PODCAST · tv
Mentors on the Mic: Your guide to pursuing a career in the Entertainment industry
by Michelle Simone Miller
Join actress and host Michelle Simone Miller and hear from the most interesting people in Entertainment, as well as the inside scoop on all of your favorite films and TV shows. Each week Michelle talks to Directors, Producers, Network Execs, Actors and more, to learn how they started, how they moved up, and any tips they've learned along the way. Mentors on the Mic is the place to find Mentorship without having to ask for it.
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Tribeca: Director and Writer Rob Burnett for World Premiere of IN MEMORIAM
ROB BURNETT is the writer/director of the feature film The Fundamentals of Caring, as well as a five-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and head writer of The Late Show with David Letterman. In the course of his career he has received 34 Emmy nominations. Burnett began his career with David Letterman in 1985 as a 22-year-old intern. In 1988 he joined the show’s writing staff, and at 29 became its head writer. In 1996 he became the show’s executive producer. Burnett made his feature directorial debut on We Made This Movie in 2012, which he co-wrote with Beckerman. Burnett wrote and directed The Fundamentals of Caring, which was the closing night film at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. The movie stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts and Selena Gomez and is currently available on Netflix. most recently, he wrote and directed In Memoriam, starring Marc Maron, Lily Gladstone, Sharon Stone, Judy Greer, Justin Long and more. Burnett graduated in 1984 from Tufts University, where he majored in English and played varsity soccer. Burnett currently resides in Connecticut with his wife, Eunice, their daughters, Sydney and Lucy, and their son, Charlie. Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! Guest: IMDb Wikipedia Instagram In Memoriam Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle For his first episode on the podcast, check out Becoming... 5x Emmy Winning Producer and Director Rob Burnett
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Tribeca: Red Carpet w/ Actors Marc Maron, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Saydee Dickinson, Mila DeGray, Merrick Hanna and Composer Will Bates for the World Premiere of In Memoriam (Video on Spotify)
In Memoriam had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026. It stars Marc Maron, Lily Gladstone, Sharon Stone, Judy Greer, Justin Long, Talia Ryder, and more. This is a video podcast. Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! Synopsis: A vain actor learns he has six months to live and becomes obsessed with making the Academy Awards “In Memoriam” montage, sparking a hilarious and affecting exploration of ego, humility, and legacy. Marc Maron is a comedian, actor, producer, and host of the influential podcast WTF with Marc Maron, known for roles in GLOW, Joker, and numerous acclaimed stand up specials. Megalyn Echikunwoke is an actress known for projects including CSI: Miami, The 4400, Night School, and Almost Family. Mila DeGray is a young actress known for emerging film and television performances. Saydee Dickinson is an up and coming actress known for work in film and television. Merrick Hanna is a dancer, actor, and social media personality who gained national attention on America’s Got Talent. Will Bates is an Emmy winning composer known for scores for The Magicians, Away, Immaculate, and numerous film and television productions. If you like this episode, listen to the original episode of the Director/Writer of In Memoriam, Rob Burnett: Becoming... 5x Emmy Winning Producer and Director Rob Burnett
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Tribeca Shorts Film Roundtable panel "Competitive Edge" with Misha Calvert, Jordan Britt, Isabel Lamers, Ran Ran Wang, Jean-Luc Mwepu and Desirée Mwepu
I had the pleasure of speaking with the filmmakers of the 'Competitive Edge' Shorts film block at the 25th Anniversary season of the Tribeca Festival. The description for this block is: These narrative shorts pack a punch as sports and performance take center stage. ISABEL LAMERS| Director & Writer of 'Kaya (ᜃᜌ)' Isabel Lamers is a Filipina-German actor, director, writer and producer based in Los Angeles. Shaped by her mixed-race heritage and upbringing, Isabel strives to tell stories from a unique point of view, specifically exploring larger societal issues in intimate, character-driven narratives. She also aims to give a voice to women-empowering stories. Isabel’s notable acting credits include the Cate Blanchett let “Tar”, “Club Zero” (a 2023 Cannes Palme d’Or nominee) and “SISA” which was a main selection at the Black Nights Tallinn Film Festival. She also co-wrote and starred in the award-winning short “A Dozen Suns”, which received a nomination at the Cannes Short Film Festival, and “A Serious Game” which won the 2025 Audience Award at FilAm Creative. JORDAN BRITT | Director & Writer of 'Freestyle' Jordan Britt is a New York City– based film director from North Carolina and a recent graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Anthropology. Her work centers on personal history and identity, often approached through a global perspective. Her NYU senior thesis film, Freestyle, was selected to premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Her films also include Girl Builds Rocket, a 16mm narrative short now in post, as well as BAD, SUGAR!, an upcoming short film. She founded Moonwatch Pictures, an independent production company, and has interned at Protozoa Pictures and Artemis Pictures. In 2025, Jordan was named a Soho House x Creative Futures Fellow, a year-long fellowship through which she is developing her debut feature. MISHA CALVERT | Director & Writer of 'Fault' Misha is an award-winning writer, director, and showrunner based in New York. She has created five digital series, including Strut (2018 Tribeca Film Festival), which campaigned for an Emmy in 2022, and All Hail Beth, commissioned by BRIC TV. Her 2026 projects include Pink Flags, starring Raye and Sawyer Spielberg; The Fuckboy Diaries, a comedic series about modern dating; and Candy, a musical short created in partnership with singer-songwriter Kate Eberstadt. On the feature side, Misha is developing two narrative dramas. Misha’s work is high-concept and visually driven with a focus on gender, mental health, power, and the female experience. She is the recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant and was a finalist for the Bechdel Residency in 2024. Misha works as a career strategist via her educational company, Vermilion and The Vermilion Podcast, and she is currently on staff as a teacher at Sundance Collab. To see more of Misha’s work, check out www.mishacalvert.com RAN RAN WANG | Director & Writer of 'I Think About Killing You' Ran Ran Wang (She/Her) is a Chinese American writer-director. Her feature screenplay IF I HAD YOUR FACE was featured on the 2023 Black List, and is currently in development at MGM/Orion with Closer Media producing. In 2024 she was a fellow in the inaugural cohort of the Rideback Rise accelerator program. She is attached to direct DYING IS FINE, a feature film selected for the 2025 Sundance Producers Lab. She is represented by Sukee Chew at Hopscotch Pictures and Erica Ling at WME. MARIA SOFIA HERNANDEZ | Director & Writer of 'La Lucha de Lucîa' Maria Sofia Hernandez is a Mexican-American filmmaker and actress based in Brooklyn. She grew up on the border between Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, CA. Her debut short film “La Lucha de Lucía” had its New York Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, it has also screened at Cinequest in San Jose, CA. Maria Sofia’s background as theater director and actor led her to film when she was looking for a medium that encompassed visual arts, music and her love of storytelling. She has worked on various short film sets behind and in front of the screen, and she received the Latino Public Broadcasting Digital Award Fund to finish post-production for La Lucha de Lucía. She strives to create work that makes space for the voices of Latinos, and underrepresented communities in the U.S. and around the world. JEAN-LUC AND DESIREE MWEPU | Co-Directors & Writers of 'Ultimatum' Also starring Desirée Mwepu Special Thanks to Ben Thompson and Alan Seales Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! Thank you to Welcome to Times Square.com Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming... VP of Shorts Programming of Tribeca Festival Ben Thompson Watch Tribeca Shorts Film Roundtable panel "Love Fictionally" with Kaily Morgan Smith, Drew Van Steenbergen, Ty Molbak, Maggie and Tyler Brown
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Tribeca Shorts Film Roundtable panel "Love Fictionally" with Kaily Morgan Smith, Drew Van Steenbergen, Ty Molbak, Maggie and Tyler Brown
I had the pleasure of speaking with some of the filmmakers of the 'Love Fictionally' Shorts film block at the 25th Anniversary season of the Tribeca Festival. These films premiered at Tribeca on Friday, June 25th, with additional screenings on Saturday, June 13th at 8:30pm and Sunday, June 14th at 2:00pm. I moderated a Q&A after the screening on June 13th. The description for this block is: Take a humorous, heated and heartfelt journey through love and relationships. KAILY MORGAN SMITH | Director & Producer of 'General Admission' Starring Nina Dobrev, Adam Shapiro, Cedric Yarbrough, Sarah Baker Kaily Morgan Smith is a director, writer, producer, and entrepreneur originally from Denver, Colorado. Her acting credits include THE OFFICE, GILMORE GIRLS, and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. In 2012, Kaily relocated to New York City after being cast as Alicia Silverstone’s understudy in the Broadway production of THE PERFORMERS. In addition to her creative work, Kaily is the co-founder of SeriesFest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. Kaily is the founder of Kind Spirit Studios, her current production company focused on developing bold, character-driven stories with a particular emphasis on female-driven narratives across film and television. DREW VAN STEENBERGEN | Director Writer & Actor of 'Buckets' Starring Drew Van Steenbergen Drew van Steenbergen is an award-winning editor and director with work spanning commercials, narrative series, shorts and interactive storytelling. He serves as the lead editor for Spotify and The Ringer’s Golden Globe winning podcast, “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” and has edited series for Paramount+, Hulu, Disney, ABC, and Comedy Central. Drew has also cut high-profile commercial campaigns for such clients as DoorDash, Bank of America, and NBC’s Abbott Elementary – earning accolades including Clio Awards, Best Editing at the NYTV Festival, and Best Short Film at OutFest LA. TY MOLBAK | Director & Writer of 'You Tryna Say You Love Me?' Starring Asante Blackk, Malia Pyles Ty Molbak (Director, Writer, Producer) was raised between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Whidbey Island, Washington. You Tryna Say You Love Me? marks his first short film with dialogue. As an actor, Ty recently appeared in Hamlet directed by Tony nominee Robert O’Hara and is best known for starring in the BAFTA-winning interactive project Immortality by Sam Barlow which premiered at Tribeca in 2022. Additional credits include Damien Chazelle’s Babylon, Master (Sundance & SXSW 2022), Next Exit (Tribeca 2022), She Taught Love (Hulu), and Law & Order, portraying the counterpart to Luigi Mangione in the series’ viral episode. Directing credits include TAN (a dance-film featuring dancers from San Francisco Ballet), SCORCH (a one-person play), Mary Poppins (reimagined with shadow puppetry), and Something Yellow (a silent short acquired by IndieFlix). Ty is also the founder of Blue Collaborative, a nonprofit production company where he’s produced projects starring actors like Kaia Gerber, Bob Odenkirk, and Nat Wolff. He attended LMU’s School of Film and Television before transferring to Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts and Shakespeare’s Globe in London to study acting. MAGGIE AND TYLER BROWN | Directors & Writers of 'One Night' Starring Rain Spencer, Jackson Reid Kelly, Jahking Guillory Maggie Brown is a filmmaker and advocate for menstrual equity. In middle school, she co-founded The Pad Project, a nonprofit dedicated to ending period stigma worldwide. At 15, she was the associate producer of the Oscar-winning Netflix documentary Period. End of Sentence. (2019). Now 22, Brown graduated from Columbia University, where she spent her senior year interning at A24. One Night marks her official narrative directorial debut. The short, which she co-wrote and directed with her brother, will have its world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Tyler Brown is a director whose work spans music, film, and animation. He has collaborated with Gary Oldman, Duran Duran, Def Leppard, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Trent Reznor. His credits include Willa Amai’s “What’s Up” (1.4M+ views). He writes at Sony Pictures Animation and has been featured in Variety, THR, and Billboard. Special Thanks to Ben Thompson and Alan Seales Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming... VP of Shorts Programming of Tribeca Festival Ben Thompson Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! Thank you to Welcome to Times Square.com
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Tribeca: Pauline Chalamet and Showrunners Isabelle Platt & Sofya Levitsky-Weitz for premiere of SWITCH
SWITCH had it's World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 in the Indie TV Narrative Showcase. Public 1 (Premiere) Screening - Sunday, June 7 at 8:30PM at Shorts Theater at Spring StudiosPublic 2 Screening - Monday, June 8 at 6:30PM at AMC 19th St. East 6 Public 3 Screening - Sunday, June 14 at 2:15 PM at AMC 19th St. East 6 Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! PAULINE CHALAMET (Lena) Pauline Chalamet is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after rising stars. Pauline can soon be seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Chalamet recently starred in season three of the critically acclaimed HBO Max original comedy series, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” alongside Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series follows four suitemates attending a New England college, as they navigate academics, campus politics, new friendships, and busy sex lives. ISABELLE PLATT (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1) Isabelle is a queer writer/director from Portland, Oregon, currently based in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in screenwriting from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Her work has been shown at numerous festivals, including the International Film Festival of Rotterdam and Bushwick Film Festival. Her stories employ humor, heart, and the fantastical to explore gay stuff, identity crises, and shifting familial relationships. She believes in the power of the rom-com. SOFYA LEVITSKY-WEITZ (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1) Sofya Levitsky-Weitz is a playwright and TV/film writer. She has original TV projects in development with Hulu, 20th Century Studios and Fifth Season. TV work includes FX’s THE BEAR (WGA Award for Outstanding New Comedy for S1 & 2), Hulu’s THE DROPOUT (WGA Nomination), GASLIT on Starz and asa writer/producer on Hulu’s THE TWISTED TALE OF AMANDA KNOX. Levitsky-Weitz has an original film in development–which she will direct–with Marc Platt and has worked on multiple features with Michael Showalter including THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. As a playwright, Sofya’s work has been developed in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Her play FLINCHING is currentlybeing developed by the Hearth for an LA premiere. Her play THIS PARTY SUCKS (2019 Kilroy’s List) is optioned for the stage/film & TV rights by Mark Gordon Pictures and is slated for commercial production. Guest: Pauline's IMDb Isabelle's IMDb Isabelle's Website Sofya's IMDb Sofya's Website Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: 5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk) How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode
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Tribeca: Red Carpet w/ Actors Rain Spencer & Gabriel Basso for the World Premiere of Iconoclast
Iconoclast had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 on Tuesday, June 9th. Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! Synopsis: Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent) writes, directs and stars in this tightly coiled psychological thriller. A reclusive loner's obsession with a live-streaming influencer reshapes his entire existence through one unsettling choice at a time. Connor (Gabriel Basso) is going nowhere: Dead-end job, no real footing in the world, and a growing fixation on Nika (Courtney Eaton), a live-streaming influencer who has no idea he exists. He starts reshaping himself around her: lifting weights, learning to shoot guns and building a version of himself he thinks she'd want. His colleague Morgan (Rain Spencer) is the only thing keeping him tethered to reality, but she's losing her grip. Gabriel Basso is known for The Night Agent, Hillbilly Elegy, The Kings of Summer, and A House of Dynamite. He wrote, directed and starred in Iconoclast. Rain Spencer is known for The Summer I Turned Pretty, Good Girl Jane, One Night, and Big Girls Don't Cry. The film also stars: Noah Centineo, Kiernan Shipka, and Courtney Eaton. Cover Art photo of Gabriel Basso: The Hollywood Reporter Guest: Rain Spencer's IMDb Gabriel Basso's IMDb Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz We're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list!
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Becoming... AT&T $1 Million Winner (2024) Writer and Director Lilian T. Mehrel (Honeyjoon)
Discover Lillian's inspiring journey from winning a $1 million pitch prize at the Tribeca Festival to creating a heartfelt film that resonates across cultures and emotions. In this episode, we explore filmmaking, storytelling, audience connection, and the power of authentic expression.Main Topics & Insights:Lillian's experience winning the Tribeca x AT&T Untold Stories award of $1 million and mentorship from TribecaThe emotional and visual storytelling of Honeyjoon—themes of love, grief, and self-discoveryThe importance of audience reactions and community in theatrical filmmakingThe dynamic process of pre-production, shooting in Portugal, and managing weather challengesPost-production collaboration, editing, sound design, and use of symbolism through colorStrategies for distribution, theatrical release, and staying motivated as a creatorPersonal growth: writing, embracing dark humor, and maintaining an authentic voiceThe impact of storytelling during and after the pandemic—connecting diverse audiencesResources & Links:IMDb WebsiteConnect with Lillian T. Morrell:Support & Engagement:If you enjoyed this episode, leave a five-star review on your favorite platformShare this episode to help stories connect more deeply across audiencesHost:Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMillerTwitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemicWebsite: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.comYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelleIf you like this episode, check out:TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce NorbitzThe First Feature Journey Free Talk at TribecaWe're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list!
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Becoming... AT&T $1 Million Winner (2024) Writer and Director Lilian T. Mehrel (Honeyjoon)
Discover Lillian's inspiring journey from winning a $1 million pitch prize at the Tribeca Festival to creating a heartfelt film that resonates across cultures and emotions. In this episode, we explore filmmaking, storytelling, audience connection, and the power of authentic expression. Main Topics & Insights: Lilian's experience winning the Tribeca x AT&T Untold Stories award of $1 million and mentorship from Tribeca The emotional nad visual storytelling of Honeyjoob - themes of love, grief and self-discovery The importance of audience reactions and community in theatrical filmmaking The dynamic process of pre-production, shooting in Portugal, and managing weather challenges Post-production collaboration, editing, sound design, and use of symbolism through color Strategies for distribution, theatrical release, and staying motivated as a creator Personal growth: writing, embracing dark humor, and maintaining an authentic voice The impact of storytelling during and after the pandemic - connecting diverse audiences Resources & Links: IMDb Website Connect with Lilian T. Mehrel on Instagram and Honeyjoon Instagram Support & Engagement: If you enjoye the episode, please leave a five star review on your favorite platform Share this episode with a friend you know would love it Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz We're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list!
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Book-to-Screen Adaptations: Off Campus Series with Esther of @bookishnewsgirl
Dive into the fascinating world of book-to-screen adaptations with host Michelle Miller and special guest Esther, exploring everything from casting choices to narrative changes that impact how we experience beloved series like Off Campus. Discover behind-the-scenes insights, fan reactions, and the future of adaptations in this lively discussion that fans and industry insiders won’t want to miss. Main Topics Covered: The adaptation process for Off Campus and its cultural significance Differences and similarities between book and TV representations The importance of trust and fan engagement in adaptation success How specific scenes and character choices influence viewer perception Future directions for the Briar U universe and adaptation strategies In this episode: Esther shares her background in book news and adaptation commentary (Bookish Newsgirl) Analyzing how Off Campus captures school nostalgia and college chaos Discussion of key scenes like the iconic show me moment and their emotional impact Exploring adaptation changes that enhanced storytelling, including character dynamics and plot pacing The role of social media and fan reactions in shaping adaptation decisions The significance of diversity, casting, and visual storytelling in modern adaptations Timestamps: 00:15 - Introduction to Mentors on the Mic and episode focus on book-to-screen adaptations 02:33 - Overview of Off Campus series and its recent TV adaptation 03:57 - Esther's background in book news, adaptations, and social media presence 05:48 - Fan community and mutual love for the Briar U universe 10:08 - One word for the adaptation: "Committed" — why production quality matters 12:07 - Chemistry and realness behind on-screen couples like Gigi & Walsey and Dean & Allie 13:46 - Fan reactions and trust in casting choices 20:41 - Visualizing characters in books with aphantasia and its impact on adaptation perceptions 25:04 - Comparing adaptation strategies, including The Summer I Turned Pretty and Heated Rivalry 30:25 - The importance of episode structure and binge versus weekly release formats 32:30 - Book and TV SPOILERS 38:00 - Exploring nostalgic references to the 90s and college life scenes 38:16 - Watching book adaptations in person with like-minded fans 38:33 - Amazon prime tactic for book adaptation seasonal drops 46:51 - Changes from the book to adaptation, including Garrett's dependency storyline 50:15 - Character development in Logan and Garrett and their backgrounds 55:05 - Future seasons, skipped storylines, and expanding the Briar U universe 61:48 - Iconic scenes like the show me moment and their emotional resonance 63:03 - Our favorite 80s/90s movie moment 67:28 - Authentic college experiences captured in show and book 72:51 - Most relatable chaotic friend group moments and party scenes 75:32 - Closing remarks, community engagement, and upcoming projects Resources & Links: Substack: Off the Record Newsletter Connect with Esther: Instagram TikTok Get the full scoop, analysis, and insider tips on adapting beloved book series—don’t miss this episode for all things book to screen!
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Becoming... Artios-winning Casting Director Karlee Fomalont ("A Complete Unknown," "Friends From College")
Karlee Fomalont, CSA is an Artios Award winning Casting Director, 4-time Artios Award Nominee, and graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where her acting training made for a seamless transition into casting. She began her career at CBS Primetime NY and ABC Primetime NY before moving into independent casting. Karlee has worked with Rori Bergman for 10 years, film credits include: “A Complete Unknown” (Artios Award, Best Casting BAFTA nominee), Steven Spielberg's "The Post" (Artios Nominee), “Empire Waist” (Artios Nominee), "Private Life" (Artios Nominee), "You Hurt My Feelings” (Sundance ‘23), "Eileen" (Sundance ‘23), "Shortcomings" (Sundance ‘23), “No Hard Feelings,” “Happiness for Beginners” (Netflix), “Darkest Miriam” (Tribeca ’24) “Turn Me On” (San Sebastian ’24) among many others. TV credits include: "The Get Down" (Netflix), "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" (Starz), “The Last Frontier” (Apple+), "Living with Yourself" (Netflix), "Yearly Departed" (Amazon), "Run the World" (Starz), "Love Life" (Netflix), "The Good Cop" (Netflix), "Friends from College" (Netflix), and "Rabbit Hole" (Paramount+). She was awarded the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award at the 2024 Artios Awards for her work with Covenant House NY. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, and currently resides in New York City. Join us as Karlee Fomalont, a seasoned casting director and actor, shares her insights on the intricacies of casting, navigating acting careers, and fostering collaborative relationships in the entertainment industry. Discover practical tips, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the value of diverse pathways in Hollywood and beyond. Main Topics Covered: The parallels between interior design and casting: building worlds through actor selection How successful casting partnerships thrive on balancing practical skills and creative synergy Strategies for actors to effectively submit for roles, including maximizing reels and self-tapes The significance of staying connected and top of mind through targeted outreach and relationship-building Insights into casting for period pieces, limited series, and dream projects with visionary directors The evolving landscape of casting during and post-pandemic, and the rise of new opportunities in NYC and Hollywood Practical advice for newcomers to stand out Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Karlee Fomalont's approach to casting and career insights 06:00 - First roles in entertainment: ballet and early acting experiences 08:16 - The importance of leaning into love for ballet and staying hobby-active as an adult 10:26 - Transition from NYU musical theater to screen acting and casting 15:31 - The pivotal role of early mentorship and internship experiences 18:30 - Recognizing the realities of an acting career and industry support systems 21:13 - The impact of pandemic-driven adjustments in casting and actor outreach 27:48 - Comparing casting to interior decorating: building worlds with actor choices 30:50 - The art of casting period pieces and the importance of character authenticity 32:45 - Approaching small roles and co-stars/day players with specificity and scene-building techniques 35:00 - The rewarding challenge of casting acclaimed projects like A Complete Unknown 40:30 - Dream projects: collaborations with visionary directors and diverse genres 44:15 - The detailed process of from breakdown to call-in: how many actors get seen? 47:49 - Managing actor expectations: the unpredictability of casting decisions 53:40 - Does she look at actor reels? 57:00 - How actors can stay on casting directors’ radar and build their careers 59:00 - The importance of targeted submissions and personal branding 59:55 - Current projects and the outlook for future opportunities in NYC and Hollywood Resources & Links: SAG-AFTRA Casting panel Connect with Karlee Fomalont: IMDb LinkedIn Instagram Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE") Becoming... Casting Director Susanne Scheel ("Past Lives," "The Wife")
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Everything you want to know about the TRIBECA FESTIVAL 2026 + Recommendations (Video episode)
This is a complete breakdown of everything you want to know about the Tribeca Festival, including approx 3 recommendations per category. June 3rd-14th Films Short Films Tribeca X Storytelling Summit Vulture Talks Audio Games Feature Films: Happy Hours (with Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu) Written and Directed by Katie Holmes. Produced by Celine Rattray of Maven Screen Media, as well as former MOTM alum Jenny Halper at Maven. In Memorium (with Marc Maron, Lily Gladstone, Judy Greer, Sharon Stone, and Justin Long) Directed and Written by MOTM alum Rob Burnett. Becoming... 5x Emmy Winning Producer and Director Rob Burnett The Last Day (with Alicia Vikander) July 4th, New York City: Two mothers navigate the city on different tracks that briefly intertwine before diverging dramatically, in this interpretation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. Short Films: (Curated by VP of Shorts Programming Ben Thompson, MOTM alum, and his team) Becoming... Festival Director and Senior VP of Programming at Tribeca Festival Cara Cusumano Shorts block: Love Fictionally General Admission Shorts block: Care Package Kiloran Bay Shorts block: The Dark Web Holo Tribeca X Storytelling Summit Vulture Festival Keke and Whoopi Tribeca Podcasts Tribeca Games Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl" Tribeca: Live on the Red Carpet with the Showrunner, Director, and Actor of "Mother, May I Have a Kidney"
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Becoming... Best-Selling Self-Published Romance Writer Kelsie Rae (with 378k Tik Tok followers)
What started as a fluke has turned into a full-blown passion. After having her first baby, KELSIE RAE was devouring at least a romance novel a week. One day, she had an idea for a story of her own and—without telling her husband or family—she wrote her first book in just over a month. That story, later published as Taking the Chance, was the beginning of an unexpected author journey that’s now captured the hearts of thousands of readers worldwide. Kelsie’s books are filled with angst, banter, forbidden love, and unforgettable characters who feel so real they’ll stay with you long after “The End.” Whether it’s the hockey hotties of Lockwood Heights, obsessed mafia kings in Advantage Play, or her heart-fluttering moments in Signature Sweethearts, her stories always pack an emotional punch. In this episode, we talk about: • How reading led her to writing and how she wrote her first book (55,000 words) in a month • Writing her books on google docs, with her first drafts being 70% dialogue and 30% setting up a scene • What inspired her to stop putting her books on Kindle Unlimited around 2022 • Going from 55,000 word books to 120,000 books • Kindle Unlimited pays by page reads • Her social media journey to 378k followers on Tik Tok • Her favorite and least favorite parts about the process • The difficulties that comes with writing book 1 of a series Guest: Facebook Tik Tok Instagram Website Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming... Actor and Director Ben Giroux (with 4.5 million Tik Tok followers) Becoming... Actress and viral Content Creator Courtney Michelle Dlugos (450k on TikTok w/ 20 mill likes) Becoming… International Bestselling Author Jenny Hale (Hallmark’s ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses’)
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Is BookCon worth it?! The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Author signings, panels, and the longest lines
Ever thought about going to Book Con? Book Con is back after a 5 year hiatus and what better way to come out of our podcast hiatus than with an episode all about this large scale event. I was fortunate enough to get a press badge to cover the weekend, although I was only able to go to Day 1 because of a prior commitment. This episode covers the good, the bad, and the ugly from the longest lines imaginable to panels of your favorite authors, to being pushed and shoved on line for a free book. I break it down. I included the video even though I recorded it without makeup or a filter and HATE the way I look, so enjoy that. I even included some day of videos and pictures, which are available on Spotify and youtube. Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com andwww.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming… International Bestselling Author Jenny Hale (Hallmark’s ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses’) Oscar Predictions with Michelle Miller, actress & podcaster on Working Girl Talk podcast
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Becoming... Actor and Content Creator Clayton Farris (with 437.5k Tik Tok followers)
Clayton Farris is a Los Angeles–based actor and writer whose sharp comedic instincts and grounded performances have made him a standout across screen and digital platforms. He’s appeared in acclaimed series like American Crime Story: Impeachment, 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Morning Show, and NCIS, while also building a cult following online through his dry humor and deeply relatable sketches. He stars alongside Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Julia Garner in Weapons, the highly anticipated thriller from Barbarian director Zach Cregger and A24. In this episode, we talk about: • Finding joy where you can and celebrating wins • Feeling aligned with what he’s doing and how he connects with that energy • His first professional job in LA was a McDonald's commercial. • Clayton's viral series 'The Rich Couple' started from observing real-life behaviors. • How creating his own work contributes to his approach to self tapes and booking • Advice to actors and how he approaches self tapes • How he works on his Tik Tok content and his process to creating short form content • Intense specificity is broad relatability • His thoughts on AI and the change in the industry • His weekly goal for social media • Lightning round including his favorite on set experience, favorite actor he’s worked with, favorite director, • His first professional job in LA was a McDonald's commercial. Guest: IMDb Tik Tok Instagram That One Rich Couple Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming... Actor and Director Ben Giroux (with 4.5 million Tik Tok followers) Becoming... Actress and viral Content Creator Courtney Michelle Dlugos (450k on TikTok w/ 20 mill likes)
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Red Carpet with John Lithgow, Ken Burns, Lucas Hedges, Wendell Pierce, and Carolyn McCormick
The Ken Burns documentary series The American Revolution will premiere on PBS on November 16, 2025. This six-part, 12-hour series will explore the war for American independence from the perspectives of various individuals, including political leaders, soldiers, civilians, Native Americans, and enslaved people. These red carpet interviews were conducted by Annika Horne. Interviews include: Emmy-winning Actor John Lithgow (Conclave, Interstellar, Bombshell, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, The Crown) Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns (The Dust Bowl, The Central Park Five, Benjamin Franklin, The Civil War) Academy Award nominated actor Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea, Ben is Back, Boy Erased, Mid90s, Lady Bird) Award-winning Actor Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme, Suits, Selma, Horrible Bosses, Elsbeth) Actress Carolyn McCormick (Law & Order, Candlewood, Mapplethorpe) Ken Burns Website PBS: American Revolution This episode is brought to you by The Atlantic Festival, which took place September 18-20, 2025 in NYC. Atlantic journalists explored the most consequential issues of our time alongside an outstanding slate of expert speakers. For the full panel, here's a link to The American Revolution panel. Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA: Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Liner and Vincent Grashaw for "BANG BANG" Tribeca: Live on the Red Carpet with the Showrunner, Director, and Actor of "Mother, May I Have a Kidney"
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Filmmaker Antonio Negret for feature film SHAMAN (Riverdale, Arrow, The Flash)
Colombian writer-director Jose Antonio Negret first made waves when his debut film TOWARDS DARKNESS premiered in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival. It starred America Ferrera, and was distributed by MGM. Negret was subsequently named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of their "Top 10 Latino Directors to Watch.' His follow-up was SECONDS APART, a supernatural thriller released by Lionsgate, which was followed by the action film TRANSIT, produced by Joel Silver and Dark Castle Entertainment. Most recently, Negret directed the car heist action/thriller OVERDRIVE starring Scott Eastwood and Ana de Armas (released by Paramount and produced by TAKEN helmer Pierre Morel). In addition to his feature film accomplishments, Negret is also a highly in-demand television director. An alumni of the Warner Brothers' Directing Workshop, Negret has directed episodes for series such as THE LINCOLN LAWYER (Netflix), HIGHTOWN (Starz), CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA (Netflix), PRODIGAL SON (Fox), NATIONAL TREASURE (Disney+), RIVERDALE (CW), MAGNUM PI (CBS), THE 100 (CW), SUPERGIRL (CW), LETHAL WEAPON (Fox), ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC), THE FLASH (CW), SCORPION (CBS), LA'S FINEST (Spectrum), MACGYVER (CBS), FOREVER (ABC), ARROW (CW), and JUST BEYOND (Disney +). Synopsis of SHAMAN - A missionary family travels to rural Ecuador to convert the indigenous population. All is going well until their son ventures into a forbidden local cave and comes back with a demonic spirit in tow. Candice (Sarah Canning) believes that an exorcism in the Catholic tradition will free her boy from the evil bonds that bind him. The local shamans know that this spirit is older than her religion and must be dealt with or the demon will take them all. Trailer Guest: IMDb Instagram Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA: Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Liner and Vincent Grashaw for "BANG BANG" Becoming... Oscar Nominated Writer and Director Debra Granik ("Winter's Bone," "Leave No Trace," "Down to the Bone")
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Actors Kat Cunning and Connor Paolo for the film STAR PEOPLE
Adam Finberg's STAR PEOPLE starring actor and recording artist Kat Cunning (The Deuce, On Swift Horses), McCabe Slye (Destroyer, Fear Street Trilogy), Connor Paolo ( The Last Stop in Yuma County, Revenge, Gossip Girl), Eddie Martinez (The Sinner, Night Swim), Bradley Fisher (Westworld), and Adriana Aluna Martinez (Duster) will open in theaters July 25, with a VOD release to follow nationwide on all major platforms on August 12. Synopsis of STAR PEOPLE - On March 13, 1997, thousands of people in Arizona witnessed the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—now famously known as The Phoenix Lights. Among them was 10-year-old Claire, who felt as if the lights called to her. Years later, Claire (Kat Cunning), now a photographer, is still chasing that moment, hoping to capture the lights on camera and finally make sense of what she saw. When a mysterious tip leads her deep into the Arizona desert during a deadly heatwave with her UFO streamer boyfriend (Connor Paolo) and troubled brother (McCabe Slye) in tow,they encounter a vulnerable immigrant family whose plight complicates her mission. As tensions rise, Claire searches for the answers she seeks on terra firma and among the stars. KAT CUNNING (CLAIRE) is a true multi-hyphenate—actor, writer, singer, songwriter, and director—whose range spans Broadway, immersive theater, film and television. They are known most recently for the role of Gail in ON SWIFT HORSES, (Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar Jones), Reina Rein in Rapsh!t (Issa Rae), and the Netflix hits, Purple Hearts (Nicholas Galitizine), and Trinkets. Cunning credits The Deuce (James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal) as their break-out role on screen, but their performance career began in concert dance, for which they hold a BFA from SUNY Purchase. As a musician, Cunning is known for their traffic stopping voice and LGBTQ advocacy. They areset to tour “Glass Jaw,” (their debut EP) this fall. CONNOR PAOLO (JUSTIN) can currently be seen in Francis Galluppi's award-winning film: THE LAST STOP INYUMA COUNTY and on the festival circuit in Vivian Kerr's feature: SEANCE and J. Zachary Thurman's: THE DEMON CORE. Upcoming films include Tyler Shields': CHAPTER 51, currentlyshowing in select IMAX screenings, and Kim Caicedo's debut feature: SHEEPWELL. Select past film work includes: AMBUSH, THE YOUNG WIFE, A CREATURE WAS STIRRING, FLOCK OF FOUR, the STAKE LAND films, SNOW ANGELS, ALEXANDER and MYSTIC RIVER. Select TV work includes: Revenge, Gossip Girl, Electric Dreams, Fire Country, The Resident and The Brave.Guest: Kat Cunning - Instagram Wikipedia Website IMDb Connor Paolo - Wikipedia Instagram IMDb Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Tribeca: Luke Kirby and Daniel Serafini-Sauli for World Premiere of Terror Keeps You Slender Tribeca: Dir Jon S. Baird and Writer Steven Rogers for World Premiere of "Everything's Going to be Great"
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Becoming... Emmy and Artios winning Casting Director Jessica Daniels
Jessica Daniels is an Emmy and Artios Award-winning casting director for film and television, with credits including Will Trent, Dying for Sex, The 40-Year-Old Version, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, and 30 Rock. A New York native and former VP of Casting at Walt Disney Television Studios, she has spent over two decades championing talent. Jessica is passionate about storytelling and sees casting as an essential mechanism for shaping culture. In this episode, we talk about: • Introduction to Entertainment: Jessica Daniels began her career in the entertainment industry at Backstage Magazine, where she wrote and edited casting notices and conducted interviews. • Interest in Casting: Her interest in casting was piqued after creating a top 20 list of film casting directors, which led her to pursue a career in casting. • Career Path: Jessica transitioned from editorial work to becoming a casting assistant, eventually working on notable projects like "Garden State" and "The Carrie Diaries” (the latter she thought of as a breakthrough series for her). • Casting Philosophy: She emphasizes the importance of matching energies and representation in casting, often advocating for actors she believes in. • Challenges and Insights: Jessica discusses the fast-paced nature of casting, the importance of being prepared for pitch meetings, and the balance between casting known actors and discovering new talent. • Current Work: She is currently working on two feature films and preparing for the next season of "Will Trent." • Advice for Filmmakers: Jessica advises filmmakers to make roles appealing to actors and to consider hiring a casting director to open up the world of possibilities for their projects. • The High of Casting: When a difficult deal closes or she finds the right person for a role. • Auditions: The benefits of submitting early and whether it’s a necessity. • Lightning round: How to Deal, Garden State, Royal Pains, 30 Rock, Coach Carter, Will Trent, Elekra, Ice Princess, Single Drunk Female Guest: IMDb Linkedin Instagram Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE") Close Up with Casting Director Tara Rubin (Aladdin, BOOP, Death Becomes Her, Six, The Outsiders) Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone")
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Tribeca: Luke Kirby and Daniel Serafini-Sauli for World Premiere of Terror Keeps You Slender
Join us as we delve into the fascinating career beginnings of Luke Kirby and Daniel Serafini-Sauli. In this episode, they share their first steps into the entertainment industry, with Daniel recounting his role in the Tony Award-winning revival of "A View from the Bridge" and Luke narrating a documentary for the National Film Board of Canada. Their stories reveal the challenges and triumphs of breaking into acting, offering a candid look at the paths that led them to where they are today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the art of storytelling. In this episode, we discuss: • Introduction to Luke and Daniel: Explore their early career experiences and how they entered the entertainment industry. • Challenges and Triumphs: Hear about the ups and downs of their careers. • Passion for Storytelling: Learn about their shared love for storytelling and how it has shaped their careers. • Future Aspirations: A glimpse into what Luke and Daniel hope to achieve next in their careers. • The Film: How Daniel put the crew and financing together for this three day shoot Guest: Luke Kirby's IMDb Wikipedia Daniel's IMDb Instagram Terror Keeps You Slender Tribeca page Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: 5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk) Tribeca: Live on the Red Carpet with the Showrunner, Director, and Actor of "Mother, May I Have a Kidney" Tribeca: Dir Jon S. Baird and Writer Steven Rogers for World Premiere of "Everything's Going to be Great" TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl"
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5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk)
Happy 5 Year Anniversary Mentors on the Mic Episode! For our 5th Anniversary, I am sharing a solo episode where I discuss some of my favorite films, short films, pilots, Talks, Tribeca X panels, and Docs that I saw at Tribeca 2025. Some of these projects will be featured with interviews in the podcast, including Gonzo Girl, Honeyjoon, Dead Language, Seasoned, Mother, May I have a Kidney, Everything's Going to Be Great, and Terror Keeps You Slender. If you listen to this episode, please say Hi on social media! Please write a review and rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts! Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl" Tribeca: Dir Jon S. Baird and Writer Steven Rogers for World Premiere of "Everything's Going to be Great" Tribeca: Live on the Red Carpet with the Showrunner, Director, and Actor of "Mother, May I Have a Kidney"
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Tribeca: Dir Jon S. Baird and Writer Steven Rogers for World Premiere of "Everything's Going to be Great"
EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE GREAT in Theaters now! Director Jon S Baird Writer Steven Rogers The Smart family's life takes a dramatic turn when tragedy forces them to confront their oversized dreams, struggles with identity and chaotic regional theater life. As theater manager parents (Allison Janney and Bryan Cranston) work to support their two sons — a hunky football star (Jack Champion) and his flamboyant, theater-loving younger brother (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) — unexpected circumstances compel them to move in with Janney's estranged brother (Chris Cooper). What begins as a temporary arrangement soon unravels years of familial tension, prompting each member to reevaluate their place in the world and in their relationships. Director Jon S. Baird orchestrates this warmly observant comedy-drama with a perfect balance of sharp humor and poignant family dynamics. The powerhouse cast delivers nuanced performances, with Janney and Cranston demonstrating once again why they are among the most versatile actors working today. Their chemistry grounds the film's journey through artistic ambition and life's unexpected detours, while Cooper adds layers of complexity as the long-estranged brother. Beyond its headline-grabbing ensemble, the film's tender exploration of how families navigate change and disappointment resonates with authenticity as these deeply human characters stumble toward reconciliation and renewal in this stirring celebration of life's messy beauty.—Jarod Neece Director Jon S. Baird ("Filth," "Stan & Ollie," "Babylon") Screenwriter Steven Rogers ("I Tonya," "P.S. I Love You," "Kate & Leopold," "Hope Floats," "Love the Coopers," "Stepmom") Guest: IMDb Website Mother, May I have a Kidney? - Tribeca Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone") TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl""Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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Becoming... Casting Director & Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone")
This is the Full interview with Paul Schnee. PAUL SCHNEE is originally from Wilmington, Delaware and is a graduate of Kenyon College. After graduating, Paul worked at ICM for agent Sam Cohn, then as assistant to director Mike Nichols. He and Kerry formed Barden / Schnee Casting in 2008. Paul is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, The British Film and Television Academy, and The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He lives in Brooklyn NY with his wife and daughters. In this episode, we talk about all things ACTORS including: • How he chooses to bring actors for roles • How many actors does he request self tapes from • Does he go through submissions himself or is it someone from his team • How actors can stay on his radar • What projects he's casting now • If he watches actor reels • Directing a project that's premiering at Tribeca Guest: IMDb Website Mother, May I have a Kidney? - Tribeca Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE") Becoming... award-winning Casting Director Bernie Telsey ("The Color Purple," "The Idea of You," "Hamilton," "SMASH," "Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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Tribeca: Live on the Red Carpet with the Showrunner, Director, and Actor of "Mother, May I Have a Kidney"
Veronica Reyes-How is an award winning writer/actor/producer based in NYC. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A in Mathematics, she left a career in technology consulting to pursue acting when an open-call audition resulted in her booking the national tour of Rent. Her big break came when she was one of ten actorschosen for the ABC/Disney Talent Showcase. Mentored by ABC/Disney, she then went on to book credits such as CBS’ Blue Bloods, NBC’s The Blacklist, CBS’ Person of Interest, and ABC’s Alex Inc. She was also featured in HBO’s East of Main Street as an up and coming actor. Her short film, California Roll, which she co-produced and acted in screened at over 10 festivals around the country, and won Best Micro Thriller at Austin Revolution Film Festival. PAUL SCHNEE is originally from Wilmington, Delaware and is a graduate of Kenyon College. After graduating, Paul worked at ICM for agent Sam Cohn, then as assistant to director Mike Nichols. He and Kerry formed Barden / Schnee Casting in 2008. Paul is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, The British Film and Television Academy, and The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He lives in Brooklyn NY with his wife and daughters. Charlotte Ray Rosenberg (Sneaky Pete, FBI: Most Wanted) Guest: IMDb Website Mother, May I have a Kidney? - Tribeca Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone") TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl""Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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Becoming... Legendary Broadway Producer Jeffrey Seller (Hamilton, RENT, In the Heights, Avenue Q)
Jeffrey Seller's shows have garnered twenty-two Tony Awards, including four for Best Musical, and his Broadway productions and tours have grossed more than $4.6 billion and reached more than 43 million attendees. Jeffrey is the only producer to have mounted two Pulitzer Prize–winning musicals—Hamilton and Rent. He also revolutionized theater accessibility with the $20 ticket lottery for Rent, making theater affordable for many. This passion for accessibility underscores his belief in the power of the stage, which was his ticket out of his hometown. In this episode, we talk about: • First job out of University of Michigan was in publicity • Learning all aspects of being a producer when he worked for the Barry and Fran Weissler • Booker for Paul Blake and Kevin McCollum and they lessons he learned there • Acting to writing to directing to producing and how/why he decided to stick with producing • The power of writing letters as a form of communication, including a letter to his dad, a letter to Jonathan Larson and a letter to Lin-Manuel Miranda • His complicated relationship with his father growing up • The price of success and whether he had to sacrifice anything to get there • Producing the audiobook with actors like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Danny Burstein, Annaleigh Ashford, and more • His advice for establishing community as an up and coming artist • Lightning round including a musical that always makes him musical, a project he wishes he produced, and projects he passed on • His relationship with Jonathan Larson ahead of RENT This episode is powered by welcometotimessquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day. Thank you for the amazing studio! Guest: Wikipedia Instagram & Threads Playbill Theater Kid audiobook Buy Theater Kid Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... award-winning Casting Director Bernie Telsey ("The Color Purple," "The Idea of You," "Hamilton," "SMASH," "Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl"
Patricia Arquette is a 4th generation actor. She received the Academy Award for her work in “Boyhood,” the critically acclaimed 12-year project from Richard Linklater, for which she also won the Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, and Independent Spirit Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. Patricia will make her directing debut this summer with GONZO GIRL, a feature film based on the best-selling novel by Cheryl Della Pietra, which will star Willem Dafoe, Camila Morrone, Ray Nicholson and Patricia Arquette. Her credits include: Severance, Boyhood, Medium, and Escape at Dannemora. Camila Morrone recently received her first Emmy Award nomination for her performance in Amazon’s hit limited series DAISY JONES & THE SIX, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and based on the popular book of the same name. Her other credits include Mickey and The Bear, Never Goin Back, and Bukowsi. GONZO GIRL - Set in 1992 in Aspen, Colorado, and inspired by a true story, GONZO GIRL follows Alley Russo (Camila Morrone), an aspiring writer who takes on an assistant job to the iconoclast and founder of gonzo journalism, Walker Reade (Willem Dafoe). Alley is thrown headfirst into his psychedelic, drug-fueled world that blurs the boundaries between co-dependence and addiction. Witnessing her literary hero’s fading glory, she falls deeper into his chaotic world and tries to help him finish his long-awaited novel – by any means necessary.” Starring: Willem Dafoe, Camila Morrone, Patricia Arquette, Elizabeth Lail, Ray Nicholson, Leila George, James Urbaniak Directed by: Patricia Arquette In this episode, we talk about: First role in the Entertainment industry What drew both of these women to their roles in Gonzo Girl How was it for Patricia to direct Camila in the film How Camila changed her approach to auditions that had her booking more Patricia’s advice for actors who are auditioning now What made Patricia want to direct this feature film How Gonzo Girl is a dramatized adaptation of a highly fictional book based on the experiences of Cheryl Della Pietra who was Hunter S. Thompson’s assistant Guest: Connect with Patricia Arquette Connect with Camila Morrone Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out TRIBECA: Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Liner and Vincent Grashaw for "BANG BANG"
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Close Up with Casting Director Julie Tucker ("The Equalizer," "Doc")
This is a 3 part mini Casting Director series, sponsored by Casting Networks. We're so excited to bring Emmy winning Casting Director Jule Tucker back on the podcast! Julie Tucker is a two time Emmy winning Casting Director (7 times nominated). Her list of credits include projects such as Queen Latifah’s "The Equalizer," "The Hot Zone, Anthrax," and the Jennifer Lopez feature film, "Marry Me." Past television credits include: "Damages" (Emmy and Artios Award), "Six Feet Under" (Emmy and CSA Artios Award for NY Casting), "Rescue Me" (CSA Artios Award), "Hunters," "The Affair," "Nurse Jackie," "Sneaky Pete," "White Collar," "The Following," Fringe," "The Big C," "The Americans," "In Treatment," "Lincoln Rhyme," "The Baker and the Beauty," "Tell Me A Story," "Sleepy Hollow," "Limitless," "Black Box," "Those Who Kill," "The Michael J. Fox Show," "Sirens," "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll," "Allegiance," "Canterbury’s Law," "Love Monkey," "The Book of Daniel" and the first three seasons of "Law and Order: SVU." We have so many updates from Julie Tucker. • Updates since 2022 including changing Tucker/Meyerson casting to Julie Tucker casting • Who is part of her team now: CJ Molidor, Kim Krakauer, Kendra Kirby • Projects she’s currently working on now: Doc, Sheriff Country, pilot for Netflix called Trinity • What roles for Doc she casts outside of Toronto and what role budget has on casting • What she’s seeing on her end regarding the state of the industry. What to do when it’s slow or down for an actor • How to stay on Julie’s radar and what way you shouldn’t try contacting her • Boundaries and safety protocols for social media every actor should be aware of it • Her process for requesting self tapes from actors • Filters she uses to check submissions on Breakdown Express • Updates from her last episode about where she is in writing her book • The isolation vs collaboration of art Guest: Instagram IMDb Casting Networks Sponsor: For a limited time, we’re offering listeners $65 off a Premium Annual membership. Use the code “MENTORSMIC”at checkout. Or if you’re not ready to commit, take advantage of our 14-day free trial, which unlocks full access to all Casting Networks features so you can start submitting to casting calls right away. Terms and conditions apply. Visit https://www.castingnetworks.com/promo-codes/ to learn more. Steps on how to redeem: Visit www.castingnetworks.com Click on the ‘Join Now’ button Complete the Talent Registration form and follow the steps to verify your email and create your profile Proceed to checkout, leaving the' ‘Pay Yearly’ option selected Enter ‘MENTORSMIC’ in the promo code field, click “Apply” to complete checkout. Don’t wait! This offer expires soon! Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Original Episode with Julie Tucker: Becoming... Emmy winning Casting Director Julie Tucker "The Equalizer," "The Affair," "The Americans" Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone") Close Up with Casting Director Tara Rubin (Aladdin, BOOP, Death Becomes Her, Six, The Outsiders)
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Close Up with Casting Director Tara Rubin (Aladdin, BOOP, Death Becomes Her, Six, The Outsiders)
This is a 3 part mini Casting Director series, sponsored by Casting Networks. Tara Rubin started her company, Tara Rubin Casting in 2001 after working at Johnson-Liff Casting for fifteen years. During that time she cast for Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Guys and Dolls, and the daytime drama Another World. At Tara Rubin Casting she continued those associations and cast other Broadway productions, including Mamma Mia!, The Producers, Bombay Dreams, Spamalot, Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Billy Elliot, School of Rock, Aladdin, A Bronx Tale, Dear Evan Hansen, The Band's Visit, Six, Here Lies Love, and The Outsiders. Current Broadway shows include Six, Aladdin, Death Becomes Her, Boop: The Musical, Dead Outlaw, and Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends. She recently cast the film Here Today and the Apple + series Before both starring Billy Crystal. Tara serves on committees for the Entertainment Community Fund and the Noel Coward Foundation. She is an honors graduate of Boston University, a member of the Casting Society and recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award for excellence in casting and outstanding contribution to the casting profession. She has taught classes at New York University and Sarah Lawrence College. In 2025 Tara Rubin Casting rebranded as the TRC Company. In this episode, we talk about all things ACTORS including: • How she casts a replacement for a show, particularly the balance between the individuality of the actor vs what the original performer did • How long does an actor have to rehearse before replacing another person in the role • The process of casting a Broadway show ensemble, with the makeup of one including understudies and skilled dancers • How many actors get submitted for a role and how many actors she brings in that she knows vs who she doesn’t know • Process of casting a show from workshop to regional to Broadway • Booking the room vs the part - and how talent and imagination makes actors stands out to her in an audition • What has she noticed in actors that book a lot • How do you stay in touch or keep on her radar • Advice for new actors about starting on Broadway Guest: Company Website IMDb Playbill Casting Networks Sponsor: For a limited time, we’re offering listeners $65 off a Premium Annual membership. Use the code “MENTORSMIC”at checkout. Or if you’re not ready to commit, take advantage of our 14-day free trial, which unlocks full access to all Casting Networks features so you can start submitting to casting calls right away. Terms and conditions apply. Visit https://www.castingnetworks.com/promo-codes/ to learn more. Steps on how to redeem: Visit www.castingnetworks.com Click on the ‘Join Now’ button Complete the Talent Registration form and follow the steps to verify your email and create your profile Proceed to checkout, leaving the' ‘Pay Yearly’ option selected Enter ‘MENTORSMIC’ in the promo code field, click “Apply” to complete checkout. Don’t wait! This offer expires soon! Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone") Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE") Becoming... award-winning Casting Director Bernie Telsey ("The Color Purple," "The Idea of You," "Hamilton," "SMASH," "Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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Close Up with Casting Director Paul Schnee (Barden/Schnee casting: "Pitch Perfect," "Sisters," "Palm Royale," "Winter's Bone")
This is a 3 part mini Casting Director series, sponsored by Casting Networks. PAUL SCHNEE is originally from Wilmington, Delaware and is a graduate of Kenyon College. After graduating, Paul worked at ICM for agent Sam Cohn, then as assistant to director Mike Nichols. He and Kerry formed Barden / Schnee Casting in 2008. Paul is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, The British Film and Television Academy, and The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He lives in Brooklyn NY with his wife and daughters. In this episode, we talk about all things ACTORS including: • How he chooses to bring actors for roles • How many actors does he request self tapes from • Does he go through submissions himself or is it someone from his team • How actors can stay on his radar • What projects he's casting now • If he watches actor reels • Directing a project that's premiering at Tribeca Guest: IMDb Website Mother, May I have a Kidney? - Tribeca Casting Networks Sponsor: For a limited time, we’re offering listeners $65 off a Premium Annual membership. Use the code “MENTORSMIC”at checkout. Or if you’re not ready to commit, take advantage of our 14-day free trial, which unlocks full access to all Casting Networks features so you can start submitting to casting calls right away. Terms and conditions apply. Visit https://www.castingnetworks.com/promo-codes/ to learn more. Steps on how to redeem: Visit www.castingnetworks.com Click on the ‘Join Now’ button Complete the Talent Registration form and follow the steps to verify your email and create your profile Proceed to checkout, leaving the' ‘Pay Yearly’ option selected Enter ‘MENTORSMIC’ in the promo code field, click “Apply” to complete checkout. Don’t wait! This offer expires soon! Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE") Becoming... award-winning Casting Director Bernie Telsey ("The Color Purple," "The Idea of You," "Hamilton," "SMASH," "Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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Help me REBRAND Mentors on the Mic podcast with Marketing expert Abby Zufelt
Marketing Expert and Podcast Host Abby Zufelt walks us through the rebrand of her podcast, Working Girl Talk, sharing with us her tips on rebranding our projects. “Branding is one of my favorite topics and as somebody who just went through a really long branding journey, I’m happy to help and share my thoughts on this.” Some questions we went over include: 1. What is the mission? What do I do? What am I trying to convey to people? 2. Abby walks us through her three lists exercise so we can align your current brand with your aspirational brand. 3. What is the experience you want people to feel? This will reflect in the music, fonts, brand motifs, and color palette. 4. Brand looks, complete with accessories and props. and... Does she recommend erasing your former branding on Instagram? Guest: Working Girl Talk podcast Website Instagram Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com andwww.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: The Importance of Mastermind Groups 3 Tips for Building your Audience and Creating your Content Strategy with PR Expert Aliza Licht (BONUS) 3 Actionable tips to starting your PR strategy before getting a publicist Oscar Predictions with Michelle Miller, actress & podcaster on Working Girl Talk podcast
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Becoming... Executive Producer and Director Ken Girotti (FBI: Most Wanted)
