This is the radio documentary anthology series about filmmaking, cinema, and the creative arts. Every week we bring you personal, passionate, and sometimes provocative stories from filmmakers and artists all over the globe; stories that will help you mature as an artist and find more fulfillment in your craft and career. NoFilmSchool called this "The filmmaking podcast we've all been waiting for." // Filmmaking is the ONE art form into which all other art forms are absorbed. Photography. Gra ...
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What is it like working with your spouse? Why is it important to create art that is unique to you? What is the future of Radio Film School? Tune in to find out. "If we make what we know to be true for ourselves, that edge gives it an individuality that can't be found anywhere else." ~ Kelly Clark, Artist It has been quite a while since we've had a …
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A blast from the past. One of my personal faves. Insightful. Inspiring. Potent. Definitely worth listening to again. And if it's your first time, enjoy. This week on the show we delve into one of the most important topics we’ll discuss all season. It’s at the core of what we do as filmmakers. Telling stories. Chris Huntley from The Write Bros. talk…
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[FJ Replay] A Look Back Celebrating 15 Years of My Video Biz
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This May marks the 15th anniversary of my video business and this summer marks the 25th anniversary of going to film school. Wow! This past weekend was Memorial Day so I had just enough time to put together a flashback to some past episode segments. In this 15th/25th anniversary special, I replay the story of my first time on a film set (from RFS00…
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[MAD05] Making a Documentary #5: Giving Credit
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A popular reward level for crowdfunded films is a credit in the movie. Apparently, this is a bigger deal than I originally thought. Today we find out why. In this episode of our "Making a Documentary" mini-series of Radio Film School, friend of the show Yolanda T. Cochran (with her husband JD offering his usual comic relief) gives us some detailed …
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[SE28] MCU v DCEU and Lessons for Creators
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Today we explore why the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been able to out-pace the DC Extended Universe in box office and critical acclaim, and what lessons we creators can learn from it. Throughout history, there have been some pretty epic rivalries. Mac vs. PC. Canon vs. Nikon. Marvel vs. DC. There's a lot of discussion and analysis on the internet…
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[BTG08] Breaking the Glass: The Definitive Solution for Change in the Biz
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How long will change take? Should we all just settle in and "wait for a new generation"? Rahm Emmanuel, former White House Chief of Staff, Mayor of Chicago and brother of Ari Emmanual of WME was once quoted in the New York Times saying, "We can't kick the can down the road because we've run out of road." In today's episode, miniseries co-producer a…
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[SE27] Pepsi's Challenge: Brand Authenticity & Knowing Your Audience
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The #1 question I've had about the ridiculous Pepsi ad from a month ago is "How?" How did so many smart people in a room get this so wrong? I think today's episode of Radio Film School has some potential answers. I wanted to talk to some professionals who could give us informed and experienced insight into this debacle and PR mess. So I got on the …
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[SE26] Technology & Filmmaking: Form Following Function
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It's NAB this week, and we have a new technology and filmmaking episode you must hear before you spend a dime! Because the nature of this show involves taking bits and pieces of longer episodes, I have a veritable vault full of as yet unmined content from fantastic interviews. In honor of it being NAB this week (that annual mecca to Las Vegas for m…
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In this bonus episode of our "Making a Documentary" miniseries, I read feedback on our Kickstarter video from Amina Moreau of the Emmy award-winning studio Stillmotion, as well as from Patrick Moreau of Muse Storytelling. Show regulars JD and Yolanda Cochran chime in with their 2 cents as well. If you haven't listened to episode 4 of the miniseries…
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[MAD04] Making a Documentary - Getting Feedback
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Feedback, in all of its forms, is essential for any artist to grow in his or her craft. This week we have part 4 of our “Making a Documentary” miniseries, wherein we document the making of my first low-budget feature-length documentary "Invisible Illness." During this series, it's my goal to share not only what I've learned, but what oth…
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[SE05-Replay] It's Personal: The Power & Importance of Personal Work
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This was one of my favorite episodes from season 1. Interviews with... Dan Riordan and Dana Saint of Gnarly Bay Canadian filmmaker Bren Foster of "While I'm Here: The Legacy Project" Brandon McCormick of Whitestone Motion Pictures Original air date October 2015. See music credits and original show notes on the blog.…
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[MAD03] Creative & Ethical Choices in Doc Filmmaking
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A veteran documentary filmmaker reaches out to lend us a helping hand in the making of our first feature documentary. This week we have part 3 of our “Making a Documentary” miniseries, wherein we document the making of my first low-budget feature-length documentary "Invisible Illness." During this series, it's my goal to share not only what I've le…
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[FJ30] Tell Deeper & More Meaningful Stories with Iceberg Storytelling
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"For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn." These are the words from Ernest Hemingway's famous 6-word short story. And they're the impetus for today's guest-produced and highly anticipated episode. "We only give each other the top layers, the top; we dont give each other what lies beneath." ~ Kassim Harris, Director of It Eats You Up Robert Hardy is a film…
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[BTG07] Quotas, the Gender Gap, and the Case for Diversity
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Is the EEOC's investigation into Hollywood's hiring practices of women valid? Are women really not treated equitably in Hollywood. According to Scott Baio, the answer is a resounding "No!" From teen heart-throb to conservative political activist, Scott Baio has some provocative political ideologies that is fair to say isn't the common mindset in wh…
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[FJ29] Filmmaking, Race Relations & Having Tough Conversations
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Is a white director the best person to tell what is traditionally a black story? Is that a question that's even fair to ask? "I was terrified. I'll be totally honest with you. But that's why I knew I needed to make it. I just gotta be bold. 'Cuz why do the safe thing." ~ Spencer Gillis, Director of "Sweep" Spencer Gillis is an A-camera operator for…
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[MAD02] Brett Culp: Crowdfunding "Legend"
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If you're about to start a crowdfunding campaign or are even thinking about one, this is a must-listen episode? This week we have part 2 of our “Making a Documentary” miniseries, wherein we document the making of my low-budget feature-length documentary "Invisible Illness." During this series, it's my goal to share not only what I've learned, but w…
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A blast back to the past with a replay with one of my favorite episodes from season 1. In honor of "Black History Month," I present to you again, "Do I Sound Black." Here was the original episode description... I have a confession to make. I’m black. Yes, I know. You probably had no idea, right? If all you’ve heard was my voice, I’m almost certain …
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[MAD01] Making a Documentary #1: The Reluctant Filmmaker
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Have you ever been afraid to do something you knew was the right thing to do? Today is the inaugural episode of the “Making a Documentary” mini-series, wherein we document, well, the making of a documentary. Specifically, my first feature-length documentary. Except, I’m not the director. My wife Tasra is (pronounced TOZ-ra). On this episode, Tasra …
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In this our first episode of 2017, we look back at four of the most important lessons learned on the show last year. Plus, a look at a new mini-series on the making of my first feature-length documentary. Happy New Year boys and girls out there in podcast land! I'm excited to be back behind the microphone and bring you weekly and/or biweekly storie…
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In keeping with our Star Wars theme this week, today we discuss their strong female characters and how well the series passes the Bechdel Test. The latest two entries into the Star Wars universe have had strong female leads at the center. Show regulars JD and Yolanda T. Cochran join me today in this special episode to discuss that role that strong …
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Star Wars Special "Lessons Learned" [RFS-Rerun]
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Today we look at three specific lessons filmmakers can learn from the missteps of the prequels and the re-mastered original trilogy. [Rebroadcast] In honor of the release of "Rogue One", we're re-broadcasting the Star Wars special we first ran last December before the release of "The Force Awakens." In this episode, we look at the making of the Pre…
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Truth in Media Pt.2 - Documentaries [SE25]
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We follow up our conversation about "YouTube Journalism" with a look at the responsibility of the documentary filmmaker to capture and convey truth. From Nanook to Nuptials. Robert Flaherty's 1922 docu-drama "Nanook of the North" is widely regarded as the first commercially successful feature length documentary. But even as early as then, controver…
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Today we have a provocative issue about the power of media to shape public opinion and perception. But how do we discern what's true? The ability to carry a high-definition video camera in your pocket has literally changed the face of an industry. Now any John or Jane Doe with an iPhone can be a DIY Anderson Cooper. Well, a conversation I had with …
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Film Composer Nick Kirk & Lessons from the Tin-Man [SE Thanksgiving Special]
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This Thanksgiving Day special brings back one of my favorite episodes from last year, plus an all-new interview with Whitestone Motions Pictures producer and film composer Nick Kirk. Last year during Thanksgiving, we had a special about the dark origin of the Tin-Man from the Wizard of Oz and the lessons filmmakers and other artists can learn from …
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[Breaking the Glass] Ep. 6b - Stand on a Chair Pt. 2
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Last month I had a great conversation with 30+ year editing and producing veteran Chris Fenwick about what it takes to make it in this business. He used the analogy of "standing on a chair" to make a point. In the context of that conversation was his commentary about a female assistant editor in Hollywood who as featured in the second installment o…
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A Special Message to the Creative Arts Community
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I've had a heavy heart as of late during this U.S. Presidential election. I wanted to take some time to share my plea to the leaders in the creative arts community. Last week we had a special post-election "Breaking the Glass" bonus produced and largely recorded by breaking the glass co-producer Yolanda T. Cochran. The episode was bittersweet in th…
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[Breaking the Glass...(or Not)] A Post-Election Bonus: Pursuing the Presidency
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Radio Film School show regular and Breaking the Glass co-producer Yolanda T. Cochran has a special episode created for you today. It's a message of what it means to be a woman pursuing power and influence in today's culture. It's centered around the events of the 2016 presidential election, but it holds value and meaning for women (and men frankly)…
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Westworld, Do the Right Thing & Managing Audience Reception
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An excerpt from our new podcast about HBO's "Westworld" and a discussion about Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" set the stage for an insightful discussion about how an audience responds to your film. A few weeks ago JD, Yolanda and I apparently felt like we didn't have enough time arguing and debating with each other on "Radio Film School", so we d…
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[RFS-Rerun] Lessons from the Twilight Zone
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This week we have a re-run of our Twilight Zone specail from last Thanksgiving. Definitely worth a listen if you've never heard it before. Worth listening to again if you HAVE. You can read the original blog here.
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[Breaking the Glass] Ep. 06 - Stand on a Chair Pt. 1
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On last week's season 2 premiere of Radio Film School, 30+ year editing and producing veteran Chris Fenwick provided some great perspective. But during my conversation with him, we talked about a number of things. One of them was his comment made about the second installment of our "Breaking the Glass" docu-film series wherein animation editor Chri…
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Of Flying Kites & Selling Air Conditioners [FJ26]
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Today we have the season 2 premiere of Radio Film School and we look at four essential characteristics to have fulfilling longevity in any artistic endeavor. Season 1 of the show explored the theme of "finding your voice and developing a signature style." In season 2, the central theme will be "pursuing your passion" To kick the season off, we're g…
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[Breaking the Glass] Ep. 05 - Boys Will Be Boys
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Perhaps one of the reasons the gender inequality issue in the entertainment business is so pervasive is how we men interact with one another. Sexual harassment is no joking matter, and the topic has become a focus in the entertainment biz with the recent resignation of Fox News president Roger Ailes after allegations by popular Fox anchors like Meg…
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[RFS Rewind] A Look Ahead + A Brief History of Cinema
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This week we have a teeny peek at what's ahead in season 2 of Radio Film School, then revisit one of my favorite episodes from season 1. As we count down to the official premiere of season 2 of Radio Film School on Tuesday, October 11, I want to take take a stroll down memory lane and revisit our podcast collaboration with the Circa podcast -- "A B…
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[Breaking the Glass] BONUS - Calling Bullsh*t
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One of the goals that Yolanda and I have for this special series is finding concrete solutions to the whole gender inequality issue in the entertainment business. One solution that is often bandied about (and in fact was an impetus for this mini-series) is for women to adopt more of the headstrong, confident, dare I say, "aggressive" tendencies of …
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[Breaking the Glass] Ep. 04 - Hear My Voice
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A lack of or poor communication is often at the heart of conflict. Today we explore how this has a profound effect on gender inequality in business. If you ever need a great movie or television scene to creatively illustrate a life lesson, you need look no further than Star Trek. You read that right. Star Trek. Everything you ever need to know abou…
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[RFS:RAW] Adam Westbrook - Video Essayist Extraordinaire
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Today I have my full, uncut interview with video essayist extraordinaire and multiple Vimeo Staff pick "winner," Adam Westbrook. The video essay has become one of the most popular forms of edutainment in recent years. Video series like Tony Zhou's "Every Frame a Painting" or Evan Puschak's "Nerdwriter" rack up hundreds of thousands, even millions o…
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[BREAKING THE GLASS] Ep. 03: Climbing Waterfalls & Jumping Creeks
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Today on our biweekly miniseries addressing gender inequality in the business, we discuss perhaps the most pervasive and insidious issue holding women back.Earlier in season 1 of the podcast, during our first "Women in Film" series, we had an episode that set the show on a path to have what would become Earlier in season 1 of the podcast, during ou…
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A Special Announcement About the Future of the Show [FJ25]
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Today I bring you a special announcement about the history, and more importantly, the future of the show. September 1, 2016, marks the 1-year anniversary of Radio Film School's official premiere. It's been quite a year. Since launching, we've been #1 in our podcast category on iTunes, have been on iTunes New and Noteworthy (we still frequently make…
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Filmmaking is one of the most powerful mediums there is to affect change and make a difference in the world. This week we have a special episode wherein I share personal filmmaking experiences that have made a difference in people's lives. I encourage you to use your craft to do the same. Videos Mentioned in This Episode Visit the blog post for thi…
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[Breaking the Glass] Ep. 02: Are you really listening?
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A key ingredient to solving the issue of gender inequality in this, or any industry, is for those in the positions of power to listen empathetically. But that's not always the case.Before any kind of real change can occur, the side of the "table" that has the power and influence, has to be able to really hear and listen to what the demarginalized s…
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Fair Use in Documentary Filmmaking Pt. 2 [SE22]
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We continue our discussion about fair use, particularly as it relates to documentaries. You will be surprised by what you learn in this episode. Show regular Yolanda Cochran (who also is a co-producer for the "Breaking the Glass" short film docu-series), showed a lawyer friend our trailer for the series to get his take on our use of movie and telev…
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If you thought you knew all there was to know about fair use and copyrights in filmmaking, you don't know jack! Part 1 of a series on copyrights, fair use, and filmmaking. Save yourself a potential lawsuit and listen. For the past ten years or so, I've written and blogged about the film, video and photography industries. During that time, I've addr…
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[BREAKING THE GLASS] Ep. 01 - The Elephant in the Room
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Today is the first official episode of the Radio Film School mini-series, and Ron addresses the elephant in the room. It's great that Ron wants this podcast series to make a difference in the industry; but is he really the best person for the job? He has a discussion with JD and Yolanda that you might not expect. We also here from 1st AC Austin Lew…
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[BREAKING THE GLASS] Preview: "It all started when..."
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A new Radio Film School podcast mini-series that takes the first season's "Women in Film" series to a "whole 'nuther level!" What began as a simple suggestion by show regular Yolanda T. Cochran, grew to become both a podcast and a short film documentary series starring an impressive line-up of women in the film and television industry. This preview…
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Star Trek Axanar & the History & Future of Fan Films [SE20]
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Star Trek fan films have been around over four decades. They've come in all shapes, sizes, and varying levels of quality. In all that time, the copyright owners of Star Trek have remained quiet. So why has one fan film elicited a lawsuit that has the fan community in an uproar? Fan films for genre properties are extremely popular. You can probably …
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PHILIP BLOOM: RAW. Uncut. Unfiltered. Unbelievable.
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Today we introduce an official new segment on Radio Film School..."RAW": Radio Film School interviews uncut, unfiltered and unbelievable. Today we have my uncut interview with Philip Bloom. There's a reason I like to call this show the "This American Life" for filmmakers. Our main episodes are craftily edited audio documentaries where I pull soundb…
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Filmmaking is a collaborative artform. Yet, tens of thousands of filmmakers all over the world shoot projects each week with no dedicated DP, no sound guy, and no assistants. It's just them, a camera, some lenses, lights, and mics. They are one-man/one-woman bands.
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Fixing it in Post: A Mixed in America "Post" Mortem [FJ22]
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In this week's episode of Radio Film School, we explore valuable filmmaking lessons learned the hard way. Have you ever had a vision for a film that you were so adamant about achieving, with an Ahab-like stubbornness you made creative decisions that you regretted later? Perhaps it's just me. Five+ years ago when I recorded the interview of my daugh…
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Birth of a Documentary: Shooting Sunshine Mini-series Finale Pt. 1 [FJ21]
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After 5-1/2 years, Mixed in America: Little Mixed Sunshine if FINALLY finished. Here's part 1 of a 2-part finale of the mini-series where we've followed the film's progress. Throughout this first season of Radio Film School, we've followed the progress of my short film documentary "Little Mixed Sunshine," the first installment of my "Mixed in Ameri…
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SEASON FINALE: 4 Steps to Find Your Voice & Develop a Signature Style [FJ20]
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For the past 10 months, we've explored a theme that is pertinent to all artists. Let's sum this season up and get the definitive answer to this crucial question. If you're any kind of artist, but especially if you're one trying to earn a living at your craft, it's vital to both your creative fulfillment as well as your professional longevity, to fi…
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