On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with filmmakers Toby Cochran and Adrian Ochoa to talk about their deeply moving animated short, Luki and the Lights . The film follows LUKi—a lively, soccer-playing robot who loves his friends and lives life to the fullest—until a sudden diagnosis changes everything. When LUKi learns he has ALS, his world shifts, but his spirit doesn’t dim. Toby and Adrian share how they approached such a sensitive and rarely explored topic through a lens of hope,...
Apr 28, 2025•29 min•Season 16Ep. 9
In this episode, we sit down with Deborah Puette, the writer and director of Such A Pretty Girl , a poignant short film that unfolds in real time over six minutes. The film delves into the complexities of family dynamics as Meg, a mother, navigates a moment of truth between her aging father and her young child. Deborah shares the personal inspirations behind the film, the challenges of conveying a powerful narrative within a limited time frame, and her aspirations for expanding the story into a ...
Apr 26, 2025•25 min•Season 16Ep. 8
In this episode, we dive into the haunting world of The Lonely Musketeer , a gripping black-and-white thriller by debut director Nicolai Schumann. Discover the creative process behind this claustrophobic tale of greed and revenge, shot entirely in a windowless room. Nicolai shares the challenges of capturing human trauma on an intimate level, his collaboration with lead actor Edward Hogg, and the artistic choices that make this film an unforgettable experience. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes lo...
Apr 20, 2025•31 min•Season 16Ep. 7
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with Emmy-nominated actor turned director Alexandra Chando to talk about her thrilling directorial debut, The 8th Day —a romantic heist thriller set in 1994 West Texas that’s now available on major pay-per-view platforms. We discuss Chando’s transition from in front of the camera ( The Lying Game , Sneaky Pete ) to behind it, and how she brought together a powerhouse cast to tell a story full of tension, heart, and retro Americana grit. From honor...
Apr 18, 2025•19 min•Season 16Ep. 6
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , hosts Andrew Lamping and Jeff Stolhand sit down with Rebekah Kennedy, Jennifer Goodman and Ryan Atkins to discuss their gripping psychological thriller The Unseen . In The Unseen , a law student finds himself in a twisted web of murder and deceit brought on by a dark force from his past. Kennedy, Goodman and Atkins share their creative process, behind-the-scenes stories, and the powerful themes that drive the narrative. Join us for an insightful conversation ...
Apr 14, 2025•22 min•Season 16Ep. 5
Step into The Cloaked Realm , an original dark fantasy animated series blending high adventure, political intrigue, and supernatural forces. In this episode, we sit down with creators Peter Alexander and Marisa Cohen to explore the rich mythology behind their series, the journey of bringing it to life, and their ambitious vision for season one. With a successful Kickstarter campaign and a growing fanbase, The Cloaked Realm is poised to make waves in the animation world. We dive into the world-bu...
Apr 10, 2025•29 min•Season 16Ep. 4
Filmmaker Kanin Guntzelman joins us to talk about his hilarious short film Two Cents and a Foot Long , a quirky and relatable look at the absurdity of customer service culture. We discuss comedy, crafting memorable characters, and the inspiration behind this fast-paced, comedic gem.
Apr 07, 2025•25 min•Season 16Ep. 3
Makeup designer Helen Magelakis shares her experience working on the hit series Apple Cider Vinegar, where she played a crucial role in shaping each character’s look and personality. We discuss the artistry of makeup in film and television, the challenges of working across multiple episodes, and the impact of visual storytelling through character’s look and style.
Apr 03, 2025•24 min•Season 16Ep. 2
In this episode, we sit down with writer-director David Fortune to explore his stunning new feature film, Color Book . Shot entirely in black and white, Color Book is a visual and emotional journey that underscores the power of creativity and imagination in the face of adversity. David shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of making a black-and-white film in today's cinematic landscape, and the personal experiences that inspired this bold narrative. Join us for an in-depth di...
Mar 31, 2025•30 min•Season 16Ep. 1
FMM bonus episode! Video version available on Spotify! In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with director Robert Rippberger to discuss his latest film, Renner , starring Frankie Muniz, , Violett Beane, and Marcia Gay Harden. Renner is a thrilling psychological drama about a computer genius who develops an AI life coach to guide him in love—only to discover, too late, there is a bug in the system. Rippberger shares insights into the film’s unique narrative, his collaboration with the ...
Mar 27, 2025•25 min•Season 15Ep. 10
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with director Aaron Ozlevi to discuss his gripping new film, Exile . Set in1955 Istanbul, this independent period drama follows the story of the impossible love between Eleni, the daughter of a wealthy Greek family, and Sedat, the son of a local carriage driver. Despite being in love since childhood and studying together at the Literature Faculty, Eleni’s father, Stavro, hinders their marriage path, who opposes their union due to religious and fin...
Mar 24, 2025•23 min•Season 15Ep. 9
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with director Bryant Terrell Griffin to discuss his debut narrative feature film, Young King . The film follows Diondre Howell, an Iraq War veteran grappling with PTSD and the challenges of re-adjusting to civilian life. Griffin shares insights into the real-life inspirations behind the story, the complexities of portraying mental health, and the journey of bringing this poignant narrative to the screen. Join us for an in-depth conversation about ...
Mar 17, 2025•21 min•Season 15Ep. 8
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with director Chelsea Christer to discuss her short film Out for Delivery , which premiered at Sundance and is now screening at SXSW . The film follows Joanna, a woman facing a terminal illness who has chosen assisted death —only to find that her journey to a peaceful end is anything but simple. Chelsea shares the inspiration behind the story, the challenges of tackling such an emotional and complex subject, and the creative process that shaped th...
Mar 10, 2025•29 min•Season 15Ep. 7
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with award-winning editor James Haygood ( Fight Club, The Game ) and producer Katherine LeBlond ( Always Jane, Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution ) to discuss their breathtaking new documentary, MOLA: A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss . The film, which is set to have its U.S. Premiere at SXSW, tells the powerful true story of a Tibetan woman’s journey through love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of cultural and personal upheaval. James...
Mar 07, 2025•25 min•Season 15Ep. 6
Step through the mirror with us as we dissect Meat Cleaver , the eerie and enigmatic new horror film from Jared Asher Harris . With nods to Alice in Wonderland , Twin Peaks , and psychological horror, this film slices through expectations—blurring the lines between nightmare and reality. We talk with Jared about crafting an atmosphere dripping with tension, the twisted duality of his characters, and how horror can be both playful and deeply unsettling. A thought-provoking, ironic, and wickedly c...
Mar 03, 2025•24 min•Season 15Ep. 5
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we venture into the icy depths of Out Come the Wolves with cinematographer Christian Bielz . This gripping survival thriller, set in the unforgiving wilderness, is as visually stunning as it is nerve-wracking—and Christian was the eye behind the camera, capturing every haunting moment. Join hosts Andrew Lamping and Jeff Stolhand as they discuss the challenges of shooting in extreme conditions, crafting tension through cinematography, and the art of bringing a...
Feb 24, 2025•24 min•Season 15Ep. 4
On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with Giles Alderson and Dan Richardson to discuss their eye-opening documentary, Food for Thought . This thought-provoking film serves up a hard-hitting look at the meat and dairy industries, exposing their impact on our health, the planet, and animal welfare. Giles and Dan share the challenges of bringing this story to the screen and the change they hope to inspire. If you’re hungry for a conversation that will make you think twice about what’s o...
Feb 20, 2025•41 min•Season 15Ep. 3
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with filmmaker Cynthia Garcia Williams to talk about her latest film, We’re Not Married. A witty and heartfelt exploration of modern relationships, the film dives into the complexities of love, commitment, and the gray areas in between. Cynthia shares her inspiration behind the project, the challenges of bringing this story to life, and what she hopes audiences take away from the film. Don’t miss this engaging conversation!...
Feb 17, 2025•28 min•Season 15Ep. 2
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with Liz Toonkel, an expert in production design. Join us as we discuss insights, challenges, and the creative process behind her work. We’ll explore her approach to designing the visual world of Skincare , the collaboration between production designers and directors, and the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. Listen in and get inspired!
Feb 10, 2025•37 min•Season 15Ep. 1
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director Amanda Raymond to dive into her latest heartwarming and hilarious film, Stinky Summer! When a young girl and her best friend accidentally unleash a lovable skunk at summer camp, they must navigate a whirlwind of adventure, friendships, and unexpected challenges. Amanda shares insights on crafting authentic coming-of-age stories, working with young actors, and balancing humor with heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss this behind-the-scen...
