The Viewfinder Podcast with Chris Hadley: Recent Episodes
Chris Hadley
On the Viewfinder Podcast, you'll hear fascinating in-depth interviews with some of today's most talented indie filmmakers and actors as they take you inside the creative process behind their latest productions.
Peer pressure. Bullying. Family troubles. The need to overachieve. Depressed and overwhelmed by these problems, many teenagers try to solve them not through therapy and medication but through illicit narcotics, alcohol, criminal recklessness, self-harm and, sadly, suicide. However, numerous organizations, parents, teen survivors of suicide attempts and mental health experts are combating the suicide crisis.
So too are amazing filmmakers like our guest on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast, Ashley Rae Harper. Her award-winning short film RED, which she wrote, produced and directed, portrays the ordeal of an embattled adolescent - Billie, played by Chloe Hulgan - who’s hospitalized after her distraught mother and father find that she’s tried to end her life. While in treatment, Billie learns not just about the value of living but also about the value of seeking help for her problems - no matter how impossible they may be to solve.
RED is available to stream on Harper’s YouTube channel, and you can find the link to it in the notes for this week’s show. Before you watch it, though, please remember that it may be too triggering for certain audiences, and if you or someone you love is at risk of suicide, please call or text the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately at 9-8-8. That’s 9-8-8. They can help save your life and the lives of those you care about.
I’m honored to welcome Ashley Rae Harper to the Viewfinder Podcast to discuss this important project and how it will help both teens and their families.
Follow Ashley Rae Harper on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ashleyraeproductionsllc/
Follow Ashley Rae Productions on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ashleyraeproductionsllc/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyraeproductionsllc/
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Music by Audionautix.com
On this week’s show I’m honored and proud to bring you my conversation with an actor, producer and inspirational speaker whose story is one of the most inspiring you’ll hear. His name is Charles D. Clark. He’s appeared on such primetime TV hits as the Fox drama Empire, which co-starred Terrence Howard as hip-hop king Lucious Lyon, whose once-incarcerated ex-wife Cookie (played by Taraji P. Henson) aims to reclaim her piece of their music dynasty, and whose three sons - Jamal (played by Jussie Smollett), Hakeem (played by Bryshere Gray a.k.a. Yazz the Greatest) and Andre (played by Trai Byers) - compete to take over that dynasty from their legendary yet intimidating father. On Empire, Charles played the brutal enforcer/right hand man to Lucious Lyon’s friend and associate, Shyne (played by Xzibit). Empire is also where I and millions of fans - including an amazing online community called The Empire Addicts, of which I am a proud member - first became familiar with Charles’ incredible talent. Aside from Empire, Charles has also appeared on other popular shows like House of Cards and Power Book IV: Force, and in several true crime documentary series such as Relatively Evil, The Perfect Suspect, Who Killed Jane Doe?, Copycat Killers and What Really Happened. He’s worked in small independent films such as the psychological prison thriller Volkov Origin, which he also co-produced, plus big projects like Charm City Kings (co-produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith), Harriet (starring Cynthia Orivo), and the Oscar-nominated biopic Rustin (starring Colman Domingo). Yet his success didn’t come without struggle, and from that struggle has now come a career - and a life - that he is incredibly proud of. For your brand enhancement/fan engagement needs, check out The Media Addicts (from which the @EmpireAddicts fan community and many others originated): https://themediaaddicts.com
This week, actor/writer/producer Kevin Spirtas - co-star and co-creator of the Emmy, GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and Indie Series Award-winning drama AFTER FOREVER - joins us to talk about the acclaimed series' third and final season, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Watch all 3 seasons of the show on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/After-Forever/dp/B07CK6TL1PFind out more about AFTER FOREVER on its official web site:https://afterforevertheseries.com/Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X @ViewfinderPodOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcastMusic by Audionautix.com
Stranded aboard a distant outer space capsule, two women discover a danger bigger than any alien in writer/director Chris Maes' claustrophobic science fiction thriller HEMISPHERE. Maes joins us to discuss the making of his extraordinary first feature film on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.Check out HEMISPHERE on Amazon and Tubi TV:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CKDTS4MM/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rTubi TV: https://tubitv.com/movies/100011499/hemisphereFollow The Viewfinder Podcast on X @ViewfinderPodOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcastMusic by Audionautix.com
Currently seeking funds for its production on IndieGoGo, the chilling horror film SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT is in the viewfinder on this week's show. Our guests: director/co-writer/co-producer Todd Braley, co-star/co-producer and indie horror film legend Debra Lamb, and co-writer/co-producer Itai Guberman.
For more information on how you can contribute to the film's IndieGoGo campaign, visit:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/shadows-of-the-night-unhinged-paranormal-horror
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Joining us on this week's podcast from the indie sci-fi drama DOLWA are its writer/director Alex Suszko and co-star/co-producer Jennifer Prettyman. Find out more about DOLWA on its Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/DolwaMovieFollow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: @ViewfinderPodOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcastMusic by Audionautix.com
Today I'm honored to welcome actor and filmmaker Anike Tourse - the writer, director and co-star of AMERICA'S FAMILY, a new movie that probes America's harsh immigration policy and its impact on the country's undocumented immigrant community through the struggles and resilience of the Diaz family: a family whose lives are suddenly altered when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities arrest mother Marisol (played by Tourse) and deport one of her three sons, Koke (played by Ricardo Cisneros).
Fearing deportation himself, Marisol’s husband and the family’s patriarch, Jorge (played by Mauricio Mendoza), turns to a local synagogue for shelter.
As Marisol, Jorge and Koke contemplate their futures, the Diazes’ second oldest son, lawyer Emiliano (played by Emmanuel Lopez Alonso) confronts both a cruel legal system and overwhelming bureaucracy as he fights to bring his mother, father and oldest brother home.
Once Koke is sent back to Mexico, the stage is soon set for his emotional reunion with his grandmother/Marisol’s mother (played by Dionicia Alvarado Hernandez).
Meanwhile the Diazes’ youngest sibling, Valentina (played by Jailine Arias) reaches out to the social media world for support and guidance as she and her family encounter the greatest crisis they've had to endure: one that proves both their emotional strength and their love for each other.
America’s Family is now available to stream on various digital and on-demand platforms, and is also available on DVD. For more information on the film, including ways you can share it with your community and use it to campaign for immigrants' rights, visit its official web site at:
https://www.americasfamilymovie.com
The film was produced in partnership with immigrant rights organization CHIRLA (the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights). For more info on how you can support CHIRLA's mission of advocating for the rights of immigrants, visit:
https://www.chirla.org/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
This week, I’m honored to welcome Sarah Beim, the creator of the new LGBTQ dystopian thriller cataclysm.begins.
Directed by Katherine Filiseta, the series is set in a world where a faceless but oppressive religious government called The Conclave mandates personal conformity and all but outlaws disagreement with its rule, the series - which is currently raising funds for its proof-of-concept pilot episode on Seed&Spark - co-stars Aria Martinez and Amiere A. Bell as queer teenage siblings Catalina and Xavien Maevery.
After the death of their wealthy politician father, Catalina and Xavien are now tended to by his longtime colleague Helena Knightengale (played by Ami Sheth), a de facto parental figure to the siblings, and given her ties to the Conclave, a possible threat to their lives after a recording of a supposedly private quarrel between Catalina and Xavien regarding their civil rights is suddenly exposed.
Affected by both their sexuality and social class, Catalina, Xavien, Catalina’s friend Lennon (played by Bug Johnson), Xavien’s boyfriend Noah Archwell (played by Sam Vukic) confront the daily repression of their freedoms and their loves while attempting to survive an anti-government uprising that could liberate them if it succeeds - or make their suffering worse if it fails.
Find out more about cataclysm.begins here:
https://www.cataclysmbegins.com/
Contribute to cataclysm.begins' Seed&Spark crowdfunding campaign:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/cataclysm-begins
Watch cataclysm.begins on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCANilHntmEShI_-lRo1OzIA/featured
Follow cataclysm.begins on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cataclysm.beginswebseries
Follow cataclysm.begins on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cataclysm.begins/
Follow catacylsm.begins on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@cataclysm.begins
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Directed by Matthew Mishory, the emotional and picturesque documentary film Fioretta is both about a father and son’s incredible search for their family’s ancestry and about how that quest links both the generationally different men - and their heritage - in extraordinary ways.
Mishory's cameras accompany avid genealogist and acclaimed lawyer Randol Schoenberg, who in 2004 represented Austrian refugee Maria Altmann as she sued her homeland's government for ownership of 5 beloved Gustav Klimt paintings that the Nazis robbed from her family before World War II. That case was dramatized in the 2015 film Woman in Gold, with Ryan Reynolds playing Schoenberg and Helen Mirren in the role of Altmann.
Following Randy is his 18-year-old son Joey, a studying chef who prior to journeying with his father has little knowledge of or interest in investigating his family's 500 years-long history.
Their biggest objective: to learn about and discover the final resting place of their oldest relative, Fioretta - the wife of Rabbi Elijah Menachem Halfon, who in the 16th century was one of several rabbis consulted about the divorce between Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Both descendants of famed classical composer Arnold Schoenberg, Randy and Joey discover some of the most revealing facts about their family's past plus incredible physical evidence of their ancestors’ existence in several centuries-old artifacts during the present-day Schoenbergs’ visits to museums, cemeteries and other landmarks throughout Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Assisted by a knowledgeable and caring collection of local historians and family members, Randy and Joey learn not just about who they are and how their family's heritage has defined them but they also gain something equally valuable: a greater connection to themselves and their roots.
I'm honored to welcome Matthew and Randy to discuss Fioretta now on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.
Find out more about Fioretta here:
https://www.rubberringfilms.com/fioretta
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On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Joining me on this week’s show are three of the brilliant minds behind the acclaimed fantasy web series REN: THE GIRL WITH THE MARK - co-creators Kate Madison and Christopher Dane, and showrunner Neil Oseman.
The internationally popular series’ first season, which debuted in 2016 and has racked up as many fans as it has awards, is now approaching its second season with more adventures, more action, and a new actor (Oriana Charles) in the title role of an ordinary villager whose sudden scarring by an ancient spirit transforms her into both a powerful warrior and an enemy to her community.
In season 1, Sophie Skelton (who’s now starring in another hit fantasy series, OUTLANDER), played Ren, while Dane co-starred as Ren’s mentor Karn. Season 2 of REN will premiere sometime next year, and scripts for its third season are already being prepped.
Now on the Viewfinder Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Kate, Chris and Neil to discuss how the second season of this extraordinary project - produced and shot on a low budget like its first season but possessing amazingly high quality - was re-birthed after several years of dormancy.
Watch REN on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/mythicaentertainment
The show is also available on its official web site:
https://www.renthegirlwiththemark.com/
Follow REN on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/rentheseries
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/rentheseries
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renthegirlwiththemark/
Sign up for exclusive REN content on the show's Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/renthegirlwiththemark
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On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Continuing the review of the 2023 Louisiana Film Prize, I'm honored to bring you my chat with this year’s winner of the event’s Best Performance award: actor Cheryl Shelton, the star of writer/director Monique Derouselle's grand prize-winning short THE CANDY LADY. In that film, Cheryl plays the titular candy lady - here named Debra. When she's not serving sweets and treats to her neighbors from her home-based shop, Debra is an imaginative yet creatively stumped author who - thanks to her enormously powerful typewriter - unexpectedly sees her page-bound characters go from words on crumpled-up paper to flesh-and-blood realities in her very own home with zany results. Music by Audionautix.com
For the third straight year, The Viewfinder Podcast is thrilled to bring you a recap of the annual Louisiana Film Prize. Held each October in Shreveport, and with a brilliant series of short films and filmmakers competing for the event's grand prize of $25,000, the 2023 edition of Film Prize again showcased the excellence and talent of the Pelican State's independent film community.
In this year's top 5 films is CAUGHT ON TAPE, directed and co-written by Chris Alan Evans and Prize Fest veteran Alexander Jeffery, and co-starring Finnegan Collins as Finn, a teenager who constantly stumbles every time he tries to verbally express his feelings for his would-be girlfriend (played by Carolanne Adams).
With his friends advising him that watching X-rated movies will boost his confidence, Finn discovers a well-hidden porno tape at the home of his dad (played by Evans). Though mesmerized at first, Finn ultimately learns that unlike the fake and way-too-mature sexual foreplay he watches on TV, there’s nothing that compares to real romance and human companionship.
See more amazing indie short films, including several past Film Prize entrants such as PEEPING TODD and Jeffery's 2015 Prize-winning THE BESPOKE TAILORING OF MR. BELLAMY, on Crafty:
https://www.youtube.com/@craftyshortfilms
Social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), Snapchat and Tiktok are the top sources of information and communication for teenagers worldwide. Unfortunately, some of them have used those platforms not to connect with their peers or to track their favorite interests but to put themselves - and their friends - in dangerous and sometimes deadly situations. The dark side of social media, and how its misuse has often cost families their children, is portrayed through a desperate father’s battle to discover who killed his beloved son - and why he died - in the compelling thriller The Post, written and directed by Justin Hunt and co-starring Angus Benfield. Justin and Hunt will join me shortly to discuss the film on this week’s podcast.The Post, which as of this recording has debuted in very limited release, stars Benfield (who also co-produced it) as Jett Sanders, a man whose existence is immediately upended when he and his family see a viral video of their son Jake (played by Zachariah West) being violently attacked by a group of high school football players. Frustrated with local police’s slow-walking of the investigation of Jake’s murder, and exasperated by school officials’ insincerity towards him, Jett begins an aggressive search for his son’s killers, but when the suspects - including megastar quarterback Dickey Burnham (played by Justin’s son Lantz Hunt) - become victims themselves, Jett discovers that his son’s death and the video of his brutal demise is part of an even more disturbing conspiracy. Find out more about THE POST here: https://www.lamaentertainment.com/the-post Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: @ViewfinderPodOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcastMusic by Audionautix.com
On this very special 100th episode of The Viewfinder Podcast, I'm honored to welcome back the brilliant writer/director Scott Sullivan (TRIGGER GIRL, THE UNKNOWABLE KATHRYN BONAIR, GRAVITY). This time, he tells us about his second feature-length film CHANCES, the compelling story of a troubled gang member who's given one final chance to escape from gun and gang violence - or risk losing more than his freedom. Thanks very much to Scott for joining me on this milestone episode of the show, and most of all, thanks to all of our listeners and guests who've made The Viewfinder Podcast a success over the past few years. None of that would have ever been possible without you, and I look forward to bringing you more of these fascinating chats about the creative life in the years to come. Here's to 100 more and beyond!Visit Sulliscope Films' web site for more info on CHANCES and the rest of the company's works:https://www.sulliscope.com/Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: @ViewfinderPodOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcastMusic by Audionautix.com
On our last show, we examined the humorous side of horror in the zany spoof HAUNTED HOUSE OF PANCAKES. This week on The Viewfinder Podcast, we transition to horror in its most emotional and frightening form as we discuss the psychological thriller DISREMEMBERED, the latest feature produced by Chicago indie horror entertainment specialists Acrostar Films.
Currently, the company is running an IndieGoGo crowd funding campaign for production of DISREMEMBERED, and you can access the link to that campaign in the notes for this week’s show. Regardless of whether or not the campaign meets or surpasses its goal of $10,000 for that production, DISREMEMBERED will shoot later this November, with a release scheduled for sometime next year.
Joining us to talk about it are our guests: the film’s co-writer and director Steve Hermann, producer Ann Myrna, and its co-stars Morrigan Thompson and Angel Nichole Bradford - the latter of whom last teamed up with Steve and Ann on Acrostar’s romantic thriller DESPERATE SOULS.
To contribute to the film’s IndieGoGo campaign, visit:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/disremembered-psychological-thriller-horror-film
Watch the trailer for DISREMEMBERED here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjN5i49QAM0&ab_channel=AcrostarFilms
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On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
When a demonic waffle maker possesses a local greasy spoon's once-scrumptious menu of bacon, toast, eggs, waffles and pancakes on Halloween night, the diner's hungry patrons take up forks, knives and everything but the kitchen sink in a life-and-death standoff with killer breakfast food in the outrageous horror comedy HAUNTED HOUSE OF PANCAKES.
Here to talk about this deliciously diabolical feature film are my guests on this week's Viewfinder Podcast, the hilarious and talented team of Nathan Dalton (who directed HAUNTED HOUSE OF PANCAKES) and Paul Newton (who co-wrote and co-produced the movie with Dalton).
The film’s IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign page is located here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/haunted-house-of-pancakes-horror-movie
Link to the campaign's IndieGoGo pitch video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkw1Y5LD1UY
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Whether it makes you giggle, gasp, weep or tap your feet, a live theatreperformance - be it of a play or a musical - is an experience that can breathe new life into everything from Hamlet to Hamilton. Across America and around the world, theatre companies of all sizes bring that experience to their communities, with each production making the most of local and regional talent on and off stage.One of those companies is the 225 Theatre Collective, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Though it’s only been in operation for over a year, the non-profit collective has already made its mark on the fine arts community in the Pelican State thanks to its commitment to diverse casting and production teams, as well as its equally diverse and forward-thinking creative leadership.The 225 Theatre Collective is the brainchild of its founder and artistic director, Stephanie Bartage. An accomplished performer who’s also specialized in various roles behind the scenes, Bartage’s first turn at directing came last January in the company’s acclaimed staged reading of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby, an innovative production that powerfully showcased diverse talent by featuring a Black actor - LSU theatre graduate Marq Parks - in the title role.Her second now comes in its upcoming production of Stephen King’s equally revered novella-turned Oscar-nominated milestone The Shawshank Redemption, which will hold three performances: Friday, August 25th and Saturday, August 26th (both at 7:30 PM Central time) and concluding with a matinee on Sunday, August 27th at 2:30. The play will take place at the LSU Studio Theatre, located inside the Music and Dramatic Arts Building on the LSU Campus, at 4230 Dalrymple Drive. General admission tickets cost $25, while LSU students can see the show for $15. To order tickets, and to find out more about the 225 Theatre Collective's work, visit their web site:https://www.225theatrecollective.com/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/225TCOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/225tc/On Linktree: https://linktr.ee/225theatreFollow The Viewfinder Podcast on X:https://www.twitter.com/ViewfinderPodOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcastMusic by Audionautix.com
The new sci-fi musical comedy TWENTYONE21 is an exciting, immersive and entertaining audio experience where two best friends/21 year olds (Cici, played by Courtney Marie Simpson, and Funks, played by Tola Lawal) are convinced that their latest trip around the sun has bestowed upon them incredible powers.
As they experience in every episode, however, those abilities frequently get them in some sticky yet hilarious situations. The show is co-produced by and co-starring our guests on this week's podcast: Simpson, Uzo Chijioke and Donnell "DWeezy" Robinson.
The show's eight episode first season is now in production, with its debut scheduled for September 21st on various platforms. As of this recording, TWENTYONE21 is also hoping to raise $5,080 (or more) on the crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark to pay for actors, post-production, engineering, promotion and other expenses.
Notable not just for its multi-genre storytelling but also for its realistic presentation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (or BIPOC) characters, TWENTYONE21 also includes original songs (composed by Robinson) that span multiple music genres from rock to country to hip-hop to heavy metal, making the upside down fantasy universes its protagonists get caught up in even zanier.
Contribute to TWENTYONE21’s Seed&Spark campaign:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/twentyone21podcast#story
Follow TWENTYONE21 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twentyone21podcast/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwentyOne21Podcast
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twentyone21podcast
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https://www.twitter.com/ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
The Viewfinder Podcast stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America East and West as they continue to fight for better pay and better working conditions in the film and TV industries. This week, The Viewfinder Podcast is thrilled to welcome back to our show the brilliant actor and producer Gio Drasconi! In this latest interview, he tells us about some of the outstanding projects he's been working on, plus his thoughts on the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, and how his experience can help aspiring actors reach their potential. Follow Gio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gio_drasconi/ Gio's YouTube channel (his studio, Drasconi Film Productions): https://www.youtube.com/@drasconifilmproductions1640 Gio's IMDB page: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm11395875/?ref_=tt_ov_st Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on X: https://www.twitter.com/TheViewfinderPodcast On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast Music by Audionautix.com
For American families who struggle to pay for their most important needs, getting and paying for good health care isn't just a matter of life and death; it's a matter of dollars and cents.
In director Mike Hogan's bleak thriller The Cost, this unbearable situation strikes an average yet troubled family - Penny (Sophie Howell), a mom who shares the same diagnosis of type 1 diabetes with her son Patrick, and Penny's husband Pete, whose love for his wife and child is as strong as his commitment to their survival.
With their scarce finances making it all but impossible to pay for the urgently needed insulin that will keep Penny and Patrick alive, Penny convinces a reluctant Pete to take the most dangerous yet necessary route to getting the money required for their medication: robbery.
As they hold up a group of innocent citizens, including - and in direct view of his daughter - a right-wing Trump supporter named Robert, Penny and Pete attempt to bargain with a greedy pharmacist who, like America's for-profit health care industry, sees his customers as dollar signs instead of human beings.
Though this crime spree may save Penny and Patrick's life, her freedom - and that of Pete's - may be on borrowed time. (While Sophie has already been cast as Penny, the other characters - as of now - have yet to be cast.)
As of this show's recording, Hogan and his co-producers on The Cost are planning to shoot a 15 minute proof of concept short film, and they're presently seeking $41,000 to do so. In addition, 20 percent of the movie's funding will benefit the diabetes awareness organization T1 International, a non-profit that works to make life-saving and affordable insulin treatment possible for millions of people worldwide.
The Cost is more than a short film for Hogan, who co-wrote its screenplay with co-producer Jerome Cleveland Keith and is already in the process of expanding it to a full-length feature. As a type 1 diabetic himself, Hogan has had to not just maintain a regular life despite his disease, but he's also had to confront the disheartening realities of being unable to afford medicine for his chronic condition.
Though his means of living with and getting treatment for his diabetes are obviously unlike those of the film's characters, Hogan puts them as clear representatives of the personal and monetary hardships that diabetics and others stricken by chronic illnesses experience on a daily basis.
Contribute to the film on IndieGoGo:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-cost-a-type-1-diabetes-thriller-short-film#/
Make a tax-deductible donation to The Cost:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SLG869XFUMAE8
For more info on The Cost, visit Tall Order Productions’ web site:
https://www.tallorderproductions.com/
Follow Mike Hogan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hogan_mike/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
NOTE: The following interview was recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. The Viewfinder Podcast stands in solidarity with the members of SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild Of America East and West as they continue to fight for better pay and better working conditions in the film and TV industry.
The funny and brilliant pairing of filmmakers Kyle Vorbach and John Horan - a.k.a. Future Boyfriends - first staked their claim to viral video fame with hilarious and high quality skits that exhibited their remarkable abilities on both sides of the camera.
Now they've taken their skills to spectacular new heights with their first short film, the high stakes, high concept comedy Somewhere In Between, directed by Vorbach and originating from a script penned by Vorbach and Horan. Audiences recently saw it at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, and the short is presently being developed into a full-length feature.
Reminiscent of the classic 1985 blockbuster Back To The Future, Somewhere In Between co-stars Ryan O’Flanagan as Jack, and Taylor Misiak as Emily, a would-be couple who on New Year's Eve are eager to put the past 12 months behind them after some bad experiences in the past year.
That is, until an outrageous time traveler from the year 2061 (played by Horan) makes an inopportune intrusion on their otherwise humdrum night by announcing that he's not just their future son, but also that his soon-to-be parents must send him back to the future and fall in love before the clock strikes midnight, or risk destroying the time-space continuum forever! Will they do both? Only time will tell.
Aesthetically, Vorbach and Horan went all out to make Somewhere In Between look and sound as epic as the story they created for it, with colorful cinematography, explosive sound design and an adventurous orchestral score from composer Mike Ladouceur that's chock full of humor, suspense and tenderness.
Vorbach and Horan also constructed the dazzling, high-tech time machine that you'll see in the movie, and made it look so convincing that you won't believe they built it without having ever worked on such a complex piece of set design before.
It's all for a rollicking and emotional experience that lasts only 15 minutes, but as Kyle and John explain on this week's Viewfinder Podcast, they did everything they could - and then some - to make those minutes count.
Follow Future Boyfriends:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Futureboyfriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futureboyfriends
Twitter: https://twitter.com/futureBFz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futureBFz/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/viewfinderpod
Music by Audionautix.com
In every language, the words we say to ourselves and to others can either heal or harm. Yet when those words are uttered on the radio airwaves, even the most provocative of personalities can never comprehend what consequences can result from their rhetoric, or anticipate who might be listening, as you will see and hear for yourself in the award-winning psychological thriller Night Voices. Directed by Bradley Hawkins, co-written by Hawkins and Peter Fenton, and made by Hawkins' acclaimed studio Dadley Productions, Night Voices co-stars Gorman Ruggiero (who co-starred as a beloved former rodeo cowboy and grandfather in Hawkins’ bittersweet multigenerational family drama Calf Rope) in another unforgettable performance - this time as the aggravated late night talk show host Jude Wilcox. Angered by his life’s downward turn and the nightly abuse he takes from his callers, Jude is hellbent on destroying himself until a distraught youngster named Hunter (played by incredible newcomer Jack Packer) reaches out to the desperate shock jock. Hunter calmly opens up to Jude about both his family’s problems and his own struggles, and in so doing, shows Jude that some new beginnings come in the nick of time. Dadley Productions’ previous films, such as Calf Rope, Rollercoaster, Filling In and Winter, were made for family-friendly audiences. Yet as you’ll hear from Hawkins on this week’s podcast, Night Voices is a remarkably mature story that pulls no punches in examining such hard topics as depression, mental illness, suicide and personal faith. Though at first it’s a very difficult film to watch, the performances of Ruggiero and Packer, the strength of Hawkins and Fenton’s screenplay, the attention to detail in its production, Hawkins’ expert direction, and the hope it offers viewers who may be dealing with their own crises, makes Night Voices as much of a lifeline to those in despair as it is a cinematic masterwork. Night Voices’ trailer and additional info on the film can be found on Dadley Productions’ official web site: https://www.dadleyproductions.com/nightvoicesmovie Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theviewfinderpodcast Music by Audionautix.com
Last July, I talked to writer/director Creighton Hobbs about his latest feature film, the violent and emotional crime drama Binded By Tragedy, which you can now watch on Amazon Prime. Now on this week’s show, Hobbs returns with more intriguing behind-the-scenes memories of the film’s production, and joining him in his first major interview about the movie is one of its top stars: actor Julian Betts.
Making his motion picture debut in Binded By Tragedy, Betts plays Jimmy, a friend since childhood to the formerly incarcerated gangster Bobby (portrayed by Jasper Lee Wilkerson). Now that he’s back on the outside, Bobby is driven to overcome his criminal past, until Jimmy and a dangerous cadre of mobsters drag him back into a deadly underworld where loyalty means everything - until you end up a target.
Now I’m honored to welcome Creighton and Julian from Binded By Tragedy on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
Watch the film on Amazon Prime Video:
https://www.amazon.com/Binded-Tragedy-Jasper-Lee-Wilkerson/dp/B0B6JSZCKP
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In what would be his last on-camera conversation before his passing in 2018 at the age of 82, the legendary actor/filmmaker Burt Reynolds reminisced about the highs and lows of his time in Tinseltown, offered unmistakably blunt perspectives on the present-day entertainment industry, presented invaluable lessons on acting for stars-to-be, and told never before-heard stories of life on and off the set in the upcoming documentary film Burt Reynolds: The Last Interview, directed by our guest on this week’s podcast, Rick Pamplin. I’m thrilled to welcome him to talk about all this and more on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
See the film's official trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rkVMgeOYjU
Find out more about Burt Reynolds: The Last Interview and Rick's other film Movie Money Confidential here:
https://www.moviemoney.com/
Music by Audionautix.com
This week’s guest is not just an incredibly talented actor, screenwriter, producer, director, stuntwoman, singer, songwriter and author. As you’ll hear shortly, Marneen Fields is also a survivor - in more ways than one. Born in Minot, North Dakota, she survived a childhood diagnosis of emphysema and an enlarged heart, plus the loss of 80% of her hearing in her left ear.
Despite those physical struggles, Fields excelled as both a student and an athlete, dazzling fans with her acrobatics as a member of the Utah State University women’s gymnastics team. In 1976, her agility caught the eye of famed movie and TV stunt performer Paul Stader, who prepared her for the next chapter of her remarkable life: Hollywood.
Fields broke the proverbial glass ceiling for female stunt actors while taking the leaps, hits and falls for some of Hollywood’s greatest stars on the big screen in The Swarm, The Howling, The Concorde: Airport '79, Beyond The Poseidon Adventure, and Clint Eastwood’s The Gauntlet. She made her mark on the small screen, too, in made-for-TV movies such as High Midnight and The Coven and shows like Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Murder, She Wrote, The Fall Guy, Dynasty and Matlock.
Simultaneously, Fields also came into her own as a speaking performer with appearances alongside Eastwood in The Gauntlet, James Garner on The Rockford Files, Bruce Boxleitner on Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Jeff Goldblum in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Olivia de Havilland and Fred Macmurray in Irwin Allen’s 1978 disaster movie The Swarm, and Dick Van Dyke in director Stanley Kramer’s 1979 religious drama The Runner Stumbles.
In 1985 Fields became the first stunt performer-turned speaking actor to become a prominent part of a motion picture’s ensemble cast when she co-starred in the chilling medical thriller Hellhole, but when a calamitous car crash almost ended her life and career, she began a physically painful but spiritually rejuvenating journey that led to the second act of her storybook show business story: being a prolific, award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, vocalist, songwriter and published author.
Fields has written two books: the biographical Cartwheels and Halos: The True Marneen Fields Story, published by Trilogy Publishing (a division of religious cable network TBN), and The Illusive Craft of Acting: An Actor's Preparation Process, her acclaimed instructional guide for aspiring on-camera performers. Her screenplays have won or been nominated for numerous awards.
She’s also written and performed original songs, such as “I’m Gonna Be A Hollywood Stuntman” (based on her screenplay Johnny Hawk A.K.A Hard Nuts), “I’ll Never Kiss His Lips Again”, “Release My Love” and “I’ve Never Ever Stopped Loving You”, just to name a few.
On this edition of the Viewfinder Podcast, Marneen talks to me about not just her extraordinary experiences as an actor and stuntwoman but also two upcoming projects that chronicle the public and private sides of her fascinating history. First, there’s the feature-length film Who's Gonna Take Care Of Me?, written, produced and directed by Fields and starring the actor in the emotionally challenging role of her late, schizophrenia-afflicted mother.
Then, we discuss the soon-to-be published book Rollin' With The Punches. Co-authored by Fields and prolific film historian John Harrison, the volume is a comprehensive compendium of both her outstanding stunt career and her memories of life as “Hollywood’s Original Fall Girl”. I’m honored and delighted to have Marneen join me now on the Viewfinder Podcast.
Check out Marneen's IMDB page for a full list of credits:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276312/
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Cryptocurrency. Blockchain. Non-fungible tokens. What do these popular and often perplexing terms have in common with a dystopian sci-fi serial? Here to answer that question is our guest on today’s Viewfinder Podcast, actor, writer and filmmaker David Bianchi - the creator, executive producer, star and co-writer of the dark high-tech drama RZR, debuting later this year on Gala Film (a division of Gala Games, itself a leader in blockchain-backed gaming).
Co-produced by Gala and Bianchi’s Exertion3 production outfit, and distributed on the popular Ethereum blockchain (which David and I will talk about later on in our interview), this groundbreaking new 8 episode thriller is set in the dangerous underworld of a near-future Los Angeles, where a scarred yet skilled ex-soldier (Grimm, played by Bianchi) combines the power of the web - which he connects to through a highly potent brain implant - with the power of his intellect to survive in a city imperiled by menacing thieves and malicious hackers.
Once RZR’s first season debuts, viewers will get an opportunity to buy valuable non-fungible tokens - or NFTs - collectible items including a free link to the entire series and extra behind-the-scenes footage, plus other extras that will be announced in the months to follow.
RZR’s page on Gala Film:
https://film.gala.com/films/rzr
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On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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Now streaming on Amazon Video for rent or purchase, and co-produced by Dane Moreton (who also directed) and Lauren Durr (who also edited), CAILLOUX: THE FIGHT TO FREEDOM vividly and informatively presents the extraordinary story of Andre Cailloux, an ex-slave turned Union Army soldier who led a Black battalion against the White Confederate Army during the Siege of Port Hudson, and whose heroism and sacrifice during the Civil War made him a catalyst for both the abolition of slavery in America and the beginning of full civil rights for Black Americans in the centuries since the end of the Civil War.
Andre Cailloux's story, as well as that of his bond with White abolitionist priest Father Claude Maistre, who ministered to Andre and his fellow troops against the wishes of his superiors in the New Orleans Archdiocese, had been all but forgotten by everyone except for the most experienced historians. No photos or journals of Andre's survived, which made the job of telling this story harder than Dane and Lauren could have comprehended.
Luckily, thanks to commentary from local historians and experts, archival paintings and news clippings from the Civil War era, and sequences featuring artist Langston Allston creating an epic mural that commemorates the lives of Andre, his family and Father Maistre outside the very same church that brought them together - the former St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church located on Bayou Road in New Orleans, now known as the Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice - the incredible life of one of American history's most unsung heroes is finally on the record.
Check out the film on Amazon Video:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B8M83R6F/
Find out more about CAILLOUX: THE FIGHT TO FREEDOM on its official web site:
https://www.caillouxthemovie.com/
More details about the film on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CaillouxTheMovie/
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caillouxthemovie/
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For newcomers to the entertainment industry, such as those who’ve come to Hollywood after years of learning their chosen crafts in colleges across the country, staying in the business is frequently more difficult than breaking into it.
Yet today’s guests on The Viewfinder Podcast - Sam Butlien and Dani Simmons - know as much about the pitfalls of life in showbiz as they do the possibilities, which is why they’ll be starting a new podcast premiering this Spring - called You Just Have To Trust The Process - that will help current and future Tinseltown newbies to learn what it really takes to be a success in the glamorous yet unforgiving world of entertainment, and how they can keep the inherent pressures of that world from overtaking them.
Sam and Dani will co-host You Just Have To Trust The Process, and they co-produced the show with Noelle Mpinga, who also co-created it with Sam. I’m honored to have Sam and Dani join me now on this podcast to talk about their upcoming show, and how the topics and guests they’ll bring forward on that show will enhance the lives of Hollywood’s next generation of leaders.
Connect with You Just Have To Trust The Process on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/youjusthavetotrusttheprocess/
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https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
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This week, we continue our recap of the 2022 Louisiana Film Prize by bringing you my interview with actor and filmmaker David Long, whose bittersweet drama Betty Lou Had A Son (which was part of the 2022 Film Prize top 5 finalists and will soon debut nationally on cable channel ShortsHD) tells the story of a musician, Louis (played by Long) who’s been forced to deal with the most heartbreaking crisis of his life: seeing his beloved mother and former concert pianist Betty Lou (played by Babs George) slowly succumb to the memory-stealing effects of Alzheimer’s disease. While this crisis takes a painful toll on both mother and son, they eventually find out that their love for each other - and for music - is far stronger than the illness that’s changed their lives.
Long, whose own mother passed away from Alzheimer’s several years ago, wrote and directed Betty Lou Had A Son to reach not only audiences who’ve found themselves caring for those impacted by this horrible disease, but to examine a rarely explored yet incredibly important side of parenthood in film: the relationship - and love - between mother and son. David accomplished that in a thought-provoking, tender and memorable way, as he tells us now on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
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A few weeks ago in Shreveport, the 2022 Louisiana Film Prize celebrated another remarkable collection of both films shot in the Pelican State and the remarkable artists who created them. On this week’s Viewfinder Podcast I'm honored to bring you my chats with some of the great filmmakers who shared their cinematic stories with audiences both in-person and virtually as part of this year’s top 20 finalists for the prestigious Film Prize.
The top five honorees for the 2022 Prize were BAMBER BRIDGE, directed by and co-starring Mark Bonner (last year's Grand Prize winner for SHREVEPORT SON), CREDIT, directed by the husband and wife team of Patrick and Susan Kirton, UNICORN POOP, directed by and co-starring Lorna Street Dopson, BETTY LOU HAD A SON, directed by and co-starring David Michael Long, and this year's Grand Prize winner, THEY GROW UP SO FAST, directed by and co-starring John Beach.
All of these films will soon premiere nationwide on cable channel Shorts HD, with more festival appearances to come. I hope to have David, Lorna and John on to discuss their projects on a future edition of The Viewfinder Podcast. This week, though, I'm thrilled to have Mark, Patrick and Susan on our show to discuss their outstanding Louisiana Film Prize projects, which are, respectively, BAMBER BRIDGE and CREDIT.
Set in World War II, BAMBER BRIDGE stars Bonner as Carter Jones, a Black American soldier in the midst of a pen pal friendship with a White British officer, Elaine Rose (played by Emma Rose Wagner). As their connection unexpectedly goes from long distance to up close and personal during a night out at a local bar, the evils of racism put Carter and Elaine in as much jeopardy off the battlefield as their countrymen face on it.
Co-directed by veteran actors Patrick and Susan Kirton, written by Susan Kirton and with its script adapted by her daughter Haley (who also co-stars in the film and worked as a first assistant director on the project), CREDIT is the heartfelt and heartwarming story of a once-successful actor (Richard Washington, played by longtime GENERAL HOSPITAL star Brad Maule) who mentors a teen pop star-turned silver screen newcomer (Mason Scott, played by the Kirtons' son Eric) as he prepares to star in his first movie.
With Richard’s career all but stalled thanks to a tabloid scandal, he sees promise in Mason, and by teaching him, he sees a chance to rehabilitate his damaged reputation - much to the outrage of Mason’s controlling, image-conscious agent Sam Siegal (played by Blayne Weaver), who’ll leave no stone unturned in keeping his young wunderkind from possibly meeting the same fate as the man who’s helping him to finally become a serious thespian.
Filmmakers, register for next year’s Film Prize here:
https://prizefest.com/film/
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This week, we’re talking to filmmaker Rick Ives, and though may be a newcomer to the director's chair, he's learned that good storytelling depends as much on strong pacing as it does on strong narrative thanks to his time spent as part of the editing staff for Marvel Studios on shows like Loki, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and Ms. Marvel.
That knowledge paid off as Ives completed his first solo feature film, the unnerving heist thriller Solid Rock Trust (which he wrote, directed and distributed via his production company Flashbulb Films). You can already rent or buy it on Amazon Video, and the movie will later be available on services like YouTube Movies, Tubi, IMDB and Google Play.
Set almost entirely in one location, Solid Rock Trust stars Koko Marshall - in one of the most remarkable performances I've seen in any movie or TV series this year - as Maddie, an expert criminal who coordinates a complex bank robbery that initially runs like clockwork as she deceives, persuades and manipulates a corps of disparate thieves.
Yet the carefully planned job falls apart as Maddie’s fake identities are uncovered, and as her team's mission soon turns into a bloodbath. Once she's confronted by her estranged lover and heist team member Rowan (played by Alexander Hearth), Maddie must choose between love and money - and the consequences of her choice could destroy them both.
Now I'm honored to welcome Rick Ives to talk about how his incredible debut film went from script to screen on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.
Check out Flashbulb Film's Linktree page, featuring links to rent/buy Solid Rock Trust and the studio's social media networks:
https://linktr.ee/flashbulbfilms
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On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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Writer/director Levi Wilson is my guest on this week's podcast. He joins me to discuss his bittersweet coming-of-age short film LUKE AND EMMA AND A GAS STATION ON FRANKLIN AVENUE, which takes the traditional "boy meets girl" tale and puts it in a realistic setting - 1986-era small town America - where, as it sadly still is in 2022, romantic crises all but pale in comparison to the cruelty and discrimination leveled against people of different cultures and ethnicities.
Inside this landscape lives a young Asian-American child, Luke (played by Coulter Ibanez). One afternoon, Luke and his mother, an immigrant from Thailand named Noi (Jazz Sunpanich), go on what soon becomes an emotionally revealing stop at a gas station mini-mart as Luke sees the girl of his dreams: Emma (played by Christina Gobes), who like her father David (portrayed by Michael Giese), is White. Luke and Emma learn that in spite of their different ethnic backgrounds, they have far more in common than they believe, but their connection is tested severely in a world where bigotry poisons the heart as much as it does the mind.
Inspired by Wilson’s own childhood and experiences growing up in a biracial family, the filmmaker sought to create what he called a "semi-autobiographical" drama in making LUKE AND EMMA. It's a story that presents kids and the biracial community in a smart, authentic light. It's a story that's certain to make audiences reexamine - and hopefully, overcome - their inherent prejudices. It's a story that features characters who just want their piece of the American Dream, but whose pursuit of that dream is made harder in a country that in many ways hasn't yet become 'a more perfect union'.
LUKE AND EMMA has already been shot as a proof-of-concept for a planned feature film expansion, and is now seeking donations to finish its production on crowdfunding service Seed & Spark. I'm honored to welcome in Levi Wilson to talk about this thought-provoking and relevant project on this week's show.
Contribute to LUKE AND EMMA's Seed&Spark campaign here:
https://seedandspark.com/fund/luke-and-emma
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Music by Audionautix.com
My guest on today’s show is the amazing Alonge Hawes, who previously joined me on the show a few years ago to talk about the first 2 seasons of his critically acclaimed drama BLACK ON BOTH SIDES, which, like his equally honored debut series BLUE COLLAR HUSTLE, he created, co-starred in, wrote and co-produced. Now he’s back with a new series that, while more lighthearted in tone than his previous two shows, continues to spotlight the modern Black experience in America through powerful, relatable and authentic characters.
That series is called SILVER AND GOLD, an exciting, fun and highly suspenseful look at a team of skilled thieves - Charles Goldar, played by Quentin Williams, and Bahiya Payne, portrayed by Britanney Traylor - who make the move from small-time cons to big-time ripoffs.
With their new partners, skilled computer hacker Cierra Valentine (played by Alonge’s real life sister, Shani Hawes) and hard-nosed bandit Sosa Gerena (played by Roberto Cruz, Jr.) backing them up on each scam, Charles and Bahiya are out to pull the rugs, jewels and money out from their unwitting targets, but instead they find themselves in more danger than they ever could have anticipated.
SILVER AND GOLD’s first season premiered on Tuesday, October 11th, with new episodes airing each subsequent Tuesday exclusively on Jaro, a subscription service dedicated to delivering the best movies, web series, art and journalism made by and for Black audiences. All ten episodes will be available on Jaro’s web site and Roku channel. Links to both platforms are available in the notes for this week’s podcast.
SILVER AND GOLD, and Hawes’ next series - the more serious-minded drama GOOD BLACK MAN, its streaming debut yet to be determined - had their world premieres several weeks ago at the recent Minnesota Web Fest, where both shows took home several awards. In addition to sharing the honors for Best Marketing, SILVER AND GOLD won for Best Series Script, and GOOD BLACK MAN was honored for Best Representation of Communities of Color. I’m honored to welcome back Alonge Hawes to talk about all this and much more on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
Watch SILVER AND GOLD on Jaro Media’s web site:
https://jaromedia.watchjaro.com/silver-gold/
The series is also available on Jaro Media’s Roku channel:
https://channelstore.roku.com/details/1daa6892e627a7aa6e05ce1d5890dfff/jaro-tv
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On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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In the high profile world of tech startups, integrity and honesty are as important to the success of everyone who's created the latest hot app or website as it is the products themselves. Yet for three out entrepreneurs and best friends who’ve reaped the rewards of immediate fame and success for themselves and the groundbreaking sex app they’ve created for LGBTQ women, their personal challenges threaten to jeopardize their public reputations as much as they do their happiness in the new short film DIVR.
This week on the Viewfinder Podcast, I’m joined by two of the brilliant filmmakers behind this award-winning drama: writer Rae Binstock and director Zoey Martinson. Adapted by Binstock from her original episodic pilot screenplay, DIVR had its most recent screening at the Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, and while the series version of this film is still in development, its next screenings will take place this September at the New York Latino Film Festival and at the Portland Film Festival in October, among others.
The film co-stars Maria Fernanda Diez (who also co-produced DIVR with Binstock) as Sula, who along with business partners Rebecca (played by B. Bastian) and McQueen (played by Bianca Norwood) instantly become rock stars in the business world and in the LGBTQ community as their popular app - named DIVR - thrusts them into a rapidly uncomfortable spotlight; one made even more difficult as behind the scenes, Sula falls in love with a straight male (Eric, played by George Olesky), Rebecca fights a heartbreaking battle with bipolar disorder and McQueen struggles with her sexual identity.
With these complications putting their credibility and that of their business at stake, all three women must choose between being true to themselves at the risk of being revealed as frauds, or keeping up appearances while privately carrying on a costly deception. DIVR is a great film, and I am honored to have Rae and Zoey on the show to talk about it.
Follow Rae Binstock on Twitter and Instagram: @highlyraeted
Follow Zoey Martinson on Twitter and Instagram: @ZoeyMartinson
Rae's web site: https://www.raebinstock.com/
Zoey's web site: https://www.zoeymartinson.com
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Music by Audionautix.com
What if you suddenly had to start your life all over again after not just losing someone you loved, but losing the very person who took care of all your needs? What if you had to not just cope with that overwhelming loss but to do so while learning the ins and outs of being a fully independent person?
Anyone would obviously see this extraordinary situation as an overwhelming challenge, including the title protagonist in the new drama AVA: A TWIST IN THE ROAD (written, directed by and starring our guest on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast, actor Catherane Skillen). Catherane plays Ava, an older woman who’s seemingly set for life thanks to her longtime lover, the financially secure - albeit already married - businessman Bobby (played by Bill Lewis).
Yet when Bobby’s sudden death from a heart attack robs Ava of her beloved companion, it also takes away her equally irreplaceable sense of personal security. While Ava tries to make sense of this tragedy, Bobby’s vengeful son Bob Jr. (played by Steve Dellatori) sees her as a home wrecker who’s destroyed his family as his mother - and Bobby’s longtime wife - struggles with mental illness.
Luckily for Ava, she has the invaluable support of friends who’ve been with her no matter how rough her new life will get: Leanne, played by Tannis Benedict, and artist Walter, played by David Willis. Through many fits, starts and stumbles, Ava doesn’t just get a crash course in personal independence as she attempts to find a new job and support herself. In fact, Ava learns that her best life may be just around the corner.
The film is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Google Play, The Roku Channel and YouTube, and I’m honored to have Catherane on the Viewfinder Podcast to talk about it.
Rent or buy the movie on Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.532cfb51-0c4d-4473-acdd-d8fefddb9e16
On Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=-XQbwBo_23Y.P
On YouTube Movies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHy__lbazYM
Watch for free on The Roku Channel: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/watch/c4a29b3649a06d30c9f4f7a19ae9b433
Watch for free w/ads on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/639629/ava-a-twist-in-the-road
Find out more about AVA: A TWIST IN THE ROAD on its social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avaatwistintheroad
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avaatwistmovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avaatwistintheroadamovie/
Follow Catherane on her official web site:
https://catheraneskillen.com/
Catherane’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/catherane
Catherane’s Twitter page: https://twitter.com/Catherane
Catherane’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/catheraneskillen/
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Even though independent film and TV production company Cordell Productions is a somewhat new entrant into the entertainment industry, it's already working to bring audiences quality content while also providing a much-needed space for actors and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to develop that content. Its talented owner and co-managing partner is filmmaker and screenwriter Alice Wells, who joins us on today's Viewfinder Podcast to detail the impressive myriad of production services Cordell offers - from a full company of experienced performers in visual and sound media to in-depth training, story development and coverage for screenwriters to a state-of-the-art suite of pre and post-production programs in various areas. Cordell's also got an attractive slate of series, short films and features that range from the hilarious to the hair-raising to the heartwarming, including the comedy/horror series JOHN SUNSHINE'S LOST ROCK 'N ROLL TAPES (co-created by Wells and her partner in the company, actor/screenwriter David J. Keough, who also stars in the series) and the upcoming documentary MENTAL HEALTH AND HORROR. Co-executive produced by Wells and Keough, the film explores how an otherwise scary yet incredibly ridiculed genre - horror - has incredibly been proven to be a major healing tool for those struggling with mental health problems. Now on the Viewfinder Podcast, Wells talks to us about all of Cordell’s outstanding services and content, which as she tells us, are all meant to reflect and achieve the goals that make up Cordell’s three most important principles: diversity, inclusion and representation. Cordell Productions’ web site: https://www.cordellproductions.com/ Cordell’s Twitter page: https://twitter.com/cordell_prods Cordell’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cordellproductions/ For more information on Cordell Productions, contact Alice Wells: alicewells@cordellproductions.com Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/viewfinderpod On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast Music by Audionautix.com
This week’s show features a pair of interviews with two extremely talented filmmakers. First, we begin with actor and comedian Rell Battle (Peacock's KILLING IT, SUPERIOR DONUTS, THE GOOD DOCTOR, KEY AND PEELE, BLACK-ISH), who created and stars in the new comedy/mystery web series OFF FAIRFAX.
The pilot episode made its world premiere at the recent Tribeca Film Festival in New York, and two more screenings are scheduled for it - one at the Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles and the other at the Hip-Hop Film Festival (also in New York). Both festivals will run from August 11th through the 20th.
Next, we bring you a conversation with one of our returning guests, Creighton Hobbs, who last joined us several years ago to talk about his autobiographical documentary HOW MANY CHANCES, and now comes back to the Viewfinder Podcast to discuss his latest feature-length project, the gritty crime drama BINDED BY TRAGEDY, which as of this airing is currently in production.
Follow Rell on Twitter and Instagram: @RellBattle
Follow BINDED BY TRAGEDY's Facebook page for more updates on the film:
https://www.facebook.com/bindedbytragedymovie
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Follow the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Beauty, as they say, is always skin deep. Sometimes, the most grotesque-looking individuals are blessed with qualities that are even more gorgeous and invaluable than appearance: kindness, love, care and concern for everyone they meet. That’s how it is with the half man/half whale protagonist of an incredible new web series called BEACHED, co-written and co-created by this week’s guest on The Viewfinder Podcast, acclaimed filmmaker Nic Collins.
BEACHED’s first episode introduces us to the Wail (portrayed by series co-creator and co-writer Sean Godsey) who unexpectedly becomes the subject of a heated argument between an estranged couple - Paige, played by Paige Klone, and Melina, played by Jenny Austin - after Melina discovers the Wail washed ashore and brings him back to dry land. When their bickering leads to a tragic conclusion, the Wail at first assumes it was his fault, only to realize that his presence is urgently needed in a world where darkness both tempts and consumes society’s most vulnerable.
Episode 2 has the Wail coming to the aid of a suicidal man (Robbie, played by Deprece Reddick), while its third episode sees the formerly sea-bound creature pursued by both an overly inquisitive reporter (Simmons, played by Aliza Pearl) and a villainous hunter (Rimpow, played by Cooper Johnson) who’s single-mindedly focused on both capturing the Wail and getting vengeance on him - and the world - for turning him from a pirate into a humanoid.
Like its grotesque-looking yet heroic and gentle lead character, BEACHED as a series is its own one-of-a-kind beast. On its surface, it is science fiction but the show’s first three episodes powerfully incorporate significant dashes of humor, action, suspense and emotional drama.
That’s one of many reasons why in March 2020, BEACHED was chosen to have its world premiere at the legendary South By Southwest film festival before the event was ultimately canceled due to the coronavirus lockdown. Collins and Godsey plan to produce 8 more episodes for the show’s first season (11 total) sometime in the near future.
Now on the Viewfinder Podcast, Collins - an award-winning director, screenwriter and editor whose work includes music videos, shorts and feature films and web series - joins us to talk about how BEACHED came into existence, and how its incredible multi-genre storytelling approach transcends the usual trappings of sci-fi entertainment.
Find out more about Nic and his film work on his official website:
https://www.niccollins.com/
See Nic’s films and videos on his YouTube channel, Nic Collins Films:
https://www.youtube.com/c/niccollinsfilms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niccollins.jpeg/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niccollinsfilms
Connect with Sean Godsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scannedlife/
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Music by Audionautix.com
Every year in summer camps throughout the country, millions of kids play, learn and gain as many lasting friendships as they do memories. The same is also true for the adult counselors who teach, encourage and occasionally discipline their young charges during their stay.
Surprisingly, as you'll see in the soon-to-debut comedy series TIMBERWOOD, summer camp is as much a coming-of-age experience for the counselors as it is for the campers. The show’s award-winning pilot episode has already been produced, with its most recent showing taking place at the eighth annual SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado.
Joining me on this week's show are the creator and co-writer of TIMBERWOOD, Blake McWilliam - himself a former camp counselor-turned writer and filmmaker - and series co-star Jeremy Holm (best known for his roles in acclaimed shows like MR. ROBOT, HOUSE OF CARDS and many others).
Holm plays Ray Raymond, the no-nonsense owner of a summer camp - called TIMBERWOOD - where its madcap coterie of not quite grown-up counselors sex up, booze hard, prank harder and blow off plenty of steam both on and off-duty. The pilot episode takes place in the week before camp season officially begins, when Ray leads the camp’s misfit employees through the paces of a week-long counselor orientation period.
Yet when the rebellious counselors’ beloved leader Ryan (played by Michael Trevino) suddenly gets busted for weed possession after an otherwise fun day on the job, someone else must guide the camp’s staff into another hectic season. That someone else turns out to be one of Ryan’s many admirers: Liam (played by Giullian Yao Gioiello), who finally has a chance to prove he’s got the personality and the integrity to follow in Ryan’s much-missed footsteps.
TIMBERWOOD also co-stars David Reale as the awkward and frequently self-sabotaging boys’ head counselor William, plus Ariane Rinehart as Kira, a camper-turned camp counselor whose aspirations to be as successful as her ambassador mother put a strain on her otherwise joyous summer, and Jessie Komitor as Cam Gladwell, a brilliant, hard-working and often sarcastic counselor.
Two more members of the show’s cast also co-wrote the pilot episode with McWilliam: AJ Vaage, who portrays Camp Timberwood’s water skiing instructor Olly, and Ian Fisher, who co-stars as Kyle, an emotionally complex newcomer to both summer camp and the camp lifestyle. Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut plays the headstrong tennis instructor Becca, while Layla Khoshnoudi rounds out the cast as the camp’s curious yet outspoken head of drama, Talia.
Filmed at the same upstate New York camp that once employed McWilliam, TIMBERWOOD is, as of now, hoping to find funding for production of an additional 10 episodes for the show's first season. McWilliam and Holm join me to talk about not just the making of this raunchy yet very funny and heartfelt show, but also about how their memories of life at summer camp inspired their amazing work on TIMBERWOOD.
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Picking up where JUSTICE left off is author and playwright Dyanna Morrison’s LIBERTY, which the second in a trilogy of currently unproduced plays that she’s published in literary form. In LIBERTY, Judge Grace Porter Haverhill - now married and about to become a mother - will try a case that puts another one of this country’s highly revered yet constantly contested rights under a harsh microscope: the right to bear arms.
Unlike the fact-based trials presented in JUSTICE, the dispute that Morrison presents in LIBERTY is fictional but no less relevant to the gun violence epidemic. In LIBERTY, two litigants confront each other in an emotional case that carries criminal implications: former Second Amendment advocate-turned gun control campaigner Jackson Owens, whose family was killed during a rally organized by the National Rifle Association, and the fictional president of the powerful organization, named Dwayne LaFollette, who is accused of inciting the violent attack through his increasingly zealous speech at that rally.
Morrison places this hypothetical trial in the current context of America’s unending gun violence crisis, while adding the invaluable historical perspectives of the Founders who observe this dramatic litigation and debate the Second Amendment’s ramifications from a one-way window: John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington.
Though he is not historically mentioned as one of the Founding Fathers, Hamilton’s bitter enemy (and later assassin) Aaron Burr, is also part of these conversations, and his rivalry with Hamilton brings further intensity to LIBERTY’s drama, a story that’s all the more timely - and urgent - given the lack of legislative action to address gun violence in America.
On a much lighter note, Morrison will also discuss her other major literary project, a book that celebrates the love that she and all of us have for our pets - including her own: FOR THE LOVE OF BUDDY. That and much more now on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
Dyanna Morrison’s official web site:
https://dyannamorrison.com/
Purchase LIBERTY on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Justice-Trilogy-Dyanna-Morrison/dp/1735911666
LIBERTY is also available from Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liberty-dyanna-morrison/1140045223
Purchase FOR THE LOVE OF BUDDY on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NZSMXX5/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
FOR THE LOVE OF BUDDY is also available from Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-the-love-of-buddy-dyanna-morrison/1140808575?ean=9798985253818
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https://twitter.com/viewfinderpod
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https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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Over the past few years on The Viewfinder Podcast, we've brought you great interviews with very talented actors, writers and filmmakers who ply their respective trades in the cinematic world. Yet, there are other brilliant artists doing amazing work outside the world of the moving image.
One of them is author and playwright Dyanna Morrison, whose dramatic literary presentation of her as-yet un-produced stage play JUSTICE places America's founding fathers - John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington - as distant yet impassioned observers in the courtroom of its fictional protagonist, present-day Judge Grace Porter, as she tries two highly politicized cases involving the right to free speech.
The first involves the mass protests that took place during the inaugural ceremonies for former President Trump, while the other depicted in this play is loosely based on the prosecution that followed the tragic ‘Unite The Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August of 2017, which resulted in the deaths of civil rights activist Heather Heyer and two Virginia State Police troopers.
JUSTICE is the first in a trilogy of stories involving Judge Porter, with the second, titled LIBERTY, putting on trial another cherished yet challenged American right: the right to bear arms. Both books are available in paperback and digital on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other stores, wIth the final part of the trilogy in the pre-planning stages.
Purchase JUSTICE on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Dyanna-Morrison/dp/1735911615
JUSTICE is also available on Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-dyanna-morrison/1138587584?ean=9781735911625
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
When you're trying to respond to an emotionally difficult situation, how you deal with it on the outside is as important as what you feel inside, but as you'll see in the wacky new comedy web series INNARDS, what happens in our brains as we attempt to make sense of life's weirdest crises. Produced by legendary schlockmeisters Troma, and streaming on the studio’s YouTube channel TromaMovies, INNARDS is directed by the marvelous Lily-Hayes Kaufman (herself a great filmmaker in addition to being the daughter of Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman) and is co-written by Don K. Hooper (New York Times best-selling co-author of the acclaimed children's anthology BLACK BOY JOY) and Daryn Strauss (creator of the award-winning thriller series I AM YOU).
The show is filled with hilarious parodies and takeoffs on familiar genres, like daytime soap operas and even music videos, as evidenced by the one you'll see in the first episode. It features an original song, also titled INNARDS, which was co-written by Hooper, who appears in a film noir sequence during the show’s soap spoof 'The Young and The Lunchless'. We’re honored to have Lily-Hayes, Don, and Daryn join us now to talk about INNARDS on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.
Watch INNARDS on TromaMovies' YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLnfvt0TjwhqiXIOt4sacNwoiPgLZuUJn
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
This week's guests, filmmakers and podcasters Logan Austin and Dustin Bergmann of Crazy Ant Media, are using the power of cinematic storytelling to fight back against hate, violence and suicide through their directorial debut, the suspenseful yet timely short film drama DEADLINES. The film takes place in the immediate aftermath of a school shooting, where a bitter argument between two young women (played by Jessica Mia Pulido and Cara Burns) rapidly becomes an urgent matter of life and death for them both. Logan and Dustin hope that this important project will spark much-needed conversation among audiences about the ongoing problems of bigotry, gun violence, bullying and suicide in our society, and most of all, conversations about finding effective solutions to combat these problems. Logan and Dustin are also veteran podcasters, with their show "Inside The Crazy Ant Farm" giving listeners and viewers the latest news from Hollywood and in-depth interviews with established and new talent from across the entertainment world. I'm honored to have them join me on this week's Viewfinder Podcast to discuss that aspect of their work, and of course, their first filmmaking endeavor in DEADLINES. Crazy Ant Media's web site: https://crazyantmedia.com/ Watch Inside The Crazy Ant Farm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEM41V4Z6xCb5uc7Gyk4svg Find out more about Inside The Crazy Ant Farm, including full links to listen to the show: https://crazyantmedia.com/inside-the-crazy-ant-farm Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod Music by Audionautix.com
This week, we're joined by an up-and-coming actor and filmmaker whose growing filmography represents both his outstanding talent and his remarkable commitment to his craft. It's a commitment that's motivated and inspired by someone who's a very important source in his life, as we'll discuss with our guest, Gio Drasconi.
Check out Gio's official web site:
https://www.giodrasconi.com/
Connect with him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActorGioDrasconi/
Gio's iMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11395875/
Connect with The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
Today’s guest, Jeff Knoll, the co-creator and showrunner of a hilarious yet charming new comedy web series called COMING DISTRACTIONS, is someone who’s seen more than his share of interesting and entertaining moments both on and off the silver screen.
His memories of working in several local movie theaters, including the one he currently runs in his hometown of Oakville, Ontario, Canada - Film.CA Cinemas -, plus his other noteworthy positions as a local Town Councillor and veteran filmmaker, are among the many aspects of his life that creatively inspired the series, which is already streaming two episodes of its first season on Knoll’s YouTube channel Zuzu Video On Demand. A full 13 episode season is in the works, with story arcs for two additional seasons having also been scripted.
Though it’s a workplace comedy, and though the characters who make up its staff are especially unforgettable, what makes COMING DISTRACTIONS and everything about it so special is the way it celebrates the magic of movies and the collective experience of seeing movies with audiences; two everyday parts of life that are among the very few things that seem to unite us in our increasingly divided world. Jeff and I talked about that and much more in this interview, which you’ll hear on The Viewfinder Podcast.
Find out more about COMING DISTRACTIONS on the show’s official web site:
https://comingdistractions.ca/
Watch COMING DISTRACTIONS on Zuzu Video On Demand’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYqX3FGlX3By4s7QrfmCnuLRLnG0TSXo
Connect with the show on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComingDistractions/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/comingdistract
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comingdistractions/
Connect with The Viewfinder Podcast on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
Almost 30 years before shows like Hulu’s ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING and the box office hit KNIVES OUT grabbed audiences and awards while bringing a comic edge to the old-fashioned whodunit genre, actor and filmmaker Beau Marie brought together a zany but skilled company of actors to create one of the most twisted murder mystery comedies put on 16mm film: WHO KILLED TIZZLE?, originally shot in 1995 and now coming to digital audiences after spending years on the proverbial cutting room floor. Bookended by newly-animated yet hilariously narrated recaps that put the show’s wacky developments in context while also previewing the antics to come, WHO KILLED TIZZLE? stars Ivo Tomasini (who also co-wrote, co-produced, co-directed and co-stars in the series with Marie) as a way-too-driven gumshoe out to capture the person - or people - who slaughtered the show’s titular victim. Noted Marvel comic book writer and novelist Clay Chapman portrays one of the many would-be perpetrators, Mr. Frugal. Beau also plays multiple characters in this show, including the overly anxious suspect Mr. Skeeter, the egotistical Mr. Fondu, and an assortment of eccentric off-camera narrators. Given how deranged the suspects he’s dealing with are, and that he’s trapped in the same room with all of them, this detective who thinks he’s seen everything must now solve this seemingly unsolvable case…or he just might be their next target. Now on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast, Beau and I talk about how this incredibly funny show finally got to the small (and smaller) screens after decades of dormancy, and how WHO KILLED TIZZLE? is emblematic of the absurdist comedic style that’s fully embodied in his storytelling. Watch WHO KILLED TIZZLE? on Man-E-Voices’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoHWFw9oKX47GVPgMp2cpZg The series is also on Man-E-Voices’ web site: https://www.man-e-voices.com/ Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod Follow the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast Music by Audionautix.com
A few months ago, The Viewfinder Podcast brought you some great conversations with several of the brilliant actors and filmmakers who took part in the 2021 Louisiana Film Prize.
Now with the eleventh annual edition of this incredible showcase taking place in Shreveport later this year, there's never been a better time - nor have there been better incentives - for filmmakers from Louisiana, the nation and the world to shoot a short film in the Pelican State for the 2022 Film Prize.
Joining us this week to talk about all that and much more is the founder and executive director of the Louisiana Film Prize, Gregory Kallenberg.
For more information on how to enter the 2022 Louisiana Film Prize competition, visit:
https://prizefest.com/film/
Get video updates on this year’s event, plus educational content from FilmPrizeU on Prize Fest’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/PrizeCast
Connect with the Prize Fest on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafilmprize/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafilmprize/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
Great characters in film and TV, and the brilliant actors who portray them, are often remembered as much for their spectacular looks as they are their masterful performances. Creating many of those looks for shows like Orphan Black, Shadowhunters, The Expanse, Hemlock Grove, Cardinal and the hit Netflix thriller Locke and Key is veteran hairstylist Stefanie Terzo, our guest on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
I’m honored to have Stefanie on the show to talk about her amazing journey in the world of hair design for film and TV. In our conversation, we also discuss the most challenging aspects of her work, the many designs she’s created for stars like Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany, Cardinal’s Karine Vanasse, and Locke and Key co-stars Emilia Jones (who plays Kinsey Locke), Connor Jessup (who portrays her brother, Tyler) and Darby Stanchfield (who plays their mother, Nina, in the series).
Stefanie also gives us her advice for new and aspiring entrants to this side of the Hollywood production industry, and how she’s safely and successfully kept working in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic that continues to affect major movie and TV productions worldwide.
Get in touch with Stefanie on Instagram @stefanieterzo
A full list of Stefanie's credits is on her iMDB page:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5338724/
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and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Can a professional TV meat eater keep his job, his relationships and his sanity? Find out in the hilarious short film BALONEY BOYS, directed by Mike Gerbino and co-starring Tim O'Connor - and they're joining us to talk about it on this week's edition of The Viewfinder Podcast!
Check out BALONEY BOYS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moCjabeq4yc
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
This week, I'm joined by D'Mario Dudley, who along with his longtime creative partner Kenny McClendon, co-founded the groundbreaking, Black-owned streaming service and production company Defiant Digital, an outlet that gives some of today's most entertaining and compelling comedians a space to deliver uncut, uncensored and un-compromised humor through network-quality original programming.
Since debuting in July 2021, Defiant's content has racked up millions of views across its YouTube channel, plus its TikTok and other social media pages. Defiant's growing set of hilarious shows include the topical comic vs. comic courtroom showdown Cancel Court, the multicultural culinary clash Food Fightz, the highly revealing sex and relationship tell-all series TOPS and the more straightforward conversational show Sex, Lies and Games.
Among the comics featured on Defiant: D.C. Young Fly, Haha Davis, Tony Baker, Natalie Friedman, Watch Jazzy, Chris “CP” Powell, Ryan Davis, Teresa TopNotch, Teddy Ray, Elsaaa Baby, Patrick Cloud, and Ron Taylor.
Comedy aside, Defiant Digital is also branching out into the serious world of drama - first with its powerful short film thriller Junior, written by and starring Marcus Dupree in an intense story of a police detective whose accidental killing of a young boy drives his vengeful ex-prisoner father (played by Dupree) to seek revenge on him - and his young son.
This outstanding content, and the many ways that Defiant is providing a platform for comedians to express themselves without fear of censorship, are among the many things that D'Mario and I talk about on this week's podcast, and I'm honored to have him join me now as we take a look inside Defiant Digital.
Check out Defiant Digital on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/defiantdigital
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defiantdigital/
On Twitter: @DefiantDigital
On Instagram: @DefiantDigital
On TikTok: @DefiantDigital
Get in touch with Defiant Digital: contact@defiantdigital.com
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and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
I've had the honor of covering actor and filmmaker Scott Sullivan's outstanding work over the years, first with his short film mystery THE UNKNOWABLE KATHRYN BONAIR, which screened at the 2018 Louisiana International Film Festival, and again last year when he joined me here on The Viewfinder Podcast to discuss his acclaimed, full-length psychological thriller TRIGGER GIRL.
Now I'm pleased to welcome Scott back to the podcast, this time to talk about his latest project: the new crime drama GRAVITY, which he created, wrote, produced and co-starred in. Shot in Baton Rouge, featuring several of Louisiana's finest actors and and soon to be released by Scott's production company Sulliscope Films, GRAVITY is yet another great example of Scott's amazing talent as a visual storyteller and of his mastery of the mystery genre.
Further details about GRAVITY, plus a link to the show's trailer, can be found here:
https://fablehouse.tv/gravity-short-film-by-scott-sullivan/
Find out more about Sulliscope Films at its official web site:
https://www.sulliscope.com/
Sulliscope Films on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sulliscope
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and on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
As popular comedies like The Office, Superstore and Brooklyn Nine-Nine have shown, wacky characters can be found in just about any workplace. Some of the wackiest, though, populate the award-winning French/Canadian web series Best Before, which is the subject of this week’s Viewfinder Podcast.
Combining the funny personalities found in workplace sitcoms with the surreal storytelling techniques of shows like Twin Peaks is Best Before (Meilleur Avant) - in French with English subtitles, currently streaming its first season of 7 episodes online in Canada only, and still on the festival circuit. The series stars Nico Racicot as Fred, a struggling and broke college philosophy student whose only way out of financial ruin is to take a job at an all-night supermarket that’s definitely unlike any grocery store he’s ever seen, let alone worked at.
Its staff and manager make it even more unusual, led by Fred’s peculiar yet highly dedicated boss Jean (played by Luc Boucher) plus the perpetually silent but always aware cashier Madame Z (played by Carolyn Fe), and Fred’s co-workers on the night shift: customer service desk worker and second cashier Constance (played by Larissa Corriveau), shelf stock man Amid (portrayed by Gardy Telus) and baker Melanie-Anne (played by Eleonore Loiselle).
Dealing with unusual patrons, splattered (and potentially living) messes to clean up, and discovering a fancy “secret employees lounge” hidden deep inside the store proves to be all in a night’s work for the intellectual Fred, who experiences the truly odd parts of life all in one place - while gradually learning how to embrace them for his own good.
Coming up now, you’ll hear my conversation with series creators Maxime Robin and Laura Bergeron, as they discuss what it took to bring the surreal world of the show’s supermarket and its equally off-kilter group of employees and customers to the screen.
For viewers in Canada only, watch Best Before at:
https://www.tv5unis.ca/meilleur-avant/
Check out the show's Facebook page (some posts in French, others in English; use Facebook translator for French posts):
https://www.facebook.com/meilleuravant1
Best Before's Instagram page (also in French and English):
https://www.instagram.com/meilleuravant/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Every day, our world remains threatened by a ceaseless series of crises that must be addressed urgently by the global community: war, violence, hatred, growing authoritarianism and political oppression, income inequality. On top of those problems, two of the biggest challenges we face in the 21st Century threaten the survival of ourselves and our planet: the deadly coronavirus, and the equally catastrophic destruction caused by climate change.
Living in a time where COVID-19 and climate change make for an even more dangerous planet, Dutch filmmaker Martijn Winkler tackled both issues head-on in the award-winning web series HEAT (or HITTE, in Dutch), set to make its online debut soon after finishing a long run on the festival circuit.
Created by Winkler, and shot last year as lockdowns were lifted during a brutally hot summer in Amsterdam, the 12 episodes of HEAT tell the rotating stories of different people - from first responders and their loved ones to other key parts of society - whose very lives are jeopardized by both a deadly heat wave and a seemingly once-in-a-generation pandemic.
While Winkler wants HEAT to both captivate audiences with its story of human perseverance amid two of today’s worst calamities, he has also joined forces with Dutch environmental organization Warming Up to inform citizens worldwide about the fatal risks posed by climate change, and to motivate them to take action before there’s no planet left to save.
Now on this week’s podcast, I’m honored to have Winkler join me to talk about this important series, and how shows like it can communicate such complicated issues as climate change in ways that neither daily headline news nor lengthy academic treatises can achieve.
For more information on HEAT, visit:
https://vertov.com/project/hitte-heat/
The series' official trailer (in English) can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1FQ5P1UuR4
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and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Universally regarded by academics, filmmakers, playwrights, actors and audiences as the greatest dramatist who ever lived, Sir William Shakespeare penned a rich treasury of plays, poems and sonnets that remain timeless centuries after they were first created and performed. Some of the Bard’s greatest classics, like Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Much Ado About Nothing, endure because they examine the same things that were as commonplace in his time as much as they are in ours: power, ambition, romance, family, corruption.
Generations of storytellers have been guided by Shakespeare’s unforgettable stories of the human experience, and by the time-honored standards he set for modern drama. One of those storytellers is actor/producer/director Sally McLean, the creator of award-winning web series Shakespeare Republic.
Led by a brilliant international cast performing many of the iconic playwright’s most unforgettable monologues and transforming his famed characters in unexpected yet exciting and groundbreaking ways, Shakespeare Republic’s first two seasons entertainingly breathed new life into the familiar yet sometimes intimidating prose interpreted by actors the world over.
Yet when the first strains of COVID-19 forced the entertainment world into a prolonged intermission last year, McLean and her team of collaborators faced their greatest creative challenge: how to realize what would eventually become the third season of Shakespeare Republic while being physically and geographically separated due to the pandemic.
As you’ll learn from McLean in this interview, the resulting series of orations audiences will see performed in this latest series of Shakespeare Republic - all of which were directed by McLean via Zoom - prove that while times change and crises test even the most patient among us, Shakespeare had much to say about the unending slings and arrows we take on in life today.
Watch seasons 1 and 2 of Shakespeare Republic on Ozflix TV:
Season 1 - https://www.ozflix.tv/#!/browse/tv/944/season/1/shakespeare-republic
Season 2 - https://www.ozflix.tv/#!/browse/tv/944/season/2/shakespeare-republic
Watch season 3 of Shakespeare Republic at:
http://allthewebsastage.com/
Find out more about the acclaimed series, its cast and crew at:
http://shakespearerepublic.com/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on social media:
Twitter - @ViewfinderPod
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
This week’s show takes you inside THE PEPPER PROJECT, an edge-of-your-seat thriller that does much more than feature bold characters and exciting action. As you’ll hear from our guest - series creator and star Caris Vucjec - the series, its title character (played by Vujcec) and its latest chapter, PEPPER: RICOCHET, have achieved its biggest success beyond the screen. PEPPER: RICOCHET continues ex-CIA sharpshooter turned secret agent Pepper’s emotional and dangerous quest to find her missing sister, who disappeared following the murder of their parents. In so doing, she fights both familiar enemies from her past and her increasingly unreliable memory. While Pepper fits right in with other hard-hitting female spy characters like Sydney Bristow from the hit J.J. Abrams series ALIAS, Eve from BBC America’s mystery KILLING EVE and Hanna of the Amazon Prime suspense drama HANNA, Pepper - and the show that bears her name - demonstrates that older characters can destroy the bad guys and media ageism in equal measure. The award-winning action/thriller recently completed a year-long run of screenings at several of the web series world’s most prestigious festivals, such as the Minnesota, Baltimore, New Jersey, Miami, D.C., New Zealand, Sicily, Seoul and Marseilles Web Fests. I’m honored to have Caris join me to discuss not just how THE PEPPER PROJECT and PEPPER: RICOCHET won hearts and honors, but also how the series continues to inspire and empower women from all backgrounds and age groups in ways that transcend entertainment. Rent the first episode of THE PEPPER PROJECT on Vimeo for $4.95: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/whoispepper Check out the show on Reel Women's Network: https://watch.reelwomensnetwork.com/ Connect with THE PEPPER PROJECT on social media: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/whoispepper/ TWITTER: @whois_pepper INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/whoispepper/ Connect with Caris and find out more about her work here: https://carisvujcec.wixsite.com/caris TWITTER: @00Vu INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/akacaris/ Connect with The Viewfinder Podcast on social media: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast TWITTER: @ViewfinderPod Music by Audionautix.com
Actors/real life married couple Fielding Edlow (BOJACK HORSEMAN) and Larry Clarke (HEELS, FOR ALL MANKIND, Showtime's TWIN PEAKS revival) have spent as much time arguing about life's most inconsequential things as they've done being in love, and their wacky quarrels have formed the basis of their hilarious comedy web series BITTER HOMES AND GARDENS! Season 2 of the award-winning, critically acclaimed show recently premiered on YouTube, and on this week's edition of The Viewfinder Podcast, Fielding and Larry join me to talk about how their series has given the time-honored "feuding couples" trope in sitcoms a refreshingly realistic makeover.
Check out their show on its official web site:
https://www.bitterhomesandgardens.com/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bitterhomes
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bitterhomes/
On Twitter: @BitterHomes
On Instagram: @BitterHomes
Connect w/Fielding on Twitter: @fieldingedlow
Connect w/Larry on Twitter: @larryclarke_
Connect with The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
While horror films and TV series have traditionally been defined by heroic and villainous male characters, women, both good and evil, have also been among the horror genre’s greatest icons.
Besides the truly diabolical - Pamela Vorhees of Friday the 13th, Annie Wilkes in Misery, Red in Jordan Peele’s Us, Rose the Hat in Doctor Sleep - heroines like Halloween’s Laurie Strode, Scream’s Sidney Prescott, Alien’s Ellen Ripley, A Nightmare On Elm Street’s Nancy Thompson and Alice from the Resident Evil series have fought back against monsters both human and otherworldly on the screen.
Behind the camera, though, female filmmakers have also captured our biggest nightmares on celluloid. Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow did so with 1987’s Near Dark, as did Ana Lily Amirpour with the 2015 chiller A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night and Jennifer Kent with her cult classic nailbiter The Babadook in 2014.
Joining that esteemed sorority are our guests today on the Viewfinder Podcast, actor and filmmaker Izabela Vidovic, her mom Elizabeta, and Kathryn Michelle, whose indie production outfit Almost Normal Productions has committed itself to celebrating authentic female characters on screen while boosting the careers of women filmmakers and craftspeople off of it.
Their latest project is the haunting new feature film The Accursed, premiering November 12th in limited theatrical release, as well as on iTunes and on other streaming services. Izabela co-produced The Accursed with Elizabeta and Kathryn, who co-wrote and co-directed the film.
The Accursed co-stars Yancy Butler as Hana and Melora Walters as Naida, two estranged sisters united only by a deadly curse Hana has tried to bury for over two decades. Hana and her husband Nikola (played by Goran Visnjic) see their family grow when Sunny (played by Izabela) marries their son Petar (played by George Harrison Xanthis). Unfortunately, their joy soon evaporates as the old curse unexpectedly returns, threatening not just to destroy their lives but to also reveal their biggest secrets.
Elizabeta, Izabela and Kathryn are here with me to talk all about their film and how it serves to fulfill the mission of their studio: making films “for women to channel their inner badass”.
Order The Accursed on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-accursed/id1587408901
For more information on The Accursed, visit:
http://www.almostnormalproductions.com/theaccursed.html
Follow Almost Normal Productions:
http://www.almostnormalproductions.com/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostnormalproductions/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/anpfilms
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostnormalproductions/
Further links: https://instabio.cc/almostnormalproductions
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast:
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
In this second and final part of our 2021 Louisiana Film Prize review, we’ve got three more fascinating interviews for you. First, we start with a look at the poignant family drama BAMBOO HOUSE, one of five finalists for the Film Prize’s $25,000 grand prize along with winner SHREVEPORT SON and finalists NANA KI DUM, MOMento and PICTURES OF THE SKY.
BAMBOO HOUSE was directed by Jency Griffin Hogan and stars outstanding newcomer Hadley Rinaudo as Jennifer, a young teenager who spends a memorable day with her beloved grandfather (played by Richard Zeringue) as they construct a backyard playhouse. It’s a place that soon takes on emotional significance when a family tragedy occurs. The film is based on Hadley’s own memories of her late, real life grandfather, and grew from a heartfelt monologue she wrote and performed on camera while working with Jency, who is also her acting coach. The monologue served as a tribute to her cherished grandparent following his passing.
Next, we look at the funny crime caper STAKEOUT. The film was written and directed by Josh Munds, who stars in the film as one of a pair of bumbling private eyes sent to trail a vicious killer. As their investigation proceeds, though, some wacky missteps and unexpected clashes with a rival team of detectives threaten to get the good guys in big trouble with their target. Josh worked on the film with his wife, Melissa, as both co-editors and co-cinematographers.
Rounding out this set of conversations is my interview with Aname’ Rose, whose dynamic performance in director Gray Fagan’s musical drama MOONLIGHT DANCER won her this year’s Best Actress award at the 2021 Film Prize. Rose plays Lyra, an aspiring singer and dancer who longs to get away from her strict mom and the boredom of small town life so she can strut her stuff in the Big Easy - New Orleans. When she gets there, her dreams of fame and fortune are jeopardized by the man whose kindness and charity devolves into cruelty and greed.
Follow BAMBOO HOUSE on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/bamboohousefilm/
BAMBOO HOUSE was filmed by Jency's spouse Aaron Hogan, and their studio can be visited online here:
https://www.eyewanderphoto.com/
Josh and Melissa Munds' production company, Newmunds Productions:
https://www.newmunds.com/
Find out more about Aname' Rose at these links:
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/anamerose
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/anamerose/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/theviewfinderpodcast
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
The tenth annual edition of the Louisiana Film Prize competition showcased a strong class of the Pelican State's best filmmakers and actors in 20 memorable short films produced by local and regional artists working on both sides of the camera. Those films, which screened both virtually and in-person at several indoor and outdoor venues in Shreveport from September 30th to October 2nd, are the main focus of this special two-part edition of the Viewfinder Podcast.
Starting this week and concluding next week, you’ll hear my conversations with the remarkable talents behind some of this year’s top 20. This week's show features interviews with Mark Bonner, actor and director of this year's $25,000 grand prize winning-thriller Shreveport Son, director Melissa Goslin and actor Finnegan Collins of the hilarious comedy MOMento, and actor/writer Jaya McSharma of the poignant motherhood drama Nana Ki Dum.
Shreveport Son, MOMento and Nana Ki Dum were among the Film Prize’s top 5 finalists for the competition’s grand prize, and each of those films will soon be seen nationally on cable network SHORTS HD. In addition, all three films were honored with the Film Prize’s prestigious Founders Circle Grant, which awards its recipients $3,000 to fund production of films for the 2022 event.
Louisiana Film Prize's official web site:
https://prizefest.com/film/
Mark Bonner (Shreveport Son) on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mdbprojects/
MOMento on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MOMento-a-short-film-100909438789572/
Jaya McSharma (Nana Ki Dum)'s official web site:
https://www.jayamcsharma.com/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music By Audionautix.com
This week’s guest, Baton Rouge-based filmmaker Scott Sullivan, is just one of those amazing talents, and his latest film TRIGGER GIRL is a suspenseful portrait of three people entrenched in a perplexing murder mystery where the line between suspect and victim is just as ill-defined as the identity of who pulled the trigger.
Written and directed by Sullivan, and shot in February of 2020 - not long before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic - TRIGGER GIRL stars Leo Honeycutt as veteran private eye Frank Haden, who while attempting to catch a wanted serial killer gets lured into what could be the most unusual case of his career when a drunken sociopath named Priscilla (played by Tricia Prewitt) lures him into her home.
While there, Frank meets Priscilla’s equally troubled daughter Casey (played by Madeline Read), who has long suffered from both her mother’s abuse, and from being afflicted by a frightening series of multiple personalities that turn her from sweet one moment to diabolical the next.
As tensions rise between mother and daughter, and as Frank tries to discover what really led Casey to be trapped in her fractured state of mind, the longtime detective ultimately learns that his long-held guilt towards a far more personal cold case - that of his beloved daughter’s disappearance - could make solving his current one an impossible challenge. The film also stars Heather Cazes as Frank’s secretary Agnes, whose concern for her boss’ physical and emotional well-being is as strong as her professional loyalties to him.
Now on the Viewfinder Podcast, Scott joins me to talk about his memories of making TRIGGER GIRL, plus how his fascination with and love of the mystery genre inspired his idea for the film, and how Louisiana-made productions like it can go a long way towards improving the fortunes and profiles of the Pelican State’s rich pool of talent on both sides of the camera.
Find out more about Sulliscope Films on their official web site:
https://www.sulliscope.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/sulliscope/
INSTAGRAM: @Sulliscope
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on social media:
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
TWITTER: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
Love is a powerful force that touches the lives and motivates the decisions of everyone in our society. It’s a force that’s also impacted actors and filmmakers Eritria Pitts and Ben Donnellon, the co-stars and co-creators of the award-winning new web series TERRY + SAM. All four episodes of the show will premiere this Summer, and you can watch the first of those episodes at:
www.terryplussam.com
TERRY + SAM focuses on the ups and downs of a relationship between two young adults in New Orleans - Terry, played by Donnellon, and Sam, played by Pitts. While the series observes the humorous experiences its titular couple share throughout their journey in love, TERRY + SAM also takes a stark look at the inevitable challenges that threaten to tear their bond apart.
In addition to the series’ episodes, there will soon be a video podcast - co-hosted by Donnellon and Pitts - where they will discuss their real life brushes with love while helping viewers to cope with their own romantic issues.
I’m pleased to have Eritria and Ben on the Viewfinder Podcast today to discuss both the conceptual development path that TERRY + SAM took, the impact that making it had on their own lives, and the ways audiences will be able to relate to seeing a couple like themselves portrayed on screen.
Find out more about TERRY + SAM on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/terryplussam
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terryplussam/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Where once the term “celebrity” used to be associated with public figures like entertainers, athletes and politicians, the word is now used to describe the Kim Kardashians, Bethenny Frankels, Omarosas and Snookis of the world: reality TV stars whose personalities are the only reason why they’re famous in the first place.
The same can also be said for millennial social media influencers like Jake and Logan Paul, Jenna Marbles, Shane Dawson and Tyler Oakley, whose connection with Generation Z is just as strong as the millions of audiences who watch the popular (albeit contrived) dramas of “reality TV”.
Yet, both mediums are effective in presenting a glamorous but ultimately deceptive look at the so-called “perfect” life that social media followers and reality TV audiences desperately crave. That deception, and the negative effects it has on average people, inspired actor and filmmaker Mike Heslin to create the brilliant satirical miniseries THE INFLUENCERS, now streaming on Amazon Prime and recently nominated for a Queerty Award for Best Digital Series.
