How do you direct horror with kids, compete in festivals, and survive Hollywood’s streaming shake-up all at once?

In this Halloween-episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with indie horror filmmaker David B Jacobs to talk about the craft, the chaos, and the culture of modern filmmaking.

They dive into:

Directing horror — even with child actors

Creating real fear without exploiting performers

Horror festivals, winning awards & building credibility

The death of physical media & streaming’s industry fallout

Strikes, residuals & why Hollywood slowed down

Why horror always reflects society…even when it doesn’t mean to

Advice from Mark Duplass on breaking into indie film

NYC vs LA vs Atlanta: where filmmaking is heading

Classic horror influences & why the genre is evolving again

David also shares an update on his film Wild Animals, and the two discuss the emotional and personal side of living and working in this industry.

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, horror lover, or industry fan, this episode digs into fear, filmmaking, and the future of Hollywood.

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with Michael J Puddy to tackle industry myths and uncover the realities shaping the entertainment business in 2025. From actors making political statements to the impact of streaming, they pull no punches in exploring where the industry is headed.

They cover:

• Should actors speak out at award shows?

• How streaming transformed careers in film & television

• Why relationships are just as important as talent in Hollywood

• The ripple effects of media mergers and show cancellations

• Concerns about the cancellation of late-night comedy shows

• The influence of right-wing media companies on Hollywood

• The potential impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign films

• Why Los Angeles still remains the industry’s central hub

This episode blends insider experience with outsider curiosity to separate myths from reality and reveal what’s really happening in Hollywood today.

What happens when you leave a career in aviation to chase your dream in Hollywood?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with actress, producer, and businesswoman Marcia Lopez to explore her incredible journey from Uruguay to the U.S., where she transitioned from pilot and flight attendant to performer and storyteller.

Marcia opens up about:

• Her path from aviation to acting and producing

• The role of AI in storytelling and why it will never replace the human soul

• The challenges of building authentic connections in a transactional industry

• Her passion for horror films and psychology as tools for understanding humanity

• The evolving film industry landscape, from tax credits abroad to the impact of self-tapes and social media

• Why authenticity, collaboration, and the right advocates can make or break a career

This is a conversation about creativity, resilience, and staying true to yourself in an ever-changing industry.