Act One Podcast

Act One Podcast - Episode 41 - Interview with Director, Screenwriter and Musician, Adam Anders.Adam is the director and co-writer of the new film, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, a musical adventure about the birth of Christ which is being released exclusively in theaters by Sony Pictures on November 10th.Adam is a four-time Grammy® nominee and two-time People's Choice Award winner. For many years, he served as the executive music producer of GLEE and recently re-teamed with GLEE co-creator Ryan Murphy to produce Netflix's feature film, THE PROM. His company, Anders Media Inc., produces film and television content for global audiences. He has sold more than 100 million records and worked with artists ranging from the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus to Andy Grammar and Ceelo Green. His music has been heard in such film productions as HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, THE WEDDING PLANNER, CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, and ROCK OF AGES. His many other credits include executive producing the television shows PERFECT HARMONY for NBC and the international hit teen musical KALLY’S MASHUP, which he created based on his own life. His credits also include executive producing the faith-based FOX live television event THE PASSION, starring Tyler Perry, which generated the #1 soundtrack on Billboard.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 40 - Interview with Producer, Nick Moceri.Nick Moceri is the founder of All Night Diner, a production company that works in film, television, podcasts, and digital media, and the co-founder of Nightlight Media, a joint venture with writer/director/producer Adam Anders. Nick is one of the producers of the recently released film, SITTING IN BARS WITH CAKE, for Amazon Studios, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime so check it out. Nick's film producing credits include A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT (Sundance 2014), DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN (Sundance 2017), THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER (Sundance 2018), MADELINE'S MADELINE (Sundance 2018), STRANGE NEGOTIATIONS (SXSW 2019), and FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN (Tribeca 2019).He was also a producer of the Bill Gates & Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions podcast. The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 39 - Interview with Screenwriter, Karen Hall.In her career as a screenwriter, producer and creative consultant, Karen Hall has worked on numerous television series, including M*A*S*H, Hill Street Blues, Moonlighting, Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, Northern Exposure, Judging Amy and The Good Wife. She has received seven Emmy Award nominations, as well as the Humanitas Prize, the Women in Film Luminas Award, and the Writers Guild of America Award. Her novel, Dark Debts, was a Book of the Month Club main selection when first published in 1996 and has been translated into French, German, and Japanese. She rewrote some of the book and re-released it in 2016.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 38 - Interview with Producers, Aaron Benward and Cliff Young.Aaron Benward comes to Watershed Motion Pictures by way of the music business where he started his career as one half of the award-winning father/son duo Aaron Jeoffrey. He followed that up as the founding member of the 3 time CMA and ACM nominated duo Blue County. Aaron’s creative skills continue into his acting career where he can be seen recently in the Netflix Original series “The Ranch”, Sony’s “The Song” and City on a Hill’s “Acts of God.” He joined the Watershed team by packaging and negotiating a worldwide distribution deal for The Watershed Short Films Collection.Cliff Young began his career as a founding member of Caedmon's Call. The band made 16 albums, sold over two million records and toured 48 states over 15 years. Cliff also served on the board of the Dalit Freedom Network, which helps the “untouchables” of India. Cliff began working full time for Second Baptist Church in 2006 as the Media Director. Cliff oversees the worldwide broadcast The Winning Walk and also has produced commercials, documentaries, and short films for the past 11 years.GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. features the rich, diverse personal stories of Evangel’s players, coaching staff, and the broader Shreveport community, set against the dramatic backdrop of the 2022 Louisiana high school football season. With the perennial high school football powerhouse—14 state championships in the last 20 years—coming off their worst season in school history, redemption is everyone’s goal. Pastor Denny Duron has returned to the head coaching position to lead this talented group of kids, with dreams of playing in college and the NFL, into prominence on the field, while molding them into future leaders off of it.  As the team faces struggle and triumph on and off the field, they are united by coach Duron’s formula for success: “God first, family second, and football third.”GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. hails from Propagate and is executive produced by Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, and Drew Buckley. The series was created and executive produced by Aaron Benward of Watershed. Jared Goetz of Ascending Media Group, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson in association with Why Not You Productions and Rob Gehring serve as executive producers. Cliff Young, Cody Bess, Scott Brignac, Chelsea Friedland and Matt Woolsey serve as co-executive producers.GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. is available to stream beginning September 1st on Amazon’s Freevee channel.Trailer: https://youtu.be/dqUkf2DikBA?si=uOHPX4bGr-2NlWZcThe Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 37 - Interview with Director and Screenwriter, Brandon Dickerson.Brandon Dickerson is an award-winning writer/director/producer honored for his work in film, documentaries, commercials, and music videos—including the coveted Cannes Gold Lion. After building a career directing hundreds of high-profile commercials and music videos, Dickerson shifted his focus to writing, directing, and producing feature films. His music-based debut feature SIRONIA won the audience award at the Austin Film Festival before he dove into the inspiring biopic VICTOR, followed by the documentary A SINGLE FRAME, and the quirky romantic comedy AMANDA & JACK GO GLAMPING.With comprehensive experience as a DGA filmmaker, Dickerson also enjoys serving as an educator, writer, speaker, and improv teacher. Brandon is currently directing/producing his commissioned screenplay KATHARINE — the true story of 1880s social justice pioneer Dr. Katharine Bushnell. Earning his MFA in Film degree at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Brandon continues his dedication to teaching by investing in the next generation of storytellers at the VCU Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture as well as mentoring students globally as a Superprof Ambassador.For more on the retreats Brandon mentioned, visit: https://orefugioretreat.carrd.co and https://azoresislandretreats.carrd.coThe Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 36 - Interview with Author, Andrew Peterson and Producer, J. Chris Wall.Andrew Peterson is a recording artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, and the award-winning author of THE WINGFEATHER SAGA book series. His music has garnered three separate Dove Award nominations. In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Andrew founded a non-profit arts organization called The Rabbit Room which hosts concerts and conferences and has published over 30 books to date.J. Chris Wall is the Executive Producer and Showrunner of THE WINGFEATHER SAGA Animated Series. Before creating Shining Isle Productions in 2016 to develop and produce family content with an entertainment first strategy, Chris spent over a decade collaborating with industry leaders at Dreamworks Animation and Big Idea producing the direct-to-video VEGGIETALES animated movies. He is also the creator of the acclaimed SLUGS AND BUGS SHOW with Brentwood Studios and RightNow Media.THE WINGFEATHER SAGA animated series chronicles the adventures of the Igiby family as they discover secrets, flee the evil Fangs of Dang, seek their place in the world, and make a stand against the mysterious ruler, Gnag the Nameless. They will need their special gifts and all the love of their noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather to survive the venomous Fangs, sea dragons, flabbits, and toothy cows! To watch the entire first season, go to https://www.angel.com/watch/wingfeather-sagaangel.com or download the Angel Studios app.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 35 - Interview with Screenwriter, Buzz Dixon.Buzz Dixon writes oddball TV / movies / games / comics / novels, putting words in the mouths of Superman, Batman, Conan, The Terminator, Optimus Prime, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mork & Mindy, Scrooge McDuck, Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, plus more G.I. Joes and My Little Ponies than you can shake a stick at.  His short fiction appears in Mike Shayne’s Mystery Magazine, the Pan Book Of Horror stories, National Lampoon, Analog, and numerous original and “best of” anthologies. If you were a kid in the 70’s or 80’s, there is a good chance, Buzz wrote for one of your favorite cartoons.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 34 - Interview with Writer/Director, Nathan Scoggins.Nathan is the writer/director of the film, WHAT REMAINS. The film tells the story of a  small town pastor who is forced to reckon with an act of forgiveness when the convict he forgave for murdering his wife returns to town five years later, while the town sheriff investigates another murder that may be related. WHAT REMAINS is in select theaters and on demand beginning December 2nd so be sure to check it out.Use this link to purchase tickets: https://www.laemmle.com/film/what-remains-1Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwYuEH5RD1sSome of Nathan’s other credits include THE LEAST OF THESE, released in 2011 by Universal and starring Isaiah Washington (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Oscar-nominee Robert Loggia, as well as the TV movie THE PERFECT SUMMER starring Eric Roberts and the independent feature film RED LINE.  He also recently directed two episodes of an upcoming television series for Sony Affirm to premiere in 2023.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 33 - Interview with Screenwriter, Paul Guyot.PAUL GUYOT has written and produced more than 200 hours of television. His work includes the JJ Abrams created FELICITY, the Emmy-winning JUDGING AMY, and LEVERAGE for TNT which won back-to-back People’s Choice Awards. Guyot served as Co-Executive Producer on THE LIBRARIANS, including taking over all showrunning duties for Season Two. After that he served as the Co-Executive Producer for NCIS: NEW ORLEANS -- at the time the 8th most watched series in the world. He has written pilots for multiple networks and studios including his original pitch THE BLACK 22s -- based on the true story of the first all African-American squad of detectives in St. Louis, MO -- which sold in a fierce bidding war between four networks. The series died in development hell, but Guyot retains all rights to the story and is currently developing a feature film with award-winning screenwriter Geoffrey Thorne.Guyot co-wrote the Warner Brothers feature GEOSTORM starring Gerard Butler and Andy Garcia, which grossed more than a quarter billion dollars worldwide. But don’t hold it against him. His spec feature TIME BANDITS was optioned by Slated and is presently out to some of the top directors in Hollywood. Currently, Guyot is developing COLONIE 07 for French television, one of the first American screenwriters ever hired to do so. He is the author of several award-winning short stories, and his bestselling DARE TO LIVE -- a serialized story on Amazon’s Kindle Vella platform -- was chosen as a Top 200 favorite out of more than 17,000 stories.In May of 2022 Guyot launched http://screenwritingtruth.com -- a website dedicated to helping emerging writers learn the truth about Hollywood and a career in screenwriting.Guyot attended the University of Arizona. In his non-writing time he enjoys cycling, golf, mechanical watches, and his quest to find the perfect old fashioned.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 32 - Interview with Screenwriter and Producer, Michael Warren.Michael Warren began his career writing for television as executive story consultant on the classic television show, HAPPY DAYS. He then went to Warner Bros. where he was an executive producer on PERFECT STRANGERS.  He also co-created and executive produced two of the longest running shows on ABC television: STEP BY STEP, and FAMILY MATTERS featuring the legendary character, Steve Urkel, which TV GUIDE listed as one of the 50 most popular television characters of all time. He also executive produced HANGIN WITH MR. COOPER, GETTING BY, THE FAMILY MAN, KIRK, MEEGO and TWO OF A KIND.  He presently has over 800 episodes of television in syndication.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 31 - Interview with Screenwriter, Eboni Freeman.Eboni Freeman is a native Angelino who got her start in the television industry working for FOX Sports.  While at FOX, she won an Emmy for her work on the 2015 Women’s World Cup.  In 2016, Eboni was chosen as a Sundance Episodic Fellow and was also selected for WeForShe’s WriteHer List. She most recently was co-producer on the hit NBC series THIS IS US.  While on THIS IS US, Eboni has been nominated for two Writers Guild Awards and a Humanitas Prize.SPOILER WARNING: Eboni and I discuss the final episode of THIS IS US during the first 30 minutes of this episode.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 30 - Interview with Director/Producer, Arthur Anderson.Arthur Anderson began his film career while attending the University of South Carolina. Because of his background in live radio comedy sketches, local advertising agencies hired him to develop comedic radio and television commercials to promote their clients’ products. In his junior year at USC, Arthur opened a successful commercial production company, Riaan Productions, to meet the increasing demand for commercials from the agencies. For two years he served as Producer/Writer/Director of radio and television commercials. After graduating, Arthur sold his interest in the company and began working on feature films in New York. He became a member of the Directors Guild of America, moved to Los Angeles, and worked on numerous television shows and feature films as an Assistant Director.THE NEW LASSIE tv series was his first venue as a television Writer/Director. In 1996 he joined John Woo as his 1st Assistant Director on FACE/OFF. On MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2, Action Writing was added to his duties. Since then, Arthur has been John Woo’s Co-Producer and Action Writer on WINDTALKERS, THE HOSTAGE and PAYCHECK. In addition, Arthur has also served as a 2nd Unit Director on several of the above films as well as on Woo’s Fox TV Pilot, LOST IN SPACE. Arthur Co-produced MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3 for Paramount Pictures, as well as directed the East Coast 2nd Unit of the film. He also Directed the 2nd Unit on the "Starship Kelvin" in the 2009 feature film, STAR TREK.More recently, Arthur directed a TV comedy pilot presentation, STUDIO CITY, and has directed numerous episodes of the hit TV series PRETTY LITTLE LIARS. He is currently in pre-production with John Woo on his next film.Arthur's prayer ministry website is https://www.myprayerwarrior.com.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 29 - Interview with Screenwriter, Quinton Peeples.Quinton Peeples was born in San Angelo, Texas, raised in nearby Abilene and remained there until 1984. His vision of pursuing a career as a painter was quickly falling apart and he found himself answering a different call – the entertainment business. He arrived in Los Angeles immediately following the summer Olympics and set his sight on film school, resulting in his graduating with an MFA from the American Film Institute. The two projects written there for his graduate thesis became “AN AMBUSH OF GHOSTS”, a Sundance Award winner in 1993, and “A HEART FULL OF RAIN”, a television movie for CBS.Moving easily between the world of indie film and television, Quinton wrote multiple features for all the major networks and studios including Fox, NBC, ABC, Disney, Lionsgate and many others. He found his way to directing in 1995 when he shot his original screenplay “JOYRIDE” starring Tobey Maguire and Benicio DelToro. He continued to direct indie features, commercials, and web series, in addition to his writing work.And then the WGA strike happened in 2008. While on the picket line Quinton realized everyone else had friends there and he didn’t. That’s when he discovered that television writers work as a team and the lure of that idea was irresistible. He wrote his first television spec pilot which resulted in his staffing on “FLASHFORWARD” at ABC. Transitioning to hour long drama, Quinton has worked on multiple shows as varied as “UNFORGETTABLE”, “THE LAST SHIP”, “11/22/63”, and Marvel’s “RUNAWAYS”. Most recently he ran the limited series “ECHOES” for Netflix.Quinton is also a published author, with essays appearing in “CUT TO THE CHASE: WRITING FEATURE FILMS WITH THE PROS”, “ETERNAL LIVING: REFLECTIONS ON FAITH AND FORMATION”, and the graphic novel, “THE BIG COUNTRY”. His screenplay with Billy Crystal, “HAVE A NICE DAY” was performed live on stage at the Minetta Theater in New York City and is available on Audible as part of their Audible Originals program.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 28 - Interview with Producer Karen Covell and Composer James Covell.James Covell is an award winning composer who writes music for Film, Television, Theatre and the Concert Hall. Karen Covell is an independent producer of film and television, as well as the founding Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network. The Covells have co-authored three books: How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out, The Day I Met God, and The J Bomb.The Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN) seeks to identify, connect and empower Christians who are working in Hollywood and throughout the entertainment industry, uniting and encouraging them with prayer and community and equipping them to live lives that demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. HPN encourages and mobilizes Christians around the world to pray for the people who work in Hollywood and seeks to have every Christian who is working in the entertainment industry prayed for by individual Christians outside of the industry. HPN also coordinates prayer for the whole of the entertainment industry and the content being produced, as well as for the entire Hollywood community – that they would understand their value as children of God and seek to know Him completely.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 27 - Interview with Screenwriter and Director, Brian Baugh.Brian Baugh is a director, screenwriter, and producer known for creating socially relevant and inspiring human stories that cross genres.  He has spent the majority of his time working in feature films, but also has extensive experience in television, commercials, documentaries, and web content. He had an eclectic upbringing from being born in New Jersey, spending his youth in South Florida, and growing up in Seattle.  His creative endeavors began as a flannel clad high schooler in the Northwest directing theater, making comedic videos, and producing grunge music in basement studios.Brian started his filmmaking journey in earnest at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, where he wrote and directed many films.  His achievements earned him the USC School of Cinema Distinguished Scholar Award, and he was a member of the Order of Troy, Mortar Board, and Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating, he decided to pursue cinematography, and spent time on several studio films interning under world class cinematographers.  Then he was awarded a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship which took him to Cape Town, South Africa for a year of additional education in the liberal arts...and African township life. Shortly after returning from Africa, the budding Director of Photography shot his first feature film at the young age of twenty five.  He spent the next ten years shooting over twenty films (THE ULTIMATE GIFT, JACK & THE BEANSTALK, AN AMERICAN CAROL), and shooting and directing dozens of commercials (Ford, NHL).Brian transitioned into feature directing with a high school drama, TO SAVE A LIFE.  The film was released in theaters nationwide and earned an 'A' cinema score.  The independent film's strong performance in the box office surprised many in Hollywood. Since then, he has written over twenty screenplays, several of which he is attached to direct.  His film, I'M NOT ASHAMED, was nominated for a Dove Award for Most Inspirational Film. He directed the award winning comedic television pilot THE COMEBACK KIDS.  Next, THE WORLD WE MAKE, a young adult interracial romance he wrote, produced, and directed, got picked up by Universal and Netflix and was released in 2019.  His latest feature, FINDING YOU, was released theatrically in 2021 and also received very positive audience reviews.  It was distributed by Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and Amazon domestically, and Universal internationally.  The film is a spirited, upbeat, romantic dramedy shot in Ireland starring Jedidiah Goodacre, Katherine McNamara, Tom Everett Scott, and Vanessa Redgrave. Brian's desire is to be a part of telling stories that inspire audiences, foster justice and healing, or expand imagination and wonder in the world.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 26 - Interview with Screenwriter, Zena Dell Lowe.Zena has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as a writer, producer, director, actress, and story consultant. Zena also teaches advanced classes on writing at conferences all over the country, and as an adjunct professor at Covenant College in Georgia, Regent University in Virginia Beach, and at the acclaimed Act One: Writing for Hollywood program, where she recently came on board as the new Curriculum Director for the summer intensive writing program.Zena’s independent film production company, Mission Ranch Films, is currently in development on three feature thrillers, which will all take place in the same story universe located in Montana. Through the help of a small, select creative team, including Hollywood Super Story guru, Houston Howard, Zena and her team have developed a story world mythology that is at once entertaining, poignant, and profound.As a writer herself, Zena has written award-winning screenplays, plays, and a number of articles on writing, religion, and trauma recovery. She’s also written comic books, most recently, Strawberry Shortcake, by IDW Publishing, and is currently writing her very first novel. Zena has won numerous awards for her work, including "Best International Short Film Director" for Rag Doll at the 2015 Louisiana International Film Festival, two "Grand Prize" wins for her full-length feature script, "Trial by Fire," at both the 2016 New York Screenplay Competition, and ISA's highly acclaimed 2016 Emerging Screenwriter's competition, as well as many others.In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Zena is also passionate about supporting other artists and storytellers on their journeys towards success. In March of 2020, Zena launched her podcast, The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, which is designed to serve the whole artist, not just address “how-to” questions. This in turn lead to the launch of The Storyteller’s Mission online platform, where she offers advanced classes on writing as well as a variety of other services to storytellers. Zena’s passion is to equip and support all artists so that they will have everything they need to truly change the world for the better through story.