The Official Concept

The Official Concept

By Allan CampbellEducationSelf-Improvement
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The Official Concept episodes

  • Fernando Siqueira and Fernando Grostein Andrade

    Fernando Siqueira and Fernando Grostein Andrade are a dynamic duo of musicians, filmmakers, and producers behind Cosmic Dog Studio. They are set to release the first part of their multi-dimensional “Necklace” Project October 8, an innovative endeavor that includes a film, an album, an EP, and a series of live shows. The Necklace Project is centered around emotional connection, encouraging open conversations about mental health while challenging the stigma that surrounds it.


    Their upcoming self-titled EP, FernandoS, is a personal reflection of the two creators. It merges Fernando Siqueira’s experience as an actor and singer with Fernando Grostein Andrade’s expertise as a producer and director. Each track evokes introspection, healing, and vulnerability, mirroring the personal journeys of both Fernandos.


    As the founders of Cosmic Dog, the FernandoS are dedicated to telling globally resonant stories that prioritize authenticity, representation, and diversity. Their work, which spans from the streets of São Paulo to their current home in California, is both deeply personal and universally relatable. They aim to entertain while also addressing important social issues.


    On a personal note, they share a beautiful love story and brings together their unique talents to raise awareness about social injustices. As LGBTQ immigrants from Brazil, they offer a unique perspective on blending their creative passions with their commitment to advocacy, and they are eager to share their journey of love, art, and travel.

    40 min
  • Zachary Roozen

    Zachary Roozen is an accomplished actor and producer whose work has been showcased in over 70 film festivals across 25 countries. His projects can be seen on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, Disney+, and Amazon, as well as on primetime television. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Zachary was a presidential merit scholar and the recipient of the esteemed ‘Performance Scholarship.’ He produces narrative films through his company, Two Harbors, and co-owns the new media company Trustd Critics. His independent media channels boast over 1.1 million followers and 15 million views.

    58 min
  • Aaron Foster
    Aaron Foster is a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and comedian with a remarkable journey that spans diverse industries. Born in Berkeley and raised in the Bay Area, Aaron's path has been shaped by self-reliance, creativity, and resilience. He first made a name for himself in the art world, gaining recognition for his unique license plate map of the USA, which was featured in the Sundance catalog. His work has been showcased in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian and the American Folk Art Museum, with notable clients including Stephen Colbert, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jennifer Lawrence.
    In 2004, Aaron moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for acting. Shortly after, he landed his first hosting gig on HGTV's *FreeStyle*. Always an innovator, Aaron co-founded Skratch Labs, a successful all-natural sports drink company, and later launched a pizza restaurant recognized by Yelp as one of the top restaurants in the country.
    Now focusing on comedy, Aaron recently performed his stand-up show *I Thought I Was Special* at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and is touring his latest show, *Mostly Jokes*, across the U.S. His upcoming acting role is in Tubi's true crime project *Fit for Murder*, where he plays real-life Las Vegas Homicide Detective Clifford Mogg.
    In addition to his professional pursuits, Aaron is an advocate for mental health awareness and supports the Eddy House, a Reno-based organization helping homeless teens. An avid cyclist and yogi, Aaron enjoys hiking with his dog Bodie in the Sierras and continues to channel his creativity into meaningful ventures across art, business, and entertainment.
    49 min
  • Traci Hays
    Traci Hays is an award-winning director known for her work in the indie horror genre. Her latest film, *On The Run*, now streaming on Tubi, follows two sisters, Kayla (Sofia Masson) and Paige Jones (Taylor Geare), who are polar opposites. After their mother is murdered, they discover they’ve been in Witness Protection due to their father’s betrayal of Vince, the president of a motorcycle club. With Vince out of prison and seeking vengeance, the sisters must rely on each other to survive. *On The Run* was featured in Variety's "What’s Coming to Tubi Roundup."
    Hays continues to make waves in the horror genre with her film *Blood, Sweat, and Cheer*, which was included in Vulture’s list of Top Ten Best Tubi Original Movies. Another recent success, *My Bloody Galentine*, featured in Creepy Catalog’s "75+ Best (and Worst) Horror Movies of 2024," chronicles three women seeking revenge on their exes in a bloody twist.
    In addition to her films, Traci Hays has earned numerous accolades. She was a finalist at the DGA Student Film Awards for *Lions Among Men* and won Best Director at the LA Film Awards for *Frederick*. An alumna of Chapman University’s Film & Television Program, Hays was mentored by directors Randal Klesier, Martha Coolidge, and John Badham. Hays is also a proud member of Women In Film, the Alliance of Women Directors, Free The Work, and Film Fatales.
    38 min
  • Frankie Rodriguez
    Originally from Fresno, California, Frankie Rodriguez is of Mexican descent and the youngest of three siblings. With a BFA in Musical Theatre from AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy), Frankie's passion for the arts is unwavering. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and a strong advocate for authentic representation and respectful portrayal of queer characters in media. Frankie tirelessly works to create safe spaces for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and supports various LGBTQ+ organizations and environmental causes. Notably, his character Carlos marks the first openly gay character in the Disney High School Musical franchise.
    Frankie's passion for beauty is evident in his new nail line, Freeland, launched on June 25th. This innovative, bright, and cheerful line is perfect for summer and Pride Month, featuring nail colors named in rainbow order:- Pink Fizz Fiesta- Orange Dreamsicle- Glow Stick Dance Party- Kiwi Cake Pop- Bounce House Blue
    Currently residing in NYC, Frankie's interests include reality television, especially all things Housewives, singing, performing, painting his nails, and traveling to tropical destinations. Whether acting, singing, or supporting causes he cares about, Frankie Rodriguez is making a positive impact and creating safe, inclusive spaces for everyone.
    26 min
  • Jillian Reeves
    Jillian Reeves is set to star in the highly-anticipated film *Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot*. Based on a true story, the film depicts Donna and Reverend Martin's inspiring efforts to lead twenty-two families from a rural Black church in East Texas to adopt seventy-seven children from the foster system, sparking a movement for vulnerable children. Reeves plays Diann, Donna’s sister and a divorced single mother who is the first to adopt in the town. The film's cast also includes Nika King, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Demetrius Gross. It will be in theaters nationwide on July 4th.
    In addition to her acting, Reeves is a talented filmmaker who directed, wrote, produced, and starred in the short film *Broken*, which poignantly addresses the topic of serious mental illness. This project deepens her off-screen advocacy for Mental Health Awareness and her efforts to #EndTheStigma, particularly within the African-American community. She is currently developing *Broken* into a feature-length film to amplify its impact and reach.
    1 hr 17 min
  • Roderick McClure and Joshua Ferrell
    **Roderick and Joshua Ferrell: Pioneering Filmmakers with a Unique Story**
    Roderick's journey from a troubled childhood to a successful filmmaker is a testament to his resilience and vision. A self-proclaimed late bloomer, pioneer, and disruptor, Roderick recognized the potential in existing concepts and elevated them. Despite not completing his college education until nearly 40, he achieved financial success by 35, proving that while he may arrive late, he always makes a grand entrance.
    His partner and son-in-law, Joshua Ferrell, complements Roderick's strengths with his own unique skills. A skilled people connector passionate about helping young creatives, Joshua overcame a fatherless upbringing and chronic self-doubt to find his footing. Working alongside Roderick, Joshua is dedicated to empowering others and showcasing the brilliance of exceptionally talented individuals who may not yet have had their chance to shine.
    Together, Roderick and Joshua balance each other's weaknesses and amplify each other's strengths. Their mutual honesty, trust, and commitment to keeping their faith first provide a solid foundation for their collaborative work. Roderick’s daughter, Morgan, a Georgetown Law graduate, spearheads the legal division and produces alongside her father, making RodFather Productions a true family business. They extend this familial approach to their cast and crew, ensuring everyone feels part of the family.
    When not on a film set, Roderick and Joshua enjoy traveling the globe with their families and supporting numerous philanthropic organizations. Their story is one of overcoming adversity, discovering potential, and creating opportunities for others, embodying the spirit of true disruptors in the film industry.
    34 min
  • Josh Plasse
    Josh Plasse is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, renowned for his work as an actor, boxer, writer, and producer. Born in Virginia, Josh is the son of a former US Navy SEAL and a 2012 Golden Gloves champion. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University from 2011 to 2013, studying Homeland Security and Criminal Justice, while being privately coached by Joseph Obermueller. With just five months of acting experience, Josh ambitiously moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in filmmaking.
    Josh made a notable guest appearance as Chris Cleaver on ABC's long-running hit drama, Grey's Anatomy, in 2018. He later joined the cast of iCarly as Wes, which was particularly thrilling for him since it was his favorite show growing up. In June 2021, Josh produced his company's first feature film, Yucca Valley.
    His acting repertoire includes appearances in Notorious, Grown-ish, Criminal Minds, Happily Never After, There’s No Such Thing as Vampires, Murder in the Vineyard, and All Out Dysfunktion!. He stars in the Faith-based series The Baxters on Amazon Prime, based on Karen Kingsbury's best-selling novels. Josh's film work continues to impress, with performances in the TIFF favorite Wildflower, alongside Kiernan Shipka, Brad Garrett, Jean Smart, and Charlie Plummer, and The Resurrection of Charles Mansion, opposite Frank Grillo and Jaime King. Recently, he completed production on Ride, starring Annabeth Gish, a project he wrote, produced, and starred in as the male lead.
    Beyond his professional achievements, Josh is dedicated to charitable causes. This past fall, he launched 'Operation 22,' a campaign where he rucked 22 miles each day with a 22-pound rucksack for 22 consecutive days to raise awareness and funds to combat military suicide, with proceeds benefiting Stop Soldier Suicide.
    Josh and his wife currently reside in Nashville, TN, where he continues to focus on his acting, writing, and producing career. His diverse athletic pursuits include baseball, martial arts, football, tennis, basketball, track & field, boxing, swimming, and golf. Additionally, Josh is an avid whiskey enthusiast.
    33 min
  • Justin Chart

    Universal Music Group artist Justin Chart is a visionary alto saxophonist, acclaimed for his elegant and enticing extemporization and electrifying hard bop. Chart pushes the boundaries of jazz, relying completely on improvisation, creating beautifully wrought pieces of jazz with spellbinding spontaneity.  


    With an infinite improvisational vocabulary, intricate compositional changes and emotive eloquence, Chart welcomes the audience on a musical odyssey. He invites them to be fully in the moment, immersed in the magic that arises as Chart engages with their energy – fueling exuberant riffs sizzling with passion, and orchestrating enchanting balladry imbued with tenderness and longing.

    31 min
  • Rich Ronat & Laura Vale
    In a rapidly changing entertainment landscape, creators are finding innovative ways to maintain control and integrity over their work. Enter Rich Ronat and Laura Vale, the dynamic duo behind Good Rebel Pictures. Together, they are challenging the status quo and championing the cause of indie filmmaking with their latest venture.
    Rich Ronat, an established Hollywood screenwriter known for works such as Grand Isle (starring Nicolas Cage and Kelsey Grammer), American Sicario (starring Danny Trejo), and the upcoming Crescent Hawk (featuring Alec Baldwin and Terrence Howard), brings a wealth of industry experience. Laura Vale, a talented actress recognized for her roles in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Charmed, Desperate Housewives, and Seventh Heaven, adds her rich acting pedigree to their projects. Together, they are not just partners in their production company but also in life.
    Good Rebel Pictures was born out of their shared love for storytelling and a desire to reclaim creative control. In an industry increasingly driven by commercial viability and the financial bottom line, Ronat and Vale believe the essence of filmmaking—story, creativity, performance, and writing—has been compromised. By forming their own production company, they aim to provide opportunities for actors who fit the role perfectly, irrespective of their marketability.
    Their first project under Good Rebel Pictures, CULPRIT, is a psychological thriller set to premiere this June in Los Angeles, with plans for both national and international festival circuits. The film marks Ronat’s directorial debut, which he also co-wrote. Starring Jamie Donavan, Laura Vale, Ron Orbach, Carolyn Mignini, and Michael Dempsey, CULPRIT exemplifies the duo’s commitment to “creative purity.” According to Ronat, big studio films often morph through different stages—from the script to the screen—resulting in a final product that may stray far from the original vision. Indie filmmaking, in contrast, allows for a more authentic realization of the creator’s intent.
    Rich and Laura met many years ago in an acting class with the renowned Larry Moss, and their paths have intertwined ever since. Their journey from Hollywood insiders to independent creators underscores a broader trend in the industry: the need for artists to build their own platforms rather than waiting for a place at someone else’s table.
    Through Good Rebel Pictures, Rich Ronat and Laura Vale are not just producing films—they are nurturing a movement. Their work is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in an ever-evolving industry. As they prepare for the premiere of CULPRIT, the duo is excited to share their vision with the world and inspire other creators to take control of their creative destinies.
    35 min

About The Official Concept

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The Official Concept Podcast is where innovation sparks inspiration. Hosted by Allan Campbell, it unites voices from tech, art, and society to explore bold ideas. Each episode delves into how…