Episodes
-
An unexpected power outage. A juvenile detention center plunged into darkness. Doors click unlocked, and a young incarcerated teen seizes the opportunity to run. But what does it mean to be free when the world outside is just another kind of prison?
In this episode, we talk to filmmaker Paul James about his short film What Freedom, a raw and powerful portrait of a teen navigating the juvenile justice system.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with FM Le Sieur, an acclaimed composer known for his work on The Sticky. We dive into his creative process, the challenges of scoring for film and television, and how he brings stories to life through music. FM shares insights into crafting the unique sound of The Sticky, his approach to collaboration, and what it takes to create an unforgettable score. Listen in and get inspired!
-
Missing episodes?
-
Filmmaker Eva Aridjis Fuentes joins us to talk about her unique path in cinema—from narrative features and documentaries to deeply personal, character-driven storytelling. In this episode, we dive into her latest film Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus, a poignant documentary that uncovers the enigmatic life of the cult icon best known for the haunting anthem featured in The Silence of the Lambs. Eva shares how a chance encounter evolved into a years-long friendship and collaboration with Q, and how the film became both a celebration and a tribute. We explore themes of identity, fame, disappearance, and creative legacy in one of the most unusual music stories never told—until now.
-
In this special bonus episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with acclaimed production designer Elisabeth Vastola to discuss her hauntingly immersive work on the new Prime Video series The Bondsman, starring Kevin Bacon. Vastola, known for her atmospheric design on Jessica Jones and The Punisher, dives into how she crafted a gritty, otherworldly aesthetic that brings this devilishly supernatural Western to life. From working with demonic lore to musical grit, hear how her vision shaped one of the most visually striking shows of the year.
🎬 Watch The Bondsman now streaming on Prime Video.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we talk with award-winning journalist, writer, and director Olive Talley about her powerful new documentary The Stones Are Speaking. The film tells the incredible true story of archaeologist Mike Collins and his fight to save the Gault site—an unassuming patch of land in Central Texas that turned out to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Americas. Talley shares how she crafted a film that is as much about the preservation of history as it is about the perseverance of one man’s vision. We discuss the film’s world premiere at the Austin Film Festival, its recent nationwide release, and how The Stones Are Speaking reminds us that individual courage can uncover truths that reshape history.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with La Tina—the acclaimed Colombian sound collective made up of Andrés Silva Díaz, Alejandro Uribe-Holguín, and Manuel José Gordillo. Together, they form the sonic force behind Netflix’s ambitious adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude, based on the novel by Gabriel García Márquez. We explore their creative process, the cultural and technical challenges of bringing the world of Macondo to life through sound, and how their work pays tribute to the magical realism of Márquez’s masterpiece. From atmospheric design to emotional texture, this is an immersive conversation about sound as storytelling.
-
In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Suissa, the multifaceted talent behind the new indie dramedy Greek Mothers Never Die. Rachel shares how her personal experiences inspired this heartfelt story of a daughter haunted by her mother's ghost, blending cultural identity, family dynamics, and supernatural elements. Discover the journey from a one-woman show in Paris to a feature film shot in Florida, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of bringing this unique tale to life.
-
In this hilarious episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we chat with the dynamic duo behind the mockumentary My Little Hobby. Lauren Stava and Michael Costello share the creative process behind their comedy short, from crafting eccentric characters to perfecting the mockumentary style.
Learn how Stava balanced directing, editing, and acting, and how Costello’s sharp writing brought this quirky story to life. Get ready for laughs, insights, and a peek behind the curtain of modern mockumentary filmmaking.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with costume designer Vanessa Porter, whose work on Goosebumps: The Vanishing helped define the eerie yet stylish tone of the show. Vanessa shares her process for building wardrobe that blends horror with nostalgia, how she balances practical concerns with storytelling, and what it takes to design for a world where the supernatural is just beneath the surface.
-
On this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with filmmakers Toby Cochran and Adrian Ochoa to talk about their deeply moving animated short, Luki and the Lights.
The film follows LUKi—a lively, soccer-playing robot who loves his friends and lives life to the fullest—until a sudden diagnosis changes everything. When LUKi learns he has ALS, his world shifts, but his spirit doesn’t dim.
Toby and Adrian share how they approached such a sensitive and rarely explored topic through a lens of hope, friendship, and resilience, all within a beautifully stylized, futuristic world. From the animation style to the emotional beats, this is a powerful conversation about storytelling with purpose.
Whether you're into animation, indie filmmaking, or stories that stay with you long after the credits roll, this one’s for you.
-
In this episode, we sit down with Deborah Puette, the writer and director of Such A Pretty Girl, a poignant short film that unfolds in real time over six minutes. The film delves into the complexities of family dynamics as Meg, a mother, navigates a moment of truth between her aging father and her young child. Deborah shares the personal inspirations behind the film, the challenges of conveying a powerful narrative within a limited time frame, and her aspirations for expanding the story into a feature-length project.
-
In this episode, we dive into the haunting world of The Lonely Musketeer, a gripping black-and-white thriller by debut director Nicolai Schumann. Discover the creative process behind this claustrophobic tale of greed and revenge, shot entirely in a windowless room. Nicolai shares the challenges of capturing human trauma on an intimate level, his collaboration with lead actor Edward Hogg, and the artistic choices that make this film an unforgettable experience. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most provocative films of the year.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with Emmy-nominated actor turned director Alexandra Chando to talk about her thrilling directorial debut, The 8th Day—a romantic heist thriller set in 1994 West Texas that’s now available on major pay-per-view platforms.
We discuss Chando’s transition from in front of the camera (The Lying Game, Sneaky Pete) to behind it, and how she brought together a powerhouse cast to tell a story full of tension, heart, and retro Americana grit.
From honoring her favorite '90s films to working with a seasoned cast including Darren Mann, Phoebe Tonkin, and Valerie Mahaffey, Alexandra opens up about the creative decisions that shaped The 8th Day and why she believes now is the perfect moment for women to lead in filmmaking.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, hosts Andrew Lamping and Jeff Stolhand sit down with Rebekah Kennedy, Jennifer Goodman and Ryan Atkins to discuss their gripping psychological thriller The Unseen. In The Unseen, a law student finds himself in a twisted web of murder and deceit brought on by a dark force from his past. Kennedy, Goodman and Atkins share their creative process, behind-the-scenes stories, and the powerful themes that drive the narrative. Join us for an insightful conversation about resilience, artistry, and the unseen battles we all face.
-
Step into The Cloaked Realm, an original dark fantasy animated series blending high adventure, political intrigue, and supernatural forces. In this episode, we sit down with creators Peter Alexander and Marisa Cohen to explore the rich mythology behind their series, the journey of bringing it to life, and their ambitious vision for season one.
With a successful Kickstarter campaign and a growing fanbase, The Cloaked Realm is poised to make waves in the animation world. We dive into the world-building process, the inspirations behind the series, and the challenges of independent animation. If you love dark fantasy, complex characters, and immersive storytelling, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
-
Filmmaker Kanin Guntzelman joins us to talk about his hilarious short film Two Cents and a Foot Long, a quirky and relatable look at the absurdity of customer service culture. We discuss comedy, crafting memorable characters, and the inspiration behind this fast-paced, comedic gem.
-
Makeup designer Helen Magelakis shares her experience working on the hit series Apple Cider Vinegar, where she played a crucial role in shaping each character’s look and personality. We discuss the artistry of makeup in film and television, the challenges of working across multiple episodes, and the impact of visual storytelling through character’s look and style.
-
In this episode, we sit down with writer-director David Fortune to explore his stunning new feature film, Color Book. Shot entirely in black and white, Color Book is a visual and emotional journey that underscores the power of creativity and imagination in the face of adversity. David shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of making a black-and-white film in today's cinematic landscape, and the personal experiences that inspired this bold narrative. Join us for an in-depth discussion about storytelling, artistic choice, and the importance of representation in film.
-
FMM bonus episode! Video version available on Spotify!
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director Robert Rippberger to discuss his latest film, Renner, starring Frankie Muniz, , Violett Beane, and Marcia Gay Harden.
Renner is a thrilling psychological drama about a computer genius who develops an AI life coach to guide him in love—only to discover, too late, there is a bug in the system.
Rippberger shares insights into the film’s unique narrative, his collaboration with the cast, and the creative process behind crafting a gripping psychological experience.
Tune in as we explore the inspirations behind Renner, the challenges of indie filmmaking, and what’s next for this talented director.
-
In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director Aaron Ozlevi to discuss his gripping new film, Exile. Set in1955 Istanbul, this independent period drama follows the story of the impossible love between Eleni, the daughter of a wealthy Greek family, and Sedat, the son of a local carriage driver. Despite being in love since childhood and studying together at the Literature Faculty, Eleni’s father, Stavro, hinders their marriage path, who opposes their union due to religious and financial differences. Ozlevi shares insights into the historical inspiration behind the film, the challenges of bringing this powerful story to life, and his approach to crafting an emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
- Show more
