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Battery Not Included Podcast
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Battery Not Included Podcast

Author: Thnklab Productions

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Welcome to the Front Lines of Modern Cinema

The old Hollywood playbook didn’t just change, it was rewritten overnight. In an era of shifting streamers, AI integration, and evolving indie landscapes, how does a filmmaker stay charged when the traditional power sources are flickering?


Welcome to Battery Not Included, the essential weekly briefing for the modern creator. Hosted by award-winning director and producer Billy Barnes of Thnklab Productions, this isn’t your typical "how-to" show. It’s a survival guide for the architects of the new Hollywood.


Total Access to the Call Sheet

We believe that a film is only as strong as its weakest link, which is why we’re breaking down the silos. Every Monday, Billy sits down with the titans and the trendsetters across every department to pull back the curtain on how movies actually get made today.


Our guest roster spans the entire production pipeline:

  • The Visionaries: Directors and producers navigating fluctuating budgets and new distribution models.
  • The Talent: Pro actors and agents discussing the reality of the modern audition room and the "brand" of the performer.
  • The Craft: Editors, Foley artists, and soundtrack composers revealing how they find the soul of a story in post-production.
  • The Architects: Concept artists and technical innovators who are building worlds that were impossible five years ago.


Why "Battery Not Included"?

In this industry, nobody hands you the power. You have to bring your own energy, your own grit, and your own innovation. Whether you are a veteran filmmaker pivoting to new tech or an emerging creator trying to land your first "General," this podcast provides the raw, unfiltered insights you won’t find in a textbook.


Billy Barnes brings his years of experience at Thnklab Productions to the mic, asking the tough questions that matter to working professionals. We dive deep into the business of art, the psychology of the set, and the future of the silver screen.


Plug in. Power up. Rewrite the script.

New episodes of Battery Not Included drop every Monday. Subscribe now on your favorite platform and join a community of filmmakers who aren't just waiting for the future, they're building it.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 Episodes
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In this episode of Battery Not Included, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Brian Michael Smith (9-1-1: Lone Star).Brian’s path to becoming a series regular wasn't an overnight success, it was a masterclass in persistence, craft, and authenticity. We trace his steps from his roots in Michigan to the high-stakes acting scene in New York City, and finally, his move to Los Angeles.📌 In This Episode, We Discuss:The Early Days: How a kid from Michigan set his sights on the arts.The NYC Grind: Brian’s transition from being an acting teacher and mentor to landing his first big breaks.The Breakthrough: His journey through recurring roles on hit shows like ]9-1-1: Lone Star – He stars as firefighter Paul Strickland (Series Regular).Queen Sugar – He played Toine Wilkins, a police officer and close friend of the Bordelon family (Recurring).The L Word: Generation Q – He appeared as Pierce Williams, a political strategist (Recurring).After – He played the role of Jeremy Washington.Blue Bloods – He appeared in multiple episodes as Officer Buckley.Guest & Additional AppearancesChicago P.D. – Roland Garrett (Episode: "Snitch")Girls – Cop 1 (This was his first speaking credit in 2015)Homeland – EMT NateLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit – ConElectric Worker #2Paul Strickland & Lone Star: What it’s like portraying a fan-favorite character on a massive network drama.Advice for Actors: The mindset shift required to go from "working actor" to "series regular."🔗 Connect with Brian Michael Smith:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_brianmichael/⚡ Support Battery Not Included:If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell! It helps us keep the battery charged and bring you more conversations with the industry's best.Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/braythirteen/#BrianMichaelSmith #911LoneStar #ActingJourney #BatteryNotIncluded #ActorLife #HollywoodStory #TransVisibility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is the "Director’s Dream" still alive in 2026? 🎬In Episode 2 of Battery Not Included, award-winning filmmaker Billy Barnes sits down with Michael Delano, producer, director, and the visionary founder of Cotu Media.Transitioning from shorts to a feature film is the hardest leap a filmmaker can make. Michael breaks down the practical roadmap for directing your first feature, how to maintain creative momentum in a rapidly shifting "New Hollywood" landscape, and why your personal brand is just as important as your reel.📌 In This Episode:The First Feature: Step-by-step advice on making the jump to long-form storytelling.Navigating New Hollywood: How to stay relevant and moving forward in the current industry climate.Marketing Yourself: Modern strategies for young directors to get noticed by producers and investors.The Cotu Media Story: Michael’s journey founding a production powerhouse.🚀 About the Guest:Michael Delano is a seasoned producer and director known for his ability to merge high-level artistry with savvy business strategy. As the founder of Cotu Media, ( https://www.cotumedia.com/ ) he has become a leading voice for the next generation of creators.🎙️ About the Podcast:Battery Not Included is hosted by Billy Barnes, an award-winning filmmaker dedicated to pulling back the curtain on the grit, the grind, and the gear that fuels the film industry.🔗 Connect with Us:Follow Battery Not Included Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/Follow Billy Barnes: https://www.instagram.com/braythirteen/Follow Michael Delano/Cotu Media:https://www.instagram.com/cotumedia/https://www.instagram.com/yasodic/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the series premiere of the Battery Not Included Podcast!In our first-ever episode, award winning Director / Host Billy Barnes is joined by industry legend Eddie Perez. With over 30 years of experience, Eddie is a 3-time Emmy Award winner, a SAG Award winner, and currently serves as the Governor for the Stunts Peer Group at the Television Academy.From his iconic 9-season run as the Stunt Coordinator for Shameless to his work on blockbusters like Deadpool, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Wakanda Forever, and Sicario, Eddie has seen—and done—it all.In this episode, we dive deep into:Breaking In: How to actually start a career as a stunt actor today.The Evolution of Action: What the industry was like in the "wild west" days versus now.The AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence is changing stunt work and what the future holds for human performers.Behind the Scenes: Stories from the set of Shameless and working on massive film franchises.Whether you're an aspiring performer or a die-hard movie fan, this masterclass in action filmmaking is not to be missed.🎥 Featured in this Episode:Shameless (Showtime)DeadpoolSnowfallOnce Upon a Time in HollywoodCaptain America: The Winter SoldierStar Trek Into Darkness🔗 Connect with Us:Follow Eddie Perez:www.instagram.com/iameddieperez/Follow Battery Not Included Podcast on Instagram:www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/Follow Billy Barnes on Instagram:www.instagram.com/braythirteen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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