Set Tracker Podcast with Kyle McCachen

In this episode of the Set Tracker Podcast, actress Sarah Dugdale (Virgin River, In the Shadow of the Moon) joins host Kyle Mccachen to talk about what actually helps — and hurts — a performance on set.Sarah and Kyle break down the director behaviours actors quietly dread, why over-directing kills spontaneity, and how leadership (not control) creates better work. She shares practical insights on why actors need space to think, how notes should be framed so they’re usable, and what trust really looks like between a director and performer.We also get into leadership on set — how tone flows downhill, why clarity beats volume, and how the best directors create environments where people feel safe enough to take risks.Whether you’re a director, producer, actor, or filmmaker trying to level up your on-set presence, this conversation is a reminder that great performances don’t come from pressure — they come from preparation, trust, and communication.

Jordan Connor (Riverdale, Nurses) joins host Kyle McCachen to talk about his new actor community platform New Players LA—built to help performers train, connect, and thrive in the self-tape era. Jordan shares what he’s learned from 15 years around casting rooms and sets, why the gap between “good” and truly bookable is razor-thin, and how actors can show up grounded, professional, and playable. We also dive into how a major injury ended his football career and pushed him toward acting, how Riverdale grew from four episodes into a breakout run, and Jordan’s best audition-room advice—including the simple self-tape trick that hooks casting in the first few seconds.

In this episode, actor Anja Savcic (Loudermilk, Big Sky, Ricky Stanicky) sits down with host Kyle McCachen for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on Set Tracker. Anja talks about the mindset actors need to survive in the industry: embracing rejection, staying a little “cracked,” and showing up again even when the last audition shut you down. We dive into her range in comedy and drama, the early breakout role opposite Ron Livingston, and how kindness on set—toward every department—can shape your entire career. Filmed in our Vancouver studio and finished with a roll of Super 8mm shot after the interview, this episode is a grounded, inspiring look at what persistence in filmmaking really feels like.

Actor Jonathan Whitesell (The X-Files, Influencers, The Kill Team) joins filmmaker and host Kyle McCachen on the Set Tracker Behind the Scenes Podcast for an unfiltered conversation about craft, character, and emotional resilience.Jonathan opens up about his latest film Influencers — directed by Kurtis David Harder (Spiral, Z) and currently holding a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes — and what it takes to play morally grey characters with authenticity.He shares how he channels real emotion on camera without losing himself in the process, the tools he uses to decompress after intense performances, and why balancing vulnerability with self-protection is essential for longevity in acting.They talk about:🎭 How to find emotional truth in performance🎥 The difference between indie sets and studio TV productions💡 What actors need most from directors and producers🔥 Why authenticity and chemistry drive great storytellingThis episode offers deep insight for filmmakers, actors, and fans of cinematic craft.

Cassandra Naud is an actress and producer known for the "Influencer "and “Influencers” franchise. She joins Set Tracker to talk about building a breakout indie film, crafting her character "CW" as a compelling villain, and the small-crew advantages that let you move fast, stay nimble, and capture magic when shooting on locations like Bali and France.We get into: how journaling in-character shaped CW, prepping to kill nerves on set (read the script three times, come with a POV), coping with the post-wrap crash, and why kindness + set etiquette still matter. We also hit festival highlights (Fantasia, FrightFest London, Rio Theatre Vancouver, Screamfest, Brooklyn Horror, FilmQuest, Whistler) and wearing many hats—from acting to producing to wardrobe.Influencer hits Netflix on Dec 1. The sequel Influencers lands on Shudder in December, currently at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with Variety calling it a “good-looking, sharp-edged revenge thriller.”Listen if you’re into: acting craft, villain psychology, indie tactics, festivals, and sustainable creative careers.Timestamps02:00 Why the sequel clicked & audience reactions05:45 Festival run + BC roots08:00 Empathy without excuses: shaping a villain12:10 “Disgust,” social media, and moral compass14:20 Prep stack: film refs, research, journaling20:30 Confidence vs. nerves: day-one checklist24:00 Presence on bigger sets26:10 Wearing many hats (acting/producing/wardrobe)34:45 Post-wrap crash: routines that help42:10 Small-crew superpowers55:00 Three on-set tips: be kind, respect etiquette, come prepared

