How do you make one of the biggest sports documentaries of the year? In this episode of Frame By Frame, Daniel sits down with director Erik LeDrew and editor Kevin Barth, the creative minds behind HBO’s Alex vs. A-Rod.They break down the entire storytelling journey—from early brainstorming sessions and gaining Alex Rodriguez’s trust, to the emotional Colorado shoot that became the heart of the series, to spending 88 weeks in the edit shaping one of the most vulnerable portraits of A-Rod ever shown on screen.This conversation goes deep into the director–editor relationship, how to collaborate under pressure, why certain scenes almost didn’t make the cut, and what it truly takes to build a multi-year documentary from scratchIf you love filmmaking, storytelling, sports docs, or the craft behind documentaries, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.00:00 – IntroDaniel sets up the episode and introduces Erik & Kevin.02:00 – How Erik & Kevin First ConnectedTheir creative partnership and early projects that shaped their process.08:30 – Origin of the Alex vs. A-Rod DocumentaryA-Rod’s blind spots, the initial pitch, and why this project mattered.14:00 – Building Trust With A-RodHow they got him comfortable enough to open up emotionally.20:00 – Developing the Structure & ToneThe “writer’s room” process and mapping out the psychological heart of the story.27:00 – Editing a Multi-Year DocumentaryFinding rhythm, musicality, pacing, and what gets left on the cutting room floor.33:00 – The Colorado ShootThe make-or-break moment of the doc—and why it almost didn’t work.45:00 – Balancing Objectivity & Collaboration With A-RodNavigating notes, integrity, and the fine line between access and honesty.52:00 – Working With HBOWhy HBO was the ideal partner and how their feedback elevated the project.58:00 – Storytelling Lessons & Advice for FilmmakersErik and Kevin share what they’ve learned across their careers.1:05:00 – The Frame They’re Most Proud OfA powerful closing reflection on their favorite moments in the film1:10:00 – Closing ThoughtsDaniel wraps the conversation and previews what’s next.
What does it take to film Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs from the inside? Emmy-winning director Kristen Lappas takes us behind the scenes of The Kingdom, the new Disney+ and ESPN documentary series on the Chiefs dynasty.In this episode of Frame By Frame, Kristen shares how she earned the trust of Mahomes, Kelce, and Coach Andy Reid, what it was like to direct the Chiefs through a historic season, and how she built one of the biggest NFL docuseries of all time. From underground bunkers of Chiefs history to emotional family moments, this is the story behind The Kingdom.If you’re a Kansas City Chiefs fan, a filmmaker, or just curious about how sports documentaries are made, this is a must-watch.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Kristen Lappas on The Kingdom01:18 – How the Chiefs project came together03:13 – Building trust with Andy Reid & the players06:06 – Filming Mahomes up close (and a Super Bowl haircut)08:13 – Structuring a dynasty story: themes & arcs11:10 – The art of pitching: how Kristen sold The Kingdom14:38 – Balancing honesty vs. PR when partnering with teams18:56 – Surprising storylines that shaped the series21:26 – Discovering the Chiefs’ underground archive bunker25:36 – Making The Kingdom appeal beyond football fans27:07 – Handling Taylor Swift’s presence in the story29:00 – Premiering The Kingdom in Kansas City31:21 – Creative swings: directing the Giannis documentary36:49 – Lessons from working with superstars (Mahomes, Giannis, Caitlin Clark)39:07 – Kristen’s career break: the story of Arthur43:49 – Advice for young filmmakers & pitching stories45:09 – Balancing filmmaking with motherhood47:49 – Kristen’s advice for first-time feature directors50:24 – What’s next for Kristen Lappas51:25 – Mentors, influences, and finding your voice54:51 – Lessons from The Kingdom & Andy Reid’s “Don’t Judge” card When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
After a short break, I’m back — and with big news.In this episode of Frame by Frame, I’m announcing my first feature documentary: 12 — the untold story of how the city of Seattle came together in the 1990s to stop the Seahawks from relocating to Los Angeles.Backed by Marshawn Lynch, Beast Mode Productions, and Victory Sports Media, this project is the biggest opportunity of my directing career so far. I break down the inspiration behind the film, how it came together behind the scenes, and what I’ve learned so far stepping into the role of feature documentary director.We talk:Why this story matters — and why it almost got lostThe origin of 12 and the team behind itWhat it takes to make a doc at this scaleFinding the heart of a story that changed a cityBalancing creative work, parenting, and small business life If you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or just someone who loves underdog sports stories, this episode is for you.🎧 Subscribe to Frame by Frame for more behind-the-scenes episodes as I bring this documentary to life — one frame at a time. When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
Susan Ansman spent a year embedded with LeBron James, directing Netflix’s Starting 5 and capturing the most personal moments of his career. In this episode, Susan shares how she made the leap from ESPN to freelance, what it’s really like to direct a global superstar, and how she’s paving the way for women in sports filmmaking.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: How Susan became LeBron’s director01:09 – Why she quit ESPN for this opportunity02:15 – First day: Inside LeBron’s house on Halloween03:40 – Building trust with high-profile athletes05:31 – Capturing LeBron rapping in the car07:00 – Verité filmmaking and shooting solo08:06 – The story structure behind Starting 510:00 – The toast, Bronny’s health scare & vulnerability13:30 – Being a one-woman crew with LeBron16:00 – What it takes to shoot elite athletes19:00 – The power of listening as a director21:45 – From EVS operator to Emmy-winning filmmaker24:30 – How editing shaped her directing style27:00 – Juggling directing, producing, and editing30:00 – Shooting the Olympic basketball documentary34:00 – Navigating confidence in a male-dominated industry37:30 – Advice to women entering sports filmmaking41:00 – Why representation behind the camera matters44:00 – Final reflections + what’s next for SusanWhen You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
Creative Director. It’s a title everyone wants—but few truly understand. In this episode of Frame By Frame, I sit down with Will Shanahan, VP of Creative at The Unlisted Company, to break down what this role really means in the world of branded content, advertising, and filmmaking.Whether you’re an aspiring CD, a freelance director, or just curious about how creative projects actually get made—this episode pulls back the curtain.📍 Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why speaking your mind matters01:06 – What does a Creative Director actually do?03:38 – The difference between title and responsibility07:41 – Defining the role in one sentence08:00 – Creative Director vs. Head Coach vs. GM09:21 – Director vs. Creative Director collaboration11:10 – How to build relationships between directors and CDs12:32 – The one skill no one talks about—but every CD needs14:35 – Business lessons learned as a Creative Director17:06 – Navigating budget conversations with clients19:59 – Why the word “partnership” changes everything20:16 – The rare project that went exactly as planned22:47 – Will’s origin story: How he became a CD24:07 – Staying creative while managing meetings and chaos26:26 – The creative power of not trying too hard27:16 – Advice for new Creative Directors29:43 – Why pitching is more than just presenting ideas33:14 – How to make clients feel something during a pitch34:16 – Real pitch example: The New York Giants35:40 – Will’s favorite deck-building tools and resources36:33 – Making the leap: Why Will joined The Unlisted Co.39:34 – Trusting your gut in a creative career40:24 – Closing thoughts + why relationships create opportunity When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
If personal branding feels cringy, confusing, or just exhausting — this episode is for you.Brand coach and creative powerhouse Praise Santos, founder of ComePlum, breaks down what personal branding really is, why it matters, and how creatives like filmmakers, designers, and freelancers can brand themselves with authenticity and confidence.We unpack how to stand out in a saturated market, attract your dream clients, and stop letting imposter syndrome hold you back.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Why Personal Branding Feels Hard00:33 - What Is Personal Branding, Really?01:08 - Branding = The Soul of Your Business01:58 - Why People Hire People02:57 - Finding the “Why” That Powers Your Brand04:06 - The Biggest Pain Points Creatives Face06:00 - “I’m Not Special Enough” and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves07:35 - How to Show Up Authentically Online08:36 - The Hype Sheet: A Game-Changing Branding Tool10:34 - What to Put in Your Creative Brand Toolkit12:00 - Serving vs. Selling: The Heart of Great Branding14:16 - Praise’s Journey to Becoming a Brand Coach17:15 - How a Mission Statement Won a Filmmaker a Client19:00 - How to Position Yourself as a Premium Creative21:16 - Want to Be the Four Seasons of Your Industry? Here’s How23:09 - Why Podcasting Is a Branding Superpower25:31 - Podcast Tips: Niche, Ideas, and Delegation28:03 - Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Brand29:31 - Where to Find Praise & ComePlumWhen You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
Is AI the future of filmmaking? In Episode 11 of Frame By Frame, I break down how AI tools are reshaping the creative process—and why they’re just another tool, not a replacement for human creativity.I’ll walk you through exactly how I use AI in my daily workflow as a director and solopreneur: from generating creative ideas, building pitch decks, streamlining my podcast production, to editing and organizing footage. Plus, I share my thoughts on the ethical considerations, potential pitfalls, and why mastering these tools will set you apart in the evolving creative landscape.Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or just curious about how AI is changing the game, this episode offers practical insights and real-world applications. When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
How do you go from shooting solo to directing big-budget projects? Award-winning director Marcus Tortorici (Voyager TV) shares his journey—breaking into the industry, mastering the pitch process, and how he got signed as a director.🔹 How to craft a pitch that sells🔹 What agents look for in a director🔹 The reality of working with agencies & clients🔹 Why trusting your creative instincts is everythingMarcus’ work blends stunning visuals with compelling storytelling, and in this episode, we break down how he does it—Frame By Frame.00:00 - The Reality of Starting as a Director00:07 - How Marcus Landed Big Sets Early in His Career00:40 - Getting Over the Fear of Directing Large Crews01:10 - Welcome to Frame By Frame!01:52 - What Marcus is Working on at Voyager TV02:31 - The Creative Process: How Marcus Approaches New Projects03:39 - Who Finds the Work: Director vs. Agency?05:21 - Writing Treatments & Creating Pitch Decks08:00 - The Tools Marcus Uses for Visual References09:30 - ChatGPT for Filmmakers? Why It’s a Game-Changer11:07 - Selling Yourself as a Director: Why It’s Just as Important as Talent13:50 - How to Pitch Effectively in a Post-COVID World15:37 - Biggest Mistakes Young Directors Make17:26 - The Unspoken Rule in Filmmaking: Agencies Don’t Care… Until They Do19:31 - How Marcus Got Signed by Voyager TV25:27 - The Portfolio Strategy That Got Him Noticed29:03 - Why Social Media & Branding Matter for Directors34:15 - Balancing Visuals & Story: Why Both Matter Equally38:33 - How to Develop a Signature Look as a Director42:04 - Trusting Your Creative Instincts & Fighting for Your Vision45:31 - The Client-Agency Dance: Navigating Creative Control46:59 - The Key to Longevity in Filmmaking: Resilience48:28 - What’s Next for Marcus? Commercials vs. Features52:33 - The Mindset Shift Every Director Needs53:23 - Closing Thoughts & Subscribe for More!When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
Can giving away your films for free actually lead to career success? In this episode of Frame By Frame, filmmaker Jake Viramontez, founder of SOWN for Good, shares how embracing generosity in filmmaking transformed his career—leading to collaborations with Sony, TED, and global NGOsFrom having no commercial work during COVID to landing a dream partnership with Sony, Jake’s journey proves that giving without expectations can open unexpected doors. He breaks down his storytelling philosophy, the three-act structure for NGO films, and how filmmakers can create impact-driven stories while building a sustainable career 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:✔️ How giving away films led Jake to work with Sony and TED✔️ The three-act storytelling formula for social impact films✔️ How young filmmakers can land projects without industry connections✔️ The unexpected way generosity creates real career opportunities✔️ Why NGOs and brands need human-centered storytelling more than ever📌 Chapters & Topics:00:00 – The Power of Giving in Filmmaking (Jake’s turning point)02:30 – How Jake Started Giving Away Films for Free06:45 – How a Cold Email to Sony Led to a Major Partnership12:10 – Why Filmmakers Should Focus on Impact Over Money17:30 – Jake’s Early Filmmaking Journey & First Mentor22:15 – How Traveling and Nonprofits Shaped His Filmmaking Style27:00 – The Art of Authentic Storytelling for NGOs & Brands31:45 – The Three-Act Structure for Social Impact Films36:30 – Building SOWN for Good and Mentoring Young Filmmakers41:00 – How to Apply for SOWN for Good Filmmaking Opportunities43:30 – Final Advice for Filmmakers: How to Build a Career That Matters🎥 About Jake Viramontez:Jake is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of SOWN for Good, a creative initiative that provides filmmakers with opportunities to tell meaningful stories for nonprofits. His work has been featured by Sony, Chevrolet, and global NGOs, blending commercial filmmaking with purpose-driven storytelling.When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify
🎥 When do you know it’s time to leave your dream job? Former Seattle Seahawks Senior Producer Madeline Down built one of the NFL’s best in-house video teams, creating some of the most iconic sports content. But she walked away. In this episode of Frame By Frame, we dive into why she left, how she built her career in sports filmmaking, and what’s next as she transitions into narrative filmmakingWe also discuss her upcoming short film Sense of Emergency, inspired by a life-changing moment involving her mother and first responders, and the launch of her new creative studio, Studio 89, backed by Doug Baldwin.📌 Timestamps:00:00 - Opening Hook: When You’re No Longer Seen as a Creative00:43 - Welcome to Frame By Frame w/ Madeline Down01:12 - Leaving the Seahawks: Why She Walked Away from a Dream Job02:25 - The Hardest Part About Leaving a Secure Job04:23 - The Sports Content Grind & What It Teaches You08:08 - Building the Seahawks Video Team from 4 to 12 People10:02 - The NFL’s Content “Arms Race” & Why It’s a Bootcamp for Filmmakers14:31 - Behind the Sound: The Seahawks’ First Docuseries17:20 - The Challenges of Making Sports Documentaries19:01 - How to Pitch & Sell a Creative Project Internally21:37 - Her #1 Career Advice for Creatives22:21 - Her Short Film Sense of Emergency – Inspired by a True Story24:46 - The Wild Story of Her Mom’s Cardiac Arrest & Survival28:35 - Crowdfunding Her Film Successfully (Using Seed&Spark)31:10 - Casting Luke Barnett as the Lead & His Viral Film Success33:02 - Transitioning from Athletes to Working with Actors36:08 - Vault 89 & Launching Her Own Creative Studio 🔗 Follow Madeline Down:→ [Instagram]→ [Sense of Emergency Short Film]→ [Studio 89]When You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTube👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!SAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify🎬 Subscribe for more filmmaking insights! If this episode resonated with you, hit LIKE and comment below—would YOU leave your dream job for something unknown?
Filmmaker, Chris Ray—founder of Motion Clubhouse and a key part of the production team behind the Huberman Lab Podcast. In this episode, we dive into his inspiring journey from producing content at DC Shoes to building his own creative agency and working with some of the biggest names in the industry.If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of branded content and podcast production, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎥🎙️Connect w/ Chris: Website | InstagramTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:28 - How We Met IRL After Years of Texts01:05 - Chris’s Journey: From DC Shoes to Motion Clubhouse03:00 - Breaking into the Industry Through Skateboarding04:26 - The Moment Chris Decided to Start His Own Company07:41 - Taking the Leap: Balancing Family & Career Risks10:25 - Failing Fast & Learning Quickly in Business11:08 - Why the Business Side of Filmmaking Is Just as Important13:15 - The Art of Pitching to Brands14:21 - Building Brand Relationships as a Creative15:21 - How Smaller Creators Can Land Big Brand Deals17:44 - The Future of Branded Content & Creator Economy20:06 - Behind the Scenes of the Huberman Lab Podcast23:16 - The Biggest Challenges of High-Level Podcast Production26:39 - How Huberman Lab Encourages Creativity & Mental Clarity28:06 - Realizing the Cultural Impact of Your Work29:18 - Staying Inspired: What Fuels Chris’s Creativity31:31 - Nerding Out on Gear: Film Cameras & New Tech33:19 - Reviving Old Cameras: The Charm of Mini DV & Film34:22 - Practical Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers36:10 - Chris’s Passion Projects & What’s Next37:04 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Chris OnlineWhen You're Ready📬: Frame By Frame Dispatch Newsletter (Creative Inspiration)🎥: Daniel's Recommended Production Gear ListCONNECT🐦 Connect on Twitter📸 Connect on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn📹 Subscribe on YouTubeSAY THANKS💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry insiders!
🏆 Super Bowl-winning coach. Hall of Famer. NBC analyst. In this episode of Frame By Frame, I sit down with Tony Dungy for one of the most insightful conversations we’ve had yet.We break down:✅ The moment he thought he’d never get his head coach shot—and how it finally happened✅ Why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing expectations✅ How coaching an NFL team is just like directing a film 🎬🏈✅ His mindset for handling pressure in high-stakes moments✅ What success vs. significance really meansGet my Production Gear (Free) https://www.danielmogg.com/join⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro02:00 – How Tony helped me get my big break in the industry3:00 – Why being a director is like being a head coach 🎬🏈05:00 – The job that changed everything—but he almost didn’t consider it07:00 – The pressure to change vs. staying true to yourself10:00 – Getting rejected over and over—how he handled it16:29 - Meeting Peyton Manning for the 1st time17:00 – How great leaders empower others to lead25:00 – The secret to handling pressure:30:00 – Coaching vs. Broadcasting: What changed?35:00 – How Tony used his Super Bowl moment to share his faith39:00 – Success vs. Significance: What truly matters?41:00 – Final takeaways & lessons for leaders, creatives, and dreamers📺 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on storytelling, leadership, and filmmaking!http://bit.ly/DMYOUTUBE
In this episode of Frame By Frame, we dive into what it really takes to act in and produce a feature film on an indie budget. Kelsi Umeko and Curtis McGann share how they went from acting in short films to selling a feature film they made for under $100K—with no big investors or Hollywood backing.💡 Topics & Timestamps:⏳ 00:03:34 – How a Craigslist purchase led to a feature film role⏳ 00:08:01 – Leaving everything behind to chase acting in LA⏳ 00:21:14 – Making a feature film with no investors—just faith and hustle⏳ 00:23:02 – The real budget: 15 days, under $100K, and how they pulled it off⏳ 00:26:30 – How they found a distribution deal for their indie film⏳ 00:38:49 – The future of indie filmmaking: Why DIY is the way to go⏳ 00:41:02 – Advice for aspiring actors and filmmakers—just start!🚀 Thinking of making your own movie? Drop your questions in the comments!🎥 Watch The Last Flight (Short Film) here: 🎬 Check out The God Keep series: 📢 Subscribe for more filmmaker deep dives!Follow me:Instagram: @DanielJMoggPodcast Instagram: @Frame_ByFramePod
In this episode of Frame By Frame, host Daniel Mogg sits down with Emmy-winning DP Jason Johnson to uncover the secrets to building a successful career in filmmaking. From transitioning from professional football to becoming an award-winning cinematographer, Jason shares his unique journey and the hard lessons he learned along the way.Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome and Jason’s background: From football to filmmaking.06:09 – Why DPs struggle financially and how to think like a business.13:00 – Breaking into filmmaking: Lessons from shooting his first documentary.21:18 – The importance of gaining experience and "hiring your mentors."36:36 – Balancing passion with paying the bills as a DP.40:19 – Jason’s top films and storytelling inspiration from Interstellar.46:07 – Why working for free (at the right time) can open doors.53:31 – Closing advice: Solving problems on set and staying creative under pressure.Key Takeaways🔥 Why many DPs struggle to make a living and how to fix it.💡 The importance of treating filmmaking as a business.🎬 How to stand out in a competitive industry.🚪 Breaking into sports filmmaking and the power of relationships.📈 Practical advice for scaling your career and making consistent income.Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed as a DP.📌 Subscribe for more stories, insights, and inspiration from the world of filmmaking and beyond!Follow me:Instagram: @DanielJMoggPodcast Instagram: @Frame_ByFramePod
Liam shares his journey from acting to directing, revealing how his pivot to filmmaking shaped his approach to storytelling.The conversation delves deep into the art and challenges of creating an intimate portrait of a high-profile figure. Liam discusses the minimalist yet impactful production style that helped capture Aaron’s vulnerability, from shooting solo in Costa Rica to weaving the complex narrative of an athlete wrestling with legacy, fame, and personal growth.Listeners will gain insight into Liam’s creative process, including the instinct-driven editing that shaped the documentary, the themes of spirituality and self-discovery explored in Aaron’s off-season, and the strategies behind structuring a story in real-time. Liam also shares advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, intuition, and building a strong portfolio.Whether you're a filmmaker, sports enthusiast, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes process of creating a Netflix hit, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights.00:00 - Intro"How Liam Hughes Captured Aaron Rodgers’ Untold Story"00:25 - First Impressions of Aaron Rodgers"Award-winning filmmaker Liam Hughes on working with Aaron Rodgers"01:02 - Liam’s Journey from Acting to Filmmaking"From the stage to behind the camera: Liam’s creative