The Lot1 Podcast

Imani Davis is a writer, producer, and a film programmer at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles. A recent LA transplant from Chicago, she is deeply committed to elevating women directors, as well as providing opportunities for emerging talent to break into the film industry. At the American Cinematheque, a 501c3 nonprofit boasting over 1,500 film screenings a year, Imani curates, plans, and executes unique and engaging film events. She has worked to put on events with A-list filmmakers and talent such as Sofia Coppola, Jordan Peele, Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Damien Chazelle, Christopher Nolan, and many more.Also within her work at the American Cinematheque, Imani founded and put on the inaugural PROOF Film Festival in October of 2023. PROOF is one of the first ever short film festivals completely dedicated to proof-of-concept short films. Imani thought of the festival concept and put on the first edition to rousing success within a year of starting her position at the AC. The first year of PROOF included screenings of over 40 hand-picked short films from emerging talent, industry mixers and panels, and film industry decision makers in attendance such as representatives from Sony, Lionsgate, Gersh Agency, MACRO, Hartbeat Productions, ColorCreative, and more.Outside of her role as a film programmer, Imani co-founded Film Girlz Brunch, a monthly casual meetup of women in film in Los Angeles which has formed a number of partnerships and hosted many events in just over a year of starting. She also co-hosts “Players: A Film Industry Podcast” with fellow filmmaker and producer Demma Strausbaugh which is dedicated to demystifying various industry topics in an accessible and fun way.Connect with Imani:➡️ Instagram: @imanimdavis➡️ TikTok: @imanidavishttps://www.americancinematheque.com/series/proof-proof-of-concept-film-festival-2025/About The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byCarlos Luna & Christopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

Corey is a versatile composer with a blend of unique artistry mixed with a deep understanding of cinematic music. Over a decade now in the business, he got his start writing for motion picture advertising, landing his music in spots for Star Wars, Concussion, The Incredibles 2, and countless other projects. His breakthrough as a film composer came in 2023, with his original music in HBO’s Last Stop Larrimah, produced by Duplass Brothers Productions which went #1 on Netflix in Australia. Later that year he scored the Taika Waititi directed short film “The Lost Voice” in collaboration with Apple. More recently, he served as the composer for Green & Gold, an indie film that won the Audience Choice Award at both Austin Film Festival and Heartland International Film Festival. He frequently collaborates with many brands including Banana Republic, with whom he recently wrote the music behind the Banana Republic x White Lotus Collection in partnership with HBO. He is represented by Warner Chappell. Connect with Corey:➡️ Insta: @coreymartincomposer➡️ TikTok: @coreymartincomposerwww.coreymartinmusic.comAbout The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.💻Saturationhttps://saturation.io/📣 Saturation is a modern, cloud-based budgeting and expense management platform built specifically for filmmakers, producers, and production teams. Designed by industry professionals, it helps streamline financial workflows for films, TV shows, commercials, and more. With real-time collaboration features, customizable budget templates, and automated expense tracking, Saturation eliminates the need for clunky spreadsheets and outdated software. It supports seamless imports from tools like Movie Magic and offers powerful insights and controls without the learning curve. Whether you’re managing a small indie film or a multi-million-dollar production, Saturation gives you clarity, accuracy, and control—all in one place. With a free tier available and proven for use by producers across all budgets, there’s never been a better time to experience the next generation of production finance. ‼️USE OUR AFFILIATE LINK BELOW TO GET STARTED TODAY!https://saturation.io/?ref=lot1Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byChristopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

