Mike and I welcome Iowa filmmaker Rob Merritt to this episode of Cinematic Heartland. From stage to screen, in front of the camera and behind, Rob has brought his talent to a multitude of different projects. He tells us about his experiences while studying acting at the University of Iowa, his viral parody video, This Year is a Dumpster Fire, which was a result of a weekly film challenge during the pandemic, and his biggest and most important role… being a dad. We talk about working with other filmmakers including our upcoming collaboration on the feature film Until the Music Fades, how to prepare for a role, and Rob also shares his advice for other Heartland filmmakers which involves quoting Shia LaBeouf.