🎙️ Episode 9: Building a Horror Film Community – First Cut Productions
In this episode of Backstage at TENCROW Studios, we sit down with Mark Bellinger and Christine Golden of First Cut Productions, the creative force behind the First Cut Horror Film Festival in Wilmington, NC. 🎬

Now entering its second year, the festival has quickly become a cornerstone for indie horror filmmakers—showcasing spine-tingling shorts from around the globe while spotlighting local talent with heart and humor. Mark and Christine talk about the origins of the festival, its explosive growth, their wildly creative award design, and how they’re building a deeply connected horror film community in Eastern North Carolina.

We also explore:

• The secret sauce behind a successful horror festival 🧛‍♂️

• What it really takes to host 31 films in a single day

• Why Wilmington is becoming a magnet for indie filmmakers

• The challenges of producing passion projects with limited budgets

• Future goals and how YOU can get involved as a filmmaker or sponsor

🩸 Submissions for this year’s festival are open through August 3rd — don’t miss your chance! You can submit your film on Film Freeway here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheFirstCutFilmFest?pending=true

💀 Visit https://www.firstcutproductionsllc.com/ or follow @firstcutproductions on Instagram for more.

#FirstCutFilmFest #IndieHorror #WilmingtonNC #BackstageAtTENCROW #ShotAtTENCROW

Backstage at TENCROW Studios: How the Civil War Could’ve Been Avoided | Part 2 w/ Bob Worden

In this gripping Part 2 of our ongoing podcast series with mediator and historian Bob Worden, we dive deep into one of the most defining and misunderstood chapters in American history: the Civil War.

Using his experience as a mediator and former litigation strategist, Bob approaches history the same way he analyzes lawsuits—dissecting decisions, identifying missed opportunities for resolution, and asking: Could this war have been prevented?

Together with host Mike McCoy—retired Special Operations veteran and co-founder of TENCROW Studios—they explore the conflict not just through the lens of battlefield strategy, but through the deeply human failures of leadership, communication, and compromise.

This conversation is inspired by Bob’s book, How to Stop Wars and Save the World: Lessons in Negotiation, Settlement, and Leadership, available now in print and audiobook formats.

Purchase the book on Amazon at the link below:

https://a.co/d/dhpSJ9E

🔍 Key Themes in This Episode:

• The economic, political, and social forces leading up to the Civil War

• How Southern arrogance and poor risk assessment sealed their fate

• The untold plan for Southern expansion into Latin America

• The real impact of the Fugitive Slave Act and Uncle Tom’s Cabin

• Why the Emancipation Proclamation was both brilliant strategy and deeply controversial

• Robert E. Lee’s pivotal (and fatal) mistake at Gettysburg

• How inflation and bad fiscal decisions crippled the Confederacy

• Parallels between 1860s America and today’s polarized political climate

💡 Why This Matters Today:
History doesn’t repeat itself—but it often rhymes. This episode reveals how leadership failures, tribal thinking, and inflexible ideologies led to catastrophic conflict. As modern America navigates political division, economic strain, and culture wars, the lessons from 1860 are more relevant than ever.

If you’re interested in American history, conflict resolution, leadership, or simply want to understand how we got here—don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking episode.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.
📘 Learn more about Bob’s book at your favorite audiobook retailer.
📍 Filmed at TENCROW Studios in Jacksonville, NC.
🔗 tencrowstudios.com

#CivilWar #AmericanHistory #Leadership #ConflictResolution #Podcast #TENCROWStudios #HistoryPodcast #BackstageAtTENCROW #BobWorden #Gettysburg #EmancipationProclamation #Lincoln #HistoricalAnalysis #HowToStopWars

🎙️ Backstage at TENCROW Studios | Episode 7 — Honey Head Films

In this episode, we sit down with Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee of Honey Head Films, the powerhouse behind the award-winning indie feature A Song for Imogene. What begins as a conversation about their creative journey quickly evolves into a deep and candid discussion about building sustainable careers as filmmakers outside of Hollywood.

We talk about the magic of grassroots filmmaking, the power of trusting your gut when assembling a team, and what it really takes to make a micro-budget feature film — and then level up. Kristi and Erika open up about their transition from making a $200K regional film in Eastern North Carolina to developing their next feature: a high-concept, female-led, post-apocalyptic thriller titled Host Country.

They share insights into how their unique creative dynamic works, what they’ve learned about packaging, pre-sales, and distribution, and the emotional cost of constantly pushing the boulder uphill in pursuit of meaningful art. The episode dives into filmmaking as both a spiritual and strategic practice — with reflections on intuition, manifestation, and staying grounded while scaling.

We also touch on how Honey Head has created an unmistakable culture on set, affectionately known as a “Honey Head set” — where mental health, trust, and collaboration are foundational.

Books mentioned in this episode:
📖 Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
📖 The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

Whether you're a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own leap from passion to profession, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and energized to keep building.

Topics include:
• Making A Song for Imogene in Eastern NC
• Why they cast first-time crew and actors
• Building community through film
• What makes a “Honey Head” set so different
• How they’re packaging and funding their next feature
• Navigating industry bias and protecting your creative voice
• The emotional toll of chasing the dream — and why it’s worth it
• Using manifestation and intention in the creative process

📍Recorded at TENCROW Studios in Jacksonville, NC
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more
📲 Follow @tencrowstudios and @honeyheadfilms for behind-the-scenes content

🎙️ Episode Title: Producing with Purpose: A Conversation with Ross Campbell of Wasted Potential Studios

In this episode of Backstage at TENCROW Studios, we sit down with producer, director, and industry strategist Ross Campbell, COO of Wasted Potential Studios and former head of Ark Entertainment. From childhood acting roles to international film financing, Ross brings a wealth of experience and candid insight into the business side of making movies — and the real work it takes to turn ideas into distribution-ready productions.

Ross shares how he transitioned from acting into producing, studying at Chapman University's creative producing program — a degree focused on getting projects off the ground from concept to completion. He dives into how hands-on film school experience helped him build real-world skills, including how one of his student films went on to win a BAFTA for Best Short Film.

But this episode goes far beyond storytelling. Ross lays out a step-by-step breakdown of independent film financing, covering:

• How to secure minimum guarantees from distributors like Lionsgate

• The role of foreign pre-sales and sales agents

• How and when to use debt financing and equity partners

• What investors are really looking for — and how to protect their returns

We also explore the impact of state incentives, why North Carolina is a hidden gem for indie filmmakers, and how Wasted Potential Studios is leveraging Unreal Engine to push the boundaries of virtual production and interactive storytelling — including their upcoming open-world game Medieval Life.

Ross also shares eye-opening stories, like his early experience getting hit with unexpected SAG costs that nearly derailed his first feature, and what filmmakers need to know about union rules, global one-roll status, and distribution pitfalls.

Whether you're a filmmaker, investor, or just someone curious about how films go from script to screen (and make money doing it), this episode offers a crash course in both inspiration and execution.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• Breaking into producing through creative strategy

• Lessons from Chapman University’s hands-on curriculum

• How to build a BAFTA-winning film on a $5K budget

• Film financing structure 101: equity, debt, pre-sales, and MGs

• Maximizing state tax incentives (especially in NC)

• Why North Carolina may be the next big creative hub

• Upcoming projects from Wasted Potential Studios

• The future of filmmaking with Unreal Engine

• Advice for aspiring producers and indie investors

💥 One of the most informative and energizing episodes to date, this conversation is loaded with practical insight, war stories, and clear financial strategy — all designed to empower creatives and investors alike to step into the world of film with confidence.

In this episode, we sit down with attorney, mediator, and author Bob Worden, Esq., who brings a fresh lens to some of the most pivotal wars in history. Drawing from his book How to Stop Wars and Save the World, Bob shares what happens when you apply the mindset of a professional dispute resolver to global conflict—specifically the American Revolution, Civil War, and Vietnam.We dive into the real reasons behind the American Revolution, including Britain's strategic missteps, leadership failures, and a deep misunderstanding of colonial life. Bob unpacks how bad information, personal egos, and logistical chaos made war inevitable—and what could have changed the outcome.He also explores modern parallels to Ukraine, the dangers of government overreach, and how well-intentioned systems often get hijacked by opportunists. From King George III's isolation to George Washington’s reluctant leadership, this episode uncovers forgotten insights with surprising relevance to today's geopolitical tensions.📚 Topics include:Why Britain misunderstood the coloniesThe truth about Loyalists, taxes, and colonial class warfareHow misinformation and ego escalate conflictWhat history teaches us about mediation and powerThe ripple effects of the French alliance and post-war economicsLessons modern leaders can learn from past empiresIf you're a student of history, a fan of political philosophy, or just want a no-BS take on how wars start—and how they might be prevented—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.📖 Grab the book: How to Stop Wars and Save the World by Bob Worden, Esq.

In this episode of Backstage at TENCROW Studios, we sit down with the founders of Wasted Potential Studios and Ark Entertainment to pull back the curtain on a game-changing partnership. What happens when a film studio, a $100M game dev powerhouse, and a film financing company decide to build something bigger — together?

We break down:

• 🎮 How gaming, filmmaking, and VFX are merging in real-time

• 💡 The origins of their joint venture — and why Eastern NC is the launchpad

• 🏗️ What it takes to scale production capabilities across film and interactive media

• 💰 How they’re approaching funding, IP protection, and long-term creative control

Whether you're a filmmaker, investor, or just obsessed with where media is headed — this conversation offers a rare inside look at the future being built right now.

In this episode we're sitting down and chatting with Jesse LaFlair, a world-renowned freerunner, pro stuntman, and content creator who's pushed the boundaries of movement both on screen and online. Known for his viral parkour videos and roles in major films like X-Men: Apocalypse and Alita: Battle Angel, Jesse blends athleticism with storytelling to inspire a global audience. Whether he's navigating Hollywood sets or urban landscapes, Jesse is all about defying limits and staying true to the grind.

We're sitting down with Joe Tracey, one of the owners of Baltimore's biggest music recording and rehearsal studios - Orion Studios. In this episode we talk about his studio, some of the challenges they overcame during the pandemic, film, and music.