Filmmaker Mixer

Director Ryan Little and writer/producer McKay Daines join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss the making of The Third Degree. From developing the story to navigating production challenges, they share the creative decisions that shaped the film.Filmmakers will learn about directing, writing, producing, collaboration, and the realities of bringing an independent film from idea to screen. Discover the process behind the project and the lessons learned along the way.

What happened after the smoke cleared and the rubble was removed from Ground Zero? 9/11: RECLAIMING GROUND ZERO tells the remarkable story of how New York confronted one of the most difficult questions imaginable: what should be built on the site of the World Trade Center?In this episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, we go behind the scenes with the filmmakers of a powerful documentary about the events of 9/11 and their aftermath. We explore the creative and editorial challenges of shaping an enormous archive of footage and firsthand perspectives into a cohesive story, balancing thousands of voices, and finding the emotional and narrative structure within one of the most consequential events in modern history.

Writer/director Ophelia Harutyunyan joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Fried Chicken and Strip Checkers, a deeply personal film rooted in the reality of 2000s Armenia. Ophelia explains how she combined fiction and documentary instincts, practical production design, real archival footage, personal family objects, and a cast of young actors to create an authentic world.
For filmmakers and film students, this conversation offers a fascinating look at translating childhood memories into cinema, directing young performers, recreating a specific time period, and knowing when real-world details can make a story more powerful. The film has screened at film festivals, bringing this personal piece of Armenian history to audiences around the world.

Twila LaBar and Dr. Nancy Krenek join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss Where the Horses Heal the Soul, a documentary following the remarkable work of ROCK—Ride On Center for Kids—and the life-changing bond between therapy horses and the people they serve.We explore documentary storytelling, building trust with real-life subjects, capturing authentic emotion, and the creative decisions behind telling stories of healing with honesty and compassion. Filmmakers will gain valuable insights into documentary production, visual storytelling, and crafting emotionally powerful narratives.Where the Horses Heal the Soul has connected with audiences through its inspiring message and mission-driven storytelling.

Writer-director Khizer Khani joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss making an ambitious dystopian sci-fi feature in just 12.5 shooting days. He shares the production choices that protected the story, stretched a limited budget, and created a believable futuristic world without expensive visual effects.If you're an indie filmmaker, film student, or festival fan, you'll come away with practical lessons you can apply to your own projects.