Category Archives: Interviews

Brett Gelman Conversation – Film Threat Podcast

Can’t tell you how excited I was to have a conversation with Brett Gelman this day. Oh, It’s always great to talk with Chris Gore as well. You may know Brett and that-guy-from-that-thing. Those “things” include Love, Camping, Stranger Things, Twin Peaks. Chris and I spoke to Brett about his role in Room for Rent, an indie comedy I saw at the 2017 San Diego International Film Festival.

We talked about social outrage, Brett’s comedy career, and Room for Rent. I also asked him about his time at UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) and he gave some advice for people in the UCB system.

While you at it, can you take a moment and subscribe to the Film Threat Podcast and YouTube Channel. Your support helps me put an end to my Uber career.

Filmmaker Interview: Justin Chon

This summer is the remembrance of the Los Angeles Riots from 25 years ago. While there has not been a lot of films specifically about the riots, there are several coming to theaters this year.

I had the pleasure of speaking to one of those filmmakers Justin Chon. He is the writer/director/actor of the film Gook. I also spoke with Justin’s co-stars David So and Simone Baker.

Loving the Interview Process

I just got done with seven interviews with filmmakers at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. I had a blast. This is what I like to do. I love talking to people about what their passions are. I love to have real conversations about how people get things done. I love learning something new from anybody. Check back. I will be posting these interviews on my YouTube channel and playing them on the Geek Lab show.

Independent Film Talk – My New YouTube Channel

I really hate breaking up synergy, but in this case, I thought it was the prudent decision to make. I’m pulling all of my personal interviews with filmmakers and centralizing it into one location. Primarily, because I need to create a more professional setting for these interviews and to let the art of independent filmmaking stand on its own.

I created the Independent Film Talk channel on YouTube. I’m pretty sure I’ll have to change the name down the road, but here is a one-stop shop for my discussions about independent films and independent filmmaking. Enjoy.

Learning Adobe Character Animator

Adobe has added a fantastic new application for easily creating animation. I’ve been a long fan of animation and this tool helps create fast talking-heads animated shorts. Here is an example me interviewing the cast of Star Wars. I went through the process of creating a caricature of myself, draw it in Illustrator and adding the necessary mouth positions.

Five Things that Changed Your Life Podcast – Season 2

Thanks for everyone who listened to, took part and subscribed to the Five Things That Change Your Life Podcast. Loren and I are pleased to pull another season together. This season we talk with:

  • M*A*S*H casting director Sam Christiansen
  • Founders of the Gentile Barn, an animal rescue in Santa Clarita Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner
  • Whose Line is it Anyway writer/performer Ron West
  • Creator of America’s Funniest Home Videos Vin DiBona
  • and more

Look for us on iTunes, Google Play and YouTube.

I’m in the Podcasting Business

Well, I’ve finally dipped my toe in the pool of podcasting. For this one, I will not be behind the mic. I’m serving as co-producer and writer.  Loren Kling will serve as host. I also didn’t want to be part of a normal interview podcast and after throwing out a million ideas, my co-producer, Loren Kling, came up with this little gem.

Last Wednesday, we recorded our first episode of 5 Things That Changed Your Life with Casey Ruggieri of Young Storytellers in Los Angeles.

ABOUT THE SHOW: Each episode our host, Loren Kling, sits down with a special guest and asks them to share 5 stories, events, or experiences that had an impact on their lives… A person who helped them decide the path to take. A place that completely transformed the way they think. Or perhaps it is a thing, like a family trip or a TV show from their childhood that made them the person they are today.

We’re taping a dozen episodes now and then will start releasing them in the Spring. More details to come as we get closer to the date.

If you have had a unique life experience and would like to talk about your “5 Important Things,” let me know.

My Interview Wong Fu Productions About Its First Feature Film – Everything Before Us

Internet pioneers, Wong Fu Productions, took a giant step forward with their first feature film, “Everything Before Us.” The Geek Lab spoke with filmmakers Wesley Chan and Philip Wang, writer Chris Dinh and producer Christine Chen. We spoke about the transition from web video to the big screen and their unique brand of storytelling.