We're back!! In this episode we chat with writer/director Evan Morgan about his first feature film "The Kid Detective" a dark comedy starring Adam Brody that Evan pitches as Encyclopedia Brown meets Chinatown. Ethan speaks with Evan about how he got Adam to be in the film, the 5 year slog of trying to get the film sold, and getting theatrical distribution in the age of Covid-19. Evan is a delight and a fantastic filmmaker!  If you can do it safely, go see "The Kid Detective" in a theater near you! Follow Evan (@evanmorganfromgoosebumps) on Instagram and as always, the podcast is @firstfeaturepod on twitter and at [email protected].

In this episode we chat with writer/director Oscar Rene Lozoya about his first film "How We Met" an action comedy about the worst blind date ever. Ethan speaks with Oscar, an editor on Law and Order, about how we got Ice-T to narrate his film, the fun of making an ultra-low budget film with your friends, and navigating the world of distribution. A really fun chat! Follow Oscar (@rene24P) on Twitter and IG and as always, the podcast is @firstfeaturepod on twitter and at [email protected].

This week, Ethan sits down with writer/director Bobby Miller – a talented filmmaker whose first feature film “The Cleanse” premiered at SXSW in 2016 and is playing in select theaters, digital and VOD May 4. The Cleanse stars Johnny Galecki as a heartbroken man who attends a spiritual retreat to fix his life. He soon discovers his inner demons are dying to come out and play. Ethan and Bobby discuss the fun and difficulty of working with practical puppets, putting pressure on yourself to succeed, and how to balance flexibility with vision. The Cleanse is in theaters and on VOD 5/4 – follow Bobby on twitter, @BobbyMiller and go to thebobbymiller.com – and as always, the podcast is @firstfeaturepod on twitter and at [email protected].

Ethan sits down with writer/director Splend Grandst to discuss his first feature film "The Heart Can't Find What it Wants to Want", a dark drama about the human condition and psychological torment. Ethan and Splend talk about being mentored by Steven Spielberg, working with animals, and throwing away your script on day 1. This was a great chat and I'm sure you're going to learn a lot.  As always follow the podcast @firstfeaturepod and Ethan @ethancushing on Twitter and email us at [email protected] ... and for no particular reason thanks to Ross Allen (happy April 1st!)

Power couple slash directing duo Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote stop by to discuss their first feature, psychological thriller "The Open House", starring Dylan Minnette and now streaming on Netflix. They discuss what it takes to co-direct a film, how to think outside the box when courting big actors, and the thrill of becoming a "Netflix Original Film". This is a great chat and I'm so happy for my friends' success with this film. Watch "The Open House" now on Netflix, and follow Matt and Suzanne - @mattangel23 & @suzcoote on all the socials. As always, the podcast is @firstfeaturepod on twitter and our email is [email protected].

Writer/Director/Producer Alex Ferrari calls in to chat about his first feature film, "This is Meg". The comedy is a sneak peak into the Los Angeles lifestyle of a working but not famous female actress/comedienne's point of view that is forced to shift with the social media wave. Ethan and Alex discuss the benefits and drawbacks of film school, transitioning from editing to directing, and walking the walk of the hustle that is filmmaking. Check out Alex's site, indiefilmhustle.com, check out the film at thisismeg.com and follow Alex on twitter - @iamalexferrari - As always, we are @firstfeaturepod on Twitter and [email protected].

Writer/Director David Au stops by to discuss his family dramedy, "Eat With Me". David and Ethan talk about cultivating your team of collaborators, location challenges, and working with George Takei! Check out the film at www.eatwithmemovie.com. As always, we are @firstfeaturepod and [email protected].

Writer/Director Kelly Fremon Craig joins Ethan to discuss her first feature, the Golden Globe and DGA Award nominated film "The Edge of Seventeen". Kelly and Ethan discuss transitioning from writing to directing, producer James L. Brooks' many pearls of wisdom, and the stressful YEAR of trying to cast the right actor for the role of Nadine. Kelly is a delight to talk to and everyone should go on iTunes or Amazon or Walmart and buy The Edge of Seventeen. You can find Kelly on twitter - @KFremonCraig and ig - @kellyfremoncraig. As always, the podcast is @firstfeaturepod.

Writer/Director Nick Corporon sits down to chat with Ethan about his first feature Retake, an emotional drama about a lonely, middle-aged man who hires a male prostitute to recreate a road trip from his past. Nick recounts what pushes him towards telling LGBT stories despite the ubiquitous difficulty of raising money, the importance of marketing, and the safety net of having your shot list memorized. Nick is also the first guest to ask Ethan what his favorite craft service item is! Find info on the film and Nick at retakethemovie.com Check out the movie Retake on Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, or Google Play.

Writer/Director Liz Manashil stops by to discuss her first feature film "Bread and Butter", a romantic comedy starring Bobby Moynihan and Christine Weatherup. Liz and Ethan discuss the kickstarting ecosystem, writing love letters to actors, what it's like to work with a predominately female crew, and much more! For more info on the film check out www.breadandbuttermovie.com - As always, we are @firstfeaturepod and [email protected].