In this exclusive interview from the Dances With Films 2025 press junket, director Hariharasudhen Nagagajan sits down with Hannah to discuss his debut narrative feature Tether.
Tether is a deeply personal and emotionally complex film that explores trauma, grief, and healing through multiple perspectives, including those rarely shown on screen. Hari shares the inspiration behind the film, the collaborative process with writer Anghus Houvouras, and the challenges of crafting layered performances from his cast.
Shot in just 10 days, Tether is both an impressive production feat and a powerful reminder of the stories that often go untold in the aftermath of tragedy.
🎥 This episode is part of our Below the Line coverage of Dances With Films Los Angeles, a celebration of independent voices pushing the boundaries of cinema.
In this episode of Below the Line, filmed during the Dances With Films Press Junket, host Hannah sits down with Luke Steinborn and Chris Leary, the creative minds behind the mockumentary comedy Formally Known As. The duo shares the origin of their offbeat pilot, centered on a washed-up rockstar played by a purple Muppet making his comeback and how the absurdity never breaks the world they’ve built. From COVID-era puppet shows to Bojack Horseman and Spinal Tap influences, they dive into the mockumentary format, improv-heavy performances, and how they got serious actors to treat a puppet like a rock legend. With honest insight, humor, and infectious passion, this interview captures why this show is one to watch.
In this special episode of Below the Line, host Hannah sits down with director Lain Ewing and actor Brittany Young to discuss their hilarious and heartfelt short film Performance Review at the Dances with Films Festival. The story follows Maggie, a Hollywood assistant who accidentally consumes a pot brownie right before her big performance review, cue chaos, crickets, and a tree frog. Lane opens up about pulling from personal assistant-life experiences to craft this comedic tale, while Brittany shares her method for bringing Maggie’s anxiety and professionalism to life, all without traditional scene partners. The two dive into Lucille Ball-inspired facial comedy, the logistics of feeding fake crickets on set, and the joy of building a truly inclusive, body-positive, and collaborative indie film environment. They also tease future projects together, including rom-coms that explore nontraditional beauties and relationship roadblocks, like, literally, LA parking.
In this special Dances With Films edition of Below the Line, host Hannah sits down with filmmakers Siri Miller and Lauren Hoover to talk about their gripping proof-of-concept short, Slice, a haunting and poetic exploration of grief, fate, trauma, and parallel realities. Set in an eerie desert diner at the edge of the world, the short film acts as a pilot for a potential series where characters drift into a mysterious place that feels part Twilight Zone, part Bermuda Triangle.Inspired by real-life religious experiences, philosophical questions about destiny, and an uncanny coincidence involving strawberry and cherry pies, Siri and Lauren reveal the strange origin of their collaboration and how two separate scripts merged into one surreal, shared universe. From cults to apocalypse, Hitchcockian tension to bloody desserts, they discuss how symbolism, music, and grounded performances shaped the emotional core of the film.The team shares how their creative friendship, guerilla-style filmmaking roots, and passion for underrepresented stories fueled a project that lingers long after the final scene. With Slice, the duo asks: are we doomed to our past, or is there a way to break free before it breaks us?
In this episode of Below the Line, host Hannah Satterlee interviews Wendy and Carrie, co-creators of the beautifully understated short film Composure, during the Dances With Films 2025 press junket at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre.Composure follows an engagement photographer left alone with a bride when the groom doesn’t show up. What begins as a day of awkward waiting slowly evolves into a tender, unexpected connection. Filmed guerrilla-style over just two days in New York City, the duo dive into their micro-budget approach, from dodging boom mics to being kicked out of grocery stores and bribing strangers for silence.They talk about channeling their creative malaise into storytelling, how shooting scrappy helped shape their distinct cinematic voice, and how their real-life friendship brought honesty to the screen.
n this episode of Below the Line, host Hannah Satterlee sits down with writer-director Carianne King during the Dances With Films press junket to talk about her hilarious and heartfelt pilot Broadway Books, a comedy set in a struggling independent bookstore in New York City.Carianne shares the inspiration behind the show, rooted in her own experiences working at a bookstore after moving to NYC to become a writer. Together, they dive into how the pilot tackles gentrification, Amazon, literary snobbery, and the absurd hustle of staying open in a digital age, all through sharp wit and a love of indie culture. She also reveals how shooting overnight for four straight days brought the team together and how the show aims to make book lovers feel truly seen.Filmed inside an actual bookstore where Carianne once worked, Broadway Books is full of specificity, character-driven chaos, and laugh-out-loud moments with a cast of talented NYC comedians. It’s a love letter to independent bookstores, literary underdogs, and anyone who's ever faked reading Ulysses.Whether you're a bookworm, writer, or comedy fan, this conversation is for you.
In this episode of Below the Line, host Ryan Burke sits down with director Justin Monroe, the creative force behind the award-winning documentary Holy Frit. What begins as a chat about the biggest stained glass window in the world evolves into a deep-dive on documentary filmmaking — the chaos, the choices, and the unshakable belief that the story is worth telling.Monroe shares how a neighborly encounter turned into a 7-year filmmaking journey full of false starts, complex characters, creative instincts, and ingenious indie financing. From balancing real-time story development with long-haul editing, to managing goodwill, equity, and human capital, this conversation is a masterclass in how a filmmaker survives and thrives in the independent documentary world.Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or just curious how one man turned a "nobody-will-watch-this" subject into a critically acclaimed documentary — this episode is for you.✨ Holy Frit premiered at Slamdance 2021, won 10 festival awards during it's festival run, had a limited theatrical release and qualified for Oscar consideration — and now you’ll hear the story behind the camera.👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite documentary or moment from this episode.
On this episode of Below the Line, host Taylor Mackenzie sits down with multi-hyphenate filmmaker Tom Malloy! With over two decades in the industry, Malloy has worn many hats—actor, writer, producer, director—and has raised millions for independent films while producing over 20 movies. Tom’s journey is a masterclass in indie filmmaking, film finance, and creative persistence.
In this episode, we dive into:🔥 How Tom built his career in acting, writing, and producing💰 His expertise in independent film financing🎥 The challenges and triumphs of bringing films to life📖 His book Bankroll, which became the gold standard in film finance.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a cinephile, or just love behind-the-scenes stories, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and industry secrets. Don’t miss it! 🎬✨
In this episode of "Below the Line" we’re joined film director John Lechago, the current Vice President of Creative Development at Platinum Studios Inc., as he delves into the world of filmmaking. Lechago, known for directing several films for Full Moon Features, including Killjoy 3 and Killjoy Goes to Hell. He brings a unique perspective shaped by his extensive experience as a filmmaker and visual effects artist. In this Episode, we explore Lechago's career in the film industry, from his early beginnings to his notable successes and learning moments. He shares invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers and offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of his journey.
Whether you're a horror enthusiast, a cinema lover, or someone dreaming of directing your own films, this episode of "Below the Line” is a must-listen. Gain insights, inspiration, and practical tips from a seasoned filmmaker who has navigated the highs and lows of the industry.
Documentarian Justin Monroe joins us again, his film, Holy Frit, follows the creation of the largest stainless window in the world. Currently it’s rated 100% on rotten tomatoes and opens today for streaming on VOD platforms. Joining him is the subject of his movie fused glass artist Tim Carey. They sit down with host Tess Sullivan and have a conversation about inspiration, creativity, and the making Holy Frit.
There are so many amazingly talented filmmakers that have worked on some of your favorite movies, and you don't know who they are. Cinematographer and Director David R Hardberger has had an amazing career working on major films. Join today’s host Ryan Burke as the two of them talk about his work in the industry on Star Trek the Motion Picture, Star Trek Wrath of Khan, Return of the Jedi, Willow, Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind, Lord of the Rings and so many others. Ryan Burke - Host https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3827685/?... David R. Hardberger - Subject https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0362046/?... Instagram @davidhardberger Sean Williams - Director/ Editor Produced by Annie Valenti Wait For Me Media www.waitformemedia.com Instagram @waitformemedia TikTok @wait.for.me.media
Self-taught special effects makeup artist and director, Todd Tucker has been on a lot of incredible and iconic sets. Join today’s host Tess Rianne Sullivan learns how he got his start and the rest of his career as they talk about practical effects, horror, directing, and how movies have changed since the eighties.
Below the Line took LA Comic Con by storm on December 4th, 2022. Join director John Lechago, SFX makeup artist Lee Joyner, makeup artist and director Todd Tucker, Emmy award-winning animation director, comic book and storyboard artist Chuck Patton, and moderator Ryan Burke as they chat about their experiences being a concept to life.
*Note: The audio of this panel was recorded LIVE at the Los Angeles Convention Center during LA Comic Con. Please excuse our background noise.
When documentarian Justin Monroe moved to LA from Oklahoma, he had no idea the direction his life would take. An incredibly impassioned filmmaker and movie lover, this interview with Justin is a part inspirational call to art and part the joy of experiencing cinema. Join today’s host Tess Rianne Sullivan as the two of them talk about why he feels what he does is so important and highlight some of the films he found most influential.
Below the Line took LA Comic Con by storm on December 4th, 2022. Join Cinematographers David Hardberger, and Luc Nicknair, Makeup artist Lee Joyner, Make Up Artist and Director Todd Tucker, Stunt performer and Screenwriter Danielle Burgio, and moderator Ryan Burke as they chat about their experiences with practical effects and their insights and opinions about the future of the medium.
*Note: The audio of this panel was recorded LIVE at the Los Angeles Convention Center during LA Comic Con. Please excuse our background noise.
Stunt woman, actress, and writer/producer Danielle Burgio had a fairy tale start to her career, but she’s no princess. With a knack for picking up anything thrown her way and a drive to forge her own path, the second part of our interview with her is surprising, entertaining, and exciting as the first. Join today’s host Tess Rianne Sullivan as the two of them talk about her stunt work and process behind the camera as a screenwriter/producer.
To hear Danielle talk more in-depth about about her journey to get where she is today and highlight some of her favorite moments and films, check out part one of this interview!
Stunt woman, actress, and writer/producer Danielle Burgio had a fairy tale start to her career, but she’s no princess. With a knack for picking up anything thrown her way and a drive to forge her own path, the first part of our interview with her is surprising, entertaining, and quite exciting. Join today’s host Tess Rianne Sullivan as the two of them talk about her journey to get where she is today and highlight some of her favorite moments and films.
To hear Danielle talk more in-depth about specifically her stunt work and process behind the camera as a screenwriter/producer, check out part two of this interview!
Cinematographer Luc Nicknair has had an over 40 year career spanning the globe and every film genre. With a love of the classics and a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of working as a director of photography, our interview with him is as educational as it is entertaining. Join host Tess Rianne Sullivan as the two of them talk about his career, technical and hierarchal aspects within the industry, his familiarity with classic cinema, and highlight some of his favorite films.
Lee Joyner is a special effects make up artist, educator, and co-founder of the Legends Make Up Academy in Los Angeles. With an encyclopedic knowledge of special effects makeup and its cinematic history, this first interview is jam-packed with information. Join host Tess Rianne Sullivan as the two of them talk about his career, advancements in the industry, and his knowledge of cinematic effects, and highlight some people who forever changed the way make-up is done.
