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Accents taught me something I didn’t understand until much later: people don’t just “sound” different, they carry different histories. That lens is why I’m obsessed with the storytellers behind the stories, the directors and producers making choices that shape what our community remembers and what gets left out of the frame.

Filmmaker and City of Jacksonville Film Production Coordinator Adam Madrid joins me to talk about the long cut of becoming a creative professional: the early DIY films, not getting into film school, the persistence it takes to keep going anyway, and the moment local work turns into real recognition. We dig into Jacksonville’s film community growth, why building within matters, and how projects like the 48 Hour Film Project create pressure-cooker opportunities where talent gets seen, sharpened, and supported.

We also get practical and timely about AI in filmmaking and creative technology. Adam breaks down what tools can speed up and what they can’t touch: heart, soul, empathy, and a director’s vision. From short films as proof of concept to the magic of a packed theater reacting together, this conversation is a love letter to independent filmmaking, creative mentorship, and the idea that cities become what they choose to celebrate.

Get Set to Make a Movie!

Register Your Team: https://www.48hourfilm.com/jacksonville

Regular: $178/team ends Tue, Sep 8, 2026

Late: $198/team ends Fri, Sep 18, 2026

When? 18 - 20 Sep 2026
Goal? Make a FILM in 48 hours and attend its PREMIERE SCREENING!!

From Film Weekend Kickoff… to Screening… to Awards… Gather Teammates – Friends/Colleagues/Family! Write, shoot and edit a short film based on the genre you draw at The Kickoff and the required character, prop, and line assigned for your city.

Premiere YOUR film! Celebrate with Awards, including Audience Award. The winner of Best Film goes to Filmapalooza in March 2027, and is eligible for a spot in our screening at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner!

Try something new, level up your filmmaking, and join our community.

If you care about Jacksonville, storytelling, film festivals, short films, or the creative economy, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #JacksonvilleFilm #JacksonvilleFilmmakers #48HourFilmProject #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #CreativeEconomy #JacksonvilleCreatives #ShortFilm #FilmFestival #AIandFilm #CreativeTechnology #JaxFilm #904Creatives #CurateEducateActivate

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