Podcasts about dramatic competition

Dravon James talks with actress Brooke Butler about her new film Sunfish and Other Stories on Green Lake. About Brooke Butler- Actress Brooke Butler;, best known for her roles in Ozark, The Resident and Animal Kingdom, adds another compelling and standout performance to her repertoire in Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake), a heartfelt anthology film that has been selected as one of only 10 features in the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Sierra Falconer, this indie gem unfolds through a series of four interwoven stories that explore life, love, and self-discovery on the idyllic Green Lake in Michigan. Screening in-person and online from January 30–February 2, SUNFISH is a must-see at Sundance 2025. Filmed on location in Michigan, SUNFISH is one of Sundance's Top 10 Competition Selects, praised for its perceptive storytelling and stunning cinematography. Brooke joins a stellar ensemble cast, including Jonathan Stoddard, Karsen Liotta, Emily Hall, Maren Heary, and Dominic Bogart, in bringing to life Falconer's vision of human connection and personal growth. Brooke stars as Caroline, a snobby Hollywood wife whose initial disdain for a quaint bed-and-breakfast transforms into a heartfelt appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of the northern Michigan setting. Sharing the screen with Jonathan Stoddard and Emily Hall, Brooke's sharp wit and nuanced performance bring humor and depth to the film's emotional conclusion. In this anthology film, directed by Sierra Falconer, Brooke's character is part of the final story, where themes of rediscovery and connection come alive. Sharing the screen with Jonathan Stoddard and Emily Hall, Brooke's performance is both sharp and heartwarming, capturing the quiet beauty of Falconer's intimate storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch the video interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89k7UyoZ8IQ WATCH 'SING SING' https://singsing.movie Greg Kwedar is a writer, director, and producer. He made his feature directorial debut with Transpecos, which premiered in competition at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. He co-wrote and produced Jockey, which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition where it won the Special Jury Award for Best Actor (Clifton Collins Jr.). Jockey also won the Audience Award at the AFI Film Festival and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for theatrical release. The film was nominated for an Indie Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the John Cassavetes Award, and was one of the National Board of Review Top 10 Independent Film of 2021. Kwedar also produced Rising From Ashes, Running with Beto (Winner: SXSW Audience Award 2019), and was co-producer on Ghost Fleet (Telluride & TIFF, 2018). He has spoken to thousands of students across the country and sat on panels about his work at SXSW, Sundance, UNESCO, the United Nations, and more. His latest film Sing Sing, over seven years in the making, which he both directed and co-wrote, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival where it was acquired by A24 for theatrical release. MORE VIDEOS WITH GREG KWEDAR https://tinyurl.com/5fsynhef CONNECT WITH GREG KWEDAR https://singsing.movie https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3613117 https://x.com/gregkwedar https://www.instagram.com/gkwedar MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS How A24 Acquired SING SING - https://youtu.be/WNUFA9-eDcU Fastest TV Series Sale In Netflix History - https://youtu.be/7YiL_P2Qplg Why More Filmmakers Are Choosing Tubi Over Netflix - https://youtu.be/yqQC2Z1zVbE How To Get A Movie On Netflix - https://youtu.be/rNXGhUcJArw CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE http://www.FilmCourage.com http://twitter.com/#!/FilmCourage SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://bit.ly/18DPN37 PERSONALLY SPONSOR FILM COURAGE https://ko-fi.com/filmcourage 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 (Affiliates) ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: 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 ►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 Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *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 Hilliard and guest co-host (actor/writer) DALILA ALI RAJAH were joined by lil sis, Emmy-winning writer, producer, performer LENA WAITHE! Lena created the hit series THE CHI which set a new record with Season 6 as the most-streamed season the series has ever seen! Lena Waithe, and led by CEO, Rishi Rajani. Since its inception, Hillman Grad has grown to include five divisions across TV/Film, Books, Podcasts, Branded Content and Mentorship–quickly rising to become one of the most prominent companies in entertainment.    Through Lena's Hillman Grad Productions, the company's film and television arm, is home to the producers behind Showtime's most streamed drama series, "The Chi", BET's "Twenties", Universal's "Queen & Slim", Sundance award-winner "The Forty-Year-Old Version", and more. Current producorial projects include the Emmy-nominated documentary film "Being Mary Tyler Moore", which held its world premiere at this year's SXSW Festival and debuted on HBO in May 2023; Focus Features and AV Rockwell's "A Thousand And One", which received the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Awards and was released theatrically in March 2023; Magnolia Picture's "Kokomo City", which received the NEXT Audience Award and NEXT Innovator Award at Sundance 2023, and released theatrically in July 2023; and Disney+'s Chang Can Dunk, which premiered in March 2023. Additionally, in November 2022, Hillman Grad joined the producing team for Broadway's "Ain't No Mo'", which opened at the Belasco Theatre in New York City in December 2022 and was nominated for Best Play at the 2023 Tony Awards. Rising Voices – a joint effort between Hillman Grad, Indeed and 271 Films to present Hollywood with its next generation of diverse storytellers. The program just celebrated its Season 4 premiere in June at Tribeca Film Festival, where participants debuted their shorts! This is a don't miss episode y'all! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Screenwritersrantroom.com Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media  IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @LenaWaithe  @DalilaAliRajah WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com  We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS:  OBSwriter.com  BTFC.org 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS:  Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM:  Richard Scott - Creative Producer  Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer  Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support

On this episode we talk to Lío Mehiel, a  Puerto Rican and Greek actor, artist, and filmmaker who stars in the Netflix feature film, Mutt. The film tells the story of Feña,  a trans man that has a wild day including running into an ex, dealing with estranged family, and the overall challenges of being a young person navigating life and transitions. Lío's critically acclaimed performance in Mutt earned them the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award in Acting, making them the first trans  actor to ever win the award.   Most recently, Lío returned to Sundance 2024, starring opposite Leslie Grace, Sasha Calle, and Residente in In the Summers, which won the festival's top honor of Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition.   In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, we learn Lío's career trajectory, what it was like to portray such complex and multidimensional Latine and trans characters, and the projects and themes that speak to them as an artist. Lío is a phenomenally talented actor and someone we know we'll see continue earning accolades. Watch them right now on Netflix's Mutt. Tamarindo is a lighthearted show hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval talking about politics, culture, and self-development. We're here to uplift our community through powerful conversations with changemakers, creatives, and healers. Join us as we delve into discussions on race, gender, representation, and life! You can get in touch with us at www.tamarindopodcast.com Brenda Gonzalez and Delsy Sandoval are executive producers of Tamarindo podcast with production support by Karina Riveroll of Sonoro Media. Jeff Ricards produced our theme song. If you want to support our work, please rate and review our show here.  SUPPORT OUR SHOW Contribute to the show: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tamarindopodcast1 Follow Tamarindo on instagram @tamarindopodcast and on twitter at @tamarindocast  Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/TAMARINDO Make sure you type TAMARINDO in all caps.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Kwedar is a writer, director, and producer (and Lauren's brother!!). He made his feature directorial debut with TRANSPECOS, which premiered in competition at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. He co-wrote and produced JOCKEY, which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition where it won the Special Jury Award for Best Actor (Clifton Collins Jr.). JOCKEY also won the Audience Award at the AFI Film Festival and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for theatrical release. The film was nominated for an Indie Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the John Cassavetes Award, and was one of the National Board of Review Top 10 Independent Film of 2021. Kwedar also produced RISING FROM ASHES, RUNNING WITH BETO (Winner: SXSW Audience Award 2019), and was co-producer on GHOST FLEET (Telluride & TIFF, 2018). He has spoken to thousands of students across the country and sat on panels about his work at SXSW, Sundance, UNESCO, the United Nations, and more. His latest film SING SING, over seven years in the making, which he both directed and co-wrote, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival where it was acquired by A24 Films for theatrical release. Greg's links: Greg's website https://www.gregkwedar.com/ Greg on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gkwedar/ Book recommendation: Scaling Up Compensation: 5 Design Principles for Turning Your Largest Expense into a Strategic Advantage https://amzn.to/3FNtN9s The Impatient Entrepreneur's links: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheImpatientEntrepreneurPod LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/theimpatiententrepreneurpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theimpatiententrepreneurpod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheImpatientEntrepreneurPod Online www.theimpatiententreprenerpod.com Connect with us https://www.theimpatiententrepreneurpod.com/contact --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lauren-cockerell/message

Alfredo de Villa directs films which layer complex characters onto the backdrop of vibrant emotions; irreverent humor and interweaving narrative themes which take the lead. They carry the weight of strong characters as they brace themselves for the reality they're immersed in after not realizing the fact until someone, or something or their own voice rises to the surface and informs who they really are. His first film, Washington Heights, is a testament to that reality. Alfredo accompanied the juxtaposition of art, comics, familial love and respect with the culturally-diverse eponymous New York City neighborhood which acted as his canvas. The film, which Alfredo co-wrote with Pulitzer prize-winner Junot Diaz, starred Tomas Milian and Manny Perez, and featured Bobby Cannavale and Danny Hoch in supporting roles, and was released at the Tribeca Film Festival where it was acquired by Lionsgate. He next directed the dance-centered Yellow, which featured Roselyn Sanchez, Bill Duke and D.B. Sweeney on which he had mixed experiences; however, it allowed him to finance his third film - the seminal Adrift in Manhattan, which premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival in Dramatic Competition. The film featured riveting performances from Heather Graham, Victor Rasuk and Dominic Chianese alongside Elizabeth Peña, William Baldwin and Marlene Forte. His next film Nothing Like the Holidays, brought him back to his stylistic roots in terms of form and humor, and was made for Overture Films. It featured an ensemble cast helmed by Alfred Molina, Debra Messing, Luis Guzman, Freddie Rodriguez, Jay Hernandez, Melonie Diaz and reunited him with Elizabeth Peña, who played the matriarch of a Chicago, Puerto Rican family in Humboldt Park. Then came the comically-hilarious Fugly, based on John Leguizamo's one-man show, Ghetto Klown, starring Leguizamo opposite Radha Mitchell, Rosie Perez and Griffin Dunne. He is also a prolific commercial director, and graduate of Columbia's MFA program. In our conversation, we discussed his Mexican upbringing; mental health undertones in his work; films which influenced his diverse cinematic palate; and showing his son Pulp Fiction for the first time.Opening Credits: HoliznaCC0 - Sick With Love I CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication; Crowander - Sloopy I Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0); Closing Credits: Siddhartha Corsus - The Fire of Your Peace I Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Jason Michael Berman - Producing 5 Sundance Films & Making it in HollywoodSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastI had the honor of speaking to Jason Michael Berman at Sundance this year. He's a Sundance vet. He has premiered 5 features at Sundance over the years and has the record for the highest selling film at Sundance ever, The Birth of a Nation which sold for $17.5 million. Crazy! This year he premiered the remarkable film Burning Sands at the festival. The film is about the intensifying violence of underground hazing on a college campus.Jason dropped some great knowledge bombs in our interview with my co-host Sebastian Twardosz. Here's a bit on Jason Michael Berman:Jason Michael Berman is the Vice President of Mandalay Pictures, where he is responsible for developing and structuring financing for Mandalay's slate of independent films, in addition to packaging projects.Berman has produced feature films that have debuted at premiere film festivals around the globe, including the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca, Berlinale, and Edinburgh. Berman was named by Variety in 2011 as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch, and by Deadline Hollywood in 2012 as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch at Sundance.Berman produced Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation, starring Parker, Armie Hammer, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, and Penelope Ann Miller, about the true life story of Nat Turner's slave rebellion. The Birth of a Nation premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. - WikipediaAll of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMandalay PicturesJason Michael Berman - IMDBSebastian TwardoszCircus Road FilmsMedia Circus PRSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassFreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)KILLER RESOURCES!!!INDIE FILM SYNDICATE Filmmaking Community

