GateCrashers Pod

Cat and Makayla

GateCrashers Pod is a rebellion against the old Hollywood playbook. Hosted by filmmakers Makayla McIntosh and Cat Yudain this series spotlights the creators who didn’t wait for permission — they broke in, built their own systems, and changed the game. From vertical dramas and indie film financing to creative survival in an industry built on gatekeeping, Gatecrashers dives into the stories, strategies, and scars behind modern filmmaking and entertainment. Real talk. Raw journeys. No gatekeepers allowed. 🎬 Gatecrashers — because the future of film belongs to the ones who kick the doors open.

  1. 6일 전

    Champion Your Community: The Heart of Iron Family & the Vision of Hindsight Film Festival

    What does it mean to truly champion your community—and tell stories that matter? In this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with filmmaker Pat Longstreth, founder of the Hindsight Film Festival, to explore the power of storytelling that starts at home and ripples outward. From building a film festival backed by legendary documentarian Ken Burns to creating his deeply moving documentary Iron Family, Pat is redefining what it means to amplify voices that are often overlooked. Iron Family follows the creative life of Jazmine Faries, a young artist with Down syndrome, as she transforms her imagination into original theatrical productions staged by her family. The film is intimate, uplifting, and a testament to the power of self-expression, independence, and unwavering support. We dive into: How Pat chooses the subjects for his documentariesThe collaborative process behind telling deeply personal storiesThe inspiration behind launching the Hindsight Film FestivalWhy Iron Family is a film that stays with you long after it endsAnd what it really takes to champion your community—without waiting for permissionThis conversation is a reminder that the most powerful stories aren’t always the loudest—they’re the ones built with care, trust, and heart.  Iron Family is now available on streaming platforms. Learn more about the Hindsight Film Festival: https://www.hindsightfilmfestival.com/ Follow Gatecrashers for more conversations with filmmakers and creatives who are breaking rules, building their own doors, and telling the stories that need to be told. 🎧 Guest: Pat LongstrethWebsite: http://patricklongstreth.com/Iron Family: https://ironfamilyfilm.com/ 🎬 More from Pat:The Day That Shook Georgia (Trailer): https://vimeo.com/702605491The Life of Bill Baggs (Trailer): https://vimeo.com/525125922 Hindsight Film Festival: ⁠https://www.hindsightfilmfestival.com/⁠                             https://www.youtube.com/@HindsightFilmFestival   www.instagram.com/hindsightfilmfestival 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    48분
  2. 3월 31일

    Green-light Yourself: How Isabel Dréan got 5 Scripts Produced in 18 Months

    What if the fastest way into the film industry right now… isn’t through the traditional system at all? This week on Gatecrashers, we sit down with Isabel Dréan - screenwriter, director, producer, and digital visionary — whose career is a masterclass in reinvention. From her early days acting and directing in Montreal, to writing horror and psychological thrillers, to becoming a go-to writer for Christmas films (with five produced scripts in just 18 months), Isabel has consistently stayed ahead of where the industry is going — not where it’s been. And now? She’s at the forefront of one of the biggest shifts in entertainment: vertical series. With her series The Blind Bride of the Scarred Mafia Boss hitting #1 on VIGLOO, Isabel breaks down why vertical storytelling isn’t a downgrade — it’s a global expansion. We get into the real opportunities for writers and creators right now, how these projects are getting financed and produced at lightning speed, and why you don’t need an agent to start working in this space. We also dive into: How Isabel pivoted genres — and why it changed everythingWriting commercially without losing your voiceThe structure of addictive, bingeable vertical episodesWhat platforms are actually looking forWhy speed and volume are becoming superpowers for writersWhere the money is flowing globally (and how to tap in)How to shift your mindset to "Green-light" Plus, Isabel shares insights from her work mentoring writers around the world, her global network THE HUB, and what it really takes to become a “produce-ready” creator in today’s industry. If you’ve been waiting for permission to break in — this is it. Follow Gatecrashers for more conversations with rule-breakers, system disruptors, and creators building careers on their own terms. 🎧 Guest: Isabel DréanWebsite: https://www.isabeldrean.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabeldrean/IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3956465/ 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    1시간
  3. 3월 24일

    The Evolving Landscape of Casting: Staying Ahead of the Curve with Paul Ruddy

    How do you go from law school to casting hundreds of projects for Netflix, Disney, and beyond? Emmy-winning casting director Paul Ruddy joins Gatecrashers to share his unconventional journey into Hollywood—and the real factors that determine who gets cast. From building a career rooted in relationships to leading casting on 250+ projects as Head of Casting at FlareFlow, Paul breaks down how the industry is evolving in real time—from traditional television to vertical dramas and micro-content. In this episode, we dive into: Paul’s path from law school to a 25+ year casting careerWhy relationships and trust are the currency of this industryHow casting is evolving in the age of streaming and digital platformsThe rise of innovative casting and discovering new talentUnion vs. non-union dynamics—and what actors need to understandHow industry protocols shape opportunity (and access)The balance between experience, instinct, and risk-taking in castingWhether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with real-world insight on how to navigate—and succeed in—an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing entertainment landscape. 🎧 Guest: Paul Ruddy, CSA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulruddycasting/🎬 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1344712/ 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    54분
  4. 3월 17일

    Corporate Gigs and Indie Hustle: Building a Narrative Filmmaking Career with Aris Federman and Zoe Dunay

    In this episode of the GateCrashers Podcast, Cat and Makayla sit down with filmmakers Aris Federman and Zoe Dunay, the creative duo behind Blue Oak Productions and Echo Grove Media, to talk about their unconventional journey from acting and entrepreneurship within the world of filmmaking. Aris and Zoe share how they learned filmmaking through real-world experience, the school of hard knocks, (and a little “YouTube University”). How they built two sister production companies together, and developed their passion projects along the way, including their powerful short, Tin Soldiers, which is having an award-winning festival run. The conversation dives into the realities of the film industry, from the creative process and editing for emotional impact to navigating union vs. non-union sets, pitching clients, and funding passion projects through commercial work. They also break down smart festival strategies, why networking is a long game, and how creating a positive, collaborative environment on set leads to better storytelling. Plus, some expert travel tips for filmmakers hauling gear around the world! If you are a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or storyteller looking to turn ideas into action, this episode is packed with insights on collaboration, execution, and building a sustainable creative career. In this episode: The origin story of Blue Oak Productions Learning filmmaking through hands-on experience Making Tin Soldiers and telling meaningful mental health stories The importance of trust, collaboration, and communication on set Union vs. non-union filmmaking Using commercial work to fund creative projects Film festival strategy and community building Travel hacks for filmmakers with gear  Film is a team game- and the best stories happen when the right people come together. LINKS for Aris and Zoe:​‪@WilliamArisFederman‬ ​ ⁨@ZoeDunay⁩ BlueOakProductions.comEchoGroveMedia.cominstagram.com/zoedunayinstagram.com/arisfederman 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound //  Website: ⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠ instagram.com/ dgrahamsound

    1시간 13분
  5. 3월 10일

    Making the First Action Vertical: How Kasey Esser is Pioneering IP Ownership for Vertical Micro-Dramas

    What happens when you take action storytelling vertical? In this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with vertical star and producer Kasey Esser just days after wrapping Love Under Fire — one of the first independent action microdramas built specifically for the vertical screen. We dive into what it really takes to produce large-scale action in a format originally dominated by romance — including never-before-seen stunts in vertical storytelling, the creative and technical challenges of shooting action on green screen, and how pacing, framing, and choreography change when the screen flips upright. But this isn’t just about stunts. Kasey breaks down: Financing and producing an independent vertical series Multi-country, multi-app distribution strategy The licensing vs backend gamble Why marketing spend is the real gatekeeper And his bold stance on performance expectations We also explore what it means to own your IP in the vertical space — and why creators who move now may shape the future of this rapidly expanding frontier. Is vertical just a trend — or the next evolution of independent filmmaking? This episode is about risk, ownership, discipline, and building something before the industry gives you permission. Kasey's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseyesser/ IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6820472/ Lover Under Fire Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR2VazICXYd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Making of a vertical drama series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dMuxGSYZmc&feature=youtu.be 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    52분
  6. 3월 3일

    Therese “Tag” Goulet: The Sugar Mama Behind The Gift

    This week on Gatecrashers, we sit down with Canadian entrepreneur and film producer Therese “Tag” Goulet — the powerhouse known as “The Sugar Mama.” Instead of waiting for gatekeepers to greenlight bold ideas, Tag built her own wealth and began backing creatives with her own money — funding music, films, books, and entire creative movements. Now, as the visionary behind The Gift (formerly The Sugar Mama), she’s taking that mission to television — awarding one artist a $100,000 unrestricted grant to bring their work to life. No strings. No ownership grab. No creative control. Just belief. With two seasons now under their belt, they plan to expand beyond Alberta to Canada and the world.  In this episode, we dive into:• How Tag turned personal setbacks into financial success• Why giving back to artists became her life’s mission• How she decides who to invest in — and what makes someone fundable• What writers and creators can do to attract supporters• How to thrive in today’s evolving creator economy• And what’s next as The Gift prepares to go global This conversation is about power — how creators can stop waiting for permission. If you’ve ever dreamed of someone betting on you… this episode will make you ask: What if that someone could be you? Follow The Gift Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegifttv/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegifttvYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGift.TVShow Follow Tag Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taggoulet.filmproducer/?hl=en 🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    57분
  7. 2월 24일

    🎙️ 56 Days & Crossing Oceans: Megan Peta Hill on Acting, Directing & Creating Her Own Path

    When your series lands on Amazon, the world sees the result. But what about the years — and oceans — it took to get there? This week on GateCrashers, we sit down with Australian-born, Canadian-based actor, writer, and director Megan Peta Hill to talk about her journey to the Amazon series 56 Days — and everything that shaped her along the way. From relocating from Australia to Canada, to navigating the relentless audition cycle, to balancing coaching with her own creative ambitions, Megan opens up about building a sustainable career in an unpredictable industry. We dive into: The leap from Australia to North America — and what it really demanded The mental and emotional realities of auditioning at a high level Her theatre roots and how stage work informs her screen presence Co-writing and co-directing Echo — how the idea sparked, what the writing process looked like, and how she and Roxanne navigated collaboration Stepping behind the camera while continuing to pursue acting What it was like working on 56 Days and seeing it premiere on Amazon Her latest video game work and how voice/motion capture expands her artistry This episode is about longevity, reinvention, and taking ownership of your creative life — even while chasing roles in the system. If you’re building a career across borders, mediums, or identities… this conversation is your reminder that you can do both: audition and author your own story. Megan's Links  @meganpetahill@Echo Shortwww.imdb.me/meganpetahill🌐 Connect🎬 Production: https://instagram.com/foxandsiren.productions📸 Makayla: https://instagram.com/iammakaylamcintosh📸 Cat: https://instagram.com/catyudaintea📰 Makayla’s Substack: https://rebelwaves.substack.com📰 Cat’s Substack: https://catyudain.substack.com📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: ⁠⁠http://Dgsound.net⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound

    57분

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GateCrashers Pod is a rebellion against the old Hollywood playbook. Hosted by filmmakers Makayla McIntosh and Cat Yudain this series spotlights the creators who didn’t wait for permission — they broke in, built their own systems, and changed the game. From vertical dramas and indie film financing to creative survival in an industry built on gatekeeping, Gatecrashers dives into the stories, strategies, and scars behind modern filmmaking and entertainment. Real talk. Raw journeys. No gatekeepers allowed. 🎬 Gatecrashers — because the future of film belongs to the ones who kick the doors open.