SANE Show

Episode 107: Television Directors

Featuring Television Director, her credits include The Bernie Mac Show, Black-ish, Grown-ish, The Chris Rock Show, Ugly Betty, Scrubs, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and many other of our favorite television series, Linda Mendoza.

 

(2:07) We have a conversation about continuing education. We discuss how continuing education isn't limited to formal education, but how you can learn from anything. (12:56) Following that conversation we discuss episodic television. Linda shares her experience in the industry as a television director.

(21:20) During the interview, Linda shared some things that she's learned recently and how they've helped her grow in her career. Linda also talks about what makes working on a set of television productions enjoyable. We get Linda's thoughts on what makes a good director, and what makes some directors better than others. Linda gives us more insight into the difference between single camera and multi camera television productions.

Episode 106: Award Shows

Featuring award-winning editor and Emmy judge whose credits include Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free, the centerpiece for the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, and Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, previously featured in the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. Her credits include Nina Simone, Tupac Shakur, Chicago, N.W.A., Janet Jackson and The Cure's induction films for HBO's: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Mari Keiko Gonzalez

 

(2:15) We have a conversation about award shows. Mari gives us insight into the nomination process and the politics around major entertainment award shows. (11:20) We also have a conversation about being present. We discuss the importance of living in the moment, no only when working, but outside of work too.

 

(20:10) During the interview, Mari shares why she believes it's important to listen to the younger generation. We learn how Mari balances her work and downtime. Mari details the challenges of capturing someone's career in a few minutes when creating reels for their Hall of Fame induction. Lastly, Mari shares what makes editing certain projects more difficult than others.

Episode 105: Figure It Out

Featuring former Hollywood Agent, Producer, and Executive. His previous clients include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ray Romano, Kevin James, Chuck Russell, and many others. He produced The Call starring Halle Berry, and was instrumental in putting together The Shawshank Redemption, The Mask, Terminator 3, among other films. He is one of the founders of big three Hollywood agency, United Talent Agency (UTA), and is now CEO of RobEri Media; Robert Stein.

 

(2:26) We have discussion about figuring things out for yourself. We talk about will vs. skill, and learning from your failures. (10:53) Following that conversation, we discuss being an agent. Robert shares what it takes to be a Hollywood agent.

 

(19:40) During the interview, Robert shares his thoughts on Hollywood agencies having more requirements for entry level positions. Robert shares his thoughts about being successful and coming from an immigrant family. Robert tells us what he thinks about HBO's Entourage and compared to the reality of being an agent. Lastly, we get Robert's honest opinion about UTA 30 years later after it's conception.

Episode 104: Generational Marketing

Featuring Vice President of Global Brand Strategy & Marketing at Universal Studio Group; Kelly Harrington.

 

(2:24) We have conversation about marketing to different generation. Kelly gives us a breakdown of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z. Kelly also explains what makes NBCUniversal's content appealing to multiple audiences. (21:12) We have a discussion about changing plans. We discuss how change is god and could bring about even better things.

 

(29:45) During the interview, Kelly shares her transition from photography to entertainment. Kelly explains the difference between Hollywood and London's when it comes to entertainment. Kelly offers her thoughts on the current media landscape and it's portrayal of society. Lastly, Kelly shares her travel journey during her period of transition.

Episode 103: Bring Value to Others

Featuring Film Composer, Singer-Songwriter and Instrumentalist; Alton James.

 

(2:17) We have a conversation about the back door to success. Alton talks about the importance of bringing value to other people. (13:07) Alton gives us insight into being a film composer. Alton also breaks down how film composers think about and score music.

 

(20:30) During the interview, Alton tells us who inspired him. We also learn how Alton finds balance with everything that he does. We learn why human connection is important to Alton. Lastly, Alton tells us why growing knowledge is important to personal and career growth.

Episode 102: Broadcast Television Masterclass

Featuring Emmy winning Television Executive & Content Creator; Richard Borjas. Richard recently as Vice President of Programming & Development at NBCUniversal, he's served as Vice President of Production at Telemundo, Supervising Producer of "The Balancing Act" on Lifetime, and Freelance Producer on Good Morning America.

 

(4:14) Richard offers his take on how syndicated television programs are doing in the current media landscape. Richard gives us insight into the different types of viewers and how nostalgic syndicated programs are benefiting from streaming. (14:04) Richard shares what goes into the process of greenlighting television productions. We also discuss the relationship between television networks and their talent.

 

(23:39) During the interview, Richard shares some of his biggest takeaways of his career in the television industry. We learn about completing television projects and some of the challenges that may arise. Richard tells us about some of his biggest accomplishments. Richard offers up some advice to aspiring television network executives.

Episode 101: Legacy Recording Artists

Featuring Director of A&R at Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment; Jeffrey James. Jeff manages the catalogs for the Luther Vandross Estate, the Whitney Houston Estate, P!nk, Usher, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys and many other respected recording artists.

 

(2:22) We have a conversation about the importance of legacy recording artists. We discuss how legacy recording artists have impacted music and culture. (12:20) Jeff gives us insight into being an A&R, the difference between front facing A&Rs and legacy A&Rs. Jeff shares with us the importance of A&Rs that manage music catalogues of legacy recording artists.

 

(22:07) During the interview, Jeff offers advice to those only looking to get into music only to become famous. Jeff shares his thoughts on what makes music timeless. Jeff also shares his favorite method of listening to music. Jeff briefly shares what made him decide to return to the music industry and stay.

Episode 100: Right Place, Right Time

Featuring CEO of Walter Latham Entertainment, Filmmaker and Producer of The Original Kings of Comedy, The Queens of Comedy, Bad Boys of Comedy, he's worked with many of comedy's greats from Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Tyler Perry, Sommore, Monique, Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Bill Bellamy and many others; Walter Latham.

 

(2:08) We have a conversation about taking it from the best. Walter talk about being prepared for opportunities. (11:01) Following that conversation, we talk about being in the right place at the right time. Walter talks about not letting your circumstances determine your future and how you can do whatever you want to do in life.

 

(25:22) During the interview, Walter tells us how one finds their niche. Walter offers his thoughts on how the digital age has affected comedy. Walter gives his thoughts on the impact he's made on the culture. Lastly, Walter shares what success has taught him about the entertainment industry and himself.

Episode 99: Record Labels & Music Marketing

Featuring Senior Director of Marketing at Epic Records; Dylan Brewer

 

(1:53) We have a discussion about music marketing and music partnerships. We discuss how music artists and brands can work together. (11:11) Dylan explains how smaller agencies and independent record labels can benefit independent music artists. Dylan shares his insight on how major labels still can benefit music artists.

 

(24:20) Dylan explains marketing's role in the development of music content. Dylan shares his thoughts on brand and music partnerships. Lastly, Dylan shares some of the biggest misconceptions he has to address in the music industry.

Episode 98: Humanizing Brands

(2:16) We have a discussion about humanizing brands. Yulia gives us insight into her career and tells us what makes a brand human. (10:23) We also have a discussion about celebrity influencers. Yulia tells us how celebrity influencers match up against influencers that are more like everyday people.

 

(20:54) During the interview, Yulia tells us which client she enjoyed working with most. Yulia talks about what it's like humanizing her clients' brands. Yulia gives her thoughts on where she thinks legacy brands should start when trying to revamp their image. Yulia shares her thoughts on what "real" looks like to her when it comes to entertainment content.