The Prelim Podcast

The Prelim Podcast
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Film Interviews

Welcome to The Prelim – the Podcast that pulls back the curtain on the film industry, and discusses the raw, unfiltered reality of set life with the crew.  Hosts Tony Muller and Pablo Jara, (veteran AC's) sit down with the unsung heroes of your favorite blockbuster films and hit TV shows to bring you an all-access pass onto Hollywood sets. Tune in for: Candid crew conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. Wild, unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories from the all the trenches -- movies, television, live events, music videos, and commercials. Career-building wisdom from the legends who built Hollywood, one slate at a time. No script.  No filter.  Just real life set stories. Hit subscribe for new episodes each week!

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 11 — Lon Takiguchi

    Send us Fan Mail This week, on The Prelim Podcast we pivot out of the camera department straight into the AD department.  We are lucky to spend time in the new studio with our very good friend and colleague — the illustrious Lon Takiguchi, Assistant Director and sometimes Director extraordinaire!   From growing up on a farm in Hawaii with a Beta-Max machine to getting his big break cold-calling B-movie titan Roger Corman, Lon’s path through Hollywood is anything but ordinary.  After graduating from Cal Arts, he traded his first 9-to-5 production job working for Bette Middler and Bonnie Bruckheimer for $65-a-day script running gig, and he could not have been happier!  He was working and absorbing Corman’s hardcore "whatever-it-takes" hustle—learning to stretch every dollar, and command a set with zero BS from the King of the Cult Cinema in the late ‘90s.  The “pinch me” moments lasted a few years but he was blessed to be working on hallowed ground – where Corman helped launch careers of legendary directors like: Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Jonathan Demme and Ron Howard!  TV series soon followed and Lon found himself working on hit shows such as Lost, Ugly Betty, Hawaii 5-O, Black-ish, Grown-ish and more!   Check out the full episode to hear all about how Lon navigated his blessed career: • The Roger Corman Boot Camp:  What working for the King of B-Movies actually teaches you about guerilla filmmaking.   • Set Safety & Call Sheet Disasters:  The most important job of an AD is set safety and the absolute worst mistakes a 2nd AD can make – the do’s and don’ts of AD life according to Lon are priceless! • The Jump to the Chair:  How years of working on the Black-ish set finally led to Lon’s directorial debut on Grown-ish.  • Unfiltered Industry Advice:  Pure, no-punches-pulled wisdom for crew members looking for longevity in the business. Lon tells it like it is, drops priceless industry lessons, and keeps us laughing the entire time! Whether you're trying to break into the industry or just love hearing the hilarious and educational behind-the-scenes stories, hit play now — your ears (and your career) will thank you! 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes out every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  2. Aug 17

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 10 — Danny Park

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 4 of The Prelim Podcast, we sit down with Camera Assistant Danny Park, a man whose professional journey is an absolute masterclass in hustle and determination.  Danny shares the jaw-dropping story of how he broke into Hollywood using nothing but sheer willpower and relentless letter-writing.  From a game-changing partnership with one of his directorial heroes to winding up on tour with Justin Bieber, and eventually working the Superbowl Halftime show, Danny shares his incredible story.  Tune in to hear from what might just be the luckiest - and hardest working - AC in the business! 👉 Hit the like and subscribe button - it's free  to hear this episode and more! 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  3. Aug 10

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 9 — Danny Brown

    Send us Fan Mail From Panavision Shipping Room to Hollywood Steadicam Operator and Gear Inventor - this week we bring you the incomperable Danny Brown!  In this episode, Danny joins us in studio and shares his relentless journey climbing up the camera department crew ladder.  An inspiring story for anyone looking to rise through the ranks in the industry.  He breaks down what it really takes to transition into full-time Steadicam work, key set lessons from top DP mentors Patrick Cady and Bob Hall.  And what it was like working alongside Jamie Lee Curtis - a career highlight and great set story that goes far beyond the set for him personally.  He also shares some Steadicam Mastery Lessons:  Home practice techniques, taking on student films and making the leap.  Camera Dept Golden Rules:  A-cam vs. B-cam heirarchy, set etiquette and major "what not to do" moments and more!   This is such a valueable and informative episode that you will not hear anywhere else but here on The Prelim Podcast!  Plus Danny gives a live demo of his camera gear innovations: the infamous Knucklepuck and his newest creation The Hat Trick!    Bonus Material - Exclusive Listener Discount - This Episode Only:  Listen to get the one time Knucklepuck Camera discount with The Prelim Podcast promo code at the end of this episode! #steadicamoperator #setlife #jamieleecurtis #inventor #entrepreneur #cameracrew  Be sure to tune in each week for more episodes as we bring you inside Hollywood set life behind the lens and behind the scenes one crew member at at time! 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  4. Aug 3

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 8— Art Martin

    Send us Fan Mail This week, The Prelim Podcast proudly welcomes seasoned industry veteran, friend, and colleague Art (Arthur) Martin!  Art stops by to take us inside his distinguished Hollywood career in the camera department and share the scoop on a some of his most iconic projects.  From his early days breaking into the industry to becoming a premier focus puller, he shares exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from some of cinema's most prolific sets. Tune in as he recalls collaborating with legendary director Woody Allen, working under master cinematographer Vittorio Storaro on multiple projects, navigating the massive transition from film to digital and surviving iconic productions like Warren Beatty’s Bulworth, Bryan Singer’s Apt Pupil, and the comedy classic Dodgeball. Art also talks candidly about his time on the hit television series Entourage and gives us a hilarious look at what it was really like working with our very own hosts, Tony and Pablo, on the set of Black-ish!  As a trusted friend, true leader, and mentor to generations of crew members throughout his illustrious career, Art Martin joins us to share his never-before-heard set-life experiences. 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  5. Jul 27

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 7 — Derek Edwards

    Send us Fan Mail The Prelim Podcast is super excited to welcome legendary AC Derek Edwards to the studio for Episode 7!  This week, we dive deep into the unbelievable stories that shape Derek’s massive career in the camera department. Talk about a Renaissance man—Derek has done it all, transitioning from actor, model, PA, and Panavision employee to a powerhouse force behind the lens. We take a nostalgic trip back to the '90s to look at his early days learning under legendary DPs and mentors like Malik Sayeed and Shane Hurlbut, ASC. Then, we dive into the late '90s and early 2000s music video boom, where Derek became the ultimate go-to AC—pulling focus on a mind-blowing 2,000+ music videos and sharing sets with icons like Pharrell, Kanye West, and Big Sean!  Derek also opens up about the "teacher mentality" passed down to him by mentor DP Shane Hurlbut, who heavily invested in him early on, and how that transitioned to his work with The Filmmakers Academy.  Derek shares so many great stories in this episode but one of our favs is when he shares an after work mentorship moment with his crew and  "the distance game" he regularly played at bars so the team would learn instinctually the correct focal lengths w/o relying on dials and tech - a one of a kind guy with a one of a kind mind!  Whether you're a gearhead, an aspiring filmmaker, or just love really great crew stories, Derek’s unparalleled industry wisdom spanning decades makes this an incredibly insightful and hughly educational episode you should not miss out on!   🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  6. Jul 20

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 6 — Joey Cicio

    Send us Fan Mail If you've watched a massive blockbuster over the last two decades, odds are Joey Cicio was the one framing the shot.  From breaking into the industry and learning the craft under his mentor, the iconic master cinematographer Alan Daviau, ASC, to his groundbreaking work with Canon that triggered an industry-wide revolution in digital filmmaking with the 5D, Joey has seen it all.  He's operated on high profile major box-office hit films like Black Swan, Spider-Man 2 & 3, Iron Man 1 & 2, Die Hard,  Live Free or Die Hard and many more.  And his more recent camera operating work includes shows such as Dungeons and Dragons, Lioness and Fallout.  With an uparalleled, "Google-like" knowledge of cinematography equipment and film history, Joey joins us in the studio for this candid, insightful, and deeply endearing conversation that you won't want to miss. Welcome a legend to the studio —Joey Cicio joins us for Episode 5 of The Prelim Podcast! 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  7. Jul 13

    The Prelim Podcast | Episode 5 — Andy Macat

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Prelim Podcast, we bring the laughs with our good friend, 1st AC Andy Macat, who quite literally grew up inside a Hollywood camera department dynasty!    With legendary Director of Photography Julio Macat, ASC as a dad, an operator for an older brother, and his twin brother pulling focus as a 2nd AC, the film industry doesn't just run in Andy's blood—it IS the family business.  Andy takes us on a hilarious, high-energy trip behind the scenes, sharing what it was like meeting Jennifer Aniston as a kid on the set of Ace Ventura: Pet Dectective, and what happened when they unexpectedly reconnected decades later on the hit series The Morning Show.  From the unique chaos of working major professional sets alongside his dad to striking out on his own high-profile projects, Andy drops endless hilarious, heartwarming and classic crew stories with our hosts that you won't hear anywhere else!    Tune in for this wildly entertaining episode that will leave you wanting more! 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  8. Jul 7

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 4 — Paul Hughen, ASC

    Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how the massive action pieces in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the high-stakes battles of Star Wars come together? It all hinges on the 2nd Unit—and we are sitting down with one of the absolute best in the business.  In Episode 4, we are excited to welcome our friend and veteran cinematographer Paul Hughen, ASC, whose incredible career as a 2nd Unit Director of Photography has shaped some of the biggest blockbusters and premium television series of the last decade. From The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan Kenobi,  WandaVison, and Stranger Things to The Avengers: Endgame movie and more, Paul pulls back the curtain on what it takes to visually match a main unit while bringing his own signature technical mastery to the screen. In this episode, we dive deep into: • The Art of the 2nd Unit: How to seamlessly integrate massive action, stunts, and visual effects with the primary director's vision. • The Tech of a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Working on the cutting edge virtual production worlds of the modern Star Wars episodes and films. • The Camera Department Journey: Paul’s advice for moving up the ranks in Hollywood, building collaborative relationships on set, and getting invited into the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). Whether you’re an aspiring camera assistant, a seasoned filmmaker, or just a massive fan of cinematic storytelling, this masterclass in visual composition and set survival is one you can't afford to miss! 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  9. Jun 29

    The Prelim Podcast I Episode 3 — Lisa Guerriero

    Send us Fan Mail Fight Club. Mad Men.  The world of David Lynch.  Lisa Guerriero has seen it all and she's dropping some gems in Episode 3! This week, Pablo and Tony talk with Lisa Guerriero, who as a female AC, is part of the first generation of women to break into the film industry in the late 1980s — long before that was a conversation anyone was having in Hollywood.  She shares her journey of breaking into the male-dominated movie and television industries, and she describes her successes in navigating Hollywood sets as a camera assistant for her many decades to follow.  We also talk about her passion for photography and the powerful work she captured on the streets of New Orleans.  This inspiring conversation is packed with incredible insights! Tune in to this week to catch the pioneering set-life chronicles of Lisa Guerriero. 👉 Hit play to listen now!   🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes weekly 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter 🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  10. Jun 22

    The Prelim Podcast | Episode 2 — Conrad Castor

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when old friends reminisce about working on some of the biggest productions in entertainment history?  Things get incredibly animated!  Hosts Tony and Pablo catch up with fellow AC Conrad Castor.    From the high-profile sets of Iron Man and Iron Man 2 to pinnacle live events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the 2025 Oscars, Conrad shares exclusive, hilarious stories from his set experiences in Hollywood and around the world!  You do not want to miss this one! 👉 Hit play to listen now!   🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

  11. Jun 16

    The Prelim Podcast | Episode 1 — Who We Are

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Prelim — Coming to you each week from Los Angeles, California. In this premiere episode, it’s just the hosts— no guests, no filters.  Just raw, honest conversations about what it takes to survive and thrive behind the lens.  Long time friends and camera assistants, Tony Muller and Pablo Jara reminisce about their early days on sets, moving up the ranks in the camera department, and how they eventually crossed paths on one of their favorite sets of all time: Black-ish. Together they reveal the inspiration behind The Prelim, what they want this podcast to become, and why they believe the crew — the people you never see — deserve their moment in the spotlight.  This is set-life. Unfiltered.  Built by the crew, for the crew, those who wish to become future crew and everyone interested in the untold Hollywood behind-the-scenes stories -- we are The Prelim.   🎬 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday 📲 Follow us @ThePrelimPodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Twitter #filmindustry, #crewsetstories, #theprelimpodcast, #hollywoodsetstories, #behindthescenes, #moviecrews, #setlife

    The Prelim Podcast | Episode 1 — Who We Are
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Prelim – the Podcast that pulls back the curtain on the film industry, and discusses the raw, unfiltered reality of set life with the crew.  Hosts Tony Muller and Pablo Jara, (veteran AC's) sit down with the unsung heroes of your favorite blockbuster films and hit TV shows to bring you an all-access pass onto Hollywood sets. Tune in for: Candid crew conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. Wild, unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories from the all the trenches -- movies, television, live events, music videos, and commercials. Career-building wisdom from the legends who built Hollywood, one slate at a time. No script.  No filter.  Just real life set stories. Hit subscribe for new episodes each week!

Information

  • Creator
    The Prelim Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Prelim Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Prelim Podcast

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