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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. MAR 17

    S4E182: Balancing Art and Business: The Indie Producer's Journey

    Navigating Indie Filmmaking: From Production Challenges to Festival Strategies In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both seasoned filmmakers, discuss the intricate dynamics of indie filmmaking. They explore the challenges directors face when transitioning from producing due to necessity to working with investors who have the final say on creative decisions. They are joined by special guest Lauren Bancroft, an independent genre producer based in LA. The conversation covers Lauren's journey from IT to filmmaking, her experiences with distribution challenges at the American Film Market, and the invaluable role of festival consultants. The trio shares insights into managing creative and business aspects of filmmaking, the realities of film festivals, and the importance of networking within the industry. They close with personal anecdotes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between work and finding hobbies to unwind.   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:  Lauren Bancroft is a Los Angeles-based producer most known for the documentary The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles with Billie Eilish (Disney+), and the renowned sketch comedy show CBS Showcase 2022, 2023, and 2024 (Paramount). Also, for short films Mosquito Lady (Beyond Fest 2023, winner of "Best Effects'' at Brooklyn Horror 2023), Bad Rabbit (Hulu), Wild Bitch (SXSW 2022, winner of "Best Thriller" at the Oscar-qualifying Hollyshorts Film Festival 2022), and Navel Gazers (winner of "Best Sci-Fi" at the Micheaux Film Festival 2021). In April of 2024, she wrapped production on her first feature film, Skycrash, an independent sci-fi fantasy. Lauren's brand is dark humor and desperation. In 2022, she founded Bancroffed Inc., with a commitment to supporting women, and underrepresented voices in all aspects of the storytelling space. Lauren is driven by her love of dark comedy, documentaries, Doctor Who, and meticulously folded laundry.   WEBISODE version of the Podcast 00:00 Introduction to Indie Filmmaking Challenges 00:45 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest 01:49 Networking and Industry Realities 03:05 The Harsh Truths of Film Distribution 05:21 The Business Side of Filmmaking 06:55 Personal Journeys in Filmmaking 17:23 From IT to Full-Time Production 27:37 A Heartfelt Farewell 28:09 New Beginnings with Kimmy Gatewood 29:09 From Assistant to Director of Operations 29:54 The Journey of 'Loco' 30:09 Navigating Film Festivals 31:09 The Role of a Festival Consultant 33:43 Distribution Challenges and Strategies 37:15 Upcoming Projects and Personal Growth 44:36 Balancing Work and Personal Life 50:12 Closing Remarks and Housekeeping Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    52 min

  6. MAR 3

    S4E181: Innovating Film Set Communication with Onset Headsets

    Innovating On-Set Communication: A Conversation with Onset Headsets Founder Matt In this episode of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen dive into a discussion with special guest Matt, founder of Onset Headsets. The conversation covers Matt's journey from working in film production as an Assistant Director (AD) to founding a company that innovates communication gear for filmmakers. Matt shares the story behind Onset Headsets, their product offerings, and the entrepreneurial challenges he faced. The podcast also highlights the critical role of customized, high-quality headsets for the film industry, Matt's unique solutions to common on-set problems, and upcoming plans for the company. Listeners can enjoy insights into film production nuances, hear about the camaraderie on film sets, and learn about Onset Headsets' innovative delivery service in Los Angeles. By the end of the podcast, Matt provides listeners with a special discount code for Onset Headsets products.   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.   For more information go to getreelisms.com  For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com   WEBISODE version of the Podcast TIME SUMMARY: 00:00 Introduction to the Role of an AD 00:55 Welcome to the Get Reelisms Podcast 01:31 Meet Matt from Onset Headsets 02:58 The Birth of Onset Headsets 05:16 Innovative Headset Solutions 07:30 Challenges and Innovations in Filmmaking 08:06 Onset Headsets Delivery Service 10:45 Customization and User Feedback 14:55 Partnerships and New Products 20:52 Transition from AD to Entrepreneur 24:03 Expanding Onset Headsets 25:56 Tech Influence in Austin 27:18 Upcoming Events for Onset Headsets 29:08 Expanding Nationwide 29:48 Innovations in Headset Technology 30:44 Customer Experiences and Feedback 38:20 Bulk Orders and Customization 41:30 Durability and Warranty 47:03 Exclusive Discount Code 48:13 Conclusion and Housekeeping   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    49 min

  7. FEB 17

    S4E180: Surviving the Film Industry: Hard Truths, Sacrifices, and Valuable Lessons

    Welcome to episode 180 of the Get Reelisms Podcast! Hosted by filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, this episode dives deep into the realities of working in the film industry. Adam and Christine discuss the inevitable struggles of unpaid work, the importance of resilience, and the value of loving what you do. They also reminisce about their five-year journey of hosting the podcast, recounting the significant changes and growth over the years. From on-set stories to life lessons, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring filmmakers. Stay tuned as they prepare for an exciting interview with Onset Headsets! 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.   For more information go to getreelisms.com  For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com   WEBISODE version of the Podcast TIME SUMMARY: 00:00 The Harsh Realities of the Film Industry 00:48 Welcome to the Get Reelisms Podcast 01:55 Reflecting on Five Years of Podcasting 03:11 The Impact of COVID on the Podcast 04:25 Teaching and the Reality Check for Students 10:37 The Journey from Student to Co-Host 12:01 The Evolution of the Podcast 14:37 High School Memories and Acting 18:01 The Art of Acting and Directing 19:53 The Magic of Improvisation in Film 20:20 Iconic Improvised Scenes in The Wolf of Wall Street 22:05 Aging and Nostalgia 23:12 Interviewing World War II Veterans 25:49 Recent Projects and Film Work 28:30 The Challenges and Rewards of Film Production 30:20 Reflections on Career Growth and Work Ethic 37:32 Living and Working in Los Angeles vs. Austin 38:07 Wrapping Up and Upcoming Podcast   Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    39 min

  8. FEB 3

    S4E179: The Art of Directing: Insights from Rob Spera

    Join hosts Christine Chen and Adam Chase Rani on Episode 179 of the Get Reelisms Podcast as they dive into a fascinating conversation with special guest Rob Spera, a seasoned film and television director, and educator at the American Film Institute. Spera shares invaluable insights about the filmmaking industry, discussing his work with Ride Back Rise, a fellowship program supporting mid-career people of color. He emphasizes the importance of doing the work, focusing on long-term career plans, and maintaining passion through teaching and community-building. The episode also touches on practical directing advice, including how to effectively collaborate with actors and the significance of living a balanced life to fuel creativity. This episode is packed with wisdom for both aspiring and seasoned filmmakers. 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 VERISON OF THE PODCAST TIMELINE: 00:00 Introduction to Film Scene Lengths 00:40 Welcome to the Get Reelisms Podcast 01:16 Meet Rob Spera: Director and Educator 01:41 The Ride Back Rise Fellowship 04:35 The Long Game: Developing a Five-Year Plan 06:43 Rob Spera's Journey in the Film Industry 10:11 Advice for Aspiring Producers 11:39 The Importance of Creating Your Own Opportunities 15:55 Teaching and Keeping the Passion Alive 23:44 Directing Techniques and Respecting Actors 32:07 The Importance of Scene Simplicity 32:48 Navigating Actor Challenges 33:31 The Role of Blocking and Camera Angles 35:53 Building a Collaborative Environment 40:21 The Value of Gratitude on Set 47:12 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers 52:31 Balancing Creativity and Work 56:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell Official Get Reelisms Page Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram

    58 min
See All (197)

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