Call Sheet Confessions

Mia LePage

Call Sheet Confessions was built from early call times, long days, career pivots, and the candid conversations that happen off-camera. The podcast creates space for entertainment industry professionals to share real advice with aspiring creatives—offering honest insight into how to break into the business, navigate the industry, and build a sustainable career.Hosted by Los Angeles–based entertainment professional Mia LePage, the show pulls back the curtain on what truly happens behind the scenes, demystifying the paths, challenges, and wins that often go unseen.

  1. 2d ago

    Take #28 | One Rule for Every Set: Be Someone People Want to Work With (feat. Justin Usami)

    From Lego stop-motion in Japan to lighting Kendrick Lamar and national commercials, chief lighting technician Justin Usami (founder of Umami Lighting LLC) sits down with host Mia LePage to talk honestly about breaking into the film industry, surviving culture shock, and learning to speak up on set. In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, Justin shares how he went from homeschooled kid making YouTube covers to a union gaffer in LA, what really keeps you getting called back on set, and the mistake on a Taco Bell job that cost him a client—but taught him how to advocate for himself and his team. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up in Japan, creative parents & Lego stop-motion beginnings Shifting from music and YouTube to film school and set life How he “fell into” grip & electric and discovered lighting Getting that first AFI set job and snowballing into more work Why attitude beats technical skill for getting rehired The politics of set life & how a gaffer protects their crew Exactly how union hours and call sheets work for lighting techs His favorite projects, including a Kendrick Lamar music video The Taco Bell shoot that went wrong and why he was dropped Learning to say “no,” leave a paper trail, and cover your ass (CYA) Living the dream in LA and building a life outside of work Who this episode is for: Aspiring gaffers, grips, and lighting techs Anyone who wants to work behind the camera in film/TV/commercials Creatives navigating perfectionism, confidence, and “failing forward” Immigrants and outsiders trying to find their place in Hollywood Anyone curious what a chief lighting technician actually does

  2. 2d ago

    Take #1 | I Ended Up in an Ambulance Before Performing with Keke Palmer | Call Sheet Confessions

    Welcome to the very first episode of Call Sheet Confessions 🎥✨ Host Mia LePage kicks off the podcast by taking you behind the scenes of her journey through the entertainment industry — from dancing professionally and going viral, to working long production days on Netflix sets and navigating the realities of gig life. In this episode, Mia shares: What inspired Call Sheet Confessions and who this podcast is for How she broke into both talent and production sides of the industry What different roles on a call sheet actually do Wild behind-the-scenes stories (including hospital runs, viral moments, and on-set chaos) Why rejection is redirection and networking matters more than you think Practical advice for aspiring dancers, creators, and production professionals This podcast is for anyone who loves entertainment, wants to work in media, or has ever wondered “Where do I fit on the call sheet?” 🎙️ New episodes feature guests from across the entertainment world — dancers, producers, choreographers, camera operators, content creators, and more — all sharing real advice, real stories, and real paths into the industry. 📍 Philly made. LA living.🎬 Entertainment, unfiltered. 🔗 Listen on Spotify:👉https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=5134yOzZR9ajz9n8g5hH3g 📸 Follow the show & host on Instagram: 👉 Host: Mia LePage —  https://www.instagram.com/mialepage 👉 Podcast: Call Sheet Confessions — https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe💬 Drop a comment with careers or guests you want us to feature🎥 Follow on Instagram for clips, teasers, and behind-the-scenes moments

  3. 2d ago

    Take #2 | Turning Content Into a Career (feat. Mar Santana) | Call Sheet Confessions

    In this episode, host Mia LePage sits down with Mar Santana — a Philly-based content creator, foodie, and one half of Philly’s Finest Foodies — for an honest conversation about building a career in content creation, navigating post-grad life, and turning passion into opportunity. Mar opens up about: • Starting content creation at a young age and growing online organically • How he transitioned into Philadelphia food content • Cold-pitching restaurants and brands (and why it actually works) • Why engagement matters more than follower count • Balancing freelancing, brand deals, and a new full-time role • The realities of post-grad job searching and creative burnout • Why you don’t need to niche yourself into a box to succeed The two also dive into: 🎙️ What’s on Your Call Sheet — a day in the life of a content creator 🔥 Hot Takes (Philly Edition) — Instagram vs TikTok, CapCut vs in-app edits, solo vs collab 🧠 Fact or Fiction — debunking myths about social media, money, and freelancing 🍿 Crafty Corner — favorite snacks, coffee orders, and creator fuel Whether you’re a creator, freelancer, student, or someone trying to figure out your next move, this episode is packed with real advice, real stories, and real perspective. 📍 Philly made. LA living. 🎬 Entertainment, unfiltered. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: 👉https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=7d93ab41947b4591 📸 Follow the show & everyone featured on Instagram: 👉 Host: Mia LePage — https://www.instagram.com/mialepage 👉 Guest: Mar Santana — https://www.instagram.com/msxntana 👉 Podcast: Call Sheet Confessions — https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe 💬 Drop a comment with careers or guests you want us to feature 🎥 Follow on Instagram for clips, teasers, and behind-the-scenes moments

  4. 2d ago

    Take #3 | The Reality of Being a Dancer (featuring Reggie Oliver) | Call Sheet Confessions

    In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, host Mia LePage sits down with professional dancer, choreographer, and educator Reggie Oliver for an honest, full-circle conversation about building a sustainable career in dance — without leaving home. Reggie opens up about his unconventional start dancing in church, how supportive teachers changed his life, and the early moments that pushed him to take dance seriously. From his first paid gig at 14 to working across film, television, live stages, award shows, and major artists, Reggie shares the lessons that shaped his professionalism, confidence, and leadership. Throughout the episode, Reggie breaks down: How to advocate for yourself early in your career What film sets, TV shows, award shows, and live performances really demand Why adaptability and awareness matter more than perfection Teaching, choreographing, and building trust with creatives Creating longevity in dance without moving to LA or NYC Navigating loyalty, opportunities, and boundaries in the industry Plus, we get into fan-favorite segments: 🎙 What’s On Your Call Sheet – a day in Reggie’s real-life routine 🔥 This or That: Industry Edition – dance debates & hot takes 🧠 Fact or Fiction – clearing myths about the dance industry 🍿 Crafty Corner – his dream on-set snack table 📋 Industry Betrayal List – the real frustrations no one talks about Whether you’re a dancer, creative, or someone chasing a non-traditional career path, this episode is packed with real advice, mindset shifts, and motivation. 📍 Philly made. LA living. 🎬 Entertainment, unfiltered. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=0662e64d9eef4b0a 📸 Follow the show & everyone featured on Instagram: 👉 Host: Mia LePage — https://www.instagram.com/mialepage 👉 Guest: Reggie Oliver — https://www.instagram.com/ibereggieo 👉 Podcast: Call Sheet Confessions — https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe 💬 Drop a comment with careers or guests you want us to feature 🎥 Follow on Instagram for clips, teasers, and behind-the-scenes moments

  5. 2d ago

    Take #4 | From Dancer to Studio Owner (ft. Akia Deyvon) | Call Sheet Confessions

    In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, host Mia LePage sits down with choreographer, studio owner, and creative director Akia Deyvon for an honest, full-circle conversation about leadership, authenticity, and building a creative career from the ground up. Akia opens up about growing up in the Poconos, discovering his creativity at a young age, and the mentors who helped shape his confidence early on. From starting as a dancer and choreographer to founding Creative Reaction and opening his own studio, Akia shares the real lessons behind entrepreneurship, community building, and betting on yourself — even when the path isn’t clear. Throughout the episode, Akia breaks down: How early leadership experiences shaped his career Choosing Philly over New York and avoiding oversaturated spacesTransitioning from dancer to director and studio owner The realities of running a studio (leases, setbacks, and hard lessons) Why authenticity is the foundation of his brand and leadership styleBuilding opportunities for others through Creative Reaction and Next In Line  Balancing creativity, business, and personal fulfillment Plus, we get into fan-favorite segments: 🎙 What’s On Your Call Sheet – a day in Akia’s real-life routine as a studio owner & entrepreneur 🔥 Hot Takes / This or That – creative and industry debates 🧠 Fact or Fiction – breaking down myths around dance, leadership, and success 🍿 Crafty Corner – the essentials that keep him fueled 📋 Industry Truths – the realities creatives don’t talk about enough Whether you’re a dancer, creative, entrepreneur, or someone trying to build something meaningful without losing yourself, this episode is packed with real perspective, hard-earned lessons, and motivation. 📍 Philly rooted. Community driven. 🎬 Creativity, unfiltered. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=2268c1dfd435461a 📸 Follow the show & everyone featured on Instagram: 👉 Host: Mia LePage — https://www.instagram.com/mialepage/ 👉 Guest: Akia Deyvon — https://www.instagram.com/akiadeyvon/ 👉 Podcast: Call Sheet Confessions — https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe 💬 Drop a comment with guests or careers you want us to feature 🎥 Follow on Instagram for clips, teasers, and behind-the-scenes moments

  6. 2d ago

    Take #5 | Brooklyn Nets Kids Choreographer: The Jona Show (ft. Jona Biddle)

