EP226 | A High Level of Creativity will Supersede Money (w/ Joe Carnahan)
Host Mike Pecci is joined by Hollywood writer & director Joe Carnahan (Boss Level, The Grey, A-TEAM, Smoking Aces, NARC)on today's episode of IN LOVE WITH THE PROCESS podcast! The two talk frankly about the process of directing from low budget to high budget films. Joe gives never before heard insight into how is films are made and shares cautionary tales about the business side of Hollywood. They also reminisce about his relationship with the late great Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Top Gun) and the support that he gave Carnahan earlier in his career. Strap in for a no bullshit, often hysterical, and deeply revealing conversation with two directors on this super sized episode of ILWP!
EP190 | Acting: Change the Language to build a better character (w/ Peter Stormare)
You have seen him play a marmot owning Nihilist, a killer for hire obsessed with pancakes and wood chippers , a crazed astronaut riding on a killer comet and the creepiest portrayal of Lucifer on screen to date! On today's episode of the In Love with the Process podcast, host Mike Pecci has a deep conversation with acting legend Peter Stormare! The two discuss how movies get made, how an actor from Sweden is known for playing Russian characters, what it's actually like to act for Michael Bay, and lots...LOTS MORE! The perfect listen for struggling actors and filmmakers, as well as film geeks and cinema lovers!
EP211 | The Golden Age of Photography (w/ David James)
Legendary movie still photographer David James sits down in studio with host Mike Pecci for and epic two part podcast on his career during the golden age of photography. David tells gripping stories about getting into the movie business, the importance of life changing mentors inspiring directors with his photos. You will not believe the films sets this man has been on or the legendary directors that he made film with. You don't want to miss this one mad possible by FUJIFILM!
EP 175 | The Healthy Life of a Porn Star (w/ Lexi Luna)
Porn Star Lexi Luna joins host Mike Pecci on today's episode of In Love with the Process podcast. The two discuss her unique journey from a career as a teacher to working in the adult entertainment industry. She helps us peal back some of the stereotypes, myths and stigmas that come with being porn actress while proving that with some foresight and intelligence, you can carve out a safe and healthy career in the adult industry. Things get a hot and heavy (I can't believe I just wrote that click bait garbage line) on the brand new SEXY episode of ILWP Podcast!
EP139 | Directing Actors (Guests Judith Weston and Lance Williams)
If you've ever referred to actors as "The Talent" you might want to pay attention. Directing is one of the most social jobs you can have, and yet so many people who want to direct neglect their relationship with their actors. They aren't unicorns dancing around in front of the camera. They're professionals there to do a job, and it takes more than just rehearsing lines to understand how to effectively direct them. Judith Weston wrote one of the best books about this exact experience entitled "Directing Actors." This book has become almost a bible for our Host Mike Pecci as he preps his first feature. It also provides some great insight for actors like long-time guest and friend of the show Lance Williams. Take literally all of the notes as Mike, Judith, and Lance flesh out the importance of effective communication, the benefits of action verbs, and the how to direct actors.
ILWP FilmQuest Series Day 08 |The Magnificent Doug Jones
t's Day 8 at the FilmQuest Festival, and the excitement is palpable as Mike and Lance sit down to talk shop with a true legend of cinema, actor Doug Jones. Now, we'd normally rattle off a laundry list of his accolades and accomplishments, but out of respect for our friends at SAG, we're keeping it indie and steering clear of promoting any studio films or TV projects during this interview. But hey, if you're not already familiar with Doug's incredible body of work, just head on over to IMDB, and you'll be in for a cinematic treat.
In this epic conversation, the guys dive deep into what it's like to have a career as a creature actor. They explore the fascinating world of how Guillermo Del Toro directs his unique talent, the intricacies of directing a performer in a suit, the subtle nuances of motion, and the art of building a character through action. It's a treasure trove of insights and experiences that any aspiring filmmaker or film lover won't want to miss.
EP173 | Production Design: Building a safe space for ideas (w/ Francois Audouy)
This weeks episode of the In Love with the Process podcast is a love letter to the film making process. Director and host Mike Pecci sits down with production designer and world builder François Audouy (Ghostbusters:Afterlife, Logan, Ford vs Fararri, The Wolverine, and more) and the two talk about how magical a film set can be. Get ready to dive deep into what it takes to be a production designer and fall in love with one of the most magical teams on a film. The art crew!
