In this episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with producer, director, and showrunner Ashlee McShan. A 15-year industry veteran whose credits span Vibe, BET, MTV, and SpringHill Company, and a Webby Award winner for her work on HBCU Virtual Homecoming. This conversation dives deep into the realities of freelancing, the power of relationships in Hollywood, learning documentary filmmaking by doing it, and what it takes to build a career while staying true to your own story.

From putting on assemblies in high school without knowing it was "producing," to landing an internship at Vibe magazine that turned into her first title, to taking the terrifying leap into full-time freelancing with nine months of surviving on ramen and spaghetti, Ashlee pulls back the curtain on a career built on trust, community, and refusing to give up.

We explore:

🎬 How writing high school assemblies led to a career she didn't have a word for yet

📰 Her journalism and Pan-African studies background at Cal State Northridge

🤝 The pact with a friend that got her into the industry through Vibe magazine

💡 Jamal's career-defining lesson: "Relationships will make or break you in this industry"

🏆 Winning a Webby Award for HBCU Virtual Homecoming — and still chasing that Emmy

📽️ Learning to make documentaries by simply making documentaries

🗽 Moving to New York, losing her job in six months, and freelancing on faith

💪 The leap into full-time freelancing that led to showrunning at SpringHill

👑 Working alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter at SpringHill Company

🎙️ The staple question — one word: Home

✍️ Why she's taking a screenwriting class to tell more of her own stories

📊 Trusting instincts vs. trial and error in marketing content to different audiences

🎞️ Producing the DEI documentary "What's Costing Hollywood?" and premiering at Sundance

👥 The creative partnerships that shaped her — Ayanna, Jared, Terrence, Carissa, Raquel, Kevin

🚺 Advice for women and Black women specifically: stop apologizing for taking up space

🚀 Why the future and our stories belong in our own hands

Whether you're an aspiring producer, a freelancer trying to find your footing, or someone who just needs a reminder to trust your own story, this episode is loaded with gems.

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n this episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with director and cinematographer Jarred McGriff: the founder of Live2Create (L2C Studios) whose work spans Paramount, MTV, BET, Netflix, and beyond, and a Webby and Shorty Award winner for his HBCU virtual homecoming project with Support Black Colleges. This conversation dives deep into the realities of independent filmmaking, the discipline of directing and DPing at a major network, staying rooted in craft as gear evolves, and what it means to build a legacy through collaboration and faith. From shooting his first wedding at 12 years old to founding his own production company at Full Sail, working sets with Denzel Washington and Morris Chestnut, and now juggling Paramount, MTV, and Nickelodeon productions in the same week, Jarred pulls back the curtain on a career built on preparation, hustle, and community.

We explore:

🎬 His journey from shooting a wedding at 12 to founding Live2Create

🎓 Why Full Sail's intensity demands you already know your path

🎥 Getting his start as a PA on Spike TV's Playbook 360

🏆 Winning a Webby and Shorty Award with Support Black Colleges' HBCU virtual homecoming 📽️ Behind-the-scenes lessons from his first feature, First Love

📅 A day in the life juggling Paramount, MTV, and BET productions

🎙️ The staple question, one word: Collaboration

🎒 What's really in his director and DP kit

📸 Craft over gear: why the story matters more than the camera

🤖 Using AI as a production tool, from transcripts to research ⚖️ Advice for creatives just starting: put in your 10,000 hours early

Whether you're an aspiring director, a DP building your kit, or just trying to find the courage to start, this episode is loaded with gems.

📲 Follow Jarred: Instagram – @jarred.mcgriff

📲 Follow Steven: Instagram – @stevenstrickland Facebook – strictlytalent1

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In this episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with Newark's own Nimi Hendrix: the visionary director and storyteller behind music videos for Coi Leray, Bobby Shmurda, Jadakiss, and Sleepy Hallow, and a 2023 BET Hip Hop Award nominee for Best Music Video. Broadcasting live from Newark, NJ's iconic Ironbound Film and Television Studios, this conversation takes you deep behind the scenes of independent filmmaking, mentorship, fatherhood-of-a-different-kind (building a filmmaking family), and what it truly means to build a legacy in the industry.

From cutting his teeth with the Secret Society music collective to directing the viral Red Dot series, the gang-culture documentary Death Coast, and Jersey club breakthroughs with Coi Leray and Sleepy Hallow, Nimi pulls back the curtain on a career built on culture, community, and purpose.

We explore:

🎬 His journey from biology pre-med student to sought-after music video director

🎭 The Red Dot series and the moment his work started to speak for itself

🎥 Making the gang-culture documentary Death Coast in Newark

🕺 Capturing the culture in the Jersey club documentary Serato's Hometown Sounds with Unique

🎤 The breakthrough projects behind Coi Leray, Sleepy Hallow & Bobby Shmurda

🏆 Getting a BET Award nomination for "Players Remix" and what it meant for Newark

👥 Building the Secret Society Motion Pictures internship & training the next generation

📸 Why he swears by his telephoto lens over the latest gear

📺 Streaming platforms, diversity, and telling stories that matter

⚖️ Staying persistent, seeking real criticism, and building a legacy on your own terms

📲 Follow Nimi: Instagram – @nimihendrix

📲 Follow Steven: Instagram – @iamstevenstrickland

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In this episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with the multifaceted Esteban Serrano - supervising producer at ViacomCBS/Paramount with 20 years in music and television. Broadcasting live from the iconic Ironbound Film and Television Studio in Newark, NJ, this conversation takes you deep behind the scenes of hip-hop television, fatherhood, faith, and what it truly means to build a legacy in the entertainment industry.

From producing Jay-Z's legendary TRL appearance to directing Chris Brown's Beautiful People music video, relaunching Yo! MTV Raps in the US, and co-creating the Rap Dads show, Esteban pulls back the curtain on a career defined by culture, community, and purpose.

We explore:

🎬 His journey from PA on TRL to supervising producer at Paramount

🏀 How a Mountain Dew NBA Finals spot came together during a pandemic

🎤 The story behind Chris Brown's Beautiful People and the Fame album

📖 Writing The Ten Dad Commandments: Fatherhood Through the Lens of Hip Hop

🖊️ Creating Symbol of Solidarity and sparking Pennsylvania's Day of Racial Healing

🌟 Building diverse, inclusive sets in front of and behind the camera

🎙️ Launching the Rap Dads show and the power of unscripted fatherhood conversations

🤖 How AI is reshaping the future of television production

⚖️ Balancing creativity, family, and faith in a constantly evolving industry

Whether you're an aspiring producer, hip-hop lover, or creative building your own lane, this episode is loaded with gems.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Highlights

