Podcasts about Unit production manager

Matt O'Shea was born and raised in NYC and attended local schools. A high school media class sparked his interest in film production which led to enrollment at Boston's Emerson College. Without a compass pointing into any specific medium, he wound up working almost exclusively on the production of television commercials with occasional assistance to friends who needed help making short and long format films. This career began in 1986 as a production assistant and has continued to this day where Matt is a Producer, Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager. He has been a member of the Director's Guild of America for 33 years and many of the spots he has worked on would be familiar to millions of people.

Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!   Host Hunter Barcroft chats with Production Coordinator Mariam Yacoub, alongside film students Amber and Matt, discussing different pathways into film production, working on projects with variously-sized budgets, and essential skills for aspiring Office PA's. Miriam reflects on her career journey from Florida to Georgia, working on Marvel Studios projects and most recently Clint Eastwood's 'Juror No. 2.'      Episode Timestamps   00:00 - Unlocking the Secrets to Breaking into the Film Industry 00:18 - Welcome to Trillith Institute Talks: A Deep Dive with Miriam Yacoub 00:52 - Journey to Production: Miriam's Path from Florida to Marvel Studios 01:20 - Film Students Amber and Matt Share Their Aspirations and Challenges 03:51 - Navigating the Film Industry: From Internships to Production Roles 16:06 - The Production Office: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with Miriam 20:51 - Craft Service Insights and the Importance of Small Details 23:12 - Exploring Film School Experiences and Future Aspirations 27:11 - Discovering Talent and Artistic Journeys 27:38 - The Evolution of Film in Georgia 28:12 - The Indie Film Scene: A Closer Look 30:23 - Career Aspirations and Work-Life Balance 30:57 - Debunking Production Misconceptions 34:38 - The Importance of People Skills in Production 39:45 - Navigating Career Challenges in the Film Industry 42:02 - Educational Insights for Aspiring Filmmakers 49:47 - Redefining Work-Life Balance in Filmmaking 51:44 - Georgia's Growing Film Industry: Opportunities and Insights 53:05 - Closing Thoughts and Resources       Film Industry Terminology In This Episode   Basecamp - the physical location where all cast and producer trailers exist on a film set. Also usually home to both hair and makeup trailers, as well as the costumes dept trailer.  Exhibit G - a physical document that tracks all information regarding cast member in, out and lunch times on any given day of a film shoot. This data is recorded and reported to SAG.  PR - slang term for a Production Report, which is a legal document generated by the Production Office staff for every shoot day on a film or project... This document records all data for any given day, and is meant to reflect what happened on the day to the smallest detail.  UPM - a Unit Production Manager is the highest tier of employment in the Production Office, is technically recognized as a union position under the DGA (Director's Guild of America). COI's - a certificate of insurance generated to provide film industry vendors or property owners with proof that your production is insured for filming   About Trilith Institute Support The Next Generation of Storytellers Take A Professional Education Course Get Involved With Trilith Institute Contact Us Follow Us On Social Media! Trilith Institute Talks Instagram Trilith Institute Instagram Trilith Institute Facebook Trilith Institute LinkedIn

Hayslip is a highly-regarded film producer known for his involvement in some of the biggest blockbuster films in recent history. His significant contributions to the film industry through his technical roles for major motion pictures include serving as Unit Production Manager for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation, and Guardians of the Galaxy, among others. Hayslip has also produced popular TV series like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mandalorian, and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. Throughout his career, Hayslip has collaborated with many acclaimed filmmakers and A-list talent, including John David Washington, Christopher Nolan, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Michael Caine, to name just a few. With his extensive experience and impressive track record, Hayslip is a trusted and respected figure in the film industry, and his contributions have helped bring some of the most beloved films to the big screen.

Amy and Nancy Harrington, Co-Founders of The Passionistas Project talk with the creative team from “I Thought the Earth Remembered Me” about the Power of Filmmaking. Director Prem Santana, producer Carylanna Taylor and star Madonna Cacciatore discuss the process of making the short film, the AFI program and their inspirations. Learn more about “I Thought The Earth Remembered Me” and Prem Santana. Learn more about Carylanna Taylor. Learn more about Madonna Cacciatore. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. FULL TRANSCRIPT: Passionistas: Hi, we're sisters, Amy and Nancy Harrington, the founders of the Passionista Project Podcast, where we give women a platform to tell their own unfiltered stories. On every episode, we discuss the unique ways in which each woman is following her passions, talk about how she defines success and explore her path to breaking down the barriers that women too often face.  Today we're talking with the team from the gorgeous and powerful short film “I Thought The Earth Remembered Me.” We'd like to welcome the film's director Prem Santana, producer Carylanna Taylor and star Madonna Cacciatore, who along with her wife Robin McWilliams have been long-time and beloved members of our Passionsitas community. We're going to let each of them introduce themselves, tell you a little bit about their backgrounds and share what they are most passionate about. Madonna: Hello, I'm Madonna Cacciatore. I feel like I'm in a group. So, hi Madonna. I love these two women on the screen with me. And of course, I love you two women who are hosts. You've been friends of mine for a long time, and Robin and I adore you. Prem and I magically met during her work at AFI, at the conservatory. And I've always been drawn to her sort of directing style and her work. I mean, she's just got a brilliant vision. This is the second film I worked on with Prem. I have a background in theater, dance, film, television, and I also produce events when I'm not, you know, in the downtime. And I do some nonprofit fundraising as well. I'm passionate about telling stories, helping change the world through stories and being able to create those characters that are brought to me by wonderful people like this. How about you? Prem: Hi everyone. Thanks so much for having me. My name is Prem Santana and I am a director and a writer. I'm also an actor. I was an actor for over a decade, almost 15 years before I transitioned into becoming a director. I recently graduated as a directing fellow from the American Film Institute Conservatory, where I met my Muse, Madonna. We met in a class and she and her wife Robin were my actors. And I instantly fell in love and saw a talent I had never seen before and started writing. “I Thought the Earth Remembered Me” based on seeing Madonna's face. There were some other experiences in my life that had inspired the short. Madonna's, my muse, and I've just been very honored and grateful to be able to work with such an actor. Passionistas: I actually want to follow up on one of the things you were saying, because it was actually a question we had is, and we'll get into it more, but the whole movie that we're talking about really lives or dies on Madonna's face. Prem: Yeah. Passionistas: And the amazing range of emotions she can portray through her face. So that really was actually part of the inspiration for writing it? Prem: Absolutely. Because she's able to, I mean, when an actor can act without words is to me, is the hardest thing is to act in the silences. When there's so much carried in the eyes that is the number one thing that I look for in an actor to collaborate with. And Madonna does it super. Carylanna: My name's Carylanna Taylor. I'm a filmmaker and anthropologist recent graduate of the AFI producing program and I have the pleasure of producing “I Thought the Earth Remembered Me” with Prem and Madonna. It was really Prem's script that just gave me a gut punch when I read it and we'd been kind of talking about maybe doing something together but hadn't had a chance to work together yet. The script, I have an environmental conservation and migration past, and it just really hit me on the environmental connection very strongly in a way that I hadn't felt for a long, long time. And Madonna embodies that beautifully. So, yeah, and, and she's, she said it beautifully. I'm passionate about bringing stories to life that might just move culture's needle a little bit, might give people a chance to walk in somebody else's shoes that they wouldn't have otherwise. That can come in lots of different forms, but this is certainly one of them. Passionistas: That's great. Well, sounds like a perfect marriage between the three of you to make this film happen, which is, you can tell when you watch it that the people who created it have that passion for all of those things. So, it's really well done. And Prem, maybe you could talk a little bit about what the film is about and, and again, a little bit more about your inspiration beyond the beauty of Madonna. What else inspired you to write it? Prem: I realize I didn't say what I'm passionate about. So, I'll say first that I'm passionate about telling stories from the margins, especially from the female perspective, and I believe that we can make a huge difference. Telling stories and making movies that reflect our human experience. And I'm so grateful to be able to do that. So yeah, that's what I'm passionate about. But the story, so I also take 35mm photographs. And my mom is also someone I, she's 76, and I've been photographing her throughout my life. And just the process of aging has been something that I find so beautiful. It is something that I find so beautiful. And watching my grandmother who passed away at 98 a couple years ago, go through this transformation from the finite to the infinite or whatever you want to call it. And then my mom getting older and myself, you know I'm now what they call “of a certain age.” And I've just committed to using that in my art and celebrating aging as something that's not negative or bad or something we have to hide or erase or change or transform or fill up or fill out or whatever. So anyway, back to the photographs. Sorry. I took a photo of my mom's hand, the beautiful like texture and wrinkles and she laid it against this beautiful oak. And I took this photograph, and I was like, that's the image. That's where originally in the script, we start on her hand. It changed over time but that was the igniting image. I was like, there is a woman and she's in the woods for some reason. And then, you know, I started writing and just dealing with my own grief and losing a friend during the pandemic. Losing my grandmother. It was a real way for me to cope, was to write this story. And having had such a connection with Madonna, I was able to step into that emotion myself, I feel like, in a way, and write this story about transitioning from end-of-life transition. Madonna: That's funny because when I saw that, when I saw that, that image of Prem's mother's hand on the tree, I thought it was my hand. I said, “Oh, when did you take that? I don't remember that?” Like, I remembered us going to the woods and shooting some photos and I thought, oh, that's, that picture we took. And she goes, “That's my mom's hand.” And I was like, “Our hands look so much alike.” And then her mom came to the premiere we sat and we compared hands. Prem: Oh yeah. That was so sweet. Madonna: Yeah, it was very sweet. So, it was cool because I felt like, I felt that connection too, you know, through her and through you, Prem, through your love for her and your heart. So, it was really, really cool to sort of have that background to know that it actually wasn't my hand that inspired her. It was her mom's, but cosmically. Cosmic. Prem: Yeah. Cosmically. Passionistas: So, Madonna, what did you think when you first saw the script? Madonna: Well, I had worked with Prem on another beautiful script that she wrote called “Dreamhouse of Salt” and also just in that first class where Prem and I really connected. We were on a Zoom. We were all isolated. We were on a Zoom. We weren't in person, but there's just something in her soul and energy that just drew me in right away and I thought, she's going to be getting an Oscar in my lifetime. This woman, I know that's not why she's doing it, but her work is that impeccable and her stories are beautiful. So, we did this. It was one of your cycle films, wasn't it? It felt like a big studio film because it was just so beautifully done. But it was really just in her process and as a fellow. And so, I knew when we talked about collaborating again in the future, and I knew whatever she brought to me, it was just going to be, it is going to speak to me, you know? And so when I read it, you know, it's always interesting to have a script that doesn't have dialogue and that has a younger version of me in it. So it was, you know, back backstory and, and memories and so I'd never done anything quite like it before. So, I was like, yes, let's dive in. You know, in those moments when Prem talks about me connecting, that's because she would come over to me and say something. She would give me something that really resonated with me. So that was sort of, it was a wonderful process. The whole thing was just incredible. Even it was, it was freezing cold, I think I remember being cold. And it was in that beautiful space. And there was a lot of, you know, everybody on the crew was just, Carylanna was running an amazing production team. And the cinematography was beautiful, and it was really safe working with a crew of mostly women. You know, it felt really, I felt nurtured through the whole thing by the trees. We were standing from everything from the trees. We were standing into the, just the backdrop to the house to our beautiful crew. So, it was a great experience and so when I saw the script, I knew that's what it was going to be. I knew it was just, I'm ready. Passionistas: It sounds a little cliché these days to say the location is another character, but it really does feel like that in this production, and it feels, maybe it was right off the main road, but it feels like it's incredibly remote. So Carylanna, talk about finding that location and the complexity of shooting there and bringing your crew there. Carylanna: Credit for finding it actually goes to our Unit Production Manager and Line Producer Sarah Niver, Prem, the Production Designer Daniel Berkman and our cinematographer Liz Charky. Prem and I had done a lot of scouting from, I don't know, I guess kind of casually starting over the summer and the fall and a little bit more aggressively in January, February. And we weren't finding anything that looked like this vision of the Pacific Northwest that Prem wanted. If you read the script, it sounds like it's either in an old-growth forest in Washington or Oregon, or maybe in the Adirondacks of New York – but nothing. We're limited to shooting within 30 miles of the center of Los Angeles. That's all that we were allowed to shoot at AFI. So, trying to find something that looked even remotely lush was quite the challenge. And we had gotten to the point where we were almost ready to switch it to the desert. I don't know how serious that was, but that's about where we were at. When Sarah started location scouting and she came up with this place. And it was a challenging location in a lot of ways. It's in Topanga Canyon and it's like deep down in a canyon. And just the topography of it is such that it keeps the water in. There's just a little stream that runs through, but the moisture stays in. It's cooler than the surrounding areas. This is a place where they used to run liquor during the prohibition. It's got a total history of this area but it's also pretty remote. Like Madonna was saying we had to go past another film set even to get to where we were at. And we couldn't drive our vehicles right up to the house or right up to any of the scenes that you see shootings. We were having to do a lot of couriering with carts and things like that. So there was a whole logistical element to it. And it was a big enough piece of our budget that we didn't have a full prep day and a full wrap day. So all of that was done in five days in one location including load in and load out. So it was, yeah, it was, it was a lot of fun logistically. But it's beautiful. I mean, I don't think there's anything quite like it that we would've found elsewhere in the area. Passionistas: Yeah, it's really extraordinarily beautiful. And like we said, the cinematography just is incredible. It just captures it all so well. The other thing that's amazing is the casting of the other two women — and especially the woman who plays young Lee. So, tell us a little bit. Madonna: They were calling me Elder Lee, which is really sweet. Always. Just Lee. Passionistas: You were the original Lee. So, Prem, tell us a little bit about the casting process. Prem: Well, Madonna was locked in, like day zero. I was determined to find someone that looked like Madonna because I really find it annoying when on TV or in a movie and people are cast and you're just like, that looks nothing like this person. I'm like, okay, I get it. I get maybe because of this and I'm making justifications or there are limitations and things get in the way, whatever. But it's something I noticed. So, I was determined and our casting director, Rich Mento, gathered so many, like, there were a lot of submissions. We had a ton and I mean honestly it was like going through, I went through every single one. And Penny, it was like one of the last ones. That's how it always is. And I was like, in shock, like how much they looked alike. And then her audition was perfect. So, I wanted, it was those moments where I just wanted to be like, you have the part, but you have to wait and do a callback and follow procedure and really talk about it with Carylanna and, you know have a conversation. It was all done on Zoom too, so that was… but I guess from what I haven't been acting in a while, but Madonna, I feel like a lot of auditions are Zoom now anyway, right? Or it's self-tape, anyway. Madonna: Right. Prem: So I guess that was right — not in the room as much. So, I guess that wasn't too out of the ordinary. And then we found Christine through our Casting Director, as well, and she had this beautiful, just, I felt like she was this angel in this way, that she just carried a light that I think balanced Lee Lee's heaviness and her weight. The weight of the world that Lee sort of is holding so deep inside of her and not wanting to… she's not ready to fully give it all. But Janine, Christine was able to bring that out in both, I think in Penny's character, younger Lee. But Madonna and I actually rehearsed with Christine. I wanted them two to rehearse together because it wouldn't, it would deepen the memories for Madonna. At least that was the goal. I think it helped, right Madonna, like working with Christine? So yes, even though you're not on screen together, I wanted them to have that established relationship in the energy that they carry on. We would feel that connection. But yeah, we were blessed. We were just blessed with the cast. Like it just really worked out perfectly. Madonna: Penny has an Irish accent. And it was interesting because you know, I don't say anything. My character Lee, Elder Lee, doesn't say a thing. Patty does an American dialect, I guess. She drops the accent and beautifully. She's a really talented actor. And when I first saw her, I was, we met… Our first rehearsal together was on a Zoom and I think the first time I couldn't wait to see her. I was like, what? Damn, I was cute when I was young. Okay… So, it was cool to sort of… I've never worked with somebody who's me in my past experience. So, I really enjoyed that process and sort of enjoyed… We hung out together and we just, on set, we just sort of like bonded and that was our opportunity physically to be together because we had really just mostly been… I think we had one rehearsal in the grass somewhere. Was that this film? Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was Christine. That was with Christine, yeah. Yeah. And it was we were at the at the beautiful campus of AFI and a deer showed up when we were… just like walked around by us and. There we were on Las Feliz and Western, you know, Franklin. And there comes a deer. So, it just all felt so storybook like. It felt like a little fairytale we were doing. But it was really great to sort of get that background with Christine and for us to connect. And I hope it helped her with her scenes with Penny as well. Passionistas: For people who aren't from LA or haven't been here, AFI where you were all attending is right in the middle of the city of Los Angeles. So, it would be like being in Times Square and having a deer walk by. Madonna: Exactly. Passionistas: It's really a random thing, but that's how Southern California is. We have peacocks in the middle of our neighborhoods, like suburban neighborhoods. Talk a little bit about AFI for people who don't really understand what that is because it's such a unique and special place and experience. So, what is that program and how does it prepare you for being in the film industry differently than most film schools? Carylanna: So, it's a two-year conservatory, very hands-on. There are six disciplines producing, directing, cinematography, production design, editing, and screenwriting and it changes each year, but roughly we had about 22 directors and producers and such. There's a track of just classroom classes and watching films and reacting to film classes. But in addition to that we have two years of production. So, our first year we actually, each of us does at least three films. And we team up around the idea for each of the films. So, someone generates the idea, then there's a pitch process. The producer comes on board, we hire the rest of the team, then we go out and work with volunteers from the filmmaking community like gaffers and art directors, and what have you. And there's a conservatory program for SAG, as well. So, Madonna's part of a SAG/AFTRA AFI conservatory program. So, we have access to these wonderful, wonderful actors even for our classroom exercises and these three short films that we produced our first year. And then the second year everybody produces a thesis film, which is what we're talking about. “I Thought The Earth Remembered Me” is Prem and my thesis film. So, I produced four, no, six films in two years including the cinematographers had visual essays. And there are, I have classmates who did way more than that. I was actually on the low end, but it's a lot of hands-on. And our crews aren't union, but we run them like union shoots. So, we follow SAG-AFTRA rules for everything we follow. We try to keep our days tight and our crews are usually around 30 because it was capped because of Covid. Ours were definitely 30 or under and so they're big. They're big projects. We have a lot of gear from AFI that gives us. We shoot in sound stages, but also like, just all around LA. It's a lot of hands-on experience. Pretty amazing. Passionistas: that's incredible. And so, we keep talking around the COVID thing. When did you film this? Carylanna: It was it in the midst of COVID or was it sort of towards the tail end of lockdown and. So Prem and I found out that we were accepted into AFI about the week that the shit hit the fan in March 2020. So we had to decide whether we were coming or not. I'm coming from New York. A lot of our classmates were coming internationally, and we had to decide whether to try doing this or not. Our first year of classes were totally online. And then our production was the only thing we were doing in person. It's like with masks and if we were near actors, we had to have face shields and such. There are lots of social distancing rules. There's like a whole list, COVID compliance officer on set and what have you. The second-year production continued like that and this was produced during our second year. So, this we produced April 2022. And our classes at that point were mostly in person, kind of. Passionistas: We're Amy and Nancy Harrington and you're listening to the Passionistas Project Podcast and our interview with Prem Santana, Carylanna Taylor and Madonna Cacciatore. To learn more about “I Thought The Earth Remembered Me” and Prem Santana's other work visit www.premsantana.com Go to first encounter productions dot.com to stay up to date on Carylanna Taylor's projects. Stay on top of all of the great work that Madonna Cacciatore is doing at IMDb dot com and on her website m cacciatore dot com. Now here's more of our interview with Prem, Carylanna and Madonna. Madonna, why do you like to be a part of these AFI projects? Madonna: Well, I think, as every actor in town, we work sometimes, sometimes we don't. Like on TV film sets, and commercials, we are always auditioning. And so, when there's an opportunity to work, I want to work, you know? And I find I don't do every project like this. This particular class of people was extraordinary. I've worked on another director's films, as well. I liked it because of the story. I like also the thesis films, you know go, can go to festivals, so that's great. But you know, when there's an opportunity to work your craft, work it, you know, and I love working my craft. I love roles. I love working. I love being on set. I love the experience. AFI films are done in such a way that you really are getting the full, you know, you're being treated, I'm treated really well. It's like it's working on a SAG set. I also like the Conservatory a lot because of what they do for students and what actors can get out of it, as well. Like sometimes I'll get just called in Victoria Hoffman, you know, call and goes, “Can you do this kind of class or that kind of class?” Well, for me it's class. I love class. I love working. I love learning. You know, we never stop learning and we never stop connecting. So, every experience onset is different and you know, you learn something new no matter what your age or how many roles you've done. I came to LA pretty late in my life. So, I didn't get here in time to sort of have a young career here. My background was, I was dancing most of my life and then I ended up going to musical theater. And then I started training in Washington, D.C. at the Studio Theater there in all the forms. So, I took a lot of classes and, you know, I had this experience. I was in Seattle and I got a little under five part on “The Fugitive” that Tim Daly was in, that they were shooting up there. And I had only ever done as far as film and television at that time. I'd only ever done extra work, background work. So, I go on set and they had an umbrella for me because of course it was Seattle and it was raining. And then they take me and they said, “We'll take you to your trailer.” I said, “I have a trailer. I have five lines. I'm so excited.” And I thought, I'm moving to L.A. That's it. But you know, I wish I'd done, you know, I don't regret it because I had a lot of experience along the way and I got to do a lot of wonderful theater and I still love theater very, very much. But it was good to you know, get here. And so, it didn't matter to me because yeah, I was older, but then I just got different roles so I just, you know, I just keep going like we all do. So, there's, you know, all the auditions, all the ones you don't get, and those gems you do get, just make it, it never leaves you, it's part of you. So, I'm, you know, I'm always happy when AFI called. Passionistas: Prem, based on what Madonna was saying, do you think as an actor, she brings something to a part because she has those life experiences that weren't all… She wasn't just an actress for 20 years. She had all these other life experiences. Do you think that makes a difference as an actress from a directing standpoint? Prem: Absolutely. The way Madonna carries, there's her body and the physicality of an all a dancing background and a theater background. You really have to I mean, I also have a theater background and dance actually, but you really have to know space and your emotions are constantly be connected to your physical, and those things are never separate. And so Madonna is a master at… there's just a natural… Madonna carries her body so naturally and is able to sink into it, you know like this is the scene. Because sometimes, you know, you see actors and you can tell that they're not comfortable or they're not… and their physical body shows that. So, to answer your question, I think it's such a treat to have an actor with this diverse background. And also, I think Madonna, women your age, my age… beautiful time. I feel like that is to see, this is what I'm passionate about too is putting women that are older on screen, you know what I mean? And I think there's such like power in the age that you are, and I can't wait to be, you know, each year it's like, oh, this is so fascinating and interesting, like, my body's changing and, but I have so much more to offer and storytelling and to see. I don't know. To see a face like Madonna's on screen is like, every time I see our short film, I'm like, this is what I think we need more of. Passionistas: It's funny you say that about her body and her walk because I don't know that I've ever seen an actor act with their back before. Like Madonna walking away from camera. expresses more than most actors can do with a five-page monologue. Madonna: Wow. Passionistas: And it was fascinating to see. I'm in tears and all she's doing is walking away from me. I can't even see her face. Because what's going on, even though we're not on her face, like it's all happening still inside of her. Prem: So, and you're right. You see through everything, you see it. You see it no matter what. Like the camera picks up all of it. Even that, you know, being on her back, I'm not going to give away the shot we're talking about, but yeah, it's really magical. Yeah. Madonna; But there was a lot of magic in that space too and, in that environment it was, you couldn't have found a better place to shoot this film. Honestly. There were so many natural lines and, and so much beauty in that forest, you know that it was just like, honestly, like the film resonated. The message of the film resonated and the foliage in the trees. And the house like you were asking earlier, you know, when you asked Carylanna like this almost was another character. The house was definitely another character. The house was like, I felt like I had to be very respectful of the house and we had to have a connection. Honestly, there was just some stuff going on there. And then the outdoors, of course, was, I love being out in nature, so it was very much fun for me. Passionistas: I love that house. Tell us about it. Was that the condition that it was in or did your production designers bring it to life like that? Carylanna: A bit of both. Our production designer definitely pushed it. The house was built as a prop house in the eighties for a movie called “Shiloh 2.” And it is just… Prem: You remember that, Carylanna? Carylanna: Yeah, especially with my memory for names. But it sat there just open to the elements for what is that now going on 40 years that it was not ever meant to stand for more than the length of a production. So, there are literal holes in the ceiling where vines are growing into the building. And yeah, it's definitely on its way to succumbing to nature. And Daniel and his team definitely pushed it a bit more, but it's, yeah, it's, it's certainly like infused with that environment. It definitely felt like a place with history. That's interesting that you say that, Madonna, the feeling like you had to respect it. You really see their work whenever they're making it seem present because the past is kind of there. There are some scenes in the kitchen, and they really make that warm and inviting and feel lived in. There are some dark room scenes too that are kind of the same, that's where you see their magic on screen. Passionistas: Prem, you were saying that it's important for you to foster women in film, on screen and off, and one of the things that you have founded is the Moonfaze Feminist Film Festival. So tell us what that is and why you started it and what's the current situation like that Prem: The festival is no longer, unfortunately. It lasted for four. Two years in person live events and then we went online but I created it out of just necessity. I directed my first short film called “Luna” which I also acted in, and I was struggling to find a platform for this baby of a film that I'd made. It was my first film, you know, so, I was struggling to find a platform to showcase my work and I just was struck with the idea of why not make a film festival for myself and my peers. And once it was one of those, you know, when you get creative, like, I'm sure you felt that when you started Passionistas, where you're like, oh my God, that's it. This is what I have to do. Right? You're just like, you know, in every cell. And we get those hits. I don't know how many we get in a lifetime, but I'm, I'm grateful for every one. And that was one of them where I was just like the doors started to open and the right people came in and all of a sudden, we had a venue and I had the most amazing experience curating that festival where we celebrated, it was all, you know, female-led, non-binary-led films. And it was amazing. But as I transitioned into really focusing on directing, I couldn't do both. And it was one of those things that just naturally dissolved, but I'm still hold it up to one of the most amazing experiences of an artist and an activist being able to provide a platform. I wouldn't, maybe someday we'll bring it back because it was pretty amazing to be honest. Yeah, it was cool. You're making me think about it. Passionistas: Maybe it could be part of the Power of Passionistas Summit some year. Prem: Yes. Ooh… Passionistas: We'll have to talk. Prem: There you go. Oh my God, I would love that. Yeah. I mean, asking about that. Passionistas: Yeah, there is so much synchronicity in all of us, I think in what we are doing with The Passionistas Project, in what you have all said is your passion and about storytelling and advancing women and social justice issues. So maybe each of you could just talk a little bit about that and about how that informs the film projects that you like to work on. Madonna: You know, I'm a been an activist since, I've been an out LGBTQIA person since I was, since 1971. I saw a thing one time that said Gay AF Since 1971 on somebody else's thing. I was like, that's me. Uh, I've always sort of been out. I've never really, I mean, I grew up in Texas, so I, you know, there was a lot of opportunity for bad things to happen. I don't know why they didn't, but they didn't. So, I've always been a person who has fought for people's rights one way or the other, and for animals rights, like to protect our, our four-legged and our, and our humans with kindness and respect and dignity, which is what every, I think, every living being deserves. Why we beat each other up, I have no idea. I think it's a horrible model. I think we should stop doing it immediately. I'm putting my foot down. We all need to stop doing that. But, you know, so, any time, like Carylanna was saying, and Prem, we're saying anytime you can tell a story or I can find a character who's revealing something about that, who's helping someone else who might be in a situation and they somehow, something you do helps them through that situation, helps them. You know, there are many ways, there are many instances where that could happen and I just think, you know, my wife and I have both had people reach out to us from through our acting and through other means because they are young. We've had people reach out to us from Russia and other sort of hostile areas where they could not be themselves and say, you know, something you did helped me see myself. So I think when you can do that through living your life with the passion that we all have in this room, and that I'm sure many people watching have that you, that you are making, by simply living your life, but then to take it further and make films and, and do The Passionistas Project. You know, I watch a lot of the people you interview and your shows, and it's just the work you're doing is making change in the world. So, we've all sort of made that choice. And sometimes it gets hard to keep the light shining when things are happening, but it's these mediums that help us keep it shining. We can reflect something to someone. And I think that's, for me, that's why it's important and that's why I'll always choose projects. I mean, I, you know, I want to work, but I also love projects that advance social justice for humans and animals and the earth. Carylanna: So, I mentioned before, I come from cultural anthropology and that's. It's about understanding the world holistically and understanding humanity and all its diversity in time and place and in connection to other things that are going on in the world. So I tend to look for stories that channel that. And it's never all of that in one thing like I've done a feature film called “Anya” that has, that's like critiquing the idea of what difference truly means and how we can get past that. Because underneath it, we're still humans. And I'm currently working writing a project that's inspired by my research in Honduras with migrants and natural resource management there and trying to shape it as a lens into what makes Central America unstable. Like we have a tendency in the US to look at it as being this very unstable place that's not livable and that that's why we get all these migrants at the border and yada yada, when in reality I've spent, I mean, a decade off and on living in Honduras and working with people from there and they come from a beautiful place, a place that's a home, a place that they love, a place where they love, a place where they work hard and when it becomes unstable, it's tragic. When somebody has to leave home, it's involuntary. So, I'm trying to write, probably a series. It keeps splitting around between a film and a series and a novel that captures that sense of home, but that does it in a way that an American audience can kind of encounter that and understand it — maybe people who wouldn't automatically think like that. So that's what I'm working on right now. I'm also passionate about mental health issues and working on a script for that. I also get to read for some really interesting companies and have a little bit of an opportunity to say, this is a really great project. You should think about making it. And it's always exciting when I find something that's really, really special that might get made. Prem: I'm very like, proud of you, Carylanna. I'm like, yes. So exciting. Hard. You know, Madonna said it. It's hard. It's hard to have the faith in yourself to say, I can have a voice in this. I can, yeah. It's worth the next four months of my life to work on this as opposed to like scrambling to find a particular job. It's like it's hard to, yeah, it's hard to hang onto the passion. So, I really appreciate this because it helps remind me to hang onto the passion. Yeah. It reignites the flame that's like, sometimes it's like just about to go out and then things like this happen and I'm like, “Oh, okay. Yes. Okay.” I was just thinking of, you know, I realized. I tend to write stories that don't have a political or any sort of agenda. I don't think stories necessarily have to have an agenda to shift the paradigm, to have an impact because I think the thing that really does change us is the emotional feeling, connection. That's the beauty of drama and raw, brutal, honest, beautiful truth. So that's where I'm coming from because I think we can get lost in pushing an agenda, political, gender, all of it, you know, and lose the root intention and core and heart and soul of what we're trying to say. And so, to me the most important thing is that and the other stuff will come naturally if that is part of what you're passionate about, and we all are. Passionistas: What did you each learn about yourself from making this film together? Carylanna: I'm going to kind of punt and say that I, coming from academia, I'm very, I tend to be very analytical and it gets in the way of filmmaking and it gets in the way of writing sometimes. It's very helpful with research. It's helpful with market analysis. It's helpful with all kinds of things. But in terms of telling a story that just grabs somebody by the lapels and carries them along and immerses them in somebody's life, that requires emotion. And that's why I wanted to work with Prem is because she does such a beautiful job of embodying emotion. So, our relationship was not always like super easy because we're coming at things from very different sides. But I learned a lot about tapping into emotion and working with somebody who's so in tune with it and watching her work with actors was really enlightening, too. So, I think in that arena, I grew a lot because of this. Prem: I'm going to dive in if that's okay, because I want to say the same with Carylanna, like working with the other side of my brain and learning how to hone the emotion, but like use it efficiently and productively and adapt to different ways of using it to my best ability. Being on set is such a magical thing… like there's all this emotion and you have to go, and just be like locked in sort of like carrying all this emotion, but also very in a jar, like you have the lid and you're releasing it every now and then to like connect with the actors. So yeah, I just learned a lot working with Carylanna and working with such a good producer. I learned what the director's part in that collaboration really is. And I think that I can now go forward and, I don't know, have some really beautiful relationships and I'm excited about that. Madonna: I just learned, I mean, it's just another experience of being with a group of people who have really great hearts and are incredibly talented and can show me something about myself. As an actor, you want to get feedback, you want to get notes. I mean, Prem and I had the luxury of having some rehearsal time, which you don't often get. And so we got to have some nice conversations. And seeing Prem's sort of point of view reminded me of myself when I was younger and when I was sort of really, I mean, I'm still passionate, but it's different for me. It's taken a different kind of a vibe. And I was able to sort of harness like Prem's passion in the way that she works and use that in my, in this character, but also just sort of as an actor, like opening myself up again to my younger self and to my older self. You know, sort of really appreciating my age. And that's what this story does. I've never had a problem aging. I love the lines on my fa I love that Brandi Carlisle song. You know, the story. That's one of my favorite songs. Mm-hmm.., because these lines are my experience in, in this world and I like them, you know? And so, this film continues to help me see that and embrace that part of myself. Because aging is also not for the fainthearted. You just start going through new things. You just, things hurt that you didn't know were going to hurt. And so, you know, it was really a reflection of honoring my aging process as well. Prem: So, Carylanna, you were telling us about up your upcoming projects. What about Prem and Madonna, what do you guys have in the pipeline? Prem: I am developing multiple projects, multiple feature film scripts. One of them is the feature film version of this film, which recently I made it to semi-finalists in the Outfest screenwriting lab. So, that was a win for me. I'm celebrating all semi-finalist things. Every little step counts. So, I was really excited about that, but I also got some feedback that I feel like is really beneficial to the script. So, I'm thrilled to execute that and take it to the next level. I'm also working on a feature film script about, The California Gold Rush seen from a non-heteronormative female perspective. I'm, I'm obsessed with westerns and period pieces. It's like my other… So, it's a huge undertaking. So that'll probably be in a decade, maybe. And then a horror film I'm slowly working on. Madonna: Oh, I love horror films. Prem: Me too. Madonna: I just keep auditioning. I've got a couple of fingers crossed on a couple of things right now that I can't talk about, but I, you know, just hopefully, I just keep, as all actors do, I, we just keep auditioning. Robin and I set up, we finally have a media area where we can keep our ring light and our backdrop up and we can keep doing scenes. And two of the things that I have had come my way recently, whether I get them or not, they're really great projects. And I always consider an audition like I'm going to work. So, yeah, just fingers crossed on those. And we just keep going, like looking at I've got great agents and a great manager and, and they know me, so I'm really happy about all that. Passionistas: Thanks for listening to The Passionistas Project Podcast and our interviews with Prem Santana, Carylanna Taylor and Madonna Cacciatore. To learn more about “I Thought The Earth Remembered Me” and Prem Santana's other work visit www.premsantana.com Go to first encounter productions dot.com to stay up to date on Carylanna Taylor's projects. Stay on top of all of the great work that Madonna Cacciatore is doing at IMDb dot com and on her website m cacciatore dot com. And be sure to visit ThePassionistasProject.com to sign up for our mailing list, find all the ways you can follow us on social media and join our worldwide community of women working together to level the playing field for us all. We'll be back next week with another Passionista who is defining success on her own terms and breaking down the barriers for herself and women everywhere. Until then. Stay well and stay passionate.

Follow Your Passion, No Matter What!This is a special episode of the podcast guys. I recently had a good friend of mine pass, Allan Wertheim. He was a legendary First Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager. Allan and I worked together almost 20 years ago on one of my first directing gigs. This is by far the most difficult project I have ever worked on and Allan was kind enough to mentor me and protect me from the siutation. He passed a few days ago at the age of 72 and my friend left it all on the field. He worked with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese and David Fincher but more importantly lived a happy life with his family. I wanted this episode to spotlight the fact that you can't leave with the music still inside of you. Take a listen to this special episode. I hope it inspires you a bit. Right click here to download the MP3LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEAllan Wertheim - IMDBRaging BullSe7enLove StorySaturday Night FeverAction Items:Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes,  Stitcher, Soundcloud or via RSS.If you like Follow Your Passion, No Matter What!, then click below:How I Made Over $90,000 Selling my Short FilmEnjoyed this post? Please share it in your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, email etc) by using social media buttons at the side or bottom of the blog. Or post to your blog and anywhere else you feel it would be a good fit. Thanks.I welcome thoughts and remarks on ANY of the content above in the comments section below...Get Social with Indie Film Hustle:Facebook: Indie Film HustleTwitter: @indiefilmhustle Instagram: @ifilmhustleYouTube: Indie Film Hustle TVPodcast: IFH PodcastPodcast: Film Festival Hacks PodcastIFH: Filmmaking Hacks

We're talking with veteran line producer and photographer Nicci Freeman in this episode. Nicci has over twenty years of experience in the business as a line producer, and she's also a member of the DGA as well as an accomplished photographer. We're going to take a look at her journey as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry and see how she's thrived. Nicci is an inspiring figure who has defied the odds and carved out a successful career in a challenging field. We hope her story will encourage other women of color who are pursuing their dreams. ===================================== Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/RfneF2UT33w ===================================== Nicci Freeman -Line Producer - DGA UPM - Producer BIO: Nicci Freeman has been working in some form of the entertainment industry her whole life. From with working for her parents, mom was a costume designer, and dad was a female impersonator both on and off stage to then transitioning to film, television, video, commercial and print. In her 25 year career she has worked as a Producer, Line Producer, Unit Production Manager, Production Coordinator, Costume Designer, and a PA. Freeman's career spans features, television series, music videos, and commercials, working for such names as Spike Lee, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, and Mariah Carey. She is a Member of the Director's Guild of America as Unit Production Manager. She spent two years as Head of Production for an independent film company producing $1.5m $35M pictures. Additionally, she has recently worked on a number of projects while dealing with the challenges of filming in the time of Covid. Some of her feature projects include: GEMINI LOUNGE, A COWGIRL'S SONG, SNAPSHOT OF LOVE, THE MESSAGE, and HARDCORE HENRY. Television productions include: Your Attention Please, Rhett & Link's Buddy System, Comic Relief, and The Casino. Among the Music Videos she has worked on are those by the artists Dwight Yoakam, Linkin Park, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Tyga, Aloe Black, Will Smitt, P Diddy, and Godsmack. Gaming/Live action includes: Payday 2: The Biker and Payday 2: Hardcore Henry, and Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun. And Brand work: Walmart, Wendy's, Gillette, Garnier, Smart Car, and Kyle Cosmetics. In her spare time she is a world traveler and accomplished photographer. She has had three solo art shows in Los Angeles, and Florence, Italy. She has lent her talents to T.I's Trap Music Pop Up Museum in Atlanta, GA as the Project Manager and Curator as well as to the Starbreeze / IMAX VR Pilot Center as the Project Manager. In addition she has also served as DGA AASC Special Events & Activities Chair & DGA AASC Council Rep and volunteers with Women of Color Unite. Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective: ifapfilmcollective.com Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr: instagram.com/floydmarshalljr tiktok.com/@floydmarshalljr0 Youtube: FlodyMarshallJr --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aconversationwithfm/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aconversationwithfm/support

John Michaels has been a producer, financier, and executive in the global film industry for decades. He has successfully delivered and continues to deliver numerous independent and studio feature films. As an independent Producer, Michaels also produced “QUIET DAYS IN HOLLYWOOD” starring two-time Oscar-Winning Actress Hilary Swank, “THE NOVEMBER CONSPIRACY” Starring Paige Turco, George Segal, and Elliot Gould, and “SUNSET HEAT”, starring Dennis Hopper and Michael Pare. He has served as a Line Producer, Unit Production Manager, and Production Executive on numerous feature films, television projects, documentaries, and commercials. Michaels is a member of the Director's Guild of America and serves as a frequent guest lecturer on international production and financing for the UCLA Film School, CSUN, and Chapman University. Michaels also serves as moderator for the Master Class Seminar on Finance & Production at the annual Cinegear Expo in Los Angeles. Thank you for listening to part 2 with John Michaels. I learned more about John in regards to his marathon training and the experiences he has had running in multiple marathons across the world. We also talked deeply on our faith, prayer, and the importance of having a true relationship with God in your life. John also talked about his life scrapbook and the rocking chair moment of how to live your life full of great experiences and memories that you never would regret the life you lived. I hope you enjoyed this episode and please rate it and share on your social media. This episode is brought to you by Survival Rubber, Survival Rubber which is the most packable, portable, reliable fire starter on the market. No ropes, blocks, chunks, powders, or potions. Slim and sleek packaging that you can throw in your wallet, pocket, pack, or cap. Survival Rubber is in the palm of your hand whenever you need to light it up and get a fire going. You can purchase survival rubbers at https://www.survivalrubber.com/ or at www.amazon.com You can follow John Michaels on Instagram @johnmichaelsgce You can follow me on Instagram @jgrdina04 If you would like to be a guest on my show, please email me at jgrdina@gmail.com and explain how your story would fit with my foundational pillars of (Faith, Family, Fitness, and Freedom). God Bless and if you want 20% of your XOSKIN product, please go to https://www.xoskin.us/ and use the code TrueSupporter

Michael & Phil tackle the subject of writer's rooms, how writer's staffs are organized, and the responsibilities of individual writers at each level. Learn more about the different jobs in a TV writer's room and some interesting ways to break-in.Michael's Screenwriting Course - https://michaeljamin.com/courseFree Screenwriting Lesson - https://michaeljamin.com/freeJim Serpico, EP of Maron - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0785351/Tom Sellitti, EP of Maron - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0783418/Javier Grillo-Marxuach Website - http://okbjgm.weebly.com/Netflix in Albuquerque - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-03/why-hollywood-is-moving-to-albuquerque“Shit My Dad Says” Twitter Show - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1612578/Michael: (00:00)The next step below, that would be writer's PA and that stands for a production assistant. So the writer's PA usually, usually writers are veal. We are kept hostage in a, in a writer's room like for hours and hours and hours, you don't leave, but they bring you lunch. And when they bring you lunch, that person who is bringing you lunch is a hero because they're feeding you and you, you know, so that the writer's PAs is usually the one who goes out. On a running brings you lunch.Michael: (00:32)Welcome back everybody today. We're going to be talking about various creative jobs in Hollywood, and we're going to probably start, I think, with, with the writer's room. Cause there's a lot of myths that we're going to expose. I think it's a lot of people have misconceptions about how writer's rooms, um, you know, how they actually work. I fell.Phil: (00:48)Yeah. And, and, you know, to, to your point, I think there are a lot of people who don't even understand things like what a showrunner is or what the difference between a co-producer, producer, a story editor, all these different writer's terms. I once had a friend mentioned to me, she's a nurse. She wanted to be an actress. And she's just like, you know, when you watch a TV show and you see all the credits that they're getting that say producer, they're all just writers. And she said it like, it was condescending a little, this is like just writers, like, Okay.Michael: (01:13)She's right, unfortunately. Um, but yeah, so a showrunner is the boss and a TV show in a movie. Uh, the director is Boston. A TV show that the showrunner is the boss. The showrunner is the head writer. Usually the showrunners, the creator of the show, the person who sold it, but not always and often not always the case. So, um, a number of times my partner would have been showrunners and we didn't create that show where the hired hands, because we have experience and were brought on to run the writer's room and the writer's room can consist of, we've been on show, usually around eight writers, let's say, but we've been on shows where we've had as few as four writers. And when we were on King of the Hill, that was Maron. When we were on King of the Hill, uh, there were about 20, at least 20 writers it was a huge writing staff.Michael: (02:00)So there's, there's that. And then all the writers in the writer's room compose the writing staff, but there certainly there are different levels to, to writers. So the showrunner again is the boss, the showrunner decides what kind of stories to tell and how to tell them. And some people, I guess I can maybe I'll get to the misconceptions first. Some people think that well, so where do you get these ideas from? Does the network just tell you what stories they want to have? And no, cause there's no one at the network who knows how to do that. If they did, they'd be writers there, that's not their job. Right. They, you know, so we pitched them our ideas, but we come up with the ideas. We say, we're going to do an episode about X, blah, blah, blah. And then that works. Does that sounds good?Michael: (02:39)Go ahead and do it. And so we have to come up with the ideas and usually it's the writing staff that will pitch the ideas to the showrunner and the showrunner and say, okay, I like that one. Let's talk about that one. Let's turn that. Let's see if we can turn that into an episode or I like the beginning, but not the middle, you know? And so let's stretch it out. Is that that's how do we break that into a story? And another myth I heard all the time, well, years ago it was like, oh, what character? I was around. It came when I was on King of the Hill. They'd say, what character do you write for as if like every writer was responsible for one character's voice. And there are 20 of us and king of the hill. I don't know how many, there were like five characters or whatever, or maybe more there's cause there's periphery characters.Michael: (03:16)But so no. And I used to tell people, I used to write for the dog, the dog, obviously didn't talk or have any lines, but that's when I said, but you write for all the cat, your job is to you get an episode and you write all the characters and that episode. And that's how, that's how it works. And they're so the staff, the writing staff is composed of one or two showrunners usually. And then there's certain levels of writers. So the newest baby writer is called a staff writer. That's the person with no experience. They just broke into Hollywood. Usually, usually they're a staff writer then above them. They, they say they work for a year. They get a promotion. Now they're called a Story Editor. And you'll see that at the end of the credits off. And you see the story that, or it gets a credit.Phil: (03:57)Let me ask this question, because this is something that came up on another podcast. We did, you made a reference that all of these titles that you're probably going to go through right here, that the next year. So are you a staff writer, your first year writing and then you bump a story editor usually, or you're so bad that you could stay staff writer. Is that a chance or do you just lose your job at that point?Michael: (04:20)Sometimes? Yeah. You could lose your job if you're no good. Sometimes you'll be a staff writer on the on one year and then the show gets canceled and then you get another job in a different show and they make you repeat your staff writer. They say, yeah, you're not getting the bump because we don't have a budget.Phil: (04:34)The bump budget-based. I imagine usually.Michael: (04:37)Yeah. I don't know if too many people who had a repeat staff it's like repeating your first year of college, I guess. Right.Phil: (04:45)I got held back in preschool by the way. SoMichael: (04:47)Yeah. Well, I can tell it's obvious when I talk to you.Phil: (04:49)Yeah. The adults don't set your kids in preschool in the middle of the year, guys. They just look stupid when all their friends move on.Michael: (04:55)For the rest of the let's talk about it. Um, so then after a story editor to become Executive Story Editor back in the sixties, the Executive Story Editor, or was they, that was the boss I'm executive story editor mean that was basically being called the showrunner, but these titles have changed over the years. And so executive story at a restorator is at one point it was like the most important person. And now it's one of the least important people on the staff. Um, I remember when I, well, I remember when I had, I had a writing teacher and he was, he like, he wrote on, uh, uh, Get Smart and Andy Griffith Show and all those great shows and Twilight Zone, the original Twilight Zone and all that. And he used to say that you just need to, you got to impress the story. It, the story editors that want to makes all the decisions. And, and this is back in like, you know, the nineties, I was like my old man, what are you talking about? The Story Editors at title has long since changed.Phil: (05:47)Uh, so I was going to ask, so my understanding here is that this changed because cause you're about to get into the producer titles, right? Yeah. So my understanding is that this changed because the story, the writing credit positions pay specific portions of their money into the WGA funds, but the producorial fees you get do not.Michael: (06:10)Yeah separately.Phil: (06:10)And the benefit to the, to the network and the studios is they don't have to match percentages of those funds, to the Writers Guild stuff .Michael: (06:19)To your health and pension. Right. It's separate. Exactly.Phil: (06:23)Where it changes, like how do we get these people and entice them to do this thing with us without having all the other expensive paying percentages of their, their fees?Michael: (06:31)Yeah. We'll give them a fancy title. Yeah. That'll tide them over there. Stupid. Um, so yeah, so there's executives. So is it okay to repeat Staff Writer, Story Editor, Executive Story Editor, then you get Co-Producer and then you become Producer and then you're like, wow, Producer, it's really just another level for a writer. Then you get, uh, after Producer becomes Supervising Producer, then Co-Executive Producer, which often means the number two, the number two writer, the like the number two in command and then Executive Producer. And so in sometimes there's also another title of Consulting Producer, which is just a fancy way of paying you even less money. Got it. So, but those are all just writers and there's very, you know, the producer aspect of those jobs are very limited. So when you're executive producer, you have, you do have many other Producer titles, like your responsibilities, you'll be responsible for casting or post-production... Supervising post production, or maybe editing stuff like that. The Co-Executive Producer doesn't often do those things, but is capable of doing those things.Phil: (07:33)And that's what you currently are on the show.Michael: (07:36)On Tacoma FD I'm a Co-Executive Producer. Right. But, but you know, in the past I've been Executive Producer on other shows. So, uh, you know, the difference in money there's a lot its not that much. Well, the Co-Exec... Co-Executive Producer that gets a good salary without all the stress of being executive producer. It's a good job to it's really the best job to have is a co-executive producer because he made good money, but you don't have all the stress of the boss.Phil: (07:59)Got it. So that's what to aspire to is not be the showrunner, but just be a co you'd be.Michael: (08:03)I remember years ago when I was, you know, thinking before I became a Showrunner, I was like, man, if I were a show runner, I'd do things different, do things better. And then, you know, cause you always think your bosses know what you're doing, they're they're doing. And then, then you become the boss and you're like, Ugh, I just wish I was a Co-Executive Producer.Phil: (08:21)Yeah. You always wish you had the less responsibility, the more, you know, the more, you know, you don't know. Right? Yeah.Michael: (08:26)So, but then, you know, those jobs basically at my level, like those, the two jobs I get, you need to be the boss or the second in command. So there's, I have to take whatever, whatever comes.Phil: (08:36)Now there is another executive producer on the show and that's typically the, basically the guy in charge of, or the woman, the person in charge of making sure that the show is happening from an actual producorial perspective. Right? So not always. So the production. So for example, to come at di we had a production company running things and the owner of that company had the title of EP as well. And that shows up in the credits and that person can be not a writer.Michael: (09:03)And I believe, I believe one of the, uh, managers, David Miner, I believe he's also executive toPhil: (09:09)Both of, both of the guys managers are on our show. They have EP credits because they brought the show to the network and said, we think you should buy this show.Michael: (09:19)Yeah. They help make it. They help sell it. They help make it possible. Yeah. But on other shows, I've worked on this. There's really only there aren't too many co uh, Executive Producers is their Showrunner and maybe no other executive producers, or maybe there's an actor who is so powerful to help got the show me, they might be Executive Producer or maybe often if the show is, is sold through a pod, you have a production company, then they'll get, you know, like you're saying, they'll have a Executive Producer title. Uh, yeah. So some actually that's not really no. And I say that now that I think about it. Yeah. I've always, I've been on other shows where there, there are other executive not they're called non-writing Executive Producers. So when I was on Maron, for example, uh, Jim Serpico, Tom Silletti, they were non-writing Executive Producers. They helps sell the show and their creative involvement in the show. It really depends on what their, what they have time for. Sometimes they're very involved in, sometimes they're not very involved at all.Phil: (10:12)Yeah. Okay. So that's an interesting note. I think, so those people have the same way now from an Office PA perspective. So during production, we still saved those people parking spots, and we understood who they were. And we made sure that they were included on every single email, every single notice that went out, anything that involved creative decisions, they were invited to all meetings. And it was always an understanding they could show up at any time, but also an expectation that they probably weren't going to show up. And so it's an interesting thing like, or, you know, one season of a show, I worked on the, one of these non writing Executive Producers showed up and our Office Production Coordinator didn't know who they were and it, but the secretary did luckily. So they were able to save that situation or it probably would have been a really, you know, egg on the face situation.Michael: (11:00)Yeah. Because sometimes they don't show up. Right. The homes that parking spot is empty all year. Yeah. But you know, sometimes they do show up cause they, yeah. So those are all, those are all creative jobs. So when you see at the front of a TV show, all those producers, like what are all these producers? Most of them are writers. And then some producers, there was always a couple of, there's a Line Producer, he'll get he, or she will get a producer title. And they're in charge of kind of, uh, they're in charge of the, the money and the budget. If, for example, the show runner says, Hey, I want to shoot a show, um, in a submarine. And like, I bet, you know, how do you make that happen? Well, the line producer, their job is to figure out how to make that happen to either rent a submarine or get a soundstage that looks like a submarine or tell you what, that's just too expensive. You can have to shoot it in a rowboat.Phil: (11:43)Right. Right. Yeah. And then, so there's a Line Producer and then a Unit Production Manager or UPM. Yeah. But there are different jobs or they are, or they're at the same job because I see it both ways I've seen it separated or they're the same person does both. Yeah,Michael: (11:57)Yeah. Yeah. And I, yeah, that's exactly right. And I don't, I don't really know what the difference is. Job responses, uh, job responsibilities are between the two, because on the shows that I've worked on, they've mostly been the same person. So.Phil: (12:09)Yeah. It's, I think it's just a level of authority and responsibility. So UPM is typically making the decisions to make sure everything happens in the line producer. My understanding is basically in charge of the budget and making sure you're not blowing the budget every episode and you can get to the end of the road and they're like your accountant almost, I guess you could say as the showrunner. Right.Michael: (12:27)Um, but we still have accountants.Phil: (12:28)We all see cameras like a CPA. Like they're like the CPA who says, we're a business manager, Hey, you need to cut your expenses here because yeah. This thing coming down the road.Michael: (12:36)Yeah. Often they'll negotiate, they'll, there'll be dealing with the unions and they, they, uh, they make sure that the show, they make sure that the physical production of the show actually happens. Yeah.Phil: (12:46)So, so, so this brings up what we're discussing here might be considered "above the line". Yeah. Goes right. Yeah. And, um, you know, we recently had an interesting conversation with someone who did not like the title above the line and alsoMichael: (12:59)A derogatoryPhil: (13:01)It's like, you know, the union negotiates those things. So your union is responsible for earning you those credits and signing what goes where yeah,Michael: (13:10)I think it's, I think actually it's just like where you appear on the call sheet. It's like, are you above this line or below this line? That was my understanding. It's like, and it's just, it's just the line, relax everybody you're on. It doesn't mean, you know, you deserve to die, you know? Right. It's just an, it's a, basically an accounting formality. Yeah. Right.Phil: (13:29)Yeah. Okay. But, but you do not have control over who does that? Just to clarify, because this person seemed to think that you, in your role as an Executive Producer, Showrunner have the ability to dictate through your use of language who gets called what? So people aren't offended.Michael: (13:44)Yeah, yeah. No, I, I walked into, you know, it's so strange. It's like I walk into these terminologies, these, these, the terminologies were decided before me. And, uh, and somebody has someone thought that they were just very offended by that. And I'm perpetuating some kind of, I don't know, egregious, uh, you know, offense in Hollywood.Phil: (14:01)And not to get like super into the weeds on this subject. But I do know, um, this season on Tacoma FD, either production company did require us to use gender neutral terminology for things. So this is like a term for like the Best Boy or Best Boy Grip or Best Boy Lighting. And now that's like Key Lighting Person and it's like a term, um, different things instead of form. And it was for a person. And so I understand those things, but when we're talking about literally anyone below the line is garbage and trash and we stop and use it, that's not exactly what's going on in this space.Michael: (14:31)No, those people are kind of important because they're writers the above the line. People like maybe we were the dreamers that, Hey, what if, and the other people, the ones who are doing it, so you can't just have dreamers on set. They don't that nothing will get done.Phil: (14:43)Yeah. Right. It's like, uh, I, I did hear an example on another show I worked on where they're like, they want us to have 50 people with the exact same haircut sitting in a restaurant. It's like, you don't understand the complexity of, of casting that the complexity of finding those people, the hair and makeup, the costs for extra pay. Like we got you 10 of those people not 50. Right, right. Yeah. So, so those are all the, so those are all the jobs that are just the ones that you've talked about. And those that basically to get into Hollywood, you have to start as a Staff Writer.Michael: (15:16)Hi guys, it's Michael Jamin. I wanted to take a break from talking and talk just a little bit more. I think a lot of you, people are getting bad advice on the internet. Many, you want to break into the industry as writers or directors or actors, and some of you are paying for this advice on the internet. It's just bad. And as a working TV writer and showrunner, this burns my butt. So my goal is to flush a lot of this bad stuff out of your head and replace it with stuff that's actually going to help you. So I post daily tips on social media, go follow me @MichaelJaminWriter. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook and TikToK. And let's be honest, if you don't have time, like just two minutes a day towards improving your craft, it's not going to happen. So go make it happen for you @MichaelJaminWriter. Okay. Now back to my previous rant.Michael: (16:02)And yes, then how do you start as a staff writer? There are entry-level jobs. So there's no assistant writers. People often say, well, I want to be an assistant writer on your show. It's like that doesn't exist. There are Writers Assistance. And those are the people who will sit in the writer's room and they sit at the keyboard and they literally, they usually either take notes or they type, as we, as the words go up on the, on a monitor, we're watching a screen. And so they actually type the script as we pitch lines. And so that's, um, it's, it's a kind of a high pressure job because you have to know the pro word processing program, like the back of your hand, but also you have to be a good speller because if you are not, people will make fun of you. And you know, everyone's staring at you while you do your job and like busting your balls.Michael: (16:46)Uh, you know, so it's a, it's a high pressure job. You have to have a good sense of humor about it. And so, but it's a great job to have because once you're in the writer's room and like, you will learn more as a Writer's Assistant than you would the tenures in film school because you're watching professional writers do their craft. So it's a wonderful, it's a great learning experience. And how do you get a Writer's Assistant job? Well, the next step below that would be Writers PA and essentially a production assistant. So the Writer's PA usually, usually writers are veal. We are kept hostage in a, in a writer's room like for hours and hours and hours. And you don't leave, but they bring you lunch. And when they bring you lunch, that person who's bringing you lunch is a hero because they're feeding you and you, you know, so that the Writer's PA is usually the one who goes out on a run and brings you lunch. This is before COVID of course, I don't know what goes, no one brings me food anymore. No one gives within six feet of me.Phil: (17:39)That's right. That's not in your family. Right.Michael: (17:43)Keep an arm, social distance kids. Um, so that's, Writer's PA and then kind of not, I wouldn't say below it, but Jason too, it would be regular PA or Set PA, which that PA works on the set. Another job would be Office PA. And that PA you know, the set PA might run errands, or it might block off the set when like, you know, when they're shooting an episode, the set PA will be on the perimeter. And you had, I'm telling you, you had this job for a while. And they're the ones who are, let's say you're shooting on New York City street. They're on the perimeter stopping traffic and people, you can't walk here. We're shooting.Phil: (18:14)Yeah, no. And let me point out here, the, our Locations Guy, when I said that I was locking down traffic interjecting and said, you are not allowed to do that. That is illegal. The police lock down traffic. You were there to wrangle pedestrians.Michael: (18:29)Whoa,Phil: (18:29)Interesting. Right. Because we do not have the legal authority to stop traffic, but on a closed set, that was my first day of PA work was literally standing in the hot sun out in the middle of Southern California telling cars when to drive into the scene. Yeah. But it was a closed set. And I was, I was literally doing that. And youMichael: (18:50)Had, you had your piece in a headsetsPhil: (18:54)[inaudible] or there, they literally call it background and you tell them to move. Yeah. Right. YouMichael: (18:58)Tell them that would be a set. That's one of the responsibilities of a set PA.Phil: (19:02)Yeah. They're responsible for getting information to everyone. Um, locking down, set for a sound. It's another very common thing where you literally post up in a doorway and you hold stop people from coming in and out because they're shooting that direction and you don't want to walk through set, like one of the first days of shooting of season two of Tacoma FD I walked onto a set and I looked right at the set PA and she didn't say anything. So I walked toward her and ended up walking right through the shot, like, yeah. And they showed it to me. They showed me a post me Sasquatching and through the background of the firehouse.Michael: (19:36)And that's the job of the PA supposed to stop. You I've walked on sets before to have my own show where I was Executive Producer. And I guess some PA was too nervous to tell me not to walk on set. And I walk into the shot and I ruined the shot. And I'm like, dude, you got to tell me not to walk into the shot. It's okay. You can tell, don't be afraid of me. Tell me I'm not, not tell me not to ruin the shot.Phil: (19:53)Didn't you tell me that there was a, uh, you had to spend like a significant amount of money and post cutting a PA out of the background and standing behind a tree or something.Michael: (20:01)Um, I'm sure that, yeah. I'm not sure if the PA, but I remember sometimes you have to do that we're or you cut a reflection. Sometimes you see a PA or something, or somebody is a reflection in a window. You have to take that out. Yeah. Yeah.Phil: (20:14)Um, so, so I've had most of these PA jobs, so that's a Set PA and then Office PA, you're the one making copies. You're the one making the signs. You're laminating things and go, go runs. You're coming on, runs and picking up stuff. You're going to Home Depot to buy specific daylight, luminescent, light bulbs for the Makeup Department, because they need specific lights in the trailer. You're getting water, you're moving things around set. You're going out on a run to Burbank to pick up Audio Equipment for the audio team. Cause they always need something. Yeah. You know,Michael: (20:48)It's interest. Cause I posted a little bit about that on social media. I do like these little clips and uh, and, and someone said, you have to, you, you know, I said, it's an entry-level job. It's not too hard to get. And someone said, you don't know what you're talking about. You have to have a Harvard Degree. You have to degree a degree from Harvard or an MBA. And like you already your mind, like, I can tell you need a car.Phil: (21:07)That's it. You need a car and you need to breathe. Right.Michael: (21:11)The pulse, if you, if you're dead, you're going to have, you're going to struggle. But if you have a pulse, you be okay. It's like, I don't really care. I don't need to know that you have a degree from Harvard from what do I care? I want to know. Can you go on a run?Phil: (21:23)Do you think that's people who just assume it's all an old boys club and you ha it's about who, you know, and it's not about like, like, oh, Harvard Alumni will hire Harvard alumni. Is it that kind of thing? Or do you think they actually think you have to be like a Rhode Scholar to be a PA?Michael: (21:38)No, I think there's, you know, breaking into Hollywood is hard and it's, you know, that first job, the hardest one is that first job to get in. And so you have to hustle and you really have to like, you know, send out flight. You kind of have to really be in contact with people. And you've got a nudge way in and I, and it takes a lot of work. And I think people would much rather say, well, they're not hiring people like me. Cause you know, there's an excuse as opposed to, that's not true at all. It's like, you just have to do your end to the part. You have to hustle to get the job. Yeah. You know, it's just, there's so many excuses. And like, I always say like, you can, you can have results or you can have excuses, uh, or you can have excuses or you can have results, but you can't have both. Right. And people like to have excuses. It just makes them feel better for not trying or not trying hard enough.Phil: (22:22)Now, now I've been on a other side of things. I think my first PA job, um, you gave my resume to a show that you were running and I didn't get that job. And I didn't get that job because your writing partner also referred someone and that person had experience. Yeah. Right. Yeah. And so I didn't get that job, but because I did so well in the interview when they needed a day player to come out and just lock down set for a day, they called me and said, Hey, it's one day job. You want to come up and sit? Absolutely. What time? Where should I be? I showed up early. I was there. I ran around set the whole day. And it just happened to be that that day, the Office PA was called back in to his Fox show and he had to leave. And so the UPM who was on set with me, watching me work said, you should consider this guy. He seems good. And I got offered a full-time position as the office PA because of that. And so it was thatMichael: (23:16)Is that luck. Was that, was that, did you get lucky or did you make your own luck?Phil: (23:20)I think that there's a, there's a level of luck, you know, there's this old saying that luck is where opportunity meets preparation. Right? Right. And so the opportunity came because I knew you and you were able to give them my resume, but I didn't get that job. Someone else got that job. And they had three other people who you and your running partner did not recommend who also got jobs because they had, and that's just the racket. But because I was willing to show up and I was prepared and I understood what was expected of me as a PA, I was able to prove myself on that, on that day, the chance I go, yeah.Michael: (23:57)We had a PA on Tacoma, FD, we talk about, I don't mention his name, but one day one of the writers asked him to get a, for like Tylenol or Advil or something to go to drugstore. And he kind of said, no, he was busy.Phil: (24:10)So we should talk about that too. So, so the Writer's PA job is not just lunch. Like you're responsible for whatever the writers need. Like the Showrunners asking you for binders, but not just not binders, but D clipped binders, full ring binders, because they don't like the way the dividers are. And it's my job to go get that for them. I'm also supposed to stock the fridge. I'm supposed to have first aid available. I'm supposed to clean up after them. And so to have a Writer's PA tell a Writer I'm busy. I can't get you medicine because you have a headache. But I think it was worse than that. I think it was. Do you know if we have any, I think they have some upstairs. Can you go get some, I don't think I can do that.Michael: (24:48)Yeah. And man and we all laugh when he said no and you know, like men just falls in this guy. Yeah. And then he didn't last much longer than that.Phil: (24:59)Well, he did some other stuff I heard too. I, I ended up replacing that guy that season. Um, but he did some other stuff too. Like you told me that he would just like stare through the glass at you guys while you were watching writing stuff.Michael: (25:12)Yeah. He just, I had a weird thing where like, he just didn't, he'd come into the room, the Writers' Room and he just wouldn't know when to leave. And he was like, you know, and it got awkward. It's like, Hey, did you got to leave? Now? We got to work. And he would just kind of stand there. I dunno, gabbing or, you know, watching and was just so uncomfortable. And the writer, we, we thought it was hilarious. Like this guy he's something else.Phil: (25:33)Well, he hit the nail in the coffin. And I think this is like a big note of what not to do is one of our Showrunners who is an actor on the show is like on Nutrisystem and like cutting weight to get camera ready, because he's going to be, you know, he's effectively starving himself to look good on camera. And he's entitled to lunch more than anybody else on the show. Cause it's his show. And one day he comes in, he's like today I want sushi. And he said, uh, we don't have the budget for that. Right. And he said, I don't care. I'll approve it. Cause he's show is responsible for the budget. And he goes, I've already put in the other lunch order.Michael: (26:11)Yeah. That's what it was about. And that, you know, and afterwards we were busting that actor's because you know, I, you're not in charge.Phil: (26:24)Yeah. You'll keep your job if you, uh, if you deny your showrunner on her food, the one time he asks for it and the whole season.Michael: (26:32)So that guy didn't, he didn't last very long. But, uh, yeah, your, your job is to say yes, not to say no as a PA. Right.Phil: (26:39)Well, yeah. Well, interesting stuff. And you know, ultimately like I got that job and I think to your note, one of the first things you told me forever ago is if, you know, if you want to make it in Hollywood, you have to be in LA because that's where the jobs are. And I think there's a caveat because this is a question I've seen in a lot of your social media people say, do you have to live in Hollywood to make it in film? And the answer is depends on what you want to do. Right? So for example, I went to film school in New Mexico and New Mexico is a smaller market that is expanding ridiculously right now. I think Netflix is investing a billion dollars in New Mexico and infrastructure expanding stages. And they bought the biggest stages there where they shoot Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and all that stuff.Phil: (27:17)And so if you want to work in camera or you want to work in, you know, an office position or a locations or a costume position, my opinion is those exterior markets, Utah, where you have Park City studios, you have, um, Santa Fe or Albuquerque where you have a fast growing film industry. You have Louisiana, you have Georgia. Those markets is really easy to progress and move up the ranks in those craftsmen positions. Right. Right. But when we talk about writing, I really think the answer is you do have to be an LA because this is where the writing happens.Michael: (27:52)Yeah. All the writing, they even Handmaids Tale. They shoot that. I think in Toronto, they sh they write it here. Um, I'm pretty sure Breaking Bad. They, they, theyPhil: (27:59)Wrote here in LA, in LA shot, in New Mexico.Michael: (28:02)Right. So if you want to be a writer, then you want to be a writer's assistant and you want to be a PA here in LA. So you can come up this way. But in someone, some of them had sent me, um, a question that maybe was on Tik TOK or something. And she was, she seemed very lovely. And by, so I still let her have it. She was, um, she was like, uh, I live in the UK and I would gladly, I really want to break into the business. And I would gladly come here to LA. If someone could guarantee me a job. And I was like, you know, there's no guarantee, you know, no, one's gonna guarantee you a job. Uh, first of all, there are no guarantees in Hollywood. Right. You know, you're not, um, you know, you're, you know, you're not Brad Pitt Brad Pitt.Michael: (28:42)He's guaranteed to get a dressing room and, and a driver. You're a PA you have no guarantees. If you came here and got a job, let's say the show would get canceled after 10, at 10 weeks, or you get fired or whatever, you're still out of a job. Now you're out of a job. And so you're still screwed. You have to come here first. And when they're hiring for those positions, that basically for any kind of PA position, the job is like you interviewed today to start tomorrow. And so you can't fly here. We're not going to get, I'm going to give you a week to fly here. And then a week to find a place then a week to get a car because you need a car. It's like, you know, no, you have to be here for those opportunities. There's no, there's no guarantees.Phil: (29:22)Yeah. That's what you told me. You said you have to be here because when they want to hire someone, they need you today. Right? Yeah.Michael: (29:27)And I, I called you. I remember when that opportunity came up on our current show, I said, Phil, can you, can you be here this afternoon? They're hiring you. You have to be here today.Phil: (29:35)Yeah. I think the exact text was, um, we need a PA the job sucks. It's low pay. Do you want it? And I said, I'll do that job for free. Right. And your response. Good answer. That's how I got my first paid job. Hold on. And they're like an hour or so later the Script Coordinator. Um, so basically shot me a text said, Hey, man, uh, it looks like, you know, we'd like to use you on the show. I said, do you want my resume? He's like, no, Michael Jamin's words. Good enough. And it's because you had proved yourself at that time. Right. So they took your recommendation. And I literally showed up the next dayMichael: (30:09)And I have a new gunPhil: (30:10)And I haven't been working on the show in two years. I'm still on the show.Michael: (30:13)And if you had 'em right. And if you had, uh, you know, said, well, yeah, I'll be there next week. They would have found somebody else. Right.Phil: (30:20)Because, um, literally cause they were, they were buying their own. You guys were buying your own lunch at that point, I think.Michael: (30:25)Yeah. Like we, like, we need lunch. Yeah.Phil: (30:29)Carrie Clifford's like, I want my tuna where, which tuna do I get. Yeah,Michael: (30:32)Yeah, yeah. Yeah. And so yeah, having a good attitude and being ready to start tomorrow is, is really key. Unfortunately, that's how you, if you want to, like, if you want to work in Hollywood, you have to be in Hollywood, you know? And, and sure there are other jobs like in Atlanta and, and, uh, Albuquerque, but often, um, like it may be harder to have a career in those cities because there's just not as many opportunities. So I'm sure people, you know, piece together careers. I just think it'd be easier to piece together a career in Hollywood. There's just more options.Phil: (31:02)Yeah. There's constant. There shows constantly shooting, especially right now with streaming and cable. There's not like a development season. Like there used to be right. It'sMichael: (31:11)And you may have to move, you may, I know like costumers, they work here, but they have to take a job in some other state because that's where the show is shooting, but writers generally have to generally stay in LA. Yeah.Phil: (31:23)Yeah. So are there any other jobs or any other ways to break in to Hollywood at this point? I mean, is it, is it just, you have to work yourself way up as a PA or get lucky enough to, you know, be lucky enough and have the craft and skill to become a Screenwriter. Is there another option?Michael: (31:38)We talked about this in other episodes where if you have your own, if Hollywood is not going to come to you, unless you really make it worth Hollywood's while. So if you are blowing up on Twitter, if you have a giant Twitter feed or, uh, you know, Instagram or whatever, and, and you have a million followers, Hollywood will find you, you don't have to start at The Bahamas. Like, man, this person here, she's got it going on. Uh, let's give this person to show because they have a built-in marketing platform that often happens. Yeah. So there's a show on CBS, it'd be 10 years ago. Shit My Dad says, and that was based on a popular Twitter feed. Yeah. And so, you know, that guy just tweeted it from wherever he wanted and you know, just find stuff that his dad said.Phil: (32:19)Got it. So I, I do, you know, of other people who've broken in, so I'm another writer who is that a lot of stuff to put stuff out there as website he's got scripts and things. Javier Grillo-Marxuach who I think you might know. Yeah. He wrote lost. Yeah. Yeah. Lost. He was a showrunner on a bunch of stuff. So he, I believe was a development executive and he transitioned that position to being a writer. Yeah. So there are those other opportunities as well. Do you know anything about those?Michael: (32:45)I do know. I have a friend who we hired on a show, Glen Martin DDS years ago. And I didn't know him at the time we just hired him. We became friends. And I... I discovered after about a year that he was at one point a Development Executive at a studio and I was shocked. I was like, oh, I hadn't because it's a whole, whole different thing. Um, and he told me that most development executives from his they're, they're jealous of writers. They want to be writers. And so, because it's more creative and development executives or, you know, they, they tend to give notes, uh, but they don't do it themselves. And so, cause you know, it's one of those, like why would you want to become, uh, an executive at a studio or a network if you were not had that creative passion in you, you wanted to create. And so the closer I think they can get to creating the more fulfilled they would be, which is, you know, obviously writing is probably closer to... than giving notes toPhil: (33:35)Somebody. That makes sense. It makesMichael: (33:37)Sense, but I'm, I'm not gonna speak for all that. I'm sure there are many great development executives or creative executives who love exactly their job. But this is what he told me was that he felt that that many or most really wanted to be really wished they were writers. Right.Phil: (33:50)And I think that, you know, from my limited perspective, with the, the limited amount of work I've done, kind of the general vibe that I get from most people is that most people in most jobs in Hollywood dreamt of being a writer, director, producer, and they are now doing this other job, hoping to have the job that you're also trying to get.Michael: (34:13)I think many writers also want to be directors because it's not writing. It's like, Ooh, because writing is hard. You're like, well, directing it, that seems like something I could do. Was that, wasPhil: (34:20)That your experience when you directed on Maron?Michael: (34:23)Uh, no. That was just an opportunity that came our way. We didn't want to say no to it, but I know other writers who want to get into, or have gotten into directing because writing is really hard. Writing can be difficult even like, I, I used to say like, if you think writing is fun, you're kind of, you're probably doing it wrong. It's hard to do it. Right. It's hard. Yeah. And so I think a lot of writers that well, anything about writing, so.Phil: (34:47)Right, right. Well, awesome, man. I think it was incredibly helpful. You have any other thoughts or?Michael: (34:52)No, I think that's, I think we covered a lot. We have, we have more podcasts come and Phil. We got to save it for the next.Phil: (34:57)Oh, I love it. No. So again, you know, I think that if you want any more of this information, definitely check out Michael's course because he goes into this more detail kind of what's expected in some of those positions and what it takes. But yeah, I think the big note that I would like to give or leave people with is that you don't have to have won the lottery or be born with a silver spoon in your mouth. I sure wasn't. And I live in LA and I work full year round as a PA. And I'm actively working on progressing towards being a better writer so you can make it happen. You just have to get rid of the excuses and just take control and just make decisions with what can I do today to improve things. And we talked about this on another podcast, like I've always was raised with this prodigy syndrome.Phil: (35:41)I feel like I have to hit grand slams with everything I do. And there's this framework that I've transitioned to, which is, you know, it's Moneyball, it's singles singles win baseball games. If I can hit a single today, like which might just be writing something, I can hit a single today. It's not sexy. If I hit a single tomorrow, it's not sexy. If I hit a single one day three, it's not sexy, but they, for you score it run day five. You score a run. It's about chaining those singles together. And that's how you ultimately win.Michael: (36:08)I think so. That makes sense to me. Yeah. Like people say like, well, how do I become a writer is like, you're, if you write every day, you're a writer, right? If you want to be a paid writer, that's a little different, but you know, but if you were someone new who wrote a script last year, you're not a writer. You have someone you're someone who has written. So a writer you're constantly writing, it's active. And, and that will make, that will make you better at your craft and will increase your odds of actually becoming a professional writer.Phil: (36:35)Awesome. I love it. Here's a great way to end. Thank you, Michael. Thanks everybody for listening.Michael: (36:40)Thank you.Phil: (36:53)This has been an episode of Screenwriters Need to Hear This with Michael Jamin and Phil Hudson. If you'd like to support this podcast, please consider subscribing leaving a review and sharing this podcast with someone who needs to hear today's subject. If you're looking to support yourself, I encourage you to consider investing in Michael's screenwriting course at MichaelJamin.com/course. I've known Michael for over a decade. And in the past seven years, I've begged him to put something together. During the global COVID-19 pandemic. Michael had time. And I have to say, I wish I'd had this course 10 years ago. As someone who has personally invested in most online courses, earned a bachelor's degree, and actively studied screenwriting for over a decade, this course has been more valuable to me than most of the effort I've put in because it focuses on something noone else teaches: story. In his course, Michael pulls back the curtain and shows you exactly what the pros do in a writer's room and that knowledge has made all the difference for me. And I know it will for you too. You can find more information at MichaelJamin.com/course for free daily screenwriting tips. Follow Michael on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @MichaelJaminWriter. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @PhilAHudson. This episode was produced by Phil Hudson and edited by Dallas Crane. Until next time, keep writing.filet Hudson. This episode was produced by Phil Hudson and edited by Dallas crane until next time, keep writing.

Welcome to Heilman & Haver - Episode 51.  We hope you enjoy the show! Please join the conversation - email us with thoughts and ideas and connect with the show on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.   ANNOUNCEMENTS Catch "CLUE" on the BCT Mainstage Running through November 21st, it's "CLUE - the play, based on the film, based on the board game!  Several of our talented friends are involved in this classic who-done-it, and Greg and I sat down with them and the rest of the cast for a special behind-the-scenes preview, available now on our YouTube channel.  Find Greg's review of the show on our Facebook page and get your tickets for CLUE now, at bctshows.com. “A Classic Christmas" with Jeremy Arnold Saturday, December 18th, Jeremy Arnold will join us at the Roxy for a one-of-a-kind roundtable discussion before a “It's a Wonderful Life” hits the Roxy big screen.  Plan to come early for a matinee showing of “White Christmas” and stay for the holiday bites and wine before we hit the stage with Jeremy.  We'll also enjoy a special Christmas message from "Zuzu" herself, Karolyn Grimes.  Get more info and tickets at roxybremerton.org. WWCA Holiday Variety Show Opens 11/26/21 Opening November 26th at Western Washington Center for the Arts in Port Orchard, it's the “WWCA Holiday Variety Show” directed by our friend Rebecca Ewen.  Come and celebrate the season with some of your favorite WWCA performers.  The show will feature choral arrangements written by beloved Music Director, the late Bruce Ewen, dance numbers performed by Just for Kicks School of Dance, and much more.  Get your tickets now at wwca.us.   IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Voice Actor Rob Paulsen We're pleased to ring in our 50th episode with a man who has given voice to some of the most popular and timeless animated characters of our generation.  Rob Paulsen was born in Detroit, MI, and at an early age, fell in love with the talents of comedians like Pat Paulsen, Foster Brooks, Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Peter Sellers, and the cast of Monty Python.  His first role as an entertainer was as a singer, which trained his ear, eye, and voice to work together in a wide array of styles. Rob hit LA in the 1970's intending to be a live action actor but quickly fell under the spell of the Groundlings, the legendary Los Angeles' comedy/improv troupe, where he befriended and worked with Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, Lynne Marie Stewart, John Paragon, Cassandra Peterson, and Laraine Newman.  His skills honed, he landed his first voice gig on “GI Joe” which opened the door to Hanna-Barbera and veteran director Gordon Hunt, who cast Rob as one of Rob favorite characters from boyhood, Hadji, in a revival of the classic series “Jonny Quest.” That early success came right at the advent of the cable revolution and the millennial baby boom, and a sudden demand for family-oriented programming that would enchant young viewers as well as their parents.  Disney, Warner Brothers, and Hanna-Barbera all started reviving old series and creating new ones, while networks like Nickelodeon and other syndication outlets began demanding more original daytime programming and Rob and his colleagues were part of it all. Rob is best known for bringing life to beloved characters like Yakko on “Animaniacs”, Raphael on “TMNT”, Pinky and Dr. Scratchansniff on “Pinky and the Brain”, Carl Wheezer on “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius”, and many, many more throughout a career spanning five decades. After fighting a successful battle with throat cancer in 2016, a story detailed in his 2019 memoir “Voice Lessons”, Rob is back and busier than ever and still one of the hardest working, most in-demand, and beloved voice artists in the industry.  In 2020 he reprised his role as Yakko in a reboot of “Animaniacs” on Hulu and has set new dates for his live show, “Animaniacs In Concert!”, performed with live music in symphony halls and theatres around the country. He is an outspoken advocate for people battling cancer and frequently makes time to bring joy and comfort to fans of all ages, all over the world.  Rob joined us from his home in San Simeon, CA. Rob on Facebook: @robpaulsenlive Rob on Twitter: @yakkopinky Rob on Instagram: @rob_paulsen Buy Rob's memoir: "Voice Lessons" on Amazon   COMING UP NEXT WEEK  Join us next week, Friday, November 19th, when we'll welcome Stewart Lyons to the show.  Stewart was our guest at the 2021 Seattle Film Summit and is a Co-Executive Producer, Line Producer, Unit Production Manager and Production Executive who has worked on projects with Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Brothers, Amazon, Starz, Apple, HBO, FX, AMC (including a little show called Breaking Bad!)

Connie Kennedy began her career as a Location Manager and Unit Production Manager on various feature films in Canada. She was also an Executive Producer for Profile Studios with a focus on performance capture both for features and videogames. Her credits include Van Helsing, Halo 5, Avengers: Endgame, and The Mandalorian. Kennedy currently heads the L.A. Studio for Epic Games as well as helping with the Unreal Engine Fellowship.

Diane has worked with NBC, ABC, CBS, Showtime, HBO, Universal Pictures, Columbia-Tristar, Trimark, Promark, Hallmark (RHI), Alliance Entertainment, Forecast Pictures (France), TF1 and Archlight Productions. She's member of the Directors Guild of America as a Unit Production Manager, and the Producers Guild of America. She works as a UPM, Line Producer, and Producer, all over the world. #ExpertTalkWithTGo #ExpertTalkXtra #TalkShow #9@9Live #PodcastToBroadcast #TheresaGoss #ExpertTalkFM #Roku #Pandora #iHeartRADIO #PodNationTV #talkshowtv #talkshowonline #talkshowhost #podcast #motivation #broadcast #listennow #entrepreneur #marketing

On this episode I chatted with Oklahoma's Dylan Brodie, Unit Production Manager for Minari and many other movies. Dylan has worked on The Mule, Reservation Dogs, American Gods and many more. A lot of awesome projects in and around Oklahoma. If you are looking for a deep dive into what it means to work in film as an Oklahoman. This is it.  Follow Dylan on instagram www.instagram.com/dylan_brodie Huge shout out to our sponsors.  The Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and www.instagram.com/oklahomahof RCB Bank. Get rates as low as 1.79% APR on new, used and refinanced cars, boats, campers and ATVs. Visit www.RCBbank.com or come into any of our 40 locations across Oklahoma to learn more. Until August 31st. Rate and financing with approved credit. Restrictions Apply. #thisisoklahoma 

April Campion is a unit production manager for film and television. She broke into the industry as a PA on Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks. Ever since that opportunity, she's been working her way up to becoming a unit production manager (UPM) on multiple shorts and feature films.

Parth and Trent talk with Mary Kerrigan about her work on Nomadland as both the first assistant director, and unit production manager. Parth also accuses Kermit the frog of some heinous crimes...

Hi, there!I had the good fortune to interview actor, model, podcast host, mom, wife…you name it. Her actual name is Camille Kauer, whom I discovered on another show and thought: Wow…she and her family of origin really represent what it truly means to be multi-passionate. I vibed with her challenges as a child being bullied (she went to 26 different schools in different countries because of the nature of her traveling parents) and how she channeled it for good. So, I got an introduction and promptly asked her to be on my show, even though I know she's a super busy woman! We talked about the many hats she wears, how she stays connected to the entertainment industry and balances it all. We also talked about perspective and kindness in these interesting times. I just love these soulful conversations. It gives me hope when the world is in turmoil.* * *About My GuestCamille grew up in a film family. Her father is an award-winning Unit Production Manager and her mom is a noted artist and retired stunt woman, Both parents still work in the film industry.And as an actor herself, Camille needed a way to stay connected with her film community, so she started live-streaming 'The E-Spot with Camille' podcast from her home studio. She's interviewed some of her favorite people in film, fashion, music, and the entertainment business. Her guests share tips on how they've overcome “failures,” challenges, and how they are staying inspired while Hollywood is shut down.Website: https://camillekauer.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealCamilleKauerInstagram: @therealcamillekauerTwitter: @ckonair1The E-Spot with Camille Podcast can be found on all the popular platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and other platforms.* * * About Carol Dickson-CarrWhen people used to ask her what she does for a living for the past 14 years or so, she would simplify by saying, “I teach people stuff.”Teaching is her passion!Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in economics, and she's also received Coach training in various programs since 2004. Prior to moving to Dallas in 2007, she worked in the private sector calculating economic damages for an employment litigation firm for six years and was a legislative analyst for the House Finance and Tax Committee at the Florida Legislature for a little over five years. She currently teaches economics and workplace writing at Southern Methodist University and her teaching doesn't stop on campus—nor do the subjects! She has a passion for things that keep her sane, such as music and movement. They started out as hobbies but became moneymakers in private music lessons, play-shops, and fitness (Pilates and Dance). Her days are NEVER dull! Connect with her If you'd like to continue the conversation and discuss what you heard by joining her free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/managingyourmultipassionatelife* * *It's possible to have a successful portfolio career if you have the personality for it (making money using all of your passions). Some multi-passionate people want to keep the fun for hobbies and the good enough job to pay the bills separate from one another,...

Renaissance woman Nomi Ruiz stops by to chat about Jessica 6, her solo music, essay writing, trans advocacy, Puerto Rico, her Nuyorican identity, intersectional politics, labels, and her role in the new film Haymaker, in which she also acts as producer, Production Coordinator and Unit Production Manager. Subscribe to Endeavours on Apple, Spotify, Deezer Social @EndeavoursRadio --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dan-mcpeake/message

A Unit Production Manager is responsible for advising on and overseeing the film production budget, working with department heads to hire the production film crew, and helping to keep the production on schedule throughout the filming process.  In pre-production, the Unit Production Manager hires crew members and consults with department heads to figure out what the script needs from each department to shoot the film. This entails working on the budget, gear packages, and any special equipment needed for each department. The Unit Production Manager also oversees costume fittings, hair and makeup tests, camera tests, and locations scouts. Throughout this process, they work with the shooting schedule to make sure departments will have what they need when they need it for filming.  During filming, the Unit Production Manager acts as a face for the producers on the set. They support department heads and crew to make sure the shooting schedule is accomplished. In the event that a crew member must be fired, the Unit Production Manager will accomplish the task respectfully and with regard to employment contracts and union guidelines. 

In Episode 11 - Scream Test we hear from Ginger Cook, a co-producer and Unit Production Manager for the full-length thriller film, Scream Test, which filmed almost entirely in Winter Haven this spring. Ginger shares information about the film and what their experience has been like recording with Dolphin Image Studios and in Winter Haven. We also learn about the nonprofit Heart for Winter Haven and the housing initiative in Winter Haven to help prevent homelessness with Brad Beatty. This podcast is sponsored by Dolphin Image Studios, the Fred Simons Insurance Agency – Farmers Insurance, Meeks Real Estate LLC and AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

Nicci Freeman is a season Line Producer and Unit Production Manager, & Directors Guild of America member who worked based from Los Angeles and Europe.  In this part 1 episode we talk about what she does and the path that found her here at this moment in time.

Zach Earnest and Karthik Ramaswami are two executives on a new film entitled THE LOST SON. Zach wrote the film, is a co-director and is a creative executive director while Karthik is the Unit Production Manager and serves as a logistical executive producer. Click below to donate to their Indegogo! DONATE NOW!

In this episode we talk with Seth Edelstein about his process of finding and hiring the right people.. Seth started out in the film world as a Production Assistant and then got into the DGA Trainee program in the 90s and went on to work as an 2nd 2nd AD, 2nd AD, 1st AD and now Unit Production Manager. Some of Seth’s credits include Nightcrawler, Liar Liar, Dodgeball, Speed, Beethoven 2nd, Better Caul Saul, American Crime Story, The Mentalist, Without a Trace to name a few. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

Cleve Landsberg has led a long career, working on films such as 'Weekend at Bernie's', 'BASEketball' and 'Bruce Almighty'. Cleve has also previously been honored with the DGA's Frank Capra Achievement Award, given to an Assistant Director or Unit Production Manager in recognition of their career and service to the industry and the DGA. In this episode of Write On, Cleve discusses the role of a Unit Production Manager and Line Producer on a film set and how they relate to the overall creative filmmaking process. He also discusses the new Tags Mode feature in Final Draft 11, which he helped develop. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write On podcast on iTunes! 

In a special episode, Liam, Matt and Paul are joined by the most prolific Star Trek Director of all time, David Livingston, for an exclusive interview.  Hear how he started out as Unit Production Manager in the early days of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ before stepping into the Director’s chair for a record breaking run of a combined 62 episodes of TNG, DS9, Voyager and Enterprise. Learn how he switched between Director and Supervising Producer mode when on set and what an experience it was bringing George Takei’s Sulu back to the franchise for Trek’s 30th anniversary. We also discover how Hitchcock and John Ford influenced his own work and of course there’s plenty of chat on David’s favourite subject, ‘The Beatles’. Apologies for the background noise during this episode, but we encourage you to persevere as David has so many great insights from almost 20 years of working in the world of Trek for you to hear. As usual you can find SPOCKLIGHT on: TWITTER - @spocklightpod INSTAGRAM – @spocklightpod FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/spocklightpod/ EMAIL - spocklightpod@gmail.com Please Follow, like, share and all that good stuff.   Credit for our wonderful theme music goes to the incredibly talented, Adam Johnston’s, you can find more of his work at - https://adamjohnstonuk.bandcamp.com/ Our beautiful artwork was created by Stephen Trumble, see more at http://www.stephentrumble.com     

Planetary Union Network: The Orville Fan Podcast (episode 018) is pleased to welcome Jason Roberts (The Orville Unit Production Manager) and Tom Costantino (The Orville Associate Producer, Editor). Co-hosts Dan, Joe, and Michael chat with Jason about their recent visit to the set of The Orville and about the role of a unit production manager on TV show like The Orville. Be sure to follow Planetary Union Network: The Orville Fan Podcast on Facebook and Twitter, Instagram, and now on Tumblr!

Have you ever been at a crossroad in life and thought about giving up? Listen today as Becky Haynie shares what happens when you don’t give up. Becky's love of film began when she watched her first episode of Star Trek. She started her journey in the theatre. Working in many local theatre productions and small high school film projects Becky decided to pursue a degree in theatre. In 2010 Becky graduated with a Bachelors in Theatre Arts. With her strong background for storytelling and classical training, she returned to film. She has worked in front of the screen and behind the scenes as a Unit Production Manager, Director, First Assistant Director, Writer and most recently a Producer. Becky started Never Surrender L.L.C. when she realized she had a unique skill set to offer the local film community. Becky has had the opportunity to work on such award-winning projects as "Star Trek Continues" and "Closets." As well as films such as "Alienate," "Enemy Unknown" and her upcoming series "Space Watch." She is currently working on several upcoming projects. You can find Becky online at www.beckyhaynieactress.com, and you can view her work on youtube under Never Surrender Films.

Lucía Castellano Vega and Inés Mongil Echandi is the team of directors behind the lovely short doc., Clubman 13.3.13. The piece trails one man whose work ethic, dignity, and elegance reveals itself by his own words and actions. For over sixty-years, this man devoted himself to men’s wear. His sense of honor and duty reflected. The story is so simple it feels like a caress, a gesture. What gets us up each day? How come we live and for what? What is our purpose? How does time change and alter what we do and focus on? What happens when circumstances change and we must take a different course? Clubman 13.3.13 addresses these themes. A poetic story about lifelong commitments but also about a changing labor market and workforce. The protagonist holds to his work ethic because he knows only it, will save him. As long as he has his will to live there is always something to do. Inés and I talk life, finding stories, elegance, and dignity. #clubman13313 #clubman #santurce #shortdoc #womendirectors #work #menswear

Interview with Mark Moran. Educated as an aerospace engineer at Virginia Tech Mark Moran spent years as an aerospace engineer supporting the Space Station development  Mark worked for the Census Bureau and was the Unit Production Manager for a feature that starred A-lister George Takei from the original series Star Trek cast Directed first movie Blast & Whisper: Elijah's Story and is working on Yard Sale 411 a show about flea markets.

Follow Your Passion, No Matter What!This is a special episode of the podcast guys. I recently had a good friend of mine pass, Allan Wertheim. He was a legendary First Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager. Allan and I worked together almost 20 years ago on one of my first directing gigs. This is by far the most difficult project I have ever worked on and Allan was kind enough to mentor me and protect me from the siutation. He passed a few days ago at the age of 72 and my friend left it all on the field. He worked with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese and David Fincher but more importantly lived a happy life with his family. I wanted this episode to spotlight the fact that you can't leave with the music still inside of you. Take a listen to this special episode. I hope it inspires you a bit. Right click here to download the MP3LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEAllan Wertheim - IMDBRaging BullSe7enLove StorySaturday Night FeverAction Items:Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes,  Stitcher, Soundcloud or via RSS.If you like Follow Your Passion, No Matter What!, then click below:How I Made Over $90,000 Selling my Short FilmEnjoyed this post? Please share it in your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, email etc) by using social media buttons at the side or bottom of the blog. Or post to your blog and anywhere else you feel it would be a good fit. Thanks.I welcome thoughts and remarks on ANY of the content above in the comments section below...Get Social with Indie Film Hustle:Facebook: Indie Film HustleTwitter: @indiefilmhustle Instagram: @ifilmhustleYouTube: Indie Film Hustle TVPodcast: IFH PodcastPodcast: Film Festival Hacks PodcastIFH: Filmmaking Hacks

Christian Ijin Link is listed on IMDb as having worked in 14 different departments. He recently served as Unit Production Manager on The Magic Bracelet, which is a project of the Make a Film Foundation, directed by Jon Poll, adapted by Diablo Cody, and starring Bailee Madison, Hailee Steinfeld, Jackson Rathbone, JK Simmons, and James...

Jesse Sternbaum, 1st Assistant Director and Carrie Tyson, Unit Production Manager. Both are currently working on "The Intervention," the film that Kamala is in. They talk about their jobs, budgeting, scheduling and handling challenges that arise on set.