Copy That!

Lessons from a Producer: Innovating and Networking w/Crystal Simms

Looking to break into or just starting out in Hollywood? Get inspired and learn from the best with Twilla Amin's podcast Copy That! This episode features Crystal Simms, an experienced Hollywood producer who shares her insider tips on what it takes to work in Post Production on major docu-series and survive in this industry. Tune into this inspiring episode filled with advice, stories, and of course drinks to get you one step closer to your dream career! With a career spanning nearly 15 years between producing television and branded content, Crystal's experience has taken her from chasing a large animal farm veterinarian across Central Michigan to working with the iconic Steve Harvey on multiple projects. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she started her career as a post PA for a boutique production company and has since produced and post produced shows for CBS, National Geographic, BET, and others. She currently spends her time producing branded content as well as working on various docu-series.

The unexpected journey w/ Amanda Mortlock

On this month's episode, we are talking with production extraordinaire turned writer, Amanda Mortlock. If you are curious about what it takes to work in film, television, and commercial production or how to make the transition to the writers' room, this is for you! Amanda Mortlock is a writer and producer based in Los Angeles. She is currently working as a writer on CBS/20th’s TRACKER starring Justin Hartley which is set to premiere in February 2024, and previously served as the writers’ assistant on season two of SACRIFICE on BET+ where she co-wrote an episode. Amanda also recently produced Leah McKendrick’s SCRAMBLED alongside Gillian Bohrer, Jonathan Levine, and Brett Haley, which premiered at SXSW. Originally from Singapore, Amanda moved to the U.S. to attend USC’s Business of Cinematic Arts program. After graduating, she worked at Radical Studios, moving up to Director of Development, where she managed a slate of projects that included Joseph Kosinski’s OBLIVION starring Tom Cruise and HERCULES starring Dwayne Johnson. Amanda left to pursue physical production and produced cult horror films such as SOME KIND OF HATE, BONE TOMAHAWK, BEYOND THE GATES and Blumhouse’s HOLIDAYS. As a line producer and UPM, she has also worked on series for Hulu, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and YouTube Originals, including Michelle Obama’s WAFFLES + MOCHI and TAB TIME starring Tabitha Brown.

Starting your career outside of LA w/ Monet Bullock

Join Twilla Amin as she chats with Monet Bullock, who has a thriving career as a producer living outside of Los Angeles. Born and raised in Prince George's County Maryland. Bachelors in Television and Film Production from Towson University. Credits include Family Reunion and The Neighborhood (Associate Producer) BET Awards (Associate Producer) Billboard Awards (PA) National Christmas Tree Lighting and The Grammys (Production Manager)

Creating Content Wherever You Live w/ Tatiana M. Johnson

We are back with our now monthly episode of "Copy That" with writer/producer, Tatiana M. Johnson. Hailing from Durham, NC, Tatiana M. Johnson is an award-winning producer, writer, and creative consultant with more than a decade of experience. She holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Business Management from Hampton University and has worked directly with companies including Leslie Lewis Consulting (Grammy Nomination Production Consultant), WME Entertainment, Canady Foundation for the Arts, Blackspace: An Afrofuturism Digital Makerspace, National Geographic, and Duke University. She has maneuvered through various media industries but finds joy in partnering with creatives to bring their artistic visions to fruition. She operates a talent management/creative consulting company, 1st Lady Management, and serves as a co-Founder for Made for More Entertainment. The mantra she carries with her is “there are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it”. Link to Legacy Wellness Wine: https://halosaltlounge.com/legacywellnesswines

Finding your path w/ Kristina Thomas

Welcome to Copy That's "Finding Your Path" episode with Kristina Thomas! On this podcast, we're lucky to have extraordinary guests who share their inspiring stories of success. Today, we have Kristina Thomas here to tell us how she went from odd jobs to becoming a staff writer. Get ready to be inspired by Kristina's honest insights and anecdotes on her journey to the writer's room! Tune in now and be ready for lots of life-changing advice! #CopyThat #Podcast Kristina is a Story Editor on FBI: INTERNATIONAL [https://www.cbs.com/shows/fbi-international/]. She started as a Staff Writer on the HBO science-fiction drama series DEMIMONDE [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jj-abrams-hbo-drama-demimonde-taps-showrunner-trio-1293166], the first series solely created and written by J.J. Abrams. As an East Oakland native who nearly went into law instead of entertainment, her experiences with the impact of poverty and the judicial system on underserved communities have given her a unique perspective that she brings to the table in her writing. Kristina first showed her potential in the documentary side of filmmaking by winning awards that led her to win $50,000 to direct a pilot TV show in New Orleans, Louisiana for MTV/Endemol. Additionally she's consulted on the upcoming scripted comedy podcasts, "YES WE CANNABIS" and "STRANDED" for Broadway Video. After paying her dues as script coordinator for such shows as Greenleaf, Lovecraft Country and The Haunting of Bly Manor (S2), her feature "WORTH IT" received some well-deserved recognition as a semi-finalist for the Women in Film/The Black list feature competition and BET's Project Cre8 Feature competition. Throughout 2021 - 2022 she was a mentee of the Women in Film Mentoring Program for Directors and Amy Aniobe's TRIBE Mentoring program [https://www.besuperspecial.com/tribe]. Also, Thomas’s comedy short film "HOUSE OF BALLS [https://www.instagram.com/houseofballsfilm/]" based on her time playing women's dodgeball won her actress Mariah Robinson Best Actor at the AFF Alt Film Festival, and the 1/2 pilot script for “House of Balls” was Semi-Finalist for the BET's Project Cre8: TV and Hollyshorts Fest. Recently, her proof of concept short film “WORTH IT” [https://www.instagram.com/worthitshort/]is preparing to premiere at the Toronto Black Film Festival and San Diego Black Film Festival. Kristina is a proud alum of Howard University and University of Southern California.