The biweekly podcast "MediaMaker Spotlight" features conversations with industry professionals speaking on a wide range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. The series is a great resource for creators and collaborators who want to learn more about filmmaking, production, and all that goes into bringing projects to life. Our show is a great place to learn, find inspiration, discover communities of support, and celebrate our shared passion for film, television, video and visual ...
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Welcome to TSC News aka The Sports Courier, featuring exclusive podcasts, interviews, and more from the world of sports, gaming, and entertainment hosted by Fred Richani and friends! Check out our main pages: YouTube.com/TheSportsCourier and FredRichani.com!
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How Saving AlGeneina Initiative is Helping Sudanese Refugees
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews Saving AlGeneina Initiative manager Sadeia Hamid about her grassroots organization helping Sudanese refugees and internally displaced peoples within Sudan and Chad, the Sudanese crisis encompassing war, genocide, famine, and occupation, the instability before/during/after former President Omar al-Bashir, as …
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Join the Celebration: Women in Film & Video Turns 45!
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Women in Film & Video (WIFV) is turning 45! To mark the occasion, there’s going to be a big dance party on Friday, September 13. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIFV Board President Connie St. John to learn more about the organization and the celebration. They discuss how this amazing non-profit got started back in 1979, how it serve…
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Host Special: Renaming, Recasting, Rebranding
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In this special all-host episode, we are thrilled to debut our new podcast name, MediaMaker Spotlight! During their conversation, hosts Sandra Abrams, Candice Bloch, and Tara Jabbari explain the story behind our rebranding and how making the announcement inspired us to chat about some memorable Hollywood renames and recasts in television shows and …
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Legendary Voice Actor Josh Keaton on Career, Marvel, DC Universe
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Remastered From 2022: TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews legendary voice actor Josh Keaton about filling Chris Evans' giant shoes in What If...? on Disney Plus, getting his big break as a kid, playing young Hercules, being canonically part of the MCU, his roles in Young Justice Phantoms, becoming synonymous with the animated Spider-Man, his i…
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Filmmaker Gauthier Raad on Breaking Barriers, We Film Festivals
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews filmmaker Gauthier Raad about his critically-acclaimed documentaries, tackling LGBQT topics in the Arab entertainment space, and his fantastic work as director of multiple film festivals including LIFF - Lebanese Independent Film Festival in Beirut! Plus: They discuss uplifting diverse voices in times of tra…
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Two Thumbs Up: How Siskel & Ebert Shaped Film Critiquing
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In this episode, host Sandra Abrams has a conversation with Matt Singer - film critic, editor, podcaster, and author- about his new book, “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever.” The book offers an insightful and funny look into the iconic pair of film reviewers and their combative style, and shares details about how their THU…
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Addressing Representation & Belonging With Molly McGlynn
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In this episode, host Tara Jabbari sits with writer and director Molly McGlynn to talk about her new film, “Fitting In.” The comedic coming-of-age drama, starring Maddie Ziegler and Emily Hampshire, is a semi-autobiographical story about Molly’s journey with MRKH Syndrome. Molly shares the challenges but also the support she had while sharing such …
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BLOOM Charity's Positive Impact on Children of Morocco, Palestine with Amina Shams
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21:33
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews BLOOM co-founder Amina Shams about her top-rated grassroots nonprofit organization, currently helping children in Morocco, as well as Gaza, in collaboration with HEAL Palestine's Steve Sosebee. Amina discusses how BLOOM was formed and various resources provided to Palestinian and Moroccan children, including…
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Giving Screenplays New Life With Immersive Audio Dramas
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More stories get written than make it to screen, so what becomes of these lost narratives? In this episode, host Candice Bloch sits down with producer James Walker to dive into a project he and his company, Velocity Studios have embarked upon to revive some of these scripts in an exciting new way. You’ll learn how they produce immersive experiences…
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In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIFV’s 2024 Women of Vision honoree E. Samantha Cheng about her long resume in the media world. She is a writer, director, and producer that has worked in New York City and London before making the DMV home. Her passion and support of the Asian American community has formed the foundation of her work w…
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Discussing Film Portrayals with The Bechdel Cast Podcast
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In this special double-host, double-guest episode, hosts Tara Jabbari and Candice Bloch sit down with Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus, the co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Bechdel Cast. The quartet of podcasters discuss The Bechdel Cast, a weekly podcast from iHeartRadio, that dives into the representation of women and other underrepresented g…
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Focus Congo: Pappy Orion's Mission to Save the DRC
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Fred Richani interviews activist, filmmaker, and Focus Congo founder Pappy Orion, shedding light on his remarkable charity work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The interview also covers the pressing issues of G-cide, war, and the exploitation of labor for cobalt, coltan, and other resources. Pappy Orion shares insights on how we can support th…
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Bridgerton on Netflix: Behind the Scenes of Season 3
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Lady Whistledown has news: Dearest Gentle Listener - Bridgerton is back! The Regency period romantic drama from Shonda Rhimes dropped on May 16 on Netflix. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with many members of the talented production team to learn how Season 3 came together. Sandra discusses the music with Oscar-winner Kris Bowers, the war…
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Bringing Action to Life with Stunts and Motion Capture
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Professional stuntwoman, motion capture performer, and champion martial artist, Thekla Hutyrova sits down with host Candice Bloch for a fun conversation all about bringing action to our screens - on film, television, and in video games. Thekla has worked on films such as Alita: Battle Angel, Logan, and Deadpool 2, shows such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.…
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"Women of Valor" Doc: Orthodox Women Find Their Voice
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Israeli director, Anna Somershaf sits down with host Sandra Abrams in this episode to talk about her award-winning feature documentary, Women of Valor. The film follows the odyssey of Esty Shushan, an orthodox mother and wife, as she seeks to change the law for Haredi women to be elected representatives to Israel's Knesset. Over a five year period,…
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Actress/Director Diane Foster on Easter Bloody Easter, Women in Film
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews EASTER BLOODY EASTER lead actress/filmmaker Diane Foster about her new film, its unique comedy horror concept, being recognized by Women in Film, growing up in New Jersey, the indie distribution scene, working with Gravitas Ventures, and why YOU should watch the movie! Stream Easter Bloody Easter: https://am…
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Up-and-coming television comedy writer, Julia Lindon sits down with host Candice Bloch in this episode to chat about her journey in writing. You’ll learn more about the dynamics of the writers’ room, hear stories about leveraging connections to get in the door, and get a glimpse into the process of honing her comedy chops and bringing stories to th…
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"Oscar Wars" Author Talks 94 Years of Golden Moments
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In this episode, Michael Schulman, author of "Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears'' sits down with host Tara Jabbari for a conversation about notable Oscars moments and their larger significance. Michael shares how voting works for the Academy Awards, and the two discuss how the famous ceremony is a lens into how Hollywood …
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Actor Russ Russo on Beautiful Boy, Monmouth County Acting Classes
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews actor/writer Russ Russo about his upcoming short film "Beautiful Boy" premiering at the 2024 Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, his love for teaching at Monmouth County Acting Classes, and why you should check out his work! For more info: https://russrusso.com/ Signup for Russ' acting classes: ht…
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In this episode - our first with a video companion - join all three of our hosts on a journey through the dynamic world of American reality TV. We explore its origins, cultural impact, and evolving genres. From the groundbreaking series "The Real World'' to the global phenomenon of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," we unpack how these shows reflec…
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PBS’s Grantchester Star Talks Disability and Acting (Rerun)
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People with disabilities have been historically underrepresented in the entertainment industry. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with U.K.- based actress, writer, and disability advocate, Melissa Johns. Johns explains how she landed the role as the brainy Miss Scott in the British detective series, Grantchester, where her disability (born …
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The Rewarding Chaos of Live Broadcasting (Rerun)
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You’ve only got one chance to get it right when the broadcast is live. In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with Remote Operations Manager, Pam Chvotkin all about the fast-paced and intense world of live event coverage. Pam has years of broadcast production experience ranging from professional sports, to concerts, competitions, awards shows, a…
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Thumbs up, thumbs down? Five stars (or are four stars the highest number?)! In this episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with film critics to discuss how viewing films has changed over the last few years. When is it worth going to the movie theater? Where should we look to know what’s worth seeing? What’s the difference between Rotten Tomatoes versus …
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Migrant Sea Doc - African Migrants' Journey to Europe by Stephane Grasso
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews Migrant Sea (2024) multimedia documentary filmmaker Stephane Grasso about his film's multiplatform approach across TV, web, VR, writing, photographs, essays, and podcasts, as well covering African migrants' tough journey to Europe, the hardships they face, and why it's so important for these stories to be to…
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Accessing the Marginalized So We're All Seen & Heard (Rerun)
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Making a career pivot after 15 years in one job takes guts and some financial planning. Then add to the mix several disabilities and it sounds impossible. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams talks to filmmaker, advocate, and podcaster, Ariel Baska. Ariel shares how she made the leap to a new film career in a niche genre: Queer Horror, and founded t…
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Exceeding Indie TV Show SEXPECTATIONS (Rerun)
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In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with the creative team behind the hit indie TV show, ‘Sexpectations.’ Writer Jenna St. John and Director Kevin Good shed light on how they took the series from story concept through production, post-production, and eventually out to audiences on major streaming platforms. They talk about their multi-year jo…
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WWE's Culture of Abuse - Janel Grant, Ashley Massaro Allegations
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani vlogs about the horrific allegations from Janel Grant's lawsuit against now exiled former chairman Vince McMahon and WWE, newly-run by TKO Group Holdings / Endeavor. (Note: Audio from YouTube.com/TheSportsCourier vlog.) Plus, a candid talk about: Former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis (Johnny Ace) publicly ad…
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Author Dana Dargos on Einstein in the Attic, Science Fiction Meets Faith
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews award-winning author Dana Dargos about co-writing the critically acclaimed science fiction novel Einstein in the Attic with her uncle Said Al Bizri, coming up with the story's unique concept, being an independent writer, her activism, working JobsForLebanon.com, her Lebanese heritage, and advice for success!…
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Woman of Vision: Abby Greensfelder (Rerun)
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Abby Greensfelder has an instinct for developing not only iconic cable shows such as, “Say Yes to the Dress,” but also documentaries featuring icons Megan Rapinoe and Alicia Keys. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with the indie filmmaker and native Washingtonian, ahead of the World Premiere of UNCHARTED at the Tribeca Film Festival in June…
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HEAL Palestine - How Steve Sosebee is Saving Palestinian Children
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani chats with acclaimed humanitarian Steve Sosebee about forming HEAL Palestine, the organization's mission, his incredible past work with the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (The PCRF), helping the Bsiso girls get to New York City for medical care, how they bring aid in to Gaza despite the Israeli restrictions, working …
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Casting the Best Performers for Your Project (Rerun)
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32:06
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Originally released Oct 1, 2023 The choice of who is cast in a role can make or break a performance. In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with casting director Anne Chapman all about the art and business of casting a project. Anne draws on her decades of professional experience casting projects of all sizes and styles as they discuss the metho…
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Footnotes Movie: Meet Chris Leary, Sharayu Mahale
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews "Footnotes" film stars Chris Leary (lead/director/writer) and actress Sharayu Mahale (lead) about their independent pandemic era romantic comedy, the challenges of 2020, the fun times on set, and why people should check it out at a film festival near you! Follow Sharayu Mahale: https://www.instagram.com/shar…
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An In-Depth Focus on Cinematography (Rerun)
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Originally released on Oct. 8, 2023 What is the difference between a cinematographer, camera operator, and director of photography? Has there been more gender diversity behind the scenes? What is the difference between filming on digital versus film? These questions and more are covered in this episode as host Tara Jabbari speaks with the award-win…
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Originally released Nov. 12, 2023 Screen-based media by its very nature, relies on visuals. And as stories unfold on set, the art department is key in not only building those sets, but making them look the part for the world being created. In this episode, host Candice Bloch sits down with Betsy Zuck, an experienced Production Designer, Set Decorat…
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How 52 Literary Gems Became Films We Love (Rerun)
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Originally released on Sept. 14, 2023 Love the movie? Read the book before it’s banned! In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Kristen Lopez, author of "But Have You Read the Book? 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films” in association with Turner Classic Movies. Kristen knows her topic as creator of the Ticklish Business podcast…
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Shimmy Isaacs of Netflix South Africa's Unseen (Rerun)
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Originally released May 14, 2023 In this episode, host Tara Jabbari sits down with actor Shimmy Isaacs on location in Cape Town, South Africa to talk about her Netflix hit crime thriller, Unseen. They discuss the show, Shimmy's acting journey in drama and comedy, her writing process, her time in the USA, and how the arts is a universal language. Yo…
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Holiday Special: Christmas Movies and More (Rerun)
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Originally released on Dec. 18, 2022. Season two wraps up with this Holiday Special, where all three hosts – Candice Bloch, Sandra Abrams, and Tara Jabbari – discuss the mega genre of Christmas and holiday movies. The trio share fun facts, their personal opinions, and go over the results of Media & Monuments’ own holiday survey, which centered on m…
