Unfake It Till You Make It

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Throwing Away Pawns, Building Levels, And Hunting The Big Game Jul 08, 2018

Show notes

This episode is different because there will be no guest. Instead, I wanted to share a recent addition to my career. It has taken quite some time to finally relieve some career stress and I wrote down a short antidote that I hope will be useful to anyone listening. My thesis statement: You don't have to give up, but sometimes you must throw away your pawns in order to make your way to the Kings and Queens. Please, enjoy! Show Notes: 1:30 Anecdote starts 10:10 Airbnb Endeavors Become An Airbnb Host or get $40 off your first Airbnb rental when you travel yourself. 12:30 Enlightenment 13:00 Counting submissions 14:40 Losing track of time Tony Skateboarding 16:00 Different submission approaches 17:35 Closing statements And if you liked this episode, please leave me a review on iTunes. It would inspire me to keep the show moving on. Thank you!

Jon Carlo - Bridging Emotions, Writing, and Saying No Jun 25, 2018

Show notes

Today's guest is Jon Carlo @iamjoncarlo on instagram. He is a working actor, scriptwriter, and producer in the film Industry. He recently wrote the film First We Take Brooklyn starring Harvey Keitel and he is on his way to shoot his second feature in New York City this summer. We have nice chat on the uniqueness of the film business as well as what it looks like when Jon Carlo is writing like a maniac. If you hear some creepy chewing here and there in this episode, sorry about that. Jon and I were snacking on some Trader Joe organic Cherries. And now, please enjoy the show with my guest Jon Carlo. Show Notes: [1:15] Interview begins [5:30] The beginnings of Jon Carlo's [7:15] Jon Carlos's latest feature film; he is shooting it in New York City [11:00] Mentor's in the film business [14:15] Jon's advice for new actors coming to Los Angeles [18:00] Acting classes and finding your zone [21:00] Jon's experiences with writing scripts - The War of Art The War Of Art [26:00] How it looks when Jon writes and how he gets creative [30:00] As an Actor; putting up walls and taking them down [36:00] Staying creative [40:00] Doing something else when you get overwhelmed and what overwhelmed [45:30] Jon's resources; the podcast "The Treatment", the book The Hero's Journey Tony's writing go to book, Making a Good Script Great [49:30] "Jon gave it a shot" on his gravestone [50:00] Jon's film First We Take Brooklyn is available online [51:30] Jon's last words

Annalisa Cochrane - Balance, Growth, and Cobra Kai Jun 11, 2018

Show notes

Annalisa Cochrane @annalisacochrane is a Hollywood actress who plays Yasmine in the new YouTube RED series, Cobra Kai. I really loved it and I binge watched it! She also has roles in TV shows such as; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Heathers, The Young and Restless, Broken Visions, and Days of Our Lives to name a few. She spent some good years growing up in India and made the move to LA to pursue her acting career. We talk about performing, auditions, habits, and we got really off topic at times, but sometimes that's what life is about. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Miss Annalisa Cochrane. Show Notes: [3:00] interview starts [7:45] Growing up in India [14:30] Annalisa in the film industry [18:15] Creativity is a muscle [24:45] Best place for character study in Los Angeles [30:15] Practice not being bothered [31:45] Cobra Kai, the Youtube RED series! [33:45] Lord Of The Rings dreams [38:15] Giggling at Tony's funeral and Will parties [39:15] Writing scripts in therapy sessions [44:45] Annalisa Auditions [51:45] Screen tests [54:15] Be warned [56:30] Annalisa gets a wedgy in series Cobra Kai [1:03:15] Dealing with Actor's anxiety [1:09:00] Parents can support their children who want to become an actor [1:15:45] Mentors and making new friends [1:21:15] More Cobra Kai talk and Ralph Macchio [1:24:45] What goes through Annalisa's mind before showtime [1:31:15] First-time film school and deadlines [1:37:45] When getting overwhelmed [1:39:45] Zooming out to outer space and CDB oil [1:46:45] The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , Big Magic [1:51:45] Movie Quote Terminator 1 Movie Quote Terminator 1 Scene, Reservoir Dogs, Grand Budapest Hotel Grand Budapest Hotel The Parent Trap [1:55:45] Instragram @annalisacochrane, IMDB, [1:58:15] Three words; growth, listening, and balance [2:00:30] Annalisa's final thoughts

John Wheaton - Designing Deformities, Creatures, and Monsters Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

John Wheaton has over 25 years in the film industry and is a top Special Effects Makeup Designer and Sculptor. John has won 2 Primetime Emmys for outstanding makeup in a series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and one of my favorite shows ever The X-Files. He is more recently known for TV shows such as Legion, Preacher, I am Number Four, and Babylon 5 as well as films like The Book of Eli, Suicide Squad, and Predators. It is with honor, that I present to you a special effects makeup master, John Wheaton. please enjoy! Show Notes: [2:00] Interview Starts [4:00] The inception of John's fascination with horror films, creatures, and monsters [7:30] John's special effects early research; Fangoria Magazine and Star Log Magazine [9:00] John's take on creativity [12:00] HUMAN SKULLS on John's Vari Desk I want this full size one Full vari Desk [14:00] Special Effects Makeup [16:00] Who is cut out for a career in Special Effects Makeup [19:00] John's advice on getting your work see and getting good feedback feedback on designing and criticism [26:00] The special effects stage [29:30] Designing on the computer, John uses Intuos Wacom Pad and here I found a less expensive older model that has great reviews Older Version Z-Brush Software [33:30] Multiple stages [40:00] Don't waste time [43:00] Ego and politics [45:30] Dealing with stress or overwhelmed [49:30] Resources; Stage Makeup by Richard Corson (10th edition) (6th Edition = less pricey), Grande Illusions by Tom Savini [53:30] John Wheaton on facebook (Burbank) and here is his John's IMDB [57:30] 2 minute film called Carved. Tony shot, directed, edited, and acted in The Philippines with all native people [99:30] One thing we can do to get inspired today. Just start without thinking so much.

Danny and Tony - Classic Film Talk, The X-Files, and Late Night Laughter May 27, 2018

Show notes

Disclaimer: This episode is very different than the traditional format of the show. If you're a film buff or into film & TV excitement, I hope you'll enjoy this one.

This week I'm sharing a late night conversation with a best friend of mine who I had not seen in years. His name is Daniel Aceves A.K.A. "Danny Legs" (he has these freakishly long legs). He is a Video Game Advertisement Designer, Masking expert, Film Historian, and a well versed Vintage Photographer. Legs and I got into a lot of in-depth talk about amazing films, our favorite scenes, the technical sides, and we got into a late-night laughing fit. If you're looking for a couple of film guys to hang out with who are obsessed with the X-Files for the next while, you may enjoy this episode with Daniel Aceves and myself. We certainly did. Show Notes [3:15] Daniel and Tony's talk starts [5:15] Takumar vintage lenses [10:30] Lenses and their effect between the shooter and the subject [13:15] Daniel and Tony dream songs [17:00] Los Angeles traffic solutions [20:45] Boards of Canada "Reach For The Dead": song that Tony listens to on repeat when writing for projects [22:30] Dean Cundey and how Tony got him to agree to be on the podcast [25:15] Talking about the film Back to The Future Back to The Future Trilogy [28:15] Talking about the film, The Thing [35:15] Talking about the film, Jurassic Park [41:45]HITRECORD: A place for creatives to collaborate and join in projects already happening. Also, a place to start your own projects [44:45] Daniel's impression of George Hosato Take [47:45] Talking about Star Trek [50:45] Talking about The X-Files and creative options [103:45] Zombie talk and thennnn, more X-Files story talk [116:45] Talking about the cult classic film, Video Drome, Alien, Aliens, Terminator, Terminator 2 Judgment Day, Millennium [123:15] Danny spots an Air Purifier in my room! Late night tangents [126:15] Talking about the film, Escape from New York and the not so epic Escape From LA [129:45] Director John Carpenter's ridiculous music video

Ryan Connolly - Film Riot, Privilege, and Memories May 20, 2018

Show notes

Ryan Connolly is an American Filmmaker and the Creator/Host of Film Riot, a DIY filmmaking youtube channel with over 1 million subscribers. Besides producing over 800 plus episodes for his show, Ryan has also written & directed several notable short films and also runs the Triune Store (Online Film Assets). His filmosophy and dedication are truly inspiring. Please enjoy!

Show Notes [2:30] Interview starts [4:30] Early film equipment struggles [8:00] Dean Cundey stories [13:00] What creativity means to Ryan [18:30] Balancing film mode and family mode [22:30] Ryan's advice to those who think they are not creative [25:00] Film career motivation and advice [35:30] Early filmmaking [44:30] What gave Ryan the filmmaking bug? [47:00] Onset attitudes and tips with Ryan [59:00] Time wasting and hustle mode [1:00:00] Pitching projects [1:10:00] Ryan's Triune Store, what it offers, and how he runs it [1:15:00] How Ryan prevents from burning out [1:18:30] What type of person does it take to run a successful youtube channel? [1:25:00] Ryan's inspirational resources include reading Film Scripts from http://www.simplyscripts.com/ or https://johnaugust.com/apps/weekend-read, DGA Directors cut podcast https://www.dga.org/Craft/Podcast.aspx, Script notes podcast https://johnaugust.com/podcast, Jeff Goldsmith writing Q & A podcast http://www.theqandapodcast.com/, Master Classes https://www.masterclass.com/ [1:32:00] See Film Riot material @ youtube.com/filmriot, www.filmriot.com and reach out to Ryan on Twitter @ryan_connolly http://twitter.com/ryan_connolly [1:34:00] Closing questions and last words from Ryan

Jake Staley - Film Scoring, Connecting, and Perspective May 13, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I interview Jake Staley (@donblake on IG). He is a professional Composer, music Producer, and Drummer. You've heard his work in network TV shows, films, video games, and commercials. Most recently he did the score for CW's military drama, Valor. Jake is also known to throw awesome annual Cookie and Booze Parties in Down Town LA. For years I kept missing them. Last year I finally attended and it was phenomenal. I don't drink alcohol much, but cookies on the other hand—get me crunk. Disclaimer, my side of the audio during the episode sounds a lot lower in quality--sorry about that, there were some technical difficulties. Please enjoy the compositional insights of Mr. Jake Staley.

Show Notes [2:15] Interview begins [4:45] What Jake is working on in the Music Industry [8:15] Breaking into the Music industry [14:30] Who is a good fit for the music industry [19:00] How Jake gets creative [23:30] Routines for making music [25:00] Jake's take on creativity [29:00] Jake's morning routine [35:00] Pause and think [36:00] Dealing with creative blocks [48:00] Feelings of purpose in the industry [57:00] Approaching a scene before you even start writing the music [1:01:30] Mistakes become little miracles [1:02:45] Zooming out when overwhelmed and exploring new things [108:45:00] Jake's resources [1:14:30] Jake's metaphorical tombstone [1:19:00] Hear some of Jakes work here www.jakestaley.com and follow him on Instagram @donblake [1:20:00] Jake's last words to people wanting to thrive in the industry

Richard Baratta - Honesty, Producing, and The Irishman May 06, 2018

Show notes

Richard Baratta is one of the Executive Producers for Martin Scorsese's film, The Irishman. We get into all that as well as his in-depth insights and his outlook on the industry. Richard has over 40 IMDB credits and has produced and worked on many of my favorite films like Last Action Hero with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donnie Brosco with Johnny Depp. He worked on the Spiderman movies and he even co-produced The Wolf of Wall Street which is incredible. Please enjoy, listen, and learn as I did. Show Notes

[1:40] Interview Starts
[2:40] How Richard recharges in between film gigs
[6:10] Richards experience working on Last Action Hero with Arnold Schwarzenegger
[9:10] The Film Industry in the 80s, the 90s, and current day
[12:40] What is a UPM (Unit Production Manager) and how Richard handles entire film crews
[17:40] Advice for people looking to become a UPM
[22:40] Mistakes
[24:40] From The Smurfs to The Wolf Of Wall Street
[26:40] Co-Producer vs Executive Producer
[29:40] Producing Challenges
[30:45] Curb Your Enthusiasm (Playboy mansion) - Smoking Jacket Episode 6
[35:30] The Irishman: How Richard was involved as Executive Producer and making music with Joe Pesci
[39:40] 20% Efforts 80% results
[42:10] If you have a script—it's a tuff business!
[47:10] Strategies to balance life when overwhelmed
[51:40] Essentials for a producer
[53:40] Books Richard enjoyed; Malcolm X, The Clan of the Cavebear and Outliers
[56:40] Honesty and Paradiddles (Drum technique)
[57:40] Richard performs Jazz as a drummer at the Astor Room https://www.georges.nyc/
[1:00:00] Last words

Blake Donaubauer - Precision, Audio Gear, and Throwing Up Apr 29, 2018

Show notes

This episode is all about sound in the entertainment industry. My guest, Mr. Blake Allyn Donaubauer (B.A.D) is a professional Audio Mixer for TV and Film with a lot of set experience and a huge musical background. He started as a Production Assistant in Los Angeles for some years, which allowed him to transition into a career of sound, establishing himself in New Orleans. We talk gear and we talk about how he stayed humble through the entry-level gigs while steadily climbing the ladder toward his passions. Show Notes

[1:30] Interview begins - audio levels
[4:30] Blake's preferred extra earphones (NOT for mixing but good for extra running and gunning:Boss Sound Sport

[10:00] Blake's relationship with sound
[13:00] sound in filmmaking
[16:30] "Wild Lines" and the classic movie El Mariachi or get the blue rey disk El Mariachi Blue Rey
[19:15] How to record sound for a walking scene
[21:00] Blakes's experience at Berkley College Of Music. Song writing Major, Film scoring.
[28:00] Moving to LA and working for free
[32:45] Transitioning into the Film Industry and overachieving as a PA
[44:00] Dealing with growth
[48:00:] First-time audio gig. Band: King Lama
[50:30] BE AWARE of what loud noises that may occur on set. Ask so you don't kill your ears!
[55:15] Blake first audio mixing gig (throwing up; Take jobs you are not really qualified to do but know you can get through.
[57:00] Moving to New Orleans and developing relationships on and off set
[105:30] GEAR TALK : Less expensive good audio gear: Sennheiser G3 wireless packs Sennheiser G3 wireless packs with ME2 Mics ME2 Mics and classic Sennheiser Shotgun mic 416 or TOP AUDIO GEAR: For mixers/recorders check out https://www.sounddevices.com/, https://www.lectrosonics.com/US/

[1:09:30] What type of person is a good fit for the audio world?
[1:13:00] Novice/Professional mistakes in sound THERE ARE THINGS TO CUT OUT AUDIO PROBLEMS
[1:15:00] The Killing Fields: How Blake rented his gear out even when he production
[1::00] When times are tuff financially in the film industry. Getting the next gig.
[1:27:00] Blake works at doing all he can on set to ensure he gets the best audio
[1:32:10] Sound resources, gear and tutorials at www.Trewaudio.com, Facebook Freelance sound mixers page.Sound Devices Page, Electronics Customer service is great!
[1:42:00] Blake mentions some "must haves" onset: These under $100 SONY 7506 head phones compare wonderfully to the over priced ones. Get em here
[What do you want written on your epitaph?
[1:44:30] Email Blake badblakesound@gmail.com, BADblakesound.com @blakeallyn
[1:46:00] Blake's last words about the film industry and its intricacies about it. The work that goes into the work is work.

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Joseph Hovsepian - Reputation, Ridicule, Redemption Apr 20, 2018

Show notes

My guest today is a director & producer who operates JFA Studio in Burbank California. We talk about how he made his first film as a refugee from Iran with other refugees, his award-winning (multiple) documentary A Cry From Iran, and how he struggled from editing in a small shared room to finally a huge film studio. We even touch on some unique sleeping tips. Please listen, learn and get inspired I did with Mr. Joseph Hovsepian

Show Notes

[3:00] interview Starts - JFA Studio
[5:30] Joseph is preparing for a new New Short Film in between running his film studio.
[9:20] How Joseph started in the Film Industry
[18:00] Staying humble as you grow in the industry
[23:30] Strategies Joseph took when he needed more gigs in the begging of his career
[25:00] Space shuttle sleeping tips - Youtube:
Sleep with Rocket Ships[28:00] As a refugee in Austria, Joseph shot his first feature film, The Tune Of Nolstagia with his fellow refugees.
[31:00] Growing up in Iran and Josephs first experience with filmmaking
[36:30] Joseph's father was brutally murdered for his Christian beliefs in Iran. He speaks how this transformed his life and inspired his award-winning (multiple) Documentary called, A Cry From Iran. Watch it here
A Cry From Iran
[41:00] How Joseph approached making A Cry For Iran. Challenges and triumphs. Pitching the project and getting funded
[48:45] Mistakes are perfect and what really matters
[50:30] Don't follow everything we are told and don't feel humiliated in the beginning. "lets try to impress people on screen, not with a brand name or what you spent or how you look like"
[54:45] Essential "overlooked items" onset/in studio
[56:30] Joseph uses Pinterest for inspiration www.pinterest.com
[57:45] One word Joseph is always working on that benefits himself and those around him
[58:30] Iranian proverb
[58:30] Reach Joseph at www.jfastudio.com and www.jfa.productions.com Joseph's IMDB
[60:00] ONE STEP at a time or you will fall fast. Be the best at whatever level you are at.

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