B Smith's Second Sticks

B Smith's Second Sticks- Corky Cronin

It's been discussed on this very podcast that Assistant Directors are the engine that powers productions. But we've only had a former-AD-turned-Director on the pod... until now! B Smith's Second Sticks welcomes Corky Cronin, as we explore his beginnings from wanna-be-actor to stage manager at House of Blues to literally starting over in TV and movie production, working his way up the ranks to 1st AD on many notable projects both non-scripted and otherwise. Corky is a passionate individual whose philosophy is "leave no man (or woman) behind." While he is currently working, all his jobs are not only out of town, but out of the country, and we both agree that this current manifestation of runaway production needs to change. Promo codes: https://prepstartsnow.com/discount/STICKS https://profbees.com/discount/STICKS

B Smith's Second Sticks- Carrie Dufresne

Georgia was the new production frontier in the late teens and early 20's; the state tax incentives and growing infrastructure made it too attractive for production companies to pass up. Then, strikes and growing costs rendered Georgia into just another expensive American location, and networks started taking their shows out of the state and country. Carrie Dufresne, (former) camera operator talks with B Smith's Second Stick's about the sudden changes that forced her into another career option. We wonder what's in store for the future workers as we sort through Carrie's career arch before and after the gold rush. Give a read to Savannah Sicurella's excellent article about the production slowdown in Georgia featuring an interview with Carrie (gift link in show notes); although written in late 2024, it thoroughly outlines the state's journey from feast to famine, which continues to this day. https://www.ajc.com/news/business/how-the-slowdown-in-tv-and-film-production-hurts-georgia-workers/RLRBWUDNTNFRDFHTK5Y2CLDLQI/?gift_article_code=NlkxX3M3RlFuTks5QS1ndXF3TVdHRjN6LUM1cmh0b0dxSEoxbXd5RWNrZzoxNzgxMjI4OTY3OmQyZTE1ODA5MzkxY2MyMWQ&utm_campaign=articlegifting [https://www.ajc.com/news/business/how-the-slowdown-in-tv-and-film-production-hurts-georgia-workers/RLRBWUDNTNFRDFHTK5Y2CLDLQI/?gift_article_code=NlkxX3M3RlFuTks5QS1ndXF3TVdHRjN6LUM1cmh0b0dxSEoxbXd5RWNrZzoxNzgxMjI4OTY3OmQyZTE1ODA5MzkxY2MyMWQ&utm_campaign=articlegifting] ???? LiQure - Gummies that help prevent hangovers ???? Get 20% OFF | Promo Code: STICKS https://promocode.to/liqure/sticks-w2m ???? The Cumin Club - 5-Minute Indian Meals ???? Get 30% OFF | Promo Code: STICKS https://promocode.to/the-cumin-club/sticks-mp0

B Smith's Second Sticks- Scottie DeSantis

Everyone works hard on a non-scripted TV show, but probably no group of people work harder than the Art department. Constantly under the gun, dealing with near-impossible asks and pressing deadlines, the Art department coalesces to always deliver. B Smith's Second Sticks talks with prop master Scottie DeSantis (Scottie D to those in the know) about working together on classic reality cooking shows Hells Kitchen and Master Chef, and what it's like to be the right-hand prop-man to the legendary Gordon Ramsey. We talk about the current shifting seas of production in Los Angeles, and get wistful as Scottie D talks about getting the call to empty out the prop room at the Master Chef stage for the last time. Maybe a little bitter-sweet but there's hope, there's always hope! Give it a listen! Sponsors: LiQure - Gummies that help prevent hangovers: use this link for 20% off! https://liqure.com/discount/STICKS The Cumin Club - 5 minute Indian meals: use this link for 30% off! https://www.thecuminclub.com/discount/STICKS

B Smith's Second Sticks- Mark Jacobs

Filmmaker, shapeshifter, chameleon, survivor: all and more could describe Director/Producer/Cinematographer Mark Jacobs, who joined B Smith's Second Sticks recently for an look at his career, both past and present. We do a deep dive into the show "Breaking Bonaduce", a short-lived but groundbreaking non-scripted show that re-shaped both the reality genre and Mark's career in the mid 2000's. We also touch on numerous non-scripted shows and documentaries that Jacobs either directed or produced over the past 20 years, including the various projects in which he is currently involved. Our thoughtful conversation includes Mark's message to non-scripted alumni, a message inspired by equal parts faith, endurance, discovery and, primarily, hope. The message is one that workers in the reality genre need to hear at this moment in time.

B Smith's Second Sticks- Anna Moulaison

The path to success is inherently unique to every single individual, and comes with its own specific challenges. For director Anna Moulaison, she advanced herself from a very successful career as an assistant director by, simply speaking, putting in the work. On the strength of one directing gig, Anna knocked on doors, made calls, sent hundreds of emails, and virtually pushed her way through the glass ceiling to her current position as a successful non-scripted director. B Smith's Second Sticks caught up with her (no small act; she's very busy) to discuss her career arc, the many freebie jobs leading up to her finally breaking through as an AD, to her current position as a director and multi-faceted content creator. We also have honest conversations regarding the non-scripted industry, as Anna shares her thoughts as to what the new version of the non-scripted genre might look like. An energetic and inspiring listen, join us!