In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO and Founder Rachael Galperin sits down with filmmaker Robert Kolodny to explore the emotional and collaborative art of storytelling. A director and cinematographer known for his work across both documentary and fiction, Kolodny reflects on how cinema became a way to process emotions, connect with others, and discover truth through creative expression. 

From early influences and classic films that shaped his visual language to the importance of trust between directors and actors, Robert opens up about the lessons that have defined his filmmaking journey. He also discusses how teaching film fuels his passion for inspiring the next generation of storytellers—encouraging them to create from authenticity, not external validation.

This conversation dives deep into the craft of filmmaking, the emotional power of cinema, and the value of collaboration in bringing stories to life.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO and Founder Rachael Galperin sits down with Gabe Wieder to explore the intersection of creativity and logic. With a background spanning engineering, theater, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, Gabe shares how execution turns ideas into reality and why balance between artistic storytelling and analytical thinking is key to innovation.

From directing a psychologically driven production of Chicago to exploring the role of design, lighting, and historical accuracy in storytelling, Gabe reflects on how theater and production design shape emotional connection with audiences. He also opens up about the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the challenges of blending creativity with entrepreneurship, and the role of mental health in sustaining an artistic career.

This conversation offers a thoughtful look at directing, storytelling, and the power of design, while highlighting how entrepreneurial thinking can fuel bold creative visions.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO and Founder Rachael Galperin is joined by filmmaker Spencer Slishman for a wild, insightful, and seriously entertaining ride through his creative universe. From his early days as a wrestler to his time at NYU film school, Spencer jumps headfirst into stories about finding his voice, navigating the industry, and why collaboration—and a bit of chaos—can be key to creativity.

Following Spencer’s train of thought is like stepping into a movie montage: the pros of shooting on film versus digital, the future of indie film, technology’s ever-changing role, and the beauty of diversity in storytelling all come crashing together in the best way possible.  Expect unexpected turns, laughs, and moments of genuine clarity.

This one’s for anyone who loves film, values authenticity, and has a mind that runs a million miles a minute.

We highly highly recommend you take a listen to the extended version on our YouTube to absorb everything Spencer has to say. It’ll be the greatest hour and a half of your life.  

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin sits down with actor, writer, and now director-in-the-making Logan Miller (Love, Simon, Escape Room, We Summon the Darkness). With years of experience across indie film, major studio features, TV, and everything in between, Logan brings his signature wit and honesty to a conversation about growing up on sets—and how a lifelong love of storytelling is now driving his transition into directing.

From childhood filmmaking experiments to surviving rejection and figuring out how to wear every hat on a project without losing your mind, Logan shares how community, personal stories, and just the right amount of chaos keep him inspired. Logan drops gems on navigating rejection, finding your people, and making work that actually means something. Rachael and Logan explore the emotional and creative realities of working in film and the ever changing film landscape with the rise in AI and tech. 

This one’s for the filmmakers wearing every hat, the actors waiting on a callback, and the storytellers wondering if their voice matters. 

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin sits down with Evan O'Brien, developmental coordinator at NEON, to talk about his path into filmmaking. From childhood moviemaking to working on theatrical releases and greenlighting original films, Evan shares what it takes to stay passionate—and persistent—in an industry built on both art and commerce.

Evan reflects on the value of film school, the power of networking, and how audience testing shapes storytelling. He shares what it means to advocate for projects you believe in, the realities of greenlighting, and why advocating for your vision is essential. 

For anyone navigating the balance between passion projects and professional life, this episode offers real insight and encouragement.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin sits down with independent filmmaker Laquan Lewis, whose transition from studying psychology to directing was born from a desire to create space for underrepresented voices on screen. Laquan’s films confront stigma and offer visibility, particularly around HIV, LGBTQ+ identity, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities. 

Laquan opens up about the challenges of self-funding his projects, navigating the film world without a traditional background, and the liberating choice to define success on his own terms. He shares how photography and music, rather than cinema, shaped his visual language—and why authenticity in storytelling matters more than prestige.

Together, Rachael and Laquan explore the power of film to educate, foster compassion, and make viewers feel seen. From leadership on set to honoring untold narratives, Laquan’s approach is as much about healing as it is about art.

This moving conversation is a testament to the belief that storytelling can change lives—and that creating from a place of truth can help others feel less alone.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files: Inside Filmmakers’ Journeys, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin hosts a compelling conversation with filmmaker Emily May Jampel, opening up about her unique journey in the film industry, discussing her non-traditional path, and her emotionally resonant approach to storytelling. 

Together, Rachael and Emily delve into directing without formal film school training and the influence of other directors and on-set experience on her own style. She shares her insight on measuring success in the film industry by impact, not just awards and film festivals. Emily also shares how collaboration and creating a safe, creative space on set are essential to capturing the emotional depth of a story and drawing out honest performances from actors.

This thoughtful and candid episode offers meaningful insight for anyone curious about stepping into independent filmmaking, identity-centered storytelling, and the quiet power of emotional truth in the creative process.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin sits down with multi-disciplinary artist Lily Lady, whose work spans poetry, film, and journalism. With roots in global politics and a creative shift sparked by the pandemic, Lily shares how personal transformation, community, and emotional honesty shape her art.

From embracing fear as a compass to trusting the natural flow of writing, Lily offers a deeply reflective look at how vulnerability and lived experience fuel her creative process. She discusses the interplay between performance and identity, her relationship with fear, and why she believes there’s no scarcity in artistic expression—only endless possibility.

This conversation is a rich exploration of what it means to live as an artist, where every moment, emotion, and connection becomes part of the work.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin hosts a powerful conversation with actress and writer Lindsey Normington, known for her breakout role in Sean Baker’s Anora and her activism during the Stargarden Strip Club Strike. Lindsey shares her deeply personal journey through the worlds of acting and sex work, and how those experiences continue to shape her voice as a performer and storyteller.

From childhood performances driven by a hunger for recognition to supporting herself through stripping while pursuing acting in Los Angeles, Lindsey’s path is anything but conventional. Rachael and Lindsey delve into the complexities of being publicly recognized for roles tied to her sex worker identity, her desire to play characters that go beyond that label, and the importance of authentic representation in the arts. They explore the urgency and collaboration at the heart of independent film, and the personal growth that comes from owning your story.

This candid and inspiring episode sheds light on the intersections of identity, creativity, and resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Found Artist Files: inside filmmakers’ journeys, NextFoundArtist’s CEO/Founder Rachael Galperin hosts a compelling conversation with casting director Violette Trotter, known for her distinct approach to authentic and community-centered casting. Trotter opens up about her unconventional path into the film industry, from street scouting fresh talent to building meaningful collaborations with directors and producers. She sheds light on the nuances between studio and indie casting, championing bold storytelling over commercial and financial appeal.

Together, Rachael and Violette explore the evolving landscape of filmmaking—touching on nostalgia for classic cinema, the creative challenges posed by new technology, and the importance of personal fulfillment over external markers of success. Violette also reflects on overcoming self-doubt, staying true to her values, and the childhood dreams that still guide her work today.

This intimate and insightful conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of casting, creativity, and representation in today’s film world.

Find ‘The Found Artist Files’ on NextFoundArtist’s pages:

Our Website: https://www.nextfoundartist.com/

Instagram: @nextfoundartist

YouTube Channel: NextFoundArtist

TikTok: @next.found.artist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextfoundartist

Sign Up for our Newsletter for Indie Film Releases, news, podcast updates and more: https://nextfoundartist.beehiiv.com/subscribe