"If we make what we know to be true for ourselves, that edge gives it an individuality that can't be found anywhere else." ~ Kelly Clark, Artist

It has been quite a while since we've had a new episode of the show. A lot has been going on with me. New job (blog editor for Frame.io), moving out of my house, and becoming a nomad. But for this season finale, we have something that'll make you laugh and cry. And isn't that what makes a Radio Film School episode special?

Video Mentioned in This Episode

The profile film for Kelly Clark.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org . In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Laserdisc by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyon (CC BY)
• Daylight PON II by Kai-Engel (CC BY)
• Endless Story about Sun and Moon by Kai-Engel (CC BY-SA-NC)
• Getting Paid Part II by Alec's Band (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Save Big on Your Next Gig

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

This week on the show we delve into one of the most important topics we’ll discuss all season. It’s at the core of what we do as filmmakers. Telling stories. Chris Huntley from The Write Bros. talks about the narrative story development theory Dramatica and the connection story has to psychology. We’ll hear from Patrick Moreau of Muse Storytelling and Stillmotion on how they find and tell the kind of stories that have won them five Emmys. We’ll hear from Dan Duncan of Remedy Films on the lengths he goes to tell authentic stories. And we hear from a filmmaker we last heard from way back in the first main episode — Alex Vo from the San Francisco Bay Area shares how he finds real life “Hero’s Journey” stories.

Music in this Episode

Except where noted, music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance:

• Batched in the Light by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY
• Rewound by Chris Zabriske. CC BY
• In Time by Stellardrone. CC BY
• I am a Man Who Will Fight for Your Honor by Chris Zabriske. CC BY
• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA
• House of Latin by Mark Stone. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• She Does Her Best (feat. Small Colin) by Six Umbrellas. CC BY-SA
• Laserdisc by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY
• I am Running with Temporary Success from a Montrous Vacuum in Pursuit by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY

This past weekend was Memorial Day so I had just enough time to put together a flashback to some past episode segments. In this 15th/25th anniversary special, I replay the story of my first time on a film set (from RFS004 "Your First Time") and the start and evolution of my video business (from FJ24 "Making a Difference with Your Art"). As usual, stick around after the credits for a fun discussion with friend of the show JD Cochran and I reminiscing on making my first narrative, scripted short film.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org:

• Shower Scene (Instrumental Version)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• Preachin' Dem Blues by The Good Lawdz (CC BY-SA)
• Air Hockey Saloon by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Ground Cayenne by The Good Lawdz (CC BY-SA)
• My Girl by The Temptations Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• What Does Anybody Know About Anything by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Daylight (PON II) by Kai Engel (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Save Big On Your Next Gig

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

In this episode of our "Making a Documentary" mini-series of Radio Film School, friend of the show Yolanda T. Cochran (with her husband JD offering his usual comic relief) gives us some detailed information on film and television credits. If you have thought about giving away a movie credit on your crowdfunded film for anything less than at LEAST $100 (or more), you need to listen to this episode. Or, if you're curious about union regulations regarding credits, or just the logistics that go into making credits, then stick around. It's actually pretty fascinating.

The Role of "Producer"

Ever wonder what all those different "producers" you see in movie credits actually do? The second half of this episode is a replay of a "Short Ends" segment from last year wherein Yolanda tells us. Get the 411 on executive producers, co-producers, producers, line producers, etc.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from Kevin MacLeod's Incompetch.com and FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Boulevard St. Germain by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Save Big on Your Next Gig

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

Throughout history, there have been some pretty epic rivalries. Mac vs. PC. Canon vs. Nikon. Marvel vs. DC. There's a lot of discussion and analysis on the internet about this latest topic, specifically the MCU vs. the DCEU. And on this episode of the show, we hear from some experts who help us contribute to that debate. In the end, you'll hear a perspective about how to look at it that I almost guarantee you've never considered.

This week we hear from:

• Robert Meyer Burnett: A 25+ year veteran of Hollywood, Rob is a director, editor, frequent co-host on Collider Heroes, and self-proclaimed comic book geek.
• Edu Black: production coordinator on "The Simpsons," one of my co-hosts on the "Wrestling with Westworld" podcast, and huge comic fan.
• Jevon Phillips: online producer and writer for the L.A. Times Calendar section writing about entertainment.
• Brett Culp: director of the documentary “Legends of the Knight“, a feature-length documentary about the legend and story of Batman inspiring people living with debilitating or even life-threatening illnesses. Through the success of that film, Brett has since founded “The Rising Heroes Project,” a non-profit that creates uplifting films to support charitable organizations and inspire communities. They are currently touring with their follow-up to “Legends” with “Look to the Sky.”

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from Kevin MacLeod's Incompetch.com and FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Bernard FINALby Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)
• Marhababy Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)
• Perspectivesby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• Hero Downby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Save Big on Your Next Gig

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

Rahm Emmanuel, former White House Chief of Staff, Mayor of Chicago and brother of Ari Emmanual of WME was once quoted in the New York Times saying, "We can't kick the can down the road because we've run out of road." In today's episode, miniseries co-producer and a recurring guest on the show, Yolanda T. Cochran takes the reigns again to ponder what we should realistically expect by way of change in gender parity and politics.

Fellow podcaster, Julie Harris Walker (of "the other 50%" - a Herstory of Hollywood and Herstory of Tech) joins us in the early days of her podcast to share thoughts on: what she's learned from talking to women executives in the business, where the women's movement may have had some shortcomings, and what the outlook of change is looking like.

Likewise, Courtney Daniels, actress, producer and founder of Busted Buggy Entertainment gives some input on whether a "united front" from women is either viable or effective for women in high places in the biz.

And finally, an excerpt from Ryan Murphy's acceptance speech for The Hollywood Reporter's inaugural Equity in Entertainment award makes a case for the argument that patience may not be a virtue.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

Support Our Sponsors and You Support the Show

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as “oldies but goodies”. Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• Little Wooden Churchby The Trumpeteers (CC BY)
• Night on the Docksby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• Explodeby Kellee Maize (CC BY)
• Pigalleby Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Julyby Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Sunsetby Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Takeoverby Kellee Maize (CC BY)

I wanted to talk to some professionals who could give us informed and experienced insight into this debacle and PR mess. So I got on the line with Blake Howard, Creative Director of Matchsic, a brand consulting and design firm who has done work for companies like Coke and other national brands; and Chris Chan, the resident visual anthropologist at the viral video factory and social experiment production company Cut. They provide some new perspective on a topic that admittedly has been discussed ad nauseam. But I'm confident you'll dig this one!

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from Kevin MacLeod's Incompetch.com and FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• “Overcast” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• “Lucid Streaming” by Graham Bole (CC BY)
• “Kool Kats” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• “Daybreak” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• “Lobby Time” by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

SAVE BIG ON YOUR NEXT GIG

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

Because the nature of this show involves taking bits and pieces of longer episodes, I have a veritable vault full of as yet unmined content from fantastic interviews. In honor of it being NAB this week (that annual mecca to Las Vegas for media professionals all over the world), we have as yet unaired excerpts from interviews I conducted last season.

Peabody award-winning filmmaker and documentarian Elaine McMillion Sheldon, who won that acclaimed award for her interactive documentary experience "Hollow", chimes in on how the architectural design concept of "form following function" should be applied to storytelling and technology. Also, Seattle Film Institute executive director David Shulman uses makes an appearance with an example of how a master's approach to filmmaking can be applied to our use of the latest and greatest. And it all starts with a simple (or not so simple) question asked by my 12-year-old aspiring filmmaking son.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Gettin' Paid, Pt. IIby Alec's Band (cc by)
• Remember Trees?by Chris Zabriskie (cc by)
• Here's the Thingby Lee Rosevere (cc by)
• Stories About the World That Once Wasby Chris Zabriskie (cc by)
• Denouementby Kai Engel (cc by)
• I Believe in Youby Lee Rosevere (cc by)
• All Your Faustian Bargains (Extended Mix)by Steve Combs

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

SAVE BIG ON YOUR NEXT GIG

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio.

Click here to see the current version of the crowdfunding video.

Visit the Videos section of the Invisible Illness Film website to see the other short video vignettes JD references ("There Must Be a Reason" and "What It Means to Thrive").

Music in this episode was "And So Then" by Lee Rosevere (CC BY).

This week we have part 4 of our “Making a Documentary” miniseries, wherein we document the making of my first low-budget <del>feature-length</del> documentary "Invisible Illness." During this series, it's my goal to share not only what I've learned, but what other documentary filmmakers have learned.

On this episode, we have the second part of my interview with Vincent Vittorio, CEO and founder of Life is My Movie. Vincent gives some specific feedback on our crowdfunding video and our plans for the film in general. He also poses a question about the format of the film that has a profound impact on the direction we take it. Show regular JD Cochran throws in his two cents as well. Here's the current version of our crowdfunding video.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Monkeys Spinning Monkeysby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• And So Thenby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• In A Momentby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• The Secret to Growing Upby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• Making A Changeby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

• Dan Riordan and Dana Saint of Gnarly Bay
• Canadian filmmaker Bren Foster of "While I'm Here: The Legacy Project"
• Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures

Original air date October 2015. See music credits and original show notes on the blog.

This week we have part 3 of our “Making a Documentary” miniseries, wherein we document the making of my first low-budget feature-length documentary "Invisible Illness." During this series, it's my goal to share not only what I've learned, but what other documentary filmmakers have learned.

On this episode we have CEO and founder of Life is My Movie, Vincent Vittorio. Vincent has produced over a dozen feature length documentaries and has just finished a successful Kickstarter for another. Like me, he's drawn to topics that tackle important causes and social justice. This week we tackle the difference between journalism and documentary filmmaking; making ethical choices; and making creative choices in the doc filmmaking process.

We also recently launched the Kickstarter for our feature doc.

CHECK OUT OUR KICKSTARTER. We'll be covering what we learned on the podcast.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Direct to Video Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Divider by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

"We only give each other the top layers, the top; we dont give each other what lies beneath." ~ Kassim Harris, Director of It Eats You Up

Robert Hardy is a filmmaker and writer who used to write for the popular filmmaking website No Film School. Robert has since left the behemoth site to start his own filmmaker resource for inspiration, Filmmakers Process. I love what Robert is doing with his site. It's very much in line with the spirit and goals of Radio Film School--helping filmmakers become better artists by connecting with what it means to be an artist. As I read the articles on his site, I knew I wanted him to adapt one as a segment for the podcast. That's what you're going to hear on today's episode.

Robert connects with director, cinematographer, colorist and 16mm film fanatic Kassim Norris. His award-winning short film "It Eats You Up" is an excellent example of what Robert calls Iceberg Storytelling. You will be immensely inspired.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org and Art-List.io (where noted). In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Universe is Calling by Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• Behind the Clouds by Fog courtesy of Art-List.io (all rights reserved)
• Division by Ocean courtesy of Art-List.io (all rights reserved)
• Born Twice by Mark Tracy courtesy of Art-List.io (all rights reserved)
• Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

SAVE BIG ON YOUR NEXT GIG

If you have a film or photo shoot here in the U.S., look no further than Lens Pro To Go for all your rental needs. Get premium service and support from people who are themselves working filmmakers and photographers. Podcast listeners get a 10% discount when you use the offer code "radio."

Kassim's film "It Eats You Up".

From teen heart-throb to conservative political activist, Scott Baio has some provocative political ideologies that is fair to say isn't the common mindset in what has traditionally been a very liberally-minded, Democrat-populated town. From speaking at the Republic National Convention to appearing on the conservative Fox News program The Five to decry the government's investigation into hiring practices, Mr. Baio is unafraid and unashamed to make his thoughts and politics known. Good for him! I mean that. I totally disagree with his opinion on the matter, but I do commend his fortitude to speak up for what he believes in a town where he has to know it will be met with criticism.

Well, it was the appearance on the aforementioned Fox News program that prompted today's episode of our miniseries "Breaking the Glass." I had miniseries co-producer and recurring guest on the show, Yolanda Cochran, listen to the entire segment. We then hopped on Skype to have a conversation about it. She gives some valuable insight into the business from the perspective of a person who has worked in the business for over 20 years (more than half of that time in some kind of producing role).

In the last part of the show today, guest podcast producer Stefanie Malone (Emmy award-winning documentary producer and Executive Director of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth) arranges a conversation with director Jen McGowan. Jen's first feature film, "Kelly and Cal", starred Juliet Lewis and won the Gamechanger Director Award at the 2014 SXSW Film Festival. Jen is also the creator of Filmpowered.com, a site for connecting with and hiring female filmmakers. Jen gives a look at the situation from the point of view of a person currently in the system trying to get the next job, just like every other hard-working director, man or woman. Her thoughts about why we should have diversity in hiring practices are inspiring.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

Support Our Sponsors and You Support the Show

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• Mothership by Kellee Maize (CC BY)
• Explode by Kellee Maize (CC BY)
• It Looks Like The Future, But It Feels Like The Past by Doctor Turtle (CC BY)
• Takeover by Kellee Maize (CC BY)

"I was terrified. I'll be totally honest with you. But that's why I knew I needed to make it. I just gotta be bold. 'Cuz why do the safe thing." ~ Spencer Gillis, Director of "Sweep"

Spencer Gillis is an A-camera operator for the hit Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." But his passion is telling stories--stories that drum up tough conversations. Last summer I interviewed him about his Vimeo Staff Pick, Short of the Week winner "Sweep." Today's episode is part of my conversation with Spencer where we discuss the key story points of the film, and what they say about today's society.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Referent Power by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• My Dignity by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• "This is What I Smoke To" by Mo Green. Courtesy of 235 Films. All rights served.

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Spencer's Film "Sweep".

This week we have part 2 of our “Making a Documentary” miniseries, wherein we document the making of my low-budget feature-length documentary "Invisible Illness." During this series, it's my goal to share not only what I've learned, but what other documentary filmmakers have learned.

On this episode, documentary filmmaker Brett Culp is back on the show to talk about the successes and failures he's had with his three crowdfunding film campaigns over the past five years. Brett had a successful IndigGoGo campaign and then later a successful Kickstarter campaign to create is first feature length documentary "Legends of the Knight." He's now in the middle of his second feature length doc and third crowdfunding campaign, this time on IndieGoGo's Generosit.com platform. Among many things, he gives some great insight on when you'd want to use IndieGoGo vs Kickstarter (his answer may surprise if you think you know. It's not just about ow much money you get to keep). And he talks about why he's using Generority.org and for whom that platform is ideal.

• Stream Brett's film "Legends of the Knight" on Netflix
• The IndieGoGo pitch video for "Legends"
• Brett's Kickstarter page for "Legends"
• Learn more about his current film at SupermanIsReal.com

To learn more about the documentary my wife and I are creating, visit InvisibleIllnessFilm.com.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Out of the Skies, Under the Earthby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

I have a confession to make. I’m black. Yes, I know. You probably had no idea, right? If all you’ve heard was my voice, I’m almost certain you didn’t know. I just don’t have that rugged, deep, recognizable “African American” signature to my voice. I’m not talking about grammar usage or cultural vernacular. I’m talking about my actual tone and vocal quality. Beyond that, I also just don’t like my voice. It’s totally ironic that I even have a podcast.

What is an artist to do when they feel like they severely lack the inherent skill or talent necessary for their craft? That’s what we’re exploring in today’s “Short Ends” episode with good advice and an hilarious anecdote from friend of the show, spoken word artist Marshall Davis Jones. He recounts the story of how he came to have that rugged, rich texture to his voice (it wasn’t always so). His lesson is a great one for any filmmaker looking to excel at their craft.

This episode is sponsored by Song Freedom. Be sure to listen to the episode to get a special discount code granting you one free song credit.

Today is the inaugural episode of the “Making a Documentary” mini-series, wherein we document, well, the making of a documentary. Specifically, my first feature-length documentary. Except, I’m not the director. My wife Tasra is (pronounced TOZ-ra).

On this episode, Tasra shares the deeply personal story that motivated her to take up the mantle of “filmmaker” and create “Invisible Illness”, a documentary about what it’s like living with an illness (or illnesses) where you look fine on the outside, but inside you’re suffering. She shares why she felt this story had to be told, why it has to be told as a film, and why she is reluctantly considering herself a filmmaker.

To learn more about the documentary visit InvisibleIllnessFilm.com.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• No Homeby Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• The Secret to Growing Upby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• I Am a Man Who Will Fight for Your Honorby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Going Homeby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• Laserdiscby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Happy New Year boys and girls out there in podcast land! I'm excited to be back behind the microphone and bring you weekly and/or biweekly stories about filmmaking, creative arts, and pursuing your passion. To kick us off, we're going to look back at some of my favorite episodes last season. You'll hear clips from:

• Quentin Tarantino Pt. 1 - The Auteur
• Quentin Tarantino Pt. 2 - The Provocateur
• Season 1 Finale
• Get 'er Done - A Mixed in America Update
• RFS003 - S.O.S. Atlantis

The Making of a Feature Documentary

This year I embark upon one of my greatest challenges as a filmmaker. The making of my first feature length documentary. My wife is actually the director as this is a passion topic of hers. My greatest fears are not the challenges of the filmmaking. Nope. My biggest fear has to do with how this collaboration will affect MY MARRIAGE! It's sure to make for some great podcast fodder. Be sure to subscribe to the show so as not to miss one juicy episode.

To learn more about the documentary visit tasra.me/invisible. Here's the trailer.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Fire Aheadby Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Boulevard St Germainby Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• And So Thenby Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• Auld Lang Syneby Princes Band (Public Domain)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos Mentioned

Here's that hilarious trailer spoof.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerRon, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

The latest two entries into the Star Wars universe have had strong female leads at the center. Show regulars JD and Yolanda T. Cochran join me today in this special episode to discuss that role that strong women have played in the various franchise installments.

We also get into how many of the films pass the Bechdel Test. The test sets up three simple parameters for a movie: 1) you have two or more female characters, 2) they talk to one another, and 3) they talk about something other than a man. Is the test a valid one for determining a film's gender diversity?

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

Support Our Sponsors and You Support the Show

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

Music

Music in this episode was actually curated from Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech.com. "Rynos Theme" (CC BY).

In honor of the release of "Rogue One", we're re-broadcasting the Star Wars special we first ran last December before the release of "The Force Awakens." In this episode, we look at the making of the Prequels and the remastered Trilogy. I know the issues that Star Wars fans have had with these films have been discussed ad nauseam. But in this special, I look at three aspects of these films from which filmmakers can glean valuable insight into the making of their own films. We hear from Write Bros. partner and Dramatica co-creator Chris Huntley; Loyd Calomay of Red 5 Studios; film genre journalist and founder of Etheria Film Night Heidi Honeycut; and frequent show guest JD Cochran.

Music in this Episode

Music from today’s episode is courtesy of Song Freedom and also curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape with all the songs. Here’s a list of songs used from Song Freedom:

• “Interstellar”
• “Main Title”
• “Helga Stella”
• “Can Can”

Scott Joplin’s “Original Rags” was used from FreeMusicArchive.org. Public Domain.

Videos

Here’s the “Jive Walkin'” video I reference in the funny deleted “scene” at the end of the credits.

Robert Flaherty's 1922 docu-drama "Nanook of the North" is widely regarded as the first commercially successful feature length documentary. But even as early as then, controversy surrounded the documentary filmmaking art form as it was revealed that many of the scenes from Nanook were staged, and even the main characters name was not his real name.

Do true documentaries have to be strictly photojournalistic style, hands-off productions that just capture moments and interviews? Is it okay for a documentary filmmaker to use creative editing to re-arrange and juxtapose imagery and audio to better fit his or her narrative, even if such juxtaposition implies something that never really happened? Is a wedding film that has posed shots and scripted voice over any less "real" than a straight-forward document of the day? These are the questions we explore in this episode of Radio Film School: Short Ends.

Music in this Episode

Music from today’s episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance they were:

• Back To Buxtonby Alec's Band (CC BY)
• Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected Toby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Readers! Do You Read?by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Remember Trees?by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Canon in D Minorby Kevin Macleod (CC By)
• There's Probably No Timeby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Out of the Skies, Under the Earthby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos Referenced

• Fox News Clip about Katie Couric's Deceptive Editing
• "Bowling for Columbine" Clip About Charlton Heston (Hardy Law comparison of movie clip to actual speeches)
• Errol Morris on Non-fiction Filmmaking
• Errol Morris on Recovering Reality
• Errol Morris on Truth, Art and Photography
• Denis Reggie and Joe Buissink Q&A

The ability to carry a high-definition video camera in your pocket has literally changed the face of an industry. Now any John or Jane Doe with an iPhone can be a DIY Anderson Cooper. Well, a conversation I had with world-renown wedding filmmaker Ray Roman about the controversy over police shootings led me down a path to explore this topic further. Today on the show you'll hear part of my conversation with Ray that prompted this exploration. We also hear from show regulars JD and Yolanda Cochran on the topic, as well as Legends of the Knight director and founder of the Rising Heroe's Project, Brett Culp. (With Legends of the Knight, Brettt raised over $100,000 for charities. He's hoping to do better than that with the next movie, but needs help raising the last set of funds. Click here to learn more.)

Music in this Episode

Music from today’s episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org:

• The Crazies Are Out Tonight by Dylan Palme(CC BY-SA)
• Grave Robbers From Outer Space by Dylan Palme(CC BY-SA)
• Higekitekina (悲劇的な) by Fabian Measures(CC BY)
• Bliss (Peaceful Dales) by Fabian Measures(CC BY-SA)
• Subtle Library by Fabian Measures(CC BY-SA)
• 8bit Five (ft. J6) by Cullah(CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Films Referenced

• The Shining "Romantic Comedy" Trailer
• "Mrs. Doubtfire" as a Psychological Horror Flick

Last year during Thanksgiving, we had a special about the dark origin of the Tin-Man from the Wizard of Oz and the lessons filmmakers and other artists can learn from that story. The basis for that episode was Whitestone Motion Pictures director Brandon McCormick talking about the making of their film "Heartless," their version of the aforementioned Tin-Man origin story. This Thanksgiving we bring that episode back, plus a brand new interview with Whitestone's film composer Nick Kirk. This whole episode is chock full of artistic inspiration.

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Music in this Episode

Music from today’s episode was curated from the Song Freedom. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape for this episode (All rights reserved). The Song Freedom songs were Le Jazz – Hot A and Le Jazz – Hot B.

Songs used during the interview with Nick (from "That's Magic", courtesy of Whitestone Motion Pictures, all rights reserved):

• Second’s Glance
• There’s No Such Thing as Magic

The rest of the songs were from the “Heartless” soundtrack, courtesy of Whitestone Motion Pictures (all rights reserved). Music and Lyrics by Nick Kirk and The Brothers Bright. Songs used (in order of appearance):

• The Tinner (during the history of “Wizard of Oz”)
• Our Story Begins with Love
• The Wicked Witch of the East
• The Cursed Axe
• Frozen
• Yours Alone (credits)
• The Tin Man (during bonus excerpt at end)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Films Referenced

• The Creative Process
• Heartless: The Story of the Tin-Man
• Heartless: Behind the Scenes
• Making the Tin-Man: Sound and Music

This is an episode that will make you laugh and/or get pissed (I'm sure you'll get mad at somebody in this episode). But most of all, I hope it makes you think.

Here's the first episode of FCPX Grill after its 14-month hiatus.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

Videos

Here's the BTG film episode referenced in this episode.

Here's Dane Sanders' keynote address at Engage15 that is referenced (the inspiration for Chris' "Stand on a Chair" metaphor).

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

We also want to give special thanks to these companies who are helping to spread the word to achieve gender equality in the biz:

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• Discovery by Zachary Nelson (courtesy of Song Freedom, all rights reserved).
• Let's Start at the Beginningby Lee Rosevere (cc by)
• Night Movesby Cosmic Analog Ensemble (cc by)
• Astronauts On Earthby Cosmic Analog Ensemble (cc by)
• Montmartre by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Direct to Video by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Preachin' Dem Bluesby The Good Lawdz (cc by-sa)
• Musical Mathematicsby Lee Rosevere (cc by)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Last week we had a special post-election "Breaking the Glass" bonus produced and largely recorded by breaking the glass co-producer Yolanda T. Cochran. The episode was bittersweet in that it was written and recorded before the election results, so there was a certain sense of hopefulness in Yolanda’s voice that we were on the verge of having our first woman president. So I recorded an epilogue to her episode to provide context. I also used that epilogue to address what I’ve seen going on in the photography and filmmaking communities. That part of the epilogue is what you’re about to hear.

So, if you listened to that entire "Breaking the Glass" episode, you don’t need to listen to this. But I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings with this industry that has meant so much to me for so long.

I think this message is self-explanatory. If it resonates with you, please share it.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• That Kid In the Fourth Grade Who Really Liked the Denver Broncos by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• I Can’t Imagine Where I’d Be Without You by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Then afterward, I give my own post-election commentary and epilogue specifically aimed at my friends and colleagues in the creative arts industry.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

Videos

• We All Belong Here
• Chisolm '72: Unbought and Unbossed

Other Resources

• America Loves Women Like Hillary Clinton...As Long as They're Not Asking for a Promotion (Quartz Article)

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• It's Always Too Late to Star Over by Chris Zabriskie
• Montmarte by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Another Version of You by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• I Am the Man Who Will Fight for Your Honor (CC BY)
• Rewound by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• That Kid In the Fourth Grade Who Really Liked the Denver Broncos by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• I Can't Imagine Where I'd Be Without You by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

A few weeks ago JD, Yolanda and I apparently felt like we didn't have enough time arguing and debating with each other on "Radio Film School", so we decided to take our passionate debates to a new "frontier"—HBO's "Westworld." Our new podcast "Wrestling with Westworld" is a weekly fun, funny, and engaging discussion about the new hit show. On the very first episode, we had a great conversation about audience reception and a filmmaker's ability to effectively and accurately convey their message to the audience. I felt it would be very informative to share with my RFS audience.

As a follow up to the "Westworld" convo, I share a discussion that JD and I originally had last year about "Do the Right Thing". In it we address Spike Lee's comments that he believes the Danny Aiello character, Sal, is a racist, whereas both JD and I don't necessarily think he is. As the writer/director, did Spike do a good job of communicating to the audience that Sal is indeed a racist? That's what we explore. Special "guest star" appearance by filmmaker Ryan Booth.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Fire Aheadby Jahzzar (CC B-SA)
• Black Lungby Broke for Free (CC BY)
• Night Owl by Brokefor Free (CC BY)
• Old Western Firefightby Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Western Firefight 2by Cullah (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

After the credits, there's a fun preview of our brand new podcast about HBO's hit new series "Westworld." I like to refer to it as "The Westworld podcast Samuel L. Jackson would love!" You can subscribe to the new show in iTunes. Find it online at daredreamer.fm/westworldpod.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

Videos

• Here's the BTG film episode referenced in this episode
• Here's Dane Sanders' keynote address at Engage15 that is referenced

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

We also want to give special thanks Wipster for helping to spread the word to achieve gender equality in the biz.

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• Gettin' Paid, Pt. IIby Alec's Band (CC BY)
• The Journeyby Marcos H. Bolanos (CC BY-SA)
• Out of the Skies, Under the Earthby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• The InsiderTheme by The Insider (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Season 1 of the show explored the theme of "finding your voice and developing a signature style." In season 2, the central theme will be "pursuing your passion" To kick the season off, we're going to look at 4 characteristics that are essential for filmmakers (or any artist) to go the distance. And in the process of looking at those characteristics, boy, do we have a show for you. Everything that makes a Radio Film School episode special—funny anecdotes, silly stories, sound design, a great soundtrack, pop culture movie references, and engaging, enlighting, and insightful interviews with amazing and eloquent filmmakers and artists.

Be sure to listen past the credits to get a sneak peek at season 2 and some of the cool projects we have lined up. Sign up for our email list to get access to the special resources mentioned in the episode.

Who You Heard

In this episode, we hear from:

• Talicia Raggs, producers/writer on CW's The Originals
• Yolanda T. Cochran, former EVP of Physical Production at Alcon Entertainment
• Chris Fenwick, veteran editor and producer
• Jeff Cannata, co-host of the Slashfilmcast
• Cosmos Kiindarius, award-winning director
• Jenna Edwards, film and media producer dedicated to helping filmmakers tell their stories
• Rana Campbell, host of the Dreams in Drive podcast (you can catch my episode of her show here.)
• Courtney Daniels of Busted Buggy Entertainment
• Patrick Moreau, managing partner of Muse Storytelling and The Better Human Project
• Amina Moreau, managing partner of Stillmotion

Tell Us Your Story

We want to hear the story of your first movie memory. Email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Fire Aheadby Jahzzar (cc by-sa)
• Boulevard St Germainby Jahzzar (cc by-sa)
• Young Adult Frictionby Alec's Band by Alec’s Band (cc by)
• Release (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (cc by)
• Voyage I - Waterfallby The Kyoto Connection (cc by-sa)
• Warm of Mechanical Heartby Kai Engel (cc by)
• Walking Barefoot on Grass (Bonus) by Kai Engel(cc by)
• Show Me (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (cc by)
• What Does Anybody Know About Anythingby Chris Zabriskie (cc by)
• Words Fall Apart (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (cc by)
• lost love lettersby Fog Lake (cc by)
• The Summer Is Goneby Mike B. Fort (cc by)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Sexual harassment is no joking matter, and the topic has become a focus in the entertainment biz with the recent resignation of Fox News president Roger Ailes after allegations by popular Fox anchors like Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct . In today's episode, miniseries co-producer Yolanda T. Cochran is back with her business partner Christina Kremer to discuss an issue related to this topic that may literally frighten you.

