The Working Director

Jenn Page
  • 5.0 (51)
  • Film Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Helping emerging filmmakers become working directors faster. This weekly podcast will ask filmmakers the tough questions and offer guidance every step of the way with one goal in mind: help you make a living doing what you love, directing. For even more help expanding your directing career, visit TheWorkingDirector.Pro. There you can apply to be in our accelerator that helps you go from where you currently are to where you want to be; as well as, join our free private FB group. Hosted by director Jenn Page.

  1. 6d ago

    070: The Technical Parts of Vertical Filmmaking!

    So you have your vertical script ready, you’ve booked your crew, now what? If you have questions about what cameras are being used, how many will be needed, what lenses are being used, how to frame, how to schedule, and everything else around shooting, you’ll want to be here for this talk!Join producer Cate Fogarty, who-over the last two years-has been falling in love with the mini-drama model and has worked on over two dozen vertical series in L.A., Vancouver, and Zhengzhou, China for companies like DramaShorts, ReelShort, ByteDance, and Narval Films. Most notably she co-wrote and produced the breakout hits The Billionaire Sex Addict and His Therapist and My Sexy Mentor Seduced Me for the DramaShorts app.Guest Host: filmmaker/composer Chris Edgar To join these discussions live, as well as be in the know about classes, events, and career advancement initiatives, become a member (its free!) at ⁠AllFilmmakersWelcom.com⁠.

  2. Sep 1

    069: What It Takes To Be Studio Ready w/ Paul Feig

    Learn what it means to be "studio ready." We'll talk about going from an indie mindset to a powerhouse professional, how to command a multi-million dollar set, scaling your vision, and more! To join these talks live and ask YOUR questions, as well as be in the know for events, classes, and career advancement initiatiaves, join (it's free!) allfilmmakerswelcome.com. Guest Host: Lauren White (actor/writer) More on our guest:Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work has earned over $1B worldwide. A master of sharp, character-driven comedy and stylish genre play, his films include BRIDESMAIDS, THE HEAT, SPY, A SIMPLE FAVOR and its global #1 sequel ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR, LAST CHRISTMAS, GHOSTBUSTERS, and Lionsgate’s THE HOUSEMAID. Recent credits also include THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL for Netflix, and Prime Video hit JACKPOT!In 2025, Feig directed ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, which broke records as Prime Video’s second most watched original thriller ever. Finishing off the year, he directed THE HOUSEMAID starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which earned over $300 million at the global box office, becoming Feig’s most successful film to date.On television, Feig created the landmark series FREAKS AND GEEKS and directed and produced THE OFFICE, earning the DGA Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Through Pretty Dangerous Pictures, previously Feigco Entertainment, and Powderkeg, he continues to champion bold voices and innovative storytelling across film, TV, and digital platforms.

  3. Aug 26

    068: Indie Distribution: How to Actually Make Money With Your Film

    Making a great film is only half the battle. The real challenge is getting it in front of audiences and turning it into a profitable investment. Join filmmaker Jason Horton, who has successfully distributed dozens of independent films, many of which have recouped their budgets and secured upfront minimum guarantees.We'll also learn what distributors are really looking for, how to position your film for the best possible deal, avoid common mistakes that cost filmmakers money, what budget ranges do best, and develop a strategy that gives your project the best chance to earn a return. If your goal is not just to make films, but to build a sustainable career doing it, this is a session you will not want to miss. To join us live and ask your questions, as well as be in the know about events, classes, and career advancement initiatiaves, become a member (it's free!) at allfilmmakerswelcome.com. Your host: Director/Producer Jenn Page Today's guest: Writer/Director J. Horton is a dynamic force in the film industry,celebrated for his ability to seamlessly cross genre boundaries and a steadfast commitment to "getting it done." With a diverse portfolio that includes producing over 80 feature films and numerous documentaries, Horton is not just a filmmaker; he’s a prolific creator who thrives on bringing new stories to life every year. Continually upping his game, J. Horton is more than a filmmaker; he's a mentor and advocate for the indie film community.J's work: youtube.com/jhortonTikTok, Instagram and Threads: @thejhorton

  4. Aug 26

    067: The Director/Cinematographer: One role, double duty, an overload of responsibility

    What happens when the person shaping the story is also the one behind the camera? The relationship between a director and cinematographer is already a delicate creative balance, but combining both roles creates an entirely different challenge. If you want to join live and ask YOUR questions, as well as be in the know about events, classes, and career advancement initiatives, join (it's free) at AllFilmmakersWelcome.com. Your Host: Jenn Page (Film & TV Director/Producer)As a DP, your focus naturally shifts toward lighting, framing, lenses, and the technical side of creating beautiful images. As a director, your responsibility is guiding performance, shaping emotion, and making sure the story connects with the audience.But when one person takes on both roles, something often has to give. It becomes surprisingly easy to get lost chasing the perfect shot while forgetting the actors standing right in front of you. Can you truly stay present for performance while also thinking about exposure, camera movement, and composition?Let’s discuss the unique challenges, creative advantages, and lessons that come with trying to wear both hats at once. More on our guest:William Hellmuth is a Los Angeles-based DP and director who has shot for brands like NBC, NERF, HONDA, MANSCAPED and more. His career has taken him around the world shooting feature films, feature documentaries, and commercials. Coupling a strong visual eye with a desire to infuse meaning into every moment of whatever he's filming, William has a deep love for genre filmmaking.Links:(Main site)https://williamhellmuth.com(ALONE: Director/DP work):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afy3PqqfTT0(DIXIELAND: Director/DP work):https://youtu.be/wdJrfuEf1Hw?is=HnZnaZNF5sL8nbIU(OTAA non-iron shirts: Director/DP commercial work):https://youtu.be/dC-6ej3QNM4?is=LJVzxsK4BMICyf9s

  5. 07/10/2025

    066: All Things Music: Acquiring, Licensing, Composing and Getting it Right!

    Acquiring, Licensing, Composing and Getting it Right!Music can make or break your film so let's make sure you have all the right elements in place!In this workshop you'll learn:-How you can acquire music rights to popular songs-What are the rules around music sites like Artlist-What contracts and licensing do you need for each kind of music you acquire-Working with a composer to get the right feel for your filmOur panel includes a music supervisor, composer, and producer. There will be plenty of time for Q&A to get your specific questions answered as well!Join us for free classes by joining (free) at BlackmagicCollective.com

  6. 07/03/2025

    065: TV Directing

    Join our panel of working television directors to learn about their process. This week we have a guest host and three kick ass TV directors! To join us live and get your questions answered be a part of our filmmaker group (it's free!) by clicking JOIN NOW at BlackmagicCollective.com or be a part of our private FaceBook group at AllFilmmakersWelcome.com.​GUESTS: LIONEL COLEMAN cut his teeth at CBS news, learning the language of documentary storytelling before becoming a DGA commercial director and working with brands like Nike, Hyundai and Adidas. He is an alumni of the CBS Diversity Director program and is currently directing episodic network television with recent episodes on NCIS Hawai’i, NCIS (Mothership and New Orleans), All Rise and God Friended Me. In addition to his mainstream work, Lionel directs documentary and narrative films to explore his fascination with the human condition, in particular the challenges we face with race, bias, and prejudice. His 2022 film These Final Hours explores just such a topic, and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award as well as winning several film festivals. MILENA GOVICH is a director, actor, and musician who has helmed many episodes of TV, including FBI: Most Wanted, The Equalizer, Leverage: Redemption, Chicago Fire, among others.She also served as Co-EP/Producing Director on Dick Wolf's CBS series FBI, and is attached to direct two pilots in development. Milena was one of eight filmmakers selected for AFI's prestigiousDirecting Workshop For Women, as well as the exclusive Sony Pictures TV Diverse Directors Program, the Universal Directors Initiative, and received the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant. Hershort film and TV series proof-of-concept Unspeakable, starring Laura Vandervoort and Jeff Kober, starring Laura Vandervoort and Jeff Kober, had its World Premiere at SXSW and won Best Episodic at Seattle Int’l Film Festival . DAVID STASSEN most recently co-created, executive produced and directed RUNNING POINT starring Kate Hudson for Netflix alongside Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz. He also co-wrote,executive produced and directed Mel Brooks’ HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART II for Hulu. Dave and Ike were also recently writers and Executive Producers on the animated Netflix comedy CHICAGO PARTY AUNT. Dave previously worked on THE MINDY PROJECT as a writer, director & EP. GUEST HOST: LAUREN WHITE is an award-winning actor and producer from Baltimore, hon. Far more exciting than that sentence seems, Lauren is a force on and off screen: she graduated at 16, is acting like her Masters Degree in Physiology, Biomechanics and Kinesiology is going to good use, and possesses comedic timing sharper than a bespoke suit.Notable performances on NBC, Netflix, FOX, HBO, TBS, BET, Lifetime, 2 seasons on Amazon (which put her in the running for an Emmy nomination) and 4 seasons of the improv series, Little Bits.With a deep love for animals, she actively volunteers with multiple animal rescues, is a huge fan of black bean nachos and can bend single knuckles on her fingers.

  7. 02/14/2025

    064: Alternate Distribution Options for Indie Filmmakers (with producer Nancy Criss)

    Are you looking to have more control over your distribution? Do you want to learn ways to get your film out there through non-traditional options? Indie distribution companies, indie streamers, and filmmaker-controlled platforms give you back your power. They have more transparency when it comes to rev share too. Through our discussion with Nancy Criss, whose distribution channels are numerous (Tubi, Walmart, Up Faith & Family, Plex, Amazon, Netflix, and her own), we'll learn about more options for indie filmmakers to take control back. (Episode 64) Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Looking for a full service production company or pre-list stage with talk show set, green & white cyc, XR wall, and more?!? Check out Heart On Fire Studios and if you book directly and tell us you found us on The Working Director Podcast you'll receive 10% off your first booking! Looking for a filmmaker community? Join our private FB group for directors so you can attend these live conversations and get your questions answered. allfilmmakerswelcome.com

  8. 02/14/2025

    063: DIY PR (with Publicist Amanda Samoyloff)

    LEARN HOW TO DO YOUR OWN PR FOR YOUR FILMIn this special class edition of The Working Director, in association with Blackmagic Collective and sponsored by Blackmagic Design, Amanda Samoyloff, Founder and Principal of Samoyloff PR (SPR), a Los Angeles-based, full-service public relations and branding agency that champions the personal and professional reputations of diverse clients, will help filmmakers understand when and how to get their films out to the masses through PR. (Episode 63) Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to be notified when the next accelerator goes live and other fun events fill out the form on our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also go there to join our private FB group for directors so you can attend these live conversations and get your questions answered; as well as, to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster.

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About

Helping emerging filmmakers become working directors faster. This weekly podcast will ask filmmakers the tough questions and offer guidance every step of the way with one goal in mind: help you make a living doing what you love, directing. For even more help expanding your directing career, visit TheWorkingDirector.Pro. There you can apply to be in our accelerator that helps you go from where you currently are to where you want to be; as well as, join our free private FB group. Hosted by director Jenn Page.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenn Page
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jenn Page
  • Show Website
    The Working Director

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