Filmmaker Mixer

Writer-director Khizer Khani joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss making an ambitious dystopian sci-fi feature in just 12.5 shooting days. He shares the production choices that protected the story, stretched a limited budget, and created a believable futuristic world without expensive visual effects.If you're an indie filmmaker, film student, or festival fan, you'll come away with practical lessons you can apply to your own projects.

Jennifer M. Kay joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to talk about CERTIFIABLE, the comedy web series she created while taking on multiple roles including writer, director, producer and actor. The series follows actresses Lex and Gabby as they navigate the chaos of their careers, and the first season earned significant recognition on the festival circuit.Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of creating an independent web series, from writing and directing comedy to performing while directing, solving production problems and learning how to build an audience. Filmmakers will get practical insight into what it takes to create your own opportunities when you don't have a giant production machine behind you.

Writer-director Andrew David Paterson, producer-actor Hazel Hering and actor Oliver Austin join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the feature film AMERICAN FLAKE, an indie comedy that explores grief, friendship, and growing up through authentic, character-driven storytelling inspired by their hometown of Eugene, Oregon.Learn how they cast a first-time actor, balanced comedy with emotional depth, and built a deeply personal feature that feels honest from beginning to end. This episode is packed with practical insights for indie filmmakers, writers, directors, and film students looking to create meaningful stories on a limited budget.

What does it take to create the explosive action of Tulsa King? Three-time Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator and second unit director Freddie Poole joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down the craft behind Tulsa King stunts.Freddie takes us inside the Episode 2 home-invasion fight, the massive Grand Hotel explosion, the Dunmire compound assault, and the climactic Dwight vs. Dunmire showdown. He also discusses working with Sylvester Stallone for more than 15 years and what filmmakers can learn about designing, rehearsing, shooting, and safely executing complex action.If you're a filmmaker, stunt performer, film student, or simply fascinated by how television action is actually made, this episode is packed with practical insight.

Based on the inspiring true story of Shalin Shah, Paper Flowers transforms a rare cancer diagnosis into a remarkable story of love, gratitude, and purpose. Writer/director Mahesh Pailoor and writer/producer Asit Vyas join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss adapting real life into a compelling feature film and the creative decisions behind every emotional moment.Whether you're an indie filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, or film student, you'll learn about adapting true stories, directing emotionally authentic performances, producing independent features, and finding the heart of a film.

Emmy-nominated Makeup Department Head Corey Castellano joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss the incredible prosthetic and period makeup behind Monster: The Ed Gein Story. From transforming Charlie Hunnam into Ed Gein to creating realistic aging effects under unforgiving high-definition cameras, Corey shares how his team brought one of television's most challenging characters to life.This conversation is packed with practical insights for filmmakers, makeup artists, and film students. Learn about prosthetic design, continuity, actor collaboration, working under tight production schedules, and what it takes to create award-worthy makeup that disappears on screen.Whether you're interested in special effects makeup, production design, or filmmaking craftsmanship, this episode offers an inside look at one of television's most impressive transformations.

Award-winning prosthetics designer Barrie Gower returns to the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to take us behind the scenes of Masters of the Universe!In this episode, Barrie talks about the creative process behind bringing the world of Eternia to life — from designing creatures and characters to the hands-on challenges of creating practical effects for a massive fantasy production.We dig into what happens when wild ideas have to become something an actor can actually wear, how prosthetics and visual effects come together, and the problem-solving, collaboration, and sheer creativity that goes into making movie magic happen.If you're a fan of Masters of the Universe, practical effects, creature design, or the incredible work that happens behind the camera, you won't want to miss this conversation with one of the industry's best.

Join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast as writer/director Aaron James discusses the making of THE NATION, an ambitious indie mockumentary that combines sharp satire with heartfelt comedy. Whether you're an aspiring director, writer, producer, or film student, this conversation offers valuable insights into comedy, collaboration, and bringing an original vision to the screen.Filmmakers will learn about mockumentary storytelling, directing comedy, ensemble performances, world-building, editing comedic timing, and overcoming indie production challenges.

Costume designer Olga Mill joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss designing the wardrobe that helped shape the acclaimed Netflix series Beef. Learn how costume design influences character, emotion, and visual storytelling.Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, or costume designer, this conversation is packed with practical insights into collaboration, character development, and building authentic worlds through wardrobe.

