Some stories are so inspiring, they don’t just entertain—they ignite something inside you. Zane’s journey is one of those stories. From anonymously posting short stories online to becoming a New York Times bestselling author, independent filmmaker and a powerhouse in Hollywood, Zane’s career proves that authenticity and determination can rewrite the rules. When I chatted with my friend of more […]
Imagine growing up in the heart of Middle America, dreaming of a career in filmmaking but feeling like Hollywood might as well be on another planet. For so many aspiring creators, that dream feels out of reach. But Stacy Barton is here to prove otherwise. As the director of the Film Program at Augustana College, she’s not just teaching filmmaking—she’s […]
This Is The Story of How One Storytelling Guru Is Empowering Creators to Build Global Franchises As the CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, Jeff Gomez has revolutionized how stories are told, working on some of the world’s biggest franchises like Avatar, Transformers, and Pirates of the Caribbean. But it’s his work beyond the blockbusters that truly sets him apart. Jeff […]
When I sat down (virtually) with Marc Iserlis, head of the film division at Republic, it was clear I wasn’t just talking to someone who’s “in the know” about entertainment. I was speaking to someone actively rewriting the rules. From his roots in Singapore, where he bridged international investors with indie films, to his current mission to democratize film financing, […]
When I first connected with Dr. Rosanne Limoncelli, it was immediately clear—this woman is anything but your average professor. With over 30 years at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she’s gone from a theater-obsessed, restaurant-hustling late bloomer in college to an unstoppable force as the Senior Director of Film Technologies. Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a […]
Animation is one of the best ways to tell stories, but let’s be real—it’s also a total beast when it comes to time, money, and breaking into the industry. That’s where John Attanasio and his partner Luisa Huang come in. As the co-founder of Toonstar, he’s not just shaking things up—he’s completely flipping the animation game on its head. Think […]
When someone says “branded entertainment,” you’re probably picturing awkward product placements or commercials pretending to be movies. Enter Brian Newman, the founder of Sub-Genre, who’s here to blow up that stereotype and replace it with something way better. With decades of experience in indie film, distribution, and branded content, Brian is rewriting the rules by helping brands fund meaningful films […]
Zahir Kahn is rewriting the rules of filmmaking, and honestly, it’s nothing short of groundbreaking. This guy didn’t just dabble in AI—he mastered it, flipping the script on how stories can be told. Coming from a decade-long career in VFX, Zahir didn’t just see AI as another flashy tool; he saw it as a game-changer, a way to revolutionize storytelling […]
When I first spoke with Josh Shelton, I could feel the electricity in his words. Here’s a filmmaker who doesn’t just talk about breaking into Hollywood—he embodies it. Josh has done it all: indie films that hit the festival circuit, viral digital media projects, and now he’s shaping the storytelling vision at Sundance as their internal content producer. But his […]