Our latest episode features the creative minds behind the world premiere of "The Fall" at the Mammoth Film Festival. Join director and writer Sean Hart, producer Michael Schilf, and talented actors Jeremy Sumpter, Cassandra Scerbo, Matthew Fahey, and Thomas Cocquerel as they share the profound journey of bringing this emotionally charged film to life. Uncover how Sean's personal experiences with loss shaped the narrative, and explore the unconventional yet effective collaboration that formed ...

Discover the electrifying world of Ice Cross as we sit down with dynamic duo Brittan Morris and DJ Kilpatrick, who bring their multifaceted talents as athletes, writers, directors, and producers to life in this exhilarating episode. Known for their daring exploits on the icy tracks, Brittan and DJ share how Ice Cross transcends the boundaries of sport to become a story of courage and inspiration. Join us as we explore the heart-stopping moments that define this sport and the incredible journe...

Renowned actor Jaleel White joins us for an intimate chat on the Cinematography for Actors podcast, offering fresh insight into the world of film festivals. With his debut as a judge at the Mammoth Film Festival, Jaleel brings an engaging perspective on how actors can mesmerize audiences without the crutch of celebrity fame. He humorously reflects on his UCLA film school days, weighing the value of traditional education in a digital age brimming with readily available knowledge. Get ready to ...

Shelley Hennig takes on an incredible challenge as she steps into four distinct roles in the psychological thriller "Fluxx," a film conceived during the COVID pandemic. Join us as we chat with Shelley, Director, Brendan Gabriel Murphy, and members of the creative team behind this genre-blending marvel, including Kieran Murphy, Lance Paul, and Shiloh Fernandez. Discover how Shelley's seamless performances became the backbone of a narrative that traps an actress in a surreal loop within her hom...

Ever wondered how the worlds of nursing and acting might overlap? Join Hae for a fascinating conversation from the Mammoth Film Festival with three nurses who are living this unique intersection. Toby shares his inspiring journey from New York to Los Angeles, using travel nursing as a bridge to pursue his acting dreams, and celebrates a recent booking. We dive into experiences in the ER, contrasting the challenges of patient care between locales like LA and Ohio, and reveal the emotional resi...

What makes a film truly captivating from the very first scene? Join us as we welcome Max Adler, a judge at the Mammoth Film Festival, to uncover the secret behind grabbing audience attention right off the bat. Max shares his journey as a first-time judge, offering insights into the importance of evaluating films independently to maintain a fresh perspective, and the possibility of forming genuine connections with fellow filmmakers—sometimes even through charming scenarios like being snowed in...

Join Inde as she interviews writer/director John Michael Riva Jr., as well as actors Ariana Ron Pedrique and Jack T. Gibson, as we uncover how groundbreaking virtual production technology is reshaping the industry. The conversation reveals the creative journey behind condensing a feature script into a compelling six-minute proof of concept. Ariana shares what she found remarkable about her experience acting on a virtual set, while Jack opens up about his debut on both sides of the...

Join us for a fascinating exploration into the world of film festival judging with our esteemed guests, Farah White and Hally Leadbetter. Ever wondered how independent films gain recognition at festivals? Farah, a seasoned pro in the judging arena, reveals the significance of celebrating diverse film genres and the transformative power of festival accolades on a filmmaker's career. Meanwhile, Hally, who brings a fresh perspective from sports broadcasting, shares her unique insights into evalu...

Ever wondered how social media and historical epics can come together in the world of filmmaking? We sit down with the innovative writer and director Jordan McKittrick at Mammoth International Film Festival to talk about why he likes to see TikToks that capture an actor’s true essence instead of polished self tapes. We delve deep into his latest work, “We Have Notes,” which stole the spotlight on the festival’s opening night. McKittrick offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of sta...

What if you could tap into funding typically reserved for non-profits—without having to start one yourself? Join CFA co-founders Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall on the latest episode of the Cinematography for Actors podcast as they break down the ins and outs of fiscal sponsorship and what it means for filmmakers.We’ll chat about how fiscal sponsorship can open doors to tax-deductible donations and grants, the challenges of setting up your own charity, and why teaming up with a 501c3 li...

What drives a filmmaker to transform deeply personal pain into a powerful message for mental health awareness? Writer, director, producer, and lead actor Nadine Crocker opens up about her survival after a suicide attempt and how this harrowing experience led her to create the film Continue. Recorded live at the Mammoth Film Festival, this episode uncovers the heart and soul behind the project, showcasing the supportive environment Nadine cultivated on set and featuring an emotional story from...

Damian Pelliccione, Co-Founder and CEO of Revry, shares his incredible transformation from Toronto actor to entrepreneur in Los Angeles. He reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, highlighting the importance of community and the mission to uplift new voices in the entertainment industry.Damian discusses content development and founding Revry, a free streaming platform supported by advertisers. He provides strategies for creating original shows, from in-house development to collab...

