UPDATE:
If this is your first time checking in with Indie Film Tribe, welcome! As many of you know i’m in the process of getting my first feature film out into the world and
I am in the middle of deliverables for the film Elevate. I'm prepping for our next film festival. I am finishing writing my next feature script, I'm beginning prep on a short film that i’m super excited about but I miss my indie film tribe so I think for the next few weeks, let's just call these episodes mini spring/ summer sessions,
I'll be on every week, but just in bite size chunks, and I'll share my journey with you
Instead of waiting for it to end and then come back on. So instead of doing these epic 45 minutes episodes, in order to be more consistent, i’ll do mini episodes and today’s episode is all about film festivals and distribution for your first feature film!
So this episode is a bit of a departure from the Indie Film Tribe norm, but as an artist, I think you'll find this episode very interesting! Sourabh Kothari is an Indian man who grew up in China and spent most of his life here in the US. He has been a storyteller for some of the world’s largest brands, and his team was nominated for 2 Emmy awards when he was working in Silicon Valley at one of the world’s largest tech companies. Now he is the co-founder of IntentWave, where he’s building artificial intelligence that can sense emotions.
At his company Intent Wave they’re building artificial intelligence that can sense human emotions through wearables like your Apple Watch. This allows us to create digital empathy, because we can reflect back to each person their own personality. Their own natural emotional and behavioral patterns, their own decisions, and ultimately what’s causing their stress, their pain, and how to start making small behavioral changes to be happier and healthier.
To Learn More Please Visit: MindConferences.com
Actor, Writer_Producer Lita Lopez shares her journey to producing, writing and starring in her first film project, THE GOOD BALLOON.
The Good Balloon brings out of the darkness two debilitating struggles that almost all of us will face at some point in our lives, but very few really know how to talk about - GRIEF & Mental Illness.
When it hits your life, it can truly feel like you've been run down by a bus and all the light has gone out of the world. That's how our guest Lita Lopez was feeling on one dark day when this miracle story happened.
Please visit: https://www.seedandspark.com/fund/the-good-balloon#story
As you may or may not know I did end up taking a break from the podcast, you can hear about it Season 3 Ep #1, so this week’s episode was actually recorded a few months ago.
What ended up being such a surprise, when I pulled up the filmmakers website to prepare for this email, it was such a wonderful surprise to see that his film has picked up so much traction since the last time we spoke. It’s interesting because when I interviewed him, he and I were both pretty frustrated about our first feature film not being accepted into many/any film festivals.
He was struggling, I was struggling, and it’s so wonderful and fascinating to see how we both are now in a completely different place. Life is nuts, but this is such a lesson in having faith, patience and believing in your project.
#TheGodInsideMyEar
Allison Volk is an award-winning writer, film producer and actress. In 2017 she wrote, produced and acted in her second feature film, Deany Bean is Dead, a darkly comedic story about a woman who tries to win back her ex-boyfriend at his engagement party - without revealing that her boss' dead body is in the trunk of her car!
Allison has written and produced six short films and written several plays which have enjoyed production in Los Angeles and New York, one of which took the Denise Regan Wisenmeyer Award in 2010. In 2014 her first full-length play, Rite of Seymour, enjoyed production at the Son of Semele Ensemble in Los Angeles and her second full-length play, Sonnets, Songs & Sorry, Will's Been Dead 400 Years! premiered in 2016 as part of Shakespeare Orange County's summer season.
She is currently in pre-production for a short fantasy/drama called What Katie Did that will shoot in Colorado in August 2018. Her dark action comedy feature script Tiger Woman recently won Best Screenplay at the Utah Film Awards 2018.
Allison also co-founded The City Shakespeare Company in Santa Monica where she served as co-artistic director for three years and made her feature film debut in 2013 in the role of 'Jane' in Disney's The Lone Ranger.
I've brought back talented actor Becki Dennis from episode #8 ! In that episode she talked about being a plus size actor in Hollywood and shared her amazing journey from Boston to Los Angeles. check it out if you haven't, it's awesome!
One of the reasons I love bringing back guests is because you get to witness their progress as they move forward in their careers after hearing the "behind the scenes" interview on the podcast.
At the time of our last interview Becki had booked roles on THIS IS US, SPEECHLESS and a handful of other shows, and now about a year later, oh my gosh you guys, this woman is on fire!
I found this episode to be incredibly inspiring for oh so many reasons. Her work ethic is undeniable, her focus, positive mindset and kindness are traits that I find to be truly admirable.
Her short film Muted (on HBO) is about a black family struggling to draw in law enforcement and media attention to their missing daughter. Brandi Nicole Payne not only wrote it, she also stars in it alongside Chandra Wilson of Grey’s Anatomy, and Malcolm Jamaal Warner. An all star cast on her first self produced short film! And of course it’s an award winner. Watch it here now:
http://www.mutedthemovie.com/
Brandi is currently finishing up her time with the HBO Access Diversity screenwriting program and she is also getting ready to make her directorial debut!
Click Here for more info: http://www.alohashortfilm.com
What makes her even more inspiring is the fact that she is also an actor, a mother of three, a wife, and she even has a part time day job!
If you ever feel like you don’t have enough time or resources to bring your dreams into fruition, you may be inspired by this tremendous lady. No excuses!
In honor of Black History month, this week I thought it would be fitting to shine a light on an incredibly inspiring black filmmaker. This incredible woman is a powerhouse that is doing amazing things!
When we talk about history, we look to the past which is very important, but I am also interested in shining a spotlight on folks that I feel are making history or are on the brink of making history in big and in small ways.
The amazing lady that I had the pleasure of interviewing this week, is not only a talented filmmaker but the creator of the Make a Film Foundation, the Commercial Diversity Directors Program and so much more. I bring to you...Tamika Lamison!
In this episode we discuss everything from the state of black projects in Hollywood today, Creating your own content, Diversity and representation in film and the value of screenwriting and directing contests/programs.
Please feel free to share!
Intro Music:
Out of Order https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/out-of-order/285753599
Manifesting Your Mission in 2018
Welcome to Season 2 of the Indie Film Tribe podcast! I thought it would be super appropriate to bring back award winning actress, who is also the CEO and Founder of the New Hollywood to help get us set up for success in 2018!
She has been running a goal group for kick ass creators for over a decade and really knows her stuff. Listen now!
If you need help with setting your goals, check out Brianna's latest guide book MANIFESTING YOUR MISSION : CLICK HERE
Want to learn more about her non-profit The New Hollywood, CLICK HERE and TAKE THE PLEDGE!