Shows
First Act BreakSundance Filmmaker on Balancing both a Directing and Cinematography Career | Daeil KimWelcome to episode 20 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Daeil Kim, a Sundance director and cinematographer, who shares his insights on life after college. We discuss his current career balancing both crafts, how his movie got into the Sundance Film Festival, and advice on having a freelance career.2025-06-291h 11First Act BreakAfter USC Film School…I Had to Relearn Everything | Daniel HanWelcome to episode 19 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Daniel Han, a recent USC film school graduate, who shares his insights on life after college. We discuss his current career working on KPOP tour groups, things he had to unlearn after film school, and ways he is rediscovering his own identity.2025-06-201h 11First Act BreakWhat China’s Movie Industry is really like | Alex LiWelcome to episode 18 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Alex Li, a USC film director, who shares his insights on the Chinese movie industry. We discuss the differences between with it and Hollywood, stories from Chinese sets, and experiences at USC film school.2025-06-1152 minFirst Act BreakHow to Kickstart Your Editing Career in 2025 | Tammy PremchanWelcome to episode 17 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Tammy Premchan, a freelance editor working in LA, who shares her insights on how to build an editing career in 2025. We discuss the art of editing, experiences at USC film school, and how to make the most of our time between projects.2025-06-071h 17First Act BreakHow to Build a Cinematography Career in 2025 | Chase ShurtzWelcome to episode 16 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Chase Shurtz, a professional camera assistant and cinematographer in LA, who shares insight on how to build a cinematography career in 2025. We discuss the state of the industry, how to build connections, and how to make the most of our time on set to maximize our career.2025-05-271h 04First Act Break4 USC Film Students on their College Experience and Career Advice | Emanuel OrtizWelcome to episode 15 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Emanuel Ortiz and Ethan Go, both USC film directors. The four of us share our experiences at USC film school, our philosophies in life, and advice for young filmmakers trying to build a career in Hollywood.2025-05-171h 07First Act BreakBefore Sunrise Screenwriter on how to Write in Hollywood in 2025 | Kim KrizanWelcome to episode 14 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Kim Krizan the screenwriter of Before Sunrise and a writing mentor. We talk about how to build a career as a screenwriter in 2025, her approach to crafting personal stories, and her philosophies about writing.2025-05-021h 02
First Act BreakMakayla Lysiak on how to build a Successful YouTube Channel and Film CareerWelcome to episode 13 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Makayla Lysiak an entrepreneur and TV writer/producer who has a large platform on social media to mentor aspiring actors and filmmakers. We talk about how to build a career in the TV industry, her approach to creating a successful Youtube channel, and her philosophies about content creation.2025-04-251h 27
First Act BreakProducing Vertical Short Dramas | Adam BloodgoodWelcome to episode 12 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Adam Bloodgood a USC film producer who transitioned into filmmaking after 12 years of professional ballet and have worked on multiple features and vertical short dramas. We talk about how to build a career in the industry, his experience at film school, and philosophies about producing and filmmaking.2025-04-181h 13
First Act BreakWhat it’s like Working at Disney and Jubilee | Cece MouWelcome to episode 11 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Cece Mou a USC film producer who worked at Disney and camera operates for Jubilee. We talk about the how to step foot into the industry, her experience working on set and for Zach King, and philosophies about producing and filmmaking.2025-04-1142 min
First Act BreakHow’s Life after USC Film School | Justin RohWelcome to episode 10 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Justin Roh a USC film director who recently graduated and is now pursuing his dreams of directing full time. We talk about the what it takes to stay in the industry, his experience at USC, and philosophies about art and life.2025-04-041h 38
First Act BreakHow to Run a Successful Film Production Company while in College | Harlow SchumanWelcome to episode 9 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Harlow Schuman a USC film director who runs his own successful film production company Farlight Productions while still attending college. We talk about the what it takes to run such a company, his experience at USC, and philosophies about art and life.2025-03-281h 19
First Act BreakHow to Get in the CAA Mailroom and other Studio Internships | Lillian LinWelcome to episode 8 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Lillian Lin, a recent USC film school graduate who is now working at CAA, the world's largest talent agency. We chat about how she got into the CAA mailroom and other big studio internships, as well as her experience working alongside agents and executives.2025-03-221h 17
First Act BreakZach King’s Artist on Production Design, Filmmaking, and AI Art | Daisy LiaoWelcome to episode 7 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Daisy Liao (aka JJUTO), a production designer who's worked with Zach King and directed the Orange County Film Festival. We chat about her side quests in modeling and Jubilee, career in production design, and thoughts on AI art.2025-03-131h 16
First Act BreakThese Super Bowl Doritos Commercial Directors are Changing the Future of Hollywood | Zach and RyanWelcome to episode 6 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Zach Shenouda and Ryan Robinson, the director duo who recently had their commercial become top 2 in the world for the Super Bowl Doritos Commercial competition. We chat about their 1000iq marketing strategy, filmmaking journey, and advice for aspiring movie directors.2025-03-061h 37
First Act BreakHonest Opinion of Film School and Creativity from USC Film Director | Ethan GoWelcome to episode 5 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Ethan Go, a USC film director and editor who has a passion for genre filmmaking. We chat about his philosophy when it comes to creativity, fun life stories, and his honest opinion on USC film school.2025-02-261h 13
First Act BreakHow to Manage Finances in Filmmaking and College | Bien BaguiWelcome to episode 4 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Bien Bagui, a USC film director who has a passion for financial literacy. We chat about his advice for managing finances in film school and the film industry and how he got into USC film school.2025-02-2047 min
First Act BreakActing in The Flash to Filmmaking at USC film school | Octavian KaulWelcome to episode 3 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Octavian Kaul, a USC film director who began his career at the age of 8 years old and acted in TV shows like The Flash. We chat about his philosophy when it comes to filmmaking, his honest opinion on USC film school, and advice for people trying to make their first feature films.2025-02-121h 31
First Act BreakHow we got into USC Film School and Our 4 Year ExperienceWelcome to episode 2 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we share how we got into USC film school and our experience studying here the last 4 years. We go over our portfolio, essays, and all the fun stories studying at USC film school has to offer.2025-02-041h 26
First Act BreakHow to Find Your Filmmaking Path: Insights from Two USC Film DirectorsWelcome to episode 1 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today we talk about how we got into filmmaking, USC film school, and stories from film sets. 2025-01-281h 02
First Act BreakWelcome to the First Act BreakWelcome to the First Act Break Podcast, the show where Jiayang Liu and Richard Li dive deep into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. We are here to help you find success doing what you love, by building a sustainable career. We will bring guest from all spaces in the film industry like directors, producers, cinematographers, executives, and more!2025-01-2101 min