The BraveMaker Podcast

Tony Gapastione is a SAG-AFTRA actor, speaker, and the founder and executive director of BraveMaker, a California-based nonprofit that uses film to educate, entertain, and create community through conversations about mental health, justice, diversity, and belonging. Since founding BraveMaker in 2018, he has built a year-round organization that produces a film festival, filmmaker grants, educational programs, networking events, the BraveMaker Academy, and the BraveMaker Podcast, all with the mission of empowering artists and fostering meaningful connection. As a writer, director, and producer, Tony creates character-driven stories about people falling apart who find hope, healing, and belonging through unexpected communities. His recent projects include 33 Days, inspired by the true story of Roger Huang's 33-day hunger strike, and NonProfiting, a heartfelt comedy-drama about rebuilding a life through community. Tony is driven by a simple belief: stories have the power to heal, challenge injustice, build bridges across differences, and inspire people to become brave enough to tell the stories that matter.   / tonygapastione  Khristopher “Squint” Sandifer, our 2026 BraveMaker Culturista, is a Visual Composer, award-winning creative director, photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work bridges culture, technology, and authentic human connection. He has created impactful visual narratives across sports, entertainment, and business, collaborating with some of the world’s leading brands and cultural figures. His recent accolades include a 2026 Webby Award People’s Voice Winner, a 2026 Clio Award, four Drum Awards including The Drum Awards President’s Award, and recognition as part of a New York Times bestselling project. Squint is the primary photographer for Stephen Curry’s book Shot Ready. As a director, writer, and producer, he has led documentaries, television projects, commercials, and branded content across multiple platforms. Through every project, he remains committed to creating work that connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact.   / iamsquint  Dana Harris-Bridson, our first ever Brave Journalist Honoree, is Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of IndieWire, where she oversees editorial strategy across film, television, and culture and helps guide the publication through a period of rapid industry change. A longtime advocate for independent filmmakers and creative risk-takers, she has played a key role in evolving IndieWire into a forward-looking platform centered on analysis, point of view, and the future of the business. She launched IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking initiative, a cross-platform series of editorial, events, and conversations examining how filmmakers build sustainable careers amid shifting economics, new technologies, and changing audience habits. She also writes and curates In Development, IndieWire’s newsletter focused on emerging models, new voices, and the realities shaping today’s filmmakers.   / danalharris  Phillip Andre Botello, our 2026 Luminary Actor Honoree, is an award-winning actor known for his memorable performances in The Art of Self-Defense opposite Jesse Eisenberg, as well as Sunset on the River Styx and Pledge. Most recently, he completed filming the upcoming Netflix feature One Attempt Remaining alongside John Cena and a new feature from A24, while also appearing in Season 2 of The Rehearsal with Nathan Fielder. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Phillip has earned multiple Best Actor awards for his performances in Twenty Nine, Free Pass, and You Still See Dead People. Recognized for his authenticity, emotional depth, and commitment to his craft, Phillip continues to build an impressive body of work across film and television while inspiring fellow artists and audiences alike.   / phillipandrebotello  

🎙️ Episode 333 of the BraveMaker PodcastTwo remarkable women filmmakers. Two deeply personal stories. This episode features Colette Ghunim, director of the feature documentary Traces of Home, and Paige Morrow Kimball, director of the short film WAIT. Together, we explore identity, belonging, family, resilience, and the power of storytelling to spark empathy and meaningful conversation.If you love independent film and stories that stay with you long after the credits roll, this episode is for you.Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and experience both films at the BraveMaker Film Fest.https://bravemakerfilmfest.com/

🎙️ Episode 332 of the BraveMaker Podcast! 🎬As we count down to the 8th Annual BraveMaker Film Festival, we're kicking off a special series of festival preview episodes featuring filmmakers, honorees, industry leaders, and special guests who will be joining us in Redwood City July 8–12.www.BraveMakerFilmFest.comIn this episode, you'll hear from our Maverick Honoree, Keith Powell—best known as "Tow-fer" on the TV show 30 Rock and most recently seen on Shrinking. Keith has also become a sought after television director, helming episodes of Interview with the Vampire, Will Trent, Superstore and more.We're also joined by Vernon Davis, former San Francisco 49ers star and Denver Broncos Super Bowl champion, who has successfully transitioned into acting and can be seen in the BraveMaker Film Festival short film The Listeners, directed by Joslyn Rose.And finally, producer Sean Drummond joins us to discuss distribution opportunities for independent filmmakers, including his platform, Cindee, and the workshops he'll be leading during the festival.Whether you're attending for one event or all five days, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most of your BraveMaker Film Festival experience.

Our BraveMakers @thejacobgunter, @gabriellelorein & @belgica.rodriguez.professional had the opportunity to attend and do red carpet interviews for The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) last week! 🤩🎬💫LALIFF is an international event dedicated to excellence in filmmaking. Through film, television, music, and education, LALIFF offers a vibrant stage to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino cinema through distinct directorial voices and culturally significant narratives.Celebrating its milestone 25th edition, LALIFF took place May 27 – May 31, 2026, at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood and the Egyptian Theatre Hollywood. The festival opened with Valentina @valentinamovie and closed with TheyDream @theydreamfilm (this movie will also be our closing night movie for BMFF!), screening over 120 films—including 19 world premieres—and nearly 250 student films from the Youth Cinema Project @youthcinemaproject_🎥🎞️For 25 years, LALIFF has championed storytellers whose perspectives enrich the cinematic landscape, and we remain committed to supporting the next generation of creators because their voices, vision, and creativity will help define what comes next. The future es Latino. We will go over their experience at LALIFF, the impact the them, festival had on and what the future of filmmaking can look like! ⭐️🎬

It's time to film. You've worked hard, prepared well, he problems... t? You continue to lead well, elevate creativity, and protect the story and value each person's contributions.

Everything can and DOES go wrong. What do you do?

Originally from Orlando, Florida, Tony Robinette moved to Los Angeles after performing sketch comedy and improv at the Walt Disney World Resort, while also working steadily in local film, television, and commercials.He made his feature film debut in Spring Breakers, directed by Harmony Korine, acting opposite Vanessa Hudgens. Since then, he has built an extensive list of credits across network, streaming, and premium television.Tony’s work includes appearances on How I Met Your Mother, Fresh Off the Boat, Night Court, NCIS, This Is Us, and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. More recent and current appearances include St. Denis Medical, American Primeval, and Waco: The Aftermath.He can also be seen as Henry in Miss Governor, where he recurs across 11 episodes, and will appear as an upcoming guest star on Fallout.Tony continues to bring grounded, memorable characters to life and is quickly becoming a go-to actor for both comedy and drama across television and streaming platforms.

As we prep for our 1st ever Multi-Hyphenate summit--an all day conference on Saturday April 11th for film/TV makers--we'll talk about what indie actors and creators could be doing to achieve their creative dreams.

The Vanishing of Dolores Wulff had its Northern California premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival and won! Dolores Wulff disappeared on July 31, 1979, during the height of California’s serial killer era. Early suspicions in the case even pointed toward the Zodiac Killer, yet no body was ever found and the truth remained hidden for decades.The film revisits this haunting Northern California mystery that shook the region and follows one family’s relentless pursuit of answers for more than 40 years. As previously reported by SFGATE, Wulff’s children spent years confronting and pursuing the man they believed responsible, refusing to let their mother’s case be forgotten while pushing the justice system for answers.The Vanishing of Dolores Wulff brings this extraordinary story to the screen through first-hand accounts from the family, investigators, archival materials, police photos, recordings, and cinematic recreations ultimately revealing what happened decades after her disappearance.

Joseph Marconi is a writer and director from the Hudson Valley, New York. He began his career in advertising, working with global companies like BBDO and Showtime. After a brief stint as a New York City nightlife photographer, he transitioned to writing and directing short films, music videos, and branded content. His short film, Baby Love, won Best Short Film and Best Made in Montana Film at the 2021 MINT Film Festival. He edited the documentary feature Hargrove (directed by Eliane Henri) and the Muslim Futurism music video Alhamdu (directed by Abbas Rattani), both of which premiered at Tribeca 2022. Joseph is also a 2021 Film Independent Fellow. Baby Love will be his debut feature film. Joseph is represented by Brian Levy at Entertainment 360. Maury Sterling is an actor, writer, and producer originally from Mill Valley, California. As an actor, he has appeared in numerous films, series, and recurring roles, most notably of late as Max Piotrowski on the Showtime juggernaut Homeland. Maury and his wife Alexis recently launched their production company, Little Idea Media. Under the banner of this new production company, which aspires to create stories that challenge narrative, perspective, and tradition, they have produced the short film Blood and Water, the feature My Dead Friend Zoe (winner of the 2024 SXSW Audience Award), and now Baby Love. Maury is represented by Forward Entertainment and Innovative Artists.Kiana Madeira is a powerhouse actress whose past credits prove that she cannot be put in a box. Although she started her career in Toronto at the age of ten, Kiana’s international breakthrough came when she led the cast in the hit Netflix horror trilogy “Fear Street.” Playing multiple characters across three timelines, Kiana’s seemingly effortless ability to take on the challenge did not go unnoticed. She went on to star in the Toronto Film Festival favorite “Brother”, which earned her an ACTRA Awards nomination for Outstanding Female Performance. Brother won fourteen Canadian Screen Awards and now lives on Netflix. Being no stranger to the streamer, Kiana also stars in the Netflix Original series “Trinkets” and the hit “After” franchise of YA films.Breaking into the action space, Kiana has recently starred in the film “Perfect Addiction,” where she brought to life Sienna Lane, an MMA trainer-turned-fighter. Her physicality in this role has carved a lane for her as she is currently set to star in the survivor thriller “Titan”, with filming commencing later this year. The “Resident Evil” Producers Constantin Film & JB Pictures are behind both Perfect Addiction and Titan.Kiana is currently making her first leap into producing as executive producer of “Baby Love”, an indie fighter drama centered around Madeira, who portrays the lead character.She currently splits her time between Toronto and the US and is bi-coastal

Get the Acting Career You Want with Jodie Bentely● Build Your Actor Brand● Create, Build, and Maintain Your Industry Relationships...Faster.● Stop the Excuses and the Self-Sabotage● Prep the Agent Interview to Land Your Dream TeamSocial Media Actor Insider:Instagram:   / actorinsider  FB Group:   / theactorsworkspace  YouTube:    / @actorinsider  Social Media Jodie Bentley (Personal):IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2195542/?...LinkedIn:   / jodiebentley  Instagram:   / jodiebentley  Facebook:   / jodiebentley  YouTube:    / @thejodiebentley  Websites:www.actor-insider.comwww.jodiebentley.comwww.theactorsoffice.com

When Taylor can't get her party store shift covered after her dad dies, she makes a deadly mistake that sparks a downward spiral of red, white and blue-collared chaos.PREMIERES @ Cinequest 2026Sunday March 15th @12:25pm Tuesday March 17th @ 4pm

https://bravemaker.com/

Melanie Loren is a multi-faceted performing artist with a diverse body of work and many credits as an actor and singer. Notably, she played a supporting role in The Shitheads, a film starring Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson, Jr., which premiered recently at Sundance Film Festival. She also portrayed the fearless “Unattainable Sister” in Undercover Brother 2, a sequel to the popular, original film and has appeared in a number of television series, including Chicago Fire, Sprung and The Chi, among others. Additionally, Melanie has performed at theaters across the country in crowd-pleasing productions like Little Shop of Horrors,The Color Purple, and Dreamgirls. Also, she is the proud co-creator and co-host of the Dipped With Sweet and Hot podcast.

Ray Maiello is an award-winning film producer and former Netflix and Paramount Pictures executive. He founded Moontower Productions to champion independent voices and produce bold films. In just three years, Ray has produced five films, including My Dead Friend Zoe, winner of the 2024 SXSW Audience Award and Chasing Summer, which is premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.Other recent projects include "Are We Good?" starring Marc Maron and documentary films Jean-Michel Basquiat and The Trial of Alec Baldwin. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and based in Venice, California, Maiello’s producing career builds on an earlier chapter in music, where he founded Moontower Entertainment to develop artists from New York’s indie rock scene, including Wheatus, whose global hit "Teenage Dirtbag" topped one billion streams on Spotify.

Nicholas Bruckman is an Emmy-nominated director and founder of People’s Television, a NYC- and DC-based storytelling studio producing award-winning independent films as well as creative campaigns for the world's leading brands, foundations, and social movements. His feature documentary Not Going Quietly, about healthcare activist Ady Barkan, won both the Audience and Jury Awards at SXSW and was released to critical acclaim in theaters nationwide and on Hulu. His follow-up, Minted: The Rise (and Fall?) of the NFT, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Netflix in 2025. Most recently, his docuseries The Price of Milk—which uncovers the hidden story behind the iconic “Got Milk?” campaign—had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248

🎬 BRAVEMAKER PODCAST — 2026 SELECTED PILOT SPOTLIGHTWe’re excited to feature Freelance, a 2026 selected pilot, on the BraveMaker Podcast!Joining us is cinematographer Tyler Clark, who brings a grounded, cinematic eye to the project and shares what it takes to visually shape a pilot from concept to screen.Hosted by Tony Gapastione (@tonygapastione) and Priscilla Lam (@mspriscillalam)In this episode, we dive into creative collaboration, visual storytelling, and the real-world process of bringing an independent pilot to life—what works, what’s challenging, and why story always comes first.🎙️ Tune in for behind-the-scenes insight, practical wisdom, and an honest conversation about making bold, beautiful work outside the studio system.

Join Tony Gapastione in conversation with 2026 Sundance selected film: TAKE ME HOME. Written/directed by Liz Sargent. https://takemehomefilm.com/Liz Sargent is a Korean-American adoptee and award-winning filmmaker whose work delves into adoption, disability, and family dynamics. With a background in choreography, she brings emotional depth to her storytelling, shaped by her experience as the middle child of eleven in an intersectionalfamily.A two-time NY EMMY winner (2020 & 2021), Sargent is also a HALF Initiative Mentee (2022 & 2023), an MSSNG PCES AICP Mentee (2023), and NBCU's Launch Director (2024-2026). Her debut narrative short,Strangers' Reunion, (2019), was a personal adoptee film produced by Ritz- Carlton and Hearst under the mentorship of Mike Figgis, released in six languages worldwide.Her proof of concept, Take Me Home, premiered at Sundance (2023), won the Grand Jury Prize at American Cinematheque's PROOF FF (2024), and was the centerpiece at the White House to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Olmstead Act, where Sargent and her sister, the film’s star, shared theirstories with key officials.The feature pitch won the largest production award in the world at AT&T Untold Stories at Tribeca FF (2025) and will world premiere at Sundance in U.S. Dramatic Competition 2026.

Go with us for the LAST TIME in Park City Utah---with filmmaker Tony Gapastione who has been attending for 14 years and Naee Anderson who volunteers at the Library theater and has been for 7 years!Tony Gapastione is a writer/director/actor and the founder of BraveMaker. With three feature films he's written and produced, 2 he's directed and many more to come, Tony is passionate about community development and elevating the arts to create change. From the SF Bay to L.A., Tony hosts monthly mixers, weekly podcasts and classes as well as the BraveMaker film festival every July. Tony recently started his feature filmmaker club---a year long coaching co-hort for filmmakers who want to take action and bring a feature film to life. Natalie “Naee” Anderson is a Richmond-born film director, producer, visual storyteller and festival programmerwith a multidisciplinary approach to filmmaking and crafts stories that explore themes of identity, transformation, and authenticity. Naee embodies a cinematic style that blends emotional depth and visual intention. Her footprint has reached to prominent festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, BraveMaker, and the Morehouse Human Rights Film Festival, reflecting her commitment to bold storytelling that resonates on and off screen. Whether behind the camera or leading a production, she brings a clear vision that centers truth and connection in every frame.

Join BraveMaker founder, Tony Gapastione--  / tonygapastione  a filmmaker who has produced three feature films and founded a film festival--in conversation with actress/Youtuber Belgica Rodriguez---an actress and Youtube content creator based in Los Angeles and San Francisco. She is known for her many commercials and short films such as Land of Opportunity which premiered at the SF Latino Film Festival and Creature Comforter that will be premiering at the 2024 BraveMaker Film Festival. On TV, she played Ted Bundy’s wife, Carole Ann Boone on Reelz in Ted Bundy: Serial Monster. To learn more about how she has broken into acting and continues to learn about the industry, you can subscribe to her youtube channel!    / belgicapaola    / belgica.rodriguez.professional  also on the podcast will be actress/comedian: Leah KnauerAn extremely gifted improviser, actress, and singer, Leah's performances are a captivating blend of sass, wit, and charm that leave audiences in stitches. Leah's impressive resumé includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Wayne Brady, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Mary J. Blige, Jimmy Kimmel, Meghan Trainor, and Jack Black. She has also made her mark on the big screen, appearing in films such as JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT, PINK SKIES AHEAD, and DOGNAPPED: HOUND FOR THE HOLIDAYS. As a co-star on Comedy Central's CORPORATE and NOT SAFE WITH NIKKI GLASER, Leah has proven herself to be a versatile performer capable of entertaining audiences on every medium and stage. Leah is the Gemini co-host of the popular spiritual-comedy "BASIC WITCHES" podcast, which was recorded in the haunted basement of The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood.   / leahknauer  

Start the year with filmmaker Tony Gapastione and grab some strategies for a fulfilling creative year!

Get ready for an inspiring convo with filmmaker Diane Bell — Sundance award-winning screenwriter/director and bestselling author of Shoot From the Heart.⁠  / shootfromtheheart1  ⁠Diane’s debut feature OBSELIDIA premiered at Sundance (winning two awards + two Indie Spirit noms), followed by BLEEDING HEART starring Jessica Biel & Zosia Mamet. She’s penned screenplays for legendary director John McTiernan (Die Hard, Predator) and is currently in post on her first documentary filmed in Ukraine.⁠⁠She’s on a mission to demystify filmmaking and empower new voices, and we can’t wait to dive in.⁠

BraveMaker Podcast 311 — LIVE on YouTubeFeaturing the creative team behind Two Weeks, One FoolLogline:When a man grows suspicious that the girl he’s seeing is a stripper, his investigation takes a shocking turn when he crashes one of her performances.Join us for a lively conversation with four dynamic filmmakers bringing Two Weeks, One Fool to life:• Airric Qualls – Actor, producer, screenwriter, and director from Sacramento, CA. Airric is the co-creator of AK Film Group and producing partner of 11th Hour Creatives, where he develops bold, character-driven stories across film and digital media.• Hugo F. Martínez – A Bay Area first-generation Mexican-American filmmaker whose multidisciplinary expertise spans Production Design, Art Direction, Set Design, Prop Fabrication, Carpentry, and Practical FX. His creative fingerprints can be seen in projects like the horror thriller “Blood Wine” (starring Amanda Detmer of Empire) and Hogar HGTV’s “El Sabor de Aaron,” a competition cooking show featuring celebrity chef Aaron Sánchez with guest judge Oscar De La Hoya.• Michaela P. Shelton – Bay Area filmmaker, actress, and writer best known as the creator and producer of Reckless Behavior: The Series, the hit dramedy about millennial life in the Bay Area—now streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime. She also produces short films and centers underrepresented voices with authentic, relatable storytelling.• Derrick Hogan Jr. – Born and raised in the Bay Area, Derrick brings a rich background in sports and theatre to his work in film and television. His mission: climb as far as he can in the industry while staying grounded in the community that shaped him.

Masha Ellsworth is a Ukrainian-American storyteller, independent filmmaker, and leader in the animation industry. As a Lead Technical Director in the Characters Department at a top animation studio, she has spent over two decades bringing iconic characters to life in some of the most celebrated animated films.Beyond studio animation, she is deeply committed to independent filmmaking—using her craft to explore untold stories and cultural narratives. Born and raised in northern Ukraine, Masha brings a unique perspective to her work, blending technical expertise with a passion for art and storytelling. She holds dual degrees in Computer Science and Visual Art from Brigham Young University.

Marcos James is an actor/performer based in Los Angeles. He is mostprominently known for playing the role of White Rat in the hugely successfulHBO series, Game of Thrones. Marcos was also one of the primary stars of thetelevision movie series, Keeping up with the Joneses (LMN), in which heplayed the recurring role of William French. Other appearances include thelead role of Kody in the Amazon film, Cabin Pressure, appearances in Days ofour lives, the lead role of Arjuna in the theatre production, The Mahabharata,at the prestigious Sadler’s Wells Theatre (UK), as well as prominent roles inDisney’s, The Lion King (West End: London) and Aida.Alongside his activities in theatre, film and television, Marcos has carved outan impressive resume in the commercial sphere. He has appeared as afeatured actor, performer and commercial model in high profile campaigns forbrands such as Nokia, Heineken, Cadbury’s, Viasat (Europe) and others andhas appeared as a lead actor in videos for high profile artists such as the rockband, Shinedown.Currently, Marcos is working on a key guest star role for a television series,which will be entering its sixth season in 2026.

Meet the writer/director and producer of the new psychedelic buddy comedy   / thelemuriancandidate  

We attempted something pretty outrageous--but we accomplished it, learned and laughed really hard.

Some thoughts on why you might not be booking.

Tony discusses why we need to do things that scare us and plan goals that are bigger than we think we can achieve on our own--so we learn by being stretched.   / tonygapastione  

🎙️ Actress Natalia Dominguez MOST RECENTLY STARRED in @HBOMAX's #FreakyTales movie opposite Pedro Pascal. 🇸🇻 Natalia Dominguez is a proud Salvadoran-American actor dedicated to telling impactful stories that highlight human struggle, resilience, & triumph. Born & raised in East Palo Alto, California, Natalia’s journey into acting began in her church’s stage productions, where she discovered her love for storytelling and deep connection formed through art.⚡️ Raised by a single mother alongside her three older brothers, Natalia learned the power of perseverance early on. Her experiences shaped her desire to tell authentic stories that reflect the human condition. She works tirelessly to represent Latinos everywhere—especially those from El Salvador. Through her roles in projects like Freshman Year (Netflix), Gabriel, The After, The Alternate, and her most recent achievement in Freaky Tales alongside Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks, Natalia has proven that with hard work and resilience, anything is possible.In addition to her work in film, Natalia has been featured in high-profile commercials for brands such as Lucasfilm, AT&T, Oculus, Dove, SentinelOne, eBay, Apple, Clorox, McDonald's, & Google. Each project allows her to further connect with audiences & showcase her versatility as an actor.👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏽 As a mother of 2 girls, Natalia's passion for storytelling is matched by her commitment to raising empathetic, kind, & strong girls. Through her work & her personal journey, Natalia is determined to give her daughters the voice they need to succeed & live with purpose.🎭️ A continual learner, Natalia has honed her craft through training at Z/A Studios, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Howard Fine Studios and learning from this world. She believes in the power of storytelling as a tool for growth, connection, and understanding, and she remains dedicated to bringing authentic, relatable characters to life.💛 A proud Latina representing her roots, Natalia Dominguez is a force in the entertainment world, inspiring others to dream big, break barriers, & embrace their true selves.

Actor/Filmmaker Tony Gapastione---on not just talking about it--but DOING IT.

Jane Kaczmarek is best known for her role as ‘Lois’ on television’s award winning Malcolm in the Middle, for which she received 7 consecutive Emmy nominations, multiple Golden Globe and S.A.G. nominations, as well as the Television Critics Award two years running, the only woman to be so honored. She will next be seen among the all-star ensemble in the Duffer Bros upcoming Netflix limited series The Boroughs. She just wrapped the long-awaited reboot of Malcolm in the Middle for Disney +, reuniting with Bryan Cranston & Franke Muniz. Jane’s television career began with iconic series St Elsewhere, The Paper Chase, and Hill Street Blues after graduating from The University of Wisconsin and the Yale School of Drama. Starring in innumerable television series since, she continues in her role as ‘Judge Harm’ on The Simpsons, and more recently received raves from critics & fans for her role as ‘Cal’ opposite LaKeith Stanfield on the Apple + limited series The Changeling, adapted from the bestselling novel.Rani DeMuth is a Carpinteria-based writer/director. Her feature script END OF THE LINE was selected for Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab, Directing Lab & Fast Track Finance Market, with Christina Sibul (Thirteen, Monica) set to produce. Her films have screened at over fifty international festivals and won awards across all categories.She received LACMA’s first Art of Film Award for her short THE DOUBLE starring Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, which sold to Shorts International. Her recent short, AND NOW I LAY ME DOWN, starring Jane Kaczmarek, premiered at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival and won Best Dark Comedy at the HollyshortsComedy Film Festival and the Portland Comedy Film Festival. Rani is a Ryan Murphy HALF Initiative fellow and holds a BFA in painting & experimental film from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago & an MFA from the UCLA School of Theater, Film & TV. She's a member of the Alliance of Women Directors and a classically trained pianist.

Sasha Timan is a fearless storyteller whose work bridges documentary realism with emotional, character-driven narratives. A former TV journalist in Moscow and Washington, DC, Sasha now creates intimate films rooted in human rights, immigration, motherhood, and survival. Based in Los Angeles and holding an MFA from UCLA, her latest short Timelessness follows a Russian pianist seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her award-winning film Holy Water, about an elderly woman trapped in a televangelist’s scheme, earned Best Student Film at LA Indies Film Fest.Darya Ekamasova is a Russian award-winning actress whose performances have been featured at Cannes, Venice, and Berlinale. Known for her nuanced and powerful portrayals, she starred in The Americans and most recently played a striking role as a ruthless oligarch mother in the Oscar-winning Anora.Marc Thureau-Dangin is a UCLA Film & TV alum and seasoned 1st Assistant Director. With experience across French television and international productions, he’s worked on projects filmed in prestigious locations like the Élysée Palace and continues developing his voice as a director and producer.Hosted by BraveMaker founder Tony Gapastione, this LIVE episode recaps the most powerful moments from BraveMaker Film Fest 2025, and dives into Sasha’s creative journey, process, and passion for telling stories that matter.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #BraveMakerFilmFest #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #BraveStories

300th LIVE with Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam AND special guests from the BraveMaker Film Fest.July 10th, 2025 at the Bravemaker HQ in Redwood City, California with: Hilliard GuessSaeed CrumplerDave ThiesShoshannah Stern Zach Gottsagen Kathryn Smith-McGlynnNiema JordanNaee AndersonLeah Knauer Ken WhittinghamPriscilla LamWatch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join hosts Tony Gapastione and Belgica Rodriguez for a special conversation with selected creators whose bold stories will be featured in our upcoming festival.🎬 Behind-the-scenes moments🎤 Filmmaking insights💥 Creative inspirationWatch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMakerPodcast #BraveMakerFilmFest2025 #BraveStories #IndependentFilm

Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Nijla Mu’min is a powerful creative voice shaped by poetry, music, fiction, and dance. Born and raised in the East Bay Area, she weaves deeply personal and socially resonant narratives that spotlight the intersections of identity, justice, and belonging.Her debut feature Jinn — a coming-of-age story about faith, freedom, and first love — premiered at SXSW, where it earned her the Special Jury Award for Screenwriting, and went on to be named a New York Times Critics Pick. Since then, Nijla has made her mark directing episodes of Queen Sugar, Insecure, Swagger, Blindspotting, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, All Rise, and more.She is a Sundance Institute alum, a recipient of the MPAC Media Award for Courage and Conscience, and a ReFrame Rise fellow. She’s currently developing her second feature, Mosswood Park, which was awarded the SFFILM Rainin Grant. Her academic background includes a dual MFA in Film Directing and Creative Writing from CalArts and a BA from UC Berkeley, where she studied under the legendary poet June Jordan.Nijla’s work is bold, intimate, and evocative — and this conversation will dive into how she tells stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #WomenInFilm #Filmmakers #IndieFilm

Writers — ever feel like breaking into the industry is a mystery no one’s willing to explain? Joey Tuccio has been changing that for nearly a decade.Starting his career at Bold Films (Drive, Nightcrawler, Whiplash) and reading for companies repped by Hugh Jackman and George Clooney, Joey saw just how tough it is for writers to get real access and actionable feedback. So he co-founded Roadmap Writers, now one of the leading platforms connecting writers to execs and reps across the industry.Since 2016, Roadmap Writers has helped 440+ writers sign with reps and launch careers at Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Lionsgate, and more. Joey also mentors for Cinestory and The Writers Lab, and somehow still finds time to rescue animals.Whether you’re new to screenwriting or ready to take the leap toward staffing and selling your script — this is your moment.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #JoeyTuccio #RoadmapWriters #Screenwriting #Writers #BreakInHollywood #FilmIndustry #TVWriters

