Episodes

  • Lessons from a Producer: Innovating and Networking w/Crystal Simms
    Oct 19 2023

    Looking to break into or just starting out in Hollywood? Get inspired and learn from the best with Twilla Amin's podcast Copy That! This episode features Crystal Simms, an experienced Hollywood producer who shares her insider tips on what it takes to work in Post Production on major docu-series and survive in this industry. Tune into this inspiring episode filled with advice, stories, and of course drinks to get you one step closer to your dream career! With a career spanning nearly 15 years between producing television and branded content, Crystal's experience has taken her from chasing a large animal farm veterinarian across Central Michigan to working with the iconic Steve Harvey on multiple projects. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she started her career as a post PA for a boutique production company and has since produced and post produced shows for CBS, National Geographic, BET, and others. She currently spends her time producing branded content as well as working on various docu-series.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The unexpected journey w/ Amanda Mortlock
    Sep 13 2023

    On this month's episode, we are talking with production extraordinaire turned writer, Amanda Mortlock. If you are curious about what it takes to work in film, television, and commercial production or how to make the transition to the writers' room, this is for you! Amanda Mortlock is a writer and producer based in Los Angeles. She is currently working as a writer on CBS/20th’s TRACKER starring Justin Hartley which is set to premiere in February 2024, and previously served as the writers’ assistant on season two of SACRIFICE on BET+ where she co-wrote an episode. Amanda also recently produced Leah McKendrick’s SCRAMBLED alongside Gillian Bohrer, Jonathan Levine, and Brett Haley, which premiered at SXSW. Originally from Singapore, Amanda moved to the U.S. to attend USC’s Business of Cinematic Arts program. After graduating, she worked at Radical Studios, moving up to Director of Development, where she managed a slate of projects that included Joseph Kosinski’s OBLIVION starring Tom Cruise and HERCULES starring Dwayne Johnson. Amanda left to pursue physical production and produced cult horror films such as SOME KIND OF HATE, BONE TOMAHAWK, BEYOND THE GATES and Blumhouse’s HOLIDAYS. As a line producer and UPM, she has also worked on series for Hulu, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and YouTube Originals, including Michelle Obama’s WAFFLES + MOCHI and TAB TIME starring Tabitha Brown.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Starting your career outside of LA w/ Monet Bullock
    Aug 16 2023

    Join Twilla Amin as she chats with Monet Bullock, who has a thriving career as a producer living outside of Los Angeles. Born and raised in Prince George's County Maryland. Bachelors in Television and Film Production from Towson University. Credits include Family Reunion and The Neighborhood (Associate Producer) BET Awards (Associate Producer) Billboard Awards (PA) National Christmas Tree Lighting and The Grammys (Production Manager)

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Creating Content Wherever You Live w/ Tatiana M. Johnson
    Jul 12 2023

    We are back with our now monthly episode of "Copy That" with writer/producer, Tatiana M. Johnson. Hailing from Durham, NC, Tatiana M. Johnson is an award-winning producer, writer, and creative consultant with more than a decade of experience. She holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Business Management from Hampton University and has worked directly with companies including Leslie Lewis Consulting (Grammy Nomination Production Consultant), WME Entertainment, Canady Foundation for the Arts, Blackspace: An Afrofuturism Digital Makerspace, National Geographic, and Duke University. She has maneuvered through various media industries but finds joy in partnering with creatives to bring their artistic visions to fruition. She operates a talent management/creative consulting company, 1st Lady Management, and serves as a co-Founder for Made for More Entertainment. The mantra she carries with her is “there are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it”. Link to Legacy Wellness Wine: https://halosaltlounge.com/legacywellnesswines

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Finding your path w/ Kristina Thomas
    Jun 14 2023

    Welcome to Copy That's "Finding Your Path" episode with Kristina Thomas! On this podcast, we're lucky to have extraordinary guests who share their inspiring stories of success. Today, we have Kristina Thomas here to tell us how she went from odd jobs to becoming a staff writer. Get ready to be inspired by Kristina's honest insights and anecdotes on her journey to the writer's room! Tune in now and be ready for lots of life-changing advice! #CopyThat #Podcast


    Kristina is a Story Editor on FBI: INTERNATIONAL. She started as a Staff Writer on the HBO science-fiction drama series DEMIMONDE, the first series solely created and written by J.J. Abrams.

    As an East Oakland native who nearly went into law instead of entertainment, her experiences with the impact of poverty and the judicial system on underserved communities have given her a unique perspective that she brings to the table in her writing. Kristina first showed her potential in the documentary side of filmmaking by winning awards that led her to win $50,000 to direct a pilot TV show in New Orleans, Louisiana for MTV/Endemol. Additionally she's consulted on the upcoming scripted comedy podcasts, "YES WE CANNABIS" and "STRANDED" for Broadway Video.

    After paying her dues as script coordinator for such shows as Greenleaf, Lovecraft Country and The Haunting of Bly Manor (S2), her feature "WORTH IT" received some well-deserved recognition as a semi-finalist for the Women in Film/The Black list feature competition and BET's Project Cre8 Feature competition. Throughout 2021 - 2022 she was a mentee of the Women in Film Mentoring Program for Directors and Amy Aniobe's TRIBE Mentoring program.

    Also, Thomas’s comedy short film "HOUSE OF BALLS" based on her time playing women's dodgeball won her actress Mariah Robinson Best Actor at the AFF Alt Film Festival, and the 1/2 pilot script for “House of Balls” was Semi-Finalist for the BET's Project Cre8: TV and Hollyshorts Fest. Recently, her proof of concept short film “WORTH IT” is preparing to premiere at the Toronto Black Film Festival and San Diego Black Film Festival.

    Kristina is a proud alum of Howard University and University of Southern California.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • From Acting to Creating w/ David Hunter Jr.
    Jun 7 2023

    Are you wondering what it takes to make it in Hollywood? Join Twilla Amin on Episode 13 of "Copy That!" for a deep dive into the entertainment industry as she talks to producer/writer David Hunter Jr. about his journey from acting to creating his own content. Hear about the struggles he faced and learn lessons from his successes. Whether you're just starting out or have been around for a while, there's something here for everyone! Tune in, grab your favorite drink and get inspired! Born in Washington D.C. and raised in the Metro Area, David Hunter Jr. is an actor, writer and producer with a desire to tell stories that impact, inspire, educate and entertain. He is a proud graduate of Hampton University and also studied acting at the Identity School of Acting. Since relocating to Los Angeles, he has voiced campaigns for Blavity, Google, Samsung, Audible and HBO along with a variety of commercials, podcasts and animated projects. He also served as the "Voice of God" for the staff at the Dolby Theatre (formerly Kodak Theatre) for the Oscars for over 10 years. Over the last year, David has also worked hand in hand as a producer for Amy Aniobi (Insecure) and her company SuperSpecial helping to produce 2 short films within 1 year as well as producing a short for D'Angelo Louis, Creative Exec at Proximity Media.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Figuring it out w/ Gleana Hill
    May 31 2023

    Welcome to another exciting episode of Copy That! In this week's episode, your host and producer/writer, Twilla Amin, sits down for a candid conversation over drinks with another remarkable industry professional, Gleana Hill, who shares her incredible journey in the world of Hollywood.

    Whether you're an aspiring industry insider, considering a leap into the entertainment world, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of Hollywood, this episode is a must-listen. Twilla and Gleana's insightful conversation offers a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice for navigating the industry's challenges while staying true to your values and beliefs.

    So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and prepare to be inspired. Tune in to this week's episode of Copy That! as Twilla and Gleana share their stories, insights, and hard-won knowledge about what it truly means to succeed in Hollywood. Cheers to growth, perseverance, and finding your place in the entertainment industry!

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Frequently Asked Questions w/ Twilla Amin
    May 10 2023

    Ready to make it big in the entertainment industry? On this all-new episode of the "Copy That" podcast, Twilla Amin shares her expertise and answers YOUR burning questions about breaking into show business. Don't miss this valuable advice straight from an industry insider – tune in for the latest podcast now!

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins