Rumikay Talks

Konstantin Starodetskii

Konstantin Starodetskii is a writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles. He's passionate about stories that unite humanity and uplift souls, and his goal is to inspire everyone to create works that make us better, kinder human beings. On the Rumikay Talks podcast, you'll listen to interviews with professionals from the entertainment industry, popular film topics, and tips on how to keep your creative juices flowing. Check out our website: www.rumikay.com.

  1. 2D AGO

    How to Pitch Your Vision: Filmmaking Lessons from Andrew Kightlinger

    Send a text How do you turn a technical camera launch into a soulful piece of science fiction? In this episode, director Andrew Kightlinger joins the Rumikay Talks podcast to break down the reality of a career in film. From his unique childhood education in Madagascar—where movies arrived in a traveling "Red Island Video Club" footlocker—to directing a feature for Sylvester Stallone, Andrew shares what it takes to survive and thrive in the industry. In this episode, we discuss: The "Sting" of Rejection: Why the "no’s" never stop hurting, but how to stop taking them personally.The Art of the Pitch: How Andrew landed the Fujifilm GFX launch by pitching emotional storytelling over technical specs.Vulnerability on Set: Why being a "benevolent director" and taking acting classes leads to more truthful performances.Grief as Inspiration: How the loss of his grandmother fueled the script for his latest sci-fi short.Atomic Habits: Why small steps and personal growth are essential for staying focused as a creative. ✨ Selected links from the episode: ✨ Andrew's IG:  https://www.instagram.com/andrew.vhs OKAY at Slamdance: https://slamdance.com/26-lineup/ Slamdance Film Festival: February 19th–25th in Los Angeles (and virtually!) 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out! https://rumikay.com/YouTube 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review Rumikay Talks on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rumikay-talks/id1632585743 💬 We'd love to hear from you! What would you like to learn from working filmmakers? Send us a text!

    44 min
  2. FEB 10

    Slamdance & Fatherhood: Joseph Austin II on Indie Success

    Send a text What happens when your career dream and your life dream collide in the same month?  In this episode, Konstantin sits down with filmmaker Joseph Austin II as he prepares for two massive "world premieres": the debut of his second feature film, A Story About You, at the Slamdance Film Festival, and the birth of his first daughter. Joseph shares the incredible story of winning a $60,000 Panavision grant that greenlit his latest project and the technical hurdles of shooting a feature with a tiny, three-person crew.  We explore Joseph’s journey from a college junior searching for a path to becoming a filmmaker whose work is now recognized on the global stage. He opens up about dealing with rejection, the importance of "advocating for your vision," and why he believes human-led storytelling will always hold a special power over AI.  Key Highlights: The Panavision Grant: How Joseph turned a festival win into a greenlit feature. Indie Production Secrets: Managing 130-lb camera setups with just three people. Creative Restoration: Why Sankofa Bookstore in DC is a vital hub for his inspiration. The Industry’s Future: Joseph’s perspective on the merger-heavy world of TV and the rise of AI.  Whether you are an aspiring director or a lover of independent cinema, Joseph’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, humility, and the art of "simplifying" the daunting task of making a movie.  ✨ Selected links from the episode: ✨ Joseph's IG:  https://www.instagram.com/josephaustinii/ A Story About You at Slamdance: https://slamdance.com/26-lineup/ Slamdance Film Festival: February 19th–25th in Los Angeles (and virtually!) 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations and hit the notification bell so you don't miss out! https://rumikay.com/YouTube 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review Rumikay Talks on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rumikay-talks/id1632585743 💬 We'd love to hear from you! What would you like to learn from working filmmakers? Send us a text!

    36 min
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Konstantin Starodetskii is a writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles. He's passionate about stories that unite humanity and uplift souls, and his goal is to inspire everyone to create works that make us better, kinder human beings. On the Rumikay Talks podcast, you'll listen to interviews with professionals from the entertainment industry, popular film topics, and tips on how to keep your creative juices flowing. Check out our website: www.rumikay.com.