Writer and director Tiffany Wu joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss Big Day, a deeply personal short film inspired by her experience challenging cultural expectations surrounding marriage. Tiffany also shares why she left a successful 20-year career as a Hollywood VFX producer to pursue writing and directing.Big Day is premiering August 6 at 3:15 PM at Regal NoHo (6150 Laurel Canyon Blvd.). Tiffany discusses writing authentic cultural stories, directing actors, balancing comedy with emotional honesty, and making a career-changing creative leap.Whether you're an independent filmmaker, film student, or festival fan, this conversation offers valuable insight into finding your voice and telling deeply personal stories.

How do you tell a deeply personal story while honoring the lived experience of your subject? Directors Allison Norlian and Kody Leibowitz join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss MEANDERING SCARS, the documentary following Erika Bogan's remarkable journey to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro two decades after being paralyzed in a domestic violence incident.We explore documentary storytelling, building trust, filming difficult emotional moments, editing real-life narratives, and creating impact through cinema.Filmmakers will learn about directing documentaries, collaboration, ethical storytelling, and turning real-life events into compelling cinema.

Can stories help us heal? In this episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, Jody Plauché discusses his book Why Gary Why?, exploring trauma, memory, forgiveness, and the responsibility of telling deeply personal stories.The conversation offers valuable insight into how authentic storytelling can impact both creators and audiences.Filmmakers, writers, and documentary creators will gain practical perspectives on adapting true stories, handling sensitive material with care, and finding emotional honesty in their work.

Cinematographer James Laxton joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss the visual storytelling behind Netflix’s Beef. From shaping character through composition to creating a cinematic language for emotional conflict, James breaks down the craft behind the series’ acclaimed look.Filmmakers will learn how creative collaboration, camera choices, lighting, and visual intention come together to serve a story. A must-watch conversation for cinematographers, directors, film students, and creators.

Production designer Laurin Kelsey joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to break down the creative process behind Elle, the prequel series exploring the early life of Elle Woods before Legally Blonde. From recreating 1990s Seattle to designing interiors that reflect optimism, nostalgia, and personality, Laurin explains how production design becomes visual storytelling.Filmmakers will learn how color, texture, architecture, and collaboration with other departments shape character and emotion on screen. Whether you're directing, producing, or designing your own projects, this episode offers practical insights into creating memorable cinematic worlds.Elle has already been renewed for Season 2, making this a timely look at one of television's standout production design achievements.

Step inside the world of Bridgerton with costume designer John Glaser as he reveals how period fashion, historical research, and creative collaboration shaped the series’ unforgettable visual style.In this Filmmaker Mixer episode, filmmakers and students will learn how costume design supports character development, world-building, and storytelling on a major production. From concept to final screen image, discover the craft behind creating costumes that audiences remember.

Ryan Dougall joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss It’s Getting Late with Owen Reed, a docustyle comedy that follows a struggling late-night talk show fighting for survival while blending scripted storytelling with real-world improvisation.Ryan breaks down the creative process behind building a fictional production that culminates in a fully improvised live talk show performance. Filmmakers will learn about directing actors in unpredictable environments, balancing narrative structure with spontaneity, and turning production challenges into creative opportunities.Whether you're making indie films, mockumentaries, or experimental narratives, this conversation offers valuable insights into taking risks and finding new ways to tell stories.

Beck Underwood joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her debut feature film, The Lure of Ponies, and a filmmaking journey that spans more than 25 short films, stop-motion animation, production design, and decades of independent filmmaking.In this conversation, Beck shares lessons learned from creating animated shorts, curating film festivals, and transitioning from short-form storytelling to a feature-length film. Filmmakers will gain practical insights into visual storytelling, creative persistence, and building a sustainable artistic career.Whether you're an animator, indie filmmaker, or festival enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look into a unique creative path.

Production Designer Alexandra Schaller joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss creating the visual world of Netflix's Little Brother. From designing character-driven environments to constructing an entire family home on a soundstage, Alexandra shares how production design supports comedy and storytelling.Filmmakers will learn how visual choices reveal character, collaborate with directors, and elevate every scene through thoughtful design. Whether you're a production designer, filmmaker, or film student, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Writer/director and editor James Kondelik joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss building a career in genre filmmaking. We dive into low-budget horror strategy, directing action and suspense, theatrical indie releases, and what filmmakers can learn about pacing, tension, and audience engagement from genre cinema. Fans of horror and independent filmmaking will find plenty of practical insight in this episode

Carrie Coaplen and Jonathan Hawpe join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Halcyon Daze, their documentary about Disney's Galactic Starcruiser and the passionate community that emerged around one of the most ambitious immersive experiences ever created.In this conversation, Carrie and Jonathan share how they transformed a personal obsession into a documentary, interviewed dozens of devoted passengers, and explored the psychology of fandom, belonging, and immersive storytelling. Filmmakers will learn about documentary structure, interview strategy, finding universal themes in niche subjects, and preserving cultural moments before they disappear.Whether you're a documentary filmmaker, festival programmer, Star Wars fan, or student of immersive experiences, this episode offers a fascinating look at storytelling that extends beyond the screen.

Writer-director Jeffrey Scott Collins joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Above the Line, a dark Hollywood heist comedy about six struggling creatives who get the chance to steal Best Picture trophies from the producer who wronged them.Jeff shares insights into writing ensemble stories, balancing crime and comedy, directing a cast that includes Cedric the Entertainer and Sophia Ali, and navigating the realities of independent filmmaking.Filmmakers will learn about genre blending, heist structure, directing actors, and turning personal industry experiences into compelling stories.

Director Jon Erwin joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Young Washington, the historical drama that explores George Washington's early years before becoming America's first president.Jon shares insights into directing period films, building large-scale battle sequences, researching historical figures, and crafting character-driven stories. Filmmakers will learn about leadership, visual storytelling, and creating emotionally engaging historical cinema.

Writer and director Tommy Jackson joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss making Land of Wolves, an intense survival thriller that combines brutal action with emotional storytelling. Tommy shares how he developed the film's unique world, directed its action sequences, and built suspense throughout production.Filmmakers will learn about independent action filmmaking, directing fight scenes, visual storytelling, overcoming production challenges, and building a distinctive voice in today's independent film landscape.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we explore a documentary project following Alyssa Carson as she travels across the United States during NASA’s Artemis II mission. The film parallels a 10-day lunar flyby with a ground-level road trip, capturing stories of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts along the way.We break down how the filmmakers structured a real-time narrative across geography and mission timing, blending documentary storytelling with live historical events. This episode is especially valuable for filmmakers interested in experimental structure, observational documentary techniques, and science-focused storytelling.

Solidarity director Dustin Brown and producer Kaiulani Bush join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss the decade-long journey creating a deeply personal debut feature about two immigrants whose lives are connected across language, culture, and circumstance. From short film beginnings to self-financing a trailer that caught the attention of Darren Aronofsky and Protozoa Pictures, this is a masterclass in persistence and independent filmmaking.Dustin and Kaiulani break down how lived experience, community history,and visual storytelling shaped the film’s emotional core.Filmmakers will learn how to sustain long-term projects, build momentum through grassroots filmmaking, and craft authentic social realism on screen.

Director and writer Ruthy Pribar and actress Ronit Yudkevitz join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss their latest film, What Is to Come, which premiers at the Tribeca Film Festival. Following the success of her acclaimed debut feature Asia, Ruthy shares how a chance encounter with a woman carrying an extraordinary story inspired her newest film. We explore the responsibility of adapting real-life trauma, finding hope inside devastating circumstances, directing emotionally complex performances, and how her perspective as a filmmaker has evolved since winning the Nora Ephron Prize at Tribeca. Ruthy also reflects on the themes of survival, gratitude, and reinvention that continue to shape her work.

Production Designer Cabot McMullen joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss his work on Shrinking, his journey from architecture and theater to Hollywood, and how production design shapes audience emotion.Cabot shares insights into visual storytelling, collaboration, set design, and the creative decisions that help bring characters and worlds to life. Filmmakers will learn practical lessons about design, storytelling, and building meaningful creative careers.

Sophia Meloni and cinematographer Lexa Krebs join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of CHOP CHEESE, Sophia's debut short film inspired by a real family story. They break down adapting personal experiences into narrative filmmaking, collaborating with family members, and building an authentic visual style for a coming-of-age story.The film premieres at Palm Springs International ShortFest and has also been selected for HollyShorts. Filmmakers will learn about directing first projects, developing short films for festivals, working with actors, and crafting compelling stories from real life.

Filmmaker Mixer sits down with writer, producer, and horror storyteller Eric Miller, author of Whatever Happened To Uncle Ed? and screenwriter of films including Ice Spiders, Night Skies, and Mask Maker. We discuss genre storytelling, balancing horror with comedy, and how emotional truth strengthens supernatural fiction.Filmmakers will learn about writing tone, adapting ideas for production realities, creating memorable horror concepts, and sustaining a creative career across novels and film.

Hair and makeup can be one of the most powerful storytelling tools in film and television. In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with hair and makeup designer Jacqueline Fowler to discuss her work on the television adaptation of Lord of the Flies. Jacqueline shares how she approached character design, visual continuity, collaboration with other departments, and the challenges of creating authentic survival-driven transformations. Filmmakers will gain valuable insight into the creative and technical side of makeup design for television.

Katie Spelman joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her work as the choreographer behind School Spirits and her journey from Chicago stages to Broadway and television productions. Known for projects including The Notebook, Moulin Rouge!, and Rent Live!, Katie shares how movement can deepen storytelling, strengthen performances, and elevate emotional moments on screen. Filmmakers will learn about choreography for camera, collaboration with directors and actors, visual storytelling, and building a creative career across multiple mediums.

What does it take to supervise visual effects on a major television series? In this Filmmaker Mixer episode, Paradise Season 2 VFX Supervisor John Weckworth and CG Supervisor Evan Underwood discuss creative problem solving, digital environments, production planning, and the evolution of cloud-based VFX workflows.

Ashley Barron joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the cinematography behind Netflix’s How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. In this filmmaker-focused conversation, Ashley shares how the visual style of the series evolved, the challenges of shooting emotionally layered scenes, and the realities of crafting cinematic television on a fast-paced production schedule. This episode explores lighting choices, camera movement, collaboration with directors and designers, and how cinematography shapes tone and character. Independent filmmakers, film students, and cinematography fans will gain practical insight into visual storytelling for modern streaming productions.Filmmaker Mixer is a podcast dedicated to the craft of filmmaking, featuring conversations with directors, cinematographers, editors, composers, costume designers, and other creative professionals working in film and television.

The action in The Terminal List: Dark Wolf feels different—and that's by design. Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator Thom Khoury Williams and veteran stunt performer Chris Romrell join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss creating realistic military action, tactical combat, and large-scale stunt sequences for the hit series.Filmmakers will learn about stunt coordination, rehearsal strategies, safety, second-unit directing, and the creative process behind modern action storytelling.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with ACE Eddie Award-winning editor Yvette M. Amirian, ACE to discuss her work on A Winter’s Song, the first English-language romantic comedy set in Armenia.Yvette breaks down the craft of editing emotion, building chemistry through pacing, and solving indie filmmaking challenges in the edit room. This conversation is packed with practical insights for filmmakers, editors, film students, and anyone passionate about how movies truly come together.

How do casting directors bring real-life figures to the screen? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Tiffany Little Canfield and Josh Einsohn discuss the casting process behind Monster: The Ed Gein Story and the challenges of building a cast for a true-crime drama.They share insights into auditions, actor selection, collaboration with filmmakers, and what today's actors need to know to stand out. A must-watch conversation for filmmakers, actors, and anyone interested in the craft of casting.

John Lornager, Supervising Sound Editor for Wednesday, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss how sound design shaped the gothic atmosphere, suspense, and tonal balance of the hit series. From subtle environmental textures to major horror moments, this conversation explores how audio storytelling elevates visual storytelling.Filmmakers, editors, and film students will learn about post-production workflow, building tension through sound, collaborating with directors, and creating immersive sonic worlds for television and film.

Chris Ritvo, Overall Visual Effects Supervisor on Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the creation of Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus at the heart of the film. In this conversation, Chris shares how his team combined real animal reference footage with advanced CGI to create a believable and emotionally engaging character. From researching octopus behavior at the Vancouver Aquarium to solving the challenges of photoreal creature animation, this episode offers valuable insights for filmmakers, visual effects artists, and film students interested in modern VFX workflows. Learn how filmmakers blend practical reference, technology, and storytelling to create digital characters audiences truly connect with.

On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Ben King takes us inside the creation some of the most ambitious sequences from IT: Welcome to Derry. From meteor impacts to terrifying creature transformations, Ben breaks down the technical and creative process behind bringing horror to life on screen.We discuss the undead moose attack sequence, designing fear through visual effects, and how the series explores themes through horror imagery. Filmmakers, VFX artists, horror fans, and indie creators will learn about creature design, cinematic storytelling, practical vs. digital effects, and how high-end television horror sequences actually get made.

