Once Upon A Film Industry

On this week's episode of Once Upon A Film Industry we have award winning actor Bambadjan Bamba. You've seen him on The Good Place, Black Panther, I Think I Love My Wife and more. He's also the leading immigration activist as he came out as undocumented in 2017 to great applause and scrutiny. He's spoken on CNN, MSNBC about his story in hopes of empowering other undocumented individuals and he has had major success in doing so. We get into the depths of his incredible story, coming from the Ivory Coast and immigrating to the Bronx. Bambadjan is truly an inspiration and his future is even brighter.Check out Bambadjan's webinar on how to be an Actor as an Immigrant: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Pursue-a-Career-in-Acting-in-America-as-an-ImmigrantCheck Bambadjan's website here: http://bambadjan.com/Follow us on Instagram @onceuponafilmindustryCheck out our production company's website: http://jusbfilms.com/

On this episode of Once Upon A Film Industry we have filmmaker Soma Helmi. Soma is originally from Bali and she's already done commercials for Google, Chevrolet, short films, and a TV series THE DEAD GIRLS DETECTIVE AGENCY you can watch now on Snap Originals (SnapChat original content) and much more. She talks a lot about what it takes to be a working director in Hollywood. For more info about Selmi and to watch her short films:https://somahelmi.com/For more info about Steve and Al and our production company: @onceuponafilmindustry

On this week's episode of Once Upon A Film Industry we have Emmy nominated producer Gerald Webb.  Gerald is also an actor and filmmaker with an iMDB list that seemingly goes on forever. His wealth of knowledge and wisdom in the film industry comes from years of high quality experience. He also helped start the Sharknado franchise. So there's that.LINKS:Geraldwebb.comNew film $tack$ teaser  https://vimeo.com/535649984For more info about us check us out on instagram @onceuponafilmindustryor check out our production company at jusbfilms.com

On this week's episode of Once Upon A Film Industry we have Kristian Mercado. If you haven't heard his name trust us, you will. He's already worked with stars like Hannibal Buress, Hasan Minaj, Awkwafina, The Black Pumas and more. He's been to SXSW FIVE TIMES and has won the jury Award TWICE. Kristian is on his way to being a household name and once you listen to this episode, and hear how he thinks and how he operates, you'll see why.Follow Kristian on instagram @krismercCheck his website out and see all of his brilliant short films:Krismerc.tvFor more info about Steve and Al check us out at jusbfilms.com or on our instagram @onceuponafilminustry

On this week's episode of Once Upon A Film Industry we have script consultant, Jessica Tanner. She owns the company The Write Script and she is one of the few successful black owned script consultant companies operating today. We get really into the specifics of what makes a good script and the business behind getting eyeballs on your screenplay.Follow Jessica on Instagram at @jessica_writescript and DM her for script consulting services.For more info on us please follow us on Instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

On this week's episode we have powerhouse filmmaker, teacher and mentor, Evette Vargas. Not only is she an experienced and successful filmmaker, she runs her own writers lab with The Writers Room 5050, where she helps writers fine tune their skills and achieve their goals. She is a huge advocate for BIPOC filmmakers and Latinx filmmakers with her Clubhouse room "New Hollywood."  Be on the look out for Evette Vargas, she is a name in Hollywood you really need to know. Also, listen to the end for her story about Bill Murray, it'll blow your mind. Evette's Writers Lab:https://www.writersroom5050.com/For more info about us check out our instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

On this week's episode we have manager and major cinephile, Matt Rosen. He watched over 291 films in 2020. We talked with him about what it takes to be a manager, how he gets his clients, and his favorite movies of all time. Check out Matt's hilarious and very accurate movie reviews on his Instagram stories @roseguy21 

On this week's episode of Once Upon A Film Industry we had a conversation with actor Daniel de Weldon. He is an artist of the highest order and he broke down his method not only for acting but for the business of acting. He also spoke with us about several of his upcoming projects.  The feature film Weekend Warriors, and he's in development on a biopic based on his father Felix de Weldon, the creator of the famed Iwo Jima statue.You can see his film Anonymous 616 on Amazon right here. You can follow Daniel on Instagram @Daniel_deweldonFor more info about us check us out on Instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

On this week's episode we have actress Michele Weaver. She's been the lead on TV shows Love Is... and  Council of Dads on NBC. She sat down with us to talk about her journey in the industry, the ups, the downs, how spirituality influences her decision on roles, the power of believing in yourself and much more. You can watch her film Illicit on Amazon Prime and BET+ now.You can follow her on Instagram @eleweaver For more info on us please follow is on Instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

On this week's episode we have Leanne Melissa Bishop and Michael Mason. They are the co-owners of Penguin Pictures, a Canadian based production company that's ready to make waves in the industry. The married couple sat down with us to talk the business side of film, film finance,  and the up and down journey that lead them to where they are today.Leanne's Social:Instagram @leannembishopfacebook @leannembishoptwitter @leannemelissabIMDb  imdb.me/leannemelissabishopWebsite: http://leannemelissabishop.workbooklive.comMichael's Social:Instagram @mason_mpFacebook @mason.michaelIMDB imdb.me/michaelpmasonWebsite: http://www.michaelpmason.comPenguin Pictures:  www.penguinpictures.ca

On this week's episode we have Director, Writer, Producer Jamal Hodge. He had a rough start to his life but he never used any of it as an excuse. He built his career from the ground up and he is now a multiple award winning filmmaker who's directed television shows, made a feature film and has even inspired many inner city children with his mentoring.Jamal's Website: directorhodge.comJamal's Reel: https://vimeo.com/295553293Please follow us on instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

Adam is a a dynamic filmmaker. He's a screenwriter, director, producer, animator, storyboard artist and film educator. He's worked at the biggest studios and he's worked on the smallest films. He knows the ins and outs of Hollywood through his many years of experience. We touch on everything from pitching to execs, to script structure, to the mentality of what it takes to last in this industry. You can learn even more from Adam Skelter on his website: storykinetics.com

On this week's episode we have influential producer and filmmaker Len GIbson. He owns GoMedia productions and is the founder of the Peachtree Village International Film Festival in Atlanta. He talks to us about what's it like to find success in Hollywood without living there and the process of developing a film from script to distribution.If you would like to submit to the Peachtree Village International Film Festival https://filmfreeway.com/PeachtreeVillageInternationalFilmFestivalFor more info on GoMedia Productions: https://www.gomedia.productions/Folow Len Gibson on Instagram @Len_Gipp

Analisa Moreno is a Panamanian filmmaker and she's already beginning to make her mark in Hollywood. With an award winning short currently airing on Shorts.TV Analisa is just getting started but her wisdom is beyond her years. She has a bright future ahead.

Kelly Perine is a legendary actor from shows like One on One and The Drew Carey Show. He's a veteran of the film industry for over 25 years and he has a lot more fuel left to keep him going.Kelly's WebsiteKelly's Instagram

Nell Teare is a veteran filmmaker who has made over 100 projects in 7 years. Yes, you read correctly.  She also talks about the power of mentorship, the difference between a good note and a bad note, and a bunch more.For more info on Nell Teare visit her website at nellteare.comOr follow her on Instagram @nellteareYou can check out our instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

Stefan Dezil is a multi talented filmmaker who works for a commercial production company where he hires directors for commercials. We talk about everything from how exactly the world of commercials works to the film industry at large. See Stefan's latest film THIRST on HULU and Youtube  athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtfxQmDETgk&t=185sFollow us on Instagram @onceuponafilmindustry

Mauli B. is a grammy award wining song writer and vocal coach to the stars (Ariana Grande, Gladys Knight, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Chris Brown, Boyz II Men, Fergie, Ne-Yo). So when he decided to make a period feature film based on a real life person he was met with many hurdles. Well, he jumped them all. His movie Green Flake is now an award winning indie and he's already working on his second. Mauli's career is already a perfect example of how far you can go when fearlessness and talent meet.You can see the trailer for Green Flake hereYou can check out Mauli B on his website at MauliB.comAnd you can follow him on Instagram @MauliB

We sat down with Jessa Zarubica. Up and coming Writer, director, producer with several projects slated for 2021. Including a feature film she shot entirely during the Covid-19 Pandemic and directed over Zoom! She lets us know how she did it, and it definitely wasn't easy.  Jessa is also an advocate for female filmmakers so if you want a pep talk or some advice on the film industry, you can DM Jessa on her instagram @jajajtz. 

André Robert Lee is a prolific filmmaker, activist, and educator that has made a name for himself with his provocative social commentary documentaries on race, class and the justice system. We talk about two of his most profound works, The Prep School Negro and Virtually Free and how he has managed to monetize these films in a unique way. "I commit my work to anyone who has ever felt like Other"You can find Andre on his website On Instagram @autodidacticismOn Twitter @andremanythings