In Love with the Process Podcast

This week on In Love with the Process, we're sharing a special preview from Mike Pecci's new Director's Prep video series.

Created in partnership with Tongal, this ongoing series follows Mike as he prepares his first feature film, They Like the Dark. Each episode explores a different part of the directing process, from storyboards and character design to camera language, blocking, production design, and everything that happens before cameras roll.

Think of this episode as a preview of what's to come over the next few months.

Watch the full video now on the In Love with the Process Podcast YouTube channel or on Instagram @mikepecci.

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On today's solo episode of In Love with the Process, Mike Pecci gets personal.

As he approaches his 48th birthday and prepares to direct his first feature film, Mike reflects on the journey that brought him here. He talks honestly about the bad habits he's developed over the years, the unrealistic expectations creatives put on themselves, and why so many of us are trying to succeed in a world that has completely changed.

Mike shares why he believes becoming an older director has actually been one of the greatest advantages of his career, and how years of experience have given him a perspective he never could have had in his twenties.

The conversation also explores burnout—how to recognize it before it's too late, the habits that quietly lead us there, and the difficult process of finding your way back.

Along the way, Mike talks about Disclosure Day, the growing stack of Criterion Blu-rays he's studying as he prepares for his upcoming feature film, and why slowing down to learn has become more important than chasing the next thing.

This isn't an episode about having all the answers.

It's about being honest.

For nearly a decade, these solo episodes have become some of the most beloved conversations on In Love with the Process because they're real, vulnerable, and filled with the lessons Mike is learning in real time.

If you've ever felt behind...

If you've ever questioned your path...

Or if you're simply trying to build a creative life without losing yourself in the process...

This episode is for you.

► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Code Elektro, Mitch Murder

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On this inspiring episode of In Love with the Process, Mike Pecci sits down with legendary concept artist, storyboard artist, and comic book powerhouse Eric Canete.

Known for his incredible work on Absolute Batman, Skinbreaker, Chrononauts, and decades of influential work across comics, animation, and entertainment, Eric joins Mike for an unforgettable conversation about what it really takes to become a great artist.

The discussion begins with the phenomenal success of Absolute Batman and why the series has taken the comic book world by storm. Eric shares his thoughts on what makes the book resonate with readers and why bold visual storytelling still has the power to surprise audiences.

From there, Mike and Eric dive deep into the creative process.

Eric reflects on his years working in animation, how presenting artwork in boardrooms unexpectedly taught him leadership and communication, and why the best artists aren't just skilled draftsmen—they're great collaborators.

Together they explore:

• Why Absolute Batman has become one of the hottest books in comics
• Eric Canete's journey through animation, storyboarding, and comics
• How to inspire artists to do the best work of their careers
• Finding emotion in every drawing, shot, and composition
• Why building relationships can completely change your creative career
• Convincing talented people to join your projects
• Setting an uncompromising standard for creative excellence
• What filmmakers can learn from comic books and visual storytelling
• 
  

Whether you're a filmmaker, illustrator, storyboard artist, comic creator, or simply someone passionate about making great art, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and genuine inspiration.

This is exactly what In Love with the Process is all about—honest conversations with world-class artists who love the craft and aren't afraid to share everything they've learned along the way.

If you need a creative spark...

This episode delivers.

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► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Code Elektro, Mitch Murder

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Four hundred episodes.

When Mike Pecci first launched In Love with the Process, he never imagined the journey it would take him on. What began as a simple conversation about creativity grew into one of the most beloved filmmaking podcasts in the world, introducing listeners to directors, cinematographers, musicians, actors, artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from every corner of the creative universe

For this very special 400th episode, Mike is joined by longtime friend, collaborator, and co-host of Right Place Right Time, Lance A. Williams, for a heartfelt look back at the incredible journey that brought them here.

The two revisit some of their favorite guests, unforgettable conversations, and behind-the-scenes adventures that only happened because of the podcast.

From broadcasting out of a luxury penthouse overlooking Las Vegas during NAB, to recording from a house packed wall-to-wall with horror filmmakers during one of the greatest film festival experiences on earth, Mike and Lance share stories from the road, lessons learned, and moments that changed the course of their careers forever.

They also reflect on the amazing sponsors who believed in the show, the friendships that were built along the way, and the community of listeners who made it all possible.

Most importantly, they discuss how In Love with the Process transformed their lives, helped shape their creative journeys, and ultimately led Mike to the biggest chapter of his career yet.

This episode is a celebration.

A celebration of creativity.

A celebration of persistence.

A celebration of community.

And most importantly, a celebration of you.

If you're new to the show, there has never been a better place to jump in.

If you've been here since the beginning, this episode is for you.

Thank you for 400 incredible episodes.

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► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Code Elektro, Mitch Murder

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Fans of In Love with the Process have been flooding Mike's inbox with questions about one of the biggest stories happening in entertainment right now:

Why are so many YouTubers suddenly getting movie deals?

From horror films to studio projects, producers seem to be betting big on online creators, and in many cases, it's paying off.

So what exactly is happening?

On this special solo episode, Mike breaks down the current explosion of YouTubers entering Hollywood, why audiences are obsessed with the trend, and what it means for filmmakers trying to break into the industry.

Mike also tackles the difference between spending years developing your craft versus finding overnight success, why both paths can work, and the uncomfortable realities that many people don't want to hear about how movies actually get financed and made.

► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Mitch Murder

——SPONSORS——

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On this classic episode of Right Place Right Time, hosts Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams recount an unforgettable Hollywood story: attending a private screening of Gladiator 2 with none other than Ridley Scott himself. Invited by Scott Free to a close-knit screening for friends and collaborators, the experience was nothing short of life-changing for two filmmakers chasing their dreams. From the awe of being in the room with a cinema legend to the unexpected twists of the night, this story is one for the ages. Join Mike and Lance as they share the magic of being at the right place at the right time in their quest to make it in the film industry.

---------------------------------

Music by Mitch Murder

►Mike Pecci's IG: instagram.com/mikepecci

►Lance's Instagram: www.instagram.com/golancego/

►ILWP's IG: instagram.com/inlovewiththeprocesspod

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On this brand new episode of In Love with the Process, filmmaker Mike Pecci sits down with professional storyboard artist Paul Angeli for a deep dive into the art of visual storytelling.

As Mike gears up for his first feature film, listeners get a rare fly on the wall experience as he meets with potential collaborators and explores one of the most important tools in filmmaking, storyboards.

Mike and Paul get into the nitty gritty of previsualizing a film, designing efficient and expressive storyboards, communicating emotion through framing, and how visual language can elevate a movie beyond dialogue.

The two also discuss their influences from classic cinema and comic books, the importance of cinematic grammar, and why films that truly understand visual storytelling remain timeless for generations.

This is an inspiring and incredibly practical conversation for filmmakers, artists, cinematographers, directors, comic fans, and anyone obsessed with the craft of cinema.

► Paul's IG

► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Code Elektro, Magic Sword & Mitch Murder

——SPONSORS——

► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10

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It’s a huge moment for filmmaker and host Mike Pecci.

After years of talking openly on In Love with the Process about chasing the dream of directing a feature film, the press release for Mike’s first feature has officially hit, and now the real process begins.

As promised for nearly a decade on this show, Mike is taking listeners deep behind the curtain and documenting every step of bringing a movie to life.

On today’s special episode, Mike sits down with military consultant and former EOD bomb technician Chris Weakly for a fascinating, emotional, and intense conversation about the realities of bomb disposal, trauma, fear, survival, and the emotional weight carried by the people who put their lives on the line to protect others.

One of the most important tools a director, writer, or actor can use while preparing a film is talking directly with people who have actually lived the life being portrayed on screen. Not just to gather technical details, but to understand the emotional truth behind the job.

Chris opens up about life as an EOD tech, the psychology of disarming explosives, how trauma reshapes identity, and how art and storytelling can help people process difficult experiences.

This is a powerful conversation about filmmaking, humanity, preparation, fear, survival, and why authentic voices matter in storytelling.

Strap in for one of the most unique and intense episodes of In Love with the Process yet.

► Chris's IG

► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Code Elektro, Magic Sword & Mitch Murder

——SPONSORS——

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On this supersized episode of In Love with the Process, Mike sits down with cinematographer Brandon Cox (Werewolves, One Spoon of Chocolate) for a deep dive into the art, craft, and chaos of filmmaking.

Brandon has built an incredible career shooting films around the world, including RZA’s new revenge thriller One Spoon of Chocolate, presented by Quentin Tarantino. The two friends talk openly about what a cinematographer actually does, the tools used to prep a film, how visual language evolves from project to project, and what it’s like leading crews across different countries and productions.

Brandon also shares stories from working with RZA, building the visual identity for One Spoon of Chocolate, and balancing creativity with the brutal realities of production.

The conversation moves from lenses and lighting to filmmaking philosophy, crew dynamics, surviving the business, and the emotional side of chasing a life in cinema.

This is a massive episode for filmmakers, cinematographers, film students, and anyone obsessed with the process behind great movies.

► Brandon's IG

► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Betamaxx

——SPONSORS——

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It’s happening. The thing Mike has been teasing for years is finally real.

On this very special episode of In Love with the Process, Mike officially announces his first feature film:

THEY LIKE THE DARK

Written by Will Simmons, produced by Ridley Scott and starring Liam Hemsworth.

This episode is more than a film announcement.

It’s the story behind the story.

For over 25 years Mike has chased this dream, through failures, setbacks, near misses, self doubt, sleepless nights, side jobs, passion projects, music videos, commercials, podcasts, and countless moments where quitting would have been easier.

But he kept going.

Mike jumps behind the mic to talk openly about how the film came together, the long road to getting here, the people who believed in him, and what it really takes to survive long enough for your moment to arrive.

This is a conversation about perseverance, obsession, creative survival, and putting one foot in front of the other when the world keeps knocking you down.

Mike also talks about how the In Love with the Process community helped make this moment possible, and how the podcast will continue to be part of the filmmaking journey moving forward.

This is the beginning of something much bigger.

Come celebrate with us.

Welcome to the world of THEY LIKE THE DARK.

► Deadline Article

► Mike's IG 

► ILWP's IG 

Music: Betamaxx

——SPONSORS——

► FujiFilm 10% off Accessories (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/accessories/) and Merch (https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com/brand-merch/) Promo code PROCESS10

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Inlovewiththeprocess.com

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