The Big Twist

EP16: On What Makes a Great Performance and Making Art in the Age of AI

In this conversation with each other, we dive into our latest developments, sharing where we are 16 episodes into recording The Big Twist, dive into what makes a great performance and making art in the age of AI. Angela talks about taking an acting class for non-actors and a directing workshop that inspired her to get back into directing and taught her to be less precious about her own work. Anna shares what sets great actors apart from average ones, and her experiences working with some amazing co-stars, learning from the best the difference that a great scene partner can make. We also explore the state of the film industry and what gives us hope at this current moment. If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

EP15: From a Near Death Experience to using her Writing Skills as a Health Advocate with Taylor Coffman

In this episode, we talk with Actor/Writer turned Health Advocate Taylor Coffman about how her harrowing near death experience completely redefined her life’s purpose She shares with us her memories of crashing when a rare disease was triggered in her body immediately after giving birth to her daughter. After days in a coma, an out of body experience, and being weaned from dialysis, she emerged as a mother and wife forever changed, dedicating her life to helping other patients find hope, empowerment and meaning while living with chronic disease. You’ll also hear about: How using your creativity to advocate for yourself and others is so rewarding, how important it is to get creative navigating within the systems that exist, how being polite can directly impact your level of care in a hospital, and how keeping faith and hope alive can be a fight but it’s worth the effort.You can find Taylor on Instagram ‪@taylorcoffmanmade and read her Substack, "Rare Disease Girl," at: https://taylorcoffman.substack.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

EP14: From Disney Star to Running Her Own Creative Agency with Actor turned Director Michelle Carter

In this conversation with Actor turned Director Michelle Carter, we dive into her incredible plot twists, from her childhood home getting destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, to watching an episode of "Hannah Montana" and realizing she wanted to pursue acting, then landing her first acting job on "Hannah Montana." Michelle also walks us through becoming a "movie surfer" for The Disney Channel, meeting her future husband when they were both teen stars and the pressure they faced to keep that relationship a secret since he was in a boy band, continuing to act as an adult, and landing the role of Madison Kelly in BET's "The Quad" before she pivoted into running her own Creative Agency with her husband -- Shot by the Carters. We also dive into the importance of leading with joy, making lemonade out of lemons, how to peacefully collaborate with your significant other, and the importance of tailoring your communication style to specific individuals. You can find Michelle on Instagram ‪@mdefraites -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

EP13: How 'Insecure' Was Actually Made With Producer Deniese Davis

In this conversation with TV and Film Producer Deniese Davis, we dive into Deniese's big pivots, from producing Issa Rae’s award-winning web series "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl" to producing the HBO hit series, "Insecure," then launching her own production company, Reform Media Group, and most recently producing "One of Them Days" as well as "Hard Feelings," financed by Tyler Perry Studios. We also explore the cultural impact of "Insecure," how to stop waiting for permission to creatively pursue what you love, how you have to learn to wear many hats as a producer, how creatives can meet this inflection point in the TV and film industry, and how stepping out of your comfort and betting on yourself pays off. You can find Deniese on Instagram ‪@smsdeniese -- Find out more about The Producing Playbook Deniese created at: https://www.theproducingplaybook.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

EP12: From Working for NASA to Writing on Sci Fi Series with TV Writer Sabrina Almeida

In this conversation with TV Drama and Features Writer Sabrina Almeida, we dive into how, by focusing on self care and silencing the inner critic, you can become more productive as a writer and avoid burnout. You’ll also learn about:Sabrina's big pivot, from pursuing aerospace engineering and working for NASA to enrolling in USC's producing program, and eventually writing for major sci-fi shows like "Andor" and "For All Mankind." How losing her brother to cancer at a young age led her to realize how life is too short to not pursue what you're truly passionate about (in her case, writing). How the way you present yourself matters in the film industry more than in the hard sciences. Why so many TV writers have pivoted to writing features. How AI will continue to reshape society, and how it presents some interesting dilemmas for writers to mine. The best way of giving other writers and creatives feedback on their work. And how tailoring your communication style to a given person can increase the odds that your advice will be implemented. You can find Sabrina on Instagram ‪@sabrinacapoeira‬ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.