Ladies and gentlemen, the lives of incarcerated wildland firefighters are the subject of the exhilarating Oscar-qualifying short film FIRELINE. The story follows Otto as he grapples with the challenges of prison life and his desire to connect with his daughter against the backdrop of a forest fire. Th film highlights the pivotal role played by prison labor in California’s firefighting efforts and the limited opportunities for these individuals to pursue careers in firefighting upon reentering society.

After being denied parole, Otto desperately tries to call his daughter while his crew combats a fire. Amidst the chaos of the field, an accident forces him to confront the true extent of his obligations.

FIRELINE is an incredible short film, full of emotion, danger and a ray of hope that awaits Otto.

My prayer is this film will help those incarcerated who are on the frontlines fighting fires protecting our communities will have a wider choice of career when reentering society.

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Robin Takao D’Oench and Bobby Soto.

Robin is a writer/director/producer who is motivated to tell compelling, cinematic, and culturally diverse stories.

His multi-award winning short TADAI-EMA, inspired by his family’s experiences during the Japanese American Internment, received a certificate of commendation from the city of San Francisco. The film screened at over a hundred festivals and events, was acquired by Comcast-Xfinity, Seed & Spark, Full Spectrum Pictures and is included in the Densho: Japanese American Legacy Resource Guide.

Actor Bobby Soto has starred in the Amazon feature film, A MILLION MILES AWAY starring opposite Michael Peña and Rosa Salazar. He can also be seen in the multi-award winning film FLAMIN' HOT, directed by Eva Longoria. And can also be seen on Netflix's NARCOS.

In 2020, Bobby was seen in Scott Teems' THE QUARRY, opposite Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham. Additionally, Bobby played the lead of David Ayer’s film THE TAX COLLECTOR opposite Shia LaBeouf.

Robin’s newest short, FIRELINE is a story that follows Otto played by Bobby Soto as he grapples with the challenges of prison life and his desire to connect with his daughter against the backdrop of a forest fire.

#oscars #academyawards #shortfilms #shortfilm #fireline #firefighters #prisonlabor #actor #bobbysoto #film #cinema #cinematography #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #california #forestfires

Ladies and gentlemen, LUKI AND THE LIGHTS is an animated short film with a message. A teaching tool to explain to children who’s parent or friend has ALS and what does it mean if someone has ALS.

LUKI & THE LIGHTS shares a charming and touching story of a robot named LUKi who is slowly starting to malfunction. But even with the struggles ahead, LUKi demonstrates unwavering resilience, painting a vivid portrait of what it means to truly live and the power to find light even in the darkest of times. This poignant animated short was made to raise awareness of ALS as well as to create a platform for children to understand what the disease is. It has qualified to be considered for the 2025 Oscars.

The story follows an active, charming, and upbeat robot named LUKi who enjoys hanging with friends. One day after work while playing soccer, Luki's arm begins to malfunction. After a trip to the doctor, LUKi is diagnosed with ALS.

Cinematically, the 3D animation is again off-the-charts fantastic and your eyes just want to absorb every detail in the animation. The movements are so fluid, the colors are incredible and more importantly it brings the explanation of ALS to both children and adults with ease.

Toby’s brilliance comes through by mimicking the exact movements or the lack thereof in those experiencing the beginning stages of ALS as well as the latter stages of the disease.

ALS is still a misunderstood disease and one in which we still don’t know what the cause it. It can strike people in the prime of their life as well affecting those in their senior years.

For more information, go to GlobalNeuroYCare.org for more information as well as ALS.org.

LUKI AND THE LIGHTS is Oscar-qualified and one film I am keeping my eye on when the shortlist is announced.

About Toby Cochran

He's an animator genius Toby Cochran and his Oscar-qualifying animated short film LUKI AND THE LIGHTS.

LUKI & THE LIGHTS shares a charming and touching story of a robot named LUKi who is slowly starting to malfunction. This poignant animated short was made to raise awareness of ALS as well as to create a platform for children to understand what the disease is.

LUKI & THE LIGHTS is inspired by the true story of Sascha Groen and her husband Anjo Snijders who was diagnosed with ALS. To date, the film has taken home twenty awards.

#animatedshortfilm #shortfilms #animation #animated #ALS #ALSawareness #health #wellness #cartoon #3Danimation #kidscartoon #oscars #academyawards 

We discuss his Oscar-qualified, Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winning short film THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT.

Ladies and gentlemen, Nebosha Slijepčević’s Oscar-qualified, Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winning short film THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT is based on a true story that happened in 1993 of a passenger train traveling from Belgrade to Bar when it is stopped by paramilitary forces in an ethnic cleansing operation. There we meet the man who quite literally could remain silent and stands for his rights as well as others on board, leaving witness to this horrific form of treatment in shock. Only one man out of 500 passengers dares to stand up to them. This is the true story of a man who could not remain silent. 

This film brings us an unassuming hero, Tomo Buzov who stood up for his fellow passengers and paid the ultimate price.

This film is a cinematic beauty and deserves being Oscar-qualified. This film is what winning a possible Oscar is all about. A compelling story, acting that grips the heart and stirs your emotions. The cinematography at this level is very rare in cinema and when you get the chance to see THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT you will be like me and not remain silent about how incredible this short film truly is. I believe we call it a masterpiece.

#palmedor #cannesfilmfestival #serbia #croatia #cinema #cinematic #shortfilm #shortfilms #film #filmmakers #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #truestory #tomobuzov 

Award-winning creator of some of the most popular animated TV series of our time, including Babar, Little Bear, The Adventures of Tintin, Berenstain Bears, Franklin, The Magic School Bus, Beetlejuice, Inspector Gadget, and Arthur to name a few.

Michael Hirsh has written a tell-all book Animation Nation: How We Built A Cartoon Empire, featuring untold stories of the making of some of the most cherished cartoons of all time.

All in all, Michael Hirsh produced and created over 6,000 episodes of children’s TV programming. These programs ran on every children’s network and cable channel around the world -- PBS, Cartoon Network, CBS, FOX, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, to name just a few. He understood the secret ingredient needed to captivate children with entertaining shows that parents would wholeheartedly endorse and enjoy.

 In his book, Animation Nation: How We Built A Cartoon Empire is not just a memoir; it's a celebration of the power of creativity and perseverance. Packed with humor and hard-won wisdom, Hirsh's narrative is a testament to how passion and entrepreneurial zeal can build a global empire from humble beginnings. This book also contains some nuggets that every entrepreneur should learn when it comes to hiring the right people.

#Babar #Little Bear #TheAdventuresofTintin #BerenstainBears #Franklin #The Magic School Bus #Beetlejuice #InspectorGadget #Arthur #donkeykong #animation #animator #cartoon #comics #Disney #FOX #ABC #CBS #NBC #BBC #ITV #newbook #starwars #georgelucas #stevenspielberg 

My guests today are Ally Condrath and Jake Mann. They are part of Dinner for One, a comedy collective and writing team along with Ian Wexler and Kyle Miller. 

The team writes and produces all projects in-house ranging from indie television to short films, digital content and live sketch comedy. They've performed at the TBS New York Comedy Festival, Upright Citizen's Brigade and headlined sketch festivals across the US.  Dinner for One has been praised as "the funniest, most inventive sketch troupe in the NY Comedy scene." 

Their newest short, 4th DEMENTIA, received the Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay at Flicker's Rhode Island Festival and continues its run, screening at Oscar-qualifying festivals, like HollyShorts, all over the country. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the short film 4TH DEMENTIA is In this multiverse comedy about Alzheimer’s. Nellie, the lead character travels through alternate dimensions in search of her husband.

This film breaks comedy out of the politically correct box we have placed it in. We need to learn to laugh and how to laugh at life’s most challenging situations. Laughter is the best medicine and we can’t keep that type of medicine locked away.

4TH DEMENTIA is a wonderful film. Very high quality cinematography, stellar acting that creates a mixture of emotions in the audience. From laughter to sadness to heartbreak.

We have to learn to laugh in the face of many challenges or we’ll go crazy. 4TH DEMENTIA is not only a film worth seeing, it’s worth remembering.

#dementia #alzheimers #comedy #shortfilm #shortfilms #screenwriter #actor #comedytroupe #cinema #cinematography #film #filmfestival #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector 

Founder and former Chairman/CEO of Abrams Artists Agency, Harry Abrams, who always knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a talent agent.

In 1958, he joined MCA Artists, which was then a talent agency. Started in the mailroom for forty dollars a week and quickly rose through the ranks.

