The Shot Callers Podcast
Hosted by Kalvo G. and Shawn Yabui, The Shot Callers Podcast dives deep into the world of filmmaking, movie news, and behind-the-scenes gems. Whether you're a filmmaker, a movie buff, or a tech geek, we’ve got something for you. From breaking down the latest industry trends to geeking out over gear, cameras, and creative processes, Kalvo and Shawn bring real talk, real insights, and real passion to every episode.
Step behind the lens and into the minds of two creatives who live and breathe cinema.
New episodes weekly — let's call the shots together.
Episodes
24 episodes
Aesthetics v. Emotions/ FX2 Unboxing
In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui dive into the contrasting roles of emotion and aesthetics in filmmaking, unpacking how each shapes the viewer’s experience. They also share stories of the worst films they’ve made and how those...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:05:02
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Story v. Symbolism
In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui break down the push and pull between story and symbolism in filmmaking- when to keep visuals straightforward, when to layer meaning, and how to avoid going so abstract that your message gets lost.
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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43:15
Shooting the Moment, Not the Setup
In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui talk about the magic of catching real, unscripted, emotionally honest moments on camera — and how sometimes the best shots happen when you’re not chasing perfection. Whether it’s during rehearsals, between tak...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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45:25
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The Power of the Gaze
Kalvo & Yabui explore how the way you frame a face can completely shift the emotion of a scene. From direct-to-camera shots like Barry Jenkins’ signature gaze to off-angle close-ups in thrillers, they break down how eye contact, proximity, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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59:53
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The Cinematic Eye
Every great cinematographer sees the world a little differently — that’s what gives their work power. In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui break down what it means to “find your eye” behind the camera. From framing and light to instinct and emoti...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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53:13
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What Makes a Film Stand Out?
In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui break down what really separates a forgettable film from one that sticks with you. Is it the story? The shots? The emotion? Or something deeper? From the cinematography to the characters to the rhythm of the e...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:14:05
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Just Do It: Back to the Basics
In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui go back to the beginning — breaking down what it really means to start as a filmmaker or cinematographer when you have a vision but don’t know where to begin. Whether you’ve got a camera in your hand or just a...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:00:30
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We Back... With Purpose!
What makes a shot unforgettable? It’s not just the lighting or the lens — it’s the intention behind it. In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui explore the art of shooting with purpose and how having a clear visual vision sets great filmmakers apart...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:05:15
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I Like Your Style
Every great cinematographer has a look, a visual fingerprint that makes their work instantly recognizable. But how do you discover your own style behind the lens? In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui dive into what it means to build a visual sign...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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49:24
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Genre By Design
From horror’s haunting shadows to comedy’s bright punchlines, every genre has its own visual language and cinematographers are the ones who translate it. In this episode, Kalvo & Yabui break down how the look and feel of a film shift based ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:24:30
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Passion vs. Paycheck: Navigating Creative Burnout
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, Kalvo and Yabui dive into one of the most honest conversations in the creative world: what happens when the thing you love starts to feel like a job? From freelancing to working full-time while...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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58:42
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The Coverage Gap: Are You Shooting to Edit or Telling the Story?
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, we’re talking about the “coverage trap” — the habit of over-shooting scenes from every angle just to “get it in post.” We break down the difference between shooting with intention vs. overshooting fo...
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59:13
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Big Set Energy
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, we break down the role of leadership in keeping the set running smoothly — not just logistically, but emotionally. Whether you’re a director, producer, or department head, your energy sets the tone. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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59:39
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Communicate H**
Whether you're a director, a PA, or somewhere in between, clear communication is key on set. Knowing the language not only helps you work faster — it shows respect for the crew and the process. If you’re serious about filmmaking, this is the ep...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:17:21
Color Me This
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, Kalvo and Yabui dive into the power of color in film and how it influences mood, emotion, and storytelling. From deep blues and fiery reds to muted palettes and bold contrasts, we break down how colo...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:08:06
Shorts v. Features
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, Kalvo and Yabui break down the creative and strategic differences between short films and feature films. From narrative structure and production scope to career impact and festival strategy, we explo...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:35:03
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Setting the Tone: Finding Music in Film
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, we dive into the world of film scoring and sound with special guest Mr. Q — a musician and composer who’s scored multiple short films. We explore how music shapes emotion, sets tone, and enhances sto...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:24:46
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Money Talks: The Costs of Being A Filmmaker
In this episode of The Shot Callers Podcast, Kalvo and Yabui speak with special guest Maverick Durant and dive deep into the money side of moviemaking, including how to plan a film budget. Whether you’re prepping for your first short or produci...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:39:18
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A.I. Is That You Playa?
In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui dive into how artificial intelligence is changing the game for filmmakers — creatively and behind the scenes. From screenwriting and storyboarding to marketing and distribution, we explore both the creative and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:33:59
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The "Art" of Getting to The Big Screen – A Conversation with Jeff Benjamin
💡🎬 Making it in the film industry takes more than just talent—it’s about strategy. In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui sit down with Jeff Benjamin (writer, producer, creative director) t o talk about the real journey to **getting a film to the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:32:43
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Big Screen or Streaming?
🎞️ Theaters or streaming—where should filmmakers aim? Kalvo and Yabui dive into the battle between cinema and streaming services, discussing how the film industry is shifting, what it means for filmmakers, and whether theatrical releases are...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:19:22
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Planning The Shot
🔍 How do filmmakers take an idea from script to screen? Kalvo and Yabui break down their shot-planning process, from storyboarding to on-set adjustments. They’ll also discuss the balance between planning and improvisation. Plus, get a sneak ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:12:12
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