Feb 03, 2025•27 min•Season 14Ep. 10
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with Emmy Award-winning editors Michael Anthony Brown and Michael Oliver to discuss their groundbreaking work on the hit series Welcome to Wrexham. From crafting compelling narratives to balancing the drama of sports and humanity, they take us behind the scenes of editing a show that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether you're a filmmaker, sports fan, or storytelling enthusiast, you won't want to miss this fascinating conversation!...
Jan 27, 2025•36 min•Season 14Ep. 9
Step into the editing suite of the hit series Only Murders in the Building! Emmy-nominated editors Shelly Westerman, ACE and Payton Koch join us to share how they craft the perfect blend of comedy, mystery, and heart in this acclaimed series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. From balancing the show’s quick-witted humor to building suspenseful twists, they reveal the secrets behind some of your favorite moments. Don’t miss this peek into the world of post-production magic on ...
Jan 20, 2025•39 min•Season 14Ep. 8
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with the talented editorial team behind the hit Netflix docuseries Escaping Twin Flames. Join editors Inbal B. Lessner, ACE, Mimi Wilcox, and Kevin Hibbard as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of shaping the gripping story of a controversial online community. From navigating sensitive subject matter to crafting compelling narratives, this team reveals the art and collaboration required to bring this docuseries to life. Whether you're a fan o...
Jan 13, 2025•39 min•Season 14Ep. 7
In this enchanting episode of 'Filmmaker Mixer,' hosts Andrew Lamping and Jeff Stolhand sit down with filmmaker and stop-motion animator Michael Granberry to delve into his dark fantasy film, 'Les Bêtes.' The story follows a mysterious rabbit with a set of magic keys who summons a host of strange creatures to entertain a wicked king and his decadent court. Inspired by the works of Ladislas Starevich, this stop-motion animated film is a mesmerizing blend of eerie storytelling and intricate animat...
Jan 08, 2025•34 min•Season 14Ep. 6
Step into the editing room with the extraordinary team behind HBO's hit documentary series Chimp Crazy! Join us as we chat with Evan Wise, ACE, and co-editors Charles Divak, ACE, Doug Abel, ACE, BFE, and Adrienne Gits, ACE. This talented group, nominated for the prestigious ACE Eddie Award for Best Edited Documentary Series, takes us on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of shaping this captivating story. From crafting emotional arcs to the art of storytelling in the edit, this episod...
Jan 06, 2025•38 min•Season 14Ep. 5
On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer , we sit down with actor and filmmaker Robert Capron to discuss his gripping short film Vial . The story follows a relapsed addict who, after delaying a drug test with his parole officer, embarks on a desperate mission to find clean urine. With the stakes high, he risks losing custody of his son. Robert opens up about tackling the sensitive subjects of addiction, parental responsibility, and redemption. Learn about the challenges of creating such a raw and emot...
Jan 02, 2025•27 min•Season 14Ep. 4
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we chat with Demeter Lóránt, the visionary director of Sileo, a short film that blends poignant storytelling with a futuristic backdrop. The film follows a robot who, after years of working in a factory and being repaired and replaced piece by piece, begins to question his identity. Determined not to lose his sense of self, he embarks on a profound journey to find his creator. Demeter shares his inspiration for the story, his approach to creating a visually st...
Dec 30, 2024•25 min•Season 14Ep. 3
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with Julia Barnett and Mindy Raymond, the talented minds behind the chilling thriller Texas Cult House. Julia and Mindy share insights about their creative journey, the inspirations behind the film, and the challenges of capturing Texas' eerie essence on screen. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of 2024’s most intriguing psychological thrillers.
Dec 19, 2024•31 min•Season 14Ep. 2
Join us as we sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Sean Pecknold to discuss his latest short film, Tennis, Oranges . This visually stunning and thought-provoking animation tells the story of a robotic vacuum in a pandemic-stricken hospital that embarks on a journey to Chinatown, discovering meaning and community in an unlikely friendship with a rabbit. We dive deep into the film's themes of purpose, connection, and creativity in uncertain times, and explore Sean's unique artistic vision....
Dec 16, 2024•37 min•Season 14Ep. 1
In this episode, we chat with Emily Everhard, director of the award-winning short film Special Delivery . Fresh from winning the 2024 Enderby Entertainment Filmmaking Fellowship Award at the Austin Film Festival, Emily shares her insights on bringing her vision to the screen, the inspiration behind Special Delivery , and what’s next for her as a filmmaker.
Dec 12, 2024•22 min•Season 13Ep. 10