Angle on Producers with Carolina Groppa

Latest Episodes:

Rowena Wallace - Producer and Manager at Peach House Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

The ray of sunshine from across the pond joins us on this week's episode of Angle on Producers. Rowena Wallace is a UK producer who always dreamed of working in film. Her dreams came true as she climbed her way through the ranks, maintaining connections and working hard. She is a singular presence, and I'm not just talking about her love of negotiating (which we unpack). She started her Peach House, focused on shepherding up-and-coming artists and nurturing her ever-growing production slate.

Peach House is a female-founded talent management and production house est. in 2019 by George Monkland and Rowena Wallace and backed by talent management collective Tricycle Talent. Tricycle's founder and media veteran Sara Curran is the Peach House chairman.

She is a mentor with the UK-based company Creative Access, and lucky for us, she did a bit of mentoring on this episode as well. We dive into the art of cold emailing, how to cultivate your luck and the benefits of leading with kindness. Oh, and much much more.

Veronica Beach - Head of Production at Pereira O'Dell Agency Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

Veronica Beach is the Head of Production at Pereira O'Dell, a bi-coastal ad agency with offices in SF and NY.

She has over 20 years of producing experience, specializing in Advertising Production. She has produced some of the most viewed and famous campaigns historically over her career as well as won over 100 Cannes Lions and other multiple awards.

She came into my life in 2013 when I was raising finishing funds for my feature documentary, AUTISM IN LOVE. The subject touched her so deeply she corralled all of her industry contacts to help us raise a huge chunk of money to finish the film. She was one of those angels that was put on my path and helped me stay the course on what became my first feature producing credit.

Pretty cool, right?

When we intersected, Veronica was at DAVID The Agency where she was a founding member and Global Head of Production for over 8 years. This stint challenged her on many fronts including a move to Sao Paulo, Brazil to open the offices in South America, learning Portuguese, and deepening her understanding of culture in LATAM.

In the midst of a pandemic, Veronica re-launched, poolhouse a platform for Producers to connect, share information, resources, and find jobs. They currently they have over 3,000 followers on IG and over 750 producers on the platform.

*Please note that this episode contains a very candid discussion on trauma, depression, and sexual abuse that begins around the 40 minute mark and lasts for about 10 minutes.*

Veronica destigmatizes mental health issues in the entertainment industry by sharing her own struggles with trauma and depression. She speaks with openness and authenticity on how her mental health impacted her life and career, and how dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helped her heal.

If you are struggling with your mental health there is no shame in getting help. Visit MakeItOK.org to get resources, tips for talking about mental health, and more.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, there's help available, any time. It's free and you'll reach a trained volunteer. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HOME to 741-741, or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Christine Vachon - Co-Founder of Killer Films & Producer of ZOLA Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

This week on the show we are joined by a legend of the indie scene, the one and only Christine Vachon.

She is an independent Spirit Award and Gotham Award winner.

In 1995, she co-founded the indie powerhouse Killer Films with partner Pamela Koffler.

Those of us who have been curious about producing most certainly have seen or read her books 'Shooting to Kill' and 'A Killer Life'

Killer Films has produced over 100 films, including some of the most celebrated American indie features such as:

Carol (nominated for six Academy Awards)
Far from Heaven (nominated for four Academy Awards)
Still Alice (Academy Award winner)
Boys Don't Cry (Academy Award winner)
One Hour Photo
KIDS
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Velvet Goldmine
I'm Not There (Academy Award nominee)

Her highly lauded career spans thirty+ years and she continues to churn out zeitgeist shifting films at every turn, such A24's summer release ZOLA. Directed by Janicza Bravo, the film follows a stripper named Zola (played by Taylour Paige) as she embarks on a wild road trip to Florida.

A self-proclaimed pragmatist, opportunist, and hustler, Christine possesses the special alchemy of an inherent producer.

In this very special episode we discuss:

-Her enduring relationships with partner Pamela Koffler and director Todd Haynes.

-How to sustain a life as an independent producer.

-The importance of not dwelling on the "what could have beens" but to look to the "what could be's."

Danielle DiGiacomo - Producer of BEST KEPT SECRET & Head of Content at Utopia Media Jul 14, 2021

Show notes

Danielle DiGiacomo is the Head of Content at Utopia Media, where she leads acquisition, development, and packaging for incoming content and IP.

She is one of the coolest, realest ladies in the biz who has learned how to trust her gut to distribute the most exciting and daring films around.

She's open like a book and reads the industry like one, and we have the distinct pleasure of being privy to her knowledge and perspective.

DiGiacomo previously worked as senior VP of acquisitions and strategic partnerships at The Orchard and its rebranded company 1091. While there, she landed many buzzy independent films such as the Oscar-nominated documentary "Cartel Land," the Sundance comedy "The Overnight" and the drama "Neruda" out of the Cannes Film Festival.

During this no holds barred conversation, we talk about the ins and outs of distribution, the art of negotiation, and how no one really knows what they're doing, so we might as well be kind to each other and have fun while we figure it all out.

Laura Brown - Editor in Chief of InStyle Magazine on Producing a Magazine and Being Your Best Self Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

Laura Brown is the Editor in Chief of InStyle, one of the world's most successful fashion media brands.

I've been, stalking, I mean following her on IG for quite some time. I simply adore how authentically herself she is and it made me curious to know what is it like to produce a new magazine issue month after month, year after year.

So, in my true caca form, I found her well via her inbox, and low and behold, she said yes.

You may be wondering what the fancy Editor in Chief of a top international publication is doing on a podcast about producers?

Turns out the ethos behind producing a magazine is very congruent with producing a film.

The emotional labor, team effort, and creativity needed to pull off an issue is nothing short of a miracle. Sort of like the miracle required to make a film.

Laura spent 11 years at Harpers Bazaar before being appointed to this role in August of 2016. She is responsible for InStyle's voice and helming a brand that reaches 30-plus million women. She also leads development of the 'InStyle Badass Women' platform and hosts InStyle's weekly podcast 'Ladies First'

Does she sleep? How much wine does she consume? How did she find time to squeeze me in? All great questions I don't have the answers to...

But, what I can give you is her lovely insights into leading life and work with joy, making sure you are going into a profession for the right reasons, and how being yourself is your greatest weapon.

Enjoy the laughs & lessons.

Beijos,

Caca

Laura Brown - Editor in Chief of InStyle Magazine on Producing a Magazine and Being Your Best Self Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

Laura Brown is the Editor in Chief of InStyle, one of the world's most successful fashion media brands.

So, in my true caca form, I slide into Laura's DMs and low and behold, she said yes.

You may be wondering what the fancy Editor in Chief of a top international publication doing on a podcast about producers?

Turns out the ethos behind producing a magazine is very congruent with producing a film.

The emotional labor, team effort, and creativity needed to pull off an issue each month is nothing short of a miracle. Sort of like the miracle required to make a film.

Does she sleep? How much wine does she consume? How did she find time to squeeze me in? All great questions I don't have the answers to...

But, what I can give you is her lovely insights into leading life and work with joy, making sure you are going into a profession for the right reasons, and how being yourself is your greatest weapon.

Enjoy the laughs & lessons.

Beijos,

Caca

Mary Rohlich - Head of TV & Film for Priyanka Chopra Jonas' Purple Pebble Pictures Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

Mary Rohlich is the Head of TV and Film for Priyanka Chopra Jonas' Purple Pebble Pictures.

She came into my life thanks to the lovely Sarah Anthony, doc producer/friend/hero ho was also a guest many episodes ago.

At the time of this recording, which it baffles me to say was at the end of 2020, Mary was transitioning from being a free agent to her new position at Priyanka's company.

She is a veteran film, television, and documentary producer. She is also an Executive Producer on the acclaimed Netflix series Atypical, which is in its fourth and final season.

She has produced numerous hit comedies (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) and award-winning documentary features (Gleason, Wrestle). Mary also enjoys serving as board chair for the non-profit film organization, Vidiots.

One of my personal takeaway was the reminder that there is no "there there." There is no one path. So, stay the course. Trust your own journey.

This week, Mary and I discuss:

Earning your seat a table that actually aligns with your goals and values
The integration of family, into set life and work culture
The virtues of working with people you trust and admire

Thanks for doing this life thing with me!

Beijos,

Caca

Michelle Satter - Founding Director of Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Michelle Satter is the Founding Director of Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program, the inaugural program of the Institute.

She's passionately ushered the world of independent film to new heights since 1981 as a founding member of the Sundance Institute.

Many consider her the fairy godmother of independent film; the hidden hand shepherding, developing and nurturing many filmmakers who've likely gone on to become your favorite storytellers today.

She continues to breathe life into the film industry both in the US and abroad and leaves her indelible mark on our industry at every turn.

She is an innovator, a trailblazer, and we are beyond lucky to have spent an hour with her.

Here's her full bio / some of the names she's been behind:

Under Satter's tenure, the Feature Film Program has provided year-round and in-depth support to the ground-breaking and award-winning filmmakers Radha Blank (The 40-Year-Old Version), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Dee Rees (Pariah), Marielle Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl), Gina Prince Bythewood (Love and Basketball), Damien Chazelle (Whiplash), Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox), Taika Waititi (Boy), Rick Famuyiwa (The Wood), Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre), Paul Thomas Anderson (Hard Eight), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs), and Miranda July (Me and You and Everyone We Know), among many others.

Check out Sundance's latest initiative: Sundance Collab

Kirsty Bell - Producer/Director of A BIRD FLEW IN and CEO of Goldfinch Entertainment May 18, 2021

Show notes

Kirsty Bell is a sensational human. She is also a producer, artist, director, and CEO of Goldfinch Entertainment, a production and finance house based in the UK.

She launched Goldfinch Entertainment to prove that investment in independent filmmaking was viable and opened up new possibilities within the arena for creative visionaries. She has funded over 200 Film and TV projects in the last four years. She has helped many first-time directors bring their films to life.

There's hardly enough that can be said about Kirsty. She's a pioneer that continues to raise the bar for producers and artists around the world. Her tireless effort in shepherding and supporting emerging filmmakers is exemplary.

Most recently Goldfinch launched their First Flights Features program and their Short Film Fund. Both programs perpetuate their ethos of discovering emerging filmmakers with bold and daring voices. Check it out! --> first-flights.com

Mollye Asher - Academy Award Winning Producer of NOMADLAND Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Mollye Asher is an Academy Award winning Producer who takes on bold and sometimes risky projects.

We are lucky to be catching her at time when those risks have paid off in a big way.

"Nomadland", her third collaboration with writer/director Chloé Zhao was the big winner at this year's Academy Awards. The film took home Oscars for best picture, best actress for Frances McDormand and best director for Chloé, the first woman of color to win the award.

Her producing credits are vast, so I won't rattle them off here, but some highlights include Carlo Mirabella-Davis' Swallow and Chloé Zhao's The Rider, which premiered in the 2017 Cannes Directors Fortnight and won its top prize. It went on to be nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Feature at the 2018 Gotham Awards.

Mollye is also a co-founder of the production company, The Population alongside Derek Nguyen and Mynette Louie, another badass producer who was recently on the show!

This week, we dive deep into the what it means to be bold, how she circumvents the word NO, and the beginnings of her long time collaboration with Chloé Zhao.

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