The Entertainment Business Podcast

Unlocking Actor Potential with LA Acting Coach Murisa Harba

Tisha Morris

In this episode, host and entertainment attorney Tisha Morris is joined with Murisa Harba, an award-winning actress, director, and renowned acting coach, to discuss her innovative approaches to acting. Murisa introduces the Chakra Approach® and the Macro Method® which she developed to help actors fully embody their characters, effectively utilize their energy, and thrive in their careers.

They also delve into the broader implications of AI in the entertainment industry and the importance of human energy in creativity. Additionally, Harba speaks about the multi-dimensional roles of modern actors and the importance of a safe learning environment.

Listeners are invited to download Murisa’s download for the Six Keys Every Actor Should Know Before Auditions: www.go.about-the-work.com/macro-six-keys

Connect with Murisa:

www.about-the-work.com
@murisaharba 
@aboutthework

Connect with Tisha:

www.legacyartslaw.com

@tishalmorris

01:28 Murisa Harba's Journey to LA

03:14 Discovering the Chakra Approach

04:11 The Chakra Technique Explained

08:11 Character Depth and Energy Centers

10:59 Acting vs. AI: The Human Element

12:54 Directing Insights and Audition Tips

17:27 Introduction to the Macro Method

18:19 Macro Method for Writers

19:16 Actors as Multi-Hyphenates

21:12 Exploring the Chakra Approach

25:39 Personal Healing Through Acting

28:45 Joining the Acting Community

30:08 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

About Murisa:

Murisa Harba is an award-winning actress, director, and one of LA’s most in-demand acting coaches. Creator of THE CHAKRA APPROACH® and THE MACRO METHOD®, she’s helped thousands of actors unlock their artistry, get out of their heads, and book more roles. 

Her company, About The Work, and her bestselling book Acting With Energy (#1 in 10 countries) have made her a thought leader at the intersection of craft, energy, and career success. Her revolutionary methods are trusted by actors working alongside visionaries like Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher, and performing opposite icons including Brad Pitt, Kathy Bates, and Christian Bale.

By blending spiritual intelligence with professional rigor, she has empowered a generation of performers to elevate their artistry, sustain powerful careers, and thrive at the highest levels of the industry.

Unraveling Foreign Rights in Publishing with Agent Marleen Seegers

Tisha Morris

In this episode, host Tisha Morris welcomes foreign rights agent Marleen Seegers, co-founder of 2 Seas Agency, to explore the intricate world of foreign rights in publishing. Marleen, who has extensive experience in selling and pitching books across the globe, sheds light on the importance of foreign rights, the process of becoming a foreign rights agent, and the nuances of negotiating these rights.

They discuss the role of international book fairs, the value of in-person meetings, and the current trends in the publishing market. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of foreign rights and the impact of global cultural exchanges through literature. Whether you are an author, publisher, or publishing professional, you will not want to miss this episode!

Connect with Marleen at www.2seasagency.com and on IG @2seasagency

Connect with Tisha at www.legacyartslaw.com and on IG @tishalmorris and @legacyartslaw

 

In this Episode:

Marlene's Journey into Foreign Rights

The Role of a Foreign Rights Agent

Understanding Foreign Rights in Publishing

The Importance of Book Fairs

The Significance of In-Person Meetings

Current Trends in Foreign Rights

About Marleen:

Marleen Seegers is the owner and co-founder of 2 Seas Agency. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she holds a degree in Liberal Arts from Utrecht University and a post-graduate degree from the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris.

After working for almost a decade in the French publishing industry, she relocated to Ojai, California, where she founded 2 Seas Agency. Marleen represents international publication rights for publishing houses, literary agencies, and a select number of authors from around the world.

Over the course of her career, Marleen has attended book fairs across Europe, China, Brazil, and Mexico and has participated in international publishing fellowships across the world.

Episode 18: Storytelling Through Today's Industry Lens with Producer Nicholas Weissman

Tisha Morris

Join host Tisha Morris as she talks with Nicholas Weissman, an executive producer and director at Vacationland. With over 15 years of experience in film and video production, Nicholas shares insights on the current state and future of independent filmmaking. They discuss the evolution of distribution platforms, the importance of IP ownership, and effective financing strategies for filmmakers. Nicholas also highlights the new role of film festivals, social media, and brand storytelling in today's industry landscape. This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers eager to learn about the intricacies of the industry and how to navigate its challenges.