We also get some funny yet pointed perspective from my friend and Being Boss podcast co-host Kathleen Shannon of Braid Creative.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. You can catch all the podcast and video episodes at daredreamer.fm/breakingtheglass.

The Docu-Series is Now Live

The first installment of the short film docu-seires is now live. Check it out!

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

We also want to give special thanks to these companies who are helping to spread the word to achieve gender equality in the biz:

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• TRAVEL LIGHTby Jason Shaw (CC BY)
• Seven Notes in Black 3 - Albionby Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)
• NICE AND EASYby Jason Shaw (CC BY)
• Insomnia (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• I Got One Thing by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Referent Powerby Cullah (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos Mentioned

• That Apple Recruitment Video
• The Fortune Magazine Video Report

As we count down to the official premiere of season 2 of Radio Film School on Tuesday, October 11, I want to take take a stroll down memory lane and revisit our podcast collaboration with the Circa podcast -- "A Brief History of Cinema." But before that, there's a brief rundown of what you can expect in the upcoming season: new segments, new producers, new theme, and of course, our ongoing miniseries about gender, race, and making it in the biz, "Breaking the Glass."

About the Rewind

Today’s rewind delves into the rich beginnings of cinema (starting with Thomas Edison and the Lumiere Bros) then takes us through the advent of television, and finally ends up at the smart phone. Zac’s storytelling style is immersive and engaging. You’ll immediately know why I chose Circa as a collaboration partner on this episode.

After the credits there is one of the funniest bonus segments we’ve had. So be sure to stick around for that too.

Music in this Episode

• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Yes Ma'am by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Brooks by Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Pigalle by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Sunset by Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Alfama by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Porch Blues by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

We'd love to hear YOUR story as it relates to what Yolanda shares. Feel free to do so anonymously if you so desire. You can email us your story to radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Or, if you're so inclined, send a voice memo to that email address, or leave a voicemail at the bottom of any page on daredreamer.fm. Your story just might be what some woman out there needs to hear right now to change their whole life.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. Learn more and see the trailer at daredreamer.fm/breaking-the-glass.

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

We also want to give special thanks to Wipster for helping to spread the word to achieve gender equality in the biz:

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• Another Version of You by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Undercover Vampire Policemanby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

If you ever need a great movie or television scene to creatively illustrate a life lesson, you need look no further than Star Trek. You read that right. Star Trek. Everything you ever need to know about life, love, friendship, family, politics, whatever, can be learned from the annals of the various starships Enterprise and their respective ongoing missions. And today, I use an episode from Star Trek TNG as a metaphor for this issue of communication between men and women and the role it plays in gender inequality.

Radio Film School regular and Breaking the Glass co-producer Yolanda Cochran takes the helm of the discussion and as a segment producer engages in a conversation with her business partner Christina Kremer. A conversation that will give you an important perspective.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. Learn more and see the trailer at daredreamer.fm/breaking-the-glass.

Be Notified When Film Series Starts

The film series portion of Breaking the Glass will begin next week. Subscribe to our email list to be notified of when it drops!

Only a Few Days Left

We want to include your talent in the short film docu-series. Each winning entry will get almost $1,000 in prizes from LensProToGo, Song Freedom, Muse Storytelling, and Shane's Inner Circle. Click here to learn more.

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

We also want to give special thanks to Wipster for helping to spread the word to achieve gender equality in the biz.

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• God Be With You Till We Meet Againby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Village Dreamingby Visager (CC BY)
• But Enough About Me, Bill Paxtonby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• I Want to Fall in Love on Snapchatby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Outro - Totally Here and Nowby Kyoto Connection (CC BY-SA)
• Undercover Vampire Policemanby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

The video essay has become one of the most popular forms of edutainment in recent years. Video series like Tony Zhou's "Every Frame a Painting" or Evan Puschak's "Nerdwriter" rack up hundreds of thousands, even millions of views every week. Well, there's a relatively new kid on the block who for the past two years has been making his mark in the video essay world.

Adam Westbrook of Delve.tv only has 8 video essays under his belt, and in just two years, he's generated over a million views, 6 of his 8 videos have garnered the highly coveted Vimeo Staff Pick. I was fortuitous enough to catch Adam on his crest of fame (i.e. as of this writing, he's not too busy or "famous" to do podcast interviews ;) ). In this episode of Radio Film School: RAW, Adam and I discuss:

• How he got into video essays and his laborious process
• His life as a freelancer
• His views on success and pursuing your passion
• Hitchcock
• And more.

I promise you'll be inspired and encouraged by what Adam has to say. Special thanks to our show's co-producer Chris Huslage who hosted and lead-produced this episode.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Gettin' Paid Part II by Alec's Band (CC BY)
• Hachiko by the Kyoto Connection (CC BY-SA)
• Spliff and Wesson by Airglow (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Adam's Work

See samples of Adam's work on the blog post for this episode.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Earlier in season 1 of the podcast, during our first "Women in Film" series, we had an episode that set the show on a path to have what would become Breaking the Glass. In that episode, there was one particular topic discussed that affects women from as high up as the ivory towers of studio executive offices, to the trenches of post production houses: self-confidence and the "imposter syndrome." In this episode we'll hear from:

• Elaine McMillion Sheldon, director of Hollow and co-host of the She Does Podcast.
• Julie Harris Walker, host and producer of the podcast "The Other Fifty Percent: A Herstory of Hollywood"
• Breaking the Glass panel participant Nichelle Protho, VP of Sander-Moses and COO of Slam Digital
• Show regular Yolanda Cochran (Producer) and Christina Kremer (post-production supervisor)
• Amina Moreau, executive creative director of Stillmotion
• Kathleen Shannon, owner of Braid Creative and co-host of the Being Boss podcast

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. Learn more and see the trailer at daredreamer.fm/breaking-the-glass.

Podcasts & Videos Mentioned

• Sheryl Sandberg on the TED Radio Hour
• THR Roundtable with Studio Executives
• The Frame Interview with Natalie Portman

Deadline Extended for Female Filmmaker Video Vignette Challenge

We want to include your talent in the short film docu-series. Each winning entries will get almost $1,000 in prizes from LensProToGo, Song Freedom, Muse Storytelling, and Shane's Inner Circle. Click here to learn more.

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

We also want to give special thanks to these companies who are helping to spread the word to achieve gender equality in the biz:

• Wipster

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• There's a Special Place for Some People by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• It's Always Too Late to Start Over by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Divider by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Phase IV by lo-fi is sci-fi (CC BY)
• They're Coming by Elysian Bailey (CC BY)
• Casa Bossa Nova by Kevin Macleod at Incompetech.com (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

September 1, 2016, marks the 1-year anniversary of Radio Film School's official premiere. It's been quite a year. Since launching, we've been #1 in our podcast category on iTunes, have been on iTunes New and Noteworthy (we still frequently make it into the top 50), named by No Film School as "the filmmaker's podcast we've all been waiting for", and this summer, Cinema5D named us one of the top 5 filmmaking podcasts to binge listen during the summer. As we approach the beginning of season 2, I want to share some thoughts I have about what we've been able to accomplish, where we're going, and other important changes you'll want to know about if you're a fan.

In This Episode

We hear from...

• Dave Shulman (executive director of the Seattle Film Institute) from the “A Brief History of Cinema” episode
• Alex Ferrari (host of Indie Film Hustle podcast) from the “Tarantino the Provocateur”
• Alex Vo (SF Bay Area filmmaker) from “Of Fathers and Filmmaking”
• Video essayist Adam Westbrook of Delve.tv
• Zac Lovelace (Circa Podcast) from“A Brief History of Cinema”
• Patrick Moreau, head of Muse Storytelling
• Amina Moreau, executive creative director of Stillmotion

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:

• Sunset by Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Beyond Something Beautiful by Scott Holmes (CC BY)
• Cylinder Six by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Man with a Golden Soul by MC Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• God's Will by lo-fi is sci-fi (CC BY)
• Hanami by Fabian Measures (CC BY)
• The Sun Is Scheduled to Come Out Tomorrow by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Yes Ma’am by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Back To Buxton by Alec's Band (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

This week we have a special episode wherein I share personal filmmaking experiences that have made a difference in people's lives. I encourage you to use your craft to do the same.

Videos Mentioned in This Episode

Visit the blog post for this episode to watch the videos mentioned.

• In Pursuit of Dreams
• The Creative Process
• Breathe

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Share Your Story with Us

For season 2 of the show, we're looking for filmmakers with stories about overcoming great challenges to complete their projects. Whether or not you succeeded or failed, if you think there's a juicy and educational story with sharing, we want to know about it. The first six people we pick will each get a free music license from show sponsor Song Freedom. Just email radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm and put "My Story" in the subject line.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• When You Leaveby Sergey Cheremisinov (CC BY)
• Ground Cayenneby The Good Lawdz (CC BY-SA)
• My Girlby The Temptations Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• What Does Anybody Know About Anythingby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Daylight (PON II)by Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Thanks For Coming (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leavesby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Homeless Californiaby Monplaisir (Public Domain)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Before any kind of real change can occur, the side of the "table" that has the power and influence, has to be able to really hear and listen to what the demarginalized side is saying. But societal norms and prejudices often tend to get in the way. And when it comes to issues of gender inequality, the natural tendencies of us men can also get in the way. Specifically, our penchant to not always be great listeners. Today on the show we hear from address that issue. We'll hear from:

• Salima Koroma, director of the hip-hop documentary "Bad Rap".
• Julie Harris Walker, host and producer of the podcast "The Other Fifty Percent: A Herstory of Hollywood".
• Breaking the Glass panel participants Dayna North (writer and co-executive producer of HBO's Insecure).
• And we revisit part of my discussion with show regular Yolanda Cochran from the infamous "think like a man" episode.

About the Mini-series

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. Learn more and see the trailer at daredreamer.fm/breaking-the-glass.

Deadline Extended for Female Filmmaker Video Vignette Challenge

We want to include your talent in the short film docu-series. Each winning entries will get almost $1,000 in prizes from LensProToGo, Song Freedom, Muse Storytelling, and Shane's Inner Circle. Click here to learn more.

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.

VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

Videos Mentioned

Visit the blog post for this episode to see the videos mentioned:

• It's Not About the Nail
• The White Privilege Facebook video post

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• As I Figureby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• Words Fall Apart (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• Where it goesby Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Chunk of Lawnby Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Show regular Yolanda Cochran (who also is a co-producer for the "Breaking the Glass" short film docu-series), showed a lawyer friend our trailer for the series to get his take on our use of movie and television clips. His answer prompted me to do investigative reporting on the topic of fair use. My search leads me to Pat Aufderheide, a research fellow and founder for the Center for Media and Social Impact at American University in Washington, D.C. She and legal scholar Peter Jaszi lead the charge to create the Documentary Filmmakers' Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use, a simple to read, yet comprehensive report that sets standards for documentary filmmakers to follow in order to stay within the law when employing copyrighted material under Fair Use. In this episode we discuss

• What part of copyright law does fair use fall under
• What are the four common situations in which a documentary filmmaker might utilize fair use
• The surprising origins of the Best Practices document
• Surprising examples of when even music might be deemed fair use

Videos Mentioned in This Episode

• Breaking the Glass Trailer
• Mixed in America
• Bush and Blair "Endless Love" Video

Calling All Female Filmmakers

There's still a chance for all you female filmmakers out there to submit your vignettes to be included in the "Breaking the Glass" docu-series. Deadline has been extended to September 18. Winning entries will get almost $1,000 in prizes from LensProToGo, Song Freedom, Muse Storytelling, and Shane’s Inner Circle. Click here to learn more.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Share Your Story with Us

For season 2 of the show, we're looking for filmmakers with stories about overcoming great challenges to complete their projects. Whether or not you succeeded or failed, if you think there's a juicy and educational story with sharing, we want to know about it. The first six people we pick will each get a free music license from show sponsor Song Freedom. Just email radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm and put "My Story" in the subject line.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Fastest Man on Earthby Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Readers! Do You Read?by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Candlepowerby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

For the past ten years or so, I've written and blogged about the film, video and photography industries. During that time, I've addressed the issue of copyright usage and fair use in filmmaking. But even I was surprised (shocked even) to learn what I learned when talking with this week's guest, Salima Koroma. Salima is an African-American woman who runs the K-pop website The OneShots and is the director of the documentary "Bad Rap." In the process of speaking with her attorneys regarding the rights she needed to clear for her doc, she had an eye-opening experience that shared with us. We covered topics like:

• The real reason logos are grayed or blurred out on television shows
• Why a random shot of Time Square might be a copyright clearance nightmare
• Why clearing music has gotten exponentially harder over the years
• And more.

Calling All Female Filmmakers

We want to include your talent in the short film docu-series. Each winning entries will get almost $1,000 in prizes from LensProToGo, Song Freedom, Muse Storytelling, and Shane’s Inner Circle. Click here to learn more.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Check These Videos Out

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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ5Ro1TgaJI&w=750&h=422&rel=0]

Share Your Story with Us

For season 2 of the show, we're looking for filmmakers with stories about overcoming great challenges to complete their projects. Whether or not you succeeded or failed, if you think there's a juicy and educational story with sharing, we want to know about it. The first six people we pick will each get a free music license from show sponsor Song Freedom. Just email radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm and put "My Story" in the subject line.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He ExpectedTo by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Is That You or Are You You?by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Air Hockey Saloonby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

It's great that Ron wants this podcast series to make a difference in the industry; but is he really the best person for the job? He has a discussion with JD and Yolanda that you might not expect. We also here from 1st AC Austin Lewis giving his input on what men can do to help bridge the gap of gender inequality in the business. And Stefanie Malone, Executive Director of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) comes on board as a new podcast producer. She provides an eye-opening insight about Affirmative Action you might not have ever heard.

About the Show

Breaking the Glass is a Radio Film School podcast mini-series and short film docu-series addressing the issues of gender inequality in film and television. Learn more and see the trailer at daredreamer.fm/breaking-the-glass.

Calling All Female Filmmakers

We want to include your talent in the short film docu-series. Each winning entries will get almost $1,000 in prizes from LensProToGo, Song Freedom, Muse Storytelling, and Shane's Inner Circle. Click here to learn more.

Sponsors

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

• Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.
• VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds, and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

What began as a simple suggestion by show regular Yolanda T. Cochran, grew to become both a podcast and a short film documentary series starring an impressive line-up of women in the film and television industry.

This preview will sample what you will hear and see.

Go to daredreamer.fm/breaking-the-glass to watch the film series trailer and learn about the female filmmaker video vignette submission guidelines and challenge.

SPONSORS

When you visit or support our sponsors you support the show.

• Song Freedom: when you need high-quality music for your productions, including mainstream music as well as "oldies but goodies". Sign up for a new account at songfreedom.com/radio and get a free standard gold level license worth $30.
• VideoBlocks: a subscription-based stock media company that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage everyone can afford. Unlimited daily downloads from a library of 115,000+ HD video clips, After Effects templates, motion backgrounds and cinemagraphs. Click here for a 7-day free trial allowing you to download up to 140 pieces of content. You can also sign up for their annual plan which is $99 for unlimited access to their library.

