272: 10 Gift Ideas For The Creative People In Your Life BraveMaker 2026-09-24 | 272: 10 Gift Ideas For The Creative People In Your Life
306: Why youre not booking jobs as an actor and filmmaker BraveMaker 2025-09-26 | Some thoughts on why you might not be booking. Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
Jane Kaczmarek does acting workshop in Redwod City, Ca (SF Bay) 10-2-25 BraveMaker 2025-09-10 | bravemaker.com/event/actors-workshop-film-screeningJoin us Thursday, October 2nd in Redwood City, CA for an exclusive, in-person acting workshop with Emmy-nominated actor Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle). She’ll be joined by her current film director Rani de Muth and BraveMaker founder/filmmaker Tony Gapastione for an immersive session from 3–6pm designed to help actors AT ALL LEVELS elevate their craft.Participants will have the chance to:Work directly on scenesPerform live monologuesReceive real-time feedback (including the option to submit pre-taped auditions for review)This special workshop also includes dinner and is limited in capacity, so reserve your spot soon!Pricing & Options: (BraveMaker MasterMind Members get 20% off)Option 1: Workshop only + Dinner (3–6pm): $65Option 2: Workshop + Dinner PLUS Screening & Talkback of And Now I Lay Me Down with Jane Kaczmarek (includes discussion on filmmaking, mental health, identity, and self-worth): $80Option 3: Screening Only & Talkback: $30Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn, connect, and gain insight from industry professionals both on screen and behind the camera.FOLLOW DIRECTOR Rani DeMuth:instagram.com/ranidemuth
So some Casting Directors dont like blue backdrops. 🤷🏻♂️ OK. #actoradvice #actingtips #actor BraveMaker 2025-09-09 | ...
Clothes Ruin Everything a comedy about closets, miscommunication & coming out...into your own. BraveMaker 2025-09-06 | A BraveMaker Academy ProductionDirected by Shelly DennisWritten/Produced by Tony GapastioneDirector of photography: Jordan SkipperAssistant Camera Roselle Mandapat Sound Recorder Nicholas Soriano SmithSound Assistant Sebastian Salazar LagardaEdited by Kadian SmithGaffers Brynn Casto, Raul PerezScript Supervisor: Jacob GunterCraft Services: Jacob GunterProduction Assistant: Gabrielle TrejoStarring Dashiell Meier as Christopher “Boss”Adrienne De Santis as AnnaPhilippe Gosselin as JakeArt Spell as MannyLisa Weaver as FrannieTheresa Donahoe as TinaNicole Koch as Molly MartinBelgica Rodriguez as Karla KamachoMandon Durazo as NachoLucas Berry as Dirk Petronisbravemaker.com/bravemaker-academy
New space! Support us: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/bravemaker-office-space-support BraveMaker 2025-09-06 | ...
305: Risk, Fail, Learn: Why we need to do things that scare us BraveMaker 2025-09-05 | Tony discusses why we need to do things that scare us and plan goals that are bigger than we think we can achieve on our own--so we learn by being stretched. instagram.com/tonygapastioneWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
304: BraveMaker Podcast with Natalia Dominguez from HBOs Freaky Tales BraveMaker 2025-08-22 | 🎙️ Actress Natalia Dominguez MOST RECENTLY STARRED in @HBOMAX's #FreakyTales movie opposite Pedro Pascal. 🇸🇻 Natalia Dominguez is a proud Salvadoran-American actor dedicated to telling impactful stories that highlight human struggle, resilience, & triumph. Born & raised in East Palo Alto, California, Natalia’s journey into acting began in her church’s stage productions, where she discovered her love for storytelling and deep connection formed through art.⚡️ Raised by a single mother alongside her three older brothers, Natalia learned the power of perseverance early on. Her experiences shaped her desire to tell authentic stories that reflect the human condition. She works tirelessly to represent Latinos everywhere—especially those from El Salvador. Through her roles in projects like Freshman Year (Netflix), Gabriel, The After, The Alternate, and her most recent achievement in Freaky Tales alongside Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks, Natalia has proven that with hard work and resilience, anything is possible.In addition to her work in film, Natalia has been featured in high-profile commercials for brands such as Lucasfilm, AT&T, Oculus, Dove, SentinelOne, eBay, Apple, Clorox, McDonald's, & Google. Each project allows her to further connect with audiences & showcase her versatility as an actor.👩🏼🤝👩🏽 As a mother of 2 girls, Natalia's passion for storytelling is matched by her commitment to raising empathetic, kind, & strong girls. Through her work & her personal journey, Natalia is determined to give her daughters the voice they need to succeed & live with purpose.🎭️ A continual learner, Natalia has honed her craft through training at Z/A Studios, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Howard Fine Studios and learning from this world. She believes in the power of storytelling as a tool for growth, connection, and understanding, and she remains dedicated to bringing authentic, relatable characters to life.💛 A proud Latina representing her roots, Natalia Dominguez is a force in the entertainment world, inspiring others to dream big, break barriers, & embrace their true selves.pWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
BraveMaker Mixers! Make friends. Make Moves. Make Movies from the SF Bay to L.A. BraveMaker 2025-08-22 | Monthly BraveMaker mixers and meet-ups are for makers of all kinds to build authentic relationships (with out ego, fear or comparison).Find more @ our website bravemaker.com/events& on our Instagram: Filmed by Vernon VincentEdited by @naderbahu4551
BUTTERFLIES: A short film about the voices in our head (Produced by Jessup University & BraveMaker) BraveMaker 2025-08-16 | A Jessup University + BraveMaker ProductionBUTTERFLIES was curated in a screenwriting program offered online in the fall of 2024 through BraveMaker (for the 2nd year in row). Students learned the craft of screenwriting and then get the chance to bring one script to life in a real on set-production experience in the spring of 2025. Written/Co-Directed by Max SchofieldDirected/Produced by Tony GapastioneProduced by Jennifer BlairCast in order of appearance Ephraim Jones as David Evan Chapin as DepressionKylie Blass as AnxietyHadassah Heeregrave as DignityZack Malone as HopeOlivia Nash as AngieStudentsJadyn McFallTara HarnessAaliyah HoyIsabella GliattaJanelle KozaKylie BlassNicole MeikleCrewAirric Qualls: 1st A.D.Dexx Broughton : Director of PhotographyNicholas Soriano Smith: Sound RecorderMarcus To: EditorKadian Smith: Still PhotographerEvan Chapin: Set Dressing/PropsAaliyah Hoy, Austin Rickenbacher, Tara Harness: Production DesignKiera LeRoy and Sam Rosen: Kraft ServicesNicole Meikle: CostumerSong “Take Back Your Love” by: The Rats
303: How do you get stuff done as filmmaker?? BraveMaker 2025-08-15 | Actor/Filmmaker Tony Gapastione---on not just talking about it--but DOING IT.
302: Actress Jane Kaczmarek (Malcom in the Middle) worked w/ director Rani DeMuth on a short film BraveMaker 2025-08-08 | Jane Kaczmarek is best known for her role as ‘Lois’ on television’s award winning Malcolm in the Middle, for which she received 7 consecutive Emmy nominations, multiple Golden Globe and S.A.G. nominations, as well as the Television Critics Award two years running, the only woman to be so honored. She will next be seen among the all-star ensemble in the Duffer Bros upcoming Netflix limited series The Boroughs. She just wrapped the long-awaited reboot of Malcolm in the Middle for Disney +, reuniting with Bryan Cranston & Franke Muniz. Jane’s television career began with iconic series St Elsewhere, The Paper Chase, and Hill Street Blues after graduating from The University of Wisconsin and the Yale School of Drama. Starring in innumerable television series since, she continues in her role as ‘Judge Harm’ on The Simpsons, and more recently received raves from critics & fans for her role as ‘Cal’ opposite LaKeith Stanfield on the Apple + limited series The Changeling, adapted from the bestselling novel.Rani DeMuth is a Carpinteria-based writer/director. Her feature script END OF THE LINE was selected for Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab, Directing Lab & Fast Track Finance Market, with Christina Sibul (Thirteen, Monica) set to produce. Her films have screened at over fifty international festivals and won awards across all categories.She received LACMA’s first Art of Film Award for her short THE DOUBLE starring Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, which sold to Shorts International. Her recent short, AND NOW I LAY ME DOWN, starring Jane Kaczmarek, premiered at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival and won Best Dark Comedy at the HollyshortsComedy Film Festival and the Portland Comedy Film Festival. Rani is a Ryan Murphy HALF Initiative fellow and holds a BFA in painting & experimental film from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago & an MFA from the UCLA School of Theater, Film & TV. She's a member of the Alliance of Women Directors and a classically trained pianist.
STRANGE REMEDY-A BraveMaker Academy Short Film about strangers finding healing in mysterious rooms BraveMaker 2025-07-27 | Closed Captions AVAILABLEStrong Thematic ElementsA BraveMaker Academy ProductionWritten/Directed/Produced by Tony GapastioneDirector of Photography: JJ IslasEdited by Jacob SkolnickPost Production Supervision and Coloring by JJ IslasOriginal Music by AAAASTARRINGJacob Gunter as DAVID Barbara Dial Schubert as ELEANOR Gabrielle Lorein as ELIANA Diquan Richard as RICK Autumn Kelley as MADISON Adrienne De Santis as YVONNE* Dedicated to the healing of our inner child*May you find peace from the past as you live in the present toward a hopeful future.www.BraveMaker.com
Movies, workshops, parties, comedy shows + more. Our 7th annual film fest in Redwood City, CA BraveMaker 2025-07-22 | ...
What is BraveMakers Weekly MasterMind on Mondays? BraveMaker 2025-07-18 | Connection, grow, achieve your creative goalsevery Monday 10am.www.BraveMaker.com/Mastermindbravemaker.com/about-us/membership
301: BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 Recap with Filmmaker Sasha Timan BraveMaker 2025-07-17 | BraveMaker Podcast LIVE: BRAVEMAKER FILM FEST 2025 RECAP with special guests Sasha Timan, Darya Ekamasova, and Marc Thureau-Dangin. 🗓 July 16, 2025🕙 10:00 am PT📍 LIVE on BraveMaker YouTubeSasha Timan is a fearless storyteller whose work bridges documentary realism with emotional, character-driven narratives. A former TV journalist in Moscow and Washington, DC, Sasha now creates intimate films rooted in human rights, immigration, motherhood, and survival. Based in Los Angeles and holding an MFA from UCLA, her latest short Timelessness follows a Russian pianist seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her award-winning film Holy Water, about an elderly woman trapped in a televangelist’s scheme, earned Best Student Film at LA Indies Film Fest.Darya Ekamasova is a Russian award-winning actress whose performances have been featured at Cannes, Venice, and Berlinale. Known for her nuanced and powerful portrayals, she starred in The Americans and most recently played a striking role as a ruthless oligarch mother in the Oscar-winning Anora.Marc Thureau-Dangin is a UCLA Film & TV alum and seasoned 1st Assistant Director. With experience across French television and international productions, he’s worked on projects filmed in prestigious locations like the Élysée Palace and continues developing his voice as a director and producer.Hosted by BraveMaker founder Tony Gapastione, this LIVE episode recaps the most powerful moments from BraveMaker Film Fest 2025, and dives into Sasha’s creative journey, process, and passion for telling stories that matter.#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #BraveMakerFilmFest #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #BraveStories
Sorry To Dump This On You: When alien hunters track Extra Terrestrials to a swap meet, chaos erupts BraveMaker 2025-07-16 | (Closed Captions available)A BraveMaker Academy production Directed by: Tony Gapastione and Rebecca MartinezWritten by: Tony GapastioneProducer: Tony Gapastione and Max WilcoxCast:Theresa Donahoe, Senait Mengstab, Jacob Gunter, Art Spell, Rachel Cho, Gabrielle Trejo, Lucas Berry, Euhno Kim, Darryl Merquillo, Halyna KusnetsovCinematographer:Olga KhludnevaEditor:Aleksei Boychenko(Filmed November 2024, released July 2025)
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #22 BraveMaker 2025-07-14 | Films in Block #22: Voice Box and You.Sleep.Stay.
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #24 BraveMaker 2025-07-14 | Films in Block #24: Time Setters, Missing Rhythms, Noor, Shoebox.
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #18 BraveMaker 2025-07-13 | Films in Block #18: Say as I Say and Lacrimosa.
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #17 BraveMaker 2025-07-13 | Films in Block #17: The Print in the Woods, Hi, Friends!, Lequando, The Specter of Christmas, Dizzy, The Butterfly Project, I hate Love, Rip Her to Pieces, Moving
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #16 BraveMaker 2025-07-13 | Films in Block #16: Grieving Brothers and Memorizing Alison
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #15 Comedy Shorts BraveMaker 2025-07-13 | Films in Block #15: Apology, Aloha Means I love you, Mildred for a Million, Sansedai, We got Ours, And Now I Lay Me Down.
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Block #14 Academy Shorts BraveMaker 2025-07-12 | Films in Block #14: Academy Shorts; Sorry to Dump this on You, Strange Remedy, Clothes Ruin Everything, Objective Intervention
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Sunflower Girl, #1 Dad, Whats the Deal with Birds, Queens Flowers BraveMaker 2025-07-12 | ...
BRAVEMAKER Film Fest 25 Q&R: Vail Trip, Hollow, Three Wishes, Me Porto Bonita, Crossing the Desert BraveMaker 2025-07-12 | ...
BRAVEMAKER 2025 Film Fest LIVE Q&R: Ya Hanouni, Whispers of Color, Car Problems, A Divine Journey BraveMaker 2025-07-12 | ...
BraveMaker Film Fest DAY 1, 2025 BraveMaker 2025-07-12 | Marlee Matlin: Not Alone AnymoreRedwood City, Ca July 10, 2025the premiere in REDWOOD CITY was incredibly moving. To support give to www.deaf-hope.org/about-deafhope
300th BraveMaker Podcast LIVE at the 7th annual BraveMaker Film Fest BraveMaker 2025-07-11 | 300th LIVE with Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam AND special guests from the BraveMaker Film Fest.July 10th, 2025 at the Bravemaker HQ in Redwood City, California with: Hilliard GuessSaeed CrumplerDave ThiesShoshannah Stern Zach Gottsagen Kathryn Smith-McGlynnNiema JordanNaee AndersonLeah Knauer Ken WhittinghamPriscilla Lam
299: BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 - LIVE With Seleted Filmmakers BraveMaker 2025-07-04 | 🎙 BraveMaker Podcast LIVE conversation with BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 selected Filmmakers!🗓 July 3rd, 2025🕙 10:00 AM PT📍 LIVE on BraveMaker YouTubeJoin hosts Tony Gapastione and Belgica Rodriguez for a special conversation with selected creators whose bold stories will be featured in our upcoming festival.🎬 Behind-the-scenes moments🎤 Filmmaking insights💥 Creative inspiration#BraveMakerPodcast #BraveMakerFilmFest2025 #BraveStories #IndependentFilmWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
Tour BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 venues in Redwood City (with closed captions available) BraveMaker 2025-07-03 | Program here: bit.ly/Bravemakerfilmfest Tickets here: bravemaker.com
Trailer # 3 BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 in Redwood City, Ca. JULY 10-13, 2025 BraveMaker 2025-07-01 | INFO + TICKETSbravemaker.com
298: Film Fest 2025 update and BIG ANNOUNCEMENT BraveMaker 2025-06-27 | JOIN US TO FOR ALL THE INFO! Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
Marlee Matlin attends the BraveMaker Film Fest July 10th, 2025 in Redwood City, Ca BraveMaker 2025-06-26 | MORE INFO atwww.BraveMaker.comTickets for July 10th, 2025bravemakerfilmfest2025.eventive.org/schedule/6833ff5388c7cfc97e0f6c6b
Trailer # 2 BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 in Redwood City, Ca BraveMaker 2025-06-20 | The 7th annual BraveMaker Film Fest happens in Redwood City, July 10-13, 2025. Get your passes and tickets at bravemaker.com/film-fest/.
297: EXPLORING PRESSING SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES & CRAFTING NUANCED PERFORMANCES BraveMaker 2025-06-20 | 🎙️ 6/19/25 BraveMaker Podcast LIVE:EXPLORING PRESSING SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES & CRAFTING NUANCED PERFORMANCES with special guest Nijla Mu’min, award-winning writer and filmmaker🗓 June 19, 2025🕙 10:00 am PT📍 LIVE on BraveMaker YouTubeNijla Mu’min is a powerful creative voice shaped by poetry, music, fiction, and dance. Born and raised in the East Bay Area, she weaves deeply personal and socially resonant narratives that spotlight the intersections of identity, justice, and belonging.Her debut feature Jinn — a coming-of-age story about faith, freedom, and first love — premiered at SXSW, where it earned her the Special Jury Award for Screenwriting, and went on to be named a New York Times Critics Pick. Since then, Nijla has made her mark directing episodes of Queen Sugar, Insecure, Swagger, Blindspotting, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, All Rise, and more.She is a Sundance Institute alum, a recipient of the MPAC Media Award for Courage and Conscience, and a ReFrame Rise fellow. She’s currently developing her second feature, Mosswood Park, which was awarded the SFFILM Rainin Grant. Her academic background includes a dual MFA in Film Directing and Creative Writing from CalArts and a BA from UC Berkeley, where she studied under the legendary poet June Jordan.Nijla’s work is bold, intimate, and evocative — and this conversation will dive into how she tells stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.🎥 Link in stories to join us LIVE!#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #WomenInFilm #Filmmakers #IndieFilmWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
