NOLA Film Scene with Tj & Plaideau

Gather around the hearth of storytelling as TJ and I, your festive hosts, unwrap a treasure trove of Christmas past and present in our latest podcast episode. We're joined by special guests like Olivia Peck, who sprinkle their own brand of holiday magic into the mix. Reflecting on the Nutcracker gifts that became a cherished tradition with my mother, and TJ's heartwarming tale of teaching his kids the art of computer building, we explore the deeper meaning of gifts and how giving truly outshines receiving.As we travel back to the whimsy of our own childhoods, the echoes of bicycle bells and the spectacle of an Evil Knievel bike remind us of the pure elation that Christmas morning could bring. It's a sensory journey through the season, complete with the harmonious melodies of Harry Connick Jr. and the twinkle of festive lights that could lead Santa's sleigh straight to our homes. Friends from around the world contribute their voices, adding to the patchwork of yuletide greetings, while our guest, Jim Gleason, shares his gratitude for the warmth and connection the holiday season brings.The episode is not just a stroll down memory lane; we also look forward with anticipation and gratitude for the journey that the Nola Film Scene podcast has taken us on. We celebrate the friendships cultivated, the wisdom imparted by our esteemed guests, and the unwavering support of you, our listeners. So, pull up a chair and let the spirit of the season wash over you as we present a Christmas special that is as much about reflection as it is about the joy that lies ahead.Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Ever wonder what it takes to become a successful voice artist? Let voiceover veteran Debi Derryberry light the way as she shares her journey from a fledgling talent to a respected icon in the industry. From unforgettable roles like Draculaura and Jimmy Neutron to invaluable collaborations, Debi unveils the secrets behind her illustrious career. If you're an aspiring voice actor, you'll appreciate her candid advice on the importance of a home recording booth and the right equipment.  Do you feel the rhythm in your heart when you perform a song? Join us as we explore the harmony between music and voiceover work, revealing how singing and performing can shape a prosperous career in voice acting. We share our personal experiences, shedding light on the pivotal role of vulnerability in acting, and how singing lessons can cultivate it.  The podcast wouldn't be complete without a discussion on the nuts and bolts of podcasting and voiceover work. Discover the wonders of networking and collaboration, the magic of technology in enhancing recordings, and the satisfaction in overcoming insecurities and finding your voice. To top it all off, we dive into the complexities of voiceover dubbing and the criticality of a standout demo. For those interested in learning more, Debi's website: https://www.debiderryberry.com/ and book: Voice-Over 101: How to Succeed as a Voice Actor, Second Edition are incredible resources for aspiring voiceover artists. Join us as we take a closer look at the captivating world of voiceover work.[END SHOW NOTES]Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Step into the spotlight with us, as we welcome the multi-talented Olivia Peck, a shining star in the Louisiana film industry. Olivia, an actress and singer, unfolds her inspiring journey in the world of entertainment. She lets us in on her early passion for singing and acting, her experiences of studying music education, and how she wears a confident mask over her nerves. A truly inspiring story, not to be missed!Next up, we touch on a universal struggle - self-doubt. With Olivia leading the way, we delve into how singing lessons can help boost one's confidence and silence the negative voices within. She offers some valuable advice on embracing your unique talents, showing vulnerability, and stepping outside your comfort zone. We share our own experiences too, showing how singing lessons inspired us to take leaps of faith and try new things.Lastly, join us as we don our dreamer hats and discuss our hopes for the coming decade. We share our dreams of being our own bosses, spending more quality time with loved ones, and creating amazing content alongside our friends. We even give you a sneak peek into potential future projects, including a possible sequel or prequel to Olivia's mockumentary film. Olivia, Tj, and Plaideau wax lyrical about the supportive and vibrant New Orleans community and our shared love for the city's unique vibe. Don't miss out on this insightful and heartwarming episode of Nola Film Scene!Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Picture TJ, a budding principal actor, at a chaotic Thanksgiving dinner. While the turkey is in the oven, he shares the thrill of the SAG-AFTRA strike reaching its end, the freedom to talk about projects openly, and the serendipitous occurrences that make the film industry so tantalizing. This episode is about embracing vulnerability and gratitude, spiced with personal stories that add flavor to our journey.Ever wondered how the tools of improv can enhance your acting skills? We break it down for you and take you through the significance of family traditions. They are the threads that keep us connected to our loved ones, even when we're miles apart. We also reflect upon the joy of holiday peculiarities, like belting out Christmas carols outside of December and setting boundaries around holiday activities to create your unique joyous experiences.As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, we invite you to listen to our reflections on age-old traditions and how they strengthen family bonds. From shared memories of camping trips to the power of laughter during vulnerable moments, we bring you a heartwarming episode. All this, culminating with a hilarious story about a holiday dinner gone awry, but with an unexpected surprise. So, join us as we give thanks and look forward to sharing more of our stories and experiences with you on NOLA Film Scene.Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Ever found yourself captivated by the on-screen performances of actors in blockbuster films like 'Top Gun Maverick' and 'Mission Impossible 8'?  This episode welcomes talented actor and coach, Jim Gleason, who breaks down the authentic nature of on-camera acting and how accepting your circumstances as truth, staying in the moment, and dismantling emotional walls is essential.Let me take you on a journey - a journey of a man who dared to dream big. Jim shares his gripping tale of survival in the competitive entertainment industry and how he found solace and success in teaching. His students - whom he fondly mentions, Creek Wilson, Ashley Greene, and Greg Tarzan Davis - have landed roles in hit films, making him beam with pride. But let's not forget, the world of glamour and fame is as unpredictable as it gets. Age, often considered a limitation, is merely a number in Hollywood. We'll hear about an elderly couple who travelled in their RV to LA, audacious in their pursuit of acting. Jim highlights the relevance of the circle exercise and the skills it teaches.  Get ready, as we prepare to tear down the emotional walls and expose the raw and real side of acting.Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Embark on a cinematic journey with us as we engage in an in-depth conversation with the talented writer-director Rachel Jacob. Ever wondered how personal experiences can translate into a deeply moving film? Rachel demystifies this by unveiling her work on 'The Dead Driver', a poignant film based on  Michelle Silva's real-life experiences, and discussing the innovative production techniques used, including LED walls.Rachel's development into directing is nothing less than fascinating. Her reverence for Stanley Kubrick and the lessons learned from the Circle Exercise hosted by Jim Gleason are clearly mirrored in her directing style. She dives deeper into how her writing approach serves her directing process, emphasizing the importance of understanding actors' needs and adopting a less-is-more strategy to achieve natural, realistic performances.But it doesn't stop there. Rachel shares her insights about the vibrant culture of the New Orleans film scene and the significance of upholding a good reputation in the industry. We also discuss the art of balancing different roles in a production, underscoring the importance of mutual communication and trust.   This episode is a captivating exploration into the world of film production, making it a must-listen for all film enthusiasts out there. Buckle up for an illuminating ride!Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Welcome aboard listeners! Prepare to be wowed as we navigate the world of entertainment with our special guest, the multi-dimensional Josh Young. This episode promises to be as enticing as a page-turner graphic novel, with Josh unveiling his creative process, from pumping up crowds to penning comic books. We start our journey by unraveling the intricacies of being an MC spiced up with Josh's experiences in the field. Our expedition into the world of entertainment takes a dramatic turn as we explore the realm of acting. Josh uncovers the secrets of method acting, revealing how the art of immersing oneself into a role is pivotal in delivering a compelling performance. From understanding your character's backstory to finding truth in imaginary circumstances, we leave no stone unturned. It’s like a masterclass packed with invaluable insights, not just for aspiring actors, but for anyone looking to understand the world of acting better.But the ride doesn't stop there! As we approach the end of our voyage, Josh gets candid about the risks and rewards that come with a career in the chaotic world of entertainment. With anecdotes from his personal journey, including his work on his movie Ted Caldwell, he highlights the resilience required in this industry. Not to mention, Josh imparts wisdom on the importance of having a diverse creative career and turning your passion into a thriving business. Fasten your seatbelts, folks! This is a rollercoaster ride into the depths of the entertainment industry that you don't want to miss.Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

From the astounding stages of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival to the big screen of Die Hard 2 and Bill & Ted's, we're thrilled to have William Sadler, the iconic actor, share his riveting journey in the world of acting. William weaves an inspiring tale that began with his memorable performance as Hamlet, his first paying gig. Hear about his transition from being 'Bill' to 'William', a change motivated by Franco Nero during their Die Hard 2 stint.We also travel down the musical lane with William, where he unveils how he utilized the pandemic to return to his music roots and even record an album! He painted a vivid picture of his writing process, his dedication to a philanthropic cause, and how music became a crucial part of his acting toolbox. His story of molding himself into an elderly man for an audition via special makeup, a move that yielded positive feedback from industry producers, is one for the books.Finally, William discusses the bittersweet sensation of reprising roles he played years back. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, he warns, citing the physical demands of roles and the blistering heat of New Orleans. But the thrill of bringing a character back to life, especially at the age of 70, is a joy that truly resonates. Join us as we navigate through William's captivating journey, which serves as an invaluable treasure trove of insights for both budding actors and film buffs alike. Listening to William's story is a privilege, and we can't wait for you to join us on this adventure.Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Ever dreamt of leaving the corporate world for a career in acting and content creation? Our guest for this episode, Blake Nolan, did exactly that. Let Blake guide you through his exciting journey, from his college days at Ole Miss to his exciting roles in the NOLA Film Scene. Hear how he navigated his way through filming opportunities in Georgia and the thrilling experience of working on the Last of Us: Immunity fan film project. Blake also discusses his unique role as an assistant cheerleading coach at Louisiana State University while pursuing his master's degree.What's the role of confidence in acting? Blake shares his personal experiences with improv classes and how they shaped his acting career. The guys dig into the nitty-gritty of an ambitious project Blake was a part of - making a feature-length film in a semester under the guidance of director Glenn Petrie. From its casting process to music production, Blake shares the thrill of working as the first AD on the sets.Finally, Blake candidly discusses the bumps and successes of his acting journey. From overcoming stage fright and finding motivation in background roles to learning to stand out in the audition room, Blake leaves no stone unturned. Listen how his hard work, dedication, and resilience helped him chase his dreams in the acting industry. You wouldn't want to miss this inspiring conversation!Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.

Ever wondered what it’s like to leap from the world of football to the realm of film? That's exactly what Tavond Francis did, and he's here to share his riveting story. As an actor and former college athlete, Tavond was encouraged by his parents towards theater from a young age. Ignoring it for sports, he'd eventually stumble upon acting during a break from school and it soon took center stage. His journey is filled with excitement, including a background stint in AMC’s Into the Badlands that set the wheels of his acting career in motion.  But Tavond's story is more than a rookie-to-actor transformation. He peels back the curtain on the technical side of his craft, offering valuable nuggets on script breakdown, character embodiment, and adding a personal touch to roles. The guys talk about how techniques learned from Jim Gleason and Sanford Meisner acting schools have shaped their approach to crafting characters. Tavond has a growing interest in stunt work and would love to add that layer to his craft. What's more, he shares delightful anecdotes about working with Peyton and Eli Manning, and his thoughts on work-life balance are refreshingly candid.  Tavond is not one to sugarcoat. He delves into the highs and lows of the industry, stressing the significance of a positive attitude amidst challenges and tough decisions. With tales of switching agencies and sacrifices, he underscores the need for focus and staying grounded. His dream of working in a Tarantino movie and his top five actors he’d love to work with hints at his aspirations. If you're keen on grasping the intricate dynamics of the film industry, this conversation with Tavond is a must-listen. Hear about his journey, acting techniques, and much more, in a conversation that is as inspiring as it is informative.Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial.