Best Evan Maya Podcasts (2026)

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James Cameron--the college dropout who became the pre-eminent director of our day 11:44

Play Pause

3h ago11:44

11:44

In this episode, you'll learn-- how James Cameron went from school janitor to movie director how Cameron struggled and sacrificed to learn the ropes of movie making how Cameron was willing to do almost anything--even putting his life at risk--to make his movies how Cameron often gave up personal gain to achieve his storytelling vision and still bec…

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Postmortems and Fresh Starts w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 509 1:14:19

21m ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Matt and Oren are pulling together their year-end recap posts for social media. And they realize, “wow, there's a lot to reflect upon!” LA is definitely enjoying a resurgence, of sorts. And while more productions are shooting in LA, a lot has changed over the past few years. And everything isn’t rosy. So if you’re wondering what’s the right type of…

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Trailer / Intro 1:36

3h ago1:36

1:36

Welcome to the EvanMiya College Basketball Show. Hosted by Evan Miyakawa, this weekly podcast breaks down the biggest national storylines and emerging trends in college basketball — with a mix of data-driven insight and accessible analysis. Each week, Evan is joined by a rotating group of guests to bring multiple perspectives on what’s happening ac…

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The Book Behind Nuremberg (2025) Jack El-Hai talks to us about turning The Nazi and the Psychiatrist into a movie 53:02

14h ago53:02

53:02

Jack El-Hai, author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, joins us for this episode of the Historical Movies Podcast for an in-depth conversation about the true story behind Nuremberg (2025) — the new film based on his acclaimed nonfiction book. The Nazi and the Psychiatrist tells the remarkable real-life story of Dr. Douglas Kelley, the American psych…

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2025 Year-End Director Panel - Just Shoot It 508 1:49:20

5d ago1:49:20

1:49:20

The 2025 year-end Director's Panel is here! Each year, Matt and Oren have a little cocktail party with some of the past year's guests. It's a chance to reconnect and chat about what went well, what didn't, and what they're hopeful for in the coming year. Carlyn Hudson, Jamaal Parham, and Mercedes Bryce Morgan participate in this first-ever, on-came…

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Visual Storytelling w/‘Alien: Earth’ DP Bella Gonzales - Just Shoot It 507 1:16:56

19d ago1:16:56

1:16:56

Bella Gonzales https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7543234/ brings a ton of insight about being a cinematographer on series like Pen 15, Fargo, Alien: Earth, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. It’s a really inspiring episode that made Oren want to pick up a camera and operate again. On the other hand, Bella is a self-described lighting-focused DP (Direct…

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The Damned United (2009) — Brian Clough, Leeds United and the ‘Restless Enigma’ of English Football 37:24

14d ago37:24

37:24

Brian Clough vs. Leeds United — one of football’s greatest stories gets the cinematic treatment in The Damned United (2009), directed by Tom Hooper and starring Michael Sheen. We talk through the true story behind The Damned United, Clough’s chaotic 44 days at Leeds, and whether the film’s portrayal of Don Revie was fair play or foul. Plus: the rea…

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The Surprising Genesis of the Literary Journey of Richard Paul Evans 10:52

18d ago10:52

10:52

Check out the backstories you never knew about the storytellers you love!By Randy Overbeck

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Bringing 'Chad Powers' to the Field w/Tony Yacenda - Just Shoot It 506 1:20:45

19d ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Tony Yacenda https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2829241/ , the director from "Chad Powers", "Dave", "American Vandal", and a ton of commercials, joins Oren and Matt. And in this episode, Tony gives us a look into how he jumped like four levels to get his first big break on American Vandal. Then Matt and Oren get Tony to share what it means to rebalance ho…

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How Commercial Director NEDA Gets Unique Shots - Just Shoot It 505 1:18:39

26d ago1:18:39

1:18:39

Commercial director NEDA joins Matt and Oren in their first-ever interview from Eastern Europe! NEDA talks about how she gets unique shots, even when working with kids. She shares how she balances freestyle with agency needs and discovers techniques to capture real moments where the kids are being real, and not pretending or acting. Then Matt and O…

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Glory (1989) - The True Story of the 54th Massachusetts (feat. Chad Robinson from the Retro Movie Roundtable) 1:02:54

28d ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Glory (1989), directed by Edward Zwick and starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman, tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts — the first African-American regiment in the US Civil War. We explore the true history behind Glory, from the Battle of Fort Wagner to the realities of race, pay and military life in the 1860s. And w…

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Filming Action! w/'Family Plan 2' Director Simon Cellan Jones - Just Shoot It 504 1:07:57

1M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Simon Cellan Jones https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0148116 shares the story of his rise from the mailroom at BBC to become a director on "The Diplomat", "See", "Ballers", and "The Expanse". Then Matt and Oren get Simon to share some tips for working with star talent, like Mark Wahlberg, on his latest film "Family Plan 2". What's the difference between …

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Designing Gritty Drama w/‘Black Rabbit’ Director Ben Semanoff - Just Shoot It 503 1:17:00

1M ago1:17:00

1:17:00

Ben Semanoff https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1032608/ shares how he made the break from camera operator to director. Lots of people want to do the same and you might be one of them. So you'll want to hear Ben tell you the one simple question too many people forget to ask. Matt and Oren also get Ben to open up about what makes a camera operator stand ou…

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Immortal Beloved (1994) - The Real Beethoven and the Mystery of his Lost Love (feat Jack C.T. Adams) 54:15

1M ago54:15

54:15

Gary Oldman stars as Ludwig van Beethoven in Immortal Beloved (1994) — the dramatic retelling of the composer’s life and loves, directed by Bernard Rose. We unpack the historical accuracy behind Immortal Beloved, including the probable real identity of Beethoven’s “immortal beloved,” and the bizarre fact that neither of the two top candidates appea…

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Return of the Rom Com w/‘31 Candles’ Filmmaker Jonah Feingold - Just Shoot It 502 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Jonah Feingold https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3783212/ talks about connecting with your parasocial audience to create the films you want to make. And he shares why he got in front of the camera in his latest film, "31 Candles." Matt and Oren get Jonah to talk about filming in New York and how a living city creates one-off opportunities that plus your …

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L. Frank Baum, the creative genius behind the Wizard of Oz and Wicked 12:55

2M ago12:55

12:55

In this episode, you'll learn-- how Baum was destined to be a writer from his teens, thanks to gifts from his father how Baum had feet and success in both the literary and drama world how his Wizard of Oz series were the top children books of the time how Baum, in his own writing, predicted several technology inventions Check out the backstories yo…

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Crafting Hit Science Fiction Shows w/'All of You' Writer-Director Will Bridges - Just Shoot It 501 1:01:16

2M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Will Bridges https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2782297/ shares his method for making every meeting an opportunity. And he explains what he did that let him come from 10 years of working random jobs and trying to make shorts here and there, to becoming the newly discovered talent, suddenly writing for hit series like “Black Mirror” and “Stranger Things” a…

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Escape to Victory (1981) - The WWII POW Cult Classic and the Real History Behind it 46:05

2M ago46:05

46:05

What happens when Allied POWs take on Nazi Germany... in a football match? Escape to Victory (1980) — directed by John Huston and starring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Pelé — brings together war film, sports movie and propaganda spectacle. We look at the true story behind Escape to Victory, including the so-called “Death Match” in occupied…

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FIVE-HUNDREDish Filmmaking Tips & Tricks w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 500 1:19:42

2M ago1:19:42

1:19:42

Matt and Oren celebrate 500 episodes! That's basically one episode per week without dropping a beat, not even on Thanksgivings, since 2015. And while it's true "Just Shoot It" has changed a lot over the years. So too has the film & TV industry. It all started with a focus on auteur filmmaking. But the podcast took a definite shift towards commercia…

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The Horrors of Seth Worley’s "Sketch" - Just Shoot It 499 1:35:40

2M ago1:35:40

1:35:40

Seth Worley https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2124394/ made money selling tools for filmmakers. And Matt and Oren get him to talk about ways filmmakers can make side-income today. Can filmmakers make money selling plug-ins and stock footage? And if so, how? But why make side-income as a filmmaker or working commercial director? Simply put: AI. And the gu…

