[Re-release: originally published March 28th, 2025 as episode 55] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2025 Apple series, “The Studio”, starring Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, and Kathryn Hahn. Using The Studio as their foundation, they explore topics such as the intersection of art and commerce in Hollywood, how cinematic techniques, such as lens choices, can significantly impact storytelling, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a commercial environment. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with first-time indie filmmaker Alexandra Robinson. Using Alex’s recent short film (“Meatball”) as their foundation, they explore topics such as her transition from YouTube to professional filmmaking, the challenges of directing and acting simultaneously, and the significance of staying creative and open-minded in artistic endeavors. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with industry-leading entertainment marketing executive Denise Parkinson. Denise is an industry expert in all aspects of entertainment marketing and is currently the Vice President of Business Development at Allied Global Marketing, a full-service marketing agency working with the world's largest entertainment and filmmaking brands. Using Denise’s latest summer blockbuster campaigns as their foundation (like Superman!), they explore topics such as how marketing has evolved from grassroots to digital-first strategies, what indie filmmakers can learn from blockbuster campaigns like Barbie and F1, and actionable takeaways for independent filmmakers, including early-stage marketing, B2B assets, and festival strategies. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning indie filmmaking duo, Carl Fry & Maxwell Nalevansky. Using Carl and Maxwell’s latest indie feature film as their foundation (Rats!), they explore topics such as their journey in independent filmmaking as a creative team, the growing need for originality in filmmaking, and the significance of local communities in supporting independent cinema. If you're enjoying this podcast, please follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning indie filmmaker Luca Pizzoleo. Using Luca’s latest short film as their foundation (“O.C.D.” starring Steven Ogg), they explore topics such as his latest challenges as an indie filmmaker, his digital-first strategy that earned O.C.D. over 1 million views on YouTube in just two weeks, and the rapidly evolving landscape of independent filmmaking today. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Australian actress and indie filmmaker, Ella Cannon. Using Ella’s latest series pilot project as their foundation (“The Yacht Club”), they explore topics such as her experiences transitioning from acting to directing, the community impact of AI on the filmmaking industry, and her journey from a small town in Australia to becoming a working filmmaker in North America. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince welcome back the one, the only, the award-winning director and cinematographer, and friend of the podcast, Ernest Dickerson. Ernest is an American film director and cinematographer. As a cinematographer, he's known for his frequent collaborations with Spike Lee in films such as Do The Right Thing and Malcolm X. As a director, he's known for films such as Juice, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, and Never Die Alone. He's also directed acclaimed television series such as The Wire, Dexter, and The Walking Dead. Using Ernest’s latest trip to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival as their foundation, they explore topics such as the importance of maintaining relationships within the industry, the emotional complexities filmmakers face after completing a project, and the necessity of taking risks in art. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Instagram and YouTube @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

We’ve got Mooch! In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Lego mega-fan and indie filmmaker, Tony Mucci - aka Mooch. Using Tony’s latest project as their foundation, “Money Talks” (which recently premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival), they explore topics such as lessons he learned with his debut short film, the importance of collaboration and community in filmmaking, and Tony’s creative transition from making Lego stop motion animations and directing massive music videos, to narrative filmmaking and debuting at Tribeca. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

We’re back from our pre-summer break with an all-new episode this week! To kick off our exciting lineup of summer episodes, Steve catches up with friend of the podcast Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic at Variety, while Peter was at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Using the festival as their foundation, they explore topics such as the celebration of films and the significance of standing ovations at Cannes, the intricate relationship between American and French cinema, and Peter’s favorite (and not-so-favorite) screenings from this year’s official selections. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published December 13th, 2024 - episode 40] Our summer break is extending just a bit longer as we finish prepping for our new summer guests and episodes (new episodes starting June 20th!). In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our past favorites. In this episode, Steve and Vince welcomed their first Indie Filmmaker (IndieMaker) special guest, BREVI. Brevi, a former recording artist (Cypress Hill, Universal Republic Records) turned screenwriter, joined the show to explore her journey from music to filmmaking. The conversation explores topics such as the challenges of navigating success and impostor syndrome, how collaboration enhances the creative process in both music and film, and the importance of personal experiences and relationships in the creative process.

[Re-release: originally published September 20th, 2024 - episode 28] Our May break (extended to the first part of June ☀️) is ALMOST over, and this is our last week off before coming back with new summer guests and episodes! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our past favorites. In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 1962 classic, “Lawrence of Arabia”. Using Lawrence of Arabia as their foundation, they explore topics such as decision-making under pressure, the directing techniques of David Lean, and the importance of delegation when managing large film productions. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[May break re-release: originally published August 9th, 2024 - episode 22] We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes. In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2004 film “White Chicks”, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, with Steve as the cinematographer. Using White Chicks as their foundation, they explore topics such as Steve’s collaboration with the Wayans brothers, the multi-camera approach in filmmaking, and the value of leadership that fosters creativity and eliminates fear. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[May break re-release: originally published May 24th, 2024 - episode 11] We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes. In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2017 film, “Get Out”. Using Get Out as their foundation, they explore topics such as the film’s nuanced performances, the challenges faced by first-time directors, and the fundamentals of writing for genre. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[May break re-release: originally published June 28th, 2024 - episode 16] We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes. In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss their first TV series on the podcast, “The Bear” (season 4 premieres June 25 on Hulu!). Using The Bear as their foundation, they explore topics such as collaboration and risk-taking in show running, the workflow differences between features and series, and the importance of continuity in episodic television. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published July 12th, 2024 - episode 18] We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes. In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning actor Greg Germann. Using Steve’s upcoming film GRQ as their foundation (which Greg stars in!), they explore topics such as the complexity of character in storytelling, the importance of creating the right atmosphere on set for creative expression, and the value of open and honest communication between director and actor. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[May break re-release - originally published February 16th, 2024, as episode 3] In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2003 film “Lost in Translation”, written and directed by Sofia Coppola. Using Lost in Translation as their foundation, they explore topics such as the writing and directing process, the use of visual symbolism in filmmaking, and the importance of actors in conveying complex emotions. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published May 10th, 2024, as episode 9] In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 1999 film, “Magnolia”. Using Magnolia as their foundation, they explore topics such as the film's impact on contemporary filmmaking, the importance of creative integrity, and how dialogue can be used to convey truth. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this week’s episode, Steve talks with award-winning film editor, Nathan Orloff. Nathan is an editor known for his work on recent films such as Saturday Night (2024), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and Plan B (2021). In their conversation, Steve and Nathan talk about Nathan’s recent work on the 2024 film, “Saturday Night”, and explore topics such as the importance of tracking character arcs in the film, the balance between exposition and emotion in editing, and the use of time as a narrative device. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this week’s episode, Steve answers questions from our listener community + thoughtfully curated ones inspired by our engagement with independent filmmakers around the world. In this AMA session, Steve and Vince explore practical advice for independent filmmakers such as finding one's creative voice, thoughts and tips for filmmakers working with micro budgets in 2025, and essential business skills for success in the industry. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 1992 film, “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Using Glengarry Glen Ross as their foundation, they explore topics such as David Mamet's distinctive writing style, the moral complexities of the film’s characters, and its masterful use of language and performance. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.