Post In Black Made for More Entertainment

Director, producer, showrunner, writer and former educator, Avril Speaks, joins us to discuss her journey into filmmaking.

Like most of us, Avril developed a love for film and television at an early age. Her fascination later grew into being drawn to rich, character-driven and complex stories about women and spirituality, decorated in questions as opposed to easy resolutions. Interesting because as a producer on Netflix's Files of the Unexplained, Avril talks about not leaning into the obvious regarding the process of shaping this series about strange real-life occurrences and phenomena.

Hailing from Queens, New York, it was only after enrolling in a class at Howard University that really ignited her interest in film as a viable career choice. In this conversation, she shares why attending the famed and acclaimed historically Black university has helped her maneuver through Hollywood's lack of diversity. We also talk about why being proficient in certain soft skills is as necessary as networking and how to navigate in a seemingly extroverted industry as an introvert.

A phenomenal storyteller with over 20 years of experience, Avril was a producer on the SXSW Grand Jury award-winning film Jinn, written and directed by Nijla Mu'min. Her other projects include directing and producing the Discovery+ & NowThis docu-series, Uprooted as well as the African America, which received an NAACP Image Award nomination. Avril's produced the feature films, Hosea, Dotty & Soul and Black America Is... and was an associate producer on TNT's series, American Race.

TITLE SPONSOR: The Dolby Institute
Also brought to you by AVID

Host: David Hunter Jr. | Executive Producers: Eric Johnson, Aurelia Belfield, Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Producers: Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Post-Production Supervisor: Tatiana M. Johnson | Editor: Landon T. Bost | Audio Post/Re-recording Mixer: Trailblazer Studios® | Special Guest: Avril Z. Speaks | Theme Song: "Sanctuary" by Chvrles | BTS Photography: J Nyce | Creative Commons and Public Domain: 1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Julie_Dash_-_Career_Girls_2-55_screenshot.png, 2. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BURNETT_Charles-24x30-2008.jpg, 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vox_Media_Logo_2019.svg | Produced by Made for More Entertainment in association with Trailblazer Studios and Landon Bost Media

RELATED VIDEOS

Post in Black – Season 5: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WD8BO9mFhxtqMrxdrI8MIkD&si=F23Rrx846__21G5U

Post in Black – Season 4: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WAYLhXPNkA52FWM49JEbMwY

Post in Black – Season 3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WDVPHsYggzwBdwOTsJvt5pb

Post In Black – Season 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WCA1y1AEh-lSn9ga9yZv5sq

Post In Black – Season 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WBUJGPdXlHNIn8nuQBxri4U

CONNECT WITH POST IN BLACK & MADE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.madeformoreent.com/
IG: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt

X: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
FB: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEntertainment

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXX9qvIHg44P60FMfoLz4xA

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack

CONNECT WITH Avril Z. Speaks
INSTAGRAM: @azuspeak
LINKEDIN: Avril Speaks


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack/support

We're super excited to share this conversation with you! It's with two very special guests whom we've been lucky enough to work with and who are very near and dear to us. Introducing multimedia storyteller, Jazmine Bunch and Post In Black editor, Landon Bost.

This discussion, “In The Editor's Chair: Perspectives from Rising Stars Behind the Lens,” was a panel at this year's Hayti Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina. Hayti Film Festival is a celebration of Black creatives. It's a yearly festival that features screenings, workshops and panels that amplify and celebrate Black creatives and film.

This is truly a great episode, especially for aspiring creators of color in that we get to learn more about what led Jazmine and Landon into the world of post-production and what the journey has been like for two North Carolina natives. We get to shout out mentors and talk about what it means to start in this industry while being based, geographically, far from Los Angeles, California.

Jazmine Bunch is a creative jazz-of-all trades from Ahoskie, NC, residing in Atlanta, GA, with creative roots in video editing, writing, producing, and spoken word. Bunch has worked for Warner Bros. Discovery and is a published author. Landon T. Bost is an award-winning editor and filmmaker from Harrisburg, NC, whose past clients range from local filmmakers to a Hollywood show runner and Michigan State University. Bost is also an alum of the Handy Foundation Assistant Editor Training Program.

Everybody is talking about AI these days but what does that mean in an industry of creatives? Both guests share their unique perspectives and much more. Whether or not AI has a sustainable role in the film and television space, we're sure that Jazmine and Landon do, and we're so excited to see what's next for them.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Post In Black's fifth season as we continue to amplify the stories and experiences of Black professionals working in post-production. Look out for new episodes every second and fourth Wednesday.

TITLE SPONSOR: The Dolby Institute
Also brought to you by AVID

Host: David Hunter Jr. | Executive Producers: Eric Johnson, Aurelia Belfield, Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Producers: Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Post-Production Supervisor: Tatiana M. Johnson | Editor: Landon T. Bost | Audio Post/Re-recording Mixer: Trailblazer Studios® | Special Guests: Jazmine Bunch and Landon Bost | Theme Song: "Sanctuary" by Chvrles | BTS Photography: J Nyce | ARCHIVAL: Denise Allen, via Hayti Heritage Film Festival 2024 | Produced by Made for More Entertainment in association with Trailblazer Studios and Landon Bost Media

RELATED VIDEOS

Post in Black – Season 5: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WD8BO9mFhxtqMrxdrI8MIkD&si=F23Rrx846__21G5U

Post in Black – Season 4: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WAYLhXPNkA52FWM49JEbMwY

Post in Black – Season 3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WDVPHsYggzwBdwOTsJvt5pb

Post In Black – Season 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WCA1y1AEh-lSn9ga9yZv5sq

Post In Black – Season 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WBUJGPdXlHNIn8nuQBxri4U

CONNECT WITH POST IN BLACK & MADE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.madeformoreent.com/
IG: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt

Twitter: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
FB: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEntertainment

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXX9qvIHg44P60FMfoLz4xA

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
https://anchor.fm/postinblack

CONNECT WITH Jazmine Bunch
INSTAGRAM: @Jazzonfire_, @abjnovel
LINKEDIN: Jazmine Bunch
Anesthesia and the Blood of Jesus novel: https://zez.am/ABJnovel

CONNECT WITH Landon T. Bost
INSTAGRAM: @Landon.Bost
LINKEDIN: Landon Bost
X: LandonBost
Website: www.landonbost.com


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack/support

So excited to share this episode with you! It's with editor Sean Linal! What makes this conversation so interesting is the way it exemplifies the power of intention and leveraging one's purpose.

Sean's been a part of shows that have impacted the culture in many ways. He was an editor on Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar and Lena Waithe's The Chi and we get to talk about the experiences and avenues that led to those roles as well as his overall journey into post-production.Like most professionals in creative industries, Sean's love for film manifested itself at an early age. It was the NAACP ACT-SO program that gave Sean early agency to really explore his interest. At the age of 16, a film he made on homelessness on the subway earned him substantial accolades and money towards film school.We discuss how crucial it is to be proactive, the best attributes for an assistant editor to acquire and uncover how Sean's early experiences really illustrate how local organizations can provide a wealth of resources and access for creatives.

Some of Sean's other credits include The Cleaning Lady, All Rise, David Makes Man, Jay-Z feat. Beyoncé: Family Feud (music video), Teen Wolf, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Amazing Race and Survivor.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Post In Black's third season as we continue to amplify the stories and experiences of Black professionals working in post-production. Look out for new episodes every second and fourth Wednesday.



TITLE SPONSOR: The Dolby Institute
Also brought to you by AVID

Host: David Hunter Jr. | Executive Producers: Eric Johnson, Aurelia Belfield, Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Producers: Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Post-Production Supervisor: Tatiana M. Johnson | Editor: Landon T. Bost | Audio Post/Re-recording Mixer: Trailblazer Studios® | Special Guest: Andrew Roberts | Theme Song: "Sanctuary" by Chvrles | BTS Photography: J Nyce | ARCHIVAL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeff_Davis_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rooftop_view_of_Far_Rockaway.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GeoffreyCanada.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zoe_Saldana_(Headshot).jpg, https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1397791-q3-2021/0?, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lena_Waithe_(41061468592).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ava_DuVernay_-_Peabody_Awards_(cropped_2).jpg | Produced by Made for More Entertainment in association with Trailblazer Studios and Landon Bost Media

RELATED VIDEOS

Post in Black – Season 5: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WD8BO9mFhxtqMrxdrI8MIkD&si=F23Rrx846__21G5U


Post in Black – Season 4: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WAYLhXPNkA52FWM49JEbMwY

Post in Black – Season 3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WDVPHsYggzwBdwOTsJvt5pb

Post In Black – Season 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WCA1y1AEh-lSn9ga9yZv5sq

Post In Black – Season 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WBUJGPdXlHNIn8nuQBxri4U

CONNECT WITH POST IN BLACK & MADE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.madeformoreent.com/
IG: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt

Twitter: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
FB: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEntertainment

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXX9qvIHg44P60FMfoLz4xA

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
https://anchor.fm/postinblack

CONNECT WITH SEAN LINAL

INSTAGRAM: @SEANLINAL

FACEBOOK: SEAN LINAL

X (FORMERLY TWITTIER): @SEANLINAL


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack/support

We speak with two-time Emmy Award-winning and Oscar nominated VFX supervisor Andrew Roberts on this episode of Post In Black. Andrew's credits include Haunted Mansion, Killers of the Flower Moon, Babylon, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Umma, Godzilla vs. Kong, Aquaman, Black Panther, Gemini Man and Snow White and the Huntsman, just to name a few from Andrew's long list of projects that span over 25 years in the industry.

Because Post In Black is an interview series that features professionals working in post-production while highlighting their experiences and insight as Black people working in the entertainment industry, this discussion is a perfect season 5 premiere episode because we get to talk about Andrew's experience emigrating to the United States from London and navigating the industry without a network or community and how it has informed his involvement with the Academy GOLD Program, a career development initiative for professionals from underrepresented communities.

In that the pathways into entertainment are varied and rarely linear, we talk about how Andrew's academic background in computer programming landed him a job at an architect firm which in turn ignited a special appreciation for the inner workings of software design and 3D technology. Through hard work, risk, hope and relocating to LA, he landed at Industrial Light & Magic where he began as a brain bar supervisor/virtual production supervisor on Obi-Wan Kenobi and later, became a visual effects supervisor for ILM. We were able to really geek out on this episode at length with a lot of great insight from Andrew on what it was like working on the sci-fi thriller, The Creator. We get some really cool filmmaking app recommendations and so much more from this conversation. Dig in!

Stay tuned for more episodes of Post In Black's fourth season as we continue to amplify the stories and experiences of Black professionals working in post-production. Look out for new episodes every second and fourth Wednesday.

TITLE SPONSOR: The Dolby Institute
Also brought to you by AVID

Host: David Hunter Jr. | Executive Producers: Eric Johnson, Aurelia Belfield, Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Producers: Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr., Tatiana M. Johnson | Post-Production Supervisor: Tatiana M. Johnson | Editor: Landon T. Bost | Audio Post/Re-recording Mixer: Trailblazer Studios® | Special Guest: Andrew Roberts | Theme Song: "Sanctuary" by Chvrles | BTS Photography: J Nyce | Creative Commons Photographs: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gary_Yost_with_camera_December_2014.jpg., https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Knoll_(2)_(cropped).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Superbowl_XXXIX,_2005.JPG, https://www.flickr.com/photos/creative_tools/7603172584 | Produced by Made for More Entertainment in association with Trailblazer Studios and Landon Bost Media

RELATED VIDEOS

Post in Black – Season 4: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WAYLhXPNkA52FWM49JEbMwY

Post in Black – Season 3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WDVPHsYggzwBdwOTsJvt5pb

Post In Black – Season 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WCA1y1AEh-lSn9ga9yZv5sq

Post In Black – Season 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WBUJGPdXlHNIn8nuQBxri4U

CONNECT WITH POST IN BLACK & MADE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.madeformoreent.com/
IG: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt

Twitter: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
FB: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEntertainment

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXX9qvIHg44P60FMfoLz4xA

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
https://anchor.fm/postinblack

CONNECT WITH ANDREW ROBERTS

INSTAGRAM: @ANDREWVFX

LINKEDIN: ANDREW ROBERTS

TWITTER: @ANDREWBROBERTS


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack/support

In this phenomenal conversation with editor Spenser Reich, ACE, we learn how this early science enthusiast came to be a film and TV editor on series like STARZ's Power Book IV: Force and Power Book II: Ghost.

Spenser proudly reps the South Bay, San Jose, and it was actually the conversations Spenser's parents made a point to have after going to the cinema when Spenser was young that may have offered an early inkling at what would become a professional interest. About the age of 17 or 18, she decided that she wanted to become a filmmaker because of a strong love for storytelling.

After moving to LA for film school and through a process of deduction, she arrived at an interest solidly focused on editing, coming to recognize the adoration as a 'love thing.' When it comes to Black women editors, at that time, she was only familiar with one, a previous Post In Black guest, the great Terilyn Shropshire. Spenser notes there's a specialness in what Black editors and filmmakers capture, bringing honest experiences into their work, mentioning Spike Lee, Boots Riley and Ryan Coogler.

Having edited features and episodic TV, we talk about her approach to working within both and whether or not it depends on the genre. Spenser talks about why organization is key in the editing space as well as the power of being able to work effectively in a collaborative setting with other people and why dedication to the work is so necessary. We talk the importance of building a community and helping others within the scope of networking and why Spenser says it's her mission statement.

Some of her credentials include Diarra from Detroit for Paramount+, whose executive producers are Kenya Barris and Diarra Kilpatrick, which premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, the film, SAMSON, which won the Audience Award for Narrative Feature Film at the 2023 Asian American International Film Festival and the series, Physics Girl for PBS.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Post In Black's fourth season as we continue to amplify the stories and experiences of Black professionals working in post-production. Look out for new episodes every second and fourth Wednesday.

Host: David Hunter Jr. | Executive Producers: Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr, Tatiana M. Johnson | Producers: Eric Johnson, Aurelia Belfield | Editor: Landon T. Bost | Audio Post/Re-recording Mixer: Trailblazer Studios® | Special Guest: Dara Taylor | Theme Song: "Sanctuary" by Chvrles | BTS Photography: J Nyce | Creative Commons Photographs: https://picryl.com/media/optreden-simon-and-garfunkel-links-in-feijenoordstadion-420f3d, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Erykah_Badu_2008.07.14_009.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shirley_1937_crop.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Editor,_Joi_McMillon.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spike_Lee_Peabody_Awards_2011_(cropped).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_moses_namkung_-_Street_Sweeper_Social_Club_1.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ryan_Coogler_Deauville_2013.jpg | Produced by Made for More Entertainment in association with Trailblazer Studios and Landon Bost Media

RELATED VIDEOS

Post in Black – Season 4: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WAYLhXPNkA52FWM49JEbMwY

Post in Black – Season 3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WDVPHsYggzwBdwOTsJvt5pb

Post In Black – Season 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WCA1y1AEh-lSn9ga9yZv5sq

Post In Black – Season 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WBUJGPdXlHNIn8nuQBxri4U

CONNECT WITH POST IN BLACK & MADE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.madeformoreent.com/
IG: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
Twitter: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
FB: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEntertainment

CONNECT WITH SPENSER REICH

INSTAGRAM: @SPENSERREICH

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/@madeformoreentertainment

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postin

On this episode of Post In Black, we talk movies and music with film and TV composer, Dara Taylor. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dara grew up a little outside of Buffalo. We talk about how, between both of her parents, there was a mutual love of music that found its way to her. Hence, she thought every home had a 'record room.' Her mother, a church choir director, was the first person to teach her about music arrangement and instrumentation.

So, how did Dara go from being a computer science major to composing for her latest project, the feature film, Strays? We get into it as well as the 'aha moment' when she decided that music in film and television was the adventure she was destined to take. In this really great and expanding conversation, Dara shares advice for those interested in film and TV composing. We get her perspective on starting out in the industry, navigating it through relationships and rejections, and the comedy, Strays, starring Jamie Foxx and Will Ferrell.

Dara was nominated for a Society of Composers and Lyricists Award in 2023 for The Invitation. Her credentials include Tender Bar, directed by George Clooney, The Noel Diary, HBO Max's Little Ellen, Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar, Curious George: Cape Ahoy, Amazon's The Boys Presents: Diabolical, American Refugee, Echo Boomers and both Netflix series, Bookmarks and Trial By Media.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Post In Black's fourth season as we continue to amplify the stories and experiences of Black professionals working in post-production. Look out for new episodes every second and fourth Wednesday.

Host: David Hunter Jr. | Executive Producers: Daniel K. Hunter, David Hunter Jr, Tatiana M. Johnson | Producers: Eric Johnson, Aurelia Belfield | Editor: Landon T. Bost | Audio Post/Re-recording Mixer: Trailblazer Studios® | Special Guest: Dara Taylor | Theme Song: "Sanctuary" by Chvrles | BTS Photography: J Nyce | Creative Commons Photographs: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mockstar/3221457658/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Imogen_Heap_Pop_Tech.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elizabeth_%26_The_Catapult_10_01_2014_-6_(15421994771).jpg | Produced by Made for More Entertainment in association with Trailblazer Studios and Landon Bost Media

Stay tuned for more episodes of Post In Black's fourth season as we continue to amplify the stories and experiences of Black professionals working in post-production. Look out for new episodes every second and fourth Wednesday.

RELATED VIDEOS

Post in Black – Season 4: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WAYLhXPNkA52FWM49JEbMwY

Post in Black – Season 3: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WDVPHsYggzwBdwOTsJvt5pb

Post In Black – Season 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WCA1y1AEh-lSn9ga9yZv5sq

Post In Black – Season 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm2w_b9TK6WBUJGPdXlHNIn8nuQBxri4U

CONNECT WITH POST IN BLACK & MADE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT

https://www.madeformoreent.com/
IG: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
Twitter: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEnt
FB: @PostInBlack & @MadeForMoreEntertainment

CONNECT WITH DARA TAYLOR

INSTAGRAM: DaraTaylorMusic

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/@madeformoreentertainment

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/postinblack/support