Best in Fest

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes writer, producer, and performer Elizabeth Quinn, whose sharp wit and love for offbeat stories have earned her a spot at the 2024 Tribeca Festival with her audio drama Going Reno. Elizabeth shares her journey from New York theater to L.A. improv, her transition into writing and producing, and the creative spark behind her 1930s divorce-ranch podcast starring Bonnie Hunt and Joelle Carter.Tune in to hear Elizabeth's insights on:Navigating the indie film world as a multi-hyphenate creatorThe future of narrative audio and podcastingThe power of competitions for emerging writersOvercoming perfectionism and finding your voiceWhy Going Reno could be the next great series—or novelWhether you're a screenwriter, podcaster, or film lover, this episode is packed with advice, laughs, and a dose of inspiration for creators chasing bold stories and big dreams.

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with one of Hungary's most celebrated directors, Krisztina Goda, whose breakout hit Just Sex and Nothing Else catapulted her to fame. Goda shares her journey from the prestigious National Film and Television School to UCLA, her experience navigating Hungary's male-dominated film industry, and the creative challenges of writing and directing both indie features and commercial work. They discuss the evolving role of women in film, the impact of streaming platforms on foreign-language cinema, and what it takes to stay passionate about storytelling in a shifting global market. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, artistic integrity, and international vision.

In this episode of Best in Fest, festival director Leslie LaPage sits down with veteran TV writer Michael FX Daley—whose credits include CSI, The X-Files, Reaper, Maniac, and The Leftovers—for a behind-the-scenes look at how the television industry has transformed over the past two decades. Daley shares his journey from being a reluctant TV convert to writing major network finales, dishes on what it's really like inside a writer's room, and reveals how streaming, binging, and evolving audience behaviors are reshaping storytelling. Plus, hear how he's using his industry knowledge to shape the next generation of writers at Loyola Marymount and what inspired his upcoming book The Writers Took Television. If you're a storyteller, screenwriter, or just love great TV, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with acclaimed international actor Ido Samuel, known for his roles in We Were the Lucky Ones, FBI: International, Tehran, and the award-winning short Dirty Bomb. Ido shares his journey from growing up in Israel to breaking into Hollywood, how he landed his powerful role as a conflicted Jewish policeman in Hulu's Holocaust drama, and the real-life stories that shaped his performances. From navigating the L.A. acting scene to honoring Holocaust survivors through film, this episode is a candid and inspiring look at the grit, talent, and global perspective that fuels Ido's work.

Ready to pull back the curtain on reality TV? In this episode of Best in Fest, powerhouse producer Kellie Dancho—the creative force behind hits like FBOY Island, America's Got Talent, and Rhythm & Flow—shares how today's unscripted shows are crafted, cast, and edited for maximum drama and laughs.

What do exploding Zoom speakers, killer mice, and surprise parades have in common? Actress and producer Allison Pittel.In this no-holds-barred episode of Best in Fest, Allison dishes on her rise as a modern scream queen—from indie horror hit Terrifier to the Disney-gone-wrong chaos of Streamboat, where Steamboat Willie gets a slasher makeover. She also reveals what it's really like producing reality TV with Mike Rowe, juggling 100 balloons and zero reshoots on Returning the Favor.

Struggling to stay on track with your creative or professional goals? Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins Best in Fest to break down her powerful DEB Method—Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path—to help you set and actually achieve your goals. Whether you're in entertainment, a business professional, or just someone trying to get their act together, Debra shares actionable steps, real-life success stories, and mindset shifts to boost your productivity and focus.

What does it take to transition from the U.S. Marine Corps to the big screen? Actress Dee Freeman shares her incredible journey from serving in the military to gracing the stage and screen, including her gripping true-crime solo show, Poison Gun. From breaking barriers as a woman in the USMC to tackling Hollywood's toughest auditions, Dee's story is one of resilience, humor, and an unbreakable spirit. Tune in as she and Leslie LaPage dive into the power of storytelling, the challenges of theater, and the untold history of women Marines.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress and fitness expert Kirsten Schultz to uncover the secrets behind Hollywood's most sculpted bodies. From training A-list stars like Chris Hemsworth to landing roles in The Righteous Gemstones and American Horror Story, Kirsten shares her journey from competitive sports to the big screen. Discover the truth about Hollywood fitness trends, the power of diet and discipline, and how she balances acting with her passion for health. Tune in for insider tips, industry wisdom, and inspiration to fuel your own fitness and career goals!

From Bollywood dreams to Hollywood reality, filmmaker and editor Alpesh Patel shares his incredible journey in the entertainment industry. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage dives into Patel's career—from writing award-winning screenplays and directing indie films to editing over 30 reality TV shows, including Ghost Hunters and Expedition X. Discover how he navigated the film industry, built a production studio in Pennsylvania, and his plans for launching a new comedy series. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a content creator, Patel's insights on storytelling, AI in film, and breaking into Hollywood will inspire you. Don't miss this insider's guide to making it in the business!

Award-winning screenwriter Amir Ohebsion joins Best in Fest to share the real journey behind getting an indie film made—from winning Slamdance to self-producing his own features. Discover the highs, the hustle, and the hard truths of Hollywood's screenplay competitions, financing indie films, and why writing with passion is the key to success. Plus, get the inside scoop on All There Is, premiering at the Beverly Hills Film Festival!

What does it take to go from modeling to starring in films with Hollywood legends? Actor Blake Boyd joins Best in Fest to share his journey—from off-Broadway stages to leading roles in movies like Cash Collectors. He dishes on audition secrets, working with Michael Madsen, and the power of taking risks in acting. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Shameless, Rocketman, and more!Tune in for an inside look at Hollywood, indie filmmaking, and the mindset that keeps Blake booking roles. 

What happens when a media strategist and startup expert turns his passion into an animated series with a mission? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Nimrod May, the visionary behind God's Gang, a groundbreaking animated series where love, unity, and compassion become superpowers. Discover how Nimrod transitioned from launching media startups to creating an interfaith superhero universe with millions of followers, all while leveraging startup strategies, marketing expertise, and the power of manifestation. Tune in for insights on growing a digital brand, funding an independent animation project, and making a lasting impact through storytelling.

Chelsea is currently the casting director for "Love on the Spectrum, but when she was little, Chelsea would spend her time imitating characters and singing songs. This is all in spite of the fact that she was diagnosed with Autism and had to work harder than most at communicating her thoughts and feelings. All of that work paid off and she became a communication major at California Lutheran University, graduating Summa Cum Laude! She's come far in life, having done a pop culture radio show at her university during her undergrad, red carpet interviews, and of course multiple character voices, both for work and play!

Jijo Reed, recognized by LA WEEKLY and NEW YORK POST as "Top Trendsetter in 2023" is an Emmy Winning Producer, 16 time Telly Award Winner, and Executive Producer of over 80 feature films and/or series.Latest feature films include Crescent City starring Alec Baldwin and Terrence Howard, THE BLACKENING directed by Tim Story for MRC, Village Roadshow's CINNAMON, and MENDING THE LINE starring Brian Cox (Succession)... also, MACHINE GUN KELLY'S LIFE IN PINK 2022 documentary for Hulu/Disney and BACK ON THE STRIP with Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish.A high point in his career is when he deep dived to the wreck site of TITANIC in the Russian submersible, MIR 1, while directing and producing a documentary about the famed, ill-fated ship...during which he became one of the very few men in the entire world to dive the actual wreckage of TITANIC at 2.5 miles below sea level. More people have been to outer space than this depth of the ocean. His "ground breaking, cinematic" footage of Titanic is recognized globally. Reed states: "This was the most life changing project of my career."Also, Reed was Visual Effects Supervisor for THE AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N 3D interactive exhibit, the innovative and revolutionary experience which is currently a main attraction in Times Square, NY and Las Vegas.Jijo was Executive Producer of the 2013 OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION Concert in Washington DC featuring WIL I AM and JOHN LEGEND. Additionally, he has produced screen media for live music concert tours, including EMINEM's MTV Awards performance and GUNS & ROSES.In 2004, Jijo created the hit VH1 show "CELEBRITY REHAB" which has won numerous awards and has helped people all over the world overcome addictionThroughout the 1990's, he worked as Post Supervisor on the audio/visual ad campaigns of studio films such as Martin Scorsese's CASINO, Jim Cameron's TRUE LIES, STAR TREK, DIE HARD, LETHAL WEAPON 4, THE UNFORGIVEN, and many others.Jijo Reed is a third generation Los Angeles native and the grandson of Alan Reed who was the voice of FRED FLINSTONE and acted in such movies as Breakfast At Tiffany's and Postman Always Rings Twice. Jijo is also the nephew of FRED ASTAIR'S choreographer, Hermes Pan.

With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Stacy Halbach has honed her craft across a wide spectrum of genres, including biographies, documentaries, crime dramas, competition shows, reality TV, and an array of promotions and pilot projects. No matter the format, Stacy brings an unwavering focus on storytelling, leveraging her finely tuned instincts to craft narratives that resonate.“I approach every project as a treasure hunt, searching for those diamonds in therough—the subtle moments that bring a story to life. Whether it's uncovering theemotion in a scene or finding the perfect juxtaposition to spark laughter one moment and tears the next, I thrive on creating content that connects deeply with audiences. For me, success is hearing that a project I helped shape has moved someone emotionally or inspired them to act for a greater cause. That's the kind of impact I strive for every day.”

