In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' host Marie Finch interviews  Rodes Phire, a multi-talented director, writer, producer, and founder of Unpaved Rodes Entertainment Production Company. Rodes shares her inspiring journey from being a child actor in Los Angeles to becoming an accomplished filmmaker, director, and podcast host. They discuss her challenges as being of Japanese and European ancestry in the industry,  lessons learned, and her latest directorial debut, 'Farewelling,' released on all streaming channels on March 23, 2025. Rodes also talks about the importance of maintaining creativity, the complexities of film financing, and the significance of female empowerment in her work. Tune in to learn from her experiences and gain insights into the world of independent filmmaking.  

Movie 'Farewelling' synopsis:  In the midst of the pandemic and aftermath of her best friend’s overdose, Jenna finds herself in crisis as she reunites with those still around her. Questions of her own ethics and morals surface as she grapples with the “why” of everything, eventually discovering what it takes to truly break us. 

Contact Info:
Rodes Phire IMDB:  https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm2809010/?rf=cons_nm_ov_hdr&ref_=cons_nm_ov_hdr
Article:  https://canvasrebel.com/meet-rodes-phire/  (Recommended Books)
Website:  https://www.creativerodes.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodesphire/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@rodesphire?lang=en

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In this inspiring episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch interviews Mico Saad, a multifaceted TV host, Golden Globes jury member, award-winning actor, and filmmaker. Mico shares his incredible journey from being a professional dancer and actor in Egypt to facing numerous challenges as he pursued his dreams in Hollywood. Learn about his passion for the arts, his various roles in the film industry, and his unique approach to life and career. Hear Mico's motivational insights about the importance of enjoying the journey, embracing multicultural experiences, and continuously showing up. Don't miss this uplifting conversation about overcoming obstacles and making a mark in the entertainment world.
Mico Saad became the lead TV host of TEN Hollywood, a media documentary about Hollywood, which aired on TEN TV for two seasons, and the third is in the making, where he interviewed Mario Kassar and Rami Romani. Mico has alternated between the U. K. and U. S., working alongside Ricky Gervais, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and other notable actors. He has produced a few short films in Hollywood, and was recognized with a Best Actor Award and Best Short Film Award by the Action on Film International Film Festival for Al Masri Life, which he wrote, directed, and starred in alongside prominent Hollywood Egyptian American actor Syed Badreah.

Mico Saad's IMDB Page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7770934/
Mico's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/micosaad/reels/
#tentelevision #upandcomersofhollywood #tvhost #micosaad
#mariefinch #hollywood

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

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In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' we sit down with Yihong Ding, a graduate of the American Film Institute and a senior set designer with the Art Directors Guild (ADG). From her beginnings in Shanghai to her education in London and eventual move to Los Angeles, Yihong shares her inspiring journey. She discusses her work on major productions like 'The Orville,' 'Star Trek: Picard,' and Zack Snyder’s 'Rebel Moon,' and provides insights into the vital role the art department plays in storytelling. Yihong's technical expertise evolved alongside her career. She started with SketchUp for set modeling but made a significant shift to Rhino in 2021, greatly enhancing her precision and versatility in design. Her mastery of Rhino was recognized by AFI, where she returned as an instructor, teaching concept modeling to up-and-coming filmmakers. Learn about the challenges, the artistic process, and the industry dynamics that shape a set designer’s career. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and work of an industry master. Subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6486602/
Website: https://www.yihongding.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yihong-ding-82a3272b/
Book Recommendation:
What an Art Director Does: https://www.amazon.com/What-Art-Director-Does-Introduction/dp/1879505185
AFI: https://conservatory.afi.com/conservatory-capture/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=editing&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACrVlIfGwj5coWpef_5bJawoeXKsT&gclid=CjwKCAiAjKu6Bh

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

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In this episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch sits down with Jasmine Pears, an accomplished studio executive assistant working with the vice president of adult animation development at a leading Los Angeles studio. Jasmine shares her remarkable journey from her small town in Northern California, through her education at CSUN, and her diverse experiences in the entertainment industry.  She discusses her varied experiences, from interning in college, working on big production sets, reading and finding scripts for an Academy Award Nominee film producer, assisting celebrities, and eventually transitioning into her current studio executive assistant role. Jasmine offers valuable insights and practical job strategies for aspiring professionals in the competitive entertainment industry. Tune in to hear about her challenges, successes, and the significant moments that shaped her career.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-pears-471a876a/
Entertainment Job Board:https://www.entertainmentcareers.net/
Facebook Job Board (Los Angeles):  https://www.facebook.com/groups/PAJobsLA/
Linkedin Jobs: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/entertainment-jobs-los-angeles-ca/?currentJobId=4043069275

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In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' Sandra Allen shares her inspiring journey from a stage manager in college to a prominent  award winning producer and showrunner for unscripted television. Allen discusses her career path, which includes working on shows such as 'Tribunal Justice,' 'Judge Steve Harvey,' and 'Cutler's Court.' She details her experience with the legal and talk show genres and the crucial production roles she has taken on. Sandra also offers valuable insights into the skills needed for television production, the importance of people skills, and how speaking up can open doors in the industry. The episode highlights the difference between scripted and unscripted programs, Sandra's experiences with notable personalities like Oprah and Steve Harvey, and offers advice for aspiring producers. Additionally, Allen talks about her mentoring philosophy and the challenges and successes in her career, emphasizing the importance of finding one's path in the dynamic world of Hollywood production.