About Nicholas Weissman: Nicholas is an Executive Producer and Director at Vacationland, a documentary studio and commercial production company, that makes uncommon films on common ground. With over 15 years of experience in film and video production, Weissman has led projects ranging from long-term feature documentaries to time-sensitive feature video pieces for major print and network news outlets.

Weissman is passionate about storytelling and collaborating with a community of award-winning filmmakers across the globe. He has worked with commercial clients such as Amex, Land Rover, Cadillac, Volvo, British Airways, Ray Ban, Visit California, Nike, Levi's, Microsoft, and Intel. 

His feature, For Ahkeem, premiered at Berlinale Film Festival and won a 2018 Cinema Eye Honors Award. Recent films include We the Power for Patagonia, Havana Libre, A Wonderful Kingdom, and he is currently finishing Row of Life about Ocean Rower Angela Madsen.

Visit www.vacationland.film for more information.

Follow Nick and Vacationland at @Vacationland

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🧑‍💻 CONNECT WITH US:

@legacyartslaw

@tishalmorris

www.legacyartslaw.com

Disrupting Distribution for Indie Film with Kinema Founder Christie Marchese

Tisha Morris

Don’t miss this informative episode with host Tisha Morris and Christie Marchese, founder and CEO of Kinema, the global film distribution and exhibition platform. On the heels of The Duplass Brothers announcing their upcoming episodic, The Long Long Night, on the Kinema platform, Tisha and Christie discuss the rising potential of independent filmmaking, the changing landscape of film distribution, and the tools Kinema offers to filmmakers.

The episode also explores successful case studies, the importance of building an audience, and the valuable resource of the Distribution Playbook co-authored by Christie and Emily Best of Seed & Spark. This comprehensive discussion offers essential insights for filmmakers navigating the complex world of film distribution.

02:49 Christie's Journey into Filmmaking

04:06 Early Career and Nonprofit Work

07:28 Founding of Kinema and Its Mission

11:28 Distribution Strategies and Filmmaker Support

15:36 Success Stories and Case Studies

23:27 The Distribution Playbook

25:58 Contact Information

Connect with Kinema at:

www.kinema.com

IG/YouTube: @kinemaHQ

Visit The Distribution Playbook at www.thedistributionplaybook.com

About Christie Marchese: Christie is the founder and CEO of Kinema, a global film distribution and exhibition platform that leverages the power of community and social interaction to screen and stream films. She was previously the founder of Picture Motion where she continues to serve as Executive VP. Prior to Picture Motion, she ran impact for Righteous Pictures and led digital strategy at Participant Media. Christie is also the co-author of The Distribution Playbook and won several industry recognitions, including being named one of Fortune’s Rising Female Founders in 2023 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in 2021.

Achieving Indie Publishing Success with Bestselling Thriller Author Kiersten Modglin

Tisha Morris

In this episode, host Tisha Morris interviews Kiersten Modglin, a bestselling indie author known for her psychological thrillers. Kiersten discusses her journey as a self-published author, the challenges and rewards of being an independent author, and her writing and business strategies. She shares insights into her daily writing routine, the importance of maintaining creative control, and how she balances the marketing and business aspects of her career. Don’t miss this episode for valuable advice for aspiring writers and a fascinating glimpse into the life of a successful indie author.

00:58 Meet Kiersten

03:32 The Journey to Becoming an Indie Author

05:32 Balancing Writing and Business

08:10 Daily Writing Routine and Creative Process

15:09 Family Life and Writing

16:20 Connecting with Readers and Marketing Strategies

23:28 Favorite Books and Characters

25:33 Where to Find Kirsten's Work

ABOUT KIERSTEN MODGLIN: Kiersten is a #1 bestselling indie author of psychological thrillers of which she has sold over 1.5 million copies. She is the recipient of awards, including the KDP Select All-Star, ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, and Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award. You may know her as KMod, the name her readers across the world call her. Kiersten lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her family.

