Writer-director Khizer Khani joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss making an ambitious dystopian sci-fi feature in just 12.5 shooting days. He shares the production choices that protected the story, stretched a limited budget, and created a believable futuristic world without expensive visual effects.If you're an indie filmmaker, film student, or festival fan, you'll come away with practical lessons you can apply to your own projects.

Jennifer M. Kay joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to talk about CERTIFIABLE, the comedy web series she created while taking on multiple roles including writer, director, producer and actor. The series follows actresses Lex and Gabby as they navigate the chaos of their careers, and the first season earned significant recognition on the festival circuit.Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of creating an independent web series, from writing and directing comedy to performing while directing, solving production problems and learning how to build an audience. Filmmakers will get practical insight into what it takes to create your own opportunities when you don't have a giant production machine behind you.

Writer-director Andrew David Paterson, producer-actor Hazel Hering and actor Oliver Austin join Filmmaker Mixer to discuss the feature film AMERICAN FLAKE, an indie comedy that explores grief, friendship, and growing up through authentic, character-driven storytelling inspired by their hometown of Eugene, Oregon.Learn how they cast a first-time actor, balanced comedy with emotional depth, and built a deeply personal feature that feels honest from beginning to end. This episode is packed with practical insights for indie filmmakers, writers, directors, and film students looking to create meaningful stories on a limited budget.

What does it take to create the explosive action of Tulsa King? Three-time Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator and second unit director Freddie Poole joins Filmmaker Mixer to break down the craft behind Tulsa King stunts.Freddie takes us inside the Episode 2 home-invasion fight, the massive Grand Hotel explosion, the Dunmire compound assault, and the climactic Dwight vs. Dunmire showdown. He also discusses working with Sylvester Stallone for more than 15 years and what filmmakers can learn about designing, rehearsing, shooting, and safely executing complex action.If you're a filmmaker, stunt performer, film student, or simply fascinated by how television action is actually made, this episode is packed with practical insight.

Based on the inspiring true story of Shalin Shah, Paper Flowers transforms a rare cancer diagnosis into a remarkable story of love, gratitude, and purpose. Writer/director Mahesh Pailoor and writer/producer Asit Vyas join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss adapting real life into a compelling feature film and the creative decisions behind every emotional moment.Whether you're an indie filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, or film student, you'll learn about adapting true stories, directing emotionally authentic performances, producing independent features, and finding the heart of a film.

Emmy-nominated Makeup Department Head Corey Castellano joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss the incredible prosthetic and period makeup behind Monster: The Ed Gein Story. From transforming Charlie Hunnam into Ed Gein to creating realistic aging effects under unforgiving high-definition cameras, Corey shares how his team brought one of television's most challenging characters to life.This conversation is packed with practical insights for filmmakers, makeup artists, and film students. Learn about prosthetic design, continuity, actor collaboration, working under tight production schedules, and what it takes to create award-worthy makeup that disappears on screen.Whether you're interested in special effects makeup, production design, or filmmaking craftsmanship, this episode offers an inside look at one of television's most impressive transformations.

Award-winning prosthetics designer Barrie Gower returns to the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to take us behind the scenes of Masters of the Universe!In this episode, Barrie talks about the creative process behind bringing the world of Eternia to life — from designing creatures and characters to the hands-on challenges of creating practical effects for a massive fantasy production.We dig into what happens when wild ideas have to become something an actor can actually wear, how prosthetics and visual effects come together, and the problem-solving, collaboration, and sheer creativity that goes into making movie magic happen.If you're a fan of Masters of the Universe, practical effects, creature design, or the incredible work that happens behind the camera, you won't want to miss this conversation with one of the industry's best.

Join the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast as writer/director Aaron James discusses the making of THE NATION, an ambitious indie mockumentary that combines sharp satire with heartfelt comedy. Whether you're an aspiring director, writer, producer, or film student, this conversation offers valuable insights into comedy, collaboration, and bringing an original vision to the screen.Filmmakers will learn about mockumentary storytelling, directing comedy, ensemble performances, world-building, editing comedic timing, and overcoming indie production challenges.

Costume designer Olga Mill joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss designing the wardrobe that helped shape the acclaimed Netflix series Beef. Learn how costume design influences character, emotion, and visual storytelling.Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, or costume designer, this conversation is packed with practical insights into collaboration, character development, and building authentic worlds through wardrobe.

Writer and director Tiffany Wu joins the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast to discuss Big Day, a deeply personal short film inspired by her experience challenging cultural expectations surrounding marriage. Tiffany also shares why she left a successful 20-year career as a Hollywood VFX producer to pursue writing and directing.Big Day is premiering August 6 at 3:15 PM at Regal NoHo (6150 Laurel Canyon Blvd.). Tiffany discusses writing authentic cultural stories, directing actors, balancing comedy with emotional honesty, and making a career-changing creative leap.Whether you're an independent filmmaker, film student, or festival fan, this conversation offers valuable insight into finding your voice and telling deeply personal stories.