IN THE ROOM - The Cast Station
Join us for a deep dive into the world of auditions and casting for film and television as we talk with industry professionals about the process of finding those actors who become our storytellers, the subjective landscape of production and what really goes on - in the room.
Kristin Slaysman: Getting Weird, Taking Risks & Making Movies
Some of the most brilliant creative ideas start out sounding completely absurd.
Actor, writer, producer, and filmmaker Kristin Slaysman joins In the Room for a wonderfully unpredictable conversation about the art of independent filmmaking, taking creative risks, and bringing unconventional stories to life.
From her collaboration with Josephine Decker on A Stable Marriage to the outrageous origins of Potato Potato, Kristin shares what happens when filmmakers trust their instincts, embrace experimentation, and aren't afraid to get a little weird.
We dive into her journey from experimental theater to film and television, the magic of cr...
Erin Brown Thomas: Sundance, Directing Actors & What “Making It” Really Costs
What does it actually take to turn an idea into a film, build a career around it, and still protect the reason you wanted to make movies in the first place?
Filmmaker Erin Brown Thomas joins In the Room to talk about Chasers, her ambitious one-take pilot that made history at Sundance and Slamdance, and the deeper questions about ambition, exploitation, survival, and success hiding underneath the story. Pasted markdown Pasted markdown
Erin gets into how she develops ideas, why some stories need years before they are ready, writing characters with specific wants, pitching from old i...
Joe Swanberg: The Sun Never Sets, Reinventing Indie Film & Making Movies Without Permission
Joe Swanberg returns to In the Room with a lot to catch up on.
As THE SUN NEVER SETS arrives in theaters September 4, Joe takes us inside his new film starring Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson and Cory Michael Smith, including shooting on 35mm in Alaska, building scenes from real relationships and making a movie while parts of the emotional story were still unfolding in his own life.
But we also go deep into the realities of independent filmmaking.
Joe explains why he decided to produce five horror features back-to-back like a season of...
Taylor Washington: GRIND, Creative Collaboration and Building a Life in Film
Award-winning director, cinematographer and producer Taylor Washington joins Heather Kofka and John Williams to discuss the winding, collaborative and often unpredictable road toward building a sustainable life in filmmaking.
Taylor takes us behind the scenes of Grind, the SXSW horror satire anthology that transforms the anxieties of modern work culture into four increasingly unhinged stories. He breaks down how multiple cinematographers created distinct visual languages while keeping the film inside one cohesive world, how the production built ambitious practical effects with limited resources, and what it takes to shoot what feels like four miniature features on an i...
Andy Fisher: Jimmy Kimmel Live, DIY Filmmaking & the Future of Late Night
This week on In the Room, we sit down with Andy Fisher, five-time Emmy-nominated and DGA Award-winning director of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Andy takes us from his Austin comedy roots, where he was making strange DIY films with friends on whatever equipment they could find, to his early editing days in Los Angeles, to the moment he was asked to step into the director’s chair at one of late night’s biggest shows.
It’s a conversation about live television, creative confidence, comedy, collaboration, the future of broadcast, and the strange little moments that turn i...
Inside Kill Me: Charlie Day, SXSW, and the Making of a Genre-Bending Indie
In this episode of In the Room, John Williams and Christopher Shea sit down with the team behind Kill Me, which premiered at SXSW 2026.
Director Peter Warren, producer Natalie Metzger, and producer Keith Goldberg discuss the film’s unusual premise, a murder mystery where the body becomes the detective, and how that idea opened the door to a story about mental health, depression, comedy, mystery, and survival.
The conversation explores how Charlie Day came aboard, why Allison Williams, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aya Cash were such powerful additions to the cast, and what it takes to supp...
Lauren Noll & Dalia Rooni on Making an Indie Film From Nothing | SXSW Feature Breakdown
What does it really take to make a feature film when you don’t have the system behind you?
In this episode, SXSW filmmakers Lauren Noll and Dalia Rooni share how Same Same But Different came together, from early concept to production, through persistence, unconventional problem-solving, and complete creative ownership.