Connect with Kiersten at:

kierstenmodglinauthor.com

instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor

facebook.com/kierstenmodglinauthor

tiktok.com/kierstenmodglinauthor

Embracing AI Tools to Elevate Creativity with Creative Marketing Director Val Madden

Tisha Morris

Join Tisha in conversation with Val Madden, an executive creative director with over 20 years of experience in leading marketing campaigns for global brands like NBC, Amazon, MGM Studios, and Prime Video, as they take a dive deep into artificial intelligence to discuss their impact on the creative process.

Val shares her unique perspective on blending human-centered storytelling with AI to streamline workflows and craft emotionally resonant, original content. She also explains how her consultancy is working on customized AI tools for creative marketing strategy, detailing the significant improvements in efficiency and creativity it brings.

The conversation also touches on how AI can revolutionize independent filmmaking and the entertainment industry, advising creatives to adopt AI tools to avoid being left behind. Val elaborates on the importance of curiosity, effective communication with AI, and the ethical use of these technologies.

 

01:58 Val Madden's Background and Career

04:09 AI Integration in Creative Processes

05:28 Custom AI Tools and Their Benefits

09:16 AI's Role in the Entertainment Industry

20:01 Practical AI Tools and Tips

38:16 Ethics and Future of AI

About Val Madden:

Val Madden is an Executive Creative Director with 20+ years of experience in audience-centric branding, visual storytelling, and leading marketing campaigns for global entertainment brands like NBC, Amazon MGM Studios, and Prime Video. As a trailblazer in creative innovation, Val blends human-centered storytelling with Generative AI to streamline workflows and craft emotionally resonant, original content that engages audiences and drives business results.

Val champions the integration of AI into creative processes, fostering efficiency, play, and impactful outcomes. Her unique perspective, shaped by the gifts of dyslexia, allows her to spot patterns, solve problems, and develop fresh, innovative strategies.

Through her consultancy, VMCre8, Val is building the Promptsteer Playground, a space to explore AI-driven creative prompts and custom ChatGPTs like “Maxx Strata”; An AI-powered tool for creative marketing strategy and campaign development. She is passionate about mentorship and helping others embrace AI as a transformative tool for creativity, innovation, and efficiency.

Val is here to share her insights into how AI tools can solve pain points, elevate creativity, streamline workflows, and empower us to navigate life and career with clarity and purpose.

Connect with Val at:

www.vmcre8.com

www.promptsteer.com

LinkedIn: @valeriemadden

Instragram: @valspov

Navigating the Current Beat of the Music Industry with CD Baby President Molly Neuman

Tisha Morris

Tisha Morris welcomes Molly Newman, President of CD Baby, the leading music distribution company for independent artists, to share her extensive experience in the music industry, including her beginnings as a drummer in the punk band Bratmobile. They discuss the impact of the recent fires in L.A. on the music community, the evolving landscape of music distribution, and the importance of maintaining community connections.  

Molly also elaborates on the significant changes in the music industry, such as the role of AI and the challenges of music discovery. She emphasizes the importance of artists treating their careers as businesses while staying true to their creative passions.  

00:14 Molly Newman's Background and Achievements

01:20 Impact of Fires on the Music Industry

03:45 The Evolution of CD Baby

08:09 Challenges and Opportunities for Independent Artists

22:03 The Role of AI in Music

28:46 Balancing Creativity and Business

About Molly Neuman:

Molly Neuman is President of CD Baby, owned by Downtown Music, the leading music distribution company dedicated to empowering independent and self-releasing artists. As President, Neuman is leading strategy and management of Downtown which serves millions of artists every day. Neuman was previously CMO of Downtown Music Holdings, CD Baby’s parent company and prior to that, President of Downtown’s Songtrust, which grew under her leadership to manage more than 3 million copyrights.

With a career that has been focused on empowering musicians at all career stages, Neuman has been Head of Music at Kickstarter, and has held senior roles in licensing in digital music, as well as label and artist management. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of Women in Music and has previously served on the boards of the Music Business Association, SoundExchange and A2IM.

Neuman was awarded International Woman of the Year at the 2024 Music Week Awards and has been recognized by Billboard in its 2018 Digital Power Players List, as well as its Women in Music Lists for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024. Her musical career began as a drummer in Bratmobile, a punk band who were in the first wave of the riot grrrl movement.

https://cdbaby.com/

@cdbaby (Instagram)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cd-baby/

In this solocast episode, host Tisha Morris discusses the significant impacts of recent catastrophic fires on the entertainment industry. She talks about the decentralization of filmmaking with a shift from Hollywood to other regions and internationally.

Tisha also projects a consolidation at the top as major studios merge, while opportunities grow for independent filmmakers through new distribution models. She highlights the impending bifurcation between AI-driven and human-centric storytelling, the rise of subsidiary rights in gaming and live experiences, and the legal ramifications of generative AI.

Episode 13: State of the Industry for 2025 and Beyond

Tisha Morris

Charting the Future in Hollywood, AI, and the Digital Era with Former Showtime Exec Rob Rosenberg

Tisha Morris

In this episode, host Tisha Morris engages with Rob Rosenberg, founder of Telluride Legal Strategies and former Executive VP and General Counsel at Showtime, to discuss the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. The conversation covers significant topics including the growth and challenges of streaming services, the integration of live sports and news in streaming, and the burgeoning potential of the gaming industry.

Rob shares insights on how AI is influencing Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of responsible deployment and regulation of the technology. The discussion also touches on legal concerns surrounding AI, the strategic use of technology in filmmaking, new CA legislation and its potential effects, the future of digital replicas, and the rise of indie filmmakers.

About Robert Rosenberg:

New York attorney and legal consultant Robert Rosenberg is the founder of Telluride Legal Strategies and is a former Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Showtime Networks. Rosenberg has extensive experience in establishing new businesses, expanding existing partnerships, and leveraging new technologies in both traditional and digital media, all with a pragmatic approach to measured risk-taking.

Rosenberg spent 22 years at Showtime Networks, working across digital media, sales and marketing before taking on the position of Executive Vice President and General Counsel during which he oversaw all legal affairs, including distribution, intellectual property, litigation, contracts, piracy, compliance, and regulatory matters. Prior to becoming General Counsel, Rosenberg served as both Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and as Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy.

Rosenberg played a pivotal role in developing and executing Showtime's strategic vision for streaming content. During his tenure, Rosenberg successfully negotiated high-profile deals with major industry players such as Apple, Amazon and Comcast, significantly enhancing Showtime's presence in the digital marketplace. He now runs the New York-based consulting firm Telluride Legal Strategies where he consults with companies of all sizes and serves as a problem solver working at the intersection of law, media and technology with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence. Visit Rob at www.telluridelegalstrategies.com and connect with him on LinkedIn at @robertrosenberg.

 

00:34 Introducing Rob Rosenberg: Industry Leader

02:10 The Evolution and Future of Streaming

03:51 The Role of Ads in Streaming Services

06:41 Live TV and Sports in the Streaming Era

10:17 Gaming and Its Influence on TV and Movies

14:28 The Impact of AI on the Entertainment Industry

18:01 Legal and Regulatory Perspectives on AI

22:45 The Future of Digital Replicas and Deepfakes

26:10 Opportunities for Indie Filmmakers in the Digital Age

29:58 Rob Rosenberg's Work at Telluride Legal Strategies

Navigating the Production Path with Executive Producer Kat Roman

Tisha Morris

In this episode, Tisha Morris interviews Kat Roman, an award-winning writer, director, and producer. They discuss the current shifts in the entertainment industry, Kat's journey from independent filmmaking to her role as an Executive Producer at People's Television, along with the challenges and rewards of producing content.

Kat shares insights on finding funding, managing projects, and balancing creativity with practical considerations. She also talks about her educational background, the importance of a supportive community, and her collaborative projects with her husband. The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring filmmakers and producers.

Connect with Kat Roman at:

www.katroman.com

www.peoples.tv

www.spacecrow.tv

And on socials at: @kat_laughsalot, @peoples.tv, @spacecrow.tv