Farah White is an Actress, Producer, Director and Writer but does whatever needs to be done depending on the day! Her love for the entire filmmaking processis obvious by the wide spectrum of genres in her resume which spans over 25 years. She has produced over 30 feature films, shorts and TV pilots in additionto acting in over 50 films, MISS CONGENIALITY being one of her first. She has been on the creative side as well as produced and directed commercials forFED-EX, AMERICAN AIRLINES, FRITO LAY, WALGREENS, GATORADE and REVLON. She UPM'd Solange's Video Album “When I get Home” as well as producing live recordings of WEEZER and THE PIXIES for Live Nation Events. She directed thefeature film, LANDLORD FROM HELL (2023) for the LIFETIME Movie Network and is the executive producer for Ondi Timoner's reimagining of the cult classic, DIG XX (2025), which premiered at Sundance 2024 and opened in theaters world-wide Jan 2025. you can “see” her on the screen currently in the Tommy Stovall's CONDITION OF RETURN, starring AnnaLynne McCord, Dean Cain and NatashaHenstridge and A CHRISTMAS IN NEW HOPE directed by Julia Barnett starring Adrianne Palicki, Stephanie Kurtzuba and Malcolm Goodwin.

Rashaana Shah, a Serial Entrepreneur and actor works in the Film, Music & Art space. She is a producer with Mulberry Films, a books-to-film TV and film development company, and a former actress. Born in India, Ms. Shah earned a degree in computer engineering from a prominent Indian university before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting.  Between 2005 and 2012, Ms. Shah starred in multiple Bollywood and International films that have won international awards including IFC's 3-part movie BOLLYWOOD HERO with Chris Katan and COLORS OF PASSION. She recently produced feature films THE COLLABORATOR (Book to film adaptation), AMERICAN UNDERDOG(Completed 2024), LOST & FOUND IN CLEVELAND (Co-Producer), BLOWING UP RIGHT NOW (distributed by Gravitas Ventures in 2020) and A NEW CHRISTMAS (distributed by Cinedigm in 2019). Her documentary ICONS was in Hollyshorts 2024. Ms. Shah currently lives between Los Angeles and Atlanta. She has been instrumental in setting up a series of cross border JVs in Asia Pacific CORD WORLDWIDE, a full-service music agency that builds brands through music and B&H PHOTO VIDEO Asia Pacific, world's largest retail house for high-end professional equipment.Ms. Shah is the recipient of 'Top 20 Global Women of Excellence 2022' by Congressman Danny K Davis and was honored by NY State Assemblyman Hon David Weprin and Federation of Indian Association -Tristate for her achievements in Hollywood.

Nadia Davari is an entertainment attorney with extensive experience across a spectrum of fields including film, television (both scripted and unscripted), documentaries, music, influencer branding, technology, fashion, and startups. She is known for her dynamic legal counsel and has also expanded her portfolio by executive producing and producing several notable projects. Some of her credits include "Senior Moment," "All There Is," "Harpoon," "Here's Yianni," "A Motel," "Workaholics," and "The Crusades."Ms. Davari's legal and production expertise is complemented by her active participation in educational and industry panels. She has shared her knowledge at prestigious institutions and events, including the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the USC School of Law's Entertainment Law Symposium, Southwestern Law School, UCLA School of Law, and Raindance LA Film School. She has also been a keynote speaker and panel moderator at renowned industry gatherings like Hollywood Women's Film Festival, Wonder Women Tech, Dances with Films, The Multi Cultural Film Festival, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and the ScareLA horror convention.Ms. Davari earned her J.D. from the University of Southern California's School of Law. Her undergraduate education was completed at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics—demonstrating her ability to bridge the worlds of science and entertainment with her diverse skill set.

With over 40 years of experience in theater, film, television, and prose, Bart's career began in theater, where he has had eight plays produced around the world. The film rights to his play, RELAY, were bought by Warner Bros., leading him into screenwriting. He has had two feature films and 14 movies for television produced, including the BRIDE trilogy for CBS, LOVE AND SUNSHINE for Hallmark, and most recent TERRY MCMILLAN PRESENTS: FOREVER, starring Taye Diggs and Meagan Good, for Lifetime which Bart was nominated for a 2025 best screenplay for a motion picture in streaming or television by the WGA. Bart has also written for four television series, including DIRT, starring Courtney Cox. Bart has written ten novels including HONEYMOON WITH HARRY, the movie rights bought by New Line Cinema. Bart has a movie shooting this spring - still untitled - starring Taye Diggs and Lesley Anne Brandt, and it will also be executive produced by Terry McMillan, under her banner. The film will premiere in June  on the Lifetime Network.

In this episode, we sit down with Will Becton, a creative force who's charted an inspiring path from working with comedy legend Conan O'Brien to launching his own production company, Jett Road Studios. Will shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the entertainment industry, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how he transitioned his passion for storytelling into building a thriving creative business.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a lover of all things media, or just curious about what it takes to bring big ideas to life, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration. Tune in and discover how Will's journey can spark your own creative dreams.

