Reel Wisdom with Derek Diamond

George Siegal is a former newscaster, sportscaster, and weathercaster. After his career, he transitioned into the world of filmmaking and formed the documentary film company Move the World Films, Inc. He wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary films “The Last House Standing” and “License to Parent.”George joins the show to chat with Derek about the unpredictability of independent filmmaking, how he transitioned from working in news to making film, the raw reality of documentaries, what led to the making of his documentary, "Built to Last: Buyer Beware” and the emotional impact that making the documentary had on him.Follow and subscribe to the show:https://linktree.com/reelwisdompodLearn more about George’s films:https://www.movetheworldfilms.org

Evan Zeisel is a filmmaker, entrepreneur and the co-founder of Copyright Slap, a system which helps independent artists fight piracy by providing an affordable way for creators to protect their work.Evan chats with Derek about what led him to the film industry, his first experience with online piracy and how that led to the creation of Copyright Slap. He also talks about how simply watching indie films on streaming platforms can help the filmmakers, the mind set of consumers when it comes to digital products, and what Copyright Slap offers to filmmakers.Follow and subscribe to the show:https://bit.ly/3yWWIYJLearn more about Copyright Slap:https://copyrightslap.com/

Robert Sciglimpaglia is a Certified Worker’s Compensation Specialist by the Connecticut Bar Association and is admitted to Connecticut and New York, and also the United States Supreme Court. In addition to the practice of law, Robert is also a professional actor and voice-over artist and is a member of SAG-AFTRA.Robert chats with Derek about why he loves to practice law, how law is intertwined into every aspect of human society, and what led him to pursue an acting career. He also talks about how the infamous 2012 Chevy Super Bowl commercial, “Happy Grad”, became a reality, why the commercial taught him to never “phone in” a performance, some of his favorite roles, and the various aspects of entertainment law.Follow and subscribe to the show:https://bit.ly/3yWWIYJCheck out Robert’s acting website:https://bit.ly/4gk8mxPCheck out Robert’s law website:https://bit.ly/4gipXpP

Aurora Winter, MBA, is a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, TV writer-producer and the founder of www.SamePagePublishing.com. Using her expertise in film and neuroscience, she helps people tell memorable stories that build brands, books, and businesses.Aurora chats with Derek about her early career as a film producer, her passion for helping aspiring writers, and why it’s a good idea to turn a screenplay into a book. She also talks about her “Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse” series, listens to Derek pitch the story of his wife’s short film, “Plain Jane”, the need for creative fulfillment, and the challenges of crowdfunding.Check out Aurora’s website:https://www.aurorawinter.com/Follow and subscribe to the show:https://linktree.com/reelwisdompod

Kurtz Frausun is a four time award-winning experimental filmmaker. He's a graduate of Southern Methodist University, a member of the International Association of Press Photographers, and founder of Versus Opinion Clothing.Kurtz chats with Derek about growing up on classic films, how those led to his pursuit of filmmaking, and their mutual respect for different film styles. They also discuss how an abusive relationship motivated Kurtz’s latest documentary, “Men Behind Closed Doors: Stories For Survival,” how he helped the men involved to become more comfortable in telling their stories, and how simply talking can help us as a society.WARNING: Strong language throughout the episode.Follow and subscribe to the show:https://bit.ly/3yWWIYJWatch “Men Behind Closed Doors: Stories For Survival":https://bit.ly/3XlG8eDCheck out Kurtz's website:https://bit.ly/3Xk1HMG

Jeffrey Morgan is a documentary filmmaker. Born in California and raised in Alaska, Jeffrey made fifteen short films before finishing high school and with the financial assistance from his Native American tribe, the Fallon Paiute, he graduated from NYU’s Kanbar Institute of Film and Television in 1999. His debut documentary feature “Lillie & Leander: A Legacy of Violence” world premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival to much acclaim and was co-presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Jeffrey chats with Derek about how growing up in a small town in Alaska led to his interest in film, attending New York University’s film program, and how a meeting with Alice Brewton Hurwitz resulted in the making of “Lillie & Leander: A Legacy of Violence.” He also talks about the town of Jay was mentioned throughout production and how the story of Gus Benjamin’s murder led to the creation of the “Welcome to Jay” documentary. Follow and subscribe to the show: https://bit.ly/3yWWIYJ Follow “Welcome to Jay” on social media: Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Aw4GIW Instagram: https://bit.ly/4dTAu8S Watch the “Welcome to Jay” trailer: https://bit.ly/3Xc0JSt Learn more about the “Welcome to Jay” premiere: https://bit.ly/4fWXHc8

Jonathan Miller is the founder and CEO of Parsonex Enterprises and its affiliates. A visionary financial professional with over two decades of experience, he has guided Parsonex to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in North America.Not content to rest on his laurels in finance, Jonathan has also ventured into the entertainment sector. His debut feature film, "Publish or Perish," produced through Alation Media, has garnered numerous awards at international film festivals.He chats with Derek about how he got involved with “Publish or Perish” and the challenges he faced as a first-time producer. He also breaks down the process of getting a film financed and offers advice to aspiring producers.Check out Jonathan’s website:https://www.parsonex.com/Follow “Publish or Perish” on social media:https://www.facebook.com/publishperishhttps://www.instagram.com/publishperishmovie/Follow and subscribe to the show:https://linktree.com/reelwisdompod

Joe R. Lansdale is an author and screenwriter who has written novels and stories in many genres, including western, horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense. He has also written for comics as well as "Batman: The Animated Series." He chats with Derek about how film and comics influence his work, his writing process, and his unique view on screenwriting. He also talks about the process of his work being adapted for film and television, and writing for “Batman: The Animated Series.”Check out Joe’s website:https://www.joerlansdale.com/Follow and subscribe to the show:http://linktree.com/reelwisdompod