Location scouting can be a real headache, but what if you could find the perfect location in minutes? Introducing AVVAY, the national location scouting company that's here to revolutionize the way you search for your next filming location. With their marketplaces and concierge services, you can self-service your way to success or get a done-for-you service that takes the stress off your shoulders. AVVAY is not here to replace location scouts, but rather to provide you with another tool that you ...
Jan 31, 2023•31 min
Do you treat your On-Camera Talent as well as you treat your crew? If not, you should. They are just as important as your Gaffer, your Gangboss, and even your Director. They need to be given all the information about the day up front so they can be prepared and be a functioning part of the team. We chat with Mike Nelson, SAG-Aftra actor, about what he needs to feel prepared and ready to work on set. We also learn how the shift from union to non-union has affected him and other actors like him, a...
Jan 17, 2023•36 min
Processing timecards is a time-suck! Learn how this software eases the burden on production teams! Cameron Woodward is the co-founder of Wrapbook, a breakthrough entertainment payroll, insurance, and production management software. For employers and project-based workforces who work in media production, Wrapbook provides employment profiles that facilitate onboarding, paying, and insuring workers compliantly. Unlike traditional payroll, Wrapbook is easy to use, fast to wrap, and costs less. Thei...
Jan 03, 2023•37 min
How much does a shoot day cost? How much should I budget for Casting? How do I get bigger or better jobs? As we enter the holiday we take a moment to answer production-related questions from our listeners. We want to make sure this podcast is delivering the type of content you are excited to listen to, so If you have a question or show topic you would like us to cover, let us know! Topics: Casting, Budgeting, Travel, Career, Production, Commercials, Bidding EPISODE GUIDE: Get all the Links and R...
Dec 20, 2022•35 min
You may know the latest IATSE Commercial Contrat Rates, but do you know all the new terms? There are quite a few changes in this new contract, so we are going to walk you through some of the big “watch outs” you need to be aware of. For all the Non-Union companies and teams out there, you want to pay attention because matching these rates and terms is important for you as well to keep your crews happy and safe. Topics: Labor, Rates, Terms, Conditions, IATSE, AICP, Union Contracts EPISODE GUIDE: ...
Dec 06, 2022•26 min
Do you know how when you get on a large, all-consuming job, your personal life and all your other projects take a back seat? Well, that’s what happened to us, and we are sure you can relate. In short, we ghosted you, and we are so sorry. After a long, unscheduled break in the podcast, we are back bringing you more insightful interviews and informative show topics. On this episode Sister Christian has a big personal announcement, we analyze the FilmLA permit numbers for Q3, and we learn about the...
Nov 22, 2022•27 min
Are you working with your 1st Assistant Director as effectively as possible? Your 1st AD is vital to the success of your production, and setting up the filming days for success is crucial. With 20 years of experience, Kate Greenberg is an extremely accomplished DGA 1st Assistant Director and an up-and-coming Commercial Director with an intense passion for shooting cars. Kate has collaborated with some of the most talented and award-winning directors in our industry. She joined the DGA on the Osc...
Apr 22, 2022•46 min
There's more to producing than just negotiating great deals. Find out from a Head of Production what they expect of you on each and every job. Knowing how to fulfill their needs can lead to an ongoing working relationship and continued work. Today we chat with Head of Production at Boomshot Production , Krysia Johnstone. Krysia Johnstone was lucky enough to grow up in the film industry and at the age of 16 started PAing on her summer vacations. She decided to make this her career in 2013 and wor...
Apr 08, 2022•31 min
Today we chat with the one and only Jordan Brady to find out what he needs from a Producer so he can do his best work. Hey producers… spoiler alert! Come to the table with solutions! Jordan Brady is a 100% self-taught filmmaker, he’s directed four narrative feature films, three full documentaries and over 1200 national & regional commercials, as well as Maria Bamford’s acclaimed Netflix Comedy Special. Jordan has won buckets of advertising awards including multiple Clios, ADDY’s, Gold Promax...
Mar 25, 2022•44 min
Wardrobe is just clothes, right? Think again. It's easy to not put a lot of thought into the wardrobe department, but one small oversight in this department could send your schedule for a loop or your budget down the drain. Communication is key for Wardrobe Stylist & Costume Designer Amanda Owen. Born in Los Angeles and raised in the Santa Cruz mountains, Amanda Owen has been in the wardrobe game for over 17 years, working mainly in commercial production, as well feature films, short films, ...
Mar 09, 2022•28 min
Learn how we deal with the clash between crew rates and expectations, the ever-problematic shrinkage of budgets, and the end of the California mask mandate. Topics: Crew Rates, Budgets, Expectations, Covid Mask Mandate, Stand With Production EPISODE GUIDE: Get all the Links and Resources we discuss in this Episode. FREE RESOURCES WE MADE FOR YOU: 🎬 ☑️ The ALL NEW Pre-Production Checklist: ☎️ 🎥 Need Career Advice? Have a Production Question? Book OFFICE HOURS with US 🎞️ 🎦 Think Pre-Production...
Feb 10, 2022•32 min
A labor movement is sweeping the nation. As we kick off 2022, we review the updates regarding Covid in LA & NY, as well as the open letter Los Angeles Department Heads wrote the AICP letting them know that new rates are now 750/725/700 for 10 hours. We also discuss Stand With Production, its latest efforts, and the AICP response. If you want to hear more about the labor movement happening within commercial production teams, please visit http://www.standwithproduction.org Topics: Crew Rates, ...
Jan 05, 2022•27 min
Uncover the Secret World of Film Production: What is it and Why Does it Matter?" Join us as we take a deep dive into the misunderstood world of film production. From supporting unions to navigating contracts and costs, production plays a crucial role on every film set. But why is this department the only one without union representation? Get ready to have your questions answered and learn what really goes into film production in this must-listen episode. Topics: Film Production, Film Sets, Union...
Nov 12, 2021•29 min
Is film production broken? Tune in to find out in our latest episode where we dive into the topic, with Cathy Scorsese and Danielle Hinde's perspectives. Cathy, daughter of Martin Scorsese, works in TV and film and shares her POV on the industry in a recent interview with Business Insider. Meanwhile, Danielle, an Executive Producer, shares her journey in producing a documentary about her struggles with POTS and Dysautonomia, and their connection to "Long Haul" Covid-19. And don't miss our discus...
Nov 09, 2021•28 min
Are on-set safety measures becoming a thing of the past? In the wake of the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the growing discontent among production teams, it's time to ask the hard questions. Join us as we explore the state of on-set safety in the film industry and investigate whether greed is putting lives at risk. Listen now to understand the crisis brewing on set and what it means for the future of film production. Topics: Hylana Hutchins, On-set safety, Film industry, Fil...
Nov 01, 2021•28 min
Tick-tock, the countdown to the IATSE strike is on! Will it happen on Monday, October 18th? Tune in to find out. Get ready for some drama as we follow the IATSE and AMPTP negotiations that could lead to a strike on Monday. As tensions rise, the Art Department IA Locals are preparing their members with a Strike Preparation Checklist. Meanwhile, the industry mourns the loss of Dan Kennedy, founder of Weiden+Kennedy, who passed away at the age of 82. Topics: IATSE strike, Strike preparation, AMPTP ...
Oct 15, 2021•26 min
The stage is set for the first nationwide strike in IATSE history. 60,000 workers from 36 local unions have spoken and 98% have approved the call to action. Will this be the fight for fair treatment the film and TV industry needs? Get ready for the answers you've been waiting for in this episode as we dive into the IATSE strike, the impact on commercials, and the timeline for when it could all go down. Listen now for the insider's look at this historic moment in the world of entertainment. Topic...
Oct 08, 2021•31 min
Why are film crews struggling to get a good night's sleep? Find out in this episode as we explore the root causes of sleep deprivation in the film industry and the impact it has on the people behind the scenes. Discover the dangerous conditions they work under as they pull 16+ hour days on set and hear the story of Haskell Wexler, who directed a documentary on this issue back in 2006. As IATSE prepares for a nationwide strike authorization vote due to failed contract negotiations with the AMPTP,...
Sep 24, 2021•26 min
Are we witnessing the birth of a new labor movement? Join us as we delve into the latest IATSE contract negotiations and examine what it means for the future of the film industry. With the recent attention drawn to burnout culture, it's time to ask if it's time for a change. Unlock the full potential of your industry knowledge and stay ahead of the game with our insider access to episode topics and exclusive resources. Don't miss out on the latest industry news and expert insights - Join our Hap...
Sep 03, 2021•29 min
Join us on a heartfelt journey as we pay tribute to a beloved person in the NY commercial production world. We say goodbye to Greg Peterson, a beloved figure who left a lasting impact on those who knew him. In this episode, we sit down with Sister Christian, a close friend of GP, to share memories, laughter, and tears as we remember and celebrate his life. Don't miss this emotional tribute to a true gem in the industry. Unlock the full potential of your industry knowledge and stay ahead of the g...
Aug 27, 2021•30 min
More IATSE talk about abusively long hours, and unsafe sets. This time through an Instagram account you should all follow called IATSE Stories (@ia_stories). https://www.instagram.com/ia_stories/ Here anonymous crew members can post about their stories about insanely long hours, or unsafe working conditions. The account now has 11,000 followers and is becoming it’s own online labor movement. Check out this article about the account. https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/08/film-industry-workers-long-h...
Aug 14, 2021•24 min
IATSE is standing firm in its contract negotiations with the AMPTP. They are seeking to ensure their members better working conditions on movie sets which includes establishing real and meaningful turnarounds, Weekend rest periods, and substantial penalties that will deter producers from skipping lunch breaks. Additionally, they want to end the deep discounts afforded by the “New Media” contract which is long overdue. Check out the full article here: https://deadline.com/2021/07/iatse-hard-line-...
Jul 30, 2021•24 min
As producers, our job is to ask questions and get sh!# done. Sometimes this leads to us being a bit reactionary. We are confident in our “Why Not?” skills. We push to get permits, we push to get deals, and we push to execute the creative. But when things are asked of us, sometimes we just react. Our instincts can sometimes be that of just getting the answer, making the request happen, or getting the task off our list. Today we talk about asking “Why?” more often. Why do things need to happen the...
Jul 09, 2021•25 min
Production is changing, and our job as Producers is seemingly becoming more and more challenging. The jobs and projects just keep coming and everyone is working like crazy to keep up. How do you cope with the stress and anxiety of what we do? Today we talk all about our own anxiety and what we are doing to manage it all. Topics: Stress, Work/Life Balance, Anxiety, Support Groups Dive deeper with us on show topics and interview guests, while staying up to date on Industry News and all things that...
Jun 25, 2021•27 min
What is Art Department? Sometimes they are a mystery. We discuss their structure, how they operate, and the culture between Art Department and Production and why it needs to change! Topics: Celebrities, Glam Squad, Pre Production, Talent Management 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 www.miste...
Jun 11, 2021•25 min
Christian and I fight it out in this episode as we discuss the pros and the cons of Unions. We cover union jobs vs non union jobs, how power corrupts, and all the mess it brings. We also chat about the revised Appendix J in the County of Los Angeles, and how it could bring the end of testing for vaccinated folks in the near future. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/protocols/Reopening_MusicTelevisionFilmProduction.pdf Topics: Celebrities, Glam Squad, Pre Production, Talent ...
Jun 05, 2021•33 min
Havas Studios opens a Worldwide Production Studio which will offer services such as film, audio, print, photographic, and digital content production, as they claim “clients no longer wish to spend a great deal of money on production.” https://www.adweek.com/agencies/havas-is-launching-a-worldwide-creative-production-studio/ Meanwhile, real estate developer David Simon wants to build Echelon Studios on the site of a long-closed Sears store and parking lot built in 1951 on Santa Monica Boulevard, ...
May 21, 2021•23 min
Working with Celebrities can be an exciting part of our business. But it can also be full of disasters. Today we share our tips and tricks for having a successful shoot with Celebrity Talent. Don’t miss Office Hours with Sister and Lawrence. If you are new to the industry and have a question, or you are stuck in your career and need some advice, reach out to us. We’d be more than happy to have a chat. Email us at [email protected] Topics: Celebrities, Glam Squad, Pre-Production, Talen...
May 14, 2021•24 min
Working effectively with a Head of Production is more important than ever. Learn from one of the top HOP’s in the industry, Rebecca Davis as we chat about how she interacts with producers, the best traits she sees in producers, and how she views her role as HOP at a top production company. Topics : Head of Production, Working Relationships 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 ...
May 07, 2021•35 min
Remote Jobs are a new reality of filmmaking. Some aspect of on-set connectivity for remote participants is not going away, so learning how the different formats of “remote” jobs or video villages is important. Each type of remote work affects your work flow, and setting yourself up for success in each scenario is important. Topics: Remote Jobs, Remote Video Village, Connectivity Dive deeper with us on show topics and interview guests, while staying up to date on Industry News and all things that...
Apr 30, 2021•25 min
