From Disney to espionage, composer Curtis Green is crafting soundtracks that move the world. As the composer of Daniel Dae Kim’s new spy thriller series Butterfly, Curtis brings cinematic depth and emotional tension to a story of secrets, identity, and danger. A longtime protégé of Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino (UP, Inside Out, Coco), Curtis has scored acclaimed Disney+ projects including Dug Days, Zootopia+, and even the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.
In this episode, we explore Curtis’s creative process, how he builds sonic worlds, what he learned from Giacchino, and how he approaches music that fuels both laughter and suspense. Perfect for filmmakers, composers, and anyone who loves behind-the-scenes film storytelling.
🎬 Topics: film scoring, composing for streaming, spy thrillers, Disney animation, mentorship in Hollywood, creative storytelling through sound.
Step behind the magic (and the mayhem) with Chelsea Bruland, stunt coordinator for Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red.
In this episode, Chelsea shares how she built the action world of Auradon — where fairy tale royalty, rebellion, and high-energy musical sequences collide. From designing fight choreography that’s both safe and spectacular, to balancing Disney magic with real-world stunt precision, Chelsea gives a rare look into the art and adrenaline of movie stunt work. Whether you’re a filmmaker, choreographer, or Disney fan, this conversation is a masterclass in crafting heart-pounding, character-driven action. 🎬 Descendants: The Rise of Red — now streaming on Disney+.
Award-winning editor Michael P. Shawver (known for his work on Black Panther and Creed) joins us to discuss his latest project, Sinners. In this episode, we dive deep into the craft of film editing—how pacing shapes suspense, how choices in rhythm and structure build tension, and what it takes to bring a director’s vision to life in the editing room. Shawver reveals behind-the-scenes insights on working with raw footage, sculpting character arcs, and finding emotional truth in the cut.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, editor, or movie fan, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the invisible art of editing—and how it transforms Sinners into a gripping cinematic experience.
Composer and producer Trevor Hoffmann (CASMA nominee, Lego Friends, Deepa & Anoop, Nurture: Doki’s Delivery) joins us to talk about crafting emotion through sound. From the playful worlds of kids’ animation to the immersive landscapes of interactive media, Trevor shares how he blends classical orchestration with modern pop textures to create unforgettable musical storytelling. We dive into his creative process, the art of scoring for characters and gameplay, and what it means to compose music that truly connects.
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In this episode, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Martin McNally, the man who hijacked an American Airlines plane in 1972 in a bid to emulate the legendary DB Cooper. What followed was a five-day nationwide manhunt, full of twists, misdirection, and audacious criminal daring. We chat with filmmakers Eli Kooris and Joshua Shaffer who bring this story to life in their film American Skyjacker. We discuss the making of the documentary adaptation of the Top 20 Apple Podcast American Skyjacker, exploring how filmmakers reconstruct historical crime, track elusive characters, and uncover the lesser-known details that make this story one of the wildest in true crime history. If you’re fascinated by audacious heists, sky-high suspense, and real-life mysteries, this episode is for you.
In this episode we sit down with casting maestro Susanne Scheel, the force behind the stellar ensemble of Kathryn Bigelow’s political thriller A House of Dynamite. From assembling a global cast to discovering unexpected breakout talent, Susanne opens up about the unseen art of casting for high-stakes filmmaking. We explore how she navigates script, director vision, star power and surprise actors — and how that all comes together to shape the story we see on screen. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to cast a film of this scale — or how a casting director thinks — this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.
In this episode, we sit down with writer-director GG Hawkins to unpack her bold new feature I Really Love My Husband. What happens when the honeymoon phase fades, when our desires shift, when perfection can feel suffocating? GG takes us through conception, casting, shooting in Panama, balancing improvisation and script, and what she hopes audiences will take away. She also shares personal reflections about love, settling, creative risk, and what it means to follow your gut in art and relationships.
In this episode, we chat with director Rachel Israel and producer Shai Korman about their compelling new film The Floaters. The story follows struggling musician Nomi, who takes a last-resort job mentoring the misfit campers at her childhood Jewish summer camp — a place filled with nostalgia, chaos and the chance to reconnect.
Join us for a lively and inspiring conversation with Ryan Cooper (producer) and Josh Flanagan (director) about the mockumentary comedy Pickleheads — the world’s first feature-film dive into the booming sport of pickleball. We explore: how the idea was born, what drew them to the quirky and fast-growing pickleball scene, the challenges of making a sport-based mockumentary, casting surprises, movie-making secrets, and what this film says about community, competition, and creativity. If you’re a filmmaker, sport-enthusiast, or simply love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with filmmaker Ellen Rodnianski, director of American Baby, a moving and unflinching story about a young girl facing pregnancy, judgment, and isolation in small-town Texas. Ellen opens up about the film’s deeply human themes — from teenage motherhood to the silent struggles young women face when their world turns upside down.
In this episode, we sit down with writer-director Spencer King to unpack his tense new thriller The Wilderness, produced by Aaron Paul and Amy Berg and starring Hunter Doohan (Netflix’s Wednesday) and Lamar Johnson (The Last of Us). Set against the stark Utah desert, The Wilderness follows a group of teenage boys forced into a manipulative “wilderness therapy” program—where survival means more than just making it out alive.
In this episode, we dive into Miles Away, a heartfelt indie drama exploring identity, love, and second chances. Acclaimed actor Andre Royo (The Wire) joins director and lead actress Jackie Quinones to discuss crafting authentic emotion on screen, the film’s powerful journey from page to premiere, and what it means to truly find yourself when you feel “miles away” from home.
In this episode, we sit down with Austin-based filmmaker Kelly Lipscomb, whose new documentary Bite to Bite makes its World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival. The film follows a single giant Bluefin tuna from the icy Atlantic waters of Nova Scotia to Tokyo’s legendary Tsukiji Market — tracing a story of tradition, survival, and the global seafood economy. We explore how this cinematic odyssey reveals the human cost of overfishing, the future of sustainability, and why the fate of one fish can reflect the state of our oceans.
In this episode, we sit down with director Salvador Espinosa and writer/actress Tato Alexander to talk about their sharp, emotional, and uncomfortably relatable new film Don’t Know How To Be. The story centers on Majo and Cris—a thirty-something couple whose birthday celebration at his parents’ home turns into a full-blown generational showdown. What starts as a hopeful day spirals into a chaotic engagement party that forces everyone to confront love, expectations, and the illusions that hold families together.
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Gans, the filmmaker behind VOICES, an intimate and powerful exploration of his father Danny Gans’ extraordinary life and untimely passing. Part personal journey, part tribute, VOICES uncovers the story of a man who rose from underdog beginnings to national acclaim, and the son who finds himself through rediscovering his father’s legacy.
In this episode, we sit down with Austin-based filmmakers Nick and Josh Holden, the writing-directing-producing duo behind their new feature film about family, integrity, and the fine line between selling out and staying true.
Their film follows novelist Benny Dink, whose career and love life implode just before his 40th birthday. When he returns home to Louisiana for his sister’s wedding, he’s forced to confront the compromises of adulthood — from ambition and art to family and faith.
In this episode, we sit down with Ironheart director Angela Barnes and cinematographer Alison Kelly to talk about the visual power and emotional depth behind Marvel’s highly anticipated series. From crafting the look of Riri Williams’ world to balancing high-tech action with human connection, they share how they built a superhero story grounded in authenticity and innovation.
Discover the creative collaboration that shaped the next generation of the Marvel Universe—and the lessons every filmmaker can take from their process.
Two powerful short films. Two unforgettable visions. We sit down with the creator of The Stand and Little Bird to explore the art, the heart, and the meaning behind the stories. From quiet resilience to bold defiance, these shorts show how even the smallest moments can carry the biggest weight.
Before social media, there were forums. Before viral TikToks, there were inside jokes on message boards. The Last Mixtape tells the story of White Collar Rhymes (WCR) — nine rappers from across the world who bonded online in the early 2000s, creating beats, rhymes, and community long before “internet rap” was a thing.
20 years later, these strangers turned collaborators finally came together to record in person, balancing day jobs with a lifelong passion for hip-hop. Director David Birdsall takes us behind the scenes of this unforgettable story of creativity, friendship, and chasing the dream.
Festival director Vanessa Bailey pulls back the curtain on one of the most vibrant festivals for storytellers — the Richmond International Screenwriting and Film Festival. We talk programming, the writer-first approach, and how this festival connects talent from across the globe.