Ken Girotti has had a hand in the creation of hundreds of hours of television episodes, pilots, television movies and film and received multiple award nominations. His television movie MAYERTHORPE garnered the best director award from the Director’s Guild of Canada. Recently Ken has been Executive Producer/Director on FBI MOST WANTED (CBS). He served the same role on ANNE WITH AN E (Netflix). He Executive Produced and Directed both seasons of PURE (Hulu/WGN) and was a Producer and Director on the CBC miniseries FORTUNATE SON. He directed half the episodes of the first three seasons of VIKINGS (History Channel), episodes of DAREDEVIL (Netflix), LAW & ORDER ORGANIZED CRIME (NBC), ORPHAN BLACK (BBC America), FRONTIER (Netflix), THE STRAIN (FX Networks), THE CROSSING (ABC), COPPER (BBC America), DAMAGES (FX Networks), RESCUE ME (FX Networks). Pilots and movies for television he’s shot include CRA$H & BURN, SABBATICAL, THE DEALERSHIP, and BEFRIEND & BETRAY. Currently Ken has numerous projects in development with Scott Einbinder’s 5X Media He splits his time between New York City, Madrid and Toronto. In this episode, we talk about: • Started in theater and craft services before assisting directing (which wasn’t the right fit for him) • Working on the famous “The Ides of March” episode onXena: Warrior Princess with Lucy Lawless • Gigging on various shows vs working a few episodes of one show or what he calls “a tonic” • Tips for actors on their self tapes • His approach to a new script and how much time he has for prep • How do you add producing to your role as a director of an episode of a show • What it means to be a creative gatekeeper of a show likeFBI: Most Wanted • How he handles show runners, producers, and writers “meddling” while maintaining his creative vision as a director • Tips for directors in training • Lightning round with his thoughts on shows he’s worked on including:24 with Kiefer Sutherland, Season 1 ofSupernatural, New Amsterdam, White Collar, Covert Affairs, Rescue Me, La Femme Nikita, Nikita, Vikings, Pure, Orphan Black, Anne with an E with co-showrunner Moira Walley-Beckett (about to doFourth Wing series), andFBI: Most Wanted • What episodes Ken directs of FBI: Most Wanted and how does he choose who directs other episodes Guest: IMDb Wikipedia Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com andwww.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Linda Mendoza - From page to Comedy TV/Film Director of Scrubs, The Good Place, and more Jason Ensler - From PSAs to Executive Producer/Director of HULU's "Love, Victor" Becoming... Film/TV Director Rosemary Rodriguez "The Walking Dead" "Law & Order SVU" "Acts of Worship"
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Becoming... Creative Director for Graphic Audio Scott McCormick ("Fourth Wing," "Iron Flame," "Onyx Storm")
Scott McCormick, has been an audiobook director, adaptor and narrator for over 10 years. In that time he has directed and adapted over a hundred books and narrated and provided voices for well over a thousand book. He has played many characters through the years including the lead roles in Sir Apropos of Nothing by Peter David and The Ishmael Jones by Simon R. Green. He has also lent his voice to dozens of audiocomic book characters including Venom, The Thing and most recently Hellboy. A native of Baltimore, he moved to the DC metro area in 1999 to pursue a career in theatre, wanting to avoid any chance of fame by not moving to New York or LA. He just north of DC with the love of his life, Jillian. In this episode, we talk about: • A breakdown of his role as Creative Director and Director Training Manager at Graphic Audio • Process for creating the dramatized audiobook for Graphic Audio • How COVID expanded their roster of actors • How long production and post-production takes for a book like Fourth Wing or Iron Flame or Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros • Reading Onyx Storm and starting in mid-February • Surprise at the success of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, especially on Tik Tok • How he envisions a character on the page • Advice for starting in Voiceover including recommended hardware and software • A great voice for Graphic Audio and the ways to submit to Graphic Audio as a VO artist Guest: Graphic Audio profile X profile IMDb The Empyrean 1: Fourth Wing (1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation) - Also available wherever you listen to audiobooks Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... Voiceover Actress & Filmmaker Khaya Fraites (Graphic Audio's Violet Sorrengail in "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame") Becoming... VP at Disney Television Animation of Current Series & Diversity Jay Francis
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Becoming... Voiceover Actress & Filmmaker Khaya Fraites (Graphic Audio's Violet Sorrengail in "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame")
Khaya Fraites is a voice and film actor based in New York City. She has narrated books such as the full cast versions of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from GraphicAudio and has performed in video games such as World of Warcraft, Diablo 4, and Blumhouse games’ first release: Fear the Spotlight. You can also catch her in animated shows such as Pokémon Paldean Winds, Quantum Heroes Dinoster and Rainbow High. Khaya is also a filmmaker and has made short films that have screen at festivals such as Virginia Film Fest and, Big Apple Film Fest. In this episode, we talk about: • Her start in Voiceover in 2020 and what she used for her first voiceover reel on Backstage • Her initial voiceover setup (including equipment and software) and how it compares to her setup and space • The first websites she would submit to and what she submits to now • How she started at Graphic Audio and recording for their database • Recording narration and/or dialogue for Graphic Audio books like Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Crescent City, and Zodiac Academy • The experience of the Iron Flame audiobook blowing up • Working on animation and video games and booking VO work on twitter • Advice for people who want to get into voiceover Guest: Website Audible Instagram IMDb Tik Tok Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out The 7 "Rules" That Actors Should Break w/ Joshua Morgan of the Creative Risk podcast Becoming... Series Regular Melissa Navia (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+) Becoming... VP at Disney Television Animation of Current Series & Diversity Jay Francis
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The 7 "Rules" That Actors Should Break w/ Joshua Morgan of the Creative Risk podcast
Joshua: Joshua is a diverse, singing actor who has worked on Broadway and regionally at esteemed theaters such as Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Theatre Under the Stars, Folger Theatre, Triad Stage, and Signature Theatre. His television appearances include "FBI," "Law and Order," "Law and Order: Organized Crime," "Law and Order: SVU," "Lincoln Rhyme," and HBO’s "Paterno." Joshua co-founded and served as Artistic Director of the Helen Hayes Award-winning No Rules Theatre Company in Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem, NC. Mike Labbadia (co-host) an actor, producer, writer and filmmaker, a “multipassionate” you can say. As a company member of BEDLAM he's appeared Off-Broadway in shows from Arcadia to Julius Caesar. Regional work includes Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Gulfshore Playhouse, Penguin Rep and Virginia Rep. He's in the upcoming film "On the End" with Tim Blake Nelson. As a producer he's had films premiere at prestigious festivals around the world. In this episode, we discuss these "Rules" actors should break: 06:15 - Rule 1 - Don't pitch yourself Sent 37 self pitching emails, without an agent, and booked a Broadway show 9:03 - Rule 2 - Don't complain to our Reps 12:45 - Rule 3 - We can only be one "kind of artist" 17:15 - Rule 4 - Wait until you have a big project to grow an audience 21:20 - Rule 5 - Don't actively pursue industry relationships 15:52 - Rule 6 - Take on Gig work to support your career 30:29 - Rule 7 - Let the Industry define you as an artist PODCAST DESCRIPTION: “CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors Joshua Morgan and Mike Labbadia of Artist’s Strategy where they explore all things art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between. The acting industry is more volatile and competitive than ever before, therefore the artist must evolve in order to take radical ownership over their creative businesses. Each episode, Mike and Joshua will get raw and unfiltered, giving hot takes and cutting edge strategies on how to build a sustainable career in the arts. Guest: For Joshua Morgan : Website IMDb Instagram Broadway World For Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts Youtube Instagram TikTok Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a clip of the Creative Risk podcast. If you like this episode, check out my episode on their podcast" Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Becoming... VP of Shorts Programming of Tribeca Festival Ben Thompson
A graduate from Aberystwyth University, BEN THOMPSON left Wales and London to settle in New York. Soon after arriving he joined the Tribeca Film Festival where he is currently the VP of Shorts Programming. From the start of his career as a filmmaker Ben has always had a keen interest in short form storytelling and discovered while at Tribeca a passion for programming and presenting short films to new and engaged audiences. He is fascinated by the influence film has on our world and culture and travels to search out new stories from around the globe. He has watched over 12,000 short films for Tribeca alone. In this episode, we talk about: • Internships that prepared him for working at Tribeca Festival • Pros/Cons for submitting early to film festivals • The process for programming short film blocks for the festival and advice for short film filmmakers who want to submit to festivals like Tribeca (timing, theme, etc) • Whether filmmakers can monetize short films and the value from having your short in a festival • Festivals are seasonal work and the different festivals he used to work in one year and moving to a full time position • What goes into a Festival Coordinator position and working as a liaison between the festival and the filmmakers • Whether it’s important to have celebrities or famous people in short films • What’s important in a cover letter - description and how you are positioning your film • What he recommends is the most important investment in creating your short film. • Benefits he’s seen of screening at Tribeca and other opportunities available for short film filmmakers at the festival • Internal scoring process at Tribeca • Advice for those who want to be a programmer at a festival Guest: LinkedIn Tribeca Profile 2025 Tribeca Festival Submissions overview Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz Becoming... Festival Director and Senior VP of Programming at Tribeca Festival Cara Cusumano
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Hampton Film Festival Filmmaker Roundtable - TORNADO, THE SOLACE OF SISTERHOOD, QUILTERS, EQUAL PLAY (Part 2)
Presenting... Part 2 of my Filmmaker Roundtable at the Hampton International Film Festival. In this episode, we talk to the filmmaking teams of four short films. We delve into the process of creating their films and their experience at the festival. Including: Director Jack Kendrick and Producer Taylor Ervin for TORNADO: A struggling contractor risks his young sons’ wellbeing to cut a sweet deal. Director Geneva Peschka and Cinematographer Safiyah Chiniere for THE SOLACE OF SISTERHOOD: The Caramel Curves are an all-Black female biker crew in New Orleans that defies societal norms by embracing their multifaceted identities. Director Jenifer McShane for QUILTERS: The movie follows a men's quilting group inside a maximum security prison as they create personalized quilts for local foster children. Director Lily Ahree Siegel for EQUAL PLAY: The movie delves into the lives of disabled youth, uncovering the transformative power that sports can wield. Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelleIf you like this episode, check out Hampton Film Festival Filmmaker Roundtable - ADULT BEST FRIENDS, LOS FRIKIS, A MAN WITH SOLE: THE IMPACT OF KENNETH COLE (Part 1) TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz
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TRIBECA: Becoming... Award-winning Filmmaker Tom Nesher (Come Closer)
Tom Nesher - Director & Writer Born in Los Angeles in 1996, Tom Nesher is a graduate of the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film School. She directed four award winning shorts, and has created dozens of unique freeform documentary pieces as a journalist at one of Israel’s most prominent networks. Come Closer is Nesher’s debut feature film. Logline: When Eden’s beloved brother suddenly dies, she takes desperate measures to fill the void. Once she discovers he had a secret girlfriend, these measures assume a passionate and dangerous twist. The 2024 Israeli film Come Closer won several awards, including Best Film at the Ophir Awards, and will represent Israel at the 97th Academy Awards. Come Closer won the Viewpoints Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. It recognizes films that present "bold and exceptional voices" in independent cinema. In this episode, we talk about: • Her first feature film ‘Come Closer’ after directing three short films • The 5 year filmmaking process which included 4 months of rehearsal • Adapting the film as she processed her grief over the years • Tom’s experience at Tribeca Film Festival • Her unique process with her actors: they read it, they improvised the scenes, and then Tom rewrote it • Her advice for filmmakers is to trust and listen to your crew and your team Guest: IMDb Instagram Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out TRIBECA: Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Liner and Vincent Grashaw for "BANG BANG"
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Hampton Film Festival Filmmaker Roundtable - ADULT BEST FRIENDS, LOS FRIKIS, A MAN WITH SOLE: THE IMPACT OF KENNETH COLE (Part 1)
Presenting... Part 1 of my Filmmaker Roundtable at the Hampton International Film Festival. In this episode, we talk to the filmmaking teams of two feature narratives and one documentary. We delve into the process of creating their films and their experience at the festival. Including: Delaney Buffet (Director, Lead Actress, Writer) and Katie Corwin (Lead Actress, Writer) for Adult Best Friends. Nothing holds a mirror up to your life more than the examination of a friend from childhood. While Katie (Katie Corwin) should be celebrating her engagement to John (Mason Gooding), she can't help but fret over what her best friend, Delaney (Delaney Buffett), will think. Driftless and unambitious, her opinions and feelings matter most to Katie. In an effort to reconnect and break the news gently, she plans a girls' trip to assuage her codependent friend, setting the stage for a hilarious buddy comedy. With an attractive cast (including Zachary Quinto, Cazzie David and Alexander Hodge) and zippy dialogue, closeness and self-deprecating humor are felt through the screen. Michael Schwartz (Writer, Director - Los Frikis, Peanut Butter Falcon), Eros de la Puente (Actor), and Hector Medina (Actor) for Los Frikis. Inspired by the audacity and resilience of kindred souls facing the challenges of Special Period Cuba, the plot tells the story of youthful members of a punk rock band, who, seeking musical freedom, relief from poverty, and a sense of independence, purposely infect themselves with HIV. This allows them entry to an isolated government run sanatorium where they live life on their own terms, forging a seemingly utopian community and looking to an uncertain future with hope and resilience. Dori Berinstein (Director) for A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole. More than just a global fashion icon, footwear designer Kenneth Cole has put cause before commerce for 40 years, driven by heart and 'sole.' Undoubtedly a trendsetter, Cole inspired and mobilized cultural norms and perceptions for the better as a pioneer of corporate social action; he advocated for social causes—from HIV/AIDS and homelessness to LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health—through his groundbreaking advertising campaigns. Featuring a treasure trove of archival footage and interviews with fashion leaders, global scientists, and longtime collaborators, Tony and Emmy Award winner Dori Bernstein celebrates Cole’s enduring legacy of combining style with social conscience. Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz
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Becoming... Movie Producer Carol Baum "Father of the Bride" "Dead Ringers" "The Good Girl"
Carol Baum has produced thirty-four movies, seventeen of them independently. Before becoming an independent producer, Baum was co-president of Sandollar Productions, Dolly Parton and Sandy Gallin’s production company, for ten years, where she produced such hits as Father of the Bride; the Academy Award-winning HBO documentary Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt; Tidy Endings; I.Q.; Jacknife; True Identity; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Gross Anatomy; Shining Through; Straight Talk; and Kicking and Screaming. As an indie producer, Baum made, among other movies, The Good Girl; My First Mister; $5 A Day; You Kill Me; and Boychoir. She has produced five television movies for Hallmark and several documentaries. Baum currently teaches producing in the Film and Television Production Division at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. She is also a mentor for the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC. In this episode, we talk about: • The lesson she learned working at her first job at Bantam Books which led to the purchase and development of the autobiography of Malcolm X • Being an advocate for the material and develop your taste • Getting pregnant and working freelance for awhile • Her 5 years at Palomar Pictures working on projects like The Stepford Wives and then moving to LA with her husband and becoming the studio VP at Lorimar • Becoming known for developing “The Shining” at the Producer’s Circle • Being a VP at 20th Century Fox and what she sees as the difference between a producer and an Executive • Working at Dolly Parton’s company Sandollar • How The Fountainhead made her love the business and why she thinks its important for young producers to watch movies from the 40s and 50s • Launching the careers of David O. Russell and Mike White • The story of developing with Father of the Bride and getting the rights from Ted Turner, the invention of Martin Short’s character, and how Jack Nicholson was thrown as a possibility for Steve Martin’s role • Developing multiple projects as a producer and how it’s all about timing. She said that if David Cronenberg hadn’t had success with The Fly, he wouldn’t have been able to do Dead Ringers. • Her recommendations for writers on what is commercially viable right now • Carol’s explanation for spec scripts for films • Her recommendation for writers on how to get an agent Guest: IMDb Wikipedia Website Buy her book! Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Excerpt from Creative Producing: a Pitch-to-Picture Guide to Movie Development by Carol Baum The Do’s and Don’ts of PITCHING YOUR FILM with Hollywood Producer Carol Baum
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Becoming... Festival Director and Senior VP of Programming at Tribeca Festival Cara Cusumano
Cara Cusumano has been with Tribeca since 2008, during which time the festival has become a globally respected showcase for film and TV premieres, live music, talks, interdisciplinary events, and talent discovery. During her tenure as Festival Director, Tribeca has been called “an annual powerhouse” (Time Out), “reliably and inarguably excellent” (Village Voice), and “one of the most prestigious festivals of the new millennium” (Playlist). She has served on nominating committees for the Cinema Eye Honors, the International Documentary Association Awards, the Gotham Awards, and the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards, and festival juries including CPH:DOX, Los Cabos Film Festival, DOC NYC, Nordisk Panorama, Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM), and the Nantucket Film Festival. She holds a degree in Film from Columbia University’s Barnard College, and an MA in Cinema Studies from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. In this episode, we talk about: • Internships and her first job as short film programmer at Brooklyn Film Festival • The different programming teams involved in Tribeca and how she oversees them all • Choosing films to be featured at Tribeca • Typical day-to-day routine • Networking at film festival and how do you get a seasonal job there • Famous filmmakers/cast vs unknown first time filmmakers and films coming with distribution and film coming in without distribution • Want a job at Tribeca or any festival? Cara’s recommendation for a starting position in the screening committee • Advice for filmmakers who are hoping to get their film into a festival including in the pre-production and post-production stages of their films • How to identify what films are “right” for Tribeca Festival • Collaborations and partnerships with brands like Chanel, Mazda, Indeed, AT&T, and Canva Guest: Linkedin Instagram Tribeca Website Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz
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Becoming... President and Chief Content Officer of HARTBEAT Bryan Smiley
Bryan Smiley is President & Chief Content Officer of Hartbeat, the global multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Named to Variety’s 2022 “New Leaders” and Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 ”Next Gen” and “Rising Executives 35 under 35” lists, Smiley oversees Hartbeat production, financing, and development, including the company’s 70+ projects in development and more than 20 projects released in 2022 across top tier partners including Netflix, Peacock, SiriusXM, Netflix, Audible and more. In 2021, Smiley negotiated a first look deal with Netflix to produce feature films for the streamer, a strategic move that would allow Hartbeat to continue creating content during a global pandemic. Smiley was also instrumental in getting Fatherhood released on Netflix, which was watched by more than 91 million accounts globally, making it one of the most successful original dramatic movies on Netflix. Since then, Smiley oversaw and produced Me Time and True Story, which went to #1 on the Netflix charts, and produced the upcoming 2024 film Lift. In this episode, we talk about: • Working as an assistant story editor out of college and how networking helped him get to New Regency • How his early assistant roles taught him about the business and how he identified where the company needed help and resources • His work as Vice President of Creative Development & Production at Columbia Pictures, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company • How the range of his individual companies that he co-founded (list them) help him in his role today • Why he’s never had a fear of failure and the reality of starting a business • How he transitioned to development with an executive position at a studio • Some of his favorite deals at SONY with Steph Curry a multi-picture deal with Issa Rae • A breakdown of the divisions at Hartbeat and his rise to President and CCO • Their hands-on, full-service approach to projects including their show “Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart & Kenan Thompson” on Peacock • His 4 picture guarantee and first look deal with Netflix and his thoughts on the importance of a first look deal in the current marketplace • How they decide what project to take on and develop? • Some pivotal moments and decisions that impacted his career Guest: Linkedin Hartbeat website IMDb Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... VP at Disney Television Animation of Current Series & Diversity Jay Francis
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Becoming... VP of Casting at CBS Entertainment Rob Decina
ROB DECINA - In December of 2018, Rob Decina was named VP, Casting in NY for CBS Studios. He has contributed to the casting of many shows across several broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, including: Your Honor, The Comey Rule (SHOWTIME), Nancy Drew & The Dynasty (CW), Diary of a Future President (Disney+), Guilty Party & The Game (Paramount+) and Swagger ( Apple TV+). At CBS, he developed two programs: a Casting Fellowship, designed to encourage diversity and inclusion in the profession of casting, and an Educational Outreach Program, where he speaks to colleges and conservatories about auditioning. Previous episodic television casting credits include, Insatiable for Netflix, Shades of Blue for NBC, as well as pilots for the CW Network. His book, The Art of Auditioning: Techniques for Television had its second edition published in April of 2022. In this episode, we talk about: • Directing and casting internships and first full time job was a casting assistant at Warner Bros • How a forgotten resume at Disney led to a job at Warner Bros • His personal favorite story of working The West Wing • Differences between working for a network and working freelance with your own casting office and why networks focus on pilots and hire out for the rest of the season • The projects he had turned down at Rob Decina casting • Casting a soap opera like Guiding Light for a decade and how different it was in comparison to other projects • Role of VP of Casting at CBS Entertainment (combination of studio and network) and how it works there • Tips for dealing with nerves ahead of the in-person audition or callback • Accepting an associate position later in his career • His book: The Art of Auditioning: Techniques for Television Guest: IMDb LinkedIn Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... award-winning Casting Director Bernie Telsey ("The Color Purple," "The Idea of You," "Hamilton," "SMASH," "Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
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Becoming... award-winning Casting Director Bernie Telsey ("The Color Purple," "The Idea of You," "Hamilton," "SMASH," "Wicked," "The Gilded Age"
With 15 wins and 76 nominations, Bernard Telsey is one of the premier Casting Directors in the industry. Casting our favorite films, television shows, and Broadway shows, Telsey Casting is well known for excellence in casting. From the original production of RENT to NBC's This Is Us to Only Murders in the Building to Wicked (both the upcoming movie and the show), their office is constantly busy. In this episode, we talk about: • His first job as a casting assistant and building his rolodex of actors • Casting RENT as an off-Broadway musical and why it was a difficult year long process • Putting an ad in the Village Voice for a rock musician for RENT • That ideally, he would like to be part of the early development process of a project • Giving Casting their credit and how that has evolved • How is the office doing post-pandemic • What he sees in actors who shine with 4 lines or for a lead role, like in the case of Annaleigh Ashford • How actors can get on their radar and what projects Telsey is working on now Guest: Website Wikipedia MCC Website Instagram for MCC Theater Instagram for The Telsey Office IMDb Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... Casting Director Susanne Scheel ("Past Lives," "The Wife")
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Tribeca: LIVE on the Red Carpet of ALL THAT WE LOVE with Margaret Cho, Missi Pyle, Kenneth Choi, and Devon Bostick
LIVE on the Red Carpet of the World Premiere of the film "All That We Love." Starring: MARGARET CHO (Cast) JESSE TYLER FERGUSON (Cast) KENNETH CHOI (Cast) (Halloweentown, Captain America, Ironside, American Crime Story, The Wolf of Wall Street ALICE LEE (Cast) ATSUKO OKATSUKA (Cast) DEVON BOSTICK (Cast) (Pppenheimer, Saw 4 and 5, Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies) YEN TAN (Writer, Director) Missi Pyle (Just my Luck, Soul Place, A Cinderella Story (with Lucy Hale), Dodgeball, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) Logline: Upon the loss of her beloved dog, Emma Gwon faces an empty nest and renewed feelings for her estranged ex-husband, as she navigates the joy and sorrow of starting anew. Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle For more like this, try NYWIFT Muse Awards RED CARPET: Kyra Sedgwick, Alex Borstein, Tantoo Cardinal & more Click here to join our Mailing list. Image: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: Devon Bostick, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Atsuko Okatsuka, Yen Tan, Alice Lee and Kenneth Choi attend the "All That We Love" premiere during the 2024 Tribeca Festival at SVA Theater on June 08, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)
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Tribeca: LIVE on the Red Carpet of SACRAMENTO with Michael Angarano, Chris Smith, AJ Mendez, and Iman Karram
LIVE on the Red Carpet of the World Premiere of the film "Sacramento." Starring: Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, Michael Angarano, and Maya Erskine Written by: Michael Angarano and Chris Smith Interviews including Michael Angarano, Chris Smith, AJ Mendez, and Iman Karram Logline: Ricky, an energetic and free-spirited young man convinces Glenn, his long-time friend who's settled into domestic life, to go on an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle For more like this, try NYWIFT Muse Awards RED CARPET: Kyra Sedgwick, Alex Borstein, Tantoo Cardinal & more Click here to join our Mailing list. B-roll Videos: Edited byGetty Video @ Getty Images "Sacramento" Premiere - 2024 Tribeca Festival (EPK Clips HD)
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How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode
Video Available on Spotify. This year, I achieved one of my goals of covering a Film Festival for my podcast. I interviewed big actors, incredible filmmakers, Tribeca programmers, and enjoyed myself immensely. In this special 4th Anniversary episode of Mentors on the Mic, I share: • What made me feel more confident and relaxed at this Film Festival in comparison to others • How I booked red carpets and big interviews with Lisa Edelstein, Margaret Cho, Gina Torres, Mark Duplass, Katie Aselton, Tim Blake Nelson, and more • How I just missed interviewing Michael Cera and Jesse Tyler Ferguson • My tips for anyone planning to attend a Film Festival Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out TRIBECA: Lisa Edelstein and Gina Torres discuss "THE EVERYTHING POT" Video edited by Gideon Friedman
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Becoming... Casting Director Susanne Scheel ("Past Lives," "The Wife")
Susanne Scheel is a New York-based casting director with a Bachelor of Science in Film and Television from Boston University. Susanne has won three Casting Society of America Artios Awards for Excellence in Casting and has been nominated for nine more. Susanne has had the honor of collaborating with several visionary creatives including Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Frances McDormand, Barry Levinson, George Clooney, Kasi Lemmons, Ryan Murphy, Jim Mickle, Cherien Dabis, John Lee Hancock, Peter Chelsom, Celine Song, Dean Craig, Bjorn Runge, Xavier Manrique, Danya Taymor, Patrick Wilson, and Whitney White. She has worked for and with some of the industry’s top casting directors including spending the last ten years and counting working with Ellen Chenoweth. As a casting director, Susanne’s debut feature film “The Wife”, starred Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, Christian Slater, Annie Starke, Max Irons, Harry Lloyd, and Elizabeth McGovern. More recently, Susanne co-cast Celine Song’s “Past Lives” with Ellen Chenoweth. “Past Lives” premiered this year at the Sundance Film Festival and also screened at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. In this episode, we talk about: • Her first casting internships in Boston and her first assistant role in LA • Vivid memory of working with the Coen brothers and asking her “What do you think?” • Going to LA for periods of time for a project and what coast she prefers • Why there are more female CDs then male CDs • Casting the Oscar-nominated film Past Lives and the challenges COVID and the time difference to Korea posed • How many actors get called in for an average day player role • Tips for actors for auditions Guest: IMDb LinkedIn SAG-AFTRA Foundation panel - Casting Directors for Oscar Best Picture Nominees Barbie, American Fiction, & Past Lives Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... Emmy winning Casting Director Julie Schubert "Luke Cage," "Manifest," "House of Cards," "The Departed," "The Devil Wears Prada"
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TRIBECA: LIVE on the Red Carpet with Mark Duplass ("The Morning Show"), Ora Duplass, & Director/Actress Katie Aselton
I had the opportunity to go LIVE on the RED CARPET at Tribeca for three movies. The first was interview the Duplass family for their film "Oh, Christmas Tree." This 11 minute short film was shot in their cabin in upstate NY. It truly was a family affair, written by Mark Duplass to star in with his daughter Ora Duplass, and directed by Katie Aselton, Mark's wife and Ora's mom. I asked them a couple of questions about shooting this short film and working together. It was Ora's first time in a film, so I asked her about her preparation for this role and whether it felt performative to ask with her Dad. I also asked about advice for filmmakers. I truly found this particular short very inspiring. They shot this as a family, with only one extra person to record sound. I was able to tie in a fun question at the end! Synopsis: It’s been a bit of a year for 16 year-old Claire and her father Ben. All they really want to do is put it behind them. But Christmas is here and their silly holiday traditions are staring them dead in the face, practically taunting these two to give them a try after all they’ve been through. This short film by the Duplass family is as much an examination of mental health as it is an attempt to explore the emotional minefield of ever-shifting family dynamics. Mark Duplass - Mark is a filmmaker, actor, writer and musician. His credits include Bombshell, Safety Not Guaranteed, Tammy, The Mindy Project, and Charlie "Chip" Black on The Morning Show. Wikipedia IMDb Katie Aselton - Katie is an actress, director and filmmaker. Her acting credits include Bombshell, The Morning Show, Old Dads, Veep, Book Club, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle For more like this, try TRIBECA: Lisa Edelstein and Gina Torres discuss "THE EVERYTHING POT" Click here to join our Mailing list.
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Becoming... Senior Editor at Skyhorse Publishing Nicole Frail
Nicole Frail is a senior editor at Skyhorse Publishing, a traditional publishing company based in New York City. She has been with the company more than a decade and currently works on both adult and children's titles in both fiction and nonfiction categories. She has worked with debut authors and illustrators, as well as New York Times bestsellers, James Beard Award winners, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musicians. In this episode, we talk about: • Getting a full time publishing internship in NY from outside the city • What goes into the role of an editorial assistant and getting that promotion only a couple of weeks into her internship • Whether it's important to have challenging words in books for that age range • What makes Skyhorse different from other publishing houses • How long it will take an author to see their book printed through traditional publishing (often 12-18 months) but that Skyhorse can get it out faster in certain instances • Advice to promote your book and whether they look for a high social media following and engagement • If it’s worth getting illustrations for your book when submitting • Self publishing vs traditional publishing • Advice to authors for querying including synopsis, log line, and bio (why are you coming to me in first paragraph) and comparative title advice *Note: We recorded this episode a few months ago. As of July 3rd, 2024, Nicole is no longer at Skyhorse. She is devoting her time to her small business, Nicole Frail Edits. Guest: Website Contact Nicole Frail Linkedin Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Mini-Series: Creating Atomic Habits with guest host Kate Bone (part 1) Click here to join our Mailing list.
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Becoming... Senior Literary Agent at Transatlantic Agency Timothy Travaglini
Since 1994, Timothy Travaglini has worked in trade marketing for Scholastic, Inc.; been a bookseller for Books of Wonder, an all-children’s bookstore in New York City; and has edited for Henry Holt and Company, Walker & Company, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, and Open Road Integrated Media where he was the director of children’s acquisitions. Tim is now a Senior Agent at Transatlantic Agency. He primarily represents authors and illustrators of book for young readers of all ages, and select fiction and nonfiction for adults. Books he has acquired and edited have been, among other things, #1 New York Times bestsellers, a Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year, Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner, Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction winner, have been made into an award-winning musical, made into an award-winning animated television show (currently on Netflix), and traveled on board the International Space Station. He has edited, published, and now represents artists and authors who either previously won, or have gone on to win, nearly every award and honor under the sun. He has edited an American Library Association’s 10 Most Frequently Challenged book as well as a Christianity Today Book Award for Fiction winner. In this episode, we talk about: • Trade Marketing at Scholastic after 9 months of temp work and being Clifford the Big Red Dog for his boss’s kid’s birthday party • What are the responsibilities of an editor • Unpaid intern at Henry Holt agency while being a bookseller at Books of Wonder • All the ways to grow the success of the book including selling the translations and film rights • Difference between working at a mid size company like Henry Holt vs a big company like Penguin and how that affects the writer • Advice he gives authors to market their books in this industry and the mindset a writer needs to have right now • Having a book at a bigger publishing house vs a smaller publishing house • How many books get sold at a typical school visit and tips for making them successful • Other recommendations for authors to market a book and who are the gatekeepers • Whether he recommends authors hiring PR teams and when that would be helpful • Books turning into animated series such as “Oddball” on Netflix and “Fangbone!” available on Prime Video and other work on Nickelodeon • What he hopes to see in a query letter, including bio, synopsis, page count, word count Guest: Website LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Mini-Series: Creating Atomic Habits with guest host Kate Bone (part 1) Click here to join our Mailing list.
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TRIBECA: Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Liner and Vincent Grashaw for "BANG BANG"
TIM BLAKE NELSON - Actor, writer, director, and producer Tim Blake Nelson has appeared in over ninety feature films, including Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, Ang Lee’s Billy Lynne’s Long Halftime Walk, Louis Letterier’s The Incredible Hulk, Jay Roach’s Meet the Fockers, Steven Gaghan’s Syriana, Miguel Arteta’s The Good Girl, Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report, Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line, Andrew Davis’ Holes, and the Coen Brothers’ O Brother Where Art Thou? Nelson also starred as the title character in Netflix’s The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, written and directed by the Coen Brothers. He next appears in Marvel’s Captain America: New World Order, reprising his role as “Samuel Sterns” from The Incredible Hulk. Andrew Liner - Andrew Liner can most recently be seen starring in Peacock’s VAMPIRE ACADEMY from Executive Producer Julie Plec and can currently be seen in HBO Max’s original film, GRAY MATTER. Next up, he will be shooting a lead role in Destry Spielberg’s directorial debut, PLEASE DON’T FEED THE CHILDREN opposite Michelle Dockery. Vincent Grashaw - Director/Editor And Then I Go with Melanie Lynskey, Justin Long, and newcomers Arman Darbo and Sawyer Barth. Also, What Josaiah Saw and Coldwater. Synopsis: Retired pugilist Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski (Tim Blake Nelson) is inspired to try his hand at training once he reconnects with his estranged grandson. While their training brings Bang Bang out of the hole he’s been living in, everyone questions his motivations, including an ex-girlfriend from decades ago, who was privy to Bang Bang’s meteoric rise in the sport in the 80s as well as the rivalry with his former opponent, her cousin and Detroit's Mayoral candidate Darnell Washington. Is Bang Bang merely passing down inherited rage, or is there true altruism behind his tutelage? Questions: Vincent Grashaw: How did he come across this script from Will Janowitz? Why he chose to edit the entire film and taking a month? How did editing inform your directing? How did his background inform what he wanted to say about boxing? Tim Blake Nelson: How did this script come to you? What went into the preparation for this film? Andrew Liner: What was the audition like? How did you guys do his signature droopy eye and why was that important to include? Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle For more like this, try TRIBECA: Lisa Edelstein and Gina Torres discuss "THE EVERYTHING POT" Click here to join our Mailing list.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join actress and host Michelle Simone Miller and hear from the most interesting people in Entertainment, as well as the inside scoop on all of your favorite films and TV shows. Each week Michelle talks to Directors, Producers, Network Execs, Actors and more, to learn how they started, how they moved up, and any tips they've learned along the way. Mentors on the Mic is the place to find Mentorship without having to ask for it.
HOSTED BY
Michelle Simone Miller
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