Reel Wisdom with NK

Reel Wisdom with NK
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Welcome to Reel Wisdom with NK, the Midwest Film Festival's podcast exploring the journeys, insights, and lessons from filmmakers and creatives across the Midwest.

  1. Oct 19

    Succeeding in Production

    The Indie Producer's Roadmap with Mike D. Ware Indie film producing takes someone who is gritty, resourceful, and financially savvy. In this episode of Reel Wisdom with NK, we sit down with multi-hyphenate Chicago-based filmmaker and producer Mike D. Ware (Senior Producer at 1986 Studios, Echo Boomers, Pools, Dog Years, Double Blind). With over a decade of experience bringing ambitious independent projects to life, Mike shares his advice for navigating the indie landscape. We break down the core skills aspiring producers should sharpen, the realities of budgeting for passion projects, securing high-level talent, and so much more. Whether you are calculating your next career move or gearing up for your first project, this conversation is packed with invaluable industry insights. New episodes of Reel Wisdom with NK drop every 3rd Monday of the month. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Credits: Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & Director NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer  Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Ziva Armstrong - Set Dec Alex Richardson - Costume Designer Fiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PR Estefanía Mena - Social Media Manager  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  2. Sep 21

    Made in Illinois: Film, Industry & Opportunity

    Made in Illinois: Film, Industry & Opportunity - Live with Peter Hawley What does it actually take to make a movie in Illinois—and how can independent filmmakers navigate the state’s resources to get their projects funded and made? Recorded live at the Midwest Film Festival, host NK sits down with Peter Hawley, Director of the Illinois Film Office, to breakdown state tax incentives, underutilized filmmaker resources, and the infrastructure helping fund Midwest cinema.  Whether you need tax credit guidance or industry advice, tune in for essential insights into making films in the Midwest!  Credits: Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & Director NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer  Andrew Moore - Writer Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Ziva Armstrong - Set Dec Alex Richardson - Costume Designer Fiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PR Estefanía Mena - Social Media Manager  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  3. Aug 24 ·  Bonus

    The Best of the Midwest: Meet the Winners - Pt. 2

    The conversation continues! In Part 2 of this live recording at the Midwest Film Festival, NK turns the spotlight from behind-the-scenes design to the performances and visuals that bring a story to life. She is joined by three more celebrated Best of the Midwest Award winners to talk performance, visual storytelling, and pulling off a winning feature: Ashlyn Lozano | Winner – Best ActressBrian Zahm | Winner – Grand Prize & Best CinematographyBen Bishop | Winner – Best ActorIn this episode, the panel dives into the collaborative dynamic between actors and directors, the art of crafting unforgettable lead performances, and the visual strategies needed to capture an award-winning look.  Listen in to catch the rest of the conversation! Credits: Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & Director NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer  Andrew Moore - Writer Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Ziva Armstrong - Set Dec Alex Richardson - Costume Designer Fiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PR Estefanía Mena - Social Media Manager  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  4. Aug 17

    The Best of the Midwest: Meet the Winners - Pt. 1

    In part one of this intimate live conversation, host NK sits down with three standout Best of the Midwest Award winners to unpack the artistry, discipline, and execution behind their craft: Mariah Bennett | Winner – Best Production DesignErick Juarez | Winner – Best CastingDavis Cameron Chu | Winner – Best EditingWhether you are prepping your next short, navigating the festival circuit, or looking to sharpen your technical toolkit, tune in for actionable insights and real-talk advice on making films that leave a mark. Credits: Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & Director NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer  Andrew Moore - Writer Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Ziva Armstrong - Set Dec Alex Richardson - Costume Designer Fiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PR Estefanía Mena - Social Media Manager  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  5. Jul 20

    Film Festival Programming Demystified

    Film Festival Programming Demystified with Raul Benitez & Sandra Bernal Aristizábal Today we are Demystifying the art of film festival programming. We sit down with the ultimate cinema architects and uncovering the hidden blueprint they use to build the industry. We are revealing exactly what a programmer does and the submission strategies that could land your film on the big screen. If you're working to take your filmmaking career to the next level, you cannot afford to miss this. Credits Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & Director NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer  Sarah Glees - Production Coordinator  Andrew Moore - Writer Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Ziva Armstrong - Set Dec Alex Richardson - Costume Designer Fiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PR Estefanía Mena - Social Media Manager  Isaac Dempsey - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  6. Feb 16

    Global kaleidoscope: Multicultural Storytelling

    Global kaleidoscope: Multicultural Storytelling with Natasha Parker Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator  Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Sarah Glees - Social Media Editor  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  7. Jan 22

    Green Lighting Yourself

    Green Lighting Yourself with Troy Pryor Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator  Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Sarah Glees - Social Media Editor  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

  8. 12/15/2025

    Communication in Freelance

    Communication in Freelance with Katelyn Henslin In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, our host, NK, sits down with Chicago-based independent producer Katelyn Henslin for a candid and practical conversation about navigating the freelance film industry and why communication is the backbone of a sustainable creative career. Katelyn is an established freelancer in Chicago, she reflects on recent career milestones, including wrapping her largest-budget feature as lead producer, and the lessons learned along the way. Together, they break down the realities of freelance life: treating your career like a business, understanding that every set is an interview, and learning when to say “no” to protect your long-term goals. Katelyn emphasizes the ripple effect of communication on set, the importance of going through proper channels, and how professionalism, kindness, and self-advocacy can shape future opportunities. This episode also dives into the mental side of freelancing from imposter syndrome to overcommitment and the systems that help creatives stay organized, visible, and grounded in a fast-paced industry. Katelyn's insights offer a roadmap for emerging filmmakers looking to balance craft, logistics, and human connection while building a career they can sustain. Whether you’re just entering the freelance world or refining how you show up on set, this episode is a reminder that clear communication, trust in yourself, and respect for the collective process are what truly move the industry forward. Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator  Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Sarah Glees - Social Media Editor  Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director  Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & Graphics Jake Hensley - Audio Mixer Kimberly Knudsen - Production Manager Devin Delaney - Composer Jamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer  Production Facility - Noisefloor LTD Post Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

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About

Welcome to Reel Wisdom with NK, the Midwest Film Festival's podcast exploring the journeys, insights, and lessons from filmmakers and creatives across the Midwest.

Information

  • Creator
    Reel Wisdom with NK
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reel Wisdom with NK
  • Show Website
    Reel Wisdom with NK