Shows
Next Gen CinemaPlan the Shoot, Shoot the Plan: Joe PapadopoulosAfter a short break, Ian and Hunter return with Blake High School’s Joe Papadopoulos—a media educator with a background in live news and commercial production. Joe reflects on how real-world experience doesn’t always translate in the classroom, and how students thrive when they’re trusted, encouraged, and guided with structure. He shares the power of pre-production, how to run creative in-class projects like “15 in 15,” and why planning is the most overlooked skill in student filmmaking. Ian and Hunter also talk about how to keep students productive during school hours—even when the bulk of their filming happens outsid...2025-06-1539 min
Next Gen CinemaCreativity Holds Value: Hadji BonoanFilmmaker Hadji (DJ) Bonoan joins Ian and Hunter to discuss his unexpected journey from engineering to filmmaking. DJ shares how he transitioned into the creative world, the challenges of selling your vision, and the realities of working in the industry. He also talks about his experiences at Diamond View Studios and what it takes to make a career in film. Plus, Ian and Hunter discuss strategies for effective time management in creative projects.2025-04-0340 min
Next Gen CinemaFinish What You Start: Dustin TophamIn this episode of Next Gen Cinema, Ian and Hunter talk with Dustin Topham, the film teacher at Lone Peak High School, about his approach to pushing students beyond the classroom. Dustin shares how he fosters a culture of accountability, encourages students to finish what they start, and gives them real-world filmmaking experiences that prepare them for careers in the industry. He discusses the importance of learning from failure, embracing every role on set, and developing storytelling skills that stand out in competitions.Plus, Ian and Hunter break down their strategies for preparing students for film competitions...2025-03-1432 min
Next Gen CinemaStay Cool, Keep Creating: Vyky SaizWhat does it really take to be a filmmaker? In this episode, Ian and Hunter sit down with Vyky Saiz, a filmmaker and production manager at FSU Film, to talk about the mental and creative challenges of filmmaking. Vyky shares her experience transitioning from teaching high school to working at one of the top film schools in the country, the importance of self-soothing during high-pressure productions, and why a strong film community is essential for success.Ian and Hunter also dive into the debate of practical filmmaking vs. visual effects, breaking down when to rely on real-world...2025-03-0335 min
Next Gen CinemaLighting Is Everything: Kevin EchemendiaWhat happens when a hurricane disrupts your biggest production of the year? In this episode, Kevin from Two Stories Media shares how he navigates unexpected challenges in the film industry, from natural disasters to managing large-scale productions. We discuss the importance of lighting, the transition from wedding videography to commercial filmmaking, and what it takes to build a thriving production company.Plus, Ian and Hunter break down the benefits of CTSOs (Career & Technical Student Organizations) and how these programs give young filmmakers the real-world experience they need to succeed.2025-02-2429 min
Next Gen CinemaFilmmaking Is Jazz: Lief ThomasonIn this episode of Next Gen Cinema, we sit down with filmmaker and freelance creative Lief Thomason, founder of Odd Lief Studios. Lief shares his journey from being an educator to building a career in video production, all while balancing family life and creative freedom. He dives into the importance of improvisation on set, the realities of freelancing, and how aspiring filmmakers can navigate the industry outside of major film hubs. Plus, we discuss his experience premiering a short film locally and the impact of community connections in the filmmaking world.2025-02-1836 min
Next Gen CinemaCreating Films, Building Connections: Taiwo CummingsIn this episode, we sit down with Tai Cummings, the instructor behind Cypress Bay High School’s powerhouse TV production program, CBTV. Tai shares his journey from working in advertising and sports media—earning championship rings with the Miami Heat—to shaping the next generation of filmmakers. He opens up about the challenges of stepping into teaching without a traditional film background and how he embraces learning from his students while fostering their creativity.We dive into his biggest filmmaking advice—why accent lighting is the key to making any film look more professional—and discuss the importance...2025-02-1720 min
Next Gen CinemaMore Than a Festival: Tom OlivaIn this episode of Next Gen Cinema, Ian and Hunter sit down with Tom Oliva, co-founder of the All-American High School Film Festival, to unpack the inspiring story behind its creation. Tom reflects on his journey from being an English teacher with a passion for storytelling to founding a festival that now showcases the talents of thousands of young filmmakers worldwide. He shares the pivotal moments, challenges, and driving forces that turned an idea into a thriving community built on creativity, connection, and courage. Ian and Hunter also discuss their own transformative experiences with the festival, the life-changing opportunities...2025-02-0331 min
Next Gen CinemaGuiding the Narrative: Sean Michael GloriaIn this episode of Next Gen Cinema, we’re joined by filmmaker Sean Gloria, who shares his incredible journey of creating a feature film in just 30 days. From writing the script in four days to shooting on iPhones with a three-person crew, Sean discusses how limitations can spark creativity and how pressure can lead to extraordinary results. We explore the importance of storytelling, the art of working with what you have, and why finding closure in a narrative is more crucial than ever. Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at a project that proves you do...2025-01-2727 min
Next Gen CinemaThe Art of Selection: Sean PhillipsIn this episode of Next Gen Cinema, hosts Ian Wald and Hunter Schwefringhaus sit down with Sean Phillips, a filmmaker and educator with a diverse career in production, and teaching. Sean reflects on his journey from sports broadcasting to his time as a TV production teacher at schools like Wesley Chapel High School and Blake High School. He shares valuable insights on how to build a sustainable career in the creative industry, balancing freelance work, private sector roles, and teaching.
Sean emphasizes the importance of "selection" in filmmaking—whether it’s choosing the right shots, sound bites, or e...2025-01-2024 min
Next Gen CinemaEmpty the Tank: Ryan WatsonIn this episode of Next Gen Cinema, Ian Wald and Hunter Schwefringhaus are joined by filmmaker Ryan Watson to discuss the balance between creativity and the business side of filmmaking. Ryan shares his insights on staying true to your passion and the importance of focusing on quality. Towards the end, Ian and Hunter dive into the power of a great opening scene, discussing how it can set the tone for a film, hook the audience, and establish a strong emotional connection right from the start.2025-01-1336 min
Next Gen CinemaThe Next Gen BeginsIn this inaugural episode of the Next Gen Cinema Podcast, hosts Hunter Schwefringhaus and Ian Wald, both high school film educators, discuss their backgrounds, the challenges and joys of teaching filmmaking, and the importance of student filmmaking. They outline the structure of their podcast, share quick tips for aspiring filmmakers, and provide updates on their classroom projects. The episode emphasizes the value of planning in filmmaking and the unique perspectives that student filmmakers bring to the art form.2024-12-0928 min