Writer-director Austin Glasser joins Filmmaker Mixer to discuss his short film The Writer, which premiered at the Austin Film Festival and stars Neal McDonough, Jefferson White, and Sara Paxton.

In this conversation, Austin breaks down writing with restraint, directing seasoned actors, navigating production limitations, and shaping a short film for festival audiences. Filmmakers will learn practical insights on actor collaboration, script-to-screen decisions, and what it really takes to premiere at a major narrative festival.

What does it really take to design horror makeup for a feature film? In this episode of Filmmaker Mixer, we sit down with makeup designer Sian Richards to break down her work on the horror feature Sinners.Sian dives into creative decision-making, practical effects, collaboration with directors and DPs, and the real challenges of executing horror makeup on an indie feature. Filmmakers will learn how makeup design impacts storytelling, performance, and audience immersion—especially in horror.If you’re a filmmaker, film student, or horror fan curious about how fear is built on set, this episode is for you.

What do great visual effects actually look like? Hint: you’re not supposed to notice them. In this episode, we sit down with Eran Dinur, VFX Supervisor on MARTY SUPREME, to break down how modern visual effects are designed to disappear into story, performance, and cinematography. From subtle enhancements to large-scale problem solving, Eran reveals how VFX can elevate a film without ever calling attention to itself. We dive into the creative and technical challenges of supervising VFX and how to collaborate with directors and cinematographers. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker, editor, or director working with limited resources, this conversation will change how you think about visual effects. If you think VFX is only about spectacle, this episode will prove why restraint, planning, and storytelling matter more than explosions.

Step into the world where fearless athletes meet fearless filmmaking. In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Kardasik, the three-time Emmy Award–winning cinematographer and producer behind HBO’s 100 Foot Wave. From chasing monster swells across continents to capturing the raw emotional journey of Garrett McNamara and the world’s most elite surfers, Vincent reveals how he turns the ocean’s most dangerous moments into some of the most breathtaking imagery on television.

We explore his early days filming skate parks on France’s Atlantic coast, his evolution into aquatic cinematography, and the technical mastery required to shoot inside waves the size of buildings. Vincent shares how he bridges surf culture with mainstream audiences, the storytelling philosophy that shaped 100 Foot Wave, and the creative risks that helped the series finally clinch the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary.

If you love filmmaking, surfing, adventure storytelling, or simply want to understand what it takes to turn chaos into art—this is an episode you won’t forget.

Step inside the sonic world of Jeff Toyne, the acclaimed composer known for blending orchestral virtuosity, modern technology, and a deeply story-driven musical voice. In this episode, Jeff breaks down his recent work on Apple TV’s Palm Royale, starring Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, and Carol Burnett—explaining how he effortlessly merges jazz, Latin rhythms, and orchestral color to evoke the luxe, sun-drenched world of the late 1960s with a modern cinematic edge.

We explore Jeff’s creative process, his hybrid scoring techniques, the challenges of creating period-inspired music that still feels fresh, and how contemporary composers harness technology to elevate emotional storytelling.

Award-winning filmmaker Susie Singer Carter, director of the powerful documentary No Country for Old People, sits down with us to reveal the shocking truths inside America’s broken elder-care system. From understaffed nursing homes to the emotional toll on families, Susie exposes what’s really happening behind closed doors — and what we can do to change it.

In this episode, we explore Susie’s personal journey, the systemic failures she uncovered, the courage of caregivers, and the urgent reforms needed to protect our aging population. If you have a parent, grandparent, or loved one in long-term care — or you expect to age someday — this conversation is essential.

Step inside the dark, emotionally charged world of Sacrificios, the Mexican psychological horror thriller which made its World Premiere at the 2025 Austin Film Festival. In this episode, we sit down with Writer/Director Mauricio Chernovetzky and Writer Alexander Ioshpe to explore the film’s haunting origins, personal inspirations, and the profound examination of grief, faith, and the impossible choices a parent might face. Whether you’re a filmmaker, horror fan, or storytelling enthusiast, this conversation reveals what it takes to build a deeply personal, psychologically intense film that challenges the audience at every turn.

Director Ritesh Gupta (The Red Mask) joins us for a deep dive into his bold new horror film which premiered at FrightFest 2025. The Red Mask stars Helena Howard, Inanna Sarkis, Jake Abel, and Kelli Garner — and it’s not your typical slasher.

Ritesh reveals how this meta-thriller flips the remake trope, explores the war between creators and fans, and uses horror as a lens for cultural identity and internet obsession.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, screenwriter, or horror fan — this episode peels back the mask on what it takes to make a fresh classic in a world obsessed with remakes.