Filmmaker Mixer

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with Judith “Jude” Feller, the new costume designer of Virgin River. She shares how she stepped into an established series and evolved its visual language while staying true to its cozy, small-town identity.
Jude breaks down character-driven wardrobe decisions, balancing practicality with style in an outdoor setting, and introducing new elements like Western wear. This conversation is packed with insight for filmmakers looking to understand how costume design directly impacts storytelling.
Filmmakers will learn how to approach long-running series, collaborate across departments, and use wardrobe as a narrative tool.

Joshua Marsh, costume designer for Monster: The Ed Gein Story, joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the creative process behind building the visual identity of one of television’s darkest true crime worlds. From research and collaboration to character psychology and historical texture, Joshua shares how costume design shapes storytelling on screen. This conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers, film students, indie creators, and anyone interested in the craft behind prestige television. Learn how wardrobe choices influence performance, tone, and world-building in modern film and TV production.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with director Arianna Ortiz to discuss her short film The Birthday Gift, adapted from Stephanie Alison Walker’s play The Abuelas. Arianna shares how she translated a stage story into a cinematic experience while maintaining emotional authenticity. We explore directing actors, navigating adaptation challenges, and how Arianna’s background in acting influences her filmmaking. With a feature version currently in development, this conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers looking to adapt material and tell culturally specific stories with depth.

Bonnie Gross, writer and producer of Lady Parts, joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down her journey from screening at the Austin Film Festival to securing distribution. She shares the real steps, challenges, and turning points that helped the film move beyond the festival circuit. This episode dives into the realities of indie film distribution—what works, what doesn’t, and how filmmakers can position their projects for success. Whether you're submitting to festivals or preparing your first feature, this conversation offers practical insights you can use.

Emmy Award-winning composer Tyler Strickland joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down his work on John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds. He shares how he approached scoring a beloved comedy icon while balancing nostalgia, emotion, and authenticity.Premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, the documentary presented unique challenges in tone, structure, and archival storytelling. Tyler dives into his creative process, collaboration, and how music shapes audience perception.Filmmakers will learn how to think about score earlier, work with evolving edits, and craft music that supports story over sentiment.