Amanda Pollack (ACE) joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her work editing critically acclaimed series like The Americans, The Good Fight, and Palm Royale. With a background rooted in music and rhythm, Amanda shares how she shapes performances, tension, and story in the edit.In this episode, filmmakers will learn how editorial rhythm impacts storytelling, how to collaborate with directors, and how to evolve your craft across genres and long-running series. A must-watch for editors and storytellers looking to deepen their understanding of post-production.

Barrie Gower joins Filmmaker Mixer for an in-depth conversation about the craft of prosthetic makeup in film and television. From character transformations to creature effects, he breaks down the creative and technical process behind some of the industry’s most memorable practical makeup work.In this episode, filmmakers and film students will learn how prosthetic designs evolve from concept art to camera-ready performances, how makeup departments collaborate with directors and actors, and why practical effects continue to play a critical role in modern filmmaking.Whether you’re an indie creator, horror fan, or aspiring makeup FX artist, this episode offers real insight into the artistry and problem-solving behind cinematic transformation.

What does it take to bring a story to life through music? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with a composer whose work spans The Queen’s Gambit, Hacks, and the indie film Breakup Season. From emotional storytelling to technical execution, we explore how music elevates every frame. We dive into the creative process behind scoring for different genres, collaborating with creatives, and adapting to genres. Whether you're directing, editing, or composing, this episode offers real insight into how music shapes narrative. Filmmakers will learn how to better collaborate with composers, approach scoring early in production, and use music to enhance tone, pacing, and emotional impact.

What does it really take to create world-class visual effects for a hit series like Wednesday? Mark O. Hammond joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the art, technology, and collaboration behind modern VFX production. From concept development to final delivery, this episode explores how filmmakers and artists work together to create memorable cinematic moments. Perfect for indie filmmakers, aspiring VFX supervisors, and anyone passionate about film production.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with Judith “Jude” Feller, the new costume designer of Virgin River. She shares how she stepped into an established series and evolved its visual language while staying true to its cozy, small-town identity.Jude breaks down character-driven wardrobe decisions, balancing practicality with style in an outdoor setting, and introducing new elements like Western wear. This conversation is packed with insight for filmmakers looking to understand how costume design directly impacts storytelling.Filmmakers will learn how to approach long-running series, collaborate across departments, and use wardrobe as a narrative tool.

Joshua Marsh, costume designer for Monster: The Ed Gein Story, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the creative process behind building the visual identity of one of television’s darkest true crime worlds. From research and collaboration to character psychology and historical texture, Joshua shares how costume design shapes storytelling on screen. This conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers, film students, indie creators, and anyone interested in the craft behind prestige television. Learn how wardrobe choices influence performance, tone, and world-building in modern film and TV production.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director Arianna Ortiz to discuss her short film The Birthday Gift, adapted from Stephanie Alison Walker’s play The Abuelas. Arianna shares how she translated a stage story into a cinematic experience while maintaining emotional authenticity. We explore directing actors, navigating adaptation challenges, and how Arianna’s background in acting influences her filmmaking. With a feature version currently in development, this conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers looking to adapt material and tell culturally specific stories with depth.

Bonnie Gross, writer and producer of Lady Parts, joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down her journey from screening at the Austin Film Festival to securing distribution. She shares the real steps, challenges, and turning points that helped the film move beyond the festival circuit. This episode dives into the realities of indie film distribution—what works, what doesn’t, and how filmmakers can position their projects for success. Whether you're submitting to festivals or preparing your first feature, this conversation offers practical insights you can use.

Emmy Award-winning composer Tyler Strickland joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down his work on John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds. He shares how he approached scoring a beloved comedy icon while balancing nostalgia, emotion, and authenticity.Premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, the documentary presented unique challenges in tone, structure, and archival storytelling. Tyler dives into his creative process, collaboration, and how music shapes audience perception.Filmmakers will learn how to think about score earlier, work with evolving edits, and craft music that supports story over sentiment.

Clara and Julia Kuperberg join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss their latest documentary exploring Latino representation in Hollywood. Drawing from decades of research into American cinema, they break down how identity, power, and storytelling intersect on screen. In this episode, they share their creative process, challenges in documenting underrepresented voices, and what filmmakers can learn about crafting meaningful, socially conscious work. This conversation is essential for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking and cultural storytelling.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with editor Eric Litman, ACE to explore the craft behind editing One Piece. From balancing tone to shaping large-scale action, Eric shares how the series comes together in the edit room. This conversation dives into the challenges of adapting a beloved anime into live-action, collaborating across departments, and making editorial decisions that serve both story and fan expectations. Filmmakers will gain insight into pacing, workflow, and storytelling at a high level.