In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we dive into the satirical and chilling world of Princeton's in the Mix with writer and director Jonathan DiMaio. This razor-sharp short film blends social commentary with thriller and horror, exploring the lengths one mother will go to secure her son's future in an elite institution. We discuss the inspiration behind this darkly comedic narrative, the creative process, and how the film critiques ambition. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about a film...
Dec 09, 2024•23 min•Season 13Ep. 9
Jeff and Andrew chat with Sarah Schoellkopf and Melissa Daniels, producers of Norita . This powerful documentary delves into the life and legacy of Norita Cortiñas, an activist and mother who became an icon for human rights in Argentina. Join us as Sarah and Melissa discuss their journey in bringing Norita’s story to the screen and the impact they hope it will have on audiences.
Dec 06, 2024•25 min•Season 13Ep. 8
In this episode of 'Filmmaker Mixer,' we engage with talented filmmaker Danicah Waldo to discuss her poignant short film, 'Sally, Get the Potatoes.' The story centers on a little girl's innocence being shattered when she takes an unexpected ride in her wealthy family's rolling laundry cart and uncovers their dark secrets. Danicah Waldo shares her inspirations for this powerful narrative, the challenges of portraying childhood trauma, and the remarkable performance by child actor Kynlee Heiman. J...
Dec 02, 2024•37 min•Season 13Ep. 7
In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Benjamin Wong, whose new film BA recently premiered at the prestigious Austin Film Festival. Benjamin takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, the challenges he faced in making BA , and the powerful themes of identity, family, and belonging that the film explores. Hear about the inspiration behind the story, the collaborative effort that went into bringing it to life, and what it means to be part of one of the most important indie film festi...
Nov 27, 2024•23 min•Season 13Ep. 6
We’re thrilled to welcome Jordan Mechner, the legendary creator of Prince of Persia . Jordan talks with us about his journey from groundbreaking video games to his latest work, the graphic novel Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family . Listen in as he delves into his creative influences, the story behind Replay , and how his passion for storytelling continues to evolve.
Nov 25, 2024•28 min•Season 13Ep. 5
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Fenwick, the creative mind behind the short film Soulmate . This captivating story, featuring Mandeep Dhillon and Joe Dempsie, delves into themes of love, technology, and the boundaries of human connection. Join us as we discuss Fenwick’s inspirations, the creative process, and how Soulmate captures the essence of modern relationships in a digital age.
Nov 21, 2024•31 min•Season 13Ep. 4
Join us for an insightful episode as we dive into the world of filmmaking with Adrian G de la Peña, a talented Director, Editor, and Producer based in Canada. With over 13 years of experience, Adrian specializes in horror and genre-related content through his production company, Machakiller Productions. He recently participated in the prestigious 2024 Film Market Access Market Readiness Program fellowship at Marché du Film in Cannes, highlighting his commitment to global storytelling. Adrian's c...
Nov 18, 2024•45 min•Season 13Ep. 3
We’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, the brilliant writers behind Pixar’s Inside Out 2 . Recorded at the Austin Film Festival, we talk with Meg and Dave about their creative process, the Pixar writing style, and how they crafted the heart and humor that brings Inside Out 2 to life. Perfect for fans of Pixar and anyone curious about screenwriting! If you want screenwriting tips and film industry insights this is the place!
Nov 14, 2024•24 min•Season 13Ep. 2
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the creative minds behind I’ll Be There —director Andrew Shea, writer Cindy McCreery, and talented actors Ryan Cooper and Victoria Kelleher. As the film prepares for its release on November 15th, we dive into the heart of this emotional drama, exploring the storytelling process, the challenges of bringing complex characters to life, and what audiences can expect from this deeply moving film. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of I’ll Be There...
Nov 12, 2024•33 min•Season 13Ep. 1
Join us as we sit down with the talented director behind Dragonfly , an emotional short film that delves into the complexities of memory, family, and love. We discuss the inspiration behind the story, the unique approach to its creation, and the challenges of bringing this heartfelt vision to life. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about one of the year’s most thought-provoking short films.
Nov 11, 2024•29 min•Season 12Ep. 10
In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Jane Spencer to discuss her latest project, South of Hope Street . Jane shares her inspiration for the film, the challenges she faced during production, and her vision for storytelling that resonates with audiences. Jane offers invaluable insights into the filmmaking process. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or aspiring filmmaker, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Tune in!
Nov 04, 2024•51 min•Season 12Ep. 9
In this episode, we sit down with Salvador Litvak, the creative mind behind Guns and Moses . Salvador shares insights into his creative process, the inspirations behind his latest film, and how he tackles themes of community, morality, and the human spirit. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion with a filmmaker who’s unafraid to challenge conventions.
Oct 30, 2024•45 min•Season 12Ep. 8
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with David Finkel, the director of the Austin Jewish Film Festival, happening in just a few days! David shares what’s in store for this year's festival, highlighting an incredible lineup of films that celebrate Jewish culture and stories from around the world. He takes us behind the scenes of notable screenings, including the powerful documentary Colleyville , which examines the 2022 Texas synagogue hostage crisis, and Guns and Moses , a fresh and...
Oct 30, 2024•27 min•Season 12Ep. 7
For this episode, we’ve invited the talented Dani Menkin to discuss his powerful documentary Colleyville , which is set to screen at the Austin Jewish Film Festival. In our conversation, Dani delves into the heart of the film, exploring themes of community, resilience, and identity within the Jewish experience. He shares insights on the filmmaking process and the emotional impact of the stories he captures, highlighting the importance of documenting contemporary narratives that resonate with aud...
Oct 29, 2024•22 min
Welcome to Filmmaker Mixer, the podcast hosted by Andrew Lamping and Jeff Stolhand. In today's episode, we're thrilled to chat with cinematographer Veronica Bouza. Veronica's impressive work includes two films that premiered at SXSW this past year: "The Gutter," a world premiere, and "Inner Demons," a Texas premiere. An AFI graduate, Veronica was also named one of the 2022 Rising Stars of Cinematography by the American Society of Cinematographers. Join us as we dive into Veronica's journey and i...
Oct 28, 2024•35 min•Season 12Ep. 5
In this episode, we sit down with Bonnie Gross, the writer and producer of the award-winning film Lady Parts, as she shares her journey of bringing this story to life. We discuss the film’s themes, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the exciting experience of screening at the Austin Film Festival. Join us for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and making movies!
Oct 26, 2024•30 min•Season 12Ep. 4
In this episode, we sit down with writer/director Jacob Daniels and actor E'an Verdugo to dive into their latest short film Taco Baby . We explore the inspiration behind this quirky comedy, the challenges of bringing a unique story to life, and the dynamic collaboration between director and actor. Tune in to hear about their creative process, the film's festival journey, and what makes Taco Baby a standout in the world of short films. Don't miss this fun and insightful conversation!...
Oct 25, 2024•27 min•Season 12Ep. 3
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we chat with Michael Patrick Clarkson, the creator of Red Rose on Netflix, about his latest project, Upholstergeist . This eerie, imaginative short film is screening at the Austin Film Festival, and Clarkson dives deep into his creative process, what inspired this ghostly new tale, and the journey of creating a spooky gem. Don’t miss this exclusive look at his latest work and what’s next for this talented filmmaker!
Oct 25, 2024•28 min•Season 12Ep. 2
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with producer Matthew Vaughan to discuss his latest film, Operation Taco Gary's . The film, starring Simon Rex, is set to premiere at the Austin Film Festival and promises a wild, irreverent ride. Join us as Vaughan shares behind-the-scenes stories, his creative process, and what makes this film stand out in the indie film scene. Get an exclusive look at what to expect from this festival premiere!
Oct 25, 2024•22 min•Season 12Ep. 1
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we speak with Kelsey Taylor and Adam Lee about their dark and gripping film To Kill a Wolf , screening at the Austin Film Festival. This modern reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood follows a social outcast who discovers a teenage runaway in the Oregon wilderness and tries to help her find a way home. With themes of trauma and redemption, Taylor and Lee take us through the emotional journey behind the film, from concept to execution. Don’t miss this fascinati...
Oct 24, 2024•26 min•Season 11Ep. 10
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with director Toni Comas and actor Matt Riker to discuss their latest film Silent Notes , which is set to have its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival. Join us as we dive into the inspiration behind the film, the challenges they faced during production, and the powerful themes that make Silent Notes a must-see. Whether you're a filmmaker or a film enthusiast, this conversation will give you an inside look at what it takes to bring such an e...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min•Season 11Ep. 9
In this episode, we chat with actors Mike Castle, Leonora Pitts, and Andre Hyland about their new film I Hate Myself and Want to Die, making its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival. The trio dives deep into the dark comedy's themes, their unique characters, and what drew them to this daring project. Don't miss this conversation as we explore the intersection of humor and despair in a film that promises to challenge audiences in unexpected ways.
Oct 24, 2024•30 min•Season 11Ep. 8
In this special episode, we sit down with director Angela Gulner to discuss her haunting new film The Beldham, premiering at the Austin Film Festival. Angela dives into the eerie inspiration behind the story, the challenges of bringing this supernatural thriller to life, and what audiences can expect from the chilling tale. Join us for an insightful conversation about the craft of horror and the nuances of indie filmmaking.
Oct 24, 2024•37 min•Season 11Ep. 7
In this episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Barbara Morgan, the visionary founder of the Austin Film Festival! Join us as Barbara shares her incredible journey in creating one of the most celebrated film festivals in the country, highlighting its mission to support filmmakers and storytellers. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a community around cinema, the festival's impact on independent film, and the importance of storytelling in toda...
Oct 21, 2024•43 min•Season 11Ep. 6
In this episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome award-winning composer and performing artist Nikhil Koparkar! Known for his captivating scores in film, television, and gaming, Nikhil shares his journey through the world of sound. We discuss his work on the highly anticipated psychological horror film Dead Whisper , which has been highlighted by COLLIDER as one of the “Best Horror Movies Releasing July 2024.” Nikhil also reveals his creative process behind the official m...
Oct 14, 2024•33 min•Season 11Ep. 5
In this powerful episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable filmmakers behind the documentary "How I Roll." Join us as we delve into the incredible story of Robin Cohen, who has faced unthinkable hardships, including murder and the ongoing battle with MS for over 25 years. Together with filmmakers Brianne Berkson and Miguel Gluckstern, we explore themes of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of storytelling. This conversation will inspire you to find the l...
Oct 07, 2024•31 min•Season 11Ep. 4
In this episode, we delve into the captivating realm of filmmaking with George Henry Horton, a versatile British filmmaker, actor, and writer known for his dynamic approach to storytelling. George's passion lies in crafting immersive worlds rooted in sci-fi, horror, and action genres, where human experiences unfold against fantastical backdrops. Whether you're a cinephile, aspiring filmmaker, or simply intrigued by the art of cinematic storytelling, this episode offers an engaging glimpse into G...
Sep 30, 2024•39 min•Season 11Ep. 3
In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Vito A. Rowlands to discuss his mesmerizing new film, Ovid New York . Join us as we explore the seven tales of transformation that poetically reinterpret Ovid's Metamorphoses , weaving a rich tapestry of violence and catharsis set against mythical landscapes. Vito shares his creative process, the challenges of adapting classic literature, and how the themes of transformation resonate in today’s world. Whether you're a film buff or a lover of mythology,...
Sep 23, 2024•36 min•Season 11Ep. 2
In this thrilling episode, we sit down with filmmaker Blake Simon to discuss his chilling horror film, "Faces," set to screen at Fantastic Fest in Austin. Blake shares his inspiration behind the film, the creative process, and what it means to showcase his work at one of the most prestigious genre festivals. We dive into the eerie themes of the film and explore the unique storytelling techniques that make "Faces" a must-see. Join us for an in-depth conversation that peels back the layers of fear...
Sep 20, 2024•30 min•Season 11Ep. 1
In this compelling episode of 'Filmmaker Mixer,' hosts Andrew Lamping and Jeff Stolhand sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Mark Shapiro to discuss his powerful documentary 'Downwind.' Join us as we explore the untold stories and devastating effects of nuclear testing in the American Southwest. Shapiro delves into the personal accounts, historical context, and the ongoing fight for justice depicted in his film. Discover the motivations behind 'Downwind' and gain a deeper understanding of this crit...
Sep 16, 2024•20 min•Season 10Ep. 10