Filmmaker Mixer

Join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast as writer/director Aaron James discusses the making of THE NATION, an ambitious indie mockumentary that combines sharp satire with heartfelt comedy. Whether you're an aspiring director, writer, producer, or film student, this conversation offers valuable insights into comedy, collaboration, and bringing an original vision to the screen.Filmmakers will learn about mockumentary storytelling, directing comedy, ensemble performances, world-building, editing comedic timing, and overcoming indie production challenges.

Costume designer Olga Mill joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss designing the wardrobe that helped shape the acclaimed Netflix series Beef. Learn how costume design influences character, emotion, and visual storytelling.Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, or costume designer, this conversation is packed with practical insights into collaboration, character development, and building authentic worlds through wardrobe.

Writer and director Tiffany Wu joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss Big Day, a deeply personal short film inspired by her experience challenging cultural expectations surrounding marriage. Tiffany also shares why she left a successful 20-year career as a Hollywood VFX producer to pursue writing and directing.Big Day is premiering August 6 at 3:15 PM at Regal NoHo (6150 Laurel Canyon Blvd.). Tiffany discusses writing authentic cultural stories, directing actors, balancing comedy with emotional honesty, and making a career-changing creative leap.Whether you're an independent filmmaker, film student, or festival fan, this conversation offers valuable insight into finding your voice and telling deeply personal stories.

How do you tell a deeply personal story while honoring the lived experience of your subject? Directors Allison Norlian and Kody Leibowitz join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss MEANDERING SCARS, the documentary following Erika Bogan's remarkable journey to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro two decades after being paralyzed in a domestic violence incident.We explore documentary storytelling, building trust, filming difficult emotional moments, editing real-life narratives, and creating impact through cinema.Filmmakers will learn about directing documentaries, collaboration, ethical storytelling, and turning real-life events into compelling cinema.

Can stories help us heal? In this episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, Jody Plauché discusses his book Why Gary Why?, exploring trauma, memory, forgiveness, and the responsibility of telling deeply personal stories.The conversation offers valuable insight into how authentic storytelling can impact both creators and audiences.Filmmakers, writers, and documentary creators will gain practical perspectives on adapting true stories, handling sensitive material with care, and finding emotional honesty in their work.