Hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with filmmaker Nicola Rose—an accomplished director, producer, and writer—to discuss her new feature film Magnetosphere.

The film follows 13-year-old Maggie as she navigates her first crush, a big family move, and her unique way of experiencing the world through synesthesia, all set against the backdrop of the magical Hale-Bopp comet in 1997. With a cast including Colin Mochrie, Patrick McKenna, Debra McGrath, Tara Strong, Steven He, and breakout star Shayelin Martin, Magnetosphere brings neurodivergence to life in a visually stunning, heartfelt way.

Nicola shares her inspiration for the story, her process of authentically representing synesthesia on screen by interviewing over 70 synesthetes, and the challenges of making an independent film that is both magical and deeply human.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Nicola’s journey from idea to indie feature film
• How lived experiences of synesthetes shaped Magnetosphere
• Why setting the story in the late 1990s deepens its nostalgia and magic
• The dynamics of Maggie’s relationships with her crush, her best friend, and her family
• The role of supportive adults like Ms. Dearing in fostering trust and creativity
• How Nicola’s own neurodivergent traits influence her filmmaking
• Advice for young neurodivergent storytellers

Memorable Quotes

• “The way to be authentic is ask people—‘what did you experience?’—and then bring that truth to screen.” – Nicola Rose
• “Synesthesia became a metaphor for feeling out of sync, which so many of us experience.” – Nicola Rose
• “Being kind is the most important lesson filmmaking has taught me.” – Nicola Rose

Resources & Links

Watch the Magnetosphere trailer: http://freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/magnetosphere
Stream Magnetosphere now on Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Nicola’s Substack: nicolarosedirects.substack.com
Nicola on Instagram: @nicolarosedirects
Magnetosphere on Instagram: @magnetospheremovie
Magnetosphere on Facebook: Magnetosphere — Movie

What Are the Most Common Types of Synesthesia?
https://exceptionalindividuals.com/about-us/blog/what-are-the-most-common-types-of-synesthesia/#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20to%20say,developed%20all%20on%20its%20own.

Synesthesia - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia

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Be Our Next Guest on The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast!

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Chapters

00:00 Exploring Synesthesia: The Inspiration Behind Magnetosphere
11:01 The Significance of 1997: A Nostalgic Backdrop
15:51 Maggie's Emotional Journey: Character Development and Authenticity
20:07 Visual and Auditory Storytelling: Capturing Maggie's World
23:05 Relationships and Understanding: Maggie's Connections
24:52 Synesthesia as a Metaphor: Broader Themes of Connection
25:29 Understanding Neurodiversity and Personal Experiences
28:52 The Impact of Personal Background on Storytelling
32:17 Challenges in Independent Filmmaking
36:17 Audience Reception and Critical Feedback
40:12 Lessons Learned from Making Magnetosphere
41:09 Advice for Aspiring Neurodivergent Creators
45:17 Engagement and Community Building

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.