We are bringing the podcast full circle as our very first guest, Theo Travers, returns for the Season 6 finale of Let’s Shoot! with Pete Chatmon. Theo Travers is a Showrunner and Writer known for “ Parish” , “ Billions”, “Power” , “ Love Life” season 2, and "House of Lies" . In this episode, Theo sits down with Pete to discuss new realities and the state of the industry, the 2023 writer’s strike, development rooms, renewing contracts and minimum basic agreements, creators vs. investors, and more...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Last Wednesday, we brought the hive together for a screening of Pete Chatmon’s YELLOWJACKETS Episode 306, “Thanksgiving (Canada),” followed by a killer in-depth panel and Q&A featuring creators and executive producers, Ashey Lyle and Bart Nickerson, director and executive producer, Jeffrey W. Byrd and actors, Courtney Eaton and Warren Kole. In this first ever Let’s Shoot! with Pete Chatmon LIVE event, Pete is joined by this talented ensemble to discuss the origins of the emmy-nominated show ...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Armed with agency expertise, Stephen evolved into a hands-on manager by blending his sharp instincts with long-term career strategy. Stephen Marks is a Manager and the President of Dialed-In-Entertainment. In this episode, Stephen joins Pete to share his insights on the progression of negotiation, the difference between an agent and a manager, the benefits of having an entrepreneurial mindset, crafting your own narrative, sales tools, and more… (00:00:00 - 00:06:15) -- Podcast Intro (00:06:15 - ...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Taking on a new role behind the scenes, Rose balanced both sides of the lens by making her TV directorial debut on episode 413 of CBS’s “Ghosts ”. Rose McIver is a New Zealand-born actress known for “Ghosts”, “The Lovely Bones”, “iZombie”, and “Woke”. In this episode, Pete is joined by Rose as they discuss the art of multitasking and leading a show, balancing enthusiasm on set, building relationships with your collaborators, the future of creation, Director’s composure and more… (00:00:00 - 00:0...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Transitioning from writer to showrunner, Sascha now balances storytelling, leadership, and logistics to shape his vision from concept to completion. Sascha Penn is a writer, producer, and showrunner known for “Raising Kanan”, “Creed 2”, “Survivor’s Remorse”, and “Power” . In this episode, Sascha sits down with Pete to discuss pitching and developing a show, the importance of starting from story , navigating through the business of “no”, how a director’s preparation sets morale, the making of “Ra...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Season 6Ep. 6
After launching her career through both commercial and stage work, Kelly developed a strong on-screen presence and marketable charm which later translated into compelling television roles. Kelly McCreary is an actress known for “Greys Anatomy”, “Scandal”, “Emily Owens M.D., and “Harvey Girls Forever!”. In this special episode, Kelly joins Pete to discuss a day in the life of a working actor in Williamstown, originating roles in plays, the profile of an ideal manager, broadcast vs. streaming, dow...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Starting in Script Supervision, Rebecca mastered the mechanics of storytelling before stepping into the Director’s chair with confidence. Rebecca Asher is a Director known for “Big Mood”, “High Potential”, “Ghosts”, and “Grace and Frankie” . In this episode, Rebecca and Pete discuss the evolution of technology, the role of a Script Supervisor and tracking improv, the importance of eliminating expectations, prep routines, blocking and more… (00:00:00 - 00:05:35) -- Podcast Intro (00:05:35 - 00:12...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 6Ep. 4
With roots in spoken word and rap, Rafael seamlessly blends poetic expression with cinematic structure to shape compelling scripts. Rafael Casal is a multi-hyphenate storyteller known for Blindspotting, Loki, Bad Education, and Wildcat. In this episode, Rafael sits down with Pete to discuss transitioning from music to film, the independent hustle and staying true to your artistry, saving the day in “post”, how directing influences writing, the art of cinematography, and more… (00:00:00 - 00:06:5...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Season 6Ep. 3
From a young actress staging backyard productions to crafting powerful scenes from the director’s chair, Maggie’s storytelling journey came full circle. Maggie Kiley is a Director known for “American Sports Story”, “Doctor Odyssey”, “Brilliant Minds” and NBC’s upcoming series “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” . In this episode, Pete is joined by Maggie to discuss honoring the writer's intentions, getting ahead of feedback, the importance of doing research, communicating with actors, world building ...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Discovering his passion at a young age, Mike embraces the grind by going above and beyond to ensure he’s well prepared for any role he portrays. Mike Colter is an Actor known for “Evil”, “Luke Cage”, “The Good Wife”, and “Alarum”. In this episode, Mike joins Pete to discuss being a student of technique, fueling your artistic passions, collaborating with Actors and having good chemistry, how to create behavior as a Director, the role of a Script Supervisor, and more… (00:00:00 - 00:00:23) -- Cali...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 6Ep. 1
At an early age, Lee was captivated by the art of creating illusions for an audience which helped him transition this passion into crafting mesmerizing visual stories. Lee Toland Krieger is a writer and director known for “You”, “Dead Boy Detectives”, “Superman & Lois”, and “The Age of Adaline”. In this episode, Lee sits down with Pete to discuss the writer’s progression and discipline, structuring a pitch deck, practical terminology for directing actors, presenting specific points of view, ...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Season 5Ep. 10
The most frequently asked question of any working Director is “how do you secure a job?”. In this special craft episode, Pete is joined by returning guest Keith Powell to discuss their journeys to directing for television, set culture and protocol, the importance of investing wholeheartedly in your work, creating your own opportunities, recalibrating the industry and more… (00:00:00 - 00:04:30) -- Podcast Intro and The Catch-Up (00:04:30 - 00:08:50) -- Set Culture And Protocol (00:08:45 - 00:13:...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Being relentless in her journey during the peak of personal trials and industry strikes created the foundation for this Director’s ability to explore complex emotional landscapes in her work. Tara Miele is a film and television Director and Writer known for “Lessons in Chemistry”, “Wander Darkly”, “The Nomads”, “Little America’ and more. In this episode, Tara and Pete discuss the art of performing as a Director, risk-taking and prolonging the “No”, the payoff from building lasting relationships,...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 5Ep. 8
This well-rounded Casting Director brings a unique perspective and commitment to inclusive casting practices after seamlessly transitioning into her role from teaching American Sign Language in England. Linda Lowy is a Casting Director known for “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Friday Night Lights”, “Scandal”, and more! In this episode, Linda sits down with Pete to discuss the history of casting in Hollywood, the process of casting a new show, the benefits of in-person auditions, the Director-to-Casting Direc...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Despite an unexpected schedule change that required filming the season finale before the two preceding episodes, this cast showcased their unwavering commitment and passion for storytelling. “Dead Boy Detectives” is among Netflix’s latest hit series and stars George Rexstrew, Kassius Nelson, and Yuyu Kitamura. In this special roundtable episode, Pete welcomes this gifted ensemble to discuss balancing collaboration when working with numerous Directors, applying theatrical experience to a televisi...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Making the transition from track to theater was an easy call the moment Janine stepped on stage for the first time. Janine Nabers is a playwright, television writer, and producer known for “Atlanta’, “Serial Black Face”, “Watchmen” and the Amazon Prime hit series “Swarm”. In this episode, Janine sits down with Pete to discuss the importance of a Writer’s connection to story and character, her experience as a two-time Lila Acheson Wallace fellow at the Juilliard School, meeting the moment while p...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Maintaining an optimistic outlook while navigating the highs and lows of show business is something that Aja continues to master. @ajanaomi_king is an actor known for "Lessons in Chemistry”, "Sylvie's Love", “The Birth of a Nation”, and the hit series “How to Get Away with Murder”. In this episode, Pete and Aja discuss the importance of asking questions and exploring all of your options, the journey to becoming a series regular, the actor-to-actor relationship, understanding your impact as a sto...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Kelly made the seamless transition from acting coach to television director by creating a supportive environment that enhances an actor’s creativity and confidence on-screen. Kelly Park is a director known for “Lopez vs. Lopez”, “Frasier”, "The Neighborhood”, and “Station19”. In this episode, Kelly and Pete discuss the importance of nurturing creativity, collaborating with dialogue coaches, the art of Multicam directing, preparing young actors for intense scenes, being a “master blocker”, and mo...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Starting as a set production assistant, Maria gained invaluable experience on film and TV sets which led to the development of a keen eye for detail and organization. Maria Mantia is a 1st AD known for “Star Trek: Picard”, “Westworld”, “Welcome To Chippendales”, and “Interior Chinatown”, an upcoming Hulu series. In this episode, Maria sits down with Pete to discuss the responsibilities of the PA, 1st AD, and 2nd AD, the art of setting background, sticking to the agenda while still supporting the...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 5Ep. 2
After finding the confidence to skillfully translate his sense of humor into written words, Jameel knew it was time to pursue a career as a comedy writer. Jameel Saleem is a writer, producer, diirector, and actor best known for “Bob’s Burgers”, “South Park”, “Disenchantment” and “Exit Strategy”. In this episode, Pete and Jameel discuss the pillars of a “good” meeting, the importance of story focus and structure, the process of writing 7 drafts of a spec script, leaning into animation while still...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 5Ep. 1
With a firm background in journalism and publicity, Ava seamlessly transitioned her marketing expertise into crafting compelling cinematic narratives spanning documentary, television, and feature films. Ava DuVernay is a versatile Director best known for ‘Origin’, ‘When They See Us’, ‘Selma’, and ‘Queen Sugar’. In this special New Year's Day episode, Pete is joined by Ava as they discuss discovering the magical power of storytelling, the intentions behind her Array community, the intimate relati...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Directors Anya Adams, Carl Seaton, and Jeff Byrd make their return to the pod as we welcome Morenike Joela Evans and Daniel Willis for our first ever Director's Round Table with Pete! These multi-faceted television Directors have a diverse portfolio spanning various genres including The Flight Attendant , Snowfall , Yellowjackets, The Blacklist, The Neighborhood , Grey’s Anatomy, and more. In this special season finale, Pete is joined by his peers as they discuss signs of bad directing, their we...
Dec 06, 2023•2 hr•Season 4Ep. 10
In 2017, Bola wrote, starred in, and directed the short film ‘The Water Phoenix’ which quickly became her calling card. It also helped her identify her voice and tone as a Director. Bola Ogun is a first-generation Nigerian American Director best known for ‘Queen Sugar’, ‘The Witcher’, ‘Raising Dion’, and ‘Are We Good Parents?”. In this episode, Bola and Pete dive into the benefits of shadowing Directors and activating your network, crowdfunding for independent films, understanding the meaning an...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 4Ep. 9
After years of theater directing, Allison made the transition into television bringing a keen understanding of performance and stagecraft to the small screen. Allison Liddi-Brown is a Director best known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘CSI: Miami’, ‘The Good Doctor’, ‘Scandal’, and ‘The Secret World of Alex Mack’. In this episode, Allison joins Pete to discuss tips and tricks when directing the untrained actor, the importance of deep collaboration, the art of blocking and movement, tone meetings and find...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Season 4Ep. 8
With a focus on identifying the best way to tell a story, Jonathan showcases a diverse skill set that enriches the visual, technical and narrative aspects of a production. Jonathan Judge is a television director best known for “Blues Clues'', “LazyTown”, “Young Sheldon'', and “The Really Loud House''. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Pete to discuss the undeclared responsibilities when working in children’s programming, the Unreal Engine and how it compares to the Volume technology, live...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Guided by her faith and persistence, Princess Monique Filmz has engaged in a diverse range of creative pursuits, forging a unique path for her Director’s journey. Princess Monique Filmz is a Director best known for “The Goldbergs”, “Grand Crew”, “BMF” and her award winning short film, “The Call”. In this episode, Princess sits down with Pete to discuss how she transformed her personal journals into a 15 chapter autobiography, the importance of being resourceful and finding out what you don’t kno...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Fascinated by the magic of filmmaking at the age of 8, Maurice became a committed matinee moviegoer. Mo Marable is a Television Director best known for ‘Veep’, ‘Brockmire’, ‘’Woke, and ‘ Grand Crew. In this episode, Mo joins Pete to discuss the process of designing a main title sequence, battling with logistics and budgeting hurdles, relationship building and taking care of your team, technical presentations vs. emotional presentations when booking for a pilot episode, the importance of being ob...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 4Ep. 5
From running base camp to sitting in the Director's chair, Anya navigates her journey with great communication, intention and leadership. Anya Adams is a Canadian-American director best known for ‘Black-ish’, ‘Ginny and Georgia', ‘Yellowjackets ’ and her feature film directorial debut, ‘Prom Pact ’. In this episode, Anya sits down with Pete to discuss how she transitioned from Psychology major to DGA trainee, a day in the life of the 1st AD and being the main source of communication, navigating ...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Influenced by the skateboard to surfing pipeline, Garrett hit the waves at the age of 11 after moving to Hawaii. From there he has gone on to travel the world, leaving his name in the sand as the world's preeminent (and record breaking) big wave surfer. On this episode, Garrett joins Pete to discuss how 3 years of footage led to the creation of the multiple Emmy-nominated HBO series “100 Foot Wave”, the powerhouse team behind the series, how to identify a “good” wave, 3 characteristics to make i...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 3
From “Another World” to “A Different World” and everything in between, Reggie has learned the value of being a passionate truth seeker. Reggie Rock Bythewood is a Writer, Director, and Producer best known for “Get On The Bus'', “Notorious”, “Gun Hill” and the Apple TV+ series, “Swagger” . In this episode, Pete is joined by Reggie as he discusses his transition from Staff Writer to Director, the power of connection and safe space, the importance of allowing collaboration to inspire you, moments o...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 2
