The Smith Society: Recent Episodes
VOKSEE
The Smith Society is a podcast that focuses on the intricacies of storytelling, while giving an open and honest platform for each guest to shine and provide their own insight to empower each listener through the strength of their own experiences.
Smith (noun) - MAKER
Since the beginning of time, secret societies have existed to preserve history, stories, knowledge and folklore. Now, it’s your turn. The Smith Society is the club, and you have the password. This space is for storytellers to pass along their wisdom, retell their stories, and connect with those who have shared experiences. The Smith Society is an intimate look at how creatives who often go against the grain make their presence known. By discovering this secret passageway and diving in, you’ve made a commitment to learn and be a part of something bigger than yourself. This interview-style series is here to focus on our members to strengthen the collective, not the other way around. Our goal is to make the world a better place through sharing experience, struggles, passions, advice and thoughtful stories.
I am so EXCITED to share the wonderful conversation I had with the incomparable, unfairly talented, multifaceted and all around extraordinary human, Chelsea Devantez. We discuss so many things: careers, maritime law, how to get promoted in a writers room, the best enchiladas in New Mexico and so much more!
Devantez is an Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, director, and actor. Most recently she was Jon Stewart’s head writer for The Problem with Jon Stewart, on Apple TV Plus which she left to begin an overall deal with 20th century Fox to develop her own TV shows. Devantez is currently writing a book of essays which will be published by Hanover Imprint at Harper Collins next fall. Last year she sold a single-cam to CBS titled “This is Our Year,” which was inspired by her growing up with a single mom in the Southwest. Devantez hosts the podcast, “Celebrity Book Club,” on Stitcher which was the very first pick for Apple Podcasts Spotlight Program and has been downloaded over 3 million times.
Devantez wrote for Tina Fey, Robert Carlock and Meredith Scardino's show Girls5Eva, on Peacock, both seasons of Liz Meriwether’s Bless this Mess on ABC, Mike Schur and Josh Malmuth’s Abby’s on NBC, Jon Stewart’s HBO Project, The Opposition with Jordan Klepper on Comedy Central, and Mike Meyers’ Gong Show revival.
Her short film, “Basic,” which I wrote, directed and starred in, was an official selection of SXSW 2020 as well as Santa Barbara International Film Festival and many more. It won “Best Comedy” of the year at HollyShorts and “Best Indie Short” of the year at Festigious, and several other awards for best score.
More about Chelsea Devantez:
https://www.chelsearosedevantez.com
Follow Chelsea Devantez on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chelseadevantez
Tomacito’s - Santa Fe
https://tomasitas.com
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.
Thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod/
Host: Duane Fernandez
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
I’m excited to share a conversation I had with the INSANELY talented, writer director. Agnieszka Smoczyńskai is a Polish film and television writer and director. She is most known for her debut feature film THE LURE which was released in the US by the Criterion Collection in 2017. She is working on DERANGED, a science fiction opera with David Bowie's music.
THE SILENT TWINS is the astounding true story of twin sisters who only communicated with one another. As a result, they created a rich, fascinating world to escape the reality of their own lives. Based on the best-selling book The Silent Twins, the film stars Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance.
It’s an extraordinary film and it was so thoughtfully assembled by Agnieszka. She creates such beautiful worlds in her films. Absolutely stunning and surreal. The Silent Twins is a captivating work of art. The story is extraordinary, the performances were unforgettable and the production was - ABSOLUTELY - exquisite. Every little detail in this film was considered and masterfully placed with care. Agnieszka delivered a masterpiece.
I love this quote by Letitia Wright, who plays June Gibbons:
“We're looking at the lives of two beautiful, young Black women, two young girls who were just trying to understand themselves within a society that was quite difficult to grow up in. Beautiful creatives. Today, they would be geniuses in this era.”
THE SILENT TWINS is presented by Focus Features and is in theaters September 16th
Starring: Letitia Wright, Tamara Lawrance
Kuba Kijowski - Director of Photography
Jagna Dobesz - Production Designer
Dumebi Anozie - Hair & Makeup Designer
Katarzyna Lewińska - Costume Designer
Agnieszka Glińska - Editor
Produced by: Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, Joshua Horsfield, Anita Gou, Ben Pugh, Ewa Puszczynska
The Silent Twins Trailer:
https://youtu.be/lEN2rk__Xms
Official Website for The Silent Twins:
https://www.focusfeatures.com/the-silent-twins/
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. In this episode we feature the award-winning Clifton Collins Jr..
Thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod/
Host: Duane Fernandez
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
On our latest episode, I’m lucky enough to have a chat with Nena Erb. Nena is an ACE, Emmy-winning film and television editor based in Los Angeles. Raised in an Asian American immigrant family, Nena’s father wanted her to be a doctor and her mother wanted her to be a pianist with the LA Philharmonic. Nena wanted to be Andy Warhol.
After graduating with an art degree, a friend brought her into the entertainment industry and she started working in various capacities in production. It was her stint as an associate producer that opened her eyes to the impact of editing. It combined her love of photography with the art of storytelling, and she was hooked. Since then, Nena has edited on productions for HBO, Universal, CBS, Apple, and others. She is experienced in multiple genres from dramas to feature films, documentaries, and comedy.
In 2016, she received her first Emmy award for her work on HBO’s documentary series Project Greenlight. In 2020, she received an HPA award and her second Emmy award for her work on HBO’s comedy-drama series Insecure. In addition, she has received three ACE Eddie nominations, two for Insecure and the other for CW's acclaimed series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. In 2021, she edited three episodes of the HBO coming-of-age series Genera+ion. She's currently editing Downtown Owl for Sony, and the highly anticipated yet-to-be-named comedy feature directed by Adele Lim, and produced by Point Grey and Lionsgate.
Nena’s Emmy nomination this year is for Insecure’s (Season 5 - Episode 8) "Choices, Okay?!"
Synopsis: At a crossroads in her career, Issa weighs the pros and cons of two viable paths while simultaneously contemplating an important personal next step. Meanwhile, Molly spends an overwhelming day getting her parents' estate plan in order.
Insecure:
Creators: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore
Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales
You can stream Insecure now on HBO Max!
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.
The Smith Society’s goal is to make the world a better place through representing and sharing the experiences, struggles, and passions directly from creative professionals.
thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod/
Host: Duane Fernandez
Fernandez has a strong belief that creativity can change one's circumstance, that the more we teach people to express themselves, the better equipped people are to tackle challenges. We can make the world a better place by sharing personal experiences and stories. That was the inspiration for The Smith Society and is its central goal.
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul.
Edited by: Marshall Baker
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Today we’re sitting down with David Earl and Chris Hayward from Focus Features’ upcoming title, “Brian and Charles.” The film follows Brian (David Earl), a lonely inventor in rural Wales who spends his days building quirky, unconventional contraptions that seldom work. Undeterred by his lack of success, Brian attempts his biggest project yet: an artificially intelligent robot named Charles (Chris Hayward), who learns English from a dictionary and has an obsession with cabbages. What follows is a humorous and entirely heartwarming story about friendship, family, finding love, and letting go.
David Earl is a comedian, best known for his comedy character Brian Gittins. He has featured in several projects associated with Ricky Gervais, most notably as Kevin "Kev" Twine in the comedy-drama Derek, Extras, After Life and the film Cemetery Junction.
Chris Hayward is a writer/performer with extensive experience of the UK comedy scene. He has written for shows including Cardinal Burns and Trollied, and landed development deals with Channel Four, Sky, BBC, ABC, Fox and CBS. As an actor, he has appeared in shows such as The It Crowd, King Gary, Pls Like, and Friday Night Dinner.
Our mission is putting a spotlight on beautiful stories with phenomenal performances. “Brian and Charles” achieves this with such ease – at its core it’s a uniquely charming story that tackles some complex themes in a way that leaves audiences filled with joy, and most importantly, hope.
Brian and Charles:
Directed by Jim Archer
Written by David Earl and Chris Hayward
Produced by Rupert Majendie
Executive Produced by Damian Jones, Mary Burke, Lauren Dark and Ollie Madden
Starring David Earl, Chris Hayward, Louise Brealey, James Michie and Nina Sosanya
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. In this episode we feature the writers and stars of Focus Features’ “Brian and Charles.”
Thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod/
Host: Duane Fernandez
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Wardrobe: Aviator Nation: www.aviatornation.com
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a really good one and I’ve been so excited to share it with you. My next guest is an actor I consider one of the greatest of our generation. He’s worked with everyone from Del Toro to Malick, Tarantino to Soderbergh. He’s an extraordinary actor who loses himself in the life of his film and television characters. Ever evolving, he’s a true chameleon and shapeshifter, presenting us with a new and intriguing character. This is Clifton Collins. Jr.
Clifton Collins Jr. has acting in his blood. His grandfather, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, became an American icon, starring alongside John Wayne and Mel Blanc throughout his career. Clifton burst onto the scene in 1997, but it was his portrayal of Frankie Flowers in Traffic that forever cemented his status as an actor to be taken seriously. Since then he’s stolen the screen in films like Capote and Sunshine Cleaning.
Clifton’s latest film Jockey is yet another work of art, with his titular performance earning him the Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Acting.
Jockey tells the story of an aging jockey competing to win one last title for his longtime trainer, who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider, who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
The Smith Society is an interview series focused on storytellers. It’s an intimate look at artists -- who they are, how they got from A to B, a detailed look at what makes them tick and advice to those pursuing a career in telling stories, as well as some insight into the industry, pitching projects, and, of course, how we can make the world a better place.
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. In this episode we feature the award-winning Clifton Collins Jr..
Thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod/
Host: Duane Fernandez
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
JOCKEY
Directed by: Clint Bentley
Written by: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar
Produced by: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Nancy Schafer
Co-Producer: Linda Halbert
Executive Producers: Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Linda & Jon Halbert, Cheryl & Walt Penn, Genevieve & Mark Crozier, Cindy & John Greenwood, Ann Grimes & Jay Old, Benjamin Fuqua & Jordy Wax, Clifton Collins Jr.
Line Producer: Kelly Bryant
Associate Producer: Stacey Davis
Director of Photography: Adolpho Veloso
Production Designer: Gui Marini
Editor: Parker Laramie
Music by: Bryce Dessner & Aaron Dessner
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
In this episode of The Smith Society we have the incredible opportunity to chat with the extraordinary director (and dear friend), Alice Gu and learn more about The Donut King.
Alice Gu is an award-winning director and Director of Photography. A Los Angeles native, Alice began her career as a director of photography, working with world-renowned directors like Werner Herzog and Stacy Peralta.
In 2017, Alice garnered attention for her work behind the lens of “Take Every Wave: the Life of Laird Hamilton,” a documentary directed by the Academy Award nominated Rory Kennedy.
“The Donut King” is Alice’s feature directorial debut and was slated to premiere at the 2020 SXSW film festival. Despite the festival’s cancellation, the film won the Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling, and went on to win the One in a Million Award at the 2020 Sun Valley Film Festival. “The Donut King” is about the rise and fall of a Cambodian refugee turned donut tycoon. Ted’s story is one of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption. It's the rags to riches story of a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975, and building an unlikely multi-million-dollar empire baking America's favorite pastry: the donut. Ted sponsored hundreds of visas for incoming refugees, and helped them get on their feet teaching them the ways of the donut business.
“The Donut King” is executive produced by Academy Award winners Ridley Scott and Freida Lee Mock.
Alice Gu on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gubird
“The Donut King” Trailer: https://youtu.be/aLKugGKgJsQ
“The Donut King” official website: www.donutkingmovie.com
“The Donut King” Spotify playlist: https://bit.ly/the-donut-king-playlist
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. In this episode, we’re talking with award-winning director Alice Gu.
Thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod
Host: Duane Fernandez
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Sound Mixer: Paul Stula
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
In this episode we’re going to feature a true triple threat, Justin Chon. Justin Chon is a writer, director and actor who also produced (he’s technically a quadruple threat!) the film “Blue Bayou,” a moving and timely story of a uniquely American family fighting for their future.
A Story that Matters: Speaking to Issues of Today
Blue Bayou Logline: As a Korean-American man raised in the Louisiana bayou works hard to make a life for his family, he must confront the ghosts of his past as he discovers that he could be deported from the only country he has ever called home.
Blue Bayou is a moving and timely story of a uniquely American family fighting for their future. Antonio LeBlanc (Chon), a Korean adoptee raised in a small town in the Louisiana bayou, he is married to the love of his life Kathy (Alicia Vikander) and he is the step-dad to their beloved daughter Jessie. Struggling to make a better life for his family, he must confront the ghosts of his past when he discovers that he could be deported from the only country he has ever called home.
Justin Chon is known for his '90s LA Riots drama Gook (2017), which won the NEXT category of the Sundance Film Festival and went on to win him the Independent Spirit award for "someone to watch" in 2018. He followed up with a contemporary Koreatown sibling drama MS. PURPLE (2019), which also premiered at Sundance.
Blue Bayou
Focus Features in association with MACRO and eOne presents Blue Bayou
Written and Directed by: Justin Chon
Produced by: Charles D. King, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Justin Chon
Starring: Justin Chon, Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham, Emory Cohen
Blue Bayou Trailer:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh59H_d19Kg
Official Website for Blue Bayou:
www.focusfeatures.com/blue-bayou
Get tickets for Blue Bayou:
www.focusfeatures.com/blue-bayou/watch/
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. In this episode we’re going to feature the brilliant Justin Chon.
Thesmithsocietypod.com
Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod/
Host: Duane Fernandez
Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
On this episode of The Smith Society we sit down with the wildly creative and brilliant Lee Sung Jin.
Lee Sung Jin is currently the Creator/Writer/Showrunner/Executive Producer of BEEF, a Netflix series starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, produced by A24.
Lee's current television development includes: an A24 animated pilot, THE IMMORTAL JELLYFISH, with writer Joanna Calo, designed by artist Lauren Tsai, and NOWHERE, a half hour pilot with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Point Grey Pictures and Lionsgate Television, directed by Rhys Thomas (DocumentaryNow, Hawkeye).
His past credits include FX’s DAVE, Amazon’s UNDONE, Netflix’s TUCA & BERTIE, HBO’s SILICON VALLEY, and FX’s IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA.
On the feature side, he is currently writing BARNEY for Mattel, Valparaiso, and Daniel Kaluuya, as well as an untraditional theatrical experience, OMNI, starring Jaden Smith with Kanye West and Scooter Braun producing. He is also a producer on A24's LURKER, written by Alex Russell, with Eli Bush and Chris Storer producing.
We recorded this interview in the fall of 2019.
Lee Sung Jin: instagram.com/beherelater
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling. On this episode we’re going to feature the incomparable Lee Sung Jin.
thesmithsocietypod.com
Host: Duane Fernandez
instagram.com/d.h.fernandez
duanefernandez.com
Email and ask a question or share a thought: me@duanefernandez.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info
The Smith Society is a podcast that focuses on the intricacies of storytelling, while giving an open and honest platform for each guest to shine and provide their own insight to empower each listener through the strength of their own experiences.
Smith (noun) - MAKER
Our pilot episode features a short introduction to The Smith Society podcast, the story behind it, what you can expect and what’s in a name. More importantly, this episode features a conversation with the star of the new Focus Features’ film Limbo, Amir El-Masry.
You may know Amir El-Masry from his work in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, Tom Clancy's “Jack Ryan,” Industry, The One, or one of his many other roles. But Amir’s performance in Limbo, taking on the lead role of Omar, is by far one of the most extraordinary performances I have seen in years, and as you’ll hear in this episode, it made me rearrange the entire first season of the podcast.
We discuss how important Limbo is for the world, his absolutely incredible performance and how he prepared for it, his favorite football club, how he got into acting, the food I must have when I visit Cairo and much more. Limbo is out now, and I recommend you all see it as soon as possible, then tell all your friends and family to see it. I truly believe this film can make the world a better place.
www.instagram.com/thesmithsocietypod
www.thesmithsocietypodcast.com
Guest: Amir El-Masry: instagram.com/amirelmasry
Limbo: Omar is a promising young musician. Separated from his Syrian family, he is stuck on a remote Scottish island awaiting the fate of his asylum request.
Limbo: www.focusfeatures.com/limbo
Host: Duane Fernandez
www.instagram.com/d.h.fernandez
www.duanefernandez.com
Email and ask a question or share a thought: me@duanefernandez.com
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacyand California Privacy Notice atart19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info