The Nicki Sun Show

What does it actually take to write, direct, star in, produce, and distribute your first independent feature film — while also running a podcast and working full time? On this episode of The Nicki Sun Show, I sit down with Carolina Alvarez and Tessa Markle, the co-creators and co-stars of SYNC — a sci-fi thriller about female friendship, toxic connection, and a mind-syncing app that feels a little too close to today's headlines.

We get into the full journey: from the audacity of starting Femme Regard Productions with no budget and a lot of vision, to navigating the festival circuit, cold-emailing distributors, and negotiating their own deal with Buffalo 8. This one is for every aspiring filmmaker, creator, and multi-hyphenate who's ever been told to wait until they're "ready."

SYNC is available to rent or buy starting March 6th on Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime, Hoopla, and Verizon Fios.

Released in Women's History Month — because the timing could not be more full circle.

On Oct 4, 2023, I launched The Nicki Sun Show in efforts to spotlight this generation's most influential and diverse creators, while continuing to support and amplify marginalized talent both in front and behind the camera.

I'm so proud to share our journey so far ✨

CREATOR / HOST / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER / EDITOR

Nicki Sun

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Kingston Technology

SPECIAL GUESTS

1. Dolly Ave
2. Jeanelleats
3. Sung Kang
4. Premiere Gal
5. Joya Kazi
6. Shuang Hu
7. Drex Lee
8. Mari Takahashi
9. Sidney Raskind
10. Sean Wang
11. George Shaw

CINEMATOGRAPHERS:

Vladimir Tassy

Ian Brightman

Jon Santos

Josh Ortiz

MUSIC:

George Shaw

SHOW GRAPHICS:

Luca Hideo

PRODUCT SPONSORS:

Kingston Technology

RODE

Order Merch

Puget Systems

Nikon

Aputure

Nanlite

TASCAM

Insta360

Editors Keys

Premiere Gal

Bokksu

AKKI-LAB

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I sit down with acclaimed composer George Shaw, the creative force behind the theme song for the show and soundtracks for projects like Abominable and the Invisible City (DreamWorks) and Escape the Night (YouTube Originals). George shares his journey from childhood inspirations like Back to the Future to working with top YouTube creators like Wong Fu Productions, while reflecting on his path to becoming a leading voice in the world of music composition. We discuss everything from the challenges of diversity in Hollywood to the technical tools essential for today’s composers. Join us as we break down the process of creating iconic music that elevates storytelling and gives creators their own “main character” energy.

Don't forget to watch the behind-the-scenes process of making The Nicki Sun Show theme song in a bonus video on YouTube!

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I sit down with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sean Wang and fellow Fremont native to discuss his journey back to our hometown, where his critically acclaimed film "DÌDI (弟弟)" is set. Wang shares insights into the making of "DÌDI (弟弟)," a deeply personal story about a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy navigating adolescence in the late 2000s. Drawing inspiration from classic coming-of-age films like "Stand By Me," Wang highlights the importance of representation and authenticity in his work. The conversation also touches on the emotional experience of filming in Fremont, working with family, and the impact of showcasing immigrant stories. Wang reflects on the whirlwind success of his film and the significance of capturing his unique cultural heritage on screen.

Special Thanks to the following individuals, teams, family, and friends for making this interview happen:

• Tremendous Communications and Focus Features for coordinating this interview
• Mr. Sun Tea for providing us their Fremont location as our backdrop
• Jon Santos for being my special guest cinematographer this episode
• Richie Santos for lending an extra hand on set
• Sean's mom and Nicki's mom, brother, and grandma for being our first live audience

Gear Highlights Used This Episode:

• Nanlite Projector Mount for Forza 60
• TASCAM Portacapture X6
• Insta360 GO 3S
• Nikon Zf with 50mm lens (Sean's angle)

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Half a score and one year ago, Sid and I were destined to meet during a job interview for Google Glass at the Venice Beach office. Upon hearing that a partner presentation was the last test, we immediately teamed up after discovering we both had a YouTube channel and a knack for public speaking. So much has happened since then, with Sidney amassing over 4.5 Million followers on TikTok and becoming lovingly known as the "Things I Wish I Knew Before My 30's" guy, starting his own podcast, and getting picked up to host Onomy's "Are You Kidding Me?" show. I ended up meeting iJustine (their favorite OG creator) after all and interviewed her during my TechNicki Speaking channel launch. Sid and I reunite on The Nicki Sun Show to chat all things from creator tips and origin stories to becoming a dad and reminiscing about our Glass days.

This video would not have been possible without our generous sponsor, Kingston Technology.

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During my trip to NAB Show in Las Vegas, I sat down for a special episode of The Nicki Sun Show with fellow OG YouTuber and friend, Mari Takahashi aka @AtomicMari. From learning of each other through our infamous SMOSH host audition, to supporting each other throughout the years within the Asian American and technology space, this episode is truly a blast from the past. Join us as we fangirl and hilariously reminiscence about the internet before it became the crazy social media space it is today. We also share heartfelt conversations on mental health and advice for creators to avoid burnout and how to "keep going."

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Next in the director's chair is visionary creator and filmmaker Drex Lee. Known to over 5 billion people for his viral EPIC 1 Shots with celebrities like Kevin Hart, Serena Williams, and Travis Kelce, this Stockton native opens up on his enduring resilience while overcoming adversity before finding success. Gain a deeper understanding to Drex's commitment in inspiring others, his filmmaking process, and learn how he embraces interacting with his 19 million followers.

Get ready for a heart-to-heart with the charming and hilarious Shuang Hu (aka "Shu") as she spills the tea on going from TikTok star to the co-writer and lead in Australia's first Amazon Original, Five Blind Dates. During the month of love and Lunar New Year, we also catch up on Shu's current adventures in love, the types of partners her parents (IRL) would choose, and navigating the wild dating scene in Los Angeles.

Special Thanks to Nikon for being our camera partner this episode! We got to test out the new Nikon Z8 cameras with a variety of lenses: 50mm f/1.2 S, 28-75mm f/2.8, and the 14-30mm f/4 S.

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I'm invited into the home of Joya Kazi, an award-winning choreographer, dancer, and friend whose journey weaves through the vibrant tapestry of both Hollywood and the Indian film industry. Born in Mumbai and raised in Fremont (where we met and became childhood friends), Joya's passion for dance ignited at a remarkably young age, leading her to found her own dance company, Joya Kazi Unlimited, at age 16. As a sought-after choreographer/dancer based in Los Angeles whose work has been featured on-onscreen (New Girl, Never Have I Ever, Monster High, Saweetie's music video "SHOT O' CLOCK"), Joya is also a global dance educator and cultural ambassador, using her platform to showcase the beauty of South Asian arts and inspiring audiences worldwide.

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How does one become a full-time content creator on YouTube? If you ever needed to learn how to edit on Premiere Pro, chances are you and over 33 million people have come across Kelsey Brannan aka Premiere Gal. Known for her massive catalogue of video and audio tutorials, Kelsey shares everything from transitioning to full-time creator status and building an international media company to creating her first physical product and her resources for success.

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