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Songs in order of appearance were:

• Out of the Skies, Under the Earthby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Comfort to Youby Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Aislingby Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Insomnia (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• Yes Ma’amby Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Brooksby Kai Engel (CC BY)

Fan films for genre properties are extremely popular. You can probably find fan films for every sci-fi, superhero, or fantasy-based intellectual property from games to films to TV shows. And one of the most popular sci-fi franchises of all time, Star Trek, has one of the highest numbers of fan films on the internet. One of the most popular was a 21-minute short released in 2014 called "Prelude to Axanar." It has won over 45 film festivals and racked up almost 2.5 million views as of this podcast. So popular was this short, that the filmmakers raised a record-setting $1.2 million dollars from two crowdfunding campaigns to make a feature film version.

Then in December of 2015, the filmmakers behind Axanar were hit with a full-blown lawsuit from CBS and Paramount, something they've never done in the 40+ years that fan films have been around. Why now has the "sleeping giant" awakened?

Today on the show we talk to Robert Meyer Burnett, the director of the film (which has not yet begun production due to the suit). He talks about it origins and insight into their side of this argument.

We also hear from Richard "RB" Botter, CEO and founder of Stage32, whose connections to the Hollywood machine give him an insightful POV. Show regulars JD and Yolanda Cochran chime in as well. And show co-producer Chris Huslage is back to give us some history about fan films.

Support Axanar Productions

Hop on over to AxanarProductions.com if you would like to support this film and the team behind it.

Share Your Story with Us

For season 2 of the show, we're looking for filmmakers with stories about overcoming great challenges to complete their projects. Whether or not you succeeded or failed, if you think there's a juicy and educational story with sharing, we want to know about it. The first six people we pick will each get a free music license from show sponsor Song Freedom. Just email radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm and put "My Story" in the subject line.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Windy Bluffsby Visager (CC BY)
• Airshipby Visager (CC BY)
• Stellarby Mindseye (CC BY)
• Ho Heyby the Lumineers. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• Cylinder Eightby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Village Dreamingby Visager (CC BY)
• The Last Slice of Pecan Pieby Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• Bathed in the Light by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• The Final Roadby Visager (CC BY)
• Age of Feminineby Kellee Maize (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Check These Videos Out

Visit the blog page to see these videos:

• Joseph Kahn's Power/Rangers
• Prelude to Axanar
• Reason.tv Spot About Axanar Case
• JJ Abrams Lawsuit Announcement

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

There's a reason I like to call this show the "This American Life" for filmmakers. Our main episodes are craftily edited audio documentaries where I pull soundbites from disparate interviews to fit any particular episode. But many of my raw interviews with guests are so chock full of wonderful insights, seems like a shame not to share the whole thing. Sometimes I'll post them as exclusive bonuses for Premium Members. But many will be shared for the whole world to hear. And that's what we're doing today as we launch an official new segment of the show wherein I share full, uncut guest interviews.

Today we have world renowned DP and director Philip Bloom, and we cover a gamut of topics like:

• His take on the "style" question
• How he got his start
• Why he calls himself a “filmmaker”
• Why he does his reviews the way he does
• How he deals with online criticism
• The biggest misconception people have about him
• And the proverbial "much, much, more!"

Excerpts of this interview were used in RFS episodes "What the Hell Are You", "Plan E from Outerspace" and this week's "One Man Bands."

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Boulevard St. Germain by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Gettin' Paid Part II by Alec's Band (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Check These Videos Out

Visit the blog post to see Phil's Blackmagic Design 4K Ursa review and his NAB2016 post mortem Vlog.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

<img title="Read more..." src= "data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" alt="" data-wp-more="more" data-wp-more-text="" data-mce-placeholder="1" />This week on the show we hear from a small group of filmmakers who are making waves in the industry despite shooting much, if not most of their work alone -- and in two of the cases, with small, prosumer cameras.

• There's multi-Vimeo Staff Pick recipient Brandon Li, who's travel docs often feel like narrative shorts.
• Salvatore "Sal" D'Alia is a New York filmmaker (by way of Italy) who's the brainchild and filmmaker behind Adorama TV's "Through the Lens" Series.
• And internationally renown director and DP Philip Bloom is back to offer his two cents on what to call yourself if you wear many hats.

Share Your Story with Us

For season 2 of the show, we're looking for filmmakers with stories about overcoming great challenges to complete their projects. Whether or not you succeeded or failed, if you think there's a juicy and educational story with sharing, we want to know about it. The first six people we pick will each get a free music license from show sponsor Song Freedom. Just email radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm and put "My Story" in the subject line.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Let’s Goby Allegra courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• Canon in D Majorby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• Chosenby Stephane TV (CC BY-SA)
• On Axisby Pipe Choir (CC BY)
• Candle Lightby Dream City Orchestra courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• The World Keeps Changingby Nattbussen (CC BY-SA)
• To the Rhythm of the Funkby Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• No More Solosby Kelly Latimore (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Check These Videos Out

• Brandon Li's "Hong Kong Strong"
• Brandon Li's "Nomads of Mongolia"
• Through the Lens Promo

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Have you ever had a vision for a film that you were so adamant about achieving, with an Ahab-like stubbornness you made creative decisions that you regretted later? Perhaps it's just me. Five+ years ago when I recorded the interview of my daughter Imahni for "Mixed in America," I purposefully only recorded the audio. It was a creative decision akin to the conquistadors burning their ships (i.e. there was no going back. I would be forced to produce creative b-roll for the film.) Today we explore the ramifications of that decision and how I overcame them. Show regulars JD & Yolanda Cochran return as they give me critical feedback on the rough draft, as well as give their input on the decision I made.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Bonfire Musicby David Mumford (CC BY)
• Night Without Sleep(Instrumental) by David Mumford (CC BY)
• Shelby Bluesby David Mumford (CC BY)
• Twinkle, Twinkleby David Mumford (CC BY)
• When You Leave by Sergey Cheremisinov (CC BY)
• Be Back Soonby David Mumford (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Videos Mentioned

• Check out "We Got That B-roll" and have a laugh!
• Sarah Polley's "The Stories We Tell" Trailer

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Throughout this first season of Radio Film School, we've followed the progress of my short film documentary "Little Mixed Sunshine," the first installment of my "Mixed in America" short film documentary series which tells the stories of biracial people in America. So much has gone into the making of this film that I want to discuss. If you've been listening to the show and the mini-series "Shooting Sunshine," you've heard a lot of the creative challenges I've faced. These are all important lessons from which any filmmaker can glean valuable insight. And in part 2 of this mini-series finale we'll get into the details of the final creative decisions I made and how I arrived at them. That will be next week.

This week I want to tackle a more complex topic—that is the roles that race and culture have played in my life, and how a filmmaker's personal background can have such a profound effect on his or her work. Show regulars JD & Yolanda Cochran return as they give me critical feedback on the rough draft of the film I shared with them back in March.

And as is often the case on this show, we start with a couple of funny, yet poignant stories to set the stage.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• A Thousand Years (Instrumental) by Christina Perri courtesy of Song Freedom (All rights reserved)
• Fogby Sergey Chermisinov (CC BY)
• virgo indigoby Fog Lake (CC BY)
• Tennesee Hayrideby Jason Sha (CC BY)
• Back to the Woodsby Jason Shaw (CC BY)
• Acoustic Bluesby Jason Shaw (CC BY)
• Remembering Past Everything by Pipe Choir (CC BY-)
• Undercover Vampire Policemanby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• A Thousand Years (with Vocals) by Christina Perri courtesy of Song Freedom (All rights reserved)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre (including mainstream music) look no further than Song Freedom. Click here to unlock a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

If you're any kind of artist, but especially if you're one trying to earn a living at your craft, it's vital to both your creative fulfillment as well as your professional longevity, to find "your voice" and develop a signature style. On September 1 of last year, Radio Film School launched with a mission to get to the bottom of this answer. After almost 90 interviews, we have determined what I can safely proclaim is a definitive strategy.

In our season 1 finale, we'll revisit old interviews, introduce new ones, and summarize what essentially amounts to a 4-stop process; and we do it in a way that is classic Radio Film School--from stories to movie clips to an eclectic score, you'll be inspired after hearing this episode.

Be sure to listen past the credits to get a sneak peek at season 2 and the collaboration we're doing with Stillmotion and Muse Storytelling to document the making of their The Remarkable Ones series. It's very cool! Sign up for our email list to be notified when we start. Also, email subscribers will get access and see my short film, "Mixed in America: Little Mixed Sunshine."

Who You Heard

In this episode, we hear from:

• Zaki Lisha of De Anza College's Film & TV Program
• Adam Forgione of Pennylane Productions
• Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Peabody Award-winning filmmaker behind the interactive documentary "Hollow"
• Dustin Blake of Indy Productions (see his "tatted-up" wedding video below)
• Ryan Koral of Tell Agency and Studio Sherpas
• Brett Culp, director of “Legends of the Knight"
• Video Essayist extraordinaire Adam Westbrook of delve.tv
• Kathleen Shannon of the Being Boss podcast as a guest on CreativeLive's Power. Profit. Pursuit. Podcast (ep. #37)
• Sasha Perl-Raver, movie and TV critic, actress, writer and co-host on Collider TV Talk

Who You Heard in the Audio Montages

In the opening montage of soundbites, here's who you heard:

• Brett Culp
• Patrick Moreau
• Sasha Perl-Raver

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Reflectionsby Scott Holmes (CC BY)
• Fire Aheadby Jahzzar (CC BY)
• Prelude No. 4by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Cylinder 6by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• A Man with a Golden Soulby MC Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Wonder Cycleby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Main Stemby U.S. Army Blues (Public Domain)
• Simple Hop by Broke for Free (CC BY)
• Green Fieldsby Scott Holmes (CC BY)
• Fall and Riseby Scott Holmes (CC BY)
• God’s Willby lo-fi is sci-fi (CC BY)
• Back to Buxtonby Alec’s Band (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos

• Creative Mornings Doc - The trailer and full Creative Mornings documentary I created.

• Dustin Blake's Vegas Wedding - may contain adult content.

The Podcasts Which Have Influenced Radio Film School the Most

• 99% Invisible
• This American Life
• TED Radio Hour
• StartUp Podcast
• RadioLab

We're told time and again that personal projects are a key strategy for creatives to both find personal fulfillment, as well as market their business. But the realities of life are such that, it's often easier said than done. In today's episode, we explore this theme vis-a-vis my "Mixed in America" short film documentary project. In this episode we'll hear from the boys at Gnarly Bay as well as Patrick Moreau of Stillmotion and Muse Storytelling.

Reach Out

If you have a question about the movie business you'd like answered, or if you just want to drop us a line to say "Hi", email us at radiofilmschool@daredreamer.fm. Better yet, use the "Send Voicemail" button at the bottom of our website to leave a voicemail message. Follow Ron on Twitter @DareDreamerFM, or follow the show @RadioFilmSchool. Join the discussion at facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Bethanyby Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)
• Trainby Sergey Cherimisinov (CC BY)
• Remembering Past Everything by Pipe Choir (CC BY)
• Satie’s Gym Shoesby MonkSeven (CC0)
• Going Homeby Lee Rosevere (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos

Visit the blog post for this episode to see the video mentioned:

• Study.com Momentum Lesson
• Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday with Steven Pressfield on Resistance
• Oprah/Pressfield Clip on Finding Your Calling

Today we have a Father's Day special. The first half of the show are selected reruns of stories from our first official episode "Of Fathers and Filmmaking Part 1." At about the 9-minute mark I introduce a brand new story. It was actually the story that inspired me to post this special in the first place. It's from Ryan Koral, founder and president of TELL, a corporate video production agency, and co-founder of Studio Sherpas, a community and resource for small business video producers. I have no doubt you'll be moved and inspired by his story.

Happy Father's Day!

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Hanami by Fabian Measures (CC BY)
• Cylinder Six and The Sun is Scheduled to Come Out Tomorrow by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Last week we got a voicemail from a listener of the show wanting to know more information about how you go about financing a film. While in Los Angeles to film our new "women in film" upcoming documentary series, I took advantage of the opportunity to interview show regular Yolanda Cochran.Based on her experience as EVP of Alcon Entertainment, then a consultant to Netflix, Yolanda is a wealth of knowledge with regards to both of these topics. We also hear from Mara Tasker in this episode. Mara is the head of original content production a Seed&Spark, a crowdsourcing site for filmmakers by filmmakers. In this episode you'll learn: what is it exactly that all those different types of producers do (e.g. Producer, Co-produce, Executive Producer, etc.); different strategies for financing a film; tips for using crowdfunding sites like Seed&Spark and Kickstarter.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Boulevard St. Germaine by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Outer Orbitby Revolution Void (CC BY)
• Acid Jazzby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

These past few days I've been in Los Angeles to film an update to our "Women in Film" series. So I don't have a regular episode. It's more of an update wherein we hear a listener's voicemail, a trailer for the aforementioned series, and show regulars JD and Yolanda take me to task on a past episode.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Music in the trailer was "Through Another Man's Eyes" by Cullah. (CC BY)
• "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• "Two Days" by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Hitchcock's work is so distinctive, his name has become an adjective to describe a well-executed, suspense thriller or drama (e.g. David Fincher's "Se7en" is a Hitchcockian thriller filled with mystery, murder, and suspense-filled thrills worthy of the master of suspense himself.)

No doubt that if you're passionate about filmmaking and cinema, you've seen plenty of interviews and/or video essays about Hitch. But as usual, my hope is to share some insight that you might not have heretofore come across.

This week's episode is chock full of experts:

• Sasha Perl-Raver: movie critic, television journalist, actress, and co-host of Collider TV Talk as well as FX Download.
• Jeffrey Michael Bays: filmmaker, contributor to Movie Maker and NoFilmSchool, and creator of the web film series "Hitch20," a documentary series about the 20 episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" directed by Hitchcock himself.
• Forris Day: indie filmmaker, editor, and host of the entertainment podcast Coffee Shop Conversations and the YouTube show, "Rolling Tape."
• Alex Ferrari: indie filmmaker and host of the Indie Film Hustle podcast.
• David Shulman: executive director of the Seattle Film Institute.
• Adam Westbrook: professional video essayist and creator of Delve.tv, whose 8 video essays have over 1 million views collectively and 6 Vimeo Staff Picks.
• Brandon McCormick: founder and director at Whitestone Motion Pictures.
• John P. Hess: director of the popular filmmaking educaation site, FilmmakerIQ.com.

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Andrew Bissett: Cultural Dis-easeby Sergey Schepkin (CC BY-SA)
• Shower Sceneby Josh Woodward (CC BY)
• When You Leaveby Sergey Cheremisinov (CC BY)
• Faster Does Itby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• Fogby Sergey Cheremisinov (CC BY)
• Departure (Skarsvat Airport)by Ars Sonor (CC BY-SA)
• Origin Iby Scott Holmes (CC BY)
• Origin IIby Scott Holmes (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos

Check out the blog post for this episode to see some of the films and videos mentioned in this episode, including:

• The Episode of Hitch20 Ron participated in.
• Ron's favorite video essay by Adam Westbrook
• Brandon McCormick's "Fear Itself"
• BTS video of "Fear Itself"

Sponsors

• Wipster.io
• Muse Storytelling by Stillmotion
• Dare Dreamer FM Premium Membership

This week we hear from:

• Robert Meyer Burnett: A 25+ year veteran of Hollywood, Rob is a director, editor, frequent co-host on Collider Heroes, and self-proclaimed comic book geek. Currently directing the Star Trek fan film Axanar (which raised over $1 million in crowdfunding).
• Sasha Perl-Raver: movie critic, television journalist, actress, and co-host of Collider TV Talk as well as FX Download.
• Brett Culp: director of the documentary "Legends of the Knight", a feature-length documentary about the legend and story of Batman inspiring people living with debilitating or even life-threatening illnesses. Through the success of that film, Brett has since founded "The Rising Heroes Project," a non-profit that creates uplifting films to support charitable organizations and inspire communities. They are now working on their follow-up to "Legends" with "Look to the Sky."

Music in this Episode

Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Subdivision of the Massesby Philipp Weigl (CC BY)
• Dracula, Killed by Bondby Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)
• Bernard FINALby Ian Alex Mac (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos

• Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short
• Man of Steel Review - Nostalgia Critic

There's A New StoryBuilder App from Muse Storytelling by Stillmotion

Muse Storytelling by Stillmotion has released a new app that will change the way you tell stories. Use it to work out the four essential "P's" of every story: People, Places, Plot and Purpose. Add photos to help you visualize the story. You can even join a community of like-minded creatives who can all collaborate with you on your story's development. Head on over to buildstory.org and sign up for a free 14-day trial. No credit card is required.

Wipster + Adobe Premiere Pro. Wipster + Vimeo.

We're thrilled to have Wipster join the Radio Film School family. Wipster is a leading video collaboration tool, allowing you to share your video with clients and colleagues and collect feedback. Go to Wipster.io to sign up. And if you're used to using Vimeo to share links with clients, no worries. Wipster has exclusive integration with Vimeo. Go from Vimeo to Wipster and back again, seamlessly.

Wipster also has a built-in panel that allows you to share your video directly from within Premiere Pro, and you'll be able to see client's feedback on that video directly within Premiere. Check out their 1-minute walk-through.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

When Dave Dugdale talks, companies listen. Why? Because he has one of the most popular video education channels on YouTube—with over 170,000 subscribers and 20+ million views. What sets Dave apart from many other "professionals" in this industry, is that Dave will be the first to tell you he doesn't consider himself a pro. He's just a regular guy trying to learn video and sharing what he learns with the world. He doesn't put on a face and try to make himself cooler or smarter than he really is. He's like the friendly neighborhood dad down the street...who just happens to be a minor YouTube celebrity.

Today's bonus episode of the show is my full, uncut interview with Dave. This was actually an interview I did with Dave for my now defunct podcast, The Solo Creative. I don't want the Solo Creative interviews I did to go to waste, so periodically I'll post them in the Radio Film School feed as bonuses.

In this interview with Dave, he covers how he got started, his strategy for making passive income with his websites, mistakes he’s made, where and how he learns, his philosophy on life and work, and the value of just putting yourself out there. I have no doubt you’ll be inspired.

Other 1-on-1 Filmmaker Interviews: Crossing the 180

If you like these one-on-one style interviews where I dig deep and wide with filmmakers, you'll love my back catalog of Crossing the 180. This was my first filmmakers podcast. Over 100 interviews with filmmakers from just about every facet of the business: from Hollywood DPs and directors, to DSLR luminaries, to wedding "rock stars." Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium Member, and you get free access to these sets of interviews as I make them available. Go to daredreamer.fm/x180 to learn more.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Getting Paid, Part II and I Don't Think by Alec’s Band (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos

• Intro to Dave's camera courses
• An Intro to Dave
• An excerpt from Dave's Sony A7s II training video
• Dave rambles about NAB2016 for 30 minutes ("rambles" was his words. :)

There's A New StoryBuilder App from Muse Storytelling by Stillmotion

Muse Storytelling by Stillmotion has released a new app that will change the way you tell stories. Use it to work out the four essential "P's" of every story: People, Places, Plot and Purpose. Add photos to help you visualize the story. You can even join a community of like-minded creatives who can all collaborate with you on your story's development. Head on over to buildstory.org and sign up for a free 14-day trial. No credit card is required.

Wipster + Adobe Premiere Pro. Wipster + Vimeo.

We're thrilled to have Wipster join the Radio Film School family. Wipster is a leading video collaboration tool, allowing you to share your video with clients and colleagues and collect feedback. Go to Wipster.io to sign up. And if you're used to using Vimeo to share links with clients, no worries. Wipster has exclusive integration with Vimeo. Go from Vimeo to Wipster and back again, seamlessly.

Wipster also has a built-in panel that allows you to share your video directly from within Premiere Pro, and you'll be able to see client's feedback on that video directly within Premiere. Check out their 1-minute walk-through.

Five years ago I embarked on a personal project to create a short film documentary series about biracial people in America. It's called "Mixed in America" and the first installment of the series is about my daughter, Imahni. The name of the installment is "Little Mixed Sunshine" and it combines a personal interview various b-roll and re-enactments. Well, five years after first interviewing her and even uploading a 1-minute teaser, the project still isn't done.

Out of a desire to educate and inspire other filmmakers and creatives (or, quite possibly, a temporary loss of sanity) I made the decision to share my progress of the film on this podcast. The segment has been cleverly called "Shooting Sunshine." Today you'll hear the latest installment of the series with an update on where I am exactly with "Mixed in America." Show regular JD Cochran is back to give me some "tough love." If you've ever dragged your feet on getting a project done, particularly a film project, this is the episode for you.

project done. An update on my documentary "Mixed in America".

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Five years ago I embarked on a personal project to create a short film documentary series about biracial people in America. It's called "Mixed in America" and the first installment of the series is about my daughter, Imahni. The name of the installment is "Little Mixed Sunshine" and it combines a personal interview various b-roll and re-enactments. Well, five years after first interviewing her and even uploading a 1-minute teaser, the project still isn't done.

Out of a desire to educate and inspire other filmmakers and creatives (or, quite possibly, a temporary loss of sanity) I made the decision to share my progress of the film on this podcast. The segment has been cleverly called "Shooting Sunshine." Today you'll hear the latest installment of the series with an update on where I am exactly with "Mixed in America." Show regular JD Cochran is back to give me some "tough love." If you've ever dragged your feet on getting a project done, particularly a film project, this is the episode for you.

Another great bonus segment is at 37:01. It gives additional insight into the making of "Mixed in America."

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Remembering Past Everythingby PC III (CC BY)
• The Theatrical Trailer for Poltergeist IIIby Chris Zabrisie (CC BY)
• dreamgate by Fog Lake (CC BY)
• “If I Don’t Fit” by Imahni Dawson. All rights reserved. (I hope to have an iTunes version you can buy when the film is released.)
• Mockingby David Mumford (CC BY)
• Please Listen Carefullyby Jahzaar (CC BY-SA)
• Knock (Instrumental)by Josh Woodward (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses.

Videos Mentioned

• The original "Mixed in America" teaser (from Jan 2011)
• The most recent teaser-trailer (Oct 2015)

There's A New StoryBuilder App from Stillmotion

Muse Storytelling by Stillmotion has released a new app that will change the way you tell stories. Use it to work out the four essential "P's" of every story: People, Places, Plot and Purpose. Add photos to help you visualize the story. You can even join a community of like-minded creatives who can all collaborate with you on your story's development. Head on over to buildstory.org and sign up for a free 14-day trial. No credit card is required.

Wipster + Adobe Premiere Pro. Wipster + Vimeo.

We're thrilled to have Wipster join the Radio Film School family. Wipster is a leading video collaboration tool, allowing you to share your video with clients and colleagues and collect feedback. Go to Wipster.io to sign up. And if you're used to using Vimeo to share links with clients, no worries. Wipster has exclusive integration with Vimeo. Go from Vimeo to Wipster and back again, seamlessly.

Wipster also has a built-in panel that allows you to share your video directly from within Premiere Pro, and you'll be able to see client's feedback on that video directly within Premiere. Check out their 1-minute walk-through.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

The National Association of Broadcasters (aka NAB) had its annual expo and convention last month. There were over 100,000 people in attendance. And as is the case every year, NAB was the place to find all the most anticipated tech, tools, and toys that will be the next, over-hyped "game-changer." This week on the show we're going to talk about technology and the role it plays in the lives of storytellers and filmmakers. But if you are expecting a run-down of the latest and greatest cameras, drones, lenses, microphones, digital recorders and capture cards, I'm sorry to disappoint you. You won't find that here.

However, if you enjoy a deeper conversation about technology and how we as filmmakers relate to it, the good and the bad, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

This week we hear from:

• David Shulman, executive director of The Seattle Film Institute
• James Kaelan, editor-in-chief of BRIGHT IDEAS Magazine, the print publication arm of filmmaking crowdfunding site seed&spark
• Rollo Wenlock, CEO of Wipster
• Patrick Moreau, Emmy award-winning filmmaker of Stillmotion
• Mara Tasker, head of original content creation at seed&spark

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Somnolenceby Kai Engel (CC BY). I pretty much used Kai's newest album as this episode's soundtrack.
• Anxietyby Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Deliriumby Kai Engel
• Oneiriby Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Tapesby Gumbel (CC BY)
• Comatoseby Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Soporby Kai Engel (CC BY)
• Another Version of Youby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Laserdiscby Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Fortsetzung Folgtby Gumbel (CC BY)
• Levelsby Gumbel (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Videos Mentioned

• Chris Milk's TED Talk about Empathy
• No Film School's Private Lytro Cinema Camera Demo
• The Lytro Cinema Intro Video

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion’s Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They’ve generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Wipster + Adobe Premiere Pro

We’re thrilled to have Wipster join the Radio Film School family. Use the offer code “RFSandWipster” and get your first seat for just $13/month. Go to Wipster.io to sign up.

Wipster now has a built-in panel that allows you to share your video directly from within Premiere Pro, and you'll be able to see client's feedback on that video directly within Premiere. Check out their 1-minute walk-through.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

If you've been listening to this podcast since the beginning, you know that there is only one person who's been featured on the show more times than show regulars JD and Yolanda. That person is Atlanta filmmaker Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures. After posting last week's bonus episode about Brandon's incredible database of feature film screenshots, it occurred to me that out of all the episodes in which he's appeared, I've never really given any kind of in-depth story about the history of Whitestone and his journey as a filmmaker. So today, that's what I have. This week's episode is a tad longer than normal, but I promise you'll savor every inspirational minute.

We cover such topics as:

• How and why they do the kind of work they do
• His affection for nostalgic and period pieces
• His thoughts on artists vs. artisans and the significance of the difference
• The trials and tribulations of almost making their first feature film and the lessons he learned
• How the History Channel project came about
• And of course, it wouldn't be a Brandon McCormick episode without some profoundly poignant ending that makes you wanna go out and conquer the world!

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairyby Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)

The rest of the songs are from the soundtrack of "That's Magic," music and lyrics by Nicholas Kirk, courtesy of Whitestone Motion Pictures. All rights reserved.

• Invocation
• Second’s Glance
• The Mysterious Woman
• There’s No Such Thing as Magic
• Second’s Glance

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Whitestone's Work

Click here to see a clip of the Roanoke Film. Left/Right is the New York production company that handled the shoot and post. Brandon and his team handled the creative (writing, directing, exec producing, production design, etc.)

Here are some other films worth checking out:

• That's Magic: The film that inspired this episode.
• Tiny Little Words: The touching story about the first heart transplant. All shot in one take.
• Blood on My Name: This was the film that got Brandon and Nick meetings in Hollywood: their "southern gothic Americana folklore musical."

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion’s Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They’ve generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Speaking of which, click here to go to the blog post where Premium Members can listen to two bonus tracks:

• An early access to the extended 15-minute bonus clip mentioned in the episode where Brandon gives more details about the History Channel production.
• My old "Crossing the 180" podcast interview with Brandon from 2010 that has more specific details about Whitestone's history: how Brandon got started at 12Stone; their production process while there; the importance of story; and much more.
• My follow-up "Crossing the 180" interview with Brandon about the making of the Whitestone film "The Candy Shop: A Fairytale about the Sexual Exploitation of Children", using candy as a metaphor for under-aged girls. It's a powerful and creative film about an important topic. It stars the famous character actor Doug Jones ("Silver Surfer", "Pan's Labyrinth", and "Arrow", to name a paltry few) as The Candy Man.

Only Premium Members will get access to these bonus clips, so sign up today.

What started out as a simple research project to study the scenes and compositions of world-class master directors, turned into a treasure trove of a database with nearly 9,000 high-resolution screenshots and 10 GB of data. Whitestone Motion Pictures co-founder and director Brandon McCormick is back on the show with more engaging insight. Learn how this database project of his revealed some amazing discoveries about focal length, shot selection, composition, editing, storytelling, and prioritization. Here are the lessons he learned about feature filmmaking from studying the minutia of master filmmakers films. You may be surprised at what you learn.

And stick around after the credits in the bonus segment as Brandon addresses the question, "Why do directors often get credit for work that seems should be accredited to others who worked on a film?"

Click here to see screenshots from Brandon's database.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Cat and Mouse by Scott Holmes (CC BY)
• The Stars Look Different (Ziggy Stardust Mix) by spinningmerkaba (CC BY)
• Flight of Lulu by Possimiste (CC BY)
• Wee Tipple by Scott Holmes (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Muse Storytelling has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Sean is proposing a new device and service called "Screening Room". You pay $150 for the device, then $50 for a movie, and voila, the same night that a major motion picture opens in theaters, you can see it at home. What can theaters do to combat services like this? Do they need to see it as a combat at all? That's the topic we discuss today.

Today we have the program director for Seattle's Northwest Film Forum, Courtney Shehan. Courtney is a real mover and shaker with a fresh and confident perspective on how theaters should respond to the changing.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance (excluding music heard in the movie clips used), the music in this episode:

• Thoughtful by Lee Rosevere (CC BY-SA)
• Anima (CC B-SA)
• Everybody’s Got Problems That Aren’t Mine by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• Star Wars Main Theme by John Williams (All rights reserved)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Muse Storytelling has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Science fiction is one of the most popular film and book genres. It has the power to ignite the imaginations of storytellers and audiences from five to ninety-five. But what makes for a good, or great, sci-fi story? Is it how cool the gadgets are? Is it the plausibility of the science presented in the story? Or is it something entirely different, that has nothing to even do with science? Today on the show we find out.

In this episode we hear from:

• Movie and entertainment journalist Clarke Wolfe
• Filmmaker and creator of the sci-fi series Sky City Haya, Adad Warda
• Fellow Podcastica Network podcaster Remi Lavictoire of the Sci-Fi Movie Podcast
• Show regulars JD and Yolanda Cochran
• We also hear from Whitestone Motion Pictures co-founder and director Brandon McCormick in the bonus segment.

Videos and Podcasts Mentioned

• My uncut interview with Adad about the making of Sky City Haya.
• Germain Lussier's interview with Rian Johnson to explain "Looper" plotholes.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance (excluding music heard in the movie clips used), the music in this episode:

• Eternity (Reprise) by Stellar Drone (CC BY)
• Moonxine - Part VIII by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• Under Suspicion by Lee Rosevere (CC BY)
• Snowmen by Kai Engel (CC BY)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Muse Storytelling has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

As you know, Radio Film School is a documentary series. It's kind of like This American Life or TED Radio Hour, but devoted specifically to filmmaking and the creative arts. As a radio documentary, you seldom, if ever, hear full interviews of my guests. I just pull from each interview the soundbites and clips I need for any particular episode.

But every now and then I’ll make a full uncut interview available as a bonus. And after I finished my interview with Richard Botto (or RB for short), I knew I had to post this baby.

If you heard last week's Vol. 2 of my Quentin Tarantino regular episode, you’ve already heard part of my interview with RB. But naturally, we go far beyond what you heard. As most Radio Film School conversations go, this discussion was more about the art and soul of filmmaking. We cover topics like:

• How do you go about separating the artist from his or her art. Can you look at Woody Allen or Polanski films the same? Can you admire DW Griffith's “Birth of a Nation” for its technical achievement despite its racist tone. How do you feel about John Ford the filmmaker or Lilian Gish the actor knowing they were in that film (Ford actually plays a Klansman).
• We discuss fan films and what role they should play in today’s filmmaking landscape
• We get into why Citizen Kane is his favorite film and whether or not it really deserves the title “Best film of all time.”
• We geek out over what makes a good sci-fi film
• That state of fan filmdom and whether or not they should continue
• And of course, we talk about some effective strategies for using social media in this biz.

It’s over an hour of inspirational goodness.

Music used in this episode include:

• Getting Paid, Part II and I Don't Think by Alec's Band (CC BY)
• Boulevard St. Germain by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)

Whether or not Star Wars is science fiction or fantasy is one of those questions that can send you spiraling down a geeked-out debate faster than Matthew McConaughey falling into a black hole. Today we speak with a number of filmmakers, podcasters and cinephiles who all chime in.

In this episode we hear from:

• Show regulars (and fellow Star Wars geek) JD and his geek-tolerant wife Yolanda Cochran
• Movie and entertainment journalist Clarke Wolfe (frequent Collider Movie Talk co-host)
• Fellow Podcastica Network podcaster Remi Lavictoire of the Sci-Fi Movie Podcast

Join the conversation on Facebook and let us know your thoughts.

Videos and Podcasts Mentioned

• The mini-episode of "Ask Science Mike" where he describes lightsabers.
• Germain Lussier's interview with Rian Johnson to explain "Looper" plotholes.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance, the music in this episode:

• Neptun (Heading for Something) by Minus (CC BY-SA)
• Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY)
• In a Moment by Lee Rosevere (CC BY-SA)

Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.

Muse Storytelling has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

There's probably no filmmaker alive today who elicits the kind of visceral emotion and discussion as Quentin Tarantino. Every one of the eight feature films he's directed (and even the ones where he's just the credited writer) have some dialog and/or visuals that will either offend you and/or make you squirm in discomfort. From the excessive, almost cartoonish violence, to his treatment of women to his infamous use of the N-word. Tarantino knows how to push buttons. But does his button-pushing truly serve the story, or is it just a device to provoke you? That's what this week's guests discuss with me. Two weeks ago we looked at Tarantino the AUTEUR. Today we look at Tarantino, the PROVOCATEUR.

Starring...

In this episode we hear from:

• Show regulars JD and Yolanda Cochran (indie filmmaker and production executive, respectively)
• Hurlbut Visuals CEO Lydia Hurlbut
• Music video director Isaac Deitz
• Movie and entertainment journalists Clarke Wolfe (frequent Collider Movie Talk co-host) and David Griffin (of Collider TV Talk)
• Founder and CEO of Stage 32, Richard "RB" Botto
• Alex Ferrari, filmmaker and host of the Indie Film Hustle Podcast

Muse Storytelling has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance (excluding music heard in the movie clips used), the music in this episode:

• We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY
• Something (Bonus Track) by Kai Engel. CC BY
• Out of Light by Portrayal. CC BY
• Referent Power by Cullah.CC BY-SA
• My Dignity by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• Beyond Something Beautiful by Scott Holmes. CC BY
• Still...Living..Alive by PC III. CY BY
• The Rising Sun by Cullah. CC By-SA
• Brooks by Kai Engel. CC BY

But should they? Yolanda has a different take on the topic and that is the basis for today's discussion. I'd love to get your take on this topic. Comment here or join the discussion at our Facebook page: facebook.com/radiofilmschool.

Also in this episode is a short clip from one of our fellow Podcastica network shows, the Sci-Fi Movie podcast. It's a clip from their "Top 5 Robots in Sci-Fi" and they define the parameters that make a cyborg.

Stillmotion has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance (excluding music heard in the movie clips used), the music in this episode includes:

• Boulevard St. Germaine by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA
• Through Another Man's Eyes by Cullah. CC BY-SA

Ever since his bold and brilliant 1992 feature film, "Reservoir Dogs", Quentin Tarantino has been an undeniable force in cinema. From his encyclopedic knowledge of film history, to his bold imagery, to his captivating dialog, to his iconic characters, and of course, his controversial rhetoric, every Tarantino film release is an event.

Today we continue our "Filmmakers with Style" series by looking at the work of the "filmmaker's filmmaker." And in true Tarantino form, this episode is 1) long (our longest "regular" episode to date) and 2) "Volume 1". In this volume we look at Tarantino the auteur. In volume II we'll look at Tarantino the provocateur.

In this 8-chapter episode, we'll explore such themes as:

• The meta element of Tarantino's dialog as a metaphor for Tarantino himself as filmmaker
• His use of music how the music is itself a "character"
• How, despite the fact he borrows so heavily from other classic or obscure films, he's still able to make it his own
• And so much more

Stay tuned past the credits for a special bonus segment as well.

Starring...

In this episode we hear from:

• Music video director Isaac Deitz
• Show regular Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures
• Movie and entertainment journalists David Griffin (of Collider TV Talk) and Clarke Wolfe (frequent Collider Movie Talk co-host)
• Adorama's "Through the Lens" director Sal D'alia
• Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures
• Filmmaker and Thunderdome filmmaker, Jonn Gabriel
• Director and Shot Lister and Script Speaker creator Zach Lipovsky, and
• Hurlbut Visuals CEO Lydia Hurlbut
• Director and CEO of Cut.com, Mike Gaston
• Jeff Barry, director of "Occupy, Texas"

Stillmotion has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

In order of appearance (excluding music heard in the movie clips used), the music in this episode includes:

• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang by Blue Stahli. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• I Got One Thing by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• Winter Mvt 1 Allegro non molto by John Harrison
• Wander and Ramble by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• Western Firefight 2 by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• Lights in Jars by Dream City Orchestra. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• Beast Mode by CuzOH. CC BY
• Break the Sun by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• Spaghetti Western by Stick Figure. CC BY
• Old Western Firefight by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• Direct to Video by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY
• My Dignity by Cullah. CC BY-SA
• The Final Days of the Space Cowboys by Various Artists. CC BY SA
• Drums of War to Drums of Peace by Cullah. CC BY-SA

Last summer when interviewing David Shulman, executive director of the Seattle Film Institute, we got into a lively discussion about how the history of cinema, in many ways, has come full circle. I wanted to explore this idea, so I enlisted the help of Zac Lovelace, creator and host of another 6-month old podcast, Circa. I like to call Circa "the 99% Invisible" of history. Zac describes it like this: a podcast about the stories lost in time, and how they can help us understand ourselves better.

Today's show delves into the rich beginnings of cinema (starting with Thomas Edison and the Lumiere Bros) then takes us through the advent of television, and finally ends up at the smart phone. Zac's storytelling style is immersive and engaging. You'll immediately know why I chose Circa as a collaboration partner on this episode.

After the credits there is one of the funniest bonus segments we've had. So be sure to stick around for that too.

Stillmotion has a New Class - "Conducting Remarkable Interviews"

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They also have a brand new course on their site called “Conducting Remarkable Interviews” and it’s based on years of experience in the field and research of psychology, sociology, and neurology. Go to learnstory.org to learn more.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

• Brooks by Kai Engel. CC BY
• Pigalle by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA
• Porch Blues by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY
• Sunset by Kai Engel. CC BY

Circa Podcast Episode

Check out Circa's Nat Turner episode, "Middle Class Manifesto."

Cinema History Photos

Check our website to see photos.

To celebrate this milestone, we're looking back at some of our favorite stories. Tuesday I shared a few of my favorite personal stories. Today, I'm sharing a few guest stories that have stood out to me:

• Sky City Haya producer Thom Weinland's funny discovery" about the "Wizard of Oz"
• Me and show regular JD get into one of our typical debates
• Celebrated spoken word artist Marshall Davis Jones is back with the funny story behind how he trained his voice and testing it out on John Leguizamo
• FilmRiot host Ryan Connolly shares how absolutely everything went wrong on his "U.F. Oh Yeah" film set
• Phillip Bloom offers filmmaking perspective
• Peabody award-winning filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon and I talk about women in film
• And award-winning wedding filmmaker Kevin Shahinian gives valuable insight about finding your style

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

• "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• Le Jazz - Hot A. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• Datpiff by The Good Lawdz. CC BY-SA.
• Porch Blues by Kevin MacLeod
• Requiem for a Fish by The Freak Fandango Orchestra.
• Wake Up by Kai Engel. CC BY.
• Through Another Man’s Eyes by Cullah. CC BY-SA.
• Two Days by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• Divider by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• Places Unseen by Rosevere. CC BY-SA.

In part 2 (later this week), we’ll share some of my favorite guest stories and conversations.

Even if you’ve been an avid listener, I am confident you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane as I'll also offer some additional insight into the episodes I highlight. And in today's bonus segment, I finally give the definition of the term "Short Ends" and why I chose that name for the interim episodes.

Enjoy!

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

• "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• "Cylinder Six" by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• "A Man with a Golden Soul" by Cullah. CC BY-SA.
• “Sly and the Family Jones” by Mike Spitz and Phys Edison. CC BY.
• “12 Lost Love Letters” and “Erik” by Fog Lake. CC BY.
• Stubborn Love by The Lumineers. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• “Save the Last Dance for Me” by the Drifters. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• “Dancing Machine” by the Jackson 5. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• "The Sun is Scheduled to Come Out Tomorrow"Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• "Hey Ho" by the Lumineers. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.

Why are we artists and creatives so obsessed with awards and competitions? There’s a perverse irony in the fact that something as personal and subjective as “art” can be judged in the first place. With the 2016 Academy Awards Oscar celebration behind us, I felt compelled to produce a bonus episode of the show to address what I feel is an important lesson we filmmakers, and artists in general, should heed. Enjoy!

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

• Main Stem by U.S. Army Blues. Public Domain.
• As I Figure by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY.
• Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen by the Andrew Sisters. Public Domain on Archive.org,.
• Passing Fields by Quantum Jazz. CC BY-SA.
• Night on the Docks - Sax by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY.
• Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyon. CC BY.
• Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman. Public Domain on Archive.org.

We end the conversation with a comical display of my inability to grasp why it is an agent can't also serve as a manager, and why managers typically get 15% (or even more). Will JD and Yolanda be able to explain this concept to me? Tune in to find out.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

• Datpiff by The Good Lawdz. CC BY-SA.
• Hustle by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY.

But as an African American filmmaker, I felt I would be remiss if I didn’t contribute to the conversation in some way. But I want to do it in a way that hasn't been quite done before.

Today's bonus includes TWO conversations sharing FOUR perspectives on the topic, all falling on varying degrees of the spectrum.

First is an excerpt from my interview on the NSavides Podcast, hosted by Nick Savides. Nick and I got into a discussion about the topic and he was gracious enough to let me post that Oscar portion of our discussion on my show. I strongly encourage you to listen to my full interview with Nick on his podcast. We cover a wide range of topics about passion projects, networking, finding clients, processing feedback, and so much more.

Second, show regulars JD & Yolanda Cochran (indie filmmaker and former Alcon Entertainment executive, respectively) join me in a provocative debate/discussion about racial representation, how Oscar voting works, boycotts, and possible solutions.

Over 90 minutes of engaging and invigorating conversation that will give you pause to think...no matter which side of the controversy you stand.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION at facebook.com/radiofilmschool

Enjoy!

Musci Credits:

Declaration of Independence by Cullah. CC BY-SA.

In this episode we hear from music video directors Nathan Corona and Isaac Deitz; show regular Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures; and movie and entertainment journalists David Griffin and Clarke Wolfe. This discussion is a fascinating one; one that will give insight into what makes their work unique, and what we as filmmakers and artists can learn from them in the development of our own craft.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the process they use to tell the kind of stories that has helped them garner five Emmys, and go from shooting weddings to shooting the Super Bowl. They've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Details are in the episode.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

Except where noted, music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance:

• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• No Home by Cullah. CC BY-SA.
• Please Bring Me Shelter by Cullah. CC BY-SA.
• Middle by MADS. CC BY.
• Roads that Burned Our Boots by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky by Scott Holmes. CC BY.
• Everybody's Got Problems that Aren't Mine by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• The Departure by nisei23. CC BY.
• Baby, Please Don't Go by Big Bill Broonzy. CC BY.

Be Inspired

Here are some selected videos by or starring this week's guests:

• Nathan Corona's Reel
• Lecrae's "Welcome to America" Music Video (my favorite video from Isaac Deitz). Click here to learn about his "Thunderdome".
• Whitestone Motion Pictures Reel
• Clarke Wolfe on Collider Movie Talk
• David Griffin on ThinkHero

JD & Yolanda are back to talk about the goings-on of navigating a real-life "Entourage" and share one of the most important lessons they learned when shooting their independent feature films. And you know that when JD & Yo are on the show, you're gonna laugh while you learn.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

We're excited to announce that Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the newest sponsor of the show. Over the next few months we'll get some behind the scenes look at their films. Also, they've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Be sure to listen past the credits to find out.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

Except where noted, music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance:

• Blazing Day by Cullah. CC BY-SA.
• Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY.
• Take Off Your Make Up by Spiedkiks.CC BY-SA.
• Please Bring Me Shelter by Cullah.CC BY-SA.

Chris Huntley from The Write Bros. talks about the narrative story development theory Dramatica and the connection story has to psychology. We'll hear from Patrick Moreau of Muse Storytelling and Stillmotion on how they find and tell the kind of stories that have won them five Emmys. We'll hear from Dan Duncan of Remedy Films on the lengths he goes to tell authentic stories. And we hear from a filmmaker we last heard from way back in the first main episode -- Alex Vo from the San Francisco Bay Area shares how he finds real life "Hero's Journey" stories.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Learn How Stillmotion Tells Emmy Award-winning Stories

We're excited to announce that Stillmotion's Muse Storytelling is the newest sponsor of the show. Over the next few months we'll get some behind the scenes look at their films. Also, they've generously offered our listeners a special offer. Be sure to listen past the credits to find out.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

• Batched in the Light by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY
• Rewound by Chris Zabriske. CC BY
• In Time by Stellardrone. CC BY
• I am a Man Who Will Fight for Your Honor by Chris Zabriske. CC BY
• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA
• House of Latin by Mark Stone. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• She Does Her Best (feat. Small Colin) by Six Umbrellas. CC BY-SA
• Laserdisc by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY
• I am Running with Temporary Success from a Montrous Vacuum in Pursuit by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY

WARNING: there is a generous use of the aforementioned N-word in this episode. You may squirm in discomfort as you listen. Or, more than likely, you'll laugh heartily with only a slight twinge of uneasiness. Either way, our discussion will give you some provocative and deep ideas to ponder.

Check out Bret Easton Ellis' podcast. The Quentin Tarantino episode is December 7. As of this writing, it's the most recent episode.

Legally License Music for Your Production

If you need to legally license music for your productions, from every genre, look no further than Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Grow in Your Craft and Career

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance:

• Phase IV by lo-fi is sci-fi (CC BY)
• Soul Challenger by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• The Stars that Left by Telepathic Teddy Bear (CC BY)

"Amadeus" is easily one of my favorite movies. I can watch it over and over. It tells the tragic and fictional tale of Italian composer Antonio Salieri and his "complicated" relationship with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It won F. Murray Abraham his first (and I think only) Oscar for Best Support Actor. In the film, Salieri laments at being just a mediocre composer when compared to the likes of Mozart (whom he claims to have killed).

As artists, we sometimes feel like Salieri, don't we? We see other people's work and feel like we pale in comparison. That we're just...mediocre. Today on the show we're going to explore this topic and see if we can't come to a new perspective that is healthier for our craft (and career).

On this episode, we'll hear from some talented Atlanta-based filmmakers, namely Chris Fenner (who you may remember from the very first "Short Ends" episode "What the Hell Are You?"); Dan Duncan of Remedy Films; and music video filmmaker Isaac Deitz. We also hear again from a Radio Film School favorite, Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures. Lastly, we hear from Yolanda Cochran, who recently finished a 6-month consulting gig at Netflix.

Music Tips - Picking Music for Your Production

This week during the sponsor segment I start a series of tips related to music and film. This week's tip is on picking music for your production. Remember, a huge way you can support the show is by checking out our sponsors. We're supported in part by Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org, Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech.com and Song Freedom. In order of appearance:

• "I Heard if Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• "The Great Break Off" by The Insider. CC BY-SA.
• "Bach Prelude in C" by MANWOMANCHILD. Public Domain.
• "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzaar. CC BY-SA.
• "Sonata No. 13 in E Flat, Op. 27 No. 1-I Andante - Allegro - Tempo 1" (that's a mouthful) by Daniel Veesey. Public Domain.
• "Prelude in C" by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY.
• "Egmont Overture Finale" by Kevin MacLeod.CC BY.
• "Troy Holder - Ode to Joy" by Tory Holder. Public Domain.

On today's episode of "Short Ends" I'm joined by frequent guest and my good friend JD Cochran; and this time we're joined by his wife, Yolanda. In fact, in this week's episode, Yolanda does most of the talking (which, if you know my buddy JD, this is quite a feat! ;) Yolanda spent over 12 years at Alcon Entertainment and when she ended her stint, she was head of physical production. As a follow-up, she worked as a consultant at Netflix for about six months. So she brings a wealth of knowledge about "the biz". We all talk about the effect that binge watching and social media has on content creation, the studios that distribute that content, and how we content creators can benefit.

Support Our Sponsor and You Support the Show

A huge way you can support the show is by checking out our sponsors. We're supported in part by Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org from the band "The Insider."

• "The Insider Theme" (CC BY-SA)
• "Interstellar Export"(CC BY-SA)
• "Intelligent Galaxy"(CC BY-SA)
• "A Difficult Subject"(CC BY-SA)

There's a well-known video of "This American Life" host Ira Glass sharing his thoughts about what he calls "The Gap." It's the difference between your taste (what you know to be good work) and your talent (what it is you're actually able to create, which is often not as good as you'd like it to be). This week, on the first main "Radio Film School" episode of 2016, we dive into this issue. You'll hear from Sam Mestman, CEO of We Make Movies; Ryan Booth, filmmaker, DP and creator of the music performance web series "Serial Box Presents"; and Patrick Moreau, co-founder of Stillmotion and LearnStory.org. If you've ever faced "the Gap," this is the episode for you.

"Shooting Sunshine" Returns

We also have the next installment of my "Shooting Sunshine" segment. The behind the scenes look at the making of "Little Mixed Sunshine", the first episode in my short film documentary series about bi-racial people. In it, I answer the question: "Why is this film STILL NOT DONE?!"

Support Our Sponsor and You Support the Show

A huge way you can support the show is by checking out our sponsors. We're supported in part by Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

We're also supported by YOU, the listeners. Become a Dare Dreamer FM Premium member and gain access to bonus episodes, ebooks, templates, and other resources to help you grow in your craft and career.

Music in this Episode

Music in this episode was curated from Free Music Archive, Kevin Macleod's Incompetech.com and Song Freedom.

• "Hola Hola Bossa Nova" by Juanitos. CC BY.
• "Machinations" & "Plans in Motion" by Kevin Macleod of Incompetech.com. CC BY.
• "There are Many Different kinds of Love" by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• "Fire Ahead" by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• "dream gate" by Fog Lake. CC BY.
• "The Theatrical Trailer for Poltergeist III" by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• "Snowmen" by Kai Engel. CC BY.
• "Cherubs" (No vocals) by Josh Woodward. CC BY.

Songs used during the Song Freedom sponsor segment are courtesy of SongFreedom.com. (All rights reserved). Click here for the mixtape of songs.

• Counting Stars by One Republic. All rights reserved.
• Ain’t too Proud by the Temptations
• Inspirational Ambient Build by Banvard

Videos Featured in Today's Show

• The video created by Current.tv that started it all. "Storytelling" by Ira Glass (part 3 of 4).

Two other interpretations of "The Gap" on video:

• This Vimeo Staff Pick incarnation by Daniel Sax is quite impressive. (Over 1.3 million views as of this writing.)
• This title motion graphic by David Shiyang Liu inspired Daniel's video.

As is the case with all my interviews, I normally use bits and pieces as they relate to the topic of any particular episode. Every now and then I'll put up a full, uncut interview for your enjoyment. This is one such interview.

During my conversation with Jeff, we talked about a veritable plethora to topics. we talked about his career; we talked about Bill Cosby and Woody Allen and the difficulty of appreciating art when the artist has done terrible things; we talk about story and the love of movies; we talk about finding your voice as an artist; and of course, we talk about living life "unsullied." This is an interview that will inspire and encourage you.

Besides the Slashfilmcast, Jeff can also be found...

• On Twitter
• His website
• "We Have Concerns"
• DLC

Support our Sponsor

Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Music in this Episode

The opening pre-roll music is "Never Knew" by Dani Elliott courtesy of Song Freedom. The rest of the music is curated from Free Music Archive:

• "Backed Vibes Clean" and "Off to Osaka" by Kevin MacLeod. CC BY.
• "Subtle Libraries" by Fabian Measures. CC BY.
• "Another Version of You" by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.
• "Emotion as a Weapon" by Telepathic Teddy Bear. CC BY.

Yes, I know. The issues that Star Wars fans have had with these films have been beaten to death. But in this week's "Short Ends" episode, I want to look at three aspects of these films from which filmmakers can glean valuable insight into the making of their own films. We hear from Write Bros. partner and Dramatica co-creator Chris Huntley; Loyd Calomay of Red 5 Studios; film genre journalist and founder of Etheria Film Night Heidi Honeycut; and frequent show guest JD Cochran.

Support our Sponsor

Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Subscribe or download the show from your favorite platform:

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode is courtesy of Song Freedom and also curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape with all the songs. Here's a list of songs used from Song Freedom:

• "Interstellar"
• "Main Title"
• "Helga Stella"
• "Can Can"

Scott Joplin's "Original Rags" was used from FreeMusicArchive.org. Public Domain.

Videos

Here's the "Jive Walkin'" video I reference in the funny deleted "scene" at the end of the credits.

Adad is the director, writer, creator and producer for the proposed sci-fi TV series, Sky City Haya. Haya is a production of epic proportions with a vast international cast, exotic locations, and amazing visual effects and set design. All for a promotional video! That's right, Adad and his team put in as much work as some filmmakers put into a full film to make a badass promo video that he and his producing partner Thom Wineland plan to use to get funding for making the actual series.

I think you’ll love this interview as we cover issues like: sci-fi stereotypes; world building; racial variety; their strategy to make a promo video about the series as a way to find investors; what makes a good sci-fi; lessons learned from mishaps during production; and running a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Read Adad's guest blog post about the making of the video.

Music for this episode is "Aeterna" by APM, courtesy of our show sponsor, Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Check out the Haya Kickstarter video and teaser trailer.

I honestly believe this is one of the most important episodes I ever have, or will, publish. I strongly feel this episode should be heard by everyone woman in the industry. Heck, I think it would be great for women in any profession to hear from the various guests on the show today. We have a full slate of women at the top of their game in their respective fields.

First, we bring back my 4-person panel in Seattle: Scilla Andreen (CEO of IndieFlix), Stefanie Malone (executive director of NFFTY), Ryan Davis (co-founder of Smarthouse Creative) and Nancy Chang (executive director of ReelGrrls). I also speak to Nichelle Protho, VP of the television and online video production company Sander/Moses; Lauren Haroutunian, dean of Freddie Wong's Rocket Jump Film School; and the director of the interactive documentary "Hollow," and co-host of the She Does Podcast, Elaine McMillion Sheldon. We also hear from Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley and 20th Century Fox co-chairman Stacey Snider, in excerpts from Hollywood Reporter's studio executive roundtable; and Sheryl Sandberg in a clip from the TED Radio Hour has some poignant commentary as well.

Oh, and I contribute a few halfway-decent comments now and then too. :)

Support our Sponsor

We're supported in part by Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode was curated from the Free Music Archive:

• "Peace Dream" by Kellee Maize. CC-BY.
• "Whiteout" by Little Glass Men. CC-BY.
• "Is That You or Are You You" by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.
• "Planet Zero" by Jahzzar. CC-BY-SA.
• "Footprints" by CuzOH. CC-BY.
• "No Home" by Cullah. CC-BY-SA.
• "Where You Do Belong" by Cullah. CC-BY-SA.
• "Through Another Man’s Eyes" by Cullah. CC-BY-SA.
• "Two Days" by Jahzzar. CC-BY-SA.
• "Age of Feminine" by Kellee Maize. CC-BY.

Media Featured in Today's Show

• Hollywood Reporter Studio Executive Roundtable
• TED Radio Hour Episode "Disruptive Leadership"

When we left off on this discussion, we heard from a wide range of filmmakers (and a photographer) that studying the masters was important. Today we hear from a wide range of filmmakers (and a photographer again) who will give insight into 1) why it’s important to study the masters, and 2) the issue of copying. We'll hear from David Shulman, Director of the Seattle Film Institute, Julieanne Kost (Adobe's leading Photoshop evangelist), my film school prof, Zaki Lisha of De Anza College, and the director of the interactive documentary "Hollow," Elaine McMillion Sheldon.

You'll also hear some listener feedback and I'll give you a quick primer on song licensing. (Travis Johansen of Provid Films has a great question about podcast use of songs.)

Lastly, after the credits, we have a sneak peek at upcoming shows.

Support our Sponsor

We're supported in part by Song Freedom. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Subscribe or download the show from your favorite platform:

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode was curated from the Free Music Archive and Song Freedom:

• "Hanami Matsuri" by Fabian Measures. CC-BY.
• "Life Cycle" by Fabian Measure. CC-BY.
• "Readers! Do You Read?" by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.
• "Black Lung" by Broke for Free. CC-BY-SA.
• "Naive" by Gurdonark. CC-BY-SA.
• "So In Love with You" by Jake Etheridge. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• "Sons and Daughters" by Seawaves. Courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.
• "Modulation of the Spirit" by Little Glass Men. CC-BY.
• "Once Tomorrow" by Josh Woodward. CC-BY.
• "Mario Bava Sleeps in a Little Later Than He Expected To" by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.

Videos Featured in Today's Show

• Key & Peele - "Movie Hecklers"
• "Devil Wears Prada" - Stuff

As a tribute to my other yearly Thanksgiving Day tradition growing up, today we have a bonus episode devoted to one of the most influential television shows of all time.

This is the first episode co-written and co-starring one of my partners in crime, assistant producer Chris Huslage. Chris provided most of the episode research.

Support our Sponsor

Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode was curated from the Free Music Archive, Incompetech and SoundCloud. In order of appearance:

• Andrew Bisset: Cultural Dis-Ease by Sergey Schepkin. CC-BY-SA.
• "Labyrinth" by Sergey Cheremisinov. CC-BY.
• "Echoes of Time" by Kevin MacLeod of incompetech.com. CC-BY.
• "Behind Your Window" by Kai Engel. CC-BY.
• "Zed's Dead: Twilight Zone" by Zed's Dead. CC-BY-SA.

Videos Featured in Today's Show

Mike Wallace 1959 TV interview of Rod Serling.

Growing up as a kid, one of my favorite Thanksgiving Day pastimes was watching "The Wizard of Oz" on TV with my mom and brother. (Largely because I was hopelessly infatuated with Dorothy.) This week we have a special episode of the show where we look at the history of that MGM classic. We'll hear fun stories from me and Sky City Haya producer Tom Wineland about our experiences with that movie; and most importantly, friend of the show Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures gives us a profound and poignant lesson based on the dark origin story of the Tin Man.

Support our Sponsor

Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license worth $30.

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode was curated from the Song Freedom. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape for this episode (All rights reserved). The Song Freedom songs were Le Jazz - Hot A and Le Jazz - Hot B.

