Filmmaker Mixer

Carrie Coaplen and Jonathan Hawpe join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Halcyon Daze, their documentary about Disney's Galactic Starcruiser and the passionate community that emerged around one of the most ambitious immersive experiences ever created.In this conversation, Carrie and Jonathan share how they transformed a personal obsession into a documentary, interviewed dozens of devoted passengers, and explored the psychology of fandom, belonging, and immersive storytelling. Filmmakers will learn about documentary structure, interview strategy, finding universal themes in niche subjects, and preserving cultural moments before they disappear.Whether you're a documentary filmmaker, festival programmer, Star Wars fan, or student of immersive experiences, this episode offers a fascinating look at storytelling that extends beyond the screen.

Writer-director Jeffrey Scott Collins joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Above the Line, a dark Hollywood heist comedy about six struggling creatives who get the chance to steal Best Picture trophies from the producer who wronged them.Jeff shares insights into writing ensemble stories, balancing crime and comedy, directing a cast that includes Cedric the Entertainer and Sophia Ali, and navigating the realities of independent filmmaking.Filmmakers will learn about genre blending, heist structure, directing actors, and turning personal industry experiences into compelling stories.

Director Jon Erwin joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss Young Washington, the historical drama that explores George Washington's early years before becoming America's first president.Jon shares insights into directing period films, building large-scale battle sequences, researching historical figures, and crafting character-driven stories. Filmmakers will learn about leadership, visual storytelling, and creating emotionally engaging historical cinema.

Writer and director Tommy Jackson joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss making Land of Wolves, an intense survival thriller that combines brutal action with emotional storytelling. Tommy shares how he developed the film's unique world, directed its action sequences, and built suspense throughout production.Filmmakers will learn about independent action filmmaking, directing fight scenes, visual storytelling, overcoming production challenges, and building a distinctive voice in today's independent film landscape.

In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we explore a documentary project following Alyssa Carson as she travels across the United States during NASA’s Artemis II mission. The film parallels a 10-day lunar flyby with a ground-level road trip, capturing stories of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts along the way.We break down how the filmmakers structured a real-time narrative across geography and mission timing, blending documentary storytelling with live historical events. This episode is especially valuable for filmmakers interested in experimental structure, observational documentary techniques, and science-focused storytelling.