Her Cut

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by filmmaker Bianca Roth to talk about creating original stories, independently funding a television pilot, and finding new ways to bring projects to life outside the traditional film industry.

Bianca shares how her love of filmmaking led her from producing to writing and directing, and how she turned her idea for 20 Somethings, a modern sitcom inspired by the experiences of women in their twenties, into a fully produced pilot. She discusses raising $100,000 for the project, building a team, and finding creative ways to connect with investors, brands, and audiences.

We also talk about the growing role of social media in filmmaking, why she created both vertical and horizontal versions of her pilot, and how independent filmmakers can use online platforms to promote their work and reach audiences directly.

Follow Bianca Roth and 20 Somethings to keep up with the project, and follow Her Cut for more conversations celebrating the women shaping the film industry.

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by sound designer, sound editor, rerecording mixer, and founder of Rimsza Studios Melissa Rimsza to talk about the often overlooked role sound plays in filmmaking.

Melissa shares how one audio class changed the direction of her career, her journey into post-production sound, and the mentorship that helped her learn the industry from the inside. We talk about her experience working across indie films, podcasts, audiobooks, and video games before landing a sound apprenticeship at Sony Pictures.

We also discuss what filmmakers often get wrong about sound, why production sound and dialogue should be a priority, and why filmmakers need to budget for post sound from the beginning.

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by filmmaker and founder of Cinema Sense, Clarke Phillips, to talk about making films on your own terms, building a career outside of traditional industry hubs, and why filmmakers can’t always wait for permission to create.

Clarke shares how her journey into filmmaking began and how her work has developed around stories of resilience, obstacles, and characters who are forced to make the best of the circumstances they’ve been given. We talk about her award-winning short film Suga Brown, a sci-fi story about motherhood, healthcare, genetic modification, and the lengths one woman will go to protect her child. We also discuss how Clarke and her team created a believable sci-fi world on a limited budget and why filmmakers shouldn’t let the cost of a genre stop them from making the films they want to make.

We also get into the realities of building a career after film school, from balancing filmmaking with day jobs and navigating grants to learning the business side of the industry and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Clarke shares why she believes filmmakers need to focus on what they can do themselves instead of waiting for an opportunity to come along.

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by writer and director Jacqueline Elyse Rosenthal to talk about the power of film to create empathy, inspire conversation, and enact social change.

Jacqueline shares how her journey into storytelling began and how her work has grown into a career focused on telling stories that explore environmental responsibility, social impact, and deeply human experiences. We talk about her award-winning film Backlog, her latest science fiction short Europa, created in collaboration with Sony using virtual production technology, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories about real-world issues.

We also discuss the challenges women still face in the film industry, the importance of mentorship and women supporting women, and why Jacqueline believes filmmakers can greenlight themselves instead of waiting for permission to create.

Plus, Jacqueline shares what’s next for her as she continues using storytelling to explore the issues that matter most to her.

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by writer, director, and producer Kelsey Nerrie to talk about her journey from creative writing and screenwriting into working on film sets and eventually directing her own work.

Kelsey shares how studying screenwriting shaped the way she approaches storytelling, what she learned from working across production roles including script supervision and assistant directing, and why getting on set can be one of the best ways to learn how the film industry actually works.

We also talk about her award-winning short film Repercussion(s), from the idea that began as a two-page writing exercise to finally bringing the story to the screen as its writer, director, and producer. Kelsey discusses the personal evolution of the story, learning to trust her creative process, directing for the first time, and what it has been like watching audiences interpret the film through the festival circuit.

Kelsey shares what she’s building through Manuscriptable Productions, her advice for filmmakers trying to get their foot in the door, and what she hopes to create next.

In this solo episode of Her Cut, I’m celebrating one month of the podcast by looking back on a challenge that completely consumed my summer: watching 100 movies in 100 days, all directed by women.

Over the course of the challenge, I watched films spanning from 1940 to 2026, representing 17 different countries and 78 different directors. In this episode, I’m sharing the themes I started to notice, the filmmakers whose work I fell in love with, and some of my biggest discoveries along the way.

If you're looking for your next movie to watch, this episode is full of recommendations—and hopefully, a reminder to seek out a filmmaker or film that might not already be on your radar.

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by San Diego-based creative Chloe Johnston to talk about the relationship between music and filmmaking and the ways music can inspire visual storytelling.

Chloe shares how her journey began with photography and how her love for live music eventually led her into filmmaking. We talk about how music has influenced her creative process, from using songs to help tell the story in her short film Lost and Found to directing music videos for artist Penelope Grace.

We also discuss finding inspiration, translating a song into a visual concept, collaborating with other women creatives, and the importance of creating work that feels true to your own creative voice.

Connect with Chloe on Instagram: @chloejcaptures

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by filmmaker Julie Casamonti to talk about the journey of getting a short film made and, just as importantly, getting it seen.

Julie shares her experience navigating the filmmaking process, from bringing an idea to life and getting a project off the ground to what happens after your film is finally finished. We talk about submitting to film festivals, finding an audience for your work, and the challenges and lessons that come with putting something you’ve created out into the world.

Plus, Julie shares advice for aspiring filmmakers who have a short film idea of their own and are trying to figure out how to take that next step.

Connect with Julie on Instagram: @julie_casamonti

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by Atlanta-based filmmaker Alexsis Paige to talk about transitioning from TV and news production into freelance filmmaking.

Alexis shares what inspired her to make the leap, how she prepared for the move to Atlanta, and what she’s learned about finding opportunities and building a community in the film industry. We also talk about navigating male-dominated sets, being underestimated as a young woman, and knowing when to step up and when to take a step back on set.

Plus, Alexis shares her advice for aspiring filmmakers on networking, finding work, and continuing to pursue your own creative projects while working freelance.

Connect with Alexis on Instagram: @alexsispage

In this episode of Her Cut, I’m joined by filmmaker Christina Brennan to talk about filmmaking, community, and the importance of women supporting women in the industry.

Christina shares her experience making a film in just 48 hours with an all-women crew, what she’s learned from creating alongside other women, and what it’s like navigating the early stages of a career in film. We also talk about the experiences that have shaped her as a filmmaker and the importance of finding your people along the way.

Connect with Christina on Instagram: @christinabrennanfilm