In this episode of Coast to Coast Creatives, host Joe Funk interviews filmmaker Rippin Sindher about her new short film 'Flight 180 2,' which delves into the 1985 Air India bombing. Sindher discusses how her upbringing in Selma, California, her Sikh faith and her family connections influenced the deeply personal and communal aspects of the film. Sindher shares heartfelt moments from the set, the significance of community in her work, and powerful audience reactions, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring untold histories through cinema.

 Flight 182 tells the story of the 1985 Air India bombing through an intimate, character driven lens, honoring the lives lost while exploring the human cost of duty, risk, and remembrance. Rippin talks about how her upbringing in Selma, California, her faith and her tight-knit community helped shape the heart of this project.

Rippin also shares her plans to expand the short into a feature film, a vision that just received a huge boost. In major news, Ridley Scott has now joined Flight 182 as executive producer, underscoring the importance and cinematic potential of this story. It's a powerful conversation about creativity, legacy, and using film to honor lives and histories that should never be forgotten.

In this captivating episode of Coast to Coast Creatives, Joe sits down with Matt Fowler, a versatile actor, writer and director. They explore Matt's journey from LA to Atlanta, the making of his latest sci-fi thriller 'System Failure,' and delve into the ethical considerations of AI in the private prison system. Discover Matt's inspirations, the intricacies of indie filmmaking and the future of storytelling in the age of technology. This discussion also sheds light on Matt's creative process, his experience co-directing with Erica Arvold, and the collaborative efforts that bring his vision to life.

System Failure BTS Photography by Kurt Yue

Matt Fowler Portraits by Ric Lewis

'System Failure' Seed & Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/system-failure#story

Matt Fowler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfowlerig/?hl=en

In this episode, the focus is on indie filmmaking and the influential work of filmmaker John Cassavetes. I welcome old friend, Taurean Cavins-Flores, who's bringing Cassavetes to life in the new stage production, 'Independent: John Cassavetes and the Birth of American Independent Filmmaking'. Taurean discuss Cassavetes' pioneering spirit, his background and his approach to filmmaking. The episode delves into the challenges of embodying Cassavetes, the emotional depth of his films, and the production process of the play, resistance to Hollywood studios, his distinct artistic vision, and his intense relationship with his wife, Gena Rowlands. The conversation provides insights into the preparation and dedication required to portray such a complex figure & is a must-listen for anyone interested in fearless storytelling, the struggles and triumphs of indie filmmaking, and the enduring impact of Cassavetes' work.

Get your Tix today: https://www.authenticitytheater.org/

Taurean Cavins-Flores Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taureantheactor/?hl=en

Taurean Cavins-Flores Instagram: @moviesandmonologueswithtau9709 ​

In this episode, I reconnect with actor Romel De Silva (He's All That (Netflix), Ghostwriter (Apple+), Heathers) after five years, reminiscing about our time working on the web series 'Part Time Fame' in LA and delving into Romel's impressive journey in the film and TV industry. Romel shares insights about his upbringing, the significance of the SAG-AFTRA strike, and how he balances his passion for acting and teaching. The discussion highlights the evolution of the entertainment industry, the impact of AI and technology, and the importance of representation and diversity in Hollywood. Tune in to hear Romel's inspiring story and valuable industry advice.

Romel De Silva Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romeldesilva/?hl=en

Romel De Silva IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5083959/

In this episode, host Joe Funk interviews Brandon Deen, an Atlanta-based actor and passionate theater educator. Brandon shares his transition from athletics to theater in high school, his experiences studying at Piedmont University and his professional journey in the Atlanta theater scene. Now a drama teacher at North Gwinnett High School, Brandon discusses the challenges and rewards of arts education, fostering a welcoming environment for students, and the importance of following one's passions. Listeners will be inspired by Brandon's dedication to teaching and his belief in the transformative power of the arts.

In this episode, I sit down with Kimberly Jentzen, an award-winning acting coach, director, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. With decades of experience, she’s the founder of the Jentzen Technique, which helps actors make strong creative choices and develop emotional depth in their performances. Her method blends influences from acting greats like Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov, and Lee Strasberg. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of continuous training, self-improvement, and emotional depth in acting. She shares valuable tips on script analysis, spontaneity, and the need to stretch beyond personal identities for authentic performances. Additionally, Kimberly elaborates on the Jentzen technique, her evolving teaching methods, and her book 'Acting with Impact.' With practical advice for aspiring actors, this conversation is a must-listen for creatives navigating their careers.

In this episode of 'Coast to Coast Creatives', host Joe Funk interviews filmmaker Phillip Gladkov about his unique work, 'Story of the Sun', the first film made entirely out of birchbark. Phillip shares his inspirations, creative processes, and the importance of environmental themes in his projects. He also discusses his background, education, and work as an amateur mycologist. Listeners will gain insight into Philip's innovative approach to filmmaking and the collaborative efforts behind his latest project.

'Story of the Sun' Website: https://storyofthesun.com/

Phillip Gladkov Website: https://phillipgladkov.com/index.html

Phillip Gladkov Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipgladkov/

In this episode of Coast to Coast Creatives, host Joe Funk interviews Tendayi Nyeke, a Zimbabwean-born producer, director, and writer, as she discusses her remarkable journey to Hollywood and working on projects for Netflix. Tendayi elaborates on the cultural influences behind her storytelling, particularly in her latest project, 'Burns and Song', a pilot that recently premiered at the Chinese Theatre. The episode delves into the importance of diverse storytelling, her experiences navigating different film industries on multiple continents, and the critical intersection of art and business. Tendayi also shares her passion for supporting other filmmakers in telling their unique stories. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion on creativity, culture, and the power of storytelling.

Tenye Wesbite: https://www.tenye-creates.com/

Tendayi Nyeke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenyecreates/

Tendayi IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3439968/

Tendayi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tendayi-nyeke-a4990921/

Dances with Films: https://danceswithfilms.com/burns-and-song/