We Are Official Podcast

Josh Shelton — Inside the Heart of Sundance: Story, Risk, and Vision

Josh Shelton is a producer, director, and writer dedicated to bringing groundbreaking stories to life. Currently working with Sundance, Josh is helping shape the future of independent film and documentary by supporting visionary creators and projects that push boundaries. Previously, he produced episodes of We Are the Champions and Religion of Sports, acclaimed series that reveal the depth of human passion through competition and culture. Across all his work, Josh has shown a knack for uncovering the extraordinary within the everyday, crafting narratives that spark curiosity and connection. In this episode, Josh reflects on his journey into storytelling, the lessons he's learned from championing independent voices, and why Sundance continues to be a vital platform for artists who want to change the way we see the world. OFFICIAL is a production company located in Los Angeles. www.weareofficial.com

Dave Bushore — Redefining Storytelling in the Age of VR

Dave Bushore is a director, producer, and brand creative pushing the boundaries of how we experience stories. With a career spanning film, experiential marketing, and immersive media, Dave has become a pioneer at the cutting edge of immersive storytelling. His work blends cinematic vision with emerging technologies, creating worlds that don't just entertain—they transport. In this conversation, Dave opens up about his journey from traditional filmmaking to crafting fully immersive virtual experiences, the creative risks and rewards of building stories in 360°, and where he sees the future of audience engagement heading. Whether you're a filmmaker, a creative visionary, or just fascinated by what's next in entertainment, this episode offers a front-row seat to the evolution of storytelling. OFFICIAL is a production company located in Los Angeles. www.weareofficial.com

Jeff Buchanan — The Art of the Edit: Collaborating With Spike Jonze & Michel Gondry

Jeff Buchanan's career as an editor has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his long-time collaborations with visionary directors Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze, Jeff has helped shape some of the most inventive and genre-defying films and music videos of our time. His work seamlessly blends artistry, rhythm, and emotion—turning raw footage into unforgettable cinematic experiences. In this episode, Jeff takes us inside his journey from early breaks in the industry to becoming a trusted creative partner to two of cinema's most original voices. He shares stories from the cutting room, insights into the delicate dance between editor and director, and how he approaches storytelling with both precision and playfulness. Whether you're a film buff, aspiring editor, or simply curious about the creative process behind iconic work, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a career built on vision, trust, and collaboration. OFFICIAL is a production company located in Los Angeles. www.weareofficial.com

Mariana van Zeller — Inside the Underworld with a Peabody Award-Winning Journalist

Mariana van Zeller has built her career by venturing into some of the world's most dangerous black markets and criminal underworlds. A Peabody Award–winning journalist and the fearless host of National Geographic's acclaimed series Trafficked, she has been focused on uncovering the human stories behind global illicit trades. In this episode, Mariana shares harrowing accounts from the field—moments when risk and danger were ever-present—and how she balances personal safety with the pursuit of truth. She also opens up about her unique storytelling approach: building trust with sources, capturing nuance in high-stakes environments, and making sense of complex systems that shape our world in hidden ways. If you've ever wondered what it takes to shine a light on stories few dare to tell, this conversation offers a candid look into the courage, empathy, and relentless curiosity that define Mariana's work. OFFICIAL is a production company located in Los Angeles. www.weareofficial.com

TRAILER // We Are Official Podcast Season II

Season II of The We Are Official Podcast is coming! Mariana van Zeller takes us inside the world's black markets, chasing truth with empathy and grit. Jeff Buchanan shows us how storytelling takes shape in the edit room, drawing from years of collaboration with Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry. Josh Shelton pulls back the curtain on life at Sundance, where he helps independent voices find their audience. And Dave Bushore brings us into the future where storytelling, technology, and imagination collide in his latest VR worlds. It's a season about curiosity, craft, and the people who remind us why great stories matter more than ever. Hosted by Mark Rinehart, Tony Franklin, and Matthew Sultan. Follow @weareofficialLA on insta for active updates on episode drops. Go to www.weareofficial.com [https://www.weareofficial.com] for more info on the company.