Fish's Call Sheet

Michael Fishman
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Michael Fishman shares a behind the scenes view of the entertainment industry, celebrating the talented people who make film, television, and streaming production possible. 

  1. 14h ago

    Valerie Weiss: Director, Producer, Writer - The Scientist Directing Hollywood’s Biggest Stories

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with director, writer, producer, and scientist Dr. Valerie Weiss for a fascinating conversation about creativity, courage, sustainability, and the science of storytelling. Valerie’s journey is anything but ordinary. Before directing across film and television, she earned a doctorate in science and learned how to ask big questions, test ideas, adapt to results, and keep searching for the truth. Now, she brings that same curiosity and discipline to the screen. using the scientific method not just in the lab, but in the creative process. She has directed projects including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Outer Banks, Echoes, Mixtape, The Archer, and A Light Beneath Their Feet, while also serving on DGA sustainability committees and advocating for more sustainable production practices.  She is an award-winning filmmaker and scientist with a Harvard Ph.D., and her public bio highlights work across action, thriller, drama, science fiction, comedy, streaming, broadcast, and features.  Together, Michael and Valerie explore what it means to chase a dream before the path is obvious, how failure becomes part of success, and why the best creative breakthroughs often come from experimentation. Valerie shares how she approaches character, story, genre, performance, and audience engagement with both artistic instinct and scientific precision. They also discuss Valerie’s passion for sustainability, the responsibility creators have to the world around them, and the power of entertainment to inspire change without losing joy, emotion, or momentum. From directing major television series to developing meaningful projects that connect with audiences in fresh ways, Valerie offers a rare look at how intellect, heart, preparation, and imagination can work together. Insightful, inspiring, and full of practical wisdom, this conversation is for filmmakers, dreamers, science lovers, storytellers, and anyone trying to build a creative life with purpose. Valerie Weiss reminds us that failure is not the opposite of success. Sometimes, it is the experiment that gets you closer to the story you were meant to tell. Valerie Weiss Links: Website - http://www.valerieheatherweiss.com/ Socials - @valerie.weiss.director AFI - https://watch.afi.com/talent/valerie-weiss You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  2. Aug 25

    Erica Montolfo-Bura: Writer, Producer - Inside the Writers’ Room, Cancel Culture, and the Mayor of Lanford. Jokes, Stars, and the Story Behind the Story

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with writer and producer Erica Montolfo-Bura for a smart, honest, and revealing conversation about what it really takes to write television that connects. Erica takes us inside the writers’ room, where character, story, jokes, audience reaction, creative pressure, and collaboration all collide. Together, Michael and Erica explore how meaningful television is shaped, from writing for specific characters, to building jokes that only those characters could say, to navigating stars, producers, network expectations, and the evolving relationship between shows and their audiences. They also discuss the challenges of creating comedy in a culture where every line can be examined, debated, celebrated, or criticized. Erica shares insight into facing public reaction, listening to the audience without losing the story, and finding the balance between honesty, humor, responsibility, and creative freedom. With warmth and humor, Erica calls Michael the “Mayor of Lanford,” opening the door to a personal conversation about legacy, trust, and what it means to be part of a show that audiences feel they own. This episode is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft of writing television: how rooms work, how jokes survive, how characters grow, and how creators are finding new interactive ways to bring audiences deeper into the storytelling process. Funny, thoughtful, timely, and full of real industry insight, this conversation is for anyone who loves television, writes comedy, studies storytelling, or wants to understand how the shows we care about are built from the inside out. Links for Erica Montolfo-Bura: IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0600132/ Social - @emontey You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  3. Aug 18

    John Boyd: Camera - Pedestals, Pressure, and the Art of the Perfect Camera Shot

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with camera operator John Boyd for a fascinating, funny, and deeply appreciative look at the craft behind the camera. John takes viewers inside the fast-moving world of multi-cam sitcoms and soap operas, where every move matters, every frame has purpose, and the camera team has to capture comedy, emotion, timing, and truth in real time. From the outside, a pedestal camera may look like equipment. In John’s hands, it becomes part instinct, part choreography, part storytelling, and part athletic performance. Together, Michael and John explore how he found his way into the business, what it takes to operate at the highest level, and the hidden complexity behind capturing iconic television moments. John shares the secrets of moving with actors, anticipating performances, adjusting under pressure, and working as part of a team where timing can make or break a scene. This conversation opens a window into one of the most essential jobs on set, the person who helps decide what the audience sees, feels, remembers, and replays. With warmth, technical insight, great stories, and a clear love for the business, John Boyd reminds us that the magic of television is not only in front of the camera. Sometimes, it is in the hands, eyes, instincts, and heart of the person operating it. John Boyd Links: Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/john-boyd IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5048933/ Pedestal Camera— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_pedestal You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  4. Aug 11

    Zabrina Matiru: Makeup - The Artist Behind the Face. Makeup, Identity, and the Power of Feeling Seen

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with makeup artist and designer Zabrina Matiru for a beautiful, revealing, and deeply human conversation about the artistry, trust, and care behind every face audiences see on screen. Born in Kenya, shaped by a multicultural upbringing, and later building her career in Canada, Zabrina brings a rare perspective to her work that's rooted in color, texture, travel, identity, and compassion.  She shares her journey into the entertainment industry, from discovering makeup through design and special effects, to building a career helping actors transform into characters while still feeling safe, respected, and seen. Together, Michael and Zabrina explore the makeup chair as one of the most intimate spaces on a set. It is where performers begin their day, where characters come to life, where trust is built, and where the tone for an entire production can be set in a matter of minutes. Zabrina opens up about character design, continuity, aging, illness, fantasy, beauty, skin tone, representation, and why the best makeup often works so well that audiences never notice it. This conversation also reaches beyond entertainment. Zabrina speaks powerfully about confidence, authenticity, and the pressure people feel to fit into narrow standards of beauty. With honesty and heart, she reminds us that individual beauty is far more interesting than trying to look like everyone else. Insightful, practical, emotional, and unexpectedly inspiring, this episode gives viewers a new appreciation for the artists who help shape what we see and the caregivers who help people feel comfortable in their own skin. Zabrina Matiru Links: Zabrina's Website  —  https://zabrinamatiru.com/ Socials  — @zabrinamakeup IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1339480/ IATSE Site — https://ourwork.ca/blogroll/posts/member-spotlight-zabrina-matiru-on-black-history-black-futures-month/ You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  5. Aug 4

    Caleb Spillyards: Stunts How Hollywood Fights Are Really Made. The Body, the Camera, and the Story Behind the Battles

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with stunt performer and fight coordinator Caleb Spillyards for a raw, energetic, and revealing conversation about the world of stunts, screen fighting, and what it really takes to make action look effortless. Caleb shares his journey into the entertainment industry, the grind of building a career one opportunity at a time, and the physical demands required to perform, coordinate, and survive in one of the most intense parts of production. From training and preparation to trust, timing, safety, and storytelling, Caleb breaks down the discipline behind the moments audiences feel but rarely understand. Together, Michael and Caleb explore how great fight scenes are built — not just through choreography, but through character, camera, rhythm, emotion, and purpose. They talk about the responsibility of protecting performers, the teamwork required to sell danger safely, and why the best action is never just about impact. It is about making the audience believe the stakes. Caleb also opens up about sharing his knowledge online, helping filmmakers, performers, and creators understand how to design action that feels cinematic, clear, and connected to story. Honest, physical, practical, and full of hard-earned insight, this episode gives viewers a deeper respect for the artists who put their bodies on the line to bring unforgettable moments to screen. Caleb Spillyards Links: IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3710906/ Socials — @CalebSpillyards Website — www.calebspillyards.com YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@calebspillyards You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  6. Jul 28

    Lynda Tarryk: Director - Learning Every Seat Before Taking the Chair — The Hidden Path to Primetime Director

