Monica Macer, TV Writer & Executive Producer: Station 11, MacGyver, Queen Sugar, Lost, Prison Break

Film Producer and Broadway Investor Rob Stillman recounts the ambitious journey of translating the powerful play "Freud's Last Session" into a movie, with Anthony Hopkins breathing life into Freud. His insight into the allure of challenging roles for A-list actors and the intimate process of film production shines a light on the artistry behind making a movie. Rob also reflects on his beginnings with "The God Committee," tracing his path from off-Broadway to the heart of Hollywood.

In a world quick to dismiss different viewpoints, our conversation takes a turn towards the significance of maintaining meaningful dialogue and the value of faith and friendships beyond our differences. Rob shares his perspective on success, measured not in box office receipts but in the laughter and love of family—especially the bond with his children. Join us for an episode that doesn't just entertain but also questions, connects, and celebrates the stories that make us human, all through the lens of a man who's seen the best and brightest of what show business has to offer.

Navigating Hollywood

Rob Stillman IMDb

Freud's Last Session

The Sound of Violet Official Site

Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, X

Allen Wolf’s website

Who is Scott Teems, the celebrated filmmaker behind award-winning films like "The Evening Sun," and the hits "Exorcist: Believer" and "Insidious: Red Door"? How did Scott grow up to create intense, thrilling, and dramatic stories that captivate audiences? Join us as we explore the life and career of this versatile creator, as we discuss his journey from a struggling youngster to an acclaimed filmmaker, responsible for creating the Peabody Award-winning Sundance TV drama "Rectify". 

Scott attributes his success to the encouragement he received in the eighth grade, which launched his journey into filmmaking. His move to New York and his involvement with The Haven community of artists served as stepping stones to his career. Our conversation also takes you through Scott's collaborations with Terrence Berry and his experiences with  Halloween Kills, and his exploration of the audience's fascination with violence in movies.

We delve into the realm of horror films, their power to explore evil, and Scott's unique approach to the Exorcist sequel. Scott emphasizes the importance of collaboration for creating compelling stories and shares his beliefs about the expectations one needs to set while embarking on a creative journey. 

Host and filmmaker Allen Wolf becomes the guest in this rebroadcast of Perspectives on Neurodiversity where he talks about the journey of making his recent movie, The Sound of Violet. We dive headfirst into a discussion about the film adaptation of his novel. The road to casting Shawn, a unique character with autism, wasn't easy, but we talk about the triumphs achieved along the way and the personal connections to the story's theme of human trafficking. We'll hear how the film reflects human life's complexities and unpack essential aspects of a character's development and relationship portrayal in films. Uncover how Allen worked to illustrate Shawn's  character and discovered his autism, integrating the  concept of synesthesia into the story.

We'll also reflect on the transformative power of film and the impact The Sound of Violet has had on its audience. How did the pandemic affect the film's release? How did the critical role of music shape the story? Discover how Allen and composer Conrad Pope worked to create an Academy Award-worthy score. Don't miss this enlightening exploration of neurodiversity, the intricacies of independent films, and the beauty of creative storytelling.

• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, X

• Allen Wolf’s website

Join us on a thrilling journey as we chat with Tory Belleci, host, actor, and writer best known for his work on Mythbusters. Tory recalls how an unexpected encounter with the cops led him to the world of visual effects. Buckle up as we take you through the exhilarating steps Tory took to land his dream job at Mythbusters, a job he nearly passed on.

Tory shares stories from his time on Mythbusters, from the jitters of being in front of the camera to the creation of the show and his role. Get a close-up view of the behind-the-scenes happenings of one of the most-watched science shows on television. He also talks about his other adventures, the delicate nature of life in the sudden loss of his co-host, Grant, and the incredible story behind his near-death heart condition. So tune in, and prepare to be captivated by these tales of adventure, trials, and triumphs.

• Tory Belleci's website

• Tory on Instagram, X, IMDb, Facebook

• Navigating Hollywood

• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, X

• Allen Wolf’s website

Ready to explore the powerful intersection of faith and creativity and find the answers to some profound questions? Our latest episode features a message from the late pastor, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author Tim Keller. He addressed an off-Broadway audience on a riveting topic: Why Do We Need Artists? Tim delivered this message to a packed theater when he was 42 years old, and his enlightening words are as relevant today as they were then.

Join us on this captivating journey as Tim Keller discusses how art is a conduit reconnecting us to something from which we've been disconnected. Today, we breathe life back into his invaluable insights, serving up a treat for artists, art aficionados, and anyone intrigued by the crossroads of spirituality and creativity. Tune in as we explore these compelling themes and uncover how art indicates there's more to us than meets the eye.

Kris has been featured in Jurassic World: Dominion, Wonder Woman 1984, Where Hope Grows, TV movies for the Hallmark Channel, and many other films and TV series, including Mad Men, Get Shorty, and Backstrom. He has also co-authored two books from the series From Kona with Love. Kris talks about his incredible journey, how an explosion nearly took his life and the legacy he'd like to leave behind.

• Kristoffer Polaha on IMDb, Instagram, Twitter

• Kristoffer Polaha's website

• Navigating Hollywood

• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

• Transcript

Jeremy is a stunt coordinator and driver who has worked on many incredible films, including Black Panther, the Dark Knight movies, Captain America, National Treasure, Indiana Jones, Free Guy, Tenet, Ford V Ferrari, John Wick, and many, many others. He has also been featured in dozens of television series as well, including WandaVision, Big Little Lies, True Detective, NCIS, and many others.

Jeremy has won multiple awards for his stunt work, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Black Panther, a nomination for Ant Man and the Wasp, and Baby Driver, and he won the Taurus World Stunt Award, which is equivalent to an Oscar in the stunt world for The Bourne Ultimatum, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and Baby Driver. Interviewed by Filmmaker Allen Wolf.

See more at NavigatingHollywood.org

Links:

• Watch this interview on Youtube

• Jeremy Fry on IMDb

• Navigating Hollywood

• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

• Transcript

Dean Batali was a writer and Executive Producer for That 70's Show, writer for  Buffy The Vampire Slayer,  head writer for the Disney Jr series Puppy Dog Pals, and was the executive producer and showrunner for Hallmark Channel’s Good Witch. He also co-authored the book Watching TV Religiously. Dean discusses his career, the challenges he met along the way, why he's thankful for the worst day of his life, and the legacy he'd like to leave behind. Interviewed by Filmmaker Allen Wolf.

See more at NavigatingHollywood.org

Links:

• Watch this interview on Youtube

• Dean Batli on IMDb

• Navigating Hollywood

• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

• Transcript

Named as one of Variety’s 10 Writers to Watch, Monica has written for some of the most acclaimed television series over the last 15 years. She’s a Consulting Producer for HBO’s Station Eleven, the Executive Producer for MacGyver, Queen Sugar, Nashville, and Gentefied, which was nominated for a Peabody Award. She was a writer on Lost, Teen Wolf, Knight Rider, Prison Break, and more. She talks about her career, where she finds inspiration, and the time when she thought she'd never work again.

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Links:

• Watch this interview

• Monica Macer on IMDb, Twitter

• Navigating Hollywood

• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

• Transcript

Brian  is the co-creator and executive producer of the top-rated Hallmark Channel original series When Calls the Heart and is the writer and producer of over two dozen films and TV movies such as The Heart of Man, Bopha!, Call Me Claus, Not Easily Broken, Captive, and The Case for Christ. Over his 40+ year career, Brian has written and/or produced nearly 350 episodes of television, including Evening Shade, Step by Step, and Touched by an Angel.

Brian talks about how he got his start in the industry, how he thinks it's essential to be fearless to be successful and shares many inspirational stories and insights. He also discusses how the best legacy of When Calls the Heart is not the show, it's the Hearties

See more at NavigatingHollywood.org.

Links:

• Watch on YouTube
• When Calls the Heart Official Site
• When Calls the Heart on Twitter
• Navigating Hollywood
• Brian Bird on IMDb, Twitter
• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
• Allen Wolf’s website
• Allen Wolf's movie website