Mark Stolaroff is an LA-based independent producer with an over 25 year career in the film business. A frequent collaborator with writer/director Henry Barrial, Stolaroff has produced all five of Barrial's features, including Some Body, Barrial's feature debut, which premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival in Dramatic Competition and was released theatrically by Lot 47 Films; True Love, a Sundance Screenwriters Lab project; Pig, a sci-fi thriller that appeared in over 35 film festivals worldwide winning 10 awards and released by Kino Lorber; The House That Jack Built, which premiered at the 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival, winning 8 awards, and released theatrically by Vega Baby; and DriverX, which opened theatrically through IFC Films/Sundance Selects in November 2018. Stolaroff was a consulting producer on Meera Menon's (Equity) Farah Goes Bang, which premiered in the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and won the Nora Ephron Award. And he produced Adam Ripp's (Gang Tapes) film Devil's Whisper, which was released by Sony in 2017. Stolaroff is considered an expert in micro-budget filmmaking and is the Founder of No Budget Film School, a unique series of classes specifically designed for the no-budget filmmaker. Stolaroff has lectured on low budget and digital filmmaking throughout the world and at many of the major film festivals. He has taught film classes at UCLA Extension, the Maine Photography Workshops, and The Learning Annex and has written for Scientific American, Filmmaker, MovieMaker, Sight & Sound, Film Festival Reporter, and Film Arts Magazine. He has been on countless filmmaking panels over the last two and a half decades and has sat on the juries of numerous film festivals. He was on the Advisory Board of HBO's US Comedy Arts Film Festival and currently serves on the advisory board of Filmmakers Alliance. Stolaroff founded No Budget Film School in 2005, and in addition to teaching his classes, has lectured at many major film schools, including USC, UCLA, Chapman, The University of Texas, CalPoly, and Columbia College Chicago. Stolaroff was formerly a principal at IFC's Next Wave Films, a finance and production company that provided finishing funds to exceptional low-budget features, including the first films of Christopher Nolan, Joe Carnahan and Amir Bar Lev. He was a producer on several Next Wave projects, including Jordan Melamed's Manic, starring Don Cheadle, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Zooey Deschanel.  Twitter:  @Stolaroff facebook.com/stolaroff facebook.com/nobudgetfilmschool facebook.com/groups/MakeNoBudgetFilms Connect with your host Kaia Alexander: https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/ https://twitter.com/thisiskaia Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.  

BONUS SOLO EPISODE ALERT: I just wrapped Sundance London 2022 at Picturehouse Cinemas so this mini solo episode lets you in on the festival's film highlights. You asked for more suggestions from indie filmmakers so I've come with goodies.Listen up for reviews on:Resurrection (starring Rebecca Hall as Margaret, a woman whose carefully constructed life is upended when an unwelcome shadow from her past, David, played excellently by Tim Roth, returns)Watcher (part of the Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival 2022 U.S. Dramatic Competition, it was shot during the pandemic and stars Maika Monroe as an expat being stalked)Hatching (an inventive Finnish horror, the film follows Tinja, a 12-year-old gymnast, who brings a strange mop egg home and nurtures it until it hatches)The Princess (British director Ed Perkins' highly anticipated doc lets archive footage do the talking in this compelling and uncompromising documentary of Princess Diana's story)We Met In Virtual Reality (Directed by Joe Hunting, this doc takes place entirely within the online platform VRChat)Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. (An American dark comedy satire by Adamma Ebo in her directorial debut, and featuring a stellar cast that includes Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown)Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (Directed by Halina Reijn and produced by A24, a party game goes awry in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends & the TikTok generation)Episode transcript: https://thatfinalscene.com/episode/bonus-minisode-films-to-add-to-your-watchlist-from-sundance-london-2022Like what you heard? Make sure you subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening. AND if you want to show us some extra love, please rate & review. It makes a huge huge difference.· Leave us a voice note: www.thatfinalscene.com/voicemessage/· Sign up to our newsletter: www.thatfinalscene.com/newsletter/Follow THAT FINAL SCENE on social:· Instagram: www.instagram.com/thatfinalscene· Facebook: www.facebook.com/thatfinalscene· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatfinalscene· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxZeo-b950d9sxXF_0x5-Wg See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From the Sundance Film Festival, Zach, Let Me Explain and Amanda the Jedi talk about the world premiere of Cha Cha Real Smooth. This is the sophomore feature from Cooper Raiff, whose debut film Shithouse won the 2020 SXSW Grand Jury Prize. In Cha Cha Real Smooth, he plays Andrew, a 22-year-old fresh out of college and living at home. He starts working as a party starter for bar mitzvahs when he meets an intriguing local mom, Domino, played by Dakota Johnson. This is playing as a part of Sundance's U.S. Dramatic Competition section and since our recording it has both won the Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic and been picked up for distribution by Apple Films for $15 million. TIMECODES... 0:00 Intro 0:56 Cooper Raiff 1:59 Emotions 3:28 Casting himself 5:59 Sweet vs. Saccharine 08:59 Performances If you like this podcast share it and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! www.theatzshow.com/intercut Patreon - Patreon.com/IntercutPod Discord - discord.gg/WHvfFGARd2 Facebook - Facebook.com/IntercutPod Instagram - Instagram.com/IntercutPod Twitter - Twitter.com/IntercutPod YouTube - YouTube.com/IntercutPod

Host Paul Booth was joined by Colombian-American writer/director Erick Castrillon to discuss his feature film Blast Beat. Erick brings a unique opinion and wide-variety of experiences to the mic. This episode was a true joy to do for Host Paul Booth given he met Erick in passing at a small Film Festival in 2013. The last time our Host spoke to Erick he was writing a SHORT titled Blast Beat (circa 2015). What happened next is why we love Talking Movies..... His feature film, Blast Beat, premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Sony Pictures and Vertical Entertainment picked up Blast Beat for distribution, which was released in May, 2021. His work has been critically acclaimed in the U.S. and abroad, connecting with audiences across multiple cultures and genres. In 2021 he consulted for Disney's animated film, Encanto, and was part of a think tank created by Sony and Montecito Pictures to bring Latinx representation to the big screen. Castrillon got his MFA in Writing for the Screen and Television from the University of Southern California, and his BA in English Literature from the Florida International University.

Today my guest is Director of Photography, Frank Barrera. I had him on the show to discuss his most recent feature Together Together which was directed by Nikole Beckwith and stars Ed Helms and Patti Harrison. It had its premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in Dramatic Competition which was then followed by a nationwide theatrical release. We also discuss some of the more recent projects he has shot including Seasons 7 and 8 of Reno 911! and Rob Riggle’s Ski Master Academy. Currently, he is in pre-production on the Reno 911! feature film for Paramount Plus and OUTPOST a horror film set on a mountain top in Idaho directed by Joe Lo Truglio. And finally Frank convinces me that Paul Scheer is the nicest man working in Hollywood. Thanks to Bookmans for sponsoring the show and to Fort Worth for letting me use the song at the end. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, if you hate it, what are you doing here? You should fill your life with things you love unless the "you" in question is a relative of mine, in that case, yes I am still doing this, and I know how lucky I am to have married my wife. Enjoy the show! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/followingfilms/support

U.S. Dramatic Competition highlights the exciting work of upcoming American filmmakers. It's the section of Sundance that produces most of the movies that end up with record-breaking purchases, and it's the section that can turn an unknown into a new star. It's also maybe the strongest program of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival! TIMECODES... 0:00 Coda 7:06 I Was a Simple Man 11:27 Jockey 15:20 John and the Hole 21:06 Mayday 24:35 On The Count of Three 27:49 Passing 30:04 Superior 32:47 Together Together 36:35 Wild Indian 41:58 Our Sundance Favorites If you like this podcast share it and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! www.theatzshow.com/intercut Facebook - Facebook.com/IntercutPod Instagram - Instagram.com/IntercutPod Twitter - Twitter.com/IntercutPod YouTube - YouTube.com/IntercutPod

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alexandra Eckhardt over Zoom video! Music Supervisor and bassist Alexandra Eckhardt has worked across the entertainment industry contributing skills to feature films, award-winning Broadway shows, and live performances.She most recently supervised the music for the upcoming feature film, Passing, written and directed by Rebecca Hall, starring Tessa Thompson, Alexander Skarsgard, Ruth Negga and André Holland. Passing will premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition.As an electric/acoustic bassist covering multiple genres, Alexandra has worked with a variety of artists including Sara Bareilles, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alex Lacamoire, Ross Golan, Cynthia Erivo, Billy Porter, Patti LuPone, Jordin Sparks, Martha Plimpton, Jeremy Jordan, Our Lady J, Duncan Sheik, Here We Go Magic, Ledisi, Meatloaf, Jordan Fischer, Titus Burgess, Evelyn Champagne King, Patrick Wilson, Kelli O-Hara, Martha Wash, and Kate Nash. She also frequently doubles on cello and vocals.Additionally, she has performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Today Show, NPR Tiny Desk Concert, NY Stage and Film Gala and the Drama Desk Awards. She played on two consecutive national tours for In the Heights and The Book of Mormon. She also held the bass chair on the Tony Award-winning show, The Band's Visit, and played on the show’s Grammy Award-winning original cast recording. She has also subbed in numerous Broadway pit orchestras including Hamilton, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Color Purple.Coming from a multi-generational musical family, music has always played an enormous role in Alexandra’s life. At the age of 8, she picked up the electric bass and became hooked. She then attended the University of Connecticut, where she received degrees in jazz performance and music education was mentored by Kenny DavisWe want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com.www.BringinitBackwards.com#podcast #interview #bringinbackpod  #foryou #foryoupage #stayhome #togetherathome #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetworkListen & Subscribe to BiBFollow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! 

