Hollywood Wolfpack With Kaia Alexander

Professional actor Jay Tavare talks about how you prepare for a scene with Meryl Streep

#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/california_business_podcasts/?feedid=5766460&_src=f1_featured_email], #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List. [https://www.millionpodcasts.com/hollywood-podcasts/] Jay Tavare describes himself best when he says he is a storyteller and a citizen of the world. Jay's acting performances in several Oscar-winning films with some of our era's most talented and acclaimed directors and actors--are the natural outcome of his eclectic life experiences and the direct result of his intense focus on excellence and dedication to authentic characters. Jay's onscreen roles include: Pathfinder (Marcus Nispel, 2007) as Black Wing, with Karl Urban and Clancy Brown * The Missing (Ron Howard, 2003) as Kayitah, with Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones * Cold Mountain (Anthony Minghella, 2003) as Swimmer, Jude Law's Cherokee half brother and fellow Confederate army warrior * Adaptation (Spike Jonze, 2002) as Matthew Osceola, the enigmatic Seminole orchid thief opposite Meryl Streep * Street Fighter (1994) as Vega, the devilishly handsome and lethal Spanish Ninja * Into the West (Steven Spielberg, 2005 mini-series) as Chief Prairie Fire opposite Keri Russell * CSI Miami season finale, Going Ballistic (2009) as Manny Ortega. For his role on CSI Miami Jay performed all his own stunts for the episode, including an astounding world class 23 story controlled free fall (more than 200 feet!) which was awarded an Emmy nomination. This sort of feat has given Jay an onset reputation as a bit of a daredevil. But it is more accurate to say he is master of an impressive repertoire of physical skills. Jay does not promote himself as a stuntman, but his experience as an athlete and dancer gives him the rare ability to create seamlessly believable characters by preparing and performing his own stunts when the role calls for it. It's no surprise directors and fellow actors recognize him for this. * www.jaytavareacademy.com/ [www.jaytavareacademy.com/] * www.facebook.com/jay.tavare [www.facebook.com/jay.tavare] * www.instagram.com/jaytavare/ [www.instagram.com/jaytavare/] Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander: * https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/ [https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/] * https://twitter.com/thisiskaia [https://twitter.com/thisiskaia]  Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A. Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com [https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/923b6172-32b6-11ec-94f9-1b08a5b49597/podcasts/b84c9820-35c9-11ec-bdae-b389ac01412b/episodes/3745faa8-b27a-11ed-85ce-0b3169815762/www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com]REPLAY: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Joel Brokaw: Author of Driving Marilyn The Life and Times of Legendary Hollywood Agent Norman Brokaw

#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/california_business_podcasts/?feedid=5766460&_src=f1_featured_email], #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List. [https://www.millionpodcasts.com/hollywood-podcasts/] Bestselling author Joel Brokaw has been the grateful beneficiary of a life experience that has helped give him a valuable perspective. Whether growing tomatoes in the social-laboratory of Sweden during the 1970s or working in Hollywood with some of the most famous people on the planet, Joel has had a front row seat to noteworthy cultural and societal developments over the decades. Working in the entertainment industry as a publicist for more than 30 years, Joel learned from some of the best in how artists use their craft and their medium to connect with audiences. Foremost he realized how this connection must be immediate, accessible, uncomplicated yet novel. It had to go beyond the intellect and penetrate on the body and soul. He also observed that the artists with the greatest longevity achieved that through honesty and integrity with their audiences. And many of them taught him the greatest gift—how art created with the right intention can help elevate the human spirit for the highest good. Joel was born as the fourth generation in a show business family. His paternal grandmother’s family was a Russian acrobatic dance troupe that performed for European royalty and on the American vaudeville stage. His grand uncle Johnny Hyde discovered Marilyn Monroe. And his super-agent father worked from the mailroom to become chairman of the William Morris Agency. His maternal aunt was Sara Berner, a character/comedic actress whose most notable roles were in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window and as a member of Jack Benny’s ensemble. https://joelbrokaw.com/ [https://joelbrokaw.com/] Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander: * https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/ [https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/] * https://twitter.com/thisiskaia [https://twitter.com/thisiskaia]  Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A. Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com [https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/923b6172-32b6-11ec-94f9-1b08a5b49597/podcasts/b84c9820-35c9-11ec-bdae-b389ac01412b/episodes/3745faa8-b27a-11ed-85ce-0b3169815762/www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com] SUMMARY In this episode, Kaia interviews Joel Brokaw, author of *Driving Marilyn* and a prominent figure in media and entertainment. We explore his father, Norman Brokaw's, incredible journey from the mailroom of the William Morris Agency to becoming a leading agent for Hollywood icons. Joel shares insights on the profound impact of mentorship in the industry, emphasizing the importance of empathy and genuine relationships. We discuss Norman's revolutionary contributions to television and his ability to transform risks into opportunities for stars. Joel reflects on the evolving roles within media and encourages aspiring creatives to embrace storytelling, highlighting the lasting power of connections in achieving success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Adam "Tex" Davis screenwriter of JUST FRIENDS with Ryan Reynolds and BRAIN GAMES

