The Film Dept.

Welcome to TFD 301 - Film Podcasts for Everyone. Class is now in session!

In this class our new hosts Lex, Matthew and Robby interview UNLV Film alum Edwin Ramirez ('24) whose 48 Hour Film Project - Las Vegas film THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER won First Place: Best Film of 2025.

Edwin shares his insider's knowledge for shooting a successful 48 Hour competition project as UNLV Film enters its own 48 this weekend (October 10-12)

Takeaways
Preparation is key for a successful 48-hour film.
Finding unique locations can enhance production value.
Casting early can streamline the filmmaking process.
A well-written script is crucial, even in a short timeframe.
Collaboration with a trusted crew can improve the final product.
Editing during filming can save time and improve quality.
Incorporating prompts creatively can enhance storytelling.
Maintaining a positive atmosphere on set is essential.
Feeding the crew is important for morale and productivity.
Having fun is the ultimate goal of the 48-hour challenge.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Edwin Ramirez shares his experiences and insights from participating in the 48-hour film festival. He discusses the importance of preparation, the writing process, and the challenges faced during filming. Edwin emphasizes the significance of collaboration with a trusted crew and the need for a well-written script, even in a short timeframe. He also highlights the themes and messages in his award-winning film, 'There's Something in the Water,' and offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers.

Sound bites
"Preparation is key for a successful 48-hour film."
"Finding unique locations can enhance production value."
"Casting early can streamline the filmmaking process."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup
01:06 Edwin's Background and 48-Hour Film Experience
05:48 Preparation for the 48-Hour Film Challenge
10:31 Writing and Shooting Process
15:17 Catering and Crew Management
19:56 Technical Aspects and Visuals of the Film
24:43 Themes and Messages in the Film
29:46 The Creative Process: Embracing Procrastination
30:21 Advice for the UNLV 48: Preparation and Casting
31:12 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey
31:28 Looking Forward: Anticipation for Future Projects
32:17 Podcast Structure: Setting the Stage for Future Episodes
34:31 Reflections on the Conversation: Insights and Takeaways
38:48 Final Thoughts: Wrapping Up the Episode


Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts

Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Lex de Asis, Matthew Trudeau, Robby Baker

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/

Once again, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

In a special pre-season episode of TFD, we're joined by one of last season's co-hosts, Nic Patrick and returning collaborator David Rosen of Piecing it Together Podcast
for a review of THE LONG WALK, written by J.T. Mollner and Directed by Francis Lawrence.

Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts

Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Nic Patrick, David Rosen

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast 

This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to the final (final) episode of Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! 

This episode of The Film Dept. Podcast, Nic Parks is joined by Season 1 host Davey Parks on the Cote d'Azure for a review of their favorite films from 2025 Festival de Cannes!

Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts

Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Davey Parks

Production Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie

Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis

Production Coordinator - Kay Walgate

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast 

This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! We've got a new crew reviewing the latest films screening at The Beverly in downtown Las Vegas... and beyond.

This episode of The Film Dept. Podcast, we interview Las Vegas filmmaker Adam Kilbourn on his latest feature, the high octane action feature proudly produced, filmed, and cast in Las Vegas, ACTION! ACTION! premiering Friday, April 25 at 7p at Circa's Stadium Swim cinema. In addition to Adam being an alum of UNLV Film, this project is notable as also starring our late great professor of acting, Clarence Gilyard, in his final screen performance.

For more on the film: actionactionmovie.com

For more on Adam's production company: Black Raven Films


Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Ani Rogy, L Villareal Production

Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie

Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis

Production Coordinator - Kay Walgate

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast 

This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! We've got a new crew reviewing the latest films screening at The Beverly in downtown Las Vegas... and beyond.

This episode of The Film Dept. Podcast, we interview film producer Douglas Haines about his new feature SATURN, premiering at the upcoming Indie Vegas Film Festival, Sunday, April 27, 7:30p at The Cannery Hotel and Casino's Galaxy Theatres. Douglas will be in attendance at the screening. For tickets and more information: Indie Vegas Film Festival.

Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Ani Rogy, L Villareal Production

Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie

Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis

Production Coordinator - Kay Walgate

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast 

This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! We've got a new crew reviewing the latest films screening at The Beverly in downtown Las Vegas... and beyond.

This episode of The Film Dept. Podcast marks our very first crossover with Las Vegas's own Piecing It Together podcast to discuss NEWLYWEEDS (2013) directed by Shaka King and screened in front of a live audience at our partner cinema, The Beverly Theater. Piecing It's ever-curious host David Rosen joins Nic, Ani and L in front of a live audience on a sticky exploration of Shaka King's hilarious and touching first feature before going on to co-write and direct JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (2021). This live podcast followed a Q&A with King and Beverly programmer Mike Plante. An excerpt from that interview is featured in this episode. 

Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Ani Rogy, L Villareal Production

Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie

Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis

Production Coordinator - Kay Walgate

Director of Photography - Chris Chael
Camera Assistants - Edwin Ramirez and Angelo Masangkay

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast 

This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! Please meet our fresh crew reviewing the latest films screening at The Beverly in downtown Las Vegas... and beyond.

This episode we take a look at a range of films from Berenice Chavez, a Los Angeles based editor and UNLV Alum. Our hosts talk with Berenice about INTOTHE FIRE: THE LOST DAUGHTER (2024), PAMELA: A LOVE STORY (2023), and COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT (2025) which just premiered at Sundance. COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT stars Megan Falley and Andrea Gibson. Directed by Ryan White. Produced by Sara Bareilles.

Credits:
Email us: [email protected]
 
HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Ani Rogy, L Villareal
 
Production Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie
Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis
Production Coordinator - Kay Walgate


PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast
 
This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.
For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com
 
The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.
 
Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! We've got a new crew reviewing the latest films screening at The Beverly in downtown Las Vegas... and beyond.

This episode is beyond! For over 25 years UNLV Film has taken a cohort of students to the Sundance Film Festival. At the annual UNLV College of Fine Arts party on Main Street in Park City, we kicked off our inaugural Sundance panel with writer Brock Norman Brock (BRONSON, 2008), filmmaker Brett Levner (RIOT IN BLOOM, 2025), Actor Adam Paul (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), and producer May May Luong (HOME: A MOTHER OF 3000, 2024) - all members of the UNLV Film faculty. The pnael focused on the latest initiatives by UNLV Film as the department continues to build bridges to the entertainment industry. 

Credits:
Email us: [email protected]
 
HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Ani Rogy, L Villareal
 
Production Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie
Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis
Production Coordinator - Kay Walgate


PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast
 
This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.
For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com
 
The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.
 
Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Dept. Podcast! We've got a new crew reviewing the latest films screening at The Beverly in downtown Las Vegas... and beyond.

This episode we take a look at the quintessentiallly Las Vegan THE LAST SHOWGIRL starring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis.  Directed by Gia Coppola, THE LAST SHOWGIRL also features Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka and Billie Lourd. Written by Kate Gersten, the film is produced by Robert Schwartzman, Natalie Farrey and Gia Coppola.

Credits:
Email us: [email protected]
 
HOSTS - Nic Patrick, Ani Rogy, L Villareal
 
Production Sound Mixer - Sydney Maier

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie
Assistant Editor - Byron Schnell Davis
Production Coordinator - Kayla Walgate


PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast
 
This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.
For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com
 
The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.
 
Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

This week, the season 1 hosts return for their top Letterboxd films. Be sure to follow Davey, Simona and Jeff to see what else floats their boats!

Credits:
Email us: [email protected]
 
HOSTS - Davey Parks, Simona Grigonis, Jeff Wallitsch
 
Production Sound Mixer - Angelica-Rose Keenum

Co-Producer/Editor - Lilly Richie

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to substack.com/thefilmdeptpodcast
 
This semester, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.
For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com
 
The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.
 
Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.