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with director Lynda Tarryk for an inspiring, practical, and deeply insightful conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career in television. Lynda is a three-time Children’s & Family Emmy-nominated television director, with credits including The Conners, Night Court, Lopez vs. Lopez, The Upshaws, How I Met Your Father, and Raven’s Home. Tarryk shares her remarkable journey from starting as a page, to working as a switcher, becoming an Associate Director, and ultimately earning her place as an accomplished television director with credits across some of the most beloved comedies on screen. She reveals how her Associate Director background gives her a technical advantage with cameras, editing, and pace. Her story is a masterclass in preparation, persistence, humility, and learning the business from every angle before stepping fully into leadership. Together, Michael and Lynda dive into the rhythm of a working set, the pressure of live decision-making, the technical precision behind multi-camera comedy, and the people skills required to guide actors, crews, producers, and departments toward one shared vision. Lynda also opens up about teaching the next generation, passing on hard-earned knowledge, and why great directing is about far more than calling “action.” This conversation is for anyone who loves television, dreams of directing, wants to understand how a set actually works, or believes that the strongest leaders are often the ones who took the time to learn every job along the way. Honest, funny, wise, and full of real industry insight, Lynda Tarryk reminds us that success is not just about getting the opportunity. It is about being ready when the call comes. Lynda Tarryk Links: Website — https://www.lyndatarryk.com/ IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1413749/ You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  7. Jul 21

    Paige Blankenship: Producer - Building a Creative Life from the Ground Up - How to Turn Chaos Into Success

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with producer Paige Blankenship for an inspiring and practical conversation about what it really takes to build a life in production. Paige shares her journey from coming into the entertainment industry, rising from the bottom, and learning how to create her own path in a business that rarely hands anyone a roadmap. From a small town to shining in Hollywood. With experience across feature films, branded content, events, and production leadership, Paige brings a clear-eyed view of what producers actually do: they organize the impossible, protect the vision, solve problems before most people see them, and will projects into existence. Together, Michael and Paige talk about the grit behind producing, the courage required to bet on yourself, the personal growth that comes from doing hard things, and the responsibility to give back while still building forward. Paige also shares the kinds of projects that light her up, including work with comedy, heart, purpose, and social impact. This conversation is honest, energizing, and deeply useful for anyone who wants to understand how entertainment really gets made. It is about ambition without entitlement, leadership without ego, and the creative force required to turn an idea into something real. For artists, producers, filmmakers, dreamers, and anyone trying to build their own path, Paige Blankenship offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the job is not waiting for permission — it is becoming the person who makes it happen. Paige Blankenships' Links: Socials — @Blank_Paige_films IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5446761/ LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/blank-paige-films Women In Media — https://womennmedia.com/profile/paige-blankenship/ Website — https://blankpaigefilms.com/work You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

  8. Jul 14

    Tema Staig: Women In Media - Rebuilding Hollywood from the Call Sheet Up

    In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with production designer, producer, advocate, and Women In Media founder Tema Staig for a powerful conversation about creativity, collaboration, production, and the future of the entertainment industry. Tema has spent her career building worlds on screen while also building real pathways for talented women and nonbinary professionals behind the scenes. Together, Michael and Tema discuss the art of production design, the teamwork required to bring a set to life, the current state of the business, and why protecting production means protecting the people whose skill, craft, and dedication make film and television possible. As an advisory board member of Women In Media, Michael joins Tema in a deeper conversation about the organization’s mission to set a new precedent for hiring. They discuss the Women In Media talent list, training programs, mentorship, professional development, and the evolution of CAMERAderie — from short films to the launch of CAMERAderie features. This is an episode about more than advocacy. It is about action. It is about access, excellence, opportunity, and the responsibility to open doors without lowering standards. Tema shares why representation must include real hiring, real training, real community, and real chances to lead. Insightful, urgent, inspiring, and deeply practical, this conversation is for anyone who cares about the future of entertainment, the people who make it, and the power of creating sets where talent, trust, camaraderie, and opportunity can thrive. Tema Staig Links: Tema's Website — https://www.temastaiglive.com/home Tema's Socials — @temastaig Tema's LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tema-staig-46823a20 Article — https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/post/tema-staig Women In Media Links: Women In Media Website — https://womennmedia.com/ Women in Media Socials — @WomenNMedia You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show

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About

Michael Fishman shares a behind the scenes view of the entertainment industry, celebrating the talented people who make film, television, and streaming production possible. 

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Fishman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fish's Call Sheet
  • Show Website
    Fish's Call Sheet