Happy Tuesday, Dear Listener!

I am humbled by all of you that came out to our mixer last Wednesday, braving the LA drizzle and parking on Wilshire and La Brea, which always makes us question all of our life choices. Here’s a lovely recap made by our very own social media guru, Angela Brittain.

Last week, I had the privilege of doing a field piece on Zello Support. Born out of the entertainment industry, they are a team of volunteers working hard to source furniture for families affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Here’s a 5 minute piece to give you a preview into how amazing they are. Check them out for donation or volunteering opportunities.

angleonproducers

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Also, will be dropping a minisode next Tuesday featuring CEO Louis Dargenzio, who began his career as a Teamster Local 399 Honeywagon Driver. He 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. We will also hear from Zello President John Pollack, an entertainment executive using his skills to unite the community and help rebuild Los Angeles.

Such inspiring gents doing inspiring work!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Special thanks to Sunset Studios for donating the space for us to record!

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, and 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).

Enjoy xx

As always, thanks for doing this life thing with me!

UPCOMING HAPPENINGS

Budgeting Workshop - Announcing this for Patreon peeps first. Join Now!

Emerging Filmmaker Program - Applications are open to female-identifying, early-career filmmakers based in Washington state. Deadline 2/28. Apply

Stowe Writers' Retreats - Five days to invest in your writing and professional development. Deadline 3/3. Apply

WILDFIRE RESOURCES

Hollywood Crew - Keeping this link active in case you are able to support campaigns that are far from their goal. Link

Supporting Artists -  List of Resources for Artists & Art Workers Link

Entertainment Community Fund -  A National human services organization for entertainment and performing arts professionals. Services include social services and emergency financial assistance in times of unexpected critical need, health insurance, resource center, counseling and crisis support, and more. Link

PRODUCER’S CORNER

• READ | No Champagne. No Party - How To Campaign For a 2025 Oscar While LA is On Fire. Link

• LEARN | Budgeting Software - Recently used Saturation on a shoot and really dig it. Streamline️ production budgeting, payments, and actualization. Link

• GROW | Longest Study on Human Happiness - A blend of deep relationships and well-being. Link

• WATCH | STEVE! (martin) - This man is an American treasure. Loving his 2 part doc on Apple.  Link