#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts, #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List.

Jay Tavare describes himself best when he says he is a storyteller and a citizen of the world.

Jay's acting performances in several Oscar-winning films with some of our era's most talented and acclaimed directors and actors--are the natural outcome of his eclectic life experiences and the direct result of his intense focus on excellence and dedication to authentic characters. Jay's onscreen roles include: Pathfinder (Marcus Nispel, 2007) as Black Wing, with Karl Urban and Clancy Brown * The Missing (Ron Howard, 2003) as Kayitah, with Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones * Cold Mountain (Anthony Minghella, 2003) as Swimmer, Jude Law's Cherokee half brother and fellow Confederate army warrior * Adaptation (Spike Jonze, 2002) as Matthew Osceola, the enigmatic Seminole orchid thief opposite Meryl Streep * Street Fighter (1994) as Vega, the devilishly handsome and lethal Spanish Ninja * Into the West (Steven Spielberg, 2005 mini-series) as Chief Prairie Fire opposite Keri Russell * CSI Miami season finale, Going Ballistic (2009) as Manny Ortega.

For his role on CSI Miami Jay performed all his own stunts for the episode, including an astounding world class 23 story controlled free fall (more than 200 feet!) which was awarded an Emmy nomination. This sort of feat has given Jay an onset reputation as a bit of a daredevil. But it is more accurate to say he is master of an impressive repertoire of physical skills. Jay does not promote himself as a stuntman, but his experience as an athlete and dancer gives him the rare ability to create seamlessly believable characters by preparing and performing his own stunts when the role calls for it. It's no surprise directors and fellow actors recognize him for this.

Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander:

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.comREPLAY:

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#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts, #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List.

Bestselling author Joel Brokaw has been the grateful beneficiary of a life experience that has helped give him a valuable perspective. Whether growing tomatoes in the social-laboratory of Sweden during the 1970s or working in Hollywood with some of the most famous people on the planet, Joel has had a front row seat to noteworthy cultural and societal developments over the decades.

Working in the entertainment industry as a publicist for more than 30 years, Joel learned from some of the best in how artists use their craft and their medium to connect with audiences. Foremost he realized how this connection must be immediate, accessible, uncomplicated yet novel. It had to go beyond the intellect and penetrate on the body and soul. He also observed that the artists with the greatest longevity achieved that through honesty and integrity with their audiences. And many of them taught him the greatest gift—how art created with the right intention can help elevate the human spirit for the highest good.

Joel was born as the fourth generation in a show business family. His paternal grandmother’s family was a Russian acrobatic dance troupe that performed for European royalty and on the American vaudeville stage. His grand uncle Johnny Hyde discovered Marilyn Monroe. And his super-agent father worked from the mailroom to become chairman of the William Morris Agency. His maternal aunt was Sara Berner, a character/comedic actress whose most notable roles were in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window and as a member of Jack Benny’s ensemble.

https://joelbrokaw.com/

Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander:

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com

SUMMARY

In this episode, Kaia interviews Joel Brokaw, author of *Driving Marilyn* and a prominent figure in media and entertainment. We explore his father, Norman Brokaw's, incredible journey from the mailroom of the William Morris Agency to becoming a leading agent for Hollywood icons. Joel shares insights on the profound impact of mentorship in the industry, emphasizing the importance of empathy and genuine relationships. We discuss Norman's revolutionary contributions to television and his ability to transform risks into opportunities for stars. Joel reflects on the evolving roles within media and encourages aspiring creatives to embrace storytelling, highlighting the lasting power of connections in achieving success.

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#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts, #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List.

Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander:

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com

Summary

Adam shares his journey of writing "Just Friends," a film that blends humor and relatability, while recounting the arduous road to production, which began back in 1999 before its release in 2005. He vividly details the endless iterations of the script, the changing dynamics in Hollywood, and the serendipitous moments that brought the film to life. Central to our discussion is the relatability of its characters and comedic moments, which resonate with audiences even 20 years later, making it a perennial favorite, especially during the holiday season.

We explore the themes of reinvention and adaptability within Adam’s career, noting how he pivoted from screenwriting to producing engaging educational content. His exciting venture into the world of podcasts culminated in "Who Smarted," which captures the essence of making learning fun for kids. Adam emphasizes the importance of creativity in education, sharing how he approaches storytelling with scientific concepts to captivate young audiences.

Our conversation also touches on his collaboration with Pharrell Williams on "Brainchild," an educational series that aimed to inspire curiosity in children through clever storytelling. Adam discusses the ups and downs of working within the streaming landscape, reflecting on the challenges of making meaningful content accessible in a commercialized media environment. He further articulates how successful projects often come back to the value of owning one's audience, a lesson he learned while cultivating a loyal listener base for "Who Smarted."

Adam reveals insights about his latest screenplay "Midwolf Crisis," which humorously tackles midlife dilemmas through a supernatural lens. We also discuss his podcast "Oscars: What Were They Thinking?" where Adam pairs with Bruce Valanche to critique past award-winning films. Throughout our conversation, he expresses a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a steadfast belief in the importance of using creativity as a tool for connection and community.

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#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts, #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List.

Spyder Dobrofsky is the writer/director of upcoming horror film, "Down Below", which features a cast that includes Oscar-Nom Eric Roberts, Bai Ling, Alexis Knapp and horror legend, Doug Jones. The movie has secured U.S. distribution with Gravitas Ventures for a 2024/2025 release.

He's responsible for Tubi's breakout horror-western film, "Teardrop" directed by cult filmmaker Steven R. Monroe (I Spit On Your Grave). He's also an executive producer & screenwriter on NBC Peacock's Original Movie, "The Housewives of the North Pole" (starring Breaking Bad's Betsy Brandt, & Kyle Richards from the Real Housewives Franchise).

Spyder sold his first movie at age 23, making him one of the youngest writers to ever have a produced motion picture. He was a guest on Jay Leno's Tonight Show as a teenager alongside Jack Black for launching the worldwide website and phenomenon, Car-Parazzi.

Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander:

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com

SUMMARY

Spider Dobrofsky and Kaia dive deep into the intricacies of filmmaking and his latest project, the horror film "Down Below." Our discussion highlights not only his impressive body of work but also the challenges and triumphs he faced while navigating the industry. Spider shares how he kicked off his career by selling his first film at just 23 and how he has managed to maintain his momentum through continually adapting to the shifting landscape of Hollywood.

We explore the creative journey behind "Down Below," which features an impressive cast including Eric Roberts and Doug Jones. Spider recounts the unique production timeline, taking over two years to complete due to the pandemic's impact on shooting schedules and actor availability. He candidly discusses the learning experiences that shaped this project, highlighting the importance of resilience and the drive to see a vision come to life despite numerous hurdles.

The conversation touches on the value of storytelling over production quality. Spider emphasizes that despite working with tight budgets, prioritizing a strong narrative can profoundly impact audience engagement. This philosophy led him to focus on producing feature films rather than getting bogged down by the often fruitless pursuit of financing high-quality short films. His experiences reinforce the notion that creating compelling stories is the true essence of filmmaking and essential for burgeoning creators seeking to break into the industry.

Spider reflects on the importance of maintaining momentum in creative endeavors. He explains how staying in constant motion—be it through writing multiple scripts or navigating opportunities—can prevent the stagnation that often leads to discouragement. He provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers, encouraging them to follow their passion projects while being open to industry trends, especially the growing market for horror films.

As a passionate advocate for connection in the filmmaking community, Spider highlights the significance of mentorship and the role of his family in his journey. We discuss how crucial relationships and collaborations are to fostering growth and creativity within the industry.

Spyder discusses his film's distribution strategy, with "Down Below" now available on streaming platforms like Tubi and Roku. Spider expresses hope for future international distribution, reflecting his continued commitment to sharing his work with audiences worldwide.

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#wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts

Andrew Barnsley is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Executive Producer based in Toronto and Los Angeles. A six-time Canadian Screen Award winner, he has produced acclaimed series such as Schitt’s Creek, Son of a Critch, JANN, and Kids in the Hall. With a career spanning comedy, documentary, and drama, Andrew has played a key role in shaping Canadian television. He is also the President of Toronto Film School and an active member of industry organizations, including the Producers Guild of America. He holds degrees from Ryerson University, York University, and St. Thomas University.

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

In this episode of Hollywood Wolfpack, Kaia converses with Andrew Barnsley, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning executive producer renowned for his influential work in television, particularly with shows like Schitt's Creek, Son of a Critch, and Kids in the Hall. Andrew brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the landscape of comedy and storytelling within the entertainment industry. His journey began in a small town in Alberta, Canada, and evolved into a significant career that spans multiple genres including drama, documentary, and comedy.

Kaia goes deep into Andrew’s early inspirations and how his entrepreneurial spirit and love for comedy shaped his path in the entertainment business. He candidly shares how he found himself drawn to television production without a clear roadmap, navigating through various challenges with a mindset focused on creating opportunities. Andrew reflects on key moments in his career that led to breakthrough successes, emphasizing the importance of resilience in an industry filled with rejection and competition. His perspective reveals how embracing discomfort and learning from failures can catalyze growth and evolution within one’s career.

Andrew discusses the intricacies of developing successful comedy that transcends cultural boundaries, shedding light on the evolution of comedic storytelling over the past few decades. He points out that today’s successful comedies often rely less on traditional joke formulas and more on character-driven narratives that resonate on a universal level. This shift is exemplified in shows like Schitt's Creek, which reached a global audience and fostered conversations about important social topics through humor.

We also explore the significance of mentorship in Andrew's life, as he discusses the relationships he has cultivated throughout his career. He stresses the value of building genuine connections rather than engaging in conventional networking, offering advice to aspiring professionals on how to find their own "wolf packs" in the industry. This focus on community and collaboration highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.

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#wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts

After graduating from Law School in Toronto, Canada, Jeff Deverett launched his film career in the Distribution division of Astral Media, a large public entertainment and media company. Jeff ran the sales and acquisitions of the Home Entertainment division wherein he acquired and sold movies and TV shows both domestically and around the world. He began with Theatrical distribution and Television, which soon led to VHS tapes, morphed into DVD and BluRay disc, and then eventually transitioned to digital delivery and streaming platforms.

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

In this episode of Hollywood Wolfpack, Kaia Alexander speaks with renowned filmmaker and educator Jeff Deverett, who brings a wealth of experience in independent film production, distribution, and financing. Given the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Kaya opens the discussion by emphasizing the importance of community support, particularly highlighting the relief efforts through the Entertainment Community Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping entertainment industry workers affected by disasters.

Kaya and Jeff delve into the intricacies of filmmaking, discussing the delicate balance of creativity and business acumen necessary for success. Jeff emphasizes the vital importance of understanding the financial side of filmmaking and the need to consider audience demands before committing to a project. He explains that a filmmaker's ability to generate pre-awareness and audience interest can significantly influence investor relationships and distribution opportunities.

Jeff offers insights into the world of distribution, detailing strategies to navigate this challenging landscape, particularly for indie filmmakers. He discusses the necessity of having a solid marketing plan and suggests that filmmakers allocate 20% of their production budget for marketing expenses to increase visibility and reach. The discussion also sheds light on the realities of distribution deals, as Jeff shares anecdotes that reveal the often tumultuous relationship between filmmakers and distributors.

Jeff touches on the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. Jeff describes his "wolf pack" highlighting how he surrounds himself with talented individuals allows him to excel in areas where he may lack expertise, such as social media marketing or specific technical skills. This collaborative spirit echoes in Kaya's mission to foster relationships among her students at the Entertainment Business School.

Jeff's rich storytelling also includes his latest project, "God is Good," inspired by the uplifting true story of an Asian immigrant's journey.

In the latter part of the episode, the two engage with Kaia's students, answering questions.

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Nate Golon is a writer, actor, and director. He graduated from Colorado State University with a B.A. in Speech Communications. Nate created and starred in the comedy series "Workshop," the first ever independently produced half-hour comedy to air on Hulu. Other writing and directing credits include the online comedy series "My Synthesized Life" and the critically acclaimed short film "Briefcase." Nate is the author of JOURNEY OF SELF: SIX MONTHS IN THE JAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE, about his experience selling everything and living in small town Japan. Written up by Backstage, TV Guide, and a featured speaker at SAG-AFTRA multiple times.

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

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Zimran Jacob is an Indian American drama television writer originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating Cum Laude from Chapman University with a B.A. in Screenwriting and studying at NYU, USC, and UCLA, he moved out to Los Angeles where he began to work in the finance department at Gaumont Television, which released Narcos, Hannibal, Hemlock Grove, and F is for Family during his tenure at the company.

Zimran's job at Gaumont led him to Marvel in the writer's room on the Netflix show, The Punisher where he was able to contribute to the story in his role on the support staff as the Showrunner's Assistant. During his time at Marvel, he pitched two stories which became produced episodes.

Zimran sold his feature SWAG to 19f Productions where Kevin Pollak is attached to direct. He was a PGA Diversity Workshop Fellow in 2019 and was a Semi-Finalist in both the 2018 and 2019 Austin Film Festival. Most recently, he brought enthusiasm to his job as Showrunner's Assistant for October Faction on Netflix. He writes dark Shakespearean dramas featuring Machiavellian characters, tribal power struggles, and is addicted to crime stories.

Zimran brings a breadth of knowledge and a unique background to all his projects. He created a software company that he sold. He has worked as a financial advisor and an NBA journalist. On top of that, he was a nationally ranked chess player and can do that cool thing where you play a few games at the same time.

https://milliondollarscreenplay.com/

www.instagram.com/zimranjacob/

www.youtube.com/@decodinghollywood8175

Adulterous Villagers

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Christin Marie Baker is an American producer, director, and screenwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. She is the founder and CEO of Tello Films, a streaming network, production, and distribution company of films and web series with a lesbian focus.

www.instagram.com/christintello/

www.tellofilms.com

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

In this episode Kaia interviews Kristen Baker, a pioneering lesbian filmmaker, Emmy-nominated producer, and CEO of Tello Films—the longest-running LGBTQ streaming platform dedicated to showcasing diverse queer narratives. Our discussion explores her rich career, which spans over the years as she has dedicated herself to amplifying authentic lesbian stories in film and television. Kristen’s work is a testament to her commitment to increasing visibility for LGBTQ narratives, especially in a landscape where such stories are frequently sidelined.

As Kristen recounts her journey into the film industry, she shares how a serendipitous opportunity as an extra on a film set ignited her passion for storytelling and led her to pursue a career in filmmaking. We delve into her educational background and early work experiences, which include invaluable insights gained from her time at Regency Productions and the Writers Guild of America. Kristen reflects on her pivot to non-profit work and eventual return to the industry as she founded Tello Films in 2007, recognizing the urgent need for a platform offering queer narratives.

The conversation transitions to the importance of representation in holiday rom-coms, a genre historically dominated by cisgender heterosexual narratives. Kristen highlights Tello Films’ groundbreaking contributions, including "Season of Love," the first lesbian holiday rom-com focused on main protagonistic characters rather than side roles. She expresses her frustration over the industry's slow progress concerning funding and supporting LGBTQ projects, emphasizing Tello's mission to provide a space for stories that resonate with queer audiences.

Kristen further discusses her current projects, showcasing Tello's latest festive releases and their emphasis on authentic representation. We explore her dual role as a creative producer, where she not only manages projects but actively participates in scriptwriting, encouraging a collaborative environment that nurtures the next wave of queer storytellers. Her work on a travel show focusing on lesbian festivals marks a refreshing expansion into unscripted content, revealing the vital need for safe spaces for queer women to connect and celebrate.

Throughout our conversation, Kristen thoughtfully addresses challenges faced by LGBTQ filmmakers, particularly in securing financing and building a supportive audience. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, networking, and finding mentors as essential tools for budding creators. Reflecting on her personal experiences, Kristen suggests that cultivating a dedicated following through smaller projects can help aspiring filmmakers gain recognition and funding for larger works.

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Daniela Saioni is an award-winning comedy writer and script supervisor originally from Toronto, Canada. She has script supervised major motion pictures and TV series in 10 countries, and has served both A-list and first-time directors alike, with a specialization in comedy.

Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.

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