The Working Director

The Working Director

By Jenn PageTV & FilmFilm Interviews
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The Working Director episodes

  • 045: ICFX For Indie Filmmakers: Using LED Walls & Green Screen for In-Camera FX

    ICFX For Indie Filmmakers:

    Using LED Walls & Green Screen for In-Camera FX

    What do you need to know when prepping and shooting on LED walls? How about using in-camera fx with green screen? Where is the technology heading and how can you get in on using this now to level up your filmmaking? Let's get in to it!

    (Episode 45)

    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    If you want to be notified when we open our doors to our ICFX studio dedicated to indie filmmakers (and indie film budgets) fill out the form on our website at TheWorkingDirector.Pro.

    You can also go there to join our private FB group for directors so you can attend these live conversations and get your questions answered; as well as, to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster.


    More on our panelists:

    Kyle Frazer has been active in the film and TV industry

    since 2004. He has worked on numerous projects from feature films to TV shows, and commercials to projects for the Department of Defense.  Some shows include Stalked Someone is watching and Americas Funniest videos.  He has demoed cameras for Panasonic, collaborated on their prosumer cameras, and early 3D models. Kyle has experience in setting up robotic cameras as well as live streaming events. As a Camera Operator and Director of Photography, Kyle has shot reality TV all over the world, and shoots digital content for Walt Disney World. After coming to Full Sail University, Kyle's skills were put to use establishing the streaming and technical aspects required to launch DCBS TV as well as extensive work with ESPN. During his time as an educator he was the course director for a few different classes including Digital cinematography 1, Portfolio III, Composition and Visual design and Electronic Field Production.
    Using all these skills he is currently running Studio V1 which is Full Sail
    University’s virtual production stage. While working in Studio V1 he has worked on many projects using the technology. Including features, TV shows, commercials and student projects.

    ****

    Kristofer Cross, a multi-talented performer and entertainment industry professional, originally from Chicago, Illinois. His journey in the world of entertainment began at a young age when he stepped onto the theater stage. Later, Kristofer and his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where he would embark on his career as an actor, dancer, and model.

    From "The Hunger Games" to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens,"

    "Joker," and sequels to "Avatar," Kristofer has left his mark on some of the most iconic films of our time. Beyond his contributions as a visual effects professional, he also delves into creative roles, writing, directing, producing, and developing his independent projects.

     ***

    Jess Loren is a highly accomplished entertainment

    professional with a broad range of expertise. As a tech entrepreneur, executive producer, and showrunner, she has founded and led two successful companies to profitable exits before the age of 30. Today, she serves as the Chief Executive Officer and founding partner of To Whom It May Concern, a production services company operating virtual production facilities in Burbank and North Hollywood. In addition to this, Jess is also the Founder and CEO of Global Objects, a pioneering tech startup focused on democratizing access to digital replicas of the real world. 

     A voting member of the Television Academy and a member of

    the Visual Effects Society, Jess has over 15 years of experience at the
    forefront of the digital and visual transformation of businesses. She has
    successfully managed complex projects as an executive producer and showrunner for leading global brands such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple+, Lifetime, A&E, Crackle, and Chicken Soup For The Soul in the realm of production.


     




    33 min
  • 044: A.I. and Film Production

    How can A.I. actually benefit your team when it comes to production and post production? How do you use A.I. to enhance (not replace) what your cast and crew bring to the table?

    Join this live discussion and Q&A on the current uses of A.I. for indie filmmakers and how to use them legitimately. From capturing actor images to editing, there is a new world at your fingertips. 

    (Episode 44)

    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    To join our private FB group for directors or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    More on our panelists:

    Evan Pesses
    Co-Founder | Head of Studio
    Wild Capture

    Evan Pesses

    is the Head of Studio and EP at Wild Capture, a digital human
    technology studio. They are heavily into the space of bring real live
    captures of actors into VFX pipelines. They leverage AI to streamline
    their processes and production. They use A.I. ethically in order to not
    replace real actors but rather to enhance. wildcapture.io


    Marc Calamia
    Executive Producer
    Films, TV, & Branded Content

    Marc Calamia is avisionary force driving the evolution of smart content solutions + immersive experiences for brands, agencies, and publishers. Marc fuses his expertise in creative development, production methods, and scalable studio models to make what we the PDA dreams possible.

    A trailblazer who has co-created and led production studios for industry

    powerhouses such as NBC Universal, Viacom, advertisers BBDO, 360i and
    R/GA, Marc's transformative touch has elevated campaigns for Google,
    Nike, Samsung, Facebook, Fanta, Apple, Magic-Leap, Mercedes-Benz,
    Verizon, AT&T, Hot Wheels and more.

    With a rich network of relationships cultivated over two decades and an

    extensive list of prestigious awards including Cannes Lions and Webbys,
    Marc is on a relentless pursuit of fresh collaborations with top-tier
    companies and exceptional talent. to continue crafting purpose-built
    content solutions + immersive experiences, captivating audiences on
    every channel.

    Marc is Founder and Exec Producer @ independent content + experiential agency SAGEWORX.COM ad Head of Production at Creative Studio PDA.NYC. His work can be seen at marccalamia.com.



    Jason Gullifer
    Independent Filmmaker


    Jason Gullifer

    is a skilled VFX artist, director, and film producer known for his
    focus on visual effects and virtual production. Inspired by his love of
    sci-fi and superhero films, Jason and director Jenn Page worked together
    on several films including “Zombie Kids” and the audience-award winning
    short film "Cazadora," where he created visual effects that brought the
    lead actress's super-powered character to life.

    In addition to his VFX expertise, Jason produces and directs. His commitment to storytelling and his ability to deliver exceptional cinematic
    experiences have earned him a reputation for excellence. He also owns
    the company, “I Look Like Myself,” that helps actors create high quality
    reel material. ilooklikemyself.com







    50 min
  • 043: Want To Fund Your Film? Here's Five Big Shifts You Must Make (with filmmaker Scott DuPont)

    How do you approach investors in a time when anyone rarely makes money? What goes in your business plan? Why should you share the bad news first with your potential investors? Why should you use your own money to make your own film? Why shouldn’t you pre-judge potential investors? Why is getting a mentor essential? We are going to dive into all that with filmmaker Scott DuPont in this episode about the five big shifts you must make to fund your indie films.

    (Episode 43)

    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    To join our private FB group for directors or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    More on Scott:

    Scott duPont was born in New Jersey (also lived in New York) is an award-winning actor with 3 Crystal Reel Awards based in Hollywood. duPont honed his craft in the Florida market living near Universal Studios FL & Disney-MGM Studios for 15 years working on 100+ short & independent films and TV pilots. In 2005, duPont was elected State President of the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association and to the Board of Directors for Film Florida. He was later elected President of the Florida Cast & Crew Association, served as Chairman of the Florida Alliance of Media & Entertainment and was a founding member of the United Film & Television Artists. Behind the camera, duPont is a member of the Producers Guild of America, the International Documentary Association. One of Scott's unique advantages to having successful film releases is his marketing skills which led him to pursue a Master's degree in Marketing with his thesis on Film Marketing. His obsession on marketing proved a great resource to exploit his company's films using creative strategies with smaller P & A budgets to get R.O.I. to his investors over the years. In between productions, duPont has written columns for several film industry publications including The Director's Chair, Focus In, and ChART magazine, and currently hosts the Podcast "Finance YOUR Movie!" which helps educate, inspire & empower other filmmakers to get money for their own projects. Making connections & reading scripts via the different film organizations he helmed, Scott optioned and purchased several sought after scripts & valuable properties. In 2007, with the backing of his most loyal investors, he formed Scott duPont, Inc. to acquire & develop additional film properties. duPont is now teaming up with existing investors and an investment group out of New York & Miami to raise a new production slate to produce & market several films (now in development). The 1st film belonging to this new slate is: "Ticket Trouble" expected to start production in 2024.


    Finance Your Movie with Scott's help by listening to his podcast or hiring his team to get hands on. FinanceYourMovie.com

    36 min
  • 042: How To Stop Being Afraid Of Networking - Online & Off! (with Husslup founder H Schuster)

    Would you rather stick forks in your eyes than network with strangers? Do you get excited about going to an event to meet people but end up speaking only to people you already know once there? What about online? Do you know how the way to best use the tools at your disposal?

    Networking is the key to success. People have to know you exist to hire you. Whether it's reconnecting with old acquaintances or making new ones, being bold and making genuine connections is a must. Join us when we talk to Husslup's founder and CEO H Schuster about all things networking and how you can better grow your network.
    (Episode 42)


    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠


    To join our private FB group for directors or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠.


    More on H:

    HUSSLUP Founder and CEO H Schuster is a senior media executive with more than 20 years of experience producing TV and leading divisions at major media companies. She founded HUSSLUP to democratize and diversify access to the entertainment industry.

    Prior to HUSSLUP, Schuster was Founder and CEO of Morocco Junction Entertainment, a production company financed by All3Media. Earlier, Schuster headed unscripted television for premier production companies, including Ryan Seacrest Productions, Reveille, and Shine America. Schuster helped shepherd high profile hits including the Kardashian franchises, "The Biggest Loser," "MasterChef," “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” and others. She also served as the CCO who scaled Detour, a location-aware podcasting company that was one of Apple's “Top 10 Apps” of 2016.
    Schuster earned a PhD in cultural studies at NYU and attended Stanford Law School. She served multiple terms on the Outfest Board of Directors, is a founding member of Chief, and is a member of the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy.

    42 min
  • 041: Demystifying Production Insurance (with Owner of Alan Schlaifer Insurance)

    What is Production Insurance exactly? How do you get it affordably for smaller projects? What exactly do all those terms on that certificate of

    insurance even mean?!?!?

    Production Insurance is a non-negotiable when it comes to filmmaking. You need it to rent gear. You need it to book locations. You need it to keep your crew covered. Filming without it is a risky business. We'll be joined by Alan Schlaifer who has been helping indie filmmakers get insured for over two decades. We plan to demystify production insurance and help make it more attainable for filmmakers at all levels.  


    (Episode 41)

    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠

    To join our private FB group for directors or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠⁠⁠.


    More on Alan:

    You can reach Alan to ask questions or get a quote for production insurance at [email protected].

    Prior to starting his agency Alan Schlaifer began his career working in post-production. He moved up the ladder from the role of assistant video editor to sound designer and music editor. Recognizing that there were a number of opportunities for calamity in the production process, he transitioned into the field of

    production insurance. He spent a few years with the John Hart Agency to learn the ropes of handling production insurance needs. Eventually, he
    started ASIS Entertainment Insurance. It is interesting to note that Alan’s mother was a studio teacher who brought him to the set with her,
    so he has been around the industry for his entire life. From that beginning, an entry into the industry wasn’t an unexpected leap. In his
    early years, Alan worked as an extra, body double, hand model, on-set P.A., and assistant to a director where he experienced the production
    process from script to screen. Alan believes that – for better or for worse – every frame of film offers a learning opportunity. If the worst
    happens, you want the comfort of knowing that your insurance policy covers the solution.

    27 min
  • 040: How Do You Direct Non-Scripted TV? (with TV director Steve Abramson)

    Until you find a groove getting hired for narrative projects, most directors make their money in the non-scripted world. How can you make the most from your time doing non-scripted work? How can you help your interview subjects feel at ease? How do you know what b-roll to film? How can you keep your set running smoothly? And how does all of that translate to your narrative film work? We’ll talk about all that and more with TV director Steve Abramson on this episode of the working director podcast.


    (Episode 40)

    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠

    To join our private FB group for directors, or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠⁠.


    More on Steve:

    Steve Abramson a multiple award-winning Television Director for over four decades.

     For 16 seasons, he directed at Dr. Phil, including two episodes on location in New Orleans examining the one-year aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  He also directed hundreds of segments, telling the stories of countless guests.

    He has a wealth of experience directing, writing, and producing for many acclaimed television shows for NBC,CBS, Fox, A&E, Disney Channel, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, FoodNetwork, and SyFy.  His A&E Biography of the Amistad revolt leader, “Cinque: Freedom Fighter,” was nominated for the prestigious

    NAACP Image Award.

    Other credits include Sightings, A&E Top 10, Disney’s American Teacher Awards, CBS Morning

    News, The Christopher Lowell Show, Name Your Adventure, and Calling All Cooks.  He’s earned one Emmy nomination along
    the way.

    He’s been an active member of the DGA for 30+ years and the PGA for 20+ years.  He’s also been a member of the Television Academy for over 30 years, where he served on the Directors Peer Group Executive Committee and the Primetime Awards Committee for nearly 10 years.  He’s also moderated the "Directing For Television" panel for the annual TV Academy Faculty Seminar, and judged candidates for the Academy Foundation’s esteemed Intern program.

    Steve is most proud and fortunate to have interviewed nearly 80 television pioneers for the TV Academy’s prestigious oral history project, The

    Interviews, including Steve Binder, Pat Boone, Mark Burnett, Jonathan Murray, Richard Chamberlain, Dick Enberg, Tom Freston, Louis J. Horvitz, Arthur Hiller, Cliff Robertson, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Suzanne Somers, Adam West, Patty Duke and Larry King.


    29 min
  • 039: The Director - Colorist Relationship

    When should you start talks with your colorist? How can you best help them understand your vision? What's the best pipeline to go from production through all of post until color? We'll cover that and more in this episode with Film & TV Colorist Tashi Trieu (Avataar 2: The Way of The Water).

    (Episode 39)

    Hosted by Director/Producer⁠ Jenn Page.⁠

    To join our private FB group for directors, or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠.


    MORE ON TASHI:

    Tashi Trieu is a film and television colorist and

    finishing artist with over 10 years of experience in post-production. He’s
    worked on everything from indie features to tentpole studio films like Avatar:
    The Way of Water, The Jungle Book, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He’s
    taught color grading and color science at film schools around the world and
    co-authored Modern Post, a handbook on post-production finishing. In his spare
    time he’s an avid bicyclist.


    Tashi's Website: https://tashitrieu.com/

    Read the article we speak of in the episode: https://divfx.tashitrieu.com/

    38 min
  • 038: How Do You Direct Live TV? (with filmmaker Sharon Everitt)

    How do you direct live TV? Whether 21 cameras or three, a live audience or not, there are so many considerations that differ from narrative filmmaking. What are those things? Filmmaker Sharon Everitt shares how she does it on this episode.

    (Episode 38)

    Hosted by Director/Producer Jenn Page.

    To join our private FB group for directors, or to learn about The Working Director accelerator that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit TheWorkingDirector.Pro.


    MORE ON SHARON:

    SHARON EVERITT is a 3-time Emmy nominee and has directed over 100 episodes of television, including “That’s My Time with David Letterman” on Netflix, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC, NBC’s “World of Dance”,  and NBC’s “A Little Late with Lilly Singh”.  Sharon is also an accomplished narrative writer/director whose projects frequent the film festival circuit. Her 2019 musical comedy “Brentwood” played dozens of festivals around the world and won Best Short Film at the Independent Filmmaker Showcase in Los Angeles.  Sharon’s original sci-fi “Polybius” premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2019, and her sci-fi fantasy “Below the Root” was optioned by Walt Disney Pictures.  Sharon began her career as a television editor, and was the Executive Producer of ABC’s long running Disney Christmas Day Parade special.  She was part of NBC’s Alternative Directors Program, was named one of the “Future Women of Television” by Blackmagic Collective in 2020, and is part of the 2022 DGA Women’s Mentorship Group.

    Follow Sharon:

    IMDB

    WEBSITE

    INSTAGRAM

    26 min
  • 037: How Do You Sustain A Career In Hollywood (with writer Michael Anthony Snowden)

    How do you sustain a career in a business that forgets you the minute you’ve walked out the door? Writer Michael Anthony Snowden’s career took off in 1977 working with one of the biggest names in comedy, Richard Pryor. After that he wrote for the Wayans brothers on everything from In Living Color to White Chicks. So why does he still feel like every day is still a hustle to work, and what does he do to keep jobs flowing? We’ll find out that more on this episode of The Working Director.

    Follow Michael on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lordsnowden

    Michael on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0811360/

    (Episode 37)

    Hosted by Director/Producer Jenn Page.

    To join our private FB group for directors, or to learn about The Working Director accelerator that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit TheWorkingDirector.Pro.


    27 min
  • 036: From Simple Mind Shift To Full Time PAID Working Director?

    How can a positive mind shift help you become a working director? How do you turn your relationships into paid directing work? And how does all of that help you raise money for films? Filmmaker Jason Satterlund has done all that and he shares how a simple mind shift took him from low budget music videos to higher budget narratives.

    (Episode 36)

    Hosted by Director/Producer Jenn Page.

    To join our private FB group for directors, or to learn about The Working Director accelerator that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit TheWorkingDirector.Pro.


    Jason Satterlund is an award-winning director and writer who is passionate about telling stories. Over the past 25 years, he has honed a talent for directing authentic, emotionally compelling performances. His filmmaking displays a strong visual style that carries audiences on emotional journeys. His latest feature film, “The Abandon,” won multiple awards on the film festival circuit and secured theatrical distribution through Lionsgate. He works all over the world writing and directing feature films, shorts, TV series, immersive entertainment, music videos, commercials, and documentaries, and has received international recognition. He has written and directed over 25 episodes of television, run writer’s rooms, and crafted shows for clients from the ground up. When he isn't busy directing his own projects, he enjoys teaching filmmaking workshops, shaping the filmmakers of the future.

    Jason's Sizzle Reel:

    https://vimeo.com/783126488/892a9c04f2

    Jason's latest film, "The Abandon," trailer:

    https://vimeo.com/667997455

    His YouTube page with multiple how-to videos, BTS videos and other works:

    https://www.youtube.com/JasonSatterlundDirector


    Jason on IMDB

    31 min

About The Working Director

From the publisher's feed

Helping emerging filmmakers become working directors faster. This weekly podcast will ask filmmakers the tough questions and offer guidance every step of the way with one goal in mind: help you make a living doing what you love, directing.