Uptown Films: Recent Episodes
Green Canvas Productions
A podcast created to improve the Uptown NYC cinema landscape, appreciate the craft of filmmaking, and spotlight the array of career paths within the industry.
Uptown Films builds strong connections between filmmakers who reside in The Bronx, Washington Heights & Harlem through conversations that cover the journey of the filmmaker. This is a podcast for those who are looking to break into the film industry, increase their networks, receive advice to jumpstart their careers, and listen to anecdotes from new to seasoned filmmakers.
This week, we're on-stage with Keith Overton, editor of Big Words and assistant editor of VICE NEWS Tonight, for a special LIVE episode recorded during our launch party! Back in September, we hosted a meet-and-greet/party/podcast recording at The Dugout in the Bronx, with food from La Cueva Fonda and guests from all across the borough. Once everyone had a plateful, we chatted with Keith about the difference between film and literature, the best (and worst) editing softwares, and the future of podcasts. Be sure to watch Big Words on Amazon Prime and check out VICE NEWS Tonight here!
Keith is an editor with technical prowess and a creative approach to post-production: he reads footage like prose. He edited Big Words, a Slamdance Selection and New York Times Pick that has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Keith is currently in LOCAL 700 and works full-time as an assistant editor for the Emmy Award Winning VICE NEWS Tonight, which won a 2021 Peabody Award and 2021 Emmy for OUTSTANDING NEWS CAST. Among Keith’s credits are live performance concerts and non fiction television shows for MTV, VH1, Bravo, Lifetime, The Learning Channel, History Channel, TV One and VICE News.
On this final episode of our first season, we're chatting with Jorgy Cruz, the director of Funny Pains. Jorgy's been a storyteller since childhood, when he discovered Kaliman comic books, El Chavo del Ocho (a TV show from Mexico), and “The Goonies." But for the past thirteen years, he's been telling stories through film: his production company, Longwood Media, brings media to life, from pre- to post-. Funny Pains, produced with Longwood, follows NYC comedian Wendi Starling in pursuit of her stand-up dreams. We asked Jorgy what advice he can give to new directors, how he balances all his projects, and why documentarians should prioritize reality over a beautiful shot.
This is the last episode of season one, but don't worry! We'll be back in a few weeks with a special LIVE episode...
Jorgy Cruz remembers the day he fell in love with stories through the Kaliman comic books, El Chavo del 8 tv show from Mexico, and “The Goonies”. His passion for listening to crazy stories from his dad or uncles took him on a trip every time. Later in life, he found a new love, filmmaking. To his luck, his two loves went together like butter on warm toast. He successfully ran a production company called Grupo 7 and taught screenwriting for short films. He's constantly in his head or writing trying to come up with ways to share his stories and other people’s journeys via video production. After many years of directing projects in Latin America and New York, he made Boston my home. Aside from being obsessed with storytelling, he's a decent cook, a lifelong martial artist, and the proud dad of a beautiful little baby girl named Ella Hope.
This week's episode is with two Co-Founders of Bronx Film 48, a community organization created to increase the number of filmmakers in The Bronx through networking events, workshops, and an annual 48-Hour Film Challenge. Bronx Film 48 was founded in 2019 by our Host Gregory Hernandez, along with filmmakers Ayaris Perez, Edwin Torres, and Christine Garmendiz. Ayaris and Edwin now run the organization with the help of a wonderful group of volunteers and partners. We talk about what it's like to be a person of color running a nonprofit, what the Bronx really needs to solidify its cinema culture, and what Bronx Film 48 is up to next. Be sure to follow them on social media, attend their next event, and participate in next year's 48-Hour Film Challenge!
Ayaris Perez is a queer filmmaker and teaching artist from the Bronx, her teaching artist work is rooted in social justice pedagogy supporting youth in finding their voice through various art forms. She believes film is a form of resistance and healing, that we need to capture our stories to reclaim our narratives and transform Black and Brown voices, in order to affect social change and liberation. Ayaris has worked on various projects from promotional videos to documentary film. Her goal is to foster a safe space for uptown creators, to share their stories as a means of healing and archiving our stories for future generations to come, that is why she co-founded Bronx Film 48.
Edwin Torres has directed several short video projects, and directed music videos and other multimedia projects. Edwin has a theater background working with other actors and acting himself in several community theater productions. He started out participating in student projects as a boom operator and Grip/Electric. He is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in Film/Video. He has participated in a highly competitive internship with HBO's original series, "The Deuce", where he got to assist various departments on set, and worked with assistants of co-creators Nina Noble and David Simon. He has worked as an additional Production Assistant on several television and film productions such as John Wick 3, Joker, and Ray Donovan. Edwin supports advocacy groups in the Bronx such as the North West Bronx Community Clergy Coalition. Edwin is also a video game enthusiast, and teaches a Media Production on Gaming class at Dreamyard's Bx Start space in the Bronx.
This episode is with actress and teaching artist Athena Colón, known for her work in Jessica Jones, Law & Order: SVU, and Vinyl. While Athena brings in a ton of stories from her own time on set, this episode is great for aspiring actors like her students to learn the tips and tricks of the trade. We talk about what it means to be flexible on set, how to build a reel, and why it's important for directors to learn as many verbs as possible.
Athena Colón is a bilingual, native New York actress and teaching artist. Athena has worked as an independent teacher and coach in New York City for 10+ years. She has trained with former Telsey + Company casting director Heidi Marshall as a coach and joyfully prepares actors for screen tests and auditions. While earning her BFA in Theatre from Long Island University, C.W. Post, she co-created a Suzuki-based performance, Third Child, which toured Italy, the Czech Republic, and New York City. Her recent TV credits include Tracy Morgan’s The Last O.G., CBS’s Bull, Martin Scorsese’s Vinyl, New Amsterdam, Jessica Jones, and Law & Order: SVU. When she’s not acting on stage or film, Athena teaches acting and conducts theater workshops in NYC to over five hundred youth annually. She proudly collaborates with the Theater Development Fund, Family Life Theater, and DreamYard.
This week, we're chatting with Melisa Ramos, Post-Production Specialist, Film Instructor, and Lead Curator of the 21 Islands Film Festival! We talk about her pet-peeves as an editor, her work towards making Puerto Rican voices heard, and her criteria when judging film submissions. Be sure to check out Melisa on Instagram, visit the 21 Islands Festival Film Freeway for submission rules, and attend the festival online in February!
Melisa is the Lead Film Curator of the 21 Islands Film Festival and a professional Video Editor/Motion Graphics Artist. She possess a MFA in film has taught Film and Post Production at a university level. Melisa is a creative artist and instructor who enjoys the art of film storytelling and all the design aspects of it. She is always looking forward to create and develop new ideas and offer her capabilities and creativity to achieve excellence in every project she does.
Today we're talking with Danielle Alonzo, the creator of Bronxish, a comedic webseries about the adventures a young woman endures while chasing her dreams. If you haven't seen Bronxish, cancel your plans and grab something to snack on while you binge the series. We talk about how Danielle got the budget, crew, and will power to make this series without financial support or formal deadlines from a network. You can catch Danielle on Instagram and Bronxish on YouTube. While you're at it, why not go to the Uptown Films Instagram and tag Hulu in our latest post so we can get Bronxish on streaming (and maybe even a sponsorship for this podcast)...
Danielle Alonzo is an actress, writer, and the creator of the webseries Bronxish, which recently completed its second season. She grew up in the Bronx and discovered a love for acting at Washington Irving High School. After creating and selling out a one-woman show, she decided to make Bronxish, a comedic miniseries following the adventures of a young actress chasing her dreams. She’s also known for her work on High Maintenance, FBI, and an upcoming show with Mandy Patinkin, Seasoned.
On today's episode we're chatting with Thomas J. Cooksey, the Co-Founder and CEO or Reel Deal Digital. Thomas has been making films since his high school media arts class; and along with the work he produces through RDD, he teaches media arts at the Parks and Recreation Department in NYC. We cover everything from correct exposure in TV to making rounds on the festival circuit. Check out Thomas on Instagram, watch his latest film on Youtube, listen to The RDD Podcast, and buy some merch!
With over ten years of experience in Film production, Thomas Cooksey has created a large portfolio of work. He is currently a Media Arts Teacher with the City of New York and created the city wide video production curriculum for all of the media labs in the NYC Parks Department. Thomas currently is the CEO, Head Director, and Cinematographer of Reel Deal Digital Production Company. He is very passionate about what he does, creative, and determined to succeed.
Reel Deal Digital is a full-service film/video production company built for today. They specialize in high-quality content creation from pre-production to post-production. Founded by four friends in 2017, Reel Deal Digital tries to break the mold by producing artistic and thought-provoking projects across the film, television, and digital platforms. Their company is committed to innovative storytelling and constantly tackling every day social issues.
This week we're chatting with Christina Richardson, the founder of Bronx Film Initiative. BFI provides disadvantaged youth with a much-needed safe space for creative expression through classes in screenwriting, cinematography, editing and more; their "Let's Make a Movie" Power Course gets public school students to produce a short film in just three hours. Christina started this organization to bring the same experience with filmmaking that she got growing up around LA to the Uptown NYC area. We talk about the magical feeling of being on set, what it's like to be a mother in the industry, and creating diversity in film through early education. Check out Christina on Instagram and come out to the Lincoln Square AMC on October 19th at 6pm for the premiere of BFI's student-produced feature film, AJ's Story. You can RSVP by emailing RSVP@bronxfilminitiative.org.
Filmmaker and youth advocate, Christina G. Richardson has been passionate about story-telling her entire life. She is a talented, creative force in the industry, contributing to projects that have been viewed and enjoyed by millions worldwide! Born and raised in South Central, California, Christina was fortunate enough to have a mother who exposed her to filmmaking and television production at a young age. Her mom planted the seeds which eventually gave life to her budding career in the film industry. Now Christina wants to do the same for NYC teens- provide them with life changing exposure to the world of filmmaking.
This episode is with Everette S. Hamlette, a videographer, editor, producer, content creator, marketer, brander, entrepreneur, and award winning writer... basically, a master of all trades. Since his work focuses mainly on the day to day lives of Bronxites, we talk about the Uptown Community and its relationship with film. How can a filmmaker bring visibility to small-owned businesses? How can a documentary address racism in NYC parks? Everette gives us answers and discusses his path to owning his own company. Find him on Instagram @everettehamlette and his business @stylishevproductionsllc.
Everette S. Hamlette is currently producing a documentary called "75 Park: 1 of the 35" with Leave It Better. The film is about a young documentarian, Everette Hamlette, who discovers that his local neighborhood park- 75 Park- is being reconstructed. Curious as to why all of his childhood memories are being altered; he decides to do his own research on the New York City Parks Department.
He is also a media manager at Johnson Security Bureau in the Bronx. There he creates marketing and branding strategies for several small businesses in New York City utilizing social media content to achieve each businesses goals.
Stylish Ev Productions LLC is a Bronx-based media company which specializes in documentary style photography, videography, media and branding.
Stylish Ev Productions captures the story of your business or personal brand and markets that story on media platforms in order to grow your business or personal reach. This is achieved by documenting events happening in your daily business or personal life and transforming it into engaging content.
At Stylish Ev Productions, our brand is a reflection of the Bronx itself. We approach media, marketing, and branding with a raw and creative perspective. We emphasize expression of the truth in unique and creative ways. We also aren't afraid to get dirty. Our work exhibits our grit while maintaining a great sense of professionalism for our clients.
On today's episode, we're chatting with Vivian Vázquez Irizarry and Gretchen Hildebran, the co-directors of Decade of Fire. Vivian is a Bronx-born activist and educator who discovered the racism and neglect that led to a series of local fires in the 1970s—after having lived through them. Gretchen, a filmmaker and editor, worked with Vivian to produce this feature film which tells her story. It's been shown around the country, on PBS, and, of course, in the Bronx. We talk about everything from impact producing to what movie they each would want to star in. Be sure to watch Decade of Fire and check out the educational resources included on their site!
An educator and facilitator, Vivian ran educational and youth leadership development programs at the Coro Foundation, Bronxworks, and until recently, served as the director of community-school partnerships at the New Settlement Community Campus. Vázquez Irizarry managed educational youth development models in GED completion and college access programs across New York City. A former member of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, she was also a member of 52 People for Progress, a community organization that saved her childhood playground and revitalized the South Bronx for the last 35 years.
Gretchen is a documentary filmmaker and editor whose work lives at the intersection of politics, policy and human experience. Credits include: WORTH SAVING (2004), which was presented in HBO’s Frame by Frame showcase; OUT IN THE HEARTLAND (2005) which explored anti-gay legislation in Kentucky. A 2005 graduate of Stanford’s documentary program, Gretchen shot Ramona Diaz’s THE LEARNING (2011) and has edited for the History Channel, PBS and the United Nations Development Programme, as well as on independent documentaries. Gretchen has also made a series of short documentaries used to educate communities across the country about life-saving interventions such as needle exchange and overdose prevention.
This week we're chatting with Mike Wells, a writer living and working in New York. Although according to his bio, he is willing to move to LA… We talk about everything from early-career jobs that just barely pay the bills to pay-to-play workshops that will ultimately help you reach your real career goals. Check out mikewellswroteit.com to learn more about our guest and follow him on Instagram @mikewellswroteit to get updates on his upcoming projects.
Mike Wells is not afraid to explore the dark. He loves hidden worlds, characters with secrets, and genre-bending plot twists. He especially loves when a television show or film presents something familiar in a fresh way. He wants to write things that give you goosebumps, send you down Google rabbit holes, and have you flipping pages at 2 am because you can’t go to bed before finding out what happens at the end. He writes character-driven YA stories with supernatural and fantastical elements from a Black perspective.
Uptown Films is a podcast created to improve the Uptown NYC cinema landscape, appreciate the craft of filmmaking, and spotlight the array of career paths within the industry. This is a podcast for those who are looking to break into the film industry, increase their networks, receive advice to jumpstart their careers, and listen to anecdotes from new to seasoned filmmakers. Follow us on Instagram @uptownfilms_pod!
Gregory Hernandez is a filmmaker, business owner and co-founder of Bronx Film 48. He currently resides in the Bronx. He has a background in video production, post-production, nonprofit management, consulting, copywriting, fundraising, acting, voice over and creative writing. He graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor’s in English and Theatre.
Sophie Ewh is a writer, filmmaker, and podcaster practicing radical openness in her art. When she discovered Whose Line is it Anyway?, she learned how to laugh. After developing an obsession with B-horror movies and mental breakdowns, she tried to make others laugh but mostly just made them nauseous.
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