Next Gen Cinema

After a short break, Ian and Hunter return with Blake High School’s Joe Papadopoulos—a media educator with a background in live news and commercial production. Joe reflects on how real-world experience doesn’t always translate in the classroom, and how students thrive when they’re trusted, encouraged, and guided with structure. He shares the power of pre-production, how to run creative in-class projects like “15 in 15,” and why planning is the most overlooked skill in student filmmaking. Ian and Hunter also talk about how to keep students productive during school hours—even when the bulk of their filming happens outside of class.

Filmmaker Hadji (DJ) Bonoan joins Ian and Hunter to discuss his unexpected journey from engineering to filmmaking. DJ shares how he transitioned into the creative world, the challenges of selling your vision, and the realities of working in the industry. He also talks about his experiences at Diamond View Studios and what it takes to make a career in film. Plus, Ian and Hunter discuss strategies for effective time management in creative projects.

In this episode of Next Gen Cinema, Ian and Hunter talk with Dustin Topham, the film teacher at Lone Peak High School, about his approach to pushing students beyond the classroom. Dustin shares how he fosters a culture of accountability, encourages students to finish what they start, and gives them real-world filmmaking experiences that prepare them for careers in the industry. He discusses the importance of learning from failure, embracing every role on set, and developing storytelling skills that stand out in competitions.

Plus, Ian and Hunter break down their strategies for preparing students for film competitions like STN and SkillsUSA.

What does it really take to be a filmmaker? In this episode, Ian and Hunter sit down with Vyky Saiz, a filmmaker and production manager at FSU Film, to talk about the mental and creative challenges of filmmaking. Vyky shares her experience transitioning from teaching high school to working at one of the top film schools in the country, the importance of self-soothing during high-pressure productions, and why a strong film community is essential for success.

Ian and Hunter also dive into the debate of practical filmmaking vs. visual effects, breaking down when to rely on real-world techniques and when digital magic is the better choice.

What happens when a hurricane disrupts your biggest production of the year? In this episode, Kevin from Two Stories Media shares how he navigates unexpected challenges in the film industry, from natural disasters to managing large-scale productions. We discuss the importance of lighting, the transition from wedding videography to commercial filmmaking, and what it takes to build a thriving production company.

Plus, Ian and Hunter break down the benefits of CTSOs (Career & Technical Student Organizations) and how these programs give young filmmakers the real-world experience they need to succeed.

In this episode of Next Gen Cinema, we sit down with filmmaker and freelance creative Lief Thomason, founder of Odd Lief Studios. Lief shares his journey from being an educator to building a career in video production, all while balancing family life and creative freedom. He dives into the importance of improvisation on set, the realities of freelancing, and how aspiring filmmakers can navigate the industry outside of major film hubs. Plus, we discuss his experience premiering a short film locally and the impact of community connections in the filmmaking world.

In this episode, we sit down with Tai Cummings, the instructor behind Cypress Bay High School’s powerhouse TV production program, CBTV. Tai shares his journey from working in advertising and sports media—earning championship rings with the Miami Heat—to shaping the next generation of filmmakers. He opens up about the challenges of stepping into teaching without a traditional film background and how he embraces learning from his students while fostering their creativity.

We dive into his biggest filmmaking advice—why accent lighting is the key to making any film look more professional—and discuss the importance of pushing students to think outside the box. Tai also shares how he encourages students to take creative risks, like he did when bringing Funko Pops to life in a CW commercial. Plus, we talk about creating a safe space for young filmmakers, building a strong program culture, and the value of mentorship in education.

In this episode of Next Gen Cinema, Ian and Hunter sit down with Tom Oliva, co-founder of the All-American High School Film Festival, to unpack the inspiring story behind its creation. Tom reflects on his journey from being an English teacher with a passion for storytelling to founding a festival that now showcases the talents of thousands of young filmmakers worldwide. He shares the pivotal moments, challenges, and driving forces that turned an idea into a thriving community built on creativity, connection, and courage. Ian and Hunter also discuss their own transformative experiences with the festival, the life-changing opportunities it offers to students, and why AAHSFF is more than just an event—it’s a catalyst for dreams, friendships, and future careers.

In this episode of Next Gen Cinema, we’re joined by filmmaker Sean Gloria, who shares his incredible journey of creating a feature film in just 30 days. From writing the script in four days to shooting on iPhones with a three-person crew, Sean discusses how limitations can spark creativity and how pressure can lead to extraordinary results. We explore the importance of storytelling, the art of working with what you have, and why finding closure in a narrative is more crucial than ever. Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at a project that proves you don’t need big budgets or endless time to make a meaningful film.

In this episode of Next Gen Cinema, hosts Ian Wald and Hunter Schwefringhaus sit down with Sean Phillips, a filmmaker and educator with a diverse career in production, and teaching. Sean reflects on his journey from sports broadcasting to his time as a TV production teacher at schools like Wesley Chapel High School and Blake High School. He shares valuable insights on how to build a sustainable career in the creative industry, balancing freelance work, private sector roles, and teaching.

Sean emphasizes the importance of "selection" in filmmaking—whether it’s choosing the right shots, sound bites, or elements to tell a cohesive story. He stresses that students should be selective in their storytelling and avoid overcomplicating their projects, a crucial lesson for aspiring filmmakers.

Ian and Hunter follow up by discussing the significance of pre-production in filmmaking. They highlight how careful planning and organization in the early stages can help ensure a smooth production and successful final product. The episode offers practical advice for students and teachers alike, emphasizing how selecting the right elements and being prepared can make all the difference in the filmmaking process.