First Act Break

Welcome to episode 24 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 Daniella Rafael, a USC film director and producer, who shares her experience making movies in the Middle East during geopolitical tensions. We discuss the behind the scenes of her dance film used to empower Iranian women and her plan to make her first feature film right after film school.Timecode:(0:00) - Intro(2:04) - Going to School with Nuns and religion(3:54) - Coming to LA for Film School(8:09) - Producing(13:09) - Collaboration at USC(16:25) - Junior Thesis Film(22:49) - Building Trust(23:36) - War films(29:25) - Making an Iranian Dance Film(40:08) - Directing a movie the Middle East(48:23) - Planning on Making First Feature Film(55:13) - Fundraising Advice(57:22) - Freelance vs Studio(58:23) - How to find Ideas(1:02:51) - Internships(1:11:35) - Social Media(1:12:26) - Theater(1:14:25) - What makes a good Script(1:18:56) - Student Assistant at USC

Welcome to episode 23 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 Flint Tanquary, an Emmy-Winning USC film director and vfx artist, who shares his stories behind the best sport hype video of all time. We discuss the behind the scenes of "Arrival of the Trojan", Coachella, Rolling Loud, The Weekend promo videos and many other projects.Timecode:(0:00) - Intro(4:05) - Aftermath of “Arrival of the Trojan”(8:36) - Working with USC Football Players(9:49) - Post Production (10:41) - Pre-production (11:58) - Inspirations(13:22) - Reply to haters(15:10) - USC Football recruiting(17:31) - How to Keep Pushing Forward(23:42) - Working with Coachella(25:47) - UFOs in Rolling Loud video(28:47) - Capturing Live Event(32:34) - Knowing when you’re Finished(33:50) - Early works(35:08) - Working with Celebrities(36:50) - Journey and Application to USC Film School(46:46) - First Big Gig(48:47) - Finding Balance(50:19) - Softwares to learn(58:24) - Finding your Style(59:31) - Being Confident(1:01:08) - Dealing with Self Doubt(1:01:57) - Future Career Plans(1:05:10) - AI impact on VFX(1:08:23) - Freelancing in LA

Welcome to episode 22 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 Kayla Cunningham, a USC film director and editor, who shares her insights on finding the right path starting from new. We discuss her thoughts on film school, experience in the Trojan Filmmaker's Club, and advice on having a freelance career in this fast changing industry.Timecode:(0:00) - Intro(3:10) - Finding Your Path(4:49) - Projects Kayla Made(7:54) - Thoughts on Film School(9:34) - Editing as a Path(12:11) - Teddy and Elizabeth(14:14) - Trojan Filmmaker’s Club(18:36) - Other Art Forms(23:27) - Finding Inspiration(26:01) - Working with USC People(29:10) - Film Symposium Class(33:40) - Film Production Class (38:28) - Freelance Editing(48:34) - Taking Editing Notes(51:07) - Career Plan(53:00) - Advice for Freshman Year Self(54:16) - Being Optimistic (57:01) - The One Film(1:04:27) - Doing Theater(1:09:36) - Co-Writer(1:12:05) - Environmentalism

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.