
In Love with the Process Podcast
Join the thrilling journey of film director Mike Pecci as he fearlessly dives into the realm of chasing his dreams. Buckle up and get ready for the exhilarating ride as he embarks on the adventure of preparing for his very first Hollywood feature film! Grab those noise-cancelling headphones and immerse yourself in the pulsating beats of the hottest new synth-wave music. Picture yourself sipping on a cold beer and savoring home-smoked BBQ while engaging in candid conversations with Pecci and a diverse cast of unexpected guests, including filmmakers, artists, technicians, chefs, and musicians. They're all here to unveil their most intimate stories and demystify the path to success. Get ready to learn, laugh, and be inspired like never before with the IN LOVE WITH THE PROCESS PODCAST! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 31min
EP351 | Chris Teague on Cinematography for Star Wars: The Acolyte
On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci sits down with acclaimed cinematographer Chris Teague, whose latest work includes Lucasfilm’s The Acolyte — the newest installment in the Star Wars universe. Chris’s past credits include visually inventive series like Broad City, Russian Doll, and Only Murders in the Building.Together, Mike and Chris explore the importance of collaboration, and how doing great work with the right people — no matter the scale — can open doors to massive opportunities. Chris shares how his early days shooting character-driven comedy led to lighting epic sci-fi fantasy, and the lessons learned along the way.They dive into the creative techniques used to light The Acolyte, the power of practical production design, and why the emotional magic of working with passionate teams can’t be replicated by AI.This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers, cinematographers, and Star Wars fans curious about how grounded, human artistry fuels the biggest stories in the galaxy.► Chris's IG► Mike's IG ► ILWP's IG Music by: Code Elektro & Mitch Murder——SPONSORS——► FujiFilm► Puget Systems► Blackmagic Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 26min
RPRT 53 | Right Place, NYC, Right Time to talk about AI
On today’s episode of Right Place / Right Time, Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams dive into a whirlwind of creativity, celebrity moments, and AI disruption. Mike shares stories from his recent trip to Lower Manhattan, where Gina Gizella Manning shot stunning content at the premiere of Guy Ritchie’s new film The Fountain of Youth — and Mike jumped in to edit it on the spot, crafting epic visuals in real-time.They also talk NYC food adventures, hidden gems discovered with Gina, and what it means to stay creatively energized in one of the world’s greatest cities.Then the conversation turns to the release of Google’s new AI filmmaking platform, VEO 3 — and why it’s not going to replace directors, editors, or traditional cinema anytime soon. Mike and Lance break down the hype, the fear, and the reality behind AI in film, and offer a grounded perspective on what’s next for working creatives.Whether you're a filmmaker, a tech skeptic, or just looking for inspiration, this one’s got it all. Buckle up for an episode that’s part industry insight, part creative therapy, and full of energy.►Mike’s IG►Lance’s IG ►In Love The Process ►Right Place Right Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 31min
EP350 | Vanja Černjul on Lighting, Cinematography, and House of the Dragon
In this engaging conversation, master cinematographer Vanja Černjul, known for his work on House of the Dragon and Crazy Rich Asians, shares his insights into the emotional power of lighting in storytelling. He discusses how specific lighting choices evoke memory and mood, making visuals speak volumes. Vanja emphasizes the critical role of collaboration and communication in filmmaking, the artistic journey of location scouting, and the technical challenges of crafting stunning visuals. His passion for cinematography shines through, inspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike.

May 29, 2025 • 1h 30min
RPRT 52 | From Baker to Billboards
This week, Lance sits down with Jackie Ho—once a pastry chef, now a walking contradiction in the best way possible: Barbie meets Blade Runner. Her path is a blend of kick ass martial arts, high-glam fashion, and a pouring a bit of love into everything you do. You won’t believe the right place, right time story that launched her from the kitchen to global screens; proof that sometimes the universe doesn’t whisper, it roars.Jackie’s story isn’t just about being in the right place; it’s about being ready when the world finally notices.► Jackie's IG►Mike’s IG►Lance’s IG ►In Love The Process ►Right Place Right Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2025 • 1h 57min
EP349 | From Actor to Director: The Leap Behind the Camera
Part 2 of our epic conversation with actor/writer/director Ash Adams takes a sharp turn into the world of writing, directing, and the natural evolution of an actor in Hollywood.Host Mike Pecci and Ash compare creative war stories from opposite starting points — Mike, a visually driven filmmaker who once struggled to connect with actors, and Ash, an actor-first storyteller who had to learn to trust and lead technical teams with deeper knowledge of the craft. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, challenges, and growth that come with stepping behind the camera.This episode is packed with real-world insights for any filmmaker battling imposter syndrome or trying to figure out how to lead a team while staying true to their creative instincts.Ash has focused his career on making powerful, character-driven films. His feature Once Fallen, which he wrote, directed, and co-starred in alongside Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Peter Weller, and Taraji P. Henson, earned multiple awards and critical acclaim. His earlier works include The Distance (Best Documentary at the Roving Eye Doc Fest) and After the Past (Audience Choice Award, Malibu International Film Festival). He’s also known for An LA Minute with Gabriel Byrne, and Gasoline Alley starring Bruce Willis and Luke Wilson.► Ash's IG► Italians do it Better IG► Mike's IG ► ILWP's IG Music by: Code Elektro & Desire——SPONSORS——► FujiFilm► Puget Systems► Blackmagic Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 22, 2025 • 1h 56min
RPRT51 | Our 51st Episode!
Face front, True Believers! In this sensational 51st episode of Right Place Right Time, Mike and Lance swing into action with a heartwarming, hilarious, and high-energy celebration of everything that’s made their podcast mighty! A celebration of their first milestone with blockbuster flicks and toe-tapping tunes. From unforgettable guests to globe-trotting adventures, this one’s got a little bit of everything like a Brazilian pizza!. It’s a deep dive into the past, a toast to the present, and a rocket ride toward the future. Excelsior!►Mike’s IG►Lance’s IG ►In Love The Process ►Right Place Right Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 1h 40min
EP348 | From Daytime Drama to Cult Classic Star: Ash Adams’ Wild Ride Through Hollywood' (w/ Ash Adams)
On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci sits down with actor, writer, and director Ash Adams for Part 1 of an unforgettable deep dive into the wild world of Hollywood through the decades.Ash takes us back to his early days starring as Johnno Ryan on the hit ’80s daytime drama Ryan’s Hope (134 episodes!), and what it was like being a California beach kid dropped into the gritty chaos of 1980s New York City. From there, the two explore Ash’s time in Hollywood during the ’80s and ’90s — landing gigs on everything from The Young Riders to 90210 and Dragnet — and how he struggled (and learned) to balance ego, ambition, and creative purpose.It’s a nostalgic, brutally honest, and deeply entertaining look at the evolution of a working actor turned award-winning filmmaker. If you love industry stories, raw truth, and old-school Hollywood vibes — this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Part 1 of our chat with Ash Adams starts now. ► Ash's IG► Italians do it Better IG► Mike's IG ► ILWP's IG Music by: Code Elektro & Desire——SPONSORS——► FujiFilm► Puget Systems► Blackmagic Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2025 • 57min
RPRT50 | Get Yer Ass Off The Couch
This week on Right Place / Right Time, Mike Pecci gets real about the not-so-secret ingredient to finding yourself in the right place at the right time: you’ve got to get off the couch.Mike shares his favorite tricks for creating situations that spark serendipity — from striking up conversations with strangers to putting yourself in just the right amount of discomfort to unlock unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking for a fresh way to meet someone new or hoping to stumble into a hidden speakeasy that no one talks about, this episode is packed with inspiration, humor, and practical advice on how to make life happen to you.Hit play — your next great story might start today.►Mike’s IG►Lance’s IG ►In Love The Process ►Right Place Right Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 2025 • 1h 47min
How the film DRIVE Changed Everything for Desire (w/ DESIRE)
On this episode of In Love with the Process, host Mike Pecci sits down with DESIRE, the dark, cinematic synth-pop powerhouse behind some of the most hypnotic tracks of the past decade — featuring the signature analog magic of Johnny Jewel (Chromatics, Italians Do It Better).Mike, a longtime fan and obsessive collector of everything Italians Do It Better, dives deep with Desire on how their music in the film Drive changed everything, pulling back the curtain on wild behind-the-scenes stories from that cult classic. They unpack Desire’s fearless songwriting process, her electrifying approach to performance, and the secrets to building and keeping a loyal fanbase in today’s music world.And because it wouldn’t be In Love with the Process without it, they geek out over the movies that scarred them as kids and wax poetic on the undeniable, life-shaping power of music.As always, this episode is a sonic journey, blending interview and music from Desire — so buckle up, hit play, and prepare to fall in love.► Desire IG► Italians do it Better IG► Mike's IG ► ILWP's IG Music by: Code Elektro & Desire——SPONSORS——► FujiFilm► Puget Systems► Blackmagic Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 8, 2025 • 37min
No Lance, No Plan, Just Mike: Buckle Up
It’s not a Right Place Right Time episode… it’s not an In Love with the Process episode… so let’s just call it Hangin’ With Mike.With Lance busy working on set, Mike Pecci grabs the mic solo for a laid-back ramble through his brain — and oh boy, it’s a ride. We’re talking commercial directing, rat food (yes, RAT FOOD), physical therapy war stories, and whatever else Mike feels like unloading today.No script, no plan, just pure unfiltered Mike. Kick back, grab a drink, and enjoy this chaos-filled hangout session. You’ve been warned.►Mike’s IG►In Love The Process ►Right Place Right Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.