Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast

Mike and Kevin make a big announcement today on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast.

Joining us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland is Elliott Bales who is currently based in Virginia but has appeared extensively on stage and screen in Iowa. He talks about pursuing his acting career full-time after a career in the military, working on the film Remote, producing audio books, getting an agent, and being a member of SAG-AFTRA. What has he learned in his theater work that has helped him in film and vice versa?

Colorado based actor Michael Ridley sits down with Kevin on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. Michael is known on the Iowa film scene by working in such projects as Remote and Knee High which we talk about in depth. He was fortunate enough to be able to work on the set of Jurassic World and he passes along that experience to us.

Demian Alan Mancino joins Kevin and Michael on today's episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking podcast for a fun filmmaking conversation. He was born and raised in New York, has lived in 43 states, and currently resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He tells us about his mixed martial arts background, how he got into acting, working on You Should Have Killed Me, and collaborating with the Cintree Films team on multiple projects. We also talk about his experience directing the film Rosie's Necklace.

Jude Rawlins of Bella Luna Productions sits down with us to talk all things films and filmmaking. He tells us his story from how he came to settle in Marshalltown, Iowa to making the feature film Little Johnny Jewel to his film Dream Time to filming in New York for his film Mania. He has found that filming in Iowa is special in the fact that you can find anything you need almost instantaneously. On top of that, he has been able to work with his dream casts because there are so many talented actors here. He names his filmmaker influences, favorite films at this time, and gives his advice to other Heartland filmmakers out there.

Today's show features our first roundtable discussion and the topic at hand is film festivals. We welcome Eric Dean Freese of The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, Greg Gale of The Flatwater Film Festival, Bill Cooper of The Twin Cities Film Festival, and Tadd Good of The Snake Alley Festival of Film. They give us tips on what can improve your chances as a filmmaker to get accepted into film festivals and things to do and not do when you attend film festivals. We take a look under the hood of what makes quality, well-run festivals work. They also share some of the horror stories and behind-the-scenes of running your own festival as well as a whole lot more. A definite must listen for filmmakers venturing out onto the festival circuit. This roundtable will also be released on YouTube very soon.

Michael James Minard returns to the Cinematic Heartland podcast to revisit the very important topic that so many filmmakers and non-filmmakers struggle with... imposter syndrome. We have talked about this on the show before but Michael brings another filmmaker's perspective. He tells us how it has affected him, his work, and what he has done to combat it.

Joining us today are filmmakers Bernd Wittneben and Jörg Rochlitzer, who are both originally from Germany but now reside in Iowa. We go in depth about their feature film, Reveille, how they gathered some of the items used in the movie, and how they set out to differentiate it from other traditional war movies. Bernd explains to us why he prefers making feature films over short films and Jörg talks about his love of old cameras and films and why he was invited to Paramount Studios in California. They also tell us about their production company, Film Farm Iowa.

The multi-talented Iowa based filmmaker, JoJo Munkee, joins us on the show today. Most filmmakers in the Iowa film scene know or have heard of JoJo but you may learn something new about her as our topics range from belly dancing to sword balancing to Batman to wearing goat legs. How did she get involved with the Snake Alley Festival of Film and how did she end up leading the screenplay table reads which take place there. She gives us her advice on successful networking, and we talk about her love of improv.

Nebraska based filmmaker, Maverick Knox, sits down with us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. He tells us about attending film school in Arkansas, his film projects, his production studio, and what he does as an adjunct professor at Metropolitan Community College. Maverick is an experienced DIT. He tells us what that is and what the job entails. What does he see are the benefits of being a Midwestern filmmaker?

The filmmaking team of Bauston Van Sickle, Wayne D. Barrett, and Lonnie Appleby who are behind the new feature film, Bits and Pieces, join us today on Cinematic Heartland. They walk us through their journeys from what got them interested in filmmaking to the production and animation programs at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to what they learned during the production of Bits and Pieces. Epic conversation.

Iowa filmmakers Matthew Tribble and Marc Bauer sit down with Kevin and Mike on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. They pass along their experiences in film school and what they feel are the benefits and drawbacks of attending film school. They also tell us about their short film projects leading up to their soon-to-be-released first feature film, Remote. What advice do they have for other filmmakers looking to do a feature film?

Cassy Nixon returns to Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast to let us know how the Face of Horror competition went and she gives us updates on her projects, The Self Care Scaries and The Camping Trip, as well as her alter ego… Irene Dangles. She also offers her advice for any filmmakers looking to get into the horror genre and we talk about makeup artists in depth.

We have a filmmaker full house on this edition of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. Mike was under the weather for the recording of this show, but I welcome J Welin, George Buehler, Dashawn M. Kelly, and Jimmy Miller who join the podcast from the state of Kentucky. This was a wild but fun conversation. They give us tips on working as a group as well as welcoming people into your circle. We also talk about their early projects, interactions with law enforcement on set, the Louisville, Kentucky film scene, radical journalism, and much more.

Michael Finney joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. We talk about his music background, voiceover work, and his documentaries Exploring Our National Parks as well as Chicago 1893 which is available on Amazon. We discuss his upcoming projects and give a shoutout to the Indiana Filmmakers Network.

Nebraska based fellow musician / filmmaker Brett Droege joins us on this episode. We branch out a bit from filmmaking to talk music, music videos, writing horror books, as well as writing childrens books. He tells what his process is in preparing for and shooting a music video and he fills us in about his first full length heavy metal project Rico's Pass.

Filmmaker Marissa Vonn sits down with us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. Marissa is currently living in Los Angeles, but she is an Iowa native and quite frequently returns to the state to work on her films. Mike and I have heard so many great things about Marissa, but this is the first time that we have had the opportunity to sit down and chat about filmmaking with her and we had an absolute blast. She tells us about her feature film Knee High, working with Deft Productions, why she comes back to Iowa to film, what makes an authentic character in a story, and how she turned her passion into a career. What tips does she have for filmmakers trying to get their project done on a low or no budget?

Lea Donovan joins us today to discuss obtaining rights to material and clearing intellectual properties (IP) for creative projects, using archive footage, sponsorships, and using products in your films. She tells us about clearing 3rd party IP for the Apple TV series Bad Sisters and what that means exactly. How are the choices made in the use of archive footage or others' IP such as logos, film clips, music, and artwork as much a creative decision as how a shot is framed? How do you get into this line of work? Lea gives us some of her advice.

Dillon Jacobson, who is currently a student at the University of Iowa in their Cinematic Arts program, joins us this episode to talk about embarking upon his filmmaking journey. He tells us about his past projects starting with one film titled Psychics Class which was produced for the short film category of the Iowa High School Speech Association competition and his follow up film called Following which was also for the IHSSA competition. He has worked on several 48-hour film projects, a feature film called Reveille which was shot in Missouri, and is scheduled to work on a horror film in December. On top of that, we discuss sound design and shooting films on iPhones.

Mike and I welcome Iowa filmmaker Rob Merritt to this episode of Cinematic Heartland. From stage to screen, in front of the camera and behind, Rob has brought his talent to a multitude of different projects. He tells us about his experiences while studying acting at the University of Iowa, his viral parody video, This Year is a Dumpster Fire, which was a result of a weekly film challenge during the pandemic, and his biggest and most important role… being a dad. We talk about working with other filmmakers including our upcoming collaboration on the feature film Until the Music Fades, how to prepare for a role, and Rob also shares his advice for other Heartland filmmakers which involves quoting Shia LaBeouf.

Minnesota native, Zach Hammill sits down with us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast to discuss his experience at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, his screenwriting process, how he got into film editing, and other services he offers. He tells us about embarking upon his first feature film project which will be filmed in Minnesota. Zach was also a recipient of an IFP McKnight Artist Fellowship for screenwriting in 2006.

Writer / Director Lauren Barker joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We talk about the Vancouver Film School Screenwriting Program, her feature film called Cohabitation, her distribution deal with Indie Rights, and how she works with the director of photography on her films as well as the editor. She also tells us about her short film Lock the Door Behind You which she shot earlier this year. What's her advice to filmmakers on building a career in the Midwest? You'll have to listen to find out.

On this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast, Josh Hughes, a filmmaker from Waukesha, Wisconsin joins us to discuss his filmmaking journey which includes adapting a Stephen King short story while attending college at University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, working on the sidelines at the Super Bowl which led to working on the Tony Awards, and his preparation for his first feature film. Josh also weighs in on the film school vs. no film school debate.

We welcome Indiana filmmaker Demetrius Witherspoon to Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We deep dive into the Submerge Universe which is the science fiction franchise that he built from the ground up. He explains what transmedia is and how he uses it to build his franchise which includes films, an animated series, trading cards, action figures, coloring books, and even perfume. He has developed a blueprint of how an independent filmmaker can create and develop their own intellectual property. We also touch upon the Indiana Filmmakers Network and how it benefits the filmmaking community.

Nebraska filmmakers Jesse Eastman and Chance Guida join us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. We discuss how they started working together, their filmmaking journeys, and their latest projects like Nervous Records: The Series. How do they handle continuity when shooting primarily on weekends and what advice do they have for other Heartland filmmakers? We also touch upon Jesse's podcast Double Feature Creatures. If you'd like to contribute to their project Nervous Records: The Series, you can go to:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VD4Q8NCP6JKP2&fbclid=IwAR1YNKyEJtmyBq9JR6ywCV8pEX599UXbkq4ArwzlIWKdLRDge8OjM6feWPs

His son Landon was a previous guest on the show, and now Nebraska filmmaker Brandon Fiscus sits down with us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We discuss how watching special effects in films ignited his love of filmmaking, the influence Edgar Allen Poe has had on his family, and a little bit about his aptly named companies Nevermore Special Effects and Crow Show Productions. We talk about the Filmmakers Hangout which is a great networking opportunity in the Omaha area. We also delve into what can be the confusing world of insurance for filmmakers on set. Are you looking for a film school? Brandon talks about his experience with Full Sail University.

Casey Kelderman joins us from Sioux Falls, SD on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast to discuss not only what he has been up to since Backlot 605 left the internet airwaves, but also SiouxperCon which sounds like an absolutely amazing event. Celebrities, cosplay, and great films. What more could you ask for? SiouxperCon starts Sept 30 so listen to this episode right away to hear how you can still get tickets and attend.As mentioned in this episode here is the link to the Until the Music Fades IndieGoGo campaign. https://igg.me/at/utmf/x/27030702#/

Matty Weiland, a filmmaker from Dubuque, Iowa, joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. They talk about their acting journey from a role they reluctantly auditioned for and got in a stage production of Bugsy Malone Jr to their latest film role in Michael James Minard's The Dead Man Walking. We also talk about Matty's directorial debut on the film Torch which is currently out on the festival circuit.As mentioned in this episode here is the link to the Until the Music Fades IndieGoGo campaign. https://igg.me/at/utmf/x/27030702#/

On today's show, we talk about imposter syndrome. Is it a real thing? Have we experienced it? How do we combat it? We are not health care professionals by any means. We are just a couple of filmmakers who are going through the same struggles that many of you are and we talk about them here.As mentioned in this episode here is the link to the Until the Music Fades IndieGoGo campaign. https://igg.me/at/utmf/x/27030702#/

Mary Rohne from Mason City, Iowa joins us on Cinematic Heartland today. We talk about her journey as an actor from children's theater to early films where she played a Dorito Ghost to her latest role as Virginia in the I Like Ike Films production Pre-Existing. We also touch upon her incredible performance in the two-hander play by Nick Payne called Constellations at the Mason City Community Theater. Mary is a very close friend of the show and it will be quickly apparent when you tune in that we had such a great time recording this episode.As mentioned in this episode here is the link to the Until the Music Fades IndieGoGo campaign. https://igg.me/at/utmf/x/27030702#/

John Gaspard who is a Minneapolis, MN filmmaker joins us on the show today. Once we get past discussing Kubrick, Carpenter, and the movie Dark Star, we talk about his filmmaking journey, some of his feature films including Beyond Bob and Ghost Light, the Minneapolis film scene, and the book on filmmaking that he wrote called Fast, Cheap and Under Control as well as the follow up book called Fast, Cheap and Written That Way. We also touch upon his own podcast, The Occasional Film Podcast.As mentioned in this episode here is the link to the Until the Music Fades IndieGoGo campaign. https://igg.me/at/utmf/x/27030702#/

Iowa filmmaker, Michael James Minard joins Cinematic Heartland to update us on his latest feature film project, The Dead Man Walking. We got to see some preview clips and all we can say is simply amazing. Michael is claiming his corner of the film world with his unique voice and extraordinary vision. Michael tells us about some of the cast and crew and how the project came together. The film is a who's who of the amazingly talented Iowa film scene. He also fills us in on his new venture, Red Arc Productions. And how can we have Michael on the show and not talk about hot sauce.As mentioned in this episode here is the link to the Until the Music Fades IndieGoGo campaign. https://igg.me/at/utmf/x/27030702#/

Filmmaker Jake Ryan Baker from Fort Wayne, Indiana joins Cinematic Heartland today. Jake's passion for films and filmmaking shines brightly throughout this entire episode. We talk about the film and theater scene in Fort Wayne, tax incentives or the lack thereof, the short films that he has worked on, the casting process, the writing process, the idea of shooting a feature film, and his tips for screenwriters. And there is so much more.

The Twin Cities are a hot spot in the Midwest for filmmaking and the home of many talented filmmakers. Our guest this week on Cinematic Heartland, Josh Scott Sibley, is another prime example of that. His journey started, as it does for many of us, with the original Star Wars. He tells us about his new short film to be released soon, The Wraith, which he wrote, directed, and produced and his feature film Not Bad for a Punk Band which is currently in pre-production. He co-wrote and was the assistant director for the film The Outcast which screened at the coveted Cannes Film Festival. Hear what his main filmmaker influences are as well as his advice for other Heartland filmmakers.

Michael Hemenway, a Twin Cities filmmaker, joins us today to discuss how Facebook helped bring his first film crew together to shoot his debut short film, Miracle of Science, in the fall of 2019. That film went on to premiere at the Z-Fest Film Festival. His second film, Mind Breaking, took home Best Thriller at the Tokyo Film Awards. His first documentary, Just Breathe Normally, was released earlier this year and is currently on the festival circuit. He explains how he shot the underwater scenes for this film. He also tells us about his collegiate experience at the University of Iowa… Go Hawks!!!

Omaha, Nebraska native Tom Knoblauch sits down with us on this edition of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast to discuss his newly released feature film Moving Parts which is available on Amazon Video. He tells us about his company Aksarben Creative as well as his projects with Yankee Deer Media and what he covers on his Riverside Chats. On top of everything else he does, he is also an author of two novels. And we probably mention the film Ishtar more in this episode than any other podcast in the last 10 years.

Minneapolis based Max Eric Lemberger sits down with us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast to discuss his acting / filmmaking journey. Acting first caught his eye in 1959 when he saw Steve Reeves as Hercules, but that idea got put on the shelf until he was in his 60's. He has now appeared in close to a dozen short films, did some modeling, and wrote several screenplays. He tells us about the challenges he has faced coming into acting later in life and offers advice for others who may be in the same boat.

Ben Richards, an Indiana based filmmaker who is making a big splash right out of college, joins us to talk about his feature film Angels of Perdition which is the third film in a trilogy that he started working on in high school. He tells about Intravision Entertainment where he is a multimedia producer and what services they offer. We also discuss the importance of self-creating opportunities and a lot more.

On today's episode, we welcome Sharonville, Ohio based, Emmy Award winning filmmaker, Scott Wegener. Scott explains his process of getting films made all around the world on a zero budget. From the Czech Republic to Norway and back home again, Scott has been able to pull together films that would normally be made on huge budgets. This is a must listen to episode if you are looking to get that big budget idea of yours made but don't have the deep pockets or rich relatives.

Jeff Winkelman returns to the Cinematic Heartland podcast to tell us about this year's Frightfilm Competition. If you are a filmmaker interested in the horror genre, this is right up your dark, foggy, and creepy alley. Jeff fills us in on the Frightfilm origins, rules, timelines, screenings , and how to register. Frightfilm is based in Ohio but is open to filmmakers anywhere. Don't miss out on this opportunity. https://frightfilmcompetition.com/

This is the 100th episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. Mike and Kevin reflect on the past conversations that they've had with filmmakers and what advice can they can offer from everything they've learned. What has surprised them in talking to these guests and what lies ahead for Cinematic Heartland?

** Trigger Warning - Please note, in this episode we discuss the sensitive topic of school shootings. ** Oconomowoc, WI native and current resident of San Diego, CA, Calvin Zimmerman, joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. He tells us what the indie film scene is like in San Diego and why he flies back to Wisconsin to film his projects. We discuss the film “Wild Life” which is not only Calvin's first feature film but is also his first film and we delve into the challenges he faced in getting this film, which addresses several controversial topics, made.

Today's episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast features Minneapolis based filmmaker Nicolas Jaramillo. On top of filmmaking, we discuss photography and his YouTube series called The Artist Stool. We delve into the problem of self-doubt that many artists in all mediums go through as well as the work that he has done with some major brands. Hear his tips on what he looks for in the frame whether it is photography or cinematography. And as Nicolas points out... in this business... you are your own boss.

Landon Fiscus, a 15-year-old filmmaker from Benson, NE sits in with us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. This episode went off the rails several times but was so much fun to record... from technical difficulties to the three of us discussing strange high school mascots. We do talk filmmaking as well. Landon was an absolute pleasure to chat with and is a shining example of how bright the future of filmmaking is in the Heartland. He explains how he went from playing his high school mascot to filmmaking and his first feature film ‘F.' We discuss the filmmaking scene in Nebraska, his first short films which he dubbed his teenage triple feature, the influence and encouragement his dad has had on his filmmaking career, and why his company is called 1 Poe Productions. Also, being a young filmmaker, do people look at him differently? We had way too much fun with this episode.

Clinton J Phillips, a Chicagoland filmmaker, joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We discuss his latest project, a full-length feature called Weekend Deadaway, which happens to be his first feature film. We talk about how less is more when it comes to the horror film genre. Do you need tips on getting funding for your film? Clinton offers up advice on what to have in hand when approaching potential investors as well as how to approach them. Self-doubt is something many filmmakers struggle with. What does Clinton suggest?

On this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast, Actor Katie Otten joins us from Omaha, NE to talk about what got her involved in filmmaking, the filmmaking scene in the Omaha area, her web series called Inner Worlds, Dungeons & Dragons, and how she ended up on the cover of a VC Andrews novel. She also shares her experience as an adjunct professor at University of Nebraska – Omaha and what prompted her to pursue that opportunity.

Ben Roney, a Fort Wayne, IN based filmmaker / set designer joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland to talk about his journey from community theater to building sets for commercials to independent films. He tells us a little bit about his project Angels of Perdition, what the film scene is like in the Fort Wayne area, location management, and what are the Summit City Cinephiles. He also stresses how important collaboration is in building and sustaining a film community.

Tristan Bennett, a Cedar Falls, IA based marketer, photographer, digital artist, and filmmaker, sits in with us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. We chat about his latest short film Life's Work, 48-hour film challenges, tips on marketing your film, as well as things you should keep in mind when editing your film's trailer.

Charlie Gandez, Forest City, IA based filmmaker, assistant professor at Waldorf University, President of the Iowa Independent Film Festival, and mastermind and creative driving force behind his latest film The Hatman Vol II, joins us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We talk about The Hatman Vol II, Waldorf University, diversity in film, and we get his thoughts on attending film school. We also discuss Kubrick, Fincher, and why you should only watch the last 15 minutes of Godfather 3.

On this episode of Cinematic Heartland, Northern Minnesota filmmaker Brandon Cole joins us to discuss the thriving Duluth film scene and what the area is doing to become the next hot spot for filmmaking. We also discuss his latest short film, a web series screenplay that he is writing, and how he adds different layers and social commentaries in his horror films to elevate the genre. And find out what his special connection is with a prior guest on Cinematic Heartland, Victoria Tanley.

Michael Huntington and Brittany Benedict seem to be everywhere these days, releasing one great project after another, and today they join us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We cover a lot of ground as we talk about their projects including our recent collaboration on the short film Pre-Existing, why did they start doing an annual Christmas film, 48-hour film challenges, how they balance or are they even able to balance working on film projects with their relationship, and actors that have passed on way too early. We also talk about their podcast, Indie Social, which they share with Dylan Jaeger and Kevin Shepherd. My appearance on the first iteration of that podcast was very much the inspiration for starting Cinematic Heartland so it holds a special place in my heart. This conversation was so much fun and I don't think any of us wanted it to end. Cintree Filmshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbX89Zfz8d9D7SZA9wCXUBAIndie Social Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9cWHsr0sDPxI-1Sxv_Vb_g