SPOKES PODCAST
Spokes is the official red Bicycle Media podcast made for filmmakers by filmmakers. Join the rBM crew, as they talk with some of the industry’s most brilliant minds about past and upcoming projects, business trends, and life on- and off-set. Hosted by rBM founder James Pizarro.
Episode #011 - Ben Needham
We go one-on-one with Cleveland-based set and graphic designer, Ben Needham, on the importance of set design in production. Among other topics in this episode include the technology behind his work, as well as his interest in immersive theatre.
We go one-on-one with Cleveland-based set and graphic designer, Ben Needham, on the importance of set design in production. Among other topics in this episode include the technology behind his work, as well as his interest in immersive theatre.
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Setting can be just as, or more, important than the characters in a work. whether it is in film, TV, or theatre, the construction and detail of sets can almost make or break a production. In this episode, we have our good friend, Ben Needham, talk about the importance of set design. Ben runs Digital Squirrel Studio, a full-service design studio in Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked on numerous productions. Those range from theatre to motion pictures. He even helped us out on some of our projects, whether it was a bathroom set his team built for an upcoming horror film, to visual graphics for a past 48 Hour Film Project. He talks about how he uses virtual reality in visualizing his sets, as well as his involvement in the Academy for the Performing Arts and Shadow of the Run.
Talking Points
Ben’s background and the origins of Digital Squirrel Studio
Using 3D rendering to create sets and what Ben is using to supplement that
How he contributes to film and TV sets without having to be on-set
Using more advanced technologies, such as digital sets and projection mapping, and if they would replace practical sets in the future
His involvement with the Academy for the Performing Arts
His passion for being involved in the immersive theater experience, including being a part of the Shadow of the Run team
The fiscal feasibility of immersive theatre
Social Media
Facebook: Digital Squirrel Studio
Twitter: @DigitalSquirrelStudi
Shadow of the Run
IG: shadowoftherun
Facebook: Shadow of the Run
Twitter: @shadowoftherun
Academy for the Performing Arts
Facebook: Academy for the Performing Arts
Twitter: @AcademyPerArts
Episode #010 - Curren Sheldon
We made it to Episode Ten! In this landmark episode, we bring in Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Curren Sheldon. We talk about his beginnings in filmmaking, including filming alongside his wife, Elaine, and the process of creating their Netflix Original documentaries, Recovery Boys and Heroin(e).
We made it to Episode Ten! In this landmark episode, we bring in Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Curren Sheldon. We talk about his beginnings in filmmaking, including filming alongside his wife, Elaine, and the process of creating their Netflix Original documentaries, Recovery Boys and Heroin(e).
Recovery Boys and Heroin(e) are currently available to watch on Netflix.
IMDb: Curren Sheldon
Preview
We believe that documentary films are growing, and not just because we filmed one last year! To go more in-depth on the process of filming and distribution, we brought in award-winning documentary filmmaker, Curren Sheldon. While starting off as a travel writer, Curren quickly rose to become one of a few filmmakers in Appalachia. Along with his wife, director of both documentaries Elaine McMillion Sheldon, he has explored many topics within his community, with the Opioid Crisis being discussed in two Netflix documentaries, Recovery Boys and Heroin(e). Along with discussing the process from pre-production to distribution, we also talk about Curren’s experiences attending film festivals and stepping on the red carpet at Hollywood’s biggest night, The Oscars.
Talking Points
How he went from travel writer to award-winning filmmaker
The process of filming the documentaries Heroin(e) and Recovery Boys
Scheduling When To Film
One-or Two-Camera Setup
Use of Lights?
Anticipating Pressing “Record”
Any Other Work During Production?
Involvement Other Than Being Behind The Camera
How Netflix got involved in the distribution of the two films
Film Festival Submission Process
Journey To The Oscars
What Was Next?
Social Media
Episode #009 - Jeffrey Hagerman
We welcome on-set colorist Jeffrey Hagerman to the show. His work ranges from commercials for Cadillac and Under Armour, to films and tv shows, including the pilot episode of Mr. Robot. In this episode, James and Jeffrey dive into the importance of hiring a colorist, as well as solutions for productions with lower budgets.
We welcome on-set colorist Jeffrey Hagerman to the show. His work ranges from commercials for Cadillac and Under Armour, to films and tv shows, including the pilot episode of Mr. Robot. In this episode, James and Jeffrey dive into the importance of hiring a colorist, as well as solutions for productions with lower budgets.
IMDb: Jeffrey Hagerman
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It’s very likely that you have seen shows, movies, and commercials that this episode’s guest has been involved in. Jeffrey Hagerman is a New York-based on-set colorist whose work has taken him around the world. He’s worked on Cadillac commercials, Marvel’s Daredevil, and the pilot episode of Mr. Robot. His experience with robotics along with adapting to technological advances have contributed to his success and have connected the worlds of set and post. In this episode, he talks with James about his experiences on-set, his journey to his position now, and the benefits of having a colorist. This is a conversation you do not want to miss.
Talking Points
How he incorporated robotics into his craft
How he went from a business student to working in the film world
His view of the technical side of filmmaking
The colorist/director of photography relationship
How to work with a colorist on a budget
Why it is so important to understand lighting in a time where many cameras are great
The role of the colorist
How color palettes can influence the mood of a show or movie
Managing expectations as a colorist
Episode #008 - Roy Rossovich, FSF
In this episode, we bring in Sweden Society of Cinematographers-certified cinematographer Roy Rossovich to talk about his experiences in the film industry. We focus on Roy’s rise from becoming a Hasselblad Master in photography, to an FSF member in cinematography.
In this episode, we bring in Sweden Society of Cinematographers-certified cinematographer Roy Rossovich to talk about his experiences in the film industry. We focus on Roy’s rise from becoming a Hasselblad Master in photography, to an FSF member in cinematography.
IMDb: Roy Rossovich
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Roy Rossovich is an FSF (Sweden Society of Cinematographers)-certified cinematographer and a Hasselblad Master of photography. James met Roy three years ago on-set in Columbus for the film, Batibat. We are honored to have Roy in this episode of our podcast. We talk about Roy’s ascent from fashion photographer to a cinematographer, from being on-set with his dad, an actor, to becoming a Hasselblad Master and becoming an FSF member. We go into how anything from an Arri Alexa Mini LF to a Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has changed the film industry and color science. Finally, we talk briefly about how to separate your work from everyone else in the age of social media. We know it is a tough time for everyone in the industry with the Coronavirus going around, but we hope this can keep all of you motivated and entertained.
Talking Points
How his career in fashion photography translated into his career in cinematography
How to distinguish yourself in the age of social media
How becoming a Hasselblad Master was the turning point of Roy’s career, which eventually resulted in him becoming an FSF (Sweden Society of Cinematographers) member
How much easier it is to film high-quality footage with a small setup
The piece of gear Roy has to have when limited on equipment weight
Advice Roy has for young filmmakers
The importance of hiring a colorist
Social Media
Website: www.royrossovich.com
IG: roy_rossovich
Episode #007 - Michael Vitovich
We bring in an old friend in this episode of Spokes. Michael Vitovich, and actor and comedian now residing in Miami, FL, talks about his experiences on-set, some of the odd jobs he went through to support his acting career, and the importance of the actor/director relationship.
We bring in an old friend in this episode of Spokes. Michael Vitovich, and actor and comedian now residing in Miami, FL, talks about his experiences on-set, some of the odd jobs he went through to support his acting career, and the importance of the actor/director relationship.
IMDb: Michael Vitovich
Go Toward The Light: An Evening With Autopsy - Saturday, May 9, 2020 - Miami Improv (link)
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On Spokes, we talk with some of the film industry’s greatest minds. What we usually do not hear about is an actor’s point of view of the business. In this episode, we welcome Michael Vitovich to the show to discuss the struggles and successes of an acting career. Michael is known for his work on Showtime’s The Good Lord Bird, Netflix’s Wasp Network, and Investigation Discovery’s Homicide Hunter. Born in Cleveland and now residing in Miami (similar to where a famous basketball player took his talents to in 2010!), Michael talks about his experiences on-set. Whether it is local productions where he is not just acting but helping with crew work, to bigger sets where he receives preferential treatment, he goes through it all. He also discusses the struggles of working in Miami and the opportunities he had to create after being fired from his regular job. This May, he is performing at the Miami Improv to bring a dark comedy approach to his career performing autopsies.
Talking Points
Michael’s journey through odd jobs to support his acting career
The importance of networking, especially in a town where film is in the decline
The differences in working on smaller sets compared to large, big-budget ones
What projects he’s involved in
The direction acting is headed
How he markets himself as an actor
The actor/crew member relationship
Social Media
Facebook: Michael Vitovich
Twitter: @MorgueCandy
IG: morguecandy
Mentioned on the Podcast
Shadow of the Run Teaser
Episode #006 - Joyce Tsang
Only Today’s Joyce Tsang joins us on this episode of the podcast. We talk about everything from how to travel abroad to film, as well as discuss the state of women and minorities in film. We also go into how to maneuver working on bigger projects, like those with A-List celebrities.
Only Today’s Joyce Tsang joins us on this episode of the podcast. We talk about everything from how to travel abroad to film, as well as discuss the state of women and minorities in film. We also go into how to maneuver working on bigger projects, like those with A-List celebrities.
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If you’re outside the film community, you may have not heard of Joyce Tsang, but we can guarantee you that you have seen some of her work. Joyce is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon. She and her husband, Raymond, own Only Today, a production agency where they have filmed projects with CBS Sports, Facebook, and Adobe. In this episode, we talk with Joyce about being on the road as a filmmaker, as well as discussing women behind the camera. We also go into how much strategy has to change when working on a bigger project. Finally, we talk a little bit about getting over the hump in slow periods of work.
Talking Points
Tips on traveling abroad for a shoot
The evolution of affordable filmmaking
Her journey in filmmaking
Approach on working on major projects (i.e. working with stars like John Malkevich)
Women behind the camera
Overcoming the hump of slow periods of work
Social Media
Website: onlytoday.tv
IG: joycectsang
Mentioned on the Podcast
Episode #005 - Ian Servin
James talks with Boston-based video marketing consultant, Ian Servin, about the importance of creating content as a film company, as well as how production companies can find their identities.
James talks with Boston-based video marketing consultant, Ian Servin, about the importance of creating content as a film company, as well as how production companies can find their identities.
Brightcove Play Conference (Boston, MA - May 18-20, 2020)
Registration: Click Here
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Many film companies strive to improve their marketing videos for clients, but how do you maintain that success when corporations are starting to produce more content in-house? Ian Servin leads the video team for the video cloud service provider, Brightcove. He also coaches and consults creatives in growing their businesses. In this episode, James talks with Ian about how film companies, like ours, can improve and get over slumps by creating more content and how consistency matters. We also go over the pros and cons of social media marketing.
Talking Points
How more affordable products led to more competition for work
Keeping positivity up in slow times
Why “Hard Work Pays Off”
The rise of companies hiring their own film teams
Social media presence of marketing films
How production companies can find their identity
Why hiring your friend COULD not be a bad thing
Livecast technology
Brightcove Play conference
Building your story around your format
Making your small-scale project compelling
Balancing your film career with personal life
Social Media
Website: ianservin.com
IG: ianservin
Twitter: @iservin
Mentioned on the Podcast
NAB Show (Las Vegas, April 19-22, 2020): Registration
Professional Smiler Music Video:
Episode #004 - Mike Wendt
In this episode, we talk with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC)’s Mike Wendt about his ventures in film, as well as the state of the industry in Cleveland, Ohio. We take a look at his beginnings from working at Tribeca to his role now as the production coordinator at GCFC. Chris “Tico” Crawford also joins us as co-host.
In this episode, we talk with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC)’s Mike Wendt about his ventures in film, as well as the state of the industry in Cleveland, Ohio. We take a look at his beginnings from working at Tribeca to his role now as the production coordinator at GCFC. Chris “Tico” Crawford also joins us as co-host.
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If you are a part of Cleveland’s film scene, you may have encountered this episode’s guest at one point. Mike Wendt is the production coordinator for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. Outside of his day job, he is still active in his own projects. Recently, he received a Satellite Fund Grant through Spaces and The Andy Warhol Foundation, which will help him finish the documentary, “Robert Banks: I’ll Tell You About That Later.” Today, we talk with Mike about the state of film here in The Land. We go into his career in film, where he had spent time with Tribeca and connected with everyone he met to further advance his career. Again, joining James in co-hosting duties is Chris “Tico” Crawford.
Talking Points
His beginnings in film from Tribeca to an encounter with an infamous producer
How he kept his morale up after being rejected from working a blockbuster film
How we can become better filmmakers, regardless of gear
The film scene in Northeast Ohio, why projects choose or reject filming here
The not-so-glamorous life of a location scout
Why he has a passion for documentaries
The importance of a film commission
Episode #003 - Jon Connor
Episode three brings us to a conversation with filmmaker, writer, editor, and Masters in Motion co-founder, Jon Connor. We talk to him about his experiences in filmmaking, as well as how he started the now twice-a-year event. Once again, we are also joined by Chris “Tico” Crawford.
Episode three brings us to a conversation with filmmaker, writer, editor, and Masters in Motion co-founder, Jon Connor. We talk to him about his experiences in filmmaking, as well as how he started the now twice-a-year event. Once again, we are also joined by Chris “Tico” Crawford.
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Masters In Motion Registration: Website
Philadelphia: June 15-18, 2020
Austin: December 6-9, 2020
Preview
A few years ago, James attended Masters in Motion, a filmmaking workshop held every December in Austin, TX. It is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best minds and to network with other like-minded individuals. There, he met the workshop’s co-founder, Jon Connor, who is also a filmmaker, writer, and editor. He also is the producer for the workshop’s Art Vs. Commerce podcast. Today, we sit down with Jon and talk about his experiences in filmmaking, as well as how “Masters” was conceived. Once again joining James in co-hosting duties is rBM producer Chris “Tico” Crawford.
Talking Points
Pros and Cons of being a freelancer
Lessons from filmmaking experience and tips for up-and-coming filmmakers
His experience as both a DP and an editor
How Masters in Motion evolved to what it is today
The future of Masters in Motion
Advice to filmmakers who are doing this as their main job, especially when it comes down to networking
The biggest influence on his career
Social Media
Episode #002 - The Session: Chris Webb and Conrad Miles
We talk with "The Session" directors, Chris Webb and Conrad Miles, about how their Tribeca-funded documentary came into fruition, as well as their experiences in filmmaking.
We talk with "The Session" directors, Chris Webb and Conrad Miles, about how their Tribeca-funded documentary came into fruition, as well as their experiences in filmmaking. We are also joined by rBM producer Chris “Tico” Crawford as co-host.
UPDATE 3/2/2020: We are happy to announce that “The Session” has been selected for the 2020 Cleveland International Film Festival Shorts Program!
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What if I told you that a form of dance can be therapeutic? That is krumping. On this podcast, we talk with directors Chris Webb and Conrad Miles about their Tribeca-funded project, “The Session,” which focuses on that culture in Cleveland. Joining James in co-hosting duties is rBM producer Chris “Tico” Crawford.
Talking Points
What is “The Session” and how did it come about?
Why krumping?
Conrad’s path to krumping
The message that the movie is meant to convey
The film’s Cleveland connection
Using film as a platform to “be heard”
Social Media
Chris: Website
IG: chriswebbspeaks
Facebook: Chris Webb
Twitter: @chriswebbspeaks
Conrad
IG: imxabel
Facebook: Conrad Abel Miles
Episode #001 - Grant Peelle
For our first episode, we talk with filmmaker Grant Peelle about the keys to conducting an interview, as well as his experiences in filmmaking.
On our premiere episode of the podcast, we talk with Ohio-based filmmaker Grant Peelle about the keys to conducting an interview, as well as his experiences in filmmaking.
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Preview
What does it take to become a great storyteller? If you listen to this episode, you may learn a few things about that. We have our friend, Grant Peele, on the podcast. Grant is a director and cinematographer out of Wilmington, Ohio, who has made documentaries, “#standwithme” and “I’m Fine, Thanks.” He has worked with Stillmotion, now MUSE Storytelling, and is the co-founder of the Collective Film Project.
In this episode, Grant talks about the relatively unorthodox way that he became a filmmaker. We go in-depth about filming interviews and the importance of conducting one.
Talking Points
Grant’s connection with Stillmotion, now MUSE Storytelling, and how it helped him become a great filmmaker
The art of conducting an interview and the importance of connecting with the interviewee
The importance of a postmortem and how it can set you up for future success
The “Peanut Butter and Jelly” technique to engage the interviewee into a more interesting conversation
Social Media
IG: @grantpeelle
#standwithme on Vimeo (also available on Amazon)
I’m FIne, Thanks on Vimeo (also available on Amazon)