

First Act Break
Jiayang Liu and Yunqi Richard Li
Insights on finding success in the film industry — by young filmmakers, for young filmmakers. Hosted by USC film directors Jiayang Liu and Richard Li.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 16min
Zach King’s Artist on Production Design, Filmmaking, and AI Art | Daisy Liao
Welcome to episode 7 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Daisy Liao (aka JJUTO), a production designer who's worked with Zach King and directed the Orange County Film Festival. We chat about her side quests in modeling and Jubilee, career in production design, and thoughts on AI art.

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 38min
These Super Bowl Doritos Commercial Directors are Changing the Future of Hollywood | Zach and Ryan
Welcome to episode 6 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Zach Shenouda and Ryan Robinson, the director duo who recently had their commercial become top 2 in the world for the Super Bowl Doritos Commercial competition. We chat about their 1000iq marketing strategy, filmmaking journey, and advice for aspiring movie directors.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
Honest Opinion of Film School and Creativity from USC Film Director | Ethan Go
Welcome to episode 5 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Ethan Go, a USC film director and editor who has a passion for genre filmmaking. We chat about his philosophy when it comes to creativity, fun life stories, and his honest opinion on USC film school.

Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
How to Manage Finances in Filmmaking and College | Bien Bagui
Welcome to episode 4 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Bien Bagui, a USC film director who has a passion for financial literacy. We chat about his advice for managing finances in film school and the film industry and how he got into USC film school.

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 32min
Acting in The Flash to Filmmaking at USC film school | Octavian Kaul
Welcome to episode 3 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we bring on Octavian Kaul, a USC film director who began his career at the age of 8 years old and acted in TV shows like The Flash. We chat about his philosophy when it comes to filmmaking, his honest opinion on USC film school, and advice for people trying to make their first feature films.

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 26min
How we got into USC Film School and Our 4 Year Experience
Welcome to episode 2 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today, we share how we got into USC film school and our experience studying here the last 4 years. We go over our portfolio, essays, and all the fun stories studying at USC film school has to offer.

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
How to Find Your Filmmaking Path: Insights from Two USC Film Directors
Welcome to episode 1 of The First Act Break podcast, the show where we dive into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. Today we talk about how we got into filmmaking, USC film school, and stories from film sets.

Jan 21, 2025 • 1min
Welcome to the First Act Break
Welcome to the First Act Break Podcast, the show where Jiayang Liu and Richard Li dive deep into the art, business, and hustle of breaking into the film industry. We are here to help you find success doing what you love, by building a sustainable career. We will bring guest from all spaces in the film industry like directors, producers, cinematographers, executives, and more!