pivot"03:11 - Building a Portfolio in Film"How Liam started making short films and breaking into the industry"06:26 - Finding Success in Documentaries"How Religion of Sports shaped Liam’s filmmaking career"09:34 - Directing McGregor Forever and Destination NBA"Lessons learned from high-profile sports documentaries"13:05 - The Birth of the Aaron Rodgers Documentary"How an idea became Enigma: A pivotal headline sparks a story"16:24 - Meeting Aaron Rodgers for the First Time"Learning to build trust and capture vulnerability"19:17 - Exploring Vulnerability in Enigma"Turning a sports doc into a personal journey"23:13 - Crafting a Killer Opening Scene"The story behind Enigma’s striking intro sequence"26:33 - Structuring a Real-Time Documentary"Balancing the past, present, and future in storytelling"32:05 - Behind the Scenes in Costa Rica"Minimalist filmmaking and capturing intimacy"38:14 - Technical Gear and Challenges"Shooting Enigma with RED cameras and a small crew"45:08 - Making a Premium Documentary with Limited Resources"Why intimacy matters more than a big production crew"50:05 - Aaron Rodgers’ Legacy and Spirituality"How fame, pressure, and personal growth shaped the story"52:14 - Editing a Complex Documentary"Whittling down hundreds of hours into a cohesive narrative"57:20 - Balancing Creative Vision with Studio Feedback"Navigating Netflix’s note process while staying true to the story"01:03:12 - Liam’s Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers"Follow your instincts and start creating"01:06:27 - What’s Next for Liam Hughes"Exploring YouTube and building a personal audience"01:08:47 - Closing Thoughts"Reflecting on the journey of Enigma and the future of filmmaking"📌 Subscribe for more stories, insights, and inspiration from the world of filmmaking and beyond!Follow me:Instagram: @DanielJMoggPodcast Instagram: @Frame_ByFramePod
From the surreal moment of being picked up at the airport by Russ and Ciara to shooting the Wheaties box cover and photographing my first Super Bowl, these are the stories that shaped my career. I share how I transitioned from NBC to becoming Russ's Creative Director, launched his YouTube channel to 100k subscribers, and captured some of the most iconic moments of his career. Along the way, I learned valuable lessons about storytelling, high-performance teamwork, and taking risks to follow my dreams. If you’re curious about breaking into sports content, navigating the world of high-profile clients, or pivoting your career to pursue your passion, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.00:00 - Introduction00:24 - How It All Started01:02 - The Surreal Airport Pickup02:00 - First Big Project: Nike Commercial03:36 - Traveling the World with Russ05:12 - Shooting the Wheaties Box Cover06:07 - Launching Russell Wilson’s YouTube Channel07:12 - Becoming a Super Bowl Photographer09:00 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship11:22 - Directing Major Commercial Projects12:45 - Lessons from High-Profile Clients14:18 - The Pivot to Narrative Filmmaking15:40 - What’s Next for Frame by Frame16:42 - Closing Thoughts📌 Subscribe for more stories, insights, and inspiration from the world of filmmaking and beyond!Follow me:Instagram: @DanielJMoggPodcast Instagram: @Frame_ByFramePod
Join me as I reflect on pivotal moments, including:My internship at the Cannes Film Festival 🏆Working with Tony Dungy 🏈My time producing for NBC's Sunday Night Football 🎥This episode sets the stage for the Frame By Frame podcast, where I’ll sit down with filmmakers, industry insiders, and creatives to inspire YOU to write your own story.0:00 - Intro: Welcome to Frame By Frame1:10 - Why I Started This Podcast2:45 - The Meaning Behind "Frame By Frame"4:30 - My Background: Growing Up in Florida6:00 - First Steps into Filmmaking: High School & College8:20 - Life-Changing Experience at the Cannes Film Festival12:15 - Lessons Learned at the American Film Market14:50 - Breaking into Media with Tony Dungy18:10 - Living the NFL Life on the Sunday Night Football Bus21:30 - Working with Russell Wilson and Building Relationships23:15 - Wrapping Up: What’s Next in Episode 2 📌 Subscribe for more stories, insights, and inspiration from the world of filmmaking and beyond! Follow me:Instagram: @DanielJMoggPodcast Instagram: @Frame_ByFramePod
Every life journey has a story worth telling—beyond what we see on screen, into the moments behind the scenes. In the Frame By Frame podcast, host Daniel Mogg explores the intricate world of filmmaking and the entertainment industry. Just like movies are built frame by frame, so are our lives, shaped by the decisions and actions we take.Each episode dives into the creative processes of film crew members, media personalities, and industry insiders, breaking down how their unique stories have contributed to their career arcs. With insightful conversations, this podcast aims to inspire the next generation of creatives to craft their own stories.Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a content creator, or simply curious about the creative process, Frame By Frame invites you to go behind the scenes and explore the magic of storytelling. Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0S4pJrTTjmZsYmsLZxp0QEM1YeoJIPfU&si=o5ZFpcf_zcDWUOgY