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Set Stories Podcast

Set Stories Podcast

By Houry Magarian, Charles Cartwright, and Jonathan Scott

A podcast where filmmakers get together and tell crazy stories behind the scenes. Come join us as we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly things that happen to us on set. We're all about making positive changes in the film industry and by sharing our stories and providing solutions to problems we hope to shed some light into the dark side of set life.
#setlife #filmmaking #makingmovies #setstories #podcast

potcastsetstories@gmail.com
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Season 2 Episode 12 Melanie Ragone

Set Stories Podcast Aug 24, 2020

00:00
01:02:43
Season 6 Episode 9 Sarah Stunt

Season 6 Episode 9 Sarah Stunt

A producer and actress, but a writer at heart, Sarah joins us this week for our season finale! We are so honored to have a writer be a part of set stories podcast and share her experiences and insights in the industry. We talk about our writing processes and the weirdest and most awkward things we've seen on set. Sarah also shares some amazing and inspiring advice. Do not miss this episode!


Check out her website: https://www.sarahstunt.com/

Jul 16, 202349:47
Season 6 Episode 8 Day Daniells

Season 6 Episode 8 Day Daniells

Studying literature at a young age and starting it out in this industry as a writer, Day quickly fell in love with storytelling. She later started to branch out into camera work and she shares her experience about what it was like being a cam op at this years Super Bowl. We also discuss a lot of her own work as a screenwriter/director and how important it is to share different perspectives of peoples stories and how much of an impact it can make in the world. Trust us, you do not want to miss this episode!



Check out her amazing production company: https://lightfactoryproductions.com/

Jul 10, 202301:00:48
Season 6 Episode 7 Kevin B. Simmons

Season 6 Episode 7 Kevin B. Simmons

No introduction is needed for our guest this week. He's been on our show in its first season and now Kevin B. Simmons is back with more set stories! He dishes on how it was like working on a feature as a Key Grip for the first time. We also talk about the writers strike and how good communication can make or break a good set/work experience.
Jul 03, 202356:22
Season 6 Episode 6 Federica Carlino

Season 6 Episode 6 Federica Carlino

Getting a scholarship to study film in LA and being inspired by movies like Jurassic Park, Federica joins us this week from across the globe talking all things casting; for her own films as well as others and the difficulties that come with that, but how fulfilling of a job it can be. Especially when it comes to breaking away from stereotypes in roles and characters. We also talk good crafty and bad crafty on set, cause we're set stories! Check it out!
Jun 26, 202337:03
Season 6 Episode 5 Joshua Nicholas

Season 6 Episode 5 Joshua Nicholas

Being dragged by a horse by your feet, being set on fire, fighting and being punched in the face, and jumping off a three story building is just a normal day in the job for Josh, the amazing stunt performer extraordinaire! And boy oh boy he's got some set stories to share. Like what it was like working with an actor who basically begs you to really punch you in the face. We definitely learned a lot talking and hanging out with him. Check out his episode!
Jun 19, 202353:54
Season 6 Episode 4 Christian Deike

Season 6 Episode 4 Christian Deike

Training and studying to be an actor, Christian shares his experiences of how proper education and strong but tough mentors can make you prepared for the real world and working on sets. We talk about how his first on set experience was a rather good one and what it was like working when the weather conditions can be the worst.
Jun 12, 202350:41
Season 6 Episode 3 Stephen Harrod
Jun 05, 202354:10
Season 6 Episode 2 Clayton Conroy

Season 6 Episode 2 Clayton Conroy

An actor, a producer, a writer, and a director Clayton has a very colorful and rich background when it comes to working in the film industry. He's worked on sets with little to no budget, indies, short films, and sets with millions of dollars going into the production. We talk about what it was like living in Ireland and working in theatre, commericals, and TV shows like Vikings. He also shares some great life advice as well as what it was like writing a short film and the realities that come into producing and directing it.
May 29, 202301:07:01
Season 6 Episode 1 Aimee La Joie

Season 6 Episode 1 Aimee La Joie

Aimee LaJoie joins us on our season 6 opener! You all know her from her super hilarious Film Crew series and The Bumble Bums both available on YouTube. This feature length episode is filled with plenty of set talk from what its like making comedy gold by yourself during a pandemic, the struggles of working as an actor, and being background on the set of Top Gun.


Be sure to check out her amazing work! https://www.thebumblebums.com/

https://www.freedomwifilm.com/

May 22, 202301:20:10
Season 5 Episode 9 Hannah Bradford

Season 5 Episode 9 Hannah Bradford

Earning a masters degree in documentary filmmaking from Chapman, working for IMAX, and performing as a scare actor, we are so excited to have Hannah on our season 5 finale episode! We talk about what its like watching movies over and over for work, the light and dark side of scaring people at Knotts Scary Farm and her love of documentary filmmaking.
We hope you enjoy this one just as much as we did. Thank you to all who have listened and supported us this season!
Dec 12, 202249:35
Season 5 Episode 8 Affernie Michel
Dec 05, 202248:56
Season 5 Episode 7 Jillian Armendariz

Season 5 Episode 7 Jillian Armendariz

Adjusting from doing theatre in New York to working in TV and film in LA was tough. But for Jillian, she knows that if you put the hard work and dedicate yourself to your passion, then you can make it. In this episode we talk about how she got into stunt work, and how that made her be more confident working as an actor. She also shares some funny audition experiences and what it was like working on the new Disney+ show, Limbo. 

Nov 28, 202247:52
Season 5 Episode 6 Jonathan Scott

Season 5 Episode 6 Jonathan Scott

IT'S THE EPISODE YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!! Jonathan is back and as always he's got the best stories to share. Its always a better time when the team is back together. So we hope you like this episode where we talk toxic sets where the director is yelling at you for no reason, and when half the crew drops out, and what its like to stand up for your department when you're being disrespected. We had a blast doing this episode, hope you enjoy it! 

Nov 21, 202249:02
Season 5 Episode 5 Nichole Ruiz

Season 5 Episode 5 Nichole Ruiz

This week we got first AC and DP Nichole on the show! We sit down and talk about being chased by the cops, dealing with technical difficulties, and working with first time directors that have no idea what they're doing. And just how important collaboration can be while making movies. What is our least favorite thing to hear from directors? Tune in to find out! 

Also, check out her awesome website: https://www.nicruiz.com/

Nov 14, 202201:02:14
Season 5 Episode 4 Dre Lamparello

Season 5 Episode 4 Dre Lamparello

Makeup artist, special FX, and hair extraordinaire Dre joins us this week! Is honesty the best policy when it comes to working with over-the-top actors? Listen to her story to find out what happens. And.....lets just say that Will Smith wasn't the only one giving out slaps on Oscar night. My oh my! The things we go through do to what we love. 

Nov 07, 202257:48
Season 5 Episode 3 Jennifer Zhang

Season 5 Episode 3 Jennifer Zhang

Actress, Writer, and Producer Jennifer joins us on this very special Halloween episode of set stories. She shares what its really like being an Asian and a woman in this industry and how hard you have to work just to be taken seriously. She also shares a haunting experience while producing her first feature that she also wrote in a haunted location. And trust us, her stories are wild! You do not want to miss this one. Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Oct 31, 202201:07:42
Season 5 Episode 2 Stephen LaRose

Season 5 Episode 2 Stephen LaRose

Stephen started making short films on a camcorder at a very young age with his friends in Arizona. He shares some of his insight and knowledge of filmmaking and what its like working as a assistant production coordinator on the show P-Valley, as well as working on other shows like Grey's Anatomy and 9-1-1: Lone Star. 

Oct 24, 202250:40
Season 5 Episode 1 David Bornstein
Oct 17, 202201:11:47
Season 4 Episode 12 Morris Jackson

Season 4 Episode 12 Morris Jackson

Seeing Jurassic Park changed Morris' world and from that moment on he wanted to make movies. He wanted to be a part of making that magic happen. In this season finale episode we talk about his first set experience, being on an unexpected 'porn' set, directing for the first time, working on a set where you have no idea what you're doing, and the importance of learning from them all. We also talk about what it was like filming his newest short, Blood Bank that is killing it in the film festival circuit! 

Jan 03, 202201:03:33
Season 4 Episode 11 Joe Bandelli

Season 4 Episode 11 Joe Bandelli

Being a lover of the horror and comedy genre of films, Joe talks about what it was like making his very first feature for about $100,000 while being the writer, producer, director and an actor. He also shares a funny sound story. Just wait till you 'hear' what happened. He also has some amazing and inspirational advice to all filmmakers and storytellers. Check out his film Hell House LLC on Amazon Prime! https://www.amazon.com/Hell-House-Kristin-Michelle-Taylor/dp/B07X3NDRZ7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=258B8IK9UG6Z8&keywords=hell+house+llc&qid=1640286820&s=instant-video&sprefix=hell+house+%2Cinstant-video%2C508&sr=1-1

And if you have Paramount + go watch Unknown Dimension: The Story of Paranormal Activity. 

Dec 25, 202101:06:32
Season 4 Episode 10 David Jimenez

Season 4 Episode 10 David Jimenez

Born and raised in LA, he writes, he directs, he AD's, he produces; he wears one hat different colors, as he likes to say it. Come join us on this episode as we sit and talk about film cameras and the beauty and challenges of shooting on film. David shares a story about what it was like being an AD in a working movie theater, company moves on day one of production, and working out of state. We also talk about what its like being a director and trying to find your style and proving to yourself that you can direct anything that comes your way.......but can you? 

Dec 20, 202101:09:00
Season 4 Episode 9 Evan Raiff

Season 4 Episode 9 Evan Raiff

Evan sits down with us once more to talk more set stories! In his sequel episode he tells us what it really feels like to be an actor and what the auditioning process has been like during the pandemic. Charles shares a story about gun safety and the importance of weapon handling on set. (side note: we did record this episode before the tragedy of what happened on the set of Rust. And safety should always be everyone's top top top priority.) We hope you enjoy this weeks episode. Stay safe!  

Dec 13, 202101:11:35
Season 4 Episode 8 Katherine Dudley

Season 4 Episode 8 Katherine Dudley

Growing up in a small town near Seattle and wanting to be a part of storytelling, she moved to LA and started working as a Cinematographer, and also sometimes as a Producer. Katherine shares some of her amazing insight on how important pre-production prep is and the relationship between a DP and a Director. Check out some of her amazing work!  https://kd-creativity.com/

Dec 06, 202101:01:59
Season 4 Episode 7 David Bornstein

Season 4 Episode 7 David Bornstein

A production assistant, a sometimes editor, with an ambition to direct films David's got the Set Stories from all over! What's it like working with young actors, or being a part of a horrible production and the importance of saying no to jobs that are not worth it? Listen to find out. And he's got the best PA stories! 

Nov 29, 202101:03:27
Season 4 Episode 6 Amy Klewitz

Season 4 Episode 6 Amy Klewitz

An actress, a makeup artist, a television host, a producer; we can go on and on about Amy's amazing and unlimited talent. We talk make up stories, actor stories, and even a porn story! These and so much more. This episode is full of fun, funny, and funnier stories! Trust me when I say you do not want to miss out on this one. 

Nov 22, 202101:16:60
Season 4 Episode 5 Ronan Barbour

Season 4 Episode 5 Ronan Barbour

Actor and author of a new novel, The Pizza Deliveryman's Tale available now on Amazon, shares some of his experiences he's had on set as an actor. We talk about safety on set and the main concerns over shooting in the desert. What does it take to be a great actor? Listen to Ronan and you'll find out. Here's a link to get your hands on his new novel! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LZ7SPP1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Nov 15, 202154:11
Season 4 Episode 4 Joe McGill

Season 4 Episode 4 Joe McGill

Starting out as a barber and getting invited to come to set to cut hair to being an amazing sound recordist on History Channel's Skinwalker Ranch, we are very delighted to have Joe on the show. He shares his amazing insight about sound revolution from analog to digital recording. He's also worked with a lot of celebrities. But apart from that Joe is such a humble and down to earth human being and you should all feel lucky to get to hear him speak about what makes him so passionate about recording sound. 

Nov 08, 202153:58
Season 4 Episode 3 Halloween Special! w/ Christian York

Season 4 Episode 3 Halloween Special! w/ Christian York

In this special Halloween episode writer, director, and editor extraordinaire Christian shares some of his most scary set stories. Listen to find out how it was like when he got turned away from filming in an abandoned building because a witch told him to leave. And what its like when you hire an actual crazy person to play a crazy person. Tune in to find out, if you're brave enough that is. Happy Halloween everybody!!!  

Oct 31, 202101:00:27
Season 4 Episode 2 Toby Kearton: The Sequel

Season 4 Episode 2 Toby Kearton: The Sequel

Toby from Season 2 is back! And he's got more set stories to share along with his amazing wisdom of all that is filmmaking. Listen to see what happens when he came on a production as a covid officer but suddenly got promoted to first AD. We also share some of our favorite films to watch that have inspired us in one way or another. 

Oct 25, 202101:09:15
Season 4 Episode 1 Houry and Charles

Season 4 Episode 1 Houry and Charles

Season 4 kicks off with Houry and Charles sharing their thoughts about the future of the film industry with the regards for the safety and treatment of crew members. We all deserve better! Charles also shares his own experience on how he handled a situation where the production had no crafty, at all. Things are changing, and hopefully for the better. Stay tuned for more stories and guests!  

Oct 18, 202153:23
Season 3 Episode 13 Special 4/20!

Season 3 Episode 13 Special 4/20!

Surprise! We are potcasting this season out with this special 4/20 episode. We've got stories where Charles was on a music video with Wiz Khalifa and we've got more famous film set stories and they are even crazier than part 1. Thanks for listening! You guys have made this season so much fun! Hope you enjoyed it. See you all next time and stay safe! Make sure to follow us on set_stories_potcast. 

Apr 20, 202148:39
Season 3 Episode 12 Robin Kincade

Season 3 Episode 12 Robin Kincade

Robin is baaaack! And this time we talk alien abductions and true crime stories. Listen to find out what its like to film a 'simple' shoot in NYC for the first time, what its like to interview people that have gone through trauma and what its like being a producer while working with the cops in Vegas. 

Apr 19, 202101:01:17
Season 3 Episode 11 Nia Miranda

Season 3 Episode 11 Nia Miranda

An 'ARTivist' with a strong and beautiful voice and believing in the power of your voice in the world of art and storytelling, Nia's episode is nothing but inspiring. Growing up in Detroit she came to LA to further pursue her dream of acting. Tune in to hear stories involving being cut from films for doing the right thing, what its like to have a screening over Zoom, and how much power a film can have with its message.  

Apr 12, 202159:47
Season 3 Episode 10 Evan Raiff

Season 3 Episode 10 Evan Raiff

Being discovered in a restaurant by one of the most coolest video game productions to be a face model for a very successful game, you are definitely gonna enjoy listening to Evan share his experiences as an actor. We play a game of 'would you rather' and talk about how its like to film with noisy neighbors, and how stunts can go horribly wrong. 


Apr 05, 202142:26
Season 3 Episode 9 Samantha Trevino

Season 3 Episode 9 Samantha Trevino

Wanting to pursue a career in acting she left everything behind in Texas to follow her dreams of being on the silver screen. Texas is far away from Hollywood but with hard work and dedication she made it and you can see her on shows and films like Insecure and Prodigal Husband. 

Mar 29, 202149:46
Season 3 Episode 8 Kyle Leone

Season 3 Episode 8 Kyle Leone

Being the host of his own podcast The Gory Days, Kyle sure is easy to talk to. Making his way in the industry as an AD and as occasional background actor he knows how to keep his cool. Especially when its his first day on the job and you've never run a set before. Or when you're running away from an explosion all caught on camera. Trust us, you don't wanna miss this one.   



Mar 22, 202157:29
Season 3 Episode 7 Jonathan Scott

Season 3 Episode 7 Jonathan Scott

Join us this week where we have out very own Jonathan in the "hot seat"! He has been working non stop and can't wait to share some great and crazy set stories. Working on Lifetime movies, working where the food isn't all that great, and where firetrucks come in to ruin all your takes. 

Mar 15, 202152:59
Season 3 Episode 6 Kyle Hardesty

Season 3 Episode 6 Kyle Hardesty

Working as part of the Grip/Electric department on several films and music videos, Kyle Hardesty moved from San Diego to Los Angeles to further pursue his dream of making movies. We talk about what it means to get the right connection in this industry and how surprising that could be by who you could get it from. We also share some movie set memes! 


  

Mar 08, 202151:09
Season 3 Episode 5 Famous Films and Their Set Stories

Season 3 Episode 5 Famous Films and Their Set Stories

Charles and Houry sit down to talk about set stories, not from our own sets but from films that all of us have seen like The Shining, The Abyss, Waterworld, and American Graffiti. We talk about near death experiences with cast and crew members and a directors motel room being set on fire! Hope you enjoy this special episode! Follow us on social media set_stories_potcast. 

Mar 01, 202145:44
Season 3 Episode 4 Carolina Rodriguez

Season 3 Episode 4 Carolina Rodriguez

Making her way in the film industry as an amazing 1st AC, Carolina stops by on zoom to talk about her experiences in filming both before and during the pandemic. And how the stresses of working 18 hour days can take its toll but if you have a great support team then you know you can make it through the day. Charles also shares some of his favorite camera memes! So don't miss it. 

Feb 22, 202151:17
Season 3 Episode 3 Helena Karadimos

Season 3 Episode 3 Helena Karadimos

Born in Melbourne Australia Helena is a trailblazer in directing films and music videos. We talk about how challenging it was directing a TV series where they shot it all both in English and Spanish. She is also our very first guest to play a small trivia game in which she tries to guess the actors name from a small clip. A hard working bad ass who believes in her vision and always tries to tell a story through a unique style, Helena is an artist to look out for. 

Feb 15, 202146:06
Season 3 Episode 2 Trey LaCroix

Season 3 Episode 2 Trey LaCroix

This week's episode is dedicated to sound extraordinaire Trey LaCroix. Having been a production sound mixer on films, documentaries, and commercials he knows how important it is to capture the perfect sound on set. And most of the time that means fighting for your department. But always in a kind, respectful way. Hope you enjoy his wonderful insight and knowledge when it comes to everything sound. 

Feb 08, 202155:28
Season 3 Episode 1 Houry, Charles, and Jonathan

Season 3 Episode 1 Houry, Charles, and Jonathan

Season 3 kicks off with the gang back together, virtually of course. Talking about filming in bad neighborhoods, shooting without permits, and the tribulations and complications of parking. My oh my! I'm sure we can all relate to that. Hope you enjoy the first episode of season 3. Make sure you subscribe and follow us on Instagram! set_stories_potcast  

Feb 01, 202151:03
Season 2 Episode 13 Jeremy Boling

Season 2 Episode 13 Jeremy Boling

Our season finale episode includes the awesome Jeremy Boling! Growing up, he always wanted to make movies and be on film sets. And now we all get the pleasure of hearing his set experiences ranging from working as a stage hand on live shows and busting your ass all day as a PA on reality shows. But Jeremy can do it all, and he does it with confidence and an amazing work ethic. We all hope you have fun listening to his episode just as much as we did recording it. Enjoy and thanks for listening! 

Aug 31, 202055:10
Season 2 Episode 12 Melanie Ragone

Season 2 Episode 12 Melanie Ragone

Starting out working in reality TV Melanie got her experience as a PA, but soon was able to work her way up as a grip on major TV shows and films. Now, with a new book coming soon Melanie is someone to look out for. She's awesome, she's a badass professional, she's a great person, and she's on our show. So to all our listeners, you're welcome. 

Aug 24, 202001:02:43
Season 2 Episode 11 Alejandro Etcheagaray

Season 2 Episode 11 Alejandro Etcheagaray

What happens when you tell the director he may not be the best man for the job? And he happens to be a friend? Well, sometimes you gotta do what's right for the film that everyone is working so hard for. That's the kind of filmmaker our guest this week Alejandro is. Someone who has your back until the end and is honest with you for your benefit. He's one of the good guys and if you're one of them, then this story may hit home. 

Aug 17, 202057:56
Season 2 Episode 10 Mike Perkins

Season 2 Episode 10 Mike Perkins

Mike Perkins. Mike Perkins. Mike Perkins. The more you say his name the better it is. Did you hear that applause? A stand up comedian and a producer of various films and shows, we are very fortunate to have the one and only, very funny, and all around good guy, gonna say it one more time, Mike Perkins! 

Aug 10, 202049:20
Season 2 Episode 9 Toby Kearton

Season 2 Episode 9 Toby Kearton

When you hear Toby talk about filmmaking and the process, it just fills you up with so much inspiration that it makes you wanna grab your camera and tell a great story. His philosophy and artistic discipline into storytelling should be a benchmark for any up and coming or veteran filmmaker. Listen to his episode now and become better at making movies. 

Aug 03, 202047:56
Season 2 Episode 8 Rickey Bird

Season 2 Episode 8 Rickey Bird

Being the author of the book "Cheap Movie Tricks: How to Shoot a Short Film For Under $2,000" you bet your ass our guest this week knows a trick or two in the biz. Director and jack of all trades kinda filmmaker, Rickey Bird does it ALL. And we talk about ALL of his unique experiences on set. Oh, and did we mention he has great taste and the best recommendations for B-movies and grind house films! Enjoy! 



Jul 27, 202048:37
Seaseon 2 Episode 7 Robin Kincade

Seaseon 2 Episode 7 Robin Kincade

With more than 30 years of producing and working behind the scenes experience under her belt, you bet Robin has some crazy stories to tell. Being a trailblazer herself and understanding that hard work can pay off we are truly honored to have someone as cool and awesome as Robin on the show. 

Jul 20, 202057:04