Shows
Coast To Coast CreativesThe Spirit of Independent Filmmaking: Exploring the Legacy of John CassavetesIn this episode, the focus is on indie filmmaking and the influential work of filmmaker John Cassavetes. I welcome old friend, Taurean Cavins-Flores, who's bringing Cassavetes to life in the new stage production, 'Independent: John Cassavetes and the Birth of American Independent Filmmaking'. Taurean discuss Cassavetes' pioneering spirit, his background and his approach to filmmaking. The episode delves into the challenges of embodying Cassavetes, the emotional depth of his films, and the production process of the play, resistance to Hollywood studios, his distinct artistic vision, and his intense relationship with his wife, Gena Rowlands. The conversation provides insights into t...2025-03-1437 minCoast To Coast CreativesFinding Community and Inspiration in Hollywood: A Chat with Romel De SilvaIn this episode, I reconnect with actor Romel De Silva (He's All That (Netflix), Ghostwriter (Apple+), Heathers) after five years, reminiscing about our time working on the web series 'Part Time Fame' in LA and delving into Romel's impressive journey in the film and TV industry. Romel shares insights about his upbringing, the significance of the SAG-AFTRA strike, and how he balances his passion for acting and teaching. The discussion highlights the evolution of the entertainment industry, the impact of AI and technology, and the importance of representation and diversity in Hollywood. Tune in to hear Romel's inspiring story...2025-03-0750 minCoast To Coast CreativesShaping the Artists of Tomorrow: The Teaching Journey of Brandon DeenIn this episode, host Joe Funk interviews Brandon Deen, an Atlanta-based actor and passionate theater educator. Brandon shares his transition from athletics to theater in high school, his experiences studying at Piedmont University and his professional journey in the Atlanta theater scene. Now a drama teacher at North Gwinnett High School, Brandon discusses the challenges and rewards of arts education, fostering a welcoming environment for students, and the importance of following one's passions. Listeners will be inspired by Brandon's dedication to teaching and his belief in the transformative power of the arts.2025-01-2446 minCoast To Coast CreativesActing with Impact: Kimberly Jentzen on Performance, Preparation & Transformation for ActorsIn this episode, I sit down with Kimberly Jentzen, an award-winning acting coach, director, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. With decades of experience, she’s the founder of the Jentzen Technique, which helps actors make strong creative choices and develop emotional depth in their performances. Her method blends influences from acting greats like Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov, and Lee Strasberg. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of continuous training, self-improvement, and emotional depth in acting. She shares valuable tips on script analysis, spontaneity, and the need to stretch beyond personal identities for authentic performances. Additionally, Kimberly elaborates on the Je...2024-10-1843 minCoast To Coast CreativesCrafting Myths with Birchbark: Phillip Gladkov on 'Story of the Sun'In this episode of 'Coast to Coast Creatives', host Joe Funk interviews filmmaker Phillip Gladkov about his unique work, 'Story of the Sun', the first film made entirely out of birchbark. Phillip shares his inspirations, creative processes, and the importance of environmental themes in his projects. He also discusses his background, education, and work as an amateur mycologist. Listeners will gain insight into Philip's innovative approach to filmmaking and the collaborative efforts behind his latest project.'Story of the Sun' Website: https://storyofthesun.com/Phillip Gladkov Website: https://phillipgladkov.com/index.htmlPhillip...2024-07-1236 minCoast To Coast CreativesTendayi Nyeke: The Art and Business of FilmmakingIn this episode of Coast to Coast Creatives, host Joe Funk interviews Tendayi Nyeke, a Zimbabwean-born producer, director, and writer, as she discusses her remarkable journey to Hollywood and working on projects for Netflix. Tendayi elaborates on the cultural influences behind her storytelling, particularly in her latest project, 'Burns and Song', a pilot that recently premiered at the Chinese Theatre. The episode delves into the importance of diverse storytelling, her experiences navigating different film industries on multiple continents, and the critical intersection of art and business. Tendayi also shares her passion for supporting other filmmakers in telling their unique...2024-07-0541 minCoast To Coast CreativesDiane Foster, Allison Lobel & Kelly Grant - Behind the Scenes of 'Easter Bloody Easter'Prepare to be spellbound as the trio of Diane Foster, Alison Lobel and Kelly Grant takes us on an enthralling journey through the creation of "Easter Bloody Easter". Experience the alchemy of transforming Alison's first full-length screenplay into a cinematic delight, with Diane at the helm in her directorial debut and Kelly juggling the dual roles of actor and producer. Their tale promises not only an insider's look at the dynamic process of filmmaking but also the shared trials and triumphs that have bonded them since their acting school days.Step into our world of laughter and...2024-04-281h 00Coast To Coast CreativesKaty Chen Mazzara - Achieve Financial Abundance as a CreativeOn this episode, I chat with the one and only Katy Chen Mazarra @katychenmazzara , a Money Mentor & Financial Coach for creatives! Katy is a 20 year veteran of the Film/TV Industry with experience as a TV Producer, Documentary Filmmaker & Journalist. According to her, 'Living that lifestyle for 15 years put me on a journey to learn how to manage my finances and change my mind-set from one where 'feast or famine' is a common theme to a mind-set of continuous abundance and freedom'Katy has developed a program that combines holistic and practical money making (& saving) t...2023-11-131h 16Coast To Coast CreativesBen & Dave's Mixtape - Writing & Performing Musical ComedyIn this episode, we talk to Ben Kacsandi and David J. Moriarty. These two fellas make up the dynamic duo that is 'Ben & Dave's Mixtape''. Their incredible mix of comedic and musical prowess brings to life hilarious songs that span the genres from punk rock to country western and everything in between. Ben & Dave talk about the triumphs and tribulations of breaking into the music industry as new artists and discuss just how important it is to have a partner you can trust.Ben & Dave's Mixtape is 'guaranteed to moisten your musical palette by rocking your socks off...2023-09-251h 02Coast To Coast CreativesWarren Levi Haney - 'Making a Master Actor' through Shakespearean Text AnalysisIn this episode, we speak with Warren Levi Haney, a classically trained actor that believes in hard work and commitment to technique and craft. He speaks on how important it is to work with heightened text as a performer-particularly Shakespeare- in order to become the best actor you can be. He tells us about his upcoming class, 'Making A Master Actor', and how it uses analysis of The Bard's plays from four centuries ago to mold a top notch modern actor of today.'Making a Master Actor' : https://www.greenlightactingstudios.com/service-page/making-a-master-actor?referral=service_list_widget2023-09-111h 09Coast To Coast CreativesDiane Foster - Founder, Director & Producer of 'WallyBird Productions'In this episode, Diane Foster talks to us about founding WallyBird Productions, her production company which produces content of 'all forms and genres of media worldwide, fostering diversity and equality'. Under the WallyBird banner, Diane strives to give people a voice who haven't historically had one. She believes that representation matters and has achieved this in every one of WallyBird's productions for people both in front and behind the camera.WallyBird has produced "SHIRi", winner of the prestigious Stage 32 Short Film Contest which screened at the Oscar qualifying Hollyshorts Film Festival and Raindance in the UK...2023-09-041h 12Coast To Coast CreativesJohn Babcock - Head Writer at 'Sketchworks Comedy' & Producer of 'Georgia Actors'In this episode, our good friend John tells us about the truly crazy situation that he and his cast mates overcame surrounding their upcoming show, 'Vape', a parody of 'Grease'. He tells us about his work as a writer and involvement at 'Sketchworks Comedy' and also speaks about the non profit he cofounded-Performing Arts Education of Georgia-and the important work they do, going to schools and giving insight to our youth as to what they can expect pursuing a career in entertainment and how best to prepare.PAEGA Website: https://www.paega.org/Sketchworks Comedy: h...2023-08-071h 01Coast To Coast CreativesEmily Grace - Founder of 'Pickford West Society'In this episode, we talk to Emily Grace, founder of 'Pickford West Society'. Emily started the Society to help actors write their dream roles themselves instead of waiting around for the industry to "discover" you. She speaks on the current WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes, her inspiration from Mary Pickford and Mae West & provides many tips and tricks to utilize when crafting your next screenplay. If you're interested in taking your acting career into your own hands and elevating your writing, this is the episode for you!Pickford West Society: https://pickfordwest.lpages.co/2023-07-311h 05Coast To Coast CreativesGary Tiedemann - Audiobook Narrator & ActorIn this episode, audiobook narrator & actor Gary Tiedemann shares his heartfelt inspiration for his career, his time training improvisation at 'The Second City' (Chicago) and his very humble beginnings at a small radio station in Louisiana. Gary also shares his top 'dos' and 'don'ts' of how to set up your own audio recording space and how to choose the microphone that's best for you. If you're interested in the world of audiobook narration or voiceover acting, this is a perfect episode for you!2023-07-241h 08Coast To Coast CreativesKyle Segar - Actor, Singer, Songwriter & PlaywrightIn this episode, Kyle talks about his experiences currently in the world tour of 'The Book of Mormon' and also looks back on his time in the world tour of 'Rent'. Kyle's story is truly remarkable and details that talent, passion and purpose will find a way to shine through no matter the obstacles we face. Looking for your daily dose of inspiration? Look no further, you've found it here. 2023-07-1458 minCoast To Coast CreativesVeronica Barrera - Voiceover Actor & ExpertIn this episode, we have the privilege of talking with Veronica Barrera. She talks about what inspired her to become a voiceover artist and shares some fun stories about how she started preparing for this career even from a very young age. Are you interested in exploring the VO world? Or even interested in building your own in-home studio? Well, Veronica has a well of knowledge that she is more than happy to share! Enjoy the fun!2023-07-101h 02Coast To Coast CreativesNancy Hayden - Executive Director of the 'Detroit Creativity Project'In this episode, Nancy tells us about the Detroit Creativity Project, a non profit organization that transforms the youth of Detroit through improv. Improvisation proves to be a tool that fosters collaboration, respect for others, and even literacy. As Executive Director, Nancy is doing incredible work with The DCP in giving children the option to succeed and express themselves in environments that they may have been afraid to do so before. An alum of The Second City herself, who better to teach improv, right?!2023-07-031h 09Coast To Coast CreativesBill Coelius - Actor & Founder of 'The Working Actor Solution'In this episode, Bill shares his amazing acting journey in which he has booked many TV and film roles, over 50 national commercials and has founded The Working Actor Solution, an online community of useful and innovative classes and techniques curated from his own success that help us as actors weather the storm that is this industry. As Bill says: "[...] if you've been slogging away at the path for a while, time to refresh, rethink and refocus." Lots to gain from this episode, enjoy!2023-06-261h 10Coast To Coast CreativesYaz Canli - Writer & Director of 'My Home Unknown'In this episode, we talk to Yaz about her feature length film, 'My home Unknown' and what it was like directing and starring in it while in the midst of the pandemic. She speaks on how important it is to have a close knit group of people for a project of this scale and the triumphs and tribulations that came along during production. She shares her thoughts on acting and filmmaking and talks about the excitement surrounding the premier of 'My Home Unknown' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.2023-06-191h 01Coast To Coast CreativesKristian Herrera - Comic Book Creator & Writer of 'Sidekick for Hire'In this episode, we learn about the world of comic books from Kristian. He tells us of his early aspirations to open his own comic book store and how that quickly turned into a desire to create his own book, 'Sidekick for Hire'. He explains the ins and outs of his business, from writing, inking and coloring to funding, printing and attending cons to promote his work. A truly fascinating talk. Enjoy! 2023-06-121h 18Coast To Coast CreativesLevi Austin Morris - Actor, Director, & Writer of 'Paralysis'In this episode we talk to Levi about his incredible achievements while living in L.A. As he explains, the struggle is real but by no means insurmountable. Levi wrote, directed and acted in his own feature length horror film, 'Paralysis', shot entirely on an iPhone. Recently it won Best Feature Length Horror Film at The Culver City Film Festival. We talk about our past collaborations and the things we've taken away from our experiences together. You want some inspiration? This is an episode for you. Enjoy!2023-06-051h 11Coast To Coast CreativesAustin Freeman - Actor & On-Set Groot for 'Guardians of the Galaxy Volume: 3'In this episode, Austin talks to us about how he landed the part of Groot and shares with us how his theatre training and technique has fueled his career thus far. Plus great stories from the set of 'Guardians of the Galaxy'! Enjoy!2023-05-281h 19Coast To Coast CreativesAnthony J. Mack - Drone & FPV in the Film IndustryIn this episode, Anthony gives us an insight into his exciting world of being a drone pilot and drone cinematographer. He offers tips on FPV piloting and how it's rapidly evolving every day and also shares his love and reason for flying which is truly inspirational. Enjoy!Elite Arials website: https://www.anthonyjmack.com/Anthony J. Mack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-j-mack-b2b22990/Anthony J. Mack Voyage ATL Article: https://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-anthony-mack-ajm-droneworks-smyrna/2023-05-2255 min