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 backg…

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 SA…

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 …

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 gre…

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 …

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', …

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…

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…

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 tribulat…

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 Ac…

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 …

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 th…

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 u…

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…

In this episode, Kyle talks about his experiences currently in the world tour of 'The Book of Mormon' and also looks back on his time in the world tour of 'Rent'. Kyle's story is truly remarkable and details that talent, passion and purpose will find a way to shine through no matter the obstacles we face. Looking for your daily dose of inspiration?…

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, Ve…

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 …

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:…

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 …

In this episode, we learn about the world of comic books from Kristian. He tells us of his early aspirations to open his own comic book store and how that quickly turned into a desire to create his own book, 'Sidekick for Hire'. He explains the ins and outs of his business, from writing, inking and coloring to funding, printing and attending cons t…

In this episode we talk to Levi about his incredible achievements while living in L.A. As he explains, the struggle is real but by no means insurmountable. Levi wrote, directed and acted in his own feature length horror film, 'Paralysis', shot entirely on an iPhone. Recently it won Best Feature Length Horror Film at The Culver City Film Festival. W…

In this episode, Austin talks to us about how he landed the part of Groot and shares with us how his theatre training and technique has fueled his career thus far. Plus great stories from the set of 'Guardians of the Galaxy'! Enjoy!By Taurean Cavins-Flores and Joe Funk

In this episode, Anthony gives us an insight into his exciting world of being a drone pilot and drone cinematographer. He offers tips on FPV piloting and how it's rapidly evolving every day and also shares his love and reason for flying which is truly inspirational. Enjoy! Elite Arials website: https://www.anthonyjmack.com/ Anthony J. Mack LinkedIn…

In this episode, Russell tells us about how he landed the role of Eli on Tyler Perry's 'The Oval' and how his experience behind the camera has helped his career in front of it. Oh, and we also go on a couple beautiful tangents about film!By Taurean Cavins-Flores and Joe Funk

In this episode, we talk to Marc Warzecha regarding his insights into the WGA Writer's Strike and about his amazing worldwide institution, The Sketch School, a school solely dedicated to writing and developing sketch comedy. Want to be a comedy writer? Want more insight into what this writer's strike means for everybody? Then this episode is for yo…

In this inaugural episode, Taurean and Joe introduce themselves, talk about their exciting lives in acting and photography and share about the incredible guests and topics to come! Find Joe on Instagram: @joefunkphoto and on YouTube: Joe Funk Find Taurean on Instagram: @taureantheactor and on TikTok: @taureancf…

In this episode, we talk about Brett's company, Weekly Audition, a website that helps fellow actors hone their skills and gain confidence so they can nail those big auditions. Are you an actor who needs a reel but doesn't have any footage? Well, we also discuss his reel business, L.A. Reels, that allows actors to create their own custom reels witho…