The BraveMaker Podcast

Join our conversation with Patrick Caligiuri, an award-winning producer, writer, and content creator behind some of TV’s most thrilling reality shows, including The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Naked & Afraid, and American Idol!Most recently, Patrick served as Co-Executive Producer for Fight to Survive (Roku) and The Quest (Disney+). With over 20 years in the industry, he’s mastered the art of authentic storytelling and creative innovation in unscripted television.Beyond television, Patrick shares behind-the-scenes insights as “Producer Patrick” on social media, offering a peek into the evolving world of unscripted content.

🎬 Join us for an inspiring conversation with filmmaker and producer Ramfis Myrthil!Ramfis is a powerhouse in independent film, dedicated to championing stories by BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ creators. His journey started with a short film premiering at Cannes, leading to award-winning features like Cicada (2021) and the Tribeca hit Bad Like Brooklyn Dance Hall (2023), produced alongside Shaggy.His most recent short film, RICKY (2022), premiered at Sundance and is now in development as a feature. As an advisor for Sundance Film Institute’s Collab program, an adjunct professor, and a mentor for rising filmmakers, Ramfis is passionate about educating and uplifting the next generation of storytellers. His newest venture, Ramfis Productions, is dedicated to empowering Caribbean filmmakers and underrepresented voices worldwide.🎥 Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or just curious about breaking into the industry, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Join Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam as they chat with Rachel Alig, star of the Sundance 2025-selected drama Omaha.Dive into the making of this emotional film that follows siblings Ella and Charlie on a cross-country journey with their father after a family tragedy — only to discover that not everything is as it seems.Welcome our special guest, Rachel Alig, an award-winning actress known for her performances across film and television. With over a decade of experience, Rachel has portrayed a wide range of characters, captivating audiences with her depth and versatility. Her notable projects include leading roles in films such as The Cleaning Lady (2018), where she played Shelly, and At Granny's House (2015), portraying Rebecca Torrance. She also starred in First Blush (2020) and Ghostline(2015).Don’t miss this inspiring discussion about Rachel’s career, her approach to complex roles, and the creative journey behind Omaha, premiering at Sundance!

Join our conversation with the special guest, Erin Brown Thomas.

Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam host this episode about Making the Sundance Selected episodic project: CHASERS.Welcome our guest, Erin Brown Thomas, creator, director, and storyteller extraordinaire. Erin shares how her unique perspective and single-shot filmmaking style brought this bold, visually striking pilot to life.With its mix of drama, comedy, and surreal twists, CHASERS explores the lives of ambitious creatives navigating the fine line between ambition and exploitation.

This episode will explore how creatives can set professional goals and stay on track to achieve them.Join to get ideas, tips, and inspiration for a successful and fulfilling year.

BraveMaker Podcast with special guests Juliana Folk and Fearon DeWeese! Join our FIRST conversation in 2025 hosted by Tony Gapastione! Meet our special guests, Juliana Folk and Fearon DeWeese, the powerhouse team behind Ashella Productions!Juliana is an actress, producer, and writer with a knack for creating opportunities for diverse voices. Between acting, developing her script Namasté B*tches, and launching Napa Valley StreamFest, she’s always got something exciting in the works.Fearon spent years directing and producing, including leading roles at Napa Valley, Mill Valley, and Sundance film festivals. Her award-winning pilot UnCredited showcases her talent for storytelling, and she’s gearing up to direct her first feature, Country Roots.

We’re pumped to have Christopher Cobbs as our guest! Christopher’s story is one for the books. From singing church hymns as a kid to studying vocal music at the Oakland School for the Arts, he’s been chasing his creative spark from the start. After earning his degree in Broadcasting at San Francisco State, he launched ItsCobbsProductions and brought some amazing projects to life—like the stage show The Gift and the web series Big Girl Blues, which landed on Keke Palmer’s KeyTV this year. Oh, and did we mention he’s also worked with Disney Streaming and the Golden State Warriors Studio? Talk about wearing a lot of hats! Christopher’s all about creating art that inspires young people to dream big and go for it. Come hang out with us and hear from a guy who’s making waves in entertainment. And doing it his way. Join BraveMaker’s conversation hosted by Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam.

Join us for a conversation hosted by Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam as they welcome filmmaker, producer, and podcast host Alrik Bursell! Alrik is an award-winning filmmaker behind feature films RED SNOW and THE ALTERNATE, boasting fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. With over a decade of experience in commercial film, working with brands like Comcast, HBO, and the NFL, Alrik brings a wealth of knowledge about the art and business of filmmaking. As the co-host of the podcast Making Movies is HARD!!!, Alrik has explored the triumphs and challenges of independent filmmaking through over 500 episodes and 500k downloads. Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or simply curious about the creative journey, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

