Advertise on podcast: Best in Fest

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Kash Hovey — actor, producer, and host of On Air with Kash — to explore how the entertainment industry has evolved from traditional Hollywood systems to today’s creator-driven economy. Raised in a legacy entertainment family and with experience both in front of the camera and behind the scenes at William Morris Endeavor (WME), Kash brings a unique perspective on how careers are built—and rebuilt—in a rapidly changing industry. 🎯 In this episode, we cover:  🎬 Breaking into Hollywood as an actor and navigating early career opportunities 🏢 What it’s like working inside a major agency like WME 🎙️ Why podcasting and hosting are becoming powerful career paths 📱 How social media, influencers, and YouTube are reshaping entertainment 💰 The shift from traditional residuals to modern creator monetization 🌍 Why production is moving outside Los Angeles (tax incentives & global filming) 🚀 How creators can build careers without relying on studios 🎥 Why vertical video, streaming, and digital platforms are the future 🧠 How to adapt to industry changes and stay relevant as a creativeKash also shares firsthand insight into the transition from traditional film and TV structures to a world where content creators, podcasters, and influencers are driving audience attention—and revenue.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Patti Negri, psychic medium, author, and host of The Witching Hour podcast, to explore how niche creators can build powerful personal brands and loyal audiences in today’s digital landscape. Patti shares how she has expanded her career across television, podcasting, and social media—creating a recognizable presence in the paranormal space while connecting with a global audience. In this episode, you’ll learn:  🔮 How to build a niche brand in the paranormal and spiritual space 🎙️ How podcasting can expand your reach and authority 📱 Why consistent branding across platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) matters 🌍 How to grow and engage a loyal audience across multiple channels 🚀 The importance of authenticity when building a personal brand ⚠️ How to protect your brand from impersonators and fake accounts online 💡 Why creators must actively promote and distribute their own contentPatti also discusses her podcast The Witching Hour, her online presence, and how creators can leverage multiple platforms to increase visibility, credibility, and audience engagement.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress, filmmaker, and producer Julia Morizawa to break down her evolution from working actor to multi-hyphenate storyteller creating impactful, culturally rooted films. With over 20 years in film, television, and voice acting, Julia shares how she transitioned into writing and producing—using animation, short films, and emerging technology to bring deeply personal stories to life. In this episode, you’ll learn:  🎭 How actors can transition into writing, producing, and directing 🎬 How to develop a film from personal or family history into a compelling narrative 🎨 Why animation can be a powerful and cost-effective storytelling tool 📊 The realities of short film distribution—and how to extend a film’s lifecycle after festivals 🌍 How cultural and heritage-driven stories can connect with global audiences 🚀 How platforms like Omeleto create new exposure opportunities for filmmakers 🎥 How to use proof-of-concept shorts to develop larger projects (features or series) 🧠 Why adapting your story across formats (film, podcast, series) increases your chances of success ⚙️ How emerging tools like Unreal Engine are changing indie production workflowsJulia also shares the story behind her animated short Dragonfly, inspired by her family’s experience during World War II, and how it evolved from a feature script into a successful festival film—and now into broader distribution.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Kevin Nicklaus, Head of Production and Partner at Sandstone Artists, a company focused on talent management, literary development, and film/TV production. With a background in studio development and experience working on major projects, Kevin shares how the entertainment industry is evolving—and what it really takes to finance, package, and produce films outside the traditional Hollywood system. In this episode, you’ll learn:  🎬 Why the traditional studio system is no longer the primary path for filmmakers 💰 How independent film financing actually works (equity, tax incentives, and gap funding) 🧩 How to package a film: attaching talent, IP, and building a financing strategy 📊 Why building an audience first (via comics, IP, or digital platforms) is critical 🌍 How global IP—especially from markets like Korea—is reshaping Hollywood development 🎥 Why more producers are focusing on features instead of television 🤝 How to find investors and unconventional partners outside traditional studios 🧠 What managers look for in new writers and creators today 📱 Why creators must build their own ecosystem and audience to stand outKevin also breaks down the realities of today’s production landscape—including why studios are no longer taking the same financial risks, how independent teams are replacing legacy systems, and what filmmakers must do to stay competitive.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Theresa Demarest, an independent documentary filmmaker whose unconventional path to filmmaking includes life as a musician, critical care nurse, and activist storyteller. Theresa shares how she transitioned into documentary filmmaking while telling the powerful story of Keiko—the orca made famous in Free Willy—and how that project launched her career behind the camera. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎥 How Theresa created her first documentary, Keiko: The Untold Story of the Star of Free Willy🐋 What it was like documenting the real-life story of Keiko the whale and the movement to return him to the wild🎬 How independent filmmakers can navigate festivals, distribution, and streaming platforms📺 How documentaries get placed on platforms like Amazon Prime and Vimeo🎞️ Why aggregators are essential for distributing independent films🐎 The inspiration behind her latest documentary, Throwaway Horses📊 The realities of funding and promoting a documentary film without investors🎟️ How grassroots screenings and nonprofit partnerships help build audiences🎤 Why filmmakers must actively market their films even after landing distributionTheresa also explains the behind-the-scenes realities of documentary filmmaking—from rough-cut screenings and festival feedback to building grassroots audiences through advocacy groups and targeted communities.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Amanda Hendon, owner and president of Entertainment 333, a full-service talent management company representing actors in film and television. With decades of experience working with major agencies, casting offices, and production companies, Amanda shares an insider perspective on how actors build sustainable careers in Hollywood—and how the industry is evolving in the wake of strikes, streaming disruption, and emerging AI technology. In this episode, we discuss: 🎭 What talent managers actually do for actors and how careers are built🎬 How actors land representation and what managers look for in new talent📼 The realities of the self-tape audition era🌍 Why many actors are now working internationally in places like Ireland and Europe📉 How the Hollywood slowdown and recent strikes have affected working actors🤖 How AI tools—from headshots to production tech—are impacting the industry🎥 Why Amanda is expanding from talent management into film producing📚 The true-story film project she’s developing about James Dean and Liz Sheridan💡 Practical advice for actors navigating today’s competitive entertainment industryAmanda also shares candid insights about the difference between emerging and established talent, the realities of representation in Los Angeles, and why persistence and strong communication remain essential for actors trying to break through.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Laura Sydell, an award-winning journalist, audio producer, and storyteller best known for her work covering digital culture and technology for NPR programs including Planet Money, This American Life, and more. After two decades reporting from the front lines of Silicon Valley, Laura now brings that insider perspective to narrative storytelling and screenwriting, developing techno-thrillers and sci-fi projects inspired by the real forces shaping our digital world. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎙️ How Laura transitioned from public radio journalism to screenwriting and TV development💻 What it was like covering the rise of Silicon Valley and the early internet era📀 How Napster and digital file sharing reshaped the entertainment industry📺 The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and the transformation of television storytelling🤖 What artificial intelligence could mean for writers, filmmakers, and creatives🎬 Why human storytelling still matters in the age of AI📱 How new technology tools are empowering independent creators🌍 Why international TV markets are growing while Hollywood faces disruption🧠 How real-world tech trends inspire speculative fiction and techno-thrillersLaura also discusses how years of reporting on big tech influence her current writing projects, including stories about data privacy, AI, and the growing power of Silicon Valley companies.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Shawn Bailey, entrepreneur, social media strategist, and founder of the WanderPreneur Agency. Shawn specializes in helping creators, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs understand the TikTok ecosystem and turn their content into a growing digital brand. As filmmakers increasingly rely on social media to build audiences before distribution, Shawn breaks down how platforms like TikTok can be used strategically to grow visibility, connect with collaborators, and even monetize content through live streaming and creator engagement. In this episode, you’ll learn: 📱 How filmmakers can use TikTok to build a personal brand and audience🎥 Why movies are just another form of content in today’s creator economy🚀 How the TikTok algorithm works and how to reach the “For You Page”🎙️ Why going live daily can accelerate audience growth⏱️ Optimal video length for small creators and how watch time affects the algorithm🤝 How creators collaborate and cross-promote on TikTok💰 How monetization works through TikTok live gifts and creator engagement📊 Why analytics matter when choosing when and how often to post🌍 How filmmakers can use social media to attract producers, casting directors, and collaboratorsShawn also shares practical strategies for creators who are nervous about showing up on camera, explaining why authenticity and consistency are the keys to building trust and growing an online community.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Maegan La’Trese Fillmore — director, producer, activist, and founder of Hudson Fillmore — for a no-nonsense conversation about the real economics of independent filmmaking today. Maegan shares her journey from overseeing productions at Comedy Central, VH1, MTV, the NFL, YouTube Originals, and Paramount to directing award-winning indie projects like Soul Tie, and why she ultimately chose to build outside the studio system. In this episode, we break down: 🎥 Why California tax incentives fail independent filmmakers💰 The $1M budget floor problem — and what indies can do instead🌍 Shooting outside California vs. Europe and emerging U.S. markets🧾 How film slates and funds actually leverage tax incentives🤝 Why tech investors are replacing traditional indie financiers📱 Vertical video explained — formats, budgets, and monetization reality🎬 What Quibi got right (and wrong) about short-form storytelling🧠 Union vs non-union strategy in a shrinking job market🏆 Building culturally specific films that still travel globally🔥 Why most indie films help careers — not investorsMaegan also discusses the future of vertical storytelling, the dopamine economics behind short-form content, why China is currently the only market making real money from vertical series, and how filmmakers can stay creative — and solvent — in a volatile industry.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Sandhya Hermon — an award-winning screenwriter and former research psychologist — to explore how a second career in storytelling can emerge from lived experience, global identity, and persistence. Sandhya shares her journey from earning a doctorate in psychology to pursuing an MFA in screenwriting at UT Austin, and how her scripts have gone on to place at top competitions including Austin Film Festival, PAGE Awards, BlueCat, Nichols Fellowship, and more. In this episode, we explore: 🧠 Transitioning from psychology to screenwriting later in life✍️ How life experience strengthens character and theme🏆 Navigating screenwriting fellowships, contests, and labs📚 The difference between fellowships, competitions, and coverage🌍 Writing culturally specific stories with universal appeal🎬 Why global and diaspora stories are gaining traction🐕 Turning personal memory into an animated short🧩 Developing a sustainable writing process and slate🎥 Breaking into the industry without traditional connections💡 Why community and mentorship matter for emerging writersSandhya also discusses her feature scripts set in India, her latest project Once Upon a Time in Bombay, the realities of today’s screenwriting market, and why streaming platforms have opened new doors for diverse voices and international stories.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Arden Theresa Lewis — Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, playwright, and former educator — for a powerful conversation about creative reinvention, historical storytelling, and why it’s never too late to make meaningful work. Arden shares the eight-year journey behind her Daytime Emmy Award–winning documentary Leveling Lincoln, a film that explores school integration in the North and the hidden history of systemic inequality. What began as a learning experience became her film school — proving that passion, persistence, and purpose can outperform traditional industry paths. In this episode, we explore: 🏆 How Leveling Lincoln won a Daytime Emmy after an eight-year production🎓 Transitioning from teaching to professional filmmaking later in life📱 Why story matters more than gear — and how a phone can start a film career🎥 Learning documentary filmmaking while making the documentary🧠 Using history to humanize modern social issues🌍 Her next documentary on WWII civilian prison camps in the Philippines🎭 Blending documentary, theater, and narrative storytelling🎬 Turning stage work into potential film and TV projects💡 Advice for creatives afraid to start because they feel “too late”❤️ Why creativity is rooted in reconnecting with the inner childArden also discusses her current stage production Cassatt at Theater West in Hollywood, her upcoming documentary currently filming overseas, and how hybrid creators can build sustainable creative lives across multiple mediums.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Linda Arroz — lifestyle writer, speaker, advisor, former plus-size spokesmodel, and media strategist — for a wide-ranging conversation on reinvention, branding, and storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape. Linda shares her unconventional journey from working at General Motors to becoming a nationally recognized fashion and media authority, styling hundreds of TV shows and commercials, appearing on major networks, publishing books, and now developing podcasts and documentaries at the intersection of media, technology, and culture. In this episode, we explore: 🎥 How to break into media and entertainment without a traditional path🧠 Why storytelling and communication skills matter more than credentials👗 Branding yourself like an influencer — lessons filmmakers can apply📣 Why filmmakers must market themselves, not just their films📚 Turning expertise into books, speaking, and multi-platform projects🎙️ Developing podcasts as IP for future documentaries and films🤖 Technology, blockchain, and AI as tools for modern creators🎬 Building visibility through Q&As, public appearances, and media🌱 The power of mentorship, adaptability, and lifelong reinventionLinda also discusses her current work developing narrative-driven podcasts, including true crime and documentary projects, and why creators must evolve their skill sets to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. This episode is essential listening for filmmakers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and women in media looking to build sustainable careers by combining storytelling, branding, and strategic visibility.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Debra Gilels — a veteran film PR strategist, producer’s rep, and distribution consultant who has helped launch award-winning documentaries and indie features into global release. With over 20 years of experience guiding films from festivals to streaming platforms, Debra breaks down how distribution really works today, why most filmmakers misunderstand the process, and what creators must do before seeking a distribution deal. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎯 How to use the film festival circuit to build an audience before distribution📣 Why PR and marketing must start long before your release date🧩 How documentaries secure advocacy groups and partner communities💼 What distributors actually look for when acquiring indie films💰 Minimum guarantees, contract terms, and revenue splits explained📊 Why social media presence affects your distribution leverage🚀 How to drive visibility on VOD and streaming platforms🏆 Real-world case studies of documentaries and indie features that succeeded🔍 The difference between self-distribution and professional sales agentsDebra explains why simply uploading a film to Amazon Prime is not a distribution strategy — and how smart filmmakers combine festival exposure, PR outreach, audience-building, and sales representation to maximize both impact and revenue. If you're a filmmaker, producer, documentary creator, or festival director trying to understand how films get picked up, marketed, and monetized in today’s crowded content landscape — this episode is essential listening.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Emilio Hughes Martinez — award-winning filmmaker, writer, and former Vice President of Development at Eclectic Pictures (Olympus Has Fallen, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, Lovelace). Emilio shares his journey from studio development executive to independent filmmaker, revealing what production companies really look for in scripts, how to finance films without studio backing, and why the next wave of cinema belongs to bold indie creators. In this episode, we explore: 🎥 What studio development executives actually look for in scripts📝 Common mistakes new screenwriters make when pitching producers🏆 How his award-winning shorts (The Method and The Fourth Branch) were created on micro-budgets💰 Financing indie films through friends, family, and creative resourcefulness🎬 Guerrilla filmmaking tactics to bypass costly permits🌎 Why more productions are leaving California — and what comes next🤖 AI’s impact on screenwriting and why human storytelling still matters🔥 The shift from $200M studio films to smaller, high-impact indie projects🚀 His upcoming feature about fame, exploitation, and AI-generated performanceEmilio also breaks down his writing process, working with Oscar-winning co-writer Nick Vallelonga (Green Book), and why instinct-driven storytelling often beats rigid outlining.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes Rabbi Noam Raucher — educator, divorce coach, and Executive Director of FJMC International (Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship & Community) — to explore an unexpected but urgent topic: how media, masculinity, and meaning intersect in today’s culture. Noam shares his personal journey through divorce, career loss, and men’s support groups — experiences that inspired him to launch Mama’s Boy, a bold new podcast co-hosted with comedy writer Rob Kutner. Together, they’re creating content that challenges toxic masculinity, offers healthier models of brotherhood, and brings Jewish wisdom into modern conversations about manhood. In this episode, we explore: 🎧 Why a rabbi entered entertainment and podcasting🧠 The rise of toxic masculinity in digital media🤝 Men’s support groups and the power of authentic brotherhood📺 Podcasting as the new modern pulpit🎭 How humor and storytelling open men to vulnerability🕍 Jewish tradition as a framework for healthy masculinity🎥 Why film and entertainment shape cultural identity🔥 Countering the manosphere with meaningful media🚀 Building a global movement for men’s emotional growthNoam explains how today’s media landscape floods young men with damaging messages about dominance, success, and power — and why it’s critical to offer alternative narratives rooted in compassion, accountability, and connection.