The rest of the songs were from the "Heartless" soundtrack, courtesy of Whitestone Motion Pictures (all rights reserved). Music and Lyrics by Nick Kirk and The Brothers Bright. Songs used (in order of appearance):

• The Tinner (during the history of "Wizard of Oz")
• Our Story Begins with Love
• The Wicked Witch of the East
• The Cursed Axe
• Frozen
• Yours Alone (credits)
• The Tin Man (during bonus excerpt at end)

Videos Featured in Today's Show

"Heartless: The Story of the Tin Man"

"Heartless: Behind the Scenes"

"Making the Tin Man: Art Department"

"Making the Tin Man: Camera"

"Making the Tin Man: Music & Sound"

The "women in film" segment we aired last week only begins to scratch the surface of this deep, broad and complex topic. In today's episode we bring back Scilla Andreen (CEO of IndieFlix), Stefanie Malone (executive director of NFFTY), Ryan Davis (co-founder of Smarthouse Creative) and Nancy Chang (executive director of ReelGrrls). I also speak to Nichelle Protho, VP of the television and online video production company Sander/Moses. As they discuss the women filmmakers that could be considered masters in the field, some of their answers may surprise you. Names like Maya Deren, Barbara Kopple and...Lucille Ball?

Support our Sponsor

Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license valued at $30.

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode was curated from the Free Music Archive and Song Freedom. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape for this episode (All rights reserved). The Song Freedom song used was:

• Little Kyoto by Dream City Orchestra

Free Music Archive Songs used:

• "Candlepower" by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.
• "Mad Humans" (J. Glaze Remix) by Kellee Maize. CC-BY.
• "Looking Back" by Lee Rosevere. CC-BY-SA.
• "Mad Humans" (Mad Men Remix) by Kellee Maize. CC-BY.

About five years ago I wrote a blog post posing the question, "Should young filmmakers of today study the masters?" It generated a lot of great debate and conversation. That question has always sat with me, particularly now in an age where YouTube celebrities gain millions of views with little to no formal filmmaking education (let alone film history). So, what value, if any, is there to know the work of master filmmakers like Kurosawa, Hitchcock, Ford, Ophuls or Chaplain? This week we hear from six filmmakers and one master photographer on the topic.

Women in Film

Today we also formally begin our "Women in Film" series as we hear an excerpt from a 4-person panel I conducted on the topic. Is that fact that I even have to make a special "series" a problem in itself?

Support our Sponsor

We have some more great use of Song Freedom songs. Click here and use offer code radio for a one-time Standard Gold Level license valued at $30.

Who You Heard

Featured in today's episode:

• David Shulman, Executive Director of the Seattle Film Institute
• Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures
• Stefanie Malone, Executive Director of NFFTY
• Nancy Chang, Executive Directory of Reel Grrrls
• Ryan Davis, co-founder of Smarthouse Creative
• Scilla Andreen, CEO of IndieFlix
• Joe Buissink, celebrity photographer
• Nathan Corona of Dustbrand Films
• Adam Forgione, Pennylane Productions
• Zach Lipovsky, ShotLister
• Sam Mestman, CEO of http://wemakemovies.orgWe Make Movies

Music in this Episode

Music from today's episode was curated from the Free Music Archive and Song Freedom. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape for this episode (All rights reserved). In order of appearance:

• Brandenburg Concerto by Johann S. Bach
• "Ho Hey" and "Stubborn Love" by the Lumineers

Free Music Archive Songs used:

• "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar. CC-BY-SA.
• "CGI Snake", "The Life and Death of a Certain K Zabriskie Patriarch", and "Oxygen Garden," by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.
• "Man with a Golden Soul" by Cullah. CC-BY-SA.
• "Out of the Skies, Under the Earth" and "Wonder Cycle" by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.

Music was curated was "Metaphysik" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and "Simple Hop" by Broke for Free from freemusicarchive.org.

What exactly does it mean for a filmmaker, or any artist for that matter, to have a signature style? How does he or she get one? How do they develop it? Why should we care? Today we start in earnest the core topic for this first season of Radio Film School. Everything beforehand has been building up and preparing us for this journey. And we have some very inspiring interviews to start us off.

Award-winning filmmaking Kevin Shahinian, renown for his Bollywood-style wedding films and Hollywood-calibre production values, provides incredible and poignant insight into the style question from a sophisticated point of view. I have a discussion with Film Riot host Ryan Connolly about his style (and whether or not he thinks he has one). And "Legends of the Knight" director Brett Culp rounds us off with some sage advice on how to develop one's personal style.

In the bonus segment post-credits, I FINALLY get around to discussing with JD how it was he that prompted me to pursue filmmaking full-time as a profession.

Music in this Episode

We have some more great use of Song Freedom songs. Tune it to find out how you can get a FREE Song Freedom song license.

Music from today's episode was curated from the Free Music Archive and Song Freedom. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape for this episode (All rights reserved). In order of appearance:

• "Save the Last Dance for Me" by the Drifters
• "Dancing Machine" by the Jackson 5
• "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO
• "Early News" by Dream City Orchestra
• "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan

Free Music Archive Songs used:

• "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar. CC-BY-SA.
• "Let's Start at the Beginning" by Lee Rosevere. CC-BY-SA.
• "transcanada" by Fog Lake. CC-BY.
• "The Last Slice of Pecan Pie" by Josh Woodward. CC-BY.
• "Low Horizon" by Kai Engel. CC-BY.
• "Divider", "Cylinder Six" and "Pick Up a Convict on Alcatraz" by Chris Zabriskie. CC-BY.
• "Datpiff" by The Good Lawdz. CC-BY-SA.

Photos

Go to today's blog post to check out old photos of yours truly.

In all the years I've interviewed creatives from filmmaking to photography to music, a common theme I always hear is the necessity and desire to produce passion projects and personal work. In today's "Short Ends" episode, you will be inspired to complete your own. You'll glean insights into both the artistic and commercial justifications for doing personal work.

I follow up on my own journey to produce my passion project "Mixed in America," first referenced in RFS episode 3 "S.O.S. Atlantis." You'll hear me share some raw emotions via audio diaries I kept during the production.

You'll hear from Vimeo darlings Dan Riordan and Dana Saint of Gnarly Bay Productions. They share why they do personal work and how it's helped their business.

Canadian filmmaker Brent Foster of Foster Visuals shares how regret led him to produce his popular personal project "While I'm Here: The Legacy Project."

Finally, you'll be inspired by the words of Atlanta filmmaker Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures on why he perseveres as a filmmaker, despite dark times.

Music in this Episode

In a dramatic change from the norm, ALL the music from today's episode is courtesy of Song Freedom. Tune in to learn how you can get a free song. Click here to see the Song Freedom mixtape with all the songs. Here's a list of songs used:

• "How Sweet You Are" - Opening
• "Thinking",which starts at 8:28 (the two songs prior to that are part of Gnarly Bay's videos. See below)
• "Scars" - during Brent's interview
• "Candle Light" at 15:14
• "Gravity" - final song through the credits

Videos

Check the blog post for this episode to see the short films mentioned in this episode.

Also, the “Gayle” to my “Oprah”; the “Fresh Prince” to my “Carlton” is back for another round of “How to be a Black Filmmaker in the 90s.” JD Cochran and I have an insightful conversation regarding my very first scripted short film, including how I DIDN’T pick two actors who have gone on to star in big TV shows. It’s a story about going with your gut as an artist.

Finally, after the credits we have another bonus segment that may crack you up.

This episode is sponsored by Song Freedom. Be sure to listen to the episode to get a special discount code granting you one free song credit.

Click here for the link to get two free months on IndieFlix.

Music in this Episode

"12 Lost Love Letters" and "Erik" by Fog Lake. CC BY.

"Ragtime Dance" by Scott Joplin. Public Domain.

"Shower Scene" (Instrumental) by Josh Woodward. CC BY.

"Tech Toys" by Lee Rosevere. CC BY-SA.

"I Don't Think" by Alec's Band. CC BY.

"Air Hockey Saloon" by Chris Zabriskei. CC BY.

"Nake Street" by Cosmic Analog Ensember.CC BY.

"Preachin' Dem Blues" by The Good Lawdz. CC BY.

"Montmartre" by Jahzzar. CC BY.

"At Last" and "Let's Get It On" courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.

But here’s the thing, Ryan Booth’s style of cinematography is very different from the type of work Ryan Connolly usually puts out. I was curious as to why Connolly chose Booth to DP this film. In today’s bonus episode we hear from both of them regarding that decision.

What is an artist to do when they feel like they severely lack the inherent skill or talent necessary for their craft? That's what we're exploring in today's "Short Ends" episode with good advice and an hilarious anecdote from friend of the show, spoken word artist Marshall Davis Jones. He recounts the story of how he came to have that rugged, rich texture to his voice (it wasn't always so). His lesson is a great one for any filmmaker looking to excel at their craft.

"Short Ends" are mini-documentary episodes during the weeks between main episodes of the show. They cover all things cinema. Check the sidebar of this blog post to learn about the original meaning of the term "short ends."

Music in this Episode

"Simple Hop" by Broke for Free. CC BY.

"A Young Griffin Boyle in Drag" by Alec's Band. CC BY.

"Porch Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). CC BY.

1. The first story is funny
2. The second one is profound. You'll be inspired by the end with Marshall's words (which make a great analogy for the nature of art), and...
3. There's a special offer for Radio Film School listeners at the end.

Music for this episode:

• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• The Sun is Schedule to Come Out Tomorrow by Chris Zabriskie.CC BY.

What as the last funny anecdote you heard, or perhaps told. I bet you a million dollars it was tied to yours of someone else's pain, suffering and/or unfortunate mishap. Naturally, you couldn't laugh about it then. But today it's fair game. Why is there such an uncanny relationship between tragedy and time? Pain and posterity? Today we're going to look at that dynamic and use as a case study my short-lived experience as a wannabe hip-hop mogul. Hilarity will ensue.

In the second segment of the show I introduce a new segment called "Shooting Sunshine." It's a mini Radio Film School series about the making of a short documentary film series called Mixed in America: Stories of Race Relations & Identity in the Proverbial Melting Pot. This is a personal project I started way back in 2011.

Finally, after the credits we have another funny bonus segment.

This episode is sponsored by Song Freedom. Be sure to listen to the episode to get a special discount code granting you one free song credit.

Music in this Episode

Music used in order of appearance:

"Marty Gots a Plan" and "Run Amok" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetch.com). CC-BY.

"Sly and the Family Jones" by Mike Spitz and Phys Edison. CC BY.

"Warm Up Suit" by Broke for Free. CC BY-SA.

"My Girl" by the Temptations. Song courtesy of Song Freedom. All rights reserved.

"Bonfire Music" by David Mumford. CC BY.

The official show theme music is "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.

"I Know (Prod. MVSIC)" by Hi Rez. CC BY.

"In the Night - Game of Thrones Remix (J. Glaze Remix)" by Kellee Maize & J. Glaze Prods. CC BY.

"Hall of the Mountain King" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetch.com). CC-BY.

This week we have one of my favorite episodes of the show so far. It's fun, funny, yet still packs a potent and poignant punch. We hear from We Make Movies CEO Sam Mestman and Film Riot host Ryan Connolly about some of the most disastrous film shoots they've directed. As is always the case in life, from these challenges came great lessons. Then that international dapper DP Philip Bloom ties it all very nicely with a bow at the end. This episode is quite special. Enjoy!

Music in this Episode

"Cylinder Three" by Chris Zabriskie. CC BY.

"Requiem for a Fish" by The Freak Fandango Orchestra. CC BY-SA.

"Wake Up!" by Kai Engel. CC BY.

Extras

• Trailer for "I Got Lost"
• "U.F. Oh Yeah"

Every self-respecting comic book nerd knows that the most iconic superheroes have origin stories tied to parents, and in many cases, fathers or father figures. Superman. Batman. Spider-Man. Thor. These are just a few whose origins as heroes are intimately tied to their parents and father figures.

In this week's episode of "Radio Film School: Cinemaverick" we look at the role my father played in my own origin story as a filmmaker. We also meet my long-time friend and frequent podcast partner in crime, JD Cochran. And finally, we return where we left off last episode with Patrick Moreau of Stillmotion commenting about the death of his mother and the profound impact that had on him as an artist. In doing so, I delve into my own perilous territory as it relates to that subject.

Music

Music in this episode was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org.

• Little Wooden Church by The Trumpeters. Public Domain.
• A Man with the Golden Soul by Cullah. CC BY-SA.
• Please Listen Carefully by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• A Lil Somethin' Somethin' by The Good Lawdz. CC BY-SA.
• Railroad's Whiskey Co. by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• Vladimir Estragon by Jahzzar. CC BY-SA.
• God's Will by lo-fi is sci-fi. CC BY.
• The Sun is Schedule to Come Out Tomorrow by Chris Zabriskie.CC BY.

Check out the blog post for this episode for family photos (including me and my brother in the bathtub). Subscribers get access to the episode early. Blog post won't go live until 6 am PST Sept 15.

Music for this episodes was "Bailando Boogaloo" by Juanitos curated from the FreeMusicArchive.org. CC BY-SA.

In this official premiere episode, we look at the role that fathers play in cinema, and how being open to the vulnerability that comes with sharing those stories will elevate your craft.

Who You Heard

This episode featured interviews with...

• Alex Vo - award-winning filmmaker in Silicon Valley
• Jeff Cannata - co-host of the Slashfilmcast & We Have Concerns
• Marshall Jones - spoken word poet. Author of "Spelling Father"
• Patrick Moreau - co-founder of Stillmotion

Films Featured

All music is creative commons and was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. You can get links to artists and tracks at daredreamer.fm/rfs001.

This week we look at "what we filmmakers call ourselves."

Names mean things. A name can immediately convey information about your race, gender, socio-economic background, whether or not your parents were permanently high in the 60s… In his book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Dale Carnegie suggests that you speak a person’s name when addressing them because it is one of the sweetest sounds to their ears.

Because names have such a profound impact on how people perceive us, it stands to reason that the professional titles we have are equally, if not more poignant. Nowhere is that fact more prevalent, and at times as hotly debated or discussed, as among filmmakers (or videograhers, or video producers or… well, I think you see where I’m going with this).

In this episode of “Short Ends”, we look at how some filmmakers call (or don’t call) themselves, why, and whether it even matters.

Music Credits

"Boulevard St. Germain" by Jahzzar from FreeMusicArchive.org. CC BY-SA.

"Radio Film School" is the first radio documentary series about filmmaking. Host Ron Dawson speaks with filmmakers (and other artists) from around the world, exploring the central theme of what it means to be a filmmaker. In season one, we'll specifically be discussing the topic "Finding your voice and developing a signature style."

This extended preview will give you a sense for the style and format of the show.

Music for this episode included:

• The show's theme music is "Please Listen Carefully" by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
• "Cylinder Six" by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• "Pick Up a Convict on Alcatraz" by Chris Zabriskie (CC BY)
• "A Man With a Golden Soul" by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
• "Declaration of Independence" by Cullah (CC BY-SA)