NOLA Film Scene with Tj & Plaideau

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

From the astounding stages of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival to the big screen of Die Hard 2 and Bill & Ted's, we're thrilled to have William Sadler, the iconic actor, share his riveting journey in the world of acting. William weaves an inspiring tale that began with his memorable performance as Hamlet, his first paying gig. Hear about his transition from being 'Bill' to 'William', a change motivated by Franco Nero during their Die Hard 2 stint.
We also travel down the musical lane with William, where he unveils how he utilized the pandemic to return to his music roots and even record an album! He painted a vivid picture of his writing process, his dedication to a philanthropic cause, and how music became a crucial part of his acting toolbox. His story of molding himself into an elderly man for an audition via special makeup, a move that yielded positive feedback from industry producers, is one for the books.
Finally, William discusses the bittersweet sensation of reprising roles he played years back. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, he warns, citing the physical demands of roles and the blistering heat of New Orleans. But the thrill of bringing a character back to life, especially at the age of 70, is a joy that truly resonates. Join us as we navigate through William's captivating journey, which serves as an invaluable treasure trove of insights for both budding actors and film buffs alike. Listening to William's story is a privilege, and we can't wait for you to join us on this adventure.

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Have you ever stumbled upon the same plot in different movies and thought, "What are the odds?" Well, we hit the jackpot with Ruby Green, who joins us to unravel the mystery of multiple "Thirst Trap" short films converging in the New Orleans film scene. Our laughter-filled chat takes us behind the scenes, as Ruby, a seasoned casting director, producer, and production manager, dishes on the uncanny coincidences that filmmakers often face. She also teases our minds with the potential of uniting these "Thirst Traps" into one expansive crossover universe—a creative endeavor that we cannot wait to see unfold.
Ruby's story is as colorful and textured as the streets of New Orleans. Raised in the city's musical embrace, she takes us down memory lane, from her childhood dreams to her transformative leap into the casting realm. It's a tale of serendipity and street scouting, of embracing the gothic charm and how it shaped her aesthetic sensibilities. Ruby doesn't stop there; she generously shares nuggets of wisdom for actors mastering the self-tape audition. Her advice? Keep it simple, be confident, and nail the technