The Story Lab

What happens when life gets messy—but the work still needs to get made? In this episode of The Story Lab, we get honest about what it means to stay creative when you're not okay.

From burnout to uncertainty, we talk about:
• Creating when you're depressed, anxious, or just disconnected
• Why your best work might come from your hardest moments
• Letting go of perfection and leaning into honesty
• How getting out of your medium can spark inspiration
• The balance between being a professional and being a person

If you’ve ever struggled to show up and make something real—this one’s for you.

🎧 Full podcast available wherever you listen: https://linktr.ee/thestorylabfilm

#CreatingThroughIt #MentalHealthAndCreativity #StorytellerStruggles #TheStoryLab #CreativeProcess #RealTalkForCreators #filmmakingpodcast

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

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What do you sacrifice—and what do you gain—when you choose the in-house route over freelancing? In this episode of The Story Lab, we sit down with EP&Co Director/DP Seth Hunt who’s wrestled with both sides of the creative coin.

From navigating agency expectations to carving out a personal style, we talk about:
• The tension between creative freedom and brand consistency
• What it really takes to survive (and thrive) in an in-house role
• Why being a generalist can help—or hurt—your chances in this industry
• How to claim your title before the world gives it to you
• Building a portfolio that backs up your pitch

Whether you’re freelancing, full-time, or figuring it out—this one’s for the filmmakers in the trenches.

Follow Seth on Instagram: @seth_hunt

🎧 Full podcast available wherever you watch or listen: https://linktr.ee/thestorylabfilm

#FreelanceVsInHouse #FilmmakingCareers #CreativeIdentity #DirectorOfPhotography #DPThoughts #TheStoryLab #FilmmakingPodcast

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

World-building isn't just for fantasy and sci-fi—it's the invisible foundation behind every great film, commercial, or video. In this episode of The Story Lab with Nate Bonsell, we dive into what world-building really means for filmmakers today.

From the genius of Severance to the budget realities of $5K productions, we explore how setting creative limitations can lead to stronger storytelling, greater immersion, and higher impact. Learn how cinematography, sound, and design choices create the "playground" for your characters—and why embracing constraints can be your most powerful tool.

🎬 Topics covered:

What world-building really is (and isn't)

Why limitations unlock creativity

How aspect ratios, lenses, and gear impact the world

Getting the most from low-budget productions

The evolving role of DPs and directors in storytelling

👀 Bonus episodes are coming soon, where we break down specific projects and how we built worlds from the ground up—what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned.

Watch or listen to the full conversation now!

Follow Nate: https://www.instagram.com/nbonsell24/

#WorldBuilding #FilmmakingTips #TheStoryLab #Cinematography #LowBudgetFilm #DirectorDP #Storytelling #FilmProduction

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

Has modern filmmaking become too agenda-driven? Are we losing the heart of storytelling in the name of expression?

In this episode of The Story Lab, we dive into the ethics of filmmaking, the power of redemptive arcs, and why the most impactful stories often come from a place of humility—not ideology. From indie films to advocacy docs, we explore why your why matters more than ever.

🎥 Topics we cover:

The fading moral compass in modern cinema
Why agenda-pushing alienates audiences
The role of redemption in the best stories
How faith, purpose, and ethics shape creative work

If you're a filmmaker wondering how to tell stories that matter—without preaching—this one’s for you.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments. What’s your take on storytelling and ethics in 2025?

Subscribe for more and watch on YouTube: https://linktr.ee/thestorylabfilm

Support the show

Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

Too many entrepreneurs jump straight into building businesses without realizing the real key to success—branding yourself first. In this episode of The Story Lab, we break down why personal branding is more valuable than any single business and how it sets you up to solve problems in a way that attracts the right opportunities.

📌 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why your personal brand matters more than any one company
✔️ How to position yourself as a problem solver, not just a business owner
✔️ The real reason people trust brands before they buy solutions
✔️ Actionable steps to start building your brand today

🚀 Don’t just build businesses—build a brand that lasts.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations on filmmaking, creativity, and entrepreneurship!

Check out Teddy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teddyg111?igsh=MWx4NmNrcDE0M2d0Yg==
Check out Teddy's Work: giard.co

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

How do you craft a powerful edit? When should you show instead of tell? This episode dives deep into the storytelling process—how filmmakers can shape narratives by stripping away excess and letting the audience discover meaning for themselves.

We explore the evolution of In the Blood, a documentary that started as a family business story but became a personal, intimate portrait of legacy, loss, and connection. From shifting perspectives in the edit to the fragility of life, this conversation is a masterclass in documentary storytelling.

▪️ How to find the true heart of a story in the edit
▪️ The difference between information vs. emotion in filmmaking
▪️ Lessons from David Mamet on why narration often weakens a scene
▪️ Why capturing less can sometimes mean more

🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into filmmaking, storytelling, and the creative process!

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

In a world dominated by massive blockbusters and over-the-top spectacle, is there still room for stories that find beauty in the everyday? In this episode of The Story Lab, we explore the contrast between Hollywood’s obsession with sensationalism—think Marvel movies and billion-dollar franchises—and the raw, quiet power of storytelling rooted in real life.

We dive into:
✅ Why mainstream filmmaking often prioritizes spectacle over substance
✅ The overlooked magic of simple, human-driven narratives
✅ How up-and-coming filmmakers can embrace authenticity in their work

If you’ve ever felt like your stories need to be bigger to matter, this episode is for you. Sometimes, the most powerful storytelling isn’t about explosions—it’s about emotion.

Subscribe for more and start shaping your own unique filmmaking path!

#Filmmaking #Storytelling #IndieFilm #Hollywood #MarvelMovies #TheStoryLab

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

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In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of gatekeeping in the film industry—how mentorship can elevate your career and how toxic attitudes can hold you back.

Topics Covered:

▪️ The role of mentors in shaping a filmmaker's journey
▪️ How insecurity and ego can affect career growth
▪️ The reality of gatekeeping in the industry
▪️ Why reputation matters more than talent alone
▪️ The power of generosity and connection in filmmaking

Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for years, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach collaboration and success.

📢 Subscribe for more filmmaking insights!
💬 Drop a comment below—what are your experiences with gatekeeping in the industry?

#Filmmaking #Podcast #Gatekeeping #FilmIndustry #IndieFilmmaking #thestorylab

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

Filmmaking is a passion, a career, and—let’s be honest—a relentless hustle. But is it possible to build a sustainable career in this industry without sacrificing personal relationships, family time, or even your own well-being?

In this episode of The Story Lab, we dive deep into the push-and-pull of work-life balance as filmmakers. We discuss:
✅ The grind vs. long-term sustainability
✅ How to set boundaries in a career that never “clocks out”
✅ The sacrifices needed to create meaningful work
✅ Why success in filmmaking doesn’t have to mean burnout

If you’re a filmmaker, creative, or anyone struggling with balancing work and personal life, this episode is for you! Let’s redefine success—one story at a time.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes!
👍 Like & Comment: How do YOU manage work-life balance in your creative career?

#Filmmaking #CreativeLife #WorkLifeBalance #TheStoryLab

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Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

Welcome to the first ever episode of The Story Lab!

Lucas and Evan breakdown:
- Finding your voice and confidence in a project
- The challenges of fighting for your vision with clients
- Knowing the product you are selling as well as the client on commercials

Filmed in San Diego, CA

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Find us on Instagram
 @TheStoryLabFilm ​

Support the show

Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!