Episode 74: Rafael Casal

With roots in spoken word and rap, Rafael seamlessly blends poetic expression with cinematic structure to shape compelling scripts. Rafael Casal is a multi-hyphenate storyteller known for Blindspotting, Loki, Bad Education, and Wildcat. In this episode, Rafael sits down with Pete to discuss transitioning from music to film, the independent hustle and staying true to your artistry, saving the day in “post”, how directing influences writing, the art of cinematography, and more…


(00:00:00 - 00:06:50) -- Podcast Intro
(00:06:50 - 00:10:40) -- The Writer’s Mind And Improvisation
(00:10:40 - 00:15:20) -- Stand Out Moments In “Blindspotting”
(00:15:20 - 00:18:20) -- Shadowing Pete On Set
(00:18:20 - 00:22:15) -- Growing Up In Oakland, CA
(00:22:15 - 00:26:25) -- YouTube, Def Poetry, And Touring
(00:26:25 - 00:29:00) -- Transitioning Into Long Form Writing
(00:29:00 - 00:36:05) -- Dream Chasing
(00:36:05 - 00:40:40) -- Music Vs. Filmmaking
(00:40:40 - 00:47:47) -- Staying True To You
(00:47:47 - 00:54:30) -- The Independent Hustle
(00:54:30 - 01:02:50) -- Marketing And Planning For Post
(01:02:50 - 01:05:19) -- Enhancing Moments
(01:05:19 - 01:06:25) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey + Motivational Handbook” Promo
(01:06:25 - 01:07:25) -- Scriptation Promo
(01:07:25 - 01:12:00) -- Upcoming Projects
(01:12:00 - 01:15:15) -- Crew Chemistry
(01:15:15 - 01:24:20) -- The Director’s Mind
(01:24:24 - 01:28:50) -- Translating Your Vision
(01:28:50 - 01:34:45) -- A Film About Rafael
(01:34:45 - 01:39:00) -- Spike Lee Blueprint
(01:39:00 - 01:42:15) -- Podcast Outro

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES: SUPPORT BLACK FAMILIES IN ALTADENA
Displaced Black Families Directory:

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview]

ADDITIONAL LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE RESOURCES
- Red Cross [https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate.html]
- California Fire Foundation [https://www.cafirefoundation.org]
- Entertainment Industry Foundation [https://www.eifoundation.org/eif-programs/defy-disaster/]
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank [https://www.lafoodbank.org/fire/]
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation [https://supportlafd.org]

*** FULL EPISODE Available via YouTube and all Podcast Platforms! [https://linktr.ee/letsshootwithpetechatmon]

*** Get your 20% DISCOUNT on Scriptation Industry Pro! @scriptation is the Emmy-Award winning app that allows you to mark up scripts and save hours of time on set — all while going paperless! [https://scriptation.com/pete]