    In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, host Mia LePage sits down with choreographer, creative director, and mentor Jona Biddle (aka The Jonah Show) for a powerful, full-circle conversation about growth, mentorship, and trusting your path. Jonah was the first dance teacher Mia ever took class from in New York City — and years later, the two reconnect on the podcast to reflect on how that early belief, confidence, and guidance shaped Mia’s creative journey. Together, they dive into Jonah’s story growing up in Atlantic City, discovering dance through music and rhythm, and building a career that spans choreography, teaching, youth mentorship, and creative leadership. Jonah opens up about the realities of working in the dance industry, the importance of planning over impulse, and why staying grounded matters more than chasing quick success. Throughout the episode, Mia and Jonah discuss: • Full-circle mentor moments and creative growth • Building confidence as a young dancer • Transitioning from performer to leader • Why energy and professionalism matter on set • The realities of teaching, touring, and long production days • Social media, vulnerability, and being real as a creative • Advice for dancers and artists finding their own path Plus, we get into fan-favorite segments: 🎙 What’s On Your Call Sheet – a real look at Jonah’s day-to-day as a choreographer, creative director, and mentor 🔥 Hot Takes / This or That – industry debates and creative preferences🧠 Fact or Fiction – breaking down myths around dance, leadership, and success 🍿 Crafty Corner – the essentials that keep Jonah fueled through long rehearsal and production days 📋 Industry Truths – the realities of the creative world that don’t get talked about enough Whether you’re a dancer, creative, entrepreneur, or someone navigating a long-term journey while staying grounded, this episode is packed with real perspective, full-circle moments, and hard-earned lessons. 📍 Philly roots. NYC impact. 🎬 Creativity, unfiltered. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=2268c1dfd435461a 📸 Follow the show & everyone featured on Instagram: 👉 Host: Mia LePage — https://www.instagram.com/mialepage/ 👉 Guest: Jona Biddle — https://www.instagram.com/thejonashow/ 👉 Podcast: Call Sheet Confessions — https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod/ 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe 💬 Drop a comment with guests or careers you want us to feature 🎥 Follow on Instagram for clips, teasers, and behind-the-scenes moments

  7. Jul 10

    Take 26: Casting Director Confessions: Blacklists, Bad Attitudes & 100,000 Auditions (ft. JP Stanley)

    JP Stanley didn’t take a straight shot into the Hollywood power seat either. He was a high‑energy kid bouncing between Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Florida, obsessed with performing long before he knew what a producer did. Theater classes, competitive dance, teaching combos at recess, and getting in trouble for making classmates laugh were his first “sets” — years before Apple TV spots, American Express campaigns, and founding Goodwork Productions were even on the horizon. What started as a four‑year‑old’s dream to “make movies” turned into a full dance career, then the LA grind of auditions and agencies, before a single casting internship quietly rewired his entire path. In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, JP and I trace how a performer who thought he’d dance, then act, then maybe produce at 50 ended up fast‑tracked into casting director, senior casting director, and executive producer — and ultimately, CEO of his own production company. We get into the artist residency that birthed his first short film Stage Moms, the pushback and praise it received, and how that project became the catalyst for starting Goodwork. JP breaks down what actually happens inside a casting office (intern to assistant to associate to CD), why directability matters more than “perfection,” and how he quietly slipped himself and his friends into breakdowns while learning the system from the inside. We also unpack what being an executive producer really looks like across music videos, commercials, and indie films — from line producing and UPM responsibilities to managing budgets, departments, and fires that will happen. JP walks through a recent near‑disaster on a Major Lazer video, when a crucial night‑shoot crane simply never showed up, and how a frantic round of cold calls, a random 24‑hour equipment yard, and a genius G&E team turned a potential shutdown into one of their best‑looking setups. He explains why he obsesses over fully built‑out call sheets (for a $50 shoot or a $50M one), what makes a Goodwork production different on set, and why he’ll always invest heavily in crafty that actually fuels 12‑hour days. Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod?igsh=MXM4ZGtlOHhyYXljaw== 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about working in entertainment, breaking into casting and producing, building indie projects from the ground up, surviving long shoot days with good attitudes (and better crafty), and what really happens on the other side of the call sheet.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Call Sheet Confessions was built from early call times, long days, career pivots, and the candid conversations that happen off-camera. The podcast creates space for entertainment industry professionals to share real advice with aspiring creatives—offering honest insight into how to break into the business, navigate the industry, and build a sustainable career.Hosted by Los Angeles–based entertainment professional Mia LePage, the show pulls back the curtain on what truly happens behind the scenes, demystifying the paths, challenges, and wins that often go unseen.