How do you make one of the biggest sports documentaries of the year? In this episode of Frame By Frame, Daniel sits down with director Erik LeDrew and editor Kevin Barth, the creative minds behind HBO’s Alex vs. A-Rod.They break down the entire storytelling journey—from early brainstorming sessions and gaining Alex Rodriguez’s trust, to the emotional Colorado shoot that became the heart of the series, to spending 88 weeks in the edit shaping one of the most vulnerable portraits of A-Rod ever shown on screen.This conversation goes deep into the director–editor relationship, how to collaborate under pressure, why certain scenes almost didn’t make the cut, and what it truly takes to build a multi-year documentary from scratchIf you love filmmaking, storytelling, sports docs, or the craft behind documentaries, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.00:00 – IntroDaniel sets up the episode and introduces Erik & Kevin.02:00 – How Erik & Kevin First ConnectedTheir creative partnership and early projects that shaped their process.08:30 – Origin of the Alex vs. A-Rod DocumentaryA-Rod’s blind spots, the initial pitch, and why this project mattered.14:00 – Building Trust With A-RodHow they got him comfortable enough to open up emotionally.20:00 – Developing the Structure & ToneThe “writer’s room” process and mapping out the psychological heart of the story.27:00 – Editing a Multi-Year DocumentaryFinding rhythm, musicality, pacing, and what gets left on the cutting room floor.33:00 – The Colorado ShootThe make-or-break moment of the doc—and why it almost didn’t work.45:00 – Balancing Objectivity & Collaboration With A-RodNavigating notes, integrity, and the fine line between access and honesty.52:00 – Working With HBOWhy HBO was the ideal partner and how their feedback elevated the project.58:00 – Storytelling Lessons & Advice for FilmmakersErik and Kevin share what they’ve learned across their careers.1:05:00 – The Frame They’re Most Proud OfA powerful closing reflection on their favorite moments in the film1:10:00 – Closing ThoughtsDaniel wraps the conversation and previews what’s next.

What does it take to film Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs from the inside? Emmy-winning director Kristen Lappas takes us behind the scenes of The Kingdom, the new Disney+ and ESPN documentary series on the Chiefs dynasty.In this episode of Frame By Frame, Kristen shares how she earned the trust of Mahomes, Kelce, and Coach Andy Reid, what it was like to direct the Chiefs through a historic season, and how she built one of the biggest NFL docuseries of all time. From underground bunkers of Chiefs history to emotional family moments, this is the story behind The Kingdom.If you’re a Kansas City Chiefs fan, a filmmaker, or just curious about how sports documentaries are made, this is a must-watch.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Kristen Lappas on The Kingdom01:18 – How the Chiefs project came together03:13 – Building trust with Andy Reid & the players06:06 – Filming Mahomes up close (and a Super Bowl haircut)08:13 – Structuring a dynasty story: themes & arcs11:10 – The art of pitching: how Kristen sold The Kingdom14:38 – Balancing honesty vs. PR when partnering with teams18:56 – Surprising storylines that shaped the series21:26 – Discovering the Chiefs’ underground archive bunker25:36 – Making The Kingdom appeal beyond football fans27:07 – Handling Taylor Swift’s presence in the story29:00 – Premiering The Kingdom in Kansas City31:21 – Creative swings: directing the Giannis documentary36:49 – Lessons from working with superstars (Mahomes, Giannis, Caitlin Clark)39:07 – Kristen’s career break: the story of Arthur43:49 – Advice for young filmmakers & pitching stories45:09 – Balancing filmmaking with motherhood47:49 – Kristen’s advice for first-time feature directors50:24 – What’s next for Kristen Lappas51:25 – Mentors, influences, and finding your voice54:51 – Lessons from The Kingdom & Andy Reid’s “Don’t Judge” card When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

After a short break, I’m back — and with big news.In this episode of Frame by Frame, I’m announcing my first feature documentary: 12 — the untold story of how the city of Seattle came together in the 1990s to stop the Seahawks from relocating to Los Angeles.Backed by Marshawn Lynch, Beast Mode Productions, and Victory Sports Media, this project is the biggest opportunity of my directing career so far. I break down the inspiration behind the film, how it came together behind the scenes, and what I’ve learned so far stepping into the role of feature documentary director.We talk:Why this story matters — and why it almost got lostThe origin of 12 and the team behind itWhat it takes to make a doc at this scaleFinding the heart of a story that changed a cityBalancing creative work, parenting, and small business life If you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or just someone who loves underdog sports stories, this episode is for you.🎧 Subscribe to Frame by Frame for more behind-the-scenes episodes as I bring this documentary to life — one frame at a time. When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Susan Ansman spent a year embedded with LeBron James, directing Netflix’s Starting 5 and capturing the most personal moments of his career. In this episode, Susan shares how she made the leap from ESPN to freelance, what it’s really like to direct a global superstar, and how she’s paving the way for women in sports filmmaking.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: How Susan became LeBron’s director01:09 – Why she quit ESPN for this opportunity02:15 – First day: Inside LeBron’s house on Halloween03:40 – Building trust with high-profile athletes05:31 – Capturing LeBron rapping in the car07:00 – Verité filmmaking and shooting solo08:06 – The story structure behind Starting 510:00 – The toast, Bronny’s health scare & vulnerability13:30 – Being a one-woman crew with LeBron16:00 – What it takes to shoot elite athletes19:00 – The power of listening as a director21:45 – From EVS operator to Emmy-winning filmmaker24:30 – How editing shaped her directing style27:00 – Juggling directing, producing, and editing30:00 – Shooting the Olympic basketball documentary34:00 – Navigating confidence in a male-dominated industry37:30 – Advice to women entering sports filmmaking41:00 – Why representation behind the camera matters44:00 – Final reflections + what’s next for SusanWhen You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Creative Director. It’s a title everyone wants—but few truly understand. In this episode of Frame By Frame, I sit down with Will Shanahan, VP of Creative at The Unlisted Company, to break down what this role really means in the world of branded content, advertising, and filmmaking.Whether you’re an aspiring CD, a freelance director, or just curious about how creative projects actually get made—this episode pulls back the curtain.📍 Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why speaking your mind matters01:06 – What does a Creative Director actually do?03:38 – The difference between title and responsibility07:41 – Defining the role in one sentence08:00 – Creative Director vs. Head Coach vs. GM09:21 – Director vs. Creative Director collaboration11:10 – How to build relationships between directors and CDs12:32 – The one skill no one talks about—but every CD needs14:35 – Business lessons learned as a Creative Director17:06 – Navigating budget conversations with clients19:59 – Why the word “partnership” changes everything20:16 – The rare project that went exactly as planned22:47 – Will’s origin story: How he became a CD24:07 – Staying creative while managing meetings and chaos26:26 – The creative power of not trying too hard27:16 – Advice for new Creative Directors29:43 – Why pitching is more than just presenting ideas33:14 – How to make clients feel something during a pitch34:16 – Real pitch example: The New York Giants35:40 – Will’s favorite deck-building tools and resources36:33 – Making the leap: Why Will joined The Unlisted Co.39:34 – Trusting your gut in a creative career40:24 – Closing thoughts + why relationships create opportunity When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

If personal branding feels cringy, confusing, or just exhausting — this episode is for you.Brand coach and creative powerhouse Praise Santos, founder of ComePlum, breaks down what personal branding really is, why it matters, and how creatives like filmmakers, designers, and freelancers can brand themselves with authenticity and confidence.We unpack how to stand out in a saturated market, attract your dream clients, and stop letting imposter syndrome hold you back.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Why Personal Branding Feels Hard00:33 - What Is Personal Branding, Really?01:08 - Branding = The Soul of Your Business01:58 - Why People Hire People02:57 - Finding the “Why” That Powers Your Brand04:06 - The Biggest Pain Points Creatives Face06:00 - “I’m Not Special Enough” and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves07:35 - How to Show Up Authentically Online08:36 - The Hype Sheet: A Game-Changing Branding Tool10:34 - What to Put in Your Creative Brand Toolkit12:00 - Serving vs. Selling: The Heart of Great Branding14:16 - Praise’s Journey to Becoming a Brand Coach17:15 - How a Mission Statement Won a Filmmaker a Client19:00 - How to Position Yourself as a Premium Creative21:16 - Want to Be the Four Seasons of Your Industry? Here’s How23:09 - Why Podcasting Is a Branding Superpower25:31 - Podcast Tips: Niche, Ideas, and Delegation28:03 - Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Brand29:31 - Where to Find Praise & ComePlumWhen You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Is AI the future of filmmaking? In Episode 11 of Frame By Frame, I break down how AI tools are reshaping the creative process—and why they’re just another tool, not a replacement for human creativity.I’ll walk you through exactly how I use AI in my daily workflow as a director and solopreneur: from generating creative ideas, building pitch decks, streamlining my podcast production, to editing and organizing footage. Plus, I share my thoughts on the ethical considerations, potential pitfalls, and why mastering these tools will set you apart in the evolving creative landscape.Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or just curious about how AI is changing the game, this episode offers practical insights and real-world applications. When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

How do you go from shooting solo to directing big-budget projects? Award-winning director Marcus Tortorici (Voyager TV) shares his journey—breaking into the industry, mastering the pitch process, and how he got signed as a director.🔹 How to craft a pitch that sells🔹 What agents look for in a director🔹 The reality of working with agencies & clients🔹 Why trusting your creative instincts is everythingMarcus’ work blends stunning visuals with compelling storytelling, and in this episode, we break down how he does it—Frame By Frame.00:00 - The Reality of Starting as a Director00:07 - How Marcus Landed Big Sets Early in His Career00:40 - Getting Over the Fear of Directing Large Crews01:10 - Welcome to Frame By Frame!01:52 - What Marcus is Working on at Voyager TV02:31 - The Creative Process: How Marcus Approaches New Projects03:39 - Who Finds the Work: Director vs. Agency?05:21 - Writing Treatments & Creating Pitch Decks08:00 - The Tools Marcus Uses for Visual References09:30 - ChatGPT for Filmmakers? Why It’s a Game-Changer11:07 - Selling Yourself as a Director: Why It’s Just as Important as Talent13:50 - How to Pitch Effectively in a Post-COVID World15:37 - Biggest Mistakes Young Directors Make17:26 - The Unspoken Rule in Filmmaking: Agencies Don’t Care… Until They Do19:31 - How Marcus Got Signed by Voyager TV25:27 - The Portfolio Strategy That Got Him Noticed29:03 - Why Social Media & Branding Matter for Directors34:15 - Balancing Visuals & Story: Why Both Matter Equally38:33 - How to Develop a Signature Look as a Director42:04 - Trusting Your Creative Instincts & Fighting for Your Vision45:31 - The Client-Agency Dance: Navigating Creative Control46:59 - The Key to Longevity in Filmmaking: Resilience48:28 - What’s Next for Marcus? Commercials vs. Features52:33 - The Mindset Shift Every Director Needs53:23 - Closing Thoughts & Subscribe for More!When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Can giving away your films for free actually lead to career success? In this episode of Frame By Frame, filmmaker Jake Viramontez, founder of SOWN for Good, shares how embracing generosity in filmmaking transformed his career—leading to collaborations with Sony, TED, and global NGOsFrom having no commercial work during COVID to landing a dream partnership with Sony, Jake’s journey proves that giving without expectations can open unexpected doors. He breaks down his storytelling philosophy, the three-act structure for NGO films, and how filmmakers can create impact-driven stories while building a sustainable career 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:✔️ How giving away films led Jake to work with Sony and TED✔️ The three-act storytelling formula for social impact films✔️ How young filmmakers can land projects without industry connections✔️ The unexpected way generosity creates real career opportunities✔️ Why NGOs and brands need human-centered storytelling more than ever📌 Chapters & Topics:00:00 – The Power of Giving in Filmmaking (Jake’s turning point)02:30 – How Jake Started Giving Away Films for Free06:45 – How a Cold Email to Sony Led to a Major Partnership12:10 – Why Filmmakers Should Focus on Impact Over Money17:30 – Jake’s Early Filmmaking Journey & First Mentor22:15 – How Traveling and Nonprofits Shaped His Filmmaking Style27:00 – The Art of Authentic Storytelling for NGOs & Brands31:45 – The Three-Act Structure for Social Impact Films36:30 – Building SOWN for Good and Mentoring Young Filmmakers41:00 – How to Apply for SOWN for Good Filmmaking Opportunities43:30 – Final Advice for Filmmakers: How to Build a Career That Matters🎥 About Jake Viramontez:Jake is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of SOWN for Good, a creative initiative that provides filmmakers with opportunities to tell meaningful stories for nonprofits. His work has been featured by Sony, Chevrolet, and global NGOs, blending commercial filmmaking with purpose-driven storytelling.When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

🎥 When do you know it’s time to leave your dream job? Former Seattle Seahawks Senior Producer Madeline Down built one of the NFL’s best in-house video teams, creating some of the most iconic sports content. But she walked away. In this episode of Frame By Frame, we dive into why she left, how she built her career in sports filmmaking, and what’s next as she transitions into narrative filmmakingWe also discuss her upcoming short film Sense of Emergency, inspired by a life-changing moment involving her mother and first responders, and the launch of her new creative studio, Studio 89, backed by Doug Baldwin.📌 Timestamps:00:00 - Opening Hook: When You’re No Longer Seen as a Creative00:43 - Welcome to Frame By Frame w/ Madeline Down01:12 - Leaving the Seahawks: Why She Walked Away from a Dream Job02:25 - The Hardest Part About Leaving a Secure Job04:23 - The Sports Content Grind & What It Teaches You08:08 - Building the Seahawks Video Team from 4 to 12 People10:02 - The NFL’s Content “Arms Race” & Why It’s a Bootcamp for Filmmakers14:31 - Behind the Sound: The Seahawks’ First Docuseries17:20 - The Challenges of Making Sports Documentaries19:01 - How to Pitch & Sell a Creative Project Internally21:37 - Her #1 Career Advice for Creatives22:21 - Her Short Film Sense of Emergency – Inspired by a True Story24:46 - The Wild Story of Her Mom’s Cardiac Arrest & Survival28:35 - Crowdfunding Her Film Successfully (Using Seed&Spark)31:10 - Casting Luke Barnett as the Lead & His Viral Film Success33:02 - Transitioning from Athletes to Working with Actors36:08 - Vault 89 & Launching Her Own Creative Studio 🔗 Follow Madeline Down:→ [Instagram]→ [Sense of Emergency Short Film]→ [Studio 89]When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify🎬 Subscribe for more filmmaking insights! If this episode resonated with you, hit LIKE and comment below—would YOU leave your dream job for something unknown?