What happens when a professional ballet dancer, sidelined by a significant knee injury, reinvents himself as a filmmaker? Listen to our latest episode of the Cinematography for Actors podcast as we sit down with Cameron Auble-Branigan and Danny Mooney.Cameron shares his compelling journey from the rigid discipline of ballet to the creative freedom of filmmaking. He discusses how he overcame setbacks to not only find new avenues in the art of ballet, but also to inspire his short film “Sandpap...

Join us for a chat with Theo Dumont, the co-founder of the HollyShorts Film Festival and manager at Alta Global Media. Theo shares how he and his team turned a small event into one of the world's biggest short film festivals, with over 6,100 submissions each year. We’ll talk about the festival's selection process, commitment to diversity, and exciting new categories like sports and Oscar-qualifying slots, all while giving emerging filmmakers a crucial platform.Theo gives insights on balancing...

Join us for a deep dive with veteran actor Scott Cohen as he reflects on his 40-year career, offering insights into the evolving landscape of auditions. Scott discusses the shift from traditional in-person auditions to modern self-taping, sharing how this change has influenced his approach. Scott shares fascinating stories about working with directors, from seasoned veterans to innovative newcomers. He highlights collaborations, such as with director Yuri Zeltser and a short film project...

Join us for a chat with Lee Pugsley, actor in the award-winning film "Audio Description," director Luke Salewski, and documentary filmmaker Virtic Brown as they discuss the art of audio description in filmmaking.Discover how audio descriptions enhance viewing experiences, even in comedic scenes like the plastic sand in "Barbie." We explore the nuances and timing needed for effective audio descriptions and recognize audio describers like Liz Gutman and Tristan Snyder.Virtic shares her experien...

In this podcast episode, we talked about working with the legendary Morgan Freeman, our non-profit announcement, and the power of collaboration.Our recent journey led us to an AFI tribute honoring Nicole Kidman, featuring Morgan Freeman.This incredible journey at CFA just got better—we're now an official non-profit! This opens the door to more grants, donations, and educational opportunities. As a newly minted public charity, we're reshaping the industry's future, one groundbreaking ste...

Unlock the secrets of film acting and collaboration with Daniel Fathers of Screen Actors Development Lab, London. Journey through diverse acting styles and directorial nuances from the UK, Canada, the US, and mainland Europe. Daniel shares his rich experience from stage to screen, emphasizing adaptability for auditions and the unique perspectives of theater and film actors. This episode dispels drama school myths and encourages alternative routes to perfecting your craft. Plus, gain unique in...

Experience the heart and soul of independent filmmaking as we bring you behind the scenes at the Mammoth Film Festival for THREE Lunar Door films!Join us as we delve into authentic storytelling and the tight-knit bonds formed on set of “The Fall” with the team including director Sean Hart, producer Michael Schilf, and actors Jeremy Sumter and Cassie Scarbo.Then, strap on your skates and glide into the thrilling world of "Ice Cross," where we share the production adventures and personal triump...

Join the ranks of those in the know with our latest guest, Traci Hays, a trailblazing director whose flair for fusing horror and humor shines in the Tubi Original "My Bloody Galentine." With a nod to her own evolution in the film industry, Traci takes us behind the scenes of her genre-defying work, from her beginnings in the art department to receiving acclaim as a DGA award-nominated director. This episode offers a chance to learn about the subtleties of international filmmaking from someone...

Ever wondered how the dance between actor and camera is choreographed to capture? We sit down with camera operator, Colin MacDonnell, as we traverse the landscape of filmmaking, we talk about the bridge between technical and creative.  The episode is filled with anecdotes spanning from the nerve-wracking jitters of newcomers to the commanding presence of industry veterans. Colin's journey from Massachusetts to California and his ascent in the world of cinematography is nothing short of...

We are very excited to bring Stefy Garcia, founder of the Wonderflow to the podcast and CFA community. Stefy will be offering events at the studio for creative's to do the inner work in order to tell better stories this year. In this episode, Stefy shares her transformative journey and what led her to create a business at the crossroads of creativity and self-care. Our conversation unveils the often untold stories of an artist's personal battles and the freedom found in grounding practices....

Embark on a remarkable exploration of the filmmaking process with Pedro Luque, cinematographer of the gripping Netflix film "Society of the Snow," who unveils the extraordinary lengths taken to capture the story's authenticity. Venture into the unforgiving landscape where the cast and crew faced formidable conditions to pay homage to the Andes plane crash survivors. These efforts culminated in a work that not only drew audiences deeply into the narrative but left a profound, stirring impact...

Embarking on our filmmaking journey, Haeleigh Royall and Indeana Undehrill share the story of Cinematography for Actors. From early podcast days to our bustling new studio, discover our path—a mix of education, festivals, and community-building events. Join us as we discuss personal growth, from beginners to mastering storytelling techniques. We talk about networking, emotional investment, and championing women's empowerment. Reflecting on the past year, our friendship turned business...