Filmmaker Mixer

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, filmmaker J.R. Stokes joins us to discuss Beautiful Pam, a stark and emotionally grounded film following addiction, identity, and survival.Stokes breaks down the creative and practical decisions behind the film—from working within tight constraints to building trust with actors and crafting empathy without sentimentality. Filmmakers will gain insight into portraying difficult subject matter with honesty, restraint, and purpose.

What does it take to create a bold comedy pilot that lands at Slamdance? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we talk with Zoe Tyson and Louie Rinaldi, the creators behind Daddies Boi. They break down writing razor-sharp comedy around aging and identity, directing emotionally risky material, and shaping a 14-minute pilot that feels expansive, funny, and dangerous. Filmmakers will learn about crafting tone, collaborating as co-creators, navigating pilot

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, editor Ralph Jean-Pierre joins us to discuss shaping The Beast in Me in the cutting room. From identifying the emotional spine of the story to navigating structural challenges, Ralph breaks down the real craft behind film editing.With credits including Tokyo Vice, Servant, The Boys, and Lost in Space, Ralph shares insights from both premium television and feature work — including how pacing, performance, and collaboration define the final film.Filmmakers will learn about workflow discipline, editorial psychology, structural problem-solving, and how to build a sustainable career in post-production.

Director Drew Kirsch joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of the action-thriller He Bled Neon. In this conversation, Kirsch breaks down the visual style, action design, and directing choices that shaped the film.Starring Joe Cole, Rita Ora, and Marshawn Lynch, He Bled Neon premieres at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival in the Narrative Spotlight section. Drew shares how the project came together and what it took to bring the film's neon-charged world to life.Filmmakers will learn about directing action on an indie scale, building a strong visual identity, working with a diverse cast, and preparing a film for its festival premiere.

At SXSW 2026, directors Jack Zagha Kababie and Yossy Zagha premiere FIFTEEN, a bold coming-of-age horror film where a quinceañera spirals into something monstrous. In this Filmmaker Mixer episode, we break down the creative decisions behind blending cultural tradition with body horror. We explore creature design, directing young actors, staging large celebration scenes under tension, and navigating co-direction at the highest level. If you're a filmmaker interested in genre storytelling, festival strategy, or practical vs. VFX creature work, this episode is packed with real-world insight.

Writer/director Peter Warren joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss his SXSW film KILL ME, a gripping dark comedy thriller starring Charlie Day and Allison Williams. The film follows a man who wakes up in a bathtub with his wrists slit—but insists he didn't do it—launching a bizarre amateur murder investigation to prove someone else tried to kill him. In this conversation, Warren breaks down how he blended comedy, mystery, and deeply personal themes about depression to create a film that is both suspenseful and vulnerable. Drawing from his own experiences and years in Hollywood television and studio filmmaking, Warren explains how the project evolved into a whodunnit where the protagonist might also be the suspect.Filmmakers will learn about writing unreliable protagonists, balancing tone between comedy and serious subject matter, structuring a mystery, and transitioning from studio screenwriter to feature director.

Ahead of the World Premiere of THE SNAKE at SXSW 2026, we sit down with director Jenna MacMillan to talk about bringing the film to life. Written by and starring Susan Kent, this dark comedy follows a self-destructive 40-something searching for “home.”In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Jenna discusses how the project came together—from balancing sharp humor with emotional truth to shaping performances and preparing the film for its festival debut.Also starring comedy icon Robin Duke, THE SNAKE explores venomous family dynamics while staying grounded in heartfelt storytelling.

Director Marq Evans joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Capturing Bigfoot, the documentary revisiting the infamous 1967 Patterson footage—arguably the most analyzed 60 seconds of film ever shot.Premiering at SXSW, the film centers on a rediscovered 16mm reel and the untold story from Patterson's own son. Evans breaks down archival restoration, documentary structure, and navigating belief versus skepticism.

What does it take to color an entire afterlife? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we're joined by colorist and Elemental Post co-creator David Tomiak to break down his work on A24's Eternity.David discusses collaborating from pre-production, drawing from mid-century cinema, building custom film grain inspired by early Eastman stock, and balancing playful detail with visual consistency. We dive into standout scenes, world-building through color, and how early color decisions can save indie films in post.Perfect for filmmakers interested in color grading, post-production workflow, and creative collaboration.

Award-winning editors Lam T. Nguyen and Austin Keeling join Filmmaker Mixer to break down their work on Amazon's sci-fi thriller Mercy, starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson.They dive deep into building previs in the edit, animating every on-screen graphic, shaping immersive AI POVs, and condensing massive action sequences—while collaborating closely with director Timur Bekmambetov, VFX, and cinematography.This episode is packed with practical insight for filmmakers interested in editorial storytelling, large-scale post workflows, and how bold creative choices are shaped in the edit.

Movie makeup isn't about beauty—it's about belief. It's about building faces that feel lived-in, truthful, and emotionally connected to the story. And that belief only works when every community can see itself reflected on screen. True cinematic makeup means understanding and tailoring products, techniques, and textures to the full spectrum of skin tones—so that all actors are lit, matched, and represented with the same care and intention.In this deep-dive conversation, Hollywood makeup artist Siån Richards (Sinners) unpacks how makeup quietly shapes character, emotion, and narrative in film. From the nuance of real skin texture to the deliberate choices that define genre—whether horror, drama, or grounded realism—Siån reveals the invisible craft that helps performances feel authentic.We explore the powerful relationship between actor and makeup artist, how imperfection is actually perfect and the power of makeup serving the story.Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, or passionate film lover, this episode will change the way you see movies—and the faces within them.

What does the Shaka really mean—and where did it come from? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, filmmaker Steve Sue takes us inside his five-year documentary journey behind Shaka: A Story of Aloha, a playful investigative film tracing the origins of Hawaii's most iconic hand gesture.From archival research and cultural storytelling to unexpected connections across surfing, pop culture, and history, Steve breaks down how the film was shaped, the challenges of long-form documentary production, and what filmmakers can learn about patience, curiosity, and narrative discovery.Perfect for filmmakers, film students, and documentary creators interested in investigative storytelling, cultural responsibility, and building a film from obsession to impact.

Director Mike Zarra joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down the making of Horrified — from crafting psychological tension to executing horror on an indie budget. He shares the creative decisions, production challenges, and post-production strategies that shaped the film's final cut.Joining the conversation is Jennifer Howell, founder of The Art of Elysium and the film's fiscal sponsor. Together, they discuss nonprofit partnerships, funding structures, and how fiscal sponsorship can empower independent filmmakers.If you're developing a genre film, navigating indie financing, or preparing for festival screenings, this episode offers practical insight into how films actually get made — and supported.

From forgotten homesteads to treasured family heirlooms, Matthew and Katie Avant believe history lives in the objects we choose to keep.In this episode, we sit down with Nashville-based, award-winning director Matthew Avant and producer Katie Avant, creators of the documentary adventure series ROOTS & RELICS. Matthew and Katie take us behind the scenes of the show, where host JD Hart travels across America uncovering powerful, often surprising stories hidden inside rare artifacts and deeply personal relics.The filmmakers share how ROOTS & RELICS blends documentary filmmaking, archival research, cinematic reenactments, and hands-on discovery to reveal stories of ancestry, ranching culture, lost homesteads, and American identity. More than a conversation about filmmaking, this episode explores why personal history matters, how objects become storytellers, and what it takes to turn real-world artifacts into emotionally resonant cinema.Whether you're a documentary filmmaker, history buff, or storyteller searching for meaning beneath the surface, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Composer Geoff Zanelli joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down his bold, experimental score for Gore Verbinski's Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, opening February 13. From punk and Zappa influences to orchestral chaos, this score was designed to be anything—and everything. Zanelli dives into his collaborative process with Verbinski, recording nearly 100 musicians, transforming cello into new sonic textures, and building a “nine-headed monster” of a score using handmade guitars, synths, and absurdist choir Latin. Filmmakers will learn how creative freedom shapes bold musical choices and how unconventional workflows can elevate a film.

What does it take to scare an audience with music?In this episode, we sit down with composers Stuart Roslyn and Chris Elmslie, creators of the chilling score for Nightmares of Nature. Together, they break down how cinematic music is crafted to manipulate emotion, build dread, and elevate storytelling—especially in documentary and genre filmmaking.From experimenting with organic and unnatural sound textures to navigating composer–producer partnerships, Stuart and Chris reveal how music becomes a narrative force. They also dive into the business side of composing: collaboration models, creative trust, and building long-term careers in film music.Whether you're a filmmaker, composer, or producer, this episode explores how sound design and score can transform your film—and your creative life.

Writer and co-director Shaun Wu joins Filmmaker Mixer to unpack the making of HENRY BY THE HOUR, an inventive indie series about a 30-something Asian man who rents himself out as a friend—spending one hour each with five different clients.Shaun breaks down how the film's high-concept premise shaped the screenplay, how to write multiple characters through a single protagonist, and what it takes to co-direct a personal, performance-driven story on an indie scale. The conversation dives into building empathy without sentimentality, using structure as storytelling, and navigating representation without reducing a character to identity.This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers interested in concept-driven indies, character studies, and stories about modern loneliness and human connection.

Step inside the eerie, enchanting world of The Littles with writer/director Andrew Duplessie and head of animation Anthony Scott. In this episode, we break down the creative process behind the visually haunting and emotionally powerful animated film.The film follows 11-year-old Juliet, who stubs her toe on a loose floorboard—only to witness a mysterious glow and unsettling noises coming from beneath. What begins as childlike curiosity spirals into an unforgettable, otherworldly encounter.Andrew and Anthony reveal how they balanced innocence and fear, built a world that feels both nostalgic and unsettling, and crafted animation that elevates suspense rather than softens it. Whether you're a filmmaker, animator, storyteller, or fan of dark fantasy adventures, this conversation is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes magic.

Director and Executive Producer Stephen Surjik joins us to break down the making of Netflix's new Western series The Abandons—a gloriously bloody, female-led frontier drama already being compared to Yellowstone. Set in the lawless 1850s Washington Territory, The Abandons follows a brutal land feud between two formidable matriarchs, played by Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey. Stephen walks us through what it takes to make a Western feel dangerous again—from shooting in the Badlands and mountains of Alberta to navigating extreme weather, elevation, horses, and real wildlife on set.We dive deep into The Abandons, Stephen's long-standing collaboration with Netflix (The Umbrella Academy, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, The Witcher), and his return to working with Gillian Anderson two decades after The X-Files. Stephen also shares how close collaboration with First Nations communities and cultural advisors shaped the show's authenticity—on screen and behind the scenes. If you're interested in large-scale production, historical world-building, or directing performances where power, land, and survival collide, this is a must-listen.

What makes a horror moment linger long after the credits roll? Often, it's not what you see—it's what you feel. In this episode, we sit down with Edward Douglas, VFX Supervisor on Longlegs and Keeper, to explore how practical effects, subtle design choices, and restraint create unforgettable fear. Edward breaks down how modern horror uses texture, imperfection, and realism to bypass jump scares and tap directly into the audience's subconscious. We talk about the FX decisions behind Longlegs' unsettling tone, how Keeper balances realism with dread, and why the best effects often go unnoticed. Whether you're a filmmaker, horror fan, or creative curious about how fear is engineered, this episode reveals how invisible craftsmanship becomes emotional impact.

Writer-director Austin Glasser joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss his short film The Writer, which premiered at the Austin Film Festival and stars Neal McDonough, Jefferson White, and Sara Paxton.In this conversation, Austin breaks down writing with restraint, directing seasoned actors, navigating production limitations, and shaping a short film for festival audiences. Filmmakers will learn practical insights on actor collaboration, script-to-screen decisions, and what it really takes to premiere at a major narrative festival.

What does it really take to design horror makeup for a feature film? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with makeup designer Sian Richards to break down her work on the horror feature Sinners.Sian dives into creative decision-making, practical effects, collaboration with directors and DPs, and the real challenges of executing horror makeup on an indie feature. Filmmakers will learn how makeup design impacts storytelling, performance, and audience immersion—especially in horror.If you're a filmmaker, film student, or horror fan curious about how fear is built on set, this episode is for you.

What do great visual effects actually look like? Hint: you're not supposed to notice them. In this episode, we sit down with Eran Dinur, VFX Supervisor on MARTY SUPREME, to break down how modern visual effects are designed to disappear into story, performance, and cinematography. From subtle enhancements to large-scale problem solving, Eran reveals how VFX can elevate a film without ever calling attention to itself. We dive into the creative and technical challenges of supervising VFX and how to collaborate with directors and cinematographers. Whether you're an indie filmmaker, editor, or director working with limited resources, this conversation will change how you think about visual effects. If you think VFX is only about spectacle, this episode will prove why restraint, planning, and storytelling matter more than explosions.

Step into the world where fearless athletes meet fearless filmmaking. In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Kardasik, the three-time Emmy Award–winning cinematographer and producer behind HBO's 100 Foot Wave. From chasing monster swells across continents to capturing the raw emotional journey of Garrett McNamara and the world's most elite surfers, Vincent reveals how he turns the ocean's most dangerous moments into some of the most breathtaking imagery on television.We explore his early days filming skate parks on France's Atlantic coast, his evolution into aquatic cinematography, and the technical mastery required to shoot inside waves the size of buildings. Vincent shares how he bridges surf culture with mainstream audiences, the storytelling philosophy that shaped 100 Foot Wave, and the creative risks that helped the series finally clinch the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary.If you love filmmaking, surfing, adventure storytelling, or simply want to understand what it takes to turn chaos into art—this is an episode you won't forget.

Step inside the sonic world of Jeff Toyne, the acclaimed composer known for blending orchestral virtuosity, modern technology, and a deeply story-driven musical voice. In this episode, Jeff breaks down his recent work on Apple TV's Palm Royale, starring Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, and Carol Burnett—explaining how he effortlessly merges jazz, Latin rhythms, and orchestral color to evoke the luxe, sun-drenched world of the late 1960s with a modern cinematic edge.We explore Jeff's creative process, his hybrid scoring techniques, the challenges of creating period-inspired music that still feels fresh, and how contemporary composers harness technology to elevate emotional storytelling.

Award-winning filmmaker Susie Singer Carter, director of the powerful documentary No Country for Old People, sits down with us to reveal the shocking truths inside America's broken elder-care system. From understaffed nursing homes to the emotional toll on families, Susie exposes what's really happening behind closed doors — and what we can do to change it.In this episode, we explore Susie's personal journey, the systemic failures she uncovered, the courage of caregivers, and the urgent reforms needed to protect our aging population. If you have a parent, grandparent, or loved one in long-term care — or you expect to age someday — this conversation is essential.

Step inside the dark, emotionally charged world of Sacrificios, the Mexican psychological horror thriller which made its World Premiere at the 2025 Austin Film Festival. In this episode, we sit down with Writer/Director Mauricio Chernovetzky and Writer Alexander Ioshpe to explore the film's haunting origins, personal inspirations, and the profound examination of grief, faith, and the impossible choices a parent might face. Whether you're a filmmaker, horror fan, or storytelling enthusiast, this conversation reveals what it takes to build a deeply personal, psychologically intense film that challenges the audience at every turn.

Director Ritesh Gupta (The Red Mask) joins us for a deep dive into his bold new horror film which premiered at FrightFest 2025. The Red Mask stars Helena Howard, Inanna Sarkis, Jake Abel, and Kelli Garner — and it's not your typical slasher.Ritesh reveals how this meta-thriller flips the remake trope, explores the war between creators and fans, and uses horror as a lens for cultural identity and internet obsession.Whether you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, or horror fan — this episode peels back the mask on what it takes to make a fresh classic in a world obsessed with remakes.

Step inside the visionary minds of writer/director duo Kerry Carlock and Nick Lund-Ulrich and producer Jennifer Sorenson, the filmmaking team behind the bold and genre-bending fantasy film SUFFER. Blending the American West with mythic fantasy, SUFFER follows Ida Blye, a young handmaiden with traumatic wounds and dangerous magic, on a feminist quest to dismantle the Scarlet Prince's dark reign.In this conversation, we explore how Kerry and Nick built an epic world on a tiny budget, worked with a minimal crew, and created a story that challenges the traditional Hero's Journey. Featuring a haunting, nearly silent performance from Naomi McDougall Jones, SUFFER asks one powerful question: What happens when the hero's strongest weapon is their collective voice?We dive into microbudget worldbuilding, reinventing genre tropes, directing silence, and why now is the perfect time for stories that inspire resistance, courage, and unity.

In this episode, we sit down with Production Designer Brittany Hites, the creative force behind REGRETTING YOU — the emotional new film starring Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace, based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover.Brittany takes us behind the scenes to explore how production design shapes storytelling — from visualizing grief and betrayal to creating spaces that reflect healing and rediscovery. Discover how color, texture, and set choices deepen emotional connection and elevate cinematic storytelling.

Step inside the unsettling world of Self-Help, the internet-fueled cult thriller acquired by Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting for a North American VOD and streaming release. In this exclusive conversation, Emmy Award–winning director Erik Bloomquist reveals the inspirations and creative process behind the film, which follows a college student who infiltrates a dangerous “self-actualization” community led by an enigmatic guru.

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Zoé Eisenberg, writer and director of Chaperone — the acclaimed age-gap romance drama that's taking Hawai‘i (and the indie world) by storm.After its world premiere at Slamdance, where it won the Jury Award for Best Breakout Feature, Chaperone has captivated audiences across the islands during its limited theatrical run — and now available on Digital + VOD.Critics are calling it “Hawai‘i's May/December,” and with its 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Chaperone dives deep into questions of desire, morality, and power dynamics — all set against the lush, cinematic backdrop of Hawaii.Join us as Zoé shares how she approached a story both intimate and provocative, the challenges of shooting in paradise, and how Chaperone opens up a nuanced conversation about age, agency, and emotional truth.

Step inside the world where music brings characters, creatures, and entire universes to life. In this episode, we sit down with Trevor Hoffmann, a celebrated video game and children's animation composer whose diverse musical upbringing—spanning classical piano, church music, orchestral composition, Southern gospel, indie touring, and EDM ghost writing—shapes his unmistakable sound.Trevor has composed for major animated series including Lego Friends, My Little Pony, Bossy Bear, Strawberry Shortcake, and the award-winning Deepa & Anoop (winner of Best Music at the 2023 Kidscreen Awards). As a prolific song producer, he has collaborated with Disney, Netflix, HBO, Nickelodeon, Wildbrain, and Fremantle, producing more than 400 songs for artists and television.Join us as we explore Trevor's creative process, the evolving landscape of video game and animation music, the business of composing for major studios, and how he blends emotion, storytelling, and technical precision to craft unforgettable soundscapes.

From Disney to espionage, composer Curtis Green is crafting soundtracks that move the world. As the composer of Daniel Dae Kim's new spy thriller series Butterfly, Curtis brings cinematic depth and emotional tension to a story of secrets, identity, and danger. A longtime protégé of Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino (UP, Inside Out, Coco), Curtis has scored acclaimed Disney+ projects including Dug Days, Zootopia+, and even the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.In this episode, we explore Curtis's creative process, how he builds sonic worlds, what he learned from Giacchino, and how he approaches music that fuels both laughter and suspense. Perfect for filmmakers, composers, and anyone who loves behind-the-scenes film storytelling.

Step behind the magic (and the mayhem) with Chelsea Bruland, stunt coordinator for Disney's Descendants: The Rise of Red.In this episode, Chelsea shares how she built the action world of Auradon — where fairy tale royalty, rebellion, and high-energy musical sequences collide. From designing fight choreography that's both safe and spectacular, to balancing Disney magic with real-world stunt precision, Chelsea gives a rare look into the art and adrenaline of movie stunt work. Whether you're a filmmaker, choreographer, or Disney fan, this conversation is a masterclass in crafting heart-pounding, character-driven action.

Award-winning editor Michael P. Shawver (known for his work on Black Panther and Creed) joins us to discuss his latest project, Sinners. In this episode, we dive deep into the craft of film editing—how pacing shapes suspense, how choices in rhythm and structure build tension, and what it takes to bring a director's vision to life in the editing room. Shawver reveals behind-the-scenes insights on working with raw footage, sculpting character arcs, and finding emotional truth in the cut.Whether you're a filmmaker, editor, or movie fan, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for the invisible art of editing—and how it transforms Sinners into a gripping cinematic experience.

Composer and producer Trevor Hoffmann (CASMA nominee, Lego Friends, Deepa & Anoop, Nurture: Doki's Delivery) joins us to talk about crafting emotion through sound. From the playful worlds of kids' animation to the immersive landscapes of interactive media, Trevor shares how he blends classical orchestration with modern pop textures to create unforgettable musical storytelling. We dive into his creative process, the art of scoring for characters and gameplay, and what it means to compose music that truly connects.#TrevorHoffmann #GameComposer #AnimationMusic #FilmScoring #CASMA #VideoGameMusic #ComposerLife #Podcast #BehindTheScore #MusicProduction #SoundtrackMagic #FilmmakerMixer

In this episode, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Martin McNally, the man who hijacked an American Airlines plane in 1972 in a bid to emulate the legendary DB Cooper. What followed was a five-day nationwide manhunt, full of twists, misdirection, and audacious criminal daring. We chat with filmmakers Eli Kooris and Joshua Shaffer who bring this story to life in their film American Skyjacker. We discuss the making of the documentary adaptation of the Top 20 Apple Podcast American Skyjacker, exploring how filmmakers reconstruct historical crime, track elusive characters, and uncover the lesser-known details that make this story one of the wildest in true crime history. If you're fascinated by audacious heists, sky-high suspense, and real-life mysteries, this episode is for you. 

In this episode we sit down with casting maestro Susanne Scheel, the force behind the stellar ensemble of Kathryn Bigelow's political thriller A House of Dynamite. From assembling a global cast to discovering unexpected breakout talent, Susanne opens up about the unseen art of casting for high-stakes filmmaking. We explore how she navigates script, director vision, star power and surprise actors — and how that all comes together to shape the story we see on screen. If you've ever wondered what it takes to cast a film of this scale — or how a casting director thinks — this is the conversation you don't want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with writer-director GG Hawkins to unpack her bold new feature I Really Love My Husband. What happens when the honeymoon phase fades, when our desires shift, when perfection can feel suffocating? GG takes us through conception, casting, shooting in Panama, balancing improvisation and script, and what she hopes audiences will take away. She also shares personal reflections about love, settling, creative risk, and what it means to follow your gut in art and relationships.

In this episode, we chat with director Rachel Israel and producer Shai Korman about their compelling new film The Floaters. The story follows struggling musician Nomi, who takes a last-resort job mentoring the misfit campers at her childhood Jewish summer camp — a place filled with nostalgia, chaos and the chance to reconnect.

Join us for a lively and inspiring conversation with Ryan Cooper (producer) and Josh Flanagan (director) about the mockumentary comedy Pickleheads — the world's first feature-film dive into the booming sport of pickleball. We explore: how the idea was born, what drew them to the quirky and fast-growing pickleball scene, the challenges of making a sport-based mockumentary, casting surprises, movie-making secrets, and what this film says about community, competition, and creativity. If you're a filmmaker, sport-enthusiast, or simply love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with filmmaker Ellen Rodnianski, director of American Baby, a moving and unflinching story about a young girl facing pregnancy, judgment, and isolation in small-town Texas. Ellen opens up about the film's deeply human themes — from teenage motherhood to the silent struggles young women face when their world turns upside down.

In this episode, we sit down with writer-director Spencer King to unpack his tense new thriller The Wilderness, produced by Aaron Paul and Amy Berg and starring Hunter Doohan (Netflix's Wednesday) and Lamar Johnson (The Last of Us). Set against the stark Utah desert, The Wilderness follows a group of teenage boys forced into a manipulative “wilderness therapy” program—where survival means more than just making it out alive.

In this episode, we dive into Miles Away, a heartfelt indie drama exploring identity, love, and second chances. Acclaimed actor Andre Royo (The Wire) joins director and lead actress Jackie Quinones to discuss crafting authentic emotion on screen, the film's powerful journey from page to premiere, and what it means to truly find yourself when you feel “miles away” from home.

In this episode, we sit down with Austin-based filmmaker Kelly Lipscomb, whose new documentary Bite to Bite makes its World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival. The film follows a single giant Bluefin tuna from the icy Atlantic waters of Nova Scotia to Tokyo's legendary Tsukiji Market — tracing a story of tradition, survival, and the global seafood economy. We explore how this cinematic odyssey reveals the human cost of overfishing, the future of sustainability, and why the fate of one fish can reflect the state of our oceans.

In this episode, we sit down with director Salvador Espinosa and writer/actress Tato Alexander to talk about their sharp, emotional, and uncomfortably relatable new film Don't Know How To Be. The story centers on Majo and Cris—a thirty-something couple whose birthday celebration at his parents' home turns into a full-blown generational showdown. What starts as a hopeful day spirals into a chaotic engagement party that forces everyone to confront love, expectations, and the illusions that hold families together.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Gans, the filmmaker behind VOICES, an intimate and powerful exploration of his father Danny Gans' extraordinary life and untimely passing. Part personal journey, part tribute, VOICES uncovers the story of a man who rose from underdog beginnings to national acclaim, and the son who finds himself through rediscovering his father's legacy.

In this episode, we sit down with Austin-based filmmakers Nick and Josh Holden, the writing-directing-producing duo behind their new feature film about family, integrity, and the fine line between selling out and staying true.Their film follows novelist Benny Dink, whose career and love life implode just before his 40th birthday. When he returns home to Louisiana for his sister's wedding, he's forced to confront the compromises of adulthood — from ambition and art to family and faith.

In this episode, we sit down with Ironheart director Angela Barnes and cinematographer Alison Kelly to talk about the visual power and emotional depth behind Marvel's highly anticipated series. From crafting the look of Riri Williams' world to balancing high-tech action with human connection, they share how they built a superhero story grounded in authenticity and innovation.Discover the creative collaboration that shaped the next generation of the Marvel Universe—and the lessons every filmmaker can take from their process.

Two powerful short films. Two unforgettable visions. We sit down with the creator of The Stand and Little Bird to explore the art, the heart, and the meaning behind the stories. From quiet resilience to bold defiance, these shorts show how even the smallest moments can carry the biggest weight.