Trilith Institute Talks Trilith Institute

Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!

 
This episode of Trilith Institute Talks, hosted by Hunter Barcroft, features an engaging conversation with Kurt Kornemann, a seasoned Key Grip with experience on high-profile films such as Spy Kids, Zero Dark Thirty, True Grit, Rushmore, Selena, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3... Kurt walks us through his role on set, the responsibilities of being a Key Grip, and the creative and technical challenges that Key Grips face in the film industry. The discussion also explores Kurt's career journey, from his early fascination with film to his experiences on various movie sets, including his work on Selena and with visionary directors like Quentin Tarantino... He shares insights on the evolution of filmmaking, the impact of filming location on production, and the essence of teamwork in creating cinematic magic. Additionally, film students Matt and AJ share their aspirations and experiences in the industry, highlighting the influence of figures like Robert Rodriguez on their careers. The episode delves into the changes in movie-making techniques, the importance of keeping a crew well-fed, and the future of storytelling in the era of short-form content. Kurt's stories reveal the gritty, thrilling, and often unpredictable world of film production, emphasizing the passion, resilience, and creativity required to succeed in the industry we all love.
 
 
Episode Timestamps
 
00:00 - Sunday Mornings with Selena: A Nostalgic Start / Cold Open
00:16 - Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks: Behind the Scenes with Kurt Kornemann
00:43 - The Life of a Key Grip: Kurt's Journey in Film
03:42 - From PA to Key Grip: Kurt's Path to Success
07:31 - Inspiring the Next Generation: Trilith Institute's Script to Screen Summer Camp
09:04 - The Magic of Filmmaking: Personal Journeys and Inspirations
15:51 - Craft Service: The Unsung Heroes of Film Sets
17:30 - The Evolution of a Film Career: From PA to AD
19:56 - The Future of Filmmaking in the Age of Short-Form Content
20:29 - Exploring the Evolution of Movie Runtimes
21:14 - The Business Model of Short Films
22:24 - Navigating Hollywood's Consolidation and Its Impact
24:11 - Screenwriting Essentials: A Course Overview
24:24 - The Dynamics of Film Production: From Indie to Blockbuster
25:12 - Crafting the Film: The Key Grip's Perspective
30:14 - Adventures and Challenges on International Sets
31:59 - The Economic and Cultural Impact of Filming in Georgia
36:12 - The Personal Journey of a Filmmaker in Georgia
42:52 - Reflecting on the Evolution of Film and Television
45:30 - Closing Thoughts and Podcast Information
 
 
Film Industry Terminology In This Episode
 
Boom - the microphone pole that Boom Operator's (Sound Dept) use to capture sound above actor's heads or outside of the image/ frame of any given shot on a movie or TV show.
Key Grip - the leader of the Grip Dept, Key Grip's are typically responsible for all rigging and the shaping of light in any given camera shot.
Condor - a very large crane; typically used to hold rigging and light shades/ screens above or to the side of a film set to help shade or shape the light you see on camera
Locking Up - the act of making sure a film set is secured and cast/ crew are not needlessly walking around during a take. Could also mean traffic control, if shooting on or near an active roadway. 
Dolly - a typically large piece of machinery on wheels that is designed to move a camera along a track at a slow, steady pace. Dollies are used for long tracking shots where the camera "floats" through a set.
Color Pass - the edited cut of a film or project that has been processed through color grading, to add whatever changes filmmakers might want to help or change the "look" of the shots that were captured while filming.
AD - an abbreviated name for the title of Assistant Director. This term is widely used to address or refer to both the title of Assistant Director itself, or the

Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!

 
In this episode of Trilith Institute Talks, host Hunter Barcroft explores the world of directing with esteemed Director, Lauren Petzke and emerging talents Ebony Blanding and film student Arielle. The conversation dives into the challenges and excitements of life on set, the collaborative process with actors, and the sustainable growth of Georgia's film industry. Petzke shares her journey from aspiring actor to accomplished TV director, highlighting her experiences on shows like 'Walker', 'Gotham Knights', 'Legacies', and 'Sweet Magnolias'. The discussion also covers the importance of storytelling, technical preparation, navigating the industry as a new director, and the significance of building relationships within the film community. Ebony Blanding discusses her role as the first filmmaker for the Emerging Creative Residency at Trilith Institute, and the process of preparing for her debut feature film she is making while in residency. The episode emphasizes the joy and creative fulfillment found in directing, along with practical advice for aspiring filmmakers.
 
 
Episode Timestamps
 
00:00 - Opening Remarks and Introductions
00:41 - Life on Set and Directing Insights
02:03 - Lauren Petzke's Journey into Directing
06:52 - Navigating the Industry and Embracing Opportunities
10:07 - The Value of Crew Experience and Directing Challenges
15:40 - Exploring the ECR Program and Filmmaking Timelines
16:32 - The Indie Filmmaking Perspective and Career Flexibility
18:21 - Building a Supportive Director Community
19:33 - Navigating the Industry: From First Jobs to Future Aspirations
28:09 - The Atlanta Film Scene and Fostering Local Talent
30:19 - The Cultural Impact of Georgia on Creativity
31:00 - Family Ties and Career Moves
31:23 - The Atlanta Shift: Opportunities and Family Dynamics
32:13 - Balancing Work and Family Life in the Film Industry
35:36 - The Art of Episode Preparation
46:26 - Creative Process and Prepping for a Feature Film
50:02 - The Joy of Short Film Making
54:02 - Filmmaking: A Space for Fun and Exploration
01:00:17 - Closing Thoughts on Filmmaking and Creativity
 
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Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!

 
In this episode of Trilith Institute Talks, host Hunter Barcroft engages with Stewart Ussery, a third-generation Teamster in film industry transportation, alongside film students Laura and Baker. They discuss the integral role of respect & teamwork in the film industry, emphasizing the crucial partnership between Production and the Transportation Department for smooth operations. Stewart shares insights from his 11-years of experience and family legacy in film transportation, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a sustainable work-life balance in the demanding film industry. The talk also ventures into the specifics of a transportation coordinator and captain's duties within film productions, navigating logistics, equipment, and personnel coordination. Personal anecdotes underline the sacrifices made for career advancements and the importance of strategically managing work commitments to preserve family time. The discussion also addresses the evolution of Georgia's film industry and the nurturing work culture fostering growth and camaraderie among crews.
 
 
Episode Timestamps
 
00:00 - Introduction to Trilith Institute Talks
00:12 - Meet the Panel: Insights from Film Industry Veterans
01:40 - The Importance of Respect in the Film Industry
03:16 - A Deep Dive into Film Transportation and Logistics
08:18 - The Realities of Work-Life Balance in the Film Industry
08:43 - Navigating Career and Family: Personal Stories from A Life Behind The Scenes
12:54 - Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance
19:34 - From Big Sets to Small: Adapting and Learning
22:33 - Navigating Production Needs: The Role of Transportation in Film
23:02 - The Complex Dance of Production Logistics
24:22 - Balancing Act: Production Demands vs. Transportation Realities
25:17 - Strategies for Effective Communication and Problem Solving
28:28 - The Path to Becoming a Teamster: Insights and Advice
30:21 - Building Strong Relationships and Team Dynamics
35:51 - Leadership and Culture Within the Transportation Department
43:07 - A Day in the Life of a Film Production Driver
45:45 - Reflections on the Evolution of the Film Industry in Atlanta
 
About Trilith Institute
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Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!

 
In this episode of Trilith Institute Talks, host Hunter Barcroft delves into the intricacies of casting for film and television with renowned Casting Director, Kimberly Wistedt... Having worked on major projects like The Righteous Gemstones, Outer Banks, The Menu, and Jurassic World, Kimberly shares her journey from starting as a stage manager to becoming a celebrated casting director in Atlanta. The discussion also features film students Sam and Chelsea, who share their experiences and aspirations in the industry. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of availability for roles, the transition from traditional to digital casting methods, leveraging self-tapes for auditions, the value of building relationships within the industry, and adapting to the evolving landscape of casting in the Southeast. Insights into the business aspect of casting, dealing with young actors, and practical advice for upcoming filmmakers on managing auditions and casting processes are also explored, along with personal anecdotes and industry experiences that highlight the challenges and rewards of casting in today's film and television landscape.
 
 
Episode Timestamps
 
00:00 - The Unspoken Rule of Casting
00:10 - Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks: A Deep Dive into Casting
00:46 - Meet Kimberly Wistedt: A Casting Director's Journey
02:55 - Introducing Film Students Sam and Chelsea
04:23 - The Evolution of Casting in Atlanta
06:02 - The Impact of Location on Actors' Careers
08:32 - Exploring the World of Student Films and Casting
10:26 - The Future of Casting: Trends and Changes
14:44 - Navigating the Challenges of Casting Young Actors
18:20 - The Art and Science of Casting: A Comprehensive Overview
25:32 - Bridging Generational Gaps in the Film Industry
28:36 - Redefining Film Set Culture: A Director's Vision
29:00 - The Pandemic's Impact on Young Filmmakers
29:09 - Navigating Stress and Expectations in Film Production
29:50 - Breaking into the Film Industry: Insights and Opportunities
30:09 - Understanding Personal Limits in Creative Environments
30:42 - Challenges and Realities of Casting in the Film Industry
32:46 - Mastering the Audition Process: From Confusion to Clarity
33:43 - Embracing Self-Tapes: A Casting Director's Perspective
37:28 - Addressing the Challenges of Self-Tape Auditions
40:30 - Negotiating Actor Expectations and Self-Tape Standards
42:33 - Accommodating Diverse Needs in Film Production
44:59 - Celebrating Successes and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Casting
49:15 - Envisioning a New Era for Filmmaking in Atlanta
51:57 - Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
 
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Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!
 
In this episode of Trilith Institute Talks, host Hunter Barcroft delves into the animation industry with Neal Holman, noted for his work on Archer and Hit-Monkey. They explore Neal's journey from an intern to a prominent figure in the animation industry, the ins-and-outs of producing animated shows, and the future of animation in Georgia... Joined by animation students Sydney-Gene and Amelia, the discussion spans from film school experiences, to career advice for aspiring animators... Highlights of the episode include the transformation of work culture with remote opportunities, key skills for entering the animation industry, and the importance of storyboarding and compositing... The conversation also touches on the significance of staying adaptable, networking, and being kind within the animation community.
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
 
00:00 - The Spark of a Career in Animation
00:09 - Welcome to Truelth Institute Talks: Diving into Animation
01:05 - Neal Holman: A Multifaceted Career in Animation
02:21 - From Intern to Industry Insider: Neal's Journey
08:12 - Breaking into Animation: Insights and Aspirations
19:05 - The Art of Managing Creative Projects and Teams
24:24 - Navigating Burnout and Creativity in the Animation Industry
28:42 - The Intricacies of Animation Production
29:52 - Breaking into the Film Industry: Tips and Workshops
30:12 - Composing the Soundtrack: From Temp Tracks to Final Scores
31:13 - Navigating Animation Challenges: From Storyboards to Final Edits
32:35 - Diving into Hit-Monkey: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Season 2
36:01 - The Role of an Executive Producer: A Day in the Life
45:25 - Exploring Animation Careers: Advice for Aspiring Artists
52:56 - The Future of Animation in Georgia and Remote Work Insights
58:26 - Networking and Career Development in Animation
 
 
About Trilith Institute
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Introducing Trilith Institute Talks: a roundtable-style podcast where established film industry professionals and local Georgia film students connect through meaningful, casual conversation about the magic of making movies.
Follow along each week as we dive deep into various industry topics, discuss Hollywood's legends & legacies, and learn a thing or two about the aspirations of the next generation of filmmakers.
Trilith Institute Talks: a podcast for film students, film professionals, and everyone in-between.
Episode 1 drops Monday, April 15th, wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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About Trilith Institute
Support The Next Generation of Storytellers Take A Professional Education Course Get Involved With Trilith Institute Contact Us Follow Us On Social Media!
Trilith Institute Talks Instagram Trilith Institute Instagram Trilith Institute Facebook Trilith Institute LinkedIn