Best BraveMaker Media Podcasts (2025)

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283: Making the Feature RICKY: A Conversation with Ramfis Myrthil 45:49

3M ago45:49

45:49

🎬 Join us for an inspiring conversation with filmmaker and producer Ramfis Myrthil!Ramfis is a powerhouse in independent film, dedicated to championing stories by BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ creators. His journey started with a short film premiering at Cannes, leading to award-winning features like Cicada (2021) and the Tribeca hit Bad Like Brooklyn D…

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284: The State of Production and Entertainment Industries with Patrick Caligiuri 44:33

3M ago44:33

44:33

Join our conversation with Patrick Caligiuri, an award-winning producer, writer, and content creator behind some of TV’s most thrilling reality shows, including The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Naked & Afraid, and American Idol!Most recently, Patrick served as Co-Executive Producer for Fight to Survive (Roku) and The Quest (Disney+). With over 20 yea…

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281: Producing team of Sundance film: THIRD ACT 26:27

3M ago26:27

26:27

Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow BraveMaker on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ #BraveMaker⁠⁠ #Sundance2025⁠⁠ #FilmFestival⁠⁠ #THIRD ACT

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282: SUNDANCE 2025: Personal Reflections and Industry Insights 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

Join Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam conversation.They share insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and how this trip impacted the BraveMaker team.Don’t miss this post-Sundance breakdown!#BraveMaker #PodcastLive #Sundance2025 #FilmFestival

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280: Making the Sundance 2025 Selected Drama: Omaha 57:02

3M ago57:02

57:02

Join Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam as they chat with Rachel Alig, star of the Sundance 2025-selected drama Omaha.Dive into the making of this emotional film that follows siblings Ella and Charlie on a cross-country journey with their father after a family tragedy — only to discover that not everything is as it seems.Welcome our special guest, R…

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279: Making the Sundance Selected, episodic project: CHASERS 41:35

3M ago41:35

41:35

Join our conversation with the special guest, Erin Brown Thomas. Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam host this episode about Making the Sundance Selected episodic project: CHASERS.Welcome our guest, Erin Brown Thomas, creator, director, and storyteller extraordinaire. Erin shares how her unique perspective and single-shot filmmaking style brought thi…

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278: Headed to Sundance 2025 and Making the Most of It 29:07

3M ago29:07

29:07

The BraveMaker Team is heading to the Sundance Film Festival 2025! 🎉 Join Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam as they share insights on how to make the most of the festival and maximize your experience.Don’t miss this conversation and stay tuned for updates from our Sundance adventure!#BraveMaker#Sundance2025#FilmFestival…

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277: Setting and Achieving Creative Goals in 2025 40:17

3M ago40:17

40:17

This episode will explore how creatives can set professional goals and stay on track to achieve them.Join to get ideas, tips, and inspiration for a successful and fulfilling year. Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow BraveMaker on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook#BraveMaker#Br…

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276: Making Napa Valley StreamFest with founders Juliana Folk and Fearon DeWeese 50:42

3M ago50:42

50:42

BraveMaker Podcast with special guests Juliana Folk and Fearon DeWeese! Join our FIRST conversation in 2025 hosted by Tony Gapastione! Meet our special guests, Juliana Folk and Fearon DeWeese, the powerhouse team behind Ashella Productions!Juliana is an actress, producer, and writer with a knack for creating opportunities for diverse voices. Betwee…

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274: Making Movies Is Hard with Award-Winning Filmmaker Alrik Bursell 50:42

4M ago50:42

50:42

Join us for a conversation hosted by Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam as they welcome filmmaker, producer, and podcast host Alrik Bursell!Alrik is an award-winning filmmaker behind feature films RED SNOW and THE ALTERNATE, boasting fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. With over a decade of experience in commercial film, working with brands like Comca…

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275: Making Web Series, BIG GIRL BLUES with Christopher Cobbs 46:02

4M ago46:02

46:02

We’re pumped to have Christopher Cobbs as our guest!Christopher’s story is one for the books. From singing church hymns as a kid to studying vocal music at the Oakland School for the Arts, he’s been chasing his creative spark from the start. After earning his degree in Broadcasting at San Francisco State, he launched ItsCobbsProductions and brought…

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273: Raising Funds For Your First Short Film 44:30

4M ago44:30

44:30

BraveMaker Podcast with special guest Shia Smith! Welcome our special guest, Shia Shabazz Smith, a filmmaker, screenwriter, poet, and educator whose work celebrates and authentically represents diverse communities.Shia is a powerhouse storyteller with accolades from the Moondance and Tribeca All-Access competitions and is a three-time Sundance Scre…

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270: Meet the Editors of Sundance Audience Award Winner ‘Your Monster’ 49:12

6M ago49:12

49:12

Would you like a closer look at how some of your favorite TV shows and films are made? Join us for a conversation with two editors Jon Higgins and Daysha Broadway! 🎬 Jon Higgins, ACEWith over 20 years in the industry, Jon has worked on shows like Emily in Paris, Broad City, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. His films include Your Monster, a S…

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271: Succubus & Beyond: Brendan Bradley on Acting, VR Theater, and Storytelling 41:02

6M ago41:02

41:02

With 100+ film and TV credits, 50M+ online views, and a career spanning Hollywood and beyond, Brendan Bradley is a master of reinvention and creativity. He’s not just an actor—he’s a trailblazer in virtual reality theater, starring in award-winning VR productions like Jettison, Welcome to Respite, Gumball Dreams, and Non-Player Character.Brendan’s …

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272: 10 Gift Ideas For The Creative People In Your Life 45:13

6M ago45:13

45:13

What do creative people dream about? BraveMaker's founder, Tony Gapastione, and actress Belgica Rodriguez share gift ideas for creative people in your life. Join our weekly LIVE Stream and be prepared for the upcoming holiday season! #BraveMaker #Podcast #LIVE #Stream #Holiday Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Bra…

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268: Making of Award Winning ‘THE DEVIL AIN’T PIUS’ 31:03

6M ago31:03

31:03

Join us for an inspiring conversation with three incredible creatives shaping the entertainment world!Meet our special guests: Miatta Vincent Ronca Screenwriter and Executive Producer Miatta Vincent Ronca has optioned several films, including Once Upon a Wedding to Foxboro Productions and Butterflyto Sidney Kimmel Productions. In 2019, she won the …

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269: Writing & Filmmaking outside of LA WITH ANDY COMPTON 57:29

6M ago57:29

57:29

Is it possible to succeed in filmmaking outside of Los Angeles? Let's talk about it with our special guest, Andy Compton!Join us for a conversation with Andy Compton, an Asian American writer and director from St. Louis, Missouri.Once a hard-partying high school dropout, Andy found sobriety in his late 20s, graduated Cum Laude from Webster Universi…

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265: Music and filmmaking with Aadip Desai 1:00:09

6M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Join us for a fun and insightful conversation with Aadip Desai, an LA-based Indian American screenwriter, comedian, and musician whose career journey is as multifaceted as his talent. Aadip has worn many hats, combining his love for music and filmmaking into an incredible career that spans writing for shows like ABC’s The Goldbergs to performing st…

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266: HALLOWEEN EDITION with the Hollywood Actor and Comedian Willie Macc 48:55

6M ago48:55

48:55

Willie Macc, a breakout from the hit BET show 'College Hill: Virgin Island,' has transitioned seamlessly from reality TV stardom to an accomplished Hollywood actor and comedian. With over 100 million views on his stand-up and comedy videos across various social media platforms, Willie's humor resonates globally. He's graced screens in over 50 natio…

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267: Making the series ‘Reckless Behavior’ 44:11

6M ago44:11

44:11

Welcome our special guests making waves in the film and music industry!🎬 Michaela P. Shelton - A passionate filmmaker based in the Bay Area, Michaela has produced three seasons of Reckless Behavior: The Series, which explores bold and authentic stories. With experience as a producer on Food Run and assistant director of Amelia Runs Through a Meadow…

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262: Directing features and working with Netflix with Shaun Paul Piccinino 46:56

6M ago46:56

46:56

Be sure that you’re ready for this action-packed episode! BraveMaker founder Tony Gapastione and director Shaun Piccinino will discuss directing feature films and working with big names like Netflix, HBO, Spike, and others. Shaun Paul Piccinino, an acclaimed film and television director, has an impressive portfolio, including six Netflix features a…

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263: Making a horror film about dating featuring special guest Award-Winning Filmmaker R.J. Daniel Hanna 37:34

6M ago37:34

37:34

Welcome our special guest, director, writer, and editor, R.J. Daniel Hanna. As an Irish/Canadian/Arkansan, Daniel never quite knew where he belonged—until he found his way to Hollywood. He’s a proud Academy Nicholl Fellow for Screenwriting. Danie’s acclaimed indie feature, HARD MILES (starring Matthew Modine and Sean Astin), has been screened in ov…

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264: Conversation with the filmmaker of NO RIGHT WAY Chelsea Bo 51:28

6M ago51:28

51:28

Join us for a conversation with Chelsea Bo, an award-winning writer/director with a background in theater and improv. Chelsea graduated from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film & Television and was selected for Film Independent’s Incubator Lab and Village Roadshow’s Emerging Talent Program. She co-founded the production company Paxeros wit…

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258: Creativity, passion, and intentionality in filmmaking with Niema Jordan 51:34

6M ago51:34

51:34

Niema Jordan is a writer, speaker, and award-winning filmmaker from Oakland, CA, who is passionate about character-driven stories. Niema’s harnessing the power of media for positive community impact. Early in her career, Niema navigated the New York media landscape and got her start at Essence magazine. She later returned home to pursue graduate de…

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259: Everything you need to know to be successful as an indie filmmaker with Michelle A. Daniel 52:57

6M ago52:57

52:57

Michelle has written and produced a variety of projects, from indie films to major productions. She has crafted over 250 pieces of content, taking indie films to new heights and getting recognized at prestigious film festivals like ABFF and BronzeLens. In this episode, Michelle will share everything you need to know to make it in the world of indie…

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260: Building your audience on social media with Conrad Cheeks 1:04:06

6M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Conrad, a proud dog dad to Frenchie Martin, brings humor and wisdom to the screen with his ongoing sketch series featuring the hilarious, unwavering Sergeant and the clever Father Time. His unique content has attracted big brands like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, McDonald’s, and Dove, who have partnered with him on social media campaigns. Watch the we…

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261: Surveillance Society: A Filmmaker’s Journey to Unmask AI’s Dark Side with special guest Nidhi Sinha 34:48

6M ago34:48

34:48

Nidhi is a passionate advocate for ethical and equitable technology. She’s been working in AI policy, fighting against cyber-surveillance, and advocating for privacy rights nationally and internationally. As a Bay Area native, Nidhi protects the vibrant culture she loves. Plus, she’s stepping into filmmaking with her first documentary 'Watch the Wa…

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256: Acting with Impact with author/acting coach Kimberly Jentzen 56:13

8M ago56:13

56:13

Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠BraveMaker YouTube⁠. Description Tony Gapastione, Belgica Rodriguez and special guest Kimberly Jentzen talks on Acting WITH Impcat. Acclaimed acting coach, filmmaker, and author Kimberly Jentzen has won multiple Backstage Reader’s Choice Awards and is the author of ‘Acting with Impact’ and ‘Life Emotions Cards.’Coac…

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257: What is a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) and why do filmmakers need one? 25:42

8M ago25:42

25:42

Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker YouTube⁠⁠. Description Our special guest, the co-founder of SIMPLE DCP Garrett Sergeant, talks about what a DCP is and why you need one as a filmmaker, especially in our BraveMaker Film Fest. Do your research. Get good quality sound. Export a PRO RES version of your film and upload it to the Simple DCP p…

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255: Why I created a weekly support and accountability group for creatives by Tony Gapastione 31:19

8M ago31:19

31:19

Creatives need to make stuff...and stop talking about it. Get it done! Put it on your schedule. But you can't do it alone. Creatives need support, accountability, and professional development to learn HOW to achieve their creative goals. The BraveMaker MasterMind does just that!

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254: 4 things actors can do in auditions to get cast 25:47

8M ago25:47

25:47

Director Tony Gapastione talks aboutauditioning and the importance of 1-following casting directions, 2-preparation, 3-making interesting choicesand 4-staying in touch with decision makers (without being a shady stalker)

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253: 5 Ways to get meetings and avoid saying "Can I pick your brain?" 24:14

9M ago24:14

24:14

Tony Gapastione, founder/executive director of BraveMaker, offers suggestions on how to NOT turn off potential collaborators by PICKING their BRAIN. Just think about that image for a second. (EW!) Take a listen and get better at building relationships.

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252: Surviving the LOWS of filmmaking with Tony Gapastione 24:11

9M ago24:11

24:11

Solo show with Tony Gapastione. What can you do to SURVIVE the tough times in filmmaking? ⁠What can you do when you feel LOW, discouraged and/or depressed after a film shoot? OR what do you do when crashing/coming down after HIGH HIGHS of @bravemakerfilmfest? ⁠⁠Tony talks through some ideas toActively and intentionally plan to take care of yourself…

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251: TV Director Ken Whittingham | No Film School Crossover 1:04:25

9M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

BraveMaker + No Film School CROSSOVER: Navigating All Facets of Comedy With 'The Office' & 'Abbott Elementary' Director Ken Whittingham hosted by GG Hawkins and Priscilla Lam Ken Whittingham has directed shows we all know and love such as, The Office, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation. More recently, he has worked on the TV comedy, Abbot Elementary…

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250: LIVE from our 6th FILM FEST with Nadine Crocker, Olivia Allen, Avril Speaks, Ken Whittingham, Lauren Wells and Leah Knauer 1:09:41

9M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

Our 250th podcast was recorded LIVE July 11, 2024 at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in Redwood City, Ca during OPENING DAY of our 6th ANNUAL FILM FEST. The podcast was recorded/streamed live by Pen Mediawith BraveMaker founder/executive director Tony Gapastione and actor/producer Priscilla Lam hosting special guests from the BraveMaker Film Fest (V…

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249: Tony Talks to himself about the film fest 6:59

10M ago6:59

6:59

Become a donor today! https://bravemaker.com/donate/ Want to watch the VIDEO of this podcast? https://www.youtube.com/live/NKWmmaYE2o4?si=a-4lGBAo5acjKPmA All our podcasts go LIVE on our Youtube channel and are available to watch on reply.

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248: Jesse Kuba made a film about Black love 13:22

10M ago13:22

13:22

Born and raised in Nigeria, Jesse Kuba moved to San Jose, California at the age of 17. A graduate from SFSU’s Film school. Jesse has a unique perspective on how we see each other, and a fervent belief in the importance of storytelling, and seeing indigenous stories on screen. He has directed two acclaimed shorts and his first feature film (The Moon…

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247: Filmmaker Roundtable part 3 27:25

10M ago27:25

27:25

We had so many great filmmakers at our 6th annual film fest. If you want to submit your film for 2025---mark your calendar: https://filmfreeway.com/bravemakerfilmfest

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246: DAUGHTERS won Sundance and is going to NETFLIX 43:56

10M ago43:56

43:56

Recorded July 5th, 2024 (watch the interview here) hosted by BraveMaker's Tony Gapastione. Meet the filmmakers of our opening night film: DAUGHTERS, a multi-award winning Sundance 2024 film. (Comes out August 14th, 2024 to stream on NETFLIX). https://www.daughtersdocumentary.com/ In this PODCAST: Angela Patton, Co-Director, Executive ProducerAngela…

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245: Giving and taking in filmmaking 16:56

10M ago16:56

16:56

Tony Gapastione shares thoughts on bringing value as a filmmaker no matter what your role. If you're a PA or a background actor you bring value...and if you a GOOD producer or director---you realize everyone on set is crucial and should be treated accordingly.

