The Creative Gap
Gian Carlo Stigliano
The Creative Gap Podcast is for Filmmakers, Entrepreneurs & Creatives. Our goal is to provide conversations around rarely-discussed topics, including Personal Finance, Mental Health, Business, Investments, Relationships, Freelance Life and so much more. Hear from weekly guests on all podcasting platforms.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 8min
#72 - Jakob Owens - Building Freedom as a Filmmaker
In this episode of The Creative Gap Podcast filmmaker and entrepreneur Jakob Owens, explores the balance between creative ownership, freelance life, and building sustainable businesses. Jakob talks about the importance of creating freedom in his career so he can prioritize family and personal life, while also navigating the challenges of criticism and self-doubt when putting himself out publicly through YouTube, podcasts, and business ventures. The discussion covers financial literacy for creatives—how to think about investments, debt, and cutting unnecessary expenses—as well as the value of trustworthy business partners and building projects that align with personal passion. Jakob also shares how fitness, discipline, and pushing through hard challenges shape his mindset as both a filmmaker and entrepreneur. The episode closes with reflections on evolving beliefs, communication in relationships, and Jakob’s excitement about upcoming projects with Prism Lens FX.JOIN CIVA COLLECTIVE ► https://www.civacollective.comFollow Us!Jakob Owens: Instagram | WebsiteCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | Youtube____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 18min
#71 – George Kroeker & Ian Rodriguez: Redefining the Running Documentary
In this episode of The Creative Gap, Carlo sits down with BPN filmmakers George Kroeker and Ian Rodriguez to discuss their journey into filmmaking, their collaboration, and the making of "Surrender", BPN’s feature-length documentary revolving around last year's Last Man Standing Race. They share how they each got started—from photography and design to videography—before finding their way onto the BPN media team, and how their friendship and honesty shaped their creative partnership. The conversation dives into the challenges of shooting an unpredictable multi-day race, the risks they took in storytelling, and the symbolism behind the film’s title & ethereal nature. Throughout, Ian and George emphasize BPN’s culture of trust, faith, and pushing creative boundaries, reflecting on how Surrender not only redefined what a running documentary could look like but also deepened their growth as filmmakers and men of faith.JOIN CIVA COLLECTIVE ► https://www.civacollective.comWATCH "SURRENDER" ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJsFxxtd23YFollow Us!George Kroeker: InstagramIan Rodriguez: InstagramCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | Youtube____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
#70 - Akis Konstantakopoulos - Cinematographer of The Chosen
In this episode of The Creative Gap, cinematographer Akis Konstantakopoulos, GSC shares his experience as the sole DP on all seasons of The Chosen, reflecting on the challenges of shooting 86 consecutive days across multiple countries and managing large-scale productions. He discusses the personal sacrifices of long projects, the importance of health and wellness for creative sustainability, and the emotional highs and lows of wrapping such an intense season. Akis breaks down how the show’s growth brought bigger sets, more crew, and higher expectations, while emphasizing the need to stay story-driven rather than chasing “cool shots.” He also touches on leadership, communication with actors, adapting to on-set challenges, and how the show has shaped him both as an artist and as a person.JOIN CIVA COLLECTIVE ► https://www.civacollective.comWatch The Chosen now: Amazon PrimeFollow Us!Akis: Instagram | WebsiteCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | Youtube
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 9min
#69 - Kevin Varno - Health & Fitness, Empowerment & Vulnerability
In this Episode Carlo sits down with Kevin, the owner of Varno Fitness in New Jersey, for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, discipline, and the intersection of fitness and personal growth. Kevin opens up about his journey from an insecure teen to a fitness entrepreneur and behavior change coach. He shares how creating a cozy, peaceful home and learning to find joy outside of work have helped him redefine success—not by money or physical feats, but by presence, purpose, and self-love. The two discuss burnout, the illusion of discipline, and the danger of chasing external validation. Kevin emphasizes celebrating small wins, creating a gym environment that nurtures individual growth, and leading by example with compassion. He explains his transition from ego-driven coaching to helping clients become their own heroes through behavioral coaching. Ultimately, Kevin's story is about letting go of the pressure to prove yourself and embracing the moment, believing that success is simply loving where you are—right now.Follow Us!Kevin Varno: InstagramVarno Fitness: Instagram | WebsiteCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | YoutubeSUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 27min
#68 - Michael Medoway - Directing, Long-Term Collaborators & Self-Belief
In this episode, Michael Medoway opens up about his late start in directing, his winding journey through Japan, and how fatherhood shapes his worldview. He shares the struggles of freelancing, investing his own money into early projects, and the emotional toll of balancing career ambition with family life. Michael emphasizes the importance of long-term collaborators, emotional awareness on set, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely believe in you. He reflects on directing not just as a technical craft but a deeply relational role—one that requires leadership, clarity of vision, and the humility to listen. The episode closes with Medoway redefining success not by awards or acclaim, but by peace of mind, family dinners, and financial stability.Follow Us!Michael Medoway: Instagram | WebsiteCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | YoutubeSUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 24min
#67 - Matheus Bastos - "Gazer" Feature FIlm, Cannes Festival & Independent Filmmaking
In this episode, Carlo welcomes back cinematographer Matheus for a deep dive into the making of their independent feature film Gazer. They reflect on the film’s unexpected success in the festival circuit and its upcoming theatrical release—an increasingly rare feat for original, non-IP-based indie films. Matheus shares insights on the film's unusual production journey, which spanned two and a half years, often shot nights and weekends without permits or a full crew, and emphasized empathy, collaboration, and efficiency on set. They discuss how Gazer was crafted largely on 16mm film with a minimal setup and a lean, passionate crew, embracing imperfections and learning to let go of perfectionism. Matheus emphasizes the value of over-communicating with actors, having a service-oriented mindset, and staying true to the director’s vision rather than chasing aesthetic perfection. He also details how the surreal “nightmare” sequences in Gazer evolved visually and narratively, blending practical effects with bold stylistic choices like film pushing, color grading, and minimal lighting. The episode is a celebration of scrappy filmmaking, artistic growth, and the deep relationships formed through making something personal and challenging outside the studio system.Follow Us!Matt Bastos: Instagram | WebsiteBUY TICKETS FOR GAZER: TICKETSCheck out Gazer: IMDB Carlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | YoutubeSUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 26min
#66 - Matthew Rojas - Faith, Commercial Directing & Fatherhood
In this conversation, filmmaker Matthew Rojas delves into the vital interplay between faith and creativity. He shares how listening to God shapes his career choices and highlights the joy of pursuing projects for love rather than profit. Personal reflections on fatherhood and community sprinkle the discussion, alongside insights on the challenges of freelance life. Matthew emphasizes the importance of collaboration and self-investment in filmmaking, encouraging authenticity and growth through personal passion projects. It's an inspiring blend of artistry and spiritual journey.
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 29min
#65 - Frank Mobilio - Cinematography, Music Videos to Feature Films & Persistence
In this episode, Carlo sits down with cinematographer Frank for an in-depth conversation about his journey through the film industry. Frank shares how his path into filmmaking was unconventional—he didn’t grow up with a background in film, nor did he have a clear sense of the industry when he began. His entry came through school and a growing curiosity, eventually leading him to pursue cinematography with a deep passion. He moved to Los Angeles during a recession, taking on low-paying or free gigs and even sleeping on a couch just to be close to opportunities and grow within the craft.Throughout the interview, Frank reflects on the range of work he's done, from music videos to commercials to narrative films. He’s worked with high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Harry Styles, but admits he still gets nervous on set, showing a genuine humility and love for the process. For Frank, the act of shooting—regardless of scale or budget—is where he feels most at home. He talks about the importance of creative relationships, especially with directors he’s grown with over the years, emphasizing that long-term collaborations often yield the most rewarding results.Carlo also dives into Frank’s recent work on Arcadian, a feature film starring Nicolas Cage that premiered at SXSW. Frank shares the challenges of shooting internationally, working with new crews, and the thoughtful collaboration required between departments like production design and cinematography. He explains how working within limitations—whether on location or on a stage—can often inspire more grounded and cohesive visual storytelling.To close, Carlo asks what advice Frank would give to his younger self. Frank responds with encouragement to be persistent, resourceful, and willing to take risks without expecting immediate payoff. His story is a testament to passion, patience, and the kind of quiet determination that turns dreamers into working filmmakersFollow Us!Frank Mobilio: Instagram | WebsiteCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | YoutubeSUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
#64 - Nur Niaz - Entrepreneurship, Career Rediscovery & Artistic Freedom from Youtube
In this episode of The Creative Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and entrepreneur Nur Niaz about his transition from commercial directing to building a successful YouTube channel and online business. Nur shares how political instability and economic challenges in Kazakhstan pushed him to pivot careers, leading to newfound creative and growing financial freedom as an artist. He discusses the struggle of balancing artistry with business, overcoming self-doubt, and redefining his identity beyond traditional filmmaking. Nur also reflects on the importance of community, valuing friendships outside of the creative industry while seeking a network of like-minded individuals. He shares how YouTube became both a business and a creative outlet, allowing him to monetize his content through digital products and ads while shifting to a more exploratory, documentary-style approach to filmmaking. He opens up about his struggles with depression, the role of therapy, and how honest communication with his wife helped him navigate his lowest moments. The conversation also sparks reflection in Carlo, making him question his own creative path and how to balance personal fulfillment with career evolution.Nur Niaz: Instagram | WebsiteCarlo: Instagram | WebsiteThe Creative Gap: Instagram | YoutubeSUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON____________________________________________________⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST:Rodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/3RluSeVRode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3RpaR77Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/4caJUfiCamera 1: https://amzn.to/45h5E7bCamera 2: https://amzn.to/45g8iKxLight: https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 34min
#63 - Connor Carroll - Directing, Parenting as a Filmmaker, Your Creative Voice & Long-Term Relationships
Connor Carroll, a commercial director, dives deep into the balancing act between filmmaking and fatherhood. He shares how parenthood has reshaped his perspective on success and time management. The conversation touches on the importance of trust and collaboration in client-driven projects, revealing the challenges and joys of maintaining a unique storytelling voice. Connor also discusses the emotional complexities of filmmaking, navigating personal growth, and the creative freedom found within advertising, offering valuable insights for creatives in any industry.
