Let's Shoot! with Pete Chatmon

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Episode 51: Paris Barclay Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

With the original plan to pursue a career as a musical theater composer still in his back pocket, Paris has created a life for himself as a “coordinator of brilliance”. Paris Barclay is an award winning Director and Producer, known for “Dahmer”, “Sons of Anarchy”, “The West Wing”, “NYPD Blue” and the list goes on. He's also a two-term former president of the DGA and is currently Emmy-nominated for his work on "Dahmer". In this episode, Paris shares with Pete what he looks for when hiring Directors, how he navigates through the industry, the connection between composing, directing and cooking, the creation of “City of Angels”, his upcoming Billy Preston documentary, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:08:24) -- Podcast Intro
(00:08:24 - 00:14:50) -- Transitioning From Composer to Music Video Director
(00:14:50 - 00:17:40) -- Storytelling Through Music Video Directing
(00:17:40 - 00:23:30) -- Relationships And The Role Of The Producing Director
(00:23:30 - 00:27:30) -- The Role Of The Television Director
(00:27:30 - 00:31:35) -- The "Cooking, Directing, and Composing" Connection
(00:31:35 - 00:34:35) -- Transitioning Into Film
(00:34:35 - 00:35:45) -- “Transitions: A Director's Journey And Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:35:45 - 00:41:40) -- Becoming A Producing Director
(00:41:40 - 00:43:00) -- Creating “City Of Angels”
(00:43:00 - 00:46:10) -- Navigating Through The Industry
(00:46:10 - 00:49:20) -- Upcoming “Billy Preston” Project
(00:49:20 - 00:55:10) -- 4 Keys When Hiring Directors
(00:55:10 - 00:57:10) -- Most Compelling Scene/Episode
(00:57:10 - 00:59:40) -- Martini Question
(00:59:40 - 01:01:20) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 50: Charlie Day On The Making Of “Fool’s Paradise” [From 2014 to 2023] Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

In between takes of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”, Charlie would spend his time writing and rewriting what would be his directorial debut, "Fool's Paradise". In this episode, Charlie and Pete dive into the realities of filmmaking from script to screen, the importance of discovering a character's wants and needs, lessons learned from the making of “Fool’s Paradise”, taking risks to tell the stories that don't get told, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:05:25) -- Podcast Intro
(00:05:25 - 00:09:30) -- Landing A Role On Law & Order
(00:09:30 - 00:18:15) -- Involvement With The Williamstown Theatre Festival
(00:18:15 - 00:24:35) -- It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
(00:24:35 - 00:28:00) -- Constructing Characters And Focusing On Their “Wants”
(00:28:00 - 00:31:00) -- Collaborating With The “Gang”
(00:31:00 - 00:38:05) -- Working With And Hiring Directors
(00:38:05 - 00:40:55) -- Approaching Improvisation
(00:40:55 - 00:41:55) -- “Transitions: A Director's Journey And Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:41:55 - 00:43:50) -- Transitioning Into Features
(00:43:50 - 01:00:25) -- The Making Of “Fool’s Paradise”
(01:00:25 - 01:11:55) -- If You Could Remake “Fool’s Paradise”, What Would You Do Differently?(01:11:55 - 01:15:25) -- Casting “Fool’s Paradise”
(01:15:25 - 01:18:30) -- The Realities Of Making A Movie
(01:18:30 - 01:26:20) -- Lighting Round Questions
(01:26:20 - 01:28:10) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 49: Anton Cropper On Transitioning From Second AD to Directing Pilots and Feature Films May 31, 2023

Show notes

Anton Cropper is a director and producer known for ’Monk’, ‘Black-ish’, ’Suits’, and his recent feature film ‘Fantasy Football’. In this episode, Anton joins Pete to discuss the role of the Stage Manager, directing actors and applying writer's notes, the importance of relationships, creating new worlds when directing pilots, pitch deck preparation, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:05:45) -- Podcast Intro
(00:05:45 - 00:14:00) -- First Story To Have An Impact
(00:14:00 - 00:17:45) -- Getting His Start In the Business
(00:17:45 - 00:25:55) -- Growing Up And Financial Literacy
(00:25:55 - 00:28:30) -- Early Years As A Stage Manager
(00:28:30 - 00:37:15) -- Moving Up The Ladder
(00:37:15 - 00:45:20) -- Directing Actors
(00:45:20 - 00:53:00) -- Relationships And Receiving Notes
(00:53:00 - 00:54:00) -- “Transitions: A Director's Journey And Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:54:00 - 01:02:10) -- Maintaining His Career And Getting On The Radar
(01:02:10 - 01:05:10) -- Saying “No"
(01:05:10 - 01:12:55) -- Creating The World With Pilots
(01:12:55 - 01:18:50) -- The Importance Of Prep And Pitch Decks
(01:18:50 - 01:22:22) -- Upcoming Projects
(01:22:22 - 01:35:00) -- Lighting Round Questions
(01:35:00 - 01:37:20) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 48: Charles Murray On His Journey From Self-Taught Screenplay Writer To Showrunner May 24, 2023

Show notes

During a time when there was no clear blueprint for becoming a filmmaker in Hollywood, Charles Murray devoted his youth to educating himself via self-help handbooks from his local libraries. Charles is a writer, director, and producer best known for ’Sons of Anarchy’, ‘Luke Cage’, ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’, and ‘Tales of Jedi’. He serves as showrunner on season two of Amazon Studios' 'Outer Range'. In this episode, Charles and Pete discuss the importance of doing your own research and understanding the language of filmmaking, the journey to getting a pilot picked up, what to look for when hiring Directors, staying true to what makes sense for you, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:13:20) -- Podcast Intro
(00:13:20 - 00:21:30) —Growing Up In Indiana And Interest In Filmmaking
(00:21:30 - 00:29:05) -- Becoming A Self-Made Screenplay Writer
(00:29:05 - 00:39:30) -- Moving To California And Having Support
(00:39:30 - 00:48:35) -- Doing The Groundwork
(00:48:35 - 00:58:13) -- Early Years Working In Los Angeles
(00:58:13 - 01:09:20) -- When Preparation Meets Opportunity
(01:09:20 - 01:10:20) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(01:10:20 - 01:17:30) -- Breaking Into The Industry As A Writer
(01:17:30 - 01:32:45) -- Writing For Television And Getting His Pilot Picked Up
(01:32:45 - 01:37:30) -- Transitioning Into The Role Of The Showrunner
(01:37:30 - 01:43:40) -- Hiring Directors
(01:43:40 - 01:51:00) -- The Directors Approach And Being Okay With “Not Knowing”
(01:51:00 - 01:56:10) -- Lightning Round Questions
(01:56:10 - 01:57:35) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 47: Brian Kubovcik On The Role of VFX Supervisor [Craft Episode] May 17, 2023

Show notes

To avoid having to write a final paper for a Philosophy and Religion Studies course, Brian put his creativity to the test and presented a short film. Now an Emmy-nominated VFX supervisor, Brian Kubovcik is the Head of Studio for FuseFX and known for “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law”, “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”, and “Criminal Minds”. In this episode, Brian and Pete enter the world of visual effects as they explore the process from making a bid to working in post, the importance of understanding camera and lighting, special tools and equipment that help inform the VFX team, recognizing the people controlling the machines, the future of VFX and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:06:53) -- Podcast Intro
(00:06:53 - 00:12:40) -- Early Years Working In VFX
(00:12:40 - 00:15:15) -- First Steps For VFX And Formatting A Script
(00:15:15 - 00:20:50) -- Determining The FX Budget
(00:20:50 - 00:23:55) -- VFX Prep And Refining Assumptions
(00:23:55 - 00:28:15) -- The Importance Of Early Communication
(00:28:15 - 00:30:10) -- Making A VFX Bid
(00:30:10 - 00:35:55) -- Understanding Camera And Lighting
(00:35:55 - 00:36:55) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:36:55 - 00:39:20) -- The VFX Team And Set Visits
(00:39:20 - 00:47:40) -- Working In Post
(00:47:40 - 00:52:22) -- Favorite VFX Moments
(00:52:22 - 00:56:10) -- The Future Of VFX
(00:56:10 - 00:59:20) -- Lightning Round Questions
(00:59:20 - 00:58:55) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 46: Shiri Appleby On Her Journey From Acting On Roswell To Directing “UnPrisoned” May 10, 2023

Show notes

Shiri Appleby began her acting journey at age 5, working on the set of numerous television shows and commercials. An actress and director born in Calabasas, California, Shiri is best known for her breakout roles in “Roswell” and “Life Unexpected”, and her directorial work on “Grown-ish” and “UnPrisoned”. In this episode, Shiri and Pete discuss the performance of the Director, good vs. bad notes to give an actor, the importance of prepping and how it is your protection, adjusting to the new “Evercast” protocol in post-production, having chutzpah, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:07:10) -- Podcast Intro And WGA Strike Update
(00:07:10 - 00:12:45) -- Early Memories On Set
(00:12:45 - 00:22:00) -- High School And College Years
(00:22:00 - 00:27:35) -- Working With An Acting Coach
(00:27:35 - 00:32:40) -- Shadowing and Landing First Gig As A Director
(00:32:40 - 00:33:40) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:33:40 - 00:37:20) -- Eye Opening Moments Directing On Set
(00:37:20 - 00:42:50) -- Directing Actors And Good Vs. Bad Notes
(00:42:50 - 00:47:70) -- Representation And Identifying Your Genre Of Choice
(00:47:70 - 00:52:20) -- The Importance Of Prepping
(00:52:20 - 00:56:00) -- Editing Via Evercast
(00:56:00 - 00:58:55) -- What Would You Change About The Industry?
(00:58:55 - 01:00:50) -- The Performance Of The Director
(01:00:50 - 01:01:15) -- What’s Next?
(01:01:15 - 01:05:40) —Lightning Round Questions
(01:05:40 - 01:07:20) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 45: Ellen Rapaport On The Creation And Development Of “Minx” May 03, 2023

Show notes

Writing and selling a screenplay about a lawyer while working at a law firm is how Ellen became a writer best known for ‘Desperados’, ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’, and her hit series ’Minx’. In this episode, Ellen and Pete discuss her transition into storytelling, how she discovered and developed the story of “Minx”, the process of pitching a story to a studio and network, her experience directing for the first time, running the show, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:07:25) -- Podcast Intro
(00:07:25 - 00:13:30) -- Attending Law School
(00:13:30 - 00:17:20) -- Becoming A Storyteller
(00:17:20 - 00:21:00) -- Selling A Script And Moving To LA
(00:21:00 - 00:22:50) -- Transitioning Into Television Writing
(00:22:50 - 00:26:40) -- A Day In The Life Of A Writer
(00:26:40 - 00:28:20) -- Discovering The Story Of ‘Minx’
(00:28:20 - 00:33:00) -- Developing The Characters And Tone
(00:33:00 - 00:40:35) -- The Pitching Process
(00:40:35 - 00:41:33) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:41:33 - 00:46:00) -- “Minx” Season One Production And Show-running
(00:46:00 - 00:51:10) -- Hiring Directors
(00:51:10 - 00:57:00) -- Directing The Finale
(00:57:00 - 00:58:55) -- “Minx” Season Two Production
(00:58:55 - 01:01:00) —“Minx” Season Two Directors
(01:01:00 - 01:07:15) -- Lightning Round Questions
(01:07:15 - 01:09:03) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 44: The Actor's Perspective Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

On this special episode, Pete combines previous podcast conversations with a variety of actors to spotlight their perspectives. Join us as we revisit why Issa Rae enjoys the writers room, the first story that impacted Dorian Missick, the best note Keith Powell gave to an actor, how Aya Cash prepares for character roles vs. personal interviews, Kaley Cuoco’s introduction to acting, and more…
Complete Guest List: Issa Rae, Keith Powell, Aya Cash, Simone Missick, Spencer Garrett, Dorian Missick, Romany Malco, Rob McElhenney, and Kaley Cuoco.
(00:00:00 - 00:03:55) -- Podcast Intro
(00:03:55 - 00:05:50) -- Why Issa Rae Enjoys The Writers Room
(00:05:50 - 00:08:25) -- Where Most Directors Go Wrong In Pre-Production
(00:07:35 - 00:08:25) -- Words Of Wisdom From Issa Rae
(00:08:25 - 00:10:55) -- Spencer Garrett Defines The Role Of An Actor
(00:10:55 - 00:14:25) -- Spencer Lands His First Role
(00:14:25 - 00:19:35) -- The Casting And Audition Process
(00:19:35 - 00:21:45) -- The First Story To Impact Dorian Missick
(00:21:45 - 00:25:45) -- Being In The Right Place At The Right Time
(00:25:45 - 00:33:25) -- Dorian’s Big Break And Words Of Wisdom
(00:33:25 - 00:37:18) -- The First Story To Impact Rob McElhenney
(00:35:35 - 00:37:18) -- Rob Compares Writing To Acting
(00:37:18 - 00:38:18) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:38:18 - 00:44:45) -- How Keith Powell Became A Storyteller
(00:44:45 - 00:48:10) -- The Best Note Keith Powell Gave An Actor
(00:48:10 - 00:52:50) -- How Simone Missick Got Her Start And Words Of Wisdom
(00:52:50 - 00:59:10) -- Aya Cash’s Introduction To Storytelling And Acting Preparation
(00:59:10 - 01:04:14) -- How Romany Malco Broke Into The Industry
(01:04:14 - 01:05:45) -- Romany Describes Three Traits To Have As An Actor
(01:05:45 - 01:10:15) -- Kaley Cuoco’s Introduction To Acting
(01:10:15 - 01:15:30) -- Kaley’s Big Break And Playing Multiple Versions Of A Character
(01:15:30 - 01:16:52) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 43: Shannon Baker Davis On Good Instincts and Editing For TV and Feature Films Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

Shannon Baker Davis is an award-winning television and film editor best known for ‘Grown-ish’, ‘Queen Sugar’, ’Top Chef’, ‘The Photograph’, and “Prom Pact”. In this episode, Pete gains access to the mind of an editor as Shannon describes what she looks for when navigating through various cuts, her transition from reality tv to scripted editing, the importance of pacing in a scene, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:05:00) -- Podcast Intro
(00:03:45 - 00:10:30) -- How Did You Get Your Start?
(00:10:30 - 00:14:35) -- The First Story That Impacted You
(00:14:35 - 00:17:45) -- Getting Involved With Editing
(00:17:45 - 00:22:00) -- Navigating Various Cuts
(00:22:00 - 00:28:10) -- Howard University vs. AFI Educational Journey
(00:28:10 - 00:34:30) -- AFI Curriculum and Take Away
(00:34:30 - 00:40:40) -- Building Trust And Proving Yourself
(00:40:40 - 00:41:40) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:41:40 - 00:48:10) -- Transitioning Into Scripted Editing
(00:48:10 - 00:53:25) -- The Role Of An Assistant Editor
(00:53:25 - 00:58:55) -- The Importance Of Having Good Instincts
(00:58:55 - 01:09:40) -- The Signs Of A Good Director
(01:09:40 - 01:11:10) -- What’s Next For You?
(01:11:10 - 01:13:05) -- Advice To Younger Self
(01:13:05 - 01:16:20) -- Balancing Home And Work Life
(01:16:20 - 01:19:40) -- Final Words
(01:19:40 - 01:20:54) -- Podcast Outro

Episode 42: Valerie Weiss On Her Journey From Biophysics To “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

Valerie Weiss is an award-winning director and scientist known for “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”, “Outer Banks” and “Chicago Med”. In this episode, Valerie and Pete discuss the future of filmmaking as they explore the benefits of using volume technology and Scriptation, the importance of allowing your life experiences to influence your perspective, being comfortable with uncertainty, marrying her love of science with her love for directing, and more…
(00:00:00 - 00:03:45) -- Podcast Intro
(00:03:45 - 00:11:55) -- Mailbag Questions
(00:11:55 - 00:16:15) -- The First Story That Impacted You
(00:16:15 - 00:19:00) -- Getting Involved With Theater and Acting
(00:19:00 - 00:25:15) -- Balancing Her Love For Science With Directing
(00:25:15 - 00:28:00) -- Getting Accepted Into The AFI Directors Program
(00:28:00 - 00:33:10) -- Benefits of Being A Director With A Ph.D
(00:33:10 - 00:37:30) -- Early Stages Directing Film
(00:37:30 - 00:41:50) -- Staying Committed and Appreciating Your Personal Life Experiences (00:41:50 - 00:42:45) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:42:45 - 00:47:05) -- Getting Her Start In Episodic Directing
(00:47:05 - 00:52:35) -- Episodic Directing vs. Feature Directing
(00:52:35 - 00:59:25) -- Getting Invited Back and Securing Her Role
(00:59:25 - 01:04:40) -- Benefits Of Volume Technology
(01:04:40 - 01:12:50) -- What Traits Make You Unique?
(01:12:50 - 01:18:55) -- Being A Team Player and Problem Solving
(01:18:55 - 01:24:45) -- Benefits of Using Scriptation
(01:24:45 - 01:30:05) -- Lightning Round Questions
(01:30:05 - 01:31:21) -- Podcast Outro

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