The FilmUp Podcast (Aryeh Hoppenstein and Nick Mahar)

Our next guest is such a fan of cinema that he uses his skills to re-creating it. Please welcome William Baker to The FilmUp Podcast. Based in West Michigan, William, a self-proclaimed Indie Filmmaker and (Pro-IMproviser) is an influencer on TikTok and Instagram with over 600K followers and millions of views., His work focuses on showcasing lighting breakdowns and recreating shots from movies and TV shows. William is also a big supporter of CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD). They work to help those with ADHD get education and support for it. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to chadd.org.

Get ready for a fun filled episode with two incredibly talented self made filmmakers, Martha McGuirk & Katie Lambert. Martha and Katie are the founders of MrMr Films based in London. MrMr includes a spread of brilliant freelance producers; and is committed to supporting innovative new directors, producers and writers. 

They became established in music videos and commercials, winning awards such as MVAs, Creative Circle and Cannes lions and have worked with clients including Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and Pink, to name a few. 

Recently they’ve turned their attention to long form with their first feature, ROAR in development with the musician Pink attached and are busy on the second. 

Martha and Katie are also supporters of Survive, a nonprofit that provides specialist counseling and support work to all adults across North Yorkshire who have experienced sexual trauma. So they are dedicating this episode to that organization. You can learn more by going to survive-northyorks.org.uk.

Please welcome the incredibly talented and creative Tess Bjiere. Tess is a Visual Artist and Creative Director for some of the world’s most streamed artists. She has created commissioned works and performances for musical artists including JAY-Z, Tate McCrae, James Arthur, LANY, FLETCHER, Jacob Banks as well as for brands including Nike, Palm Angels and more.

Beyond this, she architects worlds in music through creative direction and performance visuals.

Tess is also a supporter of Free Arts NYC, a non-profit that empowers youth from underserved communities through art and mentoring programs to develop their creativity, confidence, and skills to succeed. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to freeartsnyc.org

Today we are thrilled to be joined by Azazel Jacobs!
Son of filmmaker/artist Ken and Flo Jacobs, Azazel was raised in New York City surrounded by important and innovative artists. He received his Bachelor’s and his Master’s from the American Film Institute. Notable credits include directing two episodes of the Facebook series Sorry For Your Loss starring Elizabeth Olsen, and three episodes of Amazon’s Golden Globe winning series Mozart in the Jungle, for which he was a consulting producer in its final season. He recently directed an episode of Amazon’s upcoming series “The Better Sister”, starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks.
He’s had multiple films premiere at sundance including Momma’s Man in 2008, Terri starring John C Reily in 2011. He has wrote and directed a film called The Lovers for A24 starring Debra Winger and Tracy Letts.
His film “French Exit” had it’s world premiere as the closing night film for the New York Film Festival and it’s international premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. Released domestically by Sony Pictures Classics in 2021, it earned a Golden Globe nomination for Michelle Pfeiffer’s lead performance, which Variety proclaimed is “the role which she will be remembered for
And his latest film, “His Three Daughters”, was released by Netflix in September of 2024 in select theaters before streaming globally. The film- which he wrote, directed, edited, and was a producer on- stars Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen and Carrie Coon in performances that have been widely hailed as amongst their best.
Our Guest today is a big supporter of Planned Parenthood., a non-profit that provides sexual health care in the United States and globally. You can learn more by going to https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get a film financed? What are financiers looking for before investing in a film? Or once you have the funds, what it takes to make a film? Well our next guests guests answer all of those questions and more. Please welcome Dave Liu and Elisa Gambino to The FilmUp Podcast! Dave and Elisa have been collaborating for quite some time now on their wildly successful production Every Day After. A 35-minute documentary that provides a more nuanced look at the complexities of the healing process due to a cleft-lip that we don’t often see. And honors the invisible labor of a sister whose love and action make it possible for Jary to experience the everyday joys and struggles of growing up. More on Dave and Elisa - get ready for this.. Dave Liu is a 30-year veteran of Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood. He is an advisor, author, entrepreneur, investor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. He started his career on Wall Street with Goldman Sachs and then joined Jefferies where he rose from the entry level to executive ranks of Managing Director and Co-Head of the Digital Media and Internet investment banking. He worked on $15 billion of transactions for hundreds of companies. One of his companies reached $200 million in revenue and 1,000 employees. Through his merchant bank, he is CEO advisor and investor to tech companies, many of which have achieved multi-billion dollar status. He is a member of Catalyst, the Sundance Institute’s film financing program, SF FILM Invest, SF FILM’s film financing program, and started Liucrative Media to invest in Asian American and other underrepresented filmmakers. He was previously CEO advisor to ProSiebenSat.1 Media, one of the largest media companies in Europe. Dave is also a “perspiring” artist and writer who loves to draw and write funny. Dave completed the Management & Technology Program at the University of Pennsylvania where he received a BS in Engineering and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School. He attended Harvard Business School where he received his MBA. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Management & Technology Program at the University of Pennsylvania and on the Trust Advisory Committee of Tau Beta Pi, the oldest national engineering honor society. He is Chairman of the Philanthropic Advisory Council of Smile Train, the largest cleft-focused organization, and Vice Chairman of AsAmNews, one of the top news sites for Asian America. Elisa brings to bear an extraordinary journalistic foundation to her film productions. Based first in Rome and then Moscow, Elisa spent her early career chronicling world events. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Gulf War in 1990 and from the collapse of the Soviet Union, to the wars in the former Yugoslavia and Somalia, Elisa was there. Her work in Somalia was recognized with a News and Documentary Emmy Award. She interviewed Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, refugees in Bosnia, war criminals in Serbia and South Africans celebrating their first free vote. Elisa believes in the power of short films and has executive produced award-winning shorts on issues related to human rights, global public health and the arts. Dave & Elisa is also a big supporter of Smile Train, So they are dedicating this episode to their organization. Every 3 minutes a child is born with a cleft-lip. Smile train is a non-profit dedicated to supporting those children and their families who are suffering from this hardship. You can learn more by going to smiletrain.org

With a community of over 2M followers and 25M+ likes, The People’s Paparazzi aka Johnny Cirillio, takes some time off from snapping fashion shots on the streets of NYC and joins on, The FilmUp Podcast.
Johnny Cirillo was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, in 1980 to a father who delivered UPS packages in the Garment District of Manhattan and a very creative stay-at-home mom. During high school on Long Island, he developed a passion for photography when his mom gave him his first 35mm and shared with him some of her black-and-white photo- graphic work from the sixties. Film and photography became an obsession. He rolled his own film, built his own darkroom, and bugged every one of his friends to sit for him as he explored all facets of the medium. Johhny is also a big supporter of Mythic Bridge Inc. NYC. Using the transformative power of film-making, Mythic Bridge provides disconnected youth with a safe path towards practical film education and entertainment employment opportunities.. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to mythicbridge.org/.

The future of media and entertainment is about to change forever, and our next guest tells us HOW. Please welcome Doug Shapiro to The FilmUp Podcast. Doug is an independent advisor, consultant, and senior advisor for Boston Consulting Group. He writes a blog at medium that is widely read and circulated in the industry. Previously, Doug was the CFO at Pugilist Capital, Chief Strategy Officer at Turner, a division of Warner Media, SVP at Time Warner and much more. Doug is also a big supporter of the Entertainment Community Fund, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping those affected by work stoppages or other pauses in industry work. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to entertainmentcommunity.org

Overnight viral sensation Frankie LaPenna, talks about his road to success as a creator, influencer, and filmmaker. In just 1 year he has grown to over 2.7 million followers across his socials and his content has over a BILLION + views across platforms. USA Today recently referred to him as the Zoom King for his extreme zoom videos. He also recently created the #1 performing post the NFL has ever shared driving 275M views and over 11M engagements. This is just one of many other amazing videos we will chat about during this episode. Frankie would like to dedicate his episode to Toys for Tots, a non-profit which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts during the holidays. You can learn more by going to toysfortots.org.

Stop motion is oftentimes an overlooked art form. It is something that takes considerable time, patience, and perseverance. Our next guest exudes all of those qualities and more! Please welcome Ben Treat to The FilmUp Podcast! 

Ben is the visual artist behind the TikTok channel Franticframes with over 1.6M and 47M likes. Beyond that, he is a stop motion animator, working on projects for brands such as Toyota, Irish Spring, Adobe, Netflix and Samsung. While stop-motion has existed on the internet since its inception, Treat creates animations that are purposefully intricate, involving things like fluid and complicated movement. Almost all animations are followed by a behind-the-scenes TikTok and since each project takes so long to produce, his behind-the-scenes looks are shared as time-lapses.

Ben is also a big supporter of Doctors Without Borders, So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to doctorswithoutborders.org.

Today we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Emmy Nominated sound team behind Warner Brothers and Apple TV's television series Ted Lasso.   

Our guests include, Foley Artist; Sanaa Kelley, Sound Supervisor; Brent Findley, Sound Effects Editor; Kip Smedley, Re-recording Mixer at Warner Brothers; Sean Byrne, and Foley Mixer; Jordan McClain. Their nomination is for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series for Ted Lasso.  

For those of you who don’t know, Ted Lasso is a television series developed by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. The series follows Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is hired to coach an English soccer team in an attempt by its owner to spite her ex-husband. Lasso tries to win over the skeptical English market with his folksy, optimistic demeanor while dealing with his inexperience in the sport.  

The sound team has decided to dedicate their episode to the Entertainment Industry Professionals Mentoring Alliance, a non-profit bridging the gap between aspiring professionals and industry experts. You can learn how to get involved by going to eipma.org.

Today we are thrilled to be joined by incredibly creative and hilarious filmmaking wizard, Ashley Xu. Ashley is a producer, creator and full time undergrad student at Northwestern University with a knack for filming product commercials in her dorm room.   

