Discover
The Story Lab

The Story Lab
Author: The Story Lab
Subscribed: 0Played: 0Subscribe
Share
© 2025 The Story Lab
Description
Unfiltered conversations for up and coming filmmakers. Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso.
Starting your video business, filmmaking FAQs, and tools & resources for better storytelling.
Watch, listen, and follow here!: https://linktr.ee/thestorylabfilm
10 Episodes
Reverse
What happens when life gets messy—but the work still needs to get made? In this episode of The Story Lab, we get honest about what it means to stay creative when you're not okay. From burnout to uncertainty, we talk about: • Creating when you're depressed, anxious, or just disconnected • Why your best work might come from your hardest moments • Letting go of perfection and leaning into honesty • How getting out of your medium can spark inspiration • The balance between being a professional a...
What do you sacrifice—and what do you gain—when you choose the in-house route over freelancing? In this episode of The Story Lab, we sit down with EP&Co Director/DP Seth Hunt who’s wrestled with both sides of the creative coin. From navigating agency expectations to carving out a personal style, we talk about: • The tension between creative freedom and brand consistency • What it really takes to survive (and thrive) in an in-house role • Why being a generalist can help—or hurt—your chanc...
World-building isn't just for fantasy and sci-fi—it's the invisible foundation behind every great film, commercial, or video. In this episode of The Story Lab with Nate Bonsell, we dive into what world-building really means for filmmakers today. From the genius of Severance to the budget realities of $5K productions, we explore how setting creative limitations can lead to stronger storytelling, greater immersion, and higher impact. Learn how cinematography, sound, and design choices create th...
Has modern filmmaking become too agenda-driven? Are we losing the heart of storytelling in the name of expression? In this episode of The Story Lab, we dive into the ethics of filmmaking, the power of redemptive arcs, and why the most impactful stories often come from a place of humility—not ideology. From indie films to advocacy docs, we explore why your why matters more than ever. 🎥 Topics we cover: The fading moral compass in modern cinema Why agenda-pushing alienates audiences The role...
Too many entrepreneurs jump straight into building businesses without realizing the real key to success—branding yourself first. In this episode of The Story Lab, we break down why personal branding is more valuable than any single business and how it sets you up to solve problems in a way that attracts the right opportunities. 📌 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why your personal brand matters more than any one company ✔️ How to position yourself as a problem solver, not just a business owner ✔️ The re...
How do you craft a powerful edit? When should you show instead of tell? This episode dives deep into the storytelling process—how filmmakers can shape narratives by stripping away excess and letting the audience discover meaning for themselves. We explore the evolution of In the Blood, a documentary that started as a family business story but became a personal, intimate portrait of legacy, loss, and connection. From shifting perspectives in the edit to the fragility of life, this conversatio...
In a world dominated by massive blockbusters and over-the-top spectacle, is there still room for stories that find beauty in the everyday? In this episode of The Story Lab, we explore the contrast between Hollywood’s obsession with sensationalism—think Marvel movies and billion-dollar franchises—and the raw, quiet power of storytelling rooted in real life. We dive into: ✅ Why mainstream filmmaking often prioritizes spectacle over substance ✅ The overlooked magic of simple, human-driven narra...
In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of gatekeeping in the film industry—how mentorship can elevate your career and how toxic attitudes can hold you back. Topics Covered: ▪️ The role of mentors in shaping a filmmaker's journey ▪️ How insecurity and ego can affect career growth ▪️ The reality of gatekeeping in the industry ▪️ Why reputation matters more than talent alone ▪️ The power of generosity and connection in filmmaking Whether you're just starting out or have been in the ...
Filmmaking is a passion, a career, and—let’s be honest—a relentless hustle. But is it possible to build a sustainable career in this industry without sacrificing personal relationships, family time, or even your own well-being? In this episode of The Story Lab, we dive deep into the push-and-pull of work-life balance as filmmakers. We discuss: ✅ The grind vs. long-term sustainability ✅ How to set boundaries in a career that never “clocks out” ✅ The sacrifices needed to create meaningful work...
Welcome to the first ever episode of The Story Lab! Lucas and Evan breakdown: - Finding your voice and confidence in a project - The challenges of fighting for your vision with clients - Knowing the product you are selling as well as the client on commercials Filmed in San Diego, CA Subscribe for more! Find us on Instagram @TheStoryLabFilm Support the show Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!