Hailing from Ukraine, Vadim Govorov is a professional deep sea diver who has plunged into every ocean on the planet. He recently moved from his longtime NYC harbor base to the swamps of Florida, in and around which, he works full-time. His underwater missions have covered the full range of human/maritime interaction. Crime scene search, rescue, and recovery; oil rig exploration and repair; pipeline maintenance; treasure salvage; and boat and car crash investigation are in his wheelhouse. Fun fact: Incredibly, Vadim was on the engine recovery unit for Miracle on the Hudson, whereby (airline) Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became a household name.Additionally, Vadim is a clay sculptor, toy maker, and graphic novel author. Vadim's RUBBER NINJA intellectual property reflects the perfect storm of his combined passions. More on Vadim is encapsulated here: https://globaltoynews.com/2022/11/16/high-diving-hijinks-of-the-rubber-ninja-vadim-govorov/

In this special "Best Of" episode, we're rolling the credits on some of the most insightful, inspiring, and entertaining moments from past episodes. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, or just a cinephile at heart, relive expert tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and industry secrets shared by our incredible guests.From navigating the indie film circuit to mastering blockbuster budgets, this episode is packed with wisdom from directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and more. Whether you're new to the podcast or a longtime listener, this highlight reel is the perfect way to catch up on the gems you may have missed.Grab your popcorn and let's dive into the magic of the movies! 

Rob Kutner has won 5 Emmys, a Peabody, a TCA, and a Grammy writing for such shows as TBS' “CONAN” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and co-created the fact-based comedy TV show “Gander.”Rob's other TV writing includes “Teen Titans Go!” “Ben10” “Angry Birds: Summer Madness” and HBO's “Dennis Miller Live.” He has also written material for the Oscars, Emmys, Writers' Guild Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Guys' Choice Awards, and two White House Correspondents' Dinners. He has developed kids' and adult animated series for Warner Brothers and SyFy.Rob is the author of the satirical end-of-times bestseller Apocalypse How: Turn the End Times into the Best of Times! and the Amazon Kindle e-bestseller/Audible audiobook The Future According to Me. He is also the creator of the graphic novel “Shrinkage” for Farrago Comics. He has published humor and feature pieces for the New Yorker, New York Times, Esquire, Huffington Post, McSweeney's, and the Weekly Forward.Rob's new horror-comedy kids' anthology “Snot Goblins and Other Tasteless Tales” (First Second) is now on sale, as is “Look Out For The Little Guy,” the “in-universe” memoir of Scott “Ant-Man” Lang he ghostwrote. This makes Rob technically part of the MCU.He has also collaborated with his wife, TV writer/producer Sheryl Zohn (“Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t!”), on the comedy short “The Last Parody,” and the Raw Impressions movie musical “Til Birth Do Us Part.”Born in Atlanta and educated at Princeton University, Rob has lived in St. Petersburg Russia, Jerusalem, and been deported from Uzbekistan (really). He was named a “SuperJew” by Time Out New York — but is still waiting for his superpowers to kick in.Rob is represented by Sheri Rosenberg Kelton for TV and movies: sherikelton@gmail.comand Tanya McKinnon for books: tanya@mckinnonliterary.com

Grace Fraga is an award winning Latina actress, comedian, writer, podcaster and producer was inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in 2020. Grace has appeared on national television on NBC, A&E, CBS, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, VH-1, Court TV, Univision, Galavision and Telemundo. Some of her guest star roles include, "The Steve Harvey Show", "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Comedy Cage Match," "FBI Files," "Mystery ER," "Killer Outbreaks," "The First Time" and "North Mission Road." Spanish language credits include "No Me Hallo," "Accesso Maximo" and "Amor or Mentira." Night club appearances include stops in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Salt Lake, Chicago, New Orleans, Reno and Las Vegas at top rated venues such as The Comedy Store, The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Ice House, The Comedy Zone and Harrah's. Grace has performed in colleges all over California including the University of San Diego, Cal State University, West Hills College and East Los Angeles College. She has also toured in the "Las Comadres of Comedy, the Funniest Latinas in America" and "Women Who Kick ComedyButt" troupes and been a guest on National Lampoon and a co-host on Playboy Radio. Rumored to be distant relative of Eva Peron, Grace Fraga arrived in Los Angeles via New Orleans from her home town of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since taking each city by storm, she has accomplished a lot. One was her win of a Big Easy Entertainment Award for Best Actress in a Comedy for her supporting role in Walt Donk's stage play "Rio Seco." Another was to develop a sitcom, "For the Love of Grace," being mentored by Ellen Sandler (an Emmy Award nominee for her work on "Everybody Loves Raymond".) Her one woman show the Latin American Princess' international search for her Knight in Shining Armor "Sleeping Booty: A Modern Fairy Tale" recently had a one night only sneak peek. As a child growing up in South America, the ever inquisitive over achiever of a civil engineer and concert pianist earned three college degrees - a BA in Art History Education, an MA in Art History with an emphasis in Theatre and Film Analysis and a MBA in Finance, which of course led her to her career in the entertainment field. Recently, with Emmy Award winner Anne Beatts, she co-created, wrote, produced and starred in webisodes of "Dr. Lupe's Love Picante". Grace can now add author to her impressive list of accomplishments. Her book titled, "Love at First Ex", has been getting excellent reviews on amazon. The book teaches how to incorporate your Ex's into your life. She has appeared on "The Steve Harvey Show", launching her career as a relationship coach. She just published her second book, "Love at First Ex, the Self Help Edition", a practical guide on how to deal with the post break up aftermath. Not one to rest on her laurels, Grace got a development deal from PBS to shoot a TV pilot, "The ART of Storytelling" which she created, executive produced and hosted.

David Fuhrer[1] is an American inventor and entrepreneur. David Fuhrer has licensed more than 300 toys, games and household products including toys such as Aqua Doodle, Nerf Vortex Football, and Twisty Petz. He is the recipient of numerous toy industry awards. Brand Week Magazine (February 2009) refers to Fuhrer as "one of the more successful rainmakers in the toy industry" in an article written about his license of Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker.[2][3] In January 2020, Fuhrer was named by Mojo Nation as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the global toy industry.[4] On November 16, 2018, Fuhrer and his business partners, were honored with a Tagie Award[5] as Innovators Of The Year for Twisty Petz (Spin Master Toys).[6]Currently, David Fuhrer is the President of The Laugh Factory, a comedy brand with multiple locations in North America. The company has recently expanded into comedy entertainment with television and feature film production.

Chaitra Vedullapalli is a renowned entrepreneur and a Go-To-Market (GTM) expert, revered for her proficiency in coaching tech founders. Her skills have guided hundreds of tech companies to leverage cloud market places that have built million-dollar practices. She is the mastermind behind the 4P Cosell GTM Method, a groundbreaking framework designed to develop strategic GTM plans with Microsoft and Google. This method capitalizes on her 20+ years of corporate experience and her success in launching GTM with billions of dollars in economic impact. Chaitra has been invited to speak on various stages including Microsoft Inspire, Google Summit at SXSW, and the United Nations. She's also been featured in media publications such as Forbes, TechCrunch, and Success magazine.Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 WPO Entrepreneur of the Year, Forbes 1000 Next, CIO100 Awards, and Microsoft Prestige Supplier Awards.Chaitra is a dynamic leader who sits on multiple boards, runs a film fund in influence story narratives, produced Oscar-qualified movie ICONS and leads a 100K-strong Women in Cloud ecosystem across 27 countries.

Discover the ultimate framework for crafting stories that captivate and convert. In this episode, we break down the essential elements of a "bulletproof" storytelling structure, showing you how to engage your audience, build emotional connections, and deliver a message that sticks. Whether you're crafting narratives for a podcast, a business pitch, or a corporate video, this proven structure will help you communicate with clarity and impact. Tune in for actionable tips, real-world examples, and insights to elevate your storytelling game to the next level.

Brian Patacca helps actors get what they want without all the struggle. He's helped 724 actors find representation and is even known as “The Representation Whisperer”.Through his wildly popular online courses (Audition Magnet® and #agentgoals®) and entertaining podcast, Brian teaches actors how to market themselves authentically, use gratitude to open doors, and book the roles they were born to play.His coaching clients include Tony Award-winners, Broadway stars, Series Regulars, filmmakers, writers, and stand-up comedians. He proves that when they follow their purpose instead of playing by a tired set of industry rules (read: limiting beliefs), they can skip the drama, generate momentum, and build excitement around who they are and what they love to do the mostest.

Meet the unsung hero of the Hollywood hustle: Xaque Gruber, the assistant who went from scheduling star-studded brunches to writing the screenplay everyone is buzzing about. In this episode, we spill the tea (and probably a few too many cappuccinos) on how navigating the land of demanding divas, impossible deadlines, and snack-fetching missions led to a script, a wild tale of scripts, stars, and the sweet revenge of a screenplay gone right!

Lina Suh grew up in Seoul, Korea, the American Midwest, and New York. She received an MFA from the University of Southern California in film production, and previously a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in Dramatic Writing. Lina produced award-winning fiction shorts in New York and Los Angeles, and directed a short humanitarian documentary FLOW ON THROUGH in Cambodia that was in a World Bank-issued “Water and Sanitation” guide distributed to NGOs in developing countries. Lina has taught screenwriting at ESRA (Ecole Superieure de Realisation Audiovisuelle) a French film school satellite in NYC. She directed short films SO F*CKING HAPPY FOR YOU and GOOD FACE (now in development as a one-hour drama series) as well as music videos for Los Angeles artists. Lina is in development to write and direct film and TV projects with an eye toward co-productions with Korea. Lina is also passionate about empowerment through education, and has volunteer tutored regularly. She was the story editor on DR. BRAIN, Apple TV+'s first Korean language series. Lina recently completed her first feature film MEETING YOU, MEETING ME as a writer/director.

Join us as we celebrate the standout winners of the 2024 LaFemme Film Festival! In this episode, we'll dive into the inspiring stories and creative journeys behind the winning films that took center stage at this year's festival. From groundbreaking narratives and innovative directing to powerful performances and meaningful themes, discover what made these films shine. We'll also hear from some of the filmmakers themselves, sharing insights into their processes, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you're a film enthusiast, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply love a great story, this episode is your front-row seat to the best of LaFemme 2024!

Beverly began her career at Chicago's PBS affiliate and has directed and produced content for PBS and cable since 1999. Beverly was field producer for the longitudinal documentary REBIRTH over its ten-year production (Sundance World Premiere 2011; Showtime broadcast; George Foster Peabody Award; screened at The White House, US Department of State film tour; permanent exhibition at National September 11 Memorial & Museum).Beverly's first documentary feature Learning to Swallow (2005) followed a charismatic artist with bipolar disorder as she struggles to rebuild her life after a suicide attempt destroys her digestive system. The film premiered in competition at Silverdocs, screened internationally, and traveled to rural communities on Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. In March 2015 it was broadcast on America ReFramed, with an encore national broadcast in July 2017.Beverly's filmmaking, photography, and digital media work have received funding from The Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media, New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA), The Puffin Foundation, The Chicago Cultural and Tourism Fund, The Center for Peacemaking, and The Diederich College Initiative on Communication Ethics, Values and Social Justice. Beverly has received a Flaherty Fellowship, a Mary L. Nohl Artists Fellowship for Established Artists, and a BAVC National MediaMaker Fellowship.

Jane is a storyteller. Through her company, FilmMcQueen, she has brought numerous shorts and 3 feature films to life, winning 18 awards and another 8 nominations by envisioning strong characters in visceral environments. She has worked in film with actors such as Lukas Haas, David Arquette, Candis Cayne, Wilson Cruz, Theo Rossi and Necar Zadigan, as well as Emmy-winning sound wizard, Andy D'Addario ("Mozart in the Jungle"), Emmy award-winning DP Per Larsson ("The Amazing Race") and musician Curt Smith (co-founder of Tears for Fears). Jane focuses on character exploration and tells stories that move audiences to laughter and tears by revealing shades of gray beneath a surface of black or white. In 2017 she ventured into VR with a narrative horror short based on her feature "Don't Come Over", co-written with Guinevere Turner ("American Psycho" and the upcoming "Manson Girls") and onto the small screen with a web-series incarnation of her "Crazy Bitches" franchise.

7 years ago, Jason co-founded Spectrum Laboratory (aka Spec Labs), along with Garth Herberg, and what an amazing wild ride it's been! Spectrum Laboratory was founded in 2015 with the idea of creating original works of film, music, and animation with autistic and neurodivergent artists looking to gain experience and an education of what it would be like to work in the entertainment industry. Jason and Garth started Spec Labs with the idea of creating professional content with their autistic and neurodivergent artists that they could use as a calling card to get them work in the industry. Since Spec Labs launched in 2015, we've had many of our talent/ students go on to working and having success in the entertainment industry. Such as landing recurring roles on tv shows, starring in commercials and films, and auditioning for many types of roles, and not only “autistic” roles! We also launched Spec Lab Records and have over 100 songs released online, and numerous albums. Our Music department also has composed music for Sesame Street, Autism Live, The Special Olympics, and more! We are expanding and growing, recently launching a new Voice Over Acting department head by the incredible, Cathy McAuley, a voice acting legend in the business. She's educating our VO artists on how to record in the studio, as well as create their own demo reels and record at home. We've landed our Voice Over talent numerous paying jobs for our VO talent! 

Cathy's career as a professional actor span over 3 decades. Her strong comedic ability paired with one of the quickest wits has kept her gainfully employed in the entertainment industry. McAuley considers herself a journeyman actor as she has been able to successfully weave theater, television, film, and voiceover into her ever evolving body of work. McAuley also holds an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii. Cathy is blessed with the nicest guy on the planet she calls her husband Kenny and their only Angel of a daughter Remington.Cathy has appeared in over 150 television commercials. She earned a Clio Award for the Phil Donahue vs Oprah Campaign, as well as starring in Chuck Blore's Emmy Award Washington Weather Commercial. She has worked with some of the biggest directors in the business (who yes, also do direct commercials). McAuley's voice has been featured on radio and television in the following spots for: FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC Television Promos, Nick Jr, E.! Honda, Chevy along with every fast-food restaurant, insurances, and phone carriers, just to name a few.

As President of the Orange County Asperger's Support Group, Judy is driving programming to help individuals and families dealing with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's improve their quality of life. In this role, Judy has uniquely developed the use of Toastmasters to help those with ASD improve communication and enhance social interaction. am a co-chair on the Thompson Policy Institute OC Transition Initiative where I am part of the business outreach group. I am currently focused on expanding employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.Judy is a retired high-tech marketing executive, with a “get it done” leadership style that inspires teams, collaborates across cross-functional organizations and motivates a sales force. Develops product and marketing strategies, establish corporate positioning, programs and campaigns integrating impactful collateral to drive market share growth. Computer Science and business education from leading universities complemented by nearly thirty years with both successful start-ups and industry leading corporations. 

Three years ago, Cynthia discovered her deep passion for storytelling in the form of screenwriting, and ever since, her stories have focused on empowering and celebrating the human experience and spirit. Cynthia weaves magic into her stories and characters by using her rich, familial heritage, ancestral faith, and generational resilience.In 2021, Cynthia made her directorial debut with the award-winning film, "Dukkha," a film based on her journey to sobriety that she created as a mentee in the Women of Color Filmmakers Director's Lab. Six months later, Cynthia wrote and directed another award-winning film, "Bilongo," an Afro-Cuban folk story that pays homage to her ancestral roots. Throughout 2022, Cynthia worked on over a dozen sets. She also wrote and directed, "The Bible Thumper and The Bruja," a comedy that ignites the imagination and revels in the power and the vulnerabilities of humankind. Her latest film, "Legend of El Cucuy," was developed as part of the LALIFF Inclusion Fellowship. Cynthia was also chosen as a mentee with both Unlock Her Potential and #Startwith8 . She is in preproduction to co-direct her first feature film, a comedy, "We're Not Married," set to begin filming in October.

The industry has undergone a major shift in Hollywood and the job of Executive Producer and Showrunner is not what it once was.  Fortunately, Leslie digs deep with Christian Jean to discuss the state of the industry.

Sam Okun Productions is a film and television development and financing company specializing in the discovery and production of forward thinking content with broad international and multi-generational appeal. In collaboration with other leading production companies, financiers, and film studios, Sam Okun and his team consistently strive to push boundaries with modern adaptations of classic novels by some of the most world renowned best selling authors while also working with young, up and coming authors to bring their visions to the screen. In addition to adaptations, Sam Okun Productions develops original content of all genres with a particular interest in cross-genre works. Sam Okun Productions is committed to innovation, and is heavily involved in pursuing adaptations of video-games and other forms of new media.

Why are you giving away festival rights to distribution companies? Let's discuss.  In this episode, Leslie goes deep into the 5 things that are a must know before signing a distribution deal.

Author of Breaking In: Tales from the Screenwriting Trenches from Focal Press and Getting It Write: An Insider's Guide To A Screenwriting Career published in 2014, Lee Jessup is a career coach for screenwriters, with an exclusive focus on the screenwriter's professional development. Her clients include working film and television writers including showrunners and A-list studio writers, writers who sold feature specs, original pilots and pitches to major studios and networks, as well as contest winners, television writing program participants, feature film lab participants and fellows, and emerging screenwriters just starting on their screenwriting path.In addition to Lee's ongoing work with working and emerging screenwriters, she is an adjunct professor for David Lynch's Graduate School of Cinematic Arts, mentor Final Draft's Big Break contest winners, and have been a consultant for NBC International's sales team and a mentor for Universal's prestigious Universal Writers Program.

Brian Beckmann serves as CFO/COO at Arclight Films, the leading worldwide sales and production company for theatrical, television, and home entertainment media. Beckman's prolific career includes over 30 years of experience as a CFO/COO, including 13 years at Arclight.  He has worked in a variety of industries from film/entertainment, media/advertising, to advanced technology.  He is well versed in all aspects of film finance, distribution, tax incentives, and production operations.  Beckmann has financed and produced over 25 successful and critically acclaimed films, with financing exceeding $300M.  The films he has financed include FIRST REFORMED, HOTEL MUMBAI, PORTABLE DOOR, and POKER FACE.

Sean joined GFM Animation to develop and expand the slate of 2D and CG animated movies. We not only help finance, pre-sell and distribute films – but also help in setting budgets, tweaking scripts and artwork for sales and production, sourcing studios, overseeing schedules and key milestones.With a 20 year career in animation and VFX, Sean Feeney brings considerable knowledge and extensive experience. His credits include shows produced with Disney, Splash, M2/LEGO, Anima, Mattel, Hasbro and the BBC. Feeney joined the GFMA following 8 years at Prime Focus World where he set up & developed their animation studio.

Colletti's first produced feature, which was also his directorial debut, "Safe House," was the official selection of six major film festivals around the world: Slamdance, Slamdance Cannes, Hollywood Black Film Festival, San Francisco Black Film Festival, German Verzanbet Film Festival and Febiofest in Prague.With a film background in editing, Colletti's transition from the editing room to behind the camera has been seamless. He brought with him fifteen years of studio feature film experience, as outlined in his impressive resume.

Daniel Carsenty:Berlinale Talents alumni Daniel Carsenty wrote and directed the thriller 'After Spring Comes Fall' in 2015. It won the award for Best Feature at the Zsigmond Vilmos Festival.His second film, 'The Devil's Drivers', a documentary about a Bedouin smuggler, premiered at TIFF in 2021, won the Special Jury Award at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, and was nominated by the Cinema for Peace Foundation for Best Documentary.A graduate of the American Film Institute directing program, Daniel came to filmmaking after working as a TV journalist for ARTE and BBC in zones of conflict. His films, both fictional and documentary, examine the origins of violence, reflect on intergenerational trauma, and explore the possibilities of forgiveness. His work has taught him how to discover both compassion and humanity under the most difficult circumstances.

Alexis IaconoGrowing up Bayside, Queens, New York, Alexis' artistic sensibilities have been shaped by a world-class theatre and arts community. Her early stage work included playing Elle in The Meadowlark, portraying Fay Wray (King Kong) She has studied at New York City's HB Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Alexis Iacono has been brought to the attention of mainstream audiences worldwide for her Female Goblin voice character in the 2011 World of Warcraft Cataclysm video game and World of Warcraft Legion (2016) . Also known for her multiple characters voices in Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned. After being cast as Jane Prescott in Peilin Kuo's 1940's black and white short film, Prescott Place (2011 Cannes Short Film Corner)and(Won the Spring 2012 Asian on Film Honorable Mention.)She was cast alongside Sid Haig and Jeffrey Combs in Leigh Scott's Horror Anthology: The Penny Dreadful Picture Show - The Slaughter House (2012) Alexis's past works includes portraying Elizabeth Short aka The Black Dahlia in The Black Dahlia Haunting (2013) and Blue Caprice (2013),a true story about the sniper shootings in D.C. Directed by Alexandre Moors, starring Isiah Washington. Alexis now an independent film producer who has produced features such as, The Pipeline feature film starring Barry Corbin and Wes Studi and Brian Howe. She went on producing the documentary Layin' the Pipe." Soon after, she went on to produce Escape From Ensenada with Noel G (Fast and the Furious), Louis Mandylor (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and was soon after hired as an Associate Producer in Thomas Churchill's Nations Fire (2018) starring Bruce Dern and Gil Bellows. Alexis was a production assistant at AFX Studio for 'America Horror Story Season 6', Jamie Lee Curtis's 'Scream Queens' and now a production assistant for Steve Wang at Alliance Studio.Alexandra EssoeAlexandra Essoe is a Canadian actress who has appeared predominantly in horror films. Essoe had her first lead role in the 2014 American horror film Starry Eyes, and she had a starring role in the 2017 American horror film Midnighters.

Jon is a filmmaker who works primarily on short and feature narrative films. After starting out working in production departments and as a script supervisor on indie films in New York City, he began writing, directing, and producing my own and others' movies. He is particularly interested in dark comedy, thriller, and horror satire films about people navigating powerful societal pressures. Aside from his film work, he is a co-founder and board member of Yspaniola, an education and human rights non-profit organization based in the Dominican Republic.

Michael Friberg is an award winning editorial and commercial photographer who somehow figured out how to make films despite the fact that the camera equipment is significantly more complicated than stills cameras. His work has appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Esquire, The New Yorker, Time Magazine , Wired, GQ and many more. He has photographed projects on Syrian refugees in the Middle East, celebrities, water and environmental issues in the West, and everything in between. His commercial clients include Nike, Apple, Google, and other giant evil corporations. Not like oil company evil...just regular evil. When he isn't making photos, he's spending all his money making films. In addition to the short films he has directed, he has written several feature length screenplays and multiple half hour comedy pilots. His works are dark comedies that focus on existential and spiritual matters. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, 2 year old son and an overweight pit bull.

BriGuel, Brianne and Miguel, are a NYC artist couple. The duo produces bilingual, genre borderless music, and film. While collaborating with MusicPromoToday BriGuel released seven singles and two EPs, as well as launched a documentary movie that was featured on Tribeca Film Festival. 

Tom Malloy has been involved for over two decades in all aspects of the film business. He trail-blazed the role of a multi-hyphenate, having approached projects early on as an actor, writer, and producer, recently adding director to his list.Malloy has raised millions for independent films, produced 20 films, written and sold 25+ screenplays, and has starred in many films.The roster of films produced by Malloy over the years includes, 2022's Rear View Mirrors, starring Erika Christensen, Penelope Ann Miller, David James Elliot, and Zach Gilford, 2021's Ask Me to Dance, directed by Malloy, starring Briana Evigan and Mario Cantone (which was in 38 cities theatrically nationwide on October of 2022), 2020's Lansky, starring Harvey Keitel, Sam Worthington, and Minka Kelly, Love N' Dancing, which was directed by Rob Iscove (She's All That), and stars Amy Smart, Malloy, Billy Zane, Rachel Dratch, and Betty White; the psychological thriller The Alphabet Killer, directed by Rob Schmidt (Wrong Turn) and stars Eliza Dushku, Cary Elwes, Malloy, Timothy Hutton, Michael Ironside, and Oscar Winner Melissa Leo; and a horror film directed by Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary) called The Attic, starring Elisabeth Moss, Alexandra Daddario, and Malloy. Many film projects are developed through the production company he founded in 2005, Trick Candle Productions.In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Tom is an accomplished author whose book Bankroll: A New Approach to Financing Feature Films was considered the "gold standard" of indie film financing instruction. He now co-owns the filmmaking instructional site FilmMakingStuff.