Two multi-hyphenate filmmakers, Shana Gagnon & Michael McKiddy, move back to Michigan from Hollywood (what the hell were they thinking?!) and continue to make movies in their home state! Tune in for fun stories and laughs along with special guests from "the industry."
Shana and Michael catch up after a year long hiatus (they're busy with theater and adulting, sorry)! They fill you in on what they've been up to in their lives and talk about:- The well deserved success of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie- Shana's new short film "Birdie"- WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike- Film Festivals/Distribution- Michael's amazing experience at Kevin Smith's first annual Smodcastle Film Festival!Enjoy!
We are thrilled to welcome international bestselling author, actress, screenwriter, costume designer, and songwriter: Donna Foley Mabry! She is one of America's most celebrated self-published authors and has written over 35 books. Donna is best-known for her book ‘Maude.' This is the true story of her grandmother's life and her journey to Detroit during the Great Depression. ‘Maude' has over 15,000 reviews on Amazon and it was on The Wall Street Journal's bestseller's list for 16 weeks in a row; it has been printed in English, German, Russian, and Italian. It is also the bestselling non-fiction ebook of all time! It was #1 on Amazon in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Donna and Shana discuss their journey to turn Maude into a movie. We discuss Donna's life story; favorite films, what inspires and motivates her to keep writing, and how she became a literary celebrity in her 70's. This episode is a master's class in writing you don't want to miss! Donnafoleymabry.com (‘Maude' is available on audible - narrated by FSW's own Shana Gagnon - paperback, hardcover, and kindle)! #donnafoleymabry #bestsellingauthor #maude #shanagagnon #detroit #dontletyourdreamsbedreams #womenwhoinspire #womeninfilm #femalefilmmakerfriday #DIY #nevergiveup #passion #writer
We are SO excited to chat with the extraordinary, versatile actress Suanne Spoke! Suanne is magical, real AF, and hilarious. She has had an incredible career spanning over 36 years in Hollywood. We dive deep into her audition process and talk about what it was like filming her newest hit series ‘The Thing About Pam' with Renée Zellweger (based on the Dateline true crime story of Pam Hupp) - now on NBC, Peacock, and Hulu! Suanne's career highlights include sharing the stage with Oscar winner Troy Kotsur in ‘Streetcar Named Desire' - for which she won the ovation for best actress (she has THREE ovation awards!). Her wonderful film with Kotsur 'Wild Prairie Rose' is now available on Amazon Prime. She was in the Oscar winning film ‘Whiplash' and shows such as ER, Station 19, Gilmore Girls, Seinfeld, 90210, The Golden Girls, Criminal Minds (and SO much more!). Suanne also has a passion for teaching acting to graduate film students at California Institute For The Arts. This episode is a real treat. Get out your notepad and pen, because this is a master's class in the art of acting from one of the most seasoned professionals in the business. Suanne could not be more genuine and delightful. We absolutely loved having her! Please SUBSCRIBE, drop a review, and share our podcast with your friends! Thanks!#WomenInFilm #SuanneSpoke #TheThingAboutPam #Peacock #Hulu #NBC #FollowYourPassion #Acting #Love #ActorsLife #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #NeverGiveUp #Goals
In this episode Shana & Michael catch up after their hiatus and then interview successful TV & Film writer/producer Ryan Farley ("Ozark," "Justified," "Cold Case," & so much more!). We talk about how Ryan got started in the business and what keeps him motivated/inspired; as well as his writing process and what it truly takes to make it as a writer/producer in Hollywood. We also dive into what it's like to be in the writers room on a successful television series. It's fun and informative whether you're in the industry or not! Enjooooooooy! Please SUBSCRIBE, rate us 5 stars and leave a review! #Writer #WritersRoom #Producer #Heart #Soul #Passion #NeverGiveUp #DIY #FilmSavesWorld #Indie #Filmmaker #Love #GoForIt #Hollywood #Television #Movies #DoNotListenToHaters
Happy Halloween!! In Part 2, Shana & Michael tell some SPOOKY ghost stories that actually happened to them (including an amazing experience that just happened recently to Michael at a haunted inn)!!!
Join Michael and Shana for this special two-part Halloween episode of FSW!! They discuss why this is BOTH of their favorite Holiday, why old-school horror films are sometimes SO much scarier than modern-day high-tech films, and they even share some personal TRUE ghost stories!! This is one you don't want to miss!
Well, hello there! Shana and Aris continue their conversation with Michael about his journey as an actor and filmmaker. Michael discusses his passion project, the indie feature film "Maybe Someday" (which he wrote, co-produced, and starred in). The film is about the pain of adulting, overcoming depression, and how it's never too late to get the life you want. You'll laugh and cry and hopefully feel inspired after watching it. Check it out on Amazon and iTunes!
We're back with FILM SAVES WORLD podcast!!! This is a special two-part episode with Aris Alvarado returning as the GUEST cohost with Shana Gagnon as they interview their “guest star” Michael McKiddy!! Michael gets to take a break as host this time and HE will be interviewed by Aris and Shana! In Part 1 - They discuss his recurring role on the Netflix hit show ‘STARTUP,' - where Michael has a fantastic six-episode recurring role! They dive deep into the audition process, how important it is to always treat others with respect and kindness in Hollywood, and how small the entertainment industry really is. It's not only about studying your craft; it's all about building a foundation of authentic relationships. Come join these cool cats and share some laughs and the love of GREAT film, TV, and theatre! Enjoy!
In this super fun episode we discuss an inspiring movie that we love with all of our hearts - AMERICAN MOVIE (a documentary feature that took home the grand jury prize at Sundance Film Festival in 1999)! It follows a small town filmmaker (Mark Borchardt) desperate to achieve his dream of making a movie. We talk about the most hilarious, relatable, and inspiring parts of the film, as well as the importance of believing in yourself always and never giving up on your dreams. Hopefully this episode gives you some belly laughs and inspires you to seize the day, man!Please SUBSCRIBE, rate us 5 stars and leave a review! #Indie #Filmmaker #AmericanMovie #Heart #Soul #Passion #NeverGiveUp #DIY #FilmSavesWorld #Love #GoForIt #Hollywood #Movies #DoNotListenToHaters
On this episode we welcome the one-and-only Aris Alvarado! Aris is a terrific actor; adored by his friends, family, and colleagues. He is one of the kindest, most genuine people on the planet. And one of the hardest working and consistent actors in the business. To know Aris is to love him! He might live in Hollywood, but he stays true to his roots! New York born-and-raised, Alvarado will love the Mets for life! He has worked steadily in film and television for over 20 years and is best-known for his role as the beloved “Caesar” on Gilmore Girls. Other credits include Grace and Frankie, Mom, NCIS, Kicking It Old School, God Bless America, countless national commercials and so much more! He talks about the ups and downs in the industry and how to stay positive and persevere. He shares why he still loves acting in low-budget indie films and chooses to continue studying his craft in his acting class. And why he “loves the sound of traffic!” Enjoy this episode of FSW! Please SUBSCRIBE, rate 5 stars and drop a review!#arisalvarado #actorslife #gilmoregirls #gilmoregirlsfans #metsfans #newyorkers #filmmakers #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #suicideprevention #youarenotalonewww.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org - (800) 273-8255
In this episode we welcome the extraordinarily talented, hard-working, incredible filmmaker/entrepreneur - Nicki Sun! Topics include: leaving your day job to fully commit to your life's passion; the LA hustle (the struggle is REAL), and how your roots/family shape who you become. We dive deep into the topics of inclusion/diversity in the industry; racism in America, preventing Asian hate crimes, and how to actively be an ally/advocate for this community. Nicki is a sensational powerhouse, BOSS and her positive energy is magnetic and contagious. Enjoy!Check out: www.NickiSun.com & www.technickispeaking.com for even more Nicki!#AsianHeritageMonth#HateIsAVirus#StopAsianHate#WomenInFilm#FemaleFilmmakers#IndieFilmmakers
In this episode we welcome our FIRST guest artist - the amazing director/actor/singer/cellist Andrew Retland! We dive deep into the subjects of social justice reform, what it "means to be an ally," systemic racism, and what it truly "means to be a Patriot," and so much more! Andrew also discusses his powerful new film, “Letter: To America, With Love (A Conversation Between A Father & Son)” directed by Andrew & Shana Gagnon, featuring Andrew & his father Airforce Veteran Michael Retland. Cinematography by Andria Chamberlain, Editing By Randy J. Williams, 1st A.D - Jenny Nwene, and sound by Robert Fabiani.Watch his film at Facebook.com/LetterToAmericaWithLove And search for Andrew Retland on YouTube!
Shana & Michael are half-vaxed! This episode is all about the awesomeness of the 1990’s, growing up in the 90’s, great films of the 90’s, and why are people NOW so nostalgic for the 90’s?! And they discuss Soleil Moon-Frye’s new documentary on Hulu “Kid90” - and why it was SO GOOD!
Actors/writers/filmmakers Shana Gagnon ("Maude," "Secret," Phantom Films) & Michael McKiddy ("DeadHeads," "Dropping the Soap," "StartUp") discuss what to expect from this podcast, what projects they've worked on and are currently working on, living in Hollywood for over a decade, movies, TV shows, Detroit love, theater, more movies, and so much more awesome!
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