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Life Beyond The Lens

by Kenneth R. Nelson Jr.

Filmmakers! It's time to take control of your film!! The Life Beyond The Lens Podcast will help indie filmmakers perform at the peak of their creativity and thrive in the indie film business. Each week guest filmmakers go deep into the process of filmmaking to unpack failures, success and how they push beyond obstacles to achieve their vision! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifebeyondthelens/support

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Episodes

  1. #39 How To Finance, License & Keep Ownership of Your Films | Mark Harris

    It was a complete honor to have writer, director, and producer Mark Harris on the podcast. Mark has an amazing catalog of 22 independent films. His films have been distributed to platforms like BET, TV One, All Black, and most recently his film, Black & Privileged was trending on Netflix. Mark…

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  2. #38 Change Your Mindset & Manifest Your Dreams - Travis Wolfe Sr.

    Albert Einstein once said, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." This week’s guest, Travis Wolfe Sr., was born into poverty to parents addicted to crack. At 8 years old he was placed in foster care, where he was starved, beaten, raped, and molested. A...

  3. #37 Finance Your Indie Film Using Real Estate Investing - David Tinsley

    It's no secret that it takes money to create films. Many indie filmmakers don't have the money to invest in their own projects. They resort raising funds, borrowing funds from friends and family, getting investors, or going into debt. There is another way, one that most filmmakers never talk…

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  4. #36 How to Hustle, Level Up and Navigate the Indie Film Business - Christina Faith

    Navigating the Indie-film business can be challenging and a bad decision can cost you your film, finances, and potentially your career. In this episode, Christina Faith - Entrepreneur, Director, Producer, and Writer discusses how she received 14 distribution offers for her first feature film…

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  5. RECAP: The Secret to Structuring the First Ten Pages of Your Screenplay

    Making the audience care about and invest in your main character early on is crucial in keeping readers and viewers interested in your film. The first ten pages of your script are important in setting up the whole movie. Will people want to continue watching? Will people feel compelled to…

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  6. #35 PART 2- How to Self Distribute Your Indie Film - Kyle Prohaska

    Marketing is vital to the success of your indie film. Whether you're self-distributing your film or it's being distributed by a company or an aggregator, 99% of the time you must know how to market and promote your film. In part 2, Kyle and I discuss marketing even further. He goes into detail...

  7. RECAP: Synopsis vs Logline...What's the Difference?

    In this RECAP, I revisit episode #26 with Eunice Smith A synopsis and logline are two different things and I hear so many new filmmakers use these two phrases interchangeably. Eunice Smith explain in detail what they mean and how filmmakers can use them to their advantage. Subscribe, Review and...

  8. #35 How to Self-Distribute Your Indie Film: Part 1 - Kyle Prohaska

    Marketing is vital to the success of your indie film. Whether you're self-distributing your film or it's being distributed by a company or an aggregator, 99% of the time you must know how to market and promote your film. In part 1 of this interview, I sit down with Kyle Prohaska, a digital...

  9. RECAP: The One Thing Many New Screenwriters Miss

    New screenwriters/filmmakers listen up!! If you are missing this one thing in your screenplays, your film will suffer!!! Check out this new recap of episode #30 with Anthony Cuffie!

  10. #34 The Power of Chasing Your Vision - Ken "Legend" Williams

    Today's episode is powerful. I got my brother Ken Williams on the podcast talking about his new film, Asbury Park. This movie has a star-studded cast and a powerful message. Ken and I go into detail about the journey to make this film a reality. He drops a lot of wisdom for filmmakers to learn…

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  11. RECAP: The One Thing That Kills Your Dreams

    In this recap, we go back to episode #25 with Al Martin. We discuss the one thing that stops people from pursuing their dreams. This is a big one because many people stop pursuing their dreams too quickly. WHY? Check out this recap! Subscribe, review and share the podcast. Listen to the full...

  12. #33 The Entrepreneurial Filmmaker Mindset - Edwin Walker

    The indie filmmaking landscape has become increasingly difficult for indie filmmakers to make money with their films alone. Many indie-filmmakers still have a traditional mindset, which doesn't work anymore. Filmmakers must understand marketing, budgeting, fundraising, audience building, product...

  13. #32 LIVE EPISODE: with the filmmakers of In A Sentimental Mood

    In my first ever LIVE episode, I sit down with the Detroit filmmakers, actors, and producers behind the new film, In A Sentimental Mood on Facebook Live. We talk about the stories behind the making of the film, the meaning of the film and so much more. Check out this podcast and order the film...

  14. #31 How to Develop an Opportunity Mindset - Dellguan Coleman

    Your Mindset can be your greatest asset or your worst liability. In this episode, I sit down with Filmmaker and Entrepreneur, Dellguan Coleman. Dellguan is from Memphis, TN and his story is inspiring to say the least. He didn’t let getting shot and serving time in prison stop him. After being...

  15. #30 The Power of Betting on Yourself as a Filmmaker - Anthony Cuffie

    In this episode, I sit down with self-taught Detroit filmmaker, Anthony Cuffie. Anthony has been making waves in the film industry from being a finalist in an Ava Duvernay/Array sponsored screenwriting competition, to completing a fan tribute short film using original music about the legendary...

  16. #29 Filmmaker Learns How to Invest in Stocks During The Pandemic

    Eugene Wilson, Filmmaker, and owner of 5th Media, a film and video production company, was hit hard during 2020. At the beginning of 2020, Eugene was preparing for his best year yet when the pandemic hit. He lost all of his projects and was sitting at home wondering how he would survive. At the...

  17. #28 How I Got 70k TikTok Followers in 9 months - Latisha Thomas

    In the final episode of 2020, I sit down with actress and model, Latisha Thomas. Latisha has had a great 2020 despite the pandemic. She started a TikTok account in March 2020 to promote her first series, I Vow, and has built a following of over 70k in nine months! In this episode, we talk about…

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  18. #27 How to Maximize Productivity as an Indie Filmmaker - David Williams & Mia Francois

    This episode is for my aspiring producers and directors!! David Williams (Writer/Director/Actor) and Mia Francois (Executive Producer) stopped by the show to talk about their new YouTube web series, Little David. After raising $35K, David and Mia shot this 5-episode series in 5 days in New York...

  19. #26 Writer's Block Is A Lie - Eunice Smith

    This episode is for my writers!! If you're stuck staring at a blank page, this episode is a game changer! Eunice Smith is the founder of The Writers Smith Writers Lab. She shares: 1) Why writers block is a myth 2) How changing your mindset, will unlock your inner genius 3) Why writing is more...

  20. #25 Obsessed with Greatness - Al Martin

    This episode is nothing short of a shot of positivity, inspiration and motivation!! I've got actor and WKAR's Current Sports TV and radio personality, Al Martin back on the show. Al first appeared in episode 2 of Life Beyond The Lens to discuss his role of Rashad in my film, I Vow. Al has since...

  21. #24 Reassure My Soul | Chadwick "Niles" Phillips

    This week’s guest is my good friend and musician Chadwick “Niles” Phillips. Chadwick found great success when he left Michigan and moved to New York in 2007. Chad worked for BET, CBS and NYC Fashion Week. Plus he was on a major label called "Koch Records", but one day decided to leave it all…

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  22. #23 Action over Excuses | Kyria Williams, Trey Williams & Derrick Mullen

    If you are married, in a relationship that's headed for marriage or desire to be married, you definitely want to listen to this week’s episode. Filmmakers, Kyria Williams, Trey Williams and Derrick Mullen talk about their successful new film, A New Husband For Christmas, which is taking social...

  23. #22 An Unyielding Passion - Kalpana Kumar

    This week's guest is the inspiring Kalpana Kumar. She is an up-and-coming writer/director, originally from India, now living in Kalamazoo, MI. Kalpana had a successful acting career in India when she was younger, but had no experience as a filmmaker prior to 2019 . After a 30-year hiatus from...

  24. #21 Turning On Delight - Carolyn Harrison & Tabitha Matthews

    The guests on this week’s episode are nothing short of a divine connection. Carolyn Harrison, Founder and Executive Producer of Good Light Productions, and Tabitha Matthews, Artistic Director of Good Light Productions, are a powerful duo. Their newest project, Penny's Kids, is a play adapted from…

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  25. #20 This Is How I Breathe - Bobby Huntley

    Today’s guest is Bobby Huntley, the Atlanta-based director, writer, producer and editor, who’s quickly becoming that director you can’t wait to work with. Bobby is widely known for creating viral trailers like N. E. Heartbreak: The New Edition Story; “Auntie” which is based on his reimagining of...

  26. #19 There Is No Finish Line - Thomas L. Harris

    Tune in to learn from Thomas L. Harris of Mula Films, a dynamic actor, writer and director. He most recently directed the hugely successful films, Birthday Behavior and The Mule. He also stars in one of the top independently streamed series on Amazon Prime Video, Mcgraw Ave. Thomas shares how he...

  27. #18 A Second Chance - Paris Jones

    In this episode I sit down with Actor/Producer Paris Jones. We talk about his acting training at the famous Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute , his beginning as a filmmaker, and his battle with cancer and how he's overcoming his diagnosis. Follow Paris Here: https://www.facebook.com/paris.jones...

  28. #17 Meeting Boone Film: w/ Paige Alston, Deborah Lane Spencer & Sean Vaughn

    This is a powerful and special podcast!! I invited Paige Alston back onto the podcast to talk about her new film, Meeting Boone and the their fundraiser. Paige also brought, Actor/Producer, Sean Vaughn and Actress, Deborah Lane Spencer on the show to talk about what it took to get the film made.…

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  29. #16 A Change of Heart - Daniel Knudsen

    In this episode I sit down with Director and Actor, Daniel Knudsen. Daniel, along with his family started, Crystal Creek Media, a film production company that creates films that address culturally relevant topics from a Christian worldview. Daniel has directed features such as Creed of Gold,...

  30. #15 In A Sentimental Mood - Zachary C. Cunningham

    In this episode, I sit back down with Filmmaker and now Author, Zachary Cunningham to discuss his very first feature film, "In A Sentimental Mood" and his new book of poetry, Finding Light ( A Quarantine Handbook). We get into the weeds and discuss some topics very close to Zach's heart about how...

  31. #14 An Act of Providence - Rockey & Janaya Black

    In this episode, I caught up with filmmakers, Rockey & Janaya Black, a dynamic husband and wife duo. We discuss their newest feature film, Turn of The Cheek, how they've balanced their marriage, being parents and successful filmmakers over the years. They also share the hilarious story of how…

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  32. #13 Not Business As Usual - Shawntay Dalon

    In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Three time, “For Your Emmy® Consideration" actress, Shawntay Dalon of Comedy Central's "Detroiters”, Netflix's "I Think You Should Leave", and recently Freeform's award-winning show "Good Trouble”. We talk about her beginnings as an artist, her…

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  33. #12 Black Fatherhood - Keith Tate

    In this special episode, I sit down with Keith Tate, the author of a book called, "Black Fatherhood: My First Two Years with Kai". Keith is not a filmmaker, but I decided to bring him on because his book inspired me as a new father. Being a father is a huge part of my life beyond the lens, so I...

  34. #11 A Spirit of Excellence - Timashion Visionaire Jones

    In this episode, I sit down with my good friend, filmmaker and Emmy Award Winner, Timashion Visionaire Jones. We discuss his documentary, "Africa: Through the Eyes of a Visionaire", his earlier film work, and how his engineering background helped him become a better filmmaker. This podcast is…

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  35. #10 God Moves - Paige Alston

    In this episode, I sit down with Detroit writer, producer and director, Paige Alston, to talk about her upcoming film, Meeting Boone. We also discuss how her faith in God has influenced her journey as a filmmaker, especially in the making of her current film, Chasing After You, which is now...

  36. #09 No Regrets - Rico Bruce Wade

    In this episode, I sit down with the great actor, writer, producer and comic Rico Bruce Wade. We talk about his days writing and performing at the Second City Detroit, his love-hate relationship with comedy, his role as Charles in my film Sincerely, Brenda and much much more!! Follow Rico Here…

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  37. #08 Rebel With A Cause - Michael McCallum

    In this episode, I sit down with Lansing’s own Michael McCallum, a filmmaker with over 30 films under his belt. His films have won 187 major awards with over 200 nominations. Besides being a prolific filmmaker, actor, writer, Michael is a great person and very active and supportive in the Lansing...

  38. #07 In Search of Peace - Emory Lawrence

    In this episode, I caught up with Detroit actor, Emory Lawrence. We go deep in this episode and talk about his sobriety, childhood trauma, how he discovered acting, his non-profit for young men called, "Teach 1 Reach 2" and much more! IG: @emory_law

  39. #06 In God's Timing - Jezar Riches

    In this episode, I speak with writer, actor, director and producer, Jezar Riches. We discuss: 1. Crazy Faith 2. The Ups and Downs of Creativity 3. The Power of A Supportive Spouse And much more.....follow & support Jezar below: Instagram: @jezarriches Facebook: www.facebook.com/jezarriches…

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  40. #05 Just Because You're Black - A. Jevon Ward

    Get ready for this important episode. Ken Nelson speaks with filmmaker A. Jevon Ward about: 1) The Murder of George Floyd 2) The stress of being black in America 3) Divorce & Importance of therapy in marriage 4) Black men and therapy and much more.

  41. #04 The Long Game | Part 2 - Zach Cunningham & Charles Kennedy Jr.

    The conversation with Zachary Cunningham and Charles Kennedy Jr. continues. We talk content distribution strategy, why I am so hard on myself regarding my work, building an audience, building a brand and so much more!!!

  42. #03 The Long Game | Part 1 - Zach Cunningham & Charles Kennedy Jr.

    In this episode, I sit down with Zachary Cunningham and Charles Kennedy, Jr., both award-winning filmmakers out of Detroit, MI. We get very personal about why we create films, the downside of filmmaking, surrounding yourself with the right people and so much more. This convo was so in depth and...

  43. #02 From Faith to Faith - Deborah Lane Spencer, Latisha Thomas & Al Martin

    In this episode I sit down with the stars of the hot web series, I Vow. We talk about acting, what drives them, failures and successes and much more!! Watch I Vow here: https://bit.ly/ivowseries Deborah Lane Spencer FB: @DeborahLaneSpencer IG: @deborahslane Al Martin FB: @AlMartin IG: @al3spn...

  44. #01 Scratching The Surface - Introduction

    In the first episode of Life Behind The Lens, Ken Nelson discusses the reasons that inspired this podcast and his inspiration for his award-winning film, Sincerely, Brenda.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Filmmakers! It's time to take control of your film!!

The Life Beyond The Lens Podcast will help indie filmmakers perform at the peak of their creativity and thrive in the indie film business. Each week guest filmmakers go deep into the process of filmmaking to unpack failures, success and how they push beyond obstacles to achieve their vision!

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifebeyondthelens/support

HOSTED BY

Kenneth R. Nelson Jr.

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Life Beyond The Lens have?

Life Beyond The Lens currently has 44 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Life Beyond The Lens about?

Filmmakers! It's time to take control of your film!! The Life Beyond The Lens Podcast will help indie filmmakers perform at the peak of their creativity and thrive in the indie film business. Each week guest filmmakers go deep into the process of filmmaking to unpack failures, success and how they...

How often does Life Beyond The Lens release new episodes?

Life Beyond The Lens has 44 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Life Beyond The Lens?

You can listen to Life Beyond The Lens on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Life Beyond The Lens?

Life Beyond The Lens is created and hosted by Kenneth R. Nelson Jr..
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