In this episode, I sit down with Ami Vitale, an award-winning photojournalist, filmmaker, and conservationist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, TIME, and beyond. Ami shares her journey from covering global conflicts to telling powerful wildlife stories—like the viral image of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino.
We dive deep into the ethics of storytelling, how to protect your work in a digital age, and why Adobe’s Content Authenticity app is a game-changer for creatives, allowing them to digitally “sign their work” by applying Content Credentials. Ami also breaks down what it takes to earn trust with your subjects, the importance of archiving, and the emotional weight of documenting extinction.
If you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or creative navigating the tension between truth and tech, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven storytelling.
Follow Ami:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amivitale/?hl=en
Try the Adobe Content Authenticity App: https://contentauthenticity.adobe.com/
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to Ami Vitale & the Art of Honest Storytelling
05:00 - Ami’s Journey into Photojournalism & Curiosity as a Superpower
08:10 - Archiving, NAS Systems, and Lost History
11:06 - Trust, Orphaned Images & Why Metadata Matters
15:36 - Connecting the Local to the Global Through Photography
22:57 - The Danger of Sensationalism & Why She Embeds for Years
30:44 - Ethics, Model Releases & Protecting Your Subjects
32:00 - Ami’s Work Misused in the #BringBackOurGirls Campaign
38:08 - Adobe’s Content Authenticity App: Why It Matters
42:01 - Combatting Misuse in the Age of AI
45:49 - Building Content Credentials Into Your Workflow
48:57 - Seeing the Real vs. Edited: The Before/After Tool
53:16 - The 9-Year Story Behind Her Most Impactful Image
58:52 - Capturing Sudan’s Final Moments With Care & Consent
1:05:03 - Knowing When to Put the Camera Down
1:10:00 - Journalism vs. Advocacy: Where Ami Stands
1:12:57 - The Business of Storytelling & Protecting Your Work
1:17:25 - Why Empathy Is the Root of All Creativity
In this episode, I sit down with Parker Laramie, an incredible film editor with two films premiering at Sundance—Andre Is an Idiot and Train Dreams. Parker’s journey from working as a PA to cutting feature films for A24 and Netflix is packed with lessons on resilience, creativity, and navigating the world of film editing. We dive into his experiences editing everything from horror films to award-winning documentaries, the challenges of working on high-profile projects like Allen v. Farrow, and how he balances narrative and documentary storytelling.
If you’re an aspiring editor, filmmaker, or just a fan of behind-the-scenes filmmaking, this episode is full of insights on the craft of editing, the importance of mentorship, and what it takes to get your work onto the big screen. Don’t miss this one!
Join the BWNC Private Community:
Follow Parker:
https://www.instagram.com/moorparks
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Sundance & Introducing Parker Laramie
00:09 - Parker’s Two Films Premiering at Sundance
00:27 - Editing *Andre Is an Idiot* & *Train Dreams*
00:57 - Breaking into Film Editing & Early Career Struggles
02:15 - Working on *Dancing for the Devil* for Netflix
03:30 - From Short Films to Feature Editing
05:10 - Screening at Sundance for the First Time
07:05 - The Emotional Rollercoaster of Premiere Night
09:30 - The Power of Film Festivals for Distribution
11:50 - Growing Up in LA & Discovering Editing
13:20 - Film School vs. Hands-On Learning
15:05 - Learning Avid & Early Editing Projects
17:30 - Parker’s Journey from PA to Film Editor
19:45 - Editing *Argo* and Learning from the Best
21:55 - The Reality of Long Hours in Editing
24:10 - Working on *Unfriended* & Horror Editing Challenges
26:35 - Transitioning into Documentary Filmmaking
28:50 - Editing *Requiem for a Running Back* & CTE Stories
31:25 - The Importance of Finding Mentorship in Editing
33:10 - How *Ghost Fleet* Led to Editing *Train Dreams*
35:15 - Balancing Documentary and Narrative Films
37:20 - The Challenges of Editing *Allen v. Farrow*
40:00 - The Creative Process in Documentary Storytelling
42:35 - Managing a Career in Both Docs & Narrative Films
45:10 - The Art of Editing for Emotion and Impact
47:50 - Parker’s Workflow & Using Adobe Premiere for Editing
50:20 - What’s Next? Future Projects & Creative Aspirations
52:10 - Advice for Aspiring Editors & Filmmakers
54:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
In this episode, I sit down with Kinigra Deon, a powerhouse content creator with over 4.7 million subscribers on YouTube. What makes her story incredible is that she started with zero experience in film or content creation—working as a clinical scientist before pivoting into digital storytelling. Now, she runs a full-scale production company, producing scripted episodes three times a week while incorporating her family into the creative process. We dive into how she built her channel from the ground up, the challenges of balancing business and creativity, and the strategies behind her massive success.
Whether you're an aspiring content creator, filmmaker, or entrepreneur, Kinigra’s journey is full of valuable lessons on consistency, risk-taking, and trusting your intuition. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion project into a thriving career, this episode is a must-listen!
Join the BWNC Private Community:
Follow Kinigra:
https://www.instagram.com/kinigra
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Sundance & Introducing Kinigra Deon
00:29 - How Kinigra Built a 4.7M Subscriber YouTube Channel
00:52 - The Power of Consistency: Posting 3 Times a Week
01:50 - From Clinical Scientist to Content Creator
02:45 - The Role of Intuition in Kinigra’s Success
03:34 - From Solo Creator to Family Production Team
04:55 - Building a Team & Training Family Members
06:14 - Learning Filmmaking from Scratch
07:05 - The Struggles & Rewards of Involving Family
08:22 - Growing Up in Birmingham & Early Influences
09:30 - Creating Stories for Black Representation
10:50 - The Pivot from Adult to Family-Oriented Content
12:28 - The TikTok Effect on Kinigra’s Growth
14:10 - Learning to Monetize & Making YouTube a Full-Time Job
15:48 - Setting a Posting Schedule & Committing to Growth
17:35 - Balancing Business & Creative Work with Her Husband
19:24 - Handling Burnout & Long-Term Sustainability
21:12 - The Importance of Testing Thumbnails & Titles
23:07 - Developing Episodic Content & Expanding into Series
25:16 - The Creative Process & Writing Family-Friendly Stories
27:04 - Building a Sustainable Business Model for Content Creation
29:10 - Future Plans: Expanding Beyond YouTube
31:45 - The Pressure of Leading a Family Business
34:12 - Managing a Growing Production Team
36:00 - Learning to Adapt Content Based on Audience Feedback
38:22 - The Challenges of Running a YouTube Channel as a Business
41:05 - Balancing Creative Passion with Algorithm Strategies
43:10 - The Power of Serial Content on YouTube
45:00 - Testing New Content Ideas & Storytelling Techniques
47:18 - The Future of Kinigra’s Content & Scaling Her Brand
49:55 - Final Advice for Aspiring Content Creators
52:10 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Follow Kinigra
In this episode, I sit down with Ernie Gilbert, a Grammy-winning editor and director known for his work on Childish Gambino’s This Is America, Beyoncé’s Renaissance, and A24’s latest film Opus. Ernie shares his journey from touring with bands and directing music videos to breaking into Hollywood as an editor and filmmaker. We dive into his experience working on major projects, the creative challenges of editing, and what it’s like premiering a film at Sundance.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a music video fanatic, or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this episode is packed with insights on building a career in film, taking creative risks, and navigating the highs and lows of success. Don't miss this deep dive into Ernie’s journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way!
Join the BWNC Private Community:
Follow Ernie:
https://www.instagram.com/erniebyernie
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Sundance Film Festival
00:11 - Introducing Ernie Gilbert
00:27 - Ernie’s Grammy Win and Filmmaking Journey
00:46 - Working on Beyoncé’s *Renaissance* Film
01:24 - Ernie’s Background in Editing & Directing
02:23 - The Struggle with Taking Compliments
03:10 - The Surreal Nature of Success
04:29 - Finding the Best Shots in Post-Production
06:25 - Editing A24’s *Opus* and Premiere at Sundance
07:45 - How Ernie Got Started in Filmmaking
09:11 - From Political Aspirations to Filmmaking Passion
10:58 - Early Music Video Work & Touring with Bands
13:15 - Working with Bayside & Touring Insights
15:12 - Moving to L.A. & Breaking into the Industry
16:26 - Balancing Night Jobs with Creative Work
18:43 - Breaking into Union Editing
20:18 - Transitioning from Reality TV to Narrative Work
22:13 - The Importance of Building a Network
24:31 - Learning from Showrunners and Editors
27:43 - Emotional Intelligence in Filmmaking
30:26 - Balancing Multiple Creative Paths
32:57 - The Rise of Multi-Skilled Filmmakers
35:36 - The Leap to Lead Editor & *This Is America*
37:51 - Behind the Editing of *This Is America*
40:36 - The Importance of Taking Career Risks
42:17 - Reflecting on Career Milestones
44:06 - Working with Bo Burnham & Jerrod Carmichael
46:24 - First Feature Film *On the Count of Three*
48:45 - Self-Funded Short Films and Creative Risks
50:30 - Ernie’s Experience with Sundance & Indie Filmmaking
52:10 - The Evolution of Filmmaking in the Digital Age
54:20 - Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers & Editors
56:05 - How to Find Your Unique Voice as a Creator
58:12 - Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts
Season Finale - Today's guest is Coodie & Chike! You won't want to miss this. Thank you guys for joining us! Follow Them: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coodierock https://www.instagram.com/cozah https://www.instagram.com/officialcoodieandchike Audio Version Available: http://www.bwnc.com/podcast ---------- Join the BWNC Community! This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities. By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more! It’s completely FREE to join! http://www.bwnc.com/join Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll! Want to show more love? Do these things: Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream Follow Ben on instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benrealvsworld Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/theBWNCnewsletter Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://www.bwnc.com/shop
Today's guest is Sam Newton. Sam is a travel filmmaker who has grown an audience on his YouTube channel sharing inspiring stories and visuals.
Thank you Sam for joining us!
Follow Sam:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/samnewton
----------
Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
It’s completely FREE to join!
Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll!
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Today we have Director and Photographer, Kaito on the Podcast! Kaito has directed massive campaigns with the top brands and has shot some of the biggest celebrities and artist.
Thank you Kaito for joining us on the show! Appreciate you! Follow Kaito: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kaito ---------- Join the FREE BWNC Creator Community! This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities. By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more! Join for FREE at: http://www.bwnc.com/join Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll! Want to show more love? Do these things: Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream Follow Ben on instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benrealvsworld Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/theBWNCnewsletter Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://www.bwnc.com/shop
Today we have a goat who’s been at it for years, Daniel Rojas. Daniel is a photographer, best known for his work with Travis Barker and Blink 182. A photographer out of LA who climbed the ladder in photography through skateboarding and into pop culture - Daniel has an inspiring story. Thank you Daniel for joining us on the show! Appreciate you! Follow Daniel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fog.again ---------- Join the BWNC Community! This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities. By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more! Use code 'ONEBUCK' to get in for just $1 for the first month! Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll! Want to show more love? Do these things: Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream Follow Ben on instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benrealvsworld Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/theBWNCnewsletter Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://www.bwnc.com/shop
Today we have the legendary Atiba Jefferson - Photographer who’s best known for his work shooting for the Lakers, Professional Skateboarding, and his lifestyle photography. Atiba has been in the game for YEARS and drops nothing but knowledge in this weeks episode.
Thank you Atiba for joining us on the show! Appreciate you!
Follow Atiba:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atibaphoto
----------
Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
Use code 'ONEBUCK' to get in for just $1 for the first month!
Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join
Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll!
Want to show more love? Do these things:
Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream
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Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/theBWNCnewsletter
Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://www.bwnc.com/shop
Today's guest is Matt Sokoler aka Soko Creations! Matt is a Production Designer based out of Los Angeles and has PD’d for all types of content. From Music Videos, to Commercials, and photoshoots - he’s worked with an insane roster of clients - Tik Tok, New Balance, Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, Meg The Stallion, Oliver Tree, and many more!
In this episode, a few of the topics we cover are:
Thank you Matt for joining us on the show! Appreciate you!
Follow Matt:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sokocreations
----------
Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
Use code 'ONEBUCK' to get in for just $1 for the first month!
Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join
Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll!
Want to show more love? Do these things:
Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream
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Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/theBWNCnewsletter
Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://www.bwnc.com/shop
Today's guest is Misshattan aka Natalie Amrossi. Natalie is a a photographer based out of New York City and is best known for her aerial photography work. When it comes to seeing the world from a new perspective, Natalie is there finding it while hanging out of a chopper.
In this episode, a few of the topics we cover are:
Thank you Natalie for joining us on the show! Appreciate you!
Follow Misshattan:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Misshattan
----------
Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
Use code 'ONEBUCK' to get in for just $1 for the first month!
Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join
Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll!
Want to show more love? Do these things:
Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackwithnocream
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Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/theBWNCnewsletter
Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://www.bwnc.com/shop
Today's guest is Jake Chamseddine (aka Jake Chams)! Jake is a Director, Photographer, and Cinematographer in the music, documentary, and editorial space. His credits consist of names like Panic! At The Disco, Green Day, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lorde, Nike, Adobe, and many more!
In this episode, a few of the topics we cover are:
But most importantly, Jake shares about his incredible journey through a life changing accident that happened on tour and almost cost him his life. Thank you Jake for sharing this with us. Your story, your attitude, and your determination is more motivation than any of us could ever handle.
Please continue to crush your recovery brother!!
http://www.instagram.com/jakechams
---------- Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities. By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more! Use code 'ONEBUCK' to get in for just $1 for the first month! Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll! Want to show more love? Do these things:
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Today's guest is Franklin Ricart (aka FranklinsPOV)! Franklin is a DP also known as a Director of Photography in the music video, commercial, and narrative space. His credits consist of names and brands like Nike, Facebook, Mercedes, A$AP Rocky, Doja Cat, Lil Durk, Gunna, and many more! In this episode, a few of the topics we cover are:
Franklin sets the tone for young creatives and shows how being hungry, staying focused, and being willing to grind day in and day out can pay off in dividends. Follow Franklin: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/franklinspov ---------- Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities. By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more! Use code 'ONEBUCK' to get in for just $1 for the first month! Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll! Want to show more love? Do these things:
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Today we have Mike Carson joining us on the BWNC Podcast. Mike is a Creative Director for artist and brands such as Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Apple Music, Netflix, and so many more!
In this episode, a few of the topics we cover are:
I've been a huge fan of Mike and his body of work for over 10 years so I'm absolutely hyped to have him on the show and I think you will really enjoy this episode!
Follow Mike on Instagram
Watch this episode on YouTube
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Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
The first month is only ONE DOLLAR so what do you have to lose? Join at: http://www.bwnc.com/join
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Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll!
Want to show more love? Do these things:
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Today we have Rory Kramer joining us on the BWNC Podcast. Rory is a director, photographer, and editor who’s best known for his close working relationships with Justin Bieber, The Chainsmokers, Blink 182, and so many more prolific artists!
In this episode, a few of the topics we cover are:
How Rory discovered his love for filmmaking and how he was able to grow within the industry
How Justin Bieber gave him some of the best advice while they were shooting Bieber’s album cover
How Rory hit a massive wave of creative depression and how he was able to overcome that battle
And so much more
Rory is an incredible creative and we are honored to have him on the show. If you have the dream to be a creative full time and feel like its not possible based on where you live, your resources, or lack of network... Listen to this episode, it will give you the push you need.
Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
The first month is only ONE DOLLAR so what do you have to lose?
Join at: BWNC.com/join
Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll <3
Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://bit.ly/2RDLCxM
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Well, we are officially back and in this episode - Ben shares his excitement around this new BWNC Podcast season, where we have been the past three years, an update on his personal life and career, and so much more.
We have an exciting new season coming up with interviews from some of the illest creatives doing it right now. Each Sunday we will release a new episode which you can watch or listen on whatever podcast platform you prefer!
Join the BWNC Community!
This is a private space where you can learn from industry-leading creatives, gain insights to advance your skills, receive answers to tough questions, find collaborators, and land job opportunities.
By becoming a member, you will build a valuable network of peers that you can lean on to support you, motivate you, hold you accountable, give you constructive feedback, and so much more!
The first month is only ONE DOLLAR so what do you have to lose?
Join at: BWNC.com/join
Also want to give a HUGE shout out to Canon for supporting this podcast. We love ya’ll <3
Download our ‘How To Charge A Client’ guide: http://bit.ly/2RDLCxM
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The wait is finally over! Season Two of the BWNC Podcast is launching THIS SUNDAY and the line up we have is TOP TIER! 🤯
If you don’t know, the BWNC Podcast was created in 2017 with the goal of educating, empowering, and inspiring content creators of all kinds. With over 200 episodes recorded, we’re proud of the impact we’ve had on the creative community and could not be more excited to be back with 11 NEW EPISODES!
Tune in every Sunday for a look into the life journey of industry-leading creatives whose stories will not only inspire you to follow your passion, but provide you with the tips, tricks, and real-world advice to take your career to the next level!
We want to give a big shout out to Canon for powering season two of the Podcast!
See you this Sunday!
- Ben