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244: Best Practices for filmmakers submitting to FILM FESTS 42:24

10M ago42:24

42:24

Do you want to get into a FILM FEST? This conversation is important to ensure you do everything in your control to represent yourself AND your film well. Podcast includes behind the scenes of what you need to do with your film's [Film Freeway] profile to stand out.

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243: Selected 2024 Filmmakers Roundtable 2 49:15

10M ago49:15

49:15

With Fredericka Meek, Jennifer Marie, Saurav Mohapatra, and Neha Shah in conversation with Tony Gapastione

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242: Meet some 2024 selected filmmakers from Michigan to California 37:55

11M ago37:55

37:55

Meet some of our film fest filmmakers for 2024 / noahbayshore / cine.dexx / meghannatherton

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241: They made MY DEAREST ELIZABETH, & horror, Christmas RomComs & Grey's Anatomy 52:02

11M ago52:02

52:02

Meet actors/writers MaryLynn Suchan (@marylynn_suchan) and Poonam Basu (@iampoonambasu) of the short film MY DEAREST ELIZABETH (@mydearestelizabethshort) which was selected to screen at our Film Festival!!! Poonam Basu (she/her) loves a good hyphen/backslash. She is a bi-coastal (LA/NY) actor/writer/director. Having just returned to LA from shootin…

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240: When should you say NO to a creative project? 20:43

11M ago20:43

20:43

Tony Gapastiones shares some thoughts on evaluating when to say HELL YES or HELL NO to a project.

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239: Collaborating as actors & directors. Tony Gapastione & Darryl Merquillo 49:47

11M ago49:47

49:47

After completing multiple short films together Tony Gapastione and Darryl Merquillo breakdown things learned and share LIVE feedback on set life.

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238: Cylla Senii made her series debut on BET 36:54

12M ago36:54

36:54

Actress, producer, writer and director Cylla Senii (@cyllasenii) is a versatile and daring artist who shines both on and off screen as an actress, producer, director, and writer. Her series SITUATIONSHIPS, which she created, wrote, directed, produced, and starred, made its first debut on BET and is now available on Tubi & Amazon. SITUATIONSHIPS is …

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237: Producer Avril Z. Speaks was in the top ten on Netflix & podcasts on distribution 47:30

12M ago47:30

47:30

Avril Z. SpeaksProducer/Directorhttps://www.instagram.com/azuspeak/Avril Speaks has been carving out her path as a bold, innovative storyteller for years, not only as a Producer and Director but also as a film educator through Film Independent, the Sundance Institute, and Distribution Advocates, and formerly as a professor at Howard University. Avr…

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233: The DO's and DON'Ts of speaking on FILM FEST PANELS 17:06

12M ago17:06

17:06

Ever wondered how to handle those awkward moments at a film fest talk back? Tony Gapastione gives some tips on what TO DO and WHAT TO AVOID. Read it here: https://bravemaker.com/film-fest-panels-dos-and-donts/

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236: Let's talk intimacy with Brooke M. Haney 43:02

12M ago43:02

43:02

This episode is an important listen for actors and filmmakers of all kinds. Brooke M. Haney (they/she) is the creator of The Actor's Warm Down, editor of The Intimacy Coordinator's Guidebook: Specialties for Stage and Screen, and one of the first 50 intimacy coordinators recognized as qualified by SAG/AFTRA. They specialize in staging authentic rep…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

BraveMaker Media Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen