First Act Break

Welcome to episode 21 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Noah Lee, a LA based freelance cinematographer and assistant camera, who shares his insights on building a career in cinematography. We discuss his thoughts on film school, and why he chose not to go, and advice on having a freelance career in this fast changing industry.Timecode:(0:00) - Intro(1:25) - How He Got Started(4:14) - Not Going to Film School(19:39) - How to Choose Projects(29:23) - What Makes a Well-Runned Set?(42:16) - Should an Aspiring DP Move to La?(49:15) - Vertical Content(59:08) - Future Career Plans(1:03:07) - Being Proud of Your Work(1:05:09) - Thoughts on AI(1:11:39) - Thought Experiment(1:13:41) - Improving as a DP(1:19:27) - Shot listing

Welcome to episode 20 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Daeil Kim, a Sundance director and cinematographer, who shares his insights on life after college. We discuss his current career balancing both crafts, how his movie got into the Sundance Film Festival, and advice on having a freelance career.

Daniel Han, a USC film school graduate, talks about his unique path in the entertainment industry after graduation. He shares insights from his work on K-pop tour groups, highlighting the need to unlearn certain skills from school. Han discusses blending his cultural roots with his professional identity while emphasizing self-care and personal growth. He reflects on the importance of collaboration and kindness within the film industry, as well as the ongoing journey of finding balance between artistic expression and audience connection.

In this engaging discussion, USC film director Alex Li dives into the intricacies of the Chinese movie industry. He contrasts it with Hollywood, highlighting the rigorous professionalism and unique cultural practices that shape filming in China. With humorous anecdotes, Alex shares insights on networking's importance and the challenges of collaboration during production. He also reflects on the fusion of experimental filmmaking with scientific themes, revealing how creativity and personal experiences influence his narrative storytelling.

Join freelance editor Tammy Premchan, whose vibrant career in LA is a testament to creativity and perseverance. She shares her journey from childhood dreams to navigating the rigorous USC film school, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. Tammy discusses the art of film editing, balancing intuition and technical skills, and the dynamics of collaboration in both TV and feature films. Delve into her insights on avoiding burnout, embracing diverse narratives, and making the most of side hustles, all while keeping the passion alive in a competitive industry.

In this engaging dialogue, Chase Shurtz, a professional camera assistant and cinematographer in LA, unveils the secrets to shaping a successful cinematography career. He shares insights on navigating the evolving film industry and emphasizes the importance of building connections. Chase discusses the essential skills for working on set, the differences between roles within cinematography, and the power of positive leadership. With anecdotes about on-set dynamics and the changing landscape of content creation, he inspires a new generation of filmmakers.

Emanuel Ortiz and Ethan Go, both talented USC film students, share their valuable insights into the film industry's challenges. They discuss the balancing act of creativity and academic pressure while navigating USC's vibrant film community. The importance of maintaining positivity on set is highlighted, along with personal growth through self-awareness and emotional control. They also reflect on the significance of trusting instincts when exploring career opportunities and emphasize the transformative power of small habits for mental well-being.

Kim Krizan, the talented screenwriter behind Before Sunrise and a mentor for emerging writers, shares her insights on navigating Hollywood in 2025. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and the power of personal experiences in writing. Kim discusses fostering creativity through journaling and playful practices while advocating for collaboration with industry veterans. She also explores how technology reshapes short film storytelling, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to embrace constraints and connect deeply with their audiences.

Welcome to episode 13 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Makayla Lysiak an entrepreneur and TV writer/producer who has a large platform on social media to mentor aspiring actors and filmmakers. We talk about how to build a career in the TV industry, her approach to creating a successful Youtube channel, and her philosophies about content creation.

Welcome to episode 12 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry, and help you build a career doing what you love. Today, we bring on Adam Bloodgood‬ a USC film producer who transitioned into filmmaking after 12 years of professional ballet and have worked on multiple features and vertical short dramas. We talk about how to build a career in the industry, his experience at film school, and philosophies about producing and filmmaking.