Hearthside Salons with PageCraftWriting

Joan Burney - MBE, Producer, CEO - Peace Through the Audacity of Creativity

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:53:32 -0700

Growing up in Northern Ireland, the Troubles were part of Joan Burney’s world. Having sparked a career at the BBC in London, Joan wondered how she could give back, how she could bring people from opposite sides together. Her work with Cinemagic has had an international impact. We’ll talk about the power of film to bring people together and the value of being braver sooner.

We talk about Cinemagic (obviously) BAFTA, The Good Friday Agreement, The Troubles, Watts, California, and Made in Her Image. Just a few stars who are involved with Cinemagic include Julian Fellowes, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, and Saoirse Ronan.

As always, more information on PageCraft script consulting services, online workshops and more is here.

Emma Ferreira - Visual Artist - The Beauty of Audacity

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 03:11:52 -0700

Visual artist Emma Ferreira has always been a traveller. Born in a small town in England, her wanderlust and a curiosity about perception and manifesting goals fueled a layered approach to her art and brought her to LA. The threads of freedom, choice, and desire run through her work which is now coveted by notable private and celebrity collectors. We’ll talk about the fearless pursuit of creativity and the possibility of marrying joy and work.

See more of Emma's work discussed including her collections TROMI, Kiss of the Gypsy, and more.

Find her on Instagram at @therealityofmyillusion

As always, more information on our screenwriting retreats, coaching, and online courses is here.

Ghizal Hasan - Writer, Sportscaster - Eye on the Curveball

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:54:14 -0700

What do philosophy and comedy have to do with baseball? For writer Ghizal Hasan, they’re links on his circuitous path to becoming a popular a play-by-play sports caster. We’ll talk about being a first-generation American, the importance of college radio, wonder if Greta Gerwig is a fan of Tiger Trap.

For more from Ghizal, visit his site: ghizalhasan.com

Twitter & Insta: @GhizalHasan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBroadcastersTale

We talk about so many things from Wildwood, New Jersey, to our formative years at KUCI. Influences like UCLA's Linda Voorhees, Spike Lee's film diary of Malcolm X, David Chase and the Sopranos, TV legend James Garner, the amazing TedxTalk by Bomani Jones on the freedom of structure, Supernaut - the Nine Inch Nails song I should have played that time, the great Lew Hunter and our episode with his collaborator Meg Gifford, indie legends Tiger Trap, and some helpful thoughts for screenwriters on the importance of transitions.

As always, more info on our screenwriting workshops and services is here.

Carla Renata - Actress, Singer, The Curvy Critic - Listen For What's Good

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:45:22 -0700

Carla Renata grew up with a passion for the stage and voice to match that landed her on Broadway with the likes of Queen and Matthew Broderick. She parlayed her insider understanding of story and her love of movies into a second career as The Curvy Critic. We talk about critiquing film, changing minds in the room, and the importance of inclusion in what stories are being told now.

You can find Carla @thecurvycritic and on her website.

We talk about her custom signage from Etched on Wood, director Julie Taymor and the Lion King, Queen, Turner Classic Movies, the film Miss Juneteenth, the novel Americanah, Bobby Cannavale, Nicole Beharie, the film Farewell Amor by Ekwa Msangi.

We also reference Carla's work on Roger Ebert's site, earlier Hearthside episodes with writer Liz Hara and with director Wanjiru Njendu,

And this LA Times article she's part of on inclusion and diversity in the world of film criticism.

As always, more on our screenwriting workshops and writing support is here.

Clarissa Jacobson - Writer, Producer - Short Film Strategy

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:00:27 -0700

Figuring out the craft of filmmaking is a lot. Figuring out how to take the thing you poured your heart and soul into and get it out to an adoring public can be even harder. For filmmaker Clarissa Jacobson, a successful festival run gave her an idea: write a book about everything she learned to make it easier for others. We about film festival strategy, dealing with rejection, and importance of kindness.

Find more Clarissa at:

Instagram: @lunchladiesmove @rebelminx_

Facebook: @lunchladiesmovie

Twitter: @lunchladiesfilm @RebelMinx_

Pinterest: @lunchladiesmovie

Things we talk about include our love of Duran Duran, the amazing show Hacks, wisdom shared (in earlier Hearthside episodes) by distributor Lindsay Lanzillotta, and festival programmer Drea Clark.

As always, you can find out more about our screenwriting workshops, retreats, and support here.

Asdru Sierra - Musician, Composer, Ambassador - Ozomatli

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 08:00:25 -0700

The grandson of a renowned bolero and mambo vocalist from Tabasco, Mexico, Asdru grew up in LA with music in his veins. His pursuit of Jazz and world music has lead to amazing pieces that get to the heart, address social justice issues, and get folks up on the dance floor. It’s also led to Grammys, being a cultural ambassador for the US State Department and performing for the Obamas. We talk about his creative journey and the stories he conveys through music.

Some of Asdru's musical touchstones we talk about include Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and Green Haze, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Charlie Haden, and Santana.

In entertainment we talk about Drew Barrymore's Never Been Kissed, Yo Gabba Gabba, the Fantasy Island reboot, and NPR.

Asdru's projects include Ozomatli (obviously), Abstrakto with Balthazar Getty, Trio Retro, and his own stuff including those T-shirts we mention.

We talk about the story class we met in (again) by Lynn Ferguson and her own Hearthside Salon's episode. My story there.

You can find Asdru on Twitter and Instagram.

As always, you can find out more about PageCraft's screenwriting workshops and coaching here.

Samantha Pestana-Markey - Filmmaker, Costume Designer - "I'm [Not] OK"

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 11:22:30 -0700

Filmmaker Samantha Pestana-Markey grew up with a passion for texture and story. As a queer storyteller, they're driven to share a different point of view from the heteronormative stories dominating the airwaves. Their autobiographical/fiction short film, I’m [Not] OK, deals with the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as first love between two queer high schoolers. They also share about how their work in costume design fills in story and about getting to work with the likes of Bruce Campbell.

Note: there are unbleeped swear words in this episode.

Find Samantha on Social Media:

Instagram: @documenting_samantha

Instagram for the film: @imnotokayfilm

FB for the film: @imnotokaymovie

twitter:

@Samantha Markey

@imnotokayfilm

The film's trailer.

And things we talk about including films they've designed for: Black Friday, with Bruce Campbell, and The Mothership, with Halle Berry.

And other stuff we like: My Chemical Romance which inspired their film's title, and of course the chance to impress Sir Patrick Stewart.

As always, you can find more on our PageCraft screenwriting workshops and community here.

Lynn Ferguson - Storyteller, Writer - The Story Is The Connection

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 10:09:10 -0700

Since there have been humans living together in groups there has been story. It’s how we understand the world around us and our place in it. Most importantly, according to Lynn Ferguson, it’s how we connect. As a writer and long-time story coach, Lynn is an expert in making our stories resonate with those who hear them. As an actor and hilarious force of nature, she’s accumulated her fair share of Hollywood tales. We’ll talk BBC, Chicken Run, and how to survive and thrive as a Scot in LA shepherding storytellers.

A note to listeners, there are unbeeped swear words in this episode.

You can find more about Lynn's classes at You Tell Yours.

More about Lynn herself here and here.

Her illustrious twitter @lynnfergy.

We talk about Sam Shaber's IVFU podcast as well as my own live story telling event thanks to Lynn's coaching.

Katy Haber - Film Executive - Real Riches: Not Your Average Charity Work

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 09:32:45 -0700

It’s hard to know where to begin when talking about a legend. Or to a legend. British production executive Katy Haber has an MBE from the Queen; she’s a founding member of BAFTA; she worked with Sam Peckinpah on eight of his films; and she was instrumental in a little film called Blade Runner. Not enough? Her family fled the Nazis, and in the middle of great success here in LA, Katy took a left turn in her career and became the Executive Director of an innovative homeless shelter on Skid Row, called The Dome Village, creating some amazing charity and outreach programs including The Compton Cricket Club. Her life deserves a movie of its own. I talk with her about life, movies, and real family.

In our third conversation, Katy talks about the non-profit work that became her passion, using her good fortune to help others.

We talk about the LA Riots, The Dome Village, Cricket, Ted Hayes, BAFTA, Cricket Outta Compton, Katy's ted Talk, the Compton Cricket Club, and InnerCity Shakespeare.

As always, more on PageCraft's screenwriting workshops is here.

Katy Haber - Film Executive - Saving Bladerunner and Other Stories From a Life in Film

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 09:18:31 -0700

Katy and I touch on many figures and films from her career including Sam Pekinpah, Straw Dogs, Prudence and the Pill, Blade Runner, Ridley Scott, Wimbledon, Michael Cimino, The Deer Hunter, The Sicilian, Gore Vidal, Mario Puzo, Steve McQueen, Ali McGraw, Philip K Dick, The Kid Stays in the Picture, Robert Evans, and the Chateau Marmont.

The article about her saving Blade Runner.

And as always, more information about PageCraft Screenwriting workshops and services is here.

Katy Haber - Film Executive - Finding Family Roots Buried by WW2

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:55:43 -0700

For the first of our three conversations, we focus on her family history.

We talk about Theresienstadt, Prague, The Pinkas Museum, and the children's opera Brundibar.

As always, more in PageCraft Screenwriting workshops is here.

Liberty Worth - Textile Designer/Artist - Story Threads: Holding Space for Grief

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 12:33:57 -0700

When words fail, images and colors can reach our hearts like nothing else. Images we can wrap around us can be just the comfort our aching hearts need. As fiber artist Liberty Worth says, “Textiles have an amazing ability to hold memory.” Part of her creative output is the work she does with families to create stunning memory quilts from the clothes of a lost loved one. While we reel from a pandemic, Liberty works to help us grieve our losses. We talk about the power of family, story, and using your talents for good.

Please check out Liberty's work here. Her Insta is @libertyworthart.

We talk about Silver Spoons, the film Tree of Life, the art of Silvia Gallini, and her Hearthside Salon episode.

As always, info and registration for our screenwriting workshop and coaching is at PageCraftWriting.

Leslie Carrara-Rudolph - Writer, Puppeteer, Abby Cadabby - Creating Magic in Character and Story

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:44:25 -0700

Do you ever watch a kid reacting to life with joy and think, man, I wish I could still be moved like that. Some creators never lose their wonder in looking at the world. Some of those people become puppeteers. I talk with Leslie Carrara-Rudolph - AKA Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby, who says that if you believe enough in your stuff, you suck people into your world.

We talk about Leslie's inspirations and mentors including Carol Burnett and the curtains sketch, Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori who got a Tony for Fun Home, Chuck McCann, Paula Pell and Parallel Lives, and Stephen Adly Guirgis.

We talk about fellow puppeteer and writer Liz Hara's Hearthside episode. And other things we recommend including the book Lies My Teacher Told Me and Ta-Nehisi Coates' The Case For Reparations among others in anti-racism work.

Robin Russin - Writer, Professor - The Reinvention of the Modern Writer

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:01:33 -0700

In this most unpredictable of industries, success often doesn’t look the way we think it will. To make it as a screenwriter, you have to be in it for the long haul. Screenwriter and professor Robin Russin talks about his path from America’s Most Wanted, through Steven Seagal and University of California, to finally directing his own features.

Robin and I talk about colleagues and mentors like Syd Field, Lew Hunter, Hal Ackerman, Richard Walter, Linda Vorhees.

We mention Meg Gifford's episode talking about Lew Hunter's new book. Bo Burnham's Eighth Grade, andindustr Final Draft.

And Robin's work including his book, his film 2 Hearts, and his film When I Sing.

As always, more info on PageCraft screenwriting workshops, feedback, and retreats is here.

Jessica Burgess, JT Schindler - Filmmakers - Fatima: women's stories/male gaze

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:55:13 -0700

For some the pandemic has been a time of creative output and inspiration. But for indie filmmakers, all the usual obstacles remain and then some. Producers Jessica Burgess and JT Schindler talk with us about their short film, Fatima, which tells the tale of an ancient warrior who leaves her village to seek a life of freedom in the desert. As they dig into fundraising and get set to shoot, we’ll talk about how indie film production looks now.

Fatima's Seed&Spark campaign, Fatima's Instagram is @fatimaofthedesert, Fatima's Facebook page, and Fatima's twitter is @forbiddenfatima.

We talk about Brackish DJ, From the Heart Productions, our earlier HS episode with distributor Lindsay Lanzillotta, and Supposable Production's short film Washed Away.

As always, more information on PageCraft's script workshops, coaching, feedback, and retreats is here.

Suzanne Lyons - Indie Producer/Author/Instructor - The Craft of Low Budget Filmmaking (pt 2)

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:30:31 -0700

Part two of our conversation with Suzanne. We open up to audience questions and Suzanne does deep coaching dives on finding mentors, leveling the playing field, creating your 25 year film business plan, and finding investors.

As always, more information about PageCraft's script feedback, coaching, and workshops is here.

Suzanne Lyons - Indie Producer/Author/Instructor - The Craft of Low Budget Filmmaking (pt 1)

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 11:58:30 -0700

Chain of title

suzanne’s book

In 1999 Suzanne Lyons launched her production company, Snowfall Films. Since then she’s produced features with names like Naomi Watts, Christopher Walken, and Wynona Ryder, she’s won BAFTAs, gotten major festival love, and distributed through biggies like Screengems and Lionsgate. She decided to codify what she knew into a course and a book and has been helping indie filmmakers build their craft ever since. We’ll talk about the art and craft and business of low budget filmmaking.

We talk about several books Suzanne recommends including: Jack Canfield's The Success Principles, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull.

We talk about legal contract expert Mark Litwak and filmmaker David Valdez and Clint Eastwood's Malpaso Films.

As always, more information about PageCraft's script feedback, coaching, and workshops is here.

Nicholas Griffin - Screenwriter, Instructor - Breaking In: The Truth of Hollywood Success

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:06:53 -0700

Screenwriting success is not a static thing. It’s something that has to keep happening in many different ways. Screenwriter Nicholas Griffin broke out early with his script, Matchstick Men, written with his brother Ted. The film was directed by Ridley Scott and stared Nicholas Cage. He and Ted went on to write the FX drama, Terriers, and Nick has worked with most of the major studios in town. He’s also taught graduate level screenwriting at UCLA. We’ll talk about the strange, circuitous routes to screenwriting success, script doctoring, and how to keep your wits in studio notes meeting.

We talk about filmmaker folks like R ichard LaGravanese, Robert Zemeckis, Ridley Scott, Nicholas Cage, and William Goldman. We talk about Nick's projects including Matchstick Men, and Terriers.

As always, more information about PageCraft's screenwriting workshops and coaching is here.

Lindsay Lanzillotta - Producer, Distributor - Indie Film & Cracking the Distribution Nut

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:06:29 -0700

For indie filmmakers, nothing is more heartbreaking than pouring your soul into a film that no one sees. Producer Lindsay Lanzilotta has worked on films that made it to Sundance, garnered Film Independent noms, and opened SXSW. She knows how much work it takes. Now, She’s working on a new avenue to help filmmakers reach audiences. We’ll talk about indie film producing and cracking the distribution nut.

We talk about Lindsay's films The Vicious Kind, and The Invitation. Her work with The Film Arcade, and Carousel. Films like The Peanut Butter Falcon, filmmakers like Karyn Kusama, and Naomi McDougall Jones self-distribution strategy for her film, Bite Me. We also talk about previous Hearthside Salon episodes with festival programmer Drea Clark and with archeologist Sarah Yeomans and historian Rob Latimer on the future of story post-pandemic.

As always, more information on our workshops and services is at PageCraftWriting.com.

Christina Kotlar - Writer/Director - Film Town 1910: When Hollywood was in Jersey and the studio owner was a woman

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:01:12 -0700

Hollywood didn’t start out as a boy’s club, nor did it start in Hollywood. Alice Guy Blache was the industry’s first woman director and the co-owner of Solax, a film studio built in Fort Lee, New Jersey in 1910. Writer/Director Christina Kotlar has been celebrating Alice and working to bring her forgotten story to the world. We’ll talk about Alice’s groundbreaking life and career before there were barriers to inclusion, including directing the first film with an all African American cast.

More on Christina and her work. More on Alice. We talk about filmmaker Pamela Green and the Alice documentary Be Natural. Filmmaker Marquise Lepage and her film The Lost Garden. More on Fort Lee where it all happened. Alice's memoir. Her 1896 film The Cabbage Fairy. Alison's McMann's book The Lost Visionary. Alice's legacy in female filmmakers like Maya Deren and her 1943 film Meshes of the Afternoon. Suffragist Alice Paul. Trainee and later rival, Edison. And Alice's final resting place. We also mention the very first episode of Hearthside Salons featuring Emmy winning puppeteer, Liz Hara.

And as always, more information on PageCraft's upcoming screenwriting classes and workshops.

Drea Clark - Producer, Festival Programmer - Laurels: Pursuing Festival Success

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 12:19:11 -0700

Trying to figure out how to wow the powers that be and get past the Hollywood gatekeepers is a full-time job. One way for your film to fly is to impress Drea Clark. Former teacher of music video production at USC, Drea has curated for film festivals like Slamdance, Sundance, LA Film Fest, and Geena Davis’ Bentonville Film Festival. She produces too so she knows firsthand what it takes from both sides. We’ll talk about what she looks for, what makes for a great festival run, and what makes a film a winner.

Here's lots more info on Drea, her IMDB, Film Independent, and her Instagram. Here's more on her films: The Last Time You Had Fun, Lake Los Angeles. Her festival work includes Slamdance, Sundance, LA Film Fest, and Geena Davis' Bentonville Film Festival.

We talk about filmmaker Maggie Kylie, Clarissa Jacobson's Book on navigating film festivals, resources like Film Freeway, PageCraft's Writer's Lunch, and a previous Hearthside Salon episode about what art might come out of this pandemic.

And of course more info on our screenwriting workshops and coaching.

Sarah Moshman - Documentarian, Author - Empowered Filmmaking

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:25:37 -0700

Emmy-winning documentarian, Sarah Moshman, is drawn to stories of women overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We’ll talk about her three docs: The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things, Losing Sight of Shore about four women rowing to Australia, and Nevertheless following seven people grappling with sexual harassment claims in work or school. We’ll also talk about what’s next for her and how her new book, Empowered Filmmaking: How to Make a Documentary on Your Own Terms, can help with what’s next for you.

Sarah and I talk about:

Jackson Katz' TedTalk on languaging and violence against women. Rashad Beal and Peace Over Violence. Fiona Tatten and Womenthology. Film resources like IndieFlix and GirltalkHQ. And of course, Sarah's films Losing Sight of Shore, The Empowerment Project, Nevertheless, her MovieMaker Magazine article on directing Losing Sight of Shore, and her great new book: Empowered Filmmaking.

Rebecca Field - Actor - A Star is Made: Just Do the Work

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:34:14 -0700

When Rebecca Field left her small town in the Berkshires for Hollywood, she knew one thing: she was going to be an actor no matter what. After more than a decade of working steadily in your favorite films and shows, she worked opposite Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born. NBD. Just another job on the track of a woman focused on her goal. We’ll talk balance, craft, and stardom.

Rebecca's resume.

We talk about Janis Joplin and many films and movies including (many Rebecca has acted on, some we just like) All Rise, Unbelievable, A Star Is Born, Shrill, Dietland, Ozark, Downton Abbey, Succession, Schitt's Creek, The Boys, Cobra Kai, Umbrella Academy, Lovecraft Country and its very handy episode syllabus.

As always, information on our screenwriting workshops and coaching is here.

Sara Nesson - Oscar-Nominated Writer/Director/Producer - PosterGirl Persistence

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:19:41 -0700

Filmmaker Sara Nesson knows something about succeeding in a man’s world. Her recent documentary Women Who Score covers 20 female composers in changing Hollywood. Her documentary Poster Girl about the first female gunner in the Iraq war, garnered her Oscar and Emmy nominations. Her quest to bring the story to the screen as a narrative feature continues to be a roller-coaster. We’ll talk about representation and what it means to be a woman who persists.

Watch Sara's new music video and get more info on all her work.

Watch Sara's documentary on Combat Paper: Iraq Paper Scissors

and her documentary Poster Girl

and her documentary for Women Who Score

We talk about programs for writers including Virtual Pitch Fest and International Screenwriting Association

We also talk about the film We Live in Public, my short film Washed Away, and my upcoming short documentary Arrow: The Stolen Life of an American Heritage Mustang.

We reference previous Hearthside Salon episodes with writer Meg Gifford and composer Jeff Rona.

As always, information on our upcoming screenwriting workshops and coaching are here.

Voices of Persistence: Filmmakers Behind Films on Inez Milholland and the American Suffrage Movement

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 15:20:00 -0700

In 1916 suffragist Inez Milholland went up against President Woodrow Wilson who, like many men of the time, saw the possibility of women voting as a threat. With one of the most important voting days in our lifetime right around the corner, I talk with filmmakers who’ve made both narrative and documentary films about Inez and her fight to make sure every American has the right to vote. Join me, Amy Walker, Jessica Graham, and Martha Wheelock.

More on the symbols of the suffrage movement including the 19th Amendment ratification flag.

More on Inez and her biography Amy mentions. And her fellow women's rights warrior Alice Paul.

And more resources at the National Women's History Alliance.

The radical tea towel company Martha loves.

Bob Cooney's book on Winning the Vote.

Martha's film on Inez, Amy and Jessica's film.

Martha's earlier Votes for Women film

Jeff Rona - Composer - Storytelling in Music: the Art and Tech of a Film Score

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 07:38:47 -0700

Composer Jeff Rona has always been curious about what moves people. His curiosity served him well. He’s got a list of film, TV, and video game credits a mile long. He’s scored projects for names like Spielberg, Altman, Soderbergh. He composed music for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. Heavily involved in music technology his innovations have touched your life if ways you don’t know. We’ll talk about the intersection of creativity and technology and how music creates emotion.

Jeff and I talk about Lisa Gerrard and Dead Can Dance. More specifically in the Gladiator score.

The power of the music in Hitchcock's Psycho to influence the film's rating.

Jeff's score for my short film, Washed Away.

And all of Jeff's music including his solo projects and new album, Protector.

As always, information on upcoming PageCraft classes and script coaching is here.

Lauren Over - Visual Artist - Taking the Commercial into the Fantastical

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:20:05 -0700

Visual artist and illustrator Lauren Over has always been interested in synchronicity, connection, and in the Rorschach-test-like effect an image can have on a viewer. Working steadily on movie posters and commercial client work, she’s mixed pen and ink and watercolor to produce an astro-botanical deck of tarot cards that reinterpret traditional symbology with birds, animals, traditional herb use, and historical figures. We'll talk about finding a path with art.

We talk about the Myers Briggs test, Enola Holmes, and the Language of Flowers. She designed movie posters for Can You Dig This, and the upcoming Good Vibrations. We also talk about previous Hearthside Salon with Sesame Street Puppeteer Liz Hara.

Lauren's art is here, and her new tarot deck is here.

As always, more on PageCraft screenwriting courses and coaching is here.

Meg Gifford - Writer, Chemistry Professor - The Scientific and Creative Mind (working with Lew Hunter)

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 12:05:01 -0700

It’s usual for a writer to have another gig. Writer Meg Gifford unusual in that her other gig is: chemistry professor. She’s skilled at understanding how things come together and what causes reactions. She worked with legendary UCLA screenwriting teacher Lew Hunter on his new book. We’ll talk about the art and science of screenwriting.

More on Lew's new book: Naked Screenwriting

And to order it.

His screenwriting classic: 434

Meg and I talk about how kids who lie are more creative, shows like Barry, and my talk with writer Peres Owino.

I also talk about recommending writers break down a show or film they love to come up with a template for their own script.

As always, upcoming Pagecraft courses and services can be found here.

Peres Owino -Writer, Actor, Director, Producer - Now the Lions Write the Story of the Hunt

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 11:28:45 -0700

Born in Kenya, Peres Owino is a storyteller of two cultures. From a script she co-wrote being produced by Taraji P Henson and being nominated for an NAACP image award to her International Screenwriting Association Fast Track Fellowship for another script, Peres’ work focuses powerfully on the experience of the African Diaspora. She’s proven she’s an artist with something to say and the means to say it. We’ll talk about what inspires her and what she’s saying next.

Peres and I talk about Wanjiru Njendu's film, Boxed, in which she acts.

Her film Bound

Here's her full credits to date

We also discuss game changing content from the perspective of underdogs, outsiders, or previously discounted points of view:

and Parasite

Zaki Rubenstein - Writer/Director/Actor - Turning Real Life into Screen Gold

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 07:39:51 -0700

Zaki Rubenstein is a director in television. Her creativity, knack for story, and imaginative approach has kept her in steady employment on true crime shows for years. Since the pandemic shut down production, she’s turned back to writing and is flexing her comedy chops to look at the absurdity of life, love, and family. We’ll talk about how she got here and what inspires her now.

Watch Zaki's reel

Watch her movie The Concessionaires Must Die

Other movies and series we talk about include Wild Wild Country, The Vow, The Commune Movie, and the podcast Undiscovered

The creators of comedy series No Actor Parking on making Hollywood work for you

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:11:08 -0700

Three actors waiting tables in Hollywood. You know the story: finding work is hard. Breaking in is hard. So they say they’ll make their own luck. A lot of people say that. But then they actually do it. I talk with the creators of the new pilot No Actor Parking on how they pulled it off and what comes next.

Here's more about their show

More about the guys: Tom Albanese, Francisco Froes, and Tiago Felizardo.

Their guest star Joachim de Almieda

Clips discussed including a glimpse of the seagull and Sam's dilemma. (*note clip contains adult language)

The WeHo Bistro

Josh Greenberg - Writer - Tales from the Writers Room

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:40:41 -0700

Writer Josh Greenberg was always the funniest guy in the room. I know, I was there. He grew up in Northern California, moved to LA, and parlayed his observational skills into a consistent, growing writing career, being staffed on multiple network shows. We’ll talk about what it takes to be a comedy writer and what’s next for Hollywood after quarantine.

Josh and I talk about comedy favorites like:

The Clue Movie

What We Do In the Shadows

French Kiss

Schitt's Creek

Anything from Christopher Guest

And Airplane

Then there's Alex Trebek saying "Genre"

Billy Joel

and making fun of the absurd lyrics of Piano Man

And our own Demystifying the Writers Room workshop with Emmy winner Liz Hara.

Wanjiru Njendu - Writer, Director, 2020 Academy Member - What do you stand for? Risk and reward in filmmaking.

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:13:24 -0700

Wanjiru Njendu is a story teller by nature and a filmmaker who takes a stand. She grew up in Kenya where her documentary was used to provide evidence against the British Government by the MAU MAU colonial war survivors. Her latest short, BOXED, tells the true story of an enslaved African American who mailed himself to freedom in 1849. And this is just a part of what earned Wanjiru membership in the 2020 class of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. We’ll talk about film, race, and responsibility and risk in storytelling.

Wanjiru's film Boxed

Her production company

And her IMDB

Tricia Nelson - Writer - Black Films Matter: Essential Viewing

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:53:19 -0700

Writer Tricia Nelson knows there are more black stories that need to be told than narratives of suffering or criminality. She’s written several pieces offering both classic and current black stories that you may have missed, or should watch again. We’ll talk about the importance of representation, the issue of the Magical Negro, and what makes a worthwhile love story.

Tricia's pieces on Medium are:

Justice Then Poetic Justice

and

The Watch List Part Deux

Ellen Gerstein - Actor/Writer - How to claim your inner artist without exploding

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 13:23:45 -0700

Ellen Gerstein is everyone’s aunt. She’s played supporting characters in many of your favorite things. She startled her family by coming to acting later in life and going against the grain. As a student in Georgia in the 60s she also dealt with anti-semitism and helped form Georgia Students for Human Rights, a Black and white student alliance to address the racism she saw there. We’ll talk about creating your life by imagining a more perfect world.

Check out Ellen's formidable IMDB resume

Learn more about her film work with neuro-atypical folks in Waiting for Ronald

And if you haven't seen it, check out the excellent film Warrior which we discuss as one of very few examples of a dual-protagonist film.

Paul Goodenough - Writer/Producer/Eco-entrepreneur - Freaks, Heroes, and Futureshift

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:03:49 -0700

Paul’s life is driven by “projects of worth.” This double Emmy-nominated writer and producer delivers projects for things like BBC, Channel 4, Nickelodeon but he’s also a passionate comic book collector and creator with The Chimeran, featuring a future where humanity's mass-production needs are served by a purpose bred race. Now he’s helping save the world with a green new initiative poised for a major shift in storytelling and engagement.

Paul and I talk about:

The World Land Trust

Ecobricking

Extinction Rebellion

The concept of Rewilding land both in Europe and in the UK in particular with Knepp Estate (see for yourself at Knepp Safaris with Charlie and Isabella)

The viral Little Mo comic

Paul's company Aerian

Boyans Slat and Ocean Cleanup

And of course, Eastenders

Monia Ayachi - Actor/Director/Producer/Singer/Songwriter - Between worlds, the artist belongs to all worlds

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 18:45:43 -0700

Monia Ayachi understands being between worlds. This Belgian-Tunisian actress, singer, writer grew up in Brussels working in English, Dutch, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. She moved to LA chasing a dream like so many of us, and landed recurring roles on Days of our Lives and General Hospital. She’s best known as Anais Fontaine in Wolfenstein Youngblood. Her work as a writer/director challenges cultural, religious, gender, and generational stereotypes and invites us to open our eyes.

For more on Monia's work, you can visit her site, Her IMDB, or her Vimeo.

She's on Instagram @moniaayachi

Articles on her include two on Wolfenstein Youngblood, (the second one) and a Voyage LA profile.

Here's more on Wolfenstein Youngblood

Here's more on her films: Ignofear and For the Love of Hate

And here's how we met: some music videos. She's a bad ass ringleader who won't take her friend's acceptance of abuse, she's an intergalactic explorer, and she's a Victorian lady in a difficult relationship.

Michael Mack - Writer, Actor, Director - Euripides, Cervantes, Jim Crow

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 07:57:37 -0700

Beside breaking boundaries as the first black Romulan in Star Trek history, Michael Mack led a life of service and craft. From a family with preacher roots, Michael grew up ministering to the less fortunate. When he returned to the DC area he became renowned for his work with at-risk youth in communities of color. His method was using theatre training to allow kids access to speak their truths. He talks about theatre from the ancient Greeks onward as social policy and how many historical atrocities were not based in difference but in sameness. He shares how the Man of La Mancha unlocks the central truth: the way forward is not to think of life as it is but life as it should be.

Michael discusses Septimius Severus, the first African senator in Rome, in this "family portrait"

Michael discusses the film Becket as an example of the Saxons versus the Normans

Michael recommends the book Racism: A Short History

We discuss his favorite teaching tool: Don Quixote/The Man Of La Mancha, book and film

Michael's film about MLK: The Drum Major

The influence of the Roots miniseries

Trisha Nelson's Black stories essential viewing lists articles one and two

Durga McBroom - Singer, Songwriter - Pandemic, Riots, and Murder Hornets - The perfect cradle for creativity

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:05:31 -0700

Singer Songwriter and Actress Durga McBroom has performed backing vocals for Pink Floyd and is a member of the house music band Blue Pearl, best known for their hit single "Naked in the Rain". She’s also a badass and activist who speaks out against racism around the world. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Durga finds this unrest a good time to be a passionate creative. She talks about her formation as an artist and how encountering racism at a young age pushed her toward a different path.

A note to listeners: this episode contains adult language and themes.

Durga and I met when I was directing her for this music video in the desert.

In educating ourselves on race in America, Durga recommends the documentary, Lalee's Kin,

the book White Fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism

the article Black Crime Rates When the Numbers Aren't Neutral

the Ava Duvernay documentary 13th.

I recommend The Case For Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Nagin Cox - Mars Exploration Engineer - Mars Needs Women

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:12:04 -0700

When Nagin Cox was born in Bangalore, India she couldn’t have imagined she’d one day have an asteroid named after her. This space-obsessed kid grew up in Kansas City, and Kuala Lumpur. Her experiences as a girl in a multicultural household showed her how easily we separate ourselves based on gender, race, or nationality, and inspired her to do something that brings people together. Now as a Tactical Mission Lead on the Mars Curiosity Rover, international and TedTalk speaker, Nagin loves to share the wonders of space with the world.

There are a lot of ways you can get involved with space:

JPL

The Mars Lander Program

You can follow Nagin's work on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter

You can check out her TedxTalk: What Time Is It On Mars?

Find inspiration with Carl Sagan's Cosmos, or Star Trek, or Chesley Bonestell

Learn more about Nagin's favorite organization: Human Rights Watch

Learn more about the self defense training where Nagin and I met

Michael Mack - Writer, Actor, Director - Boldly going where no (black) man has gone before: Star Trek, spirituality, creativity

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:48:10 -0700

As we cope with a pandemic and wrestle with national and global unrest following the murder to George Floyd, actor and writer Michael Mack and I sat down to search for a little light. As the first Black Romulan in Star Trek history, Michael is a trailblazer and he’s part of a show that’s a cultural touchstone for so many of us. A show that, from its inception, dealt with racial issues in America through the metaphor of SciFi.

Michael asserts that success isn’t about what you can get. You have to decide: what’s your contribution to the craft, and to the world. and then live with faith in that. In this peculiar and painful moment in American history, Michael starts by drawing parallels with now and the Civil Rights marches of 1968.

Conversation and Q&A has been edited for time and clarity.

We obviously talk a lot about Star Trek: The Next Generation

And Michael's episode: The Pegasus

His mentors Jeri Taylor, Brannon Braga, Ron D Moore

Working with LeVar Burton

And someday, taking over for James Earl Jones as Darth Vader.

On an early mentor's advice, he entered The Nicholl. He attributes part of his early success to doing well there.

And he recommends the documentary What We Left Behind regarding the African American experience in Star Trek.

We also touch on the seminal nuclear power movie: The China Syndrome

Rob Latimer - Mental Performance Consultant - Hunter, Gatherer, Accountant, Nurse: the psychology of stress and mental performance in the modern world

Fri, 29 May 2020 11:35:51 -0700

As we collectively face a global pandemic, many people are experiencing extremely high levels of chronic stress in their lives brought about by uncertainty and change. Even under normal circumstances, our response to stress often prevents us from performing at our best. But since stress is such a universal part of the human experience, why is that the case? The short answer is because the way we respond to stress is suited for a very different type of stress than we usually face in the modern world. Join us as Rob Latimer, discusses the historical, biological, and psychological dimensions of the human stress response and provides practical instruction on several different techniques we can use to reduce and manage its negative effects.

We talk about Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

We also talk about Valerie Hager's thoughts about empathy for strangers.

And Heidi Harris' thoughts on communication and conflict

You can improve your own performance working with Rob

and follow his photography too.

Heidi Harris - Applied Behavioral Science Expert - The Emotionality of Polarization

Tue, 26 May 2020 08:27:36 -0700

How do we get through this when we’re all so angry and sure we’re right? What’s coming next?

The ability to create understanding between people is crucial for relationships. It's especially important in today's heightened environment of polarization. Our emotional reactions can lead to defensiveness, anger, and divisiveness, or to deeper human connectedness, dialogue, and collaboration. The choice is ours. Heidi provides insights and tools for coming out of this with relationships intact.

Conversation and Q&A has been edited for time and clarity

Heidi and I talk about her formative understanding of others at French Camp.

We talk about principles covered by Patrick Lencioni in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

We also talk about Chris Argyris' Ladder Of Inference and how it shapes our reactions.

And the Awareness Wheel as a tool to foster communication.

And her mentor Russ Hamilton.

Molly Sweeney - Author, Political Scientist - The Black Flag of ISIS: Living Within the World’s Best Organized Terrorist State

Sun, 24 May 2020 19:14:52 -0700

Molly Sweeney is a researcher and author who specializes in the Middle East. Her upcoming non-fiction book, You Must Understand, tells the story of the Islamic State through the eyes of civilians in Iraq and Syria. History and culture sections frame the narratives of the interviews of those most impacted by ISIS. Analyzing the socio-political factors that led to the emergence and proliferation of the Islamic State, Ms. Sweeney invites readers into a nuanced understanding of stories of resilience, courage, and heartbreak.

Conversation and Q&A has been edited for time and clarity.

Paul Whitehead - Playing with Perceptions: The Art of Creating Identity

Wed, 13 May 2020 07:23:36 -0700

The artist Paul Whitehead came of age in Swinging Sixties Britain and was on the front lines of massive cultural shifts. He’s the founding art director of Time Out London and is known for creating album covers for the band Genesis. Never comfortable being defined as just one thing, Paul developed an alter ego as the artist Tricia Van Cleef who creates works in a style all her own. Join us as we talk about gender, art, creative spirit, and playing with perceptions.

