The Working Director

Latest Episodes:

073: What To Expect on your First TV Job (As A TV Writer) Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Do you have your eyes set on working on a TV series? If yes, you must join us for this talk with Cindy Chu, who recently became a staff writer on Sony's SWAT Exiles (SWAT Spinoff). She'll share what it's like to navigate your first season as a staff writer. And this talk isn't just for writers — Cindy co-wrote and produced an episode with her supervising producer, and she'll be sharing what it's like to be on set and how to prepare. It's a rare opportunity for a staff writer, and she's going to share what to expect with you.This is mostly from a writer's perspective but we do dive a bit into directors and producers (especially directors working with the writers).

Hosted by Jenn Page (Director/Producer)Brought to you by Female Filmmakers Collective. Join us for the talks live to ask your questions by becoming a member (it's all free!) allfilmmakerswelcome.com. Thank you to Blackmagic Design for supporting our Collective and indie filmmakers around the world.More on our guest:Cindy Chu is a Taiwanese American writer and filmmaker from Queens, New York. Her literary talents shine in the realms of horror, suspense, and supernatural storytelling. Chu's fascination with the thrilling and macabre began in her childhood, bonding with her non-English-speaking mother over horror classics like 'Nightmare on Elm Street.' With an MFA from the Actors Studio Drama School, she transitioned to writing due to the scarcity of authentic Asian American roles. Her narratives often explore socially conscious themes, featuring multicultural protagonists from humble backgrounds.Chu is a staff writer on Sony’s SWAT Exiles (SWAT spin-off) and was a Sony Elevate TV Writer Fellow, CAPE New Writers Fellow and an alum to Mentorship Matters, a year-long writers’ program where she was mentored by showrunner, Angela Kang. She is repped by 3 Arts Entertainment and RBEL Agency.

072: Making Indie Films Against All Odds (Meet the BMC Film Fest Finalists!) Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

You Don't Need Perfect Circumstances to Get Your Film MadeHave the script and the vision, but keep hitting roadblocks getting your short film into production?Join us for an online Q&A with this year's BMC Film Festival finalists and hear what it really took to get their films made!Get answers on how you can navigate limited budgets, deal with unexpected challenges, handle difficult decisions, and everything else that comes with indie filmmaking.These filmmakers didn’t wait for perfect circumstances. They figured out how to make the movie anyway.After you listen, come support these indie filmmakers in North Hollywood at our live screening event! It's pay what you can and the filmmakers get 100% of the ticket sales: http://tinyurl.com/BMCFF2026

Directors:

William Hellmuth (All That's Left)

Jenny Curtis (A Comfort)

Taylor Coriell (Ladylike)

Dorothy Xiao (Only In This World)

Rochan Liu (Roll It)

Briana Blanos (The Cat At The End of The World)

Other finalists to check out:

Laura Colbert (Black Seeds Continue To Grow)

Rachel Handler (Don't Take This The Wrong Way)

Host: Jenn Page (all socials @ajennpagefilm)

Join our conversations and ask YOUR questions by joining AllFilmmakersWelcome.com. It's free to join the membership and the events!

071: ART OF THE SIZZLE REEL (SELLING YOUR SHOW OR MOVIE) Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

A great film or television concept means nothing if you can’t get people excited enough to say yes. Whether you’re pitching a series, raising financing, attracting talent, or trying to sell your project, a strong sizzle reel can often do more than a pitch deck ever could. In this class, we’ll break down the art of building a reel that grabs attention fast, communicates the vision of your project, and makes buyers, investors, and collaborators want to see more. If you’re serious about selling your film or show, understanding how to craft an effective sizzle reel may be one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal.

Host: Jenn Page (director/producer)

To join these discussions live, as well as be in the know about classes, events, and career advancement initiatives, become a member (its free!) at AllFilmmakersWelcom.com. More on our guest: Serge Martinenko is an award-winning motion picture editor with extensive post-production expertise. A highly skilled Creative Storyteller and Post-Production Professional with years of experience and an impressive ability to capture the attention of audiences both within and beyond the creative industry. From editing to poster design, Serge has worked with top companies, brands like Blue Man Group, BitBox, Toughbuilt, Sonic Gods Media, Lionsgate and number of reputable production studios. His editing work includes "Exalted" (Neil McDonough, Tia Carrera), "Blackout" (Josh Duhamel, Annie Cornish, Nock Nolte), "Overdrive" (Greg Kriek, Costas Mandilor) features, "Nova Vita" (Titus Welliver, Dean Norris, Raymond Cruz, Stephen Baldwin), "Disappointments" (Gedde Watanabe, Debbie Pollack, Sam Pancake, Michael Corbett, Anne Beyer, June Carryl) TV shows, with 50+ credits for feature and award winning short films including 4 awards for editing domestically and internationally and dozens of other projects. His work can be seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple+, Queerty and other major streamers.

070: The Technical Parts of Vertical Filmmaking! Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

So you have your vertical script ready, you’ve booked your crew, now what? If you have questions about what cameras are being used, how many will be needed, what lenses are being used, how to frame, how to schedule, and everything else around shooting, you’ll want to be here for this talk!Join producer Cate Fogarty, who-over the last two years-has been falling in love with the mini-drama model and has worked on over two dozen vertical series in L.A., Vancouver, and Zhengzhou, China for companies like DramaShorts, ReelShort, ByteDance, and Narval Films. Most notably she co-wrote and produced the breakout hits The Billionaire Sex Addict and His Therapist and My Sexy Mentor Seduced Me for the DramaShorts app.Guest Host: filmmaker/composer Chris Edgar

To join these discussions live, as well as be in the know about classes, events, and career advancement initiatives, become a member (its free!) at ⁠AllFilmmakersWelcom.com⁠.

069: What It Takes To Be Studio Ready w/ Paul Feig Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Learn what it means to be "studio ready." We'll talk about going from an indie mindset to a powerhouse professional, how to command a multi-million dollar set, scaling your vision, and more!

To join these talks live and ask YOUR questions, as well as be in the know for events, classes, and career advancement initiatiaves, join (it's free!) allfilmmakerswelcome.com.

Guest Host: Lauren White (actor/writer)

More on our guest:Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work has earned over $1B worldwide. A master of sharp, character-driven comedy and stylish genre play, his films include BRIDESMAIDS, THE HEAT, SPY, A SIMPLE FAVOR and its global #1 sequel ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR, LAST CHRISTMAS, GHOSTBUSTERS, and Lionsgate’s THE HOUSEMAID. Recent credits also include THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL for Netflix, and Prime Video hit JACKPOT!In 2025, Feig directed ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, which broke records as Prime Video’s second most watched original thriller ever. Finishing off the year, he directed THE HOUSEMAID starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which earned over $300 million at the global box office, becoming Feig’s most successful film to date.On television, Feig created the landmark series FREAKS AND GEEKS and directed and produced THE OFFICE, earning the DGA Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Through Pretty Dangerous Pictures, previously Feigco Entertainment, and Powderkeg, he continues to champion bold voices and innovative storytelling across film, TV, and digital platforms.

068: Indie Distribution: How to Actually Make Money With Your Film Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Making a great film is only half the battle. The real challenge is getting it in front of audiences and turning it into a profitable investment. Join filmmaker Jason Horton, who has successfully distributed dozens of independent films, many of which have recouped their budgets and secured upfront minimum guarantees.We'll also learn what distributors are really looking for, how to position your film for the best possible deal, avoid common mistakes that cost filmmakers money, what budget ranges do best, and develop a strategy that gives your project the best chance to earn a return. If your goal is not just to make films, but to build a sustainable career doing it, this is a session you will not want to miss.

To join us live and ask your questions, as well as be in the know about events, classes, and career advancement initiatiaves, become a member (it's free!) at allfilmmakerswelcome.com.

Your host:

Director/Producer Jenn Page

Today's guest:

Writer/Director J. Horton is a dynamic force in the film industry,celebrated for his ability to seamlessly cross genre boundaries and a steadfast commitment to "getting it done." With a diverse portfolio that includes producing over 80 feature films and numerous documentaries, Horton is not just a filmmaker; he’s a prolific creator who thrives on bringing new stories to life every year. Continually upping his game, J. Horton is more than a filmmaker; he's a mentor and advocate for the indie film community.J's work: youtube.com/jhortonTikTok, Instagram and Threads: @thejhorton

067: The Director/Cinematographer: One role, double duty, an overload of responsibility Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

What happens when the person shaping the story is also the one behind the camera? The relationship between a director and cinematographer is already a delicate creative balance, but combining both roles creates an entirely different challenge.

If you want to join live and ask YOUR questions, as well as be in the know about events, classes, and career advancement initiatives, join (it's free) at AllFilmmakersWelcome.com.

Your Host: Jenn Page (Film & TV Director/Producer)As a DP, your focus naturally shifts toward lighting, framing, lenses, and the technical side of creating beautiful images. As a director, your responsibility is guiding performance, shaping emotion, and making sure the story connects with the audience.But when one person takes on both roles, something often has to give. It becomes surprisingly easy to get lost chasing the perfect shot while forgetting the actors standing right in front of you. Can you truly stay present for performance while also thinking about exposure, camera movement, and composition?Let’s discuss the unique challenges, creative advantages, and lessons that come with trying to wear both hats at once.

More on our guest:William Hellmuth is a Los Angeles-based DP and director who has shot for brands like NBC, NERF, HONDA, MANSCAPED and more. His career has taken him around the world shooting feature films, feature documentaries, and commercials. Coupling a strong visual eye with a desire to infuse meaning into every moment of whatever he's filming, William has a deep love for genre filmmaking.Links:(Main site)https://williamhellmuth.com(ALONE: Director/DP work):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afy3PqqfTT0(DIXIELAND: Director/DP work):https://youtu.be/wdJrfuEf1Hw?is=HnZnaZNF5sL8nbIU(OTAA non-iron shirts: Director/DP commercial work):https://youtu.be/dC-6ej3QNM4?is=LJVzxsK4BMICyf9s

066: All Things Music: Acquiring, Licensing, Composing and Getting it Right! Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Acquiring, Licensing, Composing and Getting it Right!Music can make or break your film so let's make sure you have all the right elements in place!In this workshop you'll learn:-How you can acquire music rights to popular songs-What are the rules around music sites like Artlist-What contracts and licensing do you need for each kind of music you acquire-Working with a composer to get the right feel for your filmOur panel includes a music supervisor, composer, and producer. There will be plenty of time for Q&A to get your specific questions answered as well!Join us for free classes by joining (free) at BlackmagicCollective.com

065: TV Directing Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Join our panel of working television directors to learn about their process. This week we have a guest host and three kick ass TV directors!

To join us live and get your questions answered be a part of our filmmaker group (it's free!) by clicking JOIN NOW at BlackmagicCollective.com or be a part of our private FaceBook group at AllFilmmakersWelcome.com.GUESTS:

LIONEL COLEMAN cut his teeth at CBS news, learning the language of documentary storytelling before becoming a DGA commercial director and working with brands like Nike, Hyundai and Adidas. He is an alumni of the CBS Diversity Director program and is currently directing episodic network television with recent episodes on NCIS Hawai’i, NCIS (Mothership and New Orleans), All Rise and God Friended Me. In addition to his mainstream work, Lionel directs documentary and narrative films to explore his fascination with the human condition, in particular the challenges we face with race, bias, and prejudice. His 2022 film These Final Hours explores just such a topic, and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award as well as winning several film festivals.

MILENA GOVICH is a director, actor, and musician who has helmed many episodes of TV, including FBI: Most Wanted, The Equalizer, Leverage: Redemption, Chicago Fire, among others.She also served as Co-EP/Producing Director on Dick Wolf's CBS series FBI, and is attached to direct two pilots in development. Milena was one of eight filmmakers selected for AFI's prestigiousDirecting Workshop For Women, as well as the exclusive Sony Pictures TV Diverse Directors Program, the Universal Directors Initiative, and received the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant. Hershort film and TV series proof-of-concept Unspeakable, starring Laura Vandervoort and Jeff Kober, starring Laura Vandervoort and Jeff Kober, had its World Premiere at SXSW and won Best Episodic at Seattle Int’l Film Festival .

DAVID STASSEN most recently co-created, executive produced and directed RUNNING POINT starring Kate Hudson for Netflix alongside Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz. He also co-wrote,executive produced and directed Mel Brooks’ HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART II for Hulu. Dave and Ike were also recently writers and Executive Producers on the animated Netflix comedy CHICAGO PARTY AUNT. Dave previously worked on THE MINDY PROJECT as a writer, director & EP.

GUEST HOST: LAUREN WHITE is an award-winning actor and producer from Baltimore, hon. Far more exciting than that sentence seems, Lauren is a force on and off screen: she graduated at 16, is acting like her Masters Degree in Physiology, Biomechanics and Kinesiology is going to good use, and possesses comedic timing sharper than a bespoke suit.Notable performances on NBC, Netflix, FOX, HBO, TBS, BET, Lifetime, 2 seasons on Amazon (which put her in the running for an Emmy nomination) and 4 seasons of the improv series, Little Bits.With a deep love for animals, she actively volunteers with multiple animal rescues, is a huge fan of black bean nachos and can bend single knuckles on her fingers.

064: Alternate Distribution Options for Indie Filmmakers (with producer Nancy Criss) Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Are you looking to have more control over your distribution?

Do you want to learn ways to get your film out there through non-traditional options?

Indie distribution companies, indie streamers, and filmmaker-controlled platforms give you back your power. They have more transparency when it comes to rev share too. Through our discussion with Nancy Criss, whose distribution channels are numerous (Tubi, Walmart, Up Faith & Family, Plex, Amazon, Netflix, and her own), we'll learn about more options for indie filmmakers to take control back.

(Episode 64)

Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Looking for a full service production company or pre-list stage with talk show set, green & white cyc, XR wall, and more?!? Check out Heart On Fire Studios and if you book directly and tell us you found us on The Working Director Podcast you'll receive 10% off your first booking!

Looking for a filmmaker community? Join our private FB group for directors so you can attend these live conversations and get your questions answered. allfilmmakerswelcome.com

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