Producer's Cut

In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with accomplished author J.R. Blomberg about his new novella, "Navajoland." This captivating story not only engages readers with a thrilling adventure but also offers profound insights into the heritage and spirituality of the Navajo Nation. Blomberg’s unique storytelling approach and personal connection to the land make this narrative truly special.Exploring the Setting: The American Southwest serves as more than just a backdrop in "Navajoland"; it is a character in its own right. Blomberg’s personal connection to the region and the Navajo Nation is palpable, as he reflects on his heritage and the deep bond between the people and the land. He describes his experiences with his family's Native American roots, sharing how this background influences his work. The spirituality of the indigenous cultures resonates throughout the novella, where land is seen not as property but as a living entity one is accountable to.Character Development: At the heart of the story is Ryder Meskell, a protagonist grappling with a painful past and a supernatural lineage. Blomberg crafted Ryder as a character who embodies the struggle between legacy and burden. Initially believing he was abandoned by his father, Ryder wrestles with his identity, labeled as "hoke'e" by his peers, which translates to "left behind." As the narrative unfolds, Ryder learns that what he inherited is not merely a mystery to solve but a responsibility he must embrace. This internal conflict drives the story, making it more than just a treasure hunt—it’s an exploration of self-discovery.The Intersection of Thriller and Spirituality: Blomberg consciously integrates elements of Native American spirituality into his narrative, treating these beliefs with the respect they deserve. He avoids turning their traditions into mere spectacle, instead presenting them as a worldview that emphasizes balance and guardianship. The protagonist's journey of rediscovering these values mirrors the audience's experience, as they engage with the themes of heritage, responsibility, and the quest for meaning.A Unique Format: "Navajoland" is not just another novella; it marks the beginning of an anthology series where each story stands alone yet is interconnected through recurring themes. Blomberg’s choice of novella format allows him to deliver cinematic pacing while ensuring depth in character development. He aims for readers to complete the novella in under three hours, experiencing the story much like a film. This innovative approach to storytelling invites readers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative.Influences and Inspirations: When discussing his writing influences, Blomberg highlights the works of iconic filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. Their ability to create tension through geography and character depth inspires his narrative style. Furthermore, modern storytellers like Taylor Sheridan, known for works like "Wind River" and "Yellowstone," have shaped his view of integrating landscape into storytelling, ensuring the setting becomes a vital part of the narrative.Marketing Strategy: In an age where the publishing landscape has shifted, Blomberg adopts a savvy marketing strategy by leveraging platforms like Amazon. His pre-order campaign aims to build momentum and engage potential readers early. He recognizes the importance of discoverability in the digital age and strategically aligns "Navajoland" with readers of thriller and western genres, ensuring it reaches its target audience.

Introduction: In a world where obstacles can often feel insurmountable, the story of Ben Kjar shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Born with a rare condition that could have easily defined him, Ben chose instead to rise above his challenges and become a world champion wrestler. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating journey of how this powerful story came to life, as discussed in a recent podcast featuring filmmaker Tanner Christensen.Section 1: The Spark of InspirationThe idea for the documentary "Stand Out" was ignited nearly 30 years ago during a simple basketball game. Tanner Christensen recalls, "I was at a rec basketball game with my dad, T.C. Christensen, when I first saw Ben Kjar. He stood out for a couple of reasons—his unique appearance and his magnetic personality. Everyone seemed to gravitate towards him." This initial encounter laid the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking film.Section 2: The Long Road to DevelopmentFast forward to four years ago, Tanner and his team stumbled upon an old note that mentioned Ben's potential as a movie subject. "We came across that piece of paper and thought, this is the best idea we have. We need to tell Ben's story," Tanner shared. After reaching out to Ben, who had been approached by other filmmakers in the past but never felt it was the right fit, they began to collaborate on bringing his life story to the screen.Section 3: Choosing the Right FormatOne of the pivotal decisions in the filmmaking process was opting for a documentary format rather than a traditional narrative film. Tanner explained, "The Kjar family had an incredible amount of archival material documenting Ben's life. It was so well-preserved that it added authenticity to the story. Seeing the real Ben going through these experiences made it powerful." This choice allowed audiences to connect with Ben's journey on a deeper level.Section 4: Acquiring Rights and Building the TeamSecuring rights to Ben's story was the first step in the development process. Tanner stated, "Ben's community is incredibly supportive. Once he decided to tell his story, everyone rallied around him." Alongside Tanner was a talented production team, including his father, T.C. Christensen, whose extensive experience in filmmaking proved invaluable. Tanner shared, "TC has been in the industry for nearly 50 years, and his ability to stretch a budget while maintaining quality is unparalleled."Section 5: Collaboration with Industry LegendsThe team also included Jared Hess, a well-known filmmaker. Tanner and Jared had a long-standing friendship, and when Tanner sought feedback on an early cut of the film, Jared's positive response led to his involvement in the project. "I had no idea he would want to be part of it. His praise for the early cut was encouraging, and we decided to bring him on board to help navigate the industry aspects of the film," Tanner recounted.Conclusion: Key TakeawaysThe journey of creating "Stand Out" is a testament to the power of storytelling and community support. Ben Kjar's life is a reminder that with determination and the right support, one can overcome even the toughest challenges. This inspiring documentary not only showcases Ben's wrestling achievements but also highlights the importance of collaboration and authenticity in filmmaking.Tags: Inspirational Stories, Documentary Filmmaking, Overcoming Challenges, Ben Care, Wrestling, Community Support, Film Production, Authentic Storytelling.

Introduction: In the ever-changing world of Hollywood, casting has become a dynamic field that continuously adapts to new trends and technologies. In this insightful podcast episode, casting expert Paisley Baker shares her journey from theater to the heart of Hollywood casting, offering valuable insights into the importance of guilds, the impact of COVID-19 on the casting process, and what casting directors are truly looking for in auditions. Main Content:1. **Paisley Baker’s Journey to Casting** Paisley Baker’s career path is a testament to the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. Beginning as a theater major, she soon found herself in Los Angeles, eager to explore new opportunities. Her journey took a significant turn when she assisted on a friend’s short film. This experience opened doors for her, leading to roles working with Emmy and Oscar-winning producers. One pivotal moment included fixing a broken copy machine, which led to an unexpected job interview for a Disney kid's show. This story illustrates how seemingly small actions can have a significant impact on one’s career trajectory.2. **The Importance of Guild Membership** Baker highlights the value of being involved in industry guilds such as the Television Academy, Casting Society of America, and the Screen Actors Guild. Membership in these organizations not only provides networking opportunities but also enhances one’s credibility and access to resources. Joining SAG was a proud moment for Baker, as it allowed her to participate in award voting and connect with peers. The Television Academy further expanded her network, allowing her to interact with professionals from various facets of the industry, emphasizing the importance of community in a siloed profession.3. **Shifts in the Casting Process** The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes in the casting landscape, pushing the industry into the realm of self-taping. Baker explains that while casting was evolving before the pandemic, the necessity of self-tapes during COVID highlighted the importance of adapting to technology. She reflects on the days when auditions were submitted via VHS and notes how the rise of social media has changed the way talent is discovered. Despite the challenges, Baker believes that self-taping can be beneficial, allowing actors to perform multiple takes without the stress of in-person auditions.4. **What Casting Directors Look For** In today’s casting process, Baker emphasizes the need for a positive energy and the ability to act, but she also points out that casting directors are looking for authenticity and connection. The shift to virtual auditions means that casting directors are now viewing performances on small screens, which requires actors to adjust their performances accordingly. Baker encourages actors to communicate their limitations and be prepared to adapt to the new norms of self-taping, underscoring the importance of flexibility in this evolving landscape.Conclusion: Paisley Baker’s insights into the casting process reveal the complexities and transformations that have shaped Hollywood today. Her journey from a theater major to a respected casting professional serves as an inspiration to those aspiring to enter the industry. With the rise of technology and the importance of guilds, actors must embrace change and remain adaptable to thrive in this dynamic environment. The key takeaways from this discussion highlight the significance of networking, the benefits of guild membership, and the evolving expectations of casting directors in a post-COVID world.Tags: casting, Hollywood, career development, guilds, self-taping, COVID-19, acting tips, auditioning, casting director insights, entertainment industry.

Introduction: In a world where stories often reflect the complexities of human experience, Allie’s journey from screenwriter to director is a testament to resilience and creativity. Following a life-altering stroke, she found a new passion in filmmaking, nurturing her voice and vision through the lens of trauma and transformation. This blog post dives into her inspiring story, her approach to filmmaking, and the evolving landscape of the film industry post-COVID.The Beginning of a New Journey Allie’s journey began with a deep-rooted love for writing and cinema, but a stroke in 2017 dramatically altered her path. Initially a screenwriter, Allie lost her ability to write post-stroke, leading her into a period of depression. Encouraged by her husband, she took a leap into film school at the San Francisco Film School, where she discovered her passion for directing. "The second I saw actors performing my words at auditions, I was hooked on directing," she reflects. Allie’s resilience and determination not only helped her reclaim her creative voice but also defined her unique storytelling style that often features strong female leads overcoming adversity.Navigating COVID-19: Rising Above Challenges As the pandemic hit, the film industry faced unprecedented challenges. Allie, however, found a silver lining by forming a women’s film collective, which became a lifeline for her creative endeavors. "We meet every week to talk about our goals and what we’ve accomplished," she shares. This collective not only fostered friendships but also provided essential support and collaboration opportunities, allowing her to continue creating during a tumultuous time. Allie managed to produce a short film outdoors under strict safety guidelines, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to her craft.Dandelion Wishes: A Production Company with Purpose Allie established her production company, Dandelion Wishes, to facilitate her filmmaking ambitions. With plans to produce her first feature film, "Strangled," she explains the importance of having an LLC for raising investment funds. While her short films have yet to generate profit, Allie emphasizes that the focus of creating short films is not monetary gain but honing her skills and telling meaningful stories. "You make short films to sharpen your tools and keep creating," she asserts, highlighting the significance of storytelling in her life.The Art of Casting and Directing As a director, Allie sees herself as the CEO of her projects, blending her unique brand with the stories she tells. Her narratives often center around women rising from the ashes of trauma, a theme that resonates deeply with audiences today. Allie reveals, "There’s a deep well of stories about women and the ways we have been affected by trauma but also how we rise from it." The casting process, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, has evolved dramatically. With the rise of electronic submissions, Allie finds new opportunities to connect with talent, making the casting process more accessible and diverse.Conclusion: Key Takeaways Allie’s journey through adversity showcases the transformative power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. By embracing her challenges, she has carved a niche in the film industry, advocating for underrepresented voices and sharing impactful narratives. Key takeaways from Allie’s experience include the importance of community support, the value of continuous learning through creation, and the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of the film industry.Tags: #filmmaking #womeninfilm #resilience #storytelling #independentfilm #filmcollectives #DandelionWishes #trauma #transformation #casting

In this conversation, Erin Ziccarelli and Daren Smith discuss the evolution of indie film production through the lens of the Producer Fund. Daren shares insights on creating a sustainable ecosystem for indie films, focusing on investor engagement, audience targeting, and innovative marketing strategies. He emphasizes the importance of community and alignment with investors, as well as the structural aspects of the Producer Fund that differentiate it from traditional funding models. The discussion also touches on Daren's vision for future projects and the impact of family-friendly films in the market.TakeawaysThe Producer Fund aims to create a sustainable indie film ecosystem.Daren emphasizes the importance of aligning interests between filmmakers, investors, and audiences.Community engagement is crucial for successful film marketing.Investors are looking for meaningful media that uplifts and changes people for the better.The structure of the Producer Fund allows for diversified investments across multiple films.Daren's marketing strategy focuses on building relationships and community involvement.Email engagement is significantly more effective than social media for investor communication.The goal is to create family-friendly films that resonate with a broad audience.Daren's vision for 2026 includes multiple film projects and increased investor commitments.The journey of entrepreneurship in film involves continuous pitching and relationship building.

My interview with Paul Zeidman is now live! Paul breaks down his background in writing, podcasting, and producing short films. Check out his interview for a behind-the-scenes look at the Creative Writing Life podcast and his latest short film, Shecky! Click here to support Paul's Shecky post-production crowdfunding tier: https://lnkd.in/gQGzTyvy. Shecky is 73% funded - check out his reward tiers and help reach the finish line!!!

My second interview with Israel Brooks is now live! It was a pleasure to have him back for another chat about international production and Fast Fire Films 2.0. Check out his interview for ways to incorporate technology into your production process and more on: ·       Securing sponsorship/product placement·       Direct-to-consumer release for your film ·       Production company scaling ·       Distribution in-house

My interview with Rene Estes is now live! She is the founder of the Video Mentor and shares her perspective on media strategy and entrepreneurship. Check out her interview for more on the intersection of media and technology, including: ·       Mission and vision behind the Video Mentor ·       Trends in social media marketing ·       Identifying your audience ·       Filmmaking for emerging artists

Stephanie Moore’s second interview is now live! It was a pleasure having her back for another chat about entrepreneurship and the current “indie film renaissance.” She’s made some incredible strides with Gemini Crown Tech in the last year, particularly focusing on emerging artists and filmmakers. Check out her interview for more on:  ·       Shifts in the CA and TX film industries ·       Exploring your local film/tourism/economic boards·       “Workflow friendly” filmmaking software·       New additions to Gemini Crown Tech

My interview with Teresa Catherine is now live! She breaks down her theatrical background and career journey in production, highlighting the need for making your own work and adopting an entrepreneurial mindset in the film industry. Check out her interview for more on: ·       Creating your production company teaser·       Building your online presence as a creator ·       Tax credits and hiring locally in South Carolina ·       Fiscal sponsorship through film independent

My interview with Mar Della Greca is now live! Mar has years of experience in the entertainment industry, particularly in marketing and PR strategy, balancing creative vision with marketability and profitability. Check out her interview for more on: ·       Traditional distribution to digital platforms·       Building your project’s visibility early on ·       Sales agents’ role in distribution ·       Creative vision v. marketing strategy

My interview with Owen Palmiotti is now live! Owen joins me for an in-depth discussion of producing short films, from creating your film’s LLC to building out your core team to festival distribution. This is a detailed breakdown of the business of producing a film, specifically focusing on the legal and accounting angles of creating your short films. Check out his interview for more on: ·       Union v. non-union shorts ·       Stages of budget breakdown ·       Chain of title document·       Insurance, LLCs, and bank accounts for business

My interview with Maria Capp is now live! Maria is the founder and CEO of Cappricielli productions and she gives us an in-depth breakdown on professional collaborations and project funding through sponsorships and in-kind donations. Check out her interview for more on: • Building an audience through “knowing, liking, and trusting” • Production on union projects • Production sponsorships for funding • Developing your talent across multiple projects 

My interview with Anthony Sturmas is now live! Anthony is a super talented storyboard artist and the founder and CEO of Asturmas Produtions. During our chat he shared his insights on developing his craft and described his artistic inspiration for projects including the Redstorm (2013). Check out his interview for more on: ·      Storyboarding as “conducting” for your film ·      Collaboration with animators and directors ·      Concept art and storyboarding·      Technology programs for storyboarding

My interview with Juliana Guedes is now live! She is an experienced production designer, and we had an amazing time chatting about her background in architecture and latest developments in technology for her role. Check out her interview for more on:Character backgrounds and set designInitiatives to reuse sets and reduce wasteSet design from script to screenShort films and overseas production

My interview with Stephen Meier is now live! His latest project, Debutantes, is a union project with a $5.5 million dollar budget. Stephen wrote this feature fourteen years ago and now it's happening! We had a great time chatting about all things production, especially tax credits in southern states and marketing/distribution strategies. Check out his interview for more on: Alabama tax rebatesWriting for your dream castMonetizing your project from multiple angles Audience outreach strategies

My interview with publicist and media director Marie Lemelle is now live! Marie started her career in sports PR and has since acquired years of experience in public relations and talent management. She is the founder of several media and production companies including Platinum Star Public Relations and Eyedeal Image. Check out her interview for more on: PR as “crisis communication”Going global with LinkedInCrafting your elevator pitchWhat gets investors involved in a project

It was a pleasure to host Elizabeth Stuelke on Producer’s Cut this week! Our interview is now live. Elizabeth gives in an in-depth analysis of her short film, Her Lover, as well as the business decisions she made to pitch and finance the project! Check out her interview for more on:Crowdfunding for short filmsLargo.Ai platform for pitchingDesigning your pitch based on your audience Proof of concepts as pitch materials

My interview with Sean Rappleyea is live! Sean breaks down his career stages, including production assistant jobs on shows including American Odyssey, Limitless, and the Blacklist. More recently, he founded Rapp Consulting, focused on film development, investment, and strategy. Check out his interview for more on:TV shows made for network v. streamersTribeca Film Festival Executive producing on films Strategic consulting to secure film financing

My interview with Eliza Huberth is now live! She is a Juilliard grad and the writer, producer, and director of the short film, Milquetoast. Eliza walks us through her project’s production process, including casting, crowdfunding, and making the most of film festivals. Check out her interview for more on:Building your production team Casting for your project’s genreNetworking strategies for festival runsUsing your short as a “calling card”

My interview with Lucinda Bruce is now live! Lucinda is an international producer and the CEO and owner of Lady of the Light Productions. We talked about equity financing, grant application strategies, utilizing tax credits, and approaching brands for sponsorship. Check out her interview for more on:Overseas indie film hubsTax incentives for each stage of productionUtilizing festivals for peer recognitionPresales in today’s market

Koura Linda recently completed The List (2025), a short film for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge! The short stars Daniel Mione, Sarah Penn, and Stevie Collins. Koura directed and produced this project and with a talented cast and crew of volunteers. Congratulations to the whole team! Check out her interview for more on: Securing sponsorships for your shortsFilming a short in two daysMarketing through LinkedIn Selling your short film

My interview with Richard Zelniker is now live! Richard is the founder and CEO of Lucid Pictures and most recently wrote and directed the feature film, the Vortex (2025). Check out his interview for more on:Directing short filmsEnsemble casting Profit-sharing theatrical release model Film financing with talent attached

Curtis Boggs’ interview is now live! He’s the founder and CEO of Curtis Boggs LLC. In his interview he details his experience in the business from his engineering background and early job on Sydney Pollack’s "The Firm" to developing his storytelling talent and photography and cinematography crafts. Check out his interview for more on:Storytelling through documentaries Shifts in streaming modelsCamera shots and lightingBranded content documentaries

My interview with Michael Brown is now live! Michael is a director and producer, and the CEO of Burning Sound Pictures. In addition to producing Hayseed and Lose You to Love Me, he specializes in creating mobile-first content and branded content. Check out his interview for more on: Marketing for indie filmmakersUtilizing data analytics to analyze social media reachBranded content v. content marketing Mobile-first audiences

My interview with Maureen Payne-Hahner is now live! Maureen brings a background in theater and directing to her role as a producer of short films. She is also the founder of the Writers Initiative Network. Check out her interview for more on:Acting using the Meisner method Producing for the theater v. stageStreaming and international audiencesInternational production (Denmark)

My second interview with Stephen Meier is now live! Stephen walks us through the logistics of creating the indie feature, Lake George, as well as the differences between his strategies in marketing and distribution between Woodbridge and Lake George. Check out his interview for more on:Tax credits in New York StateLimited theatrical releasesMarketing to local audiencesDistribution through Kinema

My interview with Cathy Whippel is now live! She recently wrote and produced the short film, Black Samphire, focused on water pollution in West Sussex, UK. Check out our conversation for her tips on: Utilizing international tax credits Crowdfunding your short filmKickstarter reward strategies Transitioning your short to a feature film

My interview with Anthony is now live! Anthony is a modern classical composer and describes his career trajectory from composing for short films to T.V. series and features. More recently, he branched into writing and directing, and started his own production company, Sunshine the Horse. Check out his interview for more on:Setting mood and tone for different genre soundtracksPitching your project to networksBudgeting for an independent limited seriesWhere the Sparrows Fly (2025)

My interview with Micah Haley is now live! If you have questions about film financing, tax credits, and distribution, this episode is for you. Micah walks us through his career journey starting from production assistant to film financier who represents investors attached to movies. Check out his interview for more on:Utilizing tax credits (i.e. Louisiana and Mississippi) to maximize production budgetThe “sweet spot” of $3 - $8 million productionCo-producing and co-financing independent filmsLeveraging a strong sales genre to sell your film

My interview with filmmaker Hyten Davidson is now live! We had a great chat about her short film, the West Virginian Starfish (2022), starring Melanie McNulty and Christopher Gurr. Hyten walks us through the development and production phases of creating a short film, as well as:Budgeting for your short filmPitching shorts to production companiesCrowdfunding strategies (ie Seed&Spark)Short films as proof of concept

Janell’s interview is now live! Janell is the executive producer, CEO and founder of IronDragonTV and IDTVFLIX. She shares her expertise in producing original content for television and film and working in the action and martial arts genre. Check out our interview for more on: Establishing your own streaming platformProduction in Texas (Georgetown)Networking and gaining visibility for products and services at American Film MarketCreating partnerships with Roku, Google play, Apple, Amazon

My interview with D.C. filmmaker Shoshana Rosenbaum is now live! Check out our interview for an up-close look at her feature film, The Other You (2025), which premieres at the D.C. Independent Film Festival on February 13th! Shoshana details her experience with:Film financing through local arts grantsWorking with a literary managerAdjusting your project for budgetMarketing, distribution, and use of third-party platforms

Owen’s second Producer’s Cut interview is now live! Check out the episode for Owen’s distribution tips and insights on short films. He’s had four films picked up for distribution in the last six months as well as a short film longlisted for a BAFTA award! Owen shares his expertise on: Limited release / local distribution   Deliverables when querying for distributionWhat to look for in a distribution contract Short films as a gateway to producing features

My interview with Tyler Reid is now live! Tyler is an international film & TV producer with experience working with budgets and analytics. Tune into today’s interview for more insights on his “treat your film like a startup” and “proof of concept as bait” posts, as well as: International v. domestic production strategyLocating and marketing to an international audience Cost-cutting strategies in productionThe importance of creating a professional, organized budget for investors

My interview with Angelo Rocha is now live! Angelo breaks down his journey from partner in SAA Films/SAA Pictures to founder of Hazard Films in 2024 and now Hazard Talent Management. Listen in to learn more about his vision for Hazard Talent Management and:Adaptability as a key to surviving in the industry Production as the ultimate creative processAngel investing in commercials/music videos/film seed moneyVision for Hazard Talent Management

Koura Linda has held a range of roles in the industry, from gaffer to production designer to producer. Nineteen of her projects have received a best picture award/nomination at film festivals, and she is preparing her new project, Catching the Light, for distribution! Check out our interview for more on:Roles above the line v. below the line (particularly on short films) Domestic v. international film festivals tailored to promote your filmProduction company partnerships/ownersDifferent strategies/methods to fund short films

My interview with Max Woertendyke is live! Max is a Julliard-trained actor and the producer of the feature film, Brightwood (2022). Two years ago, he founded Noble Gas Media, focused on developing and producing original and commercial films in thriller, horror, and dark comedy genres. Check out the interview for his tips on: Producing and problem-solving Branding and narrowing scope when creating a production company Staying involved with your project throughout each stage of productionLeveraging audience feedback to build marketing strategy

Stephanie Moore’s interview is now live! Stephanie Harrison and Stephanie Moore co-created Gemini Crown Tech to make development and production easier for filmmakers. 18 months ago, they launched their Software as a Service (SaaS) platform using Amazon Web Services and established a “one-stop” alternative to industry-standard production management platforms. Stephanie shares her expertise on taking advantage of film festivals to kickstart your career and entrepreneurship in the film industry, as well as Gemini Crown Tech SaaS platform user features: Budgeting for different phases of productionReplacing 11 different products (ie call sheet/budgeting software) with one streamlined platform Messaging features on the appFuture add-in ideas

My interview with Luke Sharp, owner of Vicious & Co, is now live! We had an amazing conversation about the marketing materials needed to make your project shine and provide investors and producers with the right information. Tune in to hear Luke's tips on: Matching your pitch deck to your project’s budgetDifferences between a film and TV show pitch deck The ideal time to make a pitch deck in the development lifecycleSupplemental materials: director's treatments, posters, and key art

Israel Brooks is a filmmaker and the president of the independent media company, Fast Fire Films 2.0. He brings a unique approach to filmmaking by incorporating technology into his business operations! Tune into his interview today for insights on: Balancing the creative and business sides of the film/T.V. industryUsing blockchain to decrease redundancy in tracking investing/spendingThe role of a CTO in a production company Incorporating successful film business models into production company strategy

Danielle's interview is now live! Tune into today's episode to hear from an award-winning writer on how to leverage social media sites to showcase your portfolio and connect with industry professionals and more. Danielle describes her approach to branding as well as: How to write your personal bio – showcasing awards and competitions Maintaining an active online presence on LinkedIn, Coverfly, Facebook, and InkTipShifting your projects’ presentation based on platform markets

Producer’s Cut becomes Director’s Cut (for today)! Director Joth Riggs’ interview is now live! I hope you all enjoy this interview as much as I did – Joth shares his expertise and draws key distinctions between directing studio v. indie films, as well as the importance of “knowing your role” on set to contribute to efficient film production. Interview takeaway: persistence is key 😊 As well as: The director’s hierarchy: levels and responsibilities of assistant directingDirecting for amazing performances from your actorsShifts in the film industry: barriers to entry (digital), and competition between streaming and theatrical modelsThe importance of having a named actor attached to your project

Daren's interview is now live! Tune in for insider insights on Faith of Angels, the Carpenter, and: Short videos as “teaser trailers” and fundraising vehicles Securing Purdie Distribution to bring Faith of Angels and the Carpenter to theaters Building a project website to track showtimes and locations Casting an ensemble to expand your audience

Charles Lyons joins me on Producer’s Cut today! He’s had some amazing jobs throughout his career including journalist, reporter, and writer for Variety magazine. Fun fact: his first industry job was as an assistant on the feature film Mr. Holland’s Opus. Today’s episode is all about the ins and outs of documentary filmmaking, specifically: Academy award winner Barbra Kopple’s insights on documentary-making Not directing as a form of directing Establishing your own LLC as a filmmaker Branding based on your experiences and interests

My interview with Maria Capp is now live! She is the writer, producer, and director of the indie film, Lady of the Lake. This information-packed episode includes updates on her recent project as well as some amazing insights on film festivals and casting! Tune in to hear:How joining the PGA lends credibility to your filmLeveraging select film festivals to promote your film Attaching talent with a built-in audience (this does not just mean A-listers!) Strategies for film financing (combining crowdfunding, private equity, grants, etc.)

This week’s episode features Brian Mulvey, the producer of the feature Documentary, American Highway! Brian interviewed some fantastic Americans from all walks of life - check out this super inspirational documentary on AppleTV! Brian and Seth were involved in every step of the documentary's production, so tune into this episode for Brian’s insights on: Producing a feature-length documentary Documentary-style filmmaking on the roadSecuring Gravitas as a project distributor

Producer’s Cut is back today with another fantastic guest, Jordana Arkin! She’s an Emmy-nominated TV writer who’s worked as a writer, producer, executive producer, creator, and showrunner. I interviewed Jordana about her career, specifically focusing on the ins and outs of: Guilds (WGA and IATSE)Freelancing Different roles in a T.V. writer’s room Networking, networking, networking

Part two of my interview with McCord Larsen is now available! Today’s episode is all about independent film distribution. McCord did a fantastic job breaking down the distribution scene in the context of today’s market and offering solutions for indie filmmakers. Tune into today’s episode for McCord’s insights on: What to look out for in a distribution dealHow to plan your distribution strategy in development Exit strategies for your distribution deal Marketing v. distribution (they are not the same thing!) The importance of making your movie “an event”

We’re back with a two-part episode of Producer’s Cut! Today’s guest is LinkedIn celeb McCord Larsen. Tune into part 1 for McCord’s insights on: Strategies for on-set networking Differences in optioning a T.V. series v. a filmWhat does it mean to have a “paid option?”Marketing materials to sell a T.V. series