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I had the pleasure of speaking with some of the filmmakers of the 'Love Fictionally' Shorts film block at the 25th Anniversary season of the Tribeca Festival.
These films premiered at Tribeca on Friday, June 25th, with additional screenings on Saturday, June 13th at 8:30pm and Sunday, June 14th at 2:00pm. I moderated a Q&A after the screening on June 13th.
The description for this block is: Take a humorous, heated and heartfelt journey through love and relationships.
KAILY MORGAN SMITH | Director & Producer of 'General Admission'
Starring Nina Dobrev, Adam Shapiro, Cedric Yarbrough, Sarah Baker
Kaily Morgan Smith is a director, writer, producer, and entrepreneur originally from Denver, Colorado. Her acting credits include THE OFFICE, GILMORE GIRLS, and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. In 2012, Kaily relocated to New York City after being cast as Alicia Silverstone’s understudy in the Broadway production of THE PERFORMERS. In addition to her creative work, Kaily is the co-founder of SeriesFest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. Kaily is the founder of Kind Spirit Studios, her current production company focused on developing bold, character-driven stories with a particular emphasis on female-driven narratives across film and television.
DREW VAN STEENBERGEN | Director Writer & Actor of 'Buckets'
Starring Drew Van Steenbergen
Drew van Steenbergen is an award-winning editor and director with work spanning commercials, narrative series, shorts and interactive storytelling. He serves as the lead editor for Spotify and The Ringer’s Golden Globe winning podcast, “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” and has edited series for Paramount+, Hulu, Disney, ABC, and Comedy Central. Drew has also cut high-profile commercial campaigns for such clients as DoorDash, Bank of America, and NBC’s Abbott Elementary – earning accolades including Clio Awards, Best Editing at the NYTV Festival, and Best Short Film at OutFest LA.
TY MOLBAK | Director & Writer of 'You Tryna Say You Love Me?'
Starring Asante Blackk, Malia Pyles
Ty Molbak (Director, Writer, Producer) was raised between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Whidbey Island, Washington. You Tryna Say You Love Me? marks his first short film with dialogue. As an actor, Ty recently appeared in Hamlet directed by Tony nominee Robert O’Hara and is best known for starring in the BAFTA-winning interactive project Immortality by Sam Barlow which premiered at Tribeca in 2022. Additional credits include Damien Chazelle’s Babylon, Master (Sundance & SXSW 2022), Next Exit (Tribeca 2022), She Taught Love (Hulu), and Law & Order, portraying the counterpart to Luigi Mangione in the series’ viral episode.
Directing credits include TAN (a dance-film featuring dancers from San Francisco Ballet), SCORCH (a one-person play), Mary Poppins (reimagined with shadow puppetry), and Something Yellow (a silent short acquired by IndieFlix). Ty is also the founder of Blue Collaborative, a nonprofit production company where he’s produced projects starring actors like Kaia Gerber, Bob Odenkirk, and Nat Wolff. He attended LMU’s School of Film and Television before transferring to Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts and Shakespeare’s Globe in London to study acting.
MAGGIE AND TYLER BROWN | Directors & Writers of 'One Night'
Starring Rain Spencer, Jackson Reid Kelly, Jahking Guillory
Maggie Brown is a filmmaker and advocate for menstrual equity. In middle school, she co-founded The Pad Project, a nonprofit dedicated to ending period stigma worldwide. At 15, she was the associate producer of the Oscar-winning Netflix documentary Period. End of Sentence. (2019). Now 22, Brown graduated from Columbia University, where she spent her senior year interning at A24. One Night marks her official narrative directorial debut. The short, which she co-wrote and directed with her brother, will have its world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival.
Tyler Brown is a director whose work spans music, film, and animation. He has collaborated with Gary Oldman, Duran Duran, Def Leppard, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Trent Reznor. His credits include Willa Amai’s “What’s Up” (1.4M+ views). He writes at Sony Pictures Animation and has been featured in Variety, THR, and Billboard.
Special Thanks to Ben Thompson and Alan Seales
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
Becoming... VP of Shorts Programming of Tribeca Festival Ben Thompson
Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!
Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill.
6 classes for only $60!!!
Thank you to Welcome to Times Square.com
SWITCH had it's World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 in the Indie TV Narrative Showcase.
Public 1 (Premiere) Screening - Sunday, June 7 at 8:30PM at Shorts Theater at Spring StudiosPublic 2 Screening - Monday, June 8 at 6:30PM at AMC 19th St. East 6
Public 3 Screening - Sunday, June 14 at 2:15 PM at AMC 19th St. East 6
Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!
Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill.
6 classes for only $60!!!
PAULINE CHALAMET (Lena)
Pauline Chalamet is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after rising stars. Pauline can soon be seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Chalamet recently starred in season three of the critically acclaimed HBO Max original comedy series, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” alongside Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series follows four suitemates attending a New England college, as they navigate academics, campus politics, new friendships, and busy sex lives.ISABELLE PLATT (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1)Isabelle is a queer writer/director from Portland, Oregon, currently based in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in screenwriting from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Her work has been shown at numerous festivals, including the International Film Festival of Rotterdam and Bushwick Film Festival. Her stories employ humor, heart, and the fantastical to explore gay stuff, identity crises, and shifting familial relationships. She believes in the power of the rom-com.
SOFYA LEVITSKY-WEITZ (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1)
Sofya Levitsky-Weitz is a playwright and TV/film writer. She has original TV projects in development with Hulu, 20th Century Studios and Fifth Season. TV work includes FX’s THE BEAR (WGA Award for Outstanding New Comedy for S1 & 2), Hulu’s THE DROPOUT (WGA Nomination), GASLIT on Starz and asa writer/producer on Hulu’s THE TWISTED TALE OF AMANDA KNOX.
Levitsky-Weitz has an original film in development–which she will direct–with Marc Platt and has worked on multiple features with Michael Showalter including THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. As a playwright, Sofya’s work has been developed in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Her play FLINCHING is currentlybeing developed by the Hearth for an LA premiere. Her play THIS PARTY SUCKS (2019 Kilroy’s List) is optioned for the stage/film & TV rights by Mark Gordon Pictures and is slated for commercial production.
Guest:
Pauline's IMDb
Isabelle's IMDb Isabelle's Website
Sofya's IMDb Sofya's Website
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk)
Iconoclast had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 on Tuesday, June 9th.
Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!
Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill.
6 classes for only $60!!!
Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent) writes, directs and stars in this tightly coiled psychological thriller. A reclusive loner's obsession with a live-streaming influencer reshapes his entire existence through one unsettling choice at a time.
Connor (Gabriel Basso) is going nowhere: Dead-end job, no real footing in the world, and a growing fixation on Nika (Courtney Eaton), a live-streaming influencer who has no idea he exists. He starts reshaping himself around her: lifting weights, learning to shoot guns and building a version of himself he thinks she'd want. His colleague Morgan (Rain Spencer) is the only thing keeping him tethered to reality, but she's losing her grip.
Gabriel Basso is known for The Night Agent, Hillbilly Elegy, The Kings of Summer, and A House of Dynamite. He wrote, directed and starred in Iconoclast.
Rain Spencer is known for The Summer I Turned Pretty, Good Girl Jane, One Night, and Big Girls Don't Cry.
The film also stars: Noah Centineo, Kiernan Shipka, and Courtney Eaton.
Guest:
Rain Spencer's IMDb
Gabriel Basso's IMDb
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk)
SWITCH had it's World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 in the Indie TV Narrative Showcase.
Public 1 (Premiere) Screening - Sunday, June 7 at 8:30PM at Shorts Theater at Spring StudiosPublic 2 Screening - Monday, June 8 at 6:30PM at AMC 19th St. East 6
Public 3 Screening - Sunday, June 14 at 2:15 PM at AMC 19th St. East 6
Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!
Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill.
6 classes for only $60!!!
PAULINE CHALAMET (Lena) Pauline Chalamet is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after rising stars. Pauline can soon be seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Chalamet recently starred in season three of the critically acclaimed HBO Max original comedy series, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” alongside Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series follows four suitemates attending a New England college, as they navigate academics, campus politics, new friendships, and busy sex lives.
ISABELLE PLATT (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1)
Isabelle is a queer writer/director from Portland, Oregon, currently based in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in screenwriting from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Her work has been shown at numerous festivals, including the International Film Festival of Rotterdam and Bushwick Film Festival. Her stories employ humor, heart, and the fantastical to explore gay stuff, identity crises, and shifting familial relationships. She believes in the power of the rom-com.
SOFYA LEVITSKY-WEITZ (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1)
Sofya Levitsky-Weitz is a playwright and TV/film writer. She has original TV projects in development with Hulu, 20th Century Studios and Fifth Season. TV work includes FX’s THE BEAR (WGA Award for Outstanding New Comedy for S1 & 2), Hulu’s THE DROPOUT (WGA Nomination), GASLIT on Starz and asa writer/producer on Hulu’s THE TWISTED TALE OF AMANDA KNOX.
