Filmmaker Spotlight

Warren Workman talks with actor, writer, director, producer, retired Air Force technical sergeant, and mentor Damarr Jones about the long road from performing in secret to earning a recurring role as Bram in Homestead. Damarr explains how military discipline shaped his preparation, why his family determines what receives his time, and how he turned painful early experiences into tools for storytelling and service. He also shares why he deleted social accounts with a combined following of roughly 530,000, what brought him back, and how he now separates purpose from praise. The conversation closes with practical advice for actors: create with the phone in your pocket, accept the value of background work, attend festivals, build genuine relationships, and stay ready so an open door doesn’t catch you unprepared.

Guest Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damarrjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591095860156
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damarr.jones1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damarr-jones-1786b794/
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2921468/
Utah International Film Festival: https://theutahfilmfestival.com/

In this episode of Filmmaker Spotlight, Warren Workman sits down with actor, acting coach and filmmaker Charla Bocchicchio to talk about building a sustainable acting career, preparing for challenging roles and becoming the kind of person filmmakers want to invite back to set.

Charla shares what she has learned from more than 100 acting credits, including why training remains essential, how actors can avoid common mistakes on set and why performers should arrive with their own creative choices instead of waiting for a director to build the character for them.

The conversation also explores two very different projects. *Overhang* is a psychological thriller written specifically for Charla that required extensive research and carefully constructed physical, vocal and emotional choices. *Abide With Me* is a feature film shot on actual film stock, giving the actors only one or two takes and requiring a rehearsal process that felt more like preparing for a stage production.

Charla also explains what actors notice when they step onto an independent film set, why communication can make or break a production and how actors can build meaningful credits in a regional market like Utah without immediately moving to Los Angeles.

Actor, filmmaker, director, producer, and UIFF volunteer Mary Hailstone joins Warren Workman to discuss building a film career before you feel completely ready. Mary shares how she moved from childhood theater into film, turned a deeply personal experience into An Early Return, learned directing lessons while working as a stand-in on The Chosen, and discovered the value of staying involved at film festivals. She also offers practical advice about accepting direction, creating your own material, forming sincere relationships, and protecting your self-worth while pursuing a creative career.

Mary Hailstone on IMDb:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11718987/

Filmmaker Andrew DeBennett joins Warren Workman for a conversation about finding the courage to move from short films to a first feature. Andrew’s new psychological thriller, *Obsession’s Rising*, represents years of learning, relationship-building, and persistence. He explains how an unsuccessful crowdfunding campaign forced him to rethink his funding plan, why filmmakers must communicate their vision clearly, and how one private investor helped make the feature possible. This conversation is for filmmakers who have a story they want to tell but may still be waiting for the confidence, money, or perfect equipment to begin.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obsession_rising_film/

Award-winning actor and director Elijah Amodt shares an inspiring journey from a difficult childhood to becoming one of Utah's rising filmmaking talents. In just five years, Elijah has appeared in more than 22 film projects while also earning recognition for his directorial debut, Dazy Girl. In this heartfelt conversation, he reflects on the people who shaped his life, the transformative power of storytelling, and why kindness, perseverance, and community are the true foundations of a successful filmmaking career.

About Elijah Amodt
Elijah Amodt is an award-winning actor and filmmaker based in Utah. Over the past five years, he has appeared in more than 22 film and television projects while becoming a familiar face within Utah's independent film community. In 2025, he made his directorial debut with Dazy Girl, earning recognition for his thoughtful storytelling and collaborative leadership. Passionate about creating meaningful stories, Elijah believes filmmaking is ultimately about building community, lifting others, and using personal experiences to connect with audiences.

In this episode, Warren Workman sits down with independent filmmaker Lenni Uitto to explore what keeps storytellers creating. From finishing his feature film Permafrost to embracing the Finnish philosophy of Sisu, Lenni shares why filmmakers should stop chasing perfection, build a trusted creative tribe, and ultimately do it for the story.