What does it really take to forge a career in action cinema from the ground up?In Episode 50 of FILM NOTES, I sit down with Nicole Grace—a Kiwi powerhouse based in Sydney, Australia—who just landed the lead role in LOVE MACE, the explosive new project from legendary stunt coordinator and director Igor Breakenback, support it on Kickstarter NOW!Even though Nicole and I had never met prior to this recording, our shared network made this conversation feel like catching up with an old friend. Together, we dive deep into the grit behind the glamour: her athletic background as a gymnast, her time as a personal trainer, her transition into the high-stakes world of stunt work and action acting, and how her strategic background in marketing helped her navigate the hard road to breaking through in the industry.It’s a spirited, transparent talk on resilience, physical skills, and the hustle required to own your lane in modern independent film.See more of my work: shaneborza.com/mediaSupport the Show: links.shaneborza.com/supportExplore the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK at shaneborza.com/media.#FilmNotes #IndieFilmmaking #ActionCinema #Stunts #LoveMace #NicoleGrace #IgorBreakenback #ActorHustle #FilmProduction

What does the raw evolution of a filmmaker actually look like before the awards, the features, and the masterclasses?

In Episode 49 of FILM NOTES, I’m pulling back the curtain and interviewing myself to break down the foundational trial-by-fire era of my creative journey. I’m sharing the rare, behind-the-scenes videos, photos, and slideshows from my very first 5 productions in film school.

We look at the early mistakes, the sudden pivots on set, and the critical layout frameworks that laid the groundwork for everything to come—pulling raw data straight from my personal archives.

Access the Masterclass:

Watch Episode 49: links.shaneborza.com/filmnotes49

See more of my work: shaneborza.com/media

Support the Show: links.shaneborza.com/support

Explore the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK at shaneborza.com/media.

#FilmNotes #IndieFilmmaking #DirectorLife #FilmSchool #CreativeProcess #FilmProduction #Mastery

FILM NOTES | The Art, Strategy, and Execution of Independent Filmmaking.

Episode 48: Inside Alienation with Courtney Hoskins (Writer/Director) and David Auner AAC (Cinematographer). Learn more about the project at alienationmovie.com.

About the Show

FILM NOTES delivers high-impact interviews, masterclasses, and tactical breakdowns with industry insiders who operate both on and off set. We decode who they are, what they do, and exactly how they execute their vision—pulling straight from their personal film notes.

• Stay Tuned: Upcoming tracks feature advanced behind-the-scenes engineering, deep-dive making-of case studies, and cinematic how-to's designed to accelerate your growth.
  

Resources & Premium Support

• Master the Craft: Access the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK, alongside exclusive media tracks, directly at shaneborza.com/media.
• Support the Show: To back the production or explore corporate sponsorship opportunities, visit our direct portal at https://links.shaneborza.com/support.

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 47 features Filmmaker, Producer & Philantrapist. You can learn more about her and see her work at thegifttv.com.

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This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'.

.

Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned..If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop.

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Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 46 features Filmmaker & Producer Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani. You can learn more about her and see her work at saelhassani.com..This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'..Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned..If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop.Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 45 features Filmmaker Deborah Correa, who work both together and separately. You can learn more about her and her film at thewarbetweenfilm.com.

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This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'.

.

Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned.

.

If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop.

.

Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 44 features Filmmaking Duo Jason & Blue, who work both together and separately. You can learn more about them and their work at jasonandblue.com..This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'..Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned..If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop.Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 43 features Screenwriter, Filmmaker, and Marketer Kelli McNeil-Yellen. You can learn more about her and her work at klamediagroup.com..This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'..Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned..If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop.Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 42 features Writer/Director/Producer Jaron Lockridge. You can learn more about him and his work at misguidedperceptions.com.

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This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'.

.

Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned.

.

If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop.

.

Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza

Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. Episode 41 features Author and Filmmaker NOEL STARK. You can learn more about her and her work at: noelstark.com

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This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'.

.

Future episodes will feature in depth behind the scenes, making-of's, and how-to's as well so stay tuned.

.

If you are interested in learning more about writing, directing, producing, or anything else related to filmmaking and content creation, check out my books and resources at shaneborza.com/shop

.

Want to support the show? Go to patreon.com/shaneborza