296: BraveMaker Podcast LIVE - BREAK IN & LEVEL UP with special guest Joey Tuccio (Roadmap Writers) BraveMaker 2025-06-19 | 🗓 June 18, 2025🕙 10:00 am PT📍 LIVE on BraveMaker YouTubeWriters — ever feel like breaking into the industry is a mystery no one’s willing to explain? Joey Tuccio has been changing that for nearly a decade.Starting his career at Bold Films (Drive, Nightcrawler, Whiplash) and reading for companies repped by Hugh Jackman and George Clooney, Joey saw just how tough it is for writers to get real access and actionable feedback. So he co-founded Roadmap Writers, now one of the leading platforms connecting writers to execs and reps across the industry.Since 2016, Roadmap Writers has helped 440+ writers sign with reps and launch careers at Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Lionsgate, and more. Joey also mentors for Cinestory and The Writers Lab, and somehow still finds time to rescue animals.Whether you’re new to screenwriting or ready to take the leap toward staffing and selling your script — this is your moment.🎥 Link in stories to join us LIVE!#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #JoeyTuccio #RoadmapWriters #Screenwriting #Writers #BreakInHollywood #FilmIndustry #TVWritersWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
Trailer #1 BraveMaker Film Fest 2025 in Redwood City, Ca BraveMaker 2025-06-18 | The 7th annual BraveMaker Film Fest happens in Redwood City, July 10-13, 2025. Get your passes and tickets at bravemaker.com/film-fest/.The BraveMaker Film Festival is a highly-anticipated event that takes place in Redwood City every July.This festival is a celebration of independent cinema and features a wide range of thought-provoking films, including documentaries, narratives, and shorts.We are anticipating some screenings and events will sell out due to limited capacity. One of the key highlights of the festival is the participation of major industry professionals from Los Angeles. These professionals are renowned experts in the film industry, with years of experience and expertise in various aspects of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, screenwriting, and more. They will be participating in panels, workshops, and other events, offering valuable insights, advice, and guidance to filmmakers of all levels.Trailer edited by Marcus To.
295: BraveMaker Podcast LIVE: WRITE • DIRECT • FILM with special guest Kim “Kimmie P” Callaway BraveMaker 2025-06-13 | 🗓 June 12, 2025🕙 10:00 am PT📍 LIVE on BraveMaker YouTubeWriters, directors, and creatives — want to turn your vision into bold, unforgettable stories? Don’t miss this live conversation with Kim “Kimmie P” Callaway, an award-winning writer-director whose work blends humor, heart, and social impact.For over a decade, Kim has written and directed original web series, sketches, music videos, and commercials for major networks and brands including Amazon, Verizon, Ring, AOL, and HuffPost Comedy. Her commercial directing has earned her 4 Telly Awards.She’s the founder of Pillowfight!! Productions, a boutique company focused on visually striking, socially conscious comedy. Her latest short film, Mildred 4 a Million — starring the legendary Marla Gibbs — is currently on the festival circuit, winning Best Comedy Short at Worldfest Houston and screening at Raindance, Dances with Films, BraveMaker, and the SAG-AFTRA Showcase.Originally from Houston with deep creative roots in New Orleans, Kim brings sharp wit and soulful storytelling to every project — along with a background in theater, TV production, and a little Texas Hold’Em.🎥 Link in stories to tune in LIVE.#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #KimCallaway #KimmieP #WriteDirectFilm #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #FilmFest #BraveMakerFilmFest #AmazonStudiosWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
295: BraveMaker Podcast WRITE • DIRECT • FILM with special guest Kim “Kimmie P” Callaway BraveMaker 2025-06-12 | 🗓 June 12, 2025🕙 10:00 am PT📍 LIVE on BraveMaker YouTubeWriters, directors, and creatives — want to turn your vision into bold, unforgettable stories? Don’t miss this live conversation with Kim “Kimmie P” Callaway, an award-winning writer-director whose work blends humor, heart, and social impact.For over a decade, Kim has written and directed original web series, sketches, music videos, and commercials for major networks and brands including Amazon, Verizon, Ring, AOL, and HuffPost Comedy. Her commercial directing has earned her 4 Telly Awards.She’s the founder of Pillowfight!! Productions, a boutique company focused on visually striking, socially conscious comedy. Her latest short film, Mildred 4 a Million — starring the legendary Marla Gibbs — is currently on the festival circuit, winning Best Comedy Short at Worldfest Houston and screening at Raindance, Dances with Films, BraveMaker, and the SAG-AFTRA Showcase.Originally from Houston with deep creative roots in New Orleans, Kim brings sharp wit and soulful storytelling to every project — along with a background in theater, TV production, and a little Texas Hold’Em.🎥 Link in stories to tune in LIVE.#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #KimCallaway #KimmieP #WriteDirectFilm #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #FilmFest #BraveMakerFilmFest #AmazonStudiosWant to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: streamyard.com/pal/d/6734003265077248
