Angle on Producers with Carolina Groppa
ANGLE ON PRODUCERS spotlights producers from all corners of the entertainment industry to demystify the age old question: "What exactly does a producer do?". Join Emmy nominated producer Carolina Groppa as she gives you an honest glimpse into what it's like to walk in our shoes.
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Hannah Lux Davis - On Directing Ariana Grande, the Importance of Taste, and Working with Huge Artists
11/18/2025
Hannah Lux Davis - On Directing Ariana Grande, the Importance of Taste, and Working with Huge Artists
Hannah Lux is a powerhouse music video and commercial director who's created iconic visuals for Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne. But her path to the director's chair wasn't traditional. Hannah shares her 20-plus-year journey in LA—from working as a makeup artist on set to directing Lil Wayne, Drake, and Future on "Love Me," which now has over 620 million views. We dive deep into the making of Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next," the video that broke YouTube records with 50 million views in 24 hours, and how she navigated legal clearances, celebrity cameos, and a three-day shoot while pregnant. We also talk about why communication and people management are often harder than the creative work, how to balance an artist's brand with your own vision, and what it takes to be a consistently working director. xx CG AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L QUESTIONS ❔Answering your questions on Tuesdays in our newsletter! Submit here: anglonproducerspodcast@gmail.com
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Adamma & Adanne Ebo on Daniel Kaluuya's Advice, What Makes a Good Producer and the Power of Confidence
11/11/2025
Adamma & Adanne Ebo on Daniel Kaluuya's Advice, What Makes a Good Producer and the Power of Confidence
Happy Tuesday! Today is 11/11, a series of numbers that many see as a symbol of spiritual awakening, synchronicity, and alignment with the universe. I'm not too superstitious about these things, but when I catch it, it brings a smile to my face. Is it divine intervention or coincidence? And does it matter? In thinking about alignment, it feels very apropos to be sharing this particular conversation today with self-described nerdy fangirls Adamma and Adanne Ebo, the identical twin powerhouse behind the indie breakout film Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. We met making this film back in 2021—I remember we were in prep when the Ebos were about to turn 30. The incredible ascension they've experienced over these last five years is the epitome of alignment and synchronicity. Shortly after wrapping Honk, Adamma was tapped to direct her first television episode on Donald Glover's Atlanta—the kind of opportunity that only comes when talent meets the right moment. Timing really is everything, and while their success is absolutely the product of talent, hard work, and vision, there's also been a beautiful alignment of opportunities, relationships, and moments that propelled them forward. Call it luck, call it the universe conspiring—either way, their story is inspiring. From their days at Spelman College to making their feature debut with Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul, they've blazed their own path in this industry. Honk premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance in 2022 and sold to Focus Features. The film stars Sterling K. Brown—who was also on the podcast this season with wonderful stories about working with the Ebos—and the incomparable Regina Hall, who delivers a masterclass performance as the first lady of a Southern megachurch. Since then, they've written and produced on some of the buzziest shows in recent TV: Peacock's Poker Face, Amazon's Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Swarm. They're now a sought-after creative duo with an overall deal at Sony Television. Today we're diving into how they protected their artistic vision as first-time filmmakers, why confidence matters more than experience, and how their twin relationship became their secret weapon in Hollywood. xx cg AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ LISTEN TO THE SHOW Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UBux9RgxeW1MiQDXSMrnr iTunes: https://apple.co/3FDyhmC JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L QUESTIONS ❔Answering your questions on Tuesdays in our newsletter! Submit here: anglonproducerspodcast@gmail.com
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LA Councilmember Adrin Nazarian On What Comes Next to Save Hollywood
11/04/2025
LA Councilmember Adrin Nazarian On What Comes Next to Save Hollywood
Today's guest is Adrin Nazarian—former California State Assemblyman who helped triple the film tax credit from $100 million to $330 million during his decade in Sacramento, and now an LA City Councilmember who's fought to get that credit up to $750 million. Back in March, Adrin filed a motion with ten specific permitting reforms that passed city council unanimously unanimously to direct the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) to report back within 30 days on the feasibility of these proposed changes using input from the LAFD, LAPD, Recreation & Parks, DWP, DOT, Bureau of Public Works, and FilmLA. It's now November. As of this recording on October 29th, the CLA report is 150 days overdue. So yes, I ask the hard questions. Where is that report? (I'm told it's coming any day now!). What does it mean to be "nimble" in the world of politics when everything takes so long? We get into the real progress that is happening, even if imperfect. We have an honest dialogue about what we've lost. How tentpole