Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking

Christine Chen, Adam Rani
  • 4.5 (8)
  • Film Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

The ins and outs, tips and tricks, and dirt on the independent film industry. getreelisms.com

  1. 2d ago

    S4E190: Vertical Film Frenzy - Guerrilla Filmmaking on Crack

    Verticals, Unions, and AI: The Wild West of New Filmmaking | Get Reelisms Ep. 190 In episode 190 of the Get Reelisms podcast, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen talk about Christine’s desert trip to see a meteor shower, her deliberate hiatus from AD work to regain creative peace, and her return to making fast, low-budget sketch comedy—especially vertical YouTube/Instagram sketches—through groups like Banana TV and a 10-episode series with her friend Myleene about friends whose hangouts always turn into film work. They discuss the rise of union and branded verticals, why creators are embracing the format as a new storytelling medium, and how to improve quality through writing and framing. The conversation covers intense vertical set workflows, block shooting and child actor restrictions, the push-pull between budgets and union standards, concerns about AI replacing art versus using AI as a logistics tool, and worries about declining literacy from students using ChatGPT. They close with GetReelisms.com plugs and tease the next guest from Puppy Love Productions.  Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Vertical Film FOMO  00:21 Podcast Intro Setup  01:15 Meteor Shower Birthday  02:49 AD Hiatus For Writing  05:07 Back To Sketch Roots  06:45 Friends In Film Series  09:46 Verticals Branded Wave  14:19 Cinematic Vertical Potential  15:40 Vertical Set War Stories  17:29 Block Shooting Explained  18:49 Working With Child Actors  20:19 Crew Set Stories  20:55 Child Actor Rules  21:56 Union Versus Verticals  24:42 Knowing Your Worth  27:16 AI In Filmmaking  31:33 Gen Z Literacy Drop  35:09 Read More Books  35:57 Wrap And Plug Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    38 min

  2. Jun 23

    S4E189: A Slice of Cinema: John Valley and 'American Dollhouse

    On the Get Reelisms Podcast, filmmakers Madam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview Austin director Jon Vallet about his new film American Dollhouse, which just premiered at South by Southwest and launched its festival run with an Austin “film family” crew. Vallet says the movie uses a character-driven, proto-slasher approach inspired by films like Psycho and Black Christmas, using modern anxieties about public spaces feeling unsafe and the dissonance of daily life in America as thematic fuel. He shares the logline: a woman inherits her childhood home, hoping to escape debt, but the house is falling apart and a doppelgänger-like neighbor becomes obsessively dangerous, escalating into a Christmas-set slasher. Vallet discusses prioritizing actors’ performances, early sound and scoring collaboration, shooting on Sony Venice in 4:3 with natural light and night-for-day, a 15-day December 2024 shoot, a difficult third-act set build, and adapting scripts and schedules to budget and resources.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. About John Valley John Valley became a prolific music video director in Austin TX before honing in on his debut feature The Pizzagate Massacre, a dark horror comedy that VICE called "A grindhouse Pizzagate satire that perfectly captures a moment in time." His sophomore film, American Dollhouse is a modern take on proto-slasher classics like Psycho and Black Christmas.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Actors First Philosophy 00:22 Podcast Intro And Guest 01:41 Origins Of American Dollhouse 04:57 Logline And Setup 06:34 What Makes A Slasher 11:24 Slasher Structure And Metaphor 15:07 Sound Design And Score 17:34 Lessons From First Film 21:21 Crew And Camera Choices 25:05 On Set Trauma And Third Act Build 29:42 Night for Day Magic 30:43 Scheduling as Storytelling 31:54 Budget as Creative Tool 34:03 Practical Effects and Big Punch 37:14 Script vs Set Reality 39:00 Directing Without Attachment 41:39 Next Projects Monster Movie 44:06 Pivoting and People First 46:58 Christmas Theme and Family Pressure 50:28 Austin Film Scene Farewell 52:41 Housekeeping and Sign Off Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    53 min

  3. Jun 9

    S4E188: The Filmmaking Grind - Do NOT wait for the cavalry

    Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen celebrate reaching 188 episodes of the Get Reelisms filmmaking podcast and reflect on nearly six to seven years of documenting their careers. They discuss recent Oscars results, including a tie and Sam Davis winning after their interview, and debate why genre films like Sinners may struggle for Best Picture despite winning Best Original Screenplay, while One Battle After Another wins Best Picture and PTA earns Best Director. They talk about attention spans, frustration with people assuming indie films are “on Netflix,” and Christine’s behind-the-scenes photo from Shakespeare on the Range being featured in the Academy Museum, a milestone linked to early career growth. Christine shares her decision to pause First AD work to focus on directing, developing a sketch-based branded micro-series, and adapting to vertical content trends. Adam plugs his “Create Your Own Content” course on getreelisms.com.   Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com   Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   00:00 Movies All Day 00:22 Podcast Origins 00:54 188 Episodes In 02:03 Oscar Winner Interview 02:54 Oscars Predictions 06:15 Awards Drama Talk 07:07 Short Attention Spans 09:20 Netflix Question Rage 12:36 Academy Museum Photo 14:31 Shakespeare On The Range 18:02 OG Crew Lessons 20:16 BTS Photo Insecurities 20:56 Film History Connections 21:30 How We First Met 22:34 From Stress to Podcast 24:05 Hiatus From First AD 27:30 Friends in Film Sketches 30:29 DIY Filmmaking Revival 32:26 Vertical Video Future 35:43 Budgets and Crew Reality 38:10 Housekeeping and Farewell   WEBISODE version of the Podcast Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    40 min

  4. May 26

    S4E187: From Documentaries to Oscar Winner - A Convo with 2026 Live Action Narrative Academy Award Winner Sam A Davis Director of The Singers

    Sam Davis on Making Oscar-Nominated Short ‘The Singers’ Without a Script, Casting Viral Buskers, and Shooting on Film On Get Reelisms podcast episode 187, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview Los Angeles–based filmmaker Sam Davis, who is campaigning his live-action short The Singers, nominated for an Academy Award and streaming on Netflix. Davis traces the project back 3–3.5 years to reading a George Saunders breakdown of a Russian short story, then adapting it into a modern bar-set film starring first-time actors found on social media, which took about 18 months to cast due to scam concerns and trust-building. He describes a documentary-influenced, unscripted approach with long improvised takes, constant sound recording, layered audio, and shooting on 35mm film for intentionality, while noting the costs of film and travel. The four-day shoot faced setbacks, including a lead dropping out two days prior. Davis discusses song selection, costume strategy, collaborating with a small crew, balancing documentary and narrative work, and developing future projects, including a long-term feature documentary.   About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Sam Davis is an Oscar newly winning director, cinematographer, and producer known for his work on The Singers (2025), Period. End of Sentence. (2018), and Nai Nai & Wài Pó (2023). A USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate, he specializes in documentary-style narrative filmmaking, often blending digital-age casting with traditional storytelling to explore themes of community and humanity.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Trusting Real People 00:36 Podcast Intro 01:01 Meet Sam Davis 02:04 Origin of The Singers 02:50 Casting and Scam Fears 04:14 Campaigning Burnout 06:08 Doc Style No Script 08:56 Why Shoot on Film 10:47 Four Day Shoot Chaos 12:29 Last Minute Recast 13:56 Oscar Nomination Impact 15:33 Recording Songs Live 17:09 Mundane to Magic 19:25 Choosing and Licensing Songs 21:53 Costumes and Cohesion 24:05 Funding and Budget Realities 25:55 Small Crew Big Effort 26:28 Next Projects Pipeline 28:08 Doc vs Narrative Balance 29:33 Protecting the Moment 30:25 Directing While Shooting 32:01 Editing as Writing 34:32 Risks After Success 36:04 Building the Crew Network 36:54 Chefs Table Tangent 41:55 South by Stories 43:45 Wrap Up and Thanks   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    45 min

  5. May 12

    S4E186: Are Verticals are Saving or Killing Hollywood?

    Verticals, Hustle, and the Future of Filmmaking (Get Reelisms Ep. 186) On Get Reelisms podcast episode 186, filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss being exhausted but grateful for steady work while others in Austin and Texas struggle despite talk of bigger film tax incentives. They say vertical short-form productions are “single handedly saving Hollywood,” with money coming from markets including China, and Christine notes speaking Mandarin helps her communicate with clients as an AD and director. They describe overlapping AD prep across productions, constant schedule demands on rare days off, and how vertical work favors indie-style problem solvers over union workflows. They explain vertical monetization as “Farmville”-style gamification with addictive cliffhangers and paywalls per short episode, shaping soapy storytelling tropes, while also noting vertical framing can be visually strong. They mention Darren Aronofsky’s AI film "On This Day, 1776" and briefly debate AI as a tool versus making full films with it, then preview an upcoming guest, Oscar-nominated short filmmaker Sam Davis ("The Singers" on Netflix).   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Verticals Save Hollywood 01:01 Podcast Intro and Hosts 02:08 Lunar New Year Banter 04:11 Work Drought and Incentives 05:19 Mandarin as a Career Edge 06:37 How We Met on Set 12:13 Overlapping AD Chaos 16:04 Forgot to Go Live 18:29 No Days Off Reality 20:44 Becoming the Vertical Queen 22:58 Who Excels at Verticals 24:24 Will Stories Go Vertical 25:04 David Lynch Phone Rant 26:57 Farmville Paywall Model 31:00 Soap Opera Hook Writing 33:16 Shooting Vertical Beautifully 35:53 New Tech Becomes Cinema 37:59 AI Films and Unease 41:38 Trump Impressions Detour 43:09 Housekeeping and Next Guest   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    45 min

  6. Apr 28

    S4E185: The Making of Starflare - From Idea to Screen - A Convo with Laura Ricci

    Star Flare: Reclaiming Agency, Building a Fun Set, and the Pain of Crowdfunding (Get Reelisms Ep. 185) On Get Reelisms Podcast episode 185, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview actor-writer-producer Laura Ricci about making her fantasy romance short film Star Flare. Laura describes feeling powerless as an actor and deciding to create her own work after living in Los Angeles for nearly three years, with wildfires raging and Trump newly inaugurated, leading her to write the script in a week and produce her first “real” film. They discuss designing the project around practical constraints (woods location, small cast, one day, limited costume changes) while still aiming big for the genre, and Laura’s priority of creating a safe, fun set that strengthens relationships and took care of the team. Laura calls crowdfunding the hardest part, recounting constant posting, emotional strain, and mixed results despite support and a stranger’s $1,000 pledge. Christine directed and is editing; they talk about post-production, sound design’s importance, and meeting through a TikTok call for a director.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Laura Ricci is a Los Angeles-based SAG-AFTRA actress known for roles in Hostess (2018), The Wraith (2021), and the upcoming Cupcakes (2025). She has also appeared in I Was There (2022) and Siren Salon (2023), often portraying characters with wit and depth. She is active on Instagram as @the.laura.ricci.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Feeling Powerless 00:51 Podcast Intro 01:12 Meet Laura Ricci 02:00 Audio Setup Talk 03:41 Why Make a Short 05:44 Star Flare Logline 07:43 Writing With Constraints 10:26 Making Set Fun 18:24 Collaboration Magic 22:54 Crowdfunding Struggles 26:25 Crowdfunding Reality Check 27:16 Letting Go of Perfection 28:14 Where the Film Is Now 28:48 Finding a Director on TikTok 31:50 Why Laura Didn’t Direct 34:34 Paying People Fairly 36:20 Editing Notes and Post Workflow 37:41 Sound Design Makes the Genre 38:11 Dune and Movie Theater Nerd Talk 42:23 Weapons Guy and Armor Shop Stories 44:23 Wrap Up and Housekeeping   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    48 min

  7. Apr 14

    S4184: Shooting in the Lone Star State: Texas Film Incentives and Innovations

    Texas Film Industry Thrives: Incentives, Expendables, and Community Stories In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen welcome special guest Chris Bigbie, owner of Dependable Expendables. They discuss Texas's booming film industry, driven by recent tax incentives, and the role of local companies like Dependable Expendables in supporting productions. Chris shares the impact of high-profile projects like Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone and Lioness shooting in Texas, and explains how his company meets the unique needs of film sets with specialized products like silent paper bags. The conversation highlights the significance of the Texas Production Expo and the mutual support within the filmmaking community, showcasing how local initiatives bolster industry growth. Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest:  Christopher Bigbie is a Director and Creative Director with a lifelong passion for storytelling through cinema. Bringing a strong narrative sensibility and visual precision to commercials and digital content, he is known for building mood, capturing natural beauty, and shooting dynamic action with elegance and versatility. His work spans advertising and corporate campaigns for major global brands, where his ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual stories has become a defining strength.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Introduction to Taylor Sheridan's Impact 00:45 Welcome to Get Reelisms Podcast 01:24 Meet Christopher Bigbie 01:49 Texas Production Expo and Local Incentives 03:53 The Importance of Local Purchases for Incentives 11:19 Silent Bags and Solving On-Set Problems 12:07 Christopher Bigbie's Journey in Film 16:07 Dependable Expendables and Future Goals 16:42 The Birth of a Business Idea 17:41 Mentorship and Creative Education 18:43 Challenges in Early Filmmaking 19:27 Creating Get Reelisms 20:57 The Magic of Filmmaking 23:59 Texas Film Community and Incentives 28:19 Upcoming Texas Production Expo 29:03 Final Thoughts and Farewell Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    30 min

  8. Mar 31

    S4183: Filmmakers Unplugged - Honest Conversations about Film Set Resilience

    The Get Reelisms Podcast Episode #183: Set Culture, Stress, and Filmmaking Trials In this episode of the Get Reelisms Podcast, Episode 183, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, delve into the complexities of set culture and the emotional challenges of filmmaking. Adam shares a detailed and vulnerable recount of a stressful shoot, discussing issues such as miscommunication with the director, set design obstacles, and the overarching pressures of the industry. Christine provides insights from her similar experiences, emphasizing the frequent lack of time, money, and proper hierarchy on set. The conversation underscores the importance of managing emotions and maintaining professionalism, even in high-stress situations. This episode also features discussions about the podcast's consistency, regardless of their busy schedules in the film industry, and the industry's current state post-COVID. Towards the end, they promote merchandise deals on GetReelisms.com, especially highlighting holiday discounts and the best combo deals.   Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)   & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com   About Adam Rani: Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast TIMELINE 00:00 Introduction to Set Culture 00:45 Meet the Hosts: Adam and Christine 01:19 Podcast Consistency and Industry Challenges 03:45 The Impact of COVID on the Film Industry 06:02 A Tough Year in the Art Department 06:53 A Challenging Commercial Shoot 14:05 Director's Frustration and Miscommunication 18:51 Navigating Set Culture and Emotions 20:23 Dealing with Unclear Direction 23:53 Impact on Professional Relationships 25:28 Coping with Stress and Lack of Support 26:50 Reflecting on Set Challenges 28:57 Finding Solutions and Moving Forward 36:20 Housekeeping and Promotions Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    38 min
See All (201)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The ins and outs, tips and tricks, and dirt on the independent film industry. getreelisms.com

Information