Catch A Break Podcast
53 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsThe insider's guide to breaking into and navigating Hollywood.
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Episodes
EP 411: The Composer and the Sound Designer
July 25, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 157 MBThis is the last episode in our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series as much as we have. If you want even more, you can go to our website at catchabreakpodcast.com for pictures and transcripts. We’re already working on season 5 and we have some very interesting episodes lined up for you, so be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. For this fina...
EP 410: The Post Production Process
July 24, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 151 MBWe are getting close to the end of our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping new episodes every day, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. For this penultimate episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with Erica Djafroodi, the post supervisor, and Byron Wong, the editor. We talked about how this was different from other jobs they've done ...
EP 409: The Production Sound Mixer and Video Assist Operator
July 21, 2023 12:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping new episodes every day, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. In this episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with Savanna Peters who is a video assist operator & Sara Glaser who is a production sound mixer. Both of these women are in very male dominated positions and departmen...
EP 408: The Costume Designer and Hair Stylist
July 20, 2023 12:00 - 58 minutes - 133 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping new episodes every day, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. In this episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with Rhonda O'Neal, the hair stylist, and Rahimah Yoba the wardrobe designer. Let's just say, it’s a miracle they even took this job, considering the phone call from the ...
EP 407: The Production Department
July 19, 2023 12:00 - 57 minutes - 131 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping new episodes every day, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. In this episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with UPM Corey Sklov, Production Supervisor Miranda Pacheco and Assistant Production Office Coordinator (APOC) Fiona Widerman. There was a lot to unpack here, with logist...
EP 406: The Cinematographer and the Gaffer
July 18, 2023 12:00 - 56 minutes - 130 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping new episodes every day, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. In this episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with cinematographer Andrew Jeric and Gaffer Matt Hadley. These guys are going to tell how they did so much with so little to work with, budget-wise. Basically, technolog...
EP 405: The Locations, Stunts and Transportation Departments
July 17, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 161 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping new episodes every day, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. In this episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with location manager Yvette Yurcisin, stunt coordinator Dee Bryant and then later, transportation coordinator Sandra Ninham. These jobs are way more stressful than you m...
EP 404: The Art Department
July 14, 2023 19:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping these pretty fast, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. In this episode Julie Harris Oliver sat down with Production Designer, Martina Buckley, Set Decorator, Vince Rodriquez, and Set Dresser, Joel Newton. We learn all about Martina’s philosophy of Method Art Department, al...
EP 403: The Table Read
July 14, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 65.5 MBThis is a real quick bonus episode where you get an inside sneak peek on what really went on at the table read of Gray Matter, from the perspective of Meko Winbush, the director, and Jeanette Volturno and Yolanda T. Cochran, the producers. Let me tell you, it was not typical and not what they expected. CatchaBreakPodcast.com
EP 402: An Actor and Casting Director of Project Greenlight
July 13, 2023 19:00 - 56 minutes - 130 MBWe are continuing our Project Greenlight series where we talk to the cast and crew of Gray Matter, the film inside of Project Greenlight, and get the real behind the scenes of the behind the scenes. We’re dropping these pretty fast, so if you want to start at the beginning, go back and start with episode 401. For this episode, Julie Harris Oliver sat down with Jessica Frances Dukes who plays Ayla in the film and Seth Yanklewitz, the casting director. This was such a juicy conversation, f...
EP 401: The Director and Producers of Project Greenlight
July 13, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 167 MBThis season is going to be such a special treat. This is the Catch a Break - Project Greenlight season. Hopefully, as a listener of this show, you are also aware of the show, Project Greenlight, and if not, go watch it now on Max. Project Greenlight is a docu-follow show of the making of an independent film by an emerging director. Well, lucky us, one of our founders, Jeanette Volturno was a producer on this season of the film inside of Project Greenlight, called Gray Matter, along with he...
Trailer for Catch a Break Season 4
July 10, 2023 20:45 - 31 seconds - 2.55 MB VideoThe new season of Catch a Break - Project Greenlight version drops July 13th!
The Blackening: Dewayne Perkins
June 27, 2023 08:50 - 28 minutes - 65 MBWe have another interview for you from The Blackening - this time with writer, co-producer and star, Dewayne Perkins, who played the role of Dewayne in the movie. Dewayne Perkins is an Emmy-nominated American comedian, writer, producer and actor. Some of his other writing and producing credits include: NBC's Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Netflix's The Break with Michelle Wolf, Peacock's Saved By The Bell and the Amber Ruffin Show, to which he was nominated for an Emmy. As an actor he has appeared on...
The Blackening: Cast
June 23, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBTo tide you over until the Project Greenlight season comes out, we have something so special for you right now. I got to speak with 4 of the cast members for the new film The Blackening. If you haven’t seen it yet, grab your friends and run, don’t walk and watch it in the theatre. I sat down with Grace Byers who plays Allison in the film and who you may know from Harlem and Empire, also Jermaine Fowler who plays Clifton, and you may know from Coming 2 America, and Judas and the Black Messi...
Special Episode: Women's Production Society Part 2 Cristen Carr Strubbe and Jeanette Volturno
September 20, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 24.6 MBThis is part two in a series of interviews with the leadership of the Women’s Production Society. The WPS is an organization of physical production executives across the industry. It started as a small cocktail party and has since grown to more than 100 members and is a powerful force of change within the industry with the purpose to fulfill their mission statement: To promote the hiring of women in leadership roles in Film, Television and New Media. In the last episode, I talked with the...
Special Episode: Women's Production Society Part 1 Dana Belcastro and Debra Bergman
September 13, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28.6 MBWe have a couple of really special interviews to share with you - both are with the leadership of the Women’s Production Society. The WPS is an organization of physical production executives across the industry. It started as a small cocktail party and has since grown to more than 100 members and is a powerful force of change within the industry with the purpose to fulfill their mission statement: To promote the hiring of women in leadership roles in Film, Television and New Media. This f...
EP 312: BUT WHAT I REALLY WANT TO DO IS DIRECT!
November 23, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBThis is the episode where we dig into the age-old Hollywood cliché. Joining us in this episode is award-winning Director Anya Adams, filmmaker Avi Youabian, Writer, Director, and Costume Designer Kristin Burke. We learn from them what it really takes to transition into your dream job. Is that where you start? What should you do on your way to Directing? And most importantly, how do you make the leap?
EP 311: THE SOUNDSCAPE
November 16, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBIn this episode, we are introduced to Sound Mixer Allie Boettger, Sound Editor P.K. Hooker, and Composer Michael Abels. We talk about how sound recording on set is different from the composed score and how the editor brings it all together.
EP 310: CARING FOR THE CREW
November 09, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBWho takes care of everyone on set? On this episode we talk about what it means to care for the crew with Second Assistant Director, Alicia Lewis, Set Medic, Lisa Patton, film Caterer, Orlando Hurtado, and Key Craft Service person, Leah Amir. We hear about what drives them in this role, how they prepared for it, and the business opportunities that came along the way.
EP 309: SEND IT TO THE LAB
November 02, 2021 07:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBHow do the lab, color correction, VFX complete the look of the film? In this episode, we learn more about post-production and how it all comes together in the lab. With us is an award-winning Cinematographer, Toby Oliver, VP of Fotokem’s services division, Jose Parra, and Digital Imaging Technician Oliver Mancebo.
EP 308: FIX IT IN POST!
October 26, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBWhat happens when the film leaves Production and heads to Post? In this episode, we learn about post-production and how a Post Supervisor, Editor, and Visual Effects Supervisor work together. We were introduced to independent post-production supervisor Renee Minasian, narrative features and TV editor Lucy Donaldson, and visual effects supervisor Dan Levitan.
EP 307: WHERE DO THE PA’s AND COORDINATORS FIT INTO ALL THIS?
October 19, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBIn this episode, Production Assistant, Giselle Vazquez, Production Coordinator, Brian Ayala, and Production Coordinator, Weston Manville, discuss how Production Assistants and Coordinators fit into the whole system, how they work together and with all the departments on set, and personal stories of how they started and where they want to go.
EP 306: PUTTING THE BACKGROUND IN THE FOREGROUND
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBIn this episode, we discuss how Costume Supervisor, Gail Fitzgibbons, Assistant Director, Marc Newland, and Extras Casting Director, Dixie Webster, work together to create the magic you see on screen.
EP 305: What are we shooting and how do we get there?
October 05, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBLet’s discuss the logistics of shooting on location with Location Manager Alison Taylor and Transportation Coordinator Sandra Ninham-Gallardo. Together they discuss what their jobs entail and some of the challenges they may run into being women in their fields.
EP 304: JUST WHAT DO THE GRIP AND GAFFER DO, ANYWAY?
September 28, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this episode we are joined by Lee Donaldson, a Key Grip, Nancy Schreiber, a Cinematographer, and Brant Beland, a Gaffer. We learn about all of their careers, pick their brains, and hear stories from some of the best people in the business.
EP 303: PROPS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS
September 21, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBThis episode is where we meet Emily Ferry, a property master, and Mark Byers, a special effects supervisor. We learn about their position, their go to kits, crews, budget, specialties in their field and so much more.
EP 302: Establishing the Look
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBWelcome to EP 302 of Catch A Break where we will meet Wynn Thomas, a production designer, Thomas Scott Stanton, a director of photography, and Virgina Johnson, a costume designer. In this episode we will learn about what each of their job entails, budgeting, diversity, inclusion in the industry, and their job’s relation to one another and other positions in their crews.
EP 301: PRODUCERS - CREATIVE VS PRODUCTION
September 07, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBThis season is going to be all about how the different departments work together to make a film or a series. For example, how does the director work with the director of photography and art departments to set the look? How do props and special effects work together? How do grips and gaffers collaborate? We’ll get to all of these questions this season. But, as we always do, let’s start at the beginning. This episode is all about how a script transitions from development to production, from th...
The Way Back: Part Five
November 25, 2020 21:04 - 1 hour - 160 MBThis is the final episode in The Way Back Series - how entertainment and production will navigate getting back to work while living with COVID-19. In this episode, we want to talk about how we will ensure we keep moving forward with diversity, inclusion and representation, and not lose any ground due to the recent work stoppage and the scarcity it created. To do this, we have assembled an amazing panel. We’ve asked the brilliantly talented women of the Sista Brunch Podcast, Fanshen Cox, co...
EP 209 INCENTIVES
July 07, 2020 07:00 - 38 minutes - 36.5 MBWe often hear about incentives and how pivotal they are to making content. However, how often are the terms confusing or do we think people are speaking a different language? Our panelists will help translate what is the difference between rebates, refundable credits, transferable credits, and non-transferable credits? How can you monetize your state credit? What is a state credit? How do you choose which state to film in? What is a qualified spend? We will discuss all this and more in th...
The Way Back: Part Four
July 02, 2020 07:00 - 58 minutes - 110 MBThis is the fourth in our series about working in the age of COVID-19, and we’re talking about what kinds of productions might be dipping their toes in first. What genres might have an easier time? Can reality and indie films pivot more quickly with smaller crews? And a big part of all of this is now that we know the protocols, how do you actually make them happen on the ground? The panel: Dwight Smith, Mission Control Medis Matt Miller, Vanishing Angle Dwjuan Fox, Decipher Entertainment Col...
EP 208: Buying and Selling Part 2
June 30, 2020 07:00 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBThis episode is called “Buying and Selling, Part 2” and our guest panelists, Sherryl Clark and Peter Van Steemburg pick up the mantle from Adam Kolbrenner’s Buying and Selling, Part 1 podcast and add their nuanced and experienced thoughts. Sherryl Clark – President of Production, The H Collective Peter Van Steemburg – Vice President of Acquisitions & Production at the Universal Pictures Content Group This is the episode where Peter and Sherryl discuss the perspective of a buyer and a s...
The Way Back: Part Three
June 23, 2020 15:55 - 1 hour - 147 MBSeveral states have declared they are open for business, so why aren't we shooting yet? Let’s talk about the pieces still holding us back. Our panel includes: Steve Berman, EVP of Production, Film Finances Liz Jenkins, CFO, Hello Sunshine Nicole Papincak, Attorney, Reder & Feig Adrian Ward, Senior Director, Banc of California Brian Kingman, Managing Director, Gallagher Entertainment
The Way Back: Part Two
June 16, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 107 MBOur panelists share how vendors are positioned and pivoting to work differently during the age of COVID. Panel: Shawn Gillsepie, CASHet, Sarah McGrail, Picture Shop, Mikel Elliott, Quixote, Kerry LaiFatt, GreenSlate, Hugh Calveley, Moxion.
The Way Back: Navigating the Film Industry in the Covid-19 Era
June 09, 2020 07:00 - 55 minutes - 42.2 MBWe interrupt this season to bring you a live speaker series on the pandemic and how we go back to work in the era of Covid-19. COVID-19 changes everything - from on-set protocols to stories. How will productions adapt? We will explore the changes from several angles with experts managing the logistics on the ground. Guests: Jeanette Volturno Malia Arrington Sonya JF Barnett Nancy Nayor
EP 207 Buying and Selling
May 19, 2020 07:00 - 32 minutes - 31.1 MBWe are thrilled to have Adam Kolbrenner – Founder of Lit Entertainment Group on the podcast. Adam is uniquely qualified to speak about buying and selling in the Hollywood marketplace from his varied background as an agent, manager and producer. Adam also has the distinction of being the top representative (manager or agent) of all Black List screenwriters cumulative in the history of the annual Black List. Kolbrenner has distinguished himself in discovering new voices. On the Lit managem...
EP 206 Social Media Marketing
May 13, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBThis episode is called “Social Media” and for those listeners who want an advanced tutorial into how to make social media work for you, this is a not to be missed episode. Melanie Capacia Johnson – Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Tiny Horse Maggie Glover - Digital Marketing Guru How do you decide which social media goes to which channel? When do you layout your social media program in order to achieve your desired metrics? How do you increase brand awareness? What hashtags are mo...
EP 205 Budgeting
May 05, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBOn this episode we are talking about budgeting with Jeanette Volturno, Rick Osako, Jessica Malanaphy, and Shirley Davis, most of the team behind Catch A Break. We'll go line by line and talk about what it all means, and the not so obvious elements you don't want to forget while putting it all together.
EP 204 Indie Films
April 28, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBFor this episode we are talking about independent films with Ray Mansfield and Sean McKittrick. Sean and Ray are producers and two of the founders of QC Entertainment. QC brought us the films Get out and Blackkklansman, just to name two very recent and wildly successful films.
EP 203 Crowdfunding
April 21, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBOn episode 203 we’ll be talking about crowdfunding with Emily Best and Jonah Feingold. First, Emily Best Emily is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, an online crowdfunding and subscription streaming platform for content creators and audiences that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. Then, we'll speak with Jonah Feingold. Jonah’s viral Kickstarter backed short film BANGARANG broke the internet trending number one on Reddit. We go through the phases of crowdfunding and talk about how great...
EP 202 Financing for Independent Films
April 14, 2020 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBFor episode 202 we’ll be talking about financing for independent films with Producer and Co-Founder of the company Divide/Conquer, Adam Hendricks. In this episode we dive into the different ways a movie can be financed. Today, financing a movie is so difficult and raising the money is literally a job all unto itself. A movie can come in different packages; financing in place, partial financing or just a script and a filmmaker looking for financing. If you’re looking for a checklist and...
EP 201 Development
April 07, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBCatch a Break is back for Season Two! And on this episode we are talking about development with Todd and Earl Richey Jones. Todd and Richey Jones began their writing career on the Emmy winning sketch comedy series “In Living Color”, and from there they wrote and produced several sitcoms including “The Hughley’s” and they were part of the original creative team behind the blockbuster animated hit “Rio”. Our own Jessica Hall Malanaphy joins us as well to add her perspective from the side of a ...
EP 6 CALL MY PEOPLE!
May 21, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBThis is the episode on representation where we're going to talk about agents and managers. What are they? What is the diference? Do you need one? And which one? And how does it all work? We're going to walk you through this from several diferent perspectives and sort it all out. We will talk to producers who hire via agents and managers, and we’ll speak to a manager and an agent. Featured guests: Matt Birch – Co-Head of Physical Production, Agency for the Performing Arts; Kailey Marsh – Fo...
EP 5 BONUS Freelancing and Finances, Tax
May 16, 2019 07:00 - 21 minutes - 20.4 MBWe invited payroll tax expert, Becky Harshberger, to join us to breakdown some specific payroll tax items - to become a loan-out company or not, 1099 worker vs W2 employee, etc. - and believe it or not, she made it entertaining.
EP 5 FREELANCING AND FINANCES
May 14, 2019 07:00 - 59 minutes - 55.1 MBIf your dream is to work on set, in production, you are probably going to be working as a freelancer. In this episode, we are going to talk about what that means, and then walk you through some tips on how to set up your life to work as a freelancer in a way that will set you up for success. There are a lot of factors - some of them lifestyle, many of them Financial, and we want you to have the tools to start making a plan for yourself to have a sustainable and fulfilling freelance life. F...
EP 4 NETWORKING
May 07, 2019 07:00 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MBNetworking! This is the episode where we take a deep dive into Networking. What does it mean, really? How do you do it? What's the point, anyway? This industry is based on relationships, and we want you to have all the tools you need to make meaningful relationships that will help you in your career. Featured guests: Stephanie Hall Marin – Producer, FALLEN STARS; Alison Haskovec – Executive, Netflix; Rachel Walens – Executive, Radiant Productions
EP 3 BONUS: WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT?
May 02, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MBIn this bonus episode, our panel goes through the production lingo and tells us the meaning of all those words and phrases that you might hear on set.
EP 3 YOU'RE HIRED! NOW WHAT?
April 30, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBYou're Hired! This is the episode where we talk about what to do once you have been hired. You got the job! Now what? Now, some of this may sound very basic, but if we're talking about it, it's because we've seen it. And we want to make sure you make the best impression possible and that you don't get derailed by doing something easily avoided. Our producing panel breaks it down.
EP 2 BONUS
April 25, 2019 16:00 - 23 minutes - 22.4 MBThis is the episode where Lasta Drachkovitch walks us through the reports and Call Sheet for Reality or Unscripted production.
EP 2 WHAT ARE ALL THESE FORMS AND WHO ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE?
April 23, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBThis is the episode where we take a look at the Call Sheet and go over all the positions you will find on set. We also touch on other forms you might encounter and provide some samples that you can download from our website to follow along. Featured guests: Denise Anderson Poore – Second Assistant Director, “Legion;” Lasta Drachkovitch – Executive Producer, “Lockup;” James Moran – First Assistant Director, HALLOWEEN