What does it take to create a bold comedy pilot that lands at Slamdance? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we talk with Zoe Tyson and Louie Rinaldi, the creators behind Daddies Boi. They break down writing razor-sharp comedy around aging and identity, directing emotionally risky material, and shaping a 14-minute pilot that feels expansive, funny, and dangerous. Filmmakers will learn about crafting tone, collaborating as co-creators, navigating pilot

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, editor Ralph Jean-Pierre joins us to discuss shaping The Beast in Me in the cutting room. From identifying the emotional spine of the story to navigating structural challenges, Ralph breaks down the real craft behind film editing.With credits including Tokyo Vice, Servant, The Boys, and Lost in Space, Ralph shares insights from both premium television and feature work — including how pacing, performance, and collaboration define the final film.Filmmakers will learn about workflow discipline, editorial psychology, structural problem-solving, and how to build a sustainable career in post-production.

Director Drew Kirsch joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the making of the action-thriller He Bled Neon. In this conversation, Kirsch breaks down the visual style, action design, and directing choices that shaped the film.Starring Joe Cole, Rita Ora, and Marshawn Lynch, He Bled Neon premieres at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival in the Narrative Spotlight section. Drew shares how the project came together and what it took to bring the film’s neon-charged world to life.Filmmakers will learn about directing action on an indie scale, building a strong visual identity, working with a diverse cast, and preparing a film for its festival premiere.

At SXSW 2026, directors Jack Zagha Kababie and Yossy Zagha premiere FIFTEEN, a bold coming-of-age horror film where a quinceañera spirals into something monstrous. In this Filmmaker Mixer episode, we break down the creative decisions behind blending cultural tradition with body horror. We explore creature design, directing young actors, staging large celebration scenes under tension, and navigating co-direction at the highest level. If you're a filmmaker interested in genre storytelling, festival strategy, or practical vs. VFX creature work, this episode is packed with real-world insight.

Writer/director Peter Warren joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss his SXSW film KILL ME, a gripping dark comedy thriller starring Charlie Day and Allison Williams. The film follows a man who wakes up in a bathtub with his wrists slit—but insists he didn’t do it—launching a bizarre amateur murder investigation to prove someone else tried to kill him. In this conversation, Warren breaks down how he blended comedy, mystery, and deeply personal themes about depression to create a film that is both suspenseful and vulnerable. Drawing from his own experiences and years in Hollywood television and studio filmmaking, Warren explains how the project evolved into a whodunnit where the protagonist might also be the suspect.Filmmakers will learn about writing unreliable protagonists, balancing tone between comedy and serious subject matter, structuring a mystery, and transitioning from studio screenwriter to feature director.

Ahead of the World Premiere of THE SNAKE at SXSW 2026, we sit down with director Jenna MacMillan to talk about bringing the film to life. Written by and starring Susan Kent, this dark comedy follows a self-destructive 40-something searching for “home.”

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, Jenna discusses how the project came together—from balancing sharp humor with emotional truth to shaping performances and preparing the film for its festival debut.

Also starring comedy icon Robin Duke, THE SNAKE explores venomous family dynamics while staying grounded in heartfelt storytelling.

Director Marq Evans joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Capturing Bigfoot, the documentary revisiting the infamous 1967 Patterson footage—arguably the most analyzed 60 seconds of film ever shot.

Premiering at SXSW, the film centers on a rediscovered 16mm reel and the untold story from Patterson’s own son. Evans breaks down archival restoration, documentary structure, and navigating belief versus skepticism.

What does it take to color an entire afterlife? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we’re joined by colorist and Elemental Post co-creator David Tomiak to break down his work on A24’s Eternity.

David discusses collaborating from pre-production, drawing from mid-century cinema, building custom film grain inspired by early Eastman stock, and balancing playful detail with visual consistency. We dive into standout scenes, world-building through color, and how early color decisions can save indie films in post.

Perfect for filmmakers interested in color grading, post-production workflow, and creative collaboration.

Award-winning editors Lam T. Nguyen and Austin Keeling join Filmmaker Mixer to break down their work on Amazon’s sci-fi thriller Mercy, starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson.

They dive deep into building previs in the edit, animating every on-screen graphic, shaping immersive AI POVs, and condensing massive action sequences—while collaborating closely with director Timur Bekmambetov, VFX, and cinematography.

This episode is packed with practical insight for filmmakers interested in editorial storytelling, large-scale post workflows, and how bold creative choices are shaped in the edit.

Movie makeup isn’t about beauty—it’s about belief. It’s about building faces that feel lived-in, truthful, and emotionally connected to the story. And that belief only works when every community can see itself reflected on screen. True cinematic makeup means understanding and tailoring products, techniques, and textures to the full spectrum of skin tones—so that all actors are lit, matched, and represented with the same care and intention.

In this deep-dive conversation, Hollywood makeup artist Siån Richards (Sinners) unpacks how makeup quietly shapes character, emotion, and narrative in film. From the nuance of real skin texture to the deliberate choices that define genre—whether horror, drama, or grounded realism—Siån reveals the invisible craft that helps performances feel authentic.

We explore the powerful relationship between actor and makeup artist, how imperfection is actually perfect and the power of makeup serving the story.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, actor, or passionate film lover, this episode will change the way you see movies—and the faces within them.