Levitsky-Weitz has an original film in development–which she will direct–with Marc Platt and has worked on multiple features with Michael Showalter including THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. As a playwright, Sofya’s work has been developed in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Her play FLINCHING is currentlybeing developed by the Hearth for an LA premiere. Her play THIS PARTY SUCKS (2019 Kilroy’s List) is optioned for the stage/film & TV rights by Mark Gordon Pictures and is slated for commercial production.
Guest:
Pauline's IMDb
Isabelle's IMDb Isabelle's Website
Sofya's IMDb Sofya's Website
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk)
How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode
Iconoclast had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 on Tuesday, June 9th.
Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!
Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill.
6 classes for only $60!!!
Synopsis:
Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent) writes, directs and stars in this tightly coiled psychological thriller. A reclusive loner's obsession with a live-streaming influencer reshapes his entire existence through one unsettling choice at a time.
Connor (Gabriel Basso) is going nowhere: Dead-end job, no real footing in the world, and a growing fixation on Nika (Courtney Eaton), a live-streaming influencer who has no idea he exists. He starts reshaping himself around her: lifting weights, learning to shoot guns and building a version of himself he thinks she'd want. His colleague Morgan (Rain Spencer) is the only thing keeping him tethered to reality, but she's losing her grip.
Gabriel Basso is known for The Night Agent, Hillbilly Elegy, The Kings of Summer, and A House of Dynamite. He wrote, directed and starred in Iconoclast.
Rain Spencer is known for The Summer I Turned Pretty, Good Girl Jane, One Night, and Big Girls Don't Cry.
The film also stars: Noah Centineo, Kiernan Shipka, and Courtney Eaton.
Cover Art photo of Gabriel Basso: The Hollywood Reporter
Guest:
Rain Spencer's IMDb
Gabriel Basso's IMDb
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz
We're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list!
Discover Lillian's inspiring journey from winning a $1 million pitch prize at the Tribeca Festival to creating a heartfelt film that resonates across cultures and emotions. In this episode, we explore filmmaking, storytelling, audience connection, and the power of authentic expression.
Main Topics & Insights:
Resources & Links:
IMDb Website
Connect with Lilian T. Mehrel on Instagram and Honeyjoon Instagram
Support & Engagement:
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz
We're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list!
Dive into the fascinating world of book-to-screen adaptations with host Michelle Miller and special guest Esther, exploring everything from casting choices to narrative changes that impact how we experience beloved series like Off Campus. Discover behind-the-scenes insights, fan reactions, and the future of adaptations in this lively discussion that fans and industry insiders won’t want to miss.
Main Topics Covered:
In this episode:
Timestamps:
Resources & Links:
Connect with Esther:
Get the full scoop, analysis, and insider tips on adapting beloved book series—don’t miss this episode for all things book to screen!
Karlee Fomalont, CSA is an Artios Award winning Casting Director, 4-time Artios Award Nominee, and graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where her acting training made for a seamless transition into casting. She began her career at CBS Primetime NY and ABC Primetime NY before moving into independent casting. Karlee has worked with Rori Bergman for 10 years, film credits include: “A Complete Unknown” (Artios Award, Best Casting BAFTA nominee), Steven Spielberg's "The Post" (Artios Nominee), “Empire Waist” (Artios Nominee), "Private Life" (Artios Nominee), "You Hurt My Feelings” (Sundance ‘23), "Eileen" (Sundance ‘23), "Shortcomings" (Sundance ‘23), “No Hard Feelings,” “Happiness for Beginners” (Netflix), “Darkest Miriam” (Tribeca ’24) “Turn Me On” (San Sebastian ’24) among many others. TV credits include: "The Get Down" (Netflix), "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" (Starz), “The Last Frontier” (Apple+), "Living with Yourself" (Netflix), "Yearly Departed" (Amazon), "Run the World" (Starz), "Love Life" (Netflix), "The Good Cop" (Netflix), "Friends from College" (Netflix), and "Rabbit Hole" (Paramount+). She was awarded the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award at the 2024 Artios Awards for her work with Covenant House NY. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, and currently resides in New York City.
Join us as Karlee Fomalont, a seasoned casting director and actor, shares her insights on the intricacies of casting, navigating acting careers, and fostering collaborative relationships in the entertainment industry. Discover practical tips, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the value of diverse pathways in Hollywood and beyond.
Main Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Karlee Fomalont's approach to casting and career insights
06:00 - First roles in entertainment: ballet and early acting experiences
08:16 - The importance of leaning into love for ballet and staying hobby-active as an adult
10:26 - Transition from NYU musical theater to screen acting and casting
15:31 - The pivotal role of early mentorship and internship experiences
18:30 - Recognizing the realities of an acting career and industry support systems
21:13 - The impact of pandemic-driven adjustments in casting and actor outreach
27:48 - Comparing casting to interior decorating: building worlds with actor choices
30:50 - The art of casting period pieces and the importance of character authenticity
32:45 - Approaching small roles and co-stars/day players with specificity and scene-building techniques
35:00 - The rewarding challenge of casting acclaimed projects like A Complete Unknown
40:30 - Dream projects: collaborations with visionary directors and diverse genres
44:15 - The detailed process of from breakdown to call-in: how many actors get seen?
47:49 - Managing actor expectations: the unpredictability of casting decisions
53:40 - Does she look at actor reels?
57:00 - How actors can stay on casting directors’ radar and build their careers
59:00 - The importance of targeted submissions and personal branding
59:55 - Current projects and the outlook for future opportunities in NYC and Hollywood
Resources & Links:
Connect with Karlee Fomalont:
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
Becoming Casting Director Erica Hart ("THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE," "GODFATHER OF HARLEM," "THE BOLD TYPE")
Becoming... Casting Director Susanne Scheel ("Past Lives," "The Wife")
This is a complete breakdown of everything you want to know about the Tribeca Festival, including approx 3 recommendations per category. June 3rd-14th
Feature Films:
Happy Hours (with Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu) Written and Directed by Katie Holmes. Produced by Celine Rattray of Maven Screen Media, as well as former MOTM alum Jenny Halper at Maven.
In Memorium (with Marc Maron, Lily Gladstone, Judy Greer, Sharon Stone, and Justin Long) Directed and Written by MOTM alum Rob Burnett.
Becoming... 5x Emmy Winning Producer and Director Rob Burnett
The Last Day (with Alicia Vikander)
July 4th, New York City: Two mothers navigate the city on different tracks that briefly intertwine before diverging dramatically, in this interpretation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway.
Short Films:
(Curated by VP of Shorts Programming Ben Thompson, MOTM alum, and his team)
Becoming... Festival Director and Senior VP of Programming at Tribeca Festival Cara Cusumano
Shorts block: Love Fictionally
General Admission
Shorts block: Care Package
Kiloran Bay
Shorts block: The Dark Web
Holo
Tribeca X
Storytelling Summit
Vulture Festival
Keke and Whoopi
Tribeca Podcasts
Tribeca Games
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode
TRIBECA: Patricia Arquette and Camila Morrone on the U.S. Premiere of "Gonzo Girl"
Tribeca: Live on the Red Carpet with the Showrunner, Director, and Actor of "Mother, May I Have a Kidney"
What started as a fluke has turned into a full-blown passion. After having her first baby, KELSIE RAE was devouring at least a romance novel a week. One day, she had an idea for a story of her own and—without telling her husband or family—she wrote her first book in just over a month. That story, later published as Taking the Chance, was the beginning of an unexpected author journey that’s now captured the hearts of thousands of readers worldwide.
Kelsie’s books are filled with angst, banter, forbidden love, and unforgettable characters who feel so real they’ll stay with you long after “The End.” Whether it’s the hockey hotties of Lockwood Heights, obsessed mafia kings in Advantage Play, or her heart-fluttering moments in Signature Sweethearts, her stories always pack an emotional punch.
In this episode, we talk about:
• How reading led her to writing and how she wrote her first book (55,000 words) in a month
• Writing her books on google docs, with her first drafts being 70% dialogue and 30% setting up a scene
• What inspired her to stop putting her books on Kindle Unlimited around 2022
• Going from 55,000 word books to 120,000 books
• Kindle Unlimited pays by page reads
• Her social media journey to 378k followers on Tik Tok
• Her favorite and least favorite parts about the process
• The difficulties that comes with writing book 1 of a series
Guest:
Facebook Tik Tok Instagram
Website
Host:
Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller
Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic
Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle
If you like this episode, check out:
Becoming... Actor and Director Ben Giroux (with 4.5 million Tik Tok followers)
Becoming... Actress and viral Content Creator Courtney Michelle Dlugos (450k on TikTok w/ 20 mill likes)
Becoming… International Bestselling Author Jenny Hale (Hallmark’s ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses’)
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