In this episode of the Set Tracker Behind the Scenes Podcast, host Kyle McCachen talks with writer/director Tony Tost (Longmire, Damnation) about his debut feature film Americana, starring Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, The White Lotus) and Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell). Opening in theaters today from Lionsgate, Americana is a gripping neo-Western about love, loyalty, and survival on the edge of the law.Tony shares how his rural upbringing, love of samurai films, and passion for epic, morally complex stories shaped his creative voice. He breaks down the elements that keep him coming back to the Western genre—open landscapes, impossible moral choices, and the constant threat of violence—and why he’s drawn to loaded, one-on-one conversations where the subtext is deadlier than any gunfight.From writing his way into Hollywood with Longmire to creating Damnation, and now directing Americana, Tony discusses how he builds toward moments of action and catharsis, navigates tone, and crafts characters whose friction drives the story forward. He also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from working with Sweeney and Hauser, the improvisational moments that made it into the final cut, and the “movie gods” twists that shaped the shoot.For aspiring filmmakers, this episode is a masterclass in carving out a creative lane, writing to your strengths, and making the leap from writer to director—while staying true to the story only you can tell.Follow Tony TostTwitter: @tonytostInstagram: @tonytost

This episode features writer and director Ava Maria Safai, whose debut feature Foreigner premiered at Fantasia Festival and is making waves in the indie film world. A multi-hyphenate artist who began her creative journey in music, Ava shares her approach to building unforgettable characters, crafting scripts with emotional depth, and bringing a distinct visual style to the screen.Hosted by filmmaker Kyle McCachen, this conversation explores Ava’s transition from musician to director, how she collaborates with actors, and why personal storytelling is her creative engine. Whether you're dreaming up your first film or deep in production, this episode offers grounded insight and inspiration for filmmakers at every level.To learn more about Set Tracker’s mission to support the next generation of filmmakers, visit www.settracker.com.Follow Ava on Instagram @avamariasafai and check out her film @foreignerthefilm.More about her work at www.avamariasafai.com.

This episode features award-winning actor, writer and director Mark O’Brien (Arrival, The Righteous, Halt and Catch Fire), who shares candid lessons from set life, audition rooms, and the director’s chair. Hosted by filmmaker Kyle McCachen, the conversation dives into the realities of the film industry—from director insights on how to inspire the cast and crew to pro-actor tips on landing callbacks and getting booked. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this episode delivers hard-earned insights you won’t want to miss.To find out more about Set Tracker's mission to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, visit www.settracker.com. And to follow Mark O'Brien on instagram, visit @https://www.instagram.com/markobrienforeal

The charming and hilarious Dylan Playfair sat down with host Kyle McCachen to talk about what made him switch from his hockey roots to acting. Dylan made the jump and immediately found success as a lead in a horror movie before soon starring in Canada's most popular comedy show, Letterkenny.In this episode, Dylan talks about what it means to be a public figure, the importance of chemistry in comedy, and shares a truly remarkable story of faith on a film set. He and host Kyle McCachen directed a documentary that was broadcast on TV at Burning Man—without a crew, without cell phones, and relying solely on their belief that everything would work out.Don't miss this Behind The Scenes Set Tracker episode, packed with laughs and film industry insights!📲 Follow Set Tracker's Behind the Scenes Podcast Instagram:www.instagram.com/settracker/📲 Follow Dylan Playfair:www.instagram.com/dylanplayfair1/www.tiktok.com/@dylanplayfair📲 Download our app for filmmakers: www.settracker.com

The talented @richardsharmon sat down with Set Tracker’s @kylemccachen to share his insights on how to move forward as an actor in the unpredictable world of film and TV. A big thanks to Richard for sharing great advice on staying hungry and being humble in the business.

What does it take to master the craft of acting? Let’s dive in with actress @christiemburke. From understanding the harsh realities of casting decisions to finding solace in the collaborative art of filmmaking, Christie's experiences in TV series such as Syfy’s “The Ark” and indie films such as “Still/Born” highlight the resilience unwavering pursuit of the craft required to succeed in acting. 🎥✨🎭

What is it to be vulnerable? Jen Araki Playfair explores the vulnerability of performance from behind and in front of the camera.Jen Araki Playfair is a multi-talented force in entertainment. As an actress, model, and film director, Jen shares invaluable insights on eliciting the best performances from talent, whether as a director or producer. She discusses her background in the arts, drawing from experiences such as gracing the covers of magazines as a model, acting alongside James Gandolfini in The Sopranos, and currently overseeing a full-scale production company.Jen's journey in the film industry has been one of immense dedication and passion. Having honed her craft in the bustling streets of New York City, she has mastered the art of storytelling through the lens. Her background in both acting, modeling, and directing has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to effortlessly navigate the complexities of the industry.

Dive into the dynamic realm of filmmaking with the latest episode of Behind the Scenes by Set Tracker! Actress Jennifer Tong, celebrated for her recent starring role in Netflix's 'Fakes,' engages in an in-depth conversation with host Kyle McCachen.Join us as Jennifer speaks about the challenges of managing time pressures on set and provides insights into the fast-paced world of TV production. Jennifer opens up about her commitment to creating films that echo current cultural movements.In this candid exploration of the industry, Jennifer and Kyle discuss the delicate dance between authenticity and the demands of satisfying film and TV studio executives. Join us for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the screen as we uncover the nuances of Jennifer Tong's journey.Behind the Scenes by Set Tracker isn't just a podcast; Set Tracker is also a film and TV app www.settracker.com. The app helps solve problems on set with communication tools and up-to-date scripts and schedules. Our mission is to help filmmakers save time all over the world. Subscribe on Spotify, share the love of film, and connect with us on social media @SetTracker, @_jentong, and @stokeshow to stay updated on all things cinematic. Immerse yourself in the magic where creativity meets the big screen!

Dive into horror with Director Brandon Christensen with five feature film director credits in the horror genre to-date. Brandon takes you behind the scenes exploring the nuances of writing and directing successful horror films. Check out his most recent movie, ‘The Puppetman’ on AMC’s Shudder. His work has garnered international recognition, with sales and distribution across the globe, along with numerous award wins. Brandon has shot films in both Canada and America, showcasing his extensive knowledge and expertise in visual storytelling, writing, editing, and visual effects.

Join us on an illuminating journey through the lens of cinematography as Andy Hodgson, a seasoned Cinematographer and Producer with over 150 credits on IMDb, sits down with host Kyle McCachen of Set Tracker. Together, they delve into the ever-evolving world of filmmaking, exploring the intersection of A.I., artistry, technology, and career growth. In this episode, Andy and Kyle explore the captivating realm of Artificial Intelligence in film. Discover how A.I. is reshaping the cinematic landscape as a producer and accept that it is here to stay. Gain insights into staying ahead in the industry, with Andy sharing his wealth of experience and offering valuable advice on promoting your career as a visual artist.Behind the Scenes by Set Tracker is not just a podcast; it's a rendezvous with the minds shaping the future of filmmaking. We are here to shine a light on talent in the industry and hope to inspire others to be bold in their film and TV careers. Don't miss out on the latest episodes. Subscribe on Spotify and share the love of film. Connect with us on social media @SetTracker, @andhod23, and @stokeshow to join the conversation and stay updated on all things cinematic.

Ante Dekovic is an Emmy-winning VFX supervisor, born in Croatia. Today we are sitting down with him to get his behind-the-scenes insights on how great movies are made. We will discuss how his career started as a kid, making skate videos, and progressed all the way to working with Hollywood's biggest TV shows like Star Trek, True Detective, and Shadow and Bone. This interview was brought to you by Set Tracker.