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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This week’s guest is cooler than a polar bear's toenails. The multi-talented actor, writer, director (and art forger): Noelle Miller. With a resume longer than a CVS receipt and a personality as vibrant as a neon sign Noelle brightens up the room!
From acting in commercials as a child to stealing the show in the Robert Sisters' latest, "A View of the World from Fifth Ave," Noelle's journey in the entertainment industry is filled with gems and laughs. And today, she's dishing out wisdom on everything from overcoming self-doubt to the absurdity of everyday life and how it can be a wellspring of inspiration.

Prepare to be profoundly moved and inspired in the latest episode of the 'Right Place/Right Time' podcast, where hosts Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams share the incredible journey of ZACHARY IZIAH SMITH. From homelessness and living on the streets to becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after headshot photographers, Zachary's story is nothing short of remarkable. This episode is not just a podcast; it's a transformative experience that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings. Discover the extraordinary chain of events that unfolded when Zachary found himself in the right place at the right time, forever altering the course of his life. Get ready for a compelling narrative that proves the transformative power of seizing the perfect moment.

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.

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

Films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman showcased the music industry as sexy, glamorous, and full of inspiration. That's... not how things are anymore. Navigating the modern music industry is almost impossible, but our guest has figured out how to pull it off. Big Black Delta joins Host Mike Pecci to discuss owning his own label, playing every instrument in his songs, and stepping into the world of film composing. It's a Renaissance approach to music production, but it might be the only way to survive in the wasteland that is the Music Industry.

Don’t lie. You’ve thought about it: What is it like to be a porn star? With over 650 million views on Pornhub, Logan Pierce is one of the most popular male talents in the adult industry. Host Mike Pecci has the same questions you do about what it’s like to work in porn, and Logan was more than happy to help us peak through the bedroom door to see what it’s really like to be a working stiff.

What defines a generation? Is it Meatloaf riding a motorcycle and being chased by helicopters? is it a boy band dancing like marionettes? Is it Slash laying down a guitar solo in front of a Church? Somehow, one man has been responsible for those moments that kept kids glued to MTV for decades. We're talking Guns n Roses. Meatloaf. Lionel Richie. NSYNC. J-Lo. Mariah Carey. Boys II Men. The list doesn't end. And on top of that, our guest Daniel Pearl, was the cinematographer for not only one of the most iconic horror films of all time: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but he then came back to redefine the look of horror films with the remake! Host Mike Pecci was part of the generation that grew up enraptured by the images Daniel created. Now you get an inside look at what it took to create some of the most iconic images that truly defined a generation.

Fast cars. Big stars. Huge sets. That’s the average day for guest Mike Ambrose as he works as a Union Gaffer on projects like the Fast & Furious Franchise, Marvel Studios films, and Mad Men. Host Mike Pecci traveled to the set of Ambrose’s current film to meet the gaffer on location & get an in-person experience of what it’s like to be a gaffer on some of the industry’s biggest projects.

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.

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.

When is the last time you REALLY LISTENED to a movie? What are the first things you hear? Is it dialog, to music, or maybe it's the sound effects? Sound is one of the MOST IMPORTANT tools at your disposal when creating a film, and often times its the most overlooked, under utilized and unappreciated by audiences. Toady's episode of ILWP Podcast will change your perspective on the sonic landscapes behind your favorite films. Strap yourself in for the most comprehensive sound experience that you will ever find on a podcast. Host Mike Pecci sits with SkyWalker sound designer Tim Nielsen(The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Maleficent, There Will Be Blood, The Lord of the Rings). The tow filmmakers go deep into how a movie sound's are created, edited and mixed. Listen and learn about how to direct your sound team, what are the hardest sounds to create, or just have your mind opened to the amazing world of sound in film! This episode is a true HI-FI experience, loaded with sound clips, music, and effects so definitely grab your noise cancelling headphones!

Being an editor, a really good editor, means knowing how to fix problems no one caught on set while also knowing when to choose your battles with the director. 2015 Eddie winner and BAFTA Nominee Anthony Boys (VEEP, Vice Principals, RUN) has learned how not only to perfect his craft as a technician and artist, but also as a de-liberator and collaborator. He joins Host Mike Pecci on this episode to drop some serious wisdom from his years as an editor on some of the funniest comedy series as well as feature films.

Have you ever stood in line at a coffee shop and stared at your phone? Of course you have, and our guest, Colie Wertz, does that all the time. Except when Colie stands there, he's sketching spaceships for Star Wars. Colie has worked for ILM, Lucasfilm, & the Orphanage as a concept artist designing some of the most iconic spaceships & vehicles (like the ship from The Mandalorian). This episode is a geek-fest about Post-It Note designs, how engines work, and insane finger-painting.

Have you ever thought about moving to Los Angeles to chase your dreams? How much will it cost? How do you find a place to live in a state that you don't live in? What is the best road trip schedule from the east coast to the west coast?