Filmmaker Mixer

Beck Underwood joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her debut feature film, The Lure of Ponies, and a filmmaking journey that spans more than 25 short films, stop-motion animation, production design, and decades of independent filmmaking.In this conversation, Beck shares lessons learned from creating animated shorts, curating film festivals, and transitioning from short-form storytelling to a feature-length film. Filmmakers will gain practical insights into visual storytelling, creative persistence, and building a sustainable artistic career.Whether you're an animator, indie filmmaker, or festival enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look into a unique creative path.

Production Designer Alexandra Schaller joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss creating the visual world of Netflix's Little Brother. From designing character-driven environments to constructing an entire family home on a soundstage, Alexandra shares how production design supports comedy and storytelling.Filmmakers will learn how visual choices reveal character, collaborate with directors, and elevate every scene through thoughtful design. Whether you're a production designer, filmmaker, or film student, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Writer/director and editor James Kondelik joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss building a career in genre filmmaking. We dive into low-budget horror strategy, directing action and suspense, theatrical indie releases, and what filmmakers can learn about pacing, tension, and audience engagement from genre cinema. Fans of horror and independent filmmaking will find plenty of practical insight in this episode

Carrie Coaplen and Jonathan Hawpe join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Halcyon Daze, their documentary about Disney's Galactic Starcruiser and the passionate community that emerged around one of the most ambitious immersive experiences ever created.In this conversation, Carrie and Jonathan share how they transformed a personal obsession into a documentary, interviewed dozens of devoted passengers, and explored the psychology of fandom, belonging, and immersive storytelling. Filmmakers will learn about documentary structure, interview strategy, finding universal themes in niche subjects, and preserving cultural moments before they disappear.Whether you're a documentary filmmaker, festival programmer, Star Wars fan, or student of immersive experiences, this episode offers a fascinating look at storytelling that extends beyond the screen.

Writer-director Jeffrey Scott Collins joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Above the Line, a dark Hollywood heist comedy about six struggling creatives who get the chance to steal Best Picture trophies from the producer who wronged them.Jeff shares insights into writing ensemble stories, balancing crime and comedy, directing a cast that includes Cedric the Entertainer and Sophia Ali, and navigating the realities of independent filmmaking.Filmmakers will learn about genre blending, heist structure, directing actors, and turning personal industry experiences into compelling stories.

Director Jon Erwin joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Young Washington, the historical drama that explores George Washington's early years before becoming America's first president.Jon shares insights into directing period films, building large-scale battle sequences, researching historical figures, and crafting character-driven stories. Filmmakers will learn about leadership, visual storytelling, and creating emotionally engaging historical cinema.

Writer and director Tommy Jackson joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss making Land of Wolves, an intense survival thriller that combines brutal action with emotional storytelling. Tommy shares how he developed the film's unique world, directed its action sequences, and built suspense throughout production.Filmmakers will learn about independent action filmmaking, directing fight scenes, visual storytelling, overcoming production challenges, and building a distinctive voice in today's independent film landscape.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we explore a documentary project following Alyssa Carson as she travels across the United States during NASA's Artemis II mission. The film parallels a 10-day lunar flyby with a ground-level road trip, capturing stories of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts along the way.We break down how the filmmakers structured a real-time narrative across geography and mission timing, blending documentary storytelling with live historical events. This episode is especially valuable for filmmakers interested in experimental structure, observational documentary techniques, and science-focused storytelling.

Solidarity director Dustin Brown and producer Kaiulani Bush join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss the decade-long journey creating a deeply personal debut feature about two immigrants whose lives are connected across language, culture, and circumstance. From short film beginnings to self-financing a trailer that caught the attention of Darren Aronofsky and Protozoa Pictures, this is a masterclass in persistence and independent filmmaking.Dustin and Kaiulani break down how lived experience, community history,and visual storytelling shaped the film's emotional core.Filmmakers will learn how to sustain long-term projects, build momentum through grassroots filmmaking, and craft authentic social realism on screen.

Director and writer Ruthy Pribar and actress Ronit Yudkevitz join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss their latest film, What Is to Come, which premiers at the Tribeca Film Festival. Following the success of her acclaimed debut feature Asia, Ruthy shares how a chance encounter with a woman carrying an extraordinary story inspired her newest film. We explore the responsibility of adapting real-life trauma, finding hope inside devastating circumstances, directing emotionally complex performances, and how her perspective as a filmmaker has evolved since winning the Nora Ephron Prize at Tribeca. Ruthy also reflects on the themes of survival, gratitude, and reinvention that continue to shape her work.

Production Designer Cabot McMullen joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss his work on Shrinking, his journey from architecture and theater to Hollywood, and how production design shapes audience emotion.Cabot shares insights into visual storytelling, collaboration, set design, and the creative decisions that help bring characters and worlds to life. Filmmakers will learn practical lessons about design, storytelling, and building meaningful creative careers.

Sophia Meloni and cinematographer Lexa Krebs join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of CHOP CHEESE, Sophia's debut short film inspired by a real family story. They break down adapting personal experiences into narrative filmmaking, collaborating with family members, and building an authentic visual style for a coming-of-age story.The film premieres at Palm Springs International ShortFest and has also been selected for HollyShorts. Filmmakers will learn about directing first projects, developing short films for festivals, working with actors, and crafting compelling stories from real life.

Filmmaker Mixer sits down with writer, producer, and horror storyteller Eric Miller, author of Whatever Happened To Uncle Ed? and screenwriter of films including Ice Spiders, Night Skies, and Mask Maker. We discuss genre storytelling, balancing horror with comedy, and how emotional truth strengthens supernatural fiction.Filmmakers will learn about writing tone, adapting ideas for production realities, creating memorable horror concepts, and sustaining a creative career across novels and film.

Hair and makeup can be one of the most powerful storytelling tools in film and television. In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with hair and makeup designer Jacqueline Fowler to discuss her work on the television adaptation of Lord of the Flies. Jacqueline shares how she approached character design, visual continuity, collaboration with other departments, and the challenges of creating authentic survival-driven transformations. Filmmakers will gain valuable insight into the creative and technical side of makeup design for television.

Katie Spelman joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her work as the choreographer behind School Spirits and her journey from Chicago stages to Broadway and television productions. Known for projects including The Notebook, Moulin Rouge!, and Rent Live!, Katie shares how movement can deepen storytelling, strengthen performances, and elevate emotional moments on screen. Filmmakers will learn about choreography for camera, collaboration with directors and actors, visual storytelling, and building a creative career across multiple mediums.

What does it take to supervise visual effects on a major television series? In this Filmmaker Mixer episode, Paradise Season 2 VFX Supervisor John Weckworth and CG Supervisor Evan Underwood discuss creative problem solving, digital environments, production planning, and the evolution of cloud-based VFX workflows.

Ashley Barron joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the cinematography behind Netflix's How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. In this filmmaker-focused conversation, Ashley shares how the visual style of the series evolved, the challenges of shooting emotionally layered scenes, and the realities of crafting cinematic television on a fast-paced production schedule. This episode explores lighting choices, camera movement, collaboration with directors and designers, and how cinematography shapes tone and character. Independent filmmakers, film students, and cinematography fans will gain practical insight into visual storytelling for modern streaming productions.Filmmaker Mixer is a podcast dedicated to the craft of filmmaking, featuring conversations with directors, cinematographers, editors, composers, costume designers, and other creative professionals working in film and television.

The action in The Terminal List: Dark Wolf feels different—and that's by design. Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator Thom Khoury Williams and veteran stunt performer Chris Romrell join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss creating realistic military action, tactical combat, and large-scale stunt sequences for the hit series.Filmmakers will learn about stunt coordination, rehearsal strategies, safety, second-unit directing, and the creative process behind modern action storytelling.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with ACE Eddie Award-winning editor Yvette M. Amirian, ACE to discuss her work on A Winter's Song, the first English-language romantic comedy set in Armenia.Yvette breaks down the craft of editing emotion, building chemistry through pacing, and solving indie filmmaking challenges in the edit room. This conversation is packed with practical insights for filmmakers, editors, film students, and anyone passionate about how movies truly come together.

How do casting directors bring real-life figures to the screen? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Tiffany Little Canfield and Josh Einsohn discuss the casting process behind Monster: The Ed Gein Story and the challenges of building a cast for a true-crime drama.They share insights into auditions, actor selection, collaboration with filmmakers, and what today's actors need to know to stand out. A must-watch conversation for filmmakers, actors, and anyone interested in the craft of casting.

John Lornager, Supervising Sound Editor for Wednesday, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss how sound design shaped the gothic atmosphere, suspense, and tonal balance of the hit series. From subtle environmental textures to major horror moments, this conversation explores how audio storytelling elevates visual storytelling.Filmmakers, editors, and film students will learn about post-production workflow, building tension through sound, collaborating with directors, and creating immersive sonic worlds for television and film.

Chris Ritvo, Overall Visual Effects Supervisor on Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the creation of Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus at the heart of the film. In this conversation, Chris shares how his team combined real animal reference footage with advanced CGI to create a believable and emotionally engaging character. From researching octopus behavior at the Vancouver Aquarium to solving the challenges of photoreal creature animation, this episode offers valuable insights for filmmakers, visual effects artists, and film students interested in modern VFX workflows. Learn how filmmakers blend practical reference, technology, and storytelling to create digital characters audiences truly connect with.

On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Ben King takes us inside the creation some of the most ambitious sequences from IT: Welcome to Derry. From meteor impacts to terrifying creature transformations, Ben breaks down the technical and creative process behind bringing horror to life on screen.We discuss the undead moose attack sequence, designing fear through visual effects, and how the series explores themes through horror imagery. Filmmakers, VFX artists, horror fans, and indie creators will learn about creature design, cinematic storytelling, practical vs. digital effects, and how high-end television horror sequences actually get made.

Amanda Pollack (ACE) joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss her work editing critically acclaimed series like The Americans, The Good Fight, and Palm Royale. With a background rooted in music and rhythm, Amanda shares how she shapes performances, tension, and story in the edit.In this episode, filmmakers will learn how editorial rhythm impacts storytelling, how to collaborate with directors, and how to evolve your craft across genres and long-running series. A must-watch for editors and storytellers looking to deepen their understanding of post-production.

Barrie Gower joins Filmmaker Mixer for an in-depth conversation about the craft of prosthetic makeup in film and television. From character transformations to creature effects, he breaks down the creative and technical process behind some of the industry's most memorable practical makeup work.In this episode, filmmakers and film students will learn how prosthetic designs evolve from concept art to camera-ready performances, how makeup departments collaborate with directors and actors, and why practical effects continue to play a critical role in modern filmmaking.Whether you're an indie creator, horror fan, or aspiring makeup FX artist, this episode offers real insight into the artistry and problem-solving behind cinematic transformation.

What does it take to bring a story to life through music? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with a composer whose work spans The Queen's Gambit, Hacks, and the indie film Breakup Season. From emotional storytelling to technical execution, we explore how music elevates every frame. We dive into the creative process behind scoring for different genres, collaborating with creatives, and adapting to genres. Whether you're directing, editing, or composing, this episode offers real insight into how music shapes narrative. Filmmakers will learn how to better collaborate with composers, approach scoring early in production, and use music to enhance tone, pacing, and emotional impact.

What does it really take to create world-class visual effects for a hit series like Wednesday? Mark O. Hammond joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the art, technology, and collaboration behind modern VFX production. From concept development to final delivery, this episode explores how filmmakers and artists work together to create memorable cinematic moments. Perfect for indie filmmakers, aspiring VFX supervisors, and anyone passionate about film production.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with Judith “Jude” Feller, the new costume designer of Virgin River. She shares how she stepped into an established series and evolved its visual language while staying true to its cozy, small-town identity.Jude breaks down character-driven wardrobe decisions, balancing practicality with style in an outdoor setting, and introducing new elements like Western wear. This conversation is packed with insight for filmmakers looking to understand how costume design directly impacts storytelling.Filmmakers will learn how to approach long-running series, collaborate across departments, and use wardrobe as a narrative tool.

Joshua Marsh, costume designer for Monster: The Ed Gein Story, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the creative process behind building the visual identity of one of television's darkest true crime worlds. From research and collaboration to character psychology and historical texture, Joshua shares how costume design shapes storytelling on screen. This conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers, film students, indie creators, and anyone interested in the craft behind prestige television. Learn how wardrobe choices influence performance, tone, and world-building in modern film and TV production.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director Arianna Ortiz to discuss her short film The Birthday Gift, adapted from Stephanie Alison Walker's play The Abuelas. Arianna shares how she translated a stage story into a cinematic experience while maintaining emotional authenticity. We explore directing actors, navigating adaptation challenges, and how Arianna's background in acting influences her filmmaking. With a feature version currently in development, this conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers looking to adapt material and tell culturally specific stories with depth.

Bonnie Gross, writer and producer of Lady Parts, joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down her journey from screening at the Austin Film Festival to securing distribution. She shares the real steps, challenges, and turning points that helped the film move beyond the festival circuit. This episode dives into the realities of indie film distribution—what works, what doesn't, and how filmmakers can position their projects for success. Whether you're submitting to festivals or preparing your first feature, this conversation offers practical insights you can use.

Emmy Award-winning composer Tyler Strickland joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down his work on John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds. He shares how he approached scoring a beloved comedy icon while balancing nostalgia, emotion, and authenticity.Premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, the documentary presented unique challenges in tone, structure, and archival storytelling. Tyler dives into his creative process, collaboration, and how music shapes audience perception.Filmmakers will learn how to think about score earlier, work with evolving edits, and craft music that supports story over sentiment.

Clara and Julia Kuperberg join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss their latest documentary exploring Latino representation in Hollywood. Drawing from decades of research into American cinema, they break down how identity, power, and storytelling intersect on screen. In this episode, they share their creative process, challenges in documenting underrepresented voices, and what filmmakers can learn about crafting meaningful, socially conscious work. This conversation is essential for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking and cultural storytelling.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with editor Eric Litman, ACE to explore the craft behind editing One Piece. From balancing tone to shaping large-scale action, Eric shares how the series comes together in the edit room. This conversation dives into the challenges of adapting a beloved anime into live-action, collaborating across departments, and making editorial decisions that serve both story and fan expectations. Filmmakers will gain insight into pacing, workflow, and storytelling at a high level.

Award-winning editor Mollie Goldstein joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down her editorial process on In the Blink of an Eye and Hot Water, including the creative decisions that helped bring Hot Water to Sundance. In this episode, Mollie shares how editors shape emotion, pacing, and narrative clarity—plus practical insights on collaboration, risk-taking in the edit, and preparing films for major festival premieres. A must-watch conversation for editors, directors, and indie filmmakers.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, editor Jay Prychidny (CCE) breaks down his work on Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, diving into the creative and technical challenges of shaping a film that blends horror, comedy, and suspense. Reuniting with directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Jay shares how their collaborative process evolved in the edit room.From managing a massive amount of footage to discovering the film's tone through experimentation, this conversation offers a real-world look at how movies are truly made in post-production.Filmmakers will learn how to build tension, balance tone, and find the identity of a film through editing.

Editor Jeremy Cohen joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down his work on Over Your Dead Body, hitting theaters April 24. From shaping performances to building tension, Jeremy walks through the real decisions that define a film in the edit.This episode dives into pacing, tone, and the balance between thriller and dark comedy—plus how collaboration with the director and cast shaped the final cut. If you're a filmmaker or editor, this is a practical look at how movies actually come together in post.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with screenwriter and educator William Akers, founder of Key to Storytelling, to explore how first-time filmmakers can successfully write their first feature or short film screenplay. From structuring your story to avoiding common beginner mistakes, this conversation is packed with practical guidance.Filmmakers will learn how to approach story structure, test their ideas, and write with production in mind.

Director Jacob Smith joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of Dancing on the Elephant, a heartfelt indie film about friendship, aging, and finding hope when life seems nearly finished. The story follows Nora and Edna, two retirement home residents who form an unlikely bond—and hatch one final adventure.

Executive Producer ZB Siwek joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of the sci-fi anthology Merge, a feature film built from award-winning short films exploring humanity's relationship with advanced technology.Now streaming on Amazon Prime, Merge combines stories about AI, digital afterlives, and neural enhancement into a dystopian anthology often compared to Black Mirror. In this conversation, Siwek breaks down the creative and logistical process of assembling the film, working with multiple directors, and finding the right strategy for the VOD marketplace.Filmmakers will learn how short films can evolve into feature projects, how anthology films are structured, and what to know about navigating distribution in today's streaming landscape.

Join cinematographer Wes Cardino as he takes us behind the lens of Nobody Wants This. Whether you're an aspiring cinematographer or an indie filmmaker, Wes shares practical tips on lighting, camera setups, and creating mood that supports story.Perfect for filmmakers wanting to elevate their craft.

Director Gabriel Bernini joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of Blood Barn, a retro supernatural slasher inspired by the gritty, low-budget horror films of the 1980s. Shot in just 11 days, the film embraces practical creature effects, DIY filmmaking, and the chaotic energy that defined classic cabin-in-the-woods splatter movies.The film was shot at Long View Farm Studios in Massachusetts, a legendary recording studio with a history of famous musicians—and reported hauntings. Gabriel talks about using this unique location, collaborating with co-writer Alexandra Jade, and the creative problem-solving required to make an ambitious indie horror film on a tight schedule.In this episode, filmmakers will learn about practical effects, fast indie production strategies, directing horror performances, and how limitations can actually strengthen a film's creative identity.

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.