Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking

Stealing Shots and Breaking In: Kevin Huey on AD Life, DGA, and Producing Angelino On the Get Reelisms podcast (episode 198), hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk with assistant director and producer Kevin Huie about breaking into filmmaking, moving from non-union work into the DGA, and transitioning into producing. Kevin shares starting in theater at UC Riverside, interning on sets, working early jobs in art department, runs, boom operating, grip/electric, and learning AD work through observation before AD-ing consistently around 2010 and joining the DGA in summer 2016. He describes confusion around qualification lists, accumulating days (including a Hallmark job in Baton Rouge), and how producing grew through collaboration with director Quentin Lee, influencing script and found-footage choices. Kevin discusses producing Angelino, organizing communication and scheduling for a first-time feature team, and making the film on an initial $11,000 budget that grew to nearly $20,000 using favors and stolen exterior LA shots, with highlights like filming a kid’s birthday party sequence in one day.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   About Guest Kevin Huie: Kevin Huie is a Los Angeles-based producer and filmmaker with over 200 credits in film and television. He came up through every layer of a set-working as a grip, boom operator, and production assistant-before building an extensive career as an assistant director and stepping into producing. His television experience includes work on series such as Good Trouble, Never Have I Ever, Love, Victor, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and Paradise City. That deep set fluency directly informs Kevin’s producing work, where he focuses on championing AAPI, Native American, and LGBTQ+ voices across film and television. He has built a distinct slate including the stand-up specials Brash Boys Club, Laugh Proud, and Rez Comedy, as well as the stand up comedy series Comedy InvAsian. In the narrative space, his feature film The Last Summer of Nathan Lee premiered at CAAMFest 2023 and screened at the 2023 Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Kevin produces because he believes the stories a community tells about itself matter.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Stealing Shots Talk 00:28 Podcast Intro 00:55 Meet Kevin Huey 02:58 Breaking Into Film 05:41 Theater Roots 06:41 Becoming an AD 08:16 Boom Op and Craigslist 11:10 Joining the DGA 14:12 Hallmark and QL Hustle 15:40 Shift to Producing 19:55 Angelino Origins 21:40 Microbudget Tactics 24:59 Best and Worst Days 26:23 Office Shoot Chaos 27:25 Wrap Up Thoughts Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

Radiation Week 2, Proof of Concept Plans, and the Dangers of “AI Psychosis” Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen host the Get Reelisms podcast (around episode 196), discussing indie filmmaking pressures and life balance after Adam’s 2022 burnout from putting life on hold for career milestones. Christine shares updates that week two of radiation is done and she feels physically fine, while also coming off egg retrieval hormones after producing many eggs; she hopes to shoot two proof-of-concept scenes next week before expected fatigue increases. They reflect on creativity as therapeutic, the brain’s roles in creativity vs essential functions, and how life experiences improve storytelling, including Adam’s decision to go to Burning Man. The conversation shifts to frustrations with overly cautious ChatGPT responses, concerns about “AI psychosis,” and examples of people relying on AI for relationships, emotions, and even marital arguments, urging listeners to use AI as a tool and seek real human support.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Burnout After Erzulie 00:55 Podcast Intro and Episode 196 02:50 Radiation and Egg Retrieval Update 04:58 Naps and Roxy Set Stories 07:46 Avoiding the News and Staying Grounded 08:33 Creativity Through Hard Times 10:49 Brain Surgery and Creative Side 12:14 Life Experiences Fuel Stories 14:18 Burning Man Reset and Podcast Time Capsule 15:06 Erzulie Stress and Peyton Parallels 16:23 Bringing Back Old Guests 17:04 Aging Reality Check 17:27 Midnight Pee Debate 18:13 Why ChatGPT Won’t Commit 18:55 Third Nipple and Trail Poop 21:04 Corporate ChatGPT Modes 24:44 WebMD Panic vs AI Caution 26:15 AI Psychosis Explained 28:10 Dating and Outsourcing Feelings 32:43 Using AI Without Losing Yourself 33:30 Wrap Up and Plug     WEBISODE version of the Podcast Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

Get Reelisms Podcast Ep. 196: Zuzena Magsino on Breaking In, Community, AD Life, and AI in Film On episode 196 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview actor and assistant director Zuzena Magzino about her path into entertainment, from show choir and dance auditions to overcoming fear of being recorded and posting social content. After a five-year hiatus and serious health issues, she returned via a 2021 TikTok Dunkin’ casting call, booked the spot, and later moved to LA, emphasizing the importance of supportive circles, networking, persistence, and the reality that even “set” celebrities may struggle without financial literacy and protection from exploitation. The conversation covers filmmaking community, conflict resolution and chaos management on set, sexism and ego problems among crew, and concerns about AI replacing actors while acknowledging AI as a tool. They close with promotion for Getreelisms.com merchandise and an online film school.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   About Guest Zucena Magsino: Zucena is a queer mixed Filipino-American actor from San Diego based in Los Angeles since 2024. They’ve recently studied at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and can be seen in an array of music videos, short films, vertical series, and TV mini series. Their lead role in Charlene, a Kilam Production, written by Mai Briggs premiered at LA Shorts International Film Festival 2026. And their series-regular debut as Leah in Marriage Material is now streaming on Apple TV for the US & Canada and Amazon Prime worldwide. When they’re not acting they’re creating their own projects, helping their community, or on set as an AD!    WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Fame Money Myth 00:43 Podcast Intro 01:09 Meet Zuzena 02:49 From Dance to Camera Fear 04:25 Social Media and Corporate Detour 06:27 Health Crisis Reset 06:54 Dunkin TikTok Breakthrough 08:45 Supportive Sets and Circles 14:27 Networking and Hustle Mindset 15:50 Making It Takes Years 17:26 Actors Not Set for Life 19:36 Brand Ownership and IP 20:45 AI Actors and Ethics 22:00 AI as Tool Not Replacement 23:47 Conflict as Collaboration 24:23 Miscommunication on Set 25:21 Egos and Drama Queens 25:48 Veteran PA Meltdown 28:25 Second AD Maid Mode 29:33 Safety and Respect 31:08 Tranquility Through Chaos 33:55 Stern Voice and Strikes 35:12 Women Leading on Set 39:04 Collaboration and Continuity 41:17 Landing the Plane 41:30 Housekeeping and Film School Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

Feeling Stagnant During Radiation: Filmmaking, Control, and Creative Renewal On episode 195 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine finishing week one of six weeks of radiation for an oligodendroglioma brain tumor, alongside fertility treatment, and how the invisible progress and grant rejections make her feel stagnant and ungrounded without being on set. A friend suggests shooting part of Christine’s proof-of-concept short in her temporary “radiation camp” apartment near the treatment center, so she plans to film soon before symptoms worsen, and may ask for food donations for cast and crew. They recommend actors seek script-reading opportunities like the LA group Safe House, and reflect on imposter syndrome, conflict-of-interest when working with friends, and balancing creative joy with the job aspect of filmmaking. They also discuss The Artist’s Way “morning pages,” creative routines, and mention seeing The Odyssey and Christopher Nolan’s leadership at a DGA town hall.      About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Feeling Stagnant 00:49 Podcast Intro 01:43 One Year In 02:44 Radiation Update 05:25 Radiation Camp Life 07:01 Fertility Treatment 08:58 Steroid Superpowers 09:28 Proof of Concept Plan 11:56 Actor Casting Tips 14:49 Safe House Breakdown 15:50 Imposter Syndrome Talk 18:07 Friends and Casting 22:17 When Work Feels Like Work 25:09 Rediscovering Writing 26:03 Morning Pages Method 27:59 Break Routine for Inspiration 31:01 Journaling as Therapy 31:32 Restarting the Practice 32:49 Naruto Weights Comeback 34:45 Industry Ebbs and Flows 35:51 Art from Hard Times 37:34 Films That Reignite Passion 38:25 Backrooms Innovation Talk 41:31 Odyssey Craft and Scale 43:29 Nolan DGA Town Hall 48:29 Housekeeping and Merch 49:09 Wrap and Return Soon     Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

n episode 194 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss Christine’s recent health crisis: after an MRI on May 1, doctors found a brain tumor, and she is scheduled for surgery on May 19 to remove it. Christine describes sporadic focal seizures starting the previous summer, including brief left-side freezes while fully conscious, one occurring publicly at a Canon networking event and twice while driving, leading to her no longer being allowed to drive. They criticize the U.S. healthcare system, including receiving results via a CD and delayed medical follow-up, and note her surgery was expedited through her surgeon brother’s connections. They use dark humor about naming the tumor “Tumi,” potential sketches, filmmaking memories, and plan a podcast pause until June while promoting getrealisms.com during recovery.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Brain Tumor Reveal 00:22 Podcast Intro Setup 01:41 Mothers Day Message 02:06 Diagnosis And Surgery Date 03:58 Coping With Dark Humor 04:49 Seizure Symptoms Explained 10:06 Driving Scare And No Keys 11:58 Healthcare System Breakdown 13:03 The CD Player Sketch 16:34 Surgeon Mafia Fast Track 26:40 Friends Support System 27:58 Devil Wears Prada 2 Tangent 29:47 Bots And Bad Reviews 32:27 No Guest Just Us 33:25 Traveling Podcast Memories 34:07 Journaling Through Hard Times 36:04 Not Knowing and Learning 37:33 Cheap Gear Real Talk 38:28 Honest Film Podcast Philosophy 40:23 Fugitive Dreams War Stories 46:36 Family Pressure and Set Culture 51:45 Guest No Show Mothers Day 53:29 Gratitude and Friendship 57:06 Erzulie Set Highlights 01:00:09 Make A Wish Film Funding 01:03:25 Wrap Up and Merch Plug Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram