Season 1 Episode List
What You Didn't Know About RPG Creation
Hold onto your dice, adventurers! Dave Knighton, founder of Under the Wing Gaming, invites us on an epic journey through the realms of tabletop Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Brace yourselves for a wild ride as he unveils the hidden treasures, daunting challenges, and unexpected twists lurking in the darkness for game developers.
But wait, there's more! Prepare yourself gamers. There is a steamy side to the RPG world. No spoilers here, but this promises to be as thrilling as a critical hit.
Comic Con Chaos: Insiders POV
In the aftermath of infamous events like Fire Festival, Dash Con, and now the Willy Wonka Experience, what does it truly take to orchestrate a successful and legitimate convention? Join us this week as we discover the hidden truths behind these cultural phenomena and the untold stories that fuel the ultimate geek gatherings. The conversation this week includes industry insiders like Booking Agent Tricia Noel and Celebrity Guest Security Wynn Boggs.
Pyramids vs. Pencils: The Ancient Grudge Match of Illustrators
Illustrator Daniel Monroe humorously tackles the age-old misconception about artists and their "easy" work. He compares the grueling task of pushing limestone for Egyptian pyramids to an artist leisurely painting hieroglyphs in the shade. Monroe suggests that people have resented artists for centuries, assuming their craft isn't "real work". He playfully hints that this animosity might be encoded in our DNA after years of misunderstanding artists' challenges.
Stop, Drop, and Animate: Stop Motion Magic
In this week's episode, I sit down with Sarah de Gaudemar to delve into the fascinating world of stop-motion animation. With a diverse portfolio ranging from pummeling stars in the iconic "Celebrity Death Match" to breathing life into action figures on "Robot Chicken," Sarah brings a wealth of experience to the table. Together, we explore the gritty realities of working in the stop-motion industry, from the painstaking craftsmanship to the exhilarating creativity that fuels each project. But what does the future hold for stop-motion animation? As technology continues to advance, how might AI shape the landscape of this beloved art form? Sarah offers her seasoned perspective on these pressing questions. So, grab your popcorn and join us as we embark on a journey through the past, present, and future of stop-motion magic!
How Much Is that Puppet In The Window? PART 1
From Crank Yankers to Kidding, and a plethora of puppet-packed projects in between, buckle up as we dive into the wild world of puppetry with the dynamic duo, Sean and Patrick Johnson of Swazzle! These brothers reign supreme as the puppet monarchs, pulling the strings and stealing the show.This week, we're peeling back the fuzzy curtain to reveal the intricate business of puppet making. Brace yourselves for a journey through the craft, the quirks, and the sheer dedication it takes to bring these fabric friends to life on screen. Spoiler alert: it's not all rainbows and felt!
How Much Is that Puppet In The Window? PART 2
From Crank Yankers to Kidding, and a plethora of puppet-packed projects in between, buckle up as we dive into the wild world of puppetry with the dynamic duo, Sean and Patrick Johnson of Swazzle! These brothers reign supreme as the puppet monarchs, pulling the strings and stealing the show. This week, we're peeling back the fuzzy curtain to reveal the intricate business of puppet making. Brace yourselves for a journey through the craft, the quirks, and the sheer dedication it takes to bring these fabric friends to life on screen. Spoiler alert: it's not all rainbows and felt!
Howard Berger’s FX Magic and Mischief
This week’s podcast episode is a must-listen for fans of film and special effects. We are thrilled to welcome Oscar and Emmy-winning Makeup FX artist Howard Berger. With an impressive career spanning over 41 years, Howard has worked on some of the most iconic films in the industry, including The Chronicles of Narnia, Evil Dead, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Child’s Play. In our engaging conversation, Howard delves into the fascinating story behind the creation of KNB EFX Group, a leading name in the special effects world. He shares anecdotes and insights from his journey, highlighting the creativity and dedication that have driven his career.
Inside the Toy Box: Exploring Indie Toy Creation
Join me as I dive into the fascinating world of independent toys with Steve Forde, the innovative mind behind GoHero and Let’s Be Onyx. We uncover the secrets of the indie toy industry, from navigating licensing agreements to the complexities of manufacturing and exhibiting at conventions. Behind the scenes, it's not all fun and games—balancing the expectations of intellectual property owners, actors, and devoted fan bases can feel like a high-stakes juggling act. Steve reveals that resilience is key in this cutthroat industry. If you think it's all playtime, think again—there's serious business behind every indie toy creation!
Show Me the Money!
Step right up, folks! Ever wondered where the magic happens when it comes to funding your artistic dreams? Join film producer Tom Malloy and I as we take-on the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. We're diving headfirst into the wild world of funding. From chasing those elusive dollars to navigating the labyrinth of financing options, Tom spills the beans on how filmmakers are adapting to the streaming giants and how the digital revolution is reshaping the art of filmmaking? Get ready for some juicy insights and maybe a few popcorn-worthy surprises. And after more than 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival is looking for a new home. Is Park City Utah out? As a major player in the festival world, Tom offers his insight on this major move by an indie film festival icon.
The Business of Being Creative
In this eye-opening episode, veteran special effects Russ Adams dives deep into the often-underappreciated world of creative professionals. With over 20 years of experience, Adams paints a vivid picture of the challenges artists face, from difficult clients to unrealistic expectations. He humorously exposes the audacity of those who undervalue artistic work, sharing stories that are as infuriating as they are entertaining.