#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/california_business_podcasts/?feedid=5766460&_src=f1_featured_email], #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List. [https://www.millionpodcasts.com/hollywood-podcasts/] * Adam "Tex" Davis is a versatile screenwriter, producer, podcaster and Emmy-nominated creator best known for writing Just Friends (2005 - starring Ryan Reynolds & Anna Faris). He co-created and is head writer of WHO SMARTED?, a top kids’ educational podcast, and created MYSTERIES ABOUT TRUE HISTORIES (M.A.T.H.). He also co-hosts SLAYCATION, a true crime show about vacation murders, and THE OSCARS: WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? with Bruce Vilanch. His past credits include BRAIN GAMES (Emmy-nominated) and BRAINCHILD (co-produced with Pharrell Williams). Currently, he’s developing multiple feature scripts in comedy and horror while taking time to help mentor the next generation of creators and storytellers!  * www.atomicentertainment.com [www.atomicentertainment.com] Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander: * https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/ [https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/] * https://twitter.com/thisiskaia [https://twitter.com/thisiskaia]  Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A. Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com [https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/923b6172-32b6-11ec-94f9-1b08a5b49597/podcasts/b84c9820-35c9-11ec-bdae-b389ac01412b/episodes/3745faa8-b27a-11ed-85ce-0b3169815762/www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com] Summary Adam shares his journey of writing "Just Friends," a film that blends humor and relatability, while recounting the arduous road to production, which began back in 1999 before its release in 2005. He vividly details the endless iterations of the script, the changing dynamics in Hollywood, and the serendipitous moments that brought the film to life. Central to our discussion is the relatability of its characters and comedic moments, which resonate with audiences even 20 years later, making it a perennial favorite, especially during the holiday season. We explore the themes of reinvention and adaptability within Adam’s career, noting how he pivoted from screenwriting to producing engaging educational content. His exciting venture into the world of podcasts culminated in "Who Smarted," which captures the essence of making learning fun for kids. Adam emphasizes the importance of creativity in education, sharing how he approaches storytelling with scientific concepts to captivate young audiences. Our conversation also touches on his collaboration with Pharrell Williams on "Brainchild," an educational series that aimed to inspire curiosity in children through clever storytelling. Adam discusses the ups and downs of working within the streaming landscape, reflecting on the challenges of making meaningful content accessible in a commercialized media environment. He further articulates how successful projects often come back to the value of owning one's audience, a lesson he learned while cultivating a loyal listener base for "Who Smarted." Adam reveals insights about his latest screenplay "Midwolf Crisis," which humorously tackles midlife dilemmas through a supernatural lens. We also discuss his podcast "Oscars: What Were They Thinking?" where Adam pairs with Bruce Valanche to critique past award-winning films. Throughout our conversation, he expresses a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a steadfast belief in the importance of using creativity as a tool for connection and community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Spyder Dobrofsky: Do's and Dont's of Breaking In. Writer-Director of DOWN BELOW

#Wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/california_business_podcasts/?feedid=5766460&_src=f1_featured_email], #68 on the Top 100 Hollywood Podcastss List. [https://www.millionpodcasts.com/hollywood-podcasts/] Spyder Dobrofsky is the writer/director of upcoming horror film, "Down Below", which features a cast that includes Oscar-Nom Eric Roberts, Bai Ling, Alexis Knapp and horror legend, Doug Jones. The movie has secured U.S. distribution with Gravitas Ventures for a 2024/2025 release. He's responsible for Tubi's breakout horror-western film, "Teardrop" directed by cult filmmaker Steven R. Monroe (I Spit On Your Grave). He's also an executive producer & screenwriter on NBC Peacock's Original Movie, "The Housewives of the North Pole" (starring Breaking Bad's Betsy Brandt, & Kyle Richards from the Real Housewives Franchise). Spyder sold his first movie at age 23, making him one of the youngest writers to ever have a produced motion picture. He was a guest on Jay Leno's Tonight Show as a teenager alongside Jack Black for launching the worldwide website and phenomenon, Car-Parazzi. * https://substack.com/@spyderdobrofsky * @spyderdobro Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander: * https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/ [https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/] * https://twitter.com/thisiskaia [https://twitter.com/thisiskaia]  Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A. Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com [https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/923b6172-32b6-11ec-94f9-1b08a5b49597/podcasts/b84c9820-35c9-11ec-bdae-b389ac01412b/episodes/3745faa8-b27a-11ed-85ce-0b3169815762/www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com] SUMMARY Spider Dobrofsky and Kaia dive deep into the intricacies of filmmaking and his latest project, the horror film "Down Below." Our discussion highlights not only his impressive body of work but also the challenges and triumphs he faced while navigating the industry. Spider shares how he kicked off his career by selling his first film at just 23 and how he has managed to maintain his momentum through continually adapting to the shifting landscape of Hollywood. We explore the creative journey behind "Down Below," which features an impressive cast including Eric Roberts and Doug Jones. Spider recounts the unique production timeline, taking over two years to complete due to the pandemic's impact on shooting schedules and actor availability. He candidly discusses the learning experiences that shaped this project, highlighting the importance of resilience and the drive to see a vision come to life despite numerous hurdles. The conversation touches on the value of storytelling over production quality. Spider emphasizes that despite working with tight budgets, prioritizing a strong narrative can profoundly impact audience engagement. This philosophy led him to focus on producing feature films rather than getting bogged down by the often fruitless pursuit of financing high-quality short films. His experiences reinforce the notion that creating compelling stories is the true essence of filmmaking and essential for burgeoning creators seeking to break into the industry. Spider reflects on the importance of maintaining momentum in creative endeavors. He explains how staying in constant motion—be it through writing multiple scripts or navigating opportunities—can prevent the stagnation that often leads to discouragement. He provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers, encouraging them to follow their passion projects while being open to industry trends, especially the growing market for horror films. As a passionate advocate for connection in the filmmaking community, Spider highlights the significance of mentorship and the role of his family in his journey. We discuss how crucial relationships and collaborations are to fostering growth and creativity within the industry. Spyder discusses his film's distribution strategy, with "Down Below" now available on streaming platforms like Tubi and Roku. Spider expresses hope for future international distribution, reflecting his continued commitment to sharing his work with audiences worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Andrew Barnsley: What is comedy? Producer of Schitt's Creek on what he looks for

#wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/california_business_podcasts/] Andrew Barnsley is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Executive Producer based in Toronto and Los Angeles. A six-time Canadian Screen Award winner, he has produced acclaimed series such as Schitt’s Creek, Son of a Critch, JANN, and Kids in the Hall. With a career spanning comedy, documentary, and drama, Andrew has played a key role in shaping Canadian television. He is also the President of Toronto Film School and an active member of industry organizations, including the Producers Guild of America. He holds degrees from Ryerson University, York University, and St. Thomas University. * https://www.torontofilmschool.ca/ * https://project10.ca/ * @rabarnsley CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST KAIA ALL ALEXANDER: * https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/ [https://entertainmentbusinessleague.com/] * https://twitter.com/thisiskaia [https://twitter.com/thisiskaia]  Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A. GET CAREER TRAINING AND A FREE EBOOK “HOW TO PITCH ANYTHING IN 1 MIN.” AT WWW.ENTERTAINMENTBUSINESSLEAGUE.COM [https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/923b6172-32b6-11ec-94f9-1b08a5b49597/podcasts/b84c9820-35c9-11ec-bdae-b389ac01412b/episodes/3745faa8-b27a-11ed-85ce-0b3169815762/www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com] * 0:09 Welcome to Hollywood Wolfpack * 10:10 Building Momentum in Your Career * 21:37 The Importance of Vulnerability * 25:19 Genuine Connections in the Industry * 36:15 Evolution of Comedy in Television * 40:31 The Heart of Comedy Pitches SUMMARY In this episode of Hollywood Wolfpack, Kaia converses with Andrew Barnsley, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning executive producer renowned for his influential work in television, particularly with shows like Schitt's Creek, Son of a Critch, and Kids in the Hall. Andrew brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the landscape of comedy and storytelling within the entertainment industry. His journey began in a small town in Alberta, Canada, and evolved into a significant career that spans multiple genres including drama, documentary, and comedy. Kaia goes deep into Andrew’s early inspirations and how his entrepreneurial spirit and love for comedy shaped his path in the entertainment business. He candidly shares how he found himself drawn to television production without a clear roadmap, navigating through various challenges with a mindset focused on creating opportunities. Andrew reflects on key moments in his career that led to breakthrough successes, emphasizing the importance of resilience in an industry filled with rejection and competition. His perspective reveals how embracing discomfort and learning from failures can catalyze growth and evolution within one’s career. Andrew discusses the intricacies of developing successful comedy that transcends cultural boundaries, shedding light on the evolution of comedic storytelling over the past few decades. He points out that today’s successful comedies often rely less on traditional joke formulas and more on character-driven narratives that resonate on a universal level. This shift is exemplified in shows like Schitt's Creek, which reached a global audience and fostered conversations about important social topics through humor. We also explore the significance of mentorship in Andrew's life, as he discusses the relationships he has cultivated throughout his career. He stresses the value of building genuine connections rather than engaging in conventional networking, offering advice to aspiring professionals on how to find their own "wolf packs" in the industry. This focus on community and collaboration highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]