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Crafting Violent Endings w/John-Michael Powell - Just Shoot It 498 1:31:03

2M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

How do you define your voice as a director? John-Michael Powell https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3119508/ talks about his new film "Violent Ends" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6902560 and the career journey that brought it to theaters. When the entire faculty of his art college told him to give up on becoming an artist, John-Michael moved to Los Angeles.…

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Bram Stoker--the Haunting Victorian Storyteller Who Gave Us DRACULA 11:53

3M ago11:53

11:53

In this episode, you'll learn-- how Bram Stoker became the #1 bestselling Gothic horror author How Bram came to meet and befriend famous figures of the era including Sir Author Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde what inspired Stoker to write such an original, haunting tale of evil how Stoker died never knowing the popularity his work would eventually brin…

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How to Pitch with Style w/Maya Margolina - Just Shoot It 497 1:28:15

3M ago1:28:15

1:28:15

Maya ‘Mayachka’ Margolina https://mayachka.com/ talks about her work with luxury brands like Coach, Rihanna's Fenty, Mercedes Benz, and MCM and how she craft treatments that get her work. And she reveals her own struggle to avoid being derivative while acknowledging that everything is derivative, at least somehow. In this episode, Oren and Matt unp…

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The Film Fixer w/Janek Ambros - Just Shoot It 496 1:13:02

3M ago1:13:02

1:13:02

Janek Ambros https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4471783/ doesn't use social media for self-promotion. And he tells up and coming filmmakers, you have to be annoying. Because in reality, that's what everyone in this industry is doing, including A-Listers. Besides if you're under 30, you're not supposed to know any better. So swing for the fence!! With a Su…

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The Chilling Truth behind 'Bone Lake' w/Mercedes Bryce Morgan - Just Shoot It 495 1:09:01

3M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Mercedes Bryce Morgan https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5521959/ talks about building the career that got her "Bone Lake" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26783625/. From several Marshmello videos, episodes of Stargate Origins, and ten-by-tens, Mercedes has learned a lot. One of her techniques is the pre-pitch meeting. That's a get together (on zoom of cours…

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Getting Schooled By No Film School's GG Hawkins - Just Shoot It 494 59:20

3M ago59:20

59:20

Matt and Oren reveal their backstory in this collab with G.G. Hawkins and No Film School. https://nofilmschool.com/u/lostingraceland And you won't want to miss what it was like before smartphones , back when there was a barrier to entry to making video or film. It was totally different from today. Or was it? OK today, almost anyone can use a smartp…

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Robert Ludlum--the remarkable mind who gave us Jason Bourne 10:45

4M ago10:45

10:45

In this episode, you'll learn-- how Robert Ludlum went the route of the theater to learn the essentials of great storytelling how Ludlum learned to combine conspiracy theories, globe trotting spies and high stakes adventure how his characters have been so popular other authors have written even more novels with Ludlum's characters how Ludlum approa…

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Don’t Make Your Movie! w/Tom Morris & Carlyn Hudson - Just Shoot It 493 1:10:38

4M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Tom Morris https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2730235/ joins Carlyn Hudson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3972277 https://www.instagram.com/carlynhudson to talk about their views on making that signature feature film that everyone dreams of, one that is an iconic piece of IP that launches a Jordan Peele-career. And Oren and Matt dive into what that means w…

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Engagement Farming w/Matt & Oren- Just Shoot It 492 59:39

4M ago59:39

59:39

Matt & Oren dive into answering your questions. It's a new format and we hope it clicks! And whether it works or not, there's a new way you can let them know. There's questions from early career filmmakers. What is the one piece of gear filmmakers buy early on, but don't need? What's the best way to invest $100 in film gear? How do you write dialog…

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Putting A TV Show Together w/ Matlock and She-Hulk Showrunner Kat Coiro - Just Shoot It 491 1:21:11

4M ago1:21:11

1:21:11

Marvel director Kat Coiro https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0192478 covers everything from working with day players to why directors have to take acting classes. Once an actor herself, Kat has mastered the art of infusing enthusiasm into every set and using that energy to supercharge collaboration. Kat's worn every hat—writer, actor, director, producer, …

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Marketing Yourself w/Matt and Oren - Just Shoot It 490 48:02

4M ago48:02

48:02

After an amazing DP/cinematographer has an unfortunate schedule change, Matt & Oren whip up a discussion about social media and listener notes about their websites. And Matt talks about how his LinkedIn post got noticed. And there's a surprising little twist that might make some listeners uneasy. Later, they dig into a listener question. And that l…

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Vibe Checks w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 489 57:54

5M ago57:54

57:54

Matt & Oren discuss the feeling dogging every freelancer: "Will I ever work again?" They dig into who they recommend when they can't take an awesome job, and how that has paid it forward in good ways. Maybe it's all about who you vibe with. But what is that, exactly? And what if a brand or agency does a vibe check on you? Surprisingly, it's like a …

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Diane Gabaldon--from renowned scientist to author of historical fantasy 11:20

5M ago11:20

11:20

In this episode, you'll learn-- how Gabaldon went from scientist and computer expert to bestselling author of both a series of novels and the streaming series they spawned how she was among the first authors to combine historical adventure, suspense, mystery, science fiction and fantasy and romance with incredible success how the book sales and the…

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Update Your F**king Website! w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 488 1:14:03

5M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Matt's been getting wrapped up in analytics, and Oren's been updating his reel. So yeah, update your f**king website if you haven't! This week, we get into where to host your portfolio whether you want the best web host or video platform. And we dive into some honest talk about what defines you as a director, because trying to be everything just do…

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Turning 'Keily: Homecoming Dweeb' into a Feature w/Emily Elizabeth Thomas- Just Shoot It 487 1:29:15

5M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

Director Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins Matt and Oren to talk about her journey from commercial success to directing vertical series and feature films. Meanwhile, Oren’s been updating his website and shares some valuable insights on what to include in your reel, what to leave out, and why it matters. And that leads into Matt sharing some insightful d…

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Crafting your Directing Brand w/Jamaal Parham - Just Shoot It 486 1:19:16

6M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

Jamaal Parham, part of the directing duo Jams and Bash, talks to Oren and Matt about how they approach their business without the cheesiness. From a start working exclusively with Broadway productions, they've become a CAA-recognized brand in sports comedy. Matt discusses how the dream of never looking at a spreadsheet isn’t realistic in filmmaking…

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# 58 Maya Doueihi - Project Manager WhatsApp / Growing up in Beirut and being political / News Anchor for Dad (Age 5) / "Never Give Up" 1:02:16

6M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

I'm your host Gary Nowak and what a wonderful conversation I had with my guest Maya Doueihy. Maya brought so much energy, passion and beautiful perspective to her career and I know you'll enjoy it. Career Background: Grew up in Beirut, Lebanon Studied at the Lebanese American University studying International Relations and affairs Worked as a proje…

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Joseph Kahn Gives Audiences the Ick (in a good way) - Just Shoot It 485 1:03:34

6M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Legendary director Joseph Kahn https://www.josephkahn.com/ talks about his new movie "Ick" https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31795447/. And Matt and Oren get him to share how this creature feature came about as a kid-friendly movie and the challenges he faced in making a script written for a $100 million budget shot during COVID and the WGA & SAG- AFTRA…

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Maya Angelou--Author, Poet and Director AND great storyteller! 12:17

6M ago12:17

12:17

In this episode you will learn-- the tragic and still remarkable life Maya Angelou lived how her life's journey took her to three continents and six languages the several firsts that Maya accomplished in her life how her life intersected with famous civil rights legends...with tragic results how she became the rare storyteller who succeeded as an a…

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What Makes a Good Producer w/Kelly Christensen - Just Shoot It 484 1:09:30

6M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Kelly Christensen built a toolkit for crafting a lasting career as a commercial producer. And he shares what directors can do to stand out and keep getting hired. Matt and Oren chat with Kelly about what makes his secret sauce. And you may be surprised to find out about the many layers and why it's different for each person. Sure, collaboration mat…

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#67 Adam Mowl - Marine (Afghanistan) / Cyber Security / High Morale Compass / Fear the Beard 1:05:36

6M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

I'm your host Gary Nowak and I am honored to have as a guest a young man who has served our country with 5 years in the military. Adam Mowl is a self proclaimed Renaissance man with a great foundation for life and very strong character. Career Background: Served at a Marine for 5 years and spent 1 year in Afghanistan tracking high value targets Sin…

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What Makes Something Cinematic? w/Carlyn Hudson - Just Shoot It 483 1:07:17

6M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

What does cinematic mean to you? Carlyn Hudson https://www.carlynhudson.com/ joins Matt and Oren fresh off completing her latest short, "Waffle". Is cinematic just a slick look? Is it about lighting? Or is it whatever Midjourney gives you when you ask for a cinematic style? It's always a party when these three are together, with lively discussion, …

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#85 Greg Tucker - CxO Level(s) / Stanford MBA (made them wait) / Engineering to Business / How to listen 1:08:41

6M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

I'm your host Gary Nowak and today I've had the great honor of reconnecting with a former colleague and extremely successful consultant @Greg Tucker Career Background: Award winning CXO, CMO, Chief Customer Officer Chief Journey mapper, heling companies better understand the customer journey Self employed with his highly successful consulting compa…

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Being In the Mix w/Matt and Oren - Just Shoot It 482 57:38

6M ago57:38

57:38

Matt’s back from the Chattanooga Film Festival, and Oren just wrapped a whirlwind gig in Thailand. Jet lag not included. Yay!!! This week, they unpack the age-old question: is it still essential to live in L.A.? Is the cost of living worth it? And what does long-term career sustainability actually look like? It’s an episode about experimentation an…

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Making Creative Decisions w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 481 59:22

6M ago59:22

59:22

Matt and Oren dig into the creative choices director's make. And they kick it off by looking at the growing influence of AI on the process. They also tackle casting and why it’s more than just finding the “right” actor. But also, what makes for the right actor in a commercial? Comedic timing, tone, understanding the game, our grasp of something els…

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"Don't Tell Larry" w/Greg Porper and John Shimke - Just Shoot It 480 1:15:12

7M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

The directing duo from "Don't Tell Larry" detail their eight-year journey to turn the phrase, "Don't Tell Larry", into a world, a web series, and feature starring Eg Begley., Jr., Dot-Marie Jones, Patty Guggenheim, and Kiel Kennedy. And they chat with Matt and Oren about how their background in unscripted TV prepared them but also left gaps when it…

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How Murderous Intent Inspired Sue Grafton's Alphabet Mysteries 11:44

7M ago11:44

11:44

In this episode, you'll discover-- how Sue Grafton's childhood shaped her perspective on family as evidenced in her novels how Grafton's early attempts at novels met with little success how the author honed her storytelling skills writing screenplays for TV movies how her Alphabet series earned an array of awards and worldwide success how the frust…

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Editing Chimp Crazy's 1,500 hours of Footage w/Evan Wise - Just Shoot It 479 1:07:04

7M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

"Chimp Crazy" is HBO's top-watched documentary. But being from the team that made Tiger King is both a plus and a minus. In this episode, writer, producer, and editor Evan Wise https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2188036/ chats with Matt & Oren about the hurdles they faced and the moment he knew this doc would be good. We explore the importance of personal…

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How to Choose a DP w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 478 47:42

7M ago47:42

47:42

Matt and Oren dive into the process of finding the right cinematographer or DP for your project, breaking down key factors like reputation, working methodology, artistry, specialties, reel, website, and even foreign language skills. They also explore how budget impacts these considerations. Like what shifts when you're working with $50K versus $2 m…

1
Podcast update: We're taking a break! Plus listener questions and the series 1 'awards' 28:18

7M ago28:18

28:18

We're taking a summer break for a few months, but we'll be back soon, so watch this space! Plus Ros answers some of your questions and hands out the coveted 'awards' for series 1 of the podcast: including the ones the Academy were too cowardly to do! Thanks for listening to series 1 and if you'd like to get in touch drop us a line at historicalmovi…