Best in Fest
Host Leslie LaPage, Director of LaFemme International Film Festival uncovers the Secrets of Filmmaking with her lineup of industry professional guests. In every episode you will learn things like how to make the most out of the film festival circuit, how to find a great distribution partner, how to attract A list talent, finding the perfect representation, the dirty little secrets of Hollywood and much more.
Episodes
231 episodes
Jermaine McGhee: From Stage to Screen—Dance, Choreography & Storytelling Through Movement
What does it take to transform a lifetime of dance into powerful storytelling for film, opera, and television? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Les LaPage sits down with Jermaine McGhee—scholar, choreographer, educator, and...
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29:53
From Docu-Follow to Soft Scripted: Audrey Smith on Crafting Reality That Resonates
In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage chats with television producer Audrey Smith about the art and strategy behind reality TV’s evolving sub-genres. Audrey breaks down the difference between docu-follow and soft-scripted form...
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45:32
Breaking Barriers & Busting Myths: “It’s Our Ball” and the Power of Senior Women in Sports
In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, Les Lippa sits down with filmmakers David Morrison, Penny Edmondson, and Judy Marlin to talk about their dynamic documentary It’s Our Ball—the untold story of senior women dominating ...
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44:04
Emmy Winner Bridget Stokes on Sketch Comedy, Episodic Directing & Indie Grit
What does it take to go from indie filmmaker to Emmy-winning director? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Bridget Stokes—trailblazing director of A Black Lady Sketch Show, Hello, Jack!,...
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37:01
Nathan Elliott on Virtual Production & Brand-Backed Cinema
What do PlayStation, storefront media, and cutting-edge documentaries have in common? Nathan Elliott. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with the Canadian entrepreneur, technologist, and filmmaker to discuss ...
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37:20
The Making of “Reminisce” with Ashna Sharan and Wayne Jay
What happens when an aerospace engineer-turned-actor and a multilingual actress-turned-writer join forces? You get Reminisce—a compelling new short film exploring a May-December romance, generational gaps, and power imbalances in love....
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30:07
From Commercial Giants to Intimate Documentarians with Jason & Blue Gerber
In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with powerhouse filmmaking duo Blue and Jason Gerber. From directing award-winning commercials for brands like Walgreens, Chipotle, and Lincoln Park Community Services, to c...
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37:18
From Back to the Future to Blind Logic: Jack Teeter’s Epic Marketing Journey
In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, Leslie speaks with Jack Teeter—marketing legend behind iconic Universal hits like Back to the Future, Scarface, and The Breakfast Club. Now a director and producer, ...
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51:49
Creating on Your Own Terms: Laura Knight on Producing, Storytelling & Owning Your Voice
In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie sits down with powerhouse producer and development executive Laura Knight to talk about the art of telling stories across film, TV, podcasts, and animation. From her early days at ICM to h...
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32:32
More Than Santa Baby: Tamar Springer’s Tribute to Musical Legend Philip Springer
In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie speaks with first-time filmmaker Tamar Springer about her powerful documentary More Than Santa Baby — a heartfelt tribute to her father, legendary composer Philip Springer...
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36:04
Ian Hinden on Building a Music-Game Universe & Reinventing Storytelling
In this visionary episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage talks with Ian Hinden—Las Vegas-born musician, game designer, and immersive storyteller—about redefining how music, gaming, and social commentary collide. Ian dives i...
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32:44
Laura Harrington on Acting with DiCaprio, Writing for Scorsese, and Crafting Stories That Matter - Ep #221
In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes acclaimed actress-turned-screenwriter Laura Harrington, whose career has spanned blockbuster sets and award-winning scripts. From starring opposite Leonardo D...
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44:00
Elizabeth Quinn on Writing with Grit, Producing with Passion & the Real Story Behind 'Going Reno' - Ep #220
In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes writer, producer, and performer Elizabeth Quinn, whose sharp wit and love for offbeat stories have earned her a spot at the 2024 Tribeca Festival with her audio drama ...
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43:32
Krisztina Goda on Female Filmmaking, International Storytelling & Surviving the Creative Process - Ep #219
In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with one of Hungary’s most celebrated directors, Krisztina Goda, whose breakout hit Just Sex and Nothing Else catapulted her to fame. Goda shares h...
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28:54
From the Writers’ Room to the Revolution: Michael Daley on TV’s Changing Landscape
In this episode of Best in Fest, festival director Leslie LaPage sits down with veteran TV writer Michael FX Daley—whose credits include CSI, The X-Files, Reaper, Maniac, and The Leftovers—f...
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30:16
Ido Samuel: From Tel Aviv to Hulu—Crafting Characters with Purpose - Ep #217
In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with acclaimed international actor Ido Samuel, known for his roles in We Were the Lucky Ones, FBI: International, Tehran, and the award-winning short <...
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27:53
Behind FBOY Island, Rhythm & Flow, and Building TV Gold with Kellie Dancho - Ep #216
Ready to pull back the curtain on reality TV? In this episode of Best in Fest, powerhouse producer Kellie Dancho—the creative force behind hits like FBOY Island, America’s Got Talent, and Rhythm & Flow—s...
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39:23
From Blood-Curdling Screams to Streamboat Dreams: Allison Pittel on Acting vs Producing - Ep #215
What do exploding Zoom speakers, killer mice, and surprise parades have in common? Actress and producer Allison Pittel.In this no-holds-barred episode of Best in Fest, Allison dishes on her rise as a modern scream queen—f...
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29:45
Crush Your Goals with The DEB Method — Productivity Secrets from Debra Eckerling - Ep #214
Struggling to stay on track with your creative or professional goals? Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins Best in Fest to break down her powerful DEB Method—Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Option...
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38:40
From Marine to Hollywood: Dee Freeman’s Journey of Tenacity, Theater, and Truth - Ep #213
What does it take to transition from the U.S. Marine Corps to the big screen? Actress Dee Freeman shares her incredible journey from serving in the military to gracing the stage and screen, including her gripping true-crime solo show, Poiso...
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36:59
From Fitness to Film: Kerstin Schulze on Building Strength & Success in Hollywood - Ep #212
In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress and fitness expert Kerstin Schulze to uncover the secrets behind Hollywood’s most sculpted bodies. From training A-list stars like Chris Hemsworth to landing ro...
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33:59
Film, Reality TV, and the Power of Storytelling with Alpesh Patel - Ep #211
From Bollywood dreams to Hollywood reality, filmmaker and editor Alpesh Patel shares his incredible journey in the entertainment industry. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage dives into Patel’s career—from writing award...
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29:42
From Script to Screen: The Hustle Behind Hollywood’s Hidden Gems - Ep #210
Award-winning screenwriter Amir Ohebsion joins Best in Fest to share the real journey behind getting an indie film made—from winning Slamdance to self-producing his own features. Discover the highs, the hustle, and the hard truths of H...
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31:58
From Model to Movie Star: Blake Boyd on Acting, Hollywood & Taking Risks - Ep #209
What does it take to go from modeling to starring in films with Hollywood legends? Actor Blake Boyd joins Best in Fest to share his journey—from off-Broadway stages to leading roles in movies like Cash Collectors. He dishes on...
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35:42
From Startups to Superheroes: Nimrod May’s Journey with God’s Gang - Ep #208
What happens when a media strategist and startup expert turns his passion into an animated series with a mission? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Nimrod May, the visionary behind God’s Gang, ...
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38:36