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Carolina Groppa
Previously called LIFE WITH CACA, the show has a fresh new name and look for 2021! ANGLE ON PRODUCERS spotlights producers from all corners of the entertainment industry. Along the way, host and Emmy nominated producer Carolina Groppa, will help demystify the age old question: "What exactly does a producer do?" by giving you an honest glimpse into what it's like to walk in our shoes. The clean, curated version of people’s lives rarely tells the whole story so I’m here to talk about the messy parts, the hard stuff, the "caca."
Michelle Satter - Founding Director of Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program
Michelle Satter is the Founding Director of Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, the inaugural program of the Institute. She's passionately ushered the world of independent film to new heights since 1981 as a founding member of the Sundance Institute. Many consider her the fairy godmother of independent film; the hidden hand shepherding, developing and nurturing many filmmakers who've likely gone on to become your favorite storytellers today. She continues to breathe life into the film industry both in the US and abroad and leaves her indelible mark on our industry at every turn. She is an innovator, a trailblazer, and we are beyond lucky to have spent an hour with her. Here's her full bio / some of the names she's been behind: Under Satter's tenure, the Feature Film Program has provided year-round and in-depth support to the ground-breaking and award-winning filmmakers Radha Blank (The 40-Year-Old Version), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Dee Rees (Pariah), Marielle Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl), Gina Prince Bythewood (Love and Basketball), Damien Chazelle (Whiplash), Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox), Taika Waititi (Boy), Rick Famuyiwa (The Wood), Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre), Paul Thomas Anderson (Hard Eight), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs), and Miranda July (Me and You and Everyone We Know), among many others. Check out Sundance’s latest initiative: Sundance Collab
58:5401/06/2021
Kirsty Bell - Producer/Director of A BIRD FLEW IN and CEO of Goldfinch Entertainment
Kirsty Bell is a sensational human. She is also a producer, artist, director, and CEO of Goldfinch Entertainment, a production and finance house based in the UK. She launched Goldfinch Entertainment to prove that investment in independent filmmaking was viable and opened up new possibilities within the arena for creative visionaries. She has funded over 200 Film and TV projects in the last four years. She has helped many first-time directors bring their films to life. There’s hardly enough that can be said about Kirsty. She’s a pioneer that continues to raise the bar for producers and artists around the world. Her tireless effort in shepherding and supporting emerging filmmakers is exemplary. Most recently Goldfinch launched their First Flights Features program and their Short Film Fund. Both programs perpetuate their ethos of discovering emerging filmmakers with bold and daring voices. Check it out! --> first-flights.com
01:03:3518/05/2021
Mollye Asher - Academy Award Winning Producer of NOMADLAND
Mollye Asher is an Academy Award winning Producer who takes on bold and sometimes risky projects. We are lucky to be catching her at time when those risks have paid off in a big way. “Nomadland”, her third collaboration with writer/director Chloé Zhao was the big winner at this year’s Academy Awards. The film took home Oscars for best picture, best actress for Frances McDormand and best director for Chloé, the first woman of color to win the award. Her producing credits are vast, so I won’t rattle them off here, but some highlights include Carlo Mirabella-Davis’ Swallow and Chloé Zhao’s The Rider, which premiered in the 2017 Cannes Directors Fortnight and won its top prize. It went on to be nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Feature at the 2018 Gotham Awards. Mollye is also a co-founder of the production company, The Population alongside Derek Nguyen and Mynette Louie, another badass producer who was recently on the show! This week, we dive deep into the what it means to be bold, how she circumvents the word NO, and the beginnings of her long time collaboration with Chloé Zhao.
43:2627/04/2021
Lynette Howell Taylor - Academy Award Nominated Producer of A STAR IS BORN
Lynette Howell Taylor is an Academy Award and Emmy nominated producer and founder of 51 Entertainment. She produced Bradley Cooper's directorial debut A STAR IS BORN, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Lynette served as Executive Producer on Derek Cianfrance’s HBO limited series I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE starring Mark Ruffalo, which is based on the best-selling novel by Wally Lamb, and earned Ruffalo an Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series. She produced the 92nd Academy Awards Ceremony alongside Stephanie Allain. Lynette has produced over 25 movies in the last 15 years including: CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, written and directed by Matt Ross and starring Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen. Brie Larson’s directorial debut UNICORN STORE. BIG EYES directed by Tim Burton Ryan Fleck's Oscar nominated HALF NELSON Derek Cianfrance's THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES and his Oscar nominated BLUE VALENTINE.
01:08:4423/03/2021
Special Episode - "Just Shoot It" Podcast Interviews Me!
**A special episode!** Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan are directors and hosts of JUST SHOOT IT podcasts and I am honored to be episode #259. When I was flirting with the idea of starting AOP, I frequently returned to their show. They've been at it for 6 years, which is mad impressive. Enjoy this chat about my journey, all things producing, and the lessons I've learned in almost two years of doing my own podcast. Check them out! https://justshootitpodcast.com/ Matt Enlow is a director working in comedy / mrmattenlow.com Oren Kaplan is a director and VFX artist / www.orenfilm.com
01:28:1017/03/2021
Jolene Rodriguez - President at Broken English Productions
Jolene Rodriguez is the President at Broken English Productions, the newly launched film finance arm of Grandave Capital. They launched last June with a focus on movie and TV projects centered on Latinx stories, told by Latinx filmakers. Previous to this new role, she was development and production executive art Sony’s Screen Gems’ for over a decade. During her tenure, Jolene leveraged her position to build an impressive list of industry contacts, A-list talent, producers and film financiers. She played a critical role in setting up an Untitled Gabrielle Union rom-com, and Untitled Gigi Guerrero Latinx horror. Jolene recently Executive Produced the 2019 high profile Cannes Marché feature, Keyhole Garden starring Zoe Saldana. During her more than 10-year tenure at Screen Gems, Jolene was able to build an impressive list of industry contacts, A-list talent, producers and film financiers. She played a critical role in setting up an Untitled Gabrielle Union rom-com, and Untitled Gigi Guerrero Latinx horror. In addition, she is on the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF). She’s was recognized as one of the Powerful and Influential Latinos in Entertainment of 2019 by the Imagen Foundation. The non-profit encourages the positive portrayals of Latinos in all forms of the entertainment media and to reward the excellence of those entities or individuals whose productions elevate the image and status of all Latinos. Jolene’s origin story is inspiring as well. She held down a full time college class load, part time job, part time internship, while also parenting her two babies, one of whom was two weeks old at the start of her internship at Sony. If that doesn’t say B O S S, I don’t know what does… This week, we chat: How to stop making excuses for your dreams Navigating the high highs and low lows Her wish for Latinx stories in the next decade
59:1510/03/2021
Paige Simpson - Head of Production & Development at Scrap Paper Pics
Paige Simpson is the Head of Development and Production at Rachel Brosnahan's production company, Scrap Paper Pictures, which has a first look TV deal with Amazon Studios. They recently produced YEARLY DEPARTED, is a one hour comedy special hosted by Phoebe Robinson starring Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Patti Harrison, Natasha Leggero, Sarah Silverman, Natasha Rothwell, and Ziwe. The special serves as a funeral for the year 2020 where our comedians deliver eulogies about what we’ve lost this year including casual sex, TV Cops, wearing pants and everything in between. Previously, Paige was the Manager of Scripted Television and Production at Will Packer Media. While there, she worked on AMBITIONS for OWN and BIGGER for BET+, along with numerous other development projects. She also previously worked at Showtime Networks in Original Programming on The Affair, Billions, SMILF, Black Monday, Masters of Sex, and Dice. Before that, she worked for Viola Davis in many different facets. Paige graduated from Spelman College, majoring in Biology but found her true passion in storytelling while interning at BET with Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd and Michelle Adams in casting. During her internship, she assisted in casting Fruitvale Station, Being Mary Jane, and The Start-Up. Paige’s enthusiasm and love for this industry is palpable. I love that we seem to be cut from the same cloth; both having to blaze our own paths. I laughed. I cried (during editing). It was refreshing to commiserate and celebrate the ups and downs of the hustle. The hour flew by as we discussed: •Lessons from working with the queen @violadavis •The importance of keeping a group around you that loves and pushes you •Depression & self worth
