In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, Leslie speaks with Jack Teeter—marketing legend behind iconic Universal hits like Back to the Future, Scarface, and The Breakfast Club. Now a director and producer, Teeter shares how his old-school marketing chops fueled the creation of Blind Logic: The Ralph Teeter Story, a powerful documentary about his blind great-uncle who invented cruise control. Discover what still works in film marketing today, how to compete with indie budgets, and why testing your content might be the most underrated tool in your kit. A must-listen for filmmakers, marketers, and movie buffs alike.

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie sits down with powerhouse producer and development executive Laura Knight to talk about the art of telling stories across film, TV, podcasts, and animation. From her early days at ICM to her work with John Leguizamo and the groundbreaking interactive show Bar Karma, Laura shares what it takes to craft compelling content—whether it’s adapting a bestselling novel, running a female-led set, or reverse-engineering a podcast into a television series.

Learn how Laura built her diverse career by taking risks, understanding budgets, and putting story first—plus why she believes women in production are changing the energy of the entertainment industry.

🎬 Why locking your script matters
🎙️ How Going Reno is flipping podcast-to-TV development
💥 And the real power of saying “I’ll just make it myself”

If you’re a creator, producer, or storyteller looking to own your path, this episode is pure gold.

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie speaks with first-time filmmaker Tamar Springer about her powerful documentary More Than Santa Baby — a heartfelt tribute to her father, legendary composer Philip Springer. Known worldwide for penning the holiday classic "Santa Baby," Philip’s influence goes far beyond that single hit, with songs recorded by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and many more.

Tamar shares how her background in social work evolved into an unexpected filmmaking journey, sparked by a pandemic-era epiphany and fueled by a deep love for her father's astonishing legacy. From rare archival footage to interviews with UK music icons like Cliff Richard and Mike Read, this conversation dives into the making of a three-act documentary, the magic of the Brill Building era, and the enduring power of passion projects — no matter your age.

🎶 Discover the untold story of a music icon.
🎥 Learn how a daughter turned legacy into art.
🎄 And yes — it all starts with “Santa Baby.”

In this visionary episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage talks with Ian Hinden—Las Vegas-born musician, game designer, and immersive storyteller—about redefining how music, gaming, and social commentary collide. Ian dives into the creation of his interactive music video and video game hybrid, "Would You Call Him a Bad Man?", which is set to premiere at Dances With Films.

He shares:

• How anime, alt-rock, and Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired his multimedia storytelling
• Why he designed a satirical game to spotlight coercion, abuse, and corporate hypocrisy
• The influence of streaming culture, indie game engines, and immersive fandom
• How fashion, music, gaming, and storytelling are converging into a single artistic universe
• What creators need to know about Web interactivity, TikTok reach, and indie gaming tools like Godot and Itch.io

From philosophical critiques to Easter eggs hidden in mini-games, Ian’s work challenges both industry norms and audience expectations. If you're interested in blending mediums, pushing boundaries, or making meaningful art that actually connects, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes acclaimed actress-turned-screenwriter Laura Harrington, whose career has spanned blockbuster sets and award-winning scripts. From starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to writing for legends like Martin Scorsese and Taylor Hackford, Laura shares how she transitioned from the stage to the page—and why storytelling is her true calling.

Laura reveals:

• How her breakout role in Maximum Overdrive led to working with Stephen King
• The real-life encounter that inspired her script about Fidel Castro
• Her emotional journey writing The Ninth Fortress, a Holocaust escape drama
• Why actors make some of the best screenwriters
• Her approach to writing character-driven films in a superhero-saturated industry
• And how her Farmhouse Writing Retreat in Italy nurtures creators of all kinds

Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, actor, or just love behind-the-scenes film stories, this episode is filled with rare insights and raw honesty about the creative process, reinvention, and writing with courage.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes writer, producer, and performer Elizabeth Quinn, whose sharp wit and love for offbeat stories have earned her a spot at the 2024 Tribeca Festival with her audio drama Going Reno. Elizabeth shares her journey from New York theater to L.A. improv, her transition into writing and producing, and the creative spark behind her 1930s divorce-ranch podcast starring Bonnie Hunt and Joelle Carter.

Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s insights on:

• Navigating the indie film world as a multi-hyphenate creator
• The future of narrative audio and podcasting
• The power of competitions for emerging writers
• Overcoming perfectionism and finding your voice
• Why Going Reno could be the next great series—or novel

Whether you’re a screenwriter, podcaster, or film lover, this episode is packed with advice, laughs, and a dose of inspiration for creators chasing bold stories and big dreams.

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with one of Hungary’s most celebrated directors, Krisztina Goda, whose breakout hit Just Sex and Nothing Else catapulted her to fame. Goda shares her journey from the prestigious National Film and Television School to UCLA, her experience navigating Hungary’s male-dominated film industry, and the creative challenges of writing and directing both indie features and commercial work. They discuss the evolving role of women in film, the impact of streaming platforms on foreign-language cinema, and what it takes to stay passionate about storytelling in a shifting global market. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, artistic integrity, and international vision.

In this episode of Best in Fest, festival director Leslie LaPage sits down with veteran TV writer Michael FX Daley—whose credits include CSI, The X-Files, Reaper, Maniac, and The Leftovers—for a behind-the-scenes look at how the television industry has transformed over the past two decades. Daley shares his journey from being a reluctant TV convert to writing major network finales, dishes on what it’s really like inside a writer’s room, and reveals how streaming, binging, and evolving audience behaviors are reshaping storytelling. Plus, hear how he's using his industry knowledge to shape the next generation of writers at Loyola Marymount and what inspired his upcoming book The Writers Took Television. If you're a storyteller, screenwriter, or just love great TV, this episode is a must-listen.