Best in Fest

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Patti Negri, psychic medium, author, and host of The Witching Hour podcast, to explore how niche creators can build powerful personal brands and loyal audiences in today’s digital landscape. Patti shares how she has expanded her career across television, podcasting, and social media—creating a recognizable presence in the paranormal space while connecting with a global audience. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to build a niche brand in the paranormal and spiritual spaceHow podcasting can expand your reach and authorityWhy consistent branding across platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) mattersHow to grow and engage a loyal audience across multiple channelsThe importance of authenticity when building a personal brandHow to protect your brand from impersonators and fake accounts onlineWhy creators must actively promote and distribute their own contentPatti also discusses her podcast The Witching Hour, her online presence, and how creators can leverage multiple platforms to increase visibility, credibility, and audience engagement.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress, filmmaker, and producer Julia Morizawa to break down her evolution from working actor to multi-hyphenate storyteller creating impactful, culturally rooted films. With over 20 years in film, television, and voice acting, Julia shares how she transitioned into writing and producing—using animation, short films, and emerging technology to bring deeply personal stories to life. In this episode, you’ll learn: How actors can transition into writing, producing, and directingHow to develop a film from personal or family history into a compelling narrativeWhy animation can be a powerful and cost-effective storytelling toolThe realities of short film distribution—and how to extend a film’s lifecycle after festivalsHow cultural and heritage-driven stories can connect with global audiencesHow platforms like Omeleto create new exposure opportunities for filmmakersHow to use proof-of-concept shorts to develop larger projects (features or series)Why adapting your story across formats (film, podcast, series) increases your chances of successHow emerging tools like Unreal Engine are changing indie production workflowsJulia also shares the story behind her animated short Dragonfly, inspired by her family’s experience during World War II, and how it evolved from a feature script into a successful festival film—and now into broader distribution.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Kevin Nicklaus, Head of Production and Partner at Sandstone Artists, a company focused on talent management, literary development, and film/TV production. With a background in studio development and experience working on major projects, Kevin shares how the entertainment industry is evolving—and what it really takes to finance, package, and produce films outside the traditional Hollywood system. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the traditional studio system is no longer the primary path for filmmakersHow independent film financing actually works (equity, tax incentives, and gap funding)How to package a film: attaching talent, IP, and building a financing strategyWhy building an audience first (via comics, IP, or digital platforms) is criticalHow global IP—especially from markets like Korea—is reshaping Hollywood developmentWhy more producers are focusing on features instead of televisionHow to find investors and unconventional partners outside traditional studiosWhat managers look for in new writers and creators todayWhy creators must build their own ecosystem and audience to stand outKevin also breaks down the realities of today’s production landscape—including why studios are no longer taking the same financial risks, how independent teams are replacing legacy systems, and what filmmakers must do to stay competitive.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Theresa Demarest, an independent documentary filmmaker whose unconventional path to filmmaking includes life as a musician, critical care nurse, and activist storyteller. Theresa shares how she transitioned into documentary filmmaking while telling the powerful story of Keiko—the orca made famous in Free Willy—and how that project launched her career behind the camera. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Theresa created her first documentary, Keiko: The Untold Story of the Star of Free WillyWhat it was like documenting the real-life story of Keiko the whale and the movement to return him to the wildHow independent filmmakers can navigate festivals, distribution, and streaming platformsHow documentaries get placed on platforms like Amazon Prime and VimeoWhy aggregators are essential for distributing independent filmsThe inspiration behind her latest documentary, Throwaway HorsesThe realities of funding and promoting a documentary film without investorsHow grassroots screenings and nonprofit partnerships help build audiencesWhy filmmakers must actively market their films even after landing distributionTheresa also explains the behind-the-scenes realities of documentary filmmaking—from rough-cut screenings and festival feedback to building grassroots audiences through advocacy groups and targeted communities.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Amanda Hendon, owner and president of Entertainment 333, a full-service talent management company representing actors in film and television. With decades of experience working with major agencies, casting offices, and production companies, Amanda shares an insider perspective on how actors build sustainable careers in Hollywood—and how the industry is evolving in the wake of strikes, streaming disruption, and emerging AI technology. In this episode, we discuss: What talent managers actually do for actors and how careers are builtHow actors land representation and what managers look for in new talentThe realities of the self-tape audition eraWhy many actors are now working internationally in places like Ireland and EuropeHow the Hollywood slowdown and recent strikes have affected working actorsHow AI tools—from headshots to production tech—are impacting the industryWhy Amanda is expanding from talent management into film producingThe true-story film project she’s developing about James Dean and Liz SheridanPractical advice for actors navigating today’s competitive entertainment industryAmanda also shares candid insights about the difference between emerging and established talent, the realities of representation in Los Angeles, and why persistence and strong communication remain essential for actors trying to break through.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Laura Sydell, an award-winning journalist, audio producer, and storyteller best known for her work covering digital culture and technology for NPR programs including Planet Money, This American Life, and more. After two decades reporting from the front lines of Silicon Valley, Laura now brings that insider perspective to narrative storytelling and screenwriting, developing techno-thrillers and sci-fi projects inspired by the real forces shaping our digital world. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Laura transitioned from public radio journalism to screenwriting and TV developmentWhat it was like covering the rise of Silicon Valley and the early internet eraHow Napster and digital file sharing reshaped the entertainment industryThe rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and the transformation of television storytellingWhat artificial intelligence could mean for writers, filmmakers, and creativesWhy human storytelling still matters in the age of AIHow new technology tools are empowering independent creatorsWhy international TV markets are growing while Hollywood faces disruptionHow real-world tech trends inspire speculative fiction and techno-thrillersLaura also discusses how years of reporting on big tech influence her current writing projects, including stories about data privacy, AI, and the growing power of Silicon Valley companies.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Shawn Bailey, entrepreneur, social media strategist, and founder of the WanderPreneur Agency. Shawn specializes in helping creators, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs understand the TikTok ecosystem and turn their content into a growing digital brand. As filmmakers increasingly rely on social media to build audiences before distribution, Shawn breaks down how platforms like TikTok can be used strategically to grow visibility, connect with collaborators, and even monetize content through live streaming and creator engagement. In this episode, you’ll learn: How filmmakers can use TikTok to build a personal brand and audienceWhy movies are just another form of content in today’s creator economyHow the TikTok algorithm works and how to reach the “For You Page”Why going live daily can accelerate audience growthOptimal video length for small creators and how watch time affects the algorithmHow creators collaborate and cross-promote on TikTokHow monetization works through TikTok live gifts and creator engagementWhy analytics matter when choosing when and how often to postHow filmmakers can use social media to attract producers, casting directors, and collaboratorsShawn also shares practical strategies for creators who are nervous about showing up on camera, explaining why authenticity and consistency are the keys to building trust and growing an online community.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Maegan La’Trese Fillmore — director, producer, activist, and founder of Hudson Fillmore — for a no-nonsense conversation about the real economics of independent filmmaking today. Maegan shares her journey from overseeing productions at Comedy Central, VH1, MTV, the NFL, YouTube Originals, and Paramount to directing award-winning indie projects like Soul Tie, and why she ultimately chose to build outside the studio system. In this episode, we break down: Why California tax incentives fail independent filmmakersThe $1M budget floor problem — and what indies can do insteadShooting outside California vs. Europe and emerging U.S. marketsHow film slates and funds actually leverage tax incentivesWhy tech investors are replacing traditional indie financiersVertical video explained — formats, budgets, and monetization realityWhat Quibi got right (and wrong) about short-form storytellingUnion vs non-union strategy in a shrinking job marketBuilding culturally specific films that still travel globallyWhy most indie films help careers — not investorsMaegan also discusses the future of vertical storytelling, the dopamine economics behind short-form content, why China is currently the only market making real money from vertical series, and how filmmakers can stay creative — and solvent — in a volatile industry.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Arden Theresa Lewis — Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, playwright, and former educator — for a powerful conversation about creative reinvention, historical storytelling, and why it’s never too late to make meaningful work. Arden shares the eight-year journey behind her Daytime Emmy Award–winning documentary Leveling Lincoln, a film that explores school integration in the North and the hidden history of systemic inequality. What began as a learning experience became her film school — proving that passion, persistence, and purpose can outperform traditional industry paths. In this episode, we explore: How Leveling Lincoln won a Daytime Emmy after an eight-year productionTransitioning from teaching to professional filmmaking later in lifeWhy story matters more than gear — and how a phone can start a film careerLearning documentary filmmaking while making the documentaryUsing history to humanize modern social issuesHer next documentary on WWII civilian prison camps in the PhilippinesBlending documentary, theater, and narrative storytellingTurning stage work into potential film and TV projectsAdvice for creatives afraid to start because they feel “too late”Why creativity is rooted in reconnecting with the inner childArden also discusses her current stage production Cassatt at Theater West in Hollywood, her upcoming documentary currently filming overseas, and how hybrid creators can build sustainable creative lives across multiple mediums.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Sandhya Hermon — an award-winning screenwriter and former research psychologist — to explore how a second career in storytelling can emerge from lived experience, global identity, and persistence. Sandhya shares her journey from earning a doctorate in psychology to pursuing an MFA in screenwriting at UT Austin, and how her scripts have gone on to place at top competitions including Austin Film Festival, PAGE Awards, BlueCat, Nichols Fellowship, and more. In this episode, we explore: Transitioning from psychology to screenwriting later in lifeHow life experience strengthens character and themeNavigating screenwriting fellowships, contests, and labsThe difference between fellowships, competitions, and coverageWriting culturally specific stories with universal appealWhy global and diaspora stories are gaining tractionTurning personal memory into an animated shortDeveloping a sustainable writing process and slateBreaking into the industry without traditional connectionsWhy community and mentorship matter for emerging writersSandhya also discusses her feature scripts set in India, her latest project Once Upon a Time in Bombay, the realities of today’s screenwriting market, and why streaming platforms have opened new doors for diverse voices and international stories.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Linda Arroz — lifestyle writer, speaker, advisor, former plus-size spokesmodel, and media strategist — for a wide-ranging conversation on reinvention, branding, and storytelling in today’s entertainment landscape. Linda shares her unconventional journey from working at General Motors to becoming a nationally recognized fashion and media authority, styling hundreds of TV shows and commercials, appearing on major networks, publishing books, and now developing podcasts and documentaries at the intersection of media, technology, and culture. In this episode, we explore: How to break into media and entertainment without a traditional pathWhy storytelling and communication skills matter more than credentialsBranding yourself like an influencer — lessons filmmakers can applyWhy filmmakers must market themselves, not just their filmsTurning expertise into books, speaking, and multi-platform projectsDeveloping podcasts as IP for future documentaries and filmsTechnology, blockchain, and AI as tools for modern creatorsBuilding visibility through Q&As, public appearances, and mediaThe power of mentorship, adaptability, and lifelong reinventionLinda also discusses her current work developing narrative-driven podcasts, including true crime and documentary projects, and why creators must evolve their skill sets to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. This episode is essential listening for filmmakers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and women in media looking to build sustainable careers by combining storytelling, branding, and strategic visibility.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Debra Gilels — a veteran film PR strategist, producer’s rep, and distribution consultant who has helped launch award-winning documentaries and indie features into global release. With over 20 years of experience guiding films from festivals to streaming platforms, Debra breaks down how distribution really works today, why most filmmakers misunderstand the process, and what creators must do before seeking a distribution deal. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use the film festival circuit to build an audience before distributionWhy PR and marketing must start long before your release dateHow documentaries secure advocacy groups and partner communitiesWhat distributors actually look for when acquiring indie filmsMinimum guarantees, contract terms, and revenue splits explainedWhy social media presence affects your distribution leverageHow to drive visibility on VOD and streaming platformsReal-world case studies of documentaries and indie features that succeededThe difference between self-distribution and professional sales agentsDebra explains why simply uploading a film to Amazon Prime is not a distribution strategy — and how smart filmmakers combine festival exposure, PR outreach, audience-building, and sales representation to maximize both impact and revenue. If you're a filmmaker, producer, documentary creator, or festival director trying to understand how films get picked up, marketed, and monetized in today’s crowded content landscape — this episode is essential listening.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Emilio Hughes Martinez — award-winning filmmaker, writer, and former Vice President of Development at Eclectic Pictures (Olympus Has Fallen, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, Lovelace). Emilio shares his journey from studio development executive to independent filmmaker, revealing what production companies really look for in scripts, how to finance films without studio backing, and why the next wave of cinema belongs to bold indie creators. In this episode, we explore: What studio development executives actually look for in scriptsCommon mistakes new screenwriters make when pitching producersHow his award-winning shorts (The Method and The Fourth Branch) were created on micro-budgetsFinancing indie films through friends, family, and creative resourcefulnessGuerrilla filmmaking tactics to bypass costly permitsWhy more productions are leaving California — and what comes nextAI’s impact on screenwriting and why human storytelling still mattersThe shift from $200M studio films to smaller, high-impact indie projectsHis upcoming feature about fame, exploitation, and AI-generated performanceEmilio also breaks down his writing process, working with Oscar-winning co-writer Nick Vallelonga (Green Book), and why instinct-driven storytelling often beats rigid outlining.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes Rabbi Noam Raucher — educator, divorce coach, and Executive Director of FJMC International (Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship & Community) — to explore an unexpected but urgent topic: how media, masculinity, and meaning intersect in today’s culture. Noam shares his personal journey through divorce, career loss, and men’s support groups — experiences that inspired him to launch Mama’s Boy, a bold new podcast co-hosted with comedy writer Rob Kutner. Together, they’re creating content that challenges toxic masculinity, offers healthier models of brotherhood, and brings Jewish wisdom into modern conversations about manhood. In this episode, we explore: Why a rabbi entered entertainment and podcastingThe rise of toxic masculinity in digital mediaMen’s support groups and the power of authentic brotherhoodPodcasting as the new modern pulpitHow humor and storytelling open men to vulnerabilityJewish tradition as a framework for healthy masculinityWhy film and entertainment shape cultural identityCountering the manosphere with meaningful mediaBuilding a global movement for men’s emotional growthNoam explains how today’s media landscape floods young men with damaging messages about dominance, success, and power — and why it’s critical to offer alternative narratives rooted in compassion, accountability, and connection.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Lauren Reins — director, producer, choreographer, and Enneagram coach — to explore how self-awareness fuels creativity and why understanding your inner motivations may be the key to creating meaningful, sustainable work. Lauren shares her journey from professional dancer to educator and filmmaker, and how a life-altering accident led her to psychology, coaching, and ultimately the Enneagram, a nine-type personality framework now central to her new dance-driven docuseries. In this episode, we discuss: What the Enneagram isHow creatives can use the Enneagram to build better charactersWhy dance is the perfect medium to express personality and psychologyTurning personal growth into a docuseries conceptUsing self-knowledge to overcome creative blocksHow companies like Nike, Amazon, and State Farm use the EnneagramWhy self-awareness matters more than talent aloneBalancing creativity, leadership, and life as a working artistPremiering an Enneagram-based series at Dances With Films New YorkLauren explains how creatives often struggle not because of the industry — but because they haven’t fully understood their own fears, motivations, and strengths. By using the Enneagram as a framework, artists can move forward with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Alan Green, Head of Sales & Acquisitions at 123 Media, to break down how film distribution actually works — and why most indie filmmakers misunderstand it. With decades of experience spanning 20th Century Fox, Pathé, international sales, and producing, Alan offers a brutally honest look at what sells, what doesn’t, and how filmmakers can avoid costly mistakes when trying to monetize their films. In this episode, we cover: Which film genres are most distributableSVOD vs AVOD vs TVODWhy Netflix deals are flat fees (and not per-view payouts)The myth of self-distribution on Amazon PrimeWhy distributors sell film packages, not individual titlesPresales, minimum guarantees (MGs), and why names still matterHow production quality impacts distribution decisionsVertical content, short-form storytelling, and the future of filmTurning genre films into viable distribution assetsFestival strategy as a business tool — not just prestigeAlan also discusses producing the WWII revenge thriller Vindictive, opening at Dances With Films New York, and explains how hybrid genre films can bridge the gap between festivals and commercial success. If you’re an independent filmmaker, producer, or content creator trying to understand how films make money after they’re finished — this episode is essential listening.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Jessica Rizk (director, writer, producer, animator) and Soren Anderson (composer and sound designer) to unpack the creation of Cracked — a haunting, hand-drawn 2D animated short exploring mental health, self-neglect, and emotional collapse. Over the course of a two-year DIY production, Cracked was animated frame-by-frame, scored from scratch, and built without shortcuts — revealing the true scope of independent animation today. In this episode, we explore: What it really takes to make a hand-drawn animated shortHow mental health and self-neglect shaped the story, visuals, and pacingWhy flickering light, grime, and stillness were used as psychological storytelling toolsDIY sound design & Foley workAnimation vs. AITurning a short film into a feature-length proof of conceptCollaborating creatively as a married filmmaking teamPremiering on the festival circuitDances With Films New YorkCracked is a powerful example of how independent filmmakers can create deeply resonant, festival-ready work with limited resources — if they’re willing to commit fully to the craft. 🎟️ Cracked premieres at Dances With Films New York — Midnight Block, January 16.

What does it really take to build a career as a feature film director — starting at age 15 and continuing across continents, cultures, and film festivals? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage, Director of the La Femme International Film Festival, sits down with Dominik Sedlar, an award-winning director whose career spans documentaries, narrative features, international co-productions, and major festival premieres. Born in Croatia, raised in New York, and educated through hands-on experience in theater and film, Dominik shares what he’s learned from directing his first documentary as a teenager, making ultra-low-budget features, working with veteran actors, and navigating the increasingly competitive festival and distribution landscape. This conversation is a must-listen for filmmakers, directors, producers, and actors who want an honest look at the craft, business, and psychology behind making films that actually get seen. 🎥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: first documentary at age 15theater acting and film actingbetter performanceslimited money and free locationsseasoned actors vs. inexperienced onessingle-room, dialogue-driven filmCOVID under tight timelinesfestival circuit and film distributionfirst-time directors and emerging filmmakersWhether you’re developing your first feature, transitioning from documentary to narrative, or trying to break through the noise of today’s content-saturated film world, this episode delivers practical insights and hard-earned wisdom from a director who’s lived it. 🎧 Subscribe to Best in Fest for in-depth conversations with filmmakers, festival directors, and industry insiders shaping the future of independent film.

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Danielle Hobbs—a true multi-hyphenate creative force whose career spans dance, choreography, acting, education, authorship, and filmmaking. Danielle Hobbs Full Episode Danielle shares her remarkable journey from concert dance and global tours to choreographing for Beyoncé, performing on Michael Jackson’s Immortal World Tour, and ultimately expanding her creative mission through children’s books and narrative filmmaking. In this episode, Danielle discusses: dance foundation shaped her confidence, performance presence, and storytelling instinctsconcert dance to choreography for major recording artistsDanny Girl Adventures: Dream It, Do ItAmethyst Girl: Destinyproof of conceptThis episode is packed with insight for filmmakers, dancers, performers, creative entrepreneurs, and storytellers navigating career pivots, passion projects, and purpose-driven work. 🎬 Watch the full video episode on YouTube 🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform ⭐ Rate, review, and share Best in Fest to support independent creators

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with Marcia S. Ross—Emmy-nominated documentary producer and former SVP of Casting at Walt Disney Pictures—to reveal the real Hollywood career path that led her from discovering breakout stars to producing globally recognized documentaries like Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life, Nazarene, and The Savoy King. Marcia opens up about: Her rise through New York theater and castingHow she identified early star powerWhat filmmakers get wrong about distributionbeforeBuilding social media momentum for documentariesRaising money, navigating approvals, and surviving the business sideWhy filmmakers—not distributors—must drive viewershipHer passion for films centered on activists, underdogs, and global changemakersCareer advice for actorsWhy comparison is career-killingWhether you’re a filmmaker preparing to pitch distributors, an actor trying to understand casting, or a creative searching for a sustainable path in the industry, this conversation delivers deep, actionable insight from someone who has shaped careers and stories for over three decades.