The FilmUp Podcast

Aryeh Hoppenstein
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Film Interviews
  • Weekly

Welcome to The FilmUp Podcast, Your Home For All Things Filmmaking. I'm Aryeh, founder of FilmUp, here to explore the journey of accomplished filmmakers and their road to success. Each podcast episode is dedicated to a non-profit of our guest’s choosing to both highlight our interviewee’s passion outside of filmmaking and bring awareness to a good cause. Our goal is to use Film to move the world Up - FilmUp. Come join us for this week's episode and let's explore the world of filmmaking together.

  1. 2d ago

    #118 - Lester Platt and Nick Barr - Founder of STLL Studios and Texas Director, Writer, and Producer

    This week, we're joined by two incredibly talented filmmakers: Lester Platt, director, cinematographer, and founder of STLL Studios, and Nick Barr, writer, producer, and director! They are both based in Austin TX, and we discuss what brought their filmmaking journeys to Texas, and why they're sticking around. Lester is a filmmaker and cinematographer who's spent over a decade blending cinematic craft with strategic brand storytelling for clients like H-E-B, Morgan Stanley, and L'Oréal, earning three Telly Awards along the way. Nick got his start reading scripts for DreamWorks before rising to Creative Director at one of the fastest-growing ad agencies in the country, and now leads narrative production at STLL. Together they're building a slate of story-driven films made in Texas. Lester and Nick are also big supporters of the Sunrise Navigation Center, a non-profit that provides pathways to housing and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness in Austin. You can learn more by going to sunrisenavigationcenter.org.  Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #118 - Lester Platt and Nick Barr - Founder of STLL Studios and Texas Director, Writer, and Producer

  2. Oct 20

    #117 - David Lipper and Bobby Daly Jr. - Founders of Latigo Films

    Today, we're joined by two incredible men and the founders of Latigo Films, David Lipper and Bobby Daly Jr. Having spent decades in and around the film industry, they've taken the skills, knowledge, and relationships they've built along the way to create a company focused on developing, financing, and producing films. In this episode, we discuss their journeys through the industry, what they've discovered about producing and financing films, and the lessons they've learned from bringing projects to life. David Lipper got his start in Canada, landing a starring role on CTV's Time of Your Life at just 18, and has since starred in more than 60 films and 200 episodes of television. That time on set led him to producing and directing, and since 2014 he's produced more than 44 films, every one delivered on time, on budget and with worldwide distribution. His partner Bobby Daly began at Warner Bros., Sony and Fox, working on classics like The Lost Boys and Free Willy, then spent years as a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley advising clients in entertainment and media. Together they founded Latigo Films, which has produced more than 15 films since 2021 and built a reputation for cracking the tough financing and production problems of independent film.  David and Bobby are also big supporters of Awakening Recovery a non-profit dedicated to providing a structured, life-changing path to sustainable recovery with no financial barriers.  You can learn more by going to awakeningrecovery.org. Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #117 - David Lipper and Bobby Daly Jr. - Founders of Latigo Films

  3. Oct 13

    #116 - Nick Martini - Director and Founder of Stept Studios

    Today, we're thrilled to be joined by the incredibly talented director, Nick Martini! Nick proves that going all in on your passion can take you to places you never imagined. Nick is the founder of Stept Studios, one of the fastest-growing creative and production companies in advertising, alongside Lockt Post and Vault Rentals. What started as a passion for skiing and making films with his brother grew into a global creative business with more than 80 team members across Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. After years as a professional skier, Nick transitioned into commercial filmmaking, landing his first major production with Under Armour and a young Steph Curry. Since then, he has directed campaigns for Apple, Toyota, Ford, and The North Face, working with athletes like Peyton Manning, Patrick Mahomes, and Coco Gauff. His work has taken him across six continents, earned recognition at the Sundance Brand Storytelling Awards, and expanded into documentaries and feature films. Through it all, Nick has continued to push the boundaries of filmmaking, turning ambitious ideas into stories that make people feel something. Nick is also a big supporter of Yellowstone Forever, a non-profit dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy.  You can learn more by going to yellowstone.org.  Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #116 - Nick Martini - Director and Founder of Stept Studios

  4. Oct 6

    #115 - Jennifer Idol - Award-Winning Underwater Photographer and Filmmaker

    This week, we're joined by underwater photographer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller Jennifer Idol, who in 2015 became the first woman to dive in all 50 U.S. states after a five-year, 72,000-mile journey. She chronicled the experience in her book An American Immersion, and her work has since appeared in DIVER, Scuba Diving, and BBC Earth. Jennifer first discovered her passion for the underwater world at just 14 years old when she took her first dive in Cozumel. Today, she's a PADI AmbassaDiver, Explorers Club Fellow, and co-host of the Protected Waters film series. She's also preparing to co-lead Sea Americas, a 14-member, all-female expedition and documentary following divers from Canada through Central and South America. Beyond documenting the underwater world, Jennifer is passionate about protecting it. She's a strong supporter of the Coral Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring endangered coral reefs and empowering coastal communities to protect their marine ecosystems. You can learn more about the Coral Restoration Foundation at coralrestoration.org. For more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp's initiatives, visit filmup.co/filmup-podcast.

    #115 - Jennifer Idol - Award-Winning Underwater Photographer and Filmmaker

  5. Sep 29

    #114 - Andy Horwitz - Prolific Producer and Founder of Big Swell Entertainment

    This week, we have one of our greatest conversations to date with the incredible producer, Andy Horwitz. He is proof that hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of persistence  can turn your dreams into reality. We cover his entire career, from starting out on The Dark Knight, to producing American Hustle, to founding his own independent production company and producing his first two features in one year.  Andy Horwitz is a film and television producer and entertainment executive with over 19 years of experience in the entertainment business. He is the founder and CEO of Big Swell Entertainment, a next-generation production company built to navigate the evolving Hollywood landscape. Prior to launching Big Swell in 2023, Horwitz spent 15 years at Charles Roven’s Atlas Entertainment, most recently serving as Executive Vice President. During his time at Atlas, he helped produce tentpole films, independent features, television series, and podcasts across the studio and independent film systems, with the company’s productions collectively generating over $8.5 billion worldwide.  His producing credits include J.C. Chandor’s TRIPLE FRONTIER, David O. Russell’s AMERICAN HUSTLE, and David Ayer’s SUICIDE SQUAD, as well as THE HOLLOW POINT and MOJAVE. His work spans the full filmmaking process, from development and financing through production and release, and he has built a deep network of creative relationships throughout the industry. Since launching Big Swell Entertainment, Horwitz has established the company as a home for the next generation of producers and filmmakers. The company currently has several high-profile projects in development, with two films in post-production and another slated to begin production in 2027. Andy is also a big supporter of Angel City Pitbulls, a non-profit dedicated to changing the public perception of pit bulls through rescue, adoption, foster care, education, and owner support in the Los Angeles area. You can learn more by going to AngelCityPits.org. Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #114 - Andy Horwitz - Prolific Producer and Founder of Big Swell Entertainment

  6. Sep 22

    #113 - Siena Oberman - Acclaimed Producer and Founder of Artemis Pictures

    Today's guest is the hardworking, insightful, and inspiring producer, Siena Oberman, whose accomplishments and staggering body of work make it hard to believe she hasn't been working in the industry for decades. We have a fascinating conversation about how Siena founded and continues to run a successful production and financing company, how filmmakers can finance and produce their films in an ever-evolving industry, and the exciting signs of growth we're seeing across the film industry. Siena is the founder of Artemis, a production finance company focused on audience-driven visionary filmmakers. She’s been involved in producing and financing over 25 features, including COMPANY, DEAD MAN’S WIRE, FAIRYLAND, THE GOOD MOTHER, and MAINSTREAM, and has executive produced projects including SUNNY starring Angelina Jolie and SKIN directed by Guy Nattiv. With experience across development, production, and financing, her films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride, Venice, and Berlinale. She is a Variety Producer to Watch, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and NextGen Leader in the Creative Coalition. Siena is also a big supporter of Prevent Child Abuse America, a non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect before it happens. You can learn more by going to preventchildabuse.org. Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #113 - Siena Oberman - Acclaimed Producer and Founder of Artemis Pictures

