In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Tatiana Navarette, a powerhouse First Assistant Director whose journey began as a young creative with a slight nerdy way about her, to a film student at Cal State University Long Beach, which has now led her to commanding sets with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot of heart.

We dive into her path from student productions to professional film sets, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and how she’s carved out her voice behind the scenes in an industry that doesn’t always make it easy. From shot lists to set life, Tatiana shares what it really takes to keep a production moving and a crew motivated.

Plus, Tatiana picks the perfect film for our featured discussion — the haunting and visually arresting indie thriller Mermaid Down, currently streaming for free on Mometu. No spoilers... just a deep dive (pun intended) into the themes, execution, and what made this film stand out to her.

If you’ve ever wanted a peek into the organized chaos of filmmaking or needed some inspiration to keep pushing forward, this one’s for you.

Follow us on Instagram or TikTok for BTS footage @mometupodcast & do not forget to download the Mometu app and watch movies for free today.