In this short clip, Actress Allison Worrell shares her experience during the audition process for Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest.
In this short clip, contributors, Gordon Taft, Max De Mazza, Bernadette Mahoney discuss their favorite Robert Redford films.
Let us know which Robert Redford film is your favorite in the comments!
We welcome back Allison Worrell to discuss her work on Spike Lee's latest film, "Highest 2 Loweest"
Allison Worrell is a New York City-based actor who you can see in Spike Lee’s newest film, “Highest 2 Lowest”. In the Denzel Washington crime thriller, she plays a police technician. It was released in theaters August 15th and is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Allison has had roles on American Horror Story, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and in OFF-Broadway plays.
She graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and English Literature. Allison is a former broadcast journalist— in the TV news realm she has experience writing, producing & has done on air reporting.
Aaron Simms is the founder and executive producer of Inwood Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and curating professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood neighborhood and surrounding communities of Northern Manhattan.
Simms established Inwood Art Works to serve as a community hub for local artists and to address the lack of venues for theater, opera, dance, music, and film in the area, which he describes as an "artistic desert".
Inwood Art Works is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create and curate professional performing and visual arts in Inwood and its surrounding community.
Our vision is to establish a dedicated cultural arts destination that fosters a vibrant multicultural community nourished by local connectivity and sustained by artistic equity.
We value encouraging positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge. We value and champion the craft and cultural diversity of local professional and emerging artists. And we value the education of youth through the arts.
With our Film Works (Inwood Film Festival, Film Works Alfresco), Art Works (Gallery), and Stage Works (Live N’ Local, Back Porch Show, Culture Hub) programs we hope to encourage positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts that are easily accessible and affordable — often free of charge.
The Inwood Film Festival celebrates and showcases the Inwood community through the moving image, presenting independent films made in the neighborhood or by Inwood-based filmmakers.
This episode was recorded in April of 2025 at a studio in Port Morris, run by Green Canvas Productions LLC.
Aaron Simms is the founder and executive producer of Inwood Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and curating professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood neighborhood and surrounding communities of Northern Manhattan.
Simms established Inwood Art Works to serve as a community hub for local artists and to address the lack of venues for theater, opera, dance, music, and film in the area, which he describes as an "artistic desert".
Inwood Art Works is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create and curate professional performing and visual arts in Inwood and its surrounding community.
Our vision is to establish a dedicated cultural arts destination that fosters a vibrant multicultural community nourished by local connectivity and sustained by artistic equity.
We value encouraging positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge. We value and champion the craft and cultural diversity of local professional and emerging artists. And we value the education of youth through the arts.
With our Film Works (Inwood Film Festival, Film Works Alfresco), Art Works (Gallery), and Stage Works (Live N’ Local, Back Porch Show, Culture Hub) programs we hope to encourage positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts that are easily accessible and affordable — often free of charge.
The Inwood Film Festival celebrates and showcases the Inwood community through the moving image, presenting independent films made in the neighborhood or by Inwood-based filmmakers.
Aaron Simms is the founder and executive producer of Inwood Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and curating professional performing and visual arts in the Inwood neighborhood and surrounding communities of Northern Manhattan.
Simms established Inwood Art Works to serve as a community hub for local artists and to address the lack of venues for theater, opera, dance, music, and film in the area, which he describes as an "artistic desert".
Inwood Art Works is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create and curate professional performing and visual arts in Inwood and its surrounding community.
Our vision is to establish a dedicated cultural arts destination that fosters a vibrant multicultural community nourished by local connectivity and sustained by artistic equity.
We value encouraging positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts within accessible proximity at affordable prices or free of charge. We value and champion the craft and cultural diversity of local professional and emerging artists. And we value the education of youth through the arts.
With our Film Works (Inwood Film Festival, Film Works Alfresco), Art Works (Gallery), and Stage Works (Live N’ Local, Back Porch Show, Culture Hub) programs we hope to encourage positive social engagement, goodwill, and unity through live theater, music, dance, film, new media, and visual arts that are easily accessible and affordable — often free of charge.
The Inwood Film Festival celebrates and showcases the Inwood community through the moving image, presenting independent films made in the neighborhood or by Inwood-based filmmakers.
April Hernandez Castillo & Zalo Castillo are a media power couple!
In this short clip, April shares wisdom of understanding your value as in the entertainment business.
She boasts over 2 decades of experience as an actor and producer.
In this live podcast short clip, Zalo Castillo discusses the documentary project by Lion Chaser Media about Joe Conzo
Born and raised in the Bronx, Joe Conzo Jr. acquired a passion for photography as a young boy attending the Agnes Russell School on the campus of Columbia University. He continued his formal artistic education at the School of Visual Arts (NYC).
During his early development, “Joey” bore witness to the volatile state of South Bronx community activism, and to the vanguard world of New York’s Puerto Rican cultural music scene. On any given day, he could find himself at the heels of his grandmother, the late Dr. Evelina López Antonetty (a dynamic leader and passionate activist ), engaged in a defiant act of civil disobedience for the educational rights of minorities in the South Bronx. On another day, he’d find himself clinging to the shirt-tail of his father, Joe Conzo Sr. (longtime confidant and biographer for the legendary orchestra leader and musician the late Tito Puente), behind-the-scenes with the giants of Latin music like Machito, Charlie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco and Ray Barretto. These two vivid realities would have a profound effect on how Joey viewed his environment through the lens of a camera.
Coming of age as a young man and as a budding photographer, in the mid 70s, proved to be baptism by fire, during an unprecedented chapter of New York City urban decay. Joey was a part of a generation that had refused to be erased by corrupt politicians and a disparaging educational system. His talents had found their niche within the collective acts of defiance that boldly re-invented the very world that left them for dead. This socio-cultural movement would eventually be recognized in American History books as Hip Hop.
This live podcast was recorded at the Dugout Bar in The Bronx near Yankee Stadium.
April Hernandez Castillo & Zalo Castillo are the founders of LionChaser Media
LionChaser Media specializes in creating promotional media assets for businesses looking to elevate their online presence and increase their customer base. Through LCM's unique approach producing quality content, we partner with our clients to conceptualize ideas, collaborate on strategies, and create digital assets designed to capture the attention of the relevant target audience.
Check out this short clip for Episode 43
April Hernandez Castillo:
As an actress, April reached critical heights in her portrayal of Eva Benitez in the award-winning movie, Freedom Writers. She has garnered roles in Showtime's Nurse Jackie, Person of Interest, ER, 30 Rock, Elementary, Law&Order SVU, and The Following. April received a SAG Award nomination for best ensemble cast in the hit show Dexter. She had a recurring role on NBC's New Amsterdam.
April now travels across the United States sharing her story of perseverance and survival, using examples of how the power of her voice has made her a courageous leader. She facilitates workshops for youth groups, students organizations, women events, school administrators in how to deal with the epidemic of intimate partner violence.
April alongside her husband and business partner Zalo Castillo are the cofounders of Parental Voices Matter. A workshop/program created to ignite, educate, and support parental communities.
A format created by parents for parents/guardians. We realized how under served parents are and they need to be informed and motivated just as much as our children do. We facilitate the workshop together which is so exciting.
Zalo Castillo:
Experienced Principal Owner of LionChaser Films, Inc., with a demonstrated history of working in the film making and photography industries. Skilled in Photography, Web Video, Documentaries, Video Editing, and Video Production. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science - BS focused in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Full episode featuring Kyra Peters
Kyra is a Writer/ Director born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a 3 generation Caribbean household, she spent most of her time afterschool listening to her Grandmother’s tales, her words serving as portals to far-away worlds. Kyra’s storytelling journey focused on screenwriting during her time at The Ghetto Film School, through the NYC Fellows program. Growing up with a brother 15 years younger than her, gave her a firsthand look at the impact media could have on shaping a child’s perception of the world. This guided her studies at NYU where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Childhood Mental Health Studies. Just like her Grandmother, Kyra wants to catapult people into new worlds, conversations, and encourage kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) to expand their imaginations past the world’s limitations .
In this clip, Kyra Peters discusses NYU not being her first choice of school after graduation from the Cinema School and taking part in the Ghetto Film School.
Kyra Peters is a Writer/ Director born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a 3 generation Caribbean household, she spent most of her time afterschool listening to her Grandmother’s tales, her words serving as portals to far-away worlds. Kyra’s storytelling journey focused on screenwriting during her time at The Ghetto Film School, through the NYC Fellows program. Growing up with a brother 15 years younger than her, gave her a firsthand look at the impact media could have on shaping a child’s perception of the world. This guided her studies at NYU where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Childhood Mental Health Studies. Just like her Grandmother, Kyra wants to catapult people into new worlds, conversations, and encourage kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) to expand their imaginations past the world’s limitations .
In this clip, Kyra Peters the importance of visual imagery of the Bronx, where she grew up in her film work. Her approach is to treat the Bronx like a character.
Kyra Peters is a Writer/ Director born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a 3 generation Caribbean household, she spent most of her time afterschool listening to her Grandmother’s tales, her words serving as portals to far-away worlds. Kyra’s storytelling journey focused on screenwriting during her time at The Ghetto Film School, through the NYC Fellows program. Growing up with a brother 15 years younger than her, gave her a firsthand look at the impact media could have on shaping a child’s perception of the world. This guided her studies at NYU where she earned a BFA in Film & Television with a minor in Childhood Mental Health Studies. Just like her Grandmother, Kyra wants to catapult people into new worlds, conversations, and encourage kids (and those of us who are kids at heart) to expand their imaginations past the world’s limitations .
Here's the full episode featuring Wilfred La Salle
Director’s Statement:
The Security Guard was made to unite America, not divide it further.
No politics. No sides. Just truth, heart, and humanity.
Director Bio: Wilfred La Salle is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter celebrated as the greatest independent filmmaker in the world. Known for his groundbreaking approach to indie filmmaking on a zero-dollar budget, La Salle founded La Salle Productions to provide a platform for emerging talent from all walks of life, showcasing unknown actors and actresses. His ability to produce a high-quality film every year in different genres, unheard of in any industry has solidified his reputation as a revolutionary force in filmmaking.
His directing credits include the acclaimed shorts Hilo and Hilo II, as well as his first full-length feature, Graves. La Salle's work on Hilo II earned international recognition, winning Best Debut Director at the Vesuvius International Film Festival in Italy and Best Film at the Madras International Film Festival in 2020.In 2024, he released Oculus, followed by his sixth film, The Security Guard, which has received an extraordinary level of media attention and brought La Salle national recognition. This attention earned him invitations to appear on major outlets, including PIX 11, ABC 7, FOX 5's Good Day New York, News 12, NY1, BronxNet, and The Bronx Times.In a historic achievement, La Salle secured a two-year distribution deal with Fox Soul and is now in talks with NBC to have The Security Guard featured on Peacock. This marks the first time in history that an independent filmmaker has accomplished. Once again proving La Salle's ability to break barriers in the industry.Unlike other pretentious independent filmmakers who treat filmmaking as a hobby or chase festival awards and IMDb credits for appearances, La Salle is fully dedicated to his craft. For him, filmmaking is not a side project it is his life. He does not seek validation through meaningless accolades, his work speaks for itself. With an unwavering commitment to his vision, his cast, and storytelling that resonates, he is not here to play he is here to create, innovate, and dominate.La Salle's commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity in an industry filled with mediocrity sets him apart. His unmatched talent, consistency, and innovation have redefined independent filmmaking, proving that success without traditional studio backing is not only possible but achievable at the highest level.With a relentless commitment to authentic storytelling, La Salle's work not only inspires but also elevates the standard of independent cinema, making him simply the greatest independent filmmaker of all time. No one is operating at his level, and his contributions to the art form are unmatched.
In this short clip Wilfred La Salle sits down with Gregory Hernandez to discuss his process of finishing feature films each year.
Director’s Statement:
The Security Guard was made to unite America, not divide it further.
No politics. No sides. Just truth, heart, and humanity.
Director Bio: Wilfred La Salle is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter celebrated as the greatest independent filmmaker in the world. Known for his groundbreaking approach to indie filmmaking on a zero-dollar budget, La Salle founded La Salle Productions to provide a platform for emerging talent from all walks of life, showcasing unknown actors and actresses. His ability to produce a high-quality film every year in different genres, unheard of in any industry has solidified his reputation as a revolutionary force in filmmaking.
His directing credits include the acclaimed shorts Hilo and Hilo II, as well as his first full-length feature, Graves. La Salle's work on Hilo II earned international recognition, winning Best Debut Director at the Vesuvius International Film Festival in Italy and Best Film at the Madras International Film Festival in 2020.
In 2024, he released Oculus, followed by his sixth film, The Security Guard, which has received an extraordinary level of media attention and brought La Salle national recognition. This attention earned him invitations to appear on major outlets, including PIX 11, ABC 7, FOX 5's Good Day New York, News 12, NY1, BronxNet, and The Bronx Times.
In a historic achievement, La Salle secured a two-year distribution deal with Fox Soul and is now in talks with NBC to have The Security Guard featured on Peacock. This marks the first time in history that an independent filmmaker has accomplished. Once again proving La Salle's ability to break barriers in the industry.
Unlike other pretentious independent filmmakers who treat filmmaking as a hobby or chase festival awards and IMDb credits for appearances, La Salle is fully dedicated to his craft. For him, filmmaking is not a side project it is his life. He does not seek validation through meaningless accolades, his work speaks for itself. With an unwavering commitment to his vision, his cast, and storytelling that resonates, he is not here to play he is here to create, innovate, and dominate.
La Salle's commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity in an industry filled with mediocrity sets him apart. His unmatched talent, consistency, and innovation have redefined independent filmmaking, proving that success without traditional studio backing is not only possible but achievable at the highest level.
With a relentless commitment to authentic storytelling, La Salle's work not only inspires but also elevates the standard of independent cinema, making him simply the greatest independent filmmaker of all time. No one is operating at his level, and his contributions to the art form are unmatched.
In this full episode, Gregory Hernandez interviews Nicholas Bruckman.
Nicholas is an Emmy-nominated director and the CEO of People’s Television, a NYC and DC-based creative studio that produces award-winning independent films as well as video storytelling for the world’s leading brands, foundations, and social movements. His feature documentary Not Going Quietly, won the audience award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and was one of the most-lauded documentaries of the year, receiving over 25 international nominations and awards, including 2x Emmys, Critics Choice, IDA Awards, Cinema for Peace, and Cinema Eye Honors. The film was broadcast worldwide on PBS and Vice Media, and is currently streaming on Hulu. His most recent feature documentary, Minted, about the NFT craze, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and broadcast on PBS Independent Lens in January 2025. Minted will be released on Netflix in 2025. Through People’s TV, Nick leads a team of filmmakers and creatives producing branded films, commercials, and digital campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, and political causes.
Do you know about SVOD, TVOD, Airline, Educations Rights for movies?
In this clip, Nicholas discusses the importance of working backwards on distribution and what are the three C's that Netflix purchases.
Nicholas Bruckman is an Emmy-nominated director and the CEO of People’s Television, a NYC and DC-based creative studio that produces award-winning independent films as well as video storytelling for the world’s leading brands, foundations, and social movements. His feature documentary Not Going Quietly, won the audience award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival and was one of the most-lauded documentaries of the year, receiving over 25 international nominations and awards, including 2x Emmys, Critics Choice, IDA Awards, Cinema for Peace, and Cinema Eye Honors. The film was broadcast worldwide on PBS and Vice Media, and is currently streaming on Hulu. His most recent feature documentary, Minted, about the NFT craze, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and broadcast on PBS Independent Lens in January 2025. Minted will be released on Netflix in 2025. Through People’s TV, Nick leads a team of filmmakers and creatives producing branded films, commercials, and digital campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, and political causes.
In this short clip, Jade Nwachukwu discusses what makes a Costume Design powerful and iconic.