Life in the Credits
by Susan Swarner and Ben Blohm
Life in the Credits is an educational podcast where hosts Susan Swarner and Ben Blohm learn about the entertainment industry from the people who work in it. They discuss the guest's career, a feature film, and play a game. For anyone who dreams of working on movies, wants to learn about film making, or loves watching shows. Support us at Patreon and our shop.Executive Producer: Michelle LevinLogo: Melissa DurkinMusic Composer: Steve Trowbridge
Episodes
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137 Seconds with Writer and Director Jim Vendiola
Jim Vendiola, Writer and Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Seconds, a 1966 psychological thriller film. Jim shares what it’s like having a career as a writer, director, and producer for independent short films. He discusses his love for the horror genre, developing his neo-noir limited...
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136 Extraction II with Stunt Film Pilot and Aerial Coordinator Fred North
Fred North, Stunt Film Pilot and Aerial Coordinator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Extraction II, a 2023 action film. Fred shares what it’s like having a career as a stunt pilot and aerial coordinator for action movies. He discusses designing the train stunt sequence for Extraction II, setting…
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135 Forrest Gump with Actor Eric Nenninger
Eric Nenninger, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Forrest Gump, a 1994 comedy-drama film. Eric shares what it’s like having a career as an actor for film, television, and theater. He discusses landing his role on Malcolm in the Middle, teaching acting at Lesly Kahn & Co. in Los Angeles…
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134 Children of Men with Filmmaker Ben Rekhi
Ben Rekhi, Filmmaker, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Children of Men, a 2019 sci-fi thriller film. Ben shares what it’s like having a career as a writer, director, and producer of feature and documentary films. He discusses interning with Roger Deakins on O Brother, Where Art Thou?, working in…
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133 Joker with Professional Cue Card Handler Wally Feresten
Wally Feresten, Professional Cue Card Handler, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Joker, a 2019 psychological thriller film. Wally shares what it’s like having a career as a professional cue card handler for Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night With Seth Meyers....
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132 Lu Over the Wall with Staff Writer Danny Giovannini
Danny Giovannini, Staff Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Lu Over the Wall, a 2017 animated fantasy movie. Danny shares what it’s like having a career as a writer for the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe TV shows, movies, and video games. He discusses dropping out of college to write a puppet...
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131 Black Barbie: A Documentary with Cinematographer Sara Garth
Sara Garth, Cinematographer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Black Barbie: A Documentary, a 2023 film. Sara shares what it’s like having a career as a cinematographer for documentary, independent, and short films. She discusses creating a film’s tone with the director, seeing her work featured in…
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130 I Think I’m Sick with Composer John Joseph Wiater
John Joseph Wiater, Composer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss I Think I’m Sick, a 2024 film. John shares what it’s like having a career as a composer for film and TV. He discusses honoring the film director’s vision, collaborating with fellow songwriter Matt Fell, and incorporating binaural beats...
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129 Presumed Innocent with Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer Christina Wen
Christina Wen, Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Presumed Innocent, a 2024 legal thriller TV show. Christina shares what it’s like having a career as a supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer for film, TV, and video games and being nominated…
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128 Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles with Composer and Sound Designer Benedict Nichols
Benedict Nichols, Composer and Sound Designer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, a 2024 video game. Benedict shares what it’s like having a career as a composer for independent video games. He discusses connecting with indie game developers, finding his unique voice as…
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127 Imaginary with Actor DeWanda Wise and Director Jeff Wadlow
DeWanda Wise, Actor, and Jeff Wadlow, Writer and Director, join Susan and Ben to discuss Imaginary, a 2024 horror movie. DeWanda shares what it’s like having a career as an actor for film, television, and theater. She discusses developing the character of Jessica, how she handles jump scare…
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126 Paradise with Director and Writer Max Isaacson
Max Isaacson, Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Paradise, a 2024 action Western. Max shares what it’s like having a career as a writer and director of genre films. He discusses production design's influence on his directing, creating a postmodern take on the Western genre, and accidentally...
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125 Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 with Director and Producer Rhys Frake Waterfield and Actor and Producer Scott Chambers
Rhys Frake Waterfield, Director and Producer and Scott Chambers, Actor and Producer, join Susan and Ben to discuss Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, a 2024 horror film. Rhys and Scott share what it’s like having careers producing and directing indie horror films. They discuss turning their...
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124 Close with Filmmaker and Fixer Satu Majava
Satu Majava, Filmmaker and Fixer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Close, a 2022 drama. Satu shares what it’s like having a career working as a fixer and producer in Finland. She discusses coordinating local resources for Somebody Feed Phil and Building Impossible, producing passion projects, and...
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123 Mary Poppins with Showrunner, Producer, and Writer Phil Rosenthal
Phil Rosenthal, Showrunner, Producer, and Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Mary Poppins, a 1964 musical comedy. Phil shares what it’s like having a career as a showrunner, producer, and writer for sitcoms and travel shows. He discusses using his own life stories for Everybody Loves Raymond,...
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122 Drugstore June with Director and Writer Nicholaus Goossen
Nicholaus Goossen, Director and Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Drugstore June, a 2024 comedy. Nicholaus shares what it’s like having a career as a director and writer for film, TV, and music videos. He discusses creating Drugstore June with Esther Povitsky, working at Happy Madison...
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121 Friday with Actress Angel Parker
Angel Parker, Actress, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Friday, a 1995 comedy. Angel shares what it’s like having a career as an actress in television, film, commercials, and video games. She discusses landing her first major role on the TV show LabRats, the importance of finding a community of...
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120 Cronos with Director, Producer, and Fixer Alex Roa
Alex Roa, Director, Producer, and Fixer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Cronos, a 1992 horror film. Alex shares what it’s like having a career as a director, producer, and fixer for documentaries and travel shows. He discusses highlighting Mexico’s culture on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and...
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119 Searching with Director, Producer, and Editor Jane M. Wagner
Jane M. Wagner, Director, Producer, and Editor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Searching, a 2018 thriller. Jane shares what it’s like having a career as a documentary filmmaker and reality TV producer. She discusses her first job with filmmaker Marc H. Simon, creating Break the Game with American...
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118 Promising Young Woman with President Britta von Schoeler
Britta von Schoeler, President of Broadway Video Enterprises (BVE) at Broadway Video, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Promising Young Woman, a 2020 thriller. Britta shares what it’s like having a career leading global strategy for Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video Enterprises. She discusses reuniting...
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117 Zodiac with Writer and Producer Christian Becker
Christian Becker, Writer and Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Zodiac, a 2007 drama. Christian shares what it’s like having a career as an Associate Producer for documentaries and talk shows. He discusses working as an associate field producer for The Drew Barrymore Show, being a CBS page...
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116 A League of Their Own with Chief Executive Officer Madeline Moitozo
Madeline Moitozo, Founder and CEO of Juniper Media, joins Susan and Ben to discuss A League of Their Own, a 1992 comedy. Madeline shares what it’s like having a career creating social impact through storytelling. She discusses producing Indeed's campaign for fair chance hiring, working on the…
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115 American Graffiti with Writer, Producer, and Influencer Bill Oakley
Bill Oakley, Writer, Producer, and Influencer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss American Graffiti, a 1973 comedy. Bill shares what it’s like having a career as a writer and showrunner for The Simpsons and Mission Hill, as well as a food influencer. He discusses transitioning from staff writer to...
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114 The Royal Tenenbaums with Brand Strategist Hilary Young
Hilary Young, Brand Strategist, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Royal Tenenbaums, a 2001 comedy. Hilary shares what it’s like having a career as a marketing consultant specializing in brand and content strategy. She discusses landing her first internship with Deborah Roberts at ABC News…
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113 Triangle of Sadness with Senior Development Coordinator Rheanna Sorenson
Rheanna Sorenson, Senior Development Coordinator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Triangle of Sadness, a 2022 comedy drama. Rheanna shares what it’s like having a career as a Senior Development Coordinator in unscripted, reality television. She discusses working as a Paramount Studios Page…
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112 Rushmore with Creative Director Jillian Maryonovich
Jillian Maryonovich, Creative Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Rushmore, a 1998 comedy. Jillian shares what it’s like having a career on the entertainment side of politics. She discusses her role as the Creative Director in the Obama White House, the role that storytelling plays in...
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111 The Sandlot with Digital Executive Producer Adam Abramson
Adam Abramson, Digital Executive Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Sandlot, a 1993 comedy. Adam shares what it’s like having a career as a Digital Executive Producer for The Late Late Show with James Corden. He discusses building the digital identity of The Late Late Show With James...
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110 Pencils vs Pixels with Directors Bay Dariz and Phil Earnest
Bay Dariz and Phil Earnest, Directors, join Susan and Ben to discuss Pencils vs. Pixels, a 2023 documentary. Bay and Phil share what it’s like having a career as the directors and producers of Pencils vs. Pixels. They discuss the film's inspiration, sharing directing duties, meeting their…
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109 Shrek 2 with Digital and Social Producer Alisha Zafar
Alisha Zafar, Digital and Social Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Shrek 2, a 2004 animated comedy. Alisha shares what it’s like having a career as a producer on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She discusses the experience and network she gained while in the NBCUniversal Page Program,...
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108 Young Frankenstein with Actor and SAG-AFTRA Strike Captain Brendan Bradley
Brendan Bradley, Actor and SAG-AFTRA Strike Captain, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Young Frankenstein, a 1974 comedy. Brendan shares what it’s like having a career as “America’s Scrappy Storyteller." He discusses being Staples spokesperson, creating his live virtual reality theater productions,...
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107 The Devil Wears Prada with Writer and Script Coordinator Alyssa Feller
Alyssa Feller, Writer and Script Coordinator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Devil Wears Prada, a 2006 comedy-drama. Alyssa shares what it’s like having a career as a script coordinator and freelance writer for Frog and Toad on Apple TV+. She discusses how her role evolved during the show,...
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106 The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou with Director of IU’s BFA Cinematic Arts Craig Erpelding
Craig Erpelding, Director of Indiana University's BFA in Cinematic Arts, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, a 2004 comedy. Craig shares what it’s like having a career teaching at The Media School at Indiana University Bloomington. He discusses working in media...
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105 Look Who’s Back with Senior Footage Producer David Sokoler
David Sokoler, Senior Footage Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Look Who’s Back, a 2015 satirical comedy. David shares what it’s like having a career as a senior footage producer at The Problem with Jon Stewart. He discusses where his role fits into the show’s production process, how…
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104 The Prince of Egypt with Storyboard Artist Meridian Gray Culpepper
Meridian Gray Culpepper, Storyboard Artist, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Prince of Egypt, a 1998 animated film. Meridian shares what it’s like having a career as a storyboard artist at Skydance Animation. She discusses her mother encouraging her to apply for a Pixar job, jumpstarting her...
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103 The Big Lebowski with Host of “L.A. in a Minute” Evan Lovett
Evan Lovett, host of L.A. in a Minute, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Big Lebowski, a 1998 comedy. Evan shares what it’s like creating L.A. in a Minute, a show highlighting the history and culture of Los Angeles in three minutes or less. He discusses creating special episodes for…
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102 Best in Show with Writer and Showrunner’s Assistant Julianne Turkel
Julianne Turkel, Writer and Showrunner’s Assistant, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Best In Show, a 2000 comedy. Julianne shares what it’s like having a career as a showrunner’s assistant on shows like Night Court and The Three of Us. She discusses the process of co-writing a TV episode, her time…
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101 Modern Times with Writers and WGA Strike Captains Erin Conley, Jackie Penn, and Aaron Harberts
Erin Conley, Jackie Penn, and Aaron Harberts, Writers and WGA Strike Captains, join Susan and Ben to discuss Modern Times, a 1936 comedy. Erin, Jackie, and Aaron break down why the WGA is on strike, the responsibilities of a strike captain on the picket line, how social media has made it easier…
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100 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Superbad, and Predator with ‘Go Flix Yourself’ and ‘The Ten to One’ Hosts Brad Oman, Ben Konowitz, and Nate Loucks
Brad Oman, Ben Konowitz, and Nate Loucks, hosts of the podcasts Go Flix Yourself and The Ten to One, join Susan and Ben to discuss three films: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Superbad, and Predator. Brad, Ben and Nate discuss launching Go Flix Yourself as well as The Ten to One, which...
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099 About My Father with Director Laura Terruso
Laura Terruso, Director, Writer, Producer joins Susan and Ben to discuss About My Father, a 2023 comedy. Laura shares what it’s like having a career as a director of feature films. She discusses enrolling at NYU's graduate film program at the Tisch School of the Arts at 28 years old, writing…
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098 The Thin Man with Writers and Directors Cat Youell and Brad Crowe
Cat Youell and Brad Crowe, Writers and Directors, join Susan and Ben to discuss The Thin Man, a 1934 mystery-comedy. Cat and Brad share what it’s like pursuing careers as writers while working as stand-ins for TV. They share their experience meeting at USC's MFA program, standing-in for Kaitlin...
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097 The Edge of Seventeen with Writer’s Assistant and Freelance Writer Joseph Mwamba
Joseph Mwamba, Writer’s Assistant and Freelance Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Edge of Seventeen, a 2016 comedy-drama. Joseph shares what it’s like having a career as a writer’s assistant for Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell on Netflix. He discusses his time as a writer’s PA on You and The...
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096 Mr. Deeds with Executive Assistant David Hopping
David Hopping, Executive Assistant at Team Coco, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Mr. Deeds, a 2002 comedy. David shares what it’s like having a career as an executive assistant for Conan O’Brien and Jeff Ross. He discusses interning at Lighthearted Entertainment in LA, speaking with Kimmy…
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095 My Name Is Joe with Voice Actor Ed Cunningham
Ed Cunningham, Voice Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss My Name Is Joe, a 1998 romantic drama. Ed shares what it’s like having a career as an actor, voice actor, and teacher within the theatrical, commercial, and gaming industries. He discusses narrating the Discovery Channel's Surgery Saved…
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094 John Wick 4 with Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director Scott Rogers and Stunt Coordinator Stephen Dunlevy
Scott Rogers, Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss John Wick 4, a 2023 neo-noir action thriller. Scott shares a stunt coordinator's responsibilities, how he designed and directed the Arc de Triomphe sequence, how Director Chad Stahelski’s background in stunts...
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093 Licorice Pizza with Illustrator and Artist Kat Reeder
Kat Reeder, Artist and Illustrator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Licorice Pizza, a 2021 comedy-drama. Kat shares what it’s like having a career as an illustrator and portrait artist. She discusses how her Peruvian background and life in Hawaii inspire her work, booking Licorice Pizza based off...
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092 1923 with Artistic Director Lesly Kahn
Lesly Kahn, Artistic Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss 1923, a 2022 drama series. Lesly shares what it’s like having a career as an acting teacher and coach in Los Angeles and globally. She discusses how her first teaching job drastically changed her life, the differences between teaching...
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091 The Queen’s Gambit with Music Editor Tom Kramer
Tom Kramer, Music Editor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss his work on The Queen’s Gambit, a 2020 television series. Tom shares what it’s like having a career editing music for Avengers: Endgame, Ladder 49, and Mulan (1998). He discusses how music editing fits into the production schedule, how to...
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090 Pinocchio with Supervising Director and President of the Animation Guild Jeanette Moreno King
Jeanette Moreno King, Supervising Director and President of the Animation Guild, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, a 2022 animated film. Jeanette shares what it’s like having a career working on animated shows like Little Demon with Danny Devito and Aubrey Plaza. She...
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089 Weird: The Al Yankovic Story with Composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg
Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg, Composers, join Susan and Ben to discuss Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, a 2022 biographical comedy. Zach and Leo share what it’s like writing and performing music for film and TV. They discuss starting their career working with Christophe Beck on films like Frozen,...
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088 SNAG with Actor David Zayas
David Zayas, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss SNAG, a 2023 action thriller. David shares what it’s like having a career and preparing for roles as an actor in theater, TV, and film. He discusses his experience on the set of SNAG, the great camaraderie between the cast and crew, and the...
About this show
Life in the Credits is an educational podcast where hosts Susan Swarner and Ben Blohm learn about the entertainment industry from the people who work in it. They discuss the guest's career, a feature film, and play a game. For anyone who dreams of working on movies, wants to learn about film making, or loves watching shows. Support us at Patreon and our shop.Executive Producer: Michelle LevinLogo: Melissa DurkinMusic Composer: Steve Trowbridge
Hosted by
Susan Swarner and Ben Blohm