productions left while the streaming boom kept everyone busy, until that bubble popped and companies realized the spending wasn't sustainable. How we've spent a decade training workforces in other states while our decline was masked by volume. And how policymakers took entertainment for granted because tech wealth was flooding in. But we also talk about how we're building it back. Adrin is refreshingly honest that the industry has been so successful for so long that nobody could have imagined it would ever cease to exist, much less look at the trajectory with concern because the receipts were still coming in. But now we're here. And there's a generation hungry for this work, ready to innovate and push the industry to new limits. That's what this fight is actually about. Not preserving nostalgia, but building the future. xx CG AOP SUBSTACK 📫 JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L QUESTIONS ❔Answering your questions on Tuesdays in our newsletter! Submit here: anglonproducerspodcast@gmail.com
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From Camera Department to Directing Your First Indie Film
10/28/2025
From Camera Department to Directing Your First Indie Film
*Today's episode is brought to you by InkTip, a trusted cornerstone of the independent film industry, connecting talented filmmakers with visionary screenwriters. Head to InkTip.com to learn more.* What does it take to transition from behind the camera to the director's chair? In this inspiring conversation, Jihane Mrad Balaa shares her remarkable 20-year journey from Lebanese immigrant to working on major shows like American Horror Story, 9-1-1, and Bumblebee—before finally making the leap to directing her own feature film. Jihane opens up about: ✨ Why being "normal and pleasant" is her secret to success in Hollywood 🎬 How she found her feature film script on InkTip 💪 The harsh realities of producing your first independent film 🎥 Shooting a murder mystery feature in 10 days 👥 What she learned observing 50+ directors—both good and bad 🚀 How diversity hiring became her "foot in the door" and why she embraced it This conversation is packed with honest, tactical advice for anyone looking to transition between departments or produce their first project. Whether you're a camera operator dreaming of directing, a PA trying to move up, or a filmmaker seeking financing, Jihane's story proves that with persistence, positivity, and the right partnerships, anything is possible. xx cg AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ WATCH/LISTEN Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@angleonproducers Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UBux9RgxeW1MiQDXSMrnr iTunes: https://apple.co/3FDyhmC JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L
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Latina Executives Leading Hollywood | Roundtable Discussion with Erika Kennair, Sonia Gambaro, and Rocio Melara
10/14/2025
Latina Executives Leading Hollywood | Roundtable Discussion with Erika Kennair, Sonia Gambaro, and Rocio Melara
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recorded a special roundtable episode to amplify three powerhouse Latina executives reshaping Hollywood: ✨ Erika Kennair - Head of Scripted for Mediapro Studios. Created NBC's Writers on the Verge, which helped launch many including Lauren LeFranc, showrunner of the Emmy award winning series The Penguin. ✨ Sonia Almanza Gambaro - Producer and President of Pollinate Entertainment. Executive Producer of Acapulco for Apple TV+ ✨ Rocio Melara - Producer. Former executive a Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad. We get into the juicy bits of what it's like to be the only Latina in the room, authentic representation beyond stereotypes, and how (shoutout Christine Davila 👏) is changing the game for executives across the industry. Tune in to this crucial conversation about power, persistence, and community. AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content JOIN AOP PATREON JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | 📱 TikTok: / 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L
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Maryam Mehrtash: From Refugee to Hollywood Media Executive
09/30/2025
Maryam Mehrtash: From Refugee to Hollywood Media Executive
Delighted to share this chat with Maryam Mehrtash, an entertainment executive specializing in global marketing and brand partnerships. Her journey embodies the American dream - from fleeing Iran as a refugee at age two to becoming a key player behind one of the most successful streaming platform launches in recent history. Maryam helped traditional media companies pivot from linear to digital during the early days when digital was still treated as a "stepchild." She was part of the team at CBS Interactive that had the first-mover advantage in streaming with CBS All Access, then led the go-to-market strategy for the rebrand to Paramount Plus - all while pregnant and during one of the most pivotal moments in our industry's history. She brings a unique perspective on everything from the economics of peak TV to what producers should know about brand integration in storytelling. She's also a part of the vibrant Iranian diaspora in Hollywood and is on the board of Waterwell, a non-profit co-founded by Award-winning actor Arian Moayed. Having lived through the streaming wars from the inside, Maryam offers a front-row perspective that's invaluable for understanding where our industry has been and where it's headed. Tune in as we explore her journey and new role leading marketing partnerships at Disney Marvel, the complex world of brand partnerships, her Substack "This Is Not a Memo", and learn how her family’s legacy drives her to greatness. Enjoy xx CG AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ JOIN AOP PATREON https://www.patreon.com/angleonproducers JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L MORE ON MARYAM https://instagram.com/maryammehrtash https://thisisnotamemo.substack.com/
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Madelaine Petsch Is Here To Push Your Boundaries
09/23/2025
Madelaine Petsch Is Here To Push Your Boundaries
Madelaine Petsch has a penchant for divisive female characters.You may know her best as from her role as Cheryl Blossom in the CW’s hit series Riverdale," which ran for 7 seasons. She's recently been evolving into one of Hollywood's most promising young producers. She's currently starring in and producing the next installment of "The Strangers" horror trilogy for Lionsgate, which hits theaters this Friday, September 26th. You can also catch her in the Amazon rom-com "Maintenance Required" on October 8th. In one film she's being chased by masked strangers; in the other, she's running from love. It was exciting to catch Madelaine in these early days of her shift into producing, especially when so many are skeptical of that leap. She's refreshingly candid about the brutal realities of fame—death threats, having her address posted online, and the strategic decision to delete her entire YouTube channel after millions of views. We explore how her South African immigrant parents shaped her work ethic, why she's drawn to complex female characters, and the politics of producer credits. And yes, before you ask—she can change your brake pads. xx CG
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"HIM" Producer Jamal Watson - "I Started Making Films to Figure Out How Not to Die"
09/17/2025
"HIM" Producer Jamal Watson - "I Started Making Films to Figure Out How Not to Die"
Jamal Watson's journey from South Central to Hollywood executive exemplifies the power of storytelling to transform lives. After finding inspiration in film during his youth, he started at Sony Pictures as a tour guide in 2003, building industry connections that would prove invaluable. His career accelerated through roles at Deluxe Film Services and a pivotal 2010 internship at Overbrook Entertainment, where he spent a decade rising from intern to Vice President. During this time, he produced acclaimed projects including "SPRINTER" (ABFF winner, African Academy Award nominee), "HALA" (Sundance and TIFF selection), Disney's "ALADDIN," and Netflix's "AMEND." At Monkeypaw Productions, Watson continued championing diverse voices through projects like the "SCARE TACTICS" reboot and upcoming film "HIM", which opens in theaters on September 19th. He also launched a music label imprint with Interscope Records, expanding his influence across entertainment sectors. Jamal's trajectory demonstrates how passion for storytelling, combined with strategic relationship-building and unwavering dedication, can create pathways to success in Hollywood's competitive landscape. Hope you takeaway as much as I did! xx cg
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Inside FilmLA's Much Needed Permitting Process Reform
09/09/2025
Inside FilmLA's Much Needed Permitting Process Reform
This week, we hear from Donna Washington, FilmLA's VP of Permit Operations. After the June 20th Board of Public Works hearing in Los Angeles, I was taken aback by the outrage and frustration permeating the halls of City Hall. So many folks I've grown up on set with voiced their extreme concern with the permitting process and costs in LA - one of the main blockers keeping productions from coming or staying here. Donna has been with FilmLA since its very beginning in 1995. She's witnessed firsthand the evolution from LA's golden era of production - when they were processing nearly 40,000 shoot days a year - to the current reality where production has dropped by 53% in just the last five years. While FilmLA is not the sole cause of the production exodus, it certainly has not helped. I wanted to invite Donna on to address this criticism head-on and discuss the misconceptions about who sets what fees, Film LA's 17-point plan to streamline the permitting process, and how FilmLA actually functions compared to film commissions in other states. This isn't about pointing fingers - it's about understanding the system, identifying the problems, and working together on solutions. Because as Donna puts it, FilmLA doesn't exist if the industry doesn't exist. And right now, with a 400% uptick in applications following California's increased tax incentives, we're at a critical moment that could determine the future of filmmaking in Los Angeles. This impacts all of us and requires all of us to work towards a solution.
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The Fight to Keep Hollywood in Hollywood
09/02/2025
The Fight to Keep Hollywood in Hollywood
Six months ago, Stay in LA co-founders Sarah Adina Smith and Alexandra Pechman came on the show to explain why their grassroots movement was desperately needed to keep film production in Los Angeles. Since then, they've racked up a good amount of wins —from helping secure California's $750 million tax incentive to advocating for permitting reform across LA County. Today we're joined by two other leaders driving this coalition: showrunner and co-founder Noelle Stehman, and social impact producer Kate Holguin. We break down their wins, setbacks, and what's next in the battle for Hollywood's future. But as both guests make clear, the wins so far are just the beginning. As Noelle puts it: "If we don't continue to put pressure on policymakers and studio execs... the industry is going to continue to disappear and deteriorate."
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Adria Arjona Pivots into Producing
08/26/2025
Adria Arjona Pivots into Producing
Kicking off the new season with the spirited Adria Arjona for what was, incredibly, her first solo podcast ever. As someone whose face is literally on billboards outside my place currently, I found this fact both shocking and oddly kismet. It’s a special treat to share this unexpected and refreshing punk rock side of her with you all. What you'll discover about Adria is that beyond being gorgeous – which, obviously – she's a dynamic, perceptive citizen of the world with a penchant for doing "bad things." And I mean that in the best possible way. She's the kind of person who makes you immediately start plotting how to become her best friend. Born in Puerto Rico, half Guatemalan, raised in Mexico, and shaped by a nomadic childhood following her father Ricardo Arjona on tour – one of the best-selling Latin American artists of all time – Adria learned early that home isn't a place, it's found in people and rituals. A lesson that serves her well in an industry that keeps her constantly moving between London, LA, and everywhere in between. There are SO many gems here, but a few that really stayed with me is how selling merch on her dad's tours taught her the art of hustling, a career-changing audition failure, and how producing has changed her as an actor for the better. AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ JOIN AOP PATREON JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L QUESTIONS ❔Answering your questions on Tuesdays in our newsletter! Submit here: anglonproducerspodcast@gmail.com
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Jennifer Lafleur: The Duplass Brothers Indie Darling
08/19/2025
Jennifer Lafleur: The Duplass Brothers Indie Darling
Today, we are joined by actor and producer Jennifer LaFleur. She was recently in the HULU original film THE DROP and, just this past weekend, the psychological horror film she also co-produced, BIRTHRITE, directed by Ross Partridge. In a blast from the past, Jen and I met in 2011 on the set of a feature film where I was shadowing the producer. It’s a gentle reminder of how much the path zigs and zags. During our chat, Jen shares how she turned her Massachusetts hometown into a movie set for her latest film BIRTHRITE, why the Duplass Brothers' "you are the cavalry" philosophy changed her career, and what her ER doctor father taught her about perspective when film locations fall through days before shooting. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, working parent, or anyone trying to build something meaningful, Jen's story offers practical wisdom about creating opportunities, leveraging what you already have, and showing up as your best self - because you never know when a brief encounter will change your life years later. BIRTHRITE is playing in limited theaters in Los Angeles now!
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August Updates + New Season!
08/11/2025
August Updates + New Season!
Monday vibes got you down? Let's flip that energy! 🎬 We are gearing up to launch a new season of the show, but in the meantime, I wanted to share what I've been up to behind the scenes. We've been focused on elevating all across the board--from our content, to our vibrant new set by Sara Silkwood (https://www.sarasilkwood.me/), and intentional community engagement. After 6 years of a mostly solo podcasting hustle, I'm finally ready to share what's been happening behind the scenes—from our incredible Summer Cafecito series to landing at a Hollywood soundstage where Lucille Ball once walked. This summer was filled with elevation: Cannes Film Festival, new studio, growing team, and big plans ahead. Plus the real talk about funding this passion project solo while building something sustainable for our creative community. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes and creative industry real talk ✨
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Game-Changing Acquisition: Zello & Cinelease Partnership Explained
08/01/2025
Game-Changing Acquisition: Zello & Cinelease Partnership Explained
Kicking off August with a very special episode with the the brilliant minds behind Zello and Cinelease. They just announced a game-changing acquisition that's bringing our industry back to its roots - where crews are empowered and things get done without red tape. As someone who's filmed in LA most of my career, I know Hollywood's real magic isn't what's on screen—it's the thousands of passionate people behind the scenes. Cinelease has been one of those constants for me. No matter the scope or budget, they always found a way to make it work. What makes this deal special? The timing is everything. After strikes, productions fleeing overseas, and endless layoffs, while others consolidate into massive corporate machines, Zello is taking Cinelease private and back to its entrepreneurial roots. This isn't just business—it's about people. Some Cinelease employees have been there 35 YEARS. That tells you everything about how they treat their team. Now with Zello's network backing them, they're expanding that family culture into new markets and creating more opportunities for all of us who make this industry run. Tune in for this exclusive deep dive on how this acquisition came to be and what it means for the future. Spoiler: it's bright ✨
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Special Crossover with Daddy Dailies To Tackle The Chaos of Entertainment
06/26/2025
Special Crossover with Daddy Dailies To Tackle The Chaos of Entertainment
This is a very fun special crossover of AOP and Daddy Dailies with host Vika Stubblebine. She actor, writer, director and stand up comedian who most recently wrote on CBS's S.W.A.T.. She is a co-founder of , a social impact organization dedicated to empowering and educating women and nonbinary filmmakers through events, screenings and podcasts. The community they’ve built is truly remarkable. When you find your people - the ones who share your wavelength and want to build something meaningful together - the chaos becomes creative fuel rather than overwhelming noise. Both our shows are doing essential work highlighting the voices and experiences of those often overlooked in the industry. This crossover was a perfect example of what happens when we can come together to share knowledge rather than hoard it. Enjoy xx AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ JOIN AOP PATREON https://www.patreon.com/angleonproducers LISTEN TO THE SHOW Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2XwATdT iTunes: https://apple.co/3FDyhmC JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L QUESTIONS ❔Answering your questions on Tuesdays in our newsletter! Submit here: anglonproducerspodcast@gmail.com
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Steve Papazian - Part 2 - Hollywood Icon & Former President of Worldwide Physical Production at Warner Brothers
06/19/2025
Steve Papazian - Part 2 - Hollywood Icon & Former President of Worldwide Physical Production at Warner Brothers
Earlier this week I shared part 1 of my conversation with Hollywood icon Steve Papazian. He is the former President of Worldwide Physical Production at Warner Bros. That chat was recorded back in April of 2019 and If you missed part one, I highly recommend you hit pause and go check that out. To refresh your memory, he started in the mailroom and rose the ranks over the course of almost 50 years at Warner Brothers at Universal. YEARS! His impressive filmography includes some of cinema's most defining moments: The Matrix, The Hobbit trilogy, and the Harry Potter films. He's been the trusted production partner for visionaries like Clint Eastwood and Christopher Nolan across multiple projects, helping bring their creative visions to life on an unprecedented scale. After witnessing the seismic shifts that have rocked our industry—from studio consolidations to the exodus of productions from California—I knew I had to reconnect with Steve for an unfiltered conversation about what we've lost and whether there's still time to save Hollywood. So today, we dive into the Death of the Star-Making Machine Hollywood, how California's Policy Failures are not setting us up for success, and why the Solution Requires Going Back to Basics.
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Steve Papazian - Part 1 - Former President of Worldwide Physical Production at Warner Brothers
06/17/2025
Steve Papazian - Part 1 - Former President of Worldwide Physical Production at Warner Brothers
Delighted to share a truly remarkable conversation I had back in April 2019 with Steve Papazian - a Hollywood executive whose career spans nearly five decades and reads like a masterclass in entertainment industry evolution. When you look at his filmography, you're looking at some of cinema's most defining moments - The Matrix, The Hobbit trilogy, the Harry Potter films. He's been the trusted production partner for visionaries like Clint Eastwood and Christopher Nolan across multiple projects, helping bring their creative visions to life on an unprecedented scale. Steve takes us inside one of the corporate transformations that shaped modern Hollywood - the Warner Brothers-Lorimar merger, his strategic move to Universal - and reveals the sophisticated decision-making that goes into shepherding these cultural touchstones from concept to screen. Beyond the business acumen, Steve has a deep reverence for the craft itself. He speaks with genuine passion about Hollywood's golden era and offers profound insights into what it means to maintain creative integrity in an industry often driven by competing interests and immense financial pressures. Part two was recorded last week and drops in two days! But first, let me take you back to April 2019 for this essential conversation about what it truly means to be an exceptional producer in Hollywood - and how one builds a legacy that spans generations of filmmaking.
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Sanne Wohlenberg - Executive Producer of "Andor"
05/27/2025
Sanne Wohlenberg - Executive Producer of "Andor"
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a panel at UTA for a screening of ANDOR - the Star Wars spinoff series from creator Tony Gilroy. It was there that I met today’s guest, executive producer, Sanne Wohlenberg. Check that out here: Sanne is a German-born television producer working primarily in the United Kingdom. After working on multiple episodes of the critically acclaimed series BLACK MIRROR, she went on to win an Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Limited Series as the producer of CHERNOBYL, followed by a Producers Guild of America nomination for The David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of a Limited Series the following year. In 2022, Sanna joined ANDOR as a non-writing EP and lucky for us, helped breathe fresh new life into the franchise. During our conversation, Sanne and I discussed pivoting from law to entertainment, choosing talent over credits, and why you don’t have to be a STAR WARS fanatic to fall into the target audience for ANDOR.
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Sev Ohanian - Producer of Ryan Coogler's SINNERS and Founder of Proximity Media
05/15/2025
Sev Ohanian - Producer of Ryan Coogler's SINNERS and Founder of Proximity Media
What happens when you combine the brilliant mind of Ryan Coogler and a bunch of blood-thirsty vampires? You get SINNERS, one of the most original and entertaining films of the year. A theatrical feat at the box office, it’s grossed over 285 million dollars since its April 16th release. It was my absolute pleasure to talk to producer Sev Ohanian about how this monster movie gem came to fruition. Sev is a homie and we go way back to our baby producer days, so it is really special for me to reconnect with him after so many years. Our meet cute story is also one for the books! Sev is Armenian-American screenwriter, producer, and founder of Proximity Media alongside Ryan and Zinzi Coogler. He co-wrote and produced (alongside his wife and producing partner Natalie Qasabian who was on the podcast back in 2019!), SEARCHING, released by Sony Screen Gems in 2018. The film grossed $75 million worldwide and sparked the sequel, MISSING. Ohanian also co-wrote and produced RUN for Lionsgate, which became Hulu’s most-watched film upon its premiere. During our time together, we talked about his first foray into filmmaking - an $800 micro-budget film shot on his dad’s home video camera, how his working relationship with Coogler came to be, and the trials and tribulations of shooting on location in the swamps of Louisiana. xx cg
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Christine Davila Is Revolutionizing Hollywood One Authentic Story at a Time
05/06/2025
Christine Davila Is Revolutionizing Hollywood One Authentic Story at a Time
Christine Davila is a trailblazing TV executive and producer with an unexpected passion—she knows all the words to the musical CABARET. From her early days at prestigious film festivals like Sundance and Tribeca to building the vibrant Latina Squad community, Christine's journey is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the power of authentic narratives. This Mexican-born industry leader is also a dear friend and the founder of The Latina Squad, a peer group of accomplished TV/Film executives across studios, networks, and production companies. What began as a way for Latina execs to find each other and share space has blossomed into a community of more than 130 talented women who collaborate, commiserate, and form lasting friendships. During our conversation, Christine shares insights from her path as a programmer for major film festivals, discusses the financial challenges of the producing world, explores the future of filmmaking through works like "Emilia Perez," and advocates passionately for the full breadth of humanity to be represented on screen.
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Minisode - Maximizing Tax Credits with GreenSlate's Michele Miller
04/15/2025
Minisode - Maximizing Tax Credits with GreenSlate's Michele Miller
In celebration of tax day here in the US, as if there is such a thing, haha, today’s episode of dives into the sexy and crucial world of production tax incentives. If you find yourself intimated by the jargon, confused by the process, or unsure of where to start, then look no further! is the VP of Production Tax Incentives and Accounting Services at . With over a decade of experience, Michele uses GreenSlate's innovative tools to help producers, new and seasoned, navigate the tax incentive maze and keep more money in our projects. Buy her coffee. Or wine. Make her your best friend! Tune in as we break down the differences between tax rebates, refundable tax credits, and transferable tax credits. *SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE* https://aop.beehiiv.com/ *JOIN PATREON* https://www.patreon.com/angleonproducers *LET’S CONNECT!* 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-groppa-2174bb65/
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Yvonne Strahovski Says Goodbye to "Handmaid's Tale" and Hello to Producing
04/08/2025
Yvonne Strahovski Says Goodbye to "Handmaid's Tale" and Hello to Producing
There’s nothing Hollywood loves more than putting people in boxes. Comedy or drama. Actor or director. But with the fall of the old studio system and the rise of the indie, we’re seeing more blurred lines than ever before. Everywhere you look today you can find genre blends and multi-hyphenates in every aspect of the industry, and our next guest is no exception. The oh so lovely Yvonne Strahovski garnered critical acclaim for her role as Serena Joy Waterford in Hulu’s Emmy and Golden Globe winning original series, THE HANDMAID’S TALE, for which she has netted an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress,a Golden Globe nomination, and two Screen Actors Guild nominations. The series is releasing its sixth and final season tonight, April 8. Yvonne recently starred/executive produced Peacock’s horror series, TEACUP. She also made her directorial debut with VLOG, a short film for which she also wrote and stars in. Her husband, Tim Loden served as a producer and her two sons acted alongside her. The film was shot in their home and took place when she was pregnant with her third child, which made it an almost part-documentary, part-narrative film. Up next, Yvonne will star and produce an adaptation of the bestselling novel, A WOMEN OF INTELLIGENCE. During our chat, we talk about making art from scratch, the importance of being a good judge of character, and the very real fear that comes with turning down a job. xx Enjoy!
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Introducing: The Sun Dial with Rebecca Sun
04/01/2025
Introducing: The Sun Dial with Rebecca Sun
Today's episode marks an exciting milestone as we launch a brand new segment called The Sun Dial with the brilliant Rebecca Sun. An acclaimed journalist and cultural critic, she is a guiding light in media commentary, so we are lucky to have her on the show! There will be MANY hot takes and sun puns, so prepare to bask in her insightful radiance. A sundial is often used metaphorically to represent time's passage, permanence contrasted with change, or natural rhythms versus human-made schedules. So much of life, of success, is about the perfect balance of kairos meeting chronos; things happening when they are meant to instead of when we want them to. It’s quite fitting as we are exploring the evolution of all things…from the show to the industry. A little bit of her impressive bio… Rebecca was the inaugural recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment’s salute to women and nonbinary people in Hollywood. Her reporting has won both National Arts & Entertainment and Southern California journalism awards from the Los Angeles Press Club as well as a GLAAD Media Award nomination. She began her career as a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated, and her bylines have also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Esquire China and New York. Most recently, she was the senior editor of diversity and inclusion at The Hollywood Reporter. Rebecca has graciously agreed to give us her hot takes on the top stories in our industry as they flood our inboxes, and, if it weren’t obvious enough from that list of credits, there’s no one better for the job. Tune in xx SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE*
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Facing the Fear: AI & Future of Entertainment
03/25/2025
Facing the Fear: AI & Future of Entertainment
While some find AI riveting and revolutionary, many in creative communities are filled with fear. Fear of unsustainability, fear of the future of the industry as a whole, and fear that disembodied computers are going to make jobs obsolete while causing irreversible damage to the planet in the process. Artificial Intelligence has come a long way since we first saw Will Smith eating that bowl of spaghetti, even making it to this year’s Oscars ceremony. Films like EMILIA PEREZ and THE BRUTALIST came under fire for their use of AI to amplify the vocal performances of their actors, raising questions about transparency and ethical practices. That leads me to today’s guest, Alex Serdiuk. Alex is the CEO of the Ukrainian company Respeecher, the AI software that enhanced Adrien Brody’s Hungarian dialogue and synthesized a young Luke Skywalker’s voice in THE MANDALORIAN. Unlike other AI companies, however, Respeecher prides itself on adhering to a strict code of ethics that includes transparency, actor consent, and union consultation. I feel ambivalent towards the AI of it all, but as someone who faces my fears and follows my curiosities, it was time to poke the hornet's nest. Tune in! xx CG
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Career Pivot with SXSW Producers Elle Roth-Brunet and Mark Ankner
03/18/2025
Career Pivot with SXSW Producers Elle Roth-Brunet and Mark Ankner
*This episode is brought to you by Dolly Card, the corporate card for film production that’s a great alternative to petty cash. Dolly Card is here to streamline expense management, tax, and accounting. Beyond stoked for this crucial convo with two producers with films that premiered at SXSW who pivoted from other careers into producing. We had a lot of fun while also contemplating how we can leverage our collective knowledge to solve some of the crises plaguing the producers' plight. Spoiler alert: We 100% got nachos after. Elle Roth-Brunet, producer of I REALLY LOVE MY HUSBAND, sits at the intersection of innovation, business, and storytelling. She's a content strategist, brand builder, and creative producer who deeply believes in the power of representation and storytelling. She has dedicated her career to helping 40+ underrepresented voices gain more equity in entertainment through content partnerships with Hello Sunshine, ARRAY, Paul Fieg's Powderkeg, the PGA, Women In Film, and the Black List. Mark Ankner, producer of SLANTED, which won the grand jury award for Narrative Feature at SXSW, is dedicated to developing and producing creator-driven stories that resonate with culture. He was instrumental at Endeavor Content, overseeing advisory business, film and television packaging and sales, and creating innovative distribution models for content creators and financiers. Prior to that, Mark was a partner at WME Global, focusing on emerging voices and building companies for established talent. Some notable film projects include the Academy Award-winning CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, FRUITVALE STATION and SORRY TO BOTHER YOU. His first film PONYBOI premiered in the US Dramatic competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Esteban Arango, it was noted for its groundbreaking narrative and representation of diverse voices. Currently, Mark leads Mountain Top Pictures, an indie film and TV production company dedicated to championing innovative storytelling and supporting emerging talent in the industry Tune in xx
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THE PENGUIN Showrunner Lauren LeFranc Creates Sympathy for Gotham's Devil
03/04/2025
THE PENGUIN Showrunner Lauren LeFranc Creates Sympathy for Gotham's Devil
*Special thanks to Sunset Studios, where everyone is a VIP, for providing us with this gorgeous filming location* Delighted to be joined by the Lauren LeFranc, the visionary showrunner and executive producer of HBO's THE PENGUIN, the gritty spin-off from Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN. Her unique ability to blend innovative narratives with visual storytelling contributed to the series' critical success, achieving a 94% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and attracting 10.4 million viewers within its first 11 days. A television veteran, her body of work also includes credits on AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., HEMLOCK GROVE, IMPULSE and CHUCK. I may have spent the hour fangirling a little too hard, not sure, but our meet-cute story is pretty epic. Tune in as we discuss career serendipity, what makes an exceptional producer, and how she made us all deeply care about Gotham’s devil, Oswald. xx CG SUBSCRIBE --> JOIN PATREON --> CAROLINA'S IG --> AOP IG --> TIKTOK --> LINKEDIN -->:
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The Twist and Turns to Bring THE HONORABLE SHYNE to Life
02/27/2025
The Twist and Turns to Bring THE HONORABLE SHYNE to Life
In 2024, I birthed two creations: My son, Theo and the feature documentary, THE HONORABLE SHYNE. Back in the late 90s, Shyne was one of the first rappers Diddy signed to Bad Boy Records. After an explosive rise in Hip-hop, a life-altering criminal trial, and years of incarceration, Shyne’s journey from rapper, to felon, to politician is one that has defied the odds. This leads me to today’s guest, Marcus A. Clarke, the director of THE HONORABLE SHYNE. Marcus is a Brooklyn-born director and producer. He directed Apple's feature-length documentary, The WIZRD, following Atlanta rap superstar Future. Most recently, he directed three episodes of Netflix's reboot of Unsolved Mysteries V1 and three of eight installments in the Netflix Original Hip Hop docu-series Rapture, produced by Mass Appeal. While my human child is currently learning to crawl, my doc child is currently streaming on Hulu. Both were challenging and rewarding in equal measure. During our conversation, we discuss the trials and tribulations of working on an international documentary, how to pivot when a relevant major controversy drops in the middle of shooting, and I finally get an honest answer about whether or not aliens truly exist. xx Carolina SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE https://aop.beehiiv.com/ JOIN PATREON patreon.com/angleonproducers LET’S CONNECT! 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-groppa-2174bb65/
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Minisode - The Fight For Production to #StayinLA
02/21/2025
Minisode - The Fight For Production to #StayinLA
It’s no secret that, over the past decade, film and television production has been slowly leaving our hub of Los Angeles. From astronomical permit costs to uncompetitive tax incentives, studios have outsourced LA’s most valuable export to places like Atlanta, Vancouver, Australia, and South Africa. The COVID pandemic exacerbated the production exodus. But for some, the final straw came with the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Thousands of families lost their homes, and our local crew members were no exception. With the fires still burning, filmmakers began organizing amongst themselves to fight the good fight - to keep production in LA and, in the process, bring jobs back to the people who need them the most. That brings us to today’s very important episode. I got to sit down with Sarah Adina Smith and Alexandra Pechman, the two filmmakers helming the #StayinLA movement. At the time of this recording, their petition to keep production in LA has garnered just over 20,000 signatures. We discuss the impact of the production exodus, the civic responsibility on the studios’ shoulders to keep our LA neighbors working, and specific action items for anyone who wants to get involved, starting at the local level. Please consider adding your name to the petition and helping the cause by visiting stayinla.org.
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Honeywagons to Hollywood: Rebuilding LA with Zello Support
02/18/2025
Honeywagons to Hollywood: Rebuilding LA with Zello Support
In this minisode, CEO Louis Dargenzio and President John Pollak share the inspiring story of how they pivoted their business model help our community. Alongside an incredible group of volunteers, they sprung into action and created a furniture showroom for families affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Louis began his career as a Teamster Local 399 Honeywagon Driver and worked his way up to become the founder of Zio Studio Services, a leading production services company, and later served as President of Sunset Studios. John is an entertainment executive using his skills to unite the community and help rebuild Los Angeles. Learn More at: https://zellosupport.com/
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Alex Coco - Producer of the Academy Award Nominated ANORA
02/11/2025
Alex Coco - Producer of the Academy Award Nominated ANORA
It’s not everyday you get to sit down with a producer who found out only hours earlier that he is Oscar-nominated and could very well win best picture. That’s exactly how my January 23rd began chatting with Alex Coco, producer of ANORA. I saw the film IN THEATERS with my husband and as a Sean Baker fan, I naturally had to get his producer on the show. Lucky for us, he said yes! 😃 In between a diaper change for his 3 month old son, Alex was astonished, to say the least, when he heard his name announced. He’s been having quite the ride. This past weekend ANORA scooped 7 Critic’s Choice Awards, including Best Picture AND the Eagles won the Superbowl. He’s def #winning. What transpired is an illuminating conversation on the genesis of his working relationship with Sean Baker, the importance of shooting your shot, and the value of leaving your ego at the door. Alex has produced multiple Cannes premieres such as Red Rocket and The Sweet East, as well as Pet Shop Days, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival. He also produced Champ (2022) and Power Signal (2023), both Sundance Film Festival selections. Other producing credits include music videos for Childish Gambino’s “Lithonia” (2024) and Addison Rae’s “Diet Pepsi” (2024).
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