Best in Fest

Latest Episodes:

Laura Harrington on Acting with DiCaprio, Writing for Scorsese, and Crafting Stories That Matter - Ep #221 Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes acclaimed actress-turned-screenwriter Laura Harrington, whose career has spanned blockbuster sets and award-winning scripts. From starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to writing for legends like Martin Scorsese and Taylor Hackford, Laura shares how she transitioned from the stage to the page—and why storytelling is her true calling.

Laura reveals:

How her breakout role in Maximum Overdrive led to working with Stephen King
The real-life encounter that inspired her script about Fidel Castro
Her emotional journey writing The Ninth Fortress, a Holocaust escape drama
Why actors make some of the best screenwriters
Her approach to writing character-driven films in a superhero-saturated industry
And how her Farmhouse Writing Retreat in Italy nurtures creators of all kinds

Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, actor, or just love behind-the-scenes film stories, this episode is filled with rare insights and raw honesty about the creative process, reinvention, and writing with courage.

Elizabeth Quinn on Writing with Grit, Producing with Passion & the Real Story Behind 'Going Reno' - Ep #220 Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes writer, producer, and performer Elizabeth Quinn, whose sharp wit and love for offbeat stories have earned her a spot at the 2024 Tribeca Festival with her audio drama Going Reno. Elizabeth shares her journey from New York theater to L.A. improv, her transition into writing and producing, and the creative spark behind her 1930s divorce-ranch podcast starring Bonnie Hunt and Joelle Carter.

Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s insights on:

Navigating the indie film world as a multi-hyphenate creator
The future of narrative audio and podcasting
The power of competitions for emerging writers
Overcoming perfectionism and finding your voice
Why Going Reno could be the next great series—or novel

Whether you’re a screenwriter, podcaster, or film lover, this episode is packed with advice, laughs, and a dose of inspiration for creators chasing bold stories and big dreams.

Krisztina Goda on Female Filmmaking, International Storytelling & Surviving the Creative Process - Ep #219 May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with one of Hungary’s most celebrated directors, Krisztina Goda, whose breakout hit Just Sex and Nothing Else catapulted her to fame. Goda shares her journey from the prestigious National Film and Television School to UCLA, her experience navigating Hungary’s male-dominated film industry, and the creative challenges of writing and directing both indie features and commercial work. They discuss the evolving role of women in film, the impact of streaming platforms on foreign-language cinema, and what it takes to stay passionate about storytelling in a shifting global market. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, artistic integrity, and international vision.

From the Writers’ Room to the Revolution: Michael Daley on TV’s Changing Landscape May 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Best in Fest, festival director Leslie LaPage sits down with veteran TV writer Michael FX Daley—whose credits include CSI, The X-Files, Reaper, Maniac, and The Leftovers—for a behind-the-scenes look at how the television industry has transformed over the past two decades. Daley shares his journey from being a reluctant TV convert to writing major network finales, dishes on what it’s really like inside a writer’s room, and reveals how streaming, binging, and evolving audience behaviors are reshaping storytelling. Plus, hear how he's using his industry knowledge to shape the next generation of writers at Loyola Marymount and what inspired his upcoming book The Writers Took Television. If you're a storyteller, screenwriter, or just love great TV, this episode is a must-listen.

Ido Samuel: From Tel Aviv to Hulu—Crafting Characters with Purpose - Ep #217 May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with acclaimed international actor Ido Samuel, known for his roles in We Were the Lucky Ones, FBI: International, Tehran, and the award-winning short Dirty Bomb. Ido shares his journey from growing up in Israel to breaking into Hollywood, how he landed his powerful role as a conflicted Jewish policeman in Hulu’s Holocaust drama, and the real-life stories that shaped his performances. From navigating the L.A. acting scene to honoring Holocaust survivors through film, this episode is a candid and inspiring look at the grit, talent, and global perspective that fuels Ido’s work.

Behind FBOY Island, Rhythm & Flow, and Building TV Gold with Kellie Dancho - Ep #216 May 06, 2025

Show notes

Ready to pull back the curtain on reality TV? In this episode of Best in Fest, powerhouse producer Kellie Dancho—the creative force behind hits like FBOY Island, America’s Got Talent, and Rhythm & Flow—shares how today’s unscripted shows are crafted, cast, and edited for maximum drama and laughs.

🎬 Inside the episode:

The real (and hilarious) secrets behind producing FBOY Island and F Girl Island
How Rhythm & Flow changed the game for music competition shows on Netflix
The art of casting unforgettable characters—and why authenticity still matters
Competition show legal rules you didn’t know about (yes, it's just like Jeopardy)
How reality TV evolved from Survivor to social media stardom
Insider advice for women and newcomers trying to break into entertainment

From setting up viral-worthy reality moments to mastering the chaos behind the scenes, Kellie’s journey is a must-hear for anyone obsessed with TV, content creation, or surviving the entertainment jungle.

From Blood-Curdling Screams to Streamboat Dreams: Allison Pittel on Acting vs Producing - Ep #215 Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

What do exploding Zoom speakers, killer mice, and surprise parades have in common? Actress and producer Allison Pittel.

In this no-holds-barred episode of Best in Fest, Allison dishes on her rise as a modern scream queen—from indie horror hit Terrifier to the Disney-gone-wrong chaos of Streamboat, where Steamboat Willie gets a slasher makeover. She also reveals what it’s really like producing reality TV with Mike Rowe, juggling 100 balloons and zero reshoots on Returning the Favor.

🎬 What you’ll hear:

Why her scream is now legend in horror casting rooms
Acting against puppets, air, and pure terror
The magic (and madness) of horror conventions
How public domain horror is rewriting the genre
The emotional engine behind authentic fear onscreen

If you love horror, hustle, and behind-the-scenes gold, this episode is a must-listen.

Crush Your Goals with The DEB Method — Productivity Secrets from Debra Eckerling - Ep #214 Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Struggling to stay on track with your creative or professional goals? Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins Best in Fest to break down her powerful DEB Method—Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path—to help you set and actually achieve your goals. Whether you're in entertainment, a business professional, or just someone trying to get their act together, Debra shares actionable steps, real-life success stories, and mindset shifts to boost your productivity and focus. 🎯

We also dive into her new book “52 Secrets for Goal Setting and Goal Getting”, productivity hacks, how to use journaling to gain clarity, and how to turn your passions into tangible wins. Perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, writers, and multi-hyphenates ready to finally get it done.

From Marine to Hollywood: Dee Freeman’s Journey of Tenacity, Theater, and Truth - Ep #213 Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to transition from the U.S. Marine Corps to the big screen? Actress Dee Freeman shares her incredible journey from serving in the military to gracing the stage and screen, including her gripping true-crime solo show, Poison Gun. From breaking barriers as a woman in the USMC to tackling Hollywood’s toughest auditions, Dee’s story is one of resilience, humor, and an unbreakable spirit. Tune in as she and Leslie LaPage dive into the power of storytelling, the challenges of theater, and the untold history of women Marines.

From Fitness to Film: Kerstin Schulze on Building Strength & Success in Hollywood - Ep #212 Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress and fitness expert Kerstin Schulze to uncover the secrets behind Hollywood’s most sculpted bodies. From training A-list stars like Chris Hemsworth to landing roles in The Righteous Gemstones and American Horror Story, Kerstin shares her journey from competitive sports to the big screen. Discover the truth about Hollywood fitness trends, the power of diet and discipline, and how she balances acting with her passion for health. Tune in for insider tips, industry wisdom, and inspiration to fuel your own fitness and career goals!

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