Conversation and Q&A has been edited for time and clarity.

A note to listeners: this conversation touches on sexuality and gender identity.

We talk about:

Paul's own art as well as Trisha's.

His film about Picasso and the ephemeral nature of art.

His album work with Genesis: Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot

The cover for Van der Graaf Generator's Pawn Hearts

The founding of Time Out London

And the Bhagavad Gita

Valerie Hager - Performer, story coach, former exotic dancer - Finding your fire and bringing your beast forward

Mon, 04 May 2020 17:56:00 -0700

My friend Valerie Hager reminds me that we go to the theater to be woken up and brought back to life. She would know. She’s an award-winning solo show performer and director who’s now a sought after solo show coach. She works through a unifying principle: bring your beast forward. Anything less won’t move an audience. Anything less isn’t real. She talks today about this need for story tellers to crack their hearts open, and the value of radical empathy. She’s learned a lot about human nature. She used to be a stripper. In Alaska. She mined all of her experiences there for her show “Naked In Alaska” She says there is gold dust under the pain. That underneath it all, we all just want to be seen, forgiven, and held. [EXPLICIT] A note to listeners: This episode deals with sexuality, drug use, and adult situations. It contains some adult language. Learn more about Valerie's art Her show Naked in Alaska Her Insta gives daily inspiration and fierceness One of her greatest inspirations: Women Who Run With The Wolves and Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird We discussed the power of vulnerability like Brene Brown's talk

Sarah Yeomans and Rob Latimer - How does epidemic change storytelling?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 07:40:53 -0700

As a story teller I’m interested both in what stories I need to tell and what stories people want to hear. When a question came up in our April 7 salon about how the collective trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic could impact the nature of storytelling, we thought it merited exploration. Now archeologist and researcher specialist in ancient epidemics Sarah Yeomans and I are joined by Rob Latimer, historian, writer and teacher as we delve into this. As we’ll discuss, how we communicate these events can be critical to policy and societal shift in the brief window that we’ll have before we'll want to forget and move on. We could be poised for a golden age of story not unlike the modernist period of the 1920s. Useful links to things referenced in the episode: Our April 7th episode that produced this inquiry Lynn Ferguson's live storytelling class, Fish & Bear Past epidemics have produced books like Love in the Time of Cholera, Pale Horse, Pale Rider, and of course the grandaddy of all plague books, the Decameron Past traumas have produced films like United 93 and Philadelphia and every WW2 movie ever. But sometimes a remove is needed as in the case of MASH set in the Korean War but about the Vietnam War. Superheroes give us a sense of order and protection but what happens when they are as corrupt as the forces they're supposed to be saving us from as in Amazon's excellent The Boys Finally, storytellers are already processing this into story as with this American Quarantined in Paris

Silvia Gallini - Visual Artist - Breaking out of darkness to find a path and make mistakes

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:03:25 -0700

Visual artist Silvia Gallini comes from a strict family in the north of Italy where she was expected to become a dentist and join her father’s practice. Her dad actually told her “dreams are not allowed.” Today she shares with us how she found the courage to defy all that, and the winding path that brought her here to LA where she’s a wildly imaginative image maker and art teacher. She talks about the magic of mentors, and casting off the curse of the words “You can’t” but the real magic of her world view is how she gives herself and others permission to make mistakes.

The Q&A portion has been edited for clarity and time

Silvia recommends the books: “You Can Heal your Life” by Louise Hay

“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron.

“The Wounded Woman: Healing the Father-Daughter Relationship” by Rr. Linda S. Leonard

“The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists” by Eleanor Payson

Sarah Yeomans – Professor and Archeologist - What historical pandemics can teach us about our present crisis

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:30:52 -0700

Archaeologist and researcher, Sarah Yeomans, talks to us about what ancient plagues and epidemics have to teach us about Covid-19. This talk is about "perspective and hope, we’re more well-positioned to deal with this current crisis than any other humans in history." Sarah takes us through the Antonine Plague, the Justinian Plague, The black plague "the worst we’ve ever seen," The Spanish Flu (a bird and a pig and loosey goosey RNA). She debunks conspiracy theories and talks about wet markets, the clash of disparate ecosystems and secondary consequences: the human reaction to the disease. Sarah asserts that at the end of any collective trauma there is a window of opportunity for real change. What might that change look like?

The Q&A portion has been edited for time and clarity.

Sarah offers some additional reading: https://www.livescience.com/worst-epidemics-and-pandemics-in-history.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/were-not-facing-second-spanish-flu/607354/

Here's what's coming up on Hearthside Salons.

Liz Hara - Emmy winner - Pursuing your passion and the necessity of failure

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:40:49 -0700

Emmy-winner and Sesame Street puppeteer, builder, and writer, Liz Hara, shares about what failure has taught her about being an artist, what it's like inside the magic world of Sesame, and what she's learned being a woman of color in Hollywood writers rooms. She talks about what makes a great show runner and how TV can teach empathy. She also shares about her Minnesota roots and how working on a Japanese Internment Camp project has brought her closer to her family members who survived the camps. She's a writer on Helpsters and an upcoming Marvel project.

Her quarantine binge recommends include:
Helpsters, of course,

Canadian sitcom Kim's Convenience

and Cold Blood on BritBox

As a PageCraft alum, she talks about our Orvieto retreats.

And I talk about Naomi McDougall Jones fab new book The Wrong Kind of Women