Cinema Pathway

Today we are proud to welcome Dana Dellacamera to the podcast. Dan is a filmmaker, singer, and actor who has appeared on stage and in both short and feature films. Dana will share with us how she first started performing and how her journey brought her to two important roles she holds today. Dana is the Director of the Arts Accelerator, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting emerging artists in film in creating thriving careers by providing film industry Masterclasses, workshops, productions, networking events, and film festivals. She is the City Producer for the Miami / Fort Lauderdale 48-Hour Film Project. We talk about these organizations, and their importance to fostering creativity and helping filmmakers of all levels hone their crafts. You can learn more about Dana, Arts Accelerator, and the 48-Hour Film Project at the links below:Dana Dellacamera IMDBArts Acceleratorhttps://www.48hourfilm.com/miami/48hfp

Today, we’ll start season two of cinema pathway with some Steadicam trivia, talk about its history, and then learn what it takes to be a Steadicam operator from Gregory Dillard. First, our host and listeners will get an education on the difference between the different types of Steadicams, Gimbals, and Ronin. Next, Gregory will talk about everything that goes into setting up and operating a Steadicam and where someone who wants to get into this type of work can pursue the training. We’ll also talk about the pros and cons of having a camera in an operator’s hands versus automation and using drones.

Prepare for a fascinating episode as we dig into the world of production and art design, prop making and set building, and 18th-century weapons. Jerry Blohm will share his experience as an armorer on his first feature film with a legendary actor, director, and military advisor. He’ll then take our listeners on a journey through his career, which includes working on more than 1500 commercials, what it takes to be a production designer, and his tips on how to be successful in this position. Jerry will bring us into the world of his prop rental and fabrication house, and we’ll discuss the state of today’s film, small screen, and commercial industries. To learn more about Jerry and look at some of the work his done throughout his distinguished career, check out the below links: http://jerryblohm.com/ https://movieproprentals.net/ Jerry Blohm IMDB Page

We are joined by the super-talented director, writer, and actor Magaly Pefig. As she prefers, Maggie will share how she got into acting when she was young and continued to hone her craft as an actress. We'll talk about how she extended her artistic boundaries by writing, producing, directing, and acting in two films she made during COVID. Pandemic. Maggie and our host will also have some deep discussions about what it means to be an artist and what inspires people and try to figure out where we all fit in on this planet. Maggie will also share some exciting projects that she is working on and when and where you can see them. To learn more about Magaly Pefig, check out the below Links: Magaly Pefig IMDB Page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0702256/ Magaly Pefig Instagram Page: Instagram @magalypefig

We were fortunate to have filmmaker and founder of the "Miami Web Fest," Bryan Thompson, stop by the Cinema Pathway Podcast just hours before the premiere of his latest film, Dirt. Bryan shared with us how we went from singing in high school in Michigan to becoming an accomplished writer, director, producer, and actor in Miami, FL. We'll talk about the challenge and rewards for tackling controversial topics in films and why the up-and-coming filmmakers should take on more of these topics and risks, and how he then moved into comedy. He'll share what led him to create the "Miami Web Fest" and what it's like to be awarded the Key to the City of Miami. Learn more about Bryan and his work at the Links:Bryan G. Thompson IMDB PageBryan G. Thompson's Instagram PageIMANI Filmshttps://www.miamiwebfest.com/

We are joined today by Sofia Stanley. Sofia will take our listeners on her journey from England to New England, Washington DC to Hollywood, California, and then Hollywood, Florida. She’ll share stories of how she got her foot in the door as entertainment and educate our viewers on what opportunities they should look for if they want to do the same. We’ll have an important discussion about copyright, how artists must protect their work, and why transparency is the new currency. Learn more about Sofia and her new endeavors by connecting with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-stanley-7127204/

Fernando Guliian will introduce a great episode celebrating Father's Day. Cinema Pathway, we continue the conversation around the education of filmmakers. Our guest Nathan Mikita is a film professor and a filmmaker and has worked across several visual mediums, from theater to film and what can be described as new media. Next, we talk about making content beyond films; whether for commercials, social media, or websites and how, when we stop and think about it, we are surrounded by all this content. Finally, we’ll dive into who is making it and what opportunities are for content creators beyond making films.

Our guest this week is award-winning educator and filmmaker Jim Guarasci. He will share with our listeners his journey from working behind the camera to the classroom and into his current position as an Executive Producer with the Broward Education Communications Network (BECON). He will talk about how he is introducing and nurturing students in the art of content creation and filmmaking, what some of the essential skills they are learning, and where that leads them. Jim will also talk about the different productions that he and his students create and air. You can find some of these shows at the below links as well as more information about BECON TV: Short Cuts: A television show featuring student-produced video creations from South Florida high schools. https://www.becon.tv/shortcuts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTD1DQtl3WI School Duel: A high school quiz show. https://www.schoolduel.tv/ BECON TV https://www.becon.tv/

On this memorial day, we proudly present one of our memorable episodes from season one with our special guest and veteran Lerue Sarvis Jr., A renaissance Man: Defined as someone with many talents or areas of knowledge. Not so common, Servant Leader: focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. His life to this point has been a pretty incredible journey. From very humble beginnings to serving in the United States Navy, becoming a police officer, entering the film industry, and going even further by creating ways to give back and educate future filmmakers. I am pleased to welcome Lerue Sarvis Jr.

This week on the Cinema Pathway Podcast, we welcome filmmaker, Joycelyn Bejar. Joycelyn will take us on a journey from her early dream of being a foreign news correspondent and journalist to eventually making commercials, music videos, and films. In addition, she will share some stories of filming overseas and in one of our neighbors to the south. Joycelyn will also speak candidly about her career, what she has accomplished, and what aspiring filmmakers need to know.

Prepare for a great new episode with writer, producer, director (and many other titles) Mo Fitzgibbon. Mo will share with us how she got her to start in the business and how shortening her full name to Mo helped clear some hurdles for women in the film industry. We will also talk about the limitations and how women can overcome them but need help from allies. Mo will also share experiences from some of the many productions across all different formats and her years with Latina Pop Music Royalty.

On this exciting episode, we are pleased to have Juan Bofill. He will talk about the impressive career that has taken him from stuntman to stunt coordinator, fight choreographer, and special effects artist to acting and moving behind the camera as a producer, director, and writer. We will have an essential conversation about safety on set in light of recent events on film sets. Juan will share stories from some of his most memorable moments from movies and T.V. shows and share what he is doing to help train and educate the next generation of stunt performers and coordinators. Hold on to your seat for this exciting ride!

In this episode, we like to get deep into the craft of filmmaking, talking about the actual ins and outs of making films. The film has always been a visual medium. Starting with the Lumiere brothers, the genius of silent film stars like Chaplin and my personal favorite, Buster Keaton, wowed audiences with what could be captured by this new device, the movie camera. More than 100 years later, the camera and mastery of it is still a vital key to filmmaking as a craft. Our guest today is a master at that. He is a cinematographer and director of photography whose credits include the hit series DEXTER and BURN NOTICE. Feature films that range from STRIPTEASE, REALITY BITES, and PASSENGER 57 (underrated in my opinion) and one of my childhood favorites, FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR, as well as numerous music videos for JANET JACKSON, GLORIA ESTEFAN, RICKY MARTIN, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, and CELINE DION.

We are joined on this episode by cameraman Rick Bravo Jr. The son of cinematographer and camera operator Enrique Bravo, who worked on some of the most influential films of the last 75 years, including The Exorcist, The French Connection, and The Deer Hunter, Rick grew up on and around film sets. As a child, he even asked to be a lighting stand-in for some of the most famous scenes ever captured on film. So when Rick started his career, he followed in his father’s footsteps and helped stand up the first camera teams for the show Miami Vice. Rick will share stories from his childhood and work and how he landed a unique career behind the camera, where he has been for more than 30 years.

We start this episode by talking about how a pre-med student in Texas began on his pathway to becoming a cinematographer. Then, Laszlo will share how he started working in advertising as an editor and eventually moved to behind the camera. He’ll share stories of the hundreds of commercials he’s shot and his foray into films. He’ll also share some insight into how he approaches his craft and how it is much more than just the camera. We will also answer the question of the difference between a cinematographer and a director of photography.

We are joined on this episode by writer, producer, actor, and acting coach Yonel Aris who will talk about his pathway to earning his degree in theater. He will tell us as he's gone from acting to writing and getting into acting coaching. Further, we will discuss what makes a good acting coach, and Yonel will even put the host through a couple of acting exercises. He'll also advise on what actors should look for in an acting coach and why they should use one and share some of his upcoming projects with our listeners.

We are joined in this episode by accomplished filmmaker Aaron Abelto. Aaron will share with our listeners his unique pathway to becoming the actor, writer, director, and producer he has become today. He'll talk about his inspirations and influences from the indie film world, his two documentaries that were up for Oscar consideration, and what that process is like. Aaron will also share his experiences working as many different jobs on a film set as possible and how building that toolset has helped him succeed.

We are joined by actress, director, producer, content creator, and all-around storyteller Jennifer Joy O'Grady on this episode. Jennifer will talk about her pathway from starting in dance and theater and evolving to acting in front of the camera before expanding her knowledge to all aspects of the creative process. In addition, she'll share her unique college program, the courage it took to create her own production company, and some exciting news about her latest project.

In this episode, we have a special treat for our listeners. We have not one, but two guests. Maria Jose & Karla Noriega, also known as “The Lucky Twins.” They will share their inspiring journey from Guadalajara, Mexico, to the United States and how their creativity began when they were little. We’ll talk about the special bond that twins have and how it helps them when making films and content. Both guests will share their stories of coming out and how those experiences shaped them as artists, and why they are so passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and will give some encouraging words to those in that community that may be suffering. Finally, the Lucky Twin will share exciting news about their upcoming projects.

We are joined on this episode by screenwriter Rolando Vinas. Rolando will talk about what draws him to specific genres and what it means to explore the darkest areas of humanity. We’ll talk about the screenwriting process and finding the best approach for the writer. Other topics we’ll discuss will be the pros and cons of collaborative writing, writing environments, and finding that ideal balance of not giving too much direction to your script. As always, our guests will give some parting advice to current and aspiring screenwriters.