THE INFLUENCERS co-stars Heslin and Noam Ash (who also co-executive produced the series with Heslin and fellow series star Nicolas Wilson - aka “Scotty Dynamo”) as contestants on a BIG BROTHER-style reality show that pits six fabulous yet incredibly superficial influencers in a high-stakes social media branding competition that puts their personalities and promotional skills to the ultimate test.
Heslin’s time spent working in the social media business, his personal observations on how those he collaborated with were often lacking in the entrepreneurial department, and his own love of reality TV itself, prompted him to create a comedy where the unblinking eye of TV cameras and the judgment of TV audiences can make - or break - the destinies of six obnoxious Gen Z’ers.
Watch THE INFLUENCERS on Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Influencers/dp/B08PQHSGLJ
Find out more about THE INFLUENCERS on the show’s official web site:
https://www.influencerstheseries.com/
Connect with THE INFLUENCERS on social media:
Twitter - @influencersshow
Instagram - @influencerstheseries
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/influencerstheseries/
Connect with Noam and Mike on social media:
Noam Ash on Twitter/Instagram - @MrNoamAsh
Noam on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/noam.ash
Mike Heslin on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram - @MikeHeslin
For more info on Noam and Mike’s production company, Well-Versed Entertainment, visit: https://www.wellversedent.com/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
The focus of this week's show is the acclaimed thriller web series NORTHBOUND, a suspenseful and exciting story set in the aftermath of a deadly cataclysm that's nearly destroyed all of humanity.
Set in a picturesque yet deserted mountain countryside, NORTHBOUND concentrates its plot on the danger-filled journey of a father (Alex, played by Nate Alaine) and his ailing daughter Crystal (played by Nate's own real life daughter Callie), who after finding refuge among a close group of survivalists known as The Infinity Group, must save their lives while battling the vicious militiamen who hunt them relentlessly, and the intimidating force of a secret government body, amidst the unforgiving chill of Winter.
Joining me today to discuss both NORTHBOUND and its feature-length movie follow-up, NORTHSTAR (which we'll discuss a little bit later during this edition of our show) are the two men who helped make both projects possible: writer/producers Jason Hagen and Seth Anderson, who also co-produced NORTHBOUND with his brother Brendan.
Both seasons of NORTHBOUND are available to watch on the popular web series platform Seeka TV, with a third and final season ready to go once conditions are safer for production to resume in the heavily COVID-affected area of Iron Mountain, Michigan (where the series is filmed).
To watch NORTHBOUND on Seeka TV, visit:
https://watch.seeka.tv/northbound
To watch the official trailer for its upcoming third season, visit the show's official web site:
http://www.northstarsaga.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northstarfilm/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/filmnorthstar
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
This week, I’m delighted to welcome back to the show actor Susan Gallagher, who I had the pleasure of speaking with last May about her acclaimed role on the LGBTQ web series QUEERING. Now she joins me to talk about what’s obviously become her most recognizable and most popular on-screen performance: that of the outspoken, opinionated and feisty “Homeless Lynn” on Netflix’s hit series COBRA KAI.
Part of the mega-hit “Karate Kid” universe, COBRA KAI was co-created by Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald and Hayden Schlossberg, and reunites three of the principal cast members from the first Karate Kid film. The series follows the tenuous relationship - and rivalry - between teenage karate champ-turned successful Los Angeles car dealer Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) and his former competitor Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whose adulthood has been anything but prosperous.
Both motivated and scarred by the brutal training methods of the man who once mentored him, Sensei John Kreese (played by Martin Kove), Johnny decides to take a new generation of warriors under his wing when he re-opens his old teacher’s dojo - Cobra Kai - and redraws the battle lines between himself and Daniel in an escalating conflict that threatens to destroy themselves, their families, and the teenagers who turn to karate for self-defense. Zabka, Macchio and Kove, of course, are all reprising their roles from the first “Karate Kid” movie.
On the lighter side of it all is “Homeless Lynn”, who we first meet in COBRA KAI’s opening episode as she antagonizes Johnny while sitting outside the same strip mall that soon serves as home base for his new dojo. Yet that’s just the beginning of the frequently contentious give-and-take between the two, and it’s an element of COBRA KAI that provides a humorous break from the show’s signature one-two punch of serious drama and high-kicking karate action.
Though “Homeless Lynn” only appears in a few brief scenes during the first 3 seasons of COBRA KAI, she’s already won a tremendous following among the show’s loyal fans - so much so that there’s even a Facebook fan group dedicated to her character. We’ll talk about that and more as Susan Gallagher joins us on the fiftieth episode of The Viewfinder Podcast.
Connect with Susan:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGallagherOfficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanlgallagher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsusangallagher/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuSqGVcHIC2yxm54aoTLpw
Check out the "Cobra Kai's Homeless Lynn" Facebook fan group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2701589869963294/
Connect with The Viewfinder Podcast:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
On an earlier episode of The Viewfinder Podcast, I talked to Ivan Hayden, whose new video platform - called 16up - provides an effective avenue for indie filmmakers to both share their short content online and to build their own individual brands through the content they post - both vertically on Instagram and horizontally on Facebook.
One of those filmmakers is Tom Tennisco, the creator of the impressive post-apocalyptic sci-fi series QUICK SUITORS which you can now watch on 16up’s Facebook page. Other projects Tom’s working on for 16up include the horror short T-SHIRT (shot vertically) and the wacky cop caper BROTHERS-IN-LAW. Tom joins me to discuss those projects, and how 16up has helped him to break through in the crowded indie film world.
Check out QUICK SUITORS here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/531107960723441/3504875426242841
A brief trailer for BROTHERS-IN-LAW can be seen here:
https://fb.watch/30ao25r3WQ/
Connect with 16up:
On the web: https://16up.tv/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/16up.tv
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/16_up/
Connect with Tom:
On the web: https://www.atomtenniscothing.com/ (A Tom Tennisco Thing)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.tennisco
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomtennisco/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpmFiNW9VWRq8EPilvZtPyw?reload=9
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionatix.com
The comedic duo of Jonathan Kaplan and Marianne Bayard - a.k.a. “Mares and Kaps” - have offered viewers a hilarious window into the wackiest moments of their fictional daily lives through a memorable assortment of YouTube sketches (first titled “Killing It!”, later "Mares and Kaps").
Now, Kaplan and Bayard have taken their humorous teaming to the next level as the creators and co-stars of a brand new series that thrusts them from the boredom of their day jobs to the brightness of showbiz.
The show is called, naturally, “Mares and Kaps”, and its first episode can be seen on their YouTube channel (which is linked to in the notes for this week’s podcast). Kaplan and Bayard join us on The Viewfinder Podcast to talk about this newest chapter in their hilarious partnership.
Watch the first episode of "Mares and Kaps" (the series) on its official web site:
https://www.maresnkaps.com/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MaresKaps
Follow Mares and Kaps on Instagram @MaresAndKaps
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Our guest on this week's show is television producer and x-visual effects supervisor Ivan Hayden, who as the CEO of independent production company Frostbite Pictures has helped to bring viewers acclaimed sci-fi/horror web series like DIVINE: THE SERIES (which co-starred SUPERNATURAL’s Misha Collins), plus DEMON X, AFTER and THE LAST FALL OF ASHES.
Hayden’s latest venture is the new mobile video distribution platform 16up, which is already available on Instagram and Facebook. 16up is designed to accomplish two important purposes: one, helping filmmakers and brands connect through producing short and effective content (all shot vertically, as opposed to the traditional horizontal visual presentation that viewers are accustomed to seeing), and two, offering 16up’s partners ways to maximize audience share and profit through social distribution.
Hayden joins the Viewfinder Podcast to talk about those aspects of 16up, as well as the entertaining content that viewers can expect to see on the platform.
Connect with 16up.tv on its official web site:
https://16up.tv/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/16up.tv
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/16_up/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
This week, we've got another set of back-to-back interviews, beginning with our first guest, Louisiana Film Channel president Dr. Lucas Fry, followed by my conversation with actor and filmmaker Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera about her new romantic comedy web series DATING 'IN' PLACE.
THE LOUISIANA FILM CHANNEL
The new Louisiana Film Channel presents a rich variety of original shorts, features, series, documentaries and music videos - all made by Louisiana filmmakers and starring Louisiana performers. The channel, which formally launches on Thanksgiving Day (November 26th), is already available online via its web site (which you can access at louisianafilmchannel.com), plus Roku, Apple TV, the iPad and various android devices.
After downloading the app and setting up your account for the Channel, you’ll get access to both free and subscription-based content (the latter available for either $4.99 a month or $50 annually). The Channel’s website also has more information on how filmmakers can submit their work to be shown on the platform.
For TV viewers in Baton Rouge, you can get a taste of what the Louisiana Film Channel has to offer when you watch its weekly “Wednesday Night Movies” show each Wednesday at 8 PM Central on WLFT Channel 30. The station’s general manager, Dr. Lucas Fry, is also the president of the Louisiana Film Channel, and I’m pleased to have him join me to discuss how the Channel’s programming will give Louisiana’s indigenous filmmakers and actors the showcase they’ve long deserved.
DATING ‘IN’ PLACE
Filmed during the worldwide lockdown that took place during the initial outbreak of COVID-19, DATING ‘IN’ PLACE centers on two women - Debika (played by Abeydeera) and Jo (played by Emily Goss) - whose romantic connections are challenged by the emotional pain of physical separation and the unprecedented disaster that has defined 2020 for billions throughout the world: the global COVID-19 pandemic. The series also co-stars Mandahla Rose as Debika’s sister Dinali, and Kari Alison Hodge as Jo’s sister, Penelope.
The Louisiana Film Channel’s web site can be accessed at:
www.louisianafilmchannel.com
Watch DATING ‘IN’ PLACE on OML (available through the Revry app and web site):
https://watch.revry.tv/details/33290?playlist_id=712
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Although racism victimizes Black Americans through senseless violence, societal division, coded yet thinly veiled bigotry, voter suppression and vile political rhetoric, it also forces Blacks in the corporate world to take on a double identity that forces them to act in a way that Whites will supposedly find "acceptable" while simultaneously being inauthentic to themselves.
It's a dangerous tightrope straddled by a young professional named Anansi Moor, the lead character of BLACK ON BOTH SIDES, now in its second season and streaming exclusively on web series platform Seeka TV. Alonge Hawes, who created BLACK ON BOTH SIDES and plays the role of Anansi Moor in the series, is my guest on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.
I had the honor of speaking with him on an earlier episode of the show when he joined me to talk about season 1 of BLACK ON BOTH SIDES, and I am equally honored to have him join me once again to discuss season 2 of the series. As you're about to hear from Alonge, this season of BLACK ON BOTH SIDES is more than a story of young Black Americans fighting for personal and economic freedom. As he tells me, it's a story that, while fictionalized, truthfully exposes the continued injustices Black Americans face every day.
Given the amplification of racism in a falsely labeled "post-racial" society, BLACK ON BOTH SIDES is an urgent reminder of this uncomfortable reality; one that will hopefully motivate audiences of all backgrounds to take a stand against injustice. In my opinion, BLACK ON BOTH SIDES is the most important series you'll see anywhere today. Stay tuned and find out why from Alonge Hawes, now on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.
Watch both seasons of BLACK ON BOTH SIDES exclusively on Seeka TV:
https://watch.seeka.tv/black-on-both-sides
Check out Alonge's interview with Snobby Robot about season 2 of BLACK ON BOTH SIDES:
http://snobbyrobot.com/2020/10/21/black-on-both-sides-season-2-fighting-for-justice-and-equality-in-a-racially-divided-america/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @viewfinderpod
And on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by AudioNautix.com
Some of the best comedies, or for that matter, some of the best movies and TV shows we watch are those that explore real-life problems from the viewpoints of characters whose stories are fictionalized yet real enough to relate to. One such show is the new web series MILFriend (or "mother I’d like to friend"), created by and starring my guest on this week's Viewfinder Podcast: actor and filmmaker Judy Jean Kwon.
Kwon leads MILFriend as Pepper, a brash, outspoken and oft-unemployed young Asian-American woman who's facing not just the consequences of her sudden pregnancy, but also the encroaching gentrification that's turning her otherwise diverse neighborhood of Venice Beach, California into another haven for White, upper-middle-class families - and families to be.
As Pepper befriends the new moms whose company she will soon join, she gets a memorable crash course in the intricacies of parenting, while begrudgingly learning how to respect her peers - specifically, kids and women.
In addition to starring in and writing the series, Kwon also co-directed MILFriend with her husband, Richard Henkels. With MILFriend a project of their production company, Commonwealth Creative, the series is part of Kwon and Henkels' shared mission of creating content that spotlights and encourages diversity in both storytelling and the broader entertainment industry.
Kwon and I discuss not just that mission, but also her journey to creative independence and MILFriend's fascinating road from script to screen now on this week's show.
Watch all episodes of MILFriend (airing Thursdays) on Kwon's YouTube channel, YoMamaRice:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoJbyK_6OELdfWhaajlr3TQ
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
On this week's show, award-winning filmmaker Evan Kidd joins me to talk about his latest project: PANDA BEAR IT, the heart-wrenching and frequently surreal story of a talented hip-hop star named Kamus Leonardo (played by real life rapper Kamus The Leader), who's struggling to keep his career going while trying to heal following the untimely death of his beloved girlfriend.
Part of the rapper's coping process? Talking about his problems with the most unusual confidant imaginable: a lifelike, costumed panda bear that soon adds even more misery to Kamus' daily life. Now that will either amuse you or perplex you when you eventually see the film, but it might also make you consider how some people will turn to anyone who'll listen to their concerns when things seem desperate.
Directed by Kidd, scheduled to premiere soon on Amazon Prime, and released through his production company Rockset Productions (who also brought viewers the acclaimed web series HOME REMEDY and comedy/drama feature SON OF CLOWNS), PANDA BEAR IT is also a film that carries strong meaning for the man who conceived it. As Kidd says in his director's statement for the film:
"I created PANDA BEAR IT as a way to talk about grief in a multitude of ways by blending drama, surrealism, and comedy. It's both tragic, and unseen, while never being exactly the same for two people. Music also is the healing method through which our main character Kamus Leonardo finds himself in this story. I think this is a story for our current day that will be relatable to all who have loved, lost, and found the courage to continue onward."
I'm honored to have Evan join me today to discuss PANDA BEAR IT's story of overcoming personal loss, and the unorthodox yet necessary path it took to get to audiences in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Find out more about Rockset Productions here:
https://rocksetproductions.com/
Get updates on PANDA BEAR IT on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PandaBearItFilm/
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pandabearitfilm/
Listen to this and other episodes of The Viewfinder Podcast on these platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/74f0gQbYgsQHlCHEucUWjA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-hadley/id1465499690
Anchor: http://www.anchor.fm/chris-hadley
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-hadley
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-G7V3JE
Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vwryf-9567a/The-Viewfinder-Podcast-with-Chris-Hadley
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-viewfinder-podcast-wit-53617767/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter: www.twitter.com/viewfinderpod
Music by Audionautix.com
On today’s show, we talk to three talented filmmakers who've been dedicated to telling stories that celebrate the diversity of our society while giving underrepresented communities a well-deserved seat at the entertainment industry table: Stacey Maltin, Margarita Zhitnikova and Jackie Schwartz, whose production company Besties Make Movies has recently completed filming of its latest feature - and the focus of this week’s Viewfinder Podcast - TRIPLE THREAT.
Part musical, part coming-of-age romantic comedy, TRIPLE THREAT - which will be released soon - is the story of three talented Broadway aspirants: Chloe (played by Maltin, who directed the film and co-wrote its script with her co-star Jay Deyonker), Maggie (played by Zhitnikova), and Gus (played by Deyonker), the leading man who proves to play a significant part in their futures.
Having collaborated on their promising new musical Firefly while in their ‘20s, their creative potential and the enthusiasm that Chloe, Maggie and Gus have for the project is belatedly realized over 10 years later when Broadway producer Audrey Williamson (played by Catherine Curtin) aims to finally put Firefly on the stage.
However, that excitement soon gives way to the unforgiving realities of show business and of Gus’ own desire to be a father; a goal that unites this talented trio in an extraordinary balancing act between career hopes and parental responsibilities. Under that scenario, Chloe, Maggie and Gus must work even harder to see their creative collaboration to its completion - and to deliver the next hit Broadway musical in the process.
Featuring outstanding original songs from the duo of Sam Carner and Derek Gregor, including the recently released “Piece Of Me” performed by film cast member Aury Krebs (which you can hear on Apple Music, Spotify and other platforms), as well as dazzling choreography directed by Sara Andreas, TRIPLE THREAT is the latest example of how Besties Make Movies’ mission statement - “boldly raising up those who Hollywood has left behind” - is realized through the movie’s entertaining story and relatable characters, plus the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity in all facets of filmmaking and acting - all of which Maltin, Zhitknikova and Schwartz discuss with me now on this week’s podcast.
Find out more about TRIPLE THREAT on its official website:
https://www.triplethreatfilm.net
Hear the full version of “Piece of Me” on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/album/1518387701?app=itunes&ls=1
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3AchlazIkn7YXDvHEYjzFW?si=2j70chvsRmW9_dFXvTT1_g
On Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Me-Triple-Threat/dp/B08B5CZVD9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Triple+Threat+piece+of+me&qid=1596235073&s=dmusic&sr=1-1
For more information on Besties Make Movies, visit:
https://www.bestiesmakemovies.com/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter:www.twitter.com/viewfinderpod
Music by Audionautix.com
Though millions know the American South for football, food and music, the region's more macabre landmarks - haunted houses, cemeteries and deserted ghost towns, among many - have constantly been a favorite with tourists and parapsychologists alike. Equally spooked and fascinated by these frightening destinations and the chilling backstories behind them are Dan Myrick and Kristian Krempel, co-producers of the new horror anthology series BLACK VEIL, and our guests on today's podcast.
Co-created by Myrick, an indie horror film icon best known for writing and co-directing the 1999 smash hit THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, and Jeffrey Reddick, who originated the blockbuster FINAL DESTINATION franchise, BLACK VEIL and its first of six haunting stories - all tied together by the presence of a mysterious woman donning a black veil - were filmed in Plant City, located in the Tampa Bay area.
Both natives of nearby Sarasota, Florida, Myrick and Krempel join the Viewfinder Podcast not only to talk about how BLACK VEIL's Southern-set tales of terror mirrors the real life frights that abound in Florida's most haunted areas, but also about how the series' production (currently paused due to the coronavirus pandemic) will help revive the Sunshine State's formerly booming film and TV industry.
Later on in this interview, Myrick and Krempel will discuss their other top project: the recently released UFO thriller SKYMAN, which follows a man who attempts to have another close encounter with extraterrestrials over 10 years after they supposedly made contact with him. SKYMAN can be accessed on DVD, Blu-ray and video on demand.
For more information on BLACK VEIL, visit:
https://www.blackveilonline.com/
For more information on SKYMAN, visit:
https://www.skymanthemovie.com/
You can listen to The Viewfinder Podcast on these platforms:
Anchor: http://www.anchor.fm/chris-hadley
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-hadley
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/74f0gQbYgsQHlCHEucUWjA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-hadley/id1465499690
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-G7V3JE
Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vwryf-9567a/The-Viewfinder-Podcast-with-Chris-Hadley
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-viewfinder-podcast-wit-53617767/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
and on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
Music By Audionautix.com
Life's most critical moments, and the lessons we learn upon experiencing them, frequently come when we're faced with adversity. For my guest on this week's Viewfinder Podcast - filmmaker Creighton Hobbs - overcoming adversity has literally been the story (or, to be more accurate, stories) of his remarkable life.
In his new documentary feature film HOW MANY CHANCES, Hobbs takes audiences on a gripping personal recollection of his life; one filled with extraordinary stories of heartbreak, wonder, joy, love, and survival against absurdly long odds.
Beginning in childhood with an unexplained baseball accident that forced his hospitalization, Hobbs has survived 26 car crashes, struggles with drugs and gangs in his teen years, and a frightening stint in juvenile prison. To top all that off, Hobbs has died - only to return to life - five different times. Yet, that’s just scratching the surface of his unbelievable journey.
However, as Hobbs will explain in this interview, those incredible experiences have taught him as much about how fortunate he is to still be alive today as they have about making the right choices in life. It's those lessons that he aims to pass on to everyone who watches HOW MANY CHANCES, which will premiere sometime this August via streaming video.
Here are the links to The Viewfinder Podcast, both on other platforms and social media:
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-hadley
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/74f0gQbYgsQHlCHEucUWjA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-hadley/id1465499690
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/the-viewfinder-podcast-with-chris-G7V3JE
Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vwryf-9567a/The-Viewfinder-Podcast-with-Chris-Hadley
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-viewfinder-podcast-wit-53617767/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/viewfinderpod
On this special double episode of The Viewfinder Podcast, you'll hear interviews with filmmakers Jorja Hudson and Kelly Stier (the producers of a new comedy film called WITHDRAWALS) and veteran voice actor Greg Cipes (best known for his roles in popular cartoons like TEEN TITANS and Nickelodeon's TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES), who joins us to talk about his work on the wacky new animated web series RoboSplaat.
WITHDRAWALS
First up, Hudson and Stier join me to discuss their partnership on a funny yet thought-provoking short film about a subject that many people still feel afraid to talk about openly: mental illness. Written and directed by Hudson, WITHDRAWALS co-stars Jenny Gorelick, Andrea Simons, Fareeha Khan and Charlotte Gilbert as four friends - Bianca, Quinn, Peggy and Rosa - who share an unusually detached reaction to the unexpected death of their pop music idol.
In the aftermath of that incident, this unified quartet decides to take their emotionless statuses one step further by collectively quitting their antidepressants together. They all go on to experience very different side effects, leading them to the eventual conclusion that everyone has to do what’s right for their own mental health.
In presenting their film to audiences, Hudson and Stier hope to offer an entertaining yet honest look at how people deal with the challenges of living a well-balanced emotional life, while proving that getting help with those challenges is nothing to feel ashamed about. WITHDRAWALS will next play at the upcoming virtual Cinema Femme Fest between August 6th-9th.
ROBOSPLAAT
For years it was known as the “Ink Splaat”, the playful icon of the Emmy award-winning production company responsible for much of Nickelodeon’s classic toon content over the years: Klasky-Csupo, founded by veteran animators Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo.
Given its ubiquity and the cult following it’s received from generations of toon fans throughout the world, company co-founder Arlene Klasky and animator Sergei Shramkovsky gave the character new life, new arms, new legs, a new name - RoboSplaat - and a new voice in veteran voice actor Greg Cipes, best known for his roles on TEEN TITANS, TEEN TITANS GO!, BEN 10 and Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Now, all those elements come together in two new projects from Klasky Csupo: RoboSplaat, the web series, which airs new episodes each Wednesday and Saturday on YouTube and Instagram, and a soon-to-debut interactive video game called Splaativerse, which gives players the chance to put Robosplaat in all kinds of fun adventures while enhancing the character with a variety of different sound effects. Cipes joins us to discuss the origins of Robosplaat and what viewers - kids and grown-ups alike - can expect from this offbeat yet entertaining character.
Check out new episodes of RoboSplaat on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZ001zSMD4rJ57m2cOkcSw
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robosplaat/
For more information on WITHDRAWALS, visit its Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/withdrawalsfilm/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter @ViewfinderPod
Owing its gritty style and character-focused plotlines to modern suspense standbys like TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. and director Michael Mann's 1995 thriller HEAT, the new crime drama FRANK JAMES is a gritty journey into an emotionally fragile Los Angeles police detective's efforts to capture the reviled crime boss responsible for a teenager's killing.
Created by Jon Massey and starring Chris Muto in the title role, FRANK JAMES also features Fred Mata as Detective Byron Ozawa and Toni Robison-May as Detective Amy Washington, the two cops who assist Frank in his investigation of the young man's death. It's a search that also comes as Frank's soon-to-be ex-wife Maria (Angie Patterson) prepares to leave him after years of being frustrated with the way his career has overshadowed their once-joyful marriage.
Two of FRANK JAMES' first six episodes will be shown online during this year's virtual Minnesota Web Fest event (which runs from September 24th through the 27th), and funds for production of the remaining four shows are being sought through its currently ongoing IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign. You can find the links to the campaign's page in the show notes.
Coming at a time when the nationwide scourge of police brutality against Black Americans has been brought into its sharpest public focus through the Black Lives Matter movement, FRANK JAMES' serialized narrative gives the classic detective-based suspense genre a socially relevant edge, dramatizing both the decades-long conflict between Los Angeles' predominantly Black population and inherently corrupt elements in the city's law enforcement, and the darker side of a metropolis that most people associate with the glamorous world of show business.
Massey joins us today on The Viewfinder Podcast to talk about how his life in Los Angeles and his fascination with gritty suspense thrillers (such as HEAT and other films) influenced the concept for FRANK JAMES, as well as how he is attempting to stay creative while staying safe from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as it accelerates once again in California and across the United States.
Watch FRANK JAMES' first 2 episodes on its official web site:
www.frankjamesseries.com
Help FRANK JAMES' IndieGoGo campaign raise money to produce the show's next four episodes:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/frank-james-a-web-series#/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankjamesseries/
Twitter: @FrankJamesWeb
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime capture all the attention and awards these days, leaving upstart platforms to fight however they can for their share of audiences. Into that marketplace comes Show Me TV, now available on Roku and coming soon to Amazon Fire TV and other set-top services to be announced.
Joining us to talk about Show Me TV are my guests on this week’s Viewfinder Podcast: Kurt Sather, Show Me TV’s co-founder, project director and connected TV/over the top specialist, Andre Boyer, Show Me’s content specialist, director of programming and creative team leader, and Shivani Patel, the company’s director of development and full stack app developer.
Show Me TV's web site:
http://www.showmetelevision.com/
Find out more on Show Me TV on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ShowMeTV/
On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/showmetelevision/
The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
This week's episode of The Viewfinder Podcast focuses on the hilarious new comedy short film WAIMEA, written and directed by Steve Herold and co-starring Kevin Kolack as a man who desperately tries to track down a missing lottery ticket. Yet with plenty of his neighbors on the hunt for that lucky ticket, will he find it in time before his wife finds out?
WAIMEA continues the collaboration between Herold and Kolack, who previously worked on the acclaimed 2018 comedy DEATH OF AN UMBRELLA SALESMAN and 1999's H.R. PUKENSHETTE. In this interview, they discuss not only their memories of making WAIMEA, but also how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them on a professional and personal level.
WAIMEA recently screened at this year's online-only Jersey Shore Film Festival on July 15th, two days before this podcast aired. Please note that our interview was recorded last Friday (July 10th), which is why you'll hear references to the then-upcoming festival.
Find out more about WAIMEA and Herold's production company Joint Partners Productions (which made WAIMEA and DEATH OF AN UMBRELLA SALESMAN) on these links:
ON THE WEB: http://jointfilms.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDrCLmEAPWNa4Con-6mwmQ
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jointfilms
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jointpartners
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jointfilms/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @viewfinderpod
and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
NOTE: Slight spoilers for THE HONEY KILLER toward the last five minutes of the podcast.
This week's Viewfinder Podcast features what may be the most improbable story of filmmaking success ever told on this show: that of writer/director Richard Harrison and his award-winning 2008 comedy/thriller THE HONEY KILLER.
Finally released on Amazon Prime, Google Play and iTunes over 12 years after it was finished, THE HONEY KILLER isn't just a Tarantino-esque action-packed story of revenge. The film's production and distribution processes were plagued by an inexplicable array of mishaps, disappointments and near-misses that almost doomed Harrison's first feature-length project to obscurity.
Yet when audiences got their first look at THE HONEY KILLER on video-on-demand, the movie's unexpected success further added to its incredible history. That success has now propelled Harrison to work on a big-budget remake of the original 2008 film, as well as an expansion of the film's concept into a TV series (THE HONEY KILLERS).
Harrison discusses his memories of making THE HONEY KILLER, as well as the invaluable lessons he learned about the craft and business of filmmaking while working on the film, on this week's show.
Check out THE HONEY KILLER on Amazon Prime, Google Play and iTunes, and find more information about the film here:
http://www.thehoneykiller.com/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Movie/The-Honey-Killer-21561237464/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
and on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
Music by Audionautix.com
This week's show features an interview with actor and filmmaker Susan Gallagher (known to COBRA KAI fans as "Homeless Lynn" on the popular YouTube TV series) as she discusses her work on the acclaimed LGBTQ web series QUEERING, and how her female-owned and operated production company Her Little Red Productions is paving the way for talented women filmmakers to find success in the industry.
Created by Leticia De Bortoli, QUEERING stars Gallagher (who also served as the show's associate producer) in the role of a recently divorced woman (Val) whose life-changing sexual awakening occurs when she publicly announces that she's bisexual - much to the surprise and anger of her young lesbian daughter (Harper, played by Sophia Grasso), who's going through her own romantic problems at the same time.
Having come out after 50, Val is guided through the finer points of bisexual life by Harper's best friend Devon (Diana Oh) while learning about how the monumental consequences of her decision to come out have affected both herself and the people she loves.
Season 2 of QUEERING is a co-production of De Bortoli's Gancho Films and Gallagher's production company Her Little Red Productions. Check both seasons of the show out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1MfUBIrPMwj4oMelDe_osg/
Find out more about Gallagher on her official web site:
http://susangallagher.com/
On iMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0302500/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGallagherOfficial/
Also check out the "Homeless Lynn Theories and Spin-Off Ideas" Facebook group (for fans of Gallagher's COBRA KAI character):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2701589869963294/
On Twitter: @SusanLGallagher
On Instagram: @IAmSusanGallagher
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Described as "SEX AND THE CITY meets ENTOURAGE...only the poverty version", the hilarious comedy web series ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP is brash and bold in the tradition of female-led comedies like BRIDESMAIDS, FLEABAG and BROAD CITY. Created by Joelene Crnogorac and co-starring Kelly Frye, ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP focuses on a group of four actresses who'll do whatever it takes to reach the heights of stardom - but will their dreams crash into the harsh reality of Tinseltown? Crnogorac and Frye join us to talk about ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP on this week's show!
Check out all 6 episodes of ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1yOTFHUL6tx7_8fbcCtkEvS3A0W9OZcE
Find out more about ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP on the show's official web site:
https://www.allthewaytothetoptv.com/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthewaytothetoptv/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/atwttttv
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthewaytothetoptv/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
The Viewfinder Podcast returns with an all-new episode featuring this week's guest, filmmaker and actor Bri Castellini. Through her production company Undead Burrito Productions, Castellini created and co-starred in the web series BRAINS and SAM AND PAT ARE DEPRESSED. Also under the aegis of Undead Burrito, Castellini wrote, produced, directed and edited short films such as ACE AND ANXIOUS and BUY IN. Behind the camera, Castellini has also directed episodes of other web series like BETTER WITH YOU and ROSALIE.
In addition to her filmmaking work, Castellini has also served as community director for the web series content aggregator Stareable, and now serves as Film Community Manager for the popular indie film crowdfunding site Seed&Spark. Castellini is also an adjunct professor of the MFA Screenwriting program Stephens College, and serves in the same capacity as an instructor at LIU Brooklyn's MFA in Writing and Producing for Television. Find out more about Bri's work and her projects on her official web site:
http://bricastellini.com/
Support Bri's work on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/BrisOwnWorld
Reach out to Bri on social media:
TWITTER: @BrisOwnWorld
INSTAGRAM: @BrisOwnWorld
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpLE5who1dSJJJtDtVuN1Q?
Visit Undead Burrito's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/undeadburritoproductions
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
It's a slight change of pace for this week's Viewfinder Podcast as our latest guest just happens to be a fellow podcaster - actor/comedian Adam Carr, host of the hilarious AfterBuzz TV/iTunes comedy podcast HORRIBLY HOLLYWOOD SINGLE. Each week, Adam and his celebrity guests recall their worst dating disasters while sharing some equally memorable romantic mishaps from the show's viewers and listeners.
If you'd like to have your bad date story read on air, contact the show at horriblyhollywoodsingle@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ZW-x-bNImv-igbV9HXfRw/
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/horribly-hollywood-single-with-adam-carr/id1486288274
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7C85SKZY4cKsbNTUPlizZY?si=8jV1vts2SIiM4KTtS4dFfw
AfterBuzz TV: https://www.afterbuzztv.com/horribly-hollywood-single/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/horriblyhollywoodsingle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HorriblySingle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horriblyhollywoodsingle/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
On Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
On this edition of the Viewfinder Podcast, acclaimed filmmaker Yarnel Nicolas talks about how his fascination with the art of pantomime inspired both his award-winning short film drama TEARS OF JOI (broadcast on several PBS stations in 2018) and his snarky classic TV vlog commentary web series STUCK ON THE TELLY.
(Full disclosure: the host of this program wrote 3 episodes of STUCK ON THE TELLY).
TEARS OF JOI can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9334r5AFef8
To watch Yarnel's work, including STUCK ON THE TELLY, visit his YouTube channel REW: A Yard Lion Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoSurferYNX
Also available on Manic Expression:
https://www.manic-expression.com/members/yardlionrew/
Watch STUCK ON THE TELLY on Stareable:
https://stareable.com/series/view/stuck-on-the-telly-with-skyheart-z
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by Audionautix.com
Photo credit: © Nunzio Rugierro
This week's podcast features an interview with actor/writer Jenn Nangle, a.k.a. the beautifully wicked horror anthology hostess Malvolia, The Queen of Screams! Check out all 3 seasons of her show on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFMTpWeO3dUXQc1qR-GlSww
Find out more about Malvolia on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/queenmalvolia/
Instagram: @queenmalvolia
Twitter: @queenmalvolia
If you've got a horror short film you'd like to have featured on Malvolia's show, send a link to it at makemalvoliascream@gmail.com
Follow Jenn on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifernangle
Instagram: @Jennifer_Nangle
Twitter: @Jennifer_Nangle
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
This week's guest is Kate Madison, the co-creator of Mythica Entertainment's critically acclaimed fantasy/adventure web series REN: THE GIRL WITH THE MARK. Season 1 of the award-winning drama starred Sophie Skelton (now of Starz's OUTLANDER) as a young woman whose fate is forever altered when an ancient spirit gives her incredible magic powers.
Madison talks to the Viewfinder Podcast about her efforts to launch a second season of the series via its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, and how that campaign will ultimately make REN a better product for its loyal worldwide fan base.
To contribute to the campaign on Kickstarter, visit:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mythica/ren2
Watch season 1 of REN on its main web site, where you can also find more information about the series' storyline, cast and crew:
https://www.rentheseries.com/
Check out REN on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/MythicaEntertainment
On Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/Ren-Girl-Mark/dp/B07QXLYG7N
Follow REN on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/rentheseries
and on Twitter @RenTheSeries
Follow the Viewfinder Podcast on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
and on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
Music by audionautix.com
Actor/stunt performer/filmmaker Cassandra Ebner talks to The Viewfinder Podcast about her acclaimed comedy/adventure series LIFE XP. The series' first season (9 episodes total), plus exclusive "making of" content, can be purchased for $4.99 on Vimeo on Demand: Link:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lifexp
Full YouTube playlist for LIFE XP:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeCMCh0l8f_lWmadpIT3vHc0QtK_v_YnA
Visit LIFE XP's official web site for more information:
https://www.lifexpseries.com/
Help contribute to a second season of LIFE XP here:
https://www.lifexpseries.com/donate
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lifexpseries/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/lifexp_series
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lifexp_series/
Follow The Viewfinder Podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Music by audionautix.com
On the first Viewfinder Podcast of 2020, writer/director Lukas Kendall talks about the making of his suspenseful new sci-fi short film SKY FIGHTER. The futuristic, thought-provoking thriller co-stars Tom Maden (MTV's SCREAM: THE TV SERIES), Jess Gabor (SHAMELESS) and Erik Palladino (ER, U-571, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, SUITS, etc.) and can be seen exclusively on YouTube channel DUST at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1SQILFvd6Q
Details about the film, courtesy its publicity materials:
"In the 26th century: humankind fights a war in space against an unstoppable alien adversary. A pilot, John (played by Gabel), awakens on the deck of his two-man fighter-bomber spaceship—with no memory how he got there. His copilot, Mo (played by Gabor), tells him he was hacked (via his cybernetics) by the aliens, and she tried to save him...yet evidence on the ship points to HER being the one possessed by the enemy. Should he trust her...or the little memory he regains?"
Director's statement:
“This is a take on space warfare I’ve always loved (Star Wars, Robotech, Battlestar Galactica) with a Twilight Zone/Black Mirror/Memento twist. (Robotech fans: you’ll recognize the voice on the radio.) Hopefully there’s something to make you feel, make you think—and give you some candy for your eyes and ears. It’s bread-and-butter suspense storytelling, grounding the fantastic in relatable human behavior. There is a moral to the story...but I can’t give it away without ruining the ending.” —Lukas Kendall
About Lukas Kendall, again courtesy of SKY FIGHTER's publicity materials:
"Lukas Kendall is the writer, director and executive producer of Sky Fighter, a crowdfunded sci-fi short film and proof-of-concept for a feature. Kendall co-wrote and executive produced the indie suspense drama Lucky Bastard (2014), “a clever thriller set in the world of porn” (The Los Angeles Times) noted for “humanizing the people behind the objectification, with lives beyond the smut” (The Village Voice). He is the founder and publisher of Film Score Monthly, a magazine, website and CD label devoted to movie music, which he created as a high school student on Martha’s Vineyard in 1990. Since 1996, he has produced and/or released more than 400 CDs of classic film and television music for the collector’s market, including albums from the Star Trek, James Bond and Superman franchises."
Find out more about SKY FIGHTER on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/skyfighterscifi
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On this final episode of The Viewfinder Podcast for 2019, we speak with writer/director Stacey Davis about two of her latest short films: the uproarious family comedy CHERRY, and the hilarious documentary PIE IN THE PUSS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF PIEING IN FILM. Both shorts recently played at the 2019 Fairhope Film Festival in Fairhope, Alabama, where Birmingham native Davis shared these outstanding comedies before local audiences.
Find out more about Davis' production company, Under The Couch Entertainment (which produced CHERRY and PIE IN THE PUSS) on its web site:
https://underthecouchentertainment.com/
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www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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See you for more great interviews on The Viewfinder Podcast in 2020!
On this week's show, you'll hear an interview with the co-stars/co-creators of the YouTube comedy series CRITICALLY ASHAMED: Giuditta Lattanzi and Franca Paschen. Check out the first four episodes of the show on YouTube!
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This week's show focuses on a uniquely Southern cinematic take on legendary Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes' iconic "Man of La Mancha" - THE TRUE DON QUIXOTE. Written and directed by Chris Poche, co-produced by Beth Burvant and filmed throughout St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, the film co-stars Tim Blake Nelson as an unemployed bookworm who transforms himself into a modern-day Don Quixote. Recruiting a mild-mannered youth (Jacob Batalon) to be his Sancho Panza, the pair begin an entertaining quest to restore chivalry in a cynical world.
Rent or buy the film on Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07XWS4VKR/ref=atv_dl_rdr
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Actor/filmmaker Blayne Weaver talks to The Viewfinder Podcast about two of his latest projects: the short film thriller GHOSTED, which he co-wrote, directed and stars in, and the Netflix Christmas romantic comedy SANTA GIRL, which he produced and directed.
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and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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Award-winning actor/filmmaker Alonge Hawes (BLUE COLLAR HUSTLE) talks to The Viewfinder Podcast about his newest series, Seeka TV's powerful BLACK ON BOTH SIDES. Exploring the challenges faced by young African-Americans in a so-called "post-racial society", BLACK ON BOTH SIDES co-stars Hawes as Anansi Moor, a retail salesman forced to present himself in an "acceptable" light before his racist employers. As he moves up the corporate ladder, Anansi treads a thin line between satisfying the majority-white business world and staying true to who he is.
Check out its first season at:
https://watch.seeka.tv/#/catalog?fi=11e9f396-c695-414e-a143-0a9423c14e20
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and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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This week, hear my conversation with brothers Nick and Hondo Weiss-Richmond, the creators and puppeteers of the new comedy web series VESSEL 87. Produced with meticulously designed shadow puppets, the series centers around the often monotonous yet completely humorous lives of a cargo ship crew. New episodes of VESSEL 87 air each Wednesday at:
https://www.vessel87.com/
and on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8zLw1xHRvjkBtujRpm27A
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and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
If you like what you've heard, please leave us a review of the show on iTunes or wherever you get your podcast - and please invite your friends to listen. Thanks for listening to and supporting The Viewfinder Podcast!
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This week's Viewfinder Podcast features an interview with the co-stars/co-creators of the award-winning comedy web series INDOOR BOYS: Broadway vets Wesley Taylor (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS) and Alex Wyse (SPRING AWAKENING). Taking an honest look at gay male relationships and featuring an outstanding supporting cast of Broadway stars, season 3 of INDOOR BOYS is now streaming on Vimeo and its official web site. Check it out at:
VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/indoorboys
Official web site: https://www.indoorboys.tv/
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Spooking up laughs and romance for the Halloween season is the new comedy from Apple Juice Productions, BETTER WITH YOU. This week's guests, series co-star Amanda Taylor and editor/cinematographer Kailee Brown talk about the making of their project, and how it fulfills Apple Juice Productions' mission of empowering female filmmaking talent; one that began with vlog-based content like STONEYBROOK REVISITED, THE CATE MORELAND CHRONICLES and THE LILY EVANS SERIES.
Check out the show on YouTube, with its season finale airing October 31st.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrZNeJBBjGtcYVVd9fJzoKoyyh4vs0sQV
Find out more about Apple Juice Productions on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/applejuiceproductions/
Check out BETTER WITH YOU and all of Apple Juice Productions' content on their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkOTnS1fQRziTPesrmIij2A
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On this week's show, hear my interview with acclaimed writer/director Jeremiah Kipp as he takes you through the making of four of his acclaimed short films: THANKSGIVING, HOW DO YOU TYPE A BROKEN HEART, PICKUP and SLAPFACE (now in production as a feature length film).
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This week's episode of The Viewfinder Podcast features an interview with a true renaissance man: actor, podcaster, coach and motivational speaker Frank R. Wilson. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Wilson has appeared as a background actor in films like Antoine Fuqua's remake of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, plus BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB and director Rob Reiner's LBJ. His first speaking role came in the OWN drama series QUEEN SUGAR.
A devoted fan of film scores, Wilson also hosts the podcast WHAT'S THE SCORE, where he has interviewed acclaimed composers like George S. Clinton (the AUSTIN POWERS series), Film Score Monthly founder and soundtrack producer-turned filmmaker Lukas Kendall (SKY FIGHTER) and fans of film music like fellow Hollywood South actor Billy Slaughter (MINDHUNTER, ON BECOMING A GOD IN CENTRAL FLORIDA, JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK).
A talented voice-over artist and motivational speaker who's worked with dozens of companies, Wilson also leads corporate team building through role playing exercises with his organization Licence To Coach. Find out more about his multi-faceted career and fascinating life on this week's Viewfinder Podcast.
Frank's official web site:
http://www.frankrwilson.com/
To listen to Frank's podcast WHAT'S THE SCORE, click at this link:
https://whatsthescore1.podbean.com/
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An elite assassin's mission is turned upside down when her old high school crush suddenly resurfaces in the midst of a dangerous assignment in season 1 of the award-winning web series thriller REBECCA GOLD, now streaming on YouTube. Hear all about the making of this acclaimed show from its creator, Ian David Diaz, and series star Katie Sheridan (who plays the title role of Rebecca Gold), on this week's episode of The Viewfinder Podcast.
Watch the first season of the show on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux4qx4Z0xv7WrK-VudnADA
Find out more about REBECCA GOLD on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Rebeccagoldtheseries/
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and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
Subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Anchor or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Today's Viewfinder Podcast features an interview with the team behind the new religious satire SURVIVING CONFESSION: director Matthew Tibbenham, writer Shane Miller and producers Sutton McKee and Jo Rauen. The film can be streamed on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
Rent or buy SURVIVING CONFESSION on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/movie/surviving-confession/id1468376086
Find out more about SURVIVING CONFESSION on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/confessionmovie
and on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SurvivingConfession
Follow the podcast on Twitter @ViewfinderPod
and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
This past June, the acclaimed web series THE FEELS streamed its third season throughout LGBTQ Pride Month. Praised for its honest look at sexuality, relationships and mental health, all three seasons of THE FEELS are available on YouTube. This edition of The Viewfinder Podcast features an interview with THE FEELS' co-director and cinematographer, Naje Lataillade. Among the topics Lataillade discusses in this interview are how the show's third season tied itself to the annual month-long celebration of the LGBTQ community, and the immeasurable impact that THE FEELS continues to have on its viewers. .
Find out more about THE FEELS on its main web page:
https://www.thefeelsshow.com/
Watch THE FEELS on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/thefeelsshow
Follow THE FEELS on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/thefeelsshow
On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/feelsshow
On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/feelsshow/
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and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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This edition of the Viewfinder Podcast features an interview with two of the talents behind the upcoming comedy web series DOIN' GREAT: Lowell Byers (co-star/co-writer) and Jake Diamond (director/co-writer). The series will premiere its first season on YouTube on Monday, September 9th.
More info about the show at its official web site:
https://www.doingreatseries.com/
Follow DOIN' GREAT on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/doingreatseries
On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/doingreatseries
On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/doingreatseries/
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and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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Co-stars/co-creators of the comedy web series GARBAGE PEOPLE, Emily Duke and Matthew Scott, talk to The Viewfinder Podcast about the show's second season. New episodes air every month on YouTube, and can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzXiJp7mQp5_1qjAWm0mp1Q
Follow GARBAGE PEOPLE on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/garbagepplseries/
and on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GarbagePeopleSeries/
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http://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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This edition of The Viewfinder Podcast features an interview with writer/director Jason Buch and actors Lance E. Nichols (TREME) and Billy Slaughter (THE BIG SHORT, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, AMERICAN HORROR STORY) as they discuss their work on the gripping Amazon Prime mystery ARCENEAUX: MELPOMENE'S SONG. Filmed and produced in New Orleans and featuring some of the city's most talented actors in its cast, all four episodes of the show can be seen on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07TGF68VN
For more information on ARCENEAUX, visit the show's official web site:
https://www.arceneaux.tv/
and on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/arceneauxtv
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https://www.facebook.com/TheViewfinderPodcast
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Sally Kirkland - acclaimed actor, acting coach and ordained minister of The Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness - talks to The Viewfinder Podcast about some of the most memorable roles she's played over a nearly six decade career in film and TV. While recalling her work on popular TV series like ROSEANNE, FELICITY, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, STARSKY AND HUTCH, CHARLIE'S ANGELS and CRIMINAL MINDS, Sally also discusses her Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated performance in the 1987 feature ANNA, plus her recent roles including the 2017 Netflix biopic THE MOST HATED WOMAN IN AMERICA, and the soon-to-be released 2019 indie drama CUCK.
Find out more about Sally on her official web site:
www.sallykirkland.com
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Some of the best shows in digital media are airing now in Israel, and the first annual Tel Aviv Web Fest on August 30th at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque in Tel Aviv, Israel will celebrate the remarkable work of the country's top web series creators. This year's event features panel discussions, screenings, and an original pilot competition. Though this year's first annual festival is exclusive only to Israeli content creators, it's anticipated that more shows from around the world will be part of ensuing festivals.
Festival founder Yuval Berger, strategic planner Tomar Levine and festival producer Yahel Yakov recently talked to The Viewfinder Podcast about what attendees and fans can expect from the first annual Tel Aviv Web Fest. For more information on the fest's program, plus where to purchase tickets for the fest, click here.
Visit the Tel Aviv Web Fest's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/TLV-Webfest-411343206134281/
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With work that spans theatre, film, TV, video games and web series, actor John Emmet Tracy (iZombie, Altered Carbon, Fifty Shades Freed, The BFG, Supernatural, Assassin's Creed III) talks about some of the most memorable characters he's played throughout his nearly three decades in the performing arts.
Follow John on Twitter @JohnEmmetTracy
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Actor/writer/producer/director Matthew J. Kaplan talks to The Viewfinder Podcast about his directorial debut, the hilarious comedy short IT'S TIME FOR TEA. The official trailer for the film can be viewed here:
http://vimeo.com/330038991
See the film on July 12th at the Long Island International Film Expo, and on September 28th at the Berkshire Short Film Festival. More info on both fests are at these links:
http://longislandfilm.com/event/its-time-for-tea/
https://filmfreeway.com/BerkshireShortFilmFestival/
IT'S TIME FOR TEA will also screen this August at the Festival of Cinema NYC in Queens, New York.
Full updates on IT'S TIME FOR TEA are on the film's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ItsTimeForTeaFilm/
Behind-the-scenes photos from IT'S TIME FOR TEA are on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/itstimeforteafilm/
Learn more about Matthew J. Kaplan and his work on his official web site:
https://www.matthewjkaplan.com/
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Filmmaker/screenwriter Herman Wang talks to The Viewfinder Podcast about his award-winning family sci-fi/fantasy/adventure web series, THE SPELL TUTOR. Based in and inspired by the Harry Potter-verse and its creator, author J. K. Rowling, THE SPELL TUTOR follows a young wizard-in-training as she discovers the potential - and risks - of magic.
The complete series (4 seasons worth) can be seen on Seeka TV and The Fantasy Network, and is closed-captioned. Links to both platforms are here:
http://www.thespelltutor.com/episodes.php
Find out more about THE SPELL TUTOR at:
http://www.thespelltutor.com/
On Twitter: @TheSpellTutor
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespelltutor/
On Instagram: @TheSpellTutor
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Twitter: @ViewfinderPod
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This edition of The Viewfinder Podcast features an in-depth interview with suicide attempt survivor Emma Benoit, and filmmaker Greg Dicharry, who tells Emma's powerful story of survival and recovery in the upcoming documentary MY ASCENSION. More information about the film can be found here:
https://www.myascension.us/
If you or someone you love needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
You can also text for help via the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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On this edition of The Viewfinder Podcast, Chris Hadley talks to Roni Geva and Margaret Katch, co-creators of the Emmy-nominated web series CTRL ALT DELETE. Now in its second season, the show has received praise from The Washington Post, The Guardian, Tubefilter, Buzzfeed and other media outlets for shining a realistic light on the women’s reproductive rights issue through the power of comedy.
You can watch all episodes of CTRL ALT DELETE at:
https://vimeo.com/channels/ctrlaltdeleteshow
Find out more about CTRL ALT DELETE at:
http://www.ctrlaltdeleteshow.com/
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On this edition of The Viewfinder Podcast, Chris Hadley talks to 4-time Emmy nominated actor/writer/director Anne Marie Cummings, the creator and co-star of the award-winning drama series CONVERSATIONS IN L.A.
Now in its third season on Amazon Prime and filmed in one long, uninterrupted take, each episode of the series is a fascinating look at the eventful relationship between two different people from two different backgrounds: 50 year old Michelle (played by Cummings) and Gus (series producer Gustavo Velazquez), a younger man 25 years Michelle's junior. During each season of CONVERSATIONS IN L.A., their unlikely romance is captured in compelling scenes that reflect the emotional peaks and valleys of love, and the impact their relationship has on the people around them.
Find out more about CONVERSATIONS IN L.A. on their official web site:
http://conversationsinla.com/
Watch the series on Amazon Prime at:
https://www.amazon.com/Conversations-in-L-A/dp/B075M22N63
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On the premiere edition of The Viewfinder Podcast, Chris Hadley talks to Tom Bhramayana and Stephen T. Hoover, screenwriters of the acclaimed family sci-fi/fantasy drama TINKER', starring Clayne Crawford and Christian Kane. Produced by Bhramayana and directed by Sonny Marler, the award-winning movie is now available on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Video DVD, Blu-ray and digital.
For more information on TINKER', visit the film's official web site:
https://www.tinkerthemovie.com/