Samantha Housman dreamed of making John Hughes type of films for her generation. That wish took her on a journey west to Los Angeles when she was 16 years old. She came solo and without knowing a single soul in the business. The City of Angels quickly became her playground and it was by juggling a job a record store and playing the drums that she found her in to the business. When a golden opportunity to be a drummer in commercials came knocking, she answered. The set experience exposed her to producers. A spark went off and she knew she had found her path. Sam’s film education came on the job as an Independent Producer, Post Supervisor, Assistant Director and UPM. She has a detailed understanding of filmmaking at its most molecular level. Over a decade later, she is now a producer at 51 Entertainment, a platform agnostic filmmaker-driven production company, founded by Lynette Howell Taylor. When she saw the kind of producer Lynette was, she knew she’d to anything to work with her. It’s impressive that Sam did and now works with her everyday. Most recently, she produced the film WANDER DARKLY, written and directed by Tara Miele and starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in U.S. Dramatic Competition. Under the 51 Entertainment banner, Sam is Executive Producing Apple’s straight-to-series female-focused CIA drama based on Amaryllis Fox’s memoir, starring and additionally executive produced by Academy Award winner Brie Larson. Sam will also produce LADY BUSINESS, alongside Brie, who is also set to star, for Netflix after optioning the original article with Endeavor Content.  In 2018, Sam produced 6 BALLOONS, a Netflix original feature, written and directed by longtime collaborator Marja-Lewis Ryan. Based on Sam and her brother, the film tells the story a woman driving across LA with her heroin addict brother in search of a detox center, with his two year old daughter in tow. It's a beautiful indie that I highly recommend. Before that, Sam co-founded ONEZERO Films where she Co-Produced CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, written and directed by Matt Ross, starring Viggo Mortensen. The film won the Best Director prize in CANNES UN CERTAIN REGARD. She also produced Matt Ross' 28 HOTEL ROOMS, which premiered at Sundance in 2012. Sam’s other producing credits while at ONEZERO include Noah Buschel’s SPARROW’S DANCE which Indiewire named one of the best films of the year in 2012, GLASS CHIN staring Corey Stoll and Billy Crudup, RIDE written and directed by Helen Hunt, and Chris Messina’s ALEX OF VENICE. Sam served as Vice President at Campfire, a film and television production company with a multi picture deal at Netflix. There she Executive Produced 1922, based on a Stephen King novella, SILICON COWBOYS, which made its premiere at SXSW; and oversaw production of several other titles. While she’s been at it for many years, in many ways she’s still just getting started. I think John Hughes would be proud of the work she’s creating. And I’m not just saying that because she complimented my Marianne bangs lewk inspired by Hulu's NORMAL PEOPLE. Tune in as we discuss my bangs, courage, vanity credits, and breakdown the post coordinator role. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca  

Diane Bell is an award-winning screenwriter and director, who growing up didn’t think that was possible. In this episode, she shares how she overcame personal and professional obstacles in order to become a screenwriter. She describes how affirmations helped her, what she learned about embracing creativity (and how you can embrace yours), as well as, talks about how to stand out from the crowd, especially if you are in a sea of like-minded professionals. Diane also leaves us with some insightful and profound thoughts and questions, like, “How far are you willing to go to make it happen?” Diane’s first feature, OBSELIDIA, premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance, where it won two awards, and went on to play at festivals around the world and be nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. Her second film, BLEEDING HEART, a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, premiered at Tribeca, and is widely available on Amazon Prime and Hulu. Diane’s most recent feature, OF DUST AND BONES, has also been featured in festivals. Diane started her career in film as a screenwriter (before that she was a philosophy student and a yoga teacher), and she has written numerous commissioned and optioned scripts, including two with renowned director John McTiernan (director of Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October). Diane has been lucky enough to be a participant in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, as well as the Women in Film/Sundance mentorship program, from which she learned tons.In addition to writing and directing films, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge to empower and inspire other filmmakers. Diane loves helping others break through their obstacles and achieve their dreams. Since 2014 she has taught workshops on how to make a successful indie film, and is thrilled to share this material in her book. If making movies is your dream, don’t let anything stop you! Tune in to hear Diane’s thoughts pertaining to: How she went from thinking this was impossible to I am possible even in show business. (4:43) When Diane realized cinema could be a possible career path, her first interest in writing screenwriting, and the negative doubts she battled. (7:06) How yoga helped her build a new sense of self before becoming a filmmaker. (9:25) Diane shares her original Mickey Rourke idea and later how she decided to go to the Cannes Film Festival and sought out Mickey Rourke to give him her script. (11:31) A key question for all scriptwriters (and even professionals of all industries): How far are you willing to go to make it happen and invest? (16:42) Diane details the ups and downs of her first feature-length film. (16:51) What courage has to do with creativity and how our natural state is to be creative, not afraid. (19:08) Diane talks on the envious nature and criticism of artists’ work. (22:46) How to get to a place of feeling as though you and your work matters. (27:18) The affirmation that helped Diane get through writing her first screenplay. (28:47) The process of screenwriting, working through the first draft (aka the vomit draft), and how to know when you're done. (34:08) Diane talks about emotionalizing affirmations. (35:52) One of the many lessons she’s learned as a screenwriter, including, how the world receives her work is not in her control. (45:59) An insightful piece of advice for screenwriters and directors: make the movie, not for fame or for money, to make the movie you want to make. (56:08) I asked Diane: In this market of content overload, how do you make yourself stand out? This same idea is one I’m asked as a career coach to marketing professionals so I was curious if Diane had any insights that are transferable across our audiences.  Hear what Diane says to a marketer whom I coached and is interested in producing her own film and is hoping to stand out. Links Follow Diane on Instagram Get to know Diane. Shop Diane’s book, Shoot From The Heart

Kitchen Windows is a side-project of the Sunday Night Dinner podcast. In this time of Covid-19 and social isolation, it’s a chance to have a brief look into the kitchens of writers, musicians, chefs, artists and health-care superstars. What can they see out their window? What are they cooking for comfort? Who are they with? How do they spend their days? Cherien Dabis is a celebrated filmmaker, writer, actor and director. She has written and directed two feature films – AMREEKA, and MAY IN THE SUMMER. AMREEKA world-premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, opened New Director’s/New Films at the MoMA and won the coveted International Federation of Film Critics Award (FIPRESCI) in the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes. It went on to win a dozen more international awards including the Humanitas Prize and Adrienne Shelly Excellence in Filmmaking Award and was nominated for a Best Picture Gotham Award, 3 Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Picture, Best First Screenplay and Best Actress and was named one of the Top Ten Independent Films of the Year by the National Board of Review. Dabis was also named one of Variety’s “Ten Directors to Watch” in 2009. AMREEKA was released theatrically worldwide and became the most-screened Arab-directed film in U.S.-cinema history, peaking at 40 screens across most major American cities. Dabis returned to Sundance with her second feature film MAY IN THE SUMMER, which opened the 2013 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Dramatic Competition section and had its international premiere at the Venice Film Festival. In it, she makes her onscreen debut alongside Bill Pullman, Alia Shawkat and Hiam Abbass. With the screenplay, Dabis won a Sundance / Time Warner Storytelling Grant, several Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art Grants as well as the prestigious NHK International Filmmaker Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. She was one of the writers and producers of the TV series the L-WORD, and she’s directed two episodes in the third season of the Netflix series OZARK, and a number of episodes of the Hulu show, RAMY. You can find her here: http://cheriendabis.me/

Diane Bell is an award-winning screenwriter and director. Diane's first feature, "Obselidia," premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance, where it won 2 awards, and went on to play at festivals around the world and be nominated for 2 Independent Spirit Awards. Diane's second film, "Bleeding Heart," a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, premiered at Tribeca, and is widely available on Amazon Prime and Hulu. Diane's latest feature is "Of Dust and Bones." Diane started in film as a screenwriter (before that Diane was a philosophy student and a yoga teacher) and has written numerous commissioned and optioned scripts, including 2 with renowned director John McTiernan (dir: "Die Hard" and "The Hunt For Red October"). Diane Bell has been a participant in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, as well as the Women in Film/Sundance mentorship program. Diane was recently a finalist in the NBC Female Forward Directing initiative. In addition to writing and directing films, Diane Bell is passionate about sharing knowledge to empower and inspire other filmmakers. Since 2014 Diane has taught workshops on how to make a successful indie film and has written a book about how to create an indie film, "Shoot From the Heart." "I love helping others break through their obstacles and achieve their dreams. If making movies is your dream, don’t let anything stop you!," Diane Bell. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/americanfilmmaker/support

Karina Miller, who has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment field. From television, off Broadway theater to film production. They talk about women in film, the not so glamours Hollywood life, work and a “balanced life”, as well as the challenges she has faced and what drives her to make these emotional and complex films around trauma. They also teach Karina a new word: sugar baby. Karina’s authenticity and sassiness is sure to make you smirk a couple of times and be a little in awe of her totally cool personality despite having a brother that is one of the most well-known celebrities in the world. Karina’s career has included work in television, off Broadway theater as general manager and producer before landing in Los Angeles where she formed Sparkhouse Media. She has produced films such as The Big Ask which was nominated for the New American Cinema Award and To The Bone, starring Lily Collins and Keanu Reeves, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Karina's most recent feature film Semper Fi which stars Jai Courtney, Nat Wolff, and Leighton Meester.

This week is our second installment of our collaborative series in partnership with Free the Work, which is a curated talent-discovery service of underrepresented creators. Free the Work is a non-profit founded by Alma Ha'rel, whom we recently interviewed. Check out their new platform at freethework.com For our second episode of this series, we interviewed Minhal Baig, writer/director of Hala. Hala is her debut feature film, about a Muslim teenager coping with the unraveling of her family as she comes into her own. It premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Hala is out in theaters today, and on Apple TV+ on December 6. Enjoy! HALA Seventeen-year-old Pakistani American teenager Hala struggles to balance desire with her familial, cultural and religious obligations. As she comes into her own, she grapples with a secret that threatens to unravel her family.

The Farewell is a 2019 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Lulu Wang, based in-part on her own life experiences. The film stars Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Zhao Shuzhen, Lu Hong, and Jiang Yongbo and follows a family who, upon learning their grandmother has only a short while left to live, decide not to tell her and schedule a family gathering before she dies. The film was screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival[4] and was theatrically released in the United States on July 12, 2019, by A24. It received acclaim from critics, with particular praise for Wang's screenplay and direction and the performances of Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen. Awkwafina as Billi Wang Tzi Ma as Haiyan Wang, Billi's father Diana Lin as Jian Wang, Billi's mother Zhao Shuzhen as Nai Nai, Billi's grandmother Lu Hong as Little Nai Nai, Nai Nai's younger sister Jiang Yongbo as Haibin, Haiyan's older brother Chen Han as Hao Hao, Haibin's son Aoi Mizuhara as Aiko, Hao Hao's girlfriend Chen Hanwei Li Xiang -------------------- FOLLOW US -------------------- NADIA SAWALHA & FAMILY https://www.instagram.com/nadiasawalhaandfamily.com http://www.twitter.com/nadiasawalha For more movie news follow: POPCORN JUNKIES: https://www.instagram.com/popcornjunkiesmovieclub/ ------------------------------------ BUSINESS ENQUIRIES ------------------------------------ For business enquiries contact: michelle@doghouse-media.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/popcorn-junkies/message

“In the rugged wilderness of Appalachia, the members of an isolated community of Pentecostal snake handlers led by Pastor Lemuel risk their lives to attest themselves before God.” This is a much different type of log-line than the others entries you’d find scrolling down the list of Dramatic Competition entries in Sundance’s program. It is the plot of Them That Follow, the feature film debut for writer/directors Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage and boy, is it a doozy. Though they didn’t have any directing credits prior to the film’s premiere, the duo had more than enough experience between them to pull off the gripping narrative. Through years of working for other studios and other directors they found themselves with the opportunity to "get in the room.” What is the room? Well and not to use a cliche lightly here, but, “the answer may surprise you.” We also talk through writing a story about a secretive community with limited access, filling in the blanks with your own personal experiences and working with an incredible cast that included Olivia Coleman, Walton Goggins, Jim Gaffigan and more.

Eighth Grade is a 2018 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Bo Burnham. It is his feature film directorial debut. The plot follows the life and struggles of an eighth-grader, played by Elsie Fisher, during her last week of classes before graduating to high school. She struggles with social anxiety but produces vlogs giving life advice. Eighth Grade - Opening Scene (https://youtu.be/9JEwSi_TjXI) Burnham was inspired by his own struggles with anxiety when he began writing the screenplay in 2014. He had difficulty finding funding for the project until 2016. Shooting began in Suffern and White Plains, New York, in summer 2017. Fisher was cast after Burnham noticed her on YouTube; she led a cast including Josh Hamilton and Emily Robinson. Themes include heavy use of social media, mental health in Generation Z and sexuality and consent. The film premiered on January 19, as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition section of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. After other festival screenings, it was released theatrically in the United States by A24 on July 13, 2018. Its R rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) inspired criticism, as its decision blocked many eighth-grade viewers from seeing the film in theatres. In response, the distributors arranged free, unrated screenings across the U.S. Eighth Grade completed its North American run grossing $13.5 million on a $2 million budget. Eighth Grade received acclaim from critics, with praise for Burnham's screenplay and direction and Fisher's performance, and was chosen by both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute as one of the Top 10 Films of 2018. The film received numerous awards and nominations and is nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards, including

Today's guest is returning champion writer/director Diane Bell. Diane and I go way back. I had the pleasure of working on her first feature film OBSELIDIA, which won two awards at Sundance. The film makes it's IFHTV Premiere this week. Here's a bit about Diane.Diane Bell is a screenwriter and director. Made for less than $150k, her first feature film, OBSELIDIA, premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance and won two awards. The film went on to win further awards at festivals around the world, and to be nominated for two prestigious Independent Spirit Awards. Her second film, BLEEDING HEART, a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is widely available. She is currently in post on her third feature, OF DUST AND BONES.She has written numerous commissioned and optioned scripts, including two with renowned director John McTiernan (the director of Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October). In addition to writing and directing films, Diane with her producing partner Chris Byrne is a founder of the Rebel Heart Film Workshop program, in which she teaches step by step how to make a standout indie film. She also teaches at Denver's Lighthouse Writer's Workshop. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and honest experiences of filmmaking so that up and coming filmmakers can make better movies and create sustainable careers.“The biggest advice I can give you for your shoot, if you want to make a standout film, is to be fully present in the moment when you are filming.” – Diane BellIn her quest to help filmmakers follow their dreams she has written a new book called Shooting From the Heart: Successful Filmmaking from a Sundance Rebel.If you dream of making a movie but don't know where to start or you're afraid that your film will end up being yet another unseen indie, this is the book for you. Based on the real-life experiences of Sundance award-winning screenwriter/director Diane Bell, SHOOT FROM THE HEART will guide you through the process of making an indie film successfully ― from writing a stand-out script to raising finance, from getting the most out of your shoot to planning a profitable release.Broken down into sixteen essential steps, this book provides you with a clear, actionable, real-world plan for turning your filmmaking dream into your reality. The method in this book is available to anyone, anywhere. You don't need a ton of money or industry connections, you just need to be willing to do the work of each step.In this book, you'll find ass-kicking inspiration and motivational tips for the long journey filmmaking is, as well as the practical knowledge and insider's information you need to make it happen. SHOOT FROM THE HEART will empower you to trust your creative instincts and leave you with no excuses for not making the best film you can. This guide is the only one you need if you seriously want to stop talking about making movies and actually make a great one. At the end of each chapter, Diane provides a thoughtful reminder to her readers:“Be grateful for the journey you are on.”We discuss her Sundance experience, her horrible Hollywood experience after Sundance and so much more. Enjoy my inspirational conversation with Diane Bell.

Diane Bell is a screenwriter and director of several indie films. Her first feature, Obsolidia, premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance in 2010 and won two awards. Her second film, Bleeding Heart, is a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, which premiered in 2015. She is currently working on her third feature, Of Dust and Bones, which tackles the aftermath of violence. In addition to writing and directing films, Diane is a founder of Rebel Heart Film Workshop Program, which can be found at RebelHeartFilm.com. Here she teaches how to make an indie film stand out step-by-step. The most valuable thing she has learned and that she likes to pass on in her instruction is to always trust your heart and to never back down from what you love.

Jason Michael Berman - Producing 5 Sundance Films & Making it in HollywoodSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastI had the honor of speaking to Jason Michael Berman at Sundance this year. He's a Sundance vet. He has premiered 5 features at Sundance over the years and has the record for the highest selling film at Sundance ever, The Birth of a Nation which sold for $17.5 million. Crazy! This year he premiered the remarkable film Burning Sands at the festival. The film is about the intensifying violence of underground hazing on a college campus.Jason dropped some great knowledge bombs in our interview with my co-host Sebastian Twardosz. Here's a bit on Jason Michael Berman:Jason Michael Berman is the Vice President of Mandalay Pictures, where he is responsible for developing and structuring financing for Mandalay's slate of independent films, in addition to packaging projects.Berman has produced feature films that have debuted at premiere film festivals around the globe, including the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca, Berlinale, and Edinburgh. Berman was named by Variety in 2011 as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch, and by Deadline Hollywood in 2012 as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch at Sundance.Berman produced Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation, starring Parker, Armie Hammer, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, and Penelope Ann Miller, about the true life story of Nat Turner's slave rebellion. The Birth of a Nation premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. - WikipediaAll of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMandalay PicturesJason Michael Berman - IMDBSebastian TwardoszCircus Road FilmsMedia Circus PRSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassFreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)KILLER RESOURCES!!!INDIE FILM SYNDICATE Filmmaking Community

The Birth of a Nation is a 2016 American period drama film based on the story of Nat Turner, the enslaved man who led a slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. The film is co-written, co-produced and directed by Nate Parker (in his directorial debut) and stars Parker as Turner, with Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Penelope Ann Miller and Gabrielle Union in supporting roles. Parker also petitioned financiers to invest in the film, ultimately getting a $10 million production budget and started filming in May 2015 in Georgia. The film premiered in competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2016. Fox Searchlight Pictures bought worldwide rights to the film in a $17.5 million deal, the largest deal at the film festival to date. At the end of the festival, it won the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and was highly praised for its directing, acting, soundtrack and cinematography. The film was released in the United States on October 7, 2016 by Fox Searchlight Pictures. The Birth of a Nation premiered in competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2016.[6] Before it screened, the audience gave a standing ovation to the introduction of Nate Parker.[14] After it premiered, Variety said it "received the most enthusiastic standing ovation at this year's Sundance Film Festival so far".[15] Following The Birth of a Nation's Sundance premiere, Fox Searchlight Pictures bought worldwide rights to the film in a $17.5 million deal. Competing deals also came from The Weinstein Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Netflix. Variety said Fox Searchlight's deal was "the richest in Sundance history"

[Please note that there are some technical difficulties with audio.]Join us as Kevin chats it up with Benson Lee, the award winning director, producer, and screenwriter behind Seoul Searching. About BensonBenson Lee is an award-winning Korean-American filmmaker who has worked in drama, documentary, and commercial production for over 15 years. In 1998, with his first feature film Miss Monday, Lee became the first Korean-American filmmaker to be accepted to the Dramatic Competition of the Sundance Film Festival where his film was awarded a Special Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor. (continue reading)

[Please note that there are some technical difficulties with audio.]Join us as Kevin chats it up with Benson Lee, the award winning director, producer, and screenwriter behind Seoul Searching. About BensonBenson Lee is an award-winning Korean-American filmmaker who has worked in drama, documentary, and commercial production for over 15 years. In 1998, with his first feature film Miss Monday, Lee became the first Korean-American filmmaker to be accepted to the Dramatic Competition of the Sundance Film Festival where his film was awarded a Special Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor. (continue reading)

Writer/director Courtney Hunt wrote the short, then the feature Frozen River, then Melissa Leo and Misty Upham brought the narrative home, winning the  Sundance  Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Competition.  A Sony Pictures Classics release.

A conversation with Melissa Leo in her element at the foothills of the Catskills where mystical energies make things happen. A little over a week ago when  writer/director Courtney Hunt who wrote the short, then the feature Frozen River, then Melissa Leo and Misty Upham brought the narrative home, winning the  Sundance  Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Competition.  A Sony Pictures Classics release.