IMDBPRO:  https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0021030/overview
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanndra/

Linkedin Learning:  https://www.linkedin.com/learning/browse/business
Writers Guild Foundation: https://www.wgfoundation.org/resource-center
Industry Writing Programs: https://www.wga.org/the-guild/advocacy/inclusion-and-equity/industry-writing-programs
2024 Internships:  https://www.oscars.org/careers/academy-gold-program-internships

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel:
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INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...
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Shannon Baker Davis, an award-winning television and film editor, discusses her career journey and experiences. Shannon's impressive credits include 'The Photograph,' 'Kindred,' 'Queen Sugar,' 'Grown-ish,' 'Impeachment: American Crime Story,' and various projects for Disney, Marvel, Netflix, and HBO. Shannon describes her path from Augusta, Georgia, to becoming a revered editor in Los Angeles. She talks about her educational background from Howard University and her Professor Legendary Actor Bill Duke who persuaded her to attend the American Film Institute (AFI), her struggles and successes in the industry, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the intricacies of the editing process. Shannon also emphasizes the importance of being meticulous, organized, and continually exposed to different types of film and TV content. She provides insights into the editing profession, union memberships, and offers advice for aspiring editors.

IMDB:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1564835/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shannonbakerdavis/
ACE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: https://americancinemaeditors.org/ed-center/ace-internship-program/
NAACP EDITING FELLOWSHIP https://naacp.org/find-resources/scholarships-awards-internships/internships-fellowships/naacp-editing-fellowship
LINKEDIN FORMERLY LYNDA.COM https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/video-editingAFI: https://www.avid.com/media-composer/overview

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

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In this podcast episode, Marie Finch interviews Helena Geraci, an Italian actress originally from Sicily who has successfully transitioned to an acting career in Hollywood. Helena shares her story of moving to the U.S. six years ago to work in marketing and project management, only to rediscover her passion for acting.

HELENA OF SICILY
IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12025163/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/helenofsicily/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/helena.geraci/

RECOMMENDATIONS:
LA CREATIVE CIRCLE https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCILtfljS6/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749955420503499
EVENTS: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/la-creative-circle-43801689463
ANTHONY GILARDI ACTING STUDIO https://www.anthonygilardiactingstudio.com

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel:
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INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...
HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

In this episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch interviews Diana Daydream, a songwriter, singer, musician and producer who shares her inspiring journey into music. Diana discusses her move to Los Angeles, the challenges of being an independent artist, and her path to self-taught music production. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mindset shifts, and remaining true to oneself. Diana also touches on her experiences with social media and offers advice for aspiring musicians. This insightful conversation is filled with motivational anecdotes and practical tips for anyone pursuing a career in music.

DIANA DAYDREAM MUSIC
https://www.instagram.com/dianadaydreammusic/
https://open.spotify.com/track/3zMp3tIeCZZb58x0WnLvu5?si=d78faa0b9e124c68
TIKTOK: @DIANADAYDREAMMUSIC

RECOMMENDATIONS
Book by Producer Rick Rubin:  https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886

STUDIO.COM
https://studio.com/classes/kygo/electronic-music-production

MASTERCLASS.COM

YOUTUBE VIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi72cCOPUQU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw3yihN4-xs

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel:
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upcomersofhollywo
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...
HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

Feel the pulse of innovation as I, Marie Finch, sit down with TXVX, the trailblazing music artist whose journey from Portland to Los Angeles is a symphony of resilience and raw talent. TXVX lifts the veil on her life as a multifaceted artist, from her Broadway-inspired roots to the eclectic symphony of rock, opera, and gospel that informs her soulful electronic compositions. With her debut album "Raining Roses" blooming on the horizon, TXVX's narrative is a masterclass in genre fusion, revealing how the authenticity of live instrumentation harmonizes with the digital realm to craft her signature sound.

As we bid farewell to the year and look forward to the fresh chapters awaiting us, we celebrate the unstoppable force of creators like TXVX. Her story weaves through the challenges of underrepresentation and the additional hurdles faced by female producers in the industry, yet it remains a testament to the enduring power of self-belief and kindness. Join us in this heartfelt reflection on the importance of nurturing personal growth, embracing the diversity of success, and anticipating the emotional voyage that "Raining Roses" promises. Here's to the stories, the magic, and the music that continue to inspire us all.

Follow and listen to TXVX On Spotify and Apple Music
TXVX Instagram https://www.instagram.com/txvxtxvxtxvx/
TXVX TikTok    https://www.tiktok.com/@txvx_music
TXVX Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjmE-TAh4dIQ9OxlfoXR6A

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HOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...

Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel:
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HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

Picture the bright lights of Hollywood. Now imagine navigating this world as a rising actor, balancing the glamour with the grit, and the triumphs with the trials. That's the life our guest, Alikhan Lochin, a recent graduate from USC's School of Drama, shares with us. He takes us on an intimate journey from his formative years on stage to his adventures in LA. Alikhan also sheds light on the importance of celebrating the richness of African-American history by playing the Soldier and Jazz Musician in the successful  revival "Harlem South: a View Through the Lens" during the 1920s.

Los Angeles, famed for its clear skies and smoggy silhouettes, is a city of contrasts. Alikhan offers a candid glimpse into this city that's home to Hollywood, sharing his raw encounters with the industry's light and dark sides. He enlightens us on the power of networking, the importance of flexibility, and the balance between his social life and work. He also opens up about his music career as a DJ for Kehlani and Zendaya and the significance of inner peace amidst the glamour and drama.

We wrap up this insightful conversation with Alikhan sharing invaluable advice for aspiring actors. His emphasis on self-confidence, preparedness, and respecting everyone in the industry offers a roadmap for navigating Hollywood. He also delves deep into the significance of intuition, body language, and diet in identifying genuine intentions. Alikhan urges us to embrace our stories and experiences, reminding us that each success, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Join us for this enlightening conversation and prepare to see Hollywood through a new lens!

IMDB:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6710221/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/@a51Oakland

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Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel:
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HOST MARIE FINCH: ...