Artist Spotlight Live: Recent Episodes

Artist Spotlight Live

An educational media podcast, where newcomers and aspiring creatives can get exposed to careers from all areas of the tech, media and entertainment industry. Our podcast guests have worked on projects and content for companies such as the The CW Network, NBC Television, OWN Network, Sony, Atlantic, Epic, Def Jam, Tyler Perry Studios, Netflix, and other feature film, television, music, commercial and corporate projects.

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This week's podcast episode features TV Physical Production Manager Fetle Negash!

We speak with her about a number of things including..

  • What is a physical production manager and how they work with producers.
  • How she learned about her job, and an opportunity that provided her a chance to work in that field.
  • What a typical day looks like for a physical production manager.
  • What qualities are highlighted when going through the hiring process.
  • Two traits you should have in order to succeed in physical production.
  • A piece of advice for anyone looking to begin a career in the field.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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Our Artist Spotlight episode for this week features Reality TV Challenge Producer Shane Igoe! 

His work spans from Holy Moly, Hell's Kitchen, and more! 

A few points he discusses with us include..

  • All things reality based TV, competition based, and being a television producer.
  • The differences in reality TV shows, challenge and drama based.
  • How to generate stories within a challenge series.
  • Keeping challenges fair with a mix of physical and mental abilities.
  • How the budget compares to a regular scripted series.
  • What skillset, schooling, or experience is needed.
  • A piece of advice needed to succeed in this particular industry.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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We interview Film and Television Post Production editor Stephan LaToure.

Stefan talks about pursuing his goals of working in television for years, while continuing to work in the IT field.

A few things we discuss include..

-Best type of networking in this industry

-How important understanding of story is during post production

-The many non-creative roles and careers in the industry many never get exposed to and have no idea exist

-His tools of the trade for editing

-Importance of being prepared for potential opportunities

-How to properly showcase your demo reel as an editor

-The intricate editing cadences you have to understand for each genre

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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This episode features Concept Animation Artist, Nak Yong Choi

Nak is one of the most inspiring interviews we have done in this series. He fell in love with animated characters early on as a coping mechanism during his childhood.

After honing his skills in his craft, Nak would later find constant rejection when trying to get his first gig in Animation, only to get the call of his career from a Globally successful major media company!

If you are in the process of pursuing your career in Animation or similar media field, you don't want to miss this inspiring conversation!

We also discuss

  • Tools Nak uses and how "virtual drawing" equipment has changed his work process.
  • The reality of going from working on your craft at your own pace to reaching a level of mainstream success and having responsibility to a wider corporate agenda
  • VR's impact on his role and what the future holds for visual media and storytelling across the board.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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This week's podcast features award winning composer Ron Wasserman!

Ron discusses with us...

1) The story of his journey to becoming a composer

2) Taking an unconventional route by becoming self taught

3) Advice about professional schooling and how to overcome those obstacles

4) How to get a start in the industry and the makings of a good intern

And more!

This is a must-see, packed with great information for those both new to the music and film business and currently working in the industry. Enjoy!!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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Ebonice is an award winning producer for Unscripted Television. In this episode, she talks to us about the process of producing an unscripted television series and breaking into the business in general…

We go in depth on this interview on the details one may face starting out as a first time producer or showrunner!...Be ready to take notes!

  • The realistic budget needed to produce an entire digital or web series
  • Where the budget is allocated for a production in terms of cast, equipment, etc.
  • Pitching shows to a network, and what is expected in the pitch
  • The difference in planning for a production based on location and soundstage.
  • How to use social media(BIG TIP) to get jobs and opportunities in the industry.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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On this episode of the Artist Spotlight Podcast we are joined by the Film & TV Music Manager of Epic Records Carla Bennahmias! 

We spoke with her to learn more about her position and covered a few topics including

  • Sync placements for film, television, commercials, and video games
  • Working with music publishers
  • What type of music is used for sync purposes
  • Best methods to get your music placed in media as a signed artist

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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This episode we have television writer Ashley Soto! 

We speak about her profession and discuss topics including

  • Process of writing for TV
  • Roles of a writing assistant
  • Working in a writer's room
  • How to find your voice
  • Ways to hone your craft

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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Rashad Richardson is the Sync & Licensing Coordinator at Madden Flow Entertainment.  A Los Angeles based musician and music industry professional, Rashad has worked with film and television music for Universal Music Publishing Group.  He is also an accomplished bassist and producer, having graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is actively involved within the live music scene of LA and draws inspiration from collaborating with other creative people.

Rashad discusses with us…

  • The difference in music clearance vs. music pitching (as a career goal)

  • How and when producers and songwriters get paid to have their work in film/TV projects…

  • His criteria for signing producers for his projects, and what he looks for.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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Today's podcast will feature Voice Over Actor Tasia Valenza. 

Tasia is an Emmy-Award Winning Actress and Public Speaker who recently gave her first TEDx talk.⁠

In addition to voicing commercials, narration, promos, imaging and more, she is best known for voicing some of the most iconic female characters in video games and animated television shows, including seductress Poison Ivy in the Batman Arkham Knight series, Jedi ShaakTi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Sniper Wolf in the fan favorite Metal Gear Solid games!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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On this episode of the Artist Spotlight Podcast we are joined by Cinematographer Quenell Jones. 

We discussed his role and a few points to guide newcomers in the industry including

  • Education and learning your craft
  • Best on-site practices and etiquette
  • Working on films vs. television vs. commercials
  • Ways to break into the industry to getting your first job

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events. 

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!   

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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Fred M. Andrews is a Production Designer who has been working in film and television for over twenty-two years. His background is founded in engineering and fine art.  

His most recent television work includes the pilot and first two seasons of the action comedy Lethal Weapon for Fox.  Fred's past work includes: multiple seasons on the wildly successful and long running CBS Bruckheimer franchise's of Without A Trace, starring Anthony Lapaglia, and CSI-Miami, starring David Caruso.  

Fred has also designed five seasons of the immensely popular and trend setting cable show Pretty Little Liars; its spin off, Ravenswood and three seasons of the sci-fi procedural Stitchers, for Freeform.   

Fred discusses with us.. 

  • The main role and responsibilities of a Production Designer to a film or show.

  • How his background in art, animation and comic illustration prepared him to have an “eye” and perspective for this career. 

  • The importance of be able to set the “tone” for the look and feel of a project from beginning to end. 

  • How he deploys the budget he is given to maximize the story being told onscreen. 

  • Why storytelling is the most important factor in starting your own project of any kind. - Why Fred is feels it is important to mentor eager newcomers and keep his eye open for new fresh ideas.

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In this episode, we spoke with TV & Film writer Jazmen Darnell Brown. Jazmen has written for various television series and discusses starting his career as a writer's assistant and working his way into a producer role.  

We also speak about the work ethic and sacrifice needed to find your first job in the industry, as well as how to navigate and be noticed once you are in a writer's room. Great advice and tips packed in this episode, so bring your notebook!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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This week's Careers in Media podcast features Atlanta Film & Television Director, Actress and Producer, Stacia Crawford.  Stacia discusses with us... 

1)The story of her journey from actress to producer to directing films and television

2)Her vision and perspective as a filmmaker  

3)Her style of working with actors 

4)The key partners she relies on when on set 

5)Essential advice for both new-coming actors and those looking to start behind the camera careers! 

This is a must-see, packed with great information for those both new to the film business and currently working in the industry!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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Don’t miss this week with our very special guest, Film & TV Costume & Wardrobe Artist Ashley Allen as she talks about.. 

  • How she got started as a designer. 

  • How she got into TV and movie costume design projects. 

  • We will also get some advice from her for newcomers.

  • Some tips on how she makes decisions on the wardrobe of actors based on the film or show’s script, time, and set design.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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In this episode, we feature Kimberly Burse, Award-winning Touring and Television Show Music Director! 

Kimberly discusses her early days as an A&R in the music business, signing Dionne Farris, and then transitioning to Planning and directing concert tour performances for the likes of Destiny's Child, Ciara, Jamie Foxx and working on the acclaimed "Black Girls Rock" specials! 

Kim has very great spirit and delivers a ton of inspirational stories and affirmations that helped her to her current success and i'm sure will inspire you as well! Enjoy!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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In this episode, we speak with LA-Based Cartoon and Animation series artist, Andy Cung!  Andy discusses with us..  

  • That he first didn't get approval from his parents on his choice of pursuing animation as a career, and how he was able to address their concerns. 

  • How he used is engineering degree as an advantage to helping with the workflow of an animated series 

  • How he started as a self-taught animation artist, then decided to seek formal education in order to fast track his career. 

  • What his first job was like, and how long it took to break in the industry. 

  • His tools of the trade..and MUCH MORE!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!

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In this episode, we spoke with Atlanta-based film & Television series Make-up Dept Head Carol Rasheed. Carol has worked on dozens of projects, and shares.... 

1)How she got her start in the industry.

2)What film and television producers require from the Make-Up Department.

3)What she looks for in people she hires on her team.

4)The attitude and type of personality you will need to succeed in this profession.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to hear all of our wonderful guests and their stories every week!

Follow us on instagram @artistspotlightlive to stay updated on future podcasts and events.

Look us up on youtube at "Artistspotlightlive" to view the visual content from our podcasts. Please like and subscribe!

Visit our website at www.artistspotlight.us to learn more!