In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' host Marie Finch interviews Rodes Phire, a multi-talented director, writer, producer, and founder of Unpaved Rodes Entertainment Production Company. Rodes shares her inspiring journey from being a child actor in Los Angeles to becoming an accomplished filmmaker, director, and podcast host. They discuss her challenges as being of Japanese and European ancestry in the industry, lessons learned, and her latest directorial debut, 'Farewelling,' releas...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 19
In this inspiring episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch interviews Mico Saad, a multifaceted TV host, Golden Globes jury member, award-winning actor, and filmmaker. Mico shares his incredible journey from being a professional dancer and actor in Egypt to facing numerous challenges as he pursued his dreams in Hollywood. Learn about his passion for the arts, his various roles in the film industry, and his unique approach to life and career. Hear Mico's motivational insights about...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' we sit down with Yihong Ding, a graduate of the American Film Institute and a senior set designer with the Art Directors Guild (ADG). From her beginnings in Shanghai to her education in London and eventual move to Los Angeles, Yihong shares her inspiring journey. She discusses her work on major productions like 'The Orville,' 'Star Trek: Picard,' and Zack Snyder’s 'Rebel Moon,' and provides insights into the vital role the art department plays in ...
Dec 02, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch sits down with Jasmine Pears, an accomplished studio executive assistant working with the vice president of adult animation development at a leading Los Angeles studio. Jasmine shares her remarkable journey from her small town in Northern California, through her education at CSUN, and her diverse experiences in the entertainment industry. She discusses her varied experiences, from interning in college, working on big production sets...
Oct 31, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' Sandra Allen shares her inspiring journey from a stage manager in college to a prominent award winning producer and showrunner for unscripted television. Allen discusses her career path, which includes working on shows such as 'Tribunal Justice,' 'Judge Steve Harvey,' and 'Cutler's Court.' She details her experience with the legal and talk show genres and the crucial production roles she has taken on. Sandra also offers valuable insights into the ...
Oct 06, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Shannon Baker Davis, an award-winning television and film editor, discusses her career journey and experiences. Shannon's impressive credits include 'The Photograph,' 'Kindred,' 'Queen Sugar,' 'Grown-ish,' 'Impeachment: American Crime Story,' and various projects for Disney, Marvel, Netflix, and HBO. Shannon describes her path from Augusta, Georgia, to becoming a revered editor in Los Angeles. She talks about her educational background from Howard University and her Professor Legendary Actor Bil...
Sep 17, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this podcast episode, Marie Finch interviews Helena Geraci, an Italian actress originally from Sicily who has successfully transitioned to an acting career in Hollywood. Helena shares her story of moving to the U.S. six years ago to work in marketing and project management, only to rediscover her passion for acting. HELENA OF SICILY IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12025163/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/helenofsicily/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/helena.geraci/ RECOMMENDATIONS: LA...
Aug 11, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch interviews Diana Daydream, a songwriter, singer, musician and producer who shares her inspiring journey into music. Diana discusses her move to Los Angeles, the challenges of being an independent artist, and her path to self-taught music production. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mindset shifts, and remaining true to oneself. Diana also touches on her experiences with social media and offers advice for aspiring music...
Jul 22, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Feel the pulse of innovation as I, Marie Finch, sit down with TXVX, the trailblazing music artist whose journey from Portland to Los Angeles is a symphony of resilience and raw talent. TXVX lifts the veil on her life as a multifaceted artist, from her Broadway-inspired roots to the eclectic symphony of rock, opera, and gospel that informs her soulful electronic compositions. With her debut album "Raining Roses" blooming on the horizon, TXVX's narrative is a masterclass in genre fusion, revealing...
Dec 21, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Picture the bright lights of Hollywood. Now imagine navigating this world as a rising actor, balancing the glamour with the grit, and the triumphs with the trials. That's the life our guest, Alikhan Lochin, a recent graduate from USC's School of Drama, shares with us. He takes us on an intimate journey from his formative years on stage to his adventures in LA. Alikhan also sheds light on the importance of celebrating the richness of African-American history by playing the Soldier and Jazz Musici...
Nov 06, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Meet Richard! Actor, producer, director, writer, known for his versatility, dedication and wide range as an actor, Richard Ryan is the founder of Ox Films, most widely recognized in the role of Joseph Markham in Art of Deception. However, his role of Brad Jenkins in Fortune 500 Man also looms large in his filmography. He has produced 30 films and his own music. Richard will share with us all the tips that he uses to get his films seen. Check out his films through his website: Ox Films Website: ...
Sep 30, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Kathy Kolla is an award-winning director, actress ,screenwriter, Owner/Director of Cola Kat Productions based in Los Angeles. She has had roles on television series including Exit Strategy (2006), City on Fire (2003) and Girlfriends (2006). Plastic Daydream (2018) starring Shari Belafonte, which Kolla co-wrote and directed, as well as a PSA featuring singer Johnny Mathis for the Nat King Cole Generation Hope charity are just a few of her many projects. Kathy believes in supporting other women an...
Aug 06, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Show Notes In this episode of "Up and Comers of Hollywood", host Marie Finch interviews award-winning actress, writer, and producer, Destiny Faith Nilsen. Destiny shares her journey in the entertainment industry, including her struggles, perseverance, and how she uses her past in her acting and writing. She discusses her experiences in acting as a child, her move to Los Angeles, and her work in indie films. Destiny also talks about her volunteer work, her hobbies outside of acting, her dream rol...
Jul 09, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Meet Lia! Lia Asher is a successful actor and talented voiceover talent who speaks many different languages, accents and dialects. Her voice can be heard all over the world in commercials and speaking Hebrew in the app, “Toddler Puzzle Shapes.” She can also be seen in many of commercials, TV and film. Her most notable role was for the lead in an independent film called, “Chance.” Lia will share how to get started in the voiceover business and what drew her to that field. Her journey has taken he...
Jun 07, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Meet JJ! Juan Jose Dubon, known as JJ Dubon, is an audacious, multi-talented, bilingual actor, dancer, host, voice-over talent, print and parts/body double model. JJ has been a principal dancer/actor in music videos for various artists, including Miley Cyrus (Start All Over and Can't Be Tamed), Samantha Jade (Secret), and Stefy (Hey, School Boy). To date, JJ has appeared in 200 national commercials. You may have seen his work for such clients as Apple, Samsung, Diet Coke, Toyota, Honda, Lexus, A...
May 03, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Meet Lisa Marie!! Lisa Marie is an American actress and is known for her roles on ABC’s sitcom, Dr. Ken and Lifetime’s Stalked By My Doctor, and most recently NCIS. She was recently featured as one of the top 12 finalists for the Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam presented by NBC. Lisa Marie also produces and writes her own sketches, memes and more! Follow her on Instagram / Tik Tok at LisaMarie.tv Her comedic timing, dancing skills, and acting abilities makes her a sought after up and comer of Hollywo...
Apr 19, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Join Host Marie Finch for informative and inspiring interviews that will go behind the scenes to unmask the mystery of entertainment industry's Up and Comers as they tell their stories, share their journeys, confess their challenges and celebrate their successes. Listen in on Rod Robert's unique and exciting journey from a business owner to Fashion Photographer to a Director, Writer and Executive Producer. Rod Roberts is a Director, Writer, Executive Producer and President/Executive of Union Min...
Apr 04, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Informative and inspiring bi-weekly interviews by Host Marie Finch with UP & Comers of Hollywood who tell their stories, share their journeys, confess their challenges and celebrate their success while unmasking career paths in the entertainment industry. WATCH THE RECORDED VIDEO OF THE INTERVIEW AT https://www.youtube.com/@upandcomershollywood Episode #2. UP & COMER Jessica Huerta Meet Jessica! Jessica Huerta is owner and founder of Madame Black Designs. She is a member of IATSE Costume...
Mar 21, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Find out how Jake landed in Los Angeles from the East Coast to pursue his dream as an actor and producer. He shares his experiences with working with Robert DeNiro and Tommy Lee Jones in the movie Comeback Trail and producing a movie in the works with Al Pacino. Was acting his first love? What did it take for him to continue? Find out in our first episode. Jake is slated to Co-Executive produce Shakespeare's King Lear, starring Al Pacino. He acted alongside Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Tom...
Mar 11, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1
