Filmmaker Mixer

What does the Shaka really mean—and where did it come from? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, filmmaker Steve Sue takes us inside his five-year documentary journey behind Shaka: A Story of Aloha, a playful investigative film tracing the origins of Hawaii’s most iconic hand gesture.
From archival research and cultural storytelling to unexpected connections across surfing, pop culture, and history, Steve breaks down how the film was shaped, the challenges of long-form documentary production, and what filmmakers can learn about patience, curiosity, and narrative discovery.
Perfect for filmmakers, film students, and documentary creators interested in investigative storytelling, cultural responsibility, and building a film from obsession to impact.

Director Mike Zarra joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down the making of Horrified — from crafting psychological tension to executing horror on an indie budget. He shares the creative decisions, production challenges, and post-production strategies that shaped the film’s final cut.
Joining the conversation is Jennifer Howell, founder of The Art of Elysium and the film’s fiscal sponsor. Together, they discuss nonprofit partnerships, funding structures, and how fiscal sponsorship can empower independent filmmakers.If you're developing a genre film, navigating indie financing, or preparing for festival screenings, this episode offers practical insight into how films actually get made — and supported.

From forgotten homesteads to treasured family heirlooms, Matthew and Katie Avant believe history lives in the objects we choose to keep.
In this episode, we sit down with Nashville-based, award-winning director Matthew Avant and producer Katie Avant, creators of the documentary adventure series ROOTS & RELICS. Matthew and Katie take us behind the scenes of the show, where host JD Hart travels across America uncovering powerful, often surprising stories hidden inside rare artifacts and deeply personal relics.
The filmmakers share how ROOTS & RELICS blends documentary filmmaking, archival research, cinematic reenactments, and hands-on discovery to reveal stories of ancestry, ranching culture, lost homesteads, and American identity. 
More than a conversation about filmmaking, this episode explores why personal history matters, how objects become storytellers, and what it takes to turn real-world artifacts into emotionally resonant cinema.
Whether you’re a documentary filmmaker, history buff, or storyteller searching for meaning beneath the surface, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Composer Geoff Zanelli joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down his bold, experimental score for Gore Verbinski’s Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, opening February 13. From punk and Zappa influences to orchestral chaos, this score was designed to be anything—and everything. Zanelli dives into his collaborative process with Verbinski, recording nearly 100 musicians, transforming cello into new sonic textures, and building a “nine-headed monster” of a score using handmade guitars, synths, and absurdist choir Latin. Filmmakers will learn how creative freedom shapes bold musical choices and how unconventional workflows can elevate a film.

What does it take to scare an audience with music?
In this episode, we sit down with composers Stuart Roslyn and Chris Elmslie, creators of the chilling score for Nightmares of Nature. Together, they break down how cinematic music is crafted to manipulate emotion, build dread, and elevate storytelling—especially in documentary and genre filmmaking.
From experimenting with organic and unnatural sound textures to navigating composer–producer partnerships, Stuart and Chris reveal how music becomes a narrative force. They also dive into the business side of composing: collaboration models, creative trust, and building long-term careers in film music.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, composer, or producer, this episode explores how sound design and score can transform your film—and your creative life.