AFTER FILM SCHOOL Podcast

Jessica Redish is an award-winning director, writer, and choreographer and recent graduate of USC's MFA Film & Television Production Program. Called a "rising star" by Medium.com, her work spans from choreographing The Smashing Pumpkins' International Tour to creating acclaimed short films including "Exit, Pursued by a Bear" (her short movie musical that premiered at Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts and Raindance Film Festivals) and the absurdist comedy "cat." She has worked as a comedy writer for Emmy & Golden Globe winner Joey Soloway and for Michael Bay & Adam Goodman's Invisible Narratives. With a musical theater background from Northwestern University, Jessica won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography and earned Chicago Tribune recognition alongside directors like Hal Prince. Inspired by Scorsese, Coppola, Alma Har'el, and Bob Fosse, her work has been described as "hilariously twisted" by Hollywood Digest. Jessica currently resides in Los Angeles where she tends to her "Golden Girls" Chia Pet.

IN THIS EPISODE:
✨ How pandemic Q&As inspired her film school journey
✨ The short musical that got her hired
✨ Making "The Last Croissant" - Funny or Die's pick
✨ Developing shows while finishing grad school
✨ Why collaboration is everything
✨ Real talk about the intensity of film school

JESSICA'S PROJECTS:
https://www.jessicaredish.com/director
• Exit, Pursued By A Bear (Short Musical)
• The Last Croissant (Funny or Die)
• Cat (Absurdist Short)

CONNECT WITH JESSICA:
Website: https://www.jessicaredish.com/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2600459/
IG: @jessicaredish
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaBethRedish/

ABOUT AFTER FILM SCHOOL:
Real stories from real filmmakers about life after graduation.

CHAPTERS WITH TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Jessica Redish
01:30 - The Pandemic Pivot: Why Film School?
03:45 - From Theater Kid to Choreographer
06:20 - Breaking Into Music Videos
09:15 - Choreography Meets Camera Movement
12:40 - The Last Croissant: A Breakthrough
15:30 - Cat: The Follow-Up Short
17:45 - First Year Success: Exit, Pursued By A Bear
20:10 - From Student to Professional TV Writer
23:00 - Current Projects: Pitching to Studios
25:30 - Film School Reality Check
28:15 - The Secret Sauce: Collaboration
30:45 - Final Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
32:30 - Wrap-Up & Where to Find Jessica

Tags:
film school, USC film school, TV writer, screenwriting, musical theater, film director, women in film, USC cinema, choreography, music videos, short films, comedy filmmaking, absurdist comedy, film school advice, Northwestern University, graduate film programs, television writing, development executive, filmmaker interview, after film school podcast

Daniel Pineros started his journey as an editor, where storytelling is built frame by frame, but his career has evolved into something far more dynamic in the age of AI. As a director working in the commercial space, Daniel is at the forefront of integrating AI tools like Sora and V3 into his creative process, fundamentally changing how he approaches client work and pitch development.

In this episode, Daniel shares how AI has transformed his workflow from concept to completion. He discusses using AI tools not just as a replacement for traditional production methods, but as a way to rapidly prototype ideas and present compelling visions to clients. We explore the practical realities of working with AI in commercial production—from the ten generations it might take to get one usable result, to the cultural shift in how brands and audiences perceive AI-generated content.

Daniel's journey from high school video projects to professional commercial directing offers valuable insights for film school graduates entering an industry in rapid transformation. His perspective on AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity provides a refreshing take on the future of filmmaking, where technical innovation serves storytelling rather than overshadowing it.

[00:00 - 02:30] Introduction & AI in Commercial WorkDaniel's evolution from editor to director and how AI tools are changing commercial production

[02:30 - 05:00] AI Workflow in PracticeUsing tools like Sora and V3 for client pitches and concept development

[05:00 - 07:30] The Reality of AI GenerationThe practical challenges of AI tools - why ten generations might yield one usable result

[07:30 - 10:00] Early Filmmaking PassionHigh school projects and discovering the power of visual storytelling

[10:00 - 12:30] Film School ExperienceEducational background and technical skill development

[12:30 - 15:00] Editor to Director TransitionHow editing skills inform directing and the frame-by-frame approach to storytelling

[15:00 - 17:30] Client Work & Brand PerspectivesHow brands are adapting to AI-generated content and cultural shifts in acceptance

[17:30 - End] Future of FilmmakingPredictions for AI integration and maintaining human creativity in commercial work

🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@afterfilmschoolpodcast/videos📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterfilmschoolpodcast/

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📝 Webapp: https://eu.jotform.com/app/after-film-school/after-film-school-podcast

Petr Cikhart is an EMMY winning Czech cinematographer living in Los Angeles. As a 19-year-old Assistant Director covered the war in Chechnya for Czech TV, and was arrested and held hostage for two days by Russian soldiers during the assignment. It was his first ever field shoot, and he was hooked.

In June 2012 he received MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute. His thesis film FIRST IN FLIGHT competed at Camerimage cinematography festival in Poland and was nominated for the ASC Harris Savides Student Heritage Award. While at AFI Petr won the College Camera Operator of the Year award from the SOC.

Subsequently Petr worked as a cinematographer on several feature films of four continents including World War II drama AGAINST THE SUN starring Tom Felton, TAMARA (Nueva Vision Award, 2017 Santa Barbara Film Festival) with Luis Fernandez, ID2: SHADWELL ARMY for Universal, DUNNING MAN, DAY OF RECKONING, THE NANNY or the Chinese production ESCAPING VALENTINE'S DAY and CONRAD & MICHELLE: IF WORDS COULD KILL for Lifetime.

Traveling to more than 100 countries he also made films such as FARMINGVILLE (Special Jury Prize, 2004 Sundance Film Festival) and BLINDSIGHT (Audience Awards, 2006 AFI Film Festival & 2007 Berlin Film Festival). In 2007 Petr won his first Prime Time Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for his work on the THE AMAZING RACE.

Episode Breakdown:

Website: After Film School Podcast

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Film Soundtrack Inspiration:
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Lindsay holds an MFA in screenwriting from the American Film Institute and teaches screenwriting at USC's School of Cinematic Arts and Cal State Long Beach. She has overseen two screenplays from script to screen as writer/producer: SPOONER starring Matthew Lillard (SLAMDANCE) and DOUCHEBAG (SUNDANCE) both released theatrically. Most recently, Lindsay sold WITH LOVE, YOUR SWEETLY SALTED. She is currently adapting the book SEX WITH STRANGERS by Micheal Lowenthal for producer Nadia Leonelli and working on an interactive sci-fi rom com with producer Sandeep Parikh and director Sammi Cohen. Lindsay has also developed unique screenwriting courses for USC, Sundance Collab, and the creative executive staff at Disney Animation.

Detailed Breakdown:

• 0:00 "Bits and Pieces" Project Introduction
• 3:49 Teaching Career at Multiple Universities
• 6:45 AFI Experience as Youngest Fellow
• 19:20 Making Early Feature Films
• 27:58 Directing Style and Improv Approach
• 34:32 New Technology in Filmmaking
• 42:22 Film School Curriculum Reflections
• 48:26 Mentorship and Career Development
• 52:35 Learning from Mistakes in Filmmaking
• 59:05 Film School Advice and Considerations

Guest Link's and Resources:

• Sundance Collab Profile
• IG: @lindsaynellstidham

After Film School Podcast: Listen Here

On the "After Film School" podcast, we delve into essential topics for transitioning from film school to professional life. Our episodes provide practical advice on securing jobs, crafting your career path, and exploring opportunities like post-school film clubs. Tune in for insights into job prospects, strategies for job searching, and guidance on maximizing your potential after graduation.

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Dive into the cinematic world of Rasa Partin

The talented director of photography behind Kelley Kali's latest feature films, Kemba (starring Nesta Cooper, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Michelle Hurd) and Jagged Mind (featuring Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Shannon Woodward).

Rasa has an impressive portfolio that includes the critically acclaimed Immaculate Room directed by Mukunda Dewil, the unique single-shot thriller Saviors directed by Christopher Greenslate, and the intriguing TV series Kappa Kappa Die (Warner Bros) directed by Zelda Williams, along with Los Wanabis directed by Santiago Paladines.

Beyond features, Rasa has shot captivating commercials for top brands like Google, Apple, Cartier, Nike, Spotify, and Chanel, showcasing his versatility and creativity across various formats.

With an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute (AFI), Rasa is equipped with top-notch gear, including the Alexa 35 and Alexa Mini LF.

✨ Proud member of IATSE Local 600 | DP, Western Region Roster.

Join us in exploring Rasa's impressive work and passion for storytelling through the lens!

Rasa Partin, Cinematographer, American Film Institute AFI After Film School #28 - DP Kemba

Detailed Breakdown:

• (00:00) Current State of the Industry
• (03:11) Advice to Young DPs
• (05:25) Pre-Film School
• (15:48) Deciding to Apply to AFI
• (21:11) AFI Reel Day
• (24:50) Managing Film School While Having a Child
• (30:49) Learning Opportunities While at Film School
• (35:16) Giving Notes to Directors
• (38:25) Thinking About a Career After Film School
• (40:52) My 35mm Project at Film School
• (43:18) Mentors
• (48:49) First Jobs Out of Film School
• (52:35) First Feature Credits
• (03:34) What's Coming Up
• (06:24) Did Film School Prepare You for the Real World?
• (08:46) Piece of Gear That I Rely On
• (10:47) Advice to Filmmakers

Links and Resources:

• Rasa Partin's Website
• Rasa Partin's Instagram

YouTube Episode Link:

Watch the Episode

Related Episodes:

• Lauren Guiteras Cinematographer American Film Institute AFI After Film School #024
• Jessica Pantoja Director of Photography American Film Institute AFI After Film School #023
• Martim Vian Cinematographer FAMU / AFI After Film School #021

After Film School Podcast:

Website

On the "After Film School" podcast, we delve into essential topics for transitioning from film school to professional life. Our episodes provide practical advice on securing jobs, crafting your career path, and exploring opportunities like post-school film clubs. Tune in for insights into job prospects, strategies for job searching, and guidance on maximizing your potential after graduation.

Telegram Community Channel:

Join our Telegram Community

Subscribe:

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Follow us on Social Media:

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Leave a Review:

Your feedback helps us grow and improve! Leave a Review

After Film School Film Soundtrack Inspiration Playlist on Spotify:

Listen on Spotify

Neha Aziz is a Pakistani-born writer, director, film programmer, and podcaster living in Austin, TX. From 2017 to 2020, Neha worked at SXSW as a member of the Communications team. She currently works as the Artistic Director for the Austin Asian American Film Festival, Film Programmer for rePRO and the Cleveland International Film Festival, in addition to being the Communications Manager for the Asian American Documentary Network (A - DOC). In 2021, she was named an iHeartRadio NextUP fellow for their inaugural podcast program; her show, PARTITION (limited series) debuted in August 2022 and has been featured on Apple Podcasts, NPR, The Austin Chronicle, The 19th News, The Austin American - Statesman, The RepresentASIAN Project, Asian Founded, and more. In 2023, Neha was one of five recipients of the WAVE Grant from Wavelength Productions, a grant and one-year mentorship given to first-time female/non-binary directors of color. Her short, SO, THAT HAPPENED marked her directorial debut and is currently on the festival circuit. She is a writer for the PBS Digital Series ROOTS OF RESISTANCE and is in development on a number of projects.

Detailed Breakdown:

• (00:00) // Chris Bio Intro
• (02:31) // First short film
• (03:11) // Film curator / now film director
• (03:52) // Working at festivals
• (07:36) // Writing for PBS Digital Series
• (08:07) // Starting a podcast
• (18:53) // Journalism background
• (24:31) // Writing narrative
• (29:12) // Film the short film
• (30:23) // Film School
• (32:59) // I found out what I really wanted to do
• (36:59) // What I learned from filming the short film
• (43:42) // The Next Film
• (46:17) // AFI Workshop for Women
• (48:12) // Should programmers have made a film
• (59:30) // A lesson you learned at film school
• (01:01:55) // A moment that you look back on that changed your life
• (01:04:40) // Programming background as a filmmaker
• (01:08:34) // Your favorite mistake you made

Links and Resources:

Neha's Linktree

After Film School Podcast

Podcast Overview:

On the "After Film School" podcast, we delve into essential topics for transitioning from film school to professional life. Our episodes provide practical advice on securing jobs, crafting your career path, and exploring opportunities like post-school film clubs. Tune in for insights into job prospects, strategies for job searching, and guidance on maximizing your potential after graduation.

Follow us on Social Media:

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Born in Buenos Aires, Tomás Gómez Bustillo was brought up across Argentina, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the US. After studying Political Science in Buenos Aires, he relocated to LA where he earned his MFA in Directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory. After graduating, he co-founded indie production company Plenty Good. His debut feature film, CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT, starring Monica Villa, premiered at SXSW 2023 to rave reviews and won the AYH Award for visionary film. It was nominated for 3 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS: Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Detailed Breakdown:

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:10) First feature film CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT
• (04:46) Reading reviews Opening cut back to the film premiering end on a positive and done
• (08:40) Tomas' origin story to film school
• (17:21) Getting into film school
• (19:59) Dealing with AFI being new to LA
• (25:05) Narrative workshop at AFI
• (28:53) Collaborating at film school
• (33:47) A profound insight while at film school
• (37:07) Trying to impress your classmates
• (40:41) After Film School
• (43:13) Odd Jobs after film school
• (44:57) Writing my projects
• (49:16) Building relationships with other Directors
• (53:47) Are you a writer/director?
• (56:59) Current projects
• (58:14) Having creative calibrators
• (00:57) What has the success from your film done for you
• (04:35) At the Spirit Awards
• (09:06) Tools or Software you recommend
• (01:11:44) Storyboarding Chronicles
• (01:12:25) What inspires my visuals
• (01:13:23) Netflix's Ripley
• (01:15:01) Advice about film school
• (01:17:39) Favorite Mistake

Links and Resources:

www.tomasgomezbustillo.com

Related Episodes:

• David Gidali Director & VFX Supervisor AFI After Film School #019
• Victoria Duncan Director, Producer & Creative (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts After Film School #015
• Karl Shefelman Writer/Director Tisch School of the Arts NYU After Film School #10

After Film School Podcast

http://bit.ly/afterfilmschool

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ELI ARENSON started his career as a war correspondent and photojournalist, and is a graduate of the AFI Conservatory's MFA in Cinematography. His feature film credits include A24's LAMB, Lee Daniels' THE DELIVERANCE, and Ishana Night Shyamalan's THE WATCHERS for Warner Bros and New Line Cinema. Often shooting on 16 and 35mm film, his distinct style has garnered the attention of the leading voices in commercial and fashion. Eli believes in cinematography that is simple and graceful - his visual approach always begins from the minds of the characters. He currently resides in Iceland with his partner and son.

Detailed Breakdown:

• (00:00) // Pre Film School
• (14:20) // Why I went to film school
• (20:10) // How I felt when I first started AFI
• (23:30) // How I felt about reel day
• (26:30) // Key takeaways from film school
• (33:51) // My latest feature film on Netflix August 30th 2024 The Deliverance
• (35:41) // Another nugget from film school
• (40:31) // Second year at AFI
• (43:13) // Getting type casted as a DP
• (49:33) // My breakthrough film came from the AFI network
• (53:54) // My favorite shot from Lamb
• (58:48) // Living in Iceland
• (01:27) // How I conduct myself around talent
• 01:07:00 // An important piece of equipment for my work
• (01:09:49) // Advice to people thinking about film school

Links and Resources:

• Eli Arenson's Website
• Telegram Community Channel

Related Episodes:

• Lauren Guiteras Cinematographer American Film Institute AFI After Film School #024
• Jessica Pantoja Director of Photography American Film Institute AFI After Film School #023
• Martim Vian Cinematographer FAMU / AFI After Film School #021

After Film School Podcast

On the "After Film School" podcast, we delve into essential topics for navigating the transition from film school to professional life. We explore life after film school and discuss opportunities to help you understand the possibilities awaiting you. Our episodes offer practical advice on securing jobs and strategies for crafting your career path after graduation. We also examine post-school film clubs and other avenues for continuing your passion. From maximizing your potential after graduation to evaluating whether film schools are worth the investment, we provide insights into job prospects and offer effective job search strategies. Tune in for comprehensive guidance on planning your future and uncover what comes after film school with career paths and tips to help you successfully chart your path forward.

Subscribe:

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Follow us on Social Media:

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After Film School Film Soundtrack Inspiration Playlist on Spotify

Lauren is a Cuban-American cinematographer devoted to world, repertory, and independent cinema. Since graduating from the American Film Institute Conservatory, she has worked throughout the US and internationally. She is a member of IATSE Local 600.

Her credits include MA BELLE, MY BEAUTY, Marion Hill’s debut feature (Sundance, SXSW 2021), ZIWE (Showtime, A24), and NOTED: ALICIA KEYS THE UNTOLD STORIES (YouTube Originals).

She shot IFC Films’ DANDELION on Super 16mm, directed by Nicole Riegel and starring Kiki Layne & Thomas Doherty. The film premiered at SXSW 2024.

Still photography is an essential complementary artistic practice to Lauren’s motion picture work. In 2024, she was one of twelve photographers admitted into FotoFilmic’s travel workshop led by Greg Girard. She is currently editing a series of portraits made under Girard’s guidance in Okinawa, Japan.

Detailed Breakdown:

[00:00] Small Talk and the Current Film Industry

[07:00] Lauren’s background and Educational Background

[10:00] Why Cinematography and Personal Philosophy Behind the Camera

[17:00] Handheld and Camera Operating  

[21:00] Working with Directors

[25:00] Why I Moved To NY

[30:00] At Film School

[57:00] After Film School

[1:12:00] Advice

Links and Resources:

www.laurenguiteras.com

IG: @laurenguiteras

YouTube Episode Link:
https://youtu.be/cn9ypPVCWT4

Related Episodes:
Jessica Pantoja Director of Photography American Film Institute AFI After Film School #023
https://youtu.be/P9_vjvGFt7c
Martim Vian Cinematographer FAMU / AFI After Film School #021
https://youtu.be/KtWSClZNXuw?si=HCg31AwHun8rGLIk
Ed Wu Director of Photography American Film Institute (AFI) After Film School #014
https://youtu.be/itKqqFOqF4o?si=Fvnn--zTkZW0pbe0
Keith Nixon Cinematography American Film Institute (AFI) After Film School #004
https://youtu.be/-i0n5YT9eKo?si=Avjf902Xj4I5oSPx
After Film School Podcast
http://bit.ly/afterfilmschool

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After Film School Film Soundtrack Inspiration Playlist on Spotify
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Jessica Pantoja is a Mexican Cinematographer. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Science in Communications and Entrepreneurship, but she decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. She received training in the camera department while working as the only female camera technician in EFD, later earning her the skills to be a camera assistant under-talented Mexican and American Cinematographers. After that, she moved to LA to pursue an education as a Director of Photography. She received her MFA with a specialty in Cinematography at AFI and became a NAUI certified Underwater Cinematographer and Camera Operator. She was recently the director of photography for the comedy "Adult Best Friends," directed by Delaney Buffett, which was an official selection of the 2024 Tribeca Festival.

Jessica's passion for storytelling and nonverbal communication motivates her to work in different fields of filmmaking and photography, pushing her creative boundaries constantly to create unique content every time. Her pool of experience involves short films, feature films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, fashion, and abstract art pieces. Her work has been displayed on many different platforms worldwide, including film festivals such as Camerimage, Krakow film festival, Cine Gear, and VIZIO filmmakers Challenge, to mention a few. Jessica has also collaborated with greater artists and publications such as Vogue, Eone, NYLON Magazine, and Zoe Saldana's Latinx digital news platform, BESE. Though Jessica enjoys diversifying her work pool, her passion lies in documentary filmmaking. She believed that sharing true stories allows people to empathize on another level with the film's subject. This passion leads to collaborations with organizations such as VICE, Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, One Vote at a Time, Home Storytellers, Travel & Leisure, and most recently, Amy Poler's Smart Girls.

Detailed Breakdown:

[00:00] Introduction

[14:10] What brought me to film school

[45:22] Applying to film school

[51:12] After Film School

[1:02:33] Adult Best Friends

[1:24:30] Is film school worth it

Links and Resources:

www.jessicapantoja.com


YouTube Episode Link to the show.


Related Episodes: 


Martim Vian Cinematographer FAMU / AFI After Film School #021



Ed Wu Director of Photography American Film Institute (AFI) After Film School #014


Keith Nixon Cinematography American Film Institute (AFI) After Film School #004


After Film School Podcast Website

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Leave a Review: Your feedback helps us grow and improve!


After Film School Film Soundtrack Inspiration Playlist on Spotify