Best in Fest

Leslie LaPage
  • 4.8 (18)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Host Leslie LaPage, Director of LaFemme International Film Festival uncovers the Secrets of Filmmaking with her lineup of industry professional guests. In every episode you will learn things like how to make the most out of the film festival circuit, how to find a great distribution partner, how to attract A list talent, finding the perfect representation, the dirty little secrets of Hollywood and much more.

  1. 1D AGO

    How to Finance & Package Films Without Studios: Kevin Nicklaus on IP, Indie Production & Hollywood’s Shift

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Kevin Nicklaus, Head of Production and Partner at Sandstone Artists, a company focused on talent management, literary development, and film/TV production. With a background in studio development and experience working on major projects, Kevin shares how the entertainment industry is evolving—and what it really takes to finance, package, and produce films outside the traditional Hollywood system. In this episode, you’ll learn:  🎬 Why the traditional studio system is no longer the primary path for filmmakers 💰 How independent film financing actually works (equity, tax incentives, and gap funding) 🧩 How to package a film: attaching talent, IP, and building a financing strategy 📊 Why building an audience first (via comics, IP, or digital platforms) is critical 🌍 How global IP—especially from markets like Korea—is reshaping Hollywood development 🎥 Why more producers are focusing on features instead of television 🤝 How to find investors and unconventional partners outside traditional studios 🧠 What managers look for in new writers and creators today 📱 Why creators must build their own ecosystem and audience to stand outKevin also breaks down the realities of today’s production landscape—including why studios are no longer taking the same financial risks, how independent teams are replacing legacy systems, and what filmmakers must do to stay competitive.

    32 min

  2. MAR 24

    How to Distribute an Independent Documentary with Theresa Demarest: Festivals, Amazon Prime & Audience Building

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Theresa Demarest, an independent documentary filmmaker whose unconventional path to filmmaking includes life as a musician, critical care nurse, and activist storyteller. Theresa shares how she transitioned into documentary filmmaking while telling the powerful story of Keiko—the orca made famous in Free Willy—and how that project launched her career behind the camera. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎥 How Theresa created her first documentary, Keiko: The Untold Story of the Star of Free Willy🐋 What it was like documenting the real-life story of Keiko the whale and the movement to return him to the wild🎬 How independent filmmakers can navigate festivals, distribution, and streaming platforms📺 How documentaries get placed on platforms like Amazon Prime and Vimeo🎞️ Why aggregators are essential for distributing independent films🐎 The inspiration behind her latest documentary, Throwaway Horses📊 The realities of funding and promoting a documentary film without investors🎟️ How grassroots screenings and nonprofit partnerships help build audiences🎤 Why filmmakers must actively market their films even after landing distributionTheresa also explains the behind-the-scenes realities of documentary filmmaking—from rough-cut screenings and festival feedback to building grassroots audiences through advocacy groups and targeted communities.

    38 min

  3. MAR 17

    How Actors Land Managers, Self-Tape Auditions & Survive Hollywood’s Industry Slowdown with Amanda Hendon

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Amanda Hendon, owner and president of Entertainment 333, a full-service talent management company representing actors in film and television. With decades of experience working with major agencies, casting offices, and production companies, Amanda shares an insider perspective on how actors build sustainable careers in Hollywood—and how the industry is evolving in the wake of strikes, streaming disruption, and emerging AI technology. In this episode, we discuss: 🎭 What talent managers actually do for actors and how careers are built🎬 How actors land representation and what managers look for in new talent📼 The realities of the self-tape audition era🌍 Why many actors are now working internationally in places like Ireland and Europe📉 How the Hollywood slowdown and recent strikes have affected working actors🤖 How AI tools—from headshots to production tech—are impacting the industry🎥 Why Amanda is expanding from talent management into film producing📚 The true-story film project she’s developing about James Dean and Liz Sheridan💡 Practical advice for actors navigating today’s competitive entertainment industryAmanda also shares candid insights about the difference between emerging and established talent, the realities of representation in Los Angeles, and why persistence and strong communication remain essential for actors trying to break through.

    27 min

  4. MAR 10

    AI, Big Tech & Hollywood: What Creators Need to Know About the Next Media Revolution with Laura Sydell

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Laura Sydell, an award-winning journalist, audio producer, and storyteller best known for her work covering digital culture and technology for NPR programs including Planet Money, This American Life, and more. After two decades reporting from the front lines of Silicon Valley, Laura now brings that insider perspective to narrative storytelling and screenwriting, developing techno-thrillers and sci-fi projects inspired by the real forces shaping our digital world. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎙️ How Laura transitioned from public radio journalism to screenwriting and TV development💻 What it was like covering the rise of Silicon Valley and the early internet era📀 How Napster and digital file sharing reshaped the entertainment industry📺 The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and the transformation of television storytelling🤖 What artificial intelligence could mean for writers, filmmakers, and creatives🎬 Why human storytelling still matters in the age of AI📱 How new technology tools are empowering independent creators🌍 Why international TV markets are growing while Hollywood faces disruption🧠 How real-world tech trends inspire speculative fiction and techno-thrillersLaura also discusses how years of reporting on big tech influence her current writing projects, including stories about data privacy, AI, and the growing power of Silicon Valley companies.

    36 min

  5. MAR 3

    TikTok for Filmmakers: How to Build a Personal Brand and Grow an Audience Online with Shawn Bailey

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage speaks with Shawn Bailey, entrepreneur, social media strategist, and founder of the WanderPreneur Agency. Shawn specializes in helping creators, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs understand the TikTok ecosystem and turn their content into a growing digital brand. As filmmakers increasingly rely on social media to build audiences before distribution, Shawn breaks down how platforms like TikTok can be used strategically to grow visibility, connect with collaborators, and even monetize content through live streaming and creator engagement. In this episode, you’ll learn: 📱 How filmmakers can use TikTok to build a personal brand and audience🎥 Why movies are just another form of content in today’s creator economy🚀 How the TikTok algorithm works and how to reach the “For You Page”🎙️ Why going live daily can accelerate audience growth⏱️ Optimal video length for small creators and how watch time affects the algorithm🤝 How creators collaborate and cross-promote on TikTok💰 How monetization works through TikTok live gifts and creator engagement📊 Why analytics matter when choosing when and how often to post🌍 How filmmakers can use social media to attract producers, casting directors, and collaboratorsShawn also shares practical strategies for creators who are nervous about showing up on camera, explaining why authenticity and consistency are the keys to building trust and growing an online community.

    36 min

  6. FEB 24

    Indie Filmmaking in a Broken System: Maegan La’Trese on Tax Incentives, Vertical Video & Surviving Hollywood

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Maegan La’Trese Fillmore — director, producer, activist, and founder of Hudson Fillmore — for a no-nonsense conversation about the real economics of independent filmmaking today. Maegan shares her journey from overseeing productions at Comedy Central, VH1, MTV, the NFL, YouTube Originals, and Paramount to directing award-winning indie projects like Soul Tie, and why she ultimately chose to build outside the studio system. In this episode, we break down: 🎥 Why California tax incentives fail independent filmmakers💰 The $1M budget floor problem — and what indies can do instead🌍 Shooting outside California vs. Europe and emerging U.S. markets🧾 How film slates and funds actually leverage tax incentives🤝 Why tech investors are replacing traditional indie financiers📱 Vertical video explained — formats, budgets, and monetization reality🎬 What Quibi got right (and wrong) about short-form storytelling🧠 Union vs non-union strategy in a shrinking job market🏆 Building culturally specific films that still travel globally🔥 Why most indie films help careers — not investorsMaegan also discusses the future of vertical storytelling, the dopamine economics behind short-form content, why China is currently the only market making real money from vertical series, and how filmmakers can stay creative — and solvent — in a volatile industry.

    40 min

  7. FEB 17

    How to Break Into Screenwriting Later in Life with Sandhya Hermon

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Sandhya Hermon — an award-winning screenwriter and former research psychologist — to explore how a second career in storytelling can emerge from lived experience, global identity, and persistence. Sandhya shares her journey from earning a doctorate in psychology to pursuing an MFA in screenwriting at UT Austin, and how her scripts have gone on to place at top competitions including Austin Film Festival, PAGE Awards, BlueCat, Nichols Fellowship, and more. In this episode, we explore: 🧠 Transitioning from psychology to screenwriting later in life✍️ How life experience strengthens character and theme🏆 Navigating screenwriting fellowships, contests, and labs📚 The difference between fellowships, competitions, and coverage🌍 Writing culturally specific stories with universal appeal🎬 Why global and diaspora stories are gaining traction🐕 Turning personal memory into an animated short🧩 Developing a sustainable writing process and slate🎥 Breaking into the industry without traditional connections💡 Why community and mentorship matter for emerging writersSandhya also discusses her feature scripts set in India, her latest project Once Upon a Time in Bombay, the realities of today’s screenwriting market, and why streaming platforms have opened new doors for diverse voices and international stories.

    27 min

  8. FEB 10

    How an Emmy-Winning Documentary Was Made Outside Hollywood’s System with Arden Teresa Lewis

    In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Arden Theresa Lewis — Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, playwright, and former educator — for a powerful conversation about creative reinvention, historical storytelling, and why it’s never too late to make meaningful work. Arden shares the eight-year journey behind her Daytime Emmy Award–winning documentary Leveling Lincoln, a film that explores school integration in the North and the hidden history of systemic inequality. What began as a learning experience became her film school — proving that passion, persistence, and purpose can outperform traditional industry paths. In this episode, we explore: 🏆 How Leveling Lincoln won a Daytime Emmy after an eight-year production🎓 Transitioning from teaching to professional filmmaking later in life📱 Why story matters more than gear — and how a phone can start a film career🎥 Learning documentary filmmaking while making the documentary🧠 Using history to humanize modern social issues🌍 Her next documentary on WWII civilian prison camps in the Philippines🎭 Blending documentary, theater, and narrative storytelling🎬 Turning stage work into potential film and TV projects💡 Advice for creatives afraid to start because they feel “too late”❤️ Why creativity is rooted in reconnecting with the inner childArden also discusses her current stage production Cassatt at Theater West in Hollywood, her upcoming documentary currently filming overseas, and how hybrid creators can build sustainable creative lives across multiple mediums.

    33 min
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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Host Leslie LaPage, Director of LaFemme International Film Festival uncovers the Secrets of Filmmaking with her lineup of industry professional guests. In every episode you will learn things like how to make the most out of the film festival circuit, how to find a great distribution partner, how to attract A list talent, finding the perfect representation, the dirty little secrets of Hollywood and much more.

Information

  • Creator
    Leslie LaPage
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Best in Fest
  • Show Website
    Best in Fest