Angle on Producers with Carolina Groppa

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**Angle on Producers with Carolina Groppa**

ANGLE ON PRODUCERS spotlights producers from all corners of the entertainment industry to demystify the age old question: “What exactly does a producer do?”. Join Emmy nominated producer Carolina Groppa as she gives you an honest glimpse into what it’s like to walk in our shoes.

Latest Episodes:

Laverne McKinnon - Executive Producer of Netflix's GIRLBOSS Sep 29, 2020

Show notes

Laverne McKinnon is a film and TV producer with more than 20 years of experience.

She was the Executive Producer of the Netflix series GIRLBOSS starring Britt Roberson (who was also on the pod!)

She has spent a significant part of her career as Senior VP of Drama Development at CBS.

She was Head of Television at Charlize Theron's production company, Denver and Delilah.

And now, she runs K&L Productions, the film & TV company she co-founded with Kay Cannon (writer of the PITCH PERFECT franchise) which has a first look production deal at Sony Television.

Her work has encompassed scripted comedy and drama series, documentaries, web series, animation, music events, comedy specials, and children's programs.

Aside from wearing the producer hat, she is also an entrepreneur, a leadership and personal coach, a wife, a mother of 2 daughters, an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, and a passionate advocate for foster care and adoption.

A self-described life-long learner, recovering perfectionist and over-achiever, Laverne does and has accomplished a lot.

But what is most striking, and in my humble opinion, exceptional, about Laverne is her devotion to helping others across their finish lines.

A certified grief specialist, she also helps those dealing with non-death related grief. Whether it's the loss of relationship, job, business, trust, etc.

Applying concepts of grief to the entertainment business, which is riddled with it, blew my mind. It shifted my perspective on what healing looks like.

I just simply adore her. She helped me listen deeply to myself and I hope this nugget of a conversation sparks something for you.

So, this week, we dig into how coaching transformed her as a producer, ways to build better relationships, and how being fired from CBS awaken her.

Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode!

Beijos,

Caca

Ross Girard - EVP of Production at Campfire & Producer of Netflix's SPECIAL Sep 22, 2020

Show notes

Ross Girard is Executive Vice President of Production at Campfire, a film and tv production company, where he oversees physical production for a slate of premium scripted and nonfiction projects.

A graduate of Emerson College, his background spans music videos, commercials, scripted and nonfiction features and series, with premieres at both the Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals. Ross recently produced the Emmy-nominated Netflix Original Series, SPECIAL. He is currently producing other Campfire projects for Warner Brothers, Netflix, FX, CNN, and HBOMax.

His career began at Partizan Entertainment where he headed production for the digital division. He produced content for clients including Target, Dolby, Wrigley, Absolut Vodka, Nokia, NFL, Pergo, and Fidelity Investments.

In music videos, he's worked with artists including Usher, Daft Punk, Justin Bieber, Macy Gray, The Strokes, Enrique Iglesias, Kanye West, Fun., Band of Horses, Bloc Party, Maren Morris, and Superfruit.

At City Room Creative, an entertainment advertising agency founded by the filmmakers of JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, Ross served as Executive Producer and built a physical production department from the ground up. Notable projects include the AOL original web series and production of the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Selection, A FASTER HORSE, a feature documentary about the Ford Mustang directed by David Gelb, for which Ross was the Co-Producer.

Ross also served as Head of Production at Joinery, a commercial production company, where he oversaw physical production, including a campaign for Alliance Française De Singapour which won 3 Gold and 2 Silver Lions at the 2017 Cannes Festival.

What makes this week's episode extra special is that I got to work with Ross on HYSTERICAL, the documentary I produced for Campfire last year that focused on female comedians. It's a rare opportunity to interview someone who was technically my boss and discuss the most successful way to navigate that dynamic from both sides of the aisle.

We dig into transitions, particularly the challenges of going from commercials to film, the responsibility of producers to intentionally hire diversely, and what it's like to be a head of production.

Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode!

Beijos,

Caca

Rachel Winter - Academy Award®-nominated Producer of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB Sep 14, 2020

Show notes

Rachel Winter radiates with warmth and wholeheartedness. While we joke that her lighting during the interview was less than ideal, it wasn't enough to dim her inner glow.

She is the Academy Award®-nominated producer of the acclaimed film "Dallas Buyers Club." Based on a true story, the powerful film earned six Academy Award® nominations including best picture, winning three of them including lead actor for Matthew McConaughey and supporting actor for Jared Leto.

The film also received accolades from the Producers Guild of America, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Golden Globe Awards and the Broadcast Film Critics Association's Critics Choice Awards.

Rachel also happens to be married to Terence Winter, the Emmy-winning creator of "Boardwalk Empire," Emmy-winning exec producer of "The Sopranos" and Oscar-nominated writer of "The Wolf of Wall Street."

She produced the feature film "Krystal", directed by William H. Macy. The dramedy follows a young man who has never had a drink in his life who, upon meeting the woman of his dreams - an ex-hooker-stripper-junkie-alcoholic, pretends to be in AA in an attempt to try and woo her. The film stars Rosario Dawson, Macy, Kathy Bates, Felicity Huffman, and Ti.

Before that, Winter produced the indie drama "Stealing Cars," inspired by the true events associated with a tragic car accident that sends a rebellious teen spiraling downward into the grim injustice of the juvenile penal system. The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival and earned the festival's Zeitgeist Award and was released by Sony Worldwide.

Winter has several project in development including the untitled LeBron James biopic for Universal, which she will produce with LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and a feature based on the life of daredevil motorcycle icon Evel Knievel at Paramount written by William Monahan (Academy Award winning writer of "The Departed") with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star.

She is also producing "The Chameleon" which is set up at Netflix with Christopher MacQuarrie attached to direct a script by Terence Winter and Carl Capotorto. Her previous film credits include "Brooklyn Rules," "Wayward Son," "Bury Me in Kern County" and "The Lather Effect." On the television side, Winter has projects set up at A&E Studios, FX and Disney.

This week, we hear about her humble beginnings via a hilarious Hollywood story that involves soft core porn. She gives a candid look into how challenging it was to juggle being a mom during producing on Dallas Buyers Club, and what actually happens to a producer after your film receives six Academy Award nominations and wins three.

Oh, and aside from being a badass she's also one half of a power couple. her husband is Terence Winter, Emmy-winning creator of "Boardwalk Empire," Emmy-winning exec producer of "The Sopranos" and Oscar-nominated writer of "The Wolf of Wall Street,"

NO. BIG. DEAL.

Her love and passion for producing, for story, reminded me to stay the course on a day when I really, really needed to hear it.

She's funny, kind, and charming. Yes, I have a crush on her.

Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode!

Beijos,

Caca

Arsalan Asli - Indie Film Producer & Partner at Five/4 Studios Sep 01, 2020

Show notes

This week, I sat down with indie film producer Arsalan Asli.

He is a friend. As a fellow film lover. As one of my producing partners. He is a true mentor and source of inspiration to me and anyone lucky enough to collaborate with him.

Arsalan Asli was born in Iran and raised in Canada and the US. He began his career in investment banking and real estate development through his family's business in the Middle East.

With cinema, art and theatrics as his spiritual compass and lifelong passion, Arsalan transitioned into the entertainment industry after high school.

In 2016, Arsalan and his creative partners founded FIVE/4, a multi-faceted entertainment company engaged in the development, packaging and production of content across all genres of independent film, television and new media.

He executive produced HALA, AFTER SOPHIE , and PRETEXT - three renowned short films written and directed by trailblazing filmmaker, Minhal Baig.

His unyielding and impenetrable passion for film is palpable. I mean, I admit not knowing of half the filmmakers and movies he mentioned during this chat.

But this is just one of the ways in which he makes me better everyday.

I've grown tremendously as producer thanks to his patience, kindness, and uncompromising ethics.

This week, we go deeeppp on many fun topics such as adjusting our expectations around the business, how happiness comes from our relationship with the process, and the ways Hollywood can help the world alter it's perception of black and brown people.

Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's chat!

Beijos,

Caca

Eli Ash - Head of Production at Mustache Agency Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

Eli Ash loves things that most people hate: spreadsheets, organization, planning, and budgeting.

As Head of Production at Mustache Agency, she is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of juggling multiple projects and managing various production and post teams daily.

Eli came into my world when I was hired to produce a commercial for Secrets Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic last summer. Long time listeners of the pod will hopefully remember me yapping about it.

It was one of the funnest jobs I've ever gotten to produce.

With deep roots in the advertising and commercial world, she has produced a variety of projects throughout her career.

She's worked with companies like Complex Media, Vice, Warner Brothers Records, Nike, The Nobel Peace Prize, OXFAM and Crisis Action. She's worked all over the world for networks such as NBC, A&E, BBC, MTV, The Travel Channel, The Food Network, Discovery Science and Sesame Workshop.

She has produced Music Videos for a variety of artists from G-Eazy, Halsey, Young the Giant, A$AP Ferg and Ceelo Green.

She's worked with brands such as Nike, Dove, S'well, Clinique and Honda.

She's very impressive. It's no wonder that since this recording a few months ago, she started a new position in a similar role at Netflix.

This week, Eli dives deep into the transition from the freelance hustle to going in house at Mustache, how an agency functions, and the changes the advertising industry is facing.

Tune in and tell me all about it!

Beijos,

Caca

Michelle Purple - Jessica Biel's Producing Partner at Iron Ocean Productions Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

Michelle Purple is a classic movie lover who also happens to own a production company with her close friend, Jessica Biel.

They met on the set of STEALTH and became fast friends, bonding over watching films in Jessica's trailer. When Jessica poked her to start a production company together, Michelle was hesitant. She was nervous to work with her friend and running an actor based company.

She eventually said yes. Twelve years later, Iron Ocean Productions is a thriving production company that enhances strong female voices.

Iron Ocean Productions' most recent project was Facebook Watch's "Limetown," in which Biel starred opposite Stanley Tucci. The show premiered in Fall 2019 to over 10 million viewers in the first 72 hours.

Prior to this, the shingle had USA's limited TV series THE SINNER, which has enjoyed three consecutive seasons resulting in multiple awards nominations, including Emmy, Golden Globe and Critic's Choice award nominations for best actress for Jessica. The duo also received many nominations as executive producers. Season 3 of "The Sinner" starring Matt Bomer and Chris Messina is a well-crafted mystery that takes on toxic masculinity with care and is expertly realized by its performances. The show has been "The renewed for Season 4 and will return to USA in 2021.

They recently wrapped production on the pilot for EOne/FreeForm's upcoming TV show "Cruel Summer," starring Olivia Holt. It's been picked up by the network and is going to series.

Michelle heart and passion for this industry is truly palpable and can be heard in this week's episode. It was truly a joy to chat with her and I'm personally excited to meet her in real life whenever the world opens back up!

Tune in as she shines a light on what it's like to work with Jessica, the grief and heartbreak that comes with producing, and what it's like to have a first look TV deal.

Jesse Baker - Podcast Producer of Esther Perel's 'Where Should We Begin?" Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

Jesse Baker is an award-winning journalist and producer who most recently led a large team of creative makers as Audible's vice president of original content.

At Audible, she produced and developed a number of the company's most successful original series, including West Cork and three seasons of Esther Perel's Where Should We Begin?

As a huge fan of the iconic couples therapist Esther Perel, I was curious to learn what it's like to create such an intimate podcast. I tried to kept my fangirling to a minimum!

We recorded this episode 8 weeks into quarantine, right when they were gearing up to launch season 4 of Where Should We Begin? and finishing a special "Lockdown" series of the show.

Jesse began her career in public radio in her early 20s. She was a producer on major NPR news magazines including All Things Considered and Weekend Edition. In many ways, NPR raised her.

She later created the popular NPR weekly trivia program Ask Me Another. Jesse also produced The Culture Gabfest while at Slate and worked for ESPN producing The Sporting Life with Jeremy Schaap.

With deep roots in the radio, audio, and now podcast world, we nerd out about the godfather of the art form; Ira Glass. She admits he'd hate being called that.

She reveals how Ira helped launch Where Should We Begin? thanks to his deep roots in the world of psychology. His mother, Shirley Glass, was considered one of the world's leading experts on infidelity. The New York Times once called her "the godmother of infidelity research."

This week, Jesse shines a light on meeting Esther for the first time, how the podcast market has evolved since 2014's smash SERIAL, and how being laid off from Audible led to tremendous growth.

Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode!

Beijos, Caca Subscribe! Rate! Tell a friend! Follow me on the socials! @carolinagroppa @lifewithcaca

Jermaine Johnson - Manager and Producer at 3 Arts Entertainment Jul 29, 2020

Show notes

"I firmly believe that you can't fail if you never quit. I wholeheartedly subscribe to that." - Jermaine Johnson

Jermaine Johnson is a manager and producer at the Beverly Hills-based 3 Arts Entertainment.

A fellow scorpio, he is and has always been unapologetically himself. I would know since we met during the early days of our LA journey. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to Los Angeles for the weather, but stayed for the film industry.

He graduated from Rutgers and has spent the last ten years building an impressive client roster.

I've often wondered what it's like for a manager to produce. What does it actually mean? Why are others quick to assume they aren't doing any work and just "globbing on"? What is it like to guide the career of writers and directors? Lucky for us, Jermaine gives honest answers to these questions.

He also digs into the main differences between managers and agents while also sharing his secret for what makes a good manager.

Jermaine represents a wide variety of writers, directors, journalists, and comedians from many different backgrounds. Amongst these clients are Attica Locke (award-winning author of BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD), Azie Dungey (UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT, SWEETBITTER, TWENTIES), Cord Jefferson (WATCHMEN, SUCCESSION, THE GOOD PLACE), Fatimah Asghar (BROWN GIRLS, IF THEY COME FOR US), Eve Ewing (IRONHEART, ELECTRIC ARCHES), Justin Hillian (THE CHI), Jia Tolentino (TRICK MIRROR) and more.

He prides himself on finding fresh voices in places where others don't often look, and giving them a platform to share their unique points of view and opinions.

Tune in!

Beijos,

Caca

Samantha Housman - Producer of 6 BALLOONS and WANDER DARKLY Jul 21, 2020

Show notes

Samantha Housman dreamed of making John Hughes type of films for her generation.

That wish took her on a journey west to Los Angeles when she was 16 years old. She came solo and without knowing a single soul in the business. The City of Angels quickly became her playground and it was by juggling a job a record store and playing the drums that she found her in to the business.

When a golden opportunity to be a drummer in commercials came knocking, she answered. The set experience exposed her to producers. A spark went off and she knew she had found her path.

Sam's film education came on the job as an Independent Producer, Post Supervisor, Assistant Director and UPM. She has a detailed understanding of filmmaking at its most molecular level.

Over a decade later, she is now a producer at 51 Entertainment, a platform agnostic filmmaker-driven production company, founded by Lynette Howell Taylor. When she saw the kind of producer Lynette was, she knew she'd to anything to work with her. It's impressive that Sam did and now works with her everyday.

Most recently, she produced the film WANDER DARKLY, written and directed by Tara Miele and starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in U.S. Dramatic Competition.

Under the 51 Entertainment banner, Sam is Executive Producing Apple's straight-to-series female-focused CIA drama based on Amaryllis Fox's memoir, starring and additionally executive produced by Academy Award winner Brie Larson. Sam will also produce LADY BUSINESS, alongside Brie, who is also set to star, for Netflix after optioning the original article with Endeavor Content.

In 2018, Sam produced 6 BALLOONS, a Netflix original feature, written and directed by longtime collaborator Marja-Lewis Ryan. Based on Sam and her brother, the film tells the story a woman driving across LA with her heroin addict brother in search of a detox center, with his two year old daughter in tow. It's a beautiful indie that I highly recommend.

Before that, Sam co-founded ONEZERO Films where she Co-Produced CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, written and directed by Matt Ross, starring Viggo Mortensen. The film won the Best Director prize in CANNES UN CERTAIN REGARD. She also produced Matt Ross' 28 HOTEL ROOMS, which premiered at Sundance in 2012. Sam's other producing credits while at ONEZERO include Noah Buschel's SPARROW'S DANCE which Indiewire named one of the best films of the year in 2012, GLASS CHIN staring Corey Stoll and Billy Crudup, RIDE written and directed by Helen Hunt, and Chris Messina's ALEX OF VENICE.

Sam served as Vice President at Campfire, a film and television production company with a multi picture deal at Netflix. There she Executive Produced 1922, based on a Stephen King novella, SILICON COWBOYS, which made its premiere at SXSW; and oversaw production of several other titles.

While she's been at it for many years, in many ways she's still just getting started. I think John Hughes would be proud of the work she's creating. And I'm not just saying that because she complimented my Marianne bangs lewk inspired by Hulu's NORMAL PEOPLE.

Tune in as we discuss my bangs, courage, vanity credits, and breakdown the post coordinator role.

Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode!

Beijos, Caca

Dan Seaver - Executive Director/Co-Founder of ManifestWorks Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

Dan Seaver is the Executive Director and a co-founder of ManifestWorks.

After a career in journalism and government, Dan spent a decade as a youth advocate while volunteering with kids incarcerated in Los Angeles County. ManifestWorks is a response to that experience, a solution to the problem of system-impacted people blocked from their potential.

ManifestWorks is an incredible immersive program that connects those impacted by foster care, homelessness and incarceration with job opportunities in entertainment. Through learning, real-world work experience, and a network of supportive professional mentors, ManifestWorks provides ongoing life and professional skills to support long-term success.

I've been fortunate enough to volunteer with he program for about two years. I've attended two of the classes and spoken tot he students, helped them learn networking skills, explained what an indie film producer does. I love that this program exists and while Dan is not a producer, he advocates for producers since they are the ones with hiring power in producer.

I wanted to shine a light the program and how we can lift up people up by showing them that their dreams in Hollywood can become a reality.

Tune in as we discuss humility, hustle and hard work.

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