Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking

Stealing Shots and Breaking In: Kevin Huey on AD Life, DGA, and Producing Angelino

On the Get Reelisms podcast (episode 198), hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk with assistant director and producer Kevin Huie about breaking into filmmaking, moving from non-union work into the DGA, and transitioning into producing. Kevin shares starting in theater at UC Riverside, interning on sets, working early jobs in art department, runs, boom operating, grip/electric, and learning AD work through observation before AD-ing consistently around 2010 and joining the DGA in summer 2016. He describes confusion around qualification lists, accumulating days (including a Hallmark job in Baton Rouge), and how producing grew through collaboration with director Quentin Lee, influencing script and found-footage choices. Kevin discusses producing Angelino, organizing communication and scheduling for a first-time feature team, and making the film on an initial $11,000 budget that grew to nearly $20,000 using favors and stolen exterior LA shots, with highlights like filming a kid’s birthday party sequence in one day.

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

About Guest Kevin Huie:

Kevin Huie is a Los Angeles-based producer and filmmaker with over 200 credits in film and television. He came up through every layer of a set-working as a grip, boom operator, and production assistant-before building an extensive career as an assistant director and stepping into producing.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Stealing Shots Talk

00:28 Podcast Intro

00:55 Meet Kevin Huey

02:58 Breaking Into Film

05:41 Theater Roots

06:41 Becoming an AD

08:16 Boom Op and Craigslist

11:10 Joining the DGA

14:12 Hallmark and QL Hustle

15:40 Shift to Producing

19:55 Angelino Origins

21:40 Microbudget Tactics

24:59 Best and Worst Days

26:23 Office Shoot Chaos

27:25 Wrap Up Thoughts

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Radiation Week 2, Proof of Concept Plans, and the Dangers of “AI Psychosis”

Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen host the Get Reelisms podcast (around episode 196), discussing indie filmmaking pressures and life balance after Adam’s 2022 burnout from putting life on hold for career milestones. Christine shares updates that week two of radiation is done and she feels physically fine, while also coming off egg retrieval hormones after producing many eggs; she hopes to shoot two proof-of-concept scenes next week before expected fatigue increases. They reflect on creativity as therapeutic, the brain’s roles in creativity vs essential functions, and how life experiences improve storytelling, including Adam’s decision to go to Burning Man. The conversation shifts to frustrations with overly cautious ChatGPT responses, concerns about “AI psychosis,” and examples of people relying on AI for relationships, emotions, and even marital arguments, urging listeners to use AI as a tool and seek real human support.

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Burnout After Erzulie

00:55 Podcast Intro and Episode 196

02:50 Radiation and Egg Retrieval Update

04:58 Naps and Roxy Set Stories

07:46 Avoiding the News and Staying Grounded

08:33 Creativity Through Hard Times

10:49 Brain Surgery and Creative Side

12:14 Life Experiences Fuel Stories

14:18 Burning Man Reset and Podcast Time Capsule

15:06 Erzulie Stress and Peyton Parallels

16:23 Bringing Back Old Guests

17:04 Aging Reality Check

17:27 Midnight Pee Debate

18:13 Why ChatGPT Won’t Commit

18:55 Third Nipple and Trail Poop

21:04 Corporate ChatGPT Modes

24:44 WebMD Panic vs AI Caution

26:15 AI Psychosis Explained

28:10 Dating and Outsourcing Feelings

32:43 Using AI Without Losing Yourself

33:30 Wrap Up and Plug

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

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Get Reelisms Podcast Ep. 196: Zuzena Magsino on Breaking In, Community, AD Life, and AI in Film

On episode 196 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview actor and assistant director Zuzena Magzino about her path into entertainment, from show choir and dance auditions to overcoming fear of being recorded and posting social content. After a five-year hiatus and serious health issues, she returned via a 2021 TikTok Dunkin’ casting call, booked the spot, and later moved to LA, emphasizing the importance of supportive circles, networking, persistence, and the reality that even “set” celebrities may struggle without financial literacy and protection from exploitation. The conversation covers filmmaking community, conflict resolution and chaos management on set, sexism and ego problems among crew, and concerns about AI replacing actors while acknowledging AI as a tool. They close with promotion for Getreelisms.com merchandise and an online film school.

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

About Guest Zucena Magsino:

Zucena is a queer mixed Filipino-American actor from San Diego based in Los Angeles since 2024. They’ve recently studied at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and can be seen in an array of music videos, short films, vertical series, and TV mini series. Their lead role in Charlene, a Kilam Production, written by Mai Briggs premiered at LA Shorts International Film Festival 2026. And their series-regular debut as Leah in Marriage Material is now streaming on Apple TV for the US & Canada and Amazon Prime worldwide. When they’re not acting they’re creating their own projects, helping their community, or on set as an AD! 

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Fame Money Myth

00:43 Podcast Intro

01:09 Meet Zuzena

02:49 From Dance to Camera Fear

04:25 Social Media and Corporate Detour

06:27 Health Crisis Reset

06:54 Dunkin TikTok Breakthrough

08:45 Supportive Sets and Circles

14:27 Networking and Hustle Mindset

15:50 Making It Takes Years

17:26 Actors Not Set for Life

19:36 Brand Ownership and IP

20:45 AI Actors and Ethics

22:00 AI as Tool Not Replacement

23:47 Conflict as Collaboration

24:23 Miscommunication on Set

25:21 Egos and Drama Queens

25:48 Veteran PA Meltdown

28:25 Second AD Maid Mode

29:33 Safety and Respect

31:08 Tranquility Through Chaos

33:55 Stern Voice and Strikes

35:12 Women Leading on Set

39:04 Collaboration and Continuity

41:17 Landing the Plane

41:30 Housekeeping and Film School

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Feeling Stagnant During Radiation: Filmmaking, Control, and Creative Renewal On episode 195 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine finishing week one of six weeks of radiation for an oligodendroglioma brain tumor, alongside fertility treatment, and how the invisible progress and grant rejections make her feel stagnant and ungrounded without being on set. A friend suggests shooting part of Christine’s proof-of-concept short in her temporary “radiation camp” apartment near the treatment center, so she plans to film soon before symptoms worsen, and may ask for food donations for cast and crew. They recommend actors seek script-reading opportunities like the LA group Safe House, and reflect on imposter syndrome, conflict-of-interest when working with friends, and balancing creative joy with the job aspect of filmmaking. They also discuss The Artist’s Way “morning pages,” creative routines, and mention seeing The Odyssey and Christopher Nolan’s leadership at a DGA town hall. 

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Feeling Stagnant

00:49 Podcast Intro

01:43 One Year In

02:44 Radiation Update

05:25 Radiation Camp Life

07:01 Fertility Treatment

08:58 Steroid Superpowers

09:28 Proof of Concept Plan

11:56 Actor Casting Tips

14:49 Safe House Breakdown

15:50 Imposter Syndrome Talk

18:07 Friends and Casting

22:17 When Work Feels Like Work

25:09 Rediscovering Writing

26:03 Morning Pages Method

27:59 Break Routine for Inspiration

31:01 Journaling as Therapy

31:32 Restarting the Practice

32:49 Naruto Weights Comeback

34:45 Industry Ebbs and Flows

35:51 Art from Hard Times

37:34 Films That Reignite Passion

38:25 Backrooms Innovation Talk

41:31 Odyssey Craft and Scale

43:29 Nolan DGA Town Hall

48:29 Housekeeping and Merch

49:09 Wrap and Return Soon

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n episode 194 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine’s recent health crisis: after an MRI on May 1, doctors found a brain tumor, and she is scheduled for surgery on May 19 to remove it. Christine describes sporadic focal seizures starting the previous summer, including brief left-side freezes while fully conscious, one occurring publicly at a Canon networking event and twice while driving, leading to her no longer being allowed to drive. They criticize the U.S. healthcare system, including receiving results via a CD and delayed medical follow-up, and note her surgery was expedited through her surgeon brother’s connections. They use dark humor about naming the tumor “Tumi,” potential sketches, filmmaking memories, and plan a podcast pause until June while promoting getrealisms.com during recovery.

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Brain Tumor Reveal

00:22 Podcast Intro Setup

01:41 Mothers Day Message

02:06 Diagnosis And Surgery Date

03:58 Coping With Dark Humor

04:49 Seizure Symptoms Explained

10:06 Driving Scare And No Keys

11:58 Healthcare System Breakdown

13:03 The CD Player Sketch

16:34 Surgeon Mafia Fast Track

26:40 Friends Support System

27:58 Devil Wears Prada 2 Tangent

29:47 Bots And Bad Reviews

32:27 No Guest Just Us

33:25 Traveling Podcast Memories

34:07 Journaling Through Hard Times

36:04 Not Knowing and Learning

37:33 Cheap Gear Real Talk

38:28 Honest Film Podcast Philosophy

40:23 Fugitive Dreams War Stories

46:36 Family Pressure and Set Culture

51:45 Guest No Show Mothers Day

53:29 Gratitude and Friendship

57:06 Erzulie Set Highlights

01:00:09 Make A Wish Film Funding

01:03:25 Wrap Up and Merch Plug

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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.

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

Guest: 

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

00:39 Podcast Cold Open

00:42 Meet the Hosts

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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Fellowship App Hell, Strategic TV Directing Pitches, and Why Verticals Are the New Wild West On the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen catch up on recent festival news and Christine’s birthday, then dive into “fellowship app hell season,” comparing repeated lab applications and essay-writing to endlessly applying to colleges with no clear feedback. Christine shares she’s applying to programs including Film Independent, Sundance Producing Lab, and WriteBack Rise, and discusses the demoralizing competition, lack of guarantees, and the need to budget time by stepping back from AD work to focus on directing and stronger applications. Adam explains reframing a Disney directing program pitch from choosing a favorite show to choosing a show that logically matches evidence in his portfolio and experience. They also recap a Scene Lab focused on verticals and discuss vertical video’s growth, rising production value, democratized audience-driven discovery, and reduced gatekeeping compared to traditional Hollywood. 

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Logic Over Emotion 

00:41 Podcast Intro Chaos 

02:20 Birthdays and Benjamin Button

 02:59 Daisy the Warrior Terrier 

05:10 Fellowship Application Hell 

07:54 Which Labs to Apply For 

10:50 Too Many Programs 

12:00 Strategic Show Selection 

17:15 Feeling Behind Outside LA 

17:59 Application Grind Mindset 

18:39 Scene Lab Workshop Recap 

20:27 AD Work Versus Directing 

21:52 Fellowship Focus Strategy 

25:07 Friends in Film Reset 

29:30 Verticals Future Trends 

35:31 Why Vertical Storytelling Wins 

38:02 Viral Post And Creator Rush 

39:56 Guest Handoff And Merch Plug

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On Get Reelisms Podcast episode 191, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview filmmaker/producer/AD and occasional actor Avid (“Avi”) from Puppy Love Productions about becoming a “multi-tool” on set, especially in vertical productions. Avi recounts starting as a high-school editor on Final Cut Pro 7, continuing filmmaking while majoring in chemistry/biochemistry due to family pressure, learning directing performances through an improv-actor collaborator, and falling into first AD work via a 48-hour challenge and a Sony-financed short where a seasoned producer taught him set lingo. They discuss on-set judgment and delegation, phone rules, interns learning walkie etiquette, and how vertical storytelling uses cliffhangers, paywalls, CPI/client-driven scenes, and evolving efficiency systems. Avi also explains creating 3Line Studio, notable clients, a stolen box truck recovery using AirTags, and plugs a vertical Scene Lab event at 3Line Studio on April 29 (7–10 PM).

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

Guest:

Avid Eghbali was born on August 20, 1996 in Iran. He is a director and producer, known for Bated Breath, Drift (2024) and Hell Hath No Fury (2026).

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Chem Major Film Hustle

01:01 Podcast Intro And Guest

02:16 Meeting Avi On Verticals

02:51 Multi Tool Set Mindset

06:24 Avi Acting On Set

09:06 How Avi Got Started

12:30 Learning AD Lingo Fast

14:26 Family Pressure And Legacy

20:04 First Day Jitters To Growth

22:30 Delegation And Set Judgment

29:33 Phones On Set Debate

32:55 CPI Scenes And Vertical Demands

35:32 How Verticals Are Written

38:08 Vertical Video Debate

40:06 Innovation and Naysayers

41:39 Vine Lessons and Coexistence

42:49 AI Trailers and Backlash

44:00 AI as Previs Tool

47:37 Branded Vertical Series

51:36 Three Line Studio Origins

56:58 Celebrity Shoots and Clients

59:02 Stolen Box Truck Story

01:03:38 Trump Impressions and Set Antics

01:12:44 Event Plug and Housekeeping

01:14:28 Final Goodbye

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Verticals, Unions, and AI: The Wild West of New Filmmaking | Get Reelisms Ep. 190 In episode 190 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk about Christine’s desert trip to see a meteor shower, her deliberate hiatus from AD work to regain creative peace, and her return to making fast, low-budget sketch comedy—especially vertical YouTube/Instagram sketches—through groups like Banana TV and a 10-episode series with her friend Myleene about friends whose hangouts always turn into film work. They discuss the rise of union and branded verticals, why creators are embracing the format as a new storytelling medium, and how to improve quality through writing and framing. The conversation covers intense vertical set workflows, block shooting and child actor restrictions, the push-pull between budgets and union standards, concerns about AI replacing art versus using AI as a logistics tool, and worries about declining literacy from students using ChatGPT. They close with GetReelisms.com plugs and tease the next guest from Puppy Love Productions. 

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Vertical Film FOMO 

00:21 Podcast Intro Setup 

01:15 Meteor Shower Birthday 

02:49 AD Hiatus For Writing 

05:07 Back To Sketch Roots 

06:45 Friends In Film Series 

09:46 Verticals Branded Wave 

14:19 Cinematic Vertical Potential 

15:40 Vertical Set War Stories 

17:29 Block Shooting Explained 

18:49 Working With Child Actors 

20:19 Crew Set Stories 

20:55 Child Actor Rules 

21:56 Union Versus Verticals 

24:42 Knowing Your Worth 

27:16 AI In Filmmaking 

31:33 Gen Z Literacy Drop 

35:09 Read More Books 

35:57 Wrap And Plug

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On the Get Reelisms Podcast, filmmakers Madam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview Austin director Jon Vallet about his new film American Dollhouse, which just premiered at South by Southwest and launched its festival run with an Austin “film family” crew. Vallet says the movie uses a character-driven, proto-slasher approach inspired by films like Psycho and Black Christmas, using modern anxieties about public spaces feeling unsafe and the dissonance of daily life in America as thematic fuel. He shares the logline: a woman inherits her childhood home, hoping to escape debt, but the house is falling apart and a doppelgänger-like neighbor becomes obsessively dangerous, escalating into a Christmas-set slasher. Vallet discusses prioritizing actors’ performances, early sound and scoring collaboration, shooting on Sony Venice in 4:3 with natural light and night-for-day, a 15-day December 2024 shoot, a difficult third-act set build, and adapting scripts and schedules to budget and resources.

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 

About Christine W Chen:

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

About Adam Rani:

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.

About John Valley

John Valley became a prolific music video director in Austin TX before honing in on his debut feature The Pizzagate Massacre, a dark horror comedy that VICE called "A grindhouse Pizzagate satire that perfectly captures a moment in time." His sophomore film, American Dollhouse is a modern take on proto-slasher classics like Psycho and Black Christmas.

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

00:00 Actors First Philosophy

00:22 Podcast Intro And Guest

01:41 Origins Of American Dollhouse

04:57 Logline And Setup

06:34 What Makes A Slasher

11:24 Slasher Structure And Metaphor

15:07 Sound Design And Score

17:34 Lessons From First Film

21:21 Crew And Camera Choices

25:05 On Set Trauma And Third Act Build

29:42 Night for Day Magic

30:43 Scheduling as Storytelling

31:54 Budget as Creative Tool

34:03 Practical Effects and Big Punch

37:14 Script vs Set Reality

39:00 Directing Without Attachment

41:39 Next Projects Monster Movie

44:06 Pivoting and People First

46:58 Christmas Theme and Family Pressure

50:28 Austin Film Scene Farewell

52:41 Housekeeping and Sign Off

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