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 25 - Interview with Director D.J. Caruso and Producer Simon Swart of the new film, REDEEMING LOVE.Based on the bestselling novel by Francine Rivers, REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful story of relentless love and perseverance as a young couple’s relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850. It is a life- changing story of the power of unconditional and all-consuming love. Coming to theaters January 21, 2022, REDEEMING LOVE shows there is no brokenness that love can’t heal.D.J. Caruso came up through the directing ranks in television by helming shows such as THE SHIELD, HIGH INCIDENT and DARK ANGEL. He then went on to helm major box office hits including XXX: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE (2017), I AM NUMBER FOUR (2011), EAGLE EYE (2008), DISTURBIA (2007), and TAKING LIVES (2004).Simon Swart is a producer known for REDEEMING LOVE (2022), I AM ALL GIRLS (2021) and I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (2018). His production company, Nthibah Pictures is a global media company driving the development of superior content for all audiences. With offices in both Johannesburg and Los Angeles, they are committed to producing movies with broad audience appeal that also speak to the serious social issues of today. Prior to launching his production company, Simon was an executive at Fox with over twenty years of experience in distribution, marketing and production. The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 24 - Interview with Director, Andrew Erwin.Andrew and his brother Jon are the filmmaking team known by most as the Erwin Brothers. The Alabama born brothers grew up around college football and entertainment. Their father, a local news anchor introduced them to the television industry at a young age. As teenagers they began their career in sports television with ESPN as camera operators. After several years working in sports they transitioned into directing music videos and documentaries. In 2011, they released their first feature film, OCTOBER BABY, followed by MOM'S NIGHT OUT in 2014, and WOODLAWN in 2015. Their breakout film, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, was released in 2018. Its success led to the creation of their production company, Kingdom Story Company, and an overall deal with Lionsgate to distribute their films. Their newest film, AMERICAN UNDERDOG, is the true story of NFL quarterback, Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming an NFL MVP and Hall of Famer. The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 23 - Interview with Filmmaker, Kirby Atkins.Kirby Atkins has written feature film scripts for Robert De Niro, MIRAMAX, and 20th CENTURY FOX. He has worked with some of the most recognizable names in cinema across animation and visual effects such as Sony Animation, Weta Digital, and Steven Spielberg. His short film "Mutt" won BEST ANIMATED SHORT at the HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL and he has directed the TV show "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius" for NICKELODEON. In 2019 Kirby wrote and directed the first New Zealand/China Film Group co-production of MOSLEY which was nominated for “Best Animated Feature Film” at the 2019 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, The Burbank International Film Festival, The Festival of Cinema, NYC, and the 2020 Ottawa International Animation Festival.  MOSLEY won the Golden Dolphin Award for Best Animated Feature Film at China's 13th Xiamen International Animation Festival. The film will be released worldwide 2021. Kirby wrote the screenplay and plays the title role, starring with the all Kiwi cast of John Rhys-Davies (LOTR), Lucy Lawless (Xena, Warrior Princess), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords), and Termuera Morrison (Star Wars).The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show

Act One Podcast - Episode 22 - Interview with Film Producer, Howard Kazanjian.Over his 50 year career in Hollywood, Howard Kazanjian has made films with some of the most important filmmakers of all time such as Robert Wise, Billy Wilder, Paul Newman, Sam Peckinpah, Clint Eastwood, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock just to name a few. Some of the films Howard has worked on include COOL HAND LUKE, THE WILD BUNCH, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, and RETURN OF THE JEDI. Recently, a new biography was released that chronicles Howard’s illustrious film career titled, Howard Kazanjian: A Producer’s Life, written by J.W. Rinzler. The book is a fascinating look into Howard’s 50 year career as a filmmaker.The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.Support the show