Could Be Worse

Discovering Rosario Dawson, Winning Over Burt Reynolds, and Embarrassing Yourself in Front of Spike Lee with Van Hayden

What actually goes into running a movie set? In this episode, we sit down with a legendary first assistant director whose resume reads like a film studies syllabus. From humble beginnings in Minnesota to working with huge directors on big sets, this conversation spans unforgettable set stories, navigating chaos with diplomacy, and the real unsung roles that bring movies to life. He shares how a random sidewalk encounter led to casting Rosario Dawson, what it was like being fired mid-show (and why it wasn't his fault), and why ADs are the most pointed-at crew members in the biz. If you've ever wondered what "making your days" means, this one's for you.

Navigating the Creator Economy: Authenticity, Burnout & Building Community with OnlyAubss

What does it take to build a social media following while staying true to yourself? In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Regner (@OnlyAubss), a Minnesota-based content creator who shares her journey from making Disney videos to capturing the heart of the Upper Midwest with her fresh perspective. We dive into the realities of influencer life, including brand deals, navigating passive-aggressive culture, and the struggle to balance content creation with a 9-to-5 job. 🔹 How she grew her following after moving to Minnesota 🔹 The challenges of working with brands while staying authentic 🔹 Minnesota’s underrated food and music scenes 🔹 Balancing a full-time job with content creation 🔹 The real impact of social media on friendships and mental health 📲 Follow OnlyAubss on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onlyaubss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyaubss/ 🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into creative careers, social media, and storytelling! #contentcreator #minnesota #socialmedia

Championing Indie Film & Creative Growth in MN with Andrew Peterson

In this episode, Matt sits down with Andrew Peterson, a filmmaker, producer, and advocate for independent artists. Andrew shares his journey from location manager to executive director at FilmNorth, highlighting his experiences working with iconic filmmakers like David Lynch and his time at Sundance. They discuss the evolving film industry, the power of storytelling, and the importance of empowering underrepresented voices in media. Andrew also shares insights on festival strategy, building creative careers, and how Minnesota can become a hub for independent filmmaking. 🎬 Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, mentorship, and fighting for the underdog in the world of film. Learn more about FilmNorth at: https://filmnorth.org

Filmmaking, Finance, and Existentialism with Dave Ash

How do you balance a career in corporate finance with a passion for filmmaking? David Ash—writer, director, and creator of Incompleteness—shares his journey from writing screenplays in Excel to producing an award-winning TV series. We dive into the creative process, the challenges of indie filmmaking, and the philosophical ideas behind his work, including determinism, AI, and the evolving tv and film industry. 🔹 The surprising way he outlines scripts (Excel?!) 🔹 Why he left Hollywood behind to create on his own terms 🔹 The deep existential themes of Incompleteness 🔹 Navigating Minnesota’s indie film scene and the industry’s shifting landscape 🔹 AI, free will, and the future of storytelling 📺 Watch Incompleteness trailer: https://incompletenesstheseries.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmlmTGlzZHF5Qi1tV3RxTEttMTV4U0lvbEdTUXxBQ3Jtc0tuUWtpREVBbkxSOXhCVFBTUTlVQXhoajF3bllJZmFDclZqTkw0RnV3WFJBbnprQ3RHbVlmcm1KOFlYcVgyMURBSUMtUFVzS2xScXRrY3VNVTlWS1dNb01falFFbHVSM3ZHYllXOHp2aG5iNjI3b3cwWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fincompletenesstheseries.com%2F&v=M2mW6hPz4OE]

Designing Games, Scoring Films, & Rewriting the Rules with Charlie McCarron

In this episode, host Matt Osterman sits down with Minnesota film composer and board game designer Charlie McCarron to discuss the intersection of music, storytelling, and game design. Charlie shares his journey from aspiring filmmaker to composer and how his love for problem-solving led him to board game creation. They explore the challenges of composing for film, the intricacies of designing engaging board games, and the parallels between both creative fields. Plus, Charlie talks about his latest projects, including his new game "Chroma Zone" and his work on the Minnesota Wild’s orchestral theme. Tune in for a deep dive into creativity, collaboration, and the art of making interactive experiences!