The Producers Lounge

Seth is a seasoned content acquisition specialist and creative executive with more than two decades of experience in independent film. Prior to Blue Harbor Entertainment, he served as the head of acquisitions and co-productions at Screen Media for more than 12 years, where he led the acquisition of many high-profile titles including The Outpost, Terry Gilliam’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, the Emmy-winning Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, The Lifeguard, and Stephen King’s A Good Marriage. During his tenure, he also forged strategic partnerships with Focus Features, Starz, Roadside Attractions, and others, while also overseeing content licensing for the company’s streaming platforms, which included Crackle, Popcornflix, and Redbox. In addition, Needle served as an executive producer on more than twenty films, including Willy’s Wonderland, Maggie Moore(s), Fast Charlie, Girl, and more. Before that, he started in the acquisitions department at Lionsgate and doing analytic research at MarketCast.

Credits Include...

Willy's Wonderland starring Nicolas Cage

Maggie Moore(s) starring Jon Hamm

You Might Be the Killer starring Keith David and Alyson Hannigan

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street starring James Earl Jones and Frank Oz

Find out more about Seth at...
Company Website: https://www.blueharborentertainment.com/
My personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethneedle/

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You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “8 Books You Must Read in the Age of Trump: Lessons for Advocates Who Want to Stand Out” at https://greaterandgrander.com/8-books-you-must-read-in-the-age-of-trump-lessons-for-advocates-who-want-to-stand-out/

Music is Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod.

Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander.

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Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100183

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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Hailing from San Francisco, CA, Jose Montesinos has been making movies since he received his first video camera at age 14. He continued to hone his skills through many DIY guerrilla films and attended film school at San Francisco City College.
In 2009, he was awarded the Mastermind Grant from the SF Weekly for being a standout local talent with his grind-house-style mock trailer for “Hell’s Kittens”.
Jose’s guerrilla/no-budget feature-length crime drama “Owned” was an official selection in the 2010 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival, as well as the 2010 San Francisco Latino Film Festival, and was nominated for Outstanding Cast Performance and won 1st runner up for Best Drama Feature at the 2010 Action On Film Festival. “Owned” is now distributed by Maverick Entertainment and is available on Amazon Prime.
In 2016, Jose moved to Los Angeles where he has since been busy working on films such as the SyFy original release “Dead 7”, followed by four feature TV films for Lifetime and LMN. The films: “Nightmare Wedding” (2016), “Dream house Nightmare” (2016), “SinisterMinister” (2017), and “Blood Brothers” (2018), have all aired to positive ratings on their respective networks and are now also available on Amazon Prime streaming. In 2018 Jose travelled to Thailand to shoot the ambitious low budget shark film “Frenzy” for Mar Vista studios which aired on the SyFy channel to positive reviews.


Credits Include...
Monster Hunters starring Tom Sizemore
Prepare to Die starring Michael Madsen
Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurus starring Robert Picardo
D-Railed starring Lance Henriksen

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You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “9 Ways Artists Sabotage Themselves (And How To Overcome It)” at https://greaterandgrander.com/9-ways-artists-sabotage-themselves-and-how-to-overcome-it/

Music is Sideways Samba by Audionautix

Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on GreaterAndGrander.com

Buy Threads of Imagination Online
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779
DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179

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Sideways Samba by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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An award winning Producer highly regarded for aligning with startups, celebrities, educational institutions, high profile brands, and nonprofits to build award-winning media companies. Bayan is best known for partnering with actor Rainn Wilson to translate SoulPancake's mission into digital video. As Head of Production for SoulPancake between 2012 - 2018, Bayan led the development and creation of award-winning original programming such as SoulPancake on OWN, Kid President, and My Last Days, which led to nearly a billion views, multi-season television franchises, and acquisition by Participant Media in 2016.

Prior to SoulPancake, Bayan provided weekly content for Jay-Z's digital media enterprise Life + Times and was a producer for the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C where he helped restructure the organization's online content workflow. Bayan earned a B.F.A. in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts with a minor in Art History at Ithaca College in New York, and prior to that attended Idyllwild Arts Academy, where he studied cinematography.

Credits Include...

Magic City: An American Fantasy starring Killer Mike

SoulPancake starring Susan Sarandon and Raina Wilson

On the Run Tour: Beyonce and Jay Z starring Beyoncé 

QAnon: The Search for Q starring Donald Trump

Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot.

You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “15 Free Filmmaking Apps That Elevate Your Brand’s Visual Storytelling” at https://greaterandgrander.com/15-free-filmmaking-apps-that-elevate-your-brands-visual-storytelling/

Buy Threads of Imagination Online

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779

DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179

Music is “Faster Does It” by Kevin MacLeod.

Episode still image is from STARZ’s Magic City.  Watch on Starz.com

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Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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Music is Faster Does It by Kevin Macleod

Subscribe Wherever Fine Podcasts Are Found - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1876234/episodes

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Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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What happens when a kid obsessed with Spielberg grows up to produce for Hollywood’s biggest names? In this episode of The Producers Lounge Podcast, veteran producer Dan Kaplow joins us to share his wild ride through the film and television industry. From early inspirations and surreal career milestones to oddball requests from Dick Clark, Kaplow gives us a rare, behind-the-scenes look into what it really takes to survive—and thrive—behind the camera. Whether you’re an aspiring producer or a die-hard fan of The Haunting of Hill House, this episode is packed with insider gems, laugh-out-loud stories, and genuine inspiration.

🎙️ Tune in for industry secrets, career advice, and tales that could only come from decades in the trenches.

#TVProduction #DanKaplow #SpielbergInspired #HollywoodInsider #ProducersLoungePodcast #FilmIndustry

Dan Kaplow is an award-winning television and film producer with over two decades of experience and more than 50 credits to his name. Known for his work on critically acclaimed series such as The Haunting of Hill House, United States of Tara, Apples Never Fall, and Lady Dynamite, Kaplow has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s go-to producers for genre-defying, character-driven storytelling. His projects span major networks and streaming platforms, including Netflix, NBC, Showtime, and HBO Max.

Starting his career inspired by the works of Steven Spielberg, Kaplow has collaborated with top-tier talent and helped bring to life some of the most unique and ambitious shows in recent television history. A true behind-the-scenes powerhouse, he’s also known for his sharp humor, adaptability, and ability to manage chaos on set—often with unforgettable results.

Credits Include...

Cherry starring Tom Holland

UFO starring Ella Purnell

The Nightmare Room starring Shia LaBeouf

Room 33 starring Chad Michael Collins

Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot.

You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “What Brands Can Learn from Great Directors Like Spielberg, Scorsese, and Coppola” at https://greaterandgrander.com/what-brands-can-learn-from-great-directors-like-spielberg-scorsese-and-coppola/

Music is Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod.

Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander.

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Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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Join us for a captivating conversation with James Kerwin, award-winning filmmaker, writer, and theatre director known for blending science fiction with classical storytelling. Best known for his acclaimed noir sci-fi film Yesterday Was a Lie and his directorial work on Star Trek Continues, Kerwin brings a unique voice to both screen and stage. In this episode, we delve into his creative process, his passion for adapting Shakespearean works, and the challenges of directing independent projects in the digital age.

🎧 Tune in to hear insights from a director celebrated for pushing genre boundaries and crafting thought-provoking, visually striking narratives.

Credits Include...

Star Trek Continues starring Jason Isaacs 

When the Train Stops starring John de Lancie

Yesterday Was a Lie starring Peter Mayhew 

Contre-Coup starring Rekha Sharma

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You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “8 Questions Every Writer and Advocate Should Ask A Producer Before Signing” at https://greaterandgrander.com/8-questions-every-writer-and-advocate-should-ask-a-producer-before-signing/

Music is Opheliea's Blues by Audionautix.

Episode still image is provided by James Kerwin.

Check Out James’ Website at www.JamesKerwin.com 

Check Out James’ Upcoming Feature Film www.contre-coup.com 

Follow James on Social Media:

Facebook: @jameskerwin

Bluesky: @jameskerwin.com

Instagram: @thejameskerwin

Threads: @thejameskerwin

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Opheliea's Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Joe Zaso is a celebrated independent film actor, producer, and director known for his unforgettable work in cult horror, sci-fi, and action movies. With a career spanning over three decades, Joe has become a staple of the indie film scene, starring in and producing countless low-budget classics that have earned global fan followings. Inspired by Italian horror masters and the gritty charm of DIY filmmaking, Joe Zaso has carved out a unique space in genre cinema, working both in front of and behind the camera. He is also a trained chef, having studied at the Institute of Culinary Education, bringing creativity and precision to every project he touches. Whether battling creatures on screen or building movies from the ground up, Joe Zaso proves that passion, perseverance, and a love for storytelling are the true keys to success.

Credits Include...

Seven Hells starring Helen Rogers and Tyler Rossell

5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas starring Edoardo Ballerini

Nikos the Impaler starring Felissa Rose

The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jon Bernthal

Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot.

You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “13 Classic Movie Monsters in the Public Domain: A Goldmine for Creative Business Marketing” at https://greaterandgrander.com/13-classic-movie-monsters-in-the-public-domain-a-goldmine-for-creative-business-marketing/

Music is Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod.

Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander.

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Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100183

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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Ciro Nieli is an award-winning animation director, producer, and showrunner best known for his work on Teen Titans (Cartoon Network), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon), and The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (Marvel/Disney). With over two decades in the animation industry, Ciro has developed original animated series, directed storyboard tests, and led creative teams at major studios including Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros. A Philadelphia native turned Los Angeles animation powerhouse, he brings insider knowledge on pitching animated shows, building story worlds, and surviving the realities of studio life.

Credits Include...

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starring Ashley Johnson

Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! starring Tara Strong

Teen Titans starring Jason Marsden

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes starring J.K. Simmons

Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot.

You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “6 Lessons I Wish I Knew in Film School (That’ll Actually Get You Hired)” at https://greaterandgrander.com/6-lessons-i-wish-i-knew-in-film-school-thatll-actually-get-you-hired/

Music is Big Blues by Audionautix.

Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on GreaterAndGrander.com

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Big Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Evette Vargas is an award-winning writer, director, and producer featured in Forbes and named an Artist to Watch by The New York Times. She’s created content for Amazon, MTV, Bravo, and interactive experiences for Fast and Furious, Lord of the Rings, Madonna, and Wu-Tang Clan. Her digital series Dark Prophet, starring Henry Rollins, was Emmy-contending. Vargas currently serves as TV Development Executive at Hidden Empire Film Group, and hosts the New Hollywood Clubhouse podcast. A champion for inclusion, she founded The Writers Room 5050 to empower underrepresented voices. Bronx-born and storytelling-obsessed, she’s also a recovering NYC ad art director with a killer shoe collection.

Credits Include...

Wu-Tang Clan: Wu-Chronicles: Chapter 2 starring Method Man

Dark Prophet starring Henry Rollins

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age starring Cate Blanchett and Sir Ian McKellen

Bottle Monster starring Claudia Wells

Confessions starring Cherise Boothe, and Winner of the Cannes Short Film Audience Award

Evette’s Official site is https://www.IndigoReignfilms.com/

HOW TO CREATE A STORY FRANCHISE with JEFF GOMEZ and EVETTE VARGAS! - https://www.instagram.com/theevettevargas/p/CkZkEkcp_YR/

Follow her on IG: @theevettevargas

Follow her on TikTok: @theevettevargas

Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evette-vargas-361394/

Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot.

You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “5 Creative Advocacy Lessons I Learned from Rebecca Sugar (And Why They Matter for Your Brand)” at https://greaterandgrander.com/5-creative-advocacy-lessons-i-learned-from-rebecca-sugar-and-why-they-matter-for-your-brand/

Music is Sideways Samba by Audionautix.

Episode still image is from Confessions by Digital Reign Productions.

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Sideways Samba by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Get ready to dive into the creative mind of Lynn Stevenson, an accomplished film and television producer, director, editor, and writer with a dynamic career across Hollywood and beyond. A San Francisco native, Lynn started her journey as a film editor before moving to Los Angeles, where she joined the prestigious Motion Picture Editors Guild and began producing theatrical trailers for iconic studios like Roger Corman’s studio, Hammer Creative, and Disney/Buena Vista Marketing.

Lynn’s career spans blockbuster TV series, feature films, and award-winning documentaries. She’s collaborated with major industry players including HBO, Paramount, Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, Sony, Fox, MGM, and New Line Cinema. Her credits include work on hit shows like Bones, Kingdom, and Candy, as well as acclaimed documentaries such as Douglas Fairbanks: The Great Swashbuckler and The Alamo Documentary.

Beyond the screen, Lynn has directed compelling stage productions with top Los Angeles theater companies like Theatre Neo, Sacred Fools, and Company of Angels. With a B.A. in Film & Television from San Francisco State University and training from UCLA and KiiS Radio Workshop, Lynn brings a rare blend of storytelling, technical mastery, and artistic vision.

Credits Include...

Douglas Fairbanks: The Great Swashbuckler starring Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford

Biography on A&E starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman

The Alamo Documentary starring Joseph Musso

Ghosts of California starring Larry Montz

Find Lynn at:

kineticpictures.us

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-stevenson/

https://www.facebook.com/SavingAnimalsFiji

https://www.youtube.com/@Kineticpx

https://x.com/lsstevenson

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You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled "10 Things You Can Do for 20 Minutes a Day to Get 30% Ahead in Life" at https://greaterandgrander.com/10-things-you-can-do-for-20-minutes-a-day-to-get-30-ahead-in-life/

Music is Sideways Samba by Audionautix.

Episode still image is provided by Lynn Stevenson.

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Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/  

Sideways Samba by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Support the show