In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Casey Newel⁠, Writer & Producer at 1CultureTV, about his first experience attending the American Film Market (AFM). Casey shares insights from pitching his Bigfoot horror feature, learning directly from industry experts, and connecting with creators from around the world. He breaks down how 1CultureTV leverages AI to reimagine classic comedy content and why the technology has become an essential creative tool for his work. Casey also discusses his mission to keep storytelling innovative, collaborative, and accessible as he develops new short films and future projects.

Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠

Visit our website:

⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Paul Santoli⁠, Executive at A 516 Productions, to talk about his journey from standup comedy and sketch videos to building a production company in Los Angeles. Paul shares how his Christian faith helped him navigate an unpredictable, non-linear path in the film industry and why creating his own projects became the way forward. He also introduces his new feature comedy, “We Want The Virus,” a modern-day Dumb and Dumber–style adventure about two struggling actors who drunkenly crowdfund $22,000 by pretending they have COVID, then have to actually get the virus to collect. Paul breaks down his first trip to the American Film Market (AFM), pitching multiple projects, collaborating with his cinematographer, and the importance of harmony on set over chasing

Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠

Visit our website:

⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Attila Korosi⁠, Founder of Move Mountains Pictures, about his mission to create films that go beyond entertainment and truly touch people’s hearts. Attila shares how growing up during the Yugoslavian war shaped his desire to make hopeful cinema, and walks through the journey of “Live and Die in East LA,” a crime thriller shot with both professional actors and local residents that went on to be recognized as one of the top 10 most impactful films about Los Angeles. Attila also talks about audience stories of the film influencing real-life choices, his new action-fantasy project shot in South Korea, and why he sees AI as a powerful tool to enhance creativity rather than replace artists.

Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠

Visit our website:

⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Shane Collins, Head of Production at Forced Perspective, about the company’s transition from a production services provider to a fully integrated indie studio raising capital for its own slate of seven features. Shane explains how Forced Perspective develops, packages, casts, and produces in-house while staying focused on its mission as a Black-owned, female-owned company that creates opportunities for underrepresented creators. He also shares how the team approached AFM 2025 with pre-set meetings, secured multiple theatrical distribution offers, and is now gearing up to begin production on the first film in the slate in early 2026.

Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/

Visit our website:

https://missionmatters.com/

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Sheldon Woodson, Producer & Director at Woodson’s World Studios, about his mission-driven approach to independent filmmaking. A military veteran, novelist, and creator of three feature films, Sheldon shares how he uses his AHA Initiative (Artists Helping Artists) to barter time, skills, and resources to get movies made without excuses. He discusses his first experience at the American Film Market, the unexpected success of his film “The Model, The Mannequin and Me,” and why he believes Hollywood needs fresh ideas instead of endless reboots and sequels.

Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/

Visit our website:

https://missionmatters.com/

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Blair Avery⁠, writer and director at BlairAvery.com, about his mission to make films that truly matter. Blair shares how a childhood experience with a Chronicles of Narnia adaptation sparked his calling to direct, why he believes modern entertainment has lost much of its emotional and spiritual substance, and how he’s approaching the American Film Market as he works to set up his first feature film, “Fast Life.” Driven by a desire to create cinematic stories that speak to the soul—not just fill screens—Blair is focused on standing out by staying true to meaningful, impactful storytelling. 

Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠

Visit our website:

⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Timothy Chizmar, President of SpookyNinjaKitty Media, about his journey from feeling like an outsider at the American Film Market to screening his feature film, “Naked As Created: The Pastor Jim Moore Story.” Tim shares how a real-life story of a nudist pastor inspired a bold, faith-centered film, what it took to complete production during California wildfires, and why his mission is to create unforgettable, provocative indie films while building a sustainable business that keeps the art alive.

Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/

Visit our website:

https://missionmatters.com/

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ sits down with ⁠Tim Levy⁠, Founder & CEO of TWYN, and ⁠Philip Alberstat⁠, Emmy-winning producer, entertainment lawyer, and author. Together, they explore how AI is transforming film development, talent economics, digital avatars, and the creator economy. The conversation highlights how creators can adapt, harness AI tools, and protect their long-term value in a rapidly shifting media landscape.

Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠

Visit our website:

⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Abraam Mikhael, Co-Founder, Artistic Director & Filmmaker at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. Abraam talks about his journey from pharmacy and clinical work to film school and festival leadership, and how his Arab, Christian, immigrant background shapes his storytelling. He also shares the mission behind the festival—to bring authentic, human-centered Arab and diaspora stories to Los Angeles—and gives a glimpse into his upcoming production company and debut feature film centered on redemption and spiritual truth.

Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/

Visit our website:

https://missionmatters.com/

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Henry Yoshida, Co-founder of Rocket Dollar, about his mission to improve financial literacy and make private market investing accessible to everyday investors. Henry shares how his family’s experience as immigrants fueled his career in financial services, why he built Rocket Dollar to help people use IRAs and 401(k)s for alternative investments, and how the landscape of public vs. private markets has shifted. He also discusses the future of self-directed retirement accounts and why he believes alternative investments are on their way to becoming mainstream.

Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.

Apply to be a guest on our podcast:

https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/

Visit our website:

https://missionmatters.com/

More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices