Action! Magazine The Podcast

James Quattrochi joins ACTION! Magazine The Podcast for an exciting conversation about his career, his work on the hit Paramount+ series Tulsa King, and the major projects on his horizon.

Fresh off his third season of Tulsa King, James discusses being part of the acclaimed series starring Sylvester Stallone, as the show continues to earn recognition and anticipation builds for what’s next.

We also dive into his leading role as Marco Tirelli in Playing the Float, a powerful legal drama based on a true story, as well as his pivotal role as “Big Bob” in Tha...

Podcast Episode Description

In this episode, we sit down for an inspiring conversation with faith-based filmmaker Henrique about two exciting new projects that are bringing powerful stories of faith, forgiveness, and transformation to the screen.

First, Henrique shares about Forgiving the Nightmare, a new short film that he directed and premieres this week. We talk about the heart behind the story, the filmmaking process, and the powerful message of forgiveness at its center.

We also dive into Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul, a Sony Pictures film and Kendrick Brothers production, where Henrique served...

In this episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with writer-director Alessio Cappelletti to discuss WHITENESS, an ambitious feature-length cinematic event that blends satire, horror, animation, historical film restoration, drama, and experimental storytelling to explore how narratives of race are created, inherited, challenged, and remembered.

Selected for its World Premiere at the 34th Raindance Film Festival, WHITENESS brings together four interconnected works and features more than 1,000 visual effects shots, a full orchestral score, and a groundbreaking custom infrared black-and-white cinematic process. In our conversation, Alessio shares the creative vision behind the project, the importance of...

In this episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with director Lucca Vieira to talk about his film The Midway Point, a moving story about connection, perception, and seeing the world in a different way.

The film follows Jake, a high school student on the autism spectrum who feels increasingly disillusioned with the world around him. When he meets Alice, he begins to experience life from a new perspective. But as their connection grows, Jake discovers that Alice may share more with him than he ever expected.

Lucca Vieira takes us behind the...

Award-winning Australian writer and director Hal Kirkland joins the podcast to discuss his new sci-fi short film, Please & Thank You, starring Tony Cavalero. We talk about the growing conversation around being polite to AI, why kindness became the heart of his story, blending comedy with an AI apocalypse, and what our relationship with technology reveals about us.

We had a wonderful conversation with two inspiring leaders from Women in Film: Dr. Inya Lawal President of WIFT Africa, and Rabia Chopra, Director of Programs & Development at WIF India.

We discussed the vital work Women in Film is doing to advocate for women in the entertainment industry by providing career advancement opportunities, resources, and a strong global community.

In this episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Victoria Arruda sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Chase Joynt to discuss his powerful new documentary, STATE of FIRSTS. The film follows Sarah McBride's historic campaign to become the first transgender member of the U.S. Congress, offering an intimate look at the challenges, triumphs, and political realities surrounding her groundbreaking journey.

During the conversation, Chase shares the creative process behind the documentary, the responsibility of documenting history as it unfolds, and how the film balances the personal with the political. He also reflects on working closely with Sarah...

Join us for a conversation with Renée Wilson and Jana Naomi Smith about Red for Revolution, the powerful six-part audio drama exploring intergenerational stories of Black women, queer love, and liberation.

Starring Jordan Hull, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Beals, Danny Glover, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and many more, the series follows a love story that transcends generations and challenges convention.

This special Cannes Film Festival episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast features a conversation with Antonio Saccone, President of Cinecittà, one of the world's most iconic film studios and a cornerstone of Italian cinema.

In this insightful interview, Antonio reflects on the remarkable legacy of Italian filmmaking, the lasting influence of Cinecittà on the global film industry, and the studio's role in shaping generations of filmmakers. We also discuss how Cinecittà continues to evolve, its vision for the future, and the opportunities and challenges facing the industry today.

From honoring a rich cinematic heritage to emb...

In this special Cannes Film Festival episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with director and producer Alejandro Vilpa to discuss his latest project, Blue Shades. As the founder of Vilpa Films and Vilpa Max, a streaming platform dedicated to showcasing Oscar winning films and emerging voices, Alejandro shares his passion for creating meaningful stories and supporting independent cinema.

Joining the conversation are producer Ivan Surnyk and actress Carla Aguilar López, who offer their perspectives on bringing Blue Shades to life and collaborating on the project.

Recorded during the Cannes Film Festival, t...

ACTION! Magazine’s special podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Katie Camosy, director of the powerful documentary Gaslit.

Join us as we discuss the making of this timely film, which follows Academy Award-winning actor and activist Jane Fonda on a journey through Texas and Louisiana, meeting the people on the front lines of the fight against fossil fuel expansion and its impact on communities, coastlines, and the environment.

From shrimpers and ranchers to former oil workers and grassroots organizers, Gaslit shines a light on the everyday people standing together to protect the places they ca...

Recorded during the Cannes Film Festival, we sit down with talented British actor Ollie Roddy following the premiere of his latest project, Tip Toe.

In this candid conversation, Ollie reflects on his journey as an actor, shares stories from his career so far, and gives us a glimpse into what’s next. We also dive into the realities of working in today’s film and television industry, from navigating opportunities and challenges to building a sustainable creative career.

Packed with honest insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and practical advice, this episode is especially valuable for emerging actors and...

This week on ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Aella to talk about the journey that has shaped her voice as one of the exciting emerging directors to watch.

From her background in theatre and literature to directing at the National Film & Television School, Aella reflects on the experiences that led her into filmmaking and how she developed a storytelling style centered on symbolism, emotional depth, and complex human relationships.

We also dive into Truckload—her acclaimed comedy-drama that won the Empower Fund with Primetime and stars Jodie Whittaker, Joe Dempsie, an...

Ever wondered where hip-hop’s most iconic accessory actually came from? Long before it was a global fashion staple, the grill was the brainchild of one man: "Famous Eddie" Plein.

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Eddie Plein himself, the most inventive fashion icon you’ve never heard of, and director Lyle Lindgren to talk about their explosive new documentary, Mouth Full of Golds (a 2026 Tribeca Festival Official Selection).

We dive deep into how Eddie changed the face of hip-hop culture one gold tooth at a time, building an empire that...

ACTION! Magazine Podcast | Tribeca Special: Monika "Jac" Jagaciak & Branislav Jankić on White Belt

What happens when a global supermodel trades the runway for the grappling mat? In this special Tribeca Festival episode, we sit down with international model Monika “Jac” Jagaciak and director Branislav Jankić to discuss their raw new documentary, White Belt. After two decades fronting Hermès campaigns and walking as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Monika chose to step away from the polished illusion of the camera and into the unfiltered world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Filmed intimately by her husband, Branislav, this episode explores the inten...

We are sitting down with the incredibly talented filmmaker Luca Bueno to talk about two massive upcoming projects you absolutely need on your radar:

If Tomorrow Ever Comes – A mind-bending sci-fi film set in a post-post-apocalyptic Brazilian Amazon (currently in post-production!).

Riders – A thrilling project following twin brothers navigating the intense world of competitive bull riding and their fierce rivals.

Luca’s journey and vision are deeply inspiring, and you’re going to love hearing where he’s taking his filmmaking next. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode, we sit down with director Jeremy Seifert to discuss his new documentary Papertown, a powerful and emotional portrait of a North Carolina community facing the collapse of the industry that defined it for generations.

The film follows the final months of a 115-year-old paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, as its sudden closure devastates the town’s economy and forces residents to confront an uncertain future. Told in real time, Papertown captures the heartbreak, confusion, anger, and resilience of workers, families, and neighbors as they navigate the loss of both jobs and identity.

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No novo episódio do podcast, conversamos com a diretora Rosane Svartman sobre seu novo filme (Des)controle, estrelado por Carolina Dieckmann. Durante a entrevista, falamos sobre o processo criativo por trás da produção, os temas centrais da história e os desafios de construir uma narrativa tão intensa e atual.

Rosane também compartilha como foi trabalhar com Carolina Dieckmann na construção da protagonista, a troca entre diretora e atriz durante as filmagens e a importância emocional da personagem dentro do filme. Uma conversa envolvente sobre cinema, criação artística e os bastidor...

No novo episódio do podcast da ACTION! Magazine, conversamos com o ator Alexandre Nero e os diretores Pedro Waddington e Rebeca Diniz sobre o novo filme “Precisamos Falar”, que teve sua estreia no LABRFF Orlando.

Durante a entrevista, o trio fala sobre o processo criativo por trás do longa, os desafios de construir personagens e narrativas tão humanas, além dos temas centrais abordados pelo filme. A conversa mergulha nas emoções, conflitos e reflexões que “Precisamos Falar” propõe, destacando como a obra dialoga com questões atuais e universais.

Um bate-papo sinc...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Benjamin Wagner to discuss his new documentary Friends & Neighbors, a deeply personal and timely exploration of how chronic stress and trauma are reshaping life across America.

Inspired by Fred Rogers’ enduring message to “look for the helpers,” Wagner shares how his own experiences with loss and the pressures of a high-stress career led him to examine the hidden toll stress takes on our bodies, relationships, and communities. The conversation expands into the heart of the film, highlighting the educators, therapists, artists, and leaders working to rebuild connection and resilience in mea...

Documentaries have the power to transport us into lives and places we might never otherwise experience and Being Ola is a beautiful example of that. In this episode, we sit down with director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem and the film’s subject Ola Henningsen to explore the story behind this quietly powerful documentary.

Set in the small Norwegian village of Vidaråsen, the film follows Ola’s daily life in a community where people with and without disabilities live and work side by side. Together, we talk about the inspiration behind the film, the experience of filming in suc...

In this episode, we sit down with writer and director Guy Trevellyan to discuss his chilling short film Plastic Surgery, a gripping body horror that confronts the real-world consequences of microplastic pollution.

Starring Anna Popplewell and Daniel Ings, the film follows a surgeon on the brink of maternity leave whose final day takes a terrifying turn as patients begin revealing something unthinkable—plastic embedded deep within their bodies. What starts as a routine operation spirals into chaos, forcing an impossible choice between survival and duty.

Fresh off winning Best Thriller at the HollyShorts Film Festival, Pl...

In this episode, we sit down with director Sara Robin and writer Jack LeMay to talk about their documentary Your Attention Please, which premiered at SXSW in the Documentary Spotlight section. Now that the festival has passed, we reflect on the film’s impact, the conversations it sparked, and why its message continues to resonate.

The film explores how digital platforms are shaping childhood, attention, and human connection through intimate, character-driven storytelling. At its core are powerful personal stories, including a mother’s fight for change after losing her son to online bullying, alongside a new generation work...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Daniel Everitt-Lock to discuss his debut feature documentary Our Planet, The People, My Blood, a powerful and far-reaching story about justice, legacy, and the human cost of nuclear testing.

The film follows Alan Owen, the son of a British nuclear test veteran, as he leads a decades-long fight for recognition and accountability on behalf of thousands of veterans and their families. What begins as a personal story expands into a global investigation, spanning four continents and bringing together voices from communities impacted by nuclear testing, from the Marshall Islands...

In this episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with director Shareen Anderson and survivor and advocate Janet Jensen to discuss the documentary The Right Track—a film that sheds light on the realities of sex trafficking and the fight for justice and systemic change.

Through honest and eye-opening dialogue, Shareen shares the journey of making the film and how her perspective evolved through listening to survivors, while Janet brings a vital, firsthand voice to the conversation, speaking to resilience, truth, and the urgent need for awareness and reform.

Together, they unpack the mi...

In this episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Chris Baker, one half of the visionary directing duo behind the haunting new short film The Trick.

Premiering at FrightFest Glasgow, The Trick follows a seemingly ordinary night that spirals into something deeply unsettling, blurring the line between illusion and reality. What begins as a simple interaction quickly turns into a sinister psychological game that leaves both its characters and audience questioning what’s real.

Chris takes us behind the scenes of building tension, crafting atmosphere, and creating horror that lingers long af...

Step into the chaotic, hilarious world of espionage gone wrong in this week's episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast. We sit down with filmmaker and creator Blake Sherwyn to talk about his latest project, the satirical mockumentary pilot Chet Bond: License To Chill-a bold, absurd take on the spy genre that flips the idea of a "perfect agent" on its head Set to premiere at the Dances With Films festival in New York, the pilot follows the wildly unqualified Chet Bond, played by Jack Atkins, as he fumbles his way through MI7, leaving destruction, embarrassment, and unexpected consequences in...

Step into the chaotic, hilarious world of espionage gone wrong in this week’s episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast. We sit down with filmmaker and creator Blake Sherwyn to talk about his latest project, the satirical mockumentary pilot Chet Bond: License To Chill—a bold, absurd take on the spy genre that flips the idea of a “perfect agent” on its head.

Set to premiere at the Dances With Films festival in New York, the pilot follows the wildly unqualified Chet Bond, played by Jack Atkins, as he fumbles his way through MI7, leaving destruction, embarrassment, and unex...

On this episode of ACTION! Magazine The Podcast, we sit down with Josh Sapan and Miranda Lee to talk about the mission behind the inspiring Marvels of Media Festival.

Josh, a longtime media executive who helped shape the era of prestige television during his years leading AMC Networks, founded Marvels of Media to spotlight and support autistic creators working in film, animation, and digital media. Alongside him, Miranda Lee, a festival programmer and access consultant who is on the autism spectrum, plays a key role in curating the program and advocating for greater accessibility and representation in...

Pop culture has a new voice, and we’re sitting down with the creator herself. In this episode, we chat with Maddy Myer about the inspiration behind her fan-first podcast Maddy Mania, launching March 5th. From wrestling and K Pop to television and fandom culture, Maddie shares how her personal passions, professional experience, and love for community shaped the show. Tune in to hear what it takes to turn fandom into a platform, the stories behind her favorite pop culture moments, and why obsession can truly be an art form.

In this episode, we sit down with Argentine filmmaker Eduardo Braun Costa to talk about his debut narrative short following its Sundance premiere. We dive into the coming-of-age story behind the film, the personal childhood experiences that inspired it, and how humor and drama come together to capture youth, friendship, and survival. Eduardo also shares insights into his creative process, transitioning from music videos to narrative filmmaking, and what premiering at Sundance means for the next chapter of his career.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Bill Chen to discuss his powerful short film Chicken, an emotionally charged coming-of-age story that explores masculinity, identity, and the lasting impact of silence within male culture. Bill shares the deeply personal inspiration behind the film, his approach to telling difficult stories with honesty and nuance, and how his upbringing shaped his creative voice. We also dive into the film’s festival journey, the importance of conversations around vulnerability and belonging, and how cinema can open space for reflection and dialogue.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and multi hyphenate creative Carlitos Do Souto to talk about his bold new feature film Radio Sky and the journey of bringing an ambitious independent project to life.

Carlitos shares behind the scenes insight into writing, directing, and acting in Radio Sky, a film set in space that pushes creative and logistical boundaries on an indie scale. We dive into the realities of building a film from the ground up, navigating limited resources, and finding inventive solutions on set while staying true to a strong creative vision.

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In this episode, we are joined by Irish harpist and singer Joy Shannon for a joyful and inspiring conversation about her creative journey. Joy reflects on her music career and how years of composing, performing, and working within Irish folklore and dark folk traditions helped shape her transition into documentary filmmaking.

We talk about her latest Tolkien inspired work, including the release of her single “Song of the Rohirrim” and the instrumental album In the Forest Singing Sorrowless, and how storytelling through music naturally led her toward visual narratives. Joy shares valuable lessons she has learned navigating the...

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jonny Durgan, double Cannes Lion-winning writer-director, as he discusses his gripping new short film, G.S.W. Following a remarkable festival run—including HollyShorts London, Foyle Film Festival, and multiple BIFA-qualifying screenings—G.S.W. is set for a San Francisco theatrical run at The Roxie Cinema from January 2–7, 2026.

Jonny shares the inspiration behind the film, which follows paramedics Beth (Genevieve O’Reilly) and Jo (Kya Brame) confronting a life-and-death crisis during a school shooting, as well as his journey from advertising to filmmaking. He opens up about working with acclaime...

Join us for an in-depth conversation with filmmaker J.R. Stokes (@sidscinematics), the writer and director of Pam, a raw and intimate portrayal of a queer sex worker navigating fatherhood, addiction, and a mid-life crisis during their son’s 18th birthday week. Inspired by the cinematic styles of Sean Baker and Darren Aronofsky, Pam explores resilience, vulnerability, and the human struggle to balance survival with love. J.R. shares their creative process, challenges in telling this deeply personal story, and what drew them to such complex characters.

Join us as we sit down with Clarence Major, the production designer behind acclaimed projects like The Consultant (Amazon) and The Morning Show (Apple TV+). Clarence is redefining storytelling through live production, XR, AI, and immersive experiences, from blockbuster TV to interactive campaigns like Time Alley Shanghai. He shares his creative process, the challenges of blending technology with narrative, and the future of design in entertainment.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Alejandro Vilpa, internationally published author, founder of Vilpa Films, and a key figure in the independent film scene. Alejandro shares the inspiration behind Vilpa Max, a groundbreaking streaming platform dedicated to independent filmmakers, and gives insights into his journey producing award-caliber projects, including collaborations with Cannes-acclaimed films and Oscar-winning teams. From producing a short film in Prague to supporting indie film distribution globally, Alejandro reveals how Vilpa Max aims to empower filmmakers and connect audiences with fresh, innovative cinema.

In this episode of ACTION! Magazine: The Podcast, we sit down with British filmmaker Mark Hampton to dive into the making of his gripping feature debut, Mark opens up about the creative journey that brought this project to life—from the earliest inspirations to the challenges of crafting a character-driven boxing drama that breaks the mold.

We talk about his process as a first-time feature director, what it was like stepping into the lead role, and the real-life experiences that shaped Danny Goode’s emotional arc. Mark also reflects on his own career path, the resilience needed to g...

In this episode, we sit down with Mexican-American filmmaker Julia Weisberg Cortés to talk about her powerful Oscar®-qualifying short film, Boyfighter, starring Michael Mando (Spider-Man: Brand New Day). We dive into the emotional and creative journey behind the film, which follows a retired bare-knuckle Latino fighter forced to confront the legacy of violence and pain he has passed down to his son.

Julia opens up about exploring themes of toxic masculinity, generational trauma, and redemption, as well as the responsibility of telling deeply human stories rooted in the Latin experience. From casting to visual language, sh...