51:3616/02/2021
Mynette Louie - Producer of I CARRY YOU WITH ME and SWALLOW
Mynette Louie is an Emmy-nominated, multiple Spirit Award-winning producer. A few of her movie credits include: Heidi Ewing’s I Carry You With Me (Sony Pictures Classics, Winner of Sundance 2020 NEXT Innovator & Audience Awards, New York Film Festival selection) Carlo Mirabella-Davis’ Gotham Award-nominated Swallow Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour's Black Box (Amazon Studios/Blumhouse) Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation (SXSW 2015, Drafthouse/Netflix) Knowing no one in the film industry, Louie began her film career by producing three NYU Tisch graduate thesis films–all written and directed by women–though she did not attend the school. She also worked at the Hawaii Film Office, where she authored the state’s production tax credit, oversaw the $7.3 million renovation of the state-owned film studio, and developed programs to foster local independent filmmaking. Mynette is on the Board of Directors for Film Independent and serves as an advisor to the Sundance Institute, SXSW, Tribeca, and IFP. She was named one of Business Insider’s “12 Movie Producers at the Top of Their Game to Watch in 2020 and Beyond,” Ted Hope’s “21 Brave Thinkers of Truly Free Film,” and Indiewire’s “100 Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter.” Mynette won the 2013 Independent Spirit Piaget Producers Award and is a member of the executive and diversity committees of the Producers branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A native New Yorker, Louie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University, where she studied Chinese literature and film. @carolinagroppa @mynettelouie www.angleonproducers.com
47:4701/02/2021
DeMane Davis - Producer & Director of QUEEN SUGAR and CLARICE
DeMane Davis is a television director and producer. She wears many hats. In fact, her mother would say “she doesn’t have enough heads for all the hats that she wears.” A special thanks to Women in Film for inviting me to host this lovely event. Our time together filled with me, and certainly the participants, with immense joy, as her positive energy is absolutely infectious. DeMane vibrates on a wavelength of gratitude and possibility. She believes in manifestation. So, it’s no surprise that years ago, Ava DuVernay slid in her DMs and invited her to direct two episodes of the second season of her groundbreaking TV series Queen Sugar which airs on OWN. The magical and powerful Ava has changed the landscape by only hiring female directors and specifically hiring first-time female directors. She asked DeMane to be the producing director of season three where she also go to director. Ava's done a ton of heavy lifting, but we agree that all of us must do your part to achieve gender parity on set. Last year, Davis produced and directed the last two episodes of the four-part Emmy-nominated Netflix limited series “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker.” The period drama starred Octavia Spencer, Blair Underwood & Tiffany Haddish. She is a co-executive producer and will direct the two-part season finale of the highly anticipated 2021 series, “Clarice.” The show shares the untold personal story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field in 1993, one year after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs.” Oh, and DeMane managed to get her start by directing her first two features while holding down a full time job as a copywriter in advertising. She leaned into all of those contacts to help manifest those projects. One of which became LIFT, starring Kerry Washington in her first leading role. Both of her films premiered In Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival and internationally at Edinburgh. She’s truly unstoppable. I absolutely adored this conversation and hope you also take away golden nuggets like: -How a producing director differs from a showrunner -The importance of doing it with joy -How to fill your own well to keep your soul alive in the hustle Beijos, Carolina
01:00:1319/01/2021
Constanza and Domenica Castro - Producers/Founders at 271 Films
Constanza and Domenica Castro are sister filmmakers from Mexico City and founders of 271 Films, a creative production company based in Los Angeles. Collectively, their worked has garnered over 2 billion views and they’ve produced numerous award-winning videos, short films, and commercial content that have been featured on MTV, Billboard, The New Yorker Screening Room, Nylon, Vice, Vimeo Staff Pick, Short Of The Week, and MTV Clubland, BET Networks. They have produced content for world-renowned brands such as Gillette, TopGolf, Nuu Mobile, Rothy’s, Viacom, Coca-Cola, Under Armour, New Balance, Tumi, and Abbot Nutrition. Their work with Sandwich Video for Rothy’s, a sustainable shoe company, got featured in AD WEEK. Their latest work can be caught on BET as they did some promos for BOOMERANG, with Lena Waithe. Their latest narrative project, Brittany Snow’s directorial debut, MILKSHAKE can be seen at film festivals through 2020 and premiered online Nylon.com. They’ve produced music videos for artists Becky G, Die Antwoord, Boogie, Lil Jon, and One Ok Rock. Their films have played festivals worldwide, including AFI Fest, Tribeca, Berlin, Sarasota FF, Palm Springs, Seattle FF, Austin FF, Rhode Island FF, New Hampshire FF, Newport FF, Atlanta FF, Nantucket FF, Hollyshorts, Nordisk Panorama, and many others, as well as the prestigious Tribeca Chanel THROUGH HER LENS program. They are drawn to stories that put a spotlight on marginalized communities, question the status quo, push boundaries and provoke, inspire and entertain the audience. Their MO is to do things RIGHT. Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode! Beijos, Caca
56:3019/11/2020
Ross Dinerstein - Founder & CEO of Campfire and Producer of THE INNOCENT MAN
Ross Dinerstein spent his childhood immersed in the magical world of Blockbuster videos shelves and darkened movie theaters. Born and raised in Houston, his love for story ultimately led him to the big apple and in 2001 where he began his career in acquisitions at Miramax Films. And yes, he did cross paths with Harvey Weinstein. If you listened to episode 45 you may be thinking, “wait didn’t you already talk to a Ross at Campfire?” And you would be right. Leave it to Ross Dinerstein, the founder and CEO of Campfire, to have TWO Rosses at the same company. Fifteen years into his career, he has produced or executive produced over forty projects – both scripted and nonfiction. His films have premiered at the most prestigious film festivals in the world including Sundance, South by Southwest, Tribeca, and Toronto. There are far too many impressive producing credits to list, but some highlights are a personal favorite, the doc JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, the Emmy-nominated short form series SPECIAL on Netflix, and the non-fiction crime docuseries, THE INNOCENT MAN based on John Grisham’s only nonfiction book. He pursued the rights to that book for 10 years. Which reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite philosophers, Seneca “The things hardest to bear are sweetest to remember. Things take time. Art takes time. It’s important to remember the tremendous energy, patience, and endurance behind most projects that once began as an idea and now are lucky enough to exist on your screen. So, this week we dive deep into the creative risks requires to run and sustain a young company like Campfire, how to avoid repeating past mistake, and how how to balance being patient and proactive.
57:3426/10/2020
Lizzie Nastro Adler - Head of Development at Emily Mortimer's company, King Bee Productions
Lizzie Nastro Adler is currently the Head of Development for King Bee Productions, the production company created by Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola. King Bee has a first look TV deal with eOne Entertainment. She most recently produced I Am a Town, a documentary feature directed by artist Mischa Richter, shot on 35mm, which premiered at MoMA Doc Fortnight 2020. She produced Skate Kitchen, a feature film written and directed by Crystal Moselle which premiered at the 2018 Sundance FF and was released nationwide by Magnolia Pictures. She is a producer on Betty, an HBO TV show, based on Skate Kitchen, currently in pre production on its second season. Additionally, she produced White Echo, the third collaboration with writer/director Chloë Sevigny. The short premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the main selection. She produced One Cambodian Family made in conjunction with Refinery 29’s Shatterbox Anthology and TNT, starring Emily Mortimer. The short film premiered at the Sundance FF in 2019 and is in development as a series. Nastro spent nine years at IFC Films as Director of Acquisitions & Co-Productions before becoming an independent producer. Some of the deals she negotiated include Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture, Medicine for Melancholy directed by Barry Jenkins, The Pleasure of Being Robbed by the Safdie Brothers, and Myth of the American Sleepover, directed by David Robert Mitchell.
