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Born and raised in Warri, Southern Nigeria, Oboatarhe Ebiye Ikuku (Ebi Ikuku) is an executive producer, writer, director, and journalist. At 16, she moved to London to study journalism at the University of Lincoln, where early work with outlets including BBC Radio shaped her research-driven approach to storytelling. At 21, she relocated to Los Angeles, earning a Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking Production from the New York Film Academy, followed by formal acting training at the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory. In 2020, Ebi founded A-Bee Film Productions, a production company headquartered in California, producing short films, music videos, commercials, and documentaries with a focus on socially grounded narratives. Her work spans development through post-production, and she has gained hands-on industry experience on award-winning projects, including the Netflix feature Silverton Siege. Through her films, Ebi explores identity, power, and resilience, using cinematic storytelling as a tool for cultural dialogue. Company: A-Bee Film ProductionsInstagram: @missebi and @abeefilmproductions Credits Include... The Weeping starring Doug Jones Velvet Prozak starring Lou Ferrigno Rukky starring Benjamin Levy Aguilar Not Like Other Girls starring Siddiq Saunderson Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “11 Essential Resources to Create Compelling Media That Stands Out And Masters Story Architecture for Visual Branding” at https://greaterandgrander.com/12-essential-resources-to-create-compelling-media-that-stands-out-and-masters-story-architecture-for-visual-branding/ Music is Faster Does it by Kevin Macleod. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

Deborah Todd is an award-winning writer, game designer, producer, director, and science content executive with more than 35 years of experience creating high-impact, multi-platform media at the intersection of storytelling, technology, education, and life sciences. A pioneer in children’s entertainment and serious games, she has designed, written, or produced 30+ published titles—three reaching over one million users—and worked with major brands and studios including Disney, Google, PBS Kids, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, Fox, MGM/UA, and Discovery. Deborah is the author of acclaimed books spanning healthcare, science, education, and game design, including Game Design: From Blue Sky to Green Light (a Game Developer Front Line Awards Top Five Industry Book) and Palliative Care: A Holistic Approach to Life-Limiting Disease. With deep expertise in AI, biotech, biopharma, genomics, neuroscience, environmental sustainability, and clinical trials, she specializes in translating complex science into compelling content across video, games, books, and digital platforms. A Producers Guild of America member and former WGAw leader, Deborah is also a founding executive board member of the Girls STEAM Institute, an international speaker at events like GDC and E3, and holds an MA in Science Writing from Johns Hopkins University. You can donate to Girls STEAM Institute and help change the world at https://girlsteaminstitute.org/give/ Credits Include... The Pink Panther starring Matt Frewer Anastasia: Adventures with Pooka and Bartok starring Meg Ryan 101 Dalmatians: Escape from DeVil Manor starring Corey Burton Let's Explore the Airport starring Jim Cissell Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “14 Hanukkah Movie Ideas for Kids That Turn Culture Into Cinematic Advocacy” at https://greaterandgrander.com/14-hanukkah-movie-ideas-for-kids-that-turn-culture-into-cinematic-advocacy/ Music is Bass Walker - Film Noir by Kevin MacLeod. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Bass Walker - Film Noir by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200071 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

W. Vito Montone is an award-winning multi-platform producer, founder, and strategist with over 30 years of experience in entertainment, education, healthcare, financial, and technology in B-to-B and B-to-C models. He has worked with Disney, General Motors, and Paramount, producing for stage, television, live events, and digital platforms that have grossed over $100M. He co-founded BrandU® and Brandom® to help founders achieve "extreme clarity" and exponential growth. Find out more about Vito here, https://url.brandom.agency/Growth-Clinic Growth topics: decision processdelegationhandling areas outside your zone of geniusfuture thinkingego-led leadershiphandling exposed business communication flawssystems and process approachhiring mindsetunseen blocks of a plateauscaling barriers Come with questions, get answers from a 30+ year veteran, a ” learned Professor” so to speak. Not an elevated lecture, but a candid conversation intended to address your situation. A follow-up assessment to take you further will be available, designed to get you out of the way of your exponential business growth. Credits Include... Animated Storybook starring Don Rickles MathQuest starring Robin Williams Hades Challenge starring Keith David Entertainment Atlanta Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “Bellatrix LeStrange Prequel Series: A Masterclass in Dark Branding, Visual Storytelling, and Strategic Media” at https://greaterandgrander.com/bellatrix-lestrange-prequel-series-a-masterclass-in-dark-branding-visual-storytelling-and-strategic-media/ Music is Opheliea's Blues by Audionautix. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on https://GreaterAndGrander.com/tag/ricardo-tomasz. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Opheliea's Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show

LeLoni Smith is a Los Angeles–based documentary producer and former Netflix Documentary Films executive known for high-impact nonfiction storytelling. Her credits include Halftime starring Jennifer Lopez, the Oscar-winning The Elephant Whisperers, and Netflix originals such as Kangaroo Valley and Racionais MC’s: From the Streets of São Paulo. With a background in journalism, Smith rose from unscripted TV research and production roles to become a Manager at Netflix, where she helped develop globally recognized documentaries. A passionate mentor and industry advisor, she supports emerging filmmakers through career strategy and personal branding, inspired by the media legacy of Oprah Winfrey. On The Producers Lounge Podcast, LeLoni Smith shares insights on breaking into Netflix, overcoming rejection, and building a sustainable career in film and television. Credits Include... Halftime starring Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lopez Kangaroo Valley starring Sarah Snook Stamped from the Beginning starring Leer Leary Racionais MC's: From the Streets of São Paulo starring Georgina Elizabeth Okon Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “9 Foreign Equivalents to Shakespeare in 7 Languages: Global Storytelling Lessons for Brands That Want to Stand Out” at https://greaterandgrander.com/9-foreign-equivalents-to-shakespeare-in-7-languages-global-storytelling-lessons-for-brands-that-want-to-stand-out/ Music is Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod. Episode still image is provided by LeLoni Smith. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

Trey McClarnon is a Nashville native with a unique combination of skills and background. Trey is an experienced writer, producer, and filmmaker. Trey co-founded Best Part Productions with his brother, Chad, in Nashville in 2010. Since that time, Trey has produced numerous commercial and music videos. Additionally, Trey has co-written and produced original independent films through Best Part Productions. Credits Include... The Heart Brake starring Beverly D'Angelo The Other People starring Jason Marsden and Lyndie Greenwood Cruel Hearts starring Melora Hardin Aembras starring Dean Shortland Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. Find Out More About Trey At... Beverly D’Angelo, Brittany Curran, Joey Lawrence & Courtney D’Angelo Join Romance ‘The Heart Brake’ - https://deadline.com/2025/05/beverly-dangelo-brittany-curran-joey-lawrence-the-heart-brake-1236408391/ Th Other People - https://www.bestpartproductions.com/the-other-people You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “6 Necessary Pitch Materials Every Media Property Needs (and 5 More That Are Nice To Have) to Stand Out in Film & Entertainment” at https://greaterandgrander.com/?p=6814&preview=true Music is Acoustic Blues by Audionautix. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Acoustic Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show

With over 20 years experience in film & video production, Marc launched his career Co-Producing & Directing the award winning Feature Film, AFTER ROBERTO, released in 2005 and filmed in Northern Italy. Marc has worked as a Producer, Creative Director, Production Manager, 1st & 2nd A.D., and Art Department Coordinator for Studio, Network and Independent projects. Most notably, in the Art Dept. for two Will Ferrell Features, SEMI PRO & STEP BROTHERS. As well as Assistant Director/Associate Producer on the Horror Feature Film DEAD SEASON. Marc is also an amateur puppeteer, fabricator, and member of the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry! Marc’s recent work has been in creative production of Commercial & Branded Content. Honored in leadership roles, Marc has worked with clients and brands including, NETFLIX, Disney, Amazon, ESPN, Paramount+, Verizon, Peacock, FX, Fox, Sony, Lionsgate, DIRECTV, Starbucks, Fedex Office, Hot Topic, Marc Jacobs, Aeropostale, Carl’s Jr., and National Geographic Learning. Marc Fusco graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Film and Minor in Psychology, and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in Film including an honorary induction into the Art, Literature & Culture Society of Genoa, Italy.  Credits Include... Step Brothers starring Will Ferrell Surrogates starring Bruce Willis Semi-Pro starring Will Arnett Cougar Club starring Kaley Cuoco Marc’s Official Website: https://www.mfuscocreative.com/ Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “10 Brilliant People Who Started Small: Why Powerful Visual Storytelling Helps Advocacy Brands Stand Out” at https://greaterandgrander.com/10-brilliant-people-who-started-small-why-powerful-visual-storytelling-helps-advocacy-brands-stand-out/ Music is Big Blues by Audionautix Episode still image is provided by Marc Fusco. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Big Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show

Seth is a seasoned content acquisition specialist and creative executive with more than two decades of experience in independent film. Prior to Blue Harbor Entertainment, he served as the head of acquisitions and co-productions at Screen Media for more than 12 years, where he led the acquisition of many high-profile titles including The Outpost, Terry Gilliam’s The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, the Emmy-winning Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, The Lifeguard, and Stephen King’s A Good Marriage. During his tenure, he also forged strategic partnerships with Focus Features, Starz, Roadside Attractions, and others, while also overseeing content licensing for the company’s streaming platforms, which included Crackle, Popcornflix, and Redbox. In addition, Needle served as an executive producer on more than twenty films, including Willy’s Wonderland, Maggie Moore(s), Fast Charlie, Girl, and more. Before that, he started in the acquisitions department at Lionsgate and doing analytic research at MarketCast. Credits Include... Willy's Wonderland starring Nicolas Cage Maggie Moore(s) starring Jon Hamm You Might Be the Killer starring Keith David and Alyson Hannigan Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street starring James Earl Jones and Frank Oz Find out more about Seth at... Company Website: https://www.blueharborentertainment.com/ My personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethneedle/ Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “8 Books You Must Read in the Age of Trump: Lessons for Advocates Who Want to Stand Out” at https://greaterandgrander.com/8-books-you-must-read-in-the-age-of-trump-lessons-for-advocates-who-want-to-stand-out/ Music is Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander. Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100183 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

Hailing from San Francisco, CA, Jose Montesinos has been making movies since he received his first video camera at age 14. He continued to hone his skills through many DIY guerrilla films and attended film school at San Francisco City College. In 2009, he was awarded the Mastermind Grant from the SF Weekly for being a standout local talent with his grind-house-style mock trailer for “Hell’s Kittens”. Jose’s guerrilla/no-budget feature-length crime drama “Owned” was an official selection in the 2010 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival, as well as the 2010 San Francisco Latino Film Festival, and was nominated for Outstanding Cast Performance and won 1st runner up for Best Drama Feature at the 2010 Action On Film Festival. “Owned” is now distributed by Maverick Entertainment and is available on Amazon Prime. In 2016, Jose moved to Los Angeles where he has since been busy working on films such as the SyFy original release “Dead 7”, followed by four feature TV films for Lifetime and LMN. The films: “Nightmare Wedding” (2016), “Dream house Nightmare” (2016), “SinisterMinister” (2017), and “Blood Brothers” (2018), have all aired to positive ratings on their respective networks and are now also available on Amazon Prime streaming. In 2018 Jose travelled to Thailand to shoot the ambitious low budget shark film “Frenzy” for Mar Vista studios which aired on the SyFy channel to positive reviews. Credits Include... Monster Hunters starring Tom Sizemore Prepare to Die starring Michael Madsen Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurus starring Robert Picardo D-Railed starring Lance Henriksen Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “9 Ways Artists Sabotage Themselves (And How To Overcome It)” at https://greaterandgrander.com/9-ways-artists-sabotage-themselves-and-how-to-overcome-it/ Music is Sideways Samba by Audionautix Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on GreaterAndGrander.com Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Sideways Samba by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show

An award winning Producer highly regarded for aligning with startups, celebrities, educational institutions, high profile brands, and nonprofits to build award-winning media companies. Bayan is best known for partnering with actor Rainn Wilson to translate SoulPancake's mission into digital video. As Head of Production for SoulPancake between 2012 - 2018, Bayan led the development and creation of award-winning original programming such as SoulPancake on OWN, Kid President, and My Last Days, which led to nearly a billion views, multi-season television franchises, and acquisition by Participant Media in 2016. Prior to SoulPancake, Bayan provided weekly content for Jay-Z's digital media enterprise Life + Times and was a producer for the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C where he helped restructure the organization's online content workflow. Bayan earned a B.F.A. in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts with a minor in Art History at Ithaca College in New York, and prior to that attended Idyllwild Arts Academy, where he studied cinematography. Credits Include... Magic City: An American Fantasy starring Killer Mike SoulPancake starring Susan Sarandon and Raina Wilson On the Run Tour: Beyonce and Jay Z starring Beyoncé  QAnon: The Search for Q starring Donald Trump Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “15 Free Filmmaking Apps That Elevate Your Brand’s Visual Storytelling” at https://greaterandgrander.com/15-free-filmmaking-apps-that-elevate-your-brands-visual-storytelling/ Buy Threads of Imagination Online Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Imagination-Collaborative-Weaving-Worlds/dp/1946081779 DSTL Arts Website (Buying Here Will Give More Money to Nonprofits) - https://www.dstlarts.org/product/threads-of-imagination-richard-tucci/179 Music is “Faster Does It” by Kevin MacLeod. Episode still image is from STARZ’s Magic City.  Watch on Starz.com Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

Music is Faster Does It by Kevin Macleod Subscribe Wherever Fine Podcasts Are Found - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1876234/episodes Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show Support the show

What happens when a kid obsessed with Spielberg grows up to produce for Hollywood’s biggest names? In this episode of The Producers Lounge Podcast, veteran producer Dan Kaplow joins us to share his wild ride through the film and television industry. From early inspirations and surreal career milestones to oddball requests from Dick Clark, Kaplow gives us a rare, behind-the-scenes look into what it really takes to survive—and thrive—behind the camera. Whether you’re an aspiring producer or a die-hard fan of The Haunting of Hill House, this episode is packed with insider gems, laugh-out-loud stories, and genuine inspiration. 🎙️ Tune in for industry secrets, career advice, and tales that could only come from decades in the trenches. #TVProduction #DanKaplow #SpielbergInspired #HollywoodInsider #ProducersLoungePodcast #FilmIndustry Dan Kaplow is an award-winning television and film producer with over two decades of experience and more than 50 credits to his name. Known for his work on critically acclaimed series such as The Haunting of Hill House, United States of Tara, Apples Never Fall, and Lady Dynamite, Kaplow has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s go-to producers for genre-defying, character-driven storytelling. His projects span major networks and streaming platforms, including Netflix, NBC, Showtime, and HBO Max. Starting his career inspired by the works of Steven Spielberg, Kaplow has collaborated with top-tier talent and helped bring to life some of the most unique and ambitious shows in recent television history. A true behind-the-scenes powerhouse, he’s also known for his sharp humor, adaptability, and ability to manage chaos on set—often with unforgettable results. Credits Include... Cherry starring Tom Holland UFO starring Ella Purnell The Nightmare Room starring Shia LaBeouf Room 33 starring Chad Michael Collins Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “What Brands Can Learn from Great Directors Like Spielberg, Scorsese, and Coppola” at https://greaterandgrander.com/what-brands-can-learn-from-great-directors-like-spielberg-scorsese-and-coppola/ Music is Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander. Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Faster Does It by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100794 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

Join us for a captivating conversation with James Kerwin, award-winning filmmaker, writer, and theatre director known for blending science fiction with classical storytelling. Best known for his acclaimed noir sci-fi film Yesterday Was a Lie and his directorial work on Star Trek Continues, Kerwin brings a unique voice to both screen and stage. In this episode, we delve into his creative process, his passion for adapting Shakespearean works, and the challenges of directing independent projects in the digital age. 🎧 Tune in to hear insights from a director celebrated for pushing genre boundaries and crafting thought-provoking, visually striking narratives. Credits Include... Star Trek Continues starring Jason Isaacs  When the Train Stops starring John de Lancie Yesterday Was a Lie starring Peter Mayhew  Contre-Coup starring Rekha Sharma Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “8 Questions Every Writer and Advocate Should Ask A Producer Before Signing” at https://greaterandgrander.com/8-questions-every-writer-and-advocate-should-ask-a-producer-before-signing/ Music is Opheliea's Blues by Audionautix. Episode still image is provided by James Kerwin. Check Out James’ Website at www.JamesKerwin.com  Check Out James’ Upcoming Feature Film www.contre-coup.com  Follow James on Social Media: Facebook: @jameskerwin Bluesky: @jameskerwin.com Instagram: @thejameskerwin Threads: @thejameskerwin Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Opheliea's Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show

Joe Zaso is a celebrated independent film actor, producer, and director known for his unforgettable work in cult horror, sci-fi, and action movies. With a career spanning over three decades, Joe has become a staple of the indie film scene, starring in and producing countless low-budget classics that have earned global fan followings. Inspired by Italian horror masters and the gritty charm of DIY filmmaking, Joe Zaso has carved out a unique space in genre cinema, working both in front of and behind the camera. He is also a trained chef, having studied at the Institute of Culinary Education, bringing creativity and precision to every project he touches. Whether battling creatures on screen or building movies from the ground up, Joe Zaso proves that passion, perseverance, and a love for storytelling are the true keys to success. Credits Include... Seven Hells starring Helen Rogers and Tyler Rossell 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas starring Edoardo Ballerini Nikos the Impaler starring Felissa Rose The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jon Bernthal Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “13 Classic Movie Monsters in the Public Domain: A Goldmine for Creative Business Marketing” at https://greaterandgrander.com/13-classic-movie-monsters-in-the-public-domain-a-goldmine-for-creative-business-marketing/ Music is Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on Greater & Grander. Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Kumasi Groove by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100183 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Support the show

Ciro Nieli is an award-winning animation director, producer, and showrunner best known for his work on Teen Titans (Cartoon Network), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon), and The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (Marvel/Disney). With over two decades in the animation industry, Ciro has developed original animated series, directed storyboard tests, and led creative teams at major studios including Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros. A Philadelphia native turned Los Angeles animation powerhouse, he brings insider knowledge on pitching animated shows, building story worlds, and surviving the realities of studio life. Credits Include... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starring Ashley Johnson Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! starring Tara Strong Teen Titans starring Jason Marsden The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes starring J.K. Simmons Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “6 Lessons I Wish I Knew in Film School (That’ll Actually Get You Hired)” at https://greaterandgrander.com/6-lessons-i-wish-i-knew-in-film-school-thatll-actually-get-you-hired/ Music is Big Blues by Audionautix. Episode still image is by Ricardo Tomasz on GreaterAndGrander.com Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Big Blues by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show

Evette Vargas is an award-winning writer, director, and producer featured in Forbes and named an Artist to Watch by The New York Times. She’s created content for Amazon, MTV, Bravo, and interactive experiences for Fast and Furious, Lord of the Rings, Madonna, and Wu-Tang Clan. Her digital series Dark Prophet, starring Henry Rollins, was Emmy-contending. Vargas currently serves as TV Development Executive at Hidden Empire Film Group, and hosts the New Hollywood Clubhouse podcast. A champion for inclusion, she founded The Writers Room 5050 to empower underrepresented voices. Bronx-born and storytelling-obsessed, she’s also a recovering NYC ad art director with a killer shoe collection. Credits Include... Wu-Tang Clan: Wu-Chronicles: Chapter 2 starring Method Man Dark Prophet starring Henry Rollins The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age starring Cate Blanchett and Sir Ian McKellen Bottle Monster starring Claudia Wells Confessions starring Cherise Boothe, and Winner of the Cannes Short Film Audience Award Evette’s Official site is https://www.IndigoReignfilms.com/ HOW TO CREATE A STORY FRANCHISE with JEFF GOMEZ and EVETTE VARGAS! - https://www.instagram.com/theevettevargas/p/CkZkEkcp_YR/ Follow her on IG: @theevettevargas Follow her on TikTok: @theevettevargas Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evette-vargas-361394/ Please like and subscribe, it helps us out a lot. You can also check out our accompanying article this week entitled “5 Creative Advocacy Lessons I Learned from Rebecca Sugar (And Why They Matter for Your Brand)” at https://greaterandgrander.com/5-creative-advocacy-lessons-i-learned-from-rebecca-sugar-and-why-they-matter-for-your-brand/ Music is Sideways Samba by Audionautix. Episode still image is from Confessions by Digital Reign Productions. Follow Us on Social Media! Greater & Grander on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGrander  Greater & Grander on Twitter - https://twitter.com/GreaterGrander   Greater & Grander on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreaterGrander     Register and Get a Free List of Special Info on Jobs in Hollywood - http://greaterandgrander.com/special-job-openings-giveaways   Check out past episodes and bonus content on the Greater & Grander website - https://greaterandgrander.com/tag/the-producers-lounge-podcast/   Sideways Samba by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Support the show