Coast To Coast Creatives

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 th...

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 te...

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 environ...

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...

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 P...

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 ...

Prepare to be spellbound as the trio of Diane Foster, Alison Lobel and Kelly Grant takes us on an enthralling journey through the creation of "Easter Bloody Easter". Experience the alchemy of transforming Alison's first full-length screenplay into a cinematic delight, with Diane at the helm in her directorial debut and Kelly juggling the dual roles of actor and producer. Their tale promises not only an insider's...

On this episode, I chat with the one and only Katy Chen Mazarra  @katychenmazzara , a Money Mentor & Financial Coach for creatives!

Katy is a 20 year veteran of the Film/TV Industry with experience as a TV Producer, Documentary Filmmaker & Journalist. According to her, 'Living that lifestyle for 15 years put me on a journey to learn how to manage my finances and change my mind-set from one where 'feast ...

In this episode, we talk to Ben Kacsandi and David J. Moriarty.  These two fellas make up the dynamic duo that is 'Ben & Dave's Mixtape''.  Their incredible mix of comedic and musical prowess brings to life hilarious songs that span the genres from punk rock to country western and everything in between.  Ben & Dave talk about the triumphs and tribulations of breaking into the music industry as new artist...

In this episode, we speak with Warren Levi Haney, a classically trained actor that believes in hard work and commitment to technique and craft.  He speaks on how important it is to work with heightened text as a performer-particularly Shakespeare- in order to become the best actor you can be.  He tells us about his upcoming class, 'Making A Master Actor', and how it uses analysis of The Bard's plays from four centuri...

In this episode, Diane Foster talks to us about founding WallyBird Productions, her production company which produces content of 'all forms and genres of media worldwide, fostering diversity and equality'.  Under the WallyBird banner, Diane strives to give people a voice who haven't historically had one.  She believes that representation matters and has achieved this in every one of WallyBird's productions for p...

In this episode, our good friend John tells us about the truly crazy situation that he and his cast mates overcame surrounding their upcoming show, 'Vape', a parody of 'Grease'.  He tells us about his work as a writer and involvement at 'Sketchworks Comedy' and also speaks about the non profit he cofounded-Performing Arts Education of Georgia-and the important work they do, going to schools and giving ...

In this episode, we talk to Emily Grace, founder of 'Pickford West Society'.  Emily started the Society to help actors write their dream roles themselves instead of waiting around for the industry to "discover" you.  She speaks on the current  WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes, her inspiration from Mary Pickford and Mae West & provides many tips and tricks to utilize when crafting your next screenplay.  If you&apo...

In this episode, audiobook narrator & actor Gary Tiedemann shares his heartfelt inspiration for his career, his time training improvisation at 'The Second City' (Chicago) and his very humble beginnings at a small radio station in Louisiana.  Gary also shares his top 'dos' and 'don'ts' of how to set up your own audio recording space and how to choose the microphone that's best for you.  If...

In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with Veronica Barrera.  She talks about what inspired her to become a voiceover artist and shares some fun stories about how she started preparing for this career even from a very young age.  Are you interested in exploring the VO world?  Or even interested in building your own in-home studio?   Well, Veronica has a well of knowledge that she is more than happy to share!  Enjoy the ...

In this episode, Nancy tells us about the Detroit Creativity Project, a non profit organization that transforms the youth of Detroit through improv.  Improvisation proves to be a tool that fosters collaboration, respect for others, and even literacy.  As Executive Director, Nancy is doing incredible work with The DCP in giving children the option to succeed and express themselves in environments that they may have been afraid to do...

In this episode, Bill shares his amazing acting journey in which he has booked many TV and film roles, over 50 national commercials and has founded The Working Actor Solution, an online community of useful and innovative classes and techniques curated from his own success that help us as actors weather the storm that is this industry.  As Bill says: "[...] if you've been slogging away at the path for a while, time to refr...

In this episode, we talk to Yaz about her feature length film, 'My home Unknown' and what it was like directing and starring in it while in the midst of the pandemic.  She speaks on how important it is to have a close knit group of people for a project of this scale and the triumphs and tribulations that came along during production.  She shares her thoughts on acting and filmmaking and talks about the excitement surround...