Best Alex Buckner Podcasts (2025)

1
IFH 803: From Wrestling Rings to Public Access Mayhem: The Wild Ride of Mad Man Pondo 56:35

2d ago56:35

56:35

The world is far more peculiar than most of us dare to admit. Somewhere between a demolition derby and a wrestling ring, between the crackle of VHS tapes and the shriek of late-night public access, lies a man who has turned mayhem into meaning. On today’s episode, we welcome the unparalleled and unfiltered Mad Man Pondo, a professional wrestler and…

1
IFH 802: Studios, Scores & Secrets: The Untold Story of Rotten Tomatoes with Patrick Lee 44:27

9d ago44:27

44:27

When the lights of the cinema dim and the hum of anticipation fills the air, something magical happens—stories come alive. And sometimes, the stories behind the storytellers are the most fascinating of all. On today's episode, we welcome Patrick Lee, a man whose quiet curiosity and geeky love for film statistics helped shape the very lens through w…

1
IFH 801: Breaking the Rules: Crafting Powerful Films Without Hollywood Money with Shawn Whitney 52:23

16d ago52:23

52:23

Sometimes, the fire of creativity is struck not by lightning but by the slow, smoldering ache of dissatisfaction. And in today's soul-stirring conversation, we welcome Shawn Whitney, a filmmaker who found cinema not in the corridors of academia, but in the quiet rebellion of self-taught screenwriting and micro-budget filmmaking. Shawn Whitney is a …

1
IFH 800: Behind the Scenes of Sharknado: Turning Sci-Fi Madness into Storytelling Gold with Andrew Shaffer 27:37

23d ago27:37

27:37

The mind is a curious trickster, delighting in dreams where logic pirouettes in absurdity. In today's extraordinary episode, we welcome Andrew Shaffer, a humorist and New York Times bestselling author whose wit slices through the storms of reality with a twinkle in his eye and a chainsaw in hand. From the earliest pages of his life, Andrew Shaffer …

1
IFH 799: What Every Indie Filmmaker Can Learn from a $5K Zombie Movie with Bojan Dulabic 1:27:25

1M ago1:27:25

1:27:25

A spark of madness is often the first step toward creation. On today’s episode, we welcome Bojan Dulabic, a passionate Vancouver-based filmmaker who pulled off a small miracle—he made a full-length zombie movie for just $5,000. But this isn't just a story of budgeting brilliance; it's a tale of relentless passion, artistic vision, and the kind of s…

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IFH 798: From Pills to Pictures: Cynthia Hill's Unlikely Path to Documentary Filmmaking 56:38

1M ago56:38

56:38

Cynthia Hill, a filmmaker from North Carolina, discussed her journey from pharmacy school to filmmaking, highlighting her documentaries "Tobacco Money," "Private Violence," and the upcoming eight-part series "Road to Race Day" on NASCAR. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and character development, sharing her experiences with funding th…

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IFH 797: From Instagram Mysteries to Indie Horror: The Bold Experiments of Joe Kowalski 1:10:28

1M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

When the winds of curiosity rustle the mind and stir the soul, they often bring with them storytellers—those rare beings who don’t just recount events but breathe life into them. On today's episode, we welcome Joe Kowalski, a young filmmaker from Cleveland whose creative spirit dances between shadows and light, weaving stories through film, mystery…

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IFH 796: No Film School, No Problem: Gary King's Journey of Grit and Creativity 1:13:03

2M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

Gary King is a filmmaker who transitioned from a career in psychology and human resources to independent cinema, building a body of work that balances heart, hustle, and deeply human storytelling.In the spirit of Taoist unpredictability, Gary’s story unfolds not as a straight line, but as a rich weave of intuition, risk, and creative alignment. He …

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IFH 795: Balancing Hollywood Productions and Indie Passion Projects with Jamie Buckner 1:11:42

2M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Some stories unfold not with a bang, but with the echo of a bowling ball rolling down a waxed lane—steady, unpredictable, and brimming with hidden intention. On today’s episode, we welcome a filmmaker whose journey is stitched together with sweat-soaked call sheets, stubborn creative grit, and a romance with storytelling that stretches back to a Su…

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IFH 794: The Art of Film Marketing: How to Make Your Movie Impossible to Ignore with Danielle Raiz 33:29

