The dynamic Ajarae Coleman is a Harvard-educated actress, narrator and producer. Her award-winning leading role in the film DIVINE MOTHER, which centers on the theme of pregnancy loss and highlights systemic inequities in Black maternal healthcare, is one example of the depth of character and emotionality she achieves in her work.
Other credits include SCANDAL, NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, I’M SORRY, 2 BROKE GIRLS, REVENGE, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, PRIVATE PRACTICE, the feature film SHEPHERD, starring alongside Julian Gant (CALL ME KAT), and more. She works extensively in commercials, having appeared in campaigns for brands like LUVS, VERIZON, and PANTENE. Ajarae is based in Los Angeles.
Not only is he the charismatic singer of one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time, (T.S.O.L.) Jack Grisham, is the epitome of a multi-hyphenate artist.
His contributions to Punk Rock, Film, and Recovery are beyond impressive. In this episode, Jack shares his journey as a filmmaker, author, and so much more.
To learn more about his work visit JackGrisham.com
Audrey Knox has been a literary manager at Cartel Entertainment since 2018.
She has staffed writers on shows including HACKS, GINNY & GEORGIA, P-VALLEY, GROWN-ISH, SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, and REASONABLE DOUBT. Her clients have written feature films, including ALICE, DARLING (Lionsgate), CRUSHED (Tubi), THE SANTA SUMMIT (Hallmark), and the SINGLE BLACK FEMALE franchise (Lifetime).
For more actionable advice on how to take your career to the next level, visit Audrey @
Tony has worked on stage and in front of the camera acting, in print and film for thirty years. Originally from Chicago, Tony grew love for acting through theatre and now lives in Northern California as a SAG-AFTRA actor and filmmaker. His first feature film, Last Chance Charlene, was screened at the Cinequest Film Fest April 2022. See more info <here>.
Tony loves storytelling and started a non-profit film organization, BRAVEMAKER, to support, celebrate and equip filmmakers, actors and brave storytellers of all kinds. They host monthly film screenings, panel discussions and an annual film fest in Redwood City, California as well as hosts a live Youtube show every Wednesday talking to makers all around the world.
Independent feature film producer Franco Sama is a proud member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and boasts a remarkable and extensive history in public speaking, public relations, and nearly two decades of independent film development, production and financing experience.
Sama has Executive Produced and/or produced an impressive array of over twenty-four (24) successful independent feature films including most notably, “Guns, Girls and Gambling” starring Gary Oldman, Christian Slater and Dane Cook which is now a cult favorite; this film acquired a distribution deal from Universal Home Entertainment.
Other films Sama has produced include; “Black Limousine” starring David Arquette and Vivica Fox, “Tooth and Nail” starring Michael Madsen and Vinnie Jones, and "Paid" starring Corbin Bernsen. Sama also serves as Executive Producer on the film festival darling “Petunia” starring Thora Birch, Brittany Snow, and Academy Award winner Christine Lahti.
Aspiring screenwriters gain advice and insight into the importance of producing one's own work. Franco provides a glimpse into his current projects and future plans emphasizing the value of partnerships in filmmaking.
The conversation expands beyond filmmaking to discuss networking and building connections in the film industry. Franco's journey into the film industry serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.
Tune in to this episode for an insider's perspective on indie film alchemy, from script to screen, and discover the keys to success in the ever-evolving landscape of independent cinema.
samacofilms.com
You've seen him killin' it for 7 Seasons on Amazon's hit show Bosch and in emotionally powerful episodes on ABC's Grey's Anatomy. But there's more...he's also the #1 Acting Coach!
David Rocchio is an attorney, writer, filmmaker, founder, and director of Stowe Story Labs: a nonprofit dedicated to connecting screenwriters, filmmakers, and creative producers from around the world with seasoned industry professionals to develop skills, and projects, within a network of like-minded artists in a collaborative community.
Stowe Story Labs' ultimate goal is to get film and TV projects made and seen.
As a creator, David Rocchio conceived and co-produced The Gun Shop, an Emmy-nominated documentary that premiered primetime on the UK Channel 4’s Cutting Edge series and then played worldwide.
His award-winning short films have screened internationally and He has several feature and TV scripts, which have placed in top script competitions.
As a practicing attorney, he worked both as a litigator and served as legal counsel to Vermont’s Governor Howard Dean, M.D. He consults with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies on mission, internal culture, and complex problem-solving.
Founded in 2013, Stowe Story Labs is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit working with screenwriters and filmmakers to help develop skills and projects, with the ultimate goal of helping to get work made and seen.
They do this work through labs, retreats, ongoing mentoring, market experience, and long-form online writing programs.
VISIT: StoweStoryLabs.org