EP278 |The Master of Yellowstone's Craft Services (w/ Gator Guilbeau)
Our guest, "Gator" Guilbeau, feeds the hardworking men and women on the Yellowstone series, infusing his culinary expertise from Louisiana into every dish. He shares the secrets of keeping movie stars like Kevin Costner content, forging friendships with TV's biggest showrunners, and his unexpected journey from the smoker to becoming the Dutton family chef.
Gator spills the beans about the nerve-wracking moment of placing a cooked octopus in front of Kevin Costner and how he was invited to write the Official Yellowstone cookbook, which has skyrocketed to become a New York Times bestseller!
EP296 | The Set Designer: Rebuilding the Ghostbusters Firehouse (w/ Luke Whitelock)
Dive into the cinematic world of Ghostbusters on the latest episode of In Love with the Process Podcast! Host Mike Pecci delves into the making of this iconic film and its profound influence on his own work. Joined by set designer Luke Whitelock, they unravel the mysteries behind creating intricate sets and props, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. Discover the secrets of Luke's journey into set design and his dream project rebuilding the Ghostbusters firehouse for the upcoming film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Film enthusiasts, get ready for a nostalgic and fascinating deep dive into the art of set design!
EP258 | Acting Legend Clint Howard (w/ Clint Howard)
On today's episode of IN LOVE WITH THE PROCESS, host Mike Pecci is joined by legendary character actor Clint Howard! The two talk extensively about Clint's career in the movie business, working with his brother Ron Howard and being directed by his niece Bryce Dallas Howard. There is so much to hear in this episode for both movie nerds and young filmmakers alike! Lot's a great tips for actors as well. Strap in for one of the best episodes of ILWP!
EP249 | Moonshine, Motorcycles & Amazing BBQ! (w/ Bobby Gale)
On today's episode we are joined in the studio by Overall BBQ pit master Bobby Gale, and the two go deep into the world of brisket, homemade pastrami and smoked ramen! Bobby also talks about being a member of one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in America, and tells stories about growing up in a family of moonshiners! WARNING: We highly suggest you eat something while listening to this show, there is a good chance that the descriptive nature of this episode may cause you to chew your arm off!
EP128 | Making films at Scott Free (guest Michael Pruss)
After beginning his career at Steven Spielberg’s company DreamWorks in 2005, Michael Pruss worked at Paramount Pictures as an assistant in Production & Development before joining Focus Features as a Creative Executive in 2007. While at Focus, Michael worked on such projects as Gus Van Sant's Academy-Award winning MILK starring Sean Penn, THE AMERICAN, starring George Clooney, and the animated feature CORALINE from Henry Selick. Since joining Scott Free in 2013, Michael has produced EQUALS, Kristen Stewart’s short–film directorial debut, COME SWIM, NEWNESS, ZOE,AMERICAN WOMAN, EARTHQUAKE BIRD, and most recently Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s THE FRIEND, a true story based on the Esquire article of the same name, starring Jason Segel, Casey Affleck, & Dakota Johnson.
In this episode Mike & Mike talk about how Pecci's short film 12KM brought them together, they discuss how Pruss became a sought after Hollywood producer, how he finds new talent, and their love of everything Tokyo.
EP105 | THE PRODUCER: Richard Gladstein (Copy)
When was the first time you saw a Quentin Tarantino film? For some of us, it was in a theater. For others, a friend put it on the TV. For the younger audience, it might have been Netflix. But for our guest Richard Gladstein, the first time he saw a Quentin Tarantino film it was a script on his desk. In fact, he was one of the first to see Tarantino's work. Richard's experience in the industry ranges from handing out dog biscuits to producing some of Hollywood's biggest films: Reservoir Dogs, Finding Neverland, The Bourne Identity, and Pulp Fiction. Now, he is the Executive Director of the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Both Host Mike Pecci and our AP Liam discuss with Richard his producing career, his experience working as one of Tarantino's closest collaborators, and some advice he has for young filmmakers: a topic very important to Richard whose current role is the Executive Director of the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Our first Producer episode delivers every bit as much as you'd expect it to.
