What are the realities of truncated production schedules, tight budgets, and the fact that crews have many jobs to choose from? Today we dive in to all the facts that need to be considered when accepting a job that has less prep time than it should. Including your own capacity to do your best work in today's fever-pitch industry! Topics: Scheduling, AICP, Budgets, Honesty Dive deeper with us on show topics and interview guests, while staying up to date on Industry News and all things that affect...
Apr 23, 2021•24 min
Let's get back to basics, as we talk about what it takes to get work in 2021. Spoiler aloert... don’t let pride get in the way. Oh, and don't forget to shake the tree! We explain what that means and more in this episode. Topics: Career, Self-care, marketing Dive deeper with us on show topics and interview guests, while staying up to date on Industry News and all things that affect our jobs and our industry. Join our Happy Hour Here! Credits Christopher Daniels - Branding & Design Specialist ...
Apr 16, 2021•30 min
We are not out of our slumber yet, but we had to jump in today and talk about the latest news from SAG-Aftra and other organizations who are urging Advertisers to halt commercial production in Southern California. We have reached out to SAG, JPC, PGA, and AICP and we haven’t heard from anyone except the PGA and they declined to comment. Joint Statement from JPC, SAG-Af http://www.jointpolicycommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Statement-re-COVID-Production-Pause-SoCal-02.pdf AICP Response ht...
Jan 06, 2021•17 min
In This Episode: Part Two with Perry Schaffer & Michael Porte of Wheresspot This is our last episode for 2020. What a wild ride indeed. Thanks to our team and our interview guests for keeping us connected to our filmmaking community. We continue our interview with Perry & Michael of Wheresspot.com and we give you the summary of the new AICP agreement with the unions that aims to standardize Covid Testing. Synopsis of AICP agreement with unions for Covid Testing & Compliance standardi...
Dec 11, 2020•47 min
In This Episode: Perry Schaffer & Michael Porte of Wheresspot Community has never been more important in all aspects of our lives. It's what inspired us to start the podcast even before the pandemic hit. Now we rely on our filmmaking communities to help share information and ideas about working in this new landscape. Perry Schaffer and Michael Porte have also created a community that does exactly that. Wheresspot.com is a place for all kinds of folks in the film industry to swap ideas and sh...
Dec 04, 2020•47 min
In This Episode: Office PA Karen Lo and more Coronavirus Restrictions Being an Office PA is a thankless job, but an essential element to a smoothly running production office. Today the job has shifted and changed. Working from home, dealing with new safety guidelines, and more. We chat with Office PA Karen Lo about her experience working during the pandemic. New York City to Close Public Schools Again as Virus Cases Rise https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/18/nyregion/nyc-schools-covid.html LA Count...
Nov 20, 2020•44 min
In This Episode: FilmLA Permit Numbers & New NY Restrictions While Covid-19 cases spike again, NY sees new restrictions. FilmLA permit numbers are less than half they were this time last year. Thanksgiving is around the corner... what does this mean for you and your families? New York to impose curfew on restaurants, bars and gyms as Covid worsens across the U.S. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/11/coronavirus-new-york-to-impose-curfew-on-restaurants-bars-and-gyms.html Los Angeles County Coronav...
Nov 13, 2020•21 min
In This Episode: And we wait for news on the Election and possible shutdowns. It feels like everything is in limbo as we await the results of the election. As Coronavirus cases increase rapidly, worries of film production shutdowns loom large, but no signs from any Governors that a shutdown is coming. Not yet at least... "Don't Panic. Buckle In": Stacey Abrams Doc Filmmakers on Voter Suppression and Homestretch Impact https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-the-stacey-abrams-doc-filmmakers-fo...
Nov 06, 2020•11 min
In This Episode: No Holds Barred Ranting, Production Slowdown, Mental Health and more. Yeah, we get a little bristly in this episode, but working now is more challenging than ever, and self-care and attention to our mental health is also as important. We discuss the challenges of working today, the possibility of a work slowdown in the coming months, the election, no stimulus package, politics, and how it all affects our industry. We also discuss this Deadline article: Studios, Broadcasters Back...
Oct 30, 2020•20 min
In This Episode: Part Two of our Interview with Bidding Producer Cheri Wilder You may know her as "Bidzilla", but Cheri Wilder is a seasoned bidding producer that has definitely been around the block. We chat with her about how she's pivoted (for the time being) by becoming a Covid Compliance Officer. No better way to learn than doing it yourself! Regal Cinemas is set to reopen 11 movie theaters in New York State after receiving a greenlight from Governor Andrew Cuomo to do so from Oct. 23rd htt...
Oct 23, 2020•29 min
In This Episode: Part One of our Interview with Bidding Producer Cheri Wilder You may know her as "Bidzilla", but Cheri Wilder is a seasoned bidding producer that has definitely been around the block. We chat with her about how she's pivoted (for the time being) by becoming a Covid Compliance Officer. No better way to learn than doing it yourself! Fate of the Global Movie Business May Hinge on Andrew Cuomo https://variety.com/2020/film/news/movie-theaters-cinemas-gov-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-cov...
Oct 16, 2020•37 min
In This Episode: Part Two of our Interview with Agency Producer Karen Jean We continue our interview with Agency Producer Karen (KJ) Jean as we discuss systemic racism in our industry. The head-spinning of messages from the White House has the market doing somersaults, and the decision on a new stimulus package will affect our business. https://adage.com/article/news/rogue-fly-biggest-buzz-vp-debate-plus-fallout-stimulus-freeze-thursday-wake-call/2286451 The Getty Research Institute launched tod...
Oct 09, 2020•36 min
In This Episode: Filming During Covid with Karen (KJ) Jean, Agency Producer We chat with a seasoned Agency Producer, Karen (KJ) Jean, who has years of experience working on major campaigns at the biggest agencies in the world. Today's topic is about filming under Covid restrictions from an Agency perspective. This is only Part1 of our interview. Next week, we discuss systemic racism. IATSE President posts "zero tolerance" policy for not following AMPTP Covid-19 Protocols http://www.btlnews.com/n...
Oct 02, 2020•42 min
In This Episode: Types of Testing Available for Covid-19 The unions have released a Draft version of the new contract for Motion Pictures. PCR testing will be required of all crew members at different intervals depending on which Zone you operate in. Many people aren't familiar with the different types of tests available. We review each category of testing to give everyone a better understanding. Motion Picture Union Contract for working under Covid-19 https://www.iatse.net/sites/default/files/r...
Sep 25, 2020•29 min
In This Episode: Mental Health in Work & in Life The world is a strange place these days, and as tensions rise, many of us might feel depressed or anxious. It's hard to work at your fullest potential when you are struggling mentally. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that a third of Americans show signs of clinical depression and anxiety. https://www.massgeneral.org/news/coronavirus/depression-on-rise-during-covid-19 Lawrence's tips to preserve your mental health: • Reduce time on Soc...
Sep 18, 2020•23 min
In This Episode: Covid Protocol Filming Tips Sister Christian and Lawrence give their tips for filming under current Covid Protocols. We all know the AICP gold standard Covid safety guidelines, but navigating those on a real job can reveal many unanticipated surprises. Sister Christian's Tips: • Expectations - Start managing everyone's expectations from the start. Not only Agency and Client, but also your crew's expectations. In turn, express your expectations to your crew regarding their behavi...
Sep 11, 2020•24 min
In this episode: Pre-Covid Interview with Susan Linns, Production Designer We flashback to the Pre-Covid days and one of our vaulted episodes! We interview NY based Production Designer Susan Linns. Susan redefined the aesthetic of hip hop and pop music videos throughout the 90's and 2000's, working closely with the likes of Hype Williams, Kanye West, Notorius B.I.G., Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, and so many others. Commercially her clients include Cosmo Hotel, Neiman Marcus, La Perla, an...
Sep 04, 2020•51 min
In this episode: Pre-Covid Interview with Romeo Santiago, Location Manager We flashback to the Pre-Covid days and one of our vaulted episodes! We interview LA Location Manager Romeo Santiago and learn about how to best support a Location Manager, and what they need to do their best job. We also chat about the new era of film production and filming during a pandemic. SAG-AFTRA’s Unite for Strength Blames Rising Healthcare Costs for Looming Health Plan Changes https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sa...
Aug 21, 2020•56 min
In this episode: Interview with Max Normand, PA & AD Max Normand currently resides in North Hollywood. I've been around the film industry virtually my whole life. His father, David Normand, is a 1st AD so he grew up on set and was handed his first walkie at 12 years old. Since then he's PA'd countless jobs, and has moved up to the AD department. He was recently on a shoot that was shut down due to a positive case of Covid-19 on the crew. WGA tells it's members not to sign Covid-19 liability ...
Aug 14, 2020•31 min
In this episode: Interview with Josh Jupiter & Teddy Yoon, Covid Compliance Officers Josh Jupiter is a NY Producer/Production Supervisor, and Teddy Yoon is a NY Location Manager. Both are now certified Covid Compliance Coordinators and worked together on a recent shoot. We learn from them what worked and what didn't work, and the bigger issues with production working through this pandemic. Facebook and Advertisers face the facts of the Stop Hate for Profit boycott: https://adage.com/article/...
Aug 07, 2020•46 min
In this episode: Interview with Lindsey Clough & On Set Safety Today we are chatting with Lindsey Clough who is a union Costumer and has worked in commercials for 15 years. She has been holding Zoom calls with the film community called “Safe Return to Set”, and she has recently completed a full scale job and has a lot to say. Urgent Letter to our Union Leadership https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVbgRZgmURJ_isnMZVPfb5X6UM_kl8C1pZ9kxImemR0qv8ig/viewform National Independent Venue Ass...
Jul 31, 2020•38 min
In this episode: Interview with Paul Papanek & what film production looks like today. Paul Papanek has freelanced as a TV commercial executive producer, line producer, and 1st AD for over 30 years, and from 2010 - 2016, was a senior advertising production consultant at one of the largest consultancies around. Paul produced a shoot for Kia on location in Moab, in May. Way before any safety guidelines or Covid Compliance Officers were established. He and his team researched, and planned it out...
Jul 24, 2020•46 min
In this episode: Greg Jones discusses producing a full-scale shoot, safely. Greg Jones has been a line producing for about 15 years working on national campaigns for major brands such as Google, Visa, Apple, Geico, Hotels.com, and Amex just to name a few. Greg started as a music video Production Manager in the glory days of HSI (Paul Hunter, Hype Willams, Sam Bayer). He started producing music videos until it was time to transition into commercials. Lack of insurance threatens Hollywood producti...
Jul 17, 2020•47 min
In this episode: Prepping a Job & Removing the Fear Sister Christian describes the process of prepping a job during a pandemic and all the considerations that need to be made to keep the crew safe. From testing to HIPAA compliance to contact tracing, she's shedding some light on the vast amounts of work involved in these modern filmmaking times. HIPAA & Covid-19 https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/hipaa-covid19/index.html Facebook watchdog rips the platform's inact...
Jul 10, 2020•44 min
In this episode: Jason Manz, Producer & 1st AD Jason Manz fell into the industry by accident in 1998. He came up through the ranks of production on both coasts. In his early years as a production manager, he always shared an affinity for the duties of the assistant directors and the mechanics of running the set, so he joined the DGA in 2004. Today as a producer and 1st assistant director, he approaches each project from a different perspective, with his knowledge gained by holding both posit...
Jul 03, 2020•56 min
In this episode: Chris Aiola, Story & Post Producer Chris Aiola is a New York-based story and post producer with over a dozen years of experience producing documentary, non-scripted, and competition series. His work has aired on Netflix, History, TLC, and Nat Geo, among others. His most noteworthy project in this moment is the 6-part Netflix series Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak, which premiered this January, just as the novel coronavirus was making its way around the globe. He also en...
Jun 26, 2020•49 min
In this episode: Matt Faris, Agency Producer Matt Faris is a veteran producer of national work for brands including Wal-Mart and McDonalds, Matt joined 22squared from Bernstein-Rein in 2007. He went on to restructure the Broadcast, Interactive and Print Production departments to create the agency's first Integrated Production Department. Tasked to rebuild the production department at Havas Worldwide Chicago in 2012, Matt led production for integrated campaigns for clients such as Michelob Ultra,...
Jun 19, 2020•49 min
In this episode... As we explore a new voice for our podcast, we are flashing back to early 2020 when we recorded what was meant to be our Original Episode 4. This is a pre-Covid episode. We were brand new to podcasting, and we were on the hunt for what it means and what it takes to be a “good” producer. Our interview guest was Jordan Levy who has been a cinematographer for over 20 years in commercials, music videos, television and film. Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson https://www.youtube.co...
Jun 12, 2020•1 hr 8 min
In this episode... Mercedes Allen-Sarria is Helo’s Director of Production and Immersive Content in Los Angeles, overseeing production for all of the company’s commercial and experiential projects. A longtime producer and volunteer with AICP, she’s spent her entire career fostering relationships between production, agencies, directors, unions, and the commercial industry at large. Before Helo, Mercedes spent 5 years at Biscuit as Head of Production overseeing some of the biggest commercial campai...
Jun 09, 2020•1 hr
In this episode... While the US experiences social unrest, we wait for further instruction on the next stage of re-opening, and guidelines to film production. People are watching more television these days. But companies are spending less time, effort and money on TV ads. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/28/business/media/coronavirus-advertising.html Email us at [email protected] Topics Covid-19, Liability, Crew Safety, Workers Comp, Set Safety Take Action www.producershappyhour.com/ta...
May 30, 2020•22 min