  7. Sep 15

    #112 - Jonathan Hsu - Award-Winning Producer, Amazon Best-Selling Author, and Founder of Hsubox Productions

    Today, we sit down with the talented producer, Jonathan Hsu, for one of our most poignant discussions about the cathartic and healing power of filmmaking.  Jonathan Hsu is an award-winning producer and founder of Hsubox Productions Inc.. He built his career with no cash, no contacts, and no shortcuts. From NYU student films and no-budget music videos to award-winning films and commercial campaigns for global brands. He learned what it takes to get hired, stay hired, and grow from passion projects into a sustainable film business. Now he shares the playbook for doing the same. He has partnered with global brands including Apple, Netflix, Meta, and more. His Oscar qualified work has been selected and awarded at Sundance, Slamdance, Berlinale, Busan, and Tribeca. Jonathan is dedicated to both the craft and business of filmmaking, and is excited to see the stories of the next generation of creators. Jonathan is also a big supporter of Caring Across Generations, a non-profit dedicated to changing the culture and policy of care in America. You can learn more by visiting CaringAcross.org.Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #112 - Jonathan Hsu - Award-Winning Producer, Amazon Best-Selling Author, and Founder of Hsubox Productions

  8. Sep 8

    #111 - Mynette Louie - Film Independent-Spirit Award-Winning Producer, Columbia University Professor of Creative Producing, and Producer Advocate

    This week’s guest is a powerhouse producer with dozens of incredible credits under her belt. Beyond her myriad of award-winning films, she is a professor at Columbia University and a vocal advocate pushing back against the growing challenges in the producing profession. Please welcome Mynette Louie!Mynette is a Spirit Award-winning, Emmy and Critics Choice-nominated producer. Her credits include Suzanne Andrews Correa’s Sundance 2026 selection THE HUNTRESS, Eric Lin’s Locarno-winning Tribeca 2025 selection ROSEMEAD (Vertical), Heidi Ewing’s Sundance-winning, Spirit Award-nominated I CARRY YOU WITH ME (Sony Pictures Classics), Carlo Mirabella-Davis’ Tribeca-winning, Gotham-nominated SWALLOW (IFC Films), Jennifer Fox’s Emmy, Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Spirit Award-nominated THE TALE (HBO), Karyn Kusama’s THE INVITATION (Drafthouse/Netflix), and Martha Stephens & Aaron Katz’s Spirit Award-winning LAND HO! (Sony Pictures Classics). Louie serves on the Board of Directors of Film Independent, the Producers Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is a member of Producers United and the Television Academy. She was named one of Business Insider’s “12 Movie Producers at the Top of Their Game to Watch in 2020 and Beyond,” Ted Hope’s “21 Brave Thinkers of Truly Free Film,” and Indiewire’s “100 Filmmakers to Follow on Twitter.” She is also an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Co-Head of Creative Producing at Columbia University’s graduate film program. A native New Yorker, Louie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University, where she studied Chinese literature and film. Mynette has chosen to support The Jed Foundation for this episode. Learn more about ways to support them at jedfoundation.org. Check out filmup.co/filmup-podcast for more information about the podcast and all of FilmUp’s initiatives!

    #111 - Mynette Louie - Film Independent-Spirit Award-Winning Producer, Columbia University Professor of Creative Producing, and Producer Advocate
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About

Welcome to The FilmUp Podcast, Your Home For All Things Filmmaking. I'm Aryeh, founder of FilmUp, here to explore the journey of accomplished filmmakers and their road to success. Each podcast episode is dedicated to a non-profit of our guest’s choosing to both highlight our interviewee’s passion outside of filmmaking and bring awareness to a good cause. Our goal is to use Film to move the world Up - FilmUp. Come join us for this week's episode and let's explore the world of filmmaking together.

Information

  • Creator
    Aryeh Hoppenstein
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Aryeh Hoppenstein
  • Show Website
    The FilmUp Podcast

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