The FilmUp Podcast

This week, we're joined by two incredibly talented filmmakers: Lester Platt, director, cinematographer, and founder of STLL Studios, and Nick Barr, writer, producer, and director! They are both based in Austin TX, and we discuss what brought their filmmaking journeys to Texas, and why they're sticking around.

Lester is a filmmaker and cinematographer who's spent over a decade blending cinematic craft with strategic brand storytelling for clients like H-E-B, Morgan Stanley, and L'Oréal, earning three Telly Awards along the way.

Nick got his start reading scripts for DreamWorks before rising to Creative Director at one of the fastest-growing ad agencies in the country, and now leads narrative production at STLL. Together they're building a slate of story-driven films made in Texas.

Lester and Nick are also big supporters of the Sunrise Navigation Center, a non-profit that provides pathways to housing and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness in Austin.

You can learn more by going tohttps://sunrisenavigationcenter.org/.

Check out https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

Today, we're joined by two incredible men and the founders of Latigo Films, David Lipper and Bobby Daly Jr. Having spent decades in and around the film industry, they've taken the skills, knowledge, and relationships they've built along the way to create a company focused on developing, financing, and producing films. In this episode, we discuss their journeys through the industry, what they've discovered about producing and financing films, and the lessons they've learned from bringing projects to life.

David Lipper got his start in Canada, landing a starring role on CTV's Time of Your Life at just 18, and has since starred in more than 60 films and 200 episodes of television. That time on set led him to producing and directing, and since 2014 he's produced more than 44 films, every one delivered on time, on budget and with worldwide distribution.

His partner Bobby Daly began at Warner Bros., Sony and Fox, working on classics like The Lost Boys and Free Willy, then spent years as a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley advising clients in entertainment and media.

Together they founded Latigo Films, which has produced more than 15 films since 2021 and built a reputation for cracking the tough financing and production problems of independent film.

David and Bobby are also big supporters of Awakening Recovery a non-profit dedicated to providing a structured, life-changing path to sustainable recovery with no financial barriers.

You can learn more by going to http://awakeningrecovery.org/.

Check out https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

Today, we're thrilled to be joined by the incredibly talented director, Nick Martini! Nick proves that going all in on your passion can take you to places you never imagined.

Nick is the founder of Stept Studios, one of the fastest-growing creative and production companies in advertising, alongside Lockt Post and Vault Rentals. What started as a passion for skiing and making films with his brother grew into a global creative business with more than 80 team members across Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. After years as a professional skier, Nick transitioned into commercial filmmaking, landing his first major production with Under Armour and a young Steph Curry. Since then, he has directed campaigns for Apple, Toyota, Ford, and The North Face, working with athletes like Peyton Manning, Patrick Mahomes, and Coco Gauff. His work has taken him across six continents, earned recognition at the Sundance Brand Storytelling Awards, and expanded into documentaries and feature films. Through it all, Nick has continued to push the boundaries of filmmaking, turning ambitious ideas into stories that make people feel something.

Nick is also a big supporter of Yellowstone Forever, a non-profit dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy.

You can learn more by going to http://yellowstone.org/.

Check out https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

This week, we're joined by underwater photographer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller Jennifer Idol, who in 2015 became the first woman to dive in all 50 U.S. states after a five-year, 72,000-mile journey. She chronicled the experience in her book An American Immersion, and her work has since appeared in DIVER, Scuba Diving, and BBC Earth.

Jennifer first discovered her passion for the underwater world at just 14 years old when she took her first dive in Cozumel. Today, she's a PADI AmbassaDiver, Explorers Club Fellow, and co-host of the Protected Waters film series. She's also preparing to co-lead Sea Americas, a 14-member, all-female expedition and documentary following divers from Canada through Central and South America.

Beyond documenting the underwater world, Jennifer is passionate about protecting it. She's a strong supporter of the Coral Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring endangered coral reefs and empowering coastal communities to protect their marine ecosystems.

You can learn more about the Coral Restoration Foundation at https://coralrestoration.org/.

For more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp's initiatives, visit https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast.

This week, we have one of our greatest conversations to date with the incredible producer, Andy Horwitz. He is proof that hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of persistence can turn your dreams into reality. We cover his entire career, from starting out on The Dark Knight, to producing American Hustle, to founding his own independent production company and producing his first two features in one year.

Andy Horwitz is a film and television producer and entertainment executive with over 19 years of experience in the entertainment business. He is the founder and CEO of Big Swell Entertainment, a next-generation production company built to navigate the evolving Hollywood landscape. Prior to launching Big Swell in 2023, Horwitz spent 15 years at Charles Roven’s Atlas Entertainment, most recently serving as Executive Vice President. During his time at Atlas, he helped produce tentpole films, independent features, television series, and podcasts across the studio and independent film systems, with the company’s productions collectively generating over $8.5 billion worldwide.

His producing credits include J.C. Chandor’s TRIPLE FRONTIER, David O. Russell’s AMERICAN HUSTLE, and David Ayer’s SUICIDE SQUAD, as well as THE HOLLOW POINT and MOJAVE. His work spans the full filmmaking process, from development and financing through production and release, and he has built a deep network of creative relationships throughout the industry.

Since launching Big Swell Entertainment, Horwitz has established the company as a home for the next generation of producers and filmmakers. The company currently has several high-profile projects in development, with two films in post-production and another slated to begin production in 2027.

Andy is also a big supporter of Angel City Pitbulls, a non-profit dedicated to changing the public perception of pit bulls through rescue, adoption, foster care, education, and owner support in the Los Angeles area.

You can learn more by going tohttps://www.angelcitypits.org/.

Check out https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

Today's guest is the hardworking, insightful, and inspiring producer, Siena Oberman, whose accomplishments and staggering body of work make it hard to believe she hasn't been working in the industry for decades. We have a fascinating conversation about how Siena founded and continues to run a successful production and financing company, how filmmakers can finance and produce their films in an ever-evolving industry, and the exciting signs of growth we're seeing across the film industry.

Siena is the founder of Artemis, a production finance company focused on audience-driven visionary filmmakers. She’s been involved in producing and financing over 25 features, including COMPANY, DEAD MAN’S WIRE, FAIRYLAND, THE GOOD MOTHER, and MAINSTREAM, and has executive produced projects including SUNNY starring Angelina Jolie and SKIN directed by Guy Nattiv. With experience across development, production, and financing, her films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride, Venice, and Berlinale. She is a Variety Producer to Watch, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and NextGen Leader in the Creative Coalition.

Siena is also a big supporter of Prevent Child Abuse America, a non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect before it happens.

You can learn more by going to http://preventchildabuse.org/.

Check out https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

Today, we sit down with the talented producer, Jonathan Hsu, for one of our most poignant discussions about the cathartic and healing power of filmmaking.

Jonathan Hsu is an award-winning producer and founder of Hsubox Productions Inc.. He built his career with no cash, no contacts, and no shortcuts. From NYU student films and no-budget music videos to award-winning films and commercial campaigns for global brands. He learned what it takes to get hired, stay hired, and grow from passion projects into a sustainable film business. Now he shares the playbook for doing the same. He has partnered with global brands including Apple, Netflix, Meta, and more. His Oscar qualified work has been selected and awarded at Sundance, Slamdance, Berlinale, Busan, and Tribeca. Jonathan is dedicated to both the craft and business of filmmaking, and is excited to see the stories of the next generation of creators.

Jonathan is also a big supporter of Caring Across Generations, a non-profit dedicated to changing the culture and policy of care in America. You can learn more by visiting http://caringacross.org/.
Check out https://filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

This week’s guest is a powerhouse producer with dozens of incredible credits under her belt. Beyond her myriad of award-winning films, she is a professor at Columbia University and a vocal advocate pushing back against the growing challenges in the producing profession. Please welcome Mynette Louie!
Mynette is a Spirit Award-winning, Emmy and Critics Choice-nominated producer. Her credits include Suzanne Andrews Correa’s Sundance 2026 selection THE HUNTRESS, Eric Lin’s Locarno-winning Tribeca 2025 selection ROSEMEAD (Vertical), Heidi Ewing’s Sundance-winning, Spirit Award-nominated I CARRY YOU WITH ME (Sony Pictures Classics), Carlo Mirabella-Davis’ Tribeca-winning, Gotham-nominated SWALLOW (IFC Films), Jennifer Fox’s Emmy, Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Spirit Award-nominated THE TALE (HBO), Karyn Kusama’s THE INVITATION (Drafthouse/Netflix), and Martha Stephens & Aaron Katz’s Spirit Award-winning LAND HO! (Sony Pictures Classics). Louie serves on the Board of Directors of Film Independent, the Producers Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is a member of Producers United and the Television Academy. She was named one of Business Insider’s “12 Movie Producers at the Top of Their Game to Watch in 2020 and Beyond,” Ted Hope’s “21 Brave Thinkers of Truly Free Film,” and Indiewire’s “100 Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter.” She is also an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Co-Head of Creative Producing at Columbia University’s graduate film program. A native New Yorker, Louie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University, where she studied Chinese literature and film. Mynette has chosen to support The Jed Foundation for this episode. Learn more about ways to support them at jedfoundation.org. Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

Welcome back to Season 7 of The FilmUp Podcast! We're kicking the season off with a very special guest. Emmy award-winning cinematographer, Adam Newport-Berra, ASC!

Adam is an Emmy and ASC Award–winning cinematographer born and raised in the woods of Oregon—where he continues to live.
A graduate of New York University, Adam has lensed a range of acclaimed features, shorts, television, music videos, and commercials. In 2019, Variety named him one of its “Artisans Elite.” His work on The Last Black Man in San Francisco led to a premiere at Sundance and competed at the Camerimage Film Festival. His films have competed at Cannes, Telluride, NYFF, SXSW, TIFF, and beyond.
In television, Adam shot the pilot of FX’s The Bear and the final two episodes of HBO’s Euphoria (Season 1). He won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series for his work on The Studio, for the episode “The Oner.”
Adam’s commercial work has also earned multiple Cannes Lions, and his music video collaborations include Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Miley Cyrus, and Kanye West, earning multiple VMA nominations for cinematography.
Adam has chosen to support The Hollywood Theatre in Portland, OR for this episode. Learn more about ways to support them at hollywoodtheatre.org.

Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp's initiatives!

This week we are thrilled to be joined by Michael Wormser!

Michael is a Los Angeles–based producer, writer, director, and creator of Teche™, a film finance modeling platform built to help producers and investors clearly model capital stacks, recoupment waterfalls, and investor returns in real time. He is also one of the founders of Cinemand Pictures. His list of producing credits is extensive, and he previously served as Head of Production at Maker Studios and was profiled in the PGA’s Produced By magazine as a “go-to producer.”

Michael is also a big supporter of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a non-profit hospital with an emphasis on teaching, that’s dedicated to caring for children, teens, young adults, and families as well as making discoveries to enhance the health and lives of these communities, especially the underserved populations of LA.
To learn about ways you can support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, visit https://www.chla.org/

We've got an awesome conversation with an awesome guest this week. Welcome AJ Bleyer to the podcast!

AJ is a high-octane director and the founder of Advent Films, a creative production house known for its visually arresting, high impact work. AJ is also a trusted shooter for many of the world’s most prestigious brands including Ferrari, McLaren F1, Aston Martin, Red Bull, Riot Games, Amazon, and more.

He’s also become a known industry speaker for brands like RED, Adobe, Fujinon, Dell, NVIDIA and more. He’s delivered a TEDx talk, and many on-stage keynotes at events like Adobe MAX and NAB.

AJ is also a big supporter of ManifestWorks, a non-profit that connects those impacted by foster care, homelessness and incarceration with job opportunities and provides ongoing life and professional skills to support long-term success.

To learn more about how you can get involved and support Manifest Works, visit https://www.manifestworks.org/

You may recognize today's guest from one of the many great show's and movies she's been in. This week we have the pleasure of welcoming Ayden Mayeri!

Ayden is an Actor and Director from Northern California. With performances in dozens of shows and movies including Paul Feig’s Jackpot!, Mr. Throwback with Steph Curry, New Girl, and Veep, just to name a few, she has quickly established herself as a star on the rise. Her directorial debut, Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story, had its world premiere at SXSW Film Festival 2026 and won the Jury Award for Documentary Feature Film.

Most recently she starred in the Tribeca 2025 Untold Stories feature film, Honeyjoon, and can be seen opposite Cameron Diaz in Netflix’s upcoming action comedy Bad Day, and the Rachel Bloom ABC series Do You Want Kids.

Ayden is also a big supporter of The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, or CHIRLA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrants to push policies that promote freedom of movement, full human rights, and the vigorous civic action that strengthens this democracy.

To learn about ways you can support CHIRLA, visit https://www.chirla.org

Today’s guest is a true talent who’s work can be seen all over the big and small screen. This week we’re thrilled to be joined by Valerie Weiss!

Valerie is an award winning director, writer, and producer of film and television. After receiving her PhD from Harvard Medical School, she decided to embark into the entertainment industry, and it seems like she made the right choice. Valerie has directed dozens of episodes of some of the most popular shows on television such as Outer Banks, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Ginny & Georgia, as well as directed multiple features like Mixtape and The Archer. She is also co-chair of the DGA’s Women’s Steering Committee.

Valerie is also a big supporter of the World Wildlife Fund, a non-profit dedicated to building a future in which people live in harmony with nature by conserving and restoring biodiversity, reducing humans’ environmental footprint, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

To learn more about ways you can contribute to the World Wildlife Fund, visit https://www.worldwildlife.org/support

This week we are thrilled to have Paris Schulman on the podcast! Paris began his career as a record producer and film composer. In 2010, he founded RiTE MEDIA, a creative content studio based in Atlanta. Over the years, RiTE has developed and produced hundreds of stories spanning commercials, narrative, and music visuals.

Rite Media’s expertise and resources are on emerging technologies like Virtual Production and Bolt CineBot robotic cameras, and they have deployed these solutions on some of the most notable films and series of the last decade, including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 & 3, Stranger Things, and many more.

Paris is also a big supporter of Earth Echo International, a non-profit that collaborates with youth around the world to provide knowledge and develop tools that drive meaningful environmental action to protect and restore our ocean planet.

You can learn more about ways to support them by visiting earthecho.org

This week Aryeh is sitting down to talk with the talented and accomplished director, Justin Jarrett!

Justin is an Emmy Award-Winning writer, director, and producer based in Philadelphia. He has written and directed over 200 television shows, commercials, shorts, and feature-length documentaries across five different continents while acting as the Principal Director of JTWO, a full service production house based out of Philly and Chicago.

Justin is also a big supporter of Fred’s Footsteps, a non-profit that provides financial relief to working families in the Philadelphia region who find themselves in a crisis due to the costs associated with caring for seriously ill, injured, or disabled children.

To learn more about ways to support Fred's Footsteps, visit https://fredsfootsteps.org.

This week we're excited to be joined by Dale "Rage" Resteghini. He's a legendary Music Video and Feature Film Director who's worked with some of the biggest names in both Hollywood and the music industry.

Dale was born into a blue-collar Boston family, and traded a future in labor for a legendary career in film and television. He got his start on the set of School Ties and spent his early years in New York City, working alongside masters like Alfonso Cuarón and Sidney Lumet.

Driven by a relentless 'Balboa' work ethic, Dale has helmed countless iconic music videos—amassing over 10 billion views for artists like Fall Out Boy, Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, Guns N’ Roses, and so many more. With more than 200 feature film credits to his name, including a Co-Executive Producer role on Al Pacino’s Lear Rex, Dale continues to bridge the gap between gritty independent storytelling and global cinematic spectacles.

Dale is also a big supporter of Father John’s Animal House, a non-profit dedicated to providing quality, humane care to the cats and dogs at our shelter, to find loving homes for otherwise homeless animals, and facilitate spay/neuter procedures to reduce the over-population and suffering of unwanted or homeless animals. To learn more about ways to help Father John's Animal House, visit https://www.fatherjohns.org.

This week we're excited to introduce Nathan Presley!

Nathan is a Los Angeles-based director, writer, and cinematographer known for his dark visual style and emotionally intuitive storytelling across music videos, narrative films, and commercial work. He hosts the Art & Faith podcast and his most recent narrative project FLESH & BLOOD has earned official selection for many film festivals including SIFF & Screamfest.

Some of his clients include: SONY, NIKE, FILA, Tommy Hilfiger, WEEZER, J Lo, etc.

He is also, most importantly, a husband and father of two boys.

Nathan is a big supporter of Serve LA, a non-profit that serves people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Los Angeles by providing meals, hygiene services, and essential resources. Rooted in dignity and compassion, the organization partners with volunteers and local groups to help people move from crisis toward stability and flourishing. To learn more about ways to contribute, visit https://servela.org/community-impact

This week, we’re excited to be joined by the hilarious commercial and short film director, Taso Alexander.

Taso graduated with a film degree in acting for film and television. And that's how serious he is about his craft. After lighting up the screen in a recurring role as the Pizza Hut delivery guy, he dove into the world of casting before finding his place in the director's chair, cementing his status as a true actor's director. Thanks in part to his performance background, he is known to have a keen eye for pitch perfect casting. His dry comedic sensibility and absurdity played straight styling consistently delivered the unexpected and mildly unsettling.

Taso is also a big supporter of the Sick Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that is improving health outcomes for children and families in a compassionate and innovative, responsible and efficient manner. Learn more by going to https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/.

We finally hit 100 episodes!

To celebrate the occasion we have the truly revolutionary Paul Scanlan!

Paul’s consistently at the forefront of innovation in the film industry. He is an Emmy Award–winning cofounder and CEO of Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company. He also cofounded MobiTV, the trailblazing streaming service that earned an Emmy Award and transformed how people consume entertainment.

Paul is also a big supporter of The Bob Woodruff Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families have stable and successful futures.

You can learn more by going to http://bobwoodrufffoundation.org and as always, all the details are listed in the description of this episode.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who's been with us on this journey to 100 episodes. We wouldn't be here without all of the support we've received over the years and especially not without all of the listeners who tune in every week. We love you guys, and we can wait to keep bringing you great stories from great people in the film and television industries!

Today we're excited to be joined by Valentina Vee!

Valentina Vee is an LA-based director and cinematographer, originally from Kazakhstan. She started her career as an assistant director for movies like Eric England’s “Get the Girl” and has directed and shot a variety of film and video projects, including "Dracula's Ex-Girlfriend," a Nebula Original. She has also directed and shot two seasons of famed photographer Elia Locardi’s travel show “Moments in Time.” Her commercial clients include Google, Meta, Nike, Adobe, Sony Pictures, and Dell. Valentina likes to create content that raises awareness for causes, encourages positivity, and promotes diversity in front of (and behind) the camera.

Valentina is also a big supporter of the Entertainment Community Fund, a non-profit that provides a vital safety net and resources for professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry, including actors, dancers, musicians, and behind-the-scenes workers. It offers emergency financial aid, affordable housing, healthcare counseling, career development, and senior care, ensuring stability and supporting the cultural vibrancy of the U.S. by addressing the unique challenges faced by these creative professionals. It provides financial assistance, housing, and healthcare to more than 17,000 individuals each year.

You can learn more by going to entertainmentcommunity.org