This week we’re sharing a previously recorded episode from The Lot1 Podcast After Show vault with some one of our fan-favorite guests, Jillian Corsie!–Jillian Corsie is a Filmmaker and Editor working primarily on commercials and feature-length documentaries in addition to directing her own films. On the side, she is a Film Festival Programmer for Slamdance and Salute Your Shorts.Connect with Jillian:➡️ Instagram: @jcorise➡️ TikTok: @salute_your_shortshttps://jilliancorsie.com/About The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.☕Tourist Hat Coffee Companyhttps://touristhatcoffeecompany.com/📣BUY 2 GET 1 | Use code “LOT1BOGO” at check-out to grab your deal! 📣Tourist Hat Coffee Company is a family business with a heart for community, a passion for giving back, and of course, a love for coffee. They strive to offer quality-roasted beans with top-notch customer service while dedicating time and money to being a positive impact in their community.Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byCarlos Luna & Christopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

Sean Conroy is a writer and comedian known for his writing work on shows like Mr. Pickles and Key and Peele. A longtime ASSSSCAT improviser at UCB (since 1997) and a Conan stand-up alum, Sean has also directed a short film, is developing a pilot with Screen Ireland, and has launched several podcasts. He is a member of the WGA and SAG.Connect with Sean:➡️ Instagram: @seanconroy➡️ TikTok: @seanconroywriteseanconroy.comAbout The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.💻Saturationhttps://saturation.io/📣 Saturation is a modern, cloud-based budgeting and expense management platform built specifically for filmmakers, producers, and production teams. Designed by industry professionals, it helps streamline financial workflows for films, TV shows, commercials, and more. With real-time collaboration features, customizable budget templates, and automated expense tracking, Saturation eliminates the need for clunky spreadsheets and outdated software. It supports seamless imports from tools like Movie Magic and offers powerful insights and controls without the learning curve. Whether you’re managing a small indie film or a multi-million-dollar production, Saturation gives you clarity, accuracy, and control—all in one place. With a free tier available and proven for use by producers across all budgets, there’s never been a better time to experience the next generation of production finance. ‼️USE OUR AFFILIATE LINK BELOW TO GET STARTED TODAY!https://saturation.io/?ref=lot1Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byChristopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

Ryan O'Quinn has more than twenty-five years experience in the entertainment industry and is CEO of Damascus Road Media Group and President of Damascus Road Productions. He has created, produced and starred in content across all mediums since 1996 and currently leads a team of experts to curate, develop, acquire and produce commercially-viable film and television content in the faith and family vertical at STX Entertainment.Previously O'Quinn served as a National Marketing Director of Compassion International, the world's largest holistic child-development organization. From Hollywood he developed marketing strategies that saw double-digit year over year growth including the largest increase in 63 years and helped grow the company to more than one billion dollars in annual revenue. O'Quinn authored the #1 best-selling book “Parenting Rules: The Hilarious Handbook for Surviving Parenthood,” which reached #1 in six Amazon categories including "Fastest-selling," "Parenting," "Parenting Humor," and "Relationships." At debut, it was the #3 overall best-selling humor book on Amazon. O'Quinn followed up with a second book, the acclaimed, “Marriage Rules: The Hilarious Handbook for Surviving Marriage.” Along with his wife Heather, O'Quinn is co-owner of Integrity Releasing, a distribution company dedicated to distributing content in the family genre via theatrical releases and streaming platforms. O'Quinn is a member of the Producers Guild of America and serves on various boards including The Institute of Arts & Innovation at Oaks Christian in Westlake Village, CA.  He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, producer Heather O'Quinn, and their 3 children. Connect with Ryan:➡️ Instagram: @ryanoquinnofficialhttp://www.ryanoquinn.com/https://damascusroadprods.com/About The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.☕Tourist Hat Coffee Companyhttps://touristhatcoffeecompany.com/📣BUY 2 GET 1 | Use code “LOT1BOGO” at check-out to grab your deal! 📣Tourist Hat Coffee Company is a family business with a heart for community, a passion for giving back, and of course, a love for coffee. They strive to offer quality-roasted beans with top-notch customer service while dedicating time and money to being a positive impact in their community.Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byCarlos Luna & Christopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

This week we’re sharing a previously recorded episode from The Lot1 Podcast After Show vault with one of our fan-favorite guests, Denis Shepherd!–Denis Shepherd, a Los Angeles-based actor and filmmaker hailing from Chatsworth, California, has been making waves both in front of and behind the camera. His recent starring role in the independent feature film "The Compatriots" and his recurring role on Paramount's "Paradise Lost" have solidified his reputation as a versatile actor with a captivating on-screen presence.In addition to his work on the big screen, Denis has been featured and worked alongside major brands such as Disney, Nike, Google, Microsoft, Skechers, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Panera, Nissan, and Bud Light. His ability to connect with audiences and showcase his range has made him a sought-after talent in the industry.A graduate of the University of Arizona's Film & Television Producing program, Denis has also made significant strides behind the camera. He has written and produced award-winning short films, demonstrating his passion for storytelling and collaboration.Throughout his career, Denis has had the opportunity to collaborate with industry giants such as Gale Anne Hurd, Dave Myers, and John Lee Hancock, further establishing himself as a rising talent in both acting and producing. With his dedication to his craft and commitment to excellence, Denis continues to make strides in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and peers alike.Connect with Denis:➡️ Instagram: @dendshepAbout The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.💻Saturationhttps://saturation.io/📣 Saturation is a modern, cloud-based budgeting and expense management platform built specifically for filmmakers, producers, and production teams. Designed by industry professionals, it helps streamline financial workflows for films, TV shows, commercials, and more. With real-time collaboration features, customizable budget templates, and automated expense tracking, Saturation eliminates the need for clunky spreadsheets and outdated software. It supports seamless imports from tools like Movie Magic and offers powerful insights and controls without the learning curve. Whether you’re managing a small indie film or a multi-million-dollar production, Saturation gives you clarity, accuracy, and control—all in one place.‼️USE OUR AFFILIATE LINK BELOW TO GET STARTED TODAY!https://saturation.io/?ref=lot1Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byChristopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

This week we’re sharing a previously recorded episode from The Lot1 Podcast After Show vault with some of our fan-favorite guests, Stephanie Caleb & Franchesca Lantz!–Stephanie CalebStephanie Caleb is the founder and Co-Chairman of Ardvella Entertainment. She previously served as EVP of Acquisitions and Production at Cinelou Films where she worked for 8 years overseeing project acquisitions and creative advertising for the studios’ self-distributed films including, Golden Globe® nominated film Cake, (Jennifer Aniston), Mr. Church, (Eddie Murphy), Burn Your Maps, (Vera Farmiga), and The Comedian (Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann).Prior to that, Stephanie spent 10 years as the SVP of Creative Affairs and Acquisitions at After Dark Films. She acquired over 76 horror films while also overseeing all development, production and creative advertising efforts. Franchesca LantzFranchesca Lantz began her career at Fox Sports before moving to companies like The Collective, Tower Hill Entertainment, and After Dark Films. In 2014, Franchesca was named VP, Marketing & Development for the newly formed Cinelou Films, where she produced its first and critically acclaimed film, Cake, (Golden Globes, SAG, Critics Choice), Mr. Church, and Burn Your Maps.In 2018, as Head of Development at Don Kee Productions, she produced/EP’d multiple A-List films including Arkansas, (Liam Hemsworth, Vince Vaughn), and The Comeback Trail, (Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman). In 2023 Franchesca joined her long time producing partner Stephanie Caleb to form Ardvella Entertainment. Connect with Stephanie/Franchesca:➡️ Instagram: @ardvellaentertainmenthttps://ardvellaentertainment.comAbout The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.☕Tourist Hat Coffee Companyhttps://touristhatcoffeecompany.com/📣BUY 2 GET 1 | Use code “LOT1BOGO” at check-out to grab your deal! 📣Tourist Hat Coffee Company is a family business with a heart for community, a passion for giving back, and of course, a love for coffee. They strive to offer quality-roasted beans with top-notch customer service while dedicating time and money to being a positive impact in their community.Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byCarlos Lunahttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

Spade Robinson is a filmmaker, educator, and curator with a passion for cinematic storytelling that challenges, enlightens, and inspires. She began curating films and documentary works-in-progress during her time at Sundance Institute, where she worked with the Feature Film Program, Documentary Film Program, and Sundance Film Festival, collaborating with hundreds of filmmakers to shape compelling narratives.As a former programmer for the Los Angeles Film Festival, she curated an entire section of the festival, championing diverse voices and innovative storytelling. She currently serves as the Feature Film Lab Director for the Athena Screenwriting Lab and sits on the selection committees for the prestigious Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship, the FOX Writers Intensive, the Sundance Documentary Fund, and the Chicken & Egg Film Fund.Spade is also an award-winning filmmaker and a dedicated film educator, teaching at the University of Arkansas and Belmont University. She serves on the board of the Rogers Short Film Festival and is the founder of the Atlanta Film Project, a story consulting firm that has collaborated with organizations such as Sundance Institute, Film Independent, HBO, and Disney to support emerging storytellers.Connect with Spade:➡️ Instagram: @spadeinkmedia➡️ TikTok: @atlantafilmprojectwww.atlantafilmproject.comScript From Scratch Screenwriting Workbook - https://www.amazon.com/Script-Scratch-Step-Step-Developing/dp/B0DLNQ198Q/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_pb_opt?ie=UTF8About The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.💻Saturationhttps://saturation.io/📣 Saturation is a modern, cloud-based budgeting and expense management platform built specifically for filmmakers, producers, and production teams. Designed by industry professionals, it helps streamline financial workflows for films, TV shows, commercials, and more. With real-time collaboration features, customizable budget templates, and automated expense tracking, Saturation eliminates the need for clunky spreadsheets and outdated software. It supports seamless imports from tools like Movie Magic and offers powerful insights and controls without the learning curve. Whether you’re managing a small indie film or a multi-million-dollar production, Saturation gives you clarity, accuracy, and control—all in one place. With a free tier available and proven for use by producers across all budgets, there’s never been a better time to experience the next generation of production finance. ‼️GET STARTED TODAY!https://saturation.io/?ref=lot1Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byChristopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast

Brendan Riel is an I.A.T.S.E. local 80 key grip and owner of Legacy Grip. Specializing in camera rigs, specialty camera movement, and vehicle rigs for the motion picture industry, Brendan is also committed to keeping the art of shaping light alive.Throughout his career Brendan has amassed hundreds of commercial credits, tens of feature film credits and a handful of TV show work. Working at scale is no problem - the bigger the rig or lighting setup the better. Drawing from his leadership capabilities, Brendan has successfully brought the visions of DPs and cinematographers alike in collaboration with his network of highly skilled grips.  Brendan's passion for his craft and dedication to excellence have established him as a respected professional in the industry, and he looks forward to sharing his wealth of knowledge with aspiring filmmakers.Connect with Brendan:➡️ Instagram: @ihavethedinero | @legacy_grip➡️ TikTok: @legacygripAbout The Lot1 Podcast ✨The Lot1 Podcast is designed for anyone who is interested in or working in filmmaking. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, we hope you gain the knowledge you need to improve your craft, achieve your filmmaking goals, or simply get an understanding and appreciation for the roles and duties of your peers and colleagues.☕Tourist Hat Coffee Companyhttps://touristhatcoffeecompany.com/📣BUY 2 GET 1 | Use code “LOT1BOGO” at check-out to grab your deal! 📣Tourist Hat Coffee Company is a family business with a heart for community, a passion for giving back, and of course, a love for coffee. They strive to offer quality-roasted beans with top-notch customer service while dedicating time and money to being a positive impact in their community.Follow Us! ⤵️Instagram & TikTok: @thelot1podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/thelot1podcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thelot1podcast–Hosted byDeji Bankole (@deji_bankole)Christopher Henley (@henley_son)Produced byMina VazirianEdited byChristopher Henleyhttps://linktr.ee/thelot1podcast