EP319 | Creature Comforts (w/ Dane Hallett)
On this week’s episode of In Love With the Process, host Mike Pecci is joined by creature designer and artist Dane Hallett to bond over their shared love of horror, monsters, and the visceral artistry that drives their filmmaking. Together, they peel back the layers of what makes these chilling creations so powerful, diving into how the smallest adjustments can lead to unexpected, happy accidents that bring these terrifying visions to life; it’s a thrilling glimpse into the raw, creative chaos that fuels the horror genre.
EP231 | The Script Supervisor (w/ Ana Maria Quintana)
How many of you know what a script supervisor does? Get ready to have your mind blown! It's not just about continuity, not just about taking notes on coverage, on wardrobe and lens choices. It's about being the place everyone goes for reassurance, including the director! It's arguably the crew position that holds it all together. Joining host Mike Pecci is legendary script supervisor Ana Marie Quintana, and her resume of films is way too long to list here. Lets just say that she has done 10 movies with Steven Spielberg, multiple with Ridley Scott (including Blade Runner), and all the Hunger Games films. This woman has been there for the creation of modern cinemas best shots, has learned from some of the highest regarded people in the business, oh and she worked on and survived Waterworld! Get ready for an epic look into some of your favorite films from the perspective of someone who sits next to the director all day! The Script Supervisor!
ILWP FilmQuest Series Day 01 (w/ J. Scott Worthington)
Throughout the FilmQuest series, Mike and Lance will be joined by filmmakers, actors, and writers. Today, they're delighted to welcome writer and producer J. Scott Worthington, whose film "Dixieland" is an official selection at this year's FilmQuest. Notably, "Dixieland" stars the illustrious Tony Todd, who's earned a Best Actor nomination. Get ready for a deep conversation about screenwriting and the intriguing quest to find bars in Mormon country.
EP129 | Drawing a Keanu Reeves Comic Book (Guest Ron Garney) (Copy)
If you've ever designed a sequence for an action film, you know that you usually start with story boarding key frames. These frames show key moments and how you would visually represent the action. Is it a wide shot of the city block? A closeup of the protagonist's face in the rain? A shield? Comic book artist Ron Garney takes all of this into account as he breathes life into incredible heroes like the Justice League, Daredevil, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Captain America. Host Mike Pecci and Ron break down Ron's process of allowing readers to connect with characters like The Juggernaut and what it was like to create t comic book BRZRKR with Keanu Reeves.
EP01 | It All Starts Here (feat. David Apostolides)
There is an old saying that it takes 10,000 hours of dedicated practice to become a master of anything, that it takes about 8 years before you are recognized for your work. If those statistics are right, then your main motivation has to be for something more than just the end goal How do you make it through this long and uncertain journey?
Director Mike Pecci has a conversation with his new assistant David Apostolides and gives advice on how to get started in film business.
Listen to the first episode of the In Love with the Process podcast with filmmaker Mike Pecci
EP134 | The Details Tell The Story (Guest Richey Beckett)
When you look at an image, do you ever think that it's about to spring to life? A bird in flight; its feathers rustling in the breeze? A horse flexing its muscles as it gallops across the plain? A monkey's fur vibrating as it shivers? Richey Beckett's attention to detail helps him tell the story of these snapshots he creates that breathe energy and movement. Creating beautiful artwork for bands like Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, and Metallica as well as stunning tapestries, prints, and more; Richey's insight into creating striking imagery shows his mastery of the craft. Host Mike Pecci discusses Richey's inspiration, his experience working with incredible clients, and how his attention to detail helps him tell stories through artwork.
EP119 | Connecting With Actors (Guest Clara Rugaard)
You've heard the term "Now, more than ever..." enough times by now to make you sick. Well, now's our time to use it because now, more than ever, it is imperative to focus on creating and maintaining relationships as creatives. When you're on set as a Director, and you and your actors are locked in on the same vision and idea of the scene: that's where the magic happens. Director Mike Pecci spends this episode making that connection with our guest actor, Clara Rugaard. Clara starred in the amazing Netflix film I Am Mother, so don't forget to check it out, and remember that a big part of acting and directing is connecting with humans so we can bring our characters to life.