BYTE-SIZED | A Limited Podcast Series from the Reality Bytes Independent Student Film Festival

BONUS! Creating a Film Festival & Student Filmmaking After a Pandemic w/ Dr. Laura Vazquez (FINALE)

In the final episode of BYTE-SIZED, Ben and Emily sit down for an in-person interview with Dr. Laura Vazquez, a professor of media studies & production and the director of the Reality Bytes Independent Student Film Festival. This finale focuses on the creation of Reality Bytes, advice to student filmmakers, and reflections on student filmmaking after COVID-19. Thank you to everyone who has listened to and supported BYTE-SIZED. Our first recording session took place on March 8th, 2022, and we feel we were able to make some really good work in such a short amount of time. It was a pleasure to produce this podcast. As a reminder, stay tuned for the full Reality Bytes 2022 film program, which will be available on Vimeo in the following week of this episode airing. Further info can be found in the main podcast's description and at realitybytes.niu.edu

EPISODE SIX - Submitting Your Film to a Festival w/ Randy Caspersen

In this episode, Ben and Emily speak with Randy Caspersen, a professor of media studies and production at Northern Illinois University. This interview focuses on Randy's experience as a judge for Reality Bytes, the process of submitting an independent/student film to a festival, and advice to new filmmakers.

EPISODE FIVE - TV Comedy w/ Taylor James ("Fallen Angel")

In this episode, Ben and Emily spoke with Taylor James, the director behind submission Fallen Angel, about creating a TV pilot and the woes of crowdfunding. Fallen Angel is part of the Reality Bytes 2022 official selection.

EPISODE FOUR - Independent Animation w/ Claire Layne ("Sagiso")

In this episode, Ben and Emily spoke with artist Claire Layne about her short film Sagiso–which is part of the Reality Bytes 2022 official festival selection–as well as the challenges that come with independently creating an animated film.

EPISODE THREE - High School Film Production w/ Ben Steinberg ("Cindy's Diner")

In this episode, Ben and Emily speak with Ben Steinberg, director of Cindy's Diner, about filmmaking as a high school student, film influences, and the process of creating a short film during a pandemic.