Paratactic Podcast

In this episode of the Paratactic Podcast, Steven Suntres sits down with producer Sandy Hunter for a wide-ranging conversation about collaboration, career-building, and the changing media landscape of the past 30 years.Sandy shares the path that took him from journalism to music videos, through Alliance Atlantis, and eventually to becoming Head of Apple TV Canada. Along the way, he reflects on how shifts in technology, distribution, and cultural trends shaped both the industry and his own career. More than just a backstory, Sandy’s journey offers insight into how creative careers are built through adaptability, strong relationships, and a real respect for collaborators.The conversation also explores Sandy’s decision to leave Apple in 2020 and return to New Brunswick, where he has focused on producing original work and helping grow the province’s film and TV industry through Cazador and Cultivation Pictures.

Steven Suntres sits down with Saint John creative Lauchlan Ough, a filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur whose work has helped shape many of the productions and cultural events emerging from the city over the past two decades.In this conversation, Lauchlan reflects on the winding path of building a creative career outside major industry hubs. He shares how the uncertainty of COVID pushed him to take a leap into entrepreneurship, how an unexpected meeting led to a creative partnership with the godfather of Hip Hop, Maestro Fresh Wes, and how a bold idea about hanging a giant moon over a market helped spark the creation of the Moonlight Bazaar, now one of Saint John’s most vibrant cultural events.Along the way, Lauchlan shares his philosophy on creativity, collaboration, and why creative people should think more like farmers: planting ideas, nurturing them over time, and trusting that some will eventually grow.This episode is a conversation about building a creative life in Atlantic Canada, and having the courage to bet on your own ideas.Topics discussed:Building a film career in New BrunswickStarting out as an intern in the Saint John film industryThe impact of COVID on creative careersCollaboration with Maestro Fresh WesCreating the Moonlight BazaarEntrepreneurship and creative riskWhy creatives should “think like farmers”

Film & TV Producer, Director and Entrepreneur Greg Hemmings shares insights on his new project, Rewiring the Muse, including a Web Series and long-form podcast. Rewiring the Muse explores the neuroscience of creativity, flow states, music, and meaning to better understand how leaders can reconnect with intuition, imagination, and purpose without abandoning ambition.Greg also discussing the nuances in Hemmings Films receiving provincial funding from the Province of New Brunswick for the hit Syfy series Revival, along with his vision for the future of a prosperous film industry in New Brunswick.Check out Greg's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@greghemmingsofficialRewiring the Muse Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkLpv2bKylfU8Iu0ZzB2xq4YVgyOKjOMr

Megan talks with Steven, sharing her experience working on Car Wash Wars, both as a Production Manager, and her role as Lucy Logic. Megan also shares her wisdom and perspective on how to continue to grow as a producer on both narrative and commercial film sets.

Halifax-based filmmaker Taylor Olson joins the podcast talking about his latest feature film, What We Dreamed of Then, from developing the script to bringing the film to life on the big screen. Steven and Taylor dig into the films core story and themes, starting with the film's protagonist, Gideon, a swim coach living invisibly houseless out of his van as he tries to hold onto his relationship with his daughter. Taylor shares the personal and real-world experiences and observations that inspired the script. The conversation also covers the production process, focussing on shooting the film in Saint John. GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.cineplex.com/movie/what-we-dreamed-of-then Future Screenings of What We Dreamed of Then (With Cast & Crew in Attendance): February 16: CINEPLEX CINEMAS TRINITY DRIVE, MONCTON, NB February 18: CINEPLEX CINEMAS MIRAMICHI, MIRAMICHI CITY, NB February 19: CINEPLEX CINEMAS FREDERICTON, FREDERICTON, NB February 20: CINEPLEX CINEMAS PARKLANE, Halifax, NS Guest: Taylor Olson https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6569972/ Producer: Steven Suntres Camera Operator: Nathan Hopper Production Assistant: Fred Mateo Special Thanks: Hemmings House Pictures, Gavin Downes, Stephen Foster, Nathan Hopper Photography

Steven talks with Bruce LeGrow, Writer/Director on Car Wash Wars. Bruce shares his perspective as a key creative on Car Wash Wars, from writing, directing, and sound design. Bruce also talks his experiences as a creative navigating the ups and downs in New Brunswick's Film & TV industry for the past 15 years, and the importance of enjoying the limitless potential of pre-production planning.

Steven Suntres talks with Jimmy MacKinley about his role of Mister Dulse on Car Wash Wars, eligible to be nominated for a Canadian Screen Award in Best Supporting Performance. Jimmy talks about his experience working on Revival the hit series Syfy, and about the ups and downs as an aspiring Actor/Comedian in New Brunswick.

Steven Suntres talks with the multi-talented Kristyn Green on her experience playing the lead role as Kayla Polley on CAR WASH WARS, Steven's debut comedy series through Paratactic Pictures, filmed in Saint John, New Brunswick. The discussion includes Steven and Kristyn's favourite memories from the production, the lessons they learned, and some insights in their creative process.