From small towns across the world to the heights of Hollywood, indie filmmakers Chris Easterly and JC Karsner interview entertainment industry professionals who share how they've done it and how you can pursue your dream.
Hollie Overton is a TV writer and novelist in L.A. She has written for the hit shows Cold Case, The Client List, and Shadowhunters. Her debut novel Baby Doll was published in 2016 and became an international bestseller. Hollie talks about the difference between writing books and TV, why writing contests are good, and the need to consistently reinvent yourself in order to maintain a career in the industry.
In this first episode of season 2, we talk with Joe Henderson, executive producer of the hit TV show LUCIFER. Hear how Joe got started in the industry, his advice for you, and why he says LUCIFER is one of the most faith-affirming shows on television. The devil is in the details. Check it out!
In this episode, we talk with the cowriter of the 1997 blockbuster FACE/OFF starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. Screenwriter Michael Colleary tells how he and his writing partner Mike Werb came up with the high-concept idea, sold the script, and created an enduring action classic. He also discusses his work on LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER starring Angelina Jolie, and his upcoming action-adventure TV series PROFESSIONALS. Michael shares the ups and downs, smashing successes, and disappointing failures of writing Hollywood hits. He gives his advice for others hoping to break into the film and TV business. This is a great episode with a lot of wisdom and insights. Hope you enjoy!
Brian Bird is a three-decade veteran of film and TV writing and producing. His credits include STEP BY STEP, TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL, THE CASE FOR CHRIST, and many more. He is the executive producer of the hit Hallmark series WHEN CALLS THE HEART. We go deep in this episode. We talk about Brian's film and TV career, the hero's journey, God, and the universal need for story. Brian tells how he got started and shares his advice for aspiring filmmakers. Hint: If someone opened a door for you, open a door for others.
Many aspiring writers long to get an agent. After more than a decade as a TV and film literary agent at Gersh, John Bauman started his own management company to represent writers and directors. Get his insider's view on the agency side of the business. John explains the difference between an agent and a manager, what he looks for in a client, and his advice for making it in the industry.
Ever wondered how the casting process for film and TV works? How to handle an audition? Sunday "Sunny" Boling is a casting director with Morman-Boling Casting in Los Angeles. Her credits include movies with Sally Field, Cary Elwes, Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Peter Fonda, and Bill Pullman. She tells us how she got started, describes the professional casting process, and shares her advice for actors and others trying to break in to the industry.
Patrick J. Mitchell has played Malcolm X, Othello, and Gabriel in August Wilson's FENCES on stage. From NYC to Kentucky, he has pursued his craft, performing, writing, and directing in stage plays, movies, and TV shows. He is a photographer and community advocate, launching his own theater company, as well as the Oscar Micheaux Film Festival to give youth an opportunity to make their own films. Hear about Patrick's journey and get his advice on pursuing your own creative dreams.
Walker Haynes has worked in multiple areas of the film and TV industry. He recently played a villain on the hit CBS show HAWAII 5-0. He's been a stand-in, a stunt double, and he was the hand double for Gary Sinise on CSI:NY. He studied at the exclusive Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In 2014, his independent feature HAMLET'S GHOST screened at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Hear his stories of working on set and get his insight on how to pursue your own career.
Ian Eyre is a professional action writer, director, stunt coordinator, and performer. His stunt credits include BABY DRIVER, THE WALKING DEAD, and INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Hear how he has arranged car chases, coordinated fights, and got blown across the room and knocked unconscious in an explosion for STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE on his honeymoon!
L.A.-based electronic composer George Sarah has scored music for TV shows BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, CSI, THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, HOUSE HUNTERS, and many independent films. Hear how he got into making music for film and TV and get his insights into how to maintain a career as an independent music artist in the entertainment industry.
From Delaware to Hollywood, Travis Brown is living his dream of working in movies. Hear how he got started, produced his award-winning short film THE NORWALK WITNESS, and advanced to associate producer on an upcoming feature film shot in Scotland. From attending film school to cleaning car windows on set to signing a streaming deal, Travis shares great advice for aspiring filmmakers everywhere.
JC and Chris discuss some of their favorite horror movies. Special guest Emma Bellomy tells how she landed a lead role in a major motion picture while she was still in high school. Emma shares her experiences working on the horror movie THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT, from wearing a mask all night on set to handling knives to acting opposite stars like Christina Hendricks (MAD MEN). She shares her advice about pursuing a career in moviemaking, even if you are outside Hollywood.
"Never work with animals and children," said actor-comedian W.C. Fields. Tricia Casper ignored that advice and works as an animal safety monitor on movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. Hear her stories about working with dogs, cats, horses, elephants, crocodiles, lions, chimps, and bears. Get her advice on working in Hollywood, whether with animals or people. This is a fun one!
Chris and JC discuss the classic indie SLING BLADE, and talk with Archie Borders, a Kentucky-based filmmaker who has successfully written, directed, and produced indie features since the 1990's. His most recent film is 2018's UNDER THE EIFFEL TOWER. Archie shares his stories about developing projects in Kentucky, shooting in Europe, and how people outside the Hollywood system can pursue their dream.
Chris and JC review the Netflix show OUTER BANKS, and talk with Sheryl J. Anderson, creator and showrunner of the new Netflix series SWEET MAGNOLIAS. Sheryl tells us how she got her start in the TV business, explains the day-to-day of running a TV show, and shares her advice for aspiring filmmakers.
JC and Chris talk about Amazon's most-watched movie MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, and interview Bethany Brooke Anderson, writer-director-producer of the award-winning independent film BURNING KENTUCKY. Bethany describes the years-long journey of getting her passion project from script to the screen, and shares her advice on how aspiring filmmakers can make their movie too.
Chris and JC talk with Thomas McCarty, an on-set lightning technician and director of photography in L.A. He has DP'd several indie films and worked on blockbusters such as BIRDS OF PREY, FORD VS. FERRARI, and AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. Thomas shares his experiences on set, including an encounter with David Fincher, and how he's coping with the production shutdown during the pandemic.