02:17 – Sponsor: On The Set Apparel

01:47 – Welcome to Season Dos & Guest Introduction

05:11 – Growing Up in West Philly in Will Smith's Shadow

08:04 – Landing at TRL & a Dream Realized

10:27 – Producing Jay-Z's Iconic TRL Appearance

17:54 – The 48 Laws of Power & Learning to Produce

20:30 – Leveling Up: From PA to Segment Producer

25:55 – Big Breaks & the Chris Brown Era

31:41 – The Beautiful People Music Video Journey

36:47 – The Mountain Dew NBA Finals Commercial

42:05 – Creative Vision: Watch It on Mute

44:46 – One Big Break vs. a Series of Breaks

51:57 – Creating Yo! MTV Raps & The Hustle for Fuse TV

01:06:48 – Building Diverse Sets & Inclusive Culture

01:08:00 – Hosting Fuse TV's Top 20 Despite Dyslexia

01:15:33 – Challenges: Getting Out of the Industry's Way

01:22:52 – The Rap Dads Show: Behind the Scenes

01:29:00 – The Sprinter & Rolling Loud Collaboration

01:38:33 – A Family of Creatives & Balancing It All

01:24:06 – Symbol of Solidarity & The Day of Racial Healing

01:10:48 – The Staple Question: One Word for Being on Set 🧘

01:15:14 – Launching Audio Vision with His Wife

01:53:07 – The Ten Dad Commandments & Evolving as a Father

02:07:54 – Navigating Self-Doubt with Faith & Preparation

02:14:31 – Advice for Creatives Who Want to Pivot

02:17:35 – Outro & Final Thoughts

📲 Follow Esteban: Instagram – @theestebanserrano YouTube – The Rap Dads Show

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In this episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with the dynamic Gabrielle Mendoza, a multimedia powerhouse and 2017 Rutgers-Newark alum. Broadcasting from the legendary Ironbound Film and Television Studio in Newark, NJ, this conversation dives deep into the creative world of digital storytelling, cosplay culture, and what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving media landscape.

From working behind the scenes at BBC America and Sundance TV to running her own anime comic shop, Peach Manga 🍑📚, Gabby opens up about her journey, challenges as a woman in the industry, her love for cosplay, and how she uses creativity as a force for community and self-expression.

We explore:

• 🚀 Her leap from journalism to editing and design
• 🎭 The intersection of cosplay and creativity
• 💡 How AI is shifting the post-production world
• 🛡️ The power of creating safe spaces on set
• 🎶 The soundtrack that scores her life
• 💼 Tips for creatives building their brand and business

Whether you're an aspiring editor, nerd culture lover, or looking for inspiration from a creator who does it all — this episode delivers the gems!

In this inspiring episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with Kenneth Gifford, a maverick in the film industry. As a director, producer, and CEO of multiple film ventures, Kenneth takes us on his journey from high school auditions to working on major films like Hancock and Cadillac Records. He reflects on the importance of indie films, mentoring the next generation, and contributing to the craft that shapes the film industry. Kenneth also discusses his role in founding the New Jersey Motion Picture Museum and his latest project, The Studio.

Kenneth's story is one of perseverance, faith, and embracing the multifaceted nature of success. From his humble beginnings to his incredible rise in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and behind-the-scenes stories that will inspire aspiring filmmakers and creatives alike.

In this episode of On The Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with acclaimed director, producer, and screenwriter Greg Cally for an in-depth conversation on the art of storytelling, creative ownership, and navigating the film industry. From his early beginnings as a poet to directing and producing projects for major networks like ESPN and HBO, Greg shares his journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Throughout the episode, Greg reflects on the impact of Michael K. Williams, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how he balances commercial demands while staying true to his creative vision. He breaks down his experiences working on projects like Black Market and Never Would've Made It, explores industry trends, and offers insights into the evolving landscape of filmmaking. Greg also delves into his upcoming ventures, including his entry into the action film genre, and provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging creative, this episode is packed with valuable insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes gems that you won’t want to miss.

In the premiere episode of On the Set Podcast, host Steven Strickland sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Rock Davis for an unfiltered deep dive into the art and business of filmmaking. With over 20 years of experience, Rock shares the challenges and triumphs of being a director in today’s evolving industry, from navigating the Instagram era to crafting cinematic stories that resonate. Discover behind-the-scenes insights on directing iconic music videos for artists like Nas and Mary J. Blige, his inspirations rooted in family, and his passion for local film initiatives. In this conversation, Rock breaks down the filmmaking process—from concept to screen—highlighting the importance of lighting, pre-production, and collaboration. He also teases his upcoming documentary on co-parenting and provides invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to stay relevant in the digital age. Whether you're an industry veteran or a curious film enthusiast, this episode delivers wisdom, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look into cinematic storytelling.

Welcome to On The Set Podcast! This season, we’re bringing you authentic conversations, creative journeys, and behind-the-scenes stories that inspire.

From filmmaking to music and entrepreneurship, Season 1 features incredible talent like Rock Davis, Greg Cally, Gabby Mendoza, and Kenny G. Each episode is packed with powerful insights, raw moments, and fresh perspectives from creators making waves in their industries.

Get ready to be inspired, elevated, and motivated. This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Tune in and experience the power of storytelling like never before.