A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall Jr

I'm excited to welcome Staci Pippi to "A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall Jr."  Staci is a producer and co-founder of the Etheria Film Festival, which is known for highlighting women directors and filmmakers in the horror genre. We talked about how Staci got her start in the industry and what drives her mission of equality in the film industry. This is sure to be a fascinating conversation that you won't want to miss!

 Watch the Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzJSFsxFbN8

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Staci Pippi BIO:

Staci Pippi is a powerful voice for women in the film industry. As a producer and co-founder of the Etheria Film Festival, she has dedicated her career to highlighting the work of women directors and filmmakers in the horror genre. Today on "A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall", Staci is sharing her story of how she got her start in the industry and what continues to drive her mission of equality. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true pioneer in the world of film.

Staci Pippi is a producer and co-founder of the Etheria Film Festival, which highlights women directors and filmmakers in the horror genre. She is a driving force in the fight for equality in the film industry, and today she joins us to talk about her work in this arena. We'll also learn about how she got her start in the industry and what inspires her to continue her work in championing the rights of women filmmakers.

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Phierce Phoenix is our latest guest on "A Conversation With." She's a rising television and broadway star, and her voice is amazing! We sat down with her and her momager and discussed what it takes to be successful at such a young age and the dedication it takes to make it as a child actor.

Watch the Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25c1H092QZ8

Phierco Phoenix BIO: 

Phierce Phoenix is a child actress, singer, voiceover artist, comedian, dancer, and model who has a mission to inspire the world to live life to the fullest. 

At age 6, she started modeling. At age 7, she booked her first acting audition without any training, landing the role of Lead Munchkin in “The Wiz” at The Spotlighters Theatre in Maryland and received rave reviews for her performance. At age 9, Phierce started acting training and committed to her Actor’s Journey. In 2020, she played Taye Diggs’ Sister in “Celebrity Ghost Stories”. 

In 2021, Phierce was cast in five major projects, including making her New York Broadway debut as Young Alline in the 12 Tony Award nominated musical “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” directed by Phyllida Lloyd that starred Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren.

On October 2, 2022, she will be attending the 43rd Young Artist Academy Awards Show in Hollywood related to her two nominations for her recurring role in “ABC Mouse” and guest role in “PAW Patrol”. Phierce is a series regular as The Mole on “Skully & The Mole Crack the Case” by Peacock Kids. In 2022 alone, she has had eight bookings that includes three recurring roles. In April 2022, she performed on stage in MisCast22 for a live audience as a Lead Finale Performer that aired worldwide. This event included stars such as Uzo Aduba, Audrea McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, Aaron Tveit, Andrea Martin, Lea Michele and Myles Frost. 

She is agency represented by DDO Kids in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, and management represented by Kreativ Artists. 

This Young Artist Academy member is an All-Star soccer player and straight A student, who enjoys quality time with family and friends, cooking, and humanitarian work.

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We're talking with veteran line producer and photographer Nicci Freeman in this episode. Nicci has over twenty years of experience in the business as a line producer, and she's also a member of the DGA as well as an accomplished photographer. We're going to take a look at her journey as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry and see how she's thrived. Nicci is an inspiring figure who has defied the odds and carved out a successful career in a challenging field. We hope her story will encourage other women of color who are pursuing their dreams.

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Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/RfneF2UT33w

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Nicci Freeman -Line Producer - DGA UPM - Producer BIO:

Nicci Freeman has been working in some form of the entertainment industry her whole life.  From with working for her parents, mom was a costume designer, and dad was a female impersonator both on and off stage to then transitioning to film, television, video, commercial and print.  In her 25 year career she has worked as a Producer, Line Producer, Unit Production Manager, Production Coordinator, Costume Designer, and a PA.  

Freeman’s career spans features, television series, music videos, and commercials, working for such names as Spike Lee, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, and Mariah Carey.

She is a Member of the Director's Guild of America as Unit Production Manager. She spent two years as Head of Production for an independent film company producing $1.5m $35M pictures.  Additionally, she has recently worked on a number of projects while dealing with the challenges of filming in the time of Covid.

Some of her feature projects include: GEMINI LOUNGE, A COWGIRL’S SONG, SNAPSHOT OF LOVE, THE MESSAGE, and HARDCORE HENRY. Television productions include: Your Attention Please, Rhett & Link’s Buddy System, Comic Relief, and The Casino.  Among the Music Videos she has worked on are those by the artists Dwight Yoakam, Linkin Park, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Tyga, Aloe Black, Will Smitt, P Diddy, and Godsmack. Gaming/Live action includes: Payday 2: The Biker and Payday 2: Hardcore Henry, and Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun. And Brand work: Walmart, Wendy’s, Gillette, Garnier, Smart Car, and Kyle Cosmetics.

In her spare time she is a world traveler and accomplished photographer. She has had three solo art shows in Los Angeles, and Florence, Italy. She has lent her talents to T.I’s Trap Music Pop Up Museum in Atlanta, GA as the Project Manager and Curator as well as to the Starbreeze / IMAX VR Pilot Center as the Project Manager. In addition she has also served as DGA AASC Special Events & Activities Chair & DGA AASC Council Rep and volunteers with Women of Color Unite. 

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In just a few years, Brandon Miree has gone from being a football player to an award-winning filmmaker and founder of the multi-media company "Moviefield Entertainment." We sat down with Brandon to discuss the business of filmmaking, what it's like to be a film director, and what advice he would give aspiring filmmakers. 

Brandon Miree is a man of many talents. Not only is he a talented filmmaker, but he's also the founder of Moviefield Entertainment, a successful multi-media company. We asked Brandon to tell us a little bit about the business of filmmaking and what it's like to be a film director and film producer, and of course, the challenges he faced.

Watch the Interview here: https://youtu.be/UROScHKrbxg

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Brandon Miree BIO:

Brandon Miree is an award-winning writer, director, and producer from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the founder of the multi-media company Moviefield Entertainment. Brandon has created several award-winning projects, including the short series “The Other Side of Normal,” which received 2021 and 2020 honorable mentions for best TV Show/Web Series (Denton Black Film Festival, Venice Film Awards). He also wrote/produced/directed “The Magical Root,” an illustrated short story about Frederick Douglass’ life as a teenager, which received the 2022 Best Animation award (National Black Film Festival), and a 2021 Nomination for Outstanding Animated Short (Micheaux Film Festival). It landed national distribution through the Black Hollywood Educational Resource Center’s platform, BHERC TV. Brandon, a former professional football player for the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers, began his film career after attending the Pro Hollywood Bootcamp in 2013. He later completed professional programs at UCLA in Producing and Television Writing. He and his wife currently reside in Los Angeles, California.

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I talked with independent film pitch Gura Squeaky Moore.   Squeaky Moore is the author of "100 Pitches, Mistakes I've Made, So You Don't Have To". Squeaky will give us a deep dive into what it takes to pitch a film or tv show properly. But more importantly, she will tell us what you need to do to get into the room. So if you're looking to get your independent film or tv project off the ground, this is the podcast for you

Watch: How to Pitch Your Film or Television project with Squeaky Moore

Squeaky Moore BIO:

I am an award-winning filmmaker and actress and am regarded as the pitch guru for independent content creators.  Author of “#100Pitches: Mistakes, I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To”, a film and television pitching guide geared towards independent content creators and about my pitching journey, I coach filmmakers on the do’s and don’ts of pitching television and film projects. Additionally, I’ve helped successful business owners and influencers get themselves and/or their products on air on shows like Queen Boss, HSN, and The Today Show. My clients are also partnering with brands like Walmart and Macy’s and winning in pitch competitions. S

My mission as a filmmaker is to enlighten, uplift, and inspire addressing socially conscious issues that invoke discussion for the greater good.

“What If...Then What?”, my latest film project, has won four awards, including Best Children’s and Youth Film and Best Directing. Recent television and film acting credits include, “What If...Then What”, “Miles”, “Galaxy 360”, “Elementary”, Law and Order”, “Zoo”, "12 Steps to Recovery", “Daemoniac” and "Gang Girl".

~Squeaky Moore 

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In this episode of "A Conversation With," I talked with thespian Benmio McCrea. We discuss his journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, his start at the famous CAPA in Philadelphia, and his journey in theater, film, and television. Benmio McCrea is a talented thespian with a wealth of experience in the industry. He has worked hard to get where he is today, and his story is an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.

Watch The Interview 

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Benmio McCrea BIO: Trivia (5) Studied film at NYU and is a member of the DGA. Was classmates with Aaron Sorkin and Vanessa Williams at Syracuse University. Grew up in Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.  Made his New York stage debut in Sam Shepard's "The Tooth of Crime" at Ellen Stewart's LaMama ETC Theatre.  Benmio meaning "My son," is a Hebrew-Spanish name his Jewish mother invented for him. "Ben" in Hebrew means "son" and "mio" in Spanish means "my".  He recently starred in a Coleguard commercial (2021)  and in an episode of Fox's 911 . He also has new movies coming out in 2022 via Sony Pictures and Amazon.

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Today's your lucky day if you're looking for a film crew. Voravong Nachampassak, the co-founder of the CrewMeUp mobile app, is our guest. He'll be talking about how the app lets you search for film crew anywhere in the US. He's also a stuntman and founding member of Men of Color Unite, an organization geared towards enhancing and building the careers of men of color in Hollywood.

Watch the Podcast Here: How to find the right crew for your film shoot

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Bio Voravong Nachampassak

"Voravong "Nong" Nachampassak is SAG/Aftra Stunt Performer & Co-Founder of Crew Me Up. Prior to working in entertainment, Mr. Nachampassak worked as a courier logistics coordinator for a delivery tech company & taught dance and tumbling classes in upstate New York. He started his stunt career working on Netflix's Iron Fist and has continued work on shows such as FBI Most Wanted & Wu Tang! His current focus is on building the Crew Me Up Community and supporting entertainment professionals. "

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Nakia Dillard is my latest guest on (A Conversation With Podcast). Nakia is a veteran film, television, and theater actor who started his journey at the legendary Freedom Theater in Philadelphia. He has since gone on to have many roles onscreen. Nakia is a passionate and very honest actor who has a lot to say about his journey in the entertainment industry.

Watch the Podcast Here: How to Be a Successful Working Actor | Nakia Dillard

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Nakia Dillard BIO:

Actor, writer, director, and entrepreneur, Nakia Dillard is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As a child, his love of arts introduced him to a whole new world of colors, animation, and imagination. Being extremely talented in this field of artistry. Nakia anticipated this as a life career and profession. However, that was before he enrolled and attended his Alma mater, the prestigious Freedom Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There he met the renowned acting coach Ricardo Martin who introduced him to the Rainbow Company where he further pursued his acting abilities and progressed to performing at the distinguished Hedgerow and The Wilma Theaters.

Nakia has worked alongside with some of the most recognized and very influential names in the industry including actor and director Bill Duke. He has appeared as a frequent character in the critically acclaimed TV series as Luscious in The Wonder Years" on Abc and Hulu.com and landed a role in Season 2 on Black Mafia Family on Starz Black lightning as Terrance long on Netflix .a recurring role on HBO's The Wire", as Lambert. Nakia has appeared in projects with Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Anthony Mackie, Wendell Pierce, Kerry Washington and other notable performers and more.

Today, Nakia is steadily fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams as an activist and entrepreneur in the community that propelled his career. He is the founder of Aikan Entertainment Solutions and Aikan Acts. Aikan Entertainment Solutions is an organization that empowers, encourages and challenges the entrepreneurial spirits of the youth. Aikan Acts trains and prepares students of all ages beginning at age seven through adult, in the art of acting as well as other artistic creative outlets.

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Kanithea Powell is a woman on a mission. As the CEO and founder of QFN TV, she is determined to provide a platform for diverse voices in the world of film and TV. In our conversation, she stressed the importance of seeing things through to completion. For Powell, this is not only a business principle but a personal one as well. She believes that if you start something, you owe it to yourself to see it through to the end. This is a mindset that has served her well in her career and one that she is passionate about sharing with others.

Here is an excerpt of our conversation

"I have never felt more joy and excitement when I'm opening up my first box of books to hold it physically in my hand; it was amazing. There's something to be said about having an idea following through with it to completion and getting a product in your hand. Now you allow the world to come in and help you promote it, help you get it out there because when you create something beautiful, the world is just as excited about it as you are. But they can't promote it if you don't complete it. So I will say, if you're gonna start something, see it through to completion, can you say that again? Yeah. When you start something, see it through to completion. "

Watch the Full Episode here:  A Conversation With host Floyd Marshall Jr. -Kanithea Powell

Kanithea Powell BIO

Kanithea started her career as one of the founding members of the Orlando Black Theatre, the first African American theatre company in Orlando, Florida. There, she directed, produced, and performed in several plays before moving to Atlanta and starting a career as a television producer for a local TV station. In Atlanta she formed Qwest Films Network, and dove head first into the world of film - “Finding Juliet”(accepted in 28 film festivals, winner best short), “Two Minutes Two Seconds” (winner for best screenplay), "For Sale”(winner for best short film), "Humanity" (Winner for Best Short Film, best Makeup and wardrobe, best editing and is still on its film festival run). After making several successful films and winning a few film awards, she moved to DC and released her first book “BUTCH, Never Judge a Butch By Her Cover”. Butch has been featured in several national and global publications like Huffington Post, NY Times, Buzzfeed, Diva, and After Ellen-just to name a few. Butch can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and in over 23 countries.

Now,  Kanithea resides in Los Angeles and is the CEO/founder of the new streaming platform QFN TV. QFN is an on-demand streaming platform offering a curated selection of films, tv series and original works from diverse voices you know and a few you have yet to discover. QFN’s content is available online at www.qfntv.com and via app services including iOS, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV and Roku.

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I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chrystee Pharris, a Television/Film Actress, to discuss how she makes multiple streams of income and the importance of having a good headshot for casting calls. Chrystee is a strong advocate for diversifying your income sources and shared some great tips on how to get started. She also stressed the importance of a good headshot, specifically for actors who are trying to get cast for roles. Having a professional headshot is essential for any actor who wants to be taken seriously by casting directors. Chrystee's insights and tips are sure to help any actor who is looking to make a career in the industry.

Watch the Live Interview Here: How to create multiple streams of income in Hollywood and look good doing it!

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Chrystee Pharris - BIO

Chrystee is a television/film actress. She is a native from Middletown, Ohio. She is known for her work on Passions (2004), Scrubs (2005), Steppin': The Movie (2009), Nashville (2015), Greenleaf (2017),  Spiderman: into the Spider-Verse (2018), Goliath (2019), 911 (2019). 

Currently, she is a co-star on the hit show Monogamy available via Amazon Prime (2021).

She graduated with a B.F.A. in Theater from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

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