From First Job to First Thursdays: Alfred Cervantes on the Future of Film in Houston

Talking ‘Trading Races’ and a New Era of Texas Filmmaking with Director Noah Mortel

In this week’s Tash Talks Film episode, Natasha sits down with writer/director Noah Mortel of Genesis Entertainment. They discuss his new genre-bending film Trading Races and his time interning and working in LA at New Line Cinema. We discuss the movie's influences, how the idea came to life, and what it reveals about race, identity and society. Noah and I also chat about how his internship in Los Angeles at New Line Cinema was the launching pad for his directing career. Noah also shares the stories behind handing Will Smith his resume and an unforgettable encounter with Chris Tucker! Timestamps: 01:18 Big News in Texas Film Industry: Senate Bill 22 04:44 The Impact of AI on the Film Industry 10:16 Noah's Journey: From Baylor to New Line Cinema 16:27 Experiences in LA and Returning to Houston 19:01 Creating in Houston vs. Los Angeles 25:00 Trading Races 35:46 Rapid Fire Q&A starts 45:18 Tash Talks Talent 🎬 Stay up-to-date and follow Trading Races on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradingracesfilm/ For more on Noah be sure to follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahmortel/ Check out Natasha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashtalksfilm/ Note: This episode was recorded in May 2025.

From First Job to First Thursdays: Alfred Cervantes on the Future of Film in Houston

In this episode of Tash Talks Film, Alfred Cervantes, Executive Director of the Houston Film Commission, takes us through his journey from landing his first job as a PA on a movie to becoming one of the city’s leading advocates for film production. Alfred shares in-depth insight on the work the Houston Film Commission does, why it champions Houston as a filmmaking destination, and how bringing people to Houston often makes them fall in love with the city. He reflects on the pride he takes in creating community at First Thursdays — a monthly gathering designed to showcase indie filmmakers , spark connections, and grow Houston’s film culture. Alfred also offers valuable advice for emerging filmmakers. Timestamps: 3:36 Alfred's first job in film production 14:33 How the Houston Film Commission operates 31:30 How visitors fall in love with Houston 36:30 Alfred’s goal with first Thursdays 43:22 Film professionals relocating to Houston 45:25 The start of First Thursdays 48:19 How film selection works for First Thursdays 1:01:10 Alfred’s advice to young filmmakers Follow Natasha on Instagram: @tashtalksfilm Follow Houston Film Commission on Instagram: @filmhouston Check out the Houston Film Commission's website: houstonfilmcommission.com

Shahd Shahroor on Rewriting Muslim Cultural Narratives in Film

In this episode of Tash Talks Film, I got the chance to talk to filmmaker Shahd Shahroor. We discuss overcoming networking anxiety, trusting your voice as a young, female director, and rewriting cultural narratives in Western media. Shahd shares insights into her filmmaking journey, the significance of accurate Muslim and Arab representation in media, and the story behind starting her production company, Honey Blackbird Films. We learn more about Shahd's upcoming projects, her inspirations, and the need for balanced gender representation in cinema. Timestamps: 00:34 Nostalgia and Local Theaters 02:49 Cinema Culture and Streaming 13:05 Rapid Fire Q&A 40:21 Networking and Building Connections in the Film Industry 43:28 Empowerment and Trusting Your Vision as a Filmmaker 47:04 The Story Behind Honey Blackbird Films 51:28 Challenging Stereotypes and Authentic Storytelling

Joe Grisaffi on Balancing Life and Career, Set Etiquette, and Creating with Friends

On this episode of Tash Talks Film, I got the chance to sit down with award-winning director and veteran actor Joe Grisaffi. Joe shares his journey into acting, working in California, and starting his own casting company, Southwest Casting. He discusses his directorial projects, including the touching film 'Laughing Boy' and 'Lars the Emo Kid.' Joe also offers invaluable advice for new filmmakers, highlights the importance of networking, and shares the story behind the Laughing Dog Comedy Film Festival, dedicated to his late dog, Zoe. We dive into the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career in a city like Houston versus traditional media hubs like Los Angeles and New York. 01:07 Natasha's Southwest Casting Experience 02:39 Joe's Early Acting Career 04:31 Moving to California and Filmmaking Journey 09:47 Advice for Aspiring Actors 12:14 Challenges and Rewards of Indie Filmmaking 15:05 Balancing Life and Career in Houston 22:59 Networking and Creating Opportunities 25:56 Favorite Collaboration and Film Project 30:39 Networking and Building Relationships 31:38 Paxton Gilmore 32:45 Working with Sara Gaston 36:34 Rapid Fire Q&A 46:36 Laughing Dog Comedy Film Festival 49:37 The Rewards of Directing 51:25 Upcoming Projects & Final Thoughts

Zaire Folson on Film, Community, and the Art of Seeing in Color

Did you know the signature orange-and-blue look in Hollywood films isn’t just a style choice—it’s actually a trick? Blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel, and when used together, they make actors pop on screen while triggering emotional contrast in your brain. I got to sit down with Houston-based film colorist Zaire Folson. While he may be new to Houston, he’s already positioned himself as one to watch in Houston’s film scene. At only 24, he's got half a decade of experience in the film industry. We delve into Zaire's North Carolina upbringing, including his decision to drop out of school during the pandemic to become a full-time director and DP, and his career transition to film colorist. If you’re new to a city and want to learn how to break into your local film community, you’ll learn how to get involved and make meaningful connections by the end of this episode. Follow Natasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashtalksfilm/ Check out Natasha's website: https://www.natashaero.com/ Follow Zaire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zairecolor Check out his website: https://www.zairecolor.com/