Filmmaking (Actually)

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

What could go wrong when making a film on a deadline?

We're interrupting our regularly scheduled programming to share a special two-part episode on our 2025 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge film entry! Koura dives into the nitty gritty, going over all the moving parts that went into making it! What went wrong? And of course, what went right!

What could go wrong when making a film on a deadline?

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

Shea E. Butler is a prolific storyteller: television writer, published author, and award-winning director/writer/producer for short films and web series. Lauded in multiple fields, Shea is an alumna of Ryan Murphy’s Half Foundation Directing Fellowship, and the Warner Bros. Television Director’s Workshop, with a prolific 18-year background as a script supervisor for film and television.

Shea E. Butler is a prolific storyteller: television writer, published author, and award-winning director/writer/producer for short films and web series. Lauded in multiple fields, Shea is an alumna of Ryan Murphy’s Half Foundation Directing Fellowship, and the Warner Bros. Television Director’s Workshop, with a prolific 18-year background as a script supervisor for film and television.

This isn't a topic that gets talked about enough, but it is important and something we think needs to be a regular part of conversations when it comes to working in film.

Professionalism matters, and part of that is things like flirting on set. When is it ok? What if everyone just wants to "have fun"? In this quick hitter, Koura goes over when to be flirty, actually, and a few other tips for general professionalism and mutual respect on set.

What does it cost you to use AI for everything? A few weeks ago there was a brilliant post by Ashley Amber Sava on LinkedIn, reflecting on what exactly it means to turn to AI for even the most mundane of tasks.

While Koura has a lot she'd like to say on this topic, this quick hitter reflects on just that: What does using AI for everything actually cost you?

Back in 2013, as part of hitRECord on TV, Koura went to the US/Mexico boarder for a hitRECord shoot "Regarding: The Other Side." Joe held some really interesting conversations about what it means to be on "the other side" and Koura answered from her position at the time as a Production Designer working in Hollywood.

She reflected on the choices she makes when driven by her art, as opposed to being driven by crossing that magical line in Hollywood of "being good enough" and they talked about what it means to ever "get to the other side."

How much of yourself should you be? Especially in a world that seems so heavily run by trends and everything else demanding that you match a mold - when should you be you and when should you be a copy?

Do cover letters even matter? Does anyone read them? What about when applying to a job in the world of film? Should you write them just in case...?

Koura Linda answers these questions and more in this quick-hitter with just enough to keep you going! Stay tuned!

How much of a team does it take, actually? And how do collaborations all come together?

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

Koura shares her own personal experiences as well as insights from industry professionals, highlighting how understanding your strengths and passions can set you up for a fulfilling and successful professional career in filmmaking.

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

In this episode, Koura Linda explores the crucial topic of finding your lane in the film industry and beyond. While there's often pressure to follow a predetermined path, Koura emphasizes the importance of discovering what truly works for you based on your unique interests and skills. Learn about the process of self-discovery in filmmaking, helping you navigate the journey of finding your authentic voice, style, and path.

Koura shares her personal experiences and insights from industry professionals, highlighting how understanding your strengths and passions can set you up for a fulfilling and successful professional career in filmmaking.

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

In this episode, Koura Linda dives into the hot topic of why internships matter in the film industry and beyond! Sure, classroom learning and personal projects are important. But internships go beyond the theoretical and provide invaluable real-world experience, industry connections, and a chance to apply your skills in a professional setting.

Koura shares her own experiences and insights from industry pros, highlighting how internships can set you up for success in your professional filmmaking journey.

In this episode of Filmmaking (Actually), Koura Linda dives into the often misunderstood world of film producers! Sure, we've all heard of the Executive Producer who might fund your project. But did you know there are many other types of producers, each with a crucial role?

From Line Producers managing budgets to Creative Producers shaping the story, Koura shares her own experiences and insights from industry pros, highlighting how understanding these different producer roles can be vital for your filmmaking journey.

She'll even explain why you might need to hire certain producers rather than expecting anyone with the word "Producer" in their title to write a check and fund your project!

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

In this episode, Koura Linda dives into the hot topic of hard skills versus soft skills in the film industry! Sure, the nitty-gritty hard skill stuff like camera work, lighting setups, and editing magic are important. But just as important are soft skills—working well with others and being a great communicator.

Koura shares her own experiences and insights from industry pros, highlighting how balancing these skills can set you up for success in your professional filmmaking journey.

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! We're back, and we can’t believe we are celebrating being five years old today! Well, the podcast, not us.

Join Koura Linda as she recaps the last five years and looks ahead to the future. This includes a special anniversary week featuring FIVE episodes released in one week!

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

This episode is excerpted from a panel where Koura sat down for an interview discussing the latest Space Dream Productions film project, called The Heist -- which is available to watch right now for free on the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge YouTube channel -- with Dr. Stephanie Van on her YouTube channel This Ability Clinic.

