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Stealing Shots and Breaking In: Kevin Huey on AD Life, DGA, and Producing Angelino On the Get Reelisms podcast (episode 198), hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk with assistant director and producer Kevin Huie about breaking into filmmaking, moving from non-union work into the DGA, and transitioning into producing. Kevin shares starting in theater at UC Riverside, interning on sets, working early jobs in art department, runs, boom operating, grip/electric, and learning AD work through observation before AD-ing consistently around 2010 and joining the DGA in summer 2016. He describes confusion around qualification lists, accumulating days (including a Hallmark job in Baton Rouge), and how producing grew through collaboration with director Quentin Lee, influencing script and found-footage choices. Kevin discusses producing Angelino, organizing communication and scheduling for a first-time feature team, and making the film on an initial $11,000 budget that grew to nearly $20,000 using favors and stolen exterior LA shots, with highlights like filming a kid’s birthday party sequence in one day.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   About Guest Kevin Huie: Kevin Huie is a Los Angeles-based producer and filmmaker with over 200 credits in film and television. He came up through every layer of a set-working as a grip, boom operator, and production assistant-before building an extensive career as an assistant director and stepping into producing. His television experience includes work on series such as Good Trouble, Never Have I Ever, Love, Victor, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and Paradise City. That deep set fluency directly informs Kevin’s producing work, where he focuses on championing AAPI, Native American, and LGBTQ+ voices across film and television. He has built a distinct slate including the stand-up specials Brash Boys Club, Laugh Proud, and Rez Comedy, as well as the stand up comedy series Comedy InvAsian. In the narrative space, his feature film The Last Summer of Nathan Lee premiered at CAAMFest 2023 and screened at the 2023 Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Kevin produces because he believes the stories a community tells about itself matter.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Stealing Shots Talk 00:28 Podcast Intro 00:55 Meet Kevin Huey 02:58 Breaking Into Film 05:41 Theater Roots 06:41 Becoming an AD 08:16 Boom Op and Craigslist 11:10 Joining the DGA 14:12 Hallmark and QL Hustle 15:40 Shift to Producing 19:55 Angelino Origins 21:40 Microbudget Tactics 24:59 Best and Worst Days 26:23 Office Shoot Chaos 27:25 Wrap Up Thoughts Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Radiation Week 2, Proof of Concept Plans, and the Dangers of “AI Psychosis” Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen host the Get Reelisms podcast (around episode 196), discussing indie filmmaking pressures and life balance after Adam’s 2022 burnout from putting life on hold for career milestones. Christine shares updates that week two of radiation is done and she feels physically fine, while also coming off egg retrieval hormones after producing many eggs; she hopes to shoot two proof-of-concept scenes next week before expected fatigue increases. They reflect on creativity as therapeutic, the brain’s roles in creativity vs essential functions, and how life experiences improve storytelling, including Adam’s decision to go to Burning Man. The conversation shifts to frustrations with overly cautious ChatGPT responses, concerns about “AI psychosis,” and examples of people relying on AI for relationships, emotions, and even marital arguments, urging listeners to use AI as a tool and seek real human support.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Burnout After Erzulie 00:55 Podcast Intro and Episode 196 02:50 Radiation and Egg Retrieval Update 04:58 Naps and Roxy Set Stories 07:46 Avoiding the News and Staying Grounded 08:33 Creativity Through Hard Times 10:49 Brain Surgery and Creative Side 12:14 Life Experiences Fuel Stories 14:18 Burning Man Reset and Podcast Time Capsule 15:06 Erzulie Stress and Peyton Parallels 16:23 Bringing Back Old Guests 17:04 Aging Reality Check 17:27 Midnight Pee Debate 18:13 Why ChatGPT Won’t Commit 18:55 Third Nipple and Trail Poop 21:04 Corporate ChatGPT Modes 24:44 WebMD Panic vs AI Caution 26:15 AI Psychosis Explained 28:10 Dating and Outsourcing Feelings 32:43 Using AI Without Losing Yourself 33:30 Wrap Up and Plug     WEBISODE version of the Podcast Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Get Reelisms Podcast Ep. 196: Zuzena Magsino on Breaking In, Community, AD Life, and AI in Film On episode 196 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview actor and assistant director Zuzena Magzino about her path into entertainment, from show choir and dance auditions to overcoming fear of being recorded and posting social content. After a five-year hiatus and serious health issues, she returned via a 2021 TikTok Dunkin’ casting call, booked the spot, and later moved to LA, emphasizing the importance of supportive circles, networking, persistence, and the reality that even “set” celebrities may struggle without financial literacy and protection from exploitation. The conversation covers filmmaking community, conflict resolution and chaos management on set, sexism and ego problems among crew, and concerns about AI replacing actors while acknowledging AI as a tool. They close with promotion for Getreelisms.com merchandise and an online film school.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   About Guest Zucena Magsino: Zucena is a queer mixed Filipino-American actor from San Diego based in Los Angeles since 2024. They’ve recently studied at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and can be seen in an array of music videos, short films, vertical series, and TV mini series. Their lead role in Charlene, a Kilam Production, written by Mai Briggs premiered at LA Shorts International Film Festival 2026. And their series-regular debut as Leah in Marriage Material is now streaming on Apple TV for the US & Canada and Amazon Prime worldwide. When they’re not acting they’re creating their own projects, helping their community, or on set as an AD!    WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Fame Money Myth 00:43 Podcast Intro 01:09 Meet Zuzena 02:49 From Dance to Camera Fear 04:25 Social Media and Corporate Detour 06:27 Health Crisis Reset 06:54 Dunkin TikTok Breakthrough 08:45 Supportive Sets and Circles 14:27 Networking and Hustle Mindset 15:50 Making It Takes Years 17:26 Actors Not Set for Life 19:36 Brand Ownership and IP 20:45 AI Actors and Ethics 22:00 AI as Tool Not Replacement 23:47 Conflict as Collaboration 24:23 Miscommunication on Set 25:21 Egos and Drama Queens 25:48 Veteran PA Meltdown 28:25 Second AD Maid Mode 29:33 Safety and Respect 31:08 Tranquility Through Chaos 33:55 Stern Voice and Strikes 35:12 Women Leading on Set 39:04 Collaboration and Continuity 41:17 Landing the Plane 41:30 Housekeeping and Film School Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Feeling Stagnant During Radiation: Filmmaking, Control, and Creative Renewal On episode 195 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine finishing week one of six weeks of radiation for an oligodendroglioma brain tumor, alongside fertility treatment, and how the invisible progress and grant rejections make her feel stagnant and ungrounded without being on set. A friend suggests shooting part of Christine’s proof-of-concept short in her temporary “radiation camp” apartment near the treatment center, so she plans to film soon before symptoms worsen, and may ask for food donations for cast and crew. They recommend actors seek script-reading opportunities like the LA group Safe House, and reflect on imposter syndrome, conflict-of-interest when working with friends, and balancing creative joy with the job aspect of filmmaking. They also discuss The Artist’s Way “morning pages,” creative routines, and mention seeing The Odyssey and Christopher Nolan’s leadership at a DGA town hall.      About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Feeling Stagnant 00:49 Podcast Intro 01:43 One Year In 02:44 Radiation Update 05:25 Radiation Camp Life 07:01 Fertility Treatment 08:58 Steroid Superpowers 09:28 Proof of Concept Plan 11:56 Actor Casting Tips 14:49 Safe House Breakdown 15:50 Imposter Syndrome Talk 18:07 Friends and Casting 22:17 When Work Feels Like Work 25:09 Rediscovering Writing 26:03 Morning Pages Method 27:59 Break Routine for Inspiration 31:01 Journaling as Therapy 31:32 Restarting the Practice 32:49 Naruto Weights Comeback 34:45 Industry Ebbs and Flows 35:51 Art from Hard Times 37:34 Films That Reignite Passion 38:25 Backrooms Innovation Talk 41:31 Odyssey Craft and Scale 43:29 Nolan DGA Town Hall 48:29 Housekeeping and Merch 49:09 Wrap and Return Soon     Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

