In episode 193 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk with Mylene “Mai” Briggs of Keelab Media, a producer, writer, director, marketer, and mom with production companies in Los Angeles and Ottawa. Mai and Christine share how they met through Film Girls Brunch and discuss navigating LA’s isolating, competitive film scene by intentionally building community, including the origins and growth of Film Girls Brunch (founded by Imani and Kaiulani, later expanded with Mai). Mai describes burnout, single parenting, and starting her company for survival after exhausting film-industry hours and childcare costs, then working extreme schedules for flexibility. They swap first-client stories, reflect on learning without film school by saying yes and figuring it out, and Mai recounts high-pressure live multi-cam festival livestream work for Pique in Ottawa.
Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.
For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com
Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.
Mailyne Briggs is a Filipino Canadian multi-hyphenate filmmaker, writer/director, and mother. As the founder of Kilam Media Inc., her media production company focuses on purpose-driven content and diverse stories with impact. With over a decade of production experience, including co-producer/DoP for I AM: Limitless (CBC Gem), Mailyne’s work centers on women and underrepresented communities with themes of identity, belonging, and joy. Her commitment to community advocacy is proven through her work as a volunteer Board member for multiple non-profits in Canada and as the co-founder of three non-profits, including Film Girlz Brunch Los Angeles. She continues to work on co-productions in Canada and the US while actively developing her debut feature film, Those Days of Summer. Above all, Mailyne prioritizes rest, mental health, and family.
WEBISODE version of the Podcast
00:00 Leaving Film for Family
01:21 Introducing Mai Briggs
02:41 How Christine Met Mai
07:00 LA Industry Reality Check
10:45 Finding Your People
12:44 Why Film Girls Brunch Started
16:19 Brunch Community Grows
18:17 Founders and Origin Story
19:41 Creating Together for Fun
20:44 Work That Feels Like Play
21:29 Always Talking Shop
22:27 Artist Life Misunderstood
23:34 Parenthood And Priorities
24:51 Starting Killa Media
28:16 First Clients And Hustle
32:14 Learning On The Job
36:16 Figure It Out School
37:39 Live Stream Pressure Cooker
40:06 Power Pull Disaster
41:40 How Big Is The Crew
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