SWFL Fresh Press with Eric Raddatz

Meet Ramon Pesante — Emmy-nominated director, Telly Award-winning filmmaker, and creative visionary.Join Eric Raddatz and Ramon Pesante for a deep, energizing conversation about storytelling, identity, and innovation in the world of film and branded content.From his powerful short film Playing Sam to shaping bold narratives for major brands, Ramon reveals how culture and creativity fuel his journey — and how he's using film to challenge norms and inspire change.Brought to you in part by:Fort Myers Film Festival www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com;Riverside Realty www.riversidefl.com;Blu Sushi www.blusushi.com https://zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz-show

This week, Eric Raddatz sits down with acclaimed writer and director Victoria DeMartin for an insightful conversation about her path through the film industry and her commitment to storytelling that resonates. From her breakout project The Audition to her work on The Spy and The Red Sea Diving Resort, Victoria opens up about the challenges and triumphs of working behind the camera.Together, they explore the power of diverse narratives, the creative process behind developing emotionally compelling films, and what drives her as a filmmaker in today’s evolving industry. Whether you're a film lover, aspiring director, or curious creative, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a storyteller who’s helping shape the future of cinema.Brought to you in part by:Fort Myers Film Festival www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com;Riverside Realty www.riversidefl.com;Blu Sushi www.blusushi.comhttps://zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz-show#episode:1073792121

In this heartfelt episode, Nashville singer-songwriter Kayley Bishop joins Eric Raddatz for an intimate conversation on music, meaning, and making it in the industry. Known for her soulful blend of rock, country, and storytelling, Kayley shares her journey from the national spotlight on The Voice to the deeply personal process behind her latest album, "Little Dove."Together with co-host Eric Raddatz, the duo dives into topics like the role of faith in her creative journey, her evolution as an artist, and how she balances vulnerability with strength in her music. From emotional songwriting to navigating the music business, Kayley's story is one of resilience, authenticity, and purpose.Don’t miss this inspiring episode packed with insight, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to chase your calling in Music City.Brought to you in part by:Fort Myers Film Festival www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com;Riverside Realty www.riversidefl.com;Blu Sushi www.blusushi.comhttps://zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz-show#episode:1073793933

In this powerful episode, Dr. William F. Hammond, a pioneer in environmental and marine sciences, joins Eric Raddatz to reflect on nearly seven decades of groundbreaking work in ecological policy, education, and sustainability. From shaping environmental frameworks to inspiring new generations of scientists, Dr. Hammond’s legacy is one of global impact and unwavering dedication to protecting our planet.We dive deep into the evolution of conservation efforts, the urgent challenges of climate change, and how one man's lifelong mission continues to make waves across the world.Brought to you in part by:Fort Myers Film Festival www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com;Riverside Realty www.riversidefl.com;Blu Sushi www.blusushi.comZEAM TV: https://zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz-show

Actress, producer, and director Evgeniya Radilova sits down with Eric Raddatz to share her inspiring path from Law & Order to becoming a powerhouse in independent filmmaking. Known for her award-winning work with iDare Productions and the underground cult hit Lost Cos, Evgeniya opens up about building Evgeniya Entertainment, mentoring rising creatives, and using film as a vehicle for transformation across the globe.Brought to you in part by:Fort Myers Film Festival www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com;Riverside Realty www.riversidefl.com;Blu Sushi www.blusushi.comZEAM TV: https://zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz-show

Michael Rossato-Bennett, director of the award-winning documentary Alive Inside, joins Eric Raddatz for a powerful conversation on the transformative impact of music and film. In this episode, we explore how music can awaken memory, heal emotional trauma, and reconnect us to what makes us human. Michael shares insights into his creative process and his mission to inspire change by spotlighting the importance of empathy and connection—especially in an increasingly disconnected world.A must-listen for fans of documentary film, social impact storytelling, and the healing power of music.It’s time for film talk with a twist! The Eric Raddatz Show brings you exclusive access to indie cinema’s best, featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything you love about indie films—exciting and totally unfiltered!Brought to you in part by:Fort Myers Film Festival www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com;Riverside Realty www.riversidefl.com;Blu Sushi www.blusushi.comZEAM TV: https://zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz-show

Melanie Taylor, known as Muszette, blends electronic pop, rock, and soulful vocals. Featured in Queer Eye, Love Island, and Too Hot to Handle, her empowering anthems resonate with global audiences. We discuss her evolution, new EP Rare Form, and her rise in the music industry. It’s time for film talk with a twist! The Eric Raddatz Show brings you exclusive access to indie cinema’s best, featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything you love about indie films—exciting and totally unfiltered!

David Garrigus, award-winning filmmaker behind the PBS critically-acclaimed "Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention," is taking his new feature film, The American Constitution, on a city-to-city roadshow tour for the next 20 months before its broadcast release on PBS stations. Because of his unusually long commitment to grassroots community exhibitions of his film and his advocacy for civic education, Garrigus has been characterized as the “Constitution’s Johnny Appleseed.”The American Constitution begins its nationwide theatrical tour at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre in Fort Myers, Florida on April 3rd. Immediately following two premiere screenings on April 3rd, Garrigus will be joined on stage by James Madison, the Father of the Constitution & 4th President of the U.S., uncannily portrayed by nationally-recognized first-person interpreter & Madison expert, LOUIS MAGILL. Garrigus and James Madison will converse with the audience about the film and the historical Constitution. The gala screenings will be catered by Victorian Garden. Proceeds benefit The Preamble Foundation, whose mission is to promote citizenship through entertaining experiences.  The event’s Premier Sponsor is Crews Environmental. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 20-24, 2026. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Heather Preston is a professional astronomer who has lived in Fort Myers since 2012. She has been Planetarium Director of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers since September, 2014. She graduated from MIT with a Bachelor’s in Physics, from the University of Washington with a Master’s in Astronomy, and was hired out of her PhD program to become an Operations Astronomer for the Hubble Space Telescope. She worked at the Space Telescope Science Institute from before launch to the first servicing mission. During that time, she she married Derek Buzasi, a fellow astronomer, who for the last 12 years has served as the Whitaker Eminent Scholar in Science at FGCU. They lived aboard a cruising sailboat twice – the first time for 18 months in the mid-90s, the second for a year when their son turned 11, to give him that amazing experience: and so, they arrived in Fort Myers by sailboat, to allow Derek to take up his new job at FGCU. They have been here ever since.

Jason Parrish is the Associate Artistic Director and an Ensemble Artist at Florida Repertory Theatre. Now in his 20th season with the company, Jason has acted in over 30 productions with Florida Rep and recently directed some of the company’s big musical productions like Hank Williams Lost Highway, Ring of Fire, the Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder – plus new plays like Alabaster – and is the director of Florida Rep’s PlayLab Festival of New Works! Some may remember him for resent appearances in A Sherlock Carol, Driving Miss Daisy, six years as a naught Macy’s Elf in the Santaland Diaries – and will see him in the theatre’s upcoming regional premiere of Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.   Jason is a champion for the arts, and is proud to work for one of Lee County’s most important arts and cultural attractions!

SWFL Produce is  a co–op that works closely with different farms, which means variety for our members. Owner Elizabeth is always looking for different, and unique produce to keep this program exciting. THEY PROVIDE  pickup locations and home delivery. . Located in Punta Gorda, Swfl Produce is a Local family- women operated Farm and Co Op. Owner Elizabeth  believes in a culture that is committed to the environment and community. Elizabeth Etnoyer a long time native of Swfl, and MBA graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University handles a little bit of everything from processing weekly orders, to picking fresh fruits and veggies on the farm. Elizabeth is a single mother of three, and believes all kids deserve a healthy start! Her passion to help children overcome child obesity by encouraging them to eat healthy each and every day. Fitness, and healthy eating is very important to Elizabeth. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of sourcing healthy, nutritional food to the community. Her motto is Be Healthy, and Be Happy! www.swflproduce.com 2394646595 Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 14-18-2025. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Keith Wallace is a versatile actor, model, and CEO of Wallace Entertainment with over 20 years in the industry. He's starred in indie films like "One Evening" and "Mondays Suck," and gained fame with roles in "Avengers Endgame" and Disney+'s "Loki." Keith also excels in national commercials for brands like Walmart and Dunkin Donuts and has worked with clients such as Sunshine Ace Hardware in modeling. Don't miss an exciting event with Keith Wallace: Saturday, September 21 SWFL Hollywood MEET & GREET. Join Wallace Entertainment in Fort Myers as we welcome Randal Reeder from Marvel's Deadpool! Enjoy food, entertainment, and much more. Keith's innovative Ophidian Film project further showcases his business acumen and creative vision. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 14-18-2025. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Stacey Cook is the CEO of SalusCare, the largest behavioral health organization in Southwest Florida. Serving 16,000 children and adults annually, she is a dedicated leader in the field. Stacey is a licensed clinical social worker and the author of the book Beyond Words. www.saluscareflorida.org Call 239-275-3222 for help or 911 with an emergency! Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 14-18-2025. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Caryn Clark has been a voiceover talent for nearly 20 years, focusing on commercial work, with clients like iHeart Radio, Toto Washlet bidet, Trojan Condoms, Disney/American Red Cross, and Laura Mercier. Before this, she was a writer and marketing consultant in the financial industry, with her first notable voiceover work for Hannah Montana products. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Dr. William F. Hammond, Ph.D., has distinguished himself over a storied career spanning 68 years as an educator, with significant contributions in both academia and environmental consulting. As the Founder and President of Natural Context Consultants and a retired Professor Emeritus from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he served for 26 years, Dr. Hammond's impact on ecological and marine sciences education is profound. He holds degrees from SUNY Cortland, Cornell, USF, and Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. His leadership extends beyond the classroom to pivotal roles such as Founder and President of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, where his vision has shaped environmental education initiatives for decades. Notably, Dr. Hammond has been a lead environmental consultant for Kitson & Partners, guiding sustainable planning for the Babcock Ranch Solar-Sustainable Community since its inception 19 years ago. Appointed by five governors to various state committees and boards, Dr. Hammond has influenced environmental policy across South Florida and beyond, including roles with the South Florida Water Management District and the Babcock Ranch State Preserve Management Committee. His consultancy work spans all 50 states, 9 Canadian provinces, and 18 countries worldwide, advising on environmental planning and education. Throughout his career, Dr. Hammond has received numerous national and state recognitions, including the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Service in Conservation to the Nation and Educator of the Year accolades from organizations like National Project Wild and Florida Audubon. He remains an active advocate for conservation, serving as a Special Consultant to Kitson & Partners and Emeritus President of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Board of Trustees. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Nya Chambless, a native of Sarasota, Florida, discovered her passion for acting at age 2 after seeing "Annie" on stage. Her theatrical debut came in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at Player's Theatre. Since then, Nya has built an impressive portfolio spanning indie films, commercials, and stage productions. Notable performances include Penelope in “Ruby” at WBTT, Ivonka in "Once" at Florida Studio Theatre and a lead role in “the Growing Garden”, a children's TV pilot. She's also gained experience in improv with LA Connection Comedy Theatre Troupe. Her recent work includes performances with WBTT and Stage of Discovery, as well as roles in films like "Bridge to the Other Side," "Florida Man," and "Shape of the Past."  Expanding into filmmaking, Nya has directed two short films. Her second, "Just Believe," screened in 15 countries, winning 11 international student film awards including form yers film festival Currently finishing 8th-grade with honors through FLVS, Nya continues to hone her skills in acting, filmmaking, singing, and dance. Conceptualized and written by Nya Chambless, based upon a real-life friendship during her pre-k years, “My Guardian Angel” is a short film that celebrates growth, friendship, love and inclusion. True friendship is seeing the best in someone and finding the courage to stand up for them no matter the cost. https://www.griefdialogues.com/my-guardian-angel/ Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Filmmakers Mike Messier, Leslie Ann Coles, LeeAnn Hutchinson, Sarah Young, Janelle Tedesco, TL Westgate and Logan Graham join Eric Raddatz on SWFL Fresh Press for a look at each of their short films playing in the Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14 annual event. The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14th annual soiree is set to take place from May 22-26, 2024, in and around SWFL at venues including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, BIG ARTS, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Luminary Hotel, Banyan Hotel and more. “Hellbent on Boogie” will kick off this year’s festivities at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with a star-studded red carpet rollout reception on Wednesday, May 22. The event will include high fashion, drinks, dancing, music, and filmmakers attending from around the world.

KC Schulberg is a prominent figure in the realm of film and television, inheriting a deep-seated passion for storytelling and filmmaking from his illustrious family legacy. As the nephew of the legendary Hollywood producer, Budd Schulberg, and the grandson of B.P. Schulberg, the pioneering producer who won the first Oscar, KC Schulberg has carried on the tradition of excellence in the entertainment industry. One of KC Schulberg's most notable achievements is his role in "The Lost Film of Nuremberg," a groundbreaking documentary that premiered to critical acclaim at the Fort Myers Film Festival. This powerful film offers a poignant exploration of previously unseen footage from the Nuremberg Trials, providing a chilling glimpse into one of humanity's darkest chapters. With over two decades of experience in the industry, KC Schulberg has contributed his expertise to more than 200 movies, miniseries, and television productions. His tenure at Hallmark Entertainment, spanning a decade, saw his involvement in numerous beloved films and series. Following his tenure at Hallmark, Schulberg made a bold move to Europe, where he acquired the Paris-based production company, the Stellar Group. During his tenure at Pandora Cinema, Schulberg played a pivotal role in the production of several notable films, including "Trixie," "Maybe Baby," "The Old Man Who Read Love Stories," and "Honest." His commitment to excellence and passion for storytelling have cemented his legacy as a driving force in the entertainment industry, inspiring future generations of storytellers. Additionally, KC Schulberg currently serves as the executive producer of "Hellbent on Boogie," set to premiere at the Fort Myers Film Festival on May 22, 2204, marking another milestone in his esteemed career, as well as his doc “The Urgency of Now.” The film was completely shot in Florida and is directed and produced by Vito Trupiano, executive produced by K.C. Schulberg, and stars Shiloh Fernandez, Emily Tremaine Fernandez, Ryan Ramirez, and John Farley. Stars from the event will attend a private reception before the screening and will be present for a Q&A afterward. The night will feature champagne toasts, paparazzi, delicious treats for VIP attendees, and an afterparty on the roof of the SBDAC with fun, dancing, and a night never to forget. The Fort Myers Film Festival will be benefiting several nonprofits this year including Florida Arts Inc., #KindLee, Raddatz Foundation, FODASA and Kimmie’s Recovery Zone. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Stephen Wallis has rapidly become one of Canada's most respected screenwriters. A multi-time award winning director and writer, he's becoming one of the country's most sought after artists. From his modest Canadian upbringing he's been able to work as both director and as a writer on most of his projects to date. His latest film "The Martini Shot," starring Matthew Modine, John Cleese, Derek Jacobi, Stuart Townsend and Fiona Glascott, will screen at the 14th annual Fort Myers Film Festival on Thursday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m. This existential drama follows an ailing movie director as he begins to shoot what he believes to be his final work of art. What starts out as a normal movie, ends up being an exploration of mortality and one's profound effect on the world. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.