Studio Monroe

Natalie Ruffino Wilson
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  • Film Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

An honesty-driven film crew podcast where film crew share set stories, brought to life through interviews, games, and radio-play sketches.

Episodes

  1. Sep 8

    Episode 005 Justin Vesci | He Read 400 Scripts Last Year. Only 4 Made The Cut. ( Camp Radio, 2 Hearts, Kickback, Street Kings)

    Justin Vesci is a producer whose credits span film and television, including Camp Radio, Camp Hideout, 2 Hearts, and Kickback, with earlier experience on projects including Leverage and Street Kings. His work has taken him from the earliest stages of production to executive producing Camp Hideout, starring Christopher Lloyd and Corbin Bleu. With years spent developing, reading, and producing stories, Justin has seen firsthand what it takes for an idea to actually make it to the screen. In this episode, Justin gets into what happens when you read 400 scripts in a year and the question he now asks about every project: “Does it need to exist?” He talks about an industry overwhelmed by content, why we may be focusing less on character and connecting with characters less because of it. Justin also breaks down the financial reality of producing, why “every dollar is three,” the red flags to watch for when developers start asking for your cash, and what movies lose when we stop experiencing them together in a theater. And somewhere along the way: Kim Kardashian, LAX, and the one crew position Justin has zero interest in trying.

  2. Aug 25

    Episode 004 Taylor John Smith | The Actor Who Wants to Help Every Job on Set ( Lucky Strike, Warfare, Basic, Where the Crawdads Sing)

    Taylor John Smith has spent more than a decade working across film and television, with credits including Warfare, Where the Crawdads Sing, Sharp Objects, The Outpost, and Hunter Killer. But for Taylor, being an actor is only a small part of understanding what it takes to make a movie. Taylor joins Studio Monroe to talk about growing up on movie sets, craving the structure they gave him, and why his curiosity has always extended far beyond his own role. From carrying “40 open tabs” in his brain as an actor to learning when to speak up, when to listen, and how to help the crew do their best work, Taylor sees filmmaking for what it is: a team sport. He gets into the unwritten rules of set, constantly having to solidify your worth, and the fine line between wearing multiple hats and knowing when something isn’t yours to carry. Because sometimes the most valuable question you can ask on set isn’t What do I need? It’s How can I help you do your job better?

  3. Aug 12

    Episode 003 The Oscar-Winning Artist Behind Hollywood’s Most Iconic Monsters | Christopher Allen Nelson

    In this episode, Chris gets candid about the risks behind his career, including quitting Suicide Squad three times, the creation of Killer Croc, and why Halloween ultimately changed his life. He takes us inside the process of creating two versions of Michael Myers’ iconic mask and shares why watching an actor become Myers in the makeup chair remains one of the most satisfying moments of his career. He also talks about the infinite amount there is to learn in his craft, why set etiquette should be taught, the movies he’d take to a deserted island, and why some of his greatest successes have come from being willing to take a risk. From Crew, For Crew.

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 002 Emily Neumann | What Assistant Directors Actually Do in Hollywood and Beyond

    In this episode of Studio Monroe, Emily Neumann takes us inside one of the most demanding jobs in the film industry as a First Assistant Director, with stories from productions including Captain Marvel, Veep, Nashville, and more. From managing personalities under pressure to keeping hundreds of moving pieces on schedule, Emily shares what it really means to be the captain of the ship when every second counts. Together, we dive into the realities of leadership on set, the differences between each AD role, why "you can have anything, you just can't have everything," and the lessons every filmmaker should know before stepping onto a production. Emily also unpacks why content creation doesn't automatically make someone a producer, why experienced crew members are invaluable, and how some of the most stressful days on set become the most rewarding. Beyond filmmaking, Emily reflects on the emotional side of a career built around constant collaboration, the lifespan of an AD, and why the skills of an Assistant Director translate far beyond set life from motherhood to working as a doula. This conversation offers a rare look at the people who keep the entire production moving. From Crew, For Crew.

  5. Jul 14

    Episode 001 Brian Hite | The Psychology That Keeps Hollywood Stunt Performers Alive

    In this episode of Studio Monroe, Brian takes us behind the scenes of his career working on productions including The Iron Claw, 24, Superman, and dozens more, sharing what it really takes to step into dangerous situations for a living. From becoming the referee in The Iron Claw to the realities of fear, failure, and trusting your team, Brian offers an honest look at life as a stunt performer. Beyond the set, Brian holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has spent years helping elite performers from soldiers to athletes to business leaders to help them understand how to perform when the stakes are highest. Together, we dive into the mental side of the job, why pressure is often an illusion, and the lessons film crews can take from high-risk professions. Whether you’re on set, leading a team, or simply curious about the people behind the action, this conversation is packed with stories, wisdom, and a newfound appreciation for the crew members who literally put their bodies on the line. From Crew, For Crew.

  • 5 Episodes

About

An honesty-driven film crew podcast where film crew share set stories, brought to life through interviews, games, and radio-play sketches.

Information

  • Creator
    Natalie Ruffino Wilson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Studio Monroe