2M ago33:29

33:29

A blank canvas. A single frame. The quiet hum before a film breathes life into a screen. But what happens after the final cut? How does a filmmaker's vision transcend the void and reach the hearts and minds of an audience? Today, we unravel this mystery with Danielle Raiz, a passionate advocate for creatives, whose work at Wix has been dedicated to…

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IFH 793: Comedy, Confidence, and the Art of Reinvention with Rhonda Shear 57:35

2M ago57:35

57:35

Some moments in life are stitched together like the seams of a well-loved garment, their fabric woven with laughter, reinvention, and a refusal to let the world dictate what is possible. On today's episode, we welcome Rhonda Shear, a woman who embodies this spirit of transformation with a playful wink and an unstoppable drive. Many remember her as …

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IFH 792: The Power of the Cut: Storytelling Secrets from Michael Trent 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

A film editor’s job is much like the work of a sculptor. You take a massive block of material—raw footage—and with a series of delicate, precise cuts, you shape it into something cohesive, something meaningful. In today’s episode, we welcome Michael Trent, a master of cinematic storytelling who has spent his career assembling some of Hollywood’s mo…

1
IFH 791: Beyond the Script: Gordy Hoffman’s Guide to Emotional Storytelling 1:05:56

3M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Life, they say, is a story we tell ourselves—a script of experience, moments, and emotions woven into a narrative only we can claim as our own. On today’s episode, we welcome Gordy Hoffman, a screenwriter, director, and the mind behind the BlueCat Screenwriting Competition. His journey through the labyrinth of storytelling has been marked by profou…

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IFH 790: From Short to Feature: The Filmmaker’s Journey with Michael G. Kehoe 1:15:50

3M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

On today’s episode, we welcome Michael G. Kehoe, a filmmaker who turned a whisper of an idea into the resounding voice of a feature film. From Brooklyn to Hollywood, from an eight-year-old boy watching his mother direct community theater to a director commanding his own set, Michael’s journey is one of persistence, heartbreak, and sheer creative wi…

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IFH 789: The Indie Filmmaker’s Journey: Curt Wiser on Creativity, Persistence, and Making Cam Girl 1:34:37

3M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

On today's episode, we welcome Curt Wiser, a writer and director whose journey proves that the path to making movies doesn’t require a New York or Los Angeles zip code. From the sunny shores of Florida, Curt has forged his own cinematic destiny, creating the suspenseful and thought-provoking film Cam Girl—a story of isolation, control, and survival…

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IFH 788: The Unscripted Journey of Steven Bernstein: From Cinematographer to Storyteller 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

What if the greatest stories of our lives are the ones we never meant to write? On today’s episode, we welcome Steven Bernstein, a man whose journey through the world of cinema has been anything but predictable. A writer at heart, a cinematographer by accident, and a director by destiny, his career is a living testament to the art of surrendering t…

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IFH 787: From Ultraviolent Wrestling to Transformative Filmmaking: The Story of Matthew T. Burns 1:21:52

4M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

On today's episode, we welcome Matthew T. Burns, an individual who embodies resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Known to wrestling fans as "Sick Nick Mondo," Matthew has transitioned from his legendary career in ultraviolent wrestling to become a filmmaker, storyteller, and advocate for the art of storytelling. His journey is nothing short of …

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IFH 786: Crafting Authentic Stories from Lady Gaga to Sci-Fi Futures with Kim Ray 1:11:24

4M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

On today's episode, we welcome the multi-talented Kim Ray, a writer, producer, and director whose career spans reality TV, documentaries, and scripted projects. Best known for her work on the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, Kim’s journey through the industry is an inspiring tale of creativity, resilience, and innovation.Our conversation be…

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IFH 785: Unveiling the Art of Screenwriting: A Journey with Kristin Overn 56:00

4M ago56:00

56:00

There’s a certain magic in the way creativity stirs the soul, and on today’s episode, we welcome Kristin Overn, a seasoned producer and the visionary behind the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. With a career steeped in the art of storytelling, Kristin has spent years cultivating opportunities for writers to transform their ideas into script…

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IFH 784: Mastering the Art of Connection: Kristen Maldonado's Journey Through Pop Culture and Social Media 49:18

5M ago49:18

49:18

On today’s episode, we are graced with Kristen Maldonado, a vibrant storyteller whose passion for pop culture and digital strategy has led her to roles like Social Media Manager at MTV's "Total Request Live." Kristen’s journey from theater major to social media powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring, filled with twists, determination, and a lot o…

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IFH 783: Phil Proctor: A Journey Through Comedy, Resilience, and the Art of Reality 55:59

5M ago55:59

55:59

The landscape of existence can sometimes feel like a cosmic play—actors shifting between roles, creating stories that ripple through time. On today's episode, we welcome Phil Proctor, an artist whose life weaves a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and humor. Known for his work with the legendary Firesign Theatre and an illustrious voice acting ca…

1
IFH 782: Turning Holiday Cheer into Chills: The Shaker Brothers’ Journey Behind Killer Christmas 1:11:47

5M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

When two brothers decide to turn their holiday traditions into a cinematic thrill, they step into a world where creativity is born from the mundane. On today's episode, we welcome Peter Paul and Tony Shaker, the innovative minds behind the indie horror film Killer Christmas. With the echoes of sleigh bells and the flicker of holiday lights, they in…

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IFH 781: From Pre-Med to Marquee Lights: Jenny Paul's Journey of Creative Bravery and Storytelling 1:10:18

5M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Stories are the connective tissue of humanity. They reveal our commonality, our struggles, and our triumphs. And in the vibrant chaos of the world, some individuals rise with a unique ability to live, breathe, and tell these stories—through performance, words, and relentless passion. Today, we welcome Jenny Paul, an actress and producer who has gra…

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IFH 780: Unforgettable Storytelling: Phillip Andrew on Creativity, Leadership, and Resilience 55:44

5M ago55:44

55:44

On today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of creativity, resilience, and the art of storytelling with Phillip Andrew, a multi-talented producer, motivational speaker, and DJ from Los Angeles. From his humble beginnings in Michigan to his relentless pursuit of opportunities in Hollywood, Phillip's journey is a testament to the power of …

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IFH 779: Breaking the Mold: Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe’s Journey to Crafting the Anti-Rom-Com 48:13

6M ago48:13

48:13

On today’s episode, we welcome the dynamic duo, Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe, two inspiring filmmakers who have decided to take the road less traveled by creating their own feature film, Like Love. Their journey is one of collaboration, determination, and creativity—filled with moments of laughter and the occasional unexpected hurdle.From the outs…

1
IFH 778: Crafting Over 160 Films, Tales of Creativity, Conflict, and Cinematic Hustle with Jim Wynorski 46:59

6M ago46:59

46:59

On today's episode, we welcome Jim Wynorski, a filmmaker whose career is a kaleidoscope of genres, relentless creativity, and a staggering portfolio of over 160 films. Known for his ability to churn out projects with unmatched efficiency, Jim's journey through the cinematic landscape is nothing short of fascinating. From cult classics like Chopping…

1
IFH 777: Carving Her Own Path: Kansas Bowling on Confidence, Creativity, and the Magic of 16mm Film 22:34

6M ago22:34

22:34

The craft of filmmaking is as much about the soul as it is about the frame. In today's conversation, we sit down with Kansas Bowling, a maverick filmmaker who began charting her creative course at just 17 years old. As the first graduate of the Troma Institute for the Gifted, Kansas burst onto the scene with her debut feature, B.C. Butcher, a cavew…

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IFH 776: Crafting Comedy Without Limits: The Indie Spirit Behind Chasing Molly with Shelley Pack & Josh Sutherland 58:14

6M ago58:14

58:14

In today’s episode, we welcome the brilliant comedic minds behind Chasing Molly: Shelley Pack and Josh Sutherland. Together, they share the odyssey of making an independent film from scratch, driven by pure creativity and an unwavering dedication to laughter and storytelling. Their journey is not just one of filmmaking but of persistence, grit, and…

1
IFH 775 - Breaking Into Hollywood: The Power of Authentic Connections and Creative Vision with Jameson Parker 49:27

7M ago49:27

49:27

On today's episode, we welcome Jameson Parker, a seasoned producer with roots in theater, who’s climbed the ranks in the world of film and television. As a Development Director at Bright Light Pictures, Jameson has developed a keen eye for projects that align with his passion and resonate with audiences. Starting as an actor, he transitioned to pro…

1
IFH 774: Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking: The Resilient Journey of Sean Buckley 52:58

7M ago52:58

52:58

On today's episode, we welcome Sean Buckley, founder and CEO of Buck Productions. From humble beginnings to becoming a force in content creation, Sean’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and adaptability. Through his story, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges of building a media production company from scratch, especially in a…

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IFH 773: How to Master Screenwriting in Hollywood with Mick Hurbis-Cherrier 1:05:43

7M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Today on the show we have author, filmmaker and screenwriter Mick Hurbis-Cherrier.Mick is an independent filmmaker and screenwriter. His works have been broadcast and shown around the country and have garnered prizes at many festivals including the Black Maria Film & Video Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival, Athens Film & Video Festival and the Cin(…

1
IFH 772: Screenwriting the 80’ Classic Cocoon with Tom Benedek 48:18

7M ago48:18

48:18

Tom Benedek is a screenwriter known for his work in the film industry. He was born on March 16, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Benedek has written several screenplays for movies across various genres. One of his notable works includes co-writing the screenplay for the 1984 science fiction film "Cocoon," directed by Ron Howard. "Cocoon" was …

1
IFH 771: Beat by Beat to a Better Screenplay with Jim Mercurio 1:27:23

8M ago1:27:23

1:27:23

Today on the show we have Jim Mercurio. Jim is a filmmaker, writer, and author whose screenwriting instruction has inspired tens of thousands of writers around the world. Creative Screenwriting ranked him as one of the country’s top story analysts: “The best example of how an analyst can give concrete help without veering off the track of your stor…

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IFH 770: Screenwriting Unchained – Master Story Structure with Emmanuel Oberg 1:06:44

8M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Today on the show we have Emmanuel Oberg. Emmanuel is a screenwriter, author and script consultant with more than twenty years of experience in the Film and TV industry. After selling his first project to Warner Bros as a co-writer, he went on to be commissioned by StudioCanal and Gold Circle before writing solo for Working Title / Universal and Fi…

1
IFH 769: Lessons Learned: Being a First-Time Writer/Director with Sarah Elizabeth Mintz 57:52

8M ago57:52

57:52

Sarah Elizabeth Mintz received her BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she completed her thesis film Transit, starring Dakota Johnson. After graduating she mentored with filmmakers Cary Fukunaga on True Detective, Joachim Trier on Louder Than Bombs, and worked with Alejandro Inarritu on The Revenant.Sarah was a Sundance F…

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IFH 768: Writing & Directing an Independent Streaming Series with Aram Rappaport 1:22:23

8M ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Aram Rappaport is filmmaker based in New York. Originally from Los Angeles, he began writing, directing and producing in his late teens including the one-take experimental film HELIX starring Alexa Vega. He later adapted, produced and directed Max Berry's acclaimed novel into the film SYRUP starring Amber Heard, Shiloh Fernandez and Kellan Lutz and…

1
Starting your coaching journey advice 27:36

8M ago27:36

27:36

Alex and Hugh discuss their experiences in starting out in the coaching industry. What things were successful for us while also what we would advise now to people starting out. Edited by Huw HawkinsBy Alex Buckner and Hugh Marr

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IFH 767: Why Most Screenplays Don't Sell with Brooks Elms 1:20:14

8M ago1:20:14

1:20:14

Brooks Elms is a screenwriter and independent filmmaker. His specialty is grounded personal characters and writing story tension so thick it knots up your stomach.He's written 25+ screenplays, a dozen of them on assignment, and sold several scripts, including one this year with Brad Peyton as Executive Producer. Brooks was recently hired to rewrite…

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BONUS EPISODE: How to Write a Super Natural Hit Film with BeetleJuice Creator Larry Wilson 1:17:45

9M ago1:17:45

1:17:45

If you were a kid of the late 80s or early 90s then today's guest definitely had an impact on your life. Larry Wilson is the co-creator of the cult classic Beetlejuice (directed by Tim Burton), writer of Addams Family and worked on the legendary television show Tales from the Crypt. Larry wasn't always a screenwriter, he worked on the studio side o…

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IFH 766: How to Tap Into Your Screenwriting Muse with Jocelyn Jones 1:23:36

9M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

Jocelyn Jones was raised in an artist's community on the Hudson River just 30 minutes north of Manhattan. This idyllic hamlet is home to some of the most influential artists of our time and it was here that her interest in art, artists and their process began.She is the daughter of Henry Jones, a character actor whose credits include some 40 films …

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IFH 765: The Writer's Room Survival Guide with Niceole R. Levy 1:32:16

9M ago1:32:16

1:32:16

Niceole grew up under the bright stars of the Mojave Desert before swapping them for bright lights of Los Angeles. Studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts yielded the epiphany that she preferred writing. She worked as a police dispatcher to pay her way through undergraduate USC, and then completed the Master of Professional Writing…

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BONUS EPISODE: LOSS MY MIND WRITING the INSANE DEADPOOL, LOGAN & The X-MEN with Oscar® Nominee Simon Kinberg 33:07

9M ago33:07

33:07

Today on the show we have Oscar® and two-time Emmy® Nominee Simon Kinberg. He has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most prolific filmmakers, having written and produced projects for some of the most successful franchises in the modern era. His films have earned more than seven billion dollars worldwide.  Kinberg graduated from Brown Univer…

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IFH 764: Where Writer's Go Wrong with ACTION Screenplays with Robert McKee 1:26:57

9M ago1:26:57

1:26:57

Robert McKee, A Fulbright Scholar, is the most sought after screenwriting lecturer around the globe. He has dedicated the last 30 years to educating and mentoring screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, poets, documentary makers, producers, and directors internationally. Those who have learned from McKee have called him "the Aristotle of our time" b…

1
IFH 763: How to Outline Your Screenplay Like a Pro with Naomi Beaty 1:02:09

9M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Naomi Beaty is a screenwriting teacher, screenplay consultant, and former development exec with 10+ years in the entertainment industry.Naomi is based in Los Angeles, CA. She has worked on American productions and on projects in Taiwan and Australia, including the feature film "Ghost Boy", based on the novel by award winning Australian author Felic…

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Coaching with Andreas Kali Part 2 35:44

9M ago35:44

35:44

We go into detail about Andreas's philosophies, values and beliefs in what he believes has made him the coach he is today! Edited by Huw HawkinsBy Alex Buckner and Hugh Marr

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IFH 762: Billion-Dollar Comedy Screenwriting with Herschel Weingrod 1:12:00

10M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

This successful American screenwriter of comedies, many of which are remakes or adaptations of novels (i.e., "Brewster's Millions" 1985, "Pure Luck" 1991), had worked in collaboration with Timothy Harris. The Wisconsin-born Herschel A. Weingrod and his British-born partner have generally met with commercial approval for their efforts like "Twins" (…

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IFH 761: Reality Check: What Really Happens After You Win an Oscar® for Screenwriting with Tom Schulman 1:07:07

10M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Tom Schulman graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Philosophy. He studied at USC Graduate School of Cinema, with Jack Garfein at the Actors and Directors Lab, Los Angeles, and with director Joan Darling. He directed the Actors’ Studio first west coast production, Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker. Tom wrote Dead Poets Society for which he…

1
Coaching at The Open With Andreas Kali 38:40

10M ago38:40

38:40

Join our conversation with coach sensation Andreas Kali. This is part 1 of 2 episodes where Alex and Hugh dive into the details of this years Open Championship at Troon where Andreas is coaching the British armature champion Jacob Oleson. Edited by Huw HawkinsBy Alex Buckner and Hugh Marr

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IFH 760: How to Write Dialog that Pops Off the Page with Linda Seger 1:06:12

10M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Today on the show we have returning champion the legendary Linda Seger. Linda and I discuss her new book You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue. We do a deep dive into how to write great dialog. Here's a bit about the book.Unlike the chitchat of everyday life, dialogue in stories must express character, advance the story, suggest a theme, …

1
IFH 759: Top 10 Screenwriting Scams to Avoid 22:03

10M ago22:03

22:03

On today's show, I'm going to discuss screenwriting scams that ALL screenwriters should be aware of and avoid at all costs. It never surprises me how predatory people can be with screenwriters and filmmakers in this business.I did an episode exposing ways screenwriters can get screwed on writing assignments. I do a deep dive into each of the follow…

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