n episode 194 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine’s recent health crisis: after an MRI on May 1, doctors found a brain tumor, and she is scheduled for surgery on May 19 to remove it. Christine describes sporadic focal seizures starting the previous summer, including brief left-side freezes while fully conscious, one occurring publicly at a Canon networking event and twice while driving, leading to her no longer being allowed to drive. They criticize the U.S. healthcare system, including receiving results via a CD and delayed medical follow-up, and note her surgery was expedited through her surgeon brother’s connections. They use dark humor about naming the tumor “Tumi,” potential sketches, filmmaking memories, and plan a podcast pause until June while promoting getrealisms.com during recovery.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Brain Tumor Reveal 00:22 Podcast Intro Setup 01:41 Mothers Day Message 02:06 Diagnosis And Surgery Date 03:58 Coping With Dark Humor 04:49 Seizure Symptoms Explained 10:06 Driving Scare And No Keys 11:58 Healthcare System Breakdown 13:03 The CD Player Sketch 16:34 Surgeon Mafia Fast Track 26:40 Friends Support System 27:58 Devil Wears Prada 2 Tangent 29:47 Bots And Bad Reviews 32:27 No Guest Just Us 33:25 Traveling Podcast Memories 34:07 Journaling Through Hard Times 36:04 Not Knowing and Learning 37:33 Cheap Gear Real Talk 38:28 Honest Film Podcast Philosophy 40:23 Fugitive Dreams War Stories 46:36 Family Pressure and Set Culture 51:45 Guest No Show Mothers Day 53:29 Gratitude and Friendship 57:06 Erzulie Set Highlights 01:00:09 Make A Wish Film Funding 01:03:25 Wrap Up and Merch Plug Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

In episode 193 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk with Mylene “Mai” Briggs of Keelab Media, a producer, writer, director, marketer, and mom with production companies in Los Angeles and Ottawa. Mai and Christine share how they met through Film Girls Brunch and discuss navigating LA’s isolating, competitive film scene by intentionally building community, including the origins and growth of Film Girls Brunch (founded by Imani and Kaiulani, later expanded with Mai). Mai describes burnout, single parenting, and starting her company for survival after exhausting film-industry hours and childcare costs, then working extreme schedules for flexibility. They swap first-client stories, reflect on learning without film school by saying yes and figuring it out, and Mai recounts high-pressure live multi-cam festival livestream work for Pique in Ottawa.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Mailyne Briggs is a Filipino Canadian multi-hyphenate filmmaker, writer/director, and mother. As the founder of Kilam Media Inc., her media production company focuses on purpose-driven content and diverse stories with impact. With over a decade of production experience, including co-producer/DoP for I AM: Limitless (CBC Gem), Mailyne’s work centers on women and underrepresented communities with themes of identity, belonging, and joy. Her commitment to community advocacy is proven through her work as a volunteer Board member for multiple non-profits in Canada and as the co-founder of three non-profits, including Film Girlz Brunch Los Angeles. She continues to work on co-productions in Canada and the US while actively developing her debut feature film, Those Days of Summer. Above all, Mailyne prioritizes rest, mental health, and family.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Leaving Film for Family 00:39 Podcast Cold Open 00:42 Meet the Hosts 01:21 Introducing Mai Briggs 02:41 How Christine Met Mai 07:00 LA Industry Reality Check 10:45 Finding Your People 12:44 Why Film Girls Brunch Started 16:19 Brunch Community Grows 18:17 Founders and Origin Story 19:41 Creating Together for Fun 20:44 Work That Feels Like Play 21:29 Always Talking Shop 22:27 Artist Life Misunderstood 23:34 Parenthood And Priorities 24:51 Starting Killa Media 28:16 First Clients And Hustle 32:14 Learning On The Job 36:16 Figure It Out School 37:39 Live Stream Pressure Cooker 40:06 Power Pull Disaster 41:40 How Big Is The Crew Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Fellowship App Hell, Strategic TV Directing Pitches, and Why Verticals Are the New Wild West On the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen catch up on recent festival news and Christine’s birthday, then dive into “fellowship app hell season,” comparing repeated lab applications and essay-writing to endlessly applying to colleges with no clear feedback. Christine shares she’s applying to programs including Film Independent, Sundance Producing Lab, and WriteBack Rise, and discusses the demoralizing competition, lack of guarantees, and the need to budget time by stepping back from AD work to focus on directing and stronger applications. Adam explains reframing a Disney directing program pitch from choosing a favorite show to choosing a show that logically matches evidence in his portfolio and experience. They also recap a Scene Lab focused on verticals and discuss vertical video’s growth, rising production value, democratized audience-driven discovery, and reduced gatekeeping compared to traditional Hollywood.    Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Logic Over Emotion  00:41 Podcast Intro Chaos  02:20 Birthdays and Benjamin Button  02:59 Daisy the Warrior Terrier  05:10 Fellowship Application Hell  07:54 Which Labs to Apply For  10:50 Too Many Programs  12:00 Strategic Show Selection  17:15 Feeling Behind Outside LA  17:59 Application Grind Mindset  18:39 Scene Lab Workshop Recap  20:27 AD Work Versus Directing  21:52 Fellowship Focus Strategy  25:07 Friends in Film Reset  29:30 Verticals Future Trends  35:31 Why Vertical Storytelling Wins  38:02 Viral Post And Creator Rush  39:56 Guest Handoff And Merch Plug Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

On Get Reelisms Podcast episode 191, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview filmmaker/producer/AD and occasional actor Avid (“Avi”) from Puppy Love Productions about becoming a “multi-tool” on set, especially in vertical productions. Avi recounts starting as a high-school editor on Final Cut Pro 7, continuing filmmaking while majoring in chemistry/biochemistry due to family pressure, learning directing performances through an improv-actor collaborator, and falling into first AD work via a 48-hour challenge and a Sony-financed short where a seasoned producer taught him set lingo. They discuss on-set judgment and delegation, phone rules, interns learning walkie etiquette, and how vertical storytelling uses cliffhangers, paywalls, CPI/client-driven scenes, and evolving efficiency systems. Avi also explains creating 3Line Studio, notable clients, a stolen box truck recovery using AirTags, and plugs a vertical Scene Lab event at 3Line Studio on April 29 (7–10 PM). Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest: Avid Eghbali was born on August 20, 1996 in Iran. He is a director and producer, known for Bated Breath, Drift (2024) and Hell Hath No Fury (2026).   WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Chem Major Film Hustle 01:01 Podcast Intro And Guest 02:16 Meeting Avi On Verticals 02:51 Multi Tool Set Mindset 06:24 Avi Acting On Set 09:06 How Avi Got Started 12:30 Learning AD Lingo Fast 14:26 Family Pressure And Legacy 20:04 First Day Jitters To Growth 22:30 Delegation And Set Judgment 29:33 Phones On Set Debate 32:55 CPI Scenes And Vertical Demands 35:32 How Verticals Are Written 38:08 Vertical Video Debate 40:06 Innovation and Naysayers 41:39 Vine Lessons and Coexistence 42:49 AI Trailers and Backlash 44:00 AI as Previs Tool 47:37 Branded Vertical Series 51:36 Three Line Studio Origins 56:58 Celebrity Shoots and Clients 59:02 Stolen Box Truck Story 01:03:38 Trump Impressions and Set Antics 01:12:44 Event Plug and Housekeeping 01:14:28 Final Goodbye Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Verticals, Unions, and AI: The Wild West of New Filmmaking | Get Reelisms Ep. 190 In episode 190 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk about Christine’s desert trip to see a meteor shower, her deliberate hiatus from AD work to regain creative peace, and her return to making fast, low-budget sketch comedy—especially vertical YouTube/Instagram sketches—through groups like Banana TV and a 10-episode series with her friend Myleene about friends whose hangouts always turn into film work. They discuss the rise of union and branded verticals, why creators are embracing the format as a new storytelling medium, and how to improve quality through writing and framing. The conversation covers intense vertical set workflows, block shooting and child actor restrictions, the push-pull between budgets and union standards, concerns about AI replacing art versus using AI as a logistics tool, and worries about declining literacy from students using ChatGPT. They close with GetReelisms.com plugs and tease the next guest from Puppy Love Productions.  Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Vertical Film FOMO  00:21 Podcast Intro Setup  01:15 Meteor Shower Birthday  02:49 AD Hiatus For Writing  05:07 Back To Sketch Roots  06:45 Friends In Film Series  09:46 Verticals Branded Wave  14:19 Cinematic Vertical Potential  15:40 Vertical Set War Stories  17:29 Block Shooting Explained  18:49 Working With Child Actors  20:19 Crew Set Stories  20:55 Child Actor Rules  21:56 Union Versus Verticals  24:42 Knowing Your Worth  27:16 AI In Filmmaking  31:33 Gen Z Literacy Drop  35:09 Read More Books  35:57 Wrap And Plug Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

On the Get Reelisms Podcast, filmmakers Madam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview Austin director Jon Vallet about his new film American Dollhouse, which just premiered at South by Southwest and launched its festival run with an Austin “film family” crew. Vallet says the movie uses a character-driven, proto-slasher approach inspired by films like Psycho and Black Christmas, using modern anxieties about public spaces feeling unsafe and the dissonance of daily life in America as thematic fuel. He shares the logline: a woman inherits her childhood home, hoping to escape debt, but the house is falling apart and a doppelgänger-like neighbor becomes obsessively dangerous, escalating into a Christmas-set slasher. Vallet discusses prioritizing actors’ performances, early sound and scoring collaboration, shooting on Sony Venice in 4:3 with natural light and night-for-day, a 15-day December 2024 shoot, a difficult third-act set build, and adapting scripts and schedules to budget and resources.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. About John Valley John Valley became a prolific music video director in Austin TX before honing in on his debut feature The Pizzagate Massacre, a dark horror comedy that VICE called "A grindhouse Pizzagate satire that perfectly captures a moment in time." His sophomore film, American Dollhouse is a modern take on proto-slasher classics like Psycho and Black Christmas.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Actors First Philosophy 00:22 Podcast Intro And Guest 01:41 Origins Of American Dollhouse 04:57 Logline And Setup 06:34 What Makes A Slasher 11:24 Slasher Structure And Metaphor 15:07 Sound Design And Score 17:34 Lessons From First Film 21:21 Crew And Camera Choices 25:05 On Set Trauma And Third Act Build 29:42 Night for Day Magic 30:43 Scheduling as Storytelling 31:54 Budget as Creative Tool 34:03 Practical Effects and Big Punch 37:14 Script vs Set Reality 39:00 Directing Without Attachment 41:39 Next Projects Monster Movie 44:06 Pivoting and People First 46:58 Christmas Theme and Family Pressure 50:28 Austin Film Scene Farewell 52:41 Housekeeping and Sign Off Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen celebrate reaching 188 episodes of the Get Reelisms filmmaking podcast and reflect on nearly six to seven years of documenting their careers. They discuss recent Oscars results, including a tie and Sam Davis winning after their interview, and debate why genre films like Sinners may struggle for Best Picture despite winning Best Original Screenplay, while One Battle After Another wins Best Picture and PTA earns Best Director. They talk about attention spans, frustration with people assuming indie films are “on Netflix,” and Christine’s behind-the-scenes photo from Shakespeare on the Range being featured in the Academy Museum, a milestone linked to early career growth. Christine shares her decision to pause First AD work to focus on directing, developing a sketch-based branded micro-series, and adapting to vertical content trends. Adam plugs his “Create Your Own Content” course on getreelisms.com.   Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com   Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   00:00 Movies All Day 00:22 Podcast Origins 00:54 188 Episodes In 02:03 Oscar Winner Interview 02:54 Oscars Predictions 06:15 Awards Drama Talk 07:07 Short Attention Spans 09:20 Netflix Question Rage 12:36 Academy Museum Photo 14:31 Shakespeare On The Range 18:02 OG Crew Lessons 20:16 BTS Photo Insecurities 20:56 Film History Connections 21:30 How We First Met 22:34 From Stress to Podcast 24:05 Hiatus From First AD 27:30 Friends in Film Sketches 30:29 DIY Filmmaking Revival 32:26 Vertical Video Future 35:43 Budgets and Crew Reality 38:10 Housekeeping and Farewell   WEBISODE version of the Podcast Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Sam Davis on Making Oscar-Nominated Short ‘The Singers’ Without a Script, Casting Viral Buskers, and Shooting on Film On Get Reelisms podcast episode 187, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview Los Angeles–based filmmaker Sam Davis, who is campaigning his live-action short The Singers, nominated for an Academy Award and streaming on Netflix. Davis traces the project back 3–3.5 years to reading a George Saunders breakdown of a Russian short story, then adapting it into a modern bar-set film starring first-time actors found on social media, which took about 18 months to cast due to scam concerns and trust-building. He describes a documentary-influenced, unscripted approach with long improvised takes, constant sound recording, layered audio, and shooting on 35mm film for intentionality, while noting the costs of film and travel. The four-day shoot faced setbacks, including a lead dropping out two days prior. Davis discusses song selection, costume strategy, collaborating with a small crew, balancing documentary and narrative work, and developing future projects, including a long-term feature documentary.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Sam Davis is an Oscar newly winning director, cinematographer, and producer known for his work on The Singers (2025), Period. End of Sentence. (2018), and Nai Nai & Wài Pó (2023). A USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate, he specializes in documentary-style narrative filmmaking, often blending digital-age casting with traditional storytelling to explore themes of community and humanity.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Trusting Real People 00:36 Podcast Intro 01:01 Meet Sam Davis 02:04 Origin of The Singers 02:50 Casting and Scam Fears 04:14 Campaigning Burnout 06:08 Doc Style No Script 08:56 Why Shoot on Film 10:47 Four Day Shoot Chaos 12:29 Last Minute Recast 13:56 Oscar Nomination Impact 15:33 Recording Songs Live 17:09 Mundane to Magic 19:25 Choosing and Licensing Songs 21:53 Costumes and Cohesion 24:05 Funding and Budget Realities 25:55 Small Crew Big Effort 26:28 Next Projects Pipeline 28:08 Doc vs Narrative Balance 29:33 Protecting the Moment 30:25 Directing While Shooting 32:01 Editing as Writing 34:32 Risks After Success 36:04 Building the Crew Network 36:54 Chefs Table Tangent 41:55 South by Stories 43:45 Wrap Up and Thanks   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Verticals, Hustle, and the Future of Filmmaking (Get Reelisms Ep. 186) On Get Reelisms podcast episode 186, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss being exhausted but grateful for steady work while others in Austin and Texas struggle despite talk of bigger film tax incentives. They say vertical short-form productions are “single handedly saving Hollywood,” with money coming from markets including China, and Christine notes speaking Mandarin helps her communicate with clients as an AD and director. They describe overlapping AD prep across productions, constant schedule demands on rare days off, and how vertical work favors indie-style problem solvers over union workflows. They explain vertical monetization as “Farmville”-style gamification with addictive cliffhangers and paywalls per short episode, shaping soapy storytelling tropes, while also noting vertical framing can be visually strong. They mention Darren Aronofsky’s AI film "On This Day, 1776" and briefly debate AI as a tool versus making full films with it, then preview an upcoming guest, Oscar-nominated short filmmaker Sam Davis ("The Singers" on Netflix).   