Filmmaker Mixer

• Building a Modern Cult Horror

  Step inside the unsettling world of Self-Help, the internet-fueled cult thriller acquired by Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting for a North American VOD and streaming release. In this exclusive conversation, Emmy Award–winning director Erik Bloomquist reveals the inspirations and creative process behind the film, which follows a college student who infiltrates a dangerous “self-actualization” community led by an enigmatic guru.

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• Love, Boundaries, and Breaking Rules: Zoé Eisenberg on Chaperone

  In this episode, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Zoé Eisenberg, writer and director of Chaperone — the acclaimed age-gap romance drama that’s taking Hawai‘i (and the indie world) by storm.After its world premiere at Slamdance, where it won the Jury Award for Best Breakout Feature, Chaperone has captivated audiences across the islands during its limited theatrical run — and now available on Digital + VOD.Critics are calling it “Hawai‘i’s May/December,” and with its 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Chaperone dives deep into questions of desire, morality, and power dynamics — all set against the lush, cinematic backdrop of Hawaii.Join us as Zoé shares how she approached a story both intimate and provocative, the challenges of shooting in paradise, and how Chaperone opens up a nuanced conversation about age, agency, and emotional truth.

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• How Music Unlocks Immersive Gaming Worlds — Trevor Hoffmann

  Step inside the world where music brings characters, creatures, and entire universes to life. In this episode, we sit down with Trevor Hoffmann, a celebrated video game and children’s animation composer whose diverse musical upbringing—spanning classical piano, church music, orchestral composition, Southern gospel, indie touring, and EDM ghost writing—shapes his unmistakable sound.Trevor has composed for major animated series including Lego Friends, My Little Pony, Bossy Bear, Strawberry Shortcake, and the award-winning Deepa & Anoop (winner of Best Music at the 2023 Kidscreen Awards). As a prolific song producer, he has collaborated with Disney, Netflix, HBO, Nickelodeon, Wildbrain, and Fremantle, producing more than 400 songs for artists and television.Join us as we explore Trevor’s creative process, the evolving landscape of video game and animation music, the business of composing for major studios, and how he blends emotion, storytelling, and technical precision to craft unforgettable soundscapes.

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• How to Score a Spy Thriller - Curtis Green on Butterfly

  From Disney to espionage, composer Curtis Green is crafting soundtracks that move the world. As the composer of Daniel Dae Kim’s new spy thriller series Butterfly, Curtis brings cinematic depth and emotional tension to a story of secrets, identity, and danger. A longtime protégé of Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino (UP, Inside Out, Coco), Curtis has scored acclaimed Disney+ projects including Dug Days, Zootopia+, and even the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.In this episode, we explore Curtis’s creative process, how he builds sonic worlds, what he learned from Giacchino, and how he approaches music that fuels both laughter and suspense. Perfect for filmmakers, composers, and anyone who loves behind-the-scenes film storytelling.🎬 Topics: film scoring, composing for streaming, spy thrillers, Disney animation, mentorship in Hollywood, creative storytelling through sound.

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• Disney’s The Rise of Red: Stunt Secrets with Chelsea Bruland

  Step behind the magic (and the mayhem) with Chelsea Bruland, stunt coordinator for Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red.In this episode, Chelsea shares how she built the action world of Auradon — where fairy tale royalty, rebellion, and high-energy musical sequences collide. From designing fight choreography that’s both safe and spectacular, to balancing Disney magic with real-world stunt precision, Chelsea gives a rare look into the art and adrenaline of movie stunt work. Whether you’re a filmmaker, choreographer, or Disney fan, this conversation is a masterclass in crafting heart-pounding, character-driven action. 🎬 Descendants: The Rise of Red — now streaming on Disney+.

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