In this episode of Best in Fest , Leslie sits down with powerhouse producer and development executive Laura Knight to talk about the art of telling stories across film, TV, podcasts, and animation. From her early days at ICM to her work with John Leguizamo and the groundbreaking interactive show Bar Karma , Laura shares what it takes to craft compelling content—whether it’s adapting a bestselling novel, running a female-led set, or reverse-engineering a podcast into a television series. Learn ho...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min
In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest , host Leslie speaks with first-time filmmaker Tamar Springer about her powerful documentary More Than Santa Baby — a heartfelt tribute to her father, legendary composer Philip Springer. Known worldwide for penning the holiday classic "Santa Baby," Philip’s influence goes far beyond that single hit, with songs recorded by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and many more. Tamar shares how her background in social work evolved into an unexpecte...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min
In this visionary episode of Best in Fest , host Leslie LaPage talks with Ian Hinden —Las Vegas-born musician, game designer, and immersive storyteller—about redefining how music, gaming, and social commentary collide. Ian dives into the creation of his interactive music video and video game hybrid, "Would You Call Him a Bad Man?" , which is set to premiere at Dances With Films . He shares: How anime, alt-rock, and Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired his multimedia storytelling Why he designed a sati...
Jun 17, 2025•33 min
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 t...
Jun 10, 2025•44 min
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: Navi...
Jun 04, 2025•44 min
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...
May 27, 2025•29 min
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 audi...
May 20, 2025•30 min
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 H...
May 13, 2025•28 min
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 c...
May 06, 2025•39 min
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 ...
Apr 29, 2025•30 min
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 you...
Apr 22, 2025•39 min
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 theate...
Apr 15, 2025•37 min
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 h...
Apr 08, 2025•34 min
From Bollywood dreams to Hollywood reality, filmmaker and editor Alpesh Patel shares his incredible journey in the entertainment industry. In this episode of Best in Fest , host Leslie LaPage dives into Patel’s career—from writing award-winning screenplays and directing indie films to editing over 30 reality TV shows, including Ghost Hunters and Expedition X . Discover how he navigated the film industry, built a production studio in Pennsylvania, and his plans for launching a new comedy series. ...
Apr 01, 2025•30 min
Award-winning screenwriter Amir Ohebsion joins Best in Fest to share the real journey behind getting an indie film made—from winning Slamdance to self-producing his own features. Discover the highs, the hustle, and the hard truths of Hollywood’s screenplay competitions, financing indie films, and why writing with passion is the key to success. Plus, get the inside scoop on All There Is , premiering at the Beverly Hills Film Festival!
Mar 25, 2025•32 min
What does it take to go from modeling to starring in films with Hollywood legends? Actor Blake Boyd joins Best in Fest to share his journey—from off-Broadway stages to leading roles in movies like Cash Collectors . He dishes on audition secrets, working with Michael Madsen, and the power of taking risks in acting. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Shameless , Rocketman , and more! Tune in for an inside look at Hollywood, indie filmmaking, and the mindset that keeps Blake booking r...
Mar 18, 2025•36 min
What happens when a media strategist and startup expert turns his passion into an animated series with a mission? In this episode of Best in Fest , host Leslie LaPage sits down with Nimrod May, the visionary behind God’s Gang , a groundbreaking animated series where love, unity, and compassion become superpowers. Discover how Nimrod transitioned from launching media startups to creating an interfaith superhero universe with millions of followers, all while leveraging startup strategies, marketin...
Mar 11, 2025•39 min
Chelsea is currently the casting director for "Love on the Spectrum, but when she was little, Chelsea would spend her time imitating characters and singing songs. This is all in spite of the fact that she was diagnosed with Autism and had to work harder than most at communicating her thoughts and feelings. All of that work paid off and she became a communication major at California Lutheran University, graduating Summa Cum Laude! She's come far in life, having done a pop culture radio show at he...
Mar 04, 2025•34 min
Jijo Reed, recognized by LA WEEKLY and NEW YORK POST as "Top Trendsetter in 2023" is an Emmy Winning Producer, 16 time Telly Award Winner, and Executive Producer of over 80 feature films and/or series. Latest feature films include Crescent City starring Alec Baldwin and Terrence Howard, THE BLACKENING directed by Tim Story for MRC, Village Roadshow's CINNAMON, and MENDING THE LINE starring Brian Cox (Succession)... also, MACHINE GUN KELLY'S LIFE IN PINK 2022 documentary for Hulu/Disney and BACK ...
Feb 25, 2025•43 min
With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Stacy Halbach has honed her craft across a wide spectrum of genres, including biographies, documentaries, crime dramas, competition shows, reality TV, and an array of promotions and pilot projects. No matter the format, Stacy brings an unwavering focus on storytelling, leveraging her finely tuned instincts to craft narratives that resonate. “I approach every project as a treasure hunt, searching for those diamonds in the rough—the subtle moments ...
Feb 18, 2025•40 min
Farah White is an Actress, Producer, Director and Writer but does whatever needs to be done depending on the day! Her love for the entire filmmaking process is obvious by the wide spectrum of genres in her resume which spans over 25 years. She has produced over 30 feature films, shorts and TV pilots in addition to acting in over 50 films, MISS CONGENIALITY being one of her first. She has been on the creative side as well as produced and directed commercials for FED-EX, AMERICAN AIRLINES, FRITO L...
Feb 11, 2025•42 min
Rashaana Shah , a Serial Entrepreneur and actor works in the Film, Music & Art space. She is a producer with Mulberry Films, a books-to-film TV and film development company, and a former actress. Born in India, Ms. Shah earned a degree in computer engineering from a prominent Indian university before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. Between 2005 and 2012, Ms. Shah starred in multiple Bollywood and International films that have won international awards including IFC’s 3-part mov...
Feb 04, 2025•35 min
Nadia Davari is an entertainment attorney with extensive experience across a spectrum of fields including film, television (both scripted and unscripted), documentaries, music, influencer branding, technology, fashion, and startups. She is known for her dynamic legal counsel and has also expanded her portfolio by executive producing and producing several notable projects. Some of her credits include "Senior Moment," "All There Is," "Harpoon," "Here's Yianni," "A Motel," "Workaholics," and "The C...
Jan 28, 2025•39 min
With over 40 years of experience in theater, film, television, and prose, Bart’s career began in theater, where he has had eight plays produced around the world. The film rights to his play, RELAY, were bought by Warner Bros., leading him into screenwriting. He has had two feature films and 14 movies for television produced, including the BRIDE trilogy for CBS, LOVE AND SUNSHINE for Hallmark, and most recent TERRY MCMILLAN PRESENTS: FOREVER, starring Taye Diggs and Meagan Good, for Lifetime whic...
Jan 21, 2025•48 min
In this episode, we sit down with Will Becton, a creative force who’s charted an inspiring path from working with comedy legend Conan O'Brien to launching his own production company , Jett Road Studios . Will shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the entertainment industry, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he transitioned his passion for storytelling into building a thriving creative business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a lover of all things media, or jus...
Jan 14, 2025•44 min
Hailing from Ukraine, Vadim Govorov is a professional deep sea diver who has plunged into every ocean on the planet. He recently moved from his longtime NYC harbor base to the swamps of Florida, in and around which, he works full-time. His underwater missions have covered the full range of human/maritime interaction. Crime scene search, rescue, and recovery; oil rig exploration and repair; pipeline maintenance; treasure salvage; and boat and car crash investigation are in his wheelhouse. Fun fac...
Jan 07, 2025•23 min
In this special "Best Of" episode, we’re rolling the credits on some of the most insightful, inspiring, and entertaining moments from past episodes. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, or just a cinephile at heart, relive expert tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and industry secrets shared by our incredible guests. From navigating the indie film circuit to mastering blockbuster budgets, this episode is packed with wisdom from directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and more. Whether you’re ...
Dec 31, 2024•36 min
Rob Kutner has won 5 Emmys, a Peabody, a TCA, and a Grammy writing for such shows as TBS’ “CONAN” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and co-created the fact-based comedy TV show “ Gander .” Rob’s other TV writing includes “Teen Titans Go!” “Ben10” “Angry Birds: Summer Madness” and HBO’s “Dennis Miller Live.” He has also written material for the Oscars, Emmys, Writers’ Guild Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Guys’ Choice Awards, and two White House Correspondents’ Dinners. He has developed kids’ and a...
Dec 24, 2024•35 min
Grace Fraga is an award winning Latina actress, comedian, writer, podcaster and producer was inducted into the National Comedy Hall of Fame in 2020. Grace has appeared on national television on NBC, A&E, CBS, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, VH-1, Court TV, Univision, Galavision and Telemundo. Some of her guest star roles include, "The Steve Harvey Show", "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Comedy Cage Match," "FBI Files," "Mystery ER," "Killer Outbreaks," "The First Time" and "North Mission Roa...
Dec 17, 2024•31 min
David Fuhrer [1] is an American inventor and entrepreneur . David Fuhrer has licensed more than 300 toys, games and household products including toys such as Aqua Doodle, Nerf Vortex Football, and Twisty Petz. He is the recipient of numerous toy industry awards. Brand Week Magazine (February 2009) refers to Fuhrer as "one of the more successful rainmakers in the toy industry" in an article written about his license of Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker. [2] [3] In January 2020, Fuhrer was named by Mo...
Dec 10, 2024•31 min