This is a conversation about building momentum when nothing is guaranteed, and why creating your own work is often the only way forward.
John Valley: From Small-Town Iowa to SXSW, The Pizzagate Massacre & Indie Filmmaking
Filmmaker John Valley joins In the Room to share his journey from a small town in Iowa to premiering films at SXSW, and what it really takes to build a career in independent film.
He breaks down the making of The Pizzagate Massacre, how the film went from festival rejection to viral controversy, and how self-distribution, SEO, and timing changed everything.
The conversation also dives into his latest project, American Dollhouse, a psychological horror film, along with lessons on raising money, navigating the industry without connections, and creating work that actually gets seen.
This...
Anne Hollister on Producing “Mattress Mack,” Financing Indie Films & Navigating Sexism in Hollywood
Anne Hollister—actress, writer, and producer at Happy Bad Bungalow—joins In the Room to discuss her evolution from Broadway performer to independent film producer.
Anne shares the six-year journey of bringing Mattress Mack to life, the realities of financing independent films, and what it takes to build a production company from the ground up. She opens up about stepping away from representation to focus on writing, developing her thriller The Housesitter, and navigating the microaggressions and systemic bias that still exist for women in Hollywood.
The conversation explores:
• The actor-to-producer transition
• Indie film fi...
Elizabeth Tabish on The Chosen, Casting Pressure, and Claiming Your Own Voice
Elizabeth Tabish, renowned for portraying Mary Magdalene on The Chosen, joins In the Room for an unfiltered conversation about casting, ambition, and staying human inside a business that constantly evaluates you.
She reflects on growing up in Oklahoma, building a career through commercials and indie work in Austin, and the psychological wear of auditions, self tapes, and the approval cycle. Elizabeth opens up about the moment she stepped back to protect her health, and how The Chosen arrived at the exact intersection of her life and craft. The conversation also explores women’s creative authority, why making your ow...
Casting a Documentary: Character, Access, and the Edit Bay, with Kelly Lipscomb
A bluefin tuna leaves cold Nova Scotia waters and ends at a sushi table in Tokyo, and along the way, Bite to Bite reveals the human machinery behind one of the world’s most coveted fish. Director Kelly Lipscomb joins In the Room to talk about making a documentary that lets the audience feel first, then decide what they believe.
We dig into the real “casting” of non-fiction, how you find characters worth following, how you earn trust, and why the edit is where the story finally confesses itself. Kelly also breaks down the practical truth of fundin...
Andrew Davies Gaines: Telling the Truth About a Vegas Legend
On this episode of In the Room, casting director John Williams sits down with filmmaker Andrew Davies Gaines to talk about Voices, his deeply personal documentary about his father and Las Vegas legend, Danny Gans.
Andrew shares how a career ending shoulder injury cut short his path in professional baseball and led him toward acting, writing, producing, and finally directing his own work. Together, he and John explore what it means to turn family history into cinema, how to handle sensitive truths about someone you love, and the realities of chronic pain, performance pressure, and responsibility at...
Inside the Art of Filmmaking with Steven Bernstein: Cinematography, Collaboration, and Creative Freedom
Steven Bernstein sits with John Williams, Heather Kofka, and Christopher Shea for a luminous, craft-first conversation on the art of filmmaking. Bernstein traces his path from cinematography to the director’s chair, reflecting on Monster, Last Call, Decoding Annie Parker, White Chicks, Half Baked, SWAT, and Blade, and why the most enduring work begins with human chemistry.
They unpack the family that forms on set, the ache of wrap day, and how to protect performance when time and money press in. Bernstein explains why intuition often beats orthodoxy, how executives chase safety while art asks for risk, and why s...
Todd Rohal & Tipper Newton on “F My Son,” Cult Cinema, and The DIY Theatrical Play
Writer-director Todd Rohal and actor-filmmaker Tipper Newton join us to unpack the wild ride of “F My Son,” from adapting a taboo comic into a kinetic midnight movie to crafting practical effects with Robert Kurtzman. We discuss casting at the edges, protecting a child actor on set, navigating love-it or hate-it reactions, and why they chose a slow, theater-first rollout instead of streaming. Tipper shares the story behind her award-winning short “Wildcard” and plans for the feature. A candid conversation about risk, tone, and keeping creativity sovereign in a numbers-driven industry.
Key Topics:
• From transgressive comic to cinemat...
Inside Leads: How Bryan Poyser, Heather Kafka & Justin Arnold Turned Instinct Into a Tribeca Hit
When writer-director Bryan Poyser decided to make a feature over winter break—with no finished script and a team of students—he had no idea it would premiere at Tribeca Film Festival.
In this episode of In the Room, host John Williams sits down with Poyser and actors Heather Kafka (The Leftovers, Friday Night Lights) and Justin Arnold (Spike Jonze’s Scenes from the Suburbs) to unpack how Leads came to life through collaboration, improvisation, and creative trust.
They discuss:
Building a feature film without a script
Balancing creative ambition with real life and financi...
From Napkin Deal to A&E Series: Inside The Mother Flip with Kristy Etheredge & Rebecca Franchione
A&E’s The Mother Flip is equal parts grit, design, and disciplined budgets. Best friends Kristy Etheredge and Rebecca Franchione take us inside the real playbook: sourcing distressed Hill Country properties, structuring all-cash deals, controlling scope, and sequencing trades to hit aggressive timelines. They explain how the show was sold, why every house is different, and how they manage contractors, permits, inspections, and materials without losing margin. We talk origin story (a literal napkin deal), learning the business from the ground up with contractor Roy Salinas, and the moments that proved the model works—new builds completed in 9–16 weeks and flips...
Owning Your IP in the Age of AI with Nirav Murthy (Camp Network)
In this episode of In the Room, John Williams and guest co-host Joe Brundage sit down with Nirav Murthy, co-founder and co-CEO of Camp Network, to explore the future of intellectual property in the era of AI and blockchain.
Nirav breaks down how Camp Network is building infrastructure at the intersection of AI and IP, why blockchain matters for provenance and royalties, and how creators, actors, and producers can protect and monetize their work as AI models evolve.
We cover:
The copyright fights ahead between AI and creators
Blockchain for provenance and...
The Untold Story of 67 Bombs to Enid with Ty McMahan & Brandon Kobs
In this episode of In the Room, hosts John Williams and Heather Kofka welcome filmmaker Ty McMahan and producer Brandon Kobs, the team behind the powerful new documentary 67 Bombs to Enid. With legendary documentarian Errol Morris as executive producer, the film sheds light on the Marshallese community in Enid, Oklahoma, displaced by U.S. nuclear testing in the Pacific, and the ongoing legacy of that history.
Ty and Brandon share how they uncovered the story, the challenges of balancing human focus with historical scale, and why the film has already caught the attention of the United Nations. The con...
Clay Liford: Indie Film Lessons, Coverage Secrets & The Future of Distribution
Filmmaker and cinematographer Clay Liford (Earthling, Wuss, Slash) joins In the Room to share candid insights from a career in indie film. Clay reflects on his path from SXSW premieres to teaching film, why coverage is the most misunderstood part of directing, and how embracing happy accidents can change your filmmaking.
He also unpacks the challenges of modern distribution and output deals, offers perspective on AI’s impact on editing, and previews his upcoming dark comedy The Texas High School Regional Theater Festival Murders. Plus, we explore his new education initiative Those Who Do, designed to bring working...
Inside Osiris: How William Kaufman Brought Sci-Fi Carnage to Life
This week, director William Kaufman (The Channel, Daylight’s End) returns to In the Room to discuss his newest release: Osiris—a gritty sci-fi thriller that’s part Aliens, part Black Hawk Down, and 100% badass.
He’s joined by producer Christian Sosa to break down how they:
Shot massive firefights on an indie budget
Created terrifying practical aliens
Landed Linda Hamilton for a critical role
Turned a New Orleans soundstage into a spaceship
Pulled off some of the best creature effects of 2025
Osiris is now available to st...
Jessica Daniels on the Art (and Business) of Casting
This week In the Room, Emmy-winning casting director Jessica Daniels joins us to pull back the curtain on one of the most essential—but misunderstood—roles in film and TV. From The 40-Year-Old Version to Will Trent, Jessica has cast some of the most nuanced and compelling projects of the last two decades. We talk about her days at Disney and Fox, how casting has changed post-pandemic, and what separates a good audition from a great one. Whether you’re an actor, producer, or just curious how your favorite shows get made—this is a must-listen.
Jaime Schwarz on the Future of IP, Music Rights, and the Coming Creator Economy
Jaime Schwarz has helped over 100 brands speak for themselves—but now, he’s building something bigger.
From co-founding seven startups to inventing a patent for self-authenticating media, Jaime is a true pioneer in the next chapter of content creation. In this episode, he joins John Williams In the Room to break down how blockchain, remix rights, and smart contracts are giving power back to creators—and why the service economy is giving way to the IP economy.
If you’re a filmmaker, artist, or digital creator, this is the conversation you need to hear.
Christopher Shea: Indie Film Fixer, Storytelling Lifeline, and Austin's Creative Engine
Filmmaker and creative producer Christopher Shea steps In the Room to reflect on the twists, pivots, and passion projects that have defined his multi-decade career in indie film, TV, and theater. From directing Berlin-premiering shorts to fixing chaotic sets, Shea unpacks what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in the creative trenches.
We talk about:
The realities of being a fixer in indie production
The Austin days of DIY theater and sketch collectives
Working with today’s rising stars before they broke out
The emotional and logistical cost of being...
Alyson Silverberg: The Architect Behind the Cast of Jane the Virgin, Greek, and More
Award-winning casting director Alyson Silverberg joins John to reflect on a career spanning two decades and some of television’s most beloved series. From Jane the Virgin to Greek, Alyson has built iconic ensembles and discovered fresh talent with a sharp eye and heart-led intuition.
They dive into:
What it really takes to cast a hit show
How the audition process has evolved from VHS tapes to Zoom
The emotional stakes of testing actors for life-changing roles
The impact of AI, shifting platforms, and the unknown future of casting
Wh...
Chelsea Christer: In the Room with the Director Behind Sundance’s Dark Comedy Standout
On this episode of In the Room, Sundance filmmaker Chelsea Christer joins John and Heather to share the wild true story that inspired her dark comedy short Out for Delivery. From a real-life medical shipping disaster to shooting the film in just two days, Chelsea reveals how she brought her sharp, satirical vision to life with zero budget and total heart.
We talk casting, making art with your community, and staying true to your voice when Hollywood comes knocking. In the Room is your backstage pass to the world of casting and storytelling—this is one of our mo...
Inside the Room: Chris Folkens on Improvised Filmmaking and the Power of Why
What does it take to direct a sci-fi thriller with no script, no studio, and just 8 days of filming? In this week’s episode, John sits down with filmmaker Chris Folkens, whose debut feature Catalyst is turning heads in the indie world.
Shot guerrilla-style with an ensemble cast improvising every scene, Catalyst is more than a film—it’s a mirror to society, challenging everything from ego to identity. Chris shares the 9-year journey behind the film, how he raised money in phases, the choice to avoid studio interference, and why trusting your instinct is everything in independent...
In the Room with Luca Pizzoleo: How to Go Viral Without Selling Out
Award-winning indie filmmaker Luca Pizzoleo joins casting director John Williams In the Room to reveal how he bypassed traditional Hollywood and built a massive audience online. With viral shorts like OCD (1M+ views on YouTube, 17M+ on social), 70+ awards, and features in Variety and NYT, Luca is reshaping how films are made, funded, and seen.
We dive into:
Using TikTok to launch a directing career
Making powerful films on shoestring budgets
The new rules of building audience-first filmmaking
Why the future of indie film lives online
If you’re...
In the Room with the Filmmakers of MOLA: A Tibetan Tale of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Filmmakers Yangzom Brauen and Martin Brauen join us In the Room to talk about their powerful new documentary, MOLA: A Tibetan Story of Love and Loss, which premiered at SXSW. The film follows Yangzom’s 100-year-old grandmother, a Buddhist nun exiled from Tibet, whose final wish is to return to her homeland to die.
What unfolds is an intimate exploration of exile, faith, aging with dignity, and the complex bond between a mother and daughter. We talk about the challenges of filming a deeply personal story across three generations, capturing private moments on camera, and the unexpected turns...
William Tyler Wiseman on Moonwater and the Reality of Indie Filmmaking
Filmmaking is evolving, and independent creators are redefining the industry. In this episode of In The Room Podcast, host John Williams sits down with writer-director William Tyler Wiseman and actor Michael Joplin to discuss the journey of making Moonwater, an indie film that explores family, addiction, and small-town survival.
They discuss the challenges of bringing an independent film to life, from funding and production to the struggles of film distribution and navigating the festival circuit. Moonwater is more than just a movie—it’s a testament to the dedication and creativity required to make films outside of the Hollywood...
How Angeline Walsh Made a Period Piece for Just $10K | In The Room by The Cast Station
How Angeline Walsh Made a Period Piece for Just $10K & Broke Into Streaming
What does it take to bring a Victorian-era dark comedy to life with almost no budget? Writer & filmmaker Angeline Walsh joins In The Room by The Cast Station to share her seven-year journey creating The Coroner’s Assistant—an independently funded, self-distributed series that’s now streaming on Tubi, Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon Prime.
From rewriting roles last-minute to turning historical locations into 19th-century England—all while leading an all-female creative team—Walsh’s journey is a masterclass in independent filmmaking.
💡 In This E...
IN THE ROOM - AMERICAN SPIRIT
🎙️ In The Room – Next Episode!
Get ready to dive into American Spirit, the compelling story of Melody and Jonathan, two exes navigating old wounds and new relationships after a surprise reunion. This film explores the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the moments that force us to reexamine our past.
Joining us are the creative forces behind the film:
Christopher Yates (Director/Writer), a skilled filmmaker from Alabama with a passion for crafting authentic stories.
Yasmeen Tori Fletcher (Ms. Marvel), who brings depth to Melody’s journey of self-reflection.
Cooper Roth (The...
IN THE ROOM - THE BELDHAM
Join us as we sit down with the powerhouse creatives behind the chilling feature film "The Beldham” Director/Writer Angela Gulner, Producer Mark Meir, and Cinematographer Ksusha Genenfeld dive into the dark, surreal world of The Beldham and the challenges of bringing this haunting story to life.
🌟 Angela Gulner’s work spans horror, surrealism, and black comedy, often centering women’s stories. Mark Meir, producer and seasoned actor, adds his creative expertise to this project, while Ksusha Genenfeld crafts stunning visuals that capture the story’s intensity.
Get ready to hear about the inspirations, hurdles, and eerie e...
IN THE ROOM with WILL BAKKE & SAM CHORTEK
In this episode, we’re excited to have Will Bakke, an award-winning filmmaker known for his insightful and comedic coming-of-age stories, and Sam Chortek, Executive Producer and both Partners at Rabbit Foot.
Will began his career in 2008 with two documentary feature films that gained international distribution and recognition. His narrative feature “Believe Me” was highlighted as a Critic's Pick by The New York Times, showcasing his talent for powerful storytelling.
Sam has played a pivotal role in guiding Rabbit Foot’s transformation from a brand-centric studio into a creative powerhouse, leading successful collaborations with networks like Amaz...
IN THE ROOM with JOSH WIGGINS
We're thrilled to have the incredibly talented Josh Wiggins on today's episode of "In the Room"! 🌟 From his breakout role in "Hellion" and "Lost In The Sun" to the heartwarming "Max" and the critically acclaimed "Giant Little Ones," Josh has captivated audiences with his compelling performances and versatility. 🎬✨Get ready to dive deep into his journey, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and learn about his upcoming projects, including the action-packed "Armored" with Sylvester Stallone! 🚀🔥Tune in now and join the conversation! 🎧💬InTheRoomPodcast #JoshWiggins #Hellion #MaxMovie #GiantLittleOnes #Hollywood #Podcast #NewEpisode #ActorLife #FilmIndustry #BehindTheScenes
IN THE ROOM with KEVIN FORD
Step into the world of cinematic brilliance with our latest episode of "In The Room" podcast, featuring the visionary filmmaker Kevin Ford! 🎙️✨ From Netflix's riveting documentary "Sr." to impactful works like "The Pushback" and "Everything Is Stolen" Kevin uncovers the magic behind his storytelling craft. Get ready for an eye-opening dialogue packed with wisdom, inside stories, and deep reflections from one of the industry's most innovative minds. You won’t want to miss this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation! 🎧🎬 #InTheRoomPodcast #KevinFord #Filmmaker #DocumentaryFilm #Netflix #Sr #ThePushback #EVERYTHING IS STOLEN #FaceTheRiver #StorytellingMagic #FilmIndustryGems #PodcastMustListen
IN THE ROOM with KELLY WILLIAMS
Step "In the Room" with the brilliant Kelly Williams, the mastermind producer and co-founder of Ten Acre Films!🚧 Currently busy in post-production on the much-anticipated "ALL THAT WE LOVE," Kelly's incredible project slate includes "WHAT HAPPENS LATER," "THE SENIOR," and a host of films that have made waves at Sundance and SXSW.🏆 Named a 2019 Independent Spirit Award Producer to Watch and a Sundance Fellow, Kelly also expands minds as a lecturer at The University of Texas at Austin!🔍 Dive into this captivating conversation on creativity, filmmaking, and behind-the-scenes insights of the industry! You don't want to miss it! Tune in now! 🎧...
IN THE ROOM with NICOLE RIEGEL, KARMEN LEECH, & LANI THOMISON
This week we are "In The Room" with the brilliant Nicole Riegel, and incredible Karmen Leech and Lani Thomison! 🎥✨ Join us as we explore the enchantment behind the eagerly awaited film "Dandelion," a 2024 American drama penned and directed by Nicole Riegel. Featuring KiKi Layne, Thomas Doherty, Melanie Nicholls-King, Brady Stablein, Jack Stablein, and Grace Kaiser, this mesmerizing movie premiered at South by Southwest on March 10, 2024, and will grace theaters in the United States on July 12, 2024! 🌟 Don’t miss out on this exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse! 🎧✨ #Dandelion #MovieRelease #PodcastInterview #InfluencerContent
IN THE ROOM - TODD ALLEN
We are thrilled to have the phenomenally talented Todd Allen in the room! 🌟 Todd is part of this incredible ensemble cast of "Horizon," which is set to hit screens on June 28, 2024. With a remarkable career spanning nearly 80 film and TV appearances, Todd's latest role in "Horizon: An American Saga" alongside Kevin Costner is not to be missed! Stay tuned as Todd dives into his remarkable career and goes deep into some amazing experiences over his incredible career🌟🎬 #ToddAllen #HorizonMovie #KevinCostnerExcitingProjects #Actor #Writer #Producer
IN THE ROOM with FRANK MOSLEY
"🎬 Join us on In The Room Podcast as we host the exceptional Frank Mosley! 🌟 This powerhouse—writer, director, and actor—has carved his path with unforgettable roles in 'Freeland', 'Some Beasts', and 'Her Wilderness'. 🎥 Join us as we unravel the artistry and vision of the incomparable Frank Mosley. 🎙 #Film #FrankMosley #InTheRoomPodcast"
IN THE ROOM with BOB BYINGTON
Join us on In The Room podcast for a conversation with the brilliant Bob Byington, tracing his journey from SXSW breakout to indie darling. From "RSO [Registered Sex Offender]" to "Infinity Baby", Byington's films have captivated audiences with their wit and originality. Now, with "Lousy Carter" starring David Krumholtz, available on most streaming platforms, Byington continues to push boundaries. Don't miss our chat about his unique vision and the magic of indie filmmaking! #InTheRoomPodcast #LousyCarter #BobByington #IndieFilm #DavidKrumholtz #SXSW 🎥