BraveMaker Podcast with special guest Shia Smith! Welcome our special guest, Shia Shabazz Smith, a filmmaker, screenwriter, poet, and educator whose work celebrates and authentically represents diverse communities. Shia is a powerhouse storyteller with accolades from the Moondance and Tribeca All-Access competitions and is a three-time Sundance Screenwriters’ Lab Stage Two finalist. Her short films, like the poignant Dawn and the humor-filled Curdled, showcase her ability to weave powerful narratives. A Cave Canem Fellow, award-winning poet, and educator, Shia’s passion for storytelling extends to empowering young minds. Tune in to hear Shia’s journey, creative insights, and passion for impactful storytelling. Let’s celebrate the art of authentic narratives together!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with three incredible creatives shaping the entertainment world! Meet our special guests:

Miatta Vincent Ronca

Screenwriter and Executive Producer

Miatta Vincent Ronca has optioned several films, including Once Upon a Wedding to Foxboro Productions and Butterflyto Sidney Kimmel Productions. In 2019, she won the Writers Lab Screenwriting Competition, and in 2020, she was a semifinalist in the CineStory TV Fellowship Contest. Later that same year, she debuted her sketch show Miatta’s Festival Show on TikTok. In 2022, she formed her production company, II of Cups Productions. In 2024, her screenplay The Academy was a semifinalist in The Pan African Film Festival's John Singleton Competition. Her short film The Devil Ain't Pius premiered at the Essence Film Festival in July 2024 and was nominated for Best Short Film at the Bronzelens Film Festival in August. Keena Ferguson Frasier Director / Producer

Keena Ferguson Frasier is an actor’s director. Having starred in TV shows like Atlanta, The Young and the Restless, S.W.A.T., Sistas, Lessons in Chemistry, and many more, Keena has become a director that actors love to work with. She is an NAACP award winner and an HBO nominee for her film Lindon Passing, which she wrote and directed. Recently, she directed seven episodes for season 2 of the AMC series Lace and two episodes of the Chicago drama KoldxWindy for season 2. Delece James Producer

Delece James is an experienced Development Executive and Executive Producer in the television and film industry. Her recent successful projects include American Gangster: Trap Queens, First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story, and The Devil Ain't Pius. She is also a philanthropist and an active member of several organizations. Delece’s passion lies in showcasing diverse content and challenging industry norms. Don't miss this chance to gain insights from these powerful voices in the industry!

Welcome our special guests making waves in the film and music industry! 🎬 Michaela P. Shelton - A passionate filmmaker based in the Bay Area, Michaela has produced three seasons of Reckless Behavior: The Series, which explores bold and authentic stories. With experience as a producer on Food Run and assistant director of Amelia Runs Through a Meadow, she is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices through her work at Queen Media Collective. 🎶 T. Carriér - A versatile recording artist and actor, T. Carriér blends hip-hop, R&B, and soul to create an introspective sound. Known for his albums like Extreme Sacrifices and STRENGTH, he explores personal growth and resilience in his music. Carriér is also an actor and producer in Reckless Behavior: The Series. 🎨 Lauren Rascoe - A creative powerhouse, Lauren is a graphic designer, self-published poet, and executive producer of her own short film, Child Of The Sun. With over 10 years of experience, she brings a unique perspective to every project. Lauren has acted in Reckless Behavior and other notable productions, making her a truly multi-talented artist. Join our conversation, co-hosting Priscilla Lam!

Willie Macc, a breakout from the hit BET show 'College Hill: Virgin Island,' has transitioned seamlessly from reality TV stardom to an accomplished Hollywood actor and comedian. With over 100 million views on his stand-up and comedy videos across various social media platforms, Willie's humor resonates globally. He's graced screens in over 50 national commercials for brands like Kia, Verizon, Credit Karma, Progressive, Snapple, and more. Beyond commercials, Willie Macc has made notable appearances on shows like CSI, Hulu's 'Casual,' ABC's 'The Goldbergs,' and more. He's taken his comedic talent worldwide, entertaining the US Military abroad and headlining stand-up shows internationally. His stand-up has been featured on Netflix as a Joke Radio, TruTV's LaffMobb LaffTracks, and his Don’t Tell Comedy performance has accumulated over 45 million views online. Alongside his thriving comedy career, catch Willie Macc and co-host Danny Plom on their podcast 'Afronoodles,' available on TikTok and Instagram. Join our funny-spooky episode, co-hosting Belgica Rodriguez!

Join us for a fun and insightful conversation with Aadip Desai, an LA-based Indian American screenwriter, comedian, and musician whose career journey is as multifaceted as his talent. Aadip has worn many hats, combining his love for music and filmmaking into an incredible career that spans writing for shows like ABC’s The Goldbergs to performing standup comedy and working as a music supervisor and executive for Starbucks. He’s been recognized as a BAFTA Breakthrough for his work in television and has written for major networks like Netflix, Disney Jr., Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks. Beyond screenwriting, Aadip’s passion for music saw him performing as a jazz trumpet player, indie rock drummer, and even developing a vigilante series with a spy/music twist. He’s also taught and advised at top institutions like Sundance, AFI, NYU, UCLA, USC, and WGA.

Join us for a conversation with Chelsea Bo, an award-winning writer/director with a background in theater and improv. Chelsea graduated from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film & Television and was selected for Film Independent’s Incubator Lab and Village Roadshow’s Emerging Talent Program. She co-founded the production company Paxeros with her husband, and together, they’ve produced several feature films, including Fully Realized Humans (Tribeca 2020) and The Drop (Tribeca 2022).
Chelsea’s directorial debut, No Right Way , is a heartwarming drama, filled with comedy, about Georgie, a bold tween, and her half-sister Harper, who’s grappling with guardianship. At the same time, they both confront the scars of their shared childhood. It’s a film that will open your heart and inspire you to see the potential for hope and healing.
No Right Way has already won 16 awards across 19 festivals, and during the podcast, we’ll dive deep into Chelsea’s creative process and journey in filmmaking. 

Welcome our special guest, director, writer, and editor, R.J. Daniel Hanna. As an Irish/Canadian/Arkansan, Daniel never quite knew where he belonged—until he found his way to Hollywood. He’s a proud Academy Nicholl Fellow for Screenwriting.
Danie’s acclaimed indie feature, HARD MILES (starring Matthew Modine and Sean Astin), has been screened in over 600 theaters across the U.S. and U.K. and garnered multiple awards at prestigious film festivals. Before that, his other film, MISS VIRGINIA (starring Uzo Aduba and Vanessa Williams), landed distribution deals with BET and Netflix. 
Daniel’s new horror film, SUCCUBUS (featuring Ron Perlman and Rosanna Arquette), has just been released, so now is the time to check whether this horror feature breaks all the rules!
Let’s discuss making a horror with Daniel!

Be sure that you’re ready for this action-packed episode! BraveMaker founder Tony Gapastione and director Shaun Piccinino will discuss directing feature films and working with big names like Netflix, HBO, Spike, and others. 
Shaun Paul Piccinino, an acclaimed film and television director, has an impressive portfolio, including six Netflix features and over 250 million hours viewed.
With his career rocketing skyward, Piccinino has directed 11 feature films and 3 television series, showcasing his versatility across various genres and platforms, including HBO, Netflix, Warner Brothers, and Lionsgate. 
Shaun is also renowned for his skill in action sequences, stunts, and visual effects. His early career highlights include significant roles in ‘Deadliest Warrior’ and contributions to the “Call of Duty” franchise. Did you know he even works on specials for iconic ‘Robot Chicken’ and ‘Star Wars’?

Nidhi is a passionate advocate for ethical and equitable technology. She’s been working in AI policy, fighting against cyber-surveillance, and advocating for privacy rights nationally and internationally. As a Bay Area native, Nidhi protects the vibrant culture she loves. Plus, she’s stepping into filmmaking with her first documentary 'Watch the Watchers'.

Conrad, a proud dog dad to Frenchie Martin, brings humor and wisdom to the screen with his ongoing sketch series featuring the hilarious, unwavering Sergeant and the clever Father Time. His unique content has attracted big brands like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, McDonald’s, and Dove, who have partnered with him on social media campaigns.

Michelle has written and produced a variety of projects, from indie films to major productions. She has crafted over 250 pieces of content, taking indie films to new heights and getting recognized at prestigious film festivals like ABFF and BronzeLens. In this episode, Michelle will share everything you need to know to make it in the world of indie filmmaking—from her storytelling passion to the importance of supporting each other in this creative space.

BraveMaker + No Film School CROSSOVER: Navigating All Facets of Comedy With 'The Office' & 'Abbott Elementary' Director Ken Whittingham hosted by GG Hawkins and Priscilla Lam

Ken Whittingham has directed shows we all know and love such as, The Office, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation. More recently, he has worked on the TV comedy, Abbot Elementary, which uses a mockumentary production style, similar to The Office. While Ken is an award-winning director with over 25 years of experience, he believes in the power of teamwork and respecting everyone on set regardless of their title. In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with director Ken Whittingham and BraveMaker podcast host Priscilla Lam to discuss:

• Selling a script as a new PA

• How Ken became a television director 

• Learning how to clearly communicate with actors

• The balance between giving actors autonomy and giving them direction

• An awkward moment with Alec Baldwin on the set of 30 Rock

• Tone meetings - what are they and why are they important

• Treating the documentarian in The Office as if it were a separate character

• The power of subtlety in comedy

• How Ken and Priscilla met 

• Transitioning from TV into film

• Our favorite shows, movies, and hobbies
  

Memorable Quotes

• “I still get nervous. Every Sunday night before I shoot Monday morning, I’m nervous.” [10:37]
  

• “You can’t get into this business, thinking about money. You have to go with your passion, and really believe in yourself.” [42:56]
  

• “Everybody’s job is important and nobody’s job is more important than the other. It’s a team effort.” [48:01]

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We had so many great filmmakers at our 6th annual film fest.

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