Writers, directors, and creatives — want to turn your vision into bold, unforgettable stories? Don’t miss this live conversation with Kim “Kimmie P” Callaway, an award-winning writer-director whose work blends humor, heart, and social impact.For over a decade, Kim has written and directed original web series, sketches, music videos, and commercials for major networks and brands including Amazon, Verizon, Ring, AOL, and HuffPost Comedy. Her commercial directing has earned her 4 Telly Awards.She’s the founder of Pillowfight!! Productions, a boutique company focused on visually striking, socially conscious comedy. Her latest short film, Mildred 4 a Million — starring the legendary Marla Gibbs — is currently on the festival circuit, winning Best Comedy Short at Worldfest Houston and screening at Raindance, Dances with Films, BraveMaker, and the SAG-AFTRA Showcase.Originally from Houston with deep creative roots in New Orleans, Kim brings sharp wit and soulful storytelling to every project — along with a background in theater, TV production, and a little Texas Hold’Em.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #KimCallaway #KimmieP #WriteDirectFilm #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #FilmFest #BraveMakerFilmFest #AmazonStudios

Actors and creative entrepreneurs — want to build a sustainable career on your own terms? Don’t miss this.Join us for a deep-dive convo with Tristina Lee Bryant, a Los Angeles-based actor and brand strategist whose work spans studio films, network TV, and viral indie hits.You’ve seen her in Unstoppable (Amazon Prime), Rap Sh!t (HBO Max), Burning Little Lies (Lifetime), and the viral short Default Mode — which racked up over 22K organic YouTube views.But off-camera, Tristina is a powerhouse brand builder, combining storytelling and strategy to help creatives grow. From directing UGC to leading branded campaigns, she works where art meets entrepreneurship — documenting her journey and teaching others how to navigate the evolving industry with confidence and clarity.If you’re ready to act with intention and build your brand with purpose, this one’s for you.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #ActingCareer #CreativeEntrepreneur #PersonalBranding #IndieFilm #ActorLife #TristinaLeeBryant #BuildYourBrand

From raising funds to facing rejection, from burnout to breakthroughs — this convo doesn’t hold back. If you’re dreaming of making your feature, don’t miss this raw, honest look at what it REALLY takes.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #Filmmaking #FilmProducer #FeatureFilm

We’re going deep into the real, raw truth of screenwriting with Hilliard Guess — writer, producer, podcaster, and director. From breaking into the industry to surviving the writer’s room, Hilliard is here to spill it all.With credits on Deadly Class (SYFY), the award-winning digital series TICKER, Amazon’s CROSS: AFTER HOURS, and the upcoming coming-of-age film MERMAID!, Hilliard knows what it really takes to make it in Hollywood.He’s also the longtime host of Screenwriters’ Rant Room, a WGA advocate, and a voice for underrepresented writers across genres. Expect real talk, wild stories, and serious insight.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #Screenwriting #TV #BlackWriters #Live

BraveMaker Podcast with special guest Kathryn Smith-McGlynn!Kathryn Smith-McGlynn is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer whose powerhouse performances span theatre, film, and television. She’s graced the stage in acclaimed productions like HENRY V (The Old Globe), FAIRVIEW and SWEAT (Capital Stage), and DISGRACED (San Jose Stage), and shined onscreen in The Surrogate, Mazerunner: The Scorch Trials, The Best Man, and series like Better Call Saul, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Cleaning Lady.She’s also the force behind The Green Room podcast, a platform amplifying Black artists, and the writer/director of COME AWAY WITH ME, a play for youth about Harriet Tubman’s legacy.Join us for a powerful conversation on the intersections of art, activism, and representation.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #KathrynSmithMcGlynn #Actor #Director #Producer #TheGreenRoomPodcast #WomenInTheatre #IndependentFilm #BlackArtistsVoices

Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️BraveMaker Podcast -- Casting & Character with special guest Jane Flowers!Jane is a casting director based in Los Angeles who began her career as an actor, earning her MFA from UCLA before transitioning to casting in 2011. She’s been on a mission ever since: helping actors book roles and shine on screen.Her recent credits include Way of the Warrior Kid (Apple), Die Hart Seasons 2 & 3 (Roku), DreamQuil, Big Mike’s Cabin, and Cursed Friends (Comedy Central). She also cast Calamity Jane for the Warner Bros series REFRAMED: NEXT GEN NARRATIVES, now streaming on HBO MAX.In 2024, she was nominated for two Artios Awards for her work on Daisy Jones & The Six and Die Hart Season 2. Jane’s favorite part of the job? Creating a safe, collaborative space for actors to explore and discover.🎥 Join us for a conversation about casting, collaboration, and building creative careers in Hollywood. Don’t miss it!Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #CastingDirector #JaneFlowersCasting #DaisyJones #DieHart #HBOmax

BraveMaker Podcast -- Micro-Budget Filmmaking with special guest Noam Kroll!Noam Kroll is a Los Angeles-based narrative filmmaker and creative entrepreneur best known for his incredibly DIY approach to the craft. His micro-budget features Shadows on the Road, Psychosynthesis, and Disappearing Boy have earned acclaim at international festivals, and he’s not stopping there.As the founder of Creative Rebellion, Noam has led projects for major brands like Google, NBC/Universal, and Warner Bros Technology. He also educates and inspires fellow filmmakers through his blog, podcast Show, Don’t Tell, and newsletter Micro-Budget Weekly.Currently in post-production on his fourth feature Teacher’s Pet, Noam joins us to talk all things micro-budget filmmaking: building a career on your terms, staying scrappy, and turning constraints into creative power.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #NoamKroll #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #IndieFilm #CreativeRebellion #ShowDontTell #IndependentFilm #DIYFilmmaking #FilmmakingTips #BraveStories

BraveMaker Podcast -- How To Direct Female-Centric Feature Films with special guest Traci Hays.Traci Hays is best known for bringing female-centric stories to the forefront, and her fourth feature, ON THE RUN, is no exception—landing on Tubi’s Most Liked List as her third installment for FOX. Her international dark comedy MY BLOODY GALENTINE is also streaming on Tubi, and her psychological thriller BLOOD, SWEAT, AND CHEER, starring Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars), was named one of Tubi’s Top 10 Originals by Vulture and Screen Rant.Before stepping behind the camera, Traci built a decade-long career in production design on features like A Little White Lie (starring Michael Shannon and Kate Hudson) and Amazon's Emmy-nominated DARK/WEB. As a director, her award-winning short FREDERICK won 20 awards after premiering at Dances With Films, while 40ISH gained recognition at Cannes’ Short Film Corner.Don’t miss this conversation about storytelling, women in film, and navigating the evolving entertainment industry.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #WomenInFilm #IndependentFilm #TraciHays #FemaleFilmmaker #TubiOriginals #FilmmakingJourney

🎬Join Tony Gapastione for a conversation with filmmaker Peter Curtis Pardini!Based in Austin, TX, Peter has made several documentaries about the legendary rock band Chicago, including Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago, released by CNN Films in 2017. His passion for documentary storytelling has fueled his journey into narrative filmmaking, where he explores human idiosyncrasies and irony.His latest film, Man Goes on Rant, will be released on April 8th on VOD, Blu-ray/DVD, and TVOD—don’t miss the chance to hear about his creative process, filmmaking journey, and what’s next!Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #Filmmaking #Documentary #IndependentFilm

Join our engaging BraveMaker Podcast conversation -- Making Short Films: VIRGIN and STEADY.Welcome our guests:Ramone Menon, a filmmaker from Bangalore, India, currently based in Los Angeles, California. Ramone has crafted a niche in genre cinema, particularly horror intertwined with social commentary. His film "Virgin" adds to his portfolio of thought-provoking films that challenge traditional narratives. His works have been showcased at major film festivals worldwide, including the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival and others such as LA Shorts and Brooklyn Horror.Joey Rogoff, Founder and Executive Producer at JoRo Productions. Starting with a strong foundation in social media content that captivated millions, Joey has pivoted to producing narrative films that aim to leave a mark on its viewers. His inaugural narrative project, 'Guardian Angel,' set the stage for his production house and was followed by the critically acknowledged 'Steady.'Brian Yuran, Partner at JoRo Productions and a recognized writer-director. Brian has a history of creating films that resonate deeply with audiences. An alumnus of the prestigious Newhouse School at Syracuse University, he has consistently brought to life stories that explore the human condition through unique lenses. His latest project, 'Steady,' featuring Tate Donovan, explores the redemptive power of new relationships formed under unusual circumstances.In-Depth Look at the Films:VIRGIN directed by Ramone Menon, brings a daring reimagining of the nativity story set against a backdrop of horror. The film, which premiered at FilmQuest, delves into the psychological and supernatural elements that might have surrounded the historical event, using a blend of Aramaic dialogue to enhance authenticity.STEADY, co-directed by Brian Yuran and Joey Rogoff, portrays the life of Cody, a teen struggling with personal demons, who finds guidance and friendship in Kasey, a former boxer facing his own battles with Parkinson’s disease. This film not only navigates the challenges they face but also highlights their journey towards mutual healing and empowerment.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker⁠ ⁠#BraveMakerPodcast⁠ ⁠#PatrickCaligiuri⁠ ⁠#TVProduction⁠ ⁠#BehindTheScenes⁠ ⁠#ContentCreator⁠ ⁠#Filmmaking