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Accessing the Marginalized So We’re All Seen & Heard
32:25
32:25
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32:25
Making a career pivot after 15 years in one job takes guts and some financial planning. Then add to the mix several disabilities and it sounds impossible. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams talks to filmmaker, advocate, and podcaster, Ariel Baska. Ariel shares how she made the leap to a new film career in a niche genre: Queer Horror, and founded t…
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TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews Palestinian Tatreez (embroidery) artist Lina Barkawi about founding Lina's Thobe, the motifs behind the artform, the importance of preserving her culture, mental health, how we all can support the community, her activism, and how she is coping through these tragic times. Special thanks for Seema Gulati for b…
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Making Money & a Name with YouTuber Evasive
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31:49
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Host Tara Jabbari sits down with influencer Nikole Eva, aka Evasive on YouTube, for this episode. After studying film, gaining experience as an editor, and working towards being a comedy writer, Eva started her YouTube channel to get her name out there… and it has been working! Tara and Eva talk about the start of her YouTube channel, how to make m…
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In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with the creative team behind the hit indie TV show, ‘Sexpectations.’ Writer Jenna St. John and Director Kevin Good shed light on how they took the series from story concept through production, post-production, and eventually out to audiences on major streaming platforms. They talk about their multi-year jo…
…
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Award Winning Doc, Call Me Dancer - Filmmakers Spotlight
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Call Me Dancer is a multiple award winning feature documentary that follows Manish Chauhan, a charismatic street dancer from Mumbai, who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer despite his parents misgivings. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with the filmmakers behind this inspiring film: director and producer Leslie Shampaine, co-director Pip …
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When Genres Collide - It’s a Wonderful Knife
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Horror invades holiday in a genre mashup comedy! This episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with director Tyler MacIntyre about his new horror-comedy, It’s a Wonderful Knife. Described as “It’s a Wonderful Life by way of Scream,” they discuss how story elements of the classic holiday film were infused into this killer thriller. Starring Jane Widdop, Je…
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Screen-based media by its very nature, relies on visuals. And as stories unfold on set, the art department is key in not only building those sets, but making them look the part for the world being created. In this episode, host Candice Bloch sits down with Betsy Zuck, an experienced Production Designer, Set Decorator, Lead Person, Set Decorator, fa…
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1
PBS’s Grantchester Star Talks Disability and Acting
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People with disabilities have been historically underrepresented in the entertainment industry. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with U.K.- based actress, writer, and disability advocate, Melissa Johns. Johns explains how she landed the role as the brainy Miss Scott in the British detective series, Grantchester, where her disability (born …
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When it comes to creating a story, where that story is told is very important. In this episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with Kelly Stuart, a location manager for projects such as the award-winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and television shows like True Blood, The Catch, and American Auto. In their conversation, Kelly talks about wh…
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You’ve only got one chance to get it right when the broadcast is live. In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with Remote Operations Manager, Pam Chvotkin all about the fast-paced and intense world of live event coverage. Pam has years of broadcast production experience ranging from professional sports, to concerts, competitions, awards shows, a…
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Special: Hosts Talk TV Sweeps & Fall Shows
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It's time for our season four special! All three hosts - Candice, Tara, and Sandra - come together in this episode to chat about fall television. You’ll hear some background on fall “sweeps,” the origin of the term, and some information on how they impact advertising rates. The hosts also share their thoughts about some of the 2023 fall lineup for …
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What is the difference between a cinematographer, camera operator, and director of photography? Has there been more gender diversity behind the scenes? What is the difference between filming on digital versus film? These questions and more are covered in this episode as host Tara Jabbari speaks with the award-winning South African cinematographer a…
…
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1
Casting the Best Performers for Your Project
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31:56
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The choice of who is cast in a role can make or break a performance. In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with casting director Anne Chapman all about the art and business of casting a project. Anne draws on her decades of professional experience casting projects of all sizes and styles as they discuss the methods and evolution of the process,…
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