Koura Linda is the director and star of “The Heist,” a short film created for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge of 2024, which tasked filmmakers with making a short film from start to finish in a WEEK. Koura shares her experience collaborating with a team of disabled filmmakers to create a buddy comedy where half the dialogue is in ASL and the entire film passes the Bechdel test.

Dr. Van is an interventional pain management specialist, double board certified in pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation, and an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she promotes disability-conscious healthcare education for every body.

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

This episode is a Part One of Two excerpts from a panel exclusive to Patreon supporters diving into the ins and outs and stuff no one likes talking about: how do you finance your dreams, actually?

Special guest Maya Weinreb of Solvency Now Bookkeeping joins Koura for this episode. Solvency Now is a bookkeeping company focused on delivering complete and perfect bookkeeping & financial records which results in your peace of mind, and Maya has some really priceless insight to the world of personal finance.

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)!

This episode is the Part Two, excerpted from a panel exclusive to Patreon supporters diving into the ins and outs and stuff no one likes talking about: how do you finance your dreams, actually?

Special guest Maya Weinreb of Solvency Now Bookkeeping joins Koura for this episode. Solvency Now is a bookkeeping company focused on delivering complete and perfect bookkeeping & financial records which results in your peace of mind, and Maya has some really priceless insight to the world of personal finance.

Listen to this special bonus episode that is a throwback to 2020, when Koura joined Spacey on an episode of The Disney Positive Podcast. Through the conversation, you find out who Koura is and what makes her that way as they discuss her views on filmmaking and creativity. Then they talk about what Koura loves about all things Disney, and the game show portion that decides what they will talk about leads to some interesting discoveries and insights that you won't want to miss!

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, Koura Linda dives into that deep dark well of zero-budget filmmaking! But is it even possible? Or is it a myth?

Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, written by Spacey, Koura Linda shares a valuable piece of advice that has helped her and Spacey and other storytellers: it's all about feeling. Emotions are an essential component of storytelling, and audiences seek an emotional connection and response from what they watch.

There is a misguided notion that special effects or star-studded casts are what audiences crave in movies and shows. However, that's only partially true!

In this episode, our host Koura Linda speaks with a panel of film professionals at various stages of their filmmaking  careers: SCAD 2022 Valedictorian and full-time filmmaker Sarah M. Penn, UCF Screenwriting Bachelor's Program student and Film Production Intern, Joselyn Martinez, full-time VFX artist for major Hollywood motion pictures Alex Heffner, and 2022 Austin Film Festival Winner, Writer Nick Gambino about the pros and cons and pros and cons of film school.

All of these filmmakers are on different paths when it comes to formal education's involvement in their careers, and because no two paths are the same, this panel discusses the many, many options available for those looking for a career in film.

While the full conversation will be shared exclusively on our Patreon, and portions of the panel will be shared here, during the audience Q&A there were some questions about how to manage what it takes to make it in the film industry, especially when living with various disabilities, but the insights shared can be valuable for anyone.

Join us as we explore this important and often overlooked aspect of filmmaking!

Get ready to hear from a true rising star! On this episode of "Filmmaking Actually," Koura Linda sits down with Sarah M. Pennington, a recent film school graduate, motivational speaker, and USA National Miss Independence State 2022. Sarah received a BFA in Film & TV at SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, with a minor in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. As a passionate advocate for mental health and invisible disabilities, Sarah uses her platform as a motivational speaker to inspire others with her story of courage and self-love.

In this episode, Sarah shares her thoughts on the ins and outs of attending film school, including the pros and cons of pursuing a degree in this industry. Koura and Sarah also discusses the importance of breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry and share their experiences and let you, the listener, decide for yourself.

Join Koura Linda and Spaceship for Part Two of a two-part series featuring Space Dream Productions' third Patreon-exclusive event! A live virtual panel with Team SpaceLilly answering your questions about storytelling and movie-making and more. You can watch the entire event as a video on the Space Dream Productions Patreon page, but! You can enjoy this audio-only version - and who knows, you might even learn something!

Join Koura Linda and Spaceship for Part One of a two-part series featuring Space Dream Productions' third Patreon-exclusive event! A live virtual panel with Team SpaceLilly answering your questions about storytelling and movie-making and more. You can watch the entire event as a video on the Space Dream Productions Patreon page, but! You can enjoy this audio-only version - and who knows, you might even learn something!

Join Koura Linda for Part Two of a two-part series featuring Space Dream Productions' second Patreon-exclusive event! A live virtual panel with established writers of film, TV, and novels give some fascinating and thought-provoking insights about their processes and approaches to telling great stories. You can watch the entire event as a video on the Space Dream Productions Patreon page, but! You can enjoy this audio-only version - featuring writers Monique Impagliazzo, Nick Gambino, Sarah Daly, and Nora Raleigh Baskin - and their unique perspectives on the behind-the-scenes view into the world of writing.

Join Koura Linda for Part One of two episodes featuring Space Dream Productions' second Patreon-exclusive event! A live virtual panel with established writers of film, TV, and novels give some fascinating and thought-provoking insights about their processes and approaches to telling great stories. You can watch the entire event as a video on the Space Dream Productions Patreon page, but! You can enjoy this audio-only version - featuring writers Monique Impagliazzo, Nick Gambino, Sarah Daly, and Nora Raleigh Baskin - and their unique perspectives on the behind-the-scenes view into the world of writing.

Join Koura Linda as she discusses the pitching of your project! Whether you want to sell your project, or if you want to gain funding or support so that you can have creative involvement from start to finish, there's a lot to talk about and learn on this subject. So listen to Koura's take on all this, and who knows - you might actually something - ta-da!

Join Koura Linda as she discusses the import, impact, and impetus of the movie event of 2022, "Top Gun: Maverick," the long-anticipated sequel to the original 1986 Tom Cruise vehicle. But what sets it apart from the pitfalls of substandard remake/reboot/sequel/IP rehashing? And why does its success have a massive impact on mainstream movies and indie filmmaking alike? Listen to Koura's take on all this, and who knows - you might even learn something - ta-da!

Join Koura Linda - in Part 2 of a two-part discussion - and an award-winning actress who knows quite a bit about this episode's subject: Merri Jamison. Based in Los Angeles, CA, her credits include films like "Dangerous Company," "Back to Zero," "Welcome to Happy Valley," and "The Second Coming of Christ" with Tom Sizemore and Jason London, as well as the Twenty One Pilots music video for "My Blood." Merri has also graced the screen in a few Space Dream Productions projects, including Koura's film "Names On The Wall" - available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video - as well as the lead role in Koura's live-action/animated short "Bringer of War," available on our website.

The idea and challenge of acting, to take a character and turn it into something personal, to make people believe that you are that character and take them on a journey - is something at which Merri excels and then some. So if you want to learn the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an actor - or actress - from someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience, you've come to the right place. Who knows, you might learn something (actually) - ta-da!

Join Koura Linda as she answers the question posed in the title of this bonus content episode - it may save your (acting) life!!

Join Koura Linda and an award-winning actress who knows quite a bit about this episode's subject: Merri Jamison. Based in Los Angeles, CA, her credits include films like "Dangerous Company," "Back to Zero," "Welcome to Happy Valley," and "The Second Coming of Christ" with Tom  Sizemore and Jason London, as well as the Twenty One Pilots music video for "My Blood." Merri has also graced the screen in a few Space Dream Productions projects, including Koura's film "Names on the Wall," available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, as well as the lead role in Koura's live-action/animated short "Bringer of War," which is available on our website.

The idea and challenge of acting, to take a character and turn it into  something personal, to make people believe that you are that character and take them on a journey - is something at which Merri excels and then some. So if you want to learn the ins and outs and ups and downs of being an actor - or actress - from someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience, you've come to the right place. Who knows, you might learn something (actually) - ta-da!

Be sure to tune in for Part 2 of this convo in the next episode!

Join Koura Linda and her husband Spaceship, host of the Disney Positive Podcast, as they discuss the final episode (and the series as a whole) of "Obi-Wan Kenobi", starring Ewan McGregor in the title role and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, streaming in its entirety on Disney Plus. If you want some spoiler-filled spirited discussion about the filmmaking, storytelling, performances and more, you won't want to miss this! 

Join Koura Linda as she discusses what it takes to be a filmmaker  full-time. It's not all fun and games, but the hard work can be worth it. Do you ever wonder what it takes? If so, have a listen to her story, and who knows - you might even learn a thing or two - ta-da! 

Join Koura Linda for Space Dream Productions' first Patreon-exclusive event, a live virtual panel with festival directors giving some inside baseball about judging, film selection, and festival programming. You can watch the entire event on the Space Dream Productions Patreon page, but you can enjoy this preview - featuring Fernando A. Mico, R. Zoe Judd, Wendy Robbins, Ebony Roberts, and TL Westgate - and their unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes view into the world of film festivals.

Join Koura Linda as she discusses directing with Michele Civetta, a veteran director of commercials, music videos and feature-length films, which include Agony, starring Asia Argento, and The Gateway, starring Shea Whigham, Olivia Munn, Frank Grillo and Bruce Dern.

What does a director do? Directors are the creative leader of the films they helm, holding the creative vision throughout the entire process. Some may be vagabonds of the Western world, and some may be ambassadors of humanity, but in the end directors are the keepers of stories. Listen to Koura and Michele compare and contrast their personal experiences, and who knows, you might even learn something!

Join Spacey for part two of his workshop, "How to Not Have to Fix It in Post", hosted by the Organization of Independent Filmmakers.

Spacey discusses how to utilize the perspective of an editor to prevent a world of "fix it in post", and the value of hands-on experience in editing across all aspects of filmmaking -- like continuity, sound, coverage, and story -- to save time, money, and headaches. So enjoy!

Join Spacey for part one of his workshop, "How to Not Have to Fix It in Post", hosted by the Organization of Independent Filmmakers.

Spacey discusses how to utilize the perspective of an editor to prevent a world of "fix it in post", and the value of hands-on experience in editing across all aspects of filmmaking -- like continuity, sound, coverage, and story -- to save time, money, and headaches. So enjoy!

Be sure to check out part two in the next episode!

Join Koura for part two of her workshop, "How to Make a Great Film On a Deadline", hosted by the Organization of Independent Filmmakers.

With so many elements going into every step of creating a film, what  are the key points to check when rushing a project through from development to completion? In this workshop, Koura covers how to make a great film on a deadline and give you an overall understanding of the  tent-pole aspects that can help to make sure your film holds up.

Koura does her best to cover it all - story development, pre-production, lighting, sound, wardrobe, color grading, how to cut your film with a time limit - and much more!

Join Koura for part one of her workshop, "How to Make a Great Film On a Deadline", hosted by the Organization of Independent Filmmakers. 

With so many elements going in to every step of creating a film, what are the key points to check when rushing a project through from  development to completion? In this workshop, Koura covers how to make a great film on a deadline and give you an overall understanding of the tent-pole aspects that can help to make sure your film holds up.

Koura does her best to cover it all - story development, pre-production, lighting, sound, wardrobe, color grading, how to cut your film with a time limit - and much more!

Be sure to check out part two in the next episode!

Join Koura Linda in Part Two of a bonus panel discussion about Space Dream  Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

Following our full cast & crew panel after our opening night screening, we had a lot of audience questions that we were not able to get to due to running out of time.

Thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of NOVA Festival Director Mr. Fernando Mico, we were able to return with Co-Writer/Producer/Director Koura Linda, 2nd Unit Director & Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, and Associate Producer/Editor/All Things Extraordinary Spaceship, for a follow-up panel following our second screening as part of a short film block midweek at the festival where we were able to have a little more behind-the-scenes and take up the additional questions and get them answered.  If you missed the last 2 episodes we recommend checking those out first!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC  YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall"  tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video (especially as these panels ran for over an hour!).

Join Koura Linda in Part One of a bonus panel discussion about Space Dream  Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

Following our full cast & crew panel after our opening night screening, we had a lot of audience questions that we were not able to get to due to running out of time.

Thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of NOVA Festival Director Mr. Fernando Mico, we were able to return with Co-Writer/Producer/Director Koura Linda, 2nd Unit Director & Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, and Associate Producer/Editor/All Things Extraordinary Spaceship, for a follow-up panel following our second screening as part of a short film block midweek at the festival where we were able to have a little more behind-the-scenes and take up the additional questions and get them answered.  If you missed the last 2 episodes we recommend checking those out first!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC  YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall"  tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video. (Especially since these panels ran for over an hour!)

Join Koura Linda in Part Two of a discussion about Space Dream Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

It was an honor to be the opening night film, and to have opportunity - thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of Mr. Fernando Mico - to bring together our key cast and crew for a full moderated panel and Q&A with an awesome audience!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall" tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video (especially as these panels ran for over an hour).

Join Koura and her husband, editor and music-maker extraordinaire Spaceship, our writer and co-executive producer Nick Gambino, Second Unit Director/Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, stars of the film Brendan Healy and Doan Nguyen, and Merri Jamison, and Post-Production Assistant Stevie Collins, along with quick hellos from Koura's executive assistant, the magical Jazmine McGeoch, and Space Dream Productions's social media master and supporting lead of the upcoming feature, "Catching the Light," Erica Taylor.

Join Koura Linda in Part One of a discussion about Space Dream Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

It was an honor to be the opening night film, and to have opportunity - thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of Mr. Fernando Mico - to bring together our key cast and crew for a full moderated panel and Q&A with an awesome audience!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall" tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video (especially as these panels ran for over an hour).

Join Koura and her husband, editor and music-maker extraordinaire Spaceship, our writer and co-executive producer Nick Gambino, Second Unit Director/Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, stars of the film Brendan Healy and Doan Nguyen, and Merri Jamison, and Post-Production Assistant Stevie Collins, along with quick hellos from Koura's executive assistant, the magical Jazmine McGeoch, and Space Dream Productions's social media master and supporting lead of the upcoming feature, "Catching the Light," Erica Taylor.