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For many Native people, the version of California history taught in school does not tell the whole story. For Brad Munoa, a citizen of the Pechanga Band of Indians, the inspiration for “People of the West”, a new ten-part docuseries came after learning about a California history presentation at his son’s school. Munoa says Native American history received only a brief mention, while much of the focus was placed on a version of California history that overlooked Native voices and experiences. That moment sparked an idea. “So I wanted to make a series that would reach the youth in a compelling, cinematic way. Dramatic recreations, beautiful animations when we couldn't depict something in real life. One of the biggest archival libraries of stills and videos of California history that I think exists on the planet. We put that all together in 10 1-hour episodes. I'm telling you, it's amazing.” Munoa says the series, which took over two years to create, also touches on his family's own experiences. One scene was inspired by the love story of his grandparents. He says his grandfather was afraid to tell his future wife that he was Native because of the prejudice Native people faced at the time. Years later, watching actors bring that story to life on screen left him in tears. “I just started crying and sobbing. I explained that story was from my family history specifically. It was an honor to have them portray it.” Munoa says the series is not just about the past. He hopes Native youth see themselves reflected in stories that have often been overlooked and that viewers leave with a deeper understanding of California’s first peoples. View this post on Instagram A post shared by People of The West (@peopleofthewestseries) While the project has generated interest, Munoa says it has not yet been picked up by a streaming service. He says that is intentional. “We made the whole thing on spec without preselling it to a studio ahead of time. When you do that, yes, you get funding, but you also get oversight. And the studios get to determine final cut and get to suggest taking things out, adding stuff in. We wanted to tell the story without those handcuffs. So we made the whole thing on spec without preselling it. Now that we have it, we're trying to find distribution. “I just want everybody who watches the series to come away with a new profound understanding of history from a native perspective. I'm almost 100% sure that if they just watch with an open mind, it will inform all of their decision making going forward in a good way, so that we can build a better future for our kids.” Completing the project came with sacrifices. Munoa says work often took him away from his family. Now that the series is finished, he says he’s looking forward to making up for lost time and being more present with the people who supported him throughout the journey. “My wife has shouldered a lot of the responsibilities at home in her effort to support me, but she's been neglected, my kids have been neglected. They call me the dad from Hook as a joke. You know before he goes to Neverland in Hook, he's consumed with work and on his phone, he's missing baseball games and stuff. So I want to balance that all back and be there with my kids and wife, and tend to my land on the reservation.” The ten-part series makes its world premiere June 20 at Hollywood’s famed Chinese Theatre as part of the Dances With Films festival. Munoa says he hopes audiences leave the theater with a deeper understanding of California’s Native peoples and the stories that helped shape the state. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Friday, June 19, 2026 — Native Playlist: Kalyn Fay and Logan Staats
Actor-Writer-Producer Paul Witten (You Are Here): "My Pinky Is So Extended And I'm Guzzling" Dennis is joined via Zoom by Paul Witten, the creator and star of a new TV pilot called You Are Here, which is having its world premier on June 20th at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles. The story centers on a 50-something gay man in Los Angeles and three of his friends who all feel like they're still unfinished in a way. Maybe their lives haven't turned out the way they expected but they have much to be thankful for and, as the title says, they are here. Paul talks about what inspired him to create the show and then make it happen, the joy of working with friends and managing expectations when you put something big out in to the world. He also talks about his work on shows like Brooklyn 99, The Residence and The Morning Show. Other topics include: being single and being okay with it except at certain times, why working on a Shondaland show is magical, why cater-waiters deserve to not be punchlines, the significance of the title You Are Here and which is better, Diet Coke or Coke Zero. https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-you-are-here/
Filmmaker Ryan Dougall Talks Late-Night Comedy PilotIn our latest episode, I sat down with filmmaker Ryan Dougall to discuss his 44-minute comedy pilot, It's Getting Late with Owen Reed, screening at Dances With Films on June 27th. Described as "The Office meets The Larry Sanders Show" for the streaming era, this independent workplace comedy follows a dysfunctional crew behind a low-budget talk show. Driven by a fantastic ensemble cast the project pulls directly from Ryan's years in unscripted television to deliver big laughs and wonderfully eccentric, authentic characters.Check out the full interview to hear about Ryan's childhood bootleg VHS inspiration, and grab tickets to catch the screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre.Thanks for listening!Kyler---Episode Links:IG: @itsgettinglateofficialTikTok: @itsgettinglate.officialDWF Screening: Series Block 8 - Saturday June 27, 1:45pm
Last week was all about Tribeca Film Festival on BEHIND THE LENS and some wonderful animated short films that had their premieres there. This week it's all about Dances With Films, which starts this week on June 18 and runs through June 28 at the TCL Chinese Theatre complex in Hollywood. And there are some great films for you to look forward to seeing, starting with the opening night film – the world premiere of YALE from director JAY SILVERMAN. I love this film! YALE is based on a true story about screenwriter Van Billet's maternal grandfather. When he first learned about his family lore as a young teen, he couldn't believe it was true and knew he had to write about it. YALE is directed by Jay Silverman and written by Van Billet and stars Kevin Dunn, Caitlin McGee, Kathleen Gati, Rachael Harris, Dominic Leeder, Nene Nwoko, and Benjamin Mackey. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com
Welcome to the show! Today, we're stepping into the high-stakes world of underground competition with a look at the upcoming Spanish-language thriller, Queen of Shock.Written and directed by Emmy-winning documentarian and former PBS producer Robyn Symon, this feature is set to make its world premiere next month at Dances With Films in Los Angeles. Shot entirely in Mexico with a local cast and crew, the film takes a fascinating piece of Mexican culture and pushes it to a cinematic extreme.The story centers on the real-world game that is a test of endurance where people voluntarily shock themselves with electricity. In Queen of Shock, this tradition is reimagined as a brutal, viral underground circuit. We follow a struggling single mother who is forced into these escalating electrical matches in a desperate bid to save her kidnapped daughter.Joining us on the podcast is Robyn Symon to discuss:The process of adapting a real cultural tradition into genre cinema.The technical challenges of creating intense underground competition sequences.Her experience directing a Spanish-language feature in Mexico.The creative leap from documentary filmmaking into the world of narrative thrillers.It's a gripping conversation about a film that explores the intersection of survival and viral sensation.Support the Show: If you enjoy these conversations, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It's the best way to help more film lovers find the show!
How to Direct A-List Talent: Ol Parker on Rom-Coms, Rejection & Set Etiquette How do you maintain your creative voice while directing some of the biggest movie stars on the planet? This week, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Hollywood hitmaker Ol Parker to unpack the business of making audiences feel good. Known for writing and directing global smashes like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Ticket to Paradise, Ol joins host Giles Alderson to discuss his latest feature film, the Netflix R-rated corporate comedy Office Romance, starring Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, and a massive ensemble of comedy heavyweights. Ol delivers a masterclass in longevity, collaboration, and set management. He opens up about the unique challenge of directing a script written by his lead actors, how to balance hard-R comedy with touching narrative beats, and why a director's job is often about listening to the experts around them.
Filmmakers! Welcome back to a very special Business of Film edition of The Filmmakers Podcast. Today, we are cutting through the absolute nonsense and delivering a survival guide for how to fund, produce, and sell an independent film in the current market. Host Giles Alderson is joined by an expert powerhouse panel: film industry data analyst Stephen Follows, director-producer and AI tech expert Hilary Shakespeare, independent director-producer Dom Lenoir, and VP of Distribution at Quantify Sales, Dimo Alexandrov. Together, they break down the exact numbers of what sold, why horror and elevated genre remain king, the catastrophic mistakes indie producers are making on the Croisette, and the real impact of AI on the future of cinema. Whether you are prepping a project for production or trying to close a distribution deal, this episode is a mandatory masterclass on how to navigate the international market right now. Come Fully Prepared: Before approaching any sales agent or distributor, you must know your exact budget top-sheet, your realistic cast options, your shoot locations, and your tax credit strategy. Do not pitch an abstract idea; pitch a business plan. The Sweet Spot Budget: The current market "sweet spot" for independent genre films is £1.2M–£1.5M. Going higher requires highly recognizable names; going lower works best in horror where a strong, high-concept hook can carry the film. Horror and Rom-Coms are Leading: Horror and elevated genre films remain the most bulletproof, reliable bets globally. However, romantic comedies are making a significant comeback—particularly book adaptations and projects with established cast members. The Market Moves Early: The traditional Cannes calendar has shifted. A massive portion of business and deal-making was finalized the weekend before the official market doors opened. Start your outreach and schedule your virtual meetings much earlier next year. Personalize or Perish: Sales agents are swamped with generic copy-and-paste pitch emails that don't even mention their company slate. Take the time to research exactly who you are contacting and explain why your project specifically fits their portfolio. Badges Matter Less Than Presence: The most lucrative business deals and connections didn't happen inside the secure zones; they happened in bars, beach parties, and informal networking spots. Even without an official market badge, it is still worth being on the ground. AI is a Tool, Not a Writer: The panel consensus is clear—leverage AI for workflow efficiencies like scheduling, budgeting, localized dubbing, and storyboarding. However, original human voice and lived experiences are the only things that truly make a film connect with an audience. Understand Gen Z: Gen Z is now the largest cinema-going demographic, but their tastes, media consumption, and viewing habits differ drastically from previous generations. You must understand how to market directly to them. Work the Other 360 Days: Cannes is a momentary flashpoint, not a long-term strategy. The filmmakers finding genuine traction are building relationships, sending screeners, and doing Zoom calls all year round. The Follow-Up Strategy: Don't let your market contacts go cold. Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram (read the room on which platform fits best), screenshot their contact info so you don't lose it, and follow up within a few days with a personalized, contextual message.
In this ScreenFish 1on1 interview, we speak with Isabelle Armand about her documentary GLENDORA, which premieres this week at Dances With Films. Armand reflects on falling in love with the Glendora community, the complex bond between place and survival, and how the legacy of Emmett Till shapes collective memory. At its heart, Glendora asks what hope looks like in a town shaped by history, pain, and resilience.GLENDORA premieres at Dances With Films NYC on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg0isLOwvAA Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Andrés Taboada was born in Perú, where he stayed until a scholarship sent him off to finish high school in Germany. After receiving a B.S. in Biology from Cal State Long Beach and teaching in Southeast Asia, he moved back to Miami for a Master's in International Education. While in grad school, he became a standup comedian. Andrés won the award for Best Comedic Actor at Miami WebFest and was a finalist at the World Series of Comedy. He then turned his focus towards Alta California, a bilingual dramedy, which he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in as “Perucho,” the hotel clerk. As the director of Alta California, Andrés won the award of Best Directorial Debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Alta California recently had a sold-out screening at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood, California as part of the 27th annual Dances With Films. MORE VIDEOS WITH ANDRES TABOADA https://tinyurl.com/bdf82c44 WATCH 'ATLA CALIFORNIA' - The Full Movie • ALTA CALIFORNIA (2025) | Feature Film CONNECT WITH ANDRES TABOADA https://www.altamovie.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10841273 / altamovie / altacaliforniamovie https://x.com/andreswhat / andreswhat_ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://bit.ly/18DPN37 SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller http://amzn.to/2h6W3va THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob ►FILMMAKER STARTER KIT BLACKMAGIC Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - https://amzn.to/4gDU0s9 ZOOM H4essential 4-Track Handy Recorder - https://amzn.to/3TIon6X SENNHEISER Professional Shotgun Microphone - https://amzn.to/3TEnLiE NEEWER CB300B 320W LED Video Light - https://amzn.to/3XEMK6F NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power - https://amzn.to/3XX57VK ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we'll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler Bingham sits down with actor and producer Shaun Wu to discuss his compelling new narrative pilot, Henry by the Hour, which is making its world premiere at Dances With Films in New York.Inspired by the real-world "rental family" services in Japan and the pervasive sense of modern isolation, Shaun explores the profound "beautiful sadness" of paid companionship. The series follows Henry, a professional "rental friend" who navigates the unique needs of his clients—ranging from a simple physical presence in a quiet room to playing the role of a boyfriend to satisfy family expectations.Thanks for listening!---Screening Information:If you are in New York City, catch the world premiere of Henry by the Hour:Date: January 17th 12:45 PMLocation: Regal Cinemas, Union Square 10Episode Links:Instagram: @shaunqwu & @henrybythehour
Now available for streaming! On this episode of Another Goddamn Horror Podcast, we sit down with indie writer and director Jake Myers to talk about his new horror-comedy feature film, Kombucha (2025). We dive deep into the making of this body horror satire, from the original short film to its full-length feature festival run, including Overlook Film Festival, Dances With Films, and Grimmfest.Jake Myers shares his inspiration for Kombucha, a darkly hilarious and grotesque look at corporate culture, startup wellness trends, and the soul-crushing world of office jobs. If you are a fan of indie horror films, horror-comedy, body horror movies, satirical horror, or dark humor horror, this episode is for you. We also discuss horror filmmaking tips, festival strategies for indie directors, and how Jake Myers brings surreal horror to life on a tight budget.Tune in for a deep dive into Kombucha, indie horror filmmaking, creative anxiety, and corporate horror satire. This episode is your go-to source for horror interviews, indie horror features, and cult horror film discussions.Keywords / SEO tags: Jake Myers, Kombucha movie, 2025 horror films, horror comedy, indie horror, body horror, corporate satire, startup horror, practical effects horror, Overlook Film Festival, Dances With Films, Grimmfest, horror filmmaking, indie director interviews, surreal horror, horror podcast, Another Goddamn Horror Podcast.
This week we welcome writer, director, and editor Jason Sheedy from Heebie Jeebies Pictures Jason Sheedy is known for Checkpoint (2022), To Hell with You (2024) and The Reclaimers (2023). Remember those childhood nights when the shadows seemed to dance and whispers echoed in the darkness? Heebie-Jeebies Pictures has bottled up that spooky magic and turned it into cinematic nightmares. Based in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, Heebie-Jeebies Pictures is dedicated to crafting spine-chilling tales that explore the hidden depths of the soul. Heebie-Jeebies serves up terrifying horror, side-splitting comedy, thought-provoking science-fiction, and eerie dark fantasy films that will haunt your dreams. Founded by Joshua David Matthews, Jason Sheedy, and Kyle Steinike, Heebie-Jeebies strives to create cinematic experiences that will stay with you long after the credits roll. With a focus on atmospheric visuals, haunting sound design, and unforgettable characters, the company aims to transport you to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the eerie becomes unforgettable. Heebie-Jeebies Pictures have had their films showcased at prestigious festivals around the globe, including FrightFest in the UK, SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Telluride Horror Show, Screamfest, Dances With Films, Nightmares Film Festival, Vancouver Horror Show, and many more. The company is proud to have received critical acclaim and audience recognition for its unique brand of horror. So, join them on a haunting journey and let the darkness consume you. check them out over at https://www.heebiejeebiespictures.com/ Instagram @heebiejeebiespictures YouTube https://youtube.com/@heebiejeebiespictures... If you want to support the show, head over to http://tee.pub/lic/HIbVFqhaUyA and grab a shirt! We are proud to be part of The Dorkening Podcast Network https://www.thedorkeningpodcastnetwork.com/ Find out more at https://wicked-horror-show.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/wicked-horror-show/b30db05e-c8d0-421e-9ad0-9c2dc8bac88c This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
Join LFS Board Member Rachel Annette Helson as she sits down with Tamlin Hall to talk about his new film, Red Camellia, film here in Louisville.Tamlin Hall is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who's films have won top prizes at Dances With Films, Atlanta Film Festival, and the Breckenridge Film Festival. Hall's work has been supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Hall received his MFA from UCLA.Support the show
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes filmmaker Nicola Rose, to talk about her film 'Magnetosphere,' a movie about the world of synesthesia. Nicola shares her insights and challenges of portraying neurodivergence in cinema, the difficulty and complexity of independent filmmaking, and the personal journey of understanding her own ADHD diagnosis. They talk about the creative process, the importance of authentic representation, and the universal themes of growing up and self-discovery. TAKEAWAYS Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon where senses are intertwined, such as seeing sounds or tasting shapes. Nicola Rose's film 'Magnetosphere' explores synesthesia through a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s. Independent filmmaking presents challenges, including limited budgets and the need for creative solutions. Neurodivergent individuals may find exploring many diverse activities helpful in better understanding themselves. Here's a link to check out the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools courses that will be available soon! Nicola Rose is a New York City-based film director and writer whose work explores neurodivergence, identity, and human connection through imaginative storytelling. She is the writer and director of Magnetosphere, a coming-of-age comedy about a neurodivergent girl discovering she has synesthesia. The film features a cast including Colin Mochrie, Tara Strong, Steven He, and Debra McGrath, and is available on major streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV. Nicola's debut feature film, Goodbye, Petrushka, premiered at Dances With Films in Los Angeles and is now streaming widely. She has also written, directed, and produced several short films, bringing a unique creative voice to every project. Nicola is a graduate of Columbia University and the Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle in Paris. BACKGROUND READING Instagram, Facebook If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website. The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group.
Send us a textWhat do you want to act out in your life? Today we're spotlighting Tiffany Yvonne Cox — powerhouse multi-hyphenate (actor/writer/director/producer) and star of Hulu/Disney+ hit Reasonable Doubt (Season 3). From Chicago stages to prime time, Tiffany's story reminds us: your voice, vision, and values can rewrite any chapter.In this episode, we cover:Tiffany's “start over” moment: from a broken engagement to shepherding goats in rural France and reclaiming her life's directionHer proof-of-concept Single Black Shepherd (official selection, Dances With Films at TCL Chinese Theatre) and the feature film it's becomingArtivism in action: moving the industry forward on equitable hair/makeup standards (SAG-AFTRA committee leadership, contract language wins, Crown Act alignment)Leadership rooted in curiosity and kindness—and why sharing your goals publicly accelerates opportunitiesHigh-performance real talk: rituals, priorities, outsourcing, and protecting your energy so you can create at the highest levelWhy this matters: You cannot outperform your subconscious. Tiffany shows how aligned decisions, brave pivots, and clear priorities unlock heart-centered wealth, impact, and legacy.Connect with Tiffany: IG: @tiffanyyvonnecox • Web: tiffanyyvonnecox.com Seeking aligned investors for her upcoming feature.
Devin Jane Febbroriello is a North American screenwriter/director + producer that specializes in the creation of thought-provoking stories centered on lovable dysfunctional families, surreal multi-genre plots, women, and dark humor. Evocative characters blaze bold paths through thematically rich circumstances to cultivate her emotive works. Devin's practice is informed by a fierce love of cinematic storytelling mixed with her deep-seated interest in films unique capacity to poetically investigate the human condition and connect us in both the beauty and the challenges of life. Devin was named one of the Top 25 screenwriters to watch in 2025 by the International Screenwriters Association and invited onto their 2025 Development Slate. She has written/directed + produced award-winning music videos and short films that have screened at SXSW, Dances With Films, Pitchfork, Cinequest, Filmfort, BUFF Malmo, Nashville Film Festival, Venice VR Expanded, Portland Film Festival, Bend Film Festival, Stereogum, Rolling Stone, and more. Her pilot script for the episodic series "Blood is Thicker" was a finalist in the Screencraft TV Pilot Script Competition, and her feature script "Kathleen's Sound Bath" was an Austin Film Festival 2024 Second Rounder, a Script Lab Semi-Finalist, and is ranked in the top 5% of scripts on Coverfly in the drama category. She received her Bachelor of Art in film from Emerson College, attended specialized cinema studies at FAMU (Czech Republic), and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting through the David Lynch School of Cinematic Arts at Maharishi University. Devin is currently a co-owner and Head of Production at Desert Island Studios where she leads commercial client productions.
BraveMaker Podcast -- How To Direct Female-Centric Feature Films with special guest Traci Hays.Traci Hays is best known for bringing female-centric stories to the forefront, and her fourth feature, ON THE RUN, is no exception—landing on Tubi's Most Liked List as her third installment for FOX. Her international dark comedy MY BLOODY GALENTINE is also streaming on Tubi, and her psychological thriller BLOOD, SWEAT, AND CHEER, starring Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars), was named one of Tubi's Top 10 Originals by Vulture and Screen Rant.Before stepping behind the camera, Traci built a decade-long career in production design on features like A Little White Lie (starring Michael Shannon and Kate Hudson) and Amazon's Emmy-nominated DARK/WEB. As a director, her award-winning short FREDERICK won 20 awards after premiering at Dances With Films, while 40ISH gained recognition at Cannes' Short Film Corner.Don't miss this conversation about storytelling, women in film, and navigating the evolving entertainment industry.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #WomenInFilm #IndependentFilm #TraciHays #FemaleFilmmaker #TubiOriginals #FilmmakingJourney
This week on BEHIND THE LENS, we're taking a look at a new indie film that just released in select theatres and on Eventive VOD on Friday, SWEET RELIEF, with writer/director/editor NICK VERDI. And we'll take one more look at Dances With Films 2025 with the oh-so-funny mockumentary AMERICAN COMIC with director/cinematographer/editor DANIEL J. CLARK and writer/actor JOE KWACZALA. AMERICAN COMIC helped close out the festival last night. First up, let's turn our lens to SWEET RELIEF. Written and directed, and edited, by NICK VERDI, SWEET RELIEF is a film that starts as a slow burn, gaining momentum as seemingly unrelated characters and storylines begin to interweave until the shocking, explosive climax in this arthouse thriller. Parents and teachers in a small New England town are in a panic over kids playing SWEET RELIEF, an online murder challenge in which the player must nominate someone they'd like to see die. Three teenagers play the game as a joke, unaware of the dire consequences awaiting them. Meanwhile, Jess and Nathan are a bored, millennial couple struggling to get by. Nathan is annoyed with his mother, and Jess is annoyed with Nathan. Jess's curiosity and boredom lead to a dangerous situation of her own when she meets Gerald, a confidential police informant and perhaps a sadistic child killer. Switching gears now, let's bid farewell to Dances With Films 2025 with one of its closing night films – the hilarious mockumentary AMERICAN COMIC and my exclusive conversation with director/DP/editor DANIEL J. CLARK and writer and actor JOE KWACZALA, who I had a chance to speak with on Saturday before the world premiere of AMERICAN COMIC debuted last night. AMERICAN COMIC is a verité-style mockumentary that follows two up-and-coming stand-up comedians, who, despite their superficial "cultural" differences, share remarkable similarities when it comes to egotism, self-destruction, and social ineptitude. As the film satirically pulls back the curtain on the unique subculture of stand-up comedy, self-absorbed competitiveness intensifies, leading to some shocking and unexpected revelations. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director and screenwriter Kat Gueli and actress Catharine Daddario to talk about their new film The Tributaries. The film traces the intersecting paths of characters navigating sorrow, memory, and the elusive hope of healing. Kat shares her vision behind the screenplay and how she approached the film's layered narrative. Catharine gives insight into her performance, character development, and what drew her to the project. Together, they open up about the creative collaboration that brought The Tributaries to life, from indie challenges to breakthroughs on set.Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, or film enthusiast, this episode dives deep into story structure, directing actors, and building characters with emotional truth.The Tributaries will premiere at Dances With Films.
This week it's all about DANCES WITH FILMS on BEHIND THE LENS, which is taking place right now at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. Get ready for one of the most fun-filled and hilarious, yet philosophical, conversations about filmmaking as writer/director/editor/cinematographer JESSE COWELL breaks down his award-winning short film B!TCH I'M EARLY. B!TCH I'M EARLY is brought to us by JESSE "JESKID" COWELL, and is a comedy short that follows two women in the corporate world vying for a promotion. Their conflict escalates from arguments to a race to the office. The six-minute film satirizes corporate culture with effective comedic timing and increasing tension while also providing tacit commentary on ageism, racism, and diversity. Now we shift gears for the thirst-quenching tasty treat, the series pilot. Directed by SERGIO COMACHO and written by JONATHAN ADELSON, UNITED CRAFTS OF AMERICA offers an intimate look into America's most vibrant craft beer cities, uncovering the country's most innovative breweries and the passionate people behind them. The journey begins with New York City's Interboro Spirits & Ales, where co-owners Laura Dierks and Jesse Ferguson blend beer and hip-hop to create one of NYC's most influential breweries, breathing new life into the city's rich brewing heritage. In this exclusive interview, Sergio and Jonathan break down this pilot episode discussing the inspiration for the series, finding Interboro Spirits & Ales, research, developing a through line, filming (which is simply gorgeous thanks to DP Joel Froome and the Sigma Cine Series and Laowa 2x macro lenses used), beer styling!!!, calling on author/ journalist/and beer critic John Holl to serve as a guide, musical score, and creating an intimacy with the storytelling and the imagery, among others. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com
In this visionary episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage talks with Ian Hinden—Las Vegas-born musician, game designer, and immersive storyteller—about redefining how music, gaming, and social commentary collide. Ian dives into the creation of his interactive music video and video game hybrid, "Would You Call Him a Bad Man?", which is set to premiere at Dances With Films.He shares:How anime, alt-rock, and Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired his multimedia storytellingWhy he designed a satirical game to spotlight coercion, abuse, and corporate hypocrisyThe influence of streaming culture, indie game engines, and immersive fandomHow fashion, music, gaming, and storytelling are converging into a single artistic universeWhat creators need to know about Web interactivity, TikTok reach, and indie gaming tools like Godot and Itch.ioFrom philosophical critiques to Easter eggs hidden in mini-games, Ian's work challenges both industry norms and audience expectations. If you're interested in blending mediums, pushing boundaries, or making meaningful art that actually connects, this episode is for you.
First December 2024 episode of the program all about TV. Our guests: Greg Kahn, chief executive of Emerging Tech Exchange and organizer of this week's AI Trailblazers Growth Summit in NYC, and Rob Braiver, co-founder and creative director of content platform DreamFlare AI. Plus TV series pilot creators whose pilots will be showcased this week at the annual Dances With Films NY festival.
This was Fr3deR1cK's sixth time as a guest on this podcast. He came into L.A. from ATL for a screening of “The Third Country” at Dances With Films. By the way, everyone should check out the series Fr3deR1cK' produced that is on TVHi, “Hot Girls Getting High.” Catch this smart and hilarious series at https://www.watchtvhi.com/hggh One last note... if you look at the DIF Website you will see that Fred has achieved a new honor... for the first time ever the selfie on the DIF website has been taken by the guest, not the host. Talk about significant! Learn more about Fr3deR1cK Taylor at these links: Fr3deR1cK.com tomorrowpictures.com and @fr3der1ck on Instagram Discover Indie Film Links DIF Website - DIF Instagram - DIF Facebook - DIF Twitter TVHi Links TVHi Website - TVHi Instagram - TVHi Facebook - TVHi Twitter
Last of three consecutive episodes this week of the program all about TV. Our guests: Michael Schreiber, producer of The Real Bros. Of Simi Valley: HighSchool Reunion, the new made-for-TV movie from Roku/The Roku Channel, and a trio of TV series pilot makers whose work was showcased this past weekend at Dances With Films 2024 in Los Angeles.
This is it, the last day of Dances With Films (20th June - 30th June 2024) LA edition and @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ has you covered for 'Day 11'!!! Now, this film / short isn't actually screening today, but it was so good, inventive, and meaningful, we had to hit you with a feature. Especially when Kelli McNeil-Yellen had a hook-up for a sit-down with the inventive mind behind the work! And what a layered & rich discussion it was, obviously we talked about the making of the film, but also touch upon subjects like sustainability, climate change, corporate manipulation, and collaboration. This was the perfect way to bring our LA coverage to a close....don't miss it!!! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/v2d8t3JzrKU 'Story Of The Sun' is written & directed by Phillip Gladkov, and narrated by Tsukuru Fors. This is the first stop-motion animation in the world made entirely from birch bark. It shares the tale of how the first humans discovered fire, changing the world forever. It's especially meaningful that this film is made from birch bark—a material used for starting fires since the Neanderthal era. It's a movie for both children and adults, and filled with humor, valuable lessons, and emotionally touching moments. Today we have: Story of the Sun Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/SmzJ9Z-2cn4 Dances With Films KIDZ BLK 2 Sunday, 23rd June 2024 at 14:00 PT World Premiere, TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Director: Phillip Gladkov Narrator: Tsukuru Fors Credit: gr&Studios, All Area Crew Genre: Drama, Mythology, Stop-Motion Animation Running Time: 7 min Cert: U Trailer: Here. https://youtu.be/Q3aJvl5VPLI Website: Here. https://storyofthesun.com/ ------------ *(Music) 'Give The People' (Instrumental) by EPMD - 2020 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
It's the penultimate day of our Dances With Films (20th June - 30th June 2024) @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ coverage, 'Day 10', and there's no letting up!!! Things get heavy this episode, as we're delving into the realm of mental heath and bipolar. It's a raw look through the window of a couples life together and how a relationship can be impacted. THEN, the raw & real continues with a confab that peels back the process, the what's, the why's, and contemplates the repercussions of a body of work like this. Truly fascinating across the board, this is not to be missed!!! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/r69Kb2lq1mU 'Spyral' is written & directed by Bill Guttentag, and artfully narrated by Michelle Trachtenberg. A tragic true story that reveals the mental health epidemic in America. This is a dramatic and powerful view of the toll that bipolarism takes on one woman's (Michelle Cody White) life and the family (Randall Scott White) she leaves behind. With over a decade of home videos, diaries and social media, Oscar -winning director, Bill Guttentag, stitches together the tragic story and the mystery behind it. Today we have: Spyral Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/e_HWvTPgydU Dances With Films Saturday, 29th June 2024 at 14:45pm World Premiere, TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf27-spyral Director: Bill Guttentag Cast: Michelle Cody White, Randall Scott White, Michelle Trachtenberg Credit: All Entertainment Business, Shape Pictures Genre: Biography, Documentary Running Time: 83.5 min Cert: 15 Trailer: Here. https://youtu.be/1BYrp-dOtMk?si=JCDynqNoulgCdeba Website: Here. https://mentalawarenesstoday.com/ Facebook: Here. https://www.facebook.com/SPYRALdoc Instagram: @bipolarfilm https://www.instagram.com/bipolarfilm/ ------------ *(Music) 'The Big Payback' (Instrumental) by EPMD - 2020 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
So, it's 'Day 8' of the Dances With Films (20th June - 30th June 2024) Festival and the third instalment of our @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ coverage! We're back to films, and we have the world premiere of a new slice of life flick, which explores love, rejection, self worth, healing, and possibilities. THEN, we talk about all these themes, with the young man that took the leap of faith to make his first feature! It's another really interesting conversation, looking at the evolution of a film!!! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/nnKDWb6b6Dw 'Step Back, Doors Closing' is the feature directorial debut from Carter Ward, which he also wrote. This is a charming love story between Ryan (Reilly Walters) and Julisa (Carmen Berkeley), two young adults who long for authentic and emotionally intelligent relationships. After a chance encounter on the DC metro, they spend the next twenty-four hours discussing their hopes, dreams, and fears. Slowly but surely, they reveal more and more about themselves, and fall in love. Today we have: Step Back, Doors Closing Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/3qgjCpGXa5I Dances With Films Thursday, 27th June 2024 at 19:15pm World Premiere, TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf27-step-back-doors-closing Director: Carter Ward Cast: Carmen Berkeley, Reilly Walters, Michelle Macedo, Ashley Romans, Mershad Torabi, Janae Palmer Cruz, Al Sotto, Frank Hobbs, Geri Courtney-Austein, Barney Fitzpatrick, Steven C. Fisher, Emmanuel Taye Credit: Arden Pictures Genre: Drama Running Time: 98 min Cert: 15 Trailer: Here. https://youtu.be/-qxmWbmKVPU?si=6K2E__9CTy3mB6w3 Website: Here. https://stepbackdoorsclosing.com/ ------------ *(Music) 'Give The People' (Instrumental) by EPMD - 2020 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
It's another full house this week on #BTLRadioShow as we welcome MEREDITH YINGER talking SCARS UNSEEN and STEVE BALDERSON talking his new streaming series, BLOODY FAMOUS! PLUS, thanks to Steve being late with his call-in to the live show, you get the added bonus of my exclusive interview with JOSH MARGOLIN talking the fun-filled and unforgettable comedy THELMA. First up, writer/director MEREDITH YINGER joins us to talk about her new feature, a powerful documentary on domestic abuse but with a new perspective that we haven't seen before, SCARS UNSEEN, which makes its World Premiere on June 30th at Dances With Films in Hollywood! Then hear my exclusive interview with writer/director JOSH MARGOLIN as he talks about his new film THELMA and 94-year-old June Squibb – Action Hero! THELMA is not only fun but warm and wonderful; a sentimental journey of action and aging! And finally, the uber-talented writer/director/author STEVE BALDERSON joins us again for the fourth time (!!!!) talking about his latest venture, and something new for Steve, the streaming series BLOODY FAMOUS! Talk about wicked, dark, twisted, satiric fun! I am in love with this episodic and hope that Steve gives us a Season 2. Think "The Bachelorette meets The Hunger Games" but ramped up to the Nth degree! Who will be the victor in this deadly game of love? http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com
In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler dives into the world of satirical horror with the producers of the short film Princeton's in the Mix, Antonio Ayala and Nagi Chami. Antonio and Nagi share their journey in bringing this darkly comedic project to life. They discuss their roles as producers, the intricate process of casting, and the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the film's thematic depth, exploring the intense parental pressure on children and the societal obsession with academic success. With its world premiere at Dances With Films, Princeton's in the Mix promises to be a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Great chat! Thanks for listening. --- Episode Links: IG: @princetonsinthemix Dances with Films screening: Monday June 24, 5pm --- SLD Podcast Info: www.saltlakedirt.com Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos - 6PM - 8PM PST Listen on APPLE Podcasts Listen on SPOTIFY Instagram: @saltlakedirt TikTok: @saltlakedirt
It's a trifecta of festival films this week on BEHIND THE LENS and all three are "MUST SEE FESTIVAL FILMS" with "Must Meet" Festival Filmmakers at the upcoming Dances With Films film festival in Hollywood – THE PICKUP, THE EXPOSED, and TIM TRAVERS AND THE TIME TRAVELER'S PARADOX. First up, take a listen as husband and wife filmmakers NICHOLAS ACOSTA and XENIA LeBLANC join us in talking about their respective films, THE PICKUP and THE EXPOSED. While Xenia wrote and directed the thriller, THE EXPOSED, she also starred in Nick's action-heavy film THE PICKUP. Both shorts are superb with THE PICKUP packing in action and humor while THE EXPOSED turns on a dime with a shocking reveal – and in only 5 minutes! Listen as each talks about their approaches to each of their films. And then get ready for writer/director STIMSON SNEAD and his feature film, the fabulous TIM TRAVERS AND THE TIME TRAVELER'S PARADOX! A visual delight. A storytelling joy. Science is key. Visuals dazzle. And how can you go wrong when you've got Danny Trejo, Joel McHale, and Keith David popping up along with the Herculean efforts of Samuel Dunning who will have you seeing double, uh, triple, uh, twenty-something! This film is some of the most fun you'll have at the movies, be it at DWF or other film festivals or in theatres or at home when Stimson gets a distribution deal. Listen as Stimson dives into the genesis of TIM TRAVERS, his tonal approach, homage to the past, and his time-traveling approach that avoids the "typical" emotional metaphors of human discovery. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com
Beverly Zeimet- International Bestselling Author, Speaker, & Podcast Host of "Beyond the Stage." Dr. Andreea Vanacker- is an entrepreneur, the author of several books, and has been featured in over 100 Forbes and Fast Company articles. She's a TEDx Speaker & Host of "The One Million Years Of Joy Podcast.Danicah Waldo- Director, Writer, Producer of "Sally get The Potatoes."Robin Cohen- "How I Roll," FilmBrianne Berkson & Miguel Gluckstern "How I Roll." Producers, Writers, and Directors.Movie Reviews and More is broadcast live Tuesdays at 5PM PT on K4HD Radio - Hollywood Talk Radio (www.k4hd.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). Movie Reviews and More TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).Movie Reviews and More Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.
Caity Ware is a UCLA alumna and moderately busy twin mom, actor, producer, and executive assistant. She has appeared on American Horror Story, S.W.A.T., and most recently recurred on For All Mankind. Caity has produced more than two-dozen award-winning short films, music videos, and web series (plus a silly little rom-com feature), which have played over 50 festivals, including Tribeca, Dances With Films, and Cleveland, and have been featured on the curated sites Short of the Week and Omeleto. Caity has also produced two critically-acclaimed stage plays, including a sold-out run of The Diary of Anne Frank, which featured poignant talk-backs with Holocaust survivors after performances. Her last three years have been filled with keeping two small humans who climb (and jump off) everything in sight alive, and making sure those around her maintained some form of sanity as they worked to bring the epic Apple TV+ limited series Masters of the Air to life. In her free time she used to love to bake a killer apple pie, but, well, if you've made it this far you probably understand why her time in the kitchen lately tops out at microwaving chicken nuggets.
At seventeen, Philadelphia native Stephanie Little moved to Los Angeles, where she studied at The Groundlings Theater, with Howard Fine, Anthony Meindl, Lesley Kahn and in London at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art's summer immersion program. Stephanie currently resides in New York, where she continues to write, produce, and direct projects; all of which have taken her on the festival circuit. The web series she created and co-wrote, KILLING THE apologetic GIRL, won best pilot at the 2016 Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles and followed up shooting her indie pilot, The Small, and the web series, Other Plans, starring Tig Nataro and Annette Bening. Most recently, Little's project, Coach Von Pidgeon sold to Funny or Die where she served as the co-writer, co-EP, show-runner and director for the eight-episode show. Currently, she's making another round of Oscar-qualifying festivals with her project, Tara Messenger of Death starring Margaret Cho, while also developing FBI-centered content for Anne Beagan Productions. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ STEPHANIE LITTLE ⌲ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1102713/ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ The Moving Spotlight Podcast ⌲ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moving-spotlight/id1597207264 ⌲ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cjqYAWSFXz2hgCHiAjy27 ⌲ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themovingspotlight ⌲ ALL: https://linktr.ee/themovingspotlight ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ #Groundlings #NewYorkActress #KillingTheApologeticGirl #DancesWithFilms #FunnyOrDie #CoachVonPidgeon #TaraMessengerOfDeath #MargerateCho #Emmys #TVTime #iTunes #Actor #ActorsLife #Believe #Success #Inspiration #Netflix #Hulu #Amazon #HBO #AppleTV #Showtime #Acting #Artist #Theatre #Film #YourBestBadActing #Content #CorbinCoyle #JohnRuby #RealFIREacting #TMS_Pod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-moving-spotlight/support
Today I welcome writer, director and actor Emily Ann Zisko to the show. Emily's latest project is a web series entitled Play It By Ear (Season 1 now available on YouTube). Play It By Ear has screened at Dances With Films and HollyShorts and will be at the upcoming 2023 Nashville Film Festival in late September. Great chat, great series! Check it out. Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: "Play It By Ear," a six-part series centered around a young couple, Mila and Lukas, who struggle to grow together as they start their new lives thousands of miles apart (Los Angeles and Amsterdam). (SOURCE: YouTube, Karen Twins Productions) --- Episode Links: STREAM: Play It By Ear: Season 1 Instagram: @playitbyearseries TikTok: @playitbyearseries IG: @emilyannzisko IG: @thekarentwins Screening at Nashville FF: Fri, Sep 29th, 11:00 AM @ Rothschild Black Box Theater, Vanderbilt University --- SLD Podcast Info: www.saltlakedirt.com Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 101.9 FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST Listen on APPLE Podcasts Listen on SPOTIFY Instagram: @saltlakedirt
Lena Kaminsky studied acting at Emerson College and has been working in the theater and film world for over 20 years. As an actor, she has worked in tv, film and regional theaters around the country. She has written two full length plays Salvage and Ursa Major. Little Mouse a short film (written and directed) is her first film and is currently making its way through the festival circuit. In addition to the Inwood Film Festival, it has screened in Los Angeles and NYC (Audience Award) at Dances With Films, Outshine in Miami (Best Short Film Honorable Mention), and upcoming screenings with Albuquerque Film and Music Experience, Vancouver Queer Film Festival and Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival. She also has a casting business, Selective Casting that focuses on educational and corporate industrials. She lives with her wife in Inwood. www.lenakaminsky.com
Melissa Gregory Rue is making films on Social Issues that will inspire you to make the world a better place. MEET MELISSA Melissa Gregory Rue is a film writer, director, and producer based in Louisville, Kentucky. She grew up on a cattle and tobacco farm in Bourbon County, Ky. long before smoking was out and Bourbon was cool. Melissa earned her M.A. in English Literature from Portland State University and a certificate in filmmaking from The Northwest Film Center. After three decades in Portland, Oregon that included working as an English professor for 20 years, studying film production, and countless outdoor adventures, she moved back to Kentucky at the beginning of the pandemic to be closer to family. Melissa's dramas and documentaries have screened in film festivals around the world. Her feature documentary, LIVE OUT LOUD, premiered at Dances With Films in Hollywood in 2022. The movie was awarded Best Human Rights Film by the Amsterdam International Film Festival and Best Civil Rights Themed Film by New York's IO Film Festival. Shot over one year, LIVE OUT LOUD tells the stories of three unhoused people in Portland, Oregon who begin to heal from childhood trauma by learning to make films in a grant-funded class. LIVE OUT LOUD has been signed for worldwide distribution by Porter + Craig Film and Media in Beverly Hills and will be available for streaming later this year. In addition to working on her own projects, Melissa co-produced Connectivity Project (2020), a documentary series that explores how our stories and actions can have powerful ripple effects around the world. She served as a juror, vice president and then chair of the McMinnville Short Film Festival from 2021-2023 and helped relaunch Oregon Doc Camp with Women in Film - Portland many years ago. As a filmmaker living with chronic Lyme and autoimmune disease, Melissa is eager to get started on her next documentary that will advocate for better access to treatment for the many people living with those disabilities. FB: @LiveOutLoudDocumentary Instagram: @liveoutloud.doc Linkedin: @melissagregoryrue www.liveoutloudmovie.com www.melissagregoryrue.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moviemakingpod/support
Support the show for $1/month Subscribe to Chris's newsletter - THIN ICE In this episode, Hilliard sat down with filmmakers Graham Streeter & Alex Lebosq of Imperative Pictures and talked about their journey, working their way up in the indie world, starting with award-winning short films and moving into feature films that deal with human topics everyone can relate to.These two inspiring artist are a fabulous team and have such an amazing voice on and off the screen. They drop some life lessons for filmmakers who are dying to write a screenplay, get behind the camera and produce top notch work that premiers at film festivals like Dances With Films during the prime time slot on closing weekend! Check out the ScreenWriterRR website at www.screenwritersrr.com for information, merch, or our Patreon! We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. Follow us on Social: Chris Derrick on Twitter Hilliard Guess on Twitter Alex on Instagramwww.unfix movie.comwww.imperativepictures.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support
This is it, people! It's last of @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ coverage of Dances With Films @danceswithfilms (22nd June - 2nd July 2023) Today we're checking out a drama that takes place in the world of humantrafficing, and really shows how people can get sucked in. THEN, we're joined by the director, writer, and stars who break everything down! We held it back abit, cause things get deep into the film, no spoilers though! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/E_roEoK1Fw0 'The Girl in the Backseat' is directed by Nick Laurant and written by Chris Marrone & Kika Magalhães. Inspired by True Events, a young immigrant, Sofia (Kika Magalhães), fights for her survival against her predator, Ryan (Chris Marrone), in an involuntary road trip through the vast and mysterious landscape of a worldwide human trafficking ring. Today we have: The Girl in the Backseat Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/soSw1i9rkss Dances With Films Thursday, 1st July 2023 at 17:00pm World Premiere TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf26-the-girl-in-the-backseat Director: Nick Laurant Cast: Kika Magalhães, Chris Marrone, Jasmine Akakpo, Helen Day, Travis Quentin, L. Jeffrey Moore, Brett Driver, Frank Forbes, Max Calder, Kerry Rhodes, Ana Lopes, Kim Ellis, David Dossett, Brooke Olivia Borges, Brian Foyster, Ashley Mangione Credit: Calico Pictures, Lanterna de Pedra Filmes, Mind the GAP Productions Genre: Drama, Thriller Running Time: 85 min Cert: 15 Trailer: Here. https://youtu.be/lI5iVY4a-Js Twitter: @Calico_Pictures https://twitter.com/Calico_Pictures Instagram: @calico_pictures https://www.instagram.com/calico_pictures/ YouTube: Here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYY2Ti88ePuObMbmAfbMpvA ------------ *(Music) 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You' by Black Kids - 2008 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
Today we look at one of the final films to screen at Dances With Films (22nd June - 2nd July 2023) for our @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ coverage! Putting a spin on the troupe of old guy with younger woman, this new film aims to explore different possibilities, whilst still bringing the laughs. We then are joined by the forces of nature behind everything, who stuck to their guns and got their film made!!! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/UDpYV-wlXzA Today we have: Katie's Mom. Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/OhITi7Bye7U Dances With Films Sunday, 2nd July 2023 at 14:45pm World Premiere TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf26-katies-mom Director: Tyrrell Shaffner Cast: Dina Meyer, Aaron Dominguez, Julia Tolchin, Shannon Dee, Clara York, Lexie Stevenson, Jason Wiles, Colin Bates, Christine Weatherup, Rib Hillis Credit: Ex Files Productions Genre: Comedy, Drama Running Time: 113 min Cert: 15 Trailer: Here. https://vimeo.com/831305105 Website: Here. https://tyrrell323.wixsite.com/katiesmom Facebook: Here. https://www.facebook.com/KatiesMomMovie Instagram: @katies_mom_movie https://www.instagram.com/katies_mom_movie/ ------------ *(Music) 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You' by Black Kids - 2008 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
We are back to films for today's @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ coverage of Dances With Films (22nd June - 2nd July 2023). Well actually, we have an incredible documentary, something you didn't know that you really needed to see. Then the mastermind behind the doc stops by to tell the incredible story of how it even came about. And the amazing people he got to speak with, to tell the story!!! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/PKfsyCwWJ0U Today we have: You Have No Idea Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/IOd_lMrMGvs Omaha Film Festival: 12th March 2023 Dances With Films Saturday, 1st July 2023 at 14:45pm, West Coast Premiere TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf26-you-have-no-idea Director: Alexander Jeffery Cast: Beth James Burns, Evan James, Paul Burns, Mary Pat Anthony, Richard Wharton, Grace Terbrock, Kenny Burns, Jackson Burns, Williams Burns, Caroline Burns, Sydney McCumsey, Ashton Bolland, Charlotte Steinman, Heidi Bolland, Missy Inman, Phyllis Day, Justin Murphree, Matthew Roomsburg, Jason Mitchell Credit: Scrub The Tub, Bespoke Works Genre: Documentary Running Time: 86 min Cert: PG Trailer: Here. https://vimeo.com/754377723/e97a6140f4 Website: Here. https://youhavenoideamovie.com/ Twitter: @YHNIMovie https://twitter.com/YHNIMovie Facebook: Here. https://www.facebook.com/youhavenoideafilm Instagram: @youhavenoideafilm https://www.instagram.com/youhavenoideafilm/ ------------ *(Music) 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You' by Black Kids - 2008 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
Did you know that Dances With Films (22nd June - 2nd July 2023) also covers film??? Well it does, and @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ has you covered!!! This pilot is a story of rediscovery essentially, that leaves you wanting more! The creative duo behind this first adventure join us for fun and interesting conversation. Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/VSJ__AvVfoM Today we have: Remixed Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/ru2lvKt0ipM Dances With Films Saturday, 1st July 2023 at 13:15pm World Premiere, Pilots TV Block 2 TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf26-pilots-tv-grp-2 Director: Mitch Yapko Cast: Lauren Leon, Jon Chaffin, Jose Duran, Emily Bolcik, Zackry Colston, Retta Flanagan, Jasmine M. Garcia, Michael Lanning, Suanne Spoke, Lindsey Mallard Credit: Wayfeather Media, Who! Productions Genre: Comedy, Drama Running Time: 24 min Cert: 12a Trailer: Here. https://vimeo.com/755202159 Website: Here. https://www.wayfeathermedia.com/films Instagram: @remixed_pilot https://www.instagram.com/remixed_pilot/ ------------ *(Music) 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You' by Black Kids - 2008 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
Fr3deR1cK Taylor's new film ""Where Is America The Beautiful?" is screening at 4:30 PM (Pacific) at Dances With Films the same day that this podcast releases! If you happen to be listening on June 27, 2023, rush over to the Hollywood & Highland and catch the film! And if it is after that date, maybe go to tomorrowpictures.com or tomorrowpictures.tv to find out where you can see it. This was Fr3deR1cK's third time as a guest on this podcast and I nearly named this episode "Fr3deR1cK & Jeff Shoot the S**t, Part 2" but, since he took time out of his busy festival schedule to stop by the Film Invasion Los Angeles opening night mixer and come see me again to shoot the shit, it only makes sense to name the episode after the new film that, sadly, wasn't at a festival that I program. For the record, his Documentary Short "Pre-Existing Freedom" was an Official Selection at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival in 2021 and took home the award for Outstanding Performance by an Individual, Documentary. I'm proud to say that you can catch "Pre-Existing Freedom" in Season 7 of the Discover Indie Film TV Series on Amazon Prime Video! Learn more about Fr3deR1cK Taylor at these links: Fr3deR1cK.com tomorrowpictures.com tomorrowpictures.tv @fr3der1ck on Instagram Learn more about Jeff at these links: JeffHoward.me @heffay111 on Instagram Discover Indie Film Links DIF Website - DIF Instagram - DIF Facebook - DIF Twitter TVHi Links TVHi Website - TVHi Instagram - TVHi Facebook - TVHi Twitter
Dances With Films (22nd June - 2nd July 2023) has hit the halfway point, and the @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ coverage has only gotten started!!! Today we're looking at a dark comedy, that at its core is dealing with a couples communication. Then we sit down with the writer / director and talk about turning a vision into a reality! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/osiyd4Yedms Today we have: Glue Trap Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/XKP2-N1aKX0 Dances With Films Thursday, 29th June 2023 at 21:30pm World Premiere TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf26-glue-trap Director: Justin Geldzahler Cast: Brittany Bradford, Isaac W. Jay, Gloria Bangiola, Alex Warheit, Caroline Hertz, Kasey Marr Credit: Sticky Situation Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror Running Time: 89 min Cert: 15 Trailer: Here. https://vimeo.com/834075819 Instagram: @gluetrapmovie https://www.instagram.com/gluetrapmovie/ Vimeo: Here. https://vimeo.com/user201872062 ------------ *(Music) 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You' by Black Kids - 2008 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
A physiological thriller is coming to the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres for Dances With Films (22nd June - 2nd July 2023) So you know @EchoChamberFP https://www.instagram.com/echochamberfp/ has everything you need to know for today's coverage! Then we are joined by the star of the film, and the writer / director, to talk about how this harrowing tale came to life! Watch the conversation: HERE! https://youtu.be/t6FBiGJuNts Today we have: Bibi Watch Review: Here. https://youtu.be/3oDIR46TMC4 New Jersey International Film Festival: 3rd June 2023 Dances With Films Thursday, 29th June 2023 at 7:15PM World Premiere TCL Chinese 6 Theatres Buy Tickets: Here. https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf26-bibi Director: Christopher Beatty Cast: Elizabeth Paige; Judith Ann DiMinni; Tammy Blanchard; Rick Zahn; Juliana Davies; Rowan Castro, Nathan Faudree Credit: Bibi Productions Genre: Physiological, Thriller Running Time: 95 min Cert: 15 Trailer: Here. https://youtu.be/RJJKuY2w8JU Website: Here. https://bibithemovie.com Twitter: @BibiTheMovie https://twitter.com/BibiTheMovie Facebook: Here. https://www.facebook.com/BeattyfilmsBibi/ Instagram: @BibiTheMovie YouTube: Here. https://www.youtube.com/@cwbeatty/videos ------------ *(Music) 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You' by Black Kids - 2008 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eftv/message
We had a blast with the stars and filmmakers behind three of Dances with Films 2023's most exciting indies. Tune in special coverage of one of our favorite film festivals. Heightened Writer, director, and actor Sara Friedman stole our hearts with her film Heightened, which also stars real-life couple Xander Berkley and Sarah Clarke of 24 fame. This film is cognitive behavioral therapy for the soul and we loved every minute. We talked with Sara about themes that mean a lot to us - anxiety, therapy, and finding love. Bibi Elizabeth Paige's soul-stirring performance in Chrisopher Beatty's haunted mansion thriller, Bibi, scared the pants off of us and evoked those spine chills reserved the for likes of the Shining. Dig into this conversation that covers everything from scary carpet to Mike Tyson. Katie's Mom We crushed hard on Tyrell Shaffner and Meryl Branch-McTiernan's reimagining of the Graduate, Katie's Mom, which stars the iconic, Dina Meyer. We chat about blowing up your life to forge a new path, parent-child dynamics, and unconventional love stories. In solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, Friday Night Movie is supporting the Entertainment Community Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance and provides social services to a broad array of entertainment industry professionals. Sign up for the Friday Night Movie Newsletter for giveaways, curated episode playlists from the hosts and guests (including our mom), and at MOST one email per month (and probably fewer). Closed captions for this episode are available via the player on the official Friday Night Movie homepage, the Podbean app and website, and YouTube. The Friday Night Movie Family supports the following organizations: the DC Abortion Fund, HIAS, NAACP Legal Defense Fund | Equal Justice Initiative | Asian American Journalists Association | The Entertainment Community Fund. Subscribe, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, including iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play | Podbean | Overcast. Catch up on all the Friday Night Movie SXSW special coverage in this playlist, including featured interviews from SXSW Wonder House hosted by the University of Arizona. Play along with Friday Night Movie at home! Read the FNM Glossary to learn the about our signature bits (e.g., Buy/Rent/Meh, I Told You Shows, Tradesies, etc). Email us at info@p4tmedia.com or tweet @FriNightMovie, @pancake4table, @chichiKgomez, and/or @paperBKprincess. Follow our creations and zany Instagram stories @frinightmovie, @FNMsisters, and @pancake4table. Follow us on Letterboxd (@pancake4table) where we're rating every movie we've EVER watched. Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter for exclusive giveaways and news! Theme music by What Does It Eat. Subscribe and leave a review on IOS or Android at frinightmovie.com.
In this episode, Hilliard, Chris and Richard sit down with founder and producer Leslee Scallon and talked about the amazing journey of the long-running and popular Dances With Films Film Festival which is premiers at the Chinese TCL 6 Theater on June 22, 2023, runs for eleven days and screens some amazing indie-films from all over the world you won't want to miss! Get your tickets at www.DancesWithFilms.com We'e doing a LIVE PANEL June 23, 2023 2pm-4pm at TCL Chinese Theatre (Hollywood & Highland) Dances With Film FF - RSVP at danceswithfilms.com seating will go fast! Check out the ScreenWriterRR website at www.screenwritersrr.com for information, merch, or our Patreon! We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. Follow us on Social: Chris Derrick on Twitter Hilliard Guess on Twitter Support the Rant Room for $1/month Subscribe to THIN ICE - Chris's Substack --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support
It's time again for DANCES WITH FILMS film festival now in its 26th year, and as usual, BEHIND THE LENS is celebrating some of the wonderful films and filmmakers you'll see and meet at this year's fest. To get into the spirit of things, this week we are joined by D.MITRY GELFAND talking about his poignant and powerful short HEDGEHOG, while GRAHAM STREETER discusses his latest feature UNFIX. First up is writer/director D.MITRY GELFAND who is no stranger to me thanks to his feature directorial a few years ago, the beautiful and tender film "My True Fairytale". D.Mitry now joins us discussing his latest narrative short, HEDGEHOG, a look at the war in Ukraine through the innocent eyes of a 6-year-old girl and what happens when she finds an injured Russian soldier in her grandmother's barn. An emotionally powerful short that speaks volumes in its mere 17 minutes, Dmitry gives us a unique perspective based on his own life experience as an immigrant from the USSR when he was only 15 years old. There is a purity and honesty to HEDGEHOG that speaks to the heart and to humanity, all exquisitely brought together through cinematography and production design, impeccable sound design, a unique score, and an unbelievable performance by Emma Pearson as 6-year-old Nina. Then, writer/director/editor GRAHAM STREETER discusses his emotionally charged narrative feature entry at DWF entitled UNFIX which speaks to the sensitive themes surrounding Conversion Therapy and the lasting effects it can have on an individual and their journey to self-discovery. Going beyond the issue of Conversion Therapy, Graham also explores the harmful nature of secrets and delivers characters who each have something to hide that is of such magnitude as to eat away at each individual while threatening to explode into a dangerous situation. Set during the Covid lockdown, Graham uses the close quarters of four people living together, two of whom are complete strangers to 17-year couple Ari and Ava, to metaphorically intensify and showcase the unfolding drama. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com
"HE LIKES TO BE ON THE AIR!" Boy, oh, boy, do we have a special treat for you! If you are dying for some behind the scenes, info and hilarious stories about what it's like to be in the Maisel cast, you've come to the right place! We had the honor of talking with Austin Basis, who plays Alvin Blank, on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and we are so excited to share this conversation with you, listeners! Follow Austin on InstagramCheck out Austin's podcast ActorSpeak on Apple PodcastsAnd Austin's Website for links to all of his upcoming events, projects, books and charities! movie Austin's film “DARUMA” premiering at Dances With Films in Hollywood on June 28th, is sold out but there's a waiting list: DarumaClick here! To donate to Juvenile diabetes, research foundation (JDRF)Perfectly marvelous is now on Patreon! Perfectly Marvelous! Patreon PageSubscribe to Jade's new Podcast "Shall We Compare Thee?" A remake and Sequel PodcastLeave us your feedback for our next interview episode when we will be talking to Matilda Szydagis (Zelda)! If you have any questions you'd like us to ask her, tell us! Also, what's your “most marvelous moment” of the season? We want to know! And as always THANK YOU lovely listeners for your continued support!
Today in conversation with actor, director and writer John Mossman about his new #film Good Guy with a Gun. We discuss the controversial #guncontrol and #gunviolence in the US. The film is an intense drama/thriller and provokes the question "what side of the aisle does the film land on?" A rural noir thriller following a boy and his mother's arrival into a small town where their fractured relationship is widened by his deepening journey into gun culture. Amidst the increasingly dangerous path he finds himself on, he and his mother struggle to repair their fractured family. But at what cost? John is a well-known Chicago-based actor/director who connection to the Chicago theater community runs deeps - so there are many familiar faces in this film. Producer Kevin Cooper is a military veteran, served active duty as an army interrogator. As an executive in Hollywood, he helped make other movies about the military: Men of Honor, Thin Red Line, Armageddon. He has other films in development that revolve around the military and Veteran issues. He has written and directed numerous award-winning films, including the acclaimed Feature Into The Wake, winner of the Industry Choice Award at Dances With Films. His work has screened at the DGA, the Egyptian Theater as part of the American Cinematheque Series, and has won top awards at fests worldwide. His groundbreaking documentary on teen mental illness, There's No Such Thing As Crazy, received Telly and Voice awards. John Mossman is a hunter (aka “responsible gun-owner”) and an ardent Democrat. Enclosed is John's director's statement, which I think says a lot about how he's tackled this subject: “Families have always had their challenges. Teenagers will rebel. Parents will split. Loved ones will die. Together we worked through the problems and the grief. But the new political landscape has driven a steel wedge between loved ones and the issues that families have dealt with for decades are now magnified by politicians and a media eager to profit – the result being an inability to connect with some of the most important people in our lives. A type of jet fuel being added to this fire is the emotionally charged issue of guns, which combined with stoked elements of masculinity, fear and frustration, has created an explosive new cocktail pouring through the veins of our nation; one that unfortunately shows no sign of abating as we witness the continued radicalization of young men and the polarizing nature of the gun debate. Despite the blowback they might face, many responsible gun owners are ready to acknowledge the sickness of gun worship and the fallacy of the apocalyptic "Good guy with a gun" world-view that has gained so much traction of late. With this film I hope to explore the danger and at times the appeal of going down this path, and the extraordinary difficulty of turning back - and ultimately the enduring power of family to see us through dark times.” AMAROK PRODUCTIONS (Kevin Cooper & DeAnna Cooper) is pleased to announce the world premiere of A John Mossman Film GOOD GUY WITH A GUN at the Dances With Films Festival (DWF). Mossman is a DWF alum having won the Industry Choice Award for INTO THE WAKE. " GOOD GUY WITH A GUN will play on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 9:30 pm as part of the festival at Regal Union Square (850 Broadway, NYC 10003). Website: https://amarokproductions.wixsite.com/goodguywithagun http://mossmanfilms.weebly.com/ Episode sponsor: https://www.newsly.me/ Now not just read but listen to trending news!
Dances With Films founders Leslee Scallon and Michael Trent join us to discuss the festival's 25 year anniversary, its history and selection process, and how they keep it a festival for filmmakers by filmmakers… In this episode, we talk about… What led Michael and Leslee to found the Dances With Films Festival Orion's cease and desist letter and “Festival of the Unknowns” Creating a sustainable model by prioritizing film and championing new talent Why DWF is held in Los Angeles and respect for the film selection process Acknowledging not all films are good and why filmmakers need to keep practicing Engaging with new filmmakers and preparing them for the industry Watching the whole film and looking for the heart when selecting films for DWF How all films not chosen receive “pass” letters that include positive comments The challenge of DWF's programming and how it's evolved over the years Links to Resources: Dances with Films - https://danceswithfilms.com/ Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web https://nofilmschool.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool Twitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschool YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool Get your questions answered on the podcast by emailing editor@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices