Best in Fest

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, producer and filmmaker Christine La Monte takes us on a globe-spanning journey through her extraordinary career—from pioneering studio marketing campaigns in the 1980s to producing award-winning documentaries like Viva Verdi and Ai Weiwei: Yours Truly. Christine shares how she broke into the male-dominated entertainment industry, the spiritual force behind her creative choices, and how saying “yes” led to collaborations with cinematic legends and global human rights icons. Tune in to hear how she weaves opera, activism, ageism, and artistry into unforgettable storytelling—and why she believes miracles show up when you stay open to them. A must-listen for anyone navigating career pivots, indie film, or the fine line between passion and purpose.

Actress-turned-documentarian Marta György-Kessler joins Best in Fest to share her fascinating transformation from the stages of Budapest to uncovering untold spiritual journeys through film. In this episode, Marta dives into the backstory of her award-winning documentary Hannah: Buddhism's Untold Journey, her deep connection to Buddhist icon Hannah Nydahl, and her current film chronicling the life of the 16th Karmapa—one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered figures. Host Leslie Lippa explores Marta's unique path from the post-communist struggles of Hungary to discovering lost archival footage in basements, building a multi-continent documentary team, and navigating festival circuits and Netflix distribution. Marta also unpacks the challenges women face in the film industry, the emotional depth of true storytelling, and how Buddhist philosophy continues to shape her creative process. If you're a filmmaker, spiritual seeker, or documentary lover—this episode is a must-listen.

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with legendary actor, director, teacher, and empowerment leader Richard Lawson. With a career spanning over 55 years—from Poltergeist to Tyler Perry productions—Lawson shares his journey of resilience, integrity, and artistry. He discusses his groundbreaking philosophy from The Artist’s Roadmap, why “no” is never the end but a reroute, and how mastering both craft and business creates lasting success in Hollywood. Along the way, he opens up about teaching icons like George Clooney, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jim Carrey, while offering invaluable lessons on preparation, purpose, and pursuing dreams at any stage of life. Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or dreamer, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into a lifelong career

In this insightful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with Sam Goff—creative talent manager at Fourth Wall Management and self-proclaimed “animation activist.” From her early days at DreamWorks and Netflix to teaching animated perspectives at Loyola Marymount and Cal State Long Beach, Sam shares how authentic voices are reshaping the future of animation. She dives into the importance of DEI in storytelling, why projects like K-Pop Demon Hunters succeed where others fall flat, and how marginalized creators can break into the industry through indie projects, web comics, and direct-to-market platforms. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, filmmaker, or simply a fan of global stories, this episode reveals why authentic perspectives matter and how they’re transforming the entertainment landscape

What does it take to transform a lifetime of dance into powerful storytelling for film, opera, and television? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Les LaPage sits down with Jermaine McGhee—scholar, choreographer, educator, and former principal dancer for the LA and San Francisco Opera, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar. Jermaine shares his journey from performing in blockbuster films like Dance Flick to choreographing works that merge ballet, jazz, and American dance culture. He opens up about: White NightsTuleWhether you’re a filmmaker, choreographer, or dance enthusiast, Jermaine’s insights reveal why movement is more than performance—it’s storytelling with purpose and impact . 👉 Listen in and discover how to elevate dance sequences from background filler to unforgettable cinematic moments.

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage chats with television producer Audrey Smith about the art and strategy behind reality TV’s evolving sub-genres. Audrey breaks down the difference between docu-follow and soft-scripted formats, revealing how casting, storytelling, and audience expectations shape each style. From Girlfriend Confidential to today’s surge in true documentary content, Audrey shares insider tips on creating compelling narratives, keeping viewers hooked, and navigating a media landscape hungry for authenticity. Perfect for filmmakers, producers, and fans curious about what really goes into making “reality” real.

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, Les Lippa sits down with filmmakers David Morrison, Penny Edmondson, and Judy Marlin to talk about their dynamic documentary It’s Our Ball—the untold story of senior women dominating the basketball court and redefining age, athleticism, and respect. From heartfelt personal journeys to the challenges of authentic storytelling, the trio shares how they brought these powerful voices to the screen and why this project is changing the conversation around women, sports, and aging. Whether you’re a filmmaker, sports fan, or just love a great underdog story, this episode will leave you motivated to get in the game—at any age.

What does it take to go from indie filmmaker to Emmy-winning director? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Bridget Stokes—trailblazing director of A Black Lady Sketch Show, Hello, Jack!, and Boy Genius—to unpack her inspiring rise through the film and television world. From waiting tables in New York to winning an Emmy as the first woman in her category, Bridget shares the real hustle behind her success. She dives deep into the contrasts between episodic TV and feature films, her collaborative producing roots, and her passion for building immersive story worlds. Plus, hear the behind-the-scenes story of The Rachel Divide, her pivot into children's television during the pandemic, and why she believes now is the perfect time to chase what sets your soul on fire. 🎯 Key Takeaways: The GoldbergsGabby DuranA Black Lady Sketch Show📲 Follow Bridget on Instagram @murphystokes and on LinkedIn.

What do PlayStation, storefront media, and cutting-edge documentaries have in common? Nathan Elliott. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with the Canadian entrepreneur, technologist, and filmmaker to discuss how he's revolutionizing advertising and storytelling. Nathan reveals how his company, FrontRunner Technologies, transforms vacant storefronts into immersive media platforms—and how that tech-savvy mindset shaped his foray into film production. They explore Black Mark, a powerful documentary about NBA star Matt Barnes’ near-fatal high school experience with the KKK, and its evolution into a gripping series concept. Plus, Nathan shares behind-the-scenes insight into With Love, Charlie, a Korean War-era short film now hitting Samsung platforms on August 1. From branded entertainment to virtual production and beyond, this episode is packed with game-changing ideas for creators, producers, and marketers alike. 🎯 Topics Covered: 📲 Follow Nathan: @elliottnate8 🔗 Company: @frontrunnertech 🎬 Shorts to stream: Black Mark and With Love, Charlie

What happens when an aerospace engineer-turned-actor and a multilingual actress-turned-writer join forces? You get Reminisce—a compelling new short film exploring a May-December romance, generational gaps, and power imbalances in love. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Ashna Sharan and Wayne Jay to unpack their creative journey, from meeting in a virtual writers' group to developing a short that’s captivating the festival circuit. They discuss character development, drawing from real-life relationships, and how to turn personal stories into powerful proof-of-concept films. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, actor, or just love great storytelling—this episode is full of insights and inspiration. 🎟️ Catch Reminisce at LA Shorts on July 26 at LA Live. 📲 Follow the film @reminiscetheshortfilm and the creators @ashkash009 and @waynemjjay.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with powerhouse filmmaking duo Blue and Jason Gerber. From directing award-winning commercials for brands like Walgreens, Chipotle, and Lincoln Park Community Services, to creating emotionally resonant documentaries, this married team shares their evolution from the fast-paced world of high-budget commercials to the deeply personal realm of documentary filmmaking. They unpack their process for winning commercial pitches, the art of co-directing, and the creative inspiration behind their new documentary Dawn Dusk—a powerful story of grief, healing, and wearable art. Learn how they balance artistic integrity with client expectations, how fashion becomes narrative, and what it really takes to tell meaningful stories that last. 🎥 Dawn Dusk premieres August 15 on Tubi, Amazon, and The Roku Channel. 🔗 Visit: dawnduskfilm.com | IG: @dawnduskfilm

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: GodotItch.ioFrom 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: Maximum OverdriveThe Ninth FortressFarmhouse Writing RetreatWhether 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: Going RenoWhether 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.

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with acclaimed international actor Ido Samuel, known for his roles in We Were the Lucky Ones, FBI: International, Tehran, and the award-winning short Dirty Bomb. Ido shares his journey from growing up in Israel to breaking into Hollywood, how he landed his powerful role as a conflicted Jewish policeman in Hulu’s Holocaust drama, and the real-life stories that shaped his performances. From navigating the L.A. acting scene to honoring Holocaust survivors through film, this episode is a candid and inspiring look at the grit, talent, and global perspective that fuels Ido’s work.