He remained at MCA until 1962, it was at this time that Mr. Abrams and an MCA co-worker decided to start their own specialized talent agency named Abrams-Rubaloff & Associates in Los Angeles.

By 1977, Abrams-Rubaloff & Associates had risen to become the top talent agency of its kind throughout the country.

Mr. Abrams, being the driving force behind the agency, he and his partner went their separate ways and Mr. Abrams went onto form what we now know as Abrams Artists Agency.

He made unknown stars into superstars. Carl Weathers, Jaclyn Smith, Liam Neeson, Jason Alexander, Jennifer Lopez, William H. Macy, Sterling K. Brown, Michael B. Jordan, Chandra Wilson and so many others. We can literally name drop all day.

Mr. Abrams is here with his new book, LET’S DO LAUNCH: A HOLLYWOOD AGENT DISHES ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS AND CAREER TAKE OFF.

#hollywood #talentagent #jenniferlopez #carlweathers #jaclynsmith #michaelbjordan #chandrawilson #williamhmacy #sterlingkbrown #liamneesom #jasonalexander #seinfeld #hollywood #film #movies #commercials #TVshows #TVseries #charliesangels

Wwriter/director and actor Dan Abramovici began his career as an actor, most recently on projects such as Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, HBO’s  Jane, FX’s What We Do In The Shadows, and CBS’s Star Trek Discovery.

 Dan sold his first feature film, the comedy BEN’S AT HOME to Netflix and then jumped behind the camera, writing and directing a series of short films, including the Academy-Qualifying PLAY IT AGAIN, as well as LIMINAL, STUCK, and his newest short, SPACEMAN.

 SPACEMAN is sci-fi fantasy coming of age short film breaking barriers via a deeply human handcrafted story made by fusing old Hollywood techniques with state-of-the art cinematic mastery.

SPACEMAN uses mime, stop motion, classic animation, and theatrical elements, to explore one artist's loss of creative passion and his journey to get it back.

The film is an exploration of identity, artistic passion, and the fragile nature of human connection. It weaves themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the pursuit of dreams. 

Ladies and gentlemen, SPACEMAN is sci-fi fantasy coming of age film breaking barriers via a deeply human handcrafted story made by fusing old Hollywood techniques with state-of-the art cinematic mastery.

SPACEMAN uses mime, stop motion, classic animation, and theatrical elements, to explore one artist's loss of creative passion and his journey to get it back.

This is a great film for everyone who maybe going through some fear, self-doubt, loss of passion and wondering what in the world your purpose truly is. Strap on your space helmet and find out.

#spaceman #animation #liveactionshort #shortfilms #shortfilm #cinema #cinematography #writer #screenwriter #actor #priscilla #elvis #selfawareness #selfreflection #peptalk #JKSimmons 

Karen Bryson's newest short film, Monochromatic is her directorial debut. Monochromatic is a very powerful film in which we are taken on a journey to walk in the shoes of a little girl and her mother during the late 1970s. Watching innocence fade as racism takes its toll.

Actress/director Karen Bryson multi-award winning career spans over 25 years, across various multi-media platforms, both in front of the camera and more recently behind it. Karen was awarded an MBE in 2017 for her Services to Drama.

She is best known for playing Avril Powell, in the critically acclaimed drama Shameless. Her recent acting projects include series regular in award winning Nordic drama White Wall, Black Narcissus on BBC and FX US, independent feature film REAL, and also portrayed Elinor Stone in Zack Snyder's Justice League on HBO MAX. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Karen Bryson’s cinematic short film MONOCHROMATIC is about the inescapable moment a six year old girl realizes the world operates with bias when it comes to the color of her skin. We're all born equal....then life happens.

Karen Bryson is a visionary filmmaker. Bringing truth in her film MONOCHROMATIC that I pray opens your eyes and opens your heart to change.

#monochromatic #shortfilm #shortfilms #film #cinema #racism #london #whitesupremacy #laborparty #UK #cinematography #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #actress 

Ladies and gentlemen, KOUPEPIA is a short film where the main character Petros, a widowed Cypriot Man, attends his son’s engagement party although tolerant of his son’s homosexuality he is yet to be truly accepting of him.

Over a bite of Koupepia, a traditional Cypriot delicacy, he meets Eleni - a British Cypriot Transgender Woman. The two appear to have nothing in common but bond over the food of their heritage reframing Petros’ relationship to his son, queer people and the Cypriot identity.

The question this film leaves us with, is “Can people be more than is what we assume?”

Yorgo Glynatsis, founder of House of Glynatsis Productions, is a director, writer, producer, actor and creator of the Award Winning LGBTQI+ short films.

His passion for filmmaking started in 2020 when he wrote scenes for his own acting showreel. Lacking of authentic onscreen representation and a desire of using his voice to raise awareness about a past traumatic event, he created the short film Trigger which was nominated in British and International LGBTQI+ festivals and won the award of Best International Film at the Fuse International Film Festival in Kingston.

Now, Sophia Vi is a Transgender British-Greek Cypriot writer, director, actor and CEO of Koupepia Films. She trained at The London Studio Center and The International School of Screen Acting. 

 Sophia has recently written and produced 2 short films - Koupepia and Façade. She is currently in development on her first feature film.  

Focussing on her writing and producing, Sophia seeks use her production company, Koupepia Films, to create short form LGBT+ and Diasporic stories of joy that can be developed for long form features. 

#koupepia #shortfilm #greek #cypriot #cypress #LGBTG #family #relationship #filmmaker #filmmaking #screenwriter #actress #cinema #cinematography  #trans #transgender #diasporic

Ladies and gentlemen, Nazi occupied Norway is the setting of this heart-stopping short film ELSA, based on true events that happened to many Norwegian women during this time.

Set in Oslo in 1945, this gripping tale explores a tense love triangle between a Norwegian civilian woman, her adoring neighbor and a German soldier. This compelling short is currently being developed into a feature film, which I can’t wait to see.

As a filmmaker, director Rebecca King was selected as 'Ten Female Filmmakers to Watch’ by Aesthetica for Primetime Network following her debut short ‘Contenders’. She was commissioned by the International Sápmi Film Institute to direct an episode called ‘A Home Truth’ for a miniseries in lockdown.

For theater, Rebecca directed ‘The Green Zone’ which was staged at the Furore Festival, Stuttgart Germany. As a script supervisor, she worked on Seasons one and two of the Emmy-winning HBO series ‘House of the Dragon’ and on Iain Softley’s ‘The Shepherd’ starring John Travolta. 

Lead actress and producer Nina Yndis has won numerous awards for her work. She was recently seen in the psychological thriller ‘The Box’ as well as ‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’. Other credits include ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Call the Midwife’ and the hugely popular video game ‘Final Fantasy XVI’. She can be seen in the futuristic series ‘The Fortress’ starring Russel Tovey, the Norwegian drama ‘In the Name of Love’ and lent her voice to the film Baghead. As a producer, Nina created six short films and three music videos.

Both are here today to talk about their new short film, ELSA. A heart-stopping short based on true events that happened to many Norwegian women in Oslo in 1945, when Nazis occupied Norway.

#ELSA #director #filmdirector #shortfilm #shortfilms #actress #rebeccaking #ninayndis #peakyblinders #oslo #norway #germany #ww2 #film #filmmaking #filmmakers #cinema #drama #cinematography

My guest today is actress Jane Kaczmarek who stars in the short film AND NOW I LAY ME DOWN is on the festival circuit after premiering at Santa Barbara International Film Festival to rave reviews. And now appearing at this year’s HollyShorts Film Festival.  

Best known for her role as Lois on television’s award winning MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, for which she received 7 consecutive Emmy nominations as well as several nominations for Golden Globe and SAG Awards, she also received the Television Critics Award two years running, the only woman too be so honored.  

Jane’s television career began with iconic series ST. ELSEWHERE, THE PAPER CHASE, and HILL STREET BLUES.

She continues her role of “Judge Constance Harm” on THE SIMPSONS, and starred in features including PLEASANTVILLE, CHIPS, THE CHAMBER, and FALLING IN LOVE alongside Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep.   

She is also broadway star having appeared both On- and Off-Broadway productions, a resume that is as long as her television and film career.

So without further a due, let’s welcome the star of film, television and Broadway Jane Kaczmarek to the show.

#actress #hollywood #malcolminthemiddle #film #actor #joancrawford #bettedavis #filmmaking #filmmaker #cinema #shortfilm #shortfilms #movies #hollyshorts

My guest today is multi-award winning writer/director Georgie Cowan-Turner. She was selected as a BAFTA Connect Member “in recognition of her contribution to the film industry and her promising career ahead”.

She has been commissioned by the BBC, Northern Ireland Screen and BFI with her films screening in competition at BAFTA/BIFA qualifying film festivals. Her films were described as "the breath of a fresh, bold new voice” by the South London Film Festival and her writing as “original, imaginative, distinct” by Sister Pictures.

She has been commissioned by major artists to direct music promos and was recently asked to join Academy Award Winning Slick Film’s Talent Roster.

In her new short film, THE GENERATORS is a love story set within a recognizable dystopia. It imagines an alternate present where human energy is more accessible and exploitable than fossil fuels and the welfare state no longer exists.

The fragility of our existence is shown through honing in on the human story - the power of an enduring love, of partnership, mutual dependency and of a protagonist who fights on in the face of adversity.

It is a version of the future told through images of the past. A world drained of color where nature no longer renews itself. Ultimately, distilled into the stark black and white cinematography is the film’s central conflict: the battle to keep the lights on.

Every creative decision was made to lend gravitas to the protagonist’s story. I wanted the viewer to experience the strain of energy exploitation through the analogue film-stock, the expressive shooting style and sound design that blurs the boundaries between humans and machines.

The film flows with the characters' emotions and breaks apart as they do, leaving the viewers with the profound sense of the power of love and the danger of treating people like machines or statistics.

#lovestory #dystopia #dystopian #climatechange #blackandwhite #film #fillmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #kodakfilm #16mmfilm #movie #filmproduction #screenwriter #screenplay #shortfilms #shortfilm #cinema #cinematography

The main character in STOMACH IT, Joel (Jon Lee Richardson), fixates on objects left behind by the deceased such as a toy horse at an accidental shooting or a colorful toy at an overdose. Joel tries to detach by turning photos around, disposing of final meals, covering photos on mirrors, and covering personal objects like stuffed animals, but it doesn’t work. Joel has an incredibly difficult time trying to digest his trauma.

STOMACH IT explores what happens when a sensitive soul struggles to cope with experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

Emotions take residence within our physical selves, growing and rotting when not released, acting like a ticking time bomb. It asks the most fundamental of human questions: Do we have the guts to face our problems straight on or do we let them fester until they become something increasingly monstrous?

Peter Klausner has worked with his close friend/ longtime cinematographer, Emily Tapanes. Her credits include The Morning Show (Apple TV+), A Man on the Inside (Netflix), The Sex Lives of College Girls (Max).

And Peter also worked with his good friend/editor, Liam Molina. Whose credits include Fallout (Prime Video), Chief of War (Apple TV+), and The Mosquito Coast - Season 2 (Apple TV+).

Jon Lee Richardson is an actor known for his roles in BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F, BUG, and I MET MY MURDERER ONLINE. Jon is currently studying at The Groundlings and creates weekly sketch comedy content with his wife, Vanessa.

STOMACH IT is Peter Klausner’s fourth short film. A crime scene cleaner struggles with emotionally detaching from the deceased’s personal possessions. While on a late night job, he convinces himself a monstrous presence is toying with him. 

#crimescene #crimescenecleaner #drama #horror #mentalhealth #shortfilm #shortfilms #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #filmproduction #specialeffects #cinema #cinematography #truecrime

Writer/Director/Producer Matthew Hazandras who specializes in narrative filmmaking.

His directorial debut 'The Two Gambits' highlights his aptitude for intricate and deep storylines, giving time to build the audience, in a world worth remembering.

The Two Gambits is a story of family, redemption and consequences. It’s about how sometimes a dark fate can lead people astray, and also, back together again.

#matthewhazandras #filmmaking #filmmaker #thetwogambits #storylines #family #cinema #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #cinematography #uk 

My guest today is actor and author Van Quattro. Known for his roles in Fight Club, The Object, End of Days, The Big Thing, and, most recently, Out of Exile and Agnes.

He has done many theater productions, along with several TV guest star appearances on shows like Picket Fences, Millennium, L.A. Doctors, ChicagoHope, and many more.

In Dallas, he has been in the stage production of Superior Donuts at Theater Three, for which he shared the honor of "Actor of the Year" award with his co-star Chris Piper in 2012.

Van directed the critically acclaimed Fool for Love. He has also written three books, with Eve being his fourth.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you are a reader and I hope that you are. If not, you need to be. Van Quattro’s EVE is a must read novel.

EVE, a severely abused young girl awakens from near death deep in the subways of New York in 1939. Trying to find her way she meets and shares a fantastic journey guided by an elusive spirit that is at times no match for the spoils of humanity. Eve meets Ollie and his brother Rollie, young African American orphans and a ragtag cast of characters move through the true reality of racism, child abuse, wisdom gained from the streets of the North and the South, even World War II to finally find their purpose. It is a tale of hope and deliverance in ways you won’t see coming until you get to the end of the book.

Van Quattro’s writing style paints the picture for you, but adds the elements of emotions of love, pain, jealousy and fear. He then adds a spirituality that millions will understand and find they aren’t alone in their own search for clarity, peace and purpose.

EVE is available right now on Amazon as well as Barnes and Noble.

#vanquattro #actor #author #novel #newbook #eve #racism #1930 #WW2 #film #filmmaking #filmmaker #cinema 

My guest today is filmmaker and actress Maia Scalia.

Inspired by a true story, Maia Scalia’s directorial debut HIS MOTHER takes the viewer through a gripping and terrifying journey as a mother races to stop her son from doing the unthinkable. This riveting short highlights the complexities of being a mother of a child who commits a violent crime and broadens the ongoing dialogue around mental health and gun violence by offering a perspective that is so often silenced in social dialogue.

As a society, we are going to have to be bolder, but also compassionate to the hidden darkness and pain that many people live with on a daily basis. We can’t continue to be numb and avoid the signs that are before us.

Maia Scalia’s film is a much needed reminder, that goes far beyond if you see something say something.

The short film HIS MOTHER, actress Bethany Anne Lind gives an award winning performance that reaches the very depths of your soul and rips your heart out. For some it could be excruciating to watch and it should be. Mental health is no joke.

The cinematography of this film is stellar. Filming from inside a car dealing with multiple changes in light and shadows is not an easy task, but Matt Clegg made it look easy.

The camera movement added to the tense situation as well as the varieties of tense dialogue.

She had supporting roles in Sony Marvel’s MORBIUS, Phyllis Nagy's CALL JANE starring Elizabeth Banks and Sigourney Weaver and the Starz series THREE WOMEN.

Maia comes from a family rich in film history, her father Pietro Scalia is a two time Academy Award Winner. 

Her latest short film, titled HIS MOTHER is inspired by a true story which touches on gun violence and the impact this has on a mother who is trying to stop her son from doing the unthinkable. This incredibly gripping film has been selected for the OSCAR Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival and Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. 

Executive producer/editor Pietro Scalia of HIS MOTHER has been nominated for four Academy Awards, and won Oscars for JFK and BLACK HAWK DOWN. Re-recording mixer Kevin O’Connell has 20 Academy Award nominations to his name, winning once for HACKSAW RIDGE.

In the film, actress Bethany Anne Lind gives a captivating performance as the mother Julie. She is best known roles in OZARK, STRANGER THINGS and played the lead in the film BLOOD ON HER NAME.

#maiascalia #hismother #shortfilm #shortfilms #gunviolence #motherhood #parenthood #mentalhealth #mentalillness #film #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #moviedirector #cinematography #cinematic

My guests today are director/actor Derek Magyar, actress Marceline Hugot and actor Dylan McTee, and the very powerful short film RIVER OF GRASS.

The short film, RIVER OF GRASS set in the 1970’s Florida Everglades that shares the story of a young veteran suffering from PTSD, who returns home to his drug smuggling family. His efforts to prove himself collide with his brothers’ criminal affairs, triggering his erratic behavior.

The acting is exactly what you expect from its stellar cast, and because of that you will want more of this story and Derek I hope you will give us just that. More of this story. This could be another Yellowstone-type hit.

Derek Magyar’s directorial debut was the feature film FLYING LESSONS which starred Academy Award nominee Hal Holbrook, and Academy Award winner Christine Lathi. He has also starred in such films as BOY CULTURE, TRAIN and NO ONE LIVES alongside the hit TV shows CSI, CRIMINAL MINDS, STAR TREK, and THE WATCHMEN.

Actress Marceline Hugot has starred in Julie and Julia, United 93, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, Woody Allen’s Alice, and her first film experience which she still holds dear to her heart, the hit movie Working Girl.

Her television appearances, include, Black Mirror, Ozark, Better Call Saul, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and 30Rock to name a few.

And we have actor Dylan McTee who quickly gained attention for his compelling portrayal of the charismatic predator, Nate Griffin, in MTV series Sweet/Vicious.

Dylan has since starred in a range of critically acclaimed indie films, including IFC's The Wind and Midnighters. His television work includes a notable recurring role in The CW's Roswell, New Mexico. He was the lead actor in the film Wrong Turn.

#riverofgrass #derekmagyar #cast #shortfilm #shortfilms #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriting #everglades #ptsd #veteran #vietnam #hollyshorts #hollyshortsfilmfestival #filmfestival #oscars

My guests today are Writer/Director Emily Dhue and Writer/Producer/Actress Deana Taheri and their new short film BILL.

Emily is one-third of the Space Fish Productions team and focuses her filmmaking on subjects that feel both urgent and honest. Her work has been recognized and screened by Virginia Film Festival, Atlanta Women's Film Festival and Chelsea Film Festival.

Deana Taheri is known for her roles in "TRANSPLANT", "Blitz", "Piss Party", and for her audiobook work featured on major platforms such as Audible and iTunes with "Peaces" by Helen Oyeyemi, the "Victoria's Highway" series by Crystal Lyn, and "I Was Born For This" by Alice Oseman.

They are here today to talk about their short film BILL. A dark comedic short film that explores power, control, and societal expectations. The story follows a woman who, after years of enduring her sexist husband, takes matters into her own hands by murdering him and turning his corpse into a puppet of the perfect husband. This bold narrative challenges viewers to think critically about gender dynamics in a uniquely humorous and horrifying way. #hollyshorts #shortfilm #shortfilms #darkcomedy #comedy #horror #writer #filmmaking #screenwriter #filmdirector #cinematography #movie #moviewriter #moviedirector #filmmaker #filmdirector #screenwriting #cinema

The legendary award-winning producer, director, Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee, Steve Binder.

Steve has written, produced, and directed dozens of television shows and TV specials. It was his creative and visionary talents that ushered in new ways to entertain television audiences across the globe.

Steve Binder was a hidden talent working in the mailroom, until one man placed him in the director’s chair.

And at the time with no experience. But that soon changed, and with each year he was making television as well as music history.

He was influential in creating programming with racially and ethnically diverse casts, and broke the color barrier long before Norman Lear ever did.

The Los Angeles Times called Steve Binder’s first feature film, The T.A.M.I. Show, “the greatest of all rock and roll films.” From there it was Hullabaloo, to the famed Petula Clark TV Special with the ‘touch’ seen around the world.

He directed Diana Ross’ iconic concert in Central Park. Steve Binder is so talented, I believe he cued up the thunderstorm during her first set, that is still talked about today. The man knows how to get an audience’s attention with lighting, and maybe with lightening.

In 1968, lightening struck in the most mysterious of ways. He conceived, directed, and produced ELVIS, The ’68 TV Special for NBC. Elvis fans give sole credit to Steve Binder for saving and resurrecting Elvis’ career beginning on December 3rd, 1968 when 42% of US households tuning in, to watch Elvis regain his magic, and keep the crown as the King of Rock and Roll. 

It is now my honor to welcome a gentleman that can only be described as a legend, an icon, a ground-breaking visionary who made stars into superstars and paved the way for today’s television shows and more.

The incomparable Steve Binder! 

#stevebinder #elvis #elvispresley #graceland #ElvisTVSpecial #coloneltomparker #elvismovie #priscillapresley #lisamariepresley #dianaross #steveallen #gilligansisland #Emmywards #barrymanilow #soupysales #filmmaking #filmdirector #tvdirector #tvproducer #interview #celebrity #NBC #TVnetwork 

My guests today are Michael Perez-Lindsey and Rhett Lindsey about their new short film WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN.

Michael Perez-Lindsey's journey in the film industry began at the young age of 16 with an internship at Raleigh Studios Manhattan Beach (now MBS Studios), where he worked on productions such as THE OC and CSI: MIAMI. After earning his BA in Film and Electronic Arts at CSULB, Michael worked on PHANTOM starring Ed Harris.

He has since collaborated with top cinematographers as a DIT on productions like “HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS,” A24’s “THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE,” and popular TV shows including Showtime’s “THE L WORD: GENERATION Q,” “WITH LOVE” on Amazon Prime to name a few.

Rhett Lindsey, known for his role as TJ in the 20th Century Fox film BIG MOMMA’S: LIKE FATHER LIKE SON, is the founder and CEO of Siimee, a social impact tech company dedicated to reducing bias in recruiting and hiring. His work has been highlighted in The Washington Post, CNBC, and CBS News This Morning. Passionate about storytelling, Rhett will be pursuing his Master's in Creative Writing and Literature at Harvard’s Extension School in the Fall of 2024.

Ladies and gentlemen, this powerful drama delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring impact of unresolved conflicts. It explores the complexities of male friendship and the courage required to face uncomfortable truths. As Max and Paul confront their past, they must also confront who they have become, and in doing so, they uncover the transformative power of honesty and reconciliation.

The brilliance of this film is in the story and in the dialogue. Award winning performances from each of the main characters. You will walk away remembering some of the lines in this film, and when you do, those words are going to penetrate your heart and your soul.

More importantly, when you see this film, you will be left changed for the better. You may have a hidden heaviness in your own life, and now you’ll see how forgiveness will care that heaviness away.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is what pure unadulterated cinema is all about. I can see this short film WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN as a major contender this award season.

#williseeyouagain #shortfilm #shortfilms #hollyshortsfilmfestival #hollyshorts #film #cinema #cinematography #screenwriter #screenwriting #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #hoseachandez #nichwechsler #annamariehorsford #LGBTQ #forgiveness #redemption #conflict #drama #selfawareness 

Writer/director Wendi Tang's work focuses on character-driven stories that explore various corners of female narratives.

Her short films have been selected by numerous Oscar-qualifying film festivals worldwide, including Flicker's Rhode Island International Film Festival, the Norwegian Short Film Festival, deadCenter Film Festival, HollyShorts, and more.  She is a 2022 NYC Women’s Fund winner and a BAFTA Connect Member. She’s currently developing her first feature film.

Wendi Tang’s stunning new short FISHTANK follows Jules, portrayed by actress Tiffany Chu, a Chinese American woman, who has been sober for a year, but can’t stop vomiting goldfish. Things take an unexpected turn when she suddenly meets a fish enthusiast. This surreal drama combines traditional narrative with experimental elements to challenge audiences’ understanding of the norms ingrained in society. 

FISHTANK is the Tribeca Women Filmmaker’s Program Winner, the Film Pipeline Short Script Competition Winner in 2022. The film will screen at the upcoming Oscar-qualifying Flicker’s Rhode Island International Film Festival and HollyShorts Film Festival.

#fishtank #shortfilm #wenditang #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaking #filmmaker #film #filmdirector #screenwriter #cinema #cinematography #bondoncinema #tribecafilmfestival #rhodeislandinternationalfilmfestival #rhiff #fish #marinebiology #alcoholism #alcoholaddiction 

My guest today is filmmaker Meredith Yinger along with her new documentary film SCARS UNSEEN. 

This film is a collaborative effort co-created and co-executive produced by Meredith along with cinematographer Natalie Perez and features interviews from survivors Maha Bodhi, Adrienne RoWon and Trish Steele, offering a poignant and empowering narrative that sheds light on the unseen scars of domestic violence.

Scars Unseen is an inspiring documentary highlights each individual’s experience involving domestic violence, focusing not on the grim details of their trauma, but rather on the tools and techniques that helped them to persevere on their healing journey.

Again, SCARS UNSEEN aims to illuminate the power of healing, de-stigmatize victimhood, and encourage open communication about the causes, treatment, and prevention of abuse. This documentary focuses on the resiliency of three phenomenal women and encourages us all to be more trauma informed. Scars Unseen is changing the conversation around domestic violence.

If you a victim of domestic violence right now, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. As Trish Steele stated in the film, there is always a way out.

#scarsunseen #filmdocumentary #domesticviolence #womenempowerment #womenshealth #wellbeing #wellness #conversation #interviews #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #hotline 

Amy Nicholson film projects often explore the essence of Americana with a humorous eye and a warm respect for her subjects.

Amy’s previous documentary, a short titled Pickle, won multiple audience awards, was selected for The New York Times’ Op Docs, and was featured on the Criterion Collection alongside Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven.

Amy has also produced and directed several features. Zipper: Coney Island’s Last Wild Ride won the Special Jury Prize at DOCNYC and was held over twice at the IFC Center.

Amy Nicholson’s newest film documentary, HAPPY CAMPERS. Chronicles the final days of a working-class summer colony in a scrappy trailer park that just happens to hold the secret to a rich life.

In a waterfront campground off the coast of Virginia, residents spend their summers living spitting distance apart in rust-bitten RVs. They chuckle about the modest rent they pay for a million-dollar location, but what makes them the luckiest people in the world is more than just stunning sunsets, it’s the community they’ve created.

Beneath cliched trailer park stereotypes lies an unlikely utopia where all are welcome. Neighbors help each other out, and share everything from power tools to simple pleasures. 

When their affordable paradise is sold to developers, the residents brace for eviction and the loss of friendships that span generations. They hold tight to their final days in the sun. The well-heeled crowd that takes their place will never be as wealthy.

This documentary is a must see for more reasons than just seeing people lose their homesteads on the coast of Virginia. This film will show you what’s really important in life, and it’s the relationships we form and bond with in person, not on social media.

#happycampers #campers #vacationers #community #friendship #family #connections #film #documentary #virginia #vacationdestinations #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #cinema #cinematography 

Ladies and gentlemen, Jamie O’Rourke’s Oscar-qualifying and IFTA winning short CALF, is about a sinister farm accident and eaves Cáit, the daughter with a terrible decision to make.

CALF touches on its central theme of domestic abuse in a sensitive and considered manner and is a poignant exploration of shock, grief and trauma that delivers much-deserved catharsis. It poses tough questions for the audience. But there are never easy answers when a family is in the grip of abuse.

CALF has it all as an award winning short film. The storyline is on point and when a story places questions into the audience with “What would I have done in that situation?” You have the makings of a winner.

The cinematography is dark, a bit lifeless of color as it should be since domestic abuse only brings the colors of blood and bruises.

The acting of both Isabelle and Kate bring an authenticity to the their roles as abused women, but also you see the glimpses of an inner strength that is born with the symbolism brought on by the calf in the barn.

This film will cause you to think and one’s sins will not stay hidden in the dark for long. This film exposes those sins and brings them into the slow sunrise of an Irish farm.

#oscars #academyawards #calf #screenwriter #shortfilm #shortfilms #film #domesticabuseawareness #cinema #cinematography #ireland #UK #drama #film #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #farmlife 

Writer/director Adam J. Graves is a philosopher-turned-filmmaker, who holds a B.A. in South Asian studies and a Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Religion from the University of Pennsylvania.

Adam has lived extensively in India, where he studied Sanskrit at the Ba-nair-as Hindu University, conducted grant-supported research, and volunteered with several youth-focused non-profits.

He is a professor of philosophy at MSU Denver, where he teaches film & philosophy, and directs Dphi, a center for philosophy, film, literature, and the arts.

Adam wrote, directed and produced the award winning short film Cycle Vé-ree-teé in 2021 and produced and edited the documentary short The Other Side of the Sun in 2024. 

Adam is here to discuss his newest short film, ANUJA. Where a precocious nine-year-old who works in a back-alley garment factory is suddenly offered a rare chance to attend boarding school, she faces a choice that will determine the fate of her future and her family.

ANUJA is a short narrative film that was created with the help of the Salaam Baylack Trust, a non-profit organization that provides food, shelter, and education to thousands of street and working children. The character Anuja is played by Sajda Pathan, who lives at a Salaam Baylack residential center that provides a home for girls rescued from the streets of Delhi. #anuja #shortfilm #adamjgraves #hollyshorts #filmmaker #filmdirector #filmproducer #filmwriting #screenwriter #cinema #cinematic #cinematography #bollywood #hollywood #india #garmentfactory

Danielle Baynes, an award-winning actor, writer and director based in Australia. With a passion for performance-driven narratives, Danielle’s work often explores coming-of-age, connection and identity.

Danielle was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild Award and Australian Directors' Guild Award for her debut short film, COLD HEARTS. Co-written and co-directed with Yolanda Ramke, COLD HEARTS won Best Narrative Short and Exceptional Emerging Artist awards at the Hollywood Film Festival.

Her second short film, COMMENTS, won the Audience Award at Freshflix Film Festival 2022 and was launched as a social impact campaign in support of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. It is now used in schools around the world as a education tool on the impact of cyberbullying.

Danielle debuts her fourth short film, THE DOG, starring Kate Walsh of GREY’S ANATOMY & EMILY IN PARIS, which we discuss in-depth in this interview.

Ladies and gentlemen, you need to keep your eye on Danielle Baynes’ short film THE DOG. This is going to a major contender in every film festival it goes too. It deserves a run this Oscar season. When you get a chance to see, it’ll be the most emotional 11 minutes you’ll live.

Over the course of one night at a 24-hour clinic, struggling veterinarian Claire contends with the pressures of her shift and a persistent inner turmoil. Mental illness and suicide are subjects we cannot take lightly. Millions around the world are dealing with things we can’t define, but we must use our senses of seeing, hearing, maybe learning how to read the room in some cases to see who could be suffering silently.

Learn to listen, learn and love. I call them the three L’s because just doing those things will have a profound effect upon those suffering the unimaginable emotional toll of mental illness.

#thedog #dogs #veterinarian #pets #shortfilm #shortfilms #hollyshorts #filmfestival #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #filmproduction #australia #katewalsh #cinema #cinematographer #cinematography #mentalillness #suicideawareness #burnout 

Writer/director Benjamin Verrall has always been drawn to the power and mystery of the sea - a theme that resonates in his newest short film SHOUTING AT THE SEA.

Benjamin has carved out a successful career in the media industry. His journey led him to establish Toffee Hammer, a creative agency and production company that has gained recognition for its innovative storytelling and collaborative spirit. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Benjamin Verrall’s newest film, a beautiful short called SHOUTING AT THE SEA is about two friends Joe and Katherine reconnecting after years apart. They spend the day in the teenage haunts of the seaside town where they grew up. Together they confront the past, share who they've become, and finally conclude the conversation that had torn them apart. Witness to this human drama, the sea (voiced by Daisy Haggard) remains indifferent, yet its waves narrate a tale of memory, belonging, and vulnerability.

SHOUTING AT THE SEA is a beautiful film from the storytelling, narration, the acting of Harry Michell and Maddie Rice to the wonderful cinematography. When you get the opportunity to see it, please do so. It’s truly wonderful.

#benverrall #shortfilm #shortfilms #shoutingatthesea #UK #seaside #friendship #reconnection #cinema #cinematography #movies #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmscore #conversation #acting #actor #actress

Andrew Hyatt, the award-winning writer/director of the historical drama and multi-award winner, Paul, Apostle of Christ, starring Jim Caviezel and James Faulkner. Andrew also co-wrote and directed The Blind, the true story of the Robertson family long before their Duck Dynasty fame, which was released in 2023.

He has been credited with paving the way towards a new genre of films termed “sacred art house.” Andrew's passion is in the creation of content that is deeply personal, seeking to tell stories that delve deeper into the drama of the human condition. Exploring good and evil, truth and beauty.

We’re here to talk about his newest film, SIGHT, starring Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen. SIGHT follows the inspiring true story of Ming Wang, an impoverished Chinese prodigy who flees Communist China to become a pioneering eye surgeon in America. Drawing upon the grit and determination he gained from a turbulent cultural uprising in his youth, Dr. Ming Wang sets out to restore the sight of a blind orphan, while confronting his past.

Ladies and gentlemen, the must see film SIGHT, starring Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen is the story of Dr. Ming Wang’s journey of the Cultural Revolution in China to losing years of education, then through his hard work and tenacity, and a miracle from God. He attended and graduated with a medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a doctorate degree at MIT in Laser Physics.

The film SIGHT, will inspire you and hopefully teach you that there is more to life than what you see, the past makes the present possible. And we can learn by putting the needs of others above our own and when we do that, miracle happen. #sightmovie #scaredarthouse #film #inspirational #visioncare #cinema #cinematography #cinemanews #angelstudios #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #drmingwang #havard #lasix #gregkinnear

Antonina Kerguelén Román, a writer and director originally from Colombia. She is currently the Creative Producer at AG Studios Colombia, where she works in the development and production of original international series and films.

Her new short film SALSA! Is set in Colombia, and tells the story of Margarita, a free-spirited woman in search of her identity when her path crosses with Liana’s, a deaf tourist, at a late-night salsa party.

The film stars Saray Nohemi as Margarita, who is also known for FLORES DEL OTRO PATIO which premiered at SXSW in 2023, and Isabelle Troup, a deaf Colombian-American first-time actress who had just completed a bike tour around the US raising funds for a deaf organization.

#shortfilm #salsa #columbia #film #cinema #LGBTQ #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #screenwriter #screenwriting #deaf #actor #actresss #cinematography #audiomixing

Ahsif Akbar is a visionary film director who has had the privilege of working with legendary Hollywood talent such as Mel Gibson, Mickey Rourke, Terrence Howard, Sally Kirkland, Michael J-eye White, and many others.

His career has been marked by a string of diverse and unique independent films, including his upcoming highly anticipated film, "Boneyard," set to be released by Lionsgate this July. Ahsif, serving as the director, co-writer, and producer of the film.

He collaborates with the legendary Academy Award-winning actor, Mel Gibson. Ahsif demonstrates his ability to attract and collaborate with top-tier talent.

In addition to his directorial work, Ahsif has also produced over 35 films that have achieved worldwide distribution and sales.

#boneyard #melgibson #50cent #thriller #film #suspensethriller #scarymovie #serialkillers #cinema #filmmaking #filmmaker #movietheater #unsolvedcrimes #unsolvedmurders

Actress Savannah Basley plays the powerful vampire Angela on the popular Reginald The Vampire hit series on SyFy Channel.

Savannah is inspired by sci-fi tropes and creatures all her life, as a bi-racial actress starring in sci-fi and horror TV, she’s proud to represent women who look like her. From cult classics like Buffy The Vampire Slayer to cultural icons like Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned, Savannah’s fierce style is a reflection of the sexy slayers that have come before her. 

#actress #vampire #reginaldthevampire #acting #actor #SyFyChannel #buythevampireslayer #aaliyah #queenofthedamned #surrealestate #wynonnaearp #film #television #tvseries #tvshow 

Don Worley, a seasoned producer and a SAG actor. He was a standup comic for years appearing at comedy clubs and corporate events around the country.

He is also one of the top attorneys in the country and the show “Power of Attorney: Don Worley” is based on Don and his firm. Don is the chief "story teller” in charge of the initial writing or the rewrites of each production at Second Chance Pictures.

Don has recently starred in the leading role of the new film Time for Sunset, a thriller about a hitman on his last job.

Don Worley is also the COO of Brand-In Entertainment, a company that provides brand collaborations with television and film productions.

#actor #lawyer #producer #film #movies #TVshow #tvsereis #powerofattorney #donworley #cinema 

Our guests today are director Vika Evdokimenko and producer/casting director Timothy Evans.

Vika Evdokimenko is a BAFTA-Nominated British filmmaker with Jewish-Ukrainian roots who graduated from Cambridge University and attended the NYU Grad Film program where she was mentored by Rebecca Miller and Spike Lee.

Vika is a lecturer at the University of London, and a member of the British Academy. She is the founder of

Anfan Terrible, a production company that aims to tell stories which inspire meaningful change. 

Timothy Evans is a former film journalist turned casting director and producer.

Since joining Anfan Terrible Productions as the in-house casting director, he has cast both I Don't Need Adult Conversation and the short film Truth Serum.

Timothy also aims to make strides in the industry for disability representation, as the first casting director with cerebral palsy.

Their incredible comedic short film TRUTH SERUM features an all-star British cast including Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer), Sophie Kennedy Clark (Nymphomaniac, The Danish Girl) and Olivia Vinall (Road Kill).

#truthserum #shortfilm #shortfilms #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #richardgadd #babyreindeer #British #film #films #cinema #cinematography #filmindustry #screenwriting #darkcomedy #comedy 

Screen actor Patch Darragh graduated with honors from Juilliard and began his career playing in award-winning plays both on and off-Broadway.

He has an extensive list of TV credits, most recently on the award winning HBO series SUCCESSION on which he played Ray Kennedy from Season 2 to Season 4. Patch has had roles on LAW & ORDER: SVU, MR. MERCEDES, LONGMIRE, BOARDWALK EMPIRE & KALEIDOSCOPE to name a few.

He's perhaps best known as the lovable Dad on the Netflix cult hit EVERYTHING SUCKS! on which he was a series regular. On the film side, Patch can be seen in the Blumhouse features THE FIRST PURGE and CAM.

He also starred in the independent films SULLY, BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON, and the new film CABRINI. As a writer, Patch has developed three television pilots, including two with fellow Juilliard grad Erin Gann. Their feature BIRTHRITE wrapped principle photography in June of 2023. #cinema #film #filmmaking #filmmaker #actor #theater #screenwriting #clinteastwood #succession #blumhouseproductions #blumhouse #thepurge #sully #cabrini #boardwalkempire

Ladies and gentlemen, the short film ENDLING is told in a fictional documentary style, this charming film follows a documentary crew as they interview Richard (Dennis Dun), the man responsible for taking care of Pao Pao, the last surviving goldfish on earth.

I love short films like ENDLING. They don’t follow any rules and the level of creativity is off the charts fun and endearing. This film is so enjoyable to watch, because we all know it’s fiction without having to be dramatic, sad, gut-wrenching or make us feel heartbroken.

We can sit back and enjoy a film that just makes our day a little bit brighter, even if our day is lacking goldfish.

Kelly Yu is a Swedish-born, New Orleans raised, Chinese-American writer and director. Her work is driven by a deep fascination with finding humanity in the absurd, as well as exploring complex familial relationships and cultural identity often through an "east-meets-west" lens.

Her short films have screened at film festivals around the world, with her first short PLUM TOWN winning the Grand Jury Award at Boston Independent Film Festival, the NFFTY New Talent Award for 'Best Director Under 25.”

Her second short film ENDLING was executive produced by Emmy award winning actress Lena Waithe and premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. 

Kelly Yu tells a profound story of mortality in her absurdist new short film. Told in a fictional documentary style, this charming film follows a documentary crew as they interview Richard played by actor Dennis Dun, the man responsible for taking care of Pao Pao, the last surviving goldfish on Earth.

This incredible short film has qualified to be considered for the 2025 Oscars.

#oscars #interview #filmbreakdown #endling #goldfish #documentary #film #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #animation #cinema #cinematography #storytelling #emmyawards #tribeca #hollyshorts #filmfestival #shortfilms #shortfilm 

Writer/director Courtney Dixon and actress/writer and stunt performer Jenna Kanell.

Courtney Dixon dreams up scenarios where real people are heroes, filming sensitive topics in imaginative and memorable ways. She spent several years in branded content as a creative producer and led the creative studio for WebMD.

Since then, she has collaborated with top brands such as Dove and Chick-Fil-A to name a few. Courtney crafts a visual platform for voices making change using post-production trickery. Her unbranded films have been Short of the Week and Vimeo Staff Pick selects.

Jenna Kanell is an American actress, writer, and stunt performer. She gained recognition for her portrayals of Tara Heyes in the cult classic TERRIFIER and Kim Hansen in THE BYE BYE MAN. Her film career has since expanded to a variety of genres such as the political drama THE FRONT RUNNER, the horror-comedy RENFIELD, and the action comedy BAD BOYS 4. She joins the an all-star cast of an upcoming yet unreleased film RED ONE, starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans and JK Simmons.

The short film, DEPRESSION IS A BEAST was inspired by a New York Times article about the unexpected correlation between people who suffer from mental health issues and horror films, enabling them to switch the source of their feelings to the screen. This phenomenal documentary short has been selected for the Oscar Qualifying Tribeca Film Festival. 

Ladies and gentlemen, this short film DEPRESSION IS A BEAST really expands the conversation about the complexities of depression. The causes of depression are numerous, from genetics, chemical imbalances, life experiences and even things we can’t define.

This film is one that opens up and expands the conversation about mental health. Mental health issues in our society are at an all-time high and continue to grow. Some of you are going through your own horror movie so to speak and are struggling to find a therapy or an outlet to bring some sort of peace and normalcy to your life.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting the number 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

#depression #beast #courtneydixon #jennkanell #badboys4 #mentalhealth #shortfilm #shortfilms #filmfestival #tribecafilmfestival #film #cinema #cinematography #animation #animated #liveaction #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #mentalhealthawareness #lifeline 

Writer/producer Michael Bickel and producer Todd Feldman and the animated short film NATE & JOHN.

Writer/Producer Michael Bickel's new animated short film, NATE & JOHN is more than just a story—it's a labor of love that has consumed his creative spirit for the past fifteen years. With Nate & John, Michael aims to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide, offering a poignant reminder of the power of human connection and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Producer Todd Feldman has been a successful entrepreneur across multiple industries. Through his management/production company, The Feldman Co., Todd has produced films and packaged and set several television shows at various broadcast and streaming outlets.

#shortfilm #shortfilms #interview #filmbreakdown #animation #animated #film #tribecafilmfestival #filmfestival #friendship #friendships #MLK #cinema #cinematography #filmlovers #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirection #screenplay #screenwriter 

Writer/director Nick Russell and writer/producer Nick Musgrove and their short film FAVOURITES (Australia).

It tells the story of two parents who are faced with an impossible decision when their family camping trip turns dire. This genre-busting comedic film has been selected from over 8000 entries for the prestigious Tribeca Festival in New York. This is the film’s third OSCAR-qualifying festival selection after Cleveland International Film Festival and Flickerfest in Sydney.

 Co-writer, director and producer Nick Russell is an award-winning actor who has starred on Australian and international screens for 26 years. Appearing in WENTWORTH, UTOPIA, and WINNERS & LOSERS, he also had the lead role in SIGNS, which won a Gold Lion Cannes award. Nick directed the beloved sketch comedy group THE PELOTON and their Hollywood television pilot DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY. 

 Co-writer Nick Musgrove wrote the International Emmy nominated WRONG KIND OF BLACK (ABC, Netflix) with Boori Monty Pryor. Nick has written for ABC’s SQUINTERS and all three seasons of Network Ten’s sitcom HOW TO STAY MARRIED. Nick is a Screen Australia ‘Enterprise People’ Award winner and dual Australian Writers Guild nominee. 

 Nick Russell and Nick Musgrove are the founders of Tandem Media - an Australian film and television production company, where they continue to write, direct and produce together. FAVOURITES is Tandem Media's first independent short film.

 Having only been on the festival circuit for a short time FAVOURITES has already been selected for 10 high profile film festivals including San Diego, Calgary, Riverside and Florence where it won ‘Best Comedy’. 

#shortfilm #shortfilms #favourites #decision #decisions #interview #filmbreakdown #filmdirector #filmmaker #filmmaking #screenplay #writer #screenwriter #australian #filmfestival #tribecafilmfestival #cinema #cinematography #filmproduction #antivenom 

Writer/director Dur Jamjoom. She discovered her passion for filmmaking at the age of 11, she found solace in capturing moments with her family and the recognition she received from them and transformed her from the "quiet girl" into a rising filmmaker.

Her new short film KUM-KUM is based on a true story.

In 2012, she experienced the untimely and tragic passing of her best friend, which introduced her to a range of unfamiliar feelings and emotions she was unable to comprehend. This incredibly heartbreaking short film has been selected from over 8000 entries for the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. 

She aims to create films that entertain, evoke emotions, and inspire change. With her storytelling prowess and cohesive style, she seeks to leave a lasting impact on viewers' hearts and minds.

Ladies and gentlemen, Dur Jamjoon’s short film KUM-KUM is a heartbreaking true story of her losing her best friend. For all of us who have lost those around us, in which we blame ourselves. You will relate to her film. Life isn’t fair and we’ll never understand why certain things happen, and for some, they live with constant reminder of a fateful day.

Her film brings beautiful cinematography, a wonderful cast and her storytelling flows with ease and grace. You’ll feel every emotion in this film and that’s what makes a great film as well as a great filmmaker. And Dur Jamjoom has a bright future ahead of her in the world of cinema.

#saudiarabia #shortfilm #kumkum #shortfilms #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproduction #truestory #jeddah #cinema #cinematography #friendships #teenagers #filmschool #tribecafilmfestival #durjamjoom 

Writer/director Portia A. Buckley's work focuses on character-driven narratives centered around marginalized, strong-willed, female protagonists.

She has been sponsored by the BFI and Kodak. Her previous short BIRTHDAY GIRL won the ‘Kodak Best Shot on Film’ award at Holly Shorts with many more international accolades.

Her new short film, CLODAGH is a heartfelt film, produced by Michael Lindley of Afternoon Pictures and PG Productions. And executive produced by Academy Award winner Serena Armitage.

CLODAGH has been selected by the prestigious OSCAR qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival, where it won the Spalding and Jackson Award: In Celebration of Joy.

The film will also play at Short Shorts Asia (Tokyo) and the Tribeca Film Festival (New York).

#clodagh #irish #portiaabuckley #shortfilm #shortfilms #film #tribecafilmfestival #cinema #cinematography #screenplay #screenwriter #inspiration #dance #danceschool #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproduction #ireland 

Writer/director duo Julia Aks and Steve Pinder and their hilarious short film JANE AUSTEN’S PERIOD DRAMA.

The film is set in 18th century England and following its successful world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the whimsical live-action short was selected for the prestigious OSCAR-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival, where it was named one of the top ten films to watch. Personally, I would name this as the Top film to watch, period. Yes, pun intended!

Set in 1813 England, in the middle of a long-awaited marriage proposal, Miss Estrogenia Talbot gets her period. Her suitor, Mr. Dickley, mistakes the blood for an injury, and it soon becomes clear that his expensive education has missed a spot.

The stunning cinematography was created by Emmy-nominated Luca Del Puppo and rivals any multi-million dollar Jane Austen film such as Pride & Prejudice.

Co-writer/directors Julia Aks and Steve Pinder’s wonderful partnership began in 2016 when Steve was directing a SOUND OF MUSIC parody whilst studying at USC and discovered Julia’s impeccable Julie Andrews impersonation. In 2019, the two came together once again to co-direct a Julie Andrews parody of Ariana Grande’s 7 RINGS. The parody went viral, and the pair began a string of collaborations for Julia’s YouTube channel.

#janeausten #juliaaks #stevepinder #soundofmusic #comedy #acting #actor #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #period #menstruation #womenshealth #prideandprejudice

Writer and director Elizabeth Peace. She was born and raised in a Nigerian home in East and South-east London, the motivated filmmaker continuously seeks out ways in which to improve, learn and develop from others.

She is also an actress. She is energetic and always prepared to go the extra mile. She has performed at a number of venues, including The Greenwich Theatre, Omnibus Theatre and The Cadogen Hall in London.

Elizabeth Peace is currently working as a freelance creative with projects in theatre & film whilst being a part- time caregiver. Her short film, The Golden Boy is her debut as a film director and ready to take on the multiple film festivals. This is one film everyone needs to keep an eye on.

The Golden Boy about an autistic little boy who is non-verbal. His mother, sister and teacher are worried about him, but a light shines throughout this incredible film. A heart warming film everyone will enjoy. 

#shortfilm #shortfims #autism #autistic #neurodivergent #film #cinema #filmfestival 

CEO and co-founder of Dead Horse Branding, Melissa Core. She heads an award-winning PR and Marketing firm in Nashville, Tennessee.

As legendary music producer Tony Brown would call her, "The Velvet Glove", a strong punch delivered softly.

Melissa Core Caballo is anything but ordinary. Her passion is branding, but she has an extremely broad knowledge of every niche of the industry. She is a female entrepreneur who doesn’t take "no" for an answer.

As a CEO and former model for large brands herself such as Harley Davidson, Victoria's Secret, Toyota, to name a few, her unique skill set ensures client success, strong sales delivery, and unforgettable branding.

Melissa's passion for entrepreneurship mixed with her branding expertise led her to launch Dead Horse Branding in 2013. In under 5 years, she took a startup company making $0 to a multi-million dollar company.

Through Dead Horse Branding, Melissa is responsible for managing all of the brand’s requirements, from the initial strategic plan, through to all of the project's needs and implemented services.

In 2020, Dead Horse Branding made the TOP 10 best Marketing and Publicity firms in Nashville, TN, adding another addition to their strong coat of armor.

#brandstrategy #brandmanager #brandmanagement #publicrelations #pragency #publicity #publlcist #branding #brand #corporateidentity #brandingmodule #DH7

Richard Raymond is a British filmmaker who developed a love for film from a young age and began making his own short films at the age of 15.

In 2015, he made his feature film debut with Desert Dancer, starring Freida Pinto, a biographical drama about the Iranian dancer Afshin Ghaffarian, which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and received critical acclaim.

Richard Raymond's follow-up film, Souls of Totality, was released in 2018 and It was the first film in history to be shot during a real solar eclipse. The film won awards at 12 International Film Festivals and solidified Richard as a rising talent in the film industry.

In 2020, he directed A Million Eyes, which was released to widespread praise for its thought-provoking and visually stunning portrayal of a young gifted photographer. The short film starred Joe Morton and Katie Lowes and won awards at 10 International Film Festivals, including being long-listed for the Oscar. #film #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #cinema #cinematography #screenwriting #solareclipse #eclipse #soulsoftotality #shortfilm #moviebreakdown

3X Oscar winning documentary filmmaker, Mark Jonathan Harris, who has a long resume that also includes an Emmy nomination, nearly half a century as a professor of film, an award-winning author of 10 books, a crime-reporting background that includes a stint as the Associated Press.

But for all that he’s accomplished, he is most proud to use his story-telling gift in his new book, Misfits, to share moving and inspiring stories that explore the resilience of the human spirit. Which is our topic of discussion today.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mark Jonathan Harris’ new book Misfits is a brilliant collection of short stories.

It consists of a kaleidoscope of characters adrift in a precarious world, Misfits grapples with the challenges of contemporary life, including climate change, inequality, uncertainty, and pain.

The fraught encounters of his characters all have unexpected and startling consequences. Despite their differences in age, background, and circumstance, the characters in Misfits share a common sense of dislocation and alienation. They struggle to find a sense of belonging and connection, but ultimately discover unexpected sources of resilience and hope.

Misfits is available now on Amazon, so order your copy today.

#author #shortstories #oscarwinners #filmmaker #filmdirector #screenwriting #cinema #film #documentary #hollywood #hollywoodmovies

Ladies and gentlemen, HAMDARDI is a thrilling masterpiece of a short film. It’s longer than most at 25 minutes, but every minute mattered. Ashley Tabatabai tells the story of Ethan, a bereaved immigration officer struggling with his role in the system after meeting a young Iranian brother and sister detained during the travel ban.

This short film has the feel of a high quality feature film. This film has the story, the acting, perfect casting and the cinematography is so good, nothing was missed. The camera  movements helped tell the story without a word being spoken. Sometimes when there are language barriers, the look upon one’s face or in one’s eyes tells the story, it brings a scene or a moment to life.

When one hears the phrase, “Trust the system”, if feels more like one has lost all control. No one will listen, because people today don’t treat each other like humans, just a file number.

We live in a world that is beyond borders, but those borders need to be bound by compassion.

writer/director/producer Ashley Tabatabai an award-winning international actor and filmmaker from a culturally diverse background. He has appeared in various series and independent films, including HBO’s AVENUE 5 and Netflix’s BANK OF DAVE 2: THE LOAN RANGER.

He produced, wrote and starred in the award-winning short film FALSIFIED which was long-listed for the 2018 Oscars.

#oscars #hamdardi #interview #film #filmbreakdown #writer #screenwriter #filmdirector #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmfestival #travelban #compassion #cinema #cinematography

Screen Actor Michael Emery has over 70 professional acting credits.

For nearly twenty years, Michael has worked steadily in film and television projects, including appearances on Monk, Shameless, Body of Proof opposite Dana Delany, and Blue Bloods portraying a thief who terrorizes a Latino family. He has also appeared in several popular soap operas such as Guiding Light, Days of Our Lives, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns as "Andy".

He showed his acting range in the award-winning film Randy's Canvas in the role of Henry, the older brother of Randy, a young autistic artist.

Michael co-starred with acting great William Sadler in the feature film The Historian, followed by a guest-star role on the hit television series Shameless where he played the role of 'Bruce', the boyfriend of Harry Hamlin's character "Ned". Next, he was cast a recurring role on Season 3 of the Amazon series, Sneaky Pete, which is a great series if you haven’t seen it yet.

Most recently, Michael played the role of Jason Johnson in the Lionsgate horror film Room 9 written and directed by Thomas Walton. He next appeared as "Travis" in a leading role with actor Kevin Spacey in the psychological thriller film Peter Five Eight. Michael worked as a top of show Guest Star on the hit ABC Primetime series, Station 19 where played the role of Greg.

Michael guest starred on the CBS top-rated series, The Equalizer as the villain, Xavier Mannis. Michael was also the lead character in the Nate Dushku thriller, Birder as Kristian Brooks. Birder was written by Ami Lourie. And there’s more!

#actor #actorlife #actingclass #actingcoach #film #featurefilm #KevinSpacey #movies #cinema #acting #televisionshow #televisionseries #sneakypete #station19 #theequalizer #moviestar #celebritynews 

Tonya Pinkins is a Tony Award winning actress/singer who has starred in nine Broadway shows

including the original CAROLINE OR CHANGE. She has won or been nominated for nearly every award there is in the American theater. She is a Fulbright Specialist.

In addition to being an actress and author, Tonya is a playwright, director and educator.

Tonya wrote the essay WHY I AM FED UP WITH PERFORMATIVE ACTIVISM FROM BLACK AND WHITE THEATER MAKERS has been made required reading at universities including Yale School of Drama.

She starred in 245 episodes of the soap opera ALL MY CHILDREN. Also starred in 24 with Kiefer Sutherland, Gotham, Scandal, Fear the Walking Dead, and Madam Secretary.

She played Alma Carthan, Emmett Till’s grandmother in ABC/HULU’s WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT.

Tonya plays Mrs. Marie Willis on the hit show from BET, SISTAS which you can catch right now on BET.

Her Award Winning Film RED PILL from 2021 has already been translated into Spanish, Catalonian, Russian and Greek.

#film #playwright #BETplus #tylerperry #sistas #broadway #cinema #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #author #televisionshow #televisionseries #movies #actor #acting #auditions 

Camilo Gutierrez Galvan is a writer, producer and film promoter from Mexico. He founded the independent production company Sauce Negro Films, and has produced and collaborated as a writer in 4 short films alongside filmmaker and creative partner Omar Deneb Juarez.

Camilo produced the short film Juan’s Sundown, winner of the 2017 Ariel Award as Best Fiction Short Film of the Year, given by the Mexican Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. It was also winner of the Jury’s Special Mention Award at Guadalajara’s International Film Festival.

In 2023, his most recent short film as a producer “Isla Soledad” premiered at the LA Shorts International Film Festival and was also selected for competition at the HollyShorts International Film Festival that same year.

Also, with us today is actress Leidi Gutierrez. Her debut on the big screen was in the prestigious Mexican film “Las Elegidas” in 2016 by David Pablos. This film was the winner of several Ariel awards and was selected by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences to represent Mexico at the Goya Awards awarded by the Spanish Film Academy.

In 2019 she starred in the film “Chicuarotes”. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for several Ariel Awards in the 2020 edition.

In 2023 she had a recurring role in the show “La Cabeza de Juan Murrieta” produced and distributed by Amazon Prime.

She is currently starring in the critically acclaimed series “Señorita 89”, which is currently streaming by Apple TV+ and many other streaming services worldwide. #film #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmdirector #screenwriting #actor #cinema #cinematography #actress #Mexico #filmindustry #islasoledad #mother #lovestory

The Discussion and The Breakdown of the Short Film SUZIE with Jimmy Dean and Ash Horne

Jimmy Dean is an Award-winning Director whose short films have screened at International Film Festivals. His latest film Suzie, starring BAFTA-nomiee Helen Behan, premiered at the 36th Galway Film Fleadh and was a Vimeo Staff Pick.

His previous film V,, had its World Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival and was a Vimeo Staff Pick. His graduation film Offside was awarded the XX Award for Best Female Representation at Underwire Film Festival and selected by Into Film and the British Council to be screened in schools nationwide.

He is currently developing his debut feature film with the BFI.

And next is Ash Horne, who is an Award-winning Producer and former Creative Director at the Academy Award-winning Slick Films who kick-started his career with two seasons of his musical comedy sitcom ‘The Midnight Beast’ on E4, produced by Warp Films.

His slate of films for 2024 includes the BIFA-qualifying ‘Manmade’ with Lowkey Films directed by Plum Stupple-Harris, starring Harry Gilby, the BAFTA-qualifying and Vimeo Staff Pick ‘Suzie’ with Slick Films and is an Executive Producer on Joe Weiland’s ‘Marion’ with (OB42 x Solab Pictures).

Today, they are here to discuss their moving short film SUZIE.

#shortfilm #filmmaker #filmmaking #filmdirector #filmproducer #actor #london #cinema #cinematography #filmfestival #theater #divorce #grief #BAFTA #film #movies