanting to advocate for the industry in Tallahassee, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 64- Danny Dávila is an accomplished Production Designer, Art Director and now Director. Danny talks about getting started in the industry in Miami, his role in a production and lots of "Graceland" and "Burn Notice" stories. Additional credits include "Pain and Gain," "The Baker and the Beauty," "Cake," "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World" and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 63- Accomplished film and video colorist, and co-founder of Mixing Light, Patrick Inhofer talks about his career in delivering high-quality programming for broadcast, commercial, corporate and indie clients. He also talks about his 10+ years teaching others how to digitally color correct and has been active in developing community resources for professional and aspiring colorists with Tao of Color and Mixing Light. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 62- Film Florida Government Relations consultant Slater Bayliss is a Partner at The Advocacy Group at Cardenas Partners, one of the top political and government affairs firm in Florida. He has worked in local, state, and federal government policy issues for over two decades. In the early 2000’s he served in Governor Jeb Bush’s administration. Preceding his tenure in the Governor’s office, Slater functioned as special assistant to the Convention Manager for the 2000 Republican National Convention. Slater currently serves on the National Board of Maverick PAC, an organization that promotes next generation leaders in public service. He discusses the Florida House and Senate 2020 elections, what to look for from the new Florida Speaker of the House and Senate President, how COVID-19 will impact Florida's budget and how industry professionals can help efforts in Tallahassee. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 61- Shana Gorondy and Christina Hollerbach talk about “The Right Stuff” filming in Sanford. Shana’s home was used as a location in the series and Christina started Film Sanford, which is a group that promotes Sanford as a filming destination. Watch “The Right Stuff” on Disney+ and view photos of filming at Shana’s home at http://bit.ly/TRSSanford. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 60- Joyce Gilliard is a film and television hair stylist and founder of iSAFE! TV & FILM, LLC. Joyce was seriously injured when she was struck by a freight train on the set of "Midnight Rider," the incident that killed camera assistant Sarah Jones. Since the tragedy, Joy has focused her efforts to bring awareness to safety in the film and television industry. Joyce talks about her career, that day on the set of "Midnight Rider" and her quest to keep cast and crew safe on set. For more visit https://www.isafetvandfilm.com/ or e-mail [email protected]. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 59- Lori Rubinstein is the Executive Director of the Behind the Scenes Foundation. The Behind the Scenes Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2005 to create and support charitable programs for the entertainment technology industry. The Behind the Scenes charity issues grants to entertainment technology professionals in need due to serious illness or injury. It works closely with related industry charities and social service organizations to assist clients to the fullest extent possible. The Foundation raises funds through events, programs and donations. For more info, visit btshelp.org or e-mail [email protected]. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 58- Todd Thompson is a writer, producer and director and Joy Kigin is an actress, writer and producer. Both are Central Florida-based and they are working on a historical Florida story. They talk about "The Highwaymen," what’s the story, what attracted them to it, the challenges COVID-19 is playing in the production, and when we will see the results. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 57- Florida-based film and television producer and production manager Wayne Morris has probably been involved in more film and television projects in Florida over the last 20 years than anyone else in the state. A few of those projects include "Mortal Kombat Conquest," "Sydney White," "The Inbetweeners," "David Makes Man," and "The Right Stuff" just to name a few. In fact, Wayne is the primary reason many projects film in Florida. We talked to Wayne about some of those projects, his loyalty to Florida, and how he’s producing in the middle of a pandemic. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 56- Part 2 with Film Historian David Morton, Ph.D. talking about his dissertation on the History of the Motion Picture Industry in the State of Florida. In part 2, David talks about the emergence of Orlando and Miami in the film industry, the importance of Miami Vice, the future of the film and television industry in Florida, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 55- Part 1 with Film Historian David Morton, Ph.D. talking about his dissertation on the History of the Motion Picture Industry in the State of Florida. David discusses why he chose the film industry for his dissertation, and the early years of the film industry in Florida in the early 1900’s, primarily in Jacksonville and Tampa. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 54- Miami native filmmaker Andrew Hevia talks about his time at New World School for the Arts, then Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts, being the co-founder of Miami's Borscht Film Festival, being co-producer on "Moonlight," his most recent project "Leave the Bus through the Broken Window," getting his start in the industry and what’s next for him. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 53- Ringling College of Art and Design graduate and Tampa resident Tony Ahedo talks about his work as a Director, DP, Camera Op and AC, with credits on features, music videos, live events and commercials, filming in Florida and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 52- Florida native Arielle Kebbel talks about her starring roles on television series "Ballers," "Midnight, Texas" and her current series "Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector". Additional TV credits include Grand Hotel, UnReal, The Vampire Diaries, Gilmore Girls and 90210 to name a few. Film credits include Fifty Shades Freed, fan favorites John Tucker Must Die, Aquamarine and The Uninvited. She also talks how she got involved in acting, growing up in Central Florida and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 51- Matt Stein talks about his current role as Senior VP, Scripted Film and TV Production for Live Nation Productions, his previous role as VP, Production for Sony Pictures International Productions and before that Executive VP, Production for Dimension Films. He talks about overseeing 35+ films, how he got involved in the industry, his day to day responsibilities on a project, his advice for those wanting to follow in his footsteps and being a graduate of the University of Miami. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 50- KK Jag talks about her role as Director, Production Finance for Horizon Scripted Television, being involved with hundreds of episodes of television, including Florida-based series "The Right Stuff," "David Makes Man" and "Miami Ink," how she got involved in the industry and her role on a television series. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 49- Florida-based producer Veronica Nickel talks about her role as co-producer and line producer on the Golden Globe and Academy Award winning "Moonlight" as well as some of her other independent film credits including "Uncorked," "A Kid Like Jake" and "First Match" and her new role in the documentary genre. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 48- Shona Tuckman (CEO of Kreate Films) talks about her work on independent films "Finding Joy," "Fat," "War Story" as well as challenges she's faced and overcome finding funding for her projects, career advice and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 47- Award-winning writer, producer and director Dan Myrick talks about being part of the core team and co-director of "The Blair Witch Project," his latest initiative to bring more film production to the Tampa area, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 46- Award-winning writer, producer, director and editor Sean Baker talks "The Florida Project," "Tangerine," "Take Out" and "Four Letter Words." Sean also talks about getting his start in the industry, wearing many hats on projects and his desire to film more in Florida. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 45- Comic industry legend, and Florida resident, Bob Layton talks about finding his passion early for comics and storytelling, reinventing the Iron Man franchise, refocusing his efforts on film and television, how technology has changed the comic process, his advice for aspiring artists, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 44- Award-winning visual effects supervisor, and Florida resident, Adam Howard talks about his three decades of experience in the feature film and television industry, including his work on "Titanic," "Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest," "Star Wars Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith," "Master & Commander", "Mission Impossible 3," "Apollo 13," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 43- David Yates, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Executive Director and CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium David Yates talks about introducing the world to Winter in "Dolphin Tale," then introducing Hope in "Dolphin Tale 2," CMA’s ongoing mission of Rescue, Rehab and Release, the future of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the importance of film-induced tourism. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 42- Vanilla Ice Florida resident Vanilla Ice talks about his 30+ year career in the entertainment industry including "Ice Ice Baby" being the first hip hop single to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and eventually selling more than 17 million copies. We also talk about his real estate and home renovation series "The Vanilla Ice Project," now in its 9th season, his philanthropic efforts, and more. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 41- Ben Rock, Producer, Director, Editor Florida-born producer, director and editor Ben Rock talks about attending Winter Park High School then UCF, being one of the five person core team that made The Blair Witch Project, directing the critically-acclaimed sci-fi/horror film Alien Raiders, continuing his film and theater passion, and his current project, a horror/comedy web series called 20 Seconds to Live with previous podcast guest Bob DeRosa. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 40- Bob DeRosa, Screenwriter Florida-born screenwriter Bob DeRosa talks about attending the University of Florida, becoming a leading figure Orlando's theatre and film community then moving to Los Angeles and working on Killers, The Air I Breathe and White Collar among other things, and now web series 20 Seconds to Live. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 39- Karen Hall, Writer & Producer Award-winning writer and producer Karen Hall talks about her work on Eight is Enough, M*A*S*H, Hill Street Blues, Moonlighting, The Glades, and more. We also talk about what Karen looks for in a project, her advice for aspiring writers and the difference between being a good storyteller and a good writer. Audio editing by Rob Hill.

Film Florida Podcast Episode 38- Billy Corben & Alfred Spellman, Producers Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman are legendary award-winning film and television producers. Their credits include Cocaine Cowboys and Screwball as well as The U, The U Part 2 and Broke for ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series. As well-known as Billy and Alfred are for their producing skill, they are even more well-known for their storytelling skills. We talk about growing up in Florida and what drives them to find new stories to tell and new ways to tell those stories. Audio editing by Rob Hill.