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Verticals Save Hollywood 01:01 Podcast Intro and Hosts 02:08 Lunar New Year Banter 04:11 Work Drought and Incentives 05:19 Mandarin as a Career Edge 06:37 How We Met on Set 12:13 Overlapping AD Chaos 16:04 Forgot to Go Live 18:29 No Days Off Reality 20:44 Becoming the Vertical Queen 22:58 Who Excels at Verticals 24:24 Will Stories Go Vertical 25:04 David Lynch Phone Rant 26:57 Farmville Paywall Model 31:00 Soap Opera Hook Writing 33:16 Shooting Vertical Beautifully 35:53 New Tech Becomes Cinema 37:59 AI Films and Unease 41:38 Trump Impressions Detour 43:09 Housekeeping and Next Guest   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Star Flare: Reclaiming Agency, Building a Fun Set, and the Pain of Crowdfunding (Get Reelisms Ep. 185) On Get Reelisms Podcast episode 185, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview actor-writer-producer Laura Ricci about making her fantasy romance short film Star Flare. Laura describes feeling powerless as an actor and deciding to create her own work after living in Los Angeles for nearly three years, with wildfires raging and Trump newly inaugurated, leading her to write the script in a week and produce her first “real” film. They discuss designing the project around practical constraints (woods location, small cast, one day, limited costume changes) while still aiming big for the genre, and Laura’s priority of creating a safe, fun set that strengthens relationships and took care of the team. Laura calls crowdfunding the hardest part, recounting constant posting, emotional strain, and mixed results despite support and a stranger’s $1,000 pledge. Christine directed and is editing; they talk about post-production, sound design’s importance, and meeting through a TikTok call for a director.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Laura Ricci is a Los Angeles-based SAG-AFTRA actress known for roles in Hostess (2018), The Wraith (2021), and the upcoming Cupcakes (2025). She has also appeared in I Was There (2022) and Siren Salon (2023), often portraying characters with wit and depth. She is active on Instagram as @the.laura.ricci.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Feeling Powerless 00:51 Podcast Intro 01:12 Meet Laura Ricci 02:00 Audio Setup Talk 03:41 Why Make a Short 05:44 Star Flare Logline 07:43 Writing With Constraints 10:26 Making Set Fun 18:24 Collaboration Magic 22:54 Crowdfunding Struggles 26:25 Crowdfunding Reality Check 27:16 Letting Go of Perfection 28:14 Where the Film Is Now 28:48 Finding a Director on TikTok 31:50 Why Laura Didn’t Direct 34:34 Paying People Fairly 36:20 Editing Notes and Post Workflow 37:41 Sound Design Makes the Genre 38:11 Dune and Movie Theater Nerd Talk 42:23 Weapons Guy and Armor Shop Stories 44:23 Wrap Up and Housekeeping   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

Texas Film Industry Thrives: Incentives, Expendables, and Community Stories In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen welcome special guest Chris Bigbie, owner of Dependable Expendables. They discuss Texas's booming film industry, driven by recent tax incentives, and the role of local companies like Dependable Expendables in supporting productions. Chris shares the impact of high-profile projects like Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone and Lioness shooting in Texas, and explains how his company meets the unique needs of film sets with specialized products like silent paper bags. The conversation highlights the significance of the Texas Production Expo and the mutual support within the filmmaking community, showcasing how local initiatives bolster industry growth. Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Christopher Bigbie is a Director and Creative Director with a lifelong passion for storytelling through cinema. Bringing a strong narrative sensibility and visual precision to commercials and digital content, he is known for building mood, capturing natural beauty, and shooting dynamic action with elegance and versatility. His work spans advertising and corporate campaigns for major global brands, where his ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual stories has become a defining strength.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Introduction to Taylor Sheridan's Impact 00:45 Welcome to Get Reelisms Podcast 01:24 Meet Christopher Bigbie 01:49 Texas Production Expo and Local Incentives 03:53 The Importance of Local Purchases for Incentives 11:19 Silent Bags and Solving On-Set Problems 12:07 Christopher Bigbie's Journey in Film 16:07 Dependable Expendables and Future Goals 16:42 The Birth of a Business Idea 17:41 Mentorship and Creative Education 18:43 Challenges in Early Filmmaking 19:27 Creating Get Reelisms 20:57 The Magic of Filmmaking 23:59 Texas Film Community and Incentives 28:19 Upcoming Texas Production Expo 29:03 Final Thoughts and Farewell Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram