Episodes

  • HEY! Show Some Respect! WTH!!?

    HEY! Show Some Respect! WTH!!?
    May 17 2025
    Respecting classic films is essential not just for nostalgia, but for honoring the artistry, vision, and cultural impact they’ve had over generations. Studios like Disney built their legacies on stories that resonated deeply with audiences around the world. Films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were groundbreaking—technically, artistically, and emotionally. They weren’t just children’s tales; they were reflections of the values and aesthetics of their time, crafted with care and purpose. When studios revisit these classics, it’s crucial to preserve the spirit that made them timeless while still offering fresh interpretations. The controversy surrounding the live-action Snow White remake showed what happens when this balance is lost. Comments made by the lead actress, which came off as dismissive and even critical of the original film and its characters, were viewed by many as disrespectful to the legacy of the original. Instead of honoring the story that introduced generations to Disney magic, the remake was marketed with a tone that suggested the original was somehow outdated or wrong. This alienated long-time fans who saw it not as a modern update, but as a rejection of something beloved. Ultimately, the box office failure of the remake spoke volumes. Audiences want to feel that filmmakers respect what came before them—that they understand the emotional connection people have to these stories. Reimagining classics is not the problem; it's the approach that matters. When reinterpretation is done with reverence, it can be powerful. But when it's done with condescension or disdain, it risks destroying both the legacy and the remake. Snow White became a cautionary tale—not just about remakes, but about the importance of respecting the past while walking into the future. Remakes That Worked: 1. The Jungle Book (1967 → 2016)
    Jon Favreau’s 2016 live-action/CGI remake of The Jungle Book honored the spirit of the 1967 Disney animated classic while updating the visuals and tone for a modern audience. It maintained the heart and charm of the original—especially through characters like Baloo and Bagheera—while expanding the story with deeper emotional layers and stunning, realistic visuals. Unlike some remakes, it didn't attempt to "fix" the past but rather celebrated it with new cinematic tools. 2. True Grit (1969 → 2010)
    The Coen Brothers' remake of True Grit was a triumph in storytelling. While the original starred the legendary John Wayne in an Oscar-winning role, the 2010 version paid homage to the source novel by Charles Portis and delivered a more authentic and gritty tone. Jeff Bridges took on the Rooster Cogburn role with reverence, and the film’s darker, more realistic portrayal of frontier justice was praised by both fans and critics. It showed how a remake can deepen the source material rather than replace it. 3. A Star is Born (Multiple versions, latest in 2018)
    The 2018 version starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper marked the fourth remake of A Star is Born—and arguably one of the most emotionally resonant. Rather than trying to outshine its predecessors, it leaned into the timeless theme of fame, love, and loss. The chemistry between the leads, raw performances, and contemporary music all honored the story’s legacy while making it feel fresh and relevant. 4. Little Women (Multiple versions, most recently 2019)
    Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women was a masterclass in respecting a classic while innovating in structure and style. The non-linear storytelling gave the characters emotional depth and added layers to their journeys. Gerwig stayed faithful to Louisa May Alcott’s themes but modernized the delivery, making the film deeply relatable to today’s viewers without altering the soul of the story. 5. West Side Story (1961 → 2021)
    Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story treated the iconic 1961 film with deep respect, preserving its musical brilliance and Shakespearean roots (Romeo and Juliet) while correcting past missteps, such as casting authentically Latinx actors in Puerto Rican roles. Spielberg enhanced the storytelling with modern cinematography and raw performances, proving that a remake can both preserve and improve on a classic when made with care and integrity.
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    26 mins
  • Editing Can Save Your A$$!!

    Editing Can Save Your A$$!!
    May 17 2025
    Editing a film is one of the most challenging and often overlooked aspects of filmmaking. It's where the story truly comes together—or falls apart. No matter how brilliant the script or how breathtaking the performances, if the edit is off—if the pacing drags, if scenes don’t flow, or if crucial emotional beats are missed—the entire film can suffer. Editors are tasked with making thousands of tiny decisions that shape the viewer's experience, and each choice matters. It’s not just about cutting for time; it’s about building rhythm, creating tension, and guiding the audience’s emotions from scene to scene. A great edit can completely transform a mediocre film into something powerful, while a poor one can destroy even the most promising project. In post-production, editors have the power to fix performance issues, adjust the tone, or even reshape the structure of the story. Iconic films have been saved in the editing room—pacing tightened, scenes reordered, and performances polished into something magical. On the other hand, many films have lost their impact because of sloppy or uninspired edits that left audiences confused or detached. The editor is essentially the final storyteller, weaving all the pieces together to create a seamless whole. That’s why finding a skilled editor is like striking gold. A great editor understands storytelling, timing, and emotion just as deeply as a director does. They bring a fresh perspective to the footage, often seeing connections or improvements that others missed on set. The right editor doesn’t just cut—they collaborate, enhance, and elevate the vision of the film. For filmmakers, building a strong relationship with an editor can mean the difference between a forgettable project and a career-defining masterpiece. In short, editing isn’t just important—it’s everything.
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    21 mins
  • Why Is CASTING So HARD!!!??

    Why Is CASTING So HARD!!!??
    May 17 2025
    Casting a film is one of the most challenging aspects of filmmaking because it requires a perfect blend of artistry, intuition, and logistical precision. At its core, casting is about finding actors who can not only embody the characters but also elevate the material in a way that feels authentic to the story. However, it’s not just about individual talent — it’s about chemistry, nuance, and timing. A miscast role, even with a brilliant actor, can derail a scene or an entire film. Directors and casting teams must imagine how different personalities will interact on screen, often making decisions based on auditions that last only minutes or tape submissions without any in-person connection. Another major difficulty lies in balancing creative vision with practical realities. A director might have a very specific image or feeling in mind for a character, but those ideas often clash with budget constraints, scheduling conflicts, or demands from producers and studios. Big-name talent might boost the chances of a film getting funded or distributed, but that doesn’t always mean they're the right fit for the role. This tug-of-war between art and commerce means casting directors often work under intense pressure, trying to please multiple stakeholders while staying true to the story. Finally, casting is difficult because it’s deeply unpredictable. Sometimes, the perfect actor walks in and nails the audition on the first try, but more often, it involves reviewing hundreds of submissions, conducting multiple callbacks, and taking risks on unknowns. There's also an emotional toll: rejecting talented actors who may be great but simply not right for the part. And even after all that work, the true success of a casting decision may not be evident until the cameras are rolling — or even until the film is edited and released. It’s a high-stakes process where intuition meets business, and there’s rarely a clear formula for getting it right. Three Ways To Empower Yourself When Casting. 1. Deeply Understand Your Characters Before you begin casting, take the time to develop a crystal-clear understanding of who each character is — not just on the surface, but their emotional core, history, and how they function in the overall story. This clarity helps you communicate what you’re looking for during auditions and allows you to recognize the right fit, even if it comes in an unexpected form. Create character breakdowns that go beyond age and appearance, focusing on tone, emotional range, and energy. The more detailed your vision, the easier it becomes to identify actors who can bring those characters to life. 2. Be Open During the Audition Process While it’s important to have a vision, staying flexible is key. Sometimes the best performances come from actors who interpret the role differently than you imagined — and that spark of originality can unlock something better than you originally envisioned. Let actors make bold choices during auditions and consider chemistry reads to see how different combinations of talent work together. Trusting your instincts while staying open to surprise is one of the best ways to discover casting gold. 3. Work Closely with a Skilled Casting Director Partnering with an experienced casting director can drastically improve your chances of assembling the right cast. They bring not only a deep network of talent but also the ability to interpret your vision and filter auditions accordingly. A good casting director also understands the business side — from negotiating deals to navigating union rules — allowing you to focus more on performance and storytelling. Collaborating closely and communicating clearly with your casting team ensures the process stays efficient, creative, and aligned with the heart of your film.
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    25 mins
  • What's Your Story? Where Can You Find Your Next Story Idea?

    What's Your Story? Where Can You Find Your Next Story Idea?
    May 17 2025
    Finding your story to tell in a film often starts with something deeply personal. It may be a memory, a feeling, or even a question you’ve never quite answered. The hard part is knowing what’s worth telling—and that’s where doubt creeps in. You might ask, “Is this interesting enough? Hasn’t this been done?” But storytelling isn't about novelty alone—it's about your voice. What makes your perspective unique is how you’ve lived, what you’ve survived, and the lens through which you see the world. The truth is, the best stories come from your own truth, even if they're told through fiction.
    The journey gets harder when you're overwhelmed by the possibilities. You may feel the pressure to be profound, or to impress others, instead of being honest. This is where many writers get stuck, trying to shape something “important” instead of something real. But the world around you—its chaos, beauty, silence, and contradictions—can be your compass. A conversation overheard at a bus stop, a sunset over an empty parking lot, or the loneliness you felt in a crowded room can spark something powerful. Observation is your greatest tool. When you start seeing the world as raw material instead of background noise, inspiration floods in. To find and write your story, start with these three actions: 1. Journal without judgment – Write every day for 10 minutes about anything: memories, frustrations, dreams, or random images. Let your voice lead you. 2. Take long walks with no phone – Let your mind wander. Notice what pulls your attention emotionally or visually—those are story clues. 3. Write a scene, not a script – Pick one moment you can see clearly and write just that. Dialogue, action, emotion. Don’t worry about where it fits—just get it out.
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    25 mins
  • Film Pitches Suck But You Need One

    Film Pitches Suck But You Need One
    May 12 2025
    Would you like to build a pitch deck or one-sheet around your next idea?You said:
    Mention my film too
    ChatGPT said:
    Pitching a film is about telling a compelling story—quickly, clearly, and with purpose. It starts with identifying the emotional core of your project and leading with that. When I pitch, I always start with the hook—one line that captures attention—and then I build out just enough to paint the world and tone without losing momentum. With my film And On That Day, I leaned into the emotional weight of the story: a man haunted by a single moment that changed everything. That premise immediately told people it was a character-driven drama with emotional stakes—and that helped me lock in interest before diving deeper.Understanding who you're pitching to is just as important as understanding your own story. A producer who’s all about return on investment might need to hear about audience potential and comparable films, while a festival programmer wants to know how your film will move people. When I’ve pitched And On That Day, I’ve adapted the approach—sometimes highlighting its intimate style and awards potential, and other times emphasizing its stripped-down, gritty production value that makes it both powerful and budget-friendly. Having visual references like a mood board or a short teaser can also bring the story to life in ways words can’t.Lastly, I treat every pitch like a two-way conversation. The goal isn’t just to get someone to say “yes”—it’s to spark interest and create momentum. I listen, adjust, and respond honestly. During early pitches for And On That Day, I learned a lot just by letting people ask questions and seeing where they connected emotionally. That feedback helped me sharpen the way I talk about the film and even tweak the narrative slightly. When your passion is real and you’ve done the work, people can feel it—and that’s when a pitch really lands.Want to develop a solid pitch deck or a one-liner for your next project together?
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    26 mins
  • Directing! Why Would Anyone Want To Do This!_

    Directing! Why Would Anyone Want To Do This!_
    May 10 2025
    Directing a film, for me, is about choosing the lens—literally and metaphorically—through which my story will be told. Sometimes I step into the role of a visionary, focusing on visual composition and mood. Other times, I’m deep in the trenches with the actors, working to unlock raw, authentic performances. With And On That Day, I found myself blending multiple approaches. There was a minimalist stillness in the park bench scene that allowed the emotion to breathe, and yet I also relied on structure and pacing to slowly reveal the story. I didn’t always plan for these angles—they emerged naturally—but looking back, I see how each one contributed to the final experience. I’ve learned that no single directing style is sacred. Flexibility is key. One moment I’m orchestrating a delicate emotional beat, the next I’m adapting to a lighting change or a location issue like a guerrilla filmmaker. That’s the beauty of directing—reading the energy on set and adjusting in real time. What made And On That Day special was how all these angles worked together to serve the story. Now, moving forward, I want to be more intentional with my choices—knowing when to trust instinct, when to lean into structure, and when to just let a scene breathe. 🎬 Three Things I’m Doing to Become a Better Filmmaker: 1. Watching films like a director, not just a fan. I analyze how scenes are shot, lit, blocked, and edited, and I think about how I would’ve approached them. 2. Rehearsing with actors more deeply. I’m spending more time exploring characters with the cast so that their performances feel lived-in from day one. 3. Shooting short scenes regularly. Even without a full production, I’m keeping myself sharp by filming quick scenes—testing new techniques, trying different styles, and learning from every frame.
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    27 mins
  • Hey Actors!!! You're Responsible Too!!

    Hey Actors!!! You're Responsible Too!!
    May 8 2025
    An actor's responsibilities on set go far beyond just delivering lines. Professionalism is key—actors are expected to show up on time, be prepared with their lines memorized, and understand their character’s motivations and relationships within the story. This preparation helps maintain the production schedule and shows respect for the cast and crew’s time. Being mentally and emotionally present during takes is also critical, as it allows for the best performances and keeps the creative energy flowing smoothly.
    Collaboration is another major responsibility. Filmmaking is a team effort, and actors must be willing to listen to the director’s guidance, adjust their performances as needed, and interact respectfully with fellow actors and crew members. Creating a positive working environment helps everyone stay focused and boosts morale. Actors should also be mindful of continuity and blocking, which are crucial for the visual and narrative consistency of a scene. Here are three key "what to do's" for actors on set: 1. Be prepared – Know your lines, understand your character, and come to set ready to work. 2. Respect the process – Be punctual, follow direction, and maintain a positive, cooperative attitude. 3. Stay present and aware – Pay attention to your surroundings, including camera positioning, lighting cues, and scene continuity to avoid costly reshoots.
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    25 mins
  • Stealing From The Classics!? How Dare You?!

    Stealing From The Classics!? How Dare You?!
    May 8 2025
    Here’s a list of 5 big budget great classic films and 5 low-budget classic to study. Studying classic films is essential for directors because these works serve as foundational blueprints for cinematic storytelling. They showcase the evolution of visual language, editing techniques, and narrative structures that continue to influence modern filmmaking. Directors like Hitchcock, Welles, and Kurosawa mastered the use of camera movement, lighting, and composition to convey emotion and meaning—tools that remain vital for any filmmaker. By analyzing these techniques, modern directors can build on what has worked, understand the roots of cinematic language, and develop a more refined visual and narrative style. Moreover, classic films often reflect the cultural, social, and political climates of their time, offering directors rich context and inspiration for crafting meaningful stories. These films pushed the boundaries of what was possible in their eras, demonstrating innovation under constraints—whether technological, budgetary, or societal. By studying how past filmmakers overcame challenges and communicated universal themes, directors today gain not only technical insight but also a deeper appreciation for storytelling as a powerful, enduring art form. Classic films are more than just historical artifacts—they're creative roadmaps that help directors find their unique voice.
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    28 mins
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