Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast

This is the 100th episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. Mike and Kevin reflect on the past conversations that they've had with filmmakers and what advice they can offer from everything they've learned. What has surprised them in talking to these guests and what lies ahead for Cinematic Heartland?

** Trigger Warning - Please note, in this episode we discuss the sensitive topic of school shootings. **

Oconomowoc, WI native and current resident of San Diego, CA, Calvin Zimmerman, joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. He tells us what the indie film scene is like in San Diego and why he flies back to Wisconsin to film his projects. We discuss the film “Wild Life” which is not only Calvin’s first feature film but is also his first film and we delve into the challenges he faced in getting this film, which addresses several controversial topics, made.

Today’s episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast features Minneapolis based filmmaker Nicolas Jaramillo. On top of filmmaking, we discuss photography and his YouTube series called The Artist Stool. We delve into the problem of self-doubt that many artists in all mediums go through as well as the work that he has done with some major brands. Hear his tips on what he looks for in the frame whether it is photography or cinematography. And as Nicolas points out... in this business... you are your own boss.

Landon Fiscus, a 15-year-old filmmaker from Benson, NE sits in with us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. This episode went off the rails several times but was so much fun to record... from technical difficulties to the three of us discussing strange high school mascots. We do talk filmmaking as well. Landon was an absolute pleasure to chat with and is a shining example of how bright the future of filmmaking is in the Heartland. He explains how he went from playing his high school mascot to filmmaking and his first feature film ‘F.’ We discuss the filmmaking scene in Nebraska, his first short films which he dubbed his teenage triple feature, the influence and encouragement his dad has had on his filmmaking career, and why his company is called 1 Poe Productions. Also, being a young filmmaker, do people look at him differently? We had way too much fun with this episode.

Clinton J Phillips, a Chicagoland filmmaker, joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We discuss his latest project, a full-length feature called Weekend Deadaway, which happens to be his first feature film. We talk about how less is more when it comes to the horror film genre. Do you need tips on getting funding for your film? Clinton offers up advice on what to have in hand when approaching potential investors as well as how to approach them. Self-doubt is something many filmmakers struggle with. What does Clinton suggest?

On this episode of Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast, Actor Katie Otten joins us from Omaha, NE to talk about what got her involved in filmmaking, the filmmaking scene in the Omaha area, her web series called Inner Worlds, Dungeons & Dragons, and how she ended up on the cover of a VC Andrews novel. She also shares her experience as an adjunct professor at University of Nebraska – Omaha and what prompted her to pursue that opportunity.

Ben Roney, a Fort Wayne, IN based filmmaker / set designer joins us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland to talk about his journey from community theater to building sets for commercials to independent films. He tells us a little bit about his project Angels of Perdition, what the film scene is like in the Fort Wayne area, location management, and what are the Summit City Cinephiles. He also stresses how important collaboration is in building and sustaining a film community.

Tristan Bennett, a Cedar Falls, IA based marketer, photographer, digital artist, and filmmaker, sits in with us on this episode of Cinematic Heartland. We chat about his latest short film Life’s Work, 48-hour film challenges, tips on marketing your film, as well as things you should keep in mind when editing your film’s trailer.

Charlie Gandez, Forest City, IA based filmmaker, assistant professor at Waldorf University, President of the Iowa Independent Film Festival, and mastermind and creative driving force behind his latest film The Hatman Vol II, joins us on Cinematic Heartland: A Filmmaking Podcast. We talk about The Hatman Vol II, Waldorf University, diversity in film, and we get his thoughts on attending film school. We also discuss Kubrick, Fincher, and why you should only watch the last 15 minutes of Godfather 3.

On this episode of Cinematic Heartland, Northern Minnesota filmmaker Brandon Cole joins us to discuss the thriving Duluth film scene and what the area is doing to become the next hot spot for filmmaking. We also discuss his latest short film, a web series screenplay that he is writing, and how he adds different layers and social commentaries in his horror films to elevate the genre. And find out what his special connection is with a prior guest on Cinematic Heartland, Victoria Tanley.