Georgia In Connecticut

While racism is still alive and well, even in the Nutmeg state, award-winning filmmaker Jon Cruz refuses to back down from his mission to educate and inspire through the art of storytelling.In this episode, we talk about Jon’s lived experience as creator of color in Connecticut, why he transitioned from acting to directing, and how he came up with the idea for his latest film “Midnight”, a psychological horror film about performance, inheritance, and the quiet violence of assimilation. With this story, he’s asking each and every one of us: what parts of ourselves were we taught to shrink? Who built the stage? And what does it cost to step away?   (1:22) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut? (15:44) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now? (26:20) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest) Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/jon-cruz-in-connecticut-filmmaker/comments Connect with Jon Cruz:MIDNIGHT the Film - https://bio.site/Midnight_filmMidnight Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/midnight_short.filmJon Cruz’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@J27Studios  “Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcastsPocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticutInterested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/ More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/ Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

From stop-motion toy dinosaur re-enactments to sweeping helicopter action sequences, award-winning filmmaker Alec Asten is here to talk about how he ended up (back) in Connecticut, how he once made a black-and-white prison break film with no less than 17 live rats, and why he thinks AI can be a tool to help creators without access to big budgets. We’ll see if he can convince us!Alec’s production company is Firesite Films, where he has been creating award winning videos for over thirty years. He’s also the Vice President of the Connecticut Film & Television Alliance.   (00:48) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut?(25:00) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now?(51:28) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest)Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION (it’s in the episode!) and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/alec-asten-filmmaker-vp-of-ct-film/commentsConnect with Alec Asten:http://www.firesitefilms.com/  “Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcastsPocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticutInterested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/ More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/ Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

As the host of “Georgia in Connecticut”, what better way to get to know me, a fellow Connecticut Creative, than to put me directly in the hot seat, answering the very questions I’ll be asking future guests? In this episode, my Partner in Crime (and co-producer) Tom Sorensen talks with me about why we decided to move from Los Angeles, California all the way to Middletown, Connecticut, what inspired me to start this podcast series, and how I keep myself motivated as a multi-hyphenate creator to keep going in the face of (perceived) defeat. From film and television to the stage and the page, I’m looking forward to highlighting Connecticut’s rich variety of talent. Because, We’re Here, Dammit! (00:48) – Part 1 – Where in Connecticut and Why in Connecticut? (10:05) – Part 2 – Who are you and What are you working on now? (17:40) – Part 3 – Full of Surprises (fun facts about our guest) Guess the DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL TRIVIA QUESTION and get a shout-out on one of our future episodes: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/p/georgia-reed-in-connecticut-actor/comments“Georgia in Connecticut” is on these podcast platforms:Substack: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/id1896845286Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ponH9xWQqEDIqjOuG1J?si=7be49eb6862f4aa2YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Georjiffy/podcastsPocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/georgia-in-connecticut/f816a160-3de8-013f-8300-0231fad2d2b9Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1896845286/georgia-in-connecticutInterested in becoming a Sponsor? Let’s talk: https://georgiareed.com/contact/ More About Georgia Reed: https://georgiareed.com/ Also, please join me on my Substack page: https://georgiainconnecticut.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgiainconnecticut.substack.com

Welcome to my new podcast “Georgia in Connecticut” launching in early June 2026! This show is all about Creatives in Connecticut: where they are, what they’re doing, and why they’re doing it in the Great Nutmeg State. I’ve been in showbusiness most of my life, from my early days as a professional ballet dancer, to acting in film, television, and theatre, doing voiceover, singing, stand-up comedy, writing, directing, producing, and content creation for social media.  This show is for anyone interested in:-       Film, tv, theatre, music, dance, art, graphic design, stunts, writing, directing, producing, & more-       What it takes to be a creative – tips, tricks, guidance, & inspiration-       Discovering more talent in Connecticut, from new to seasoned, famous to infamous ;)-       Behind-the-scenes stories from creatives in the trenches-       Connecting with fellow artists and getting your questions answered-       Becoming a creative yourself. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for the launch – because We’re Here, Dammit! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit georgiainconnecticut.substack.com