She is known for her creative and comedic filmmaking approach to making creating saterical videos romaticizing various foods as well as her incredible filmmaking tutorials. All of which can be found on her social media. Her videos have garnered tens of millions of views across platforms, many of which you may have likely seen in your feed.   

Ashley is also focused on promoting the presence of minority filmmakers in the entertainment industry and uses her platform to catalyze societal change.  

Ashley is a supporter of The Saint Francis Center, a nonprofit organization that helps families in need become self-supporting members of the community. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn how to get involved by going to  stfrancisrwc.org.

Bryan is a Grammy Nominated and award winning Brooklyn based director. He is a director, editor and writer working with artists like The Black Keys, James Bay, and James Arthur. He's gained notoriety for his original creative direction with artists and brands and has had work featured on CBS, Funny or Die, NPR, NOWNESS, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. Bryan was also nominated for a People's Choice Country Award for "In Your Love" which is the first country music video to portray gay love on screen. Bryan is also a big supporter of The Trevor Project, an organization focussed on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ young people. Providing information & support to LGBTQ 
young people 24/7, all year round. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Please welcome Savannah Steiner to The FilmUp Podcast! Savannah is an American based stop motion animator. She has animated on many stop motion productions including Guillermo Del Toro's Oscar winning 'Pinocchio' (2022) and Aardman's 'Chicken Run 2: Dawn of the Nugget' set to release this December (2023). She has animated on the Emmy winning children's show Tumble Leaf, Netflix projects like Chef Show, Katy Perry’s ‘Cozy Little Christmas’ music video, as well as for streaming platforms like, Apple TV, YouTube, Hulu, Crackle, and Amazon Prime. Savannah is also a big supporter of the P.S. Arts , a non-profit that is dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for children and youth by providing arts education in systemically under-resourced schools and communities. You can learn more by going to psarts.org

Have you ever wondered how to make your content go viral? or crack the social algorithm to work in your favor? Well, if you have, you're in luck because our next guest has the answers! Please welcome to Derral Eves to The FilmUp Podcast!

In this episode, we discuss how Derral cracked the code to make content go viral before viral was a thing. He shares his experiences working with Mr. Beast, producing the series The Chosen (which has over 100M streams), and so much more.

Derral is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The YouTube Formula. He is also founder of Creatus, a marketing and consulting company, and founder of VidSummit, an annual video conference. He has helped 34 YouTube channels go from zero to more than a million subscribers and has generated over 84 billion video views on YouTube. Derral is also Executive Producer of The Chosen, the first multi-season series about the life of Christ, and the highest crowd-funded TV series or film project of all time.

Derral is a supporter of Kids In The Spotlight, a Los Angeles based non-profit that helps foster youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to kitsinc.org.

Allow us to introduce the amazing Mike Diva! Mike is a man of many talents, a Director for Saturday Night Live, a world-renowed VFX artist, a YouTuber who has garnered hundreds of millions of views, and so much more. He creates some of the most eye-catching viral content you'll ever see.

His clients include Twitter, Xbox, Old Spice, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, and The Lonely Island to name a few. His first major push into the commercial world was a dark anti-ad for Halo Top Creamery which won AdWeek's Top Ten Ads of 2017. In addition to his commercial and music video projects, he currently directs shorts for Saturday Night Live.

Mike is also a supporter of the Good + Foundation, a charity which works to dismantle multi-generational poverty by pairing tangible goods with innovative services for low-income fathers, mothers and caregivers. You can learn more by going to goodplusfoundation.org.

When it comes to filmmaking, it truly takes a village. There are countless departments and roles, each playing a vital part in the creation of a production. Often times, the true measure of their success is not defined by what immediately catches your attention, but rather in the subtle nuances that blend into the overall experience. Today, we are privileged to have a guest whose exceptional work often goes unnoticed, yet has undoubtedly left a mark on the series and films you’ve seen. Please welcome Rebecca Wachtel to The FilmUp Podcast. Rebecca is a makeup artist that has been creating looks for over 20 years. Her passion lies in the diversity of the field from putting prosthetics on war victims in Letters From Iwo Jima to beautifying the Pretty Little Liars and designing the variety of realistic looks in Truth Be Told. Most recently she created the 1960's, 70's, 80's & 90's world of Daisy Jones & The Six. Taking the characters through many stages of stardom and age makeups. Rebecca is also a big supporter of ACLU, a non-profit that is dedicated to defending and preserving the individual rights guaranteed to every person in the US.. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to aclu.org

Get ready for a hilarious and fun interview with the incredible Dangerbean aka Ben Christensen. Ben is a Canadian comedy influencer with over 700,000 followers cross platform. Known for his hyper-dramatized and absurd sketch comedy, as well as the odd Owen Wilson impression, Ben's fans look to his content for laughs, epic outdoor adventures, and existential crises. In addition to his online presence, Ben has also worked creating indie television for names like Roku, Adult Swim, and Canada's CBC. Ben is also a big supporter of Image Native a non profit that is the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to https://imaginenative.org

Lighting is an art form that many may not truly understand. There are hundreds if not thousands of varying lighting techniques and equipment that can go into any given production. A lighting designer and gaffer not only need the skillset, but the knowledge of all techniques and equipment, and the knowhow of when to apply it to any given sequence. That is what our next guest does on the highest of levels. Please welcome our next guest, Matt Ardine to The FilmUp Podcast.

Matt works as a Lighting Designer and Gaffer. His career has involved hundreds of commercials as well as feature films, tv and broadcast concerts. He enjoys using cutting edge methods to light the scene. Recent projects include feature films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, Gaslit, and many notable commercials.

When Matt is not on set, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, running in the mountains, and rollerblading at the skatepark.

Matt is also a big supporter of My Friend’s Place, a non-profit that is dedicated to assisting and inspiring youth experiencing homelessness to build self-sufficient lives. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to myfriendsplace.org.

It is our pleasure to welcome the Animation Creator or the century, Justin Rasch. Justin has been animating for Video Games, Television and Feature projects for 26 years. He is currently a Director and Supervising Animator at Stunt Puppet Pictures telling amazing stories through the magic of animation. He has worked on several feature films including 2 Oscar nominated films and has worked alongside studios including Laika, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Sony, Dreamworks, and more.

With over 1 million followers and counting across social media, his work has captured minds and hearts from around the world. Come join us for this incredible podcast, and learn of the wonderful world of animation.

Justin is a big supporter of The Nature Conservancy, a non-profit that is dedicated to preserving natural lands through science. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to nature.org

Please welcome the one and only, Tonya Lewis Lee to The FilmUp Podcast! Tonyis a director, producer, author and entrepreneur whose work often explores the personal impact of social justice issues.
Most recently, the film she co-directed and co- produced, exploring the US maternal mortality crisis, AFTERSHOCK (HULU) has received numerous awards including a 2023 Peabody Award , a 2022 Sundance Special Jury Impact for Change Award, an NIHMC Award and a 2023 Emmy Award nomination. As a television producer, Tonya served as Executive Producer on the episodic series She’s Gotta Have It (NETFLIX) and wrote and produced The Watson’s Go To Birmingham (AMAZON). As a film producer, Lee produced Monster (NETFLIX) which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Tonya is currently serving as an Executive Producer on a documentary film about seven time Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix. As an author, Tonya’s children’s books, co-written with her husband Spike Lee, Please Baby Please, Please Puppy Please and Giant Steps to Change the World have sold over one million copies. As an entrepreneur Tonya founded Movita Organics an organic vitamin supplement company to provide a premium vitamin supplement to the marketplace and to continue the conversation with women about how to access and achieve one’s optimum health.Tonya has received numerous awards and recognition for her work including being named to the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list. Tonya is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, The University of Virginia School of Law and is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, the Producer’s Guild of America, a member of the Board of Trustees of the March of Dimes and a Board Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Tonya is also a big supporter of March of Fimes. Each day over 1000 babies are born too soon. Their organization focus on preventing preterm birth and supporting those families. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to marchofdimes.org/

"Sklenar is best known for his breakout role as ‘Spencer Dutton’ in Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 for Paramount+ (the second prequel to Yellowstone), in which he stars opposite Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. The show broke records as the most-watched premiere ever on Paramount+. Most recently, Sklenar can be seen in Sony’s film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us in the role of Atlas Corrigan. The film released on August 9, 2024 and grossed over $300 million at the global box office. Up next, Sklenar will be seen in Blumhouse and Universal’s upcoming thriller, Drop, and in the highly anticipated season 2 of 1923.

In 2022, Sklenar won the “Best Actor” award at the Vienna Independent Film Festival for his role as Sean Graves in Futra Days. Additional credits include playing the role of Burt Reynolds in the series The Offer opposite Miles Teller; Adam McKay’s films Vice as Bobby Prentace; and Midway as George Gay.
Brandon is also a big supporter of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence ., a non-profit that is dedicated to to leading, mobilizing and raising their voices to support efforts that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence.
You can learn more by going to https://ncadv.org/

What’s a better way to spend the day after the Oscars than with us on The FilmUp Podcast! Join us for a chat with the wonderful Michelle Chung, known for her amazing work on the Oscar-sweeping Everything Everywhere All at Once. Michelle is a Los Angeles based makeup artist known for her work on the Oscar Winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Terminal List, Boo Bitch and more. She has been working in film and television for over 15 years and is a proud member of the IATSE Local 706 as well as a member of the Television Academy. Michelle is also a supporter of the Asian Mental Health Project, an organization that is dedicated to educating and empowering asian communities in seeking mental healthcare. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to asianmentalhealthproject.com.

It's not everyday where you connect to the remarkable talent behind the Disney Marvel Universe. On today's episode, we did just that! We are so excited to welcome the incredibly talented Kat Coiro to The FilmUp Podcast.

Kat is a director, producer and writer that continues to be at the forefront of the industry. 2022 was a big year with her studio directorial debut Marry Me starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson as well as She-Hulk, which she directed and executive produced for Marvel Studios. Kat has also directed on television series including It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Shameless, Modern Family, The Mick, and many more

She lives between Los Angeles and Atlanta with her husband, three children, dog and 30 chickens.

Kat is also a big supporter of Habits of Waste, a non-profit that is focused on changing people's habits by encouraging everyone to rethink wasteful behavior. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to habitsofwaste.org.

If you have ever flipped through National Geographic, then you may have seen the work of our next guest, Shannon Wild. Award-winning NatGeo wildlife photographer and cinematographer, Shannon, is based in South Africa living out her dream of documenting and sharing the stories of our worlds most precious creatures. Join us to learn about her road to success, and how she is fighting to protect our wildlife. Shannon is dedicating her episode to a non-profit she founded after a near death experience while on assignment in Kenya called ‘Wild In Africa - Bracelets". 50% of the purchase price from all bracelets are donated to various wildlife organizations she’s directly worked with. Please visit wildinafrica.store to learn how you can help support.

We are thrilled to be joined by Alexandra French. Alex is a Los Angeles based Emmy Winning Makeup Artist best known for her work as one of the artists on Euphoria Season 2 under Makeup Designer Donni Davy, founder of Half Magic Beauty. Alex created viral looks that became as closely watched as the characters themselves. Through her creative exploration of color, texture and shapes she has quickly become the go-to artist for captivating editorial looks.   

Alex is also a supporter of Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care in the U.S. and worldwide. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization.  You can learn about how to get involved by going to https://www.plannedparenthood.org - the time to do so is definitely now.   

Alex has also shared an additional resource you can also get involved with here: https://donations4abortion.com

Today we have a special episode for you, with a long time friend and incredible filmmaker. Today we are thrilled to be joined by Canon Brownell

Canon is a Director and Editor living in Los Angeles, CA and the co-founder of RadFox films, a production company specializing in music videos, commercials, and other branded content. 

Past work includes ad spots with major brands like Armani Beauty and Tidal to behind-the-scenes content with the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. More recently, Canon also has been directing and editing video game ads for Scout House, a production company specializing in VR-related content. 

Canon is dedicating this episode to the Los Angeles Education Partnership. You can learn more by going to https://www.la

Our next guest Johannes Lovund lives a very simple life in Norway unless he is jet setting around the world making content for the masses! 

Johannes is a director, producer, and photographer for the award winning Music Producer, Kygo. He is also the Co-founder and CEO of Palm Tree Productions, a joint venture between himself and the Norwegian DJ and Music Producer Kygo. His latest projects include productions featuring Joe Jonas, Shawn Mendes, Rita Ora, Dean Lewis, Harry Hudson, Frank Walker, Jamie Foxx, 50 cent and of course Kygo.

Get ready to learn of how this talented filmmaker found his way from a college campus in Norway, to becoming a globally recognized filmmaker. 

Johannes is also a supporter of Alzheimer's Association, a non-profit that is dedicated to accelerating the global effort to eliminate the disease and other dementias. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to alz.org.

Please welcome this amazing up and coming Director Eliana Alcouloumre to The FilmUp Podcast.  

Eliana is a Director, Writer, and Creator who has been working her way up through the industry. Her recent credits include Set Production Assistant, Art Department Researcher, and Sound Utility, on productions including the Emmy Award winning series Euphoria, Mindhunter as well as feature films like Don't Worry Darling and Amsterdam.   

Eliana is a supporter of Blaze It Forward also known as the Blaze Bernstein Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization which provides support to charities that work to protect children from violence and foster emotional health. The fund was set up in memory of Blaze Bernstein, who was murdered in 2017 by a neo-nazi, and it aims to keep his charitable spirit alive. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn how to get involved by going to blazebernstein.org

Please welcome the fitness legend himself, Don Saladino to The FilmUp Podcast! Don has coached actors, athletes, & musicians for over 20 years. He has developed a reputation for training some of the biggest names in Hollywood for the big screen. Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Sebastian Stan, Liev Schreiber, Hugh Jackman, & David Harbour are among his roster of clients. He has been tapped as a fitness expert in publications such as Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, & Men’s Fitness. He has also been featured in People, US Weekly, Origins, In Touch, Cosmo, & Shape; and has made appearances on The Today Show, Page Six TV, People NOW, E News, & WebMD. He sits on the advisory board of Men’s Health Magazine. Don lives in New York with his wife, Mel, and their two children, Amelia and Donny Jr. - & their pups Rigatoni & Sambuca. Don is also a big supporter of The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, an organization focussed on easing the pain and suffering of their patients, to help their families at a time of great need and ultimately to find a cure for all cancers... So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to https://www.donmontifoundation.org/

Nicholas Jacobson-Larson is a Los Angeles-based musician and screenwriter. He is is Michael Buble’s musical director, arranger and conductor. With Michael, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and producers including Paul McCartney, Jon Batiste, Jason Derulo, Willy Nelson, Hannah Waddingham, Jimmy Fallon, Leon Bridges, Greg Wells and Bob Rock.

As a film composer, he has written scores for the Oscar-winning QUEEN OF BASKETBALL, and dozens of other films directed by Ben Proudfoot for Breakwater Studios and the New York Times. He has also composed scores for Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, Annapurna Pictures, FX, Syfy, Now This, Funny or Die, Red Bull, Unity, Stept Studios, Microsoft, Oakley, The North Face, Columbia, Charles Schwab, and others.

As a conductor, Nicholas has led recording sessions for LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND (Netflix), AMERICAN CRIME STORY (FX), THE HATE U GIVE (Twentieth Century Fox), and many other film and television projects, as well as live concerts

As a screenwriter With his writing partner Dalton Leeb, Nicholas wrote the screenplays for ENDURANCE (Netflix), HOT WHEELS (Warner Bros), THE FALL (Amblin), and THE FISHERWOMAN (Stampede) directed by Brian Kirk and starring Emma Thompson, Judy Greer and Marc Mancheca. THE FISHERWOMAN is currently in production for a 2025 release.

The duo also wrote the 2017 Blacklist script, STRONGMAN, and have multiple other film and television projects in development.

Nick is also a big supporter of the LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATION specifically the arts and music education, a non-profit that is committed to equitable arts access. Supporting the expansion of music and arts programs changes students' lives.

You can learn more by going to https://lausdedfoundation.org/

Edgar Esteves is rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand music video directors in the game. Fresh off the release of his visuals for Doja Cat’s "Handstand" and Russ' "Handsomer" music video starring Tiffany Haddish, he plans to build a multimedia entertainment powerhouse by developing directors underneath his company Blank Square Productions.  

In addition to Blank Square Productions, Edgar has created his own record label, an artist management company, alongside many other business ventures which landed him a spot on 2020’s Forbers 30 under 30 List.  

Edgar is also a big supporter of 67 Suenos, an AFSC program with a goal to raise underprivileged migrant youth voices to expand the platform of legislative possibilities. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more, by going to their website https://www.afsc.org/program/67-sueños

Get ready for an unforgettable story about how our next guest hustled from Australia to LA to become Jason Derulo’s videographer (and roommate) and created content streamed by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Please welcome David Strib to The FilmUp Podcast.

Australian born, David made his way over to the states when he got his first big break at 19 to become the Creative Director for the one and only Jason Derulo. He steadily grew his career leading up Jason’s TikTok and supporting its growth to over 40M followers. From there, his portfolio blossomed and he began working with independent artists like Nicki Minaj, Will Smith, and influencers including Zach King and The Ace Family. He also works with top brands like Mercedes, Samsung, and streaming platform Prime Video.

With all of that, he launched his production company Official Strib, dedicated to helping clients build their brands and create unique, engaging content through compelling storytelling and meticulous workflow.

David is also a supporter of the Center for Humane Technology, a non-profit that is dedicated to shifting technology towards a more humane future that supports our well-being. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to humanetech.com.

Get ready for an amazingly unique and creative filmmaker story from Jay Christensen, the drone flying king!  Jay is a Cinematographer and Drone Wizard from Minneapolis who has created some of the most epic drone shots of all time. Many of you have probably seen his work and don’t even know it, including one of his claims to fame, where he flies a drone for 87 seconds through a local bowling Alley in Minneapolis.   

He has worked with clients like HBO Max, NHL, and GoPro to name a few. His content has garnered national attention and tens of millions of views across social media and he continues to redefine what is possible with aerial videography.   

Jay is also a supporter of Community Conservation Inc, a nonprofit organization that empowers local people to manage and conserve natural resources. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn about how to get involved by going to communityconservation.org.

Today we have an amazing episode for you. We are thrilled to be joined by Max Goodrich.

Max is a Creative Director and Content Creator. His work covers many genres, but most recently his personal releases have a focus on comedy. He has worked with notable celebrities including Will Smith, The Chainsmokers, Marshmallow, Courteney Cox and many more. He’s also been featured on the Ellen show, CNN, Complex, and Insider just to name a few.

Please stop by, relax, and listen to this informative episode about Max's journey and hustle to where he is today.

Max is a supporter of First Star, a non-profit that is dedicated to Improving the lives of foster youth by ensuring they have the skills needed to transition to higher education and adulthood successfully. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to firststar.org.

Get ready to learn from one of the most talented Miniature Scultpor VFX Artists, creating cinematic worlds you didn't even know were possible. We are excited to welcome Sebastian Jern to The FilmUp Podcast. Sebastian works as a Director, Miniature Sculptor, VFX Artist, Cinematographer, Editor, and Lighting Wizard who is based in Sweden. He has garnered over 300,000 followers in 2 years on Instagram where he showcases his creations. He’s worked with global brands including Netflix, Discovery, 9gag, Unilad, and more.

This is an incredibly fun episode, and you do not want to miss it!  

Sebastian is a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund, a nonprofit organization that works to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn how to get involved by going to worldwildlife.org.

American internet celebrity, filmmaker, VFX artist, podcaster, and competitive gamer, Freddie Wong!

He is an award-winning film and television director with over a decade of experience behind the camera, specializing in action, comedy, and the occasional horse. He is best known for creating the viral, three-season cult classic Video Game High School, as well as the Hulu productions Dimension 404 and the incredible sRocketJump: The Show. Most recently, his feature film We’re All Gonna Die premiered at SXSW in 2024. Additionally, he can be heard on the popular tabletop RPG podcast Dungeons & Daddies.

Freddie is a big supporter of - NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. You can learn more by going to https://www.nami.org/

Get ready for an exciting episode, featuring a self-made creator on his way to towering heights. Please welcome Brandon Baum aka BrandonB to The FilmUp Podcast. 

BrandonB is one of the most creative and popular content creators in the business. He’s currently the largest VFX video creator in the UK, thanks to a mix of mind-blowing special effects, light-hearted comedy, and how-to videos which expose the method behind his madness. 

He has grown a cross-platform audience of over 13 million followers and reached over 7.5 billion views. His VFX-driven content draws in high-end branded pieces and collaborations with stars such as Tom Holland, Tyson Fury, Jake Gyllenhall, among many others.  Brandon is also the CEO of StudioB, a digital-first production company creating social content for some of the biggest brands in the world, like Disney, Netflix, Meta and many more. 

Obsessed with the ‘Science of Social’, Brandon and his team of social-first creatives at StudioB live and breathe the world of social media and understand exactly how to create those magical viral moments that propel brands and faces to the masses. 

Brandon is also a big supporter of Children In Need, So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, you are in for a real treat. For today's episode we are thrilled to be joined by the one and only Josh Harmon.   

As featured on the tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon, Josh is a musician, comedian, and the most viewed drummer on the internet. He is the creator of the internationally renowned viral video series “Rhythms of Comedy,” in which he uses the drums to analyze moments of good comedic timing in standup and sitcom routines. 

Modern Drummer magazine calls him “perhaps the world’s most creative percussionist.  His videos have received billions of views, garnered millions of followers, and have received praise from some of the world’s biggest drummers and comedians alike. And his grandma is also very proud of him.  

Josh is also a big supporter of Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit that provides access to instruments and music lessons to kids in under-funded schools. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to savethemusic.org.

Have you ever heard the phrase, how far would you go to get the shot? Well our next guest took that to an entirely new level shooting a production that involved hanging from a cliff. Please welcome Clair Popkin to The FilmUp Podcast. 

Clair is an Emmy Award Winning Cinematographer working mainly in the commercial, documentary and film fields. His recent credits include National Geographic’s Oscar and Emmy winning feature length documentary: “Free Solo”, the Netflix series “Inside Bills Brain”, and many more. 

Clair has shot numerous other feature documentaries and TV shows as well as commercial projects for clients including Apple, BMW, Toyota, and Yeti in over 30 countries around the globe.

Clair is also a supporter of Patagonia Action Works, a non-profit that is dedicated to connecting individuals to organizations working on environmental issues in the same community. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to patagonia.com/actionworks. 

Our next guest creates some of the most iconic stop motion fiber animation you’ll ever see. The level of detail, patience, and persistence involved in her work is simply indescribable. Please welcome Andrea Love to The FilmUp Podcast! Andrea is an award winning stop motion director, animator and fiber artist. Her passion for all things wool has made her a force in the growing field of felt animation. With an audience of over 4.5 million across Instagram and TikTok, Andrea uses her platform to spread joy, and bring fiber to life in satisfying and innovative ways. 

Her Cooking with Wool series went viral in 2019, which facilitated a move into branded content on social media. Her recent clients include Disney, Netflix, Hulu, the United Nations and more. 

In addition to commercial work, Andrea has made several short films that have screened at festivals around the world, including Tribeca Film Festival and the New York International Children's Festival.  

Andrea is also a big supporter of the Jefferson Land Trust , a non-profit that is dedicated to preserving open space, working lands and habitat forever. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to saveland.org.

Welcome to Season 3 of The FilmUp Podcast! We are kicking this season off with an incredibly special guest, Sofie Dossi. Sofie is a globally renowned YouTuber and live performing artist.  She got her start on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent becoming both a finalist and Golden Buzzer recipient. Shortly after Sofie launched her YouTube channel – which has garnered over 1.6 billion views and 7 million subscribers.   

She  has been featured on Nightline, The Ellen Show, ESPN, People Magazine and more. She has collaborated with major content creators including Mr. Beast,  Zach King, Logan Paul, and Sean Johnson.   

Most recently she debuted her first single, “Bunny”, which can now be streamed and downloaded on digital platforms worldwide.  

Sofie is a big supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a leading hospital that treats the toughest childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to stjude.org.

It's not everyday you get to see the faces behind the voices of your favorite animated stars. Well today, we did! Please meet the our next guest on The FilmUp Podcast, Sarah Natochenny.

Sarah is an actor and film editor. She is also an award winning voice actor best known for her work as Ash Ketchum on Pokémon for the last 16 years which is currently in Its 25th season. Since 2006, she's been a go-to actor for protagonists in many animated series like Marian in Robin Hood, Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, and many more.

She has also edited short documentaries for MSNBC, Yale Medicine, SurvivorNet, and several narrative films. She splits her time between New York and LA, and helps domestic animals find good homes wherever she goes. She and her mom have fostered over 100 kittens.

Come join us for our exclusive interview with Sarah, and learn from her road to success.

Sarah is a supporter of Frankie’s Feline Fund, a non-profit that is dedicated to saving the lives of senior cats who need rescuing from NYC kill shelters. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to frankiesfelinefund.org

For this week's episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Grace Wells. Grace, is a commercial filmmaker and influencer best known for her series, "Making Epic Commercials for Random Objects," which has garnered over 115M views across 20 videos.  In under two years, Grace has built a TikTok creator platform of over 2M followers with 44.6M likes and counting.   

With her experience producing, directing & editing content, Grace works with many brands including Procter & Gamble, Samsonite, CELSIUS & Sabra to name a few.  

Grace is also a big supporter of VOSH International, a non-profit with a mission to bring vision to every person on the planet. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. Please visit www.vosh.org to find out how you can get involved.

WE ARE BACK! Get ready for an INCREDIBLE Season 4 premiere. We could not be more thrilled to welcome the one and only, Zachary Levi to The FilmUp Podcast. In this episode, we cover Zac's incredible journey as a filmmaker, but also as a human being. Zac is an actor, director, singer, a published author, the list goes on. You’ve seen him in the TV series Chuck, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel - films including Shazam!, Tangled and so many more. He published his first book Radical Love last year, which is about learning to accept yourself and others. We highly recommend reading it. Zac is also a supporter of Active Minds, a non-profit that is dedicated to opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn how to get involved by going to activeminds.org.

When you watch a movie, have you ever wondered where the fake dead bodies come from? You may know our next guest from some of our most recent social media posts garnering millions of views. Posts include showcasing artificial disembodied figures, gut-spilling torsos, severed limbs, or decapitated heads!

And with that introduction, please welcome Tenille Shockey to The FilmUp Podcast! Tenille has been a Special Makeup effects artist for 15 years in Toronto. Primarily working for MindwarpFX. She has developed skills from mold making, silicone casting, and seaming to artistic finishing such as hair punching, painting, and fabricating.

Her credentials include TV series; Hannibal, The Boys, Chucky, Reacher and feature film work including Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, IT chapter 2, A Dogs Journey, Pacific Rim, Silent Hill 2, and many more.

Tenille is also a big supporter of The Center of Human Rights in Iran, a non-profit that is dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights in Iran. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to iranhumanrights.org/

From Bar-Mitzvahs to Hollywood Productions like Euphoria. Our next guest is responsible for some of the most iconic stills and behind the scene photos you have of seen from your favorite shows. We are thrilled to welcome the phenomenally talented Eddy Chen to The FilmUp Podcast.

Eddy is a Taiwanese American Photographer that lives, works, and plays in sunny Los Angeles. Eddy photographs some of the most amazing talent in Hollywood. He is best known for his film stills and his editorial approach on Euphoria and he recently just wrapped up HBO's The Idol which is set to premiere later this year.

Come join us for inside scoop on what it takes to become a still photographer on major motion productions and for globally recognized brands.

Eddy is also a big supporter of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) , a non-profit that has developed into one of the most engaged Buddhist movements in the world, fostering and promoting grassroots activities in areas such as human rights and education for sustainable living. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to sgi-usa.org.

Please welcome Anthony Mandler to The FilmUp Podcast! Anthony is an American film director and photographer. He initially made his mark in the music video scene as one of the industry’s most coveted directors by directing generational talents like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, The Killers, Jay Z, The Weeknd and Drake. As well as a trilogy of short films with Lana del Rey. In 2018, Anthony turned his attention to narrative storytelling with his critically acclaimed feature film debut, Monster. His most recent film, MGM’s Surrounded, stars Black Panther’s Letitia Wright, Jamie Bell and the late Michael K. Williams. In partnership with BRON Studios, his production company, Black Hand Cinema, has further enhanced his craft and his unique storytelling style has garnered over 10 billion views of his work worldwide. Anthony is also a big supporter of the Alliance of Moms, a non-profit that is dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting youth in LA’s foster care system so that they can build a positive future for themselves and their children. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to AllianceofMoms.org

Welcome to The FilmUp Podcast, Your Home For All Things Filmmaking. I'm Aryeh, founder of FilmUp and with Co-host Nick Mahar, we we explore the journey of accomplished filmmakers and their road to success.

Each podcast episode is dedicated to a non-profit of our guest’s choosing to both highlight our interviewee’s passion outside of filmmaking and bring awareness to a good cause. Our goal is to use Film to move the world Up - FilmUp.

Come join us for this week's episode and let's explore the world of filmmaking together.

Please welcome the amazing Brandon Dermer to The FilmUp Podcast! Brandon is an incredibly talented writer and director who has directed for Showtime, MTV, Comedy Central, Adult Swim and many others. He's directed music videos that have amassed hundreds of millions of views online for artists including Dillon Francis, Panic! At The Disco, Diplo, The Jonas Brothers, Thomas Rhett, Julia Michaels, Noah Cyrus, and many others. His debut feature film and sci-fi comedy I’m Totally Fine was acquired out of the Cannes market earlier this year which will be released in theaters this fall.

We cover things including mental health, how to make it in the industry, and so much more. This is such a powerful and informative episode, and you do not want to miss it!

Brandon is also a big supporter of Paws for Patrick, a non-profit that is dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals to aid them as they live with mental illness. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to pawsforpatrick.org.

Learn about the remarkable journey of a professional rollerblader's transition from acting to achieving recognition as an award-nominated camera operator! We are excited to welcome John Lyke to The FilmUp Podcast. John is an American actor and filmmaker from Cheshire, Connecticut. At the age of thirteen, his life took an exciting turn when his neighbor, Emmy Award-winning Cinematographer Bruce Taylor, became his mentor. Fast forward two decades, and John found himself as part of Todd Banhazl's Emmy-nominated cinematography team, earning him a SOC Camera Operator of the Year nomination. His versatile talents have taken him from stunt doubling for actors like Ben Stiller to editing for major networks like NBC, Hulu, and Netflix. John is also a big supporter of Foster Love, a non-profit that is dedicated to making the foster care experience better for the 430,000 children going through it. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to fosterlove.com

Executive Creative Director for Gary Vaynerchuk, David Rock (aka Drock), speaks to his humble beginnings and rise to success through hustle, determination, and his passion for film. Through Drock’s leadership, Gary Vee’s media empire VaynerMedia puts out up to 200 pieces of content daily. In this episode, you’ll learn what it took to get there, and how to stay relevant as an aspiring filmmaker.Drock has chosen to dedicate this episode to Pencils of Promise, a non-profit that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world. Please visit https://pencilsofpromise.org/ to find out how you can help support this cause.

In 2021 Alex Disenhof proudly joined the ranks of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), making him the youngest active member.

Since his first breakthrough in the industry as the cinematographer for Michel Gondry’s 2012 Cannes Film Festival feature THE WE AND THE I, Alex has lensed over a dozen feature films and television shows spanning diverse genres. Highlights include the biggest budget television show in history - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RINGS OF POWER, the cultural phenomenon WATCHMEN for HBO, an ASC Award nomination for his work on the pilot episode of THE EXORCIST, two Camerimage nominations (2020, and the 2014. His work in independent cinema has also featured films screened at the aforementioned Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca, Camerimage, and SXSW.

In recognition for his work, Alex was named in Variety's ""Below the Line Impact Report"" in both 2014 and 2016, and in 2021 he became the youngest active member of the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers.

Alex is a passionate storyteller who thrives in a collaborative environment. He believes that the values of respect, empathy, and kindness are just as important as artistic excellence in every project that he takes on. When he isn’t on location, Alex enjoys reading, snowboarding, hiking and biking with his wife Jacqueline and their children Abe and Juno and their two dogs Prim and Escobar.

Alex is also a big supporter of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary which is the Hudson Valley's home for rescued farm animals.

You can learn more by going to https://woodstocksanctuary.org/

Please welcome Vivi Rojas and Nicole Taylor to The FilmUp Podcast! Vivi and Nicole are the co-founders of Her Productions, a female owned production company dedicated to fostering female leadership and promoting Latinx representation in the field. Since its inception in 2017, Her Productions has worked with major artists and brands including Alicia Keys, Dove Cameron, Ty Dolla $ign, Nike, Mcdonalds, Coke Studios and many more. Vivi and Nicole are also supporters of NALIP, a nonprofit that is dedicated to discovering, promoting, and inspiring Latinx content creators and diverse voices across media.. So they are dedicating this episode to that organization. You can learn more by going to nalip.org.

Did you watch Rihanna's Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVII? If you did, you are going to be particularly interested in our next guest!

We are excited to welcome Sean Flannery to The FilmUp Podcast! Sean is an incredibly talented Steadicam Operator. He has worked on various live concerts and performances of major musical artists including Luke Bryan, Adele, Smokey Robinson, Norah Jones, TI, and more.

He now primarily operates the Trinity 2 Steadicam for commercials and live shows including the Grammys, the MTV Music Awards, and most recently Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Sean is also a supporter of St Jude, a non-profit that is dedicated to treating childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to stjude.org

Welcome to The FilmUp Podcast! We are Aryeh and Christina, Founders of FilmUp. Here we explore the journey of accomplished filmmakers and their road to success.

Each podcast episode is dedicated to a non-profit of our guest's choosing. We dedicate each podcast episode to a non-profit of our guest’s choosing to both highlight our interviewee’s passion outside of filmmaking and bring awareness to a good cause. Our goal is to use Film to move the world Up - FilmUp.

Come join us for this week's episode and let's explore the world of filmmaking together.

Tati Brueining broke the internet with the infamous video of her scratching a camera lens with a rock to create a blurred effect on her photo. Join us for a FilmUp Podcast Exclusive learning the story behind this infamous video which has sparked outrage across the internet.   

Tati is Photographer and Social Media Creator who rose to fame capturing stunning personal portraits of TikTok’s most recognizable stars.  A born creative director and self-taught in makeup artistry and fashion design, she turns the lens on herself for her own social media platforms and has garnered a following of millions of fans between Tiktok and Instagram.

Tati is also a big supporter of End Overdose, a non-profit whose mission is to End Overdose by distributing fentanyl testing strips and to spread awareness on the opioid crisis. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to endoverdose.net

Our next guest, LeaMotion, is responsible for some of the most viral social media VFX work you may not have even known was from her. Lea is a self-proclaimed Digital Content Creator.  She was born in France and is currently living in New York City.  Lea balances her life as a mom, programmer, and as a talented VFX artist.  

After getting her start in film in 2016 on Instagram, her work in video effects garnered significant attention in the influencer community and attracted work opportunities with celebrities including Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Chance the Rapper, and Jessica Chastain.  

Lea is a supporter of Save The Children, a nonprofit that helps transform the lives of children in the U.S. and worldwide. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization.   You can learn more by going to savethechildren.org.

We are excited to open Season 2 of The FilmUp Podcast with Cole Walliser. Cole is a Canadian Filmmaker and Music Video Director who has directed videos for artists including Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Katy Perry, and many others. Cole is also known for his amazing high-speed slow-motion GlamBOT videos of celebrities posing on the red carpets for events like The Oscars and The Grammys. Through his work, he has amassed over 10 million followers online and hundreds of millions of views across television and social media.   

Cole is also a big supporter of Gold House, the leading Asian and Pacific Islander changemaker community, fighting together for socioeconomic equity. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. Please visit www.goldhouse.org to find out how you can get involved

You don't want to miss this! Emily Skye, is an award-winning Director, Cinematographer, and Social Media Influencer with millions of impressions across platforms. She shot her debut feature, River, in September 2020 during the Pandemic which now has won over 15 awards. This has lead Emily to take on larger roles which she talks about in this week's podcast.Emily also has a love for horses so she is dedicating this podcast episode to Colby’s Rescue Crew, a non-profit that focuses on rescuing horses from slaughter kill pens, auctions, and other bad situations. To get involved you can go to colbyscrewrescue.org.

Please welcome the multi-award winning producer, screenwriter, director, show runner and head of content for Westbrook Media to The FilmUp Podcast!!

Lukas has been with Westbrook since 2017, where he helped oversee the launch of the company’s efforts into the digital space - most notably Will Smith’s social & digital platforms along with the company’s successful slate of original content across Facebook, Snapchat, Youtube Originals, Roku & Oculus & beyond.

He has created & oversaw execution of The Fresh Prince Reunion on HBO Max, The Best Shape of My Life & Will Smith’s The Jump (into the Grand Canyon) for Youtube, Ryan Reynolds’ “Ryan Doesn’t Know” and Meg Thee Stallion’s “Off Thee Leash” for Snapchat, The Bucket List for Facebook Watch, the Shaqtacular Spectacular New Year’s Eve Special starring Shaq for Oculus / Meta & various specials across linear & digital platforms, including a special for Shark Week.

Lukas is also a supporter of ASPCA, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to aspca.org.

Some might know him for his work on HBO's Def Poetry.Rafael Casal is a critically acclaimed Writer, Producer, Actor, and Poet. He made his Feature debut in "Blindspotting," which he wrote, produced, and starred in. The celebrated film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where Lionsgate won a major bidding war for the film. The movie was later turned into a series for Starz and Rafa was the Showrunner, Co-Creator, Writer and reprised his film role of Miles.

He acted opposite Hugh Jackman in the Emmy-winning HBO film "Bad Education" and Ethan Hawke in Showtime's "The Good Lord Bird." He wrote music for the Apple series "Central Park". And you can see him most recently in Loki on Disney+.

Rafa is also a big supporter of the BAVC - Bay Area Video Coalition, a non-profit that is an evolving coalition of passionate creators, activists, independent makers of all mediums and everyday people, effecting change one story at a time.

You can learn more by going to www.bavc.org.

We are thrilled to release The FilmUp Podcast Season 2 Finale starring Zach King! Zach doesn't really need an introduction, but for the very small percentage of people who don’t know him, Zach is an LA based filmmaker known for his clever magic tricks. He is one of social media’s most prominent content creators with a combined social reach of over 105+ million followers and billions of views.  

Zach has been featured on The Ellen Show, Good Morning America, Adweek, and People. His company, King Studio, has partnered with brands including Disney, Apple, Sony, Nike, Coca-Cola, and many others.  

Zach is also a supporter of Kids in the Spotlight, a Los Angeles based non-profit that helps foster youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn how to get involved by going to www.kitsinc.org.

Thank you to ARRI for making this episode possible and being one of the leading providers of cinema and lighting for the film industry. You can learn more at www.arri.com.

A film is not simply limited to what you see on the screen. In fact, a film has a life that extends far beyond its on-screen presence - from its inception to its reception, and beyond. Our next guest has made it her mission to explore the full cycle of a film's life and its potential impact on its audience and the world. Please welcome Keisha Senter to The FilmUp Podcast.

Keisha is the Senior Vice President of Culture and Impact at Monkeypaw Productions where she produces mission-driven campaigns, content, and brand partnerships that unpack the themes addressed in the company’s storytelling.

Previously, Keisha was the Vice President of the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation where she led the Careers in Entertainment Initiative designed to introduce the next generation of diverse entertainment professionals to career opportunities. 

Keisha also founded the firm, The Solution Senter, whose clients included global fashion brands such as Gucci, Social Capital Markets, and more.

Keisha is a supporter of HBCU in LA, NY and ATL, an organization that is dedicated to providing diverse student leaders with experience essential for launching and leveraging a career inside Hollywood’s inner circle. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to eicop.org.

Today we are thrilled to be joined by Emmy Nominated Cinematographer, Todd Banhazl! Todd is based in Los Angeles known for his work in film, television, commercial, music video, and fashion.

His credits include the STX Entertainment film Hustlers, for which he earned an Independent Spirit Award Nomination and Amazon Studios' Blow The Man Down, which was awarded a Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the Tribeca Film Festival. Todd also shot Adam McKay's HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.

He has shot music videos for talent including Janelle Monae, Bruno Mars, Lorde, A$AP Rocky, and more.

Todd is also a supporter of The Center of Human Rights in Iran, a non-profit that is dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights in Iran. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to iranhumanrights.org/

You can also support this cause by contributing to https://www.gofundme.com/f/FreeIranCallForMedia

We are so excited for this weeks episode as we have been holding back on this one for a while!! Please welcome the incredible duo behind Gran Berta, Augustin  Stegmann and Guido Boetsch.   

Augustin and Guido have known eachother for years, and with their extensive backgrounds in VFX and filmmaking, they founded Gran Berta, an Argentina based digital production company and VFX community.   

Gran Berta has worked with incredible clients including The Rock, Zach King and some notable brands including Disney, Amazon Prime, Nike, and many more. They have a community of over 2 million followers and more that 300 million views across their social media platforms.  Their main goal is to connect VFX Artists and create the biggest VFX community in Latin America, and the world.  

Both Augustin and Guido are big supporters of ecohouse, an Action for Sustainability non-profit whose main objective is to promote sustainable development. So they are dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to ecohouse.org.ar.

Sanaa is a California-based Emmy Nominated Foley Artist and founder of Reel Foley Sound with 27 years of industry experience. She holds 4 Emmy nominations and 20 MSPE Golden Reel nominations for Foley on projects including Ted Lasso, The Walking Dead, The Right Stuff. She has also grown her TikTok account to over 2 million followers in just one year.

Some of her other projects include HBO MAX’s The Flight Attendant, Warner Brother’s award winning series Pretty Little Liars, among many others.

Sanaa is also a big supporter of St. Judes Children Hospital, a leading children's hospital that treats the toughest childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to stjude.org.

It is rare to come across someone who has so much humility coupled with so much accomplishment all in one. Today, we did just that. Please welcome Taylor Stephens to The FilmUp Podcast

Taylor is a Director, Editor and Videographer who has worked in film and social media for over a decade. His most recent claim to fame is being the creator behind Jack Black's youtube channel, Jablinksi Games. He has collaborated with notable celebrities and brands including The Rock, Reese Witherspoon, Netflix, LEGO and more.

Come join us for an hour enjoy a fantastic episode that we know you're gonna love.

Taylor is also a supporter of St Jude, a non-profit that is dedicated to treating the toughest childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to stjude.org and as always, all the details are listed in the description of this episode.

Mathieu, also known as Forgetmat, is a World-renowned Creator, Producer and Performer from Paris who specializes in movement and lifestyle art. His clients include notable brands such as Gucci, DJI, Samsung, Mini Cooper and many more. His mission is to promote free expression and elevate people physically, emotionally and spiritually.Also known as the “Flying Man", with videos hitting hundreds of millions of views worldwide, Mathieu aims to bring awareness to ideas that he deeply values while also reminding people to let go and live in the present moment.Mathieu would like to dedicate his episode to Restaurants du Coeur, a French charity that distributes food packages and hot meals to those in need among much more. You can learn more at https://www.restosducoeur.org

This was such a fun episode, with great energy and even greater insights. We are so excited to share it with you. Please welcome our next guest, Emil Nava, to The FilmUp Podcast ⚡️ Emil is a director with over 23 billion views across projects and has proven himself to be one of the most globally impactful creatives in the industry.

He has worked in the music video and commercial spaces for over a decade, collaborating with artists including Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi, Post Malone, Selena Gomez as well as notable brands such as McDonald’s, Mercedes, Gap, and many more. His diverse and influential work has gained worldwide acclaim, earning multiple awards and nominations from the MTV VMAs, Brit Awards, and Clio Awards.

Emil is also a big supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to nami.org.

Please welcome our next guest, the founder of Hound Content and an absolute legend in the music video world, Missy Galanida. To date, Missy has served as an executive producer on some of the most notable projects in music video history, such as Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" (2009), Britney Spears's "Slave 4 U" (2009), Rihanna's "Work" (2016), Fifth Harmony's "Work From Home" (2016) and so many more. She has played an essential role in the highly prosperous careers of directors like Director X, Marc Webb, Frances Lawrence, Liz Friedlander and Rich Lee. Missy is also a big supporter of the Julie Shulman Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping Breast Cancer survivors have an easier experience on their journey. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to js-bcf.org/

A man of many faces, Chris Bartlett has been a professional actor for 18 years. He’s known for featured and main characters in the Star Wars Disney+ universe: The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka and has appeared on LegoMasters, The Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel and The Orville.

As a television actor, Bartlett has also specialized in performing through challenging costumes.

His most notable character is the iconic C-3PO, originally played by Anthony Daniels.

As an adult, he built a career in video games as a User Experience Director in such games as Gears of War, Call of Duty, Tomb Raider as well as several Star Wars projects.

Chris is also a big supporter of the The Movember Foundation for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer

You can learn more by going to https://www.movember.com/

We are excited to share this weeks episode with Amber Park! Amber is a Korean American Visual Artist and Director who specializes in creative direction. She has collaborated with many influential artists, including Solana, Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, Ty Dolla Sign and many more.   

She recently launched an NFT collection with collaborator Mason Rothschild called “I LIKE YOU, YOU’RE WEIRD” which sold out in 6 minutes generating close to $3M in revenue and then close to $9M in after-market sales in just 15 days.    

Amber is also a supporter of The National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, a nonprofit organization that is focused on mobilizing and building power across the US to create social, political, and economic change for Asian American and Pacific Islander women and girls. You can learn how to get involved by going to napawf.org.

Hi Filmmakers, Aryeh & Christina here to wish you a very happy holidays. Thank you for tuning in and supporting our amazing creators on this channel. And thank you for bringing awareness to the incredible non-profits paired with these episodes.

Happy Channukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! We love you, and stay tuned for our next two releases including Sarah Natochenny, Voice Actor for Ash Ketchum on Pokemon, and Taylor Stephens, Videographer & Editor for Jack Black, The Rock, Reese Witherspoon, and more.

Happy Holidays and see you next week!

The man, the myth, the legend! Please welcome the great Roman Coppola to The FilmUp Podcast. As the son of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, Roman shares his unique journey through the film industry, carving his own path and paving the way for his own success.

Roman is a director, screenwriter, producer and entrepreneur. He serves as president of the film company American Zoetrope which has produced some of the most important films in American cinema and has received fifteen Academy Awards and sixty-eight nominations. He’s collaborated on notable films with Wes Anderson, including Moonrise Kingdom, Isle of Dogs, and more. 

Roman is also a big supporter of Decentralized Pictures, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing access to Hollywood financing that aspiring filmmakers need. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to decentralized.pictures.

We have been counting down the seconds to the release of this episode. We are thrilled to welcome the man, the myth, the legend, Fred North, to The FilmUp Podcast.

Fred is the go-to Helicopter Stunt Pilot in the film industry and has worked on almost every action blockbuster movie you can think of. He has worked with critically acclaimed directors including Michael Bay, Christopher Nolan, Damian Chazelle, and many more. With over 300 movie credits and 21,000 total flying hours, he still has perfect safety records. He also holds the World Record for Altitude with a Helicopter, which he accomplished in South Africa in March of 2002. Come join us for a thrilling and exclusive interview with one of the best helicopter stunt pilots in the world.

Fred is a supporter of the Helicopter Foundation International, a non-profit that is dedicated to educating future generations of helicopter professionals through its scholarship and mentoring programs. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to HelicopterFoundation.org.

Danny is a lighting genius. He has worked on a variety of projects including Euphoria, The Good Place, Veep, Insecure, Little Fires Everywhere, Malcolm & Marie, and countless commercials, music videos, and short films. Listen to this week's podcast episode to learn more about Danny's journey and some tips and tricks on how to succeed in the film industry. Danny has chosen to dedicate his episode to Reelworks. Reelworks mission is to empower the underserved New York City youth to share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to successful careers in media and beyond. To get involved you can go to reelworks.org.

Please welcome the incredible Filmmaker and Award-winning Director of Photography Rina Yang to The FilmUp Podcast!!

Rina is a Director of Photography originally from Japan, based in London. She has an extensive background in commercials and music videos working with many notable brands and artists including Nike, Apple, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and many more.   Her recent feature and TV projects include; Flint Strong for MGM studios,, EUPHORIA Season 2 Episode 6, 'NANNY' a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, and Top Boy3 for Netflix.   

She is also the first Asian woman ever to join the British Society of Cinematographers.   

Rina is a big supporter of Arts Emergency, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping young people flourish in higher education and the cultural industries. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization.   You can learn more by going to arts-emergency.org.

A remarkable journey from humble beginnings to collaborating with some of the most renowned artists on the planet, this episode delves into a transformative story of perseverance – from nights spent in the car to being honored at the VMAs for exceptional cinematography. Please welcome Rob Witt to The FilmUp Podcast.

Rob is a Director of Photography known for his striking style, and feel for alluring imagery. He began his career in the San Francisco Bay Area shooting local bands and hip-hop artists. Over the last 15 years, Rob has been trusted by the most recognizable faces in music, and entertainment including Ariana Grande, Rosalia, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Kendrick Lamar and more.

He’s shot well over 100 music videos. His collaboration with director Billie Eilish on her song “Therefore I Am” garnered an MTV VMA nomination for Best Cinematography, which came 10 years after his first nomination for the same award, for his work with director Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars.His range of commercial clients continue to grow daily, from the likes of Apple, Google, Loreal, Rolls Royce, and Dolby.

Rob is also a supporter of Freedom and Fashion, a non-profit that is dedicated to using  fashion, beauty, and other healing modalities to empower survivors of trafficking and other injustices. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to freedomandfashion.org.

While we often hear from filmmakers in the U.S., we're changing things up. Today, we're excited to bring a new perspective from a filmmaker on a different continent. Let's welcome Greg Hackett to The FilmUp Podcast! Greg is both a film director and founder of the UK production company, Spindle. Greg has directed commercials, music videos, and written branded content for clients such as philips, sony, the royal navy, timberland, national geographic and the new york times. He has been awarded at British Arrows, Cannes Lions, Clios and so many more. Greg is also a big supporter of Little Lifts, a non-profit that provides the most thoughtfully handpicked gifts to support people with breast cancer. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to littlelifts.org.uk.

Arielle Zakowski is a film editor whose most recent movie, Sean Wang’s DÌDI (弟弟), won the Audience Award at its Sundance Film Festival premiere and was released theatrically to much critical acclaim. Arielle’s previous film, Sony Pictures’ screen-life thriller MISSING, was a massive creative editorial undertaking that earned nearly $50 million at the box office. Arielle also has extensive experience in documentary editing - she cut Dan Chen’s Emmy-nominated feature doc ACCEPTED, as well as David Gelb’s WOLFGANG for Disney - both of which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. She has also edited episodes of the Netflix shows CHEF’S TABLE, MAKING A MURDERER, and TRIAL BY MEDIA. Arielle has spent over a decade in the commercial/music video world where she was named a Rising Star in the industry by Shots Creative. Her short form work has been recognized by the Cannes Lions, the Emmys, and film festivals around the world.

Arielle is also a big supporter of the Our Big Kitchen LA which makes and distributes meals to the food insecure around Los Angeles.

You can learn more by going to https://woodstocksanctuary.org/

All he had was a vision and dream, and he did everything he could to make his way to becoming the Cinematographer he is today. When you know you know. That is the origin story of our next guest, Nick Mahar.

Nick is an accomplished commercial cinematographer based in Los Angeles. He has worked on projects for top clients around the world, including Marvel, Meta, Google, Ryan Reynolds, Macklemore, Logic, and many others. Originally from the Bay Area, Nick’s upbringing had a profound influence on his art, and he brings that unique and diverse perspective to every project he works on.

Join us for a thrilling episode showcasing how Nick made his way to the top and continues to thrive and inspire others.

Nick is a big supporter of the Spondylitis Associates of America, a non-profit that is dedicated to empowering and advocating for people living with spondyloarthritis. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to spondylitis.org 

Join us on a journey as we take an exclusive look behind the scenes of the captivating world of film scoring, led by our next guest, Marco Beltrami. In this episode, we will explore how Marco got his start in the industry and his signature style which has earned him credits on some of the world’s biggest box office hits. 

Marco is a two-time Oscar nominated music composer with over 120 TV and film credits over a 25-year career in the industry. He’s composed music for iconic projects including Scream, A Quiet Place, The Hurt Locker, I, Robot, Venom, Fear Street, Ford vs Ferrari and so many more. 

Marco is also a supporter of Education Through Music, an organization that is dedicated to providing music as a core subject for all children, and utilizing music education as a catalyst to improve overall achievement. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to etmonline.org.

For this week's episode we're excited to be joined by Caleb Natale, a social media VFX wizard. Over the past few years, Caleb's creative work has exploded with over half a billion views across platforms. He focuses on creating short-form videos that contain mind-bending visual effects and illusions. He has worked with some of the largest brands and companies on the planet including Amazon, Disney, Samsung, LEGO and many others.   

Caleb is also a big supporter of Life Water, a non-profit that brings clean water to parts of the world where that doesn't exist. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization.  Please visit www.lifewater.org to find out how you can get involved.

Today we are thrilled to be joined the the incredible Alissa Rooney! Alissa is an LA-based cinematographer whose work includes narratives, commercials, documentaries, and music videos. In addition to her freelance work, she currently serves as Cinematographer for Frame.io.   

Come check out this informatiive epsiode which takes a close look into the up and coming life of an industry leading cinematographer.   

Alissa is a supporter of Made in Her Image, non-profit movement striving towards social equity in the film, media and entertainment industry for  girls & women of color. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to madeinherimage.org

You may have seen our next guest in quite a few films without even realizing it. Her work has been prominently showcased in major feature films you're familiar with, and countless more! Please welcome Aurélia Agel, an incredibly talented stunt performer lending her talents to blockbuster hits like Fast and Furious X, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, John Wick 4, Halo, Black Widow, and many more. Aurélia is also a supporter of Fit Kids, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing structured physical fitness activities to underserved youth. . So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to fitkids.org

Straight from the VMA's, our next guest joined us on The FilmUp Podcast! We are thrilled to share our interview with the one and only Christian Breslauer. Christian is an award winning Director. He cuts his teeth on telling authentic and compelling stories and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music including The Weeknd, Marshmello, Doja Cat, Roddy Ricch, Jonas Brothers, John Legend and so many more. His insane visual for Roddy Ricch – “The Box” earned him a MTV VMA nomination for Best Hip-Hop video and two BET Award nominations. And the internet smashing “Industry Baby” visual earned him a CANNES LIONS Silver Award for excellence in music, 3 MTV VMA Awards including “Best Collaboration” Christian is also a big supporter of the Make a Wish Foundation, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illness . So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to wish.org.

Today we are thrilled to be joined by Michael J Ferns!

Michael J Ferns has been obsessively making films since he was just 12 years old… with a “Best Director” Scottish BAFTA already under his belt by the age of 16. Starting out in TV entertainment and drama, (with two further BAFTA nominations) He has a natural ability to tell performance-led stories that has translated into his commercial work, having directed global campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands (Dove, Wren, Domino's, Budweiser, LinkedIn, Johnny Walker to name just a few). Blending cinematic photography with dynamic camera movements, he’s quickly becoming a very sought after name in the world of commercials in both the UK and beyond. He also has a feature film in development with some exciting people attached.

Michael is also a big supporter of the The Weekend Club a non profit which organizes community and connection events for refugees and asylum seekers in his home city of Glasgow Scotland

Introducing, Chris Vanderschaaf. Chris is a Cinematographer, Director, and Editor whose clients include Mountain Dew, Adidas, MTV, Ferrari, Disney, and more. His content reaches tens of millions of accounts and counting. Chris specializes in high speed, motion control, and gimbal camera systems which has led him to shoot some of the most epic slomo videos you’ll ever see. Chris has chosen to dedicate his episode to water.org, a global nonprofit organization working to bring water and sanitation to the world. You can learn more by going to water.org.

We are excited to welcome Jon Brandon Cruz to The FilmUp Podcast! Cruz is a content creator and video magician for some of the biggest celebrities and companies in the world, including Selena Gomez, Will Smith and The Rock. In his 15 year career, his videos have garnered over a billion views.

And aside from videos, Cruz is passionate about mental health awareness and spreading the message of work/life balance, having boundaries with technology and practicing mindful living.

Cruz is also a big supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to nami.org.

Are you a fan of Mr. Beast or his latest show on Amazon, Beast Games? Well then you are going to love our next guest! Please welcome Jason Elliott to The FilmUp Podcast.

With 21 years of industry experience, he started from the ground up as a cable wrangler and worked his way through nearly every aspect of video production. His expertise spans live events, ENG, multicam, sports, commercial, food, short and long-form narratives, reality, and IRL content.

In late 2021, he joined MrBeast when the channel had 65 million subscribers. At the time, there was no formal camera team—only freelancers. He became the head of Camera for MrBeast’s main YouTube Channel where built and led the team, introducing new techniques and technology that helped shape its evolution. By the time of his departure, the channel had grown to 353 million subscribers.

His latest accomplishment was serving as the Series DoP for Beast Games which is the largest competition show ever created. He worked to redefine competition TV, blending genres and crafting something entirely new.

Jason is a big supporter of - Sharing Excess a non-profit that is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that uses surplus food to address food insecurity. You can learn more by going to: https://www.sharingexcess.com/

We are thrilled to present the Season 3 Finale of The FilmUp Podcast! Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this exciting journey. Today, we have the absolute pleasure of introducing our incredible guests, Tye Sheridan and Nikola Todorovic, the brilliant minds behind Wonder Dynamics. Wonder Dynamics has completely transformed the industry with their groundbreaking AI tool, which seamlessly animates, illuminates, and composes CG characters into live-action scenes. With over $11 Million raised, they are pioneering the next generation of VFX animation with their revolutionary new software. Before embarking on this remarkable startup venture, Tye Sheridan made his mark as an accomplished actor and producer, renowned for his roles as the young Scott Summers and Cyclops in the rebooted X-Men film series, as well as Wade Watts in the captivating Ready Player One. Meanwhile, Nikola Todorovic excelled as a visual effects supervisor and enterprising entrepreneur, specializing in VFX projects that required software and tech alteration to existing solutions on the market. Now they have come together to pursue Wonder Dynamics and are determined to democratize VFX animation, making it accessible to all! In this captivating episode, we delve into the origin story of these two exceptional individuals and explore the fascinating journey that led them to this point. Tye and Nikola are also supporters of the International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit that helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. So they are dedicating this episode to that organization. You can learn more by going to rescue.org/

Please welcome the viral sensation Jake Heidecker to The FilmUp Podcast ! Jake is a Director, Producer, and Editor primarily working between Nashville and LA. He owns and operates a production company called Jelly House that specializes in music videos and short-form content. Jake has worked with 50+ artists including Jack Harlow, John K, Vwillz, Munn, Knox, Josh Golden, and many more. 

He also started the "New Editing Setup" trend on social media and those original videos have now surpassed over 100 Million views combined.

Jake is also a big supporter of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a non-profit that is dedicated to building  centers for treating US military personnel suffering the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to fallenheroesfund.org/

Jordan Brady has directed four feature films, (“Dill Scallion”, “Waking Up In Reno”) three full-length documentaries (“I Am Comic” trilogy), one Netflix comedy special (Maria Bamford) and 1300 commercials.

A stand-up comedian in a prior life, he’s credited with originating the now-ubiquitous phrase “Bow Chicka Bow Wow” in the 80’s. In the 90’s, he hosted game shows on MTV, NBC and Comedy Central. His short return to stand-up was in 2016 to perform in Afghanistan for our U.S. troops while filming ""I Am Battle Comic."" Brady donated 100% of the profits from the film to veterans and military families.

He’s the founder of both True Gent & Commercial Directing Film School and hosts the filmmaking podcast "Respect The Process."

Jordan is also a big supporter of the Team Rubicon - a non-profit that is an all veteran/all volunteer disaster response team.

You can learn more by going to https://teamrubiconusa.org/

The process behind making a film is changing forever right before our eyes. The emergence of the first still photograph ignited a digital revolution, paving the way for the cutting-edge media technology we enjoy today, whether it's films on the big screen, television content, or the media we consume on our devices. Now we have a new player in the mix, Artificial Intelligence. We wanted learn more about the profound impact AI will have on the film industry so we found the perfect person with the answers. Please welcome Aldridge Joseph to The FilmUp Podcast. Aldridge is an engineer and financial analyst turned content creator and consultant focused on exploring emerging tech to revolutionize the way we make content, build products, and earn money. He’s working with some of the most exciting and upcoming AI companies in the industry to showcase these applications and share how people can get the most out of this technological disruption. Aldridge is also a big supporter of Mater Little Miracles. a non-profit that is dedicated to supporting Queensland families and seeks to improve outcomes for ill and premature babies. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to www.materfoundation.org.au

This episode features the incredible Eric Koretz. Eric is a Los Angeles based cinematographer working globally in commercial & narrative projects. He was recently nominated for an Emmy for his cinematography on the final episode of the Netflix series, OZARK. He has worked with stars including Jason Bateman, Keanu Reeves, Robert De Niro, and more.

Eric has shot commercials for companies including Dell, Microsoft, BMW, Audi, and more. His films have also gone to many international festivals, including Sundance and the Venice Film Festival, where he won the award for best cinematography for his film MOSQUITO STATE.

Eric is also a supporter of Vidiots, a nonprofit video store and soon to be cinema. They are relaunching this year at the historic Theatre in Northeast LA. He is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more about how to get involved by going to vidiotsfoundation.org.

Get ready for a fun episode to kick off the new year!! Please welcome Wendy Kurtzman to The FilmUp Podcast!
Wendy is an Emmy-nominated casting director who has helped launch the careers of many well known actors including such notables as Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey and Evan Rachel Wood. She has more than 30 years of experience in feature films, movies for television, mini-series and theater and has worked with many distinguished directors such as Paul Schrader, Diane Keaton, Sally Field and Roland Emmerich, for whom she cast the blockbuster “Independence Day,” starring Will Smith.
Prior to starting her own casting business, she was a casting executive at Lifetime and NBC. She began her career as an actress in musical theater and graduated with a degree in theater from UCLA. In 2013 Wendy launched College to Career Acting, to help emerging BFA/MFA artists navigate the transition from Academia into the Entertainment Industry. Her experience as both a performer and a casting director afford her a unique perspective into what it takes to succeed as a performer. Recently, Wendy joined PhilmCo Media as Head of Casting while also serving as Faculty at UCLA and Pace University where she teaches personal narrative, audition technique and transition to the Industry. Wendy is also a big supporter of ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE CIVIL RIGHTS LAW AND COMBATS ANTISEMITISM. So she is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to adl.org

Noam Kroll is an award winning narrative filmmaker, creative entrepreneur and founder of the filmmaking podcast (Show, Don’t Tell). Between his podcast and personal filmmaking blog (noamkroll.com), he has had millions of visitors tune in for his opinions and guests around the filmmaking world.His production company, Creative Rebellion, has produced content for brands like Google, Banana Republic, NBC / Universal, among many others. He is also the founder of CINECOLOR, a high end resource for professional grade post-production tools. And he is in production for his third feature film, which is set to premiere this fall.Noam has chosen to dedicate his podcast to a non-profit called Goats of Anarchy. Goats of Anarchy is a sanctuary for farmed animals with disabilities. You can learn more by going to goatsofanarchy.org.

Today we are thrilled to be joined by Keaton Heinrichs, Chris Williams, & Gary Marshall. Keaton, Chris, & Gary are some of the incredible executives behind Nant Studios. NantStudios is a state-of-the-art full service production ecosystem comprised of traditional, broadcast and virtual production stages. The company is based in Los Angeles with two campuses in Culver City and El Segundo. Past projects including,Avengers Endgame, Deadpool, WestWorld Season 1, and much more. A bit more on our Guests: Keaton - Before his tenure at NantStudios, Keaton honed his skills while working full-time at BoulderLight Pictures, a production and foreign sales company celebrated for its recent success BARBARIAN (2022). During his time at BoulderLight, Keaton assumed the roles of Creative Executive and Director of Foreign Sales. His responsibilities encompassed discovering talented directors and writers, nurturing feature- length scripts, overseeing nationwide film productions, and orchestrating international sales at renowned markets such as Cannes and AFM. Chris - With over 25 years industry experience, Chris started his career in visual effects as a Digital Artist, then moved to become a Digital Effects Supervisor working on various projects including, Sky Captain and World of Tomorrow. He later became the co-founder of Unit Eleven where he served as a Previs Lead (previsualization lead) on the Transformers franchise with Michael Bay. With a wealth of previsualization supervising experience under his belt, he moved onto The Mandalorian series where he has been developing revolutionary virtual production tools and utilizing real time technology to create innovative workflows for LED volume content. Working as Virtual Production Supervisor on over 40 projects at Nant Studios the further push for innovation contnues as Head of Production. Gary - Hailing from London, Gary has enjoyed a 20+ year multi award-winning career spanning feature film, commercials, games and location based entertainment. Coming up through the ranks of the 2000’s Soho post scene at MPC London, Gary went on to join the “Avatar” crew in 2009 at Weta Digital, New Zealand, where the first virtual production (VP) revolutions were taking place. That immersion in ground breaking production techniques eventually lead Gary back to London, where alongside luminaries of the industry Alfonso Cuaron, Chivo Lubezki and Tim Webber, Gary would lead the Framestore VP effort for “Gravity”. Here, he accelerated the adoption of real-time technology both as a visualization tool, and as an in-camera VFX solution. These novel workflows would sow the seeds of contemporary ICVFX LED workflows. Going all-in on real-time rendering, Gary relocated to NYC and led Framestore’s 2016 “Field Trip to Mars'' project - the single most awarded campaign at Cannes Lions ever. Answering the siren song of Hollywood, Marshall moved to Los Angeles and spent the next 4 years at Disney’s Advanced Research Group and leading The Third Floor’s global R&D team building bleeding edge real-time theme park attractions and VP tools, before joining NantStudios in 2020 to build the VP studio campus of the future. Nant Studios is also a big supporter of Walk to End Alzheimer’s through the Alzheimer’s Association. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. So they are dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to ACT.ALZ.ORG.

We have a special episode for you today, folks. Please welcome Jeremy Garelick & Will Phelps to The FilmUp Podcast. Jeremy and Will are the co-founders of American High, an innovative production company specializing in provocative teen comedies. Jeremy is a director, writer, and producer. He made his feature screenplay debut with the Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston vehicle The Break-Up and quickly followed its success by teaming up with Todd Phillips to pen the production draft of The Hangover. He also recently directed Murder Mystery II starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston which quickly claimed the top spot in Netflix's movie chart with 64.42 million hours viewed in its first three days. And then Will is a writer and producer who gained experience at MJZ, working on music video and commercial sets. He later worked for Paradigm Talent Agency, writing scripts before transitioning to become an assistant to Jeremy. Will also produced the first five films for American High allowing them to secure a deal with HULU to produce an additional eight. Jeremy and Will are also supporters of the Academy at American High, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helped develop a local crew here in Liverpool, NY and has evolved into a community home for film education experiences. So they are dedicating this episode to that organization. You can learn more by going to syracusestudios.com/academy/

Have you seen the recent FIFA World Cup Fan Festival Anthem by Nicki Minaj and Tukoh Taka? Well if you have then you have seen the work of our next guest and his partner Edgar Esteves at Blank Square Productions. Please welcome Jon Primo to the FilmUp Podcast (and no not like the primo lens, however, still, a nice nickname).

Jon is an incredibly talented and world renowned filmmaker and producer based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a first-generation Colombian American who has directed music videos for top multi-platinum artists including Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Kehlani, Big Sean, French Montana, and more. His first feature film “Blanco” was released in 2021. And he is currently represented by the award-winning creative agency Blank Square Productions.

This is a fantastic episode, that as always, you do not want to miss!

Jon is also a big supporter of No Us Without You, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing food security for the undocumented immigrants who are the backbone of the hospitality industry in the greater Los Angeles area. So he is dedicating this episode to their organization. You can learn more by going to nouswithoutyou.la.