In the final episode of the Musicbed Podcast, the VFX legend discusses the dangers of limiting your inspiration and the importance of making audiences believe the unbelievable. Whether it's writing acclaimed narratives or directing award-winning content for global brands like Nike, McDonald's, and adidas, writer/director Elle Brooks-Tao's fresh approach to filmmaking prioritizes pushing the boundaries and bringing untold stories to light. Talking Points: Working with James Cameron and...

In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, director Elle Brooks-Tao discusses the value of creating vulnerable work, protecting your creativity at all costs, and why filmmakers should never shy away from the comment section. Whether it's writing acclaimed narratives or directing award-winning content for global brands like Nike, McDonald's, and adidas, writer/director Elle Brooks-Tao's fresh approach to filmmaking prioritizes pushing the boundaries and bringing untold stories to...

In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Drea provides a behind-the-scenes look at Sundance from a programming POV and what filmmakers need to know about submitting their films. Programmer/producer Drea Clark has been a fixture of the festival circuit for almost 20 years, serving at Sundance Film Festival, the LA Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival, and more. She’s also produced three features, music videos, web series, and a TV pilot directed by Charlie Day. Talking Points: The...

In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Young Replicant explores the value of replacing early confidence with technique and discusses why filmmakers should own their weaknesses and weirdness. Young Replicant (AKA Alex Takács) is known for his high concepts and visual poetry. He’s directed videos for Lorde, Alt-J, and Flying Lotus and worked with brands like Sprite and Adidas. Talking Points: Never settling on one technique Accepting weaknesses and weirdness as strengths Growing up...

In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Aguirre discusses advertising's much-needed identity awakening, the cinematic value of diegetic sound, and the difference between selling out and buying time. Leo Aguirre (Stink Films) has worked with name brands like Levi’s, Nike, Spotify, and more. His short films have screened at Cannes and SXSW, and have garnered countless award nominations. Leo is currently working on his first feature film. Talking Points: Not allowing work to be a...

In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Rayka Zehtabchi and Sam Davis take us back to their kismet encounter in film school, why the story should always top the script, and what it’s really like to win an Oscar. Talking Points: The excitement (and anxiety) of winning an Oscar Exploring the changing landscape of short film Sharpening your skills with short films Why documentary filmmaking demands discomfort Prioritizing good storytelling over a solid script Navigating...

In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Calmatic shares his experiences collaborating with Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Lil Nas X, and explains why creating selfishly is crucial to a filmmaker’s ongoing success. Talking Points: A fan-first working approach with Kendrick Lamar Embracing his identity as a music-lover who films Carrying the creative baggage of directing remakes Utilizing the DMs to call first dibs on filming Creating a shorthand with collaborators Teaching...

Ricky Staub and Dan Walser have worked on commercial and narrative projects for iconic brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Google, and Netflix. And, perhaps most importantly, they've become a powerful force for change as advocates for the formerly incarcerated in their hometown of Philadelphia. In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Neighborhood Film Co. co-founders Ricky Staub and Dan Walser, along with Range Media Partners co-founder Michael "Coop" Cooper, discuss the life-changing impact of...

Director Lloyd Lee Choi’s most recent work, ‘Same Old,’ premiered at the 75th Cannes Film Festival—and it was the only US film accepted in the lineup. In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Lloyd revisits his life-changing experience at Cannes, offers actionable advice on effective pitching, and explores how embracing uncertainty can be the key to inspiring your best ideas. ___ The Musicbed Podcast Hear industry-leading directors, DPs, and producers share stories and insight while...

Director//DP Camila Cornelsen has helmed series for HBO and Disney. She's worked with top brands like Nike, Apple, and Vogue, and she’s a go-to resource for agencies and production companies like Wieden+Kennedy, R/GA, and F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi. In this episode of the Musicbed Podcast, Camila reveals her creative path from Brazilian festival musician to photographer to respected director who works as her own DP. Other topics include the art of truly becoming one with your camera and...

Jim Cummings is the producer/director/writer/actor behind acclaimed feature and short films like Thunder Road, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, and The Beta Test. His work has garnered multiple Grand Jury Prize nominations and wins at both Sundance and SXSW. In episode #004 of the Musicbed Podcast, Jim offers empowering advice for filmmakers attempting to break into Hollywood on their own terms  Topics include finding allies among industry gatekeepers, making the most out of DIY distribution, and...

Director Jared Malik Royal has worked for brands like Hypebeast, Mercedes-Benz, and Levi’s. He’s directed videos and teasers for artists Samm Henshaw, Daniel Caesar, Bryan Senti, and more. In episode #003 of the Musicbed Podcast, Jared shares the value of staying present in an age of distractions. Topics include the real-life hope found in sci-fi world-building, the meaningful differences between art and content, and why creatives might be thinking the wrong way about AI. Jared Malik...

Eliot Rausch is one of the most in-demand directors in the industry. His rise to acclaim was quick and unconventional, and his outlook remains undeniably unique. In episode #002 of the Musicbed Podcast, Eliot offers creatives a master class in navigating the intersection of vulnerability and vision. Topics include finding acceptance as an outsider, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how he uses difficult raw emotions to his advantage. Eliot Rausch—http://www.eliotrausch.com How to Win...

DP Natalie Kingston’s most recent work is the acclaimed Apple TV+ series, Black Bird. In episode #001 of the Musicbed Podcast, Natalie discusses navigating the show’s accelerated interview and pre-production process, shares the value of trusting yourself when up against the clock, and offers advice for shooting with intention, getting the most from every rep, and doing a lot with very little. Show Notes: Natalie Kingston — https://www.nataliekingston.com/ Black Bird —...