55:3913/10/2020
Laverne McKinnon - Executive Producer of Netflix's GIRLBOSS
Laverne McKinnon is a film and TV producer with more than 20 years of experience. She was the Executive Producer of the Netflix series GIRLBOSS starring Britt Roberson (who was also on the pod!) She has spent a significant part of her career as Senior VP of Drama Development at CBS. She was Head of Television at Charlize Theron’s production company, Denver and Delilah. And now, she runs K&L Productions, the film & TV company she co-founded with Kay Cannon (writer of the PITCH PERFECT franchise) which has a first look production deal at Sony Television. Her work has encompassed scripted comedy and drama series, documentaries, web series, animation, music events, comedy specials, and children’s programs. Aside from wearing the producer hat, she is also an entrepreneur, a leadership and personal coach, a wife, a mother of 2 daughters, an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, and a passionate advocate for foster care and adoption. A self-described life-long learner, recovering perfectionist and over-achiever, Laverne does and has accomplished a lot. But what is most striking, and in my humble opinion, exceptional, about Laverne is her devotion to helping others across their finish lines. A certified grief specialist, she also helps those dealing with non-death related grief. Whether it’s the loss of relationship, job, business, trust, etc. Applying concepts of grief to the entertainment business, which is riddled with it, blew my mind. It shifted my perspective on what healing looks like. I just simply adore her. She helped me listen deeply to myself and I hope this nugget of a conversation sparks something for you. So, this week, we dig into how coaching transformed her as a producer, ways to build better relationships, and how being fired from CBS awaken her. Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode! Beijos, Caca
54:3329/09/2020
Ross Girard - EVP of Production at Campfire & Producer of Netflix's SPECIAL
Ross Girard is Executive Vice President of Production at Campfire, a film and tv production company, where he oversees physical production for a slate of premium scripted and nonfiction projects. A graduate of Emerson College, his background spans music videos, commercials, scripted and nonfiction features and series, with premieres at both the Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals. Ross recently produced the Emmy-nominated Netflix Original Series, SPECIAL. He is currently producing other Campfire projects for Warner Brothers, Netflix, FX, CNN, and HBOMax. His career began at Partizan Entertainment where he headed production for the digital division. He produced content for clients including Target, Dolby, Wrigley, Absolut Vodka, Nokia, NFL, Pergo, and Fidelity Investments. In music videos, he’s worked with artists including Usher, Daft Punk, Justin Bieber, Macy Gray, The Strokes, Enrique Iglesias, Kanye West, Fun., Band of Horses, Bloc Party, Maren Morris, and Superfruit. At City Room Creative, an entertainment advertising agency founded by the filmmakers of JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, Ross served as Executive Producer and built a physical production department from the ground up. Notable projects include the AOL original web series and production of the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Selection, A FASTER HORSE, a feature documentary about the Ford Mustang directed by David Gelb, for which Ross was the Co-Producer. Ross also served as Head of Production at Joinery, a commercial production company, where he oversaw physical production, including a campaign for Alliance Française De Singapour which won 3 Gold and 2 Silver Lions at the 2017 Cannes Festival. What makes this week’s episode extra special is that I got to work with Ross on HYSTERICAL, the documentary I produced for Campfire last year that focused on female comedians. It’s a rare opportunity to interview someone who was technically my boss and discuss the most successful way to navigate that dynamic from both sides of the aisle. We dig into transitions, particularly the challenges of going from commercials to film, the responsibility of producers to intentionally hire diversely, and what it’s like to be a head of production. Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode! Beijos, Caca
55:5422/09/2020
Rachel Winter - Academy Award®-nominated Producer of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Rachel Winter radiates with warmth and wholeheartedness. While we joke that her lighting during the interview was less than ideal, it wasn’t enough to dim her inner glow. She is the Academy Award®-nominated producer of the acclaimed film “Dallas Buyers Club.” Based on a true story, the powerful film earned six Academy Award® nominations including best picture, winning three of them including lead actor for Matthew McConaughey and supporting actor for Jared Leto. The film also received accolades from the Producers Guild of America, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Golden Globe Awards and the Broadcast Film Critics Association’s Critics Choice Awards. Rachel also happens to be married to Terence Winter, the Emmy-winning creator of “Boardwalk Empire,” Emmy-winning exec producer of “The Sopranos” and Oscar-nominated writer of “The Wolf of Wall Street.” She produced the feature film “Krystal”, directed by William H. Macy. The dramedy follows a young man who has never had a drink in his life who, upon meeting the woman of his dreams - an ex-hooker-stripper-junkie-alcoholic, pretends to be in AA in an attempt to try and woo her. The film stars Rosario Dawson, Macy, Kathy Bates, Felicity Huffman, and Ti. Before that, Winter produced the indie drama “Stealing Cars,” inspired by the true events associated with a tragic car accident that sends a rebellious teen spiraling downward into the grim injustice of the juvenile penal system. The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival and earned the festival’s Zeitgeist Award and was released by Sony Worldwide. Winter has several project in development including the untitled LeBron James biopic for Universal, which she will produce with LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and a feature based on the life of daredevil motorcycle icon Evel Knievel at Paramount written by William Monahan (Academy Award winning writer of “The Departed”) with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star. She is also producing “The Chameleon” which is set up at Netflix with Christopher MacQuarrie attached to direct a script by Terence Winter and Carl Capotorto. Her previous film credits include “Brooklyn Rules,” “Wayward Son,” “Bury Me in Kern County” and “The Lather Effect.” On the television side, Winter has projects set up at A&E Studios, FX and Disney. This week, we hear about her humble beginnings via a hilarious Hollywood story that involves soft core porn. She gives a candid look into how challenging it was to juggle being a mom during producing on Dallas Buyers Club, and what actually happens to a producer after your film receives six Academy Award nominations and wins three. Oh, and aside from being a badass she’s also one half of a power couple. her husband is Terence Winter, Emmy-winning creator of “Boardwalk Empire,” Emmy-winning exec producer of “The Sopranos” and Oscar-nominated writer of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” NO. BIG. DEAL. Her love and passion for producing, for story, reminded me to stay the course on a day when I really, really needed to hear it. She’s funny, kind, and charming. Yes, I have a crush on her. Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode! Beijos, Caca
57:2114/09/2020
Arsalan Asli - Indie Film Producer & Partner at Five/4 Studios
This week, I sat down with indie film producer Arsalan Asli. He is a friend. As a fellow film lover. As one of my producing partners. He is a true mentor and source of inspiration to me and anyone lucky enough to collaborate with him. Arsalan Asli was born in Iran and raised in Canada and the US. He began his career in investment banking and real estate development through his family’s business in the Middle East. With cinema, art and theatrics as his spiritual compass and lifelong passion, Arsalan transitioned into the entertainment industry after high school. In 2016, Arsalan and his creative partners founded FIVE/4, a multi-faceted entertainment company engaged in the development, packaging and production of content across all genres of independent film, television and new media. He executive produced HALA, AFTER SOPHIE , and PRETEXT - three renowned short films written and directed by trailblazing filmmaker, Minhal Baig. His unyielding and impenetrable passion for film is palpable. I mean, I admit not knowing of half the filmmakers and movies he mentioned during this chat. But this is just one of the ways in which he makes me better everyday. I’ve grown tremendously as producer thanks to his patience, kindness, and uncompromising ethics. This week, we go deeeppp on many fun topics such as adjusting our expectations around the business, how happiness comes from our relationship with the process, and the ways Hollywood can help the world alter it’s perception of black and brown people. Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's chat! Beijos, Caca
55:0201/09/2020
Eli Ash - Head of Production at Mustache Agency
Eli Ash loves things that most people hate: spreadsheets, organization, planning, and budgeting. As Head of Production at Mustache Agency, she is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of juggling multiple projects and managing various production and post teams daily. Eli came into my world when I was hired to produce a commercial for Secrets Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic last summer. Long time listeners of the pod will hopefully remember me yapping about it. It was one of the funnest jobs I’ve ever gotten to produce. With deep roots in the advertising and commercial world, she has produced a variety of projects throughout her career. She’s worked with companies like Complex Media, Vice, Warner Brothers Records, Nike, The Nobel Peace Prize, OXFAM and Crisis Action. She’s worked all over the world for networks such as NBC, A&E, BBC, MTV, The Travel Channel, The Food Network, Discovery Science and Sesame Workshop. She has produced Music Videos for a variety of artists from G-Eazy, Halsey, Young the Giant, A$AP Ferg and Ceelo Green. She’s worked with brands such as Nike, Dove, S'well, Clinique and Honda. She’s very impressive. It’s no wonder that since this recording a few months ago, she started a new position in a similar role at Netflix. This week, Eli dives deep into the transition from the freelance hustle to going in house at Mustache, how an agency functions, and the changes the advertising industry is facing. Tune in and tell me all about it! Beijos, Caca
55:5925/08/2020
Michelle Purple - Jessica Biel's Producing Partner at Iron Ocean Productions
Michelle Purple is a classic movie lover who also happens to own a production company with her close friend, Jessica Biel. They met on the set of STEALTH and became fast friends, bonding over watching films in Jessica’s trailer. When Jessica poked her to start a production company together, Michelle was hesitant. She was nervous to work with her friend and running an actor based company. She eventually said yes. Twelve years later, Iron Ocean Productions is a thriving production company that enhances strong female voices. Iron Ocean Productions’ most recent project was Facebook Watch’s “Limetown,” in which Biel starred opposite Stanley Tucci. The show premiered in Fall 2019 to over 10 million viewers in the first 72 hours. Prior to this, the shingle had USA’s limited TV series THE SINNER, which has enjoyed three consecutive seasons resulting in multiple awards nominations, including Emmy, Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice award nominations for best actress for Jessica. The duo also received many nominations as executive producers. Season 3 of “The Sinner” starring Matt Bomer and Chris Messina is a well-crafted mystery that takes on toxic masculinity with care and is expertly realized by its performances. The show has been “The renewed for Season 4 and will return to USA in 2021. They recently wrapped production on the pilot for EOne/FreeForm’s upcoming TV show “Cruel Summer,” starring Olivia Holt. It’s been picked up by the network and is going to series. Michelle heart and passion for this industry is truly palpable and can be heard in this week’s episode. It was truly a joy to chat with her and I’m personally excited to meet her in real life whenever the world opens back up! Tune in as she shines a light on what it’s like to work with Jessica, the grief and heartbreak that comes with producing, and what it's like to have a first look TV deal.
53:4210/08/2020
Jesse Baker - Podcast Producer of Esther Perel's 'Where Should We Begin?"
Jesse Baker is an award-winning journalist and producer who most recently led a large team of creative makers as Audible’s vice president of original content. At Audible, she produced and developed a number of the company’s most successful original series, including West Cork and three seasons of Esther Perel’s Where Should We Begin? As a huge fan of the iconic couples therapist Esther Perel, I was curious to learn what it’s like to create such an intimate podcast. I tried to kept my fangirling to a minimum! We recorded this episode 8 weeks into quarantine, right when they were gearing up to launch season 4 of Where Should We Begin? and finishing a special “Lockdown” series of the show. Jesse began her career in public radio in her early 20s. She was a producer on major NPR news magazines including All Things Considered and Weekend Edition. In many ways, NPR raised her. She later created the popular NPR weekly trivia program Ask Me Another. Jesse also produced The Culture Gabfest while at Slate and worked for ESPN producing The Sporting Life with Jeremy Schaap. With deep roots in the radio, audio, and now podcast world, we nerd out about the godfather of the art form; Ira Glass. She admits he’d hate being called that. She reveals how Ira helped launch Where Should We Begin? thanks to his deep roots in the world of psychology. His mother, Shirley Glass, was considered one of the world's leading experts on infidelity. The New York Times once called her "the godmother of infidelity research." This week, Jesse shines a light on meeting Esther for the first time, how the podcast market has evolved since 2014’s smash SERIAL, and how being laid off from Audible led to tremendous growth. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca Subscribe! Rate! Tell a friend! Follow me on the socials! @carolinagroppa @lifewithcaca
50:4905/08/2020
Jermaine Johnson - Manager and Producer at 3 Arts Entertainment
“I firmly believe that you can’t fail if you never quit. I wholeheartedly subscribe to that.” - Jermaine Johnson Jermaine Johnson is a manager and producer at the Beverly Hills-based 3 Arts Entertainment. A fellow scorpio, he is and has always been unapologetically himself. I would know since we met during the early days of our LA journey. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to Los Angeles for the weather, but stayed for the film industry. He graduated from Rutgers and has spent the last ten years building an impressive client roster. I’ve often wondered what it’s like for a manager to produce. What does it actually mean? Why are others quick to assume they aren't doing any work and just "globbing on"? What is it like to guide the career of writers and directors? Lucky for us, Jermaine gives honest answers to these questions. He also digs into the main differences between managers and agents while also sharing his secret for what makes a good manager. Jermaine represents a wide variety of writers, directors, journalists, and comedians from many different backgrounds. Amongst these clients are Attica Locke (award-winning author of BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD), Azie Dungey (UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT, SWEETBITTER, TWENTIES), Cord Jefferson (WATCHMEN, SUCCESSION, THE GOOD PLACE), Fatimah Asghar (BROWN GIRLS, IF THEY COME FOR US), Eve Ewing (IRONHEART, ELECTRIC ARCHES), Justin Hillian (THE CHI), Jia Tolentino (TRICK MIRROR) and more. He prides himself on finding fresh voices in places where others don’t often look, and giving them a platform to share their unique points of view and opinions. Tune in! Beijos, Caca
56:3729/07/2020
Samantha Housman - Producer of 6 BALLOONS and WANDER DARKLY
Samantha Housman dreamed of making John Hughes type of films for her generation. That wish took her on a journey west to Los Angeles when she was 16 years old. She came solo and without knowing a single soul in the business. The City of Angels quickly became her playground and it was by juggling a job a record store and playing the drums that she found her in to the business. When a golden opportunity to be a drummer in commercials came knocking, she answered. The set experience exposed her to producers. A spark went off and she knew she had found her path. Sam’s film education came on the job as an Independent Producer, Post Supervisor, Assistant Director and UPM. She has a detailed understanding of filmmaking at its most molecular level. Over a decade later, she is now a producer at 51 Entertainment, a platform agnostic filmmaker-driven production company, founded by Lynette Howell Taylor. When she saw the kind of producer Lynette was, she knew she’d to anything to work with her. It’s impressive that Sam did and now works with her everyday. Most recently, she produced the film WANDER DARKLY, written and directed by Tara Miele and starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in U.S. Dramatic Competition. Under the 51 Entertainment banner, Sam is Executive Producing Apple’s straight-to-series female-focused CIA drama based on Amaryllis Fox’s memoir, starring and additionally executive produced by Academy Award winner Brie Larson. Sam will also produce LADY BUSINESS, alongside Brie, who is also set to star, for Netflix after optioning the original article with Endeavor Content. In 2018, Sam produced 6 BALLOONS, a Netflix original feature, written and directed by longtime collaborator Marja-Lewis Ryan. Based on Sam and her brother, the film tells the story a woman driving across LA with her heroin addict brother in search of a detox center, with his two year old daughter in tow. It's a beautiful indie that I highly recommend. Before that, Sam co-founded ONEZERO Films where she Co-Produced CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, written and directed by Matt Ross, starring Viggo Mortensen. The film won the Best Director prize in CANNES UN CERTAIN REGARD. She also produced Matt Ross' 28 HOTEL ROOMS, which premiered at Sundance in 2012. Sam’s other producing credits while at ONEZERO include Noah Buschel’s SPARROW’S DANCE which Indiewire named one of the best films of the year in 2012, GLASS CHIN staring Corey Stoll and Billy Crudup, RIDE written and directed by Helen Hunt, and Chris Messina’s ALEX OF VENICE. Sam served as Vice President at Campfire, a film and television production company with a multi picture deal at Netflix. There she Executive Produced 1922, based on a Stephen King novella, SILICON COWBOYS, which made its premiere at SXSW; and oversaw production of several other titles. While she’s been at it for many years, in many ways she’s still just getting started. I think John Hughes would be proud of the work she’s creating. And I’m not just saying that because she complimented my Marianne bangs lewk inspired by Hulu's NORMAL PEOPLE. Tune in as we discuss my bangs, courage, vanity credits, and breakdown the post coordinator role. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
59:1421/07/2020
Dan Seaver - Executive Director/Co-Founder of ManifestWorks
Dan Seaver is the Executive Director and a co-founder of ManifestWorks. After a career in journalism and government, Dan spent a decade as a youth advocate while volunteering with kids incarcerated in Los Angeles County. ManifestWorks is a response to that experience, a solution to the problem of system-impacted people blocked from their potential. ManifestWorks is an incredible immersive program that connects those impacted by foster care, homelessness and incarceration with job opportunities in entertainment. Through learning, real-world work experience, and a network of supportive professional mentors, ManifestWorks provides ongoing life and professional skills to support long-term success. I’ve been fortunate enough to volunteer with he program for about two years. I’ve attended two of the classes and spoken tot he students, helped them learn networking skills, explained what an indie film producer does. I love that this program exists and while Dan is not a producer, he advocates for producers since they are the ones with hiring power in producer. I wanted to shine a light the program and how we can lift up people up by showing them that their dreams in Hollywood can become a reality. Tune in as we discuss humility, hustle and hard work.
50:1708/07/2020
Rishi Rajani - President at Hillman Grad Productions / EP on BOOMERANG and TWENTIES
Rishi Rajani is a voracious book reader and creator of protest art. He is President of Film/TV at Hillman Grad Productions, Lena Waithe’s production company. Born in London and raised in Upstate NY and Portland, Oregon, Rishi discovered his love for producing while studying at NYU. He got his start as an intern at 20th Century Fox's book to film division. Realizing that he needed to be in LA to actually become a producer, he packed up and landed in the mailroom at UTA. He admits that while the assistant path is challenging, it is one he recommends since it’s an apprenticeship. By 2018, he became President of Lena Waithe’s company and they have been breaking ground even since. He was an Executive Producer on the shows BOOMERANG and TWENTIES, produced the Sundance award winning film THE 40 YEAR OLD VERSION, and continues to manage Hillman Grad’s ever-growing slate of films, TV shows, podcasts, commercials, and music videos. While inclusion and diversity are a focus of every studio and production company mandate these days, few are practicing what they preach. Rishi, Lena, Alex Philips and the Hillman Grad team are invested in changing the narrative by giving new filmmakers a voice and creating content that pushes culture forward. This week, we chat why creating protest art matters, how to level up, and our mutual optimism that the Black Lives Matter movement will bring drastic and tangible changes to our world. Oh, and an exclusive! He also reveals the title of his memoir whenever he gets around to writing it: BROWN BOY LEARNS A LOT OF THINGS: THE LIFE STORY. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
01:00:5902/07/2020
Mel Jones - Indie Film Producer behind DEAR WHITE PEOPLE and BURNING SANDS
Mel Jones is a multitalented producer and director. A Howard University graduate, she earned her MFA at the American Film Institute in Producing. Jones worked in development at Participant Media under producer Jonathan King and marketing guru Ricky Strauss. A Project Involve Fellow, Jones assisted veteran producer and LA Film Festival director, Stephanie Allain – a gig which turned into a five-year stint as producer of Diversity Speaks, one of the festival’s signature programs. You may recall the legendary Stephanie Allain from episode 14 of the podcast. Give it a listen! She served Producer on Wade and Jesse Allain-Marcus’ FRENCH DIRTY, Gerard McMurray’s BURNING SANDS and Clark Johnson’s Netflix original film, JUANITA. She made her directorial debut with LEIMERT PARK, an indie episodic that premiered at Sundance 2018. During our hour together, she shares her journey on growing from an assistant to a producer at Homegrown Entertainment, dives deep into how she became an Associate Producer on Justin Simien’s Sundance hit, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, and divulges her secret to being a freaking ray of sunshine. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
55:1226/06/2020
Bronwyn Cornelius - Producer of CLEMENCY, 2019 Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner
Bronwyn Cornelius is a Sundance and SXSW Grand Jury Award-winning producer. She is also a fellow list maker and paper store enthusiast. A champion of diverse storytellers, she is currently developing Kenyan political thriller The Czar; a feature adaptation of the YA novel When We Collided, starring Laura Marano; comedy sketch series A Brief History of Misogyny in partnership with Nina Tassler; a dramedy series Mad About Men written by Kit Steinkellner, and a comedy series inspired by her time working on Wall Street. During our hour together, Bronwyn shines a light on following your intuition, how life changes after winning Sundance, and how to keep going when things get difficult. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! -Caca
57:1217/06/2020
Sarah Anthony - Documentary Producer of 2018 Sundance Grand Jury Winner THE PRICE OF FREE
Sarah Anthony is a dear friend and an award winning documentary producer. She produced the Netflix film Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator. She was the lead Producer on the Grammy-winning HBO documentary series, The Defiant Ones, and on The Price of Free (formerly titled Kailash), a documentary about child slavery which won the 2018 Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize. Sarah began her documentary career in London, with films on subjects ranging from the Iraq war to the Ming Voyages of the 1400’s. She was Associate Producer for PBS FRONTLINE on The Age of AIDS, a four hour series covering the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In 2007 Sarah moved to Los Angeles and joined Exclusive Media as the Co-head of Documentary Features. Public art, music and social reform make her heart sing. At Exclusive she supervised development, production and distribution on multiple documentaries including Martin Scorsese’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World, Billy Joel’s Last Play at Shea, and the Academy Award-winning Undefeated. Sarah has worked extensively with director Davis Guggenheim and the Emerson Collective on a variety of social justice issues, from immigration reform to re-designing the American high school system. This week, we discuss how she manages being on the front lines of telling stories that impact change, our mutual love for budgeting, and how George Harrison helped her become a better human. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
47:4327/05/2020
Dejan Poletan - Fashion/Print Producer & Creative Director
Dejan Poletan is a producer and creative director in the world of fashion and print. Growing up near Frankfurt, Germany, he knew at a young age that he wanted to become an agent of change. Dejan graduated from the London College of Fashion with a degree in branding. In London, he intensified his creativity while working with prestigious brands such as Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Karla Otto, Ralph Lauren, Selfridges & Tom Ford. Now days, he works out of New York & Berlin on creative, strategic, and production focused projects for editorial, fashion, and beauty. Dejan is constantly searching for innovative ways to tell stories that are more beautiful and meaningful. He recently produced the Vogue' Greeces anniversary issue with Bella Hadid on the cover During our hour together, we compare the sprint of print shoots to the marathon of film/TV production, discuss what the fashion world really thinks about models vs. influencers, and he shines a light on the challenges of having to start over in NYC when he moved from London. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
51:1413/05/2020
Jacqueline Dalunde - Founder & Executive Producer of apparentlyjack
Jacqueline Dalunde is the founder and Executive Producer of apparentlyjack, a production and development company based in LA. I've known Jack for quite some time and feel fortunate to consider her a friend and ally. She was one of my first interviews when I started the pod. I was a HOT MESS. Talk about mistakes. I had major technical issues, the room we chose was echo AF. I felt really embarrassed. Think: overly dramatic/existential "why even bother doing this" vibes. Yet, she stayed cool, calm, and collected. Classy lady. We decided to re-record, however, mostly because it's been a year and a half since and so much has changed in her life. She now lives in Sweden, which proved serendipitous timing. Nordic countries have been able to keep production active during Covid-19, so she gives us an insider look as to what that means. Her background spans almost every aspect of the filmmaking process from development to delivery, in both the branded and Independent film/television spaces. She got her start in 2011 working with producer Chris Gibbin. Together, they collaborated with top cinematographers in the business (Wally Pfister, Janusz Kaminski and Phedon Papamichael) on a content series called Advanced Filmmaking. Some time later, she became Head of Production at LA-Based Agency Something Massive. She built the video & photo departments from the ground up while developing/producing features, shorts and branded content for Fortune 500 companies. With 10+ years in the film and advertising industries, Jacqueline decided to go out on her own to form the content studio apparentlyjack. It’s mission is to produce and develop cinematic storytelling and storyline driven content in a variety of formats. During our hour together, Jack shines a bright light on the importance of talking to each other. Seems obvious, but you'd be surprised. It is only through discussion (and action), that we can de-stigmatize mental health, grow from our mistakes, and get closer to achieving inclusion and gender parity in front and behind the camera. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
59:2008/05/2020
Stacey Feinberg - Producer & Investor of the Broadway Musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL
Stacey Feinberg is a producer and investor who is extremely passionate about supporting women. She came into my life recently, and when a mutual contact mentioned she was an investor and producer on JAGGED LITTLE PILL on Broadway, I knew I had to talk to her. Especially after my last episode with Tony Award nominated producer Rachel Sussman. Stacey sunk her teeth into business while assisting her father at his pioneering Sports and Entertainment Law Firm, Bob Woolf Associates. In 1998, she co-founded the hedge fun JLF Asset Management, which on Barron’s 2007 list of the top 30 hedge funds in the world. In 2008, Stacey pivoted to pre IPO investing. Some her early stage investments include Facebook, Zico Water, and Peloton. All of that is impressive and make my head spin, but what I love MOST about Stacey is that after making enough money to not only be monetarily incentivized, she shifted her focus to funding and empowering female entrepreneurs. As she likes to say, women don’t need a hand out, they need a hand up. She’s kind, she’s generous, and she’s also keeping her finger on the pulse of business by guest lecturing at Harvard Law School and executive programs like The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports. It helps her stay current in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. During our hour together, Stacey shines a light on where her fire comes from, why trusting your gut is crucial, and her advice to budding investors. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
58:5729/04/2020
Rachel Sussman - Co-Producer of the Tony Award nominated play WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
Rachel Sussman is a Tony Award-nominated theater producer who believes in hope, not optimism. Rachel has been on my radar for a while and our interview was almost a year in the making. She got busy, then I got busy, and then the universe finally carved out a time for us to record last Saturday, after Covid-19 turned our world upside down. She also happens to be in quarantine with her BFF, the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel herself, Rachel Brosnahan. She is a delight of a human who radiates positivity. She is exactly what the show (and I) needed this week. The world is a bit scary right now, so how are you doing? How are you feeding your soul? Normally, we try to take life one moment at time. Right now, it’s more like one breath at a time. So, no matter what you are feeling during this uncertain time, know that it's OK. I'm here for you. I got you. And we will all get through this together. If you are a freelance artist, here is a wonderful resource guide. Now back to Rachel. She was born in Detroit and raised by a family of artists. Theatre has always been a tremendous part of her life, and lead her to study acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Shortly into her journey, she realized creative producing was the jam. In our chat, she outlines what a creative producer does in the theatre world. A co-producer of the Tony-nominated play WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, she illuminates the process of taking a show from concept to Broadway. This week, we discuss democratizing the knowledge of producing in the theater, being taken seriously as a queer, young woman, and the abundance mentality. Enjoy! Beijos, Caca
01:07:4524/03/2020
Merri Howard - Co-Executive Producer of LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE
"What happens right now is that everybody wants to, you know, not get the coffee. Everybody has to pay their dues, and in paying your dues, it's about learning. That's what so important to me. It's like, you will get there. but you know, it's slow and easy and you don't want to be the person who goes in and basically gets the job in a year, year and a half but doesn't have the knowledge." - Merri Howard Merri Howard has thrived as a TV producer for over 30 years. She became a part of the Shondaland family in 2011 working on SCANDAL since the pilot, along with THE CATCH and FOR THE PEOPLE. Most recently, she was the Co-Executive Producer on Little Fires Hulu, a limited series for Hulu with Kerry Washington & Reese Witherspoon. The timing is ironic as so much of our chat is about slowing down. We also discuss the importance of paying your dues, your attitude and perception, and all the little fires she had to put out on little fires everywhere. Merri's generosity is palpable and I'm incredibly grateful we get to spend this hour with her. Enjoy! Xoxo, Caca
01:01:3318/03/2020
Cory Bennett Lewis - Head of Production at Bad Robot
Cory Bennett Lewis is the Head of Physical Production at Bad Robot, J.J. Abrams’ production company. Nestled inside a beautiful glass box lovingly referred to as “Sugar Shack” (behind it’s quintessentially J.J. headquarters), Cory gives us the three key ingredients for her recipe for success. Ready? Deep breathing (generous portions) Visualization (to taste) Naps (as often as needed) Cory began her journey as a set PA. She was certain she’d walk the path of a DGA assistant director. Sometimes doors open and you just have to walk through them. And so when Tommy Harper, a 1st AD, took her under his wing, she walked in, closed the door, and has not looked back since. Together, they worked as freelancers for eight consecutive years on many projects under the Bad Robot banner. Some titles include Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Star Trek Into Darkness and The Cloverfield Paradox. You know, small indies that barely found success. :p Eventually, Bad Robot gave them the keys to the physical production kingdom by bringing them in house. Eventually, Tommy left and Cory has stayed put ever since. Cory and I met at a general, which is when people in our biz drink oodles of coffee or booze to “get to know each other.” They can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially if there isn’t a connection beyond the professional. Yet, Cory was so easy to talk to and has such a calm demeanor, that I became very curious about her. I am so grateful so let me poke her further and record it to share with you all! This week, Cory dives deep into the transition from being a freelancer to going in house at Bad Robot. She talks about the two films she made that had the biggest impact on her life. We also discuss what FORCE AWAKENS taught her about her marriage, being a woman in the sci-fi space, and the importance of tact. As Bad Robot enters a new chapter via an exclusive deal with WarnerMedia reportedly worth $250 million, I’m excited to see what magic they will continue to create. Beijos, Caca
57:0603/03/2020
Britt Robertson & Wesam Keesh - TV Actors Turned First Time Producers
Britt Robertson and Wesam Keesh are two faces you may immediately recognize. As actors, they have built impressive careers for themselves. Hungry to explore other sides of their creativity, however, they recently produced their first project together. This dynamic duo met on the set of Shondaland’s FOR THE PEOPLE on ABC, which unfortunately only lasted two seasons. I have personally known Wesam for many years and have witnessed his relentless hustle, dedication, and commitment to his craft. He is truly a unique and inspiring oddball of an individual and I am grateful to call him a friend. Side note/shameless plug…Wesam also hosts a great podcast on Idobi radio called WESAM’S WORLD and I got to be a guest last year! Talent clearly runs in his family. So when his brother, William, wanted to make his first music video, he naturally hit up Wesam to direct who then naturally hit up Britt to produce. Their collaboration went on to become Wesam’s directorial debut! This hour we spent together showcases how supportive they are of each other, and that they clearly know how to have fun…even throughout the inevitable highs and lows of production, of life. That’s the stuff dreams are made of, if you ask me. After 20 years as a performer, Britt admits to being a bit bored by acting and that she found line producing a welcomed challenge. Sooo, this week we discuss going outside our comfort zones, the importance of preparation, and advice to actors who want to get into producing. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode!
01:04:4825/02/2020
Erica Kay - Producer of FX's FOSSE/VERDON and POSE
Erica Kay is a badass UPM and Producer with over 20 years of experience in studio films and television. A life long New Yorker who started in production right after graduating from Colby College, she recalls not knowing anyone in entertainment and discovering producing by accident. It was via an internship on CENTRAL PARK WEST, the 90s drama created by Darren Starr, (yes, the mastermind behind SEX AND THE CITY!) that exposed her to this crazy world of filmmaking and storytelling. She saw an opportunity to climb the ranks in the most traditional way producers get their start: the production office. She started as an office PA and in no time, became the coordinator on films like ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND and ANALYZE THAT. She nabbed the production supervisor title on DAN IN REAL LIFE, SALT, and JULIE & JULIA. Slowly but surely, she eventually became a DGA UPM films such as THE DICTATOR and HOW TO BE SINGLE. Then of course, there was Sam Esmail’s MR. ROBOT. Most recently, Erica produced the first two seasons of POSE and FOSSE/VERDON for FX. Both shows were deservingly nominated for a myriad of Emmys and other awards in 2019. If you have NOT yet seen Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell create fire on screen in FOSSE/VERDON, I highly suggest pausing all life things short of eating and peeing, and binge watching it in it’s entirely. It’s television gold! In our chat, she breaks down the different roles in a production office, how tier jumping comes with a lot of luck, and why Fosse/Verdon was her dream job. You’ll also hear her speak extremely highly of Nissa Diederich, EVP of Production at Fox 21 Television Studios who made that Fosse/Verdon dream a reality... Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
59:4218/02/2020
Chelsea Winstanley - Producer of JOJO RABBIT
Academy Award nominated producer Chelsea Winstanley fell into producing. Her career actually began as a writer/director almost 20 years ago. Producing accidentally became a means for allowing her to direct. And then she found out she was quite good at it. Google results also reveal that her husband is Taika Waititi. The writer/director/actor just took home the Academy Award for Best Adapted screenplay for JOJO RABBIT....which Chelsea produced. This makes Waititi the first person of Maori descent to win an Oscar. He was also the first ever indigenous person to be nominated in the category. Backing up for a minute. Chelsea and Taika, who are both of Maori descent, met in 2010 when she interviewed him for a documentary profiling Maori artists. By the time their paths crossed, Chelsea had lived through more life stuff than most of us can imagine.She's spoken openly about how the lessons from childhood trauma shaped her. At 20 years old, she found herself pregnant, abandoned by her partner, living on government aid, and surviving a car accident that left her unable to walk...all before graduating college. Eventually, Chelsea learned to walk again...and now, dare I say it, she is soaring. While the team did not take home the Best Picture Oscar, 2020 is Chelsea's year. With the launch of her new production company, aptly named, This Too Shall Pass, she will focus on writing/directing projects that give a voice to indigenous stories. I can’t wait to see what she does next. In this week’s chat, we discuss putting yourself first, self care, and the importance of letting creative ideas run their course. Case in point, JOJO RABBIT was a long labor of love that started in 2011. Imagine if they have forced a satire about boy with Hitler for his imaginary friend into existence before the world was ready. She reminds us that it all comes and goes, so try not to hold on to anything. We also laugh about Taika’s crisis when he was a stripper on television and contemplated if this was it for him. How’s that for humble beginning? Photo evidence. You’re welcomed. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca " data-provider-name="YouTube">
59:3211/02/2020
Fiona Walsh Heinz - Co-Producer of PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and CLEMENCY
Fiona Walsh Heinz redefines multi-tasking. Prior to our interview starting, she juggled making snacks and getting her 21-month-old daughter ready for an outing with dad so we could record WHILE growing another human inside her. NO. BIG. DEAL. It was inspiring to witness a producer, a mom, a pregnant woman…in her power. Originally from the Bay Area, Fiona has 14 years of experience in feature films, documentary and episodic television. She co–produced Chinonye Chukwu’s CLEMENCY which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2019, Emerald Fennell’s PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN which premiered at Sundance 2020 and Miguel Arteta’s BEATRIZ AT DINNER which premiered at Sundance 2017. A fellow scorpio, we’ve had similar paths as physical producers earning our stripes in the trenches of indie filmmaking. She’s raw, she’s real, she drops many F bombs. She’s a gal after my own heart. Fiona gets into the nitty gritty of creative vs physical producing. She opens up about setting out to be a capital P producer and then finding herself in the physical producer track. She gives an extremely thorough explanation of how a line producer differs from the UPM (unit production manager) role; two jobs that are often done by the same person. Fiona also dishes on balancing motherhood with production and the advice she wishes she was given when she started out.
01:01:1704/02/2020
Jennifer Glynn - Producer of SOUND OF MY VOICE and SOME GIRLS
JENNIFER GLYNN is a film and commercial producer. She's had her hand in many indie films, including one of my favorites, SOUND OF MY VOICE written by and starring my girl crush, Brit Marling. We gush over how Brit was destined for greatness. A practical nuts and bolts producer, she explains why the UPM and line producer roles are often confused on smaller projects. This particularly chat was recorded in October of 2018, so you may notice that I was still learning to not talk over people....Rough to hear, y'all, but such is life with caca. Gotta show you the progress! This week, we discuss knowing and owning your financial worth, the main differences between making commercials and films, and creating loyalty in Hollywood. Oh, there will not be an episode next week because I'll be at Sundance the premiere of my film, SYLVIE'S LOVE starring Tessa Thompson. Glad you're here and can't wait to hear your thoughts on my chat with Jennifer! She has since produced and line produced multiple award-winning films. One of her early credits also happens to be one of my favorite films, Zal Batmanglij’s SOUND OF MY VOICE, written by and starring Brit Marling. Speaking of Brit, who also created the short lived THE OA for Netflix, (Yes, I’m still bitter about the cancellation!), we gush over our mutual admiration for her. It's impressive and inspiring that she taught herself writing, created roles not being written for women, and carved out her own path. Since then, she has co-produced Neil LaBute’s SOME GIRLS starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell which premiered at the 2013 SXSW Festival. She also produced BURN COUNTRY starring Dominic Rains, Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo, and James Franco. Additionally, she wrote and directed the short SMORGASBORD starring Academy Award Winner Brie Larson and Sarah Ramos as part of the prestigious American Film Institute Directing Workshop for Women. Jennifer has also produced a number of commercials, music videos, short films and digital campaigns. We compare short form vs long form content, and why she prefers commercials. She also does a great job of breaking down why the UPM and line producer roles are often confused on smaller projects. We explore finding and owning your financial worth in the marketplace. We commiserate on feeling stuck and the lack of loyalty that sometimes exists in Hollywood.
38:4621/01/2020
Khaliah Neal - Part 2 - Producer of THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
"You’re not getting no's because your stuff isn’t good. It’s probably good, it’s just not great. So how do you separate yourself from a lot of good material that is out there in the digital era? How do you cut through the noise? You cut through the noise by trying to put something exceptional together and not stopping short of anything exceptional." -Khaliah Neal -- Picking up where we left off with part 2 of my chat with the cool, calm, and collected producer Khaliah Neal. If you missed part 1, please take a moment to check that out first and then come back. As I mentioned in last week’s post, at the time of this recording, she was finishing up THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO alongside Plan B and A24 which premiered in competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. The film won the Grand Jury Awards for Best Direction and Best Creative Collaboration and is in theaters now. Director Joe Talbot also got nominated for a well deserved DGA award last week! We do get super real and raw this week…we talk about the hardships of the producer lifestyle, the never ending imposter syndrome, and not always feeling supported because mentorship is hard to come by. It’s tricky to reveal where you are still growing, but that is the only way we can blossom. Khaliah found safe space to grow in friends like Alana Mayo, who help her navigate the growing pains of this business.
45:1314/01/2020
Khaliah Neal - Part 1 - Producer of THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
Excited to kick off a new year, new decade, with the marvelous and inspiring Khaliah Neal! She is an independent producer most recently known for producing THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO alongside Plan B and A24 which premiered in competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. The film won the Grand Jury Awards for Best Direction and Best Creative Collaboration and is in theaters now. It is easily one of my favorite movies of 2019. Oh, and Barack Obama’s too. it is still one of the best pitch deck’s for a movie I’ve ever seen. In part 1, she tells us how she hustled her way into an internship at Michael Moore’s production company, a leap that catapulted her to where she is today….even if at the time it didn’t seem like it. She reveals how she earned her stripes working at the Weinstein Company (pre Me Too movement) and the wealth of knowledge she gained from her time at Jean Doumanian Productions and Focus Features. She’s a busy, busy bee who has worked on very impressive projects with fancy people, but what I loved about Khaliah is her calm demeanor. Real talk, it is not a typical personality trait for us producer types. Yet, she steers her ship with an infectious kindness, resilience, and integrity. It’s a beautiful thing. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this week's episode! Beijos, Caca
44:5007/01/2020
Xan Aranda - Producer & Showrunner on Season 1 of HBO's Room 104
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Happy Holidays! A quick note that I'm taking a wee break for the holidays, but am excited to resume with more incredible guests and chats in 2020. Until then, this week I sat down with Emmy nominated filmmaker Xan Aranda. She's a producer/showrunner/director/writer who has been described as a unicorn: a producer with both the logistical and creative brain. We've been circling each other a quite some time, so this meeting was a few years in the making. And let me tell you…it was worth the wait. Her resume is varied and impressive. Most recently, she was the EP on season 1 of HBO’s Room 104 alongside the Duplass Brothers, two of my indie heroes. In many ways, she’s been a producer for over 25 years. She’s spent her 20s and 30s working non-stop, and now finally fresh into her 40s, she’s slowing down a bit. On her terms…which for most producers usually means simply being able to eat lunch in silence. This hour is filled with gems and inspirational anecdotes. We discuss the importance of associate producers, how she's taking part in paradigm shift post #MeToo, and what real wealth means in Hollywood. Enjoy! Beijos, Caca
59:1118/12/2019
Zoe Jaeger - Aspiring Producer, High School Senior & Our First Intern!
Zoe Jaeger is a senior in high school and aspiring producer. She is also going to be our intern for a few weeks on a school assignment. She’s interested in learning how she can contribute to equality and inclusivity behind the camera. While she was born in Champaign, Illinois, she’s spent most of her life moving around. Her mom, a pastor, and her dad, a retired film professor, eventually settled in Burbank, CA. She’s very impressive and quite accomplished despite her young age. She grew up watching obscure movies with her dad. Her favorite film is LOVE AND DEATH directed by Woody Allen, which she realizes is a bit controversial. By the age of 12, she already had a career as a professional contortionist. At 15, she left the circus and along with fellow contortionist/friend Georgia Brian, started YES (Youth Empowerment Social) Circus, a non-profit providing free workshops to underserved kids. At 15, I bleached my hair blond for the first (and last) time and got my belly button pierced. Now, Zoe is in the final throes of high school, gearing up for promising future. She’s curious about producing, but admits being open to wherever her path may take her. During this week’s chat, she opened my eyes “climate grief”, something her and many kids of her generation experience. We also discuss making an impact she asks me for life advice. I do my best. It was a gift to spend this time with a bright, young mind. I’m grateful our paths have crossed (thanks Eric!) and can’t wait to see what she does next.
44:1210/12/2019
Robin Hopkins - Producer of Amy Schumer's Podcast "3 Girls, 1 Keith"
Robin Hopkins is in the middle of a big life transition. She’s been a producer for Spotify’s "Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith" podcast since 2016. Now in it’s 4th season, the show features Amy and her hilarious comic friends Rachel Feinstein (whom I adore and met thanks to the Women in Comedy doc I’ve been producing!), Bridget Everett, and Keith Robinson dish about their lives, pop culture, politics, and stand-up comedy. Alas. Her time at Spotify is coming to an end this year. You see, she just did something incredible. With the help of knee pads (aka an investor), she managed to let go of the guard rails and leap towards her dream of focusing on IF THESE OVARIES COULD TALK, a podcast she co-hosts with Jaimie Kelton where two lesbians chat about how to make babies and non-traditional families. An artist at heart, Robin stumbled her way into producing when she realized realized she had the skills to also be meticulously organized, juggle multiple balls while keeping 47 tabs open, and truly, make something out of nothing. Producers are sort of magical, mystical creatures. Some part of you has to believe the impossible is possible to pursue any shade of producing. In this chat, Robin explains the career trajectory of an in house producer, which she equates to the show runner role in traditional network television. And what it means to lead by example by chasing after her dreams. Can't wait to hear what you think of the episode!
44:4603/12/2019
Bobbi Sue Luther - Indie Producer behind MISS VIRGINIA and SYLVIE
Bobbi Sue Luther is a one-of-a-kind multifaceted human. She’s loud, she’s relentless, and she’s a dear friend. We’ve done two movies together MISS VIRGINIA starring Uzo Aduba which just premiered this year, and SYLVIE starring Tessa Thompson coming to a theater near you in 2020. She has been a wonderful mentor and has taught me how to find my “inner Luther” aka fierceness. She doesn’t care what you think about her, but she does care about what you feel. She teaches with a firm, but kind hand. And as Eva Longoria says, she’s a bulldog. Born in Maryland, Bobbi was an ice cream maker and a firefighter before moving to LA in her early 20s. She enjoyed a long career in front of the camera as an actor and TV host before making the switch to producing. True to her Bobbi nature, she dove right in and produced a music video for In This Moment called “A Beautiful Tragedy”, which was nominated in 2007 for Music Video of the Year on MTV’s Head Bangers Ball. She eventually found her way into line producing, working on the horror film LAID TO REST, which went on to become the highest selling title of the year for Anchor Bay/Starz. The there was FEAR CLINIC which led to Bobbi’s nomination for the prestigious Producers Guild, Producer Challenge award. She spent 4 years in house at the Oscar winning film production company Smokewood Entertainment where she operated as Producer on the slate and as the Executive in Charge of Production overseeing the highly anticipated family film “Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer”, “Crazy Kind Of Love” starring Virginia Madsen and Smokewood’s Documentary and philanthropic effort “Amongst Brothers.” Eventually, Bobbi jumped back into the freelance world where she is now. She has worked on A24’s THE LAST MOVIE STAR, Mark Pellington’s NOSTALGIA starring Ellen Burstyn, Jon Hamm and Catherine Keener, and the Edward James Olmo features THE DEVIL HAS A NAME, starring Alfred Molina and Kate Bosworth. Phew! That’s a lot of credits in a short amount of time. Like most producers, we all struggle with slowing down. In this week’s chat, we discuss how Bobbi has found a way to enjoy the ride, “feast or famine” of the freelance lifestyle, and imposter syndrome. Beijos, Caca
56:1219/11/2019
Mathew Ferrante - VP of Physical Production at Paramount Pictures
Mathew Ferrante is the VP of Physical Production at Paramount Pictures. Listening and editing this week’s episode felt a bit like uncovering a time capsule. At the time of this recording way back in January of 2019, Mathew (yes, with one T because he’s cool like that) had been at Paramount for 5 years. So, it’s wild to think in a few short months he will have been there for 6 years. The bullet train that is time… Originally from Arlington Heights, IL, just outside Chicago, Mathew got his start as a PA on one of my favorite indie films, WAITRESS, starring Keri Russell and Andy Griffith. Eventually, he found his way to the Physical Production Management Trainee Program at Warner Bros. where he quickly grew into a staff coordinator for the president of physical production. Currently, Matt oversees titles ranging from $5 million to $20 million dollars. His most recent credits include OVERLOAD and THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX with JJ Abrams’s Bad Robot, Johnny Knoxville’s ACTION POINT. Our chat gets a bit inside baseball at times as he explains titles within the studio and deconstructs the importance of tax incentives. We also tackle the challenges of being an executive and making it home in time to put his daughters to bed. So, in this hour together, you’ll get a taste of a day in the life of a studio executive and a peek behind the curtain from someone who has been at Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. You’ll learn: How the Physical Production department works alongside with the Creative department to greenlight a movie How being at a studio allowed him to be a family man How Keri Russell encouraged him to keep going His time at Harvard and being a part of Hasty Pudding Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode! Beijos, Caca
48:2412/11/2019
Stephanie Allain - Producer of BOYZ N THE HOOD, HUSTLE & FLOW, and DEAR WHITE PEOPLE
Stephanie Allain is a legend. She is the OG of what she describes as the “true badass bitch era of Hollywood”, power suits and all. Not gonna lie, it was the highlight of my month to spent this hour with her. Through her production company Homegrown Pictures, she’s produced Hustle & Flow, Something New, Beyond the Lights, Dear White People, Burning Sands, French Dirty, Leimert Park, Juanita and The Weekend. Pretty. Impressive. Consider, however, that even though she grew up near Miracle Mile in LA, she didn’t really know anybody in the business. Her humble story begins as a reader/story analyst at CAA, a job she held while also adjusting to life at home with a newborn. Her honesty and candidness are refreshing as she reflects on feeling like she messed up the first time around by spending too much time working. After many years as a reader, she realized there were many paths available. It was thanks to her mentor, Amy Pascal, that she chose to follow in her footsteps towards the trajectory of a studio executive. Watching Amy in the room taught her how to go to the next level. She realized quickly, however, that where she was going was not exactly what she thought it was going to be. And then John Singleton walked into her office at Fox with a script called BOYZ N THE HOOD and changed her life. Making that movie with John taught her how to be a true producer because he was “gangster straight” to protect it. It cemented her desire to work with writer/directors because of their singular, clear vision. Their professional relationship eventually branched out into a friendship with solid roots. Years later, she found herself at a crossroads in her life. She had the family, the nice house in Hancock Park, the career; she had it all. But she found herself wondering, “is this it?” And that’s when a little indie film about a pimp with a dream called HUSTLE & FLOW entered her life. Her and John Singleton decided to financed and produce the film together; prompting her to sell her house. It was a dark time. Her passion and her hustle got me thinking…how far would I go for my dream? Could I ever bring myself to take similar risks? How far would you go for yours?
01:09:1605/11/2019
Natalie Metzger - Indie Producer & VP of Production and Development at Vanishing Angle
Natalie Metzger has a spark for producing that is palpable. The joy oozes out of her pores, and despite the inherent challenges, she loves being a producer. Natalie was a dancer before she set her foot in the world of filmmaking. She freelanced for a while before finding at home as at Vanishing Angel as the VP of of Development and Production. In her journey, she’s produced and directed a ton of notable projects, most recently Jim Cummings’ newest film THE WEREWOLF (MGM/Orion) and GREENER GRASS (Sundance, SXSW), which comes out this Friday Oct 18th, in theaters and on demand! She also produced the hilarious music video for Lil Dicky’s FREAKY FRIDAY, which boasts over 554 million views on YouTube. A multi-hyphenate, she’s also directed documentaries, such as the ALONE IN THE GAME for AT&T, SPECIAL BLOOD, and numerous award-winning commercials and short films. In this week’s chat, Natalie and I uncover how to find your tribe, creating a more inclusive work place, and the dirty secret to cold emailing.
01:00:2821/10/2019
Alana Mitnick - Commercial Producer
Alana Mitnick is a freelance commercial producer. She was born and raised in Los Angeles. Though she acted in commercials as a kid, she knew from a young age that she preferred to be behind the camera. After four years at Northwestern, Alana returned to the sunny skies of LA to climb the production ladder. And climb she did! Over the last 14 years she’s worked all over the world and overseen budgets ranging from $15,000 to $5 million. She’s produced spots for Nike, Target, Prudential, Corona, Lexus, Old Spice to name a few. She’s also worked on a few PSAs. The most rewarding spots she worked on last year, Ignite PSAs for Prettybird (production company) and directed by Megan Park. What I love about Alana is her endless curiosity for learning and that she finds time for EVERYTHING. I have no idea how she does it. Three years ago, feeling the need for a space so she could authentically build relationships and network with women in production, Alana started HER, which stands for Helping Each other Rise, to bring women in entertainment and advertising together in a meaningful way. It’s actually how we met! In this week’s chat, we breakdown the world of commercial producing, explore mindfulness on set, and the importance of setting personal boundaries. Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode. Beijos, Caca
58:2601/10/2019
Natalie Qasabian - Producer of 2018 Sundance Audience Award Winning Film SEARCHING
Natalie Qasabian is an impressive person. She is the producer of SEARCHING, starring John Cho, a movie she made for $1m that made $75m worldwide in the box office. A very hard thing to do these days given how people don't watch movies in theaters anymore. She is an Armenian-American hustler. She is a go getter. She is the only producer I know who was also getting her MBA from Pepperdine University while also in production. So, yes, she’s a badass in it’s truest form. Currently she's producing "RUN starring Sarah Paulson for Lionsgate alongside her SEARCHING producer Sev Ohanian and director Aneesh Chaganty. In this week’s chat, we dive deep into getting her start with the Duplass Brothers, chasing the high of making your own projects, and the wrap blues every producer feels when a project ends.
01:00:4024/09/2019
Barbara Muschietti - Part 2 - Producer of IT, IT: CHAPTER 2, and MAMA
"...and Guillermo [del Toro]. I remember that the weekend that MAMA opened and it was #1 in the U.S., Guillermo told us...well guys, now you get to make one more movie. Because it's one movie at a time, you know!" -Barbara Muschietti Excited to continue my chat with producer extraordinaire @barbaramus of @itmovieofficial & #MAMA. By the way, #ItChapter2 is breaking all sorts of records in the box office this weekend! It's got the second best global opening for a horror film of all-time with $185M, right behind 2017’s IT which debuted to $189.7M. People love them some scary clowns! 🤡 If you missed part 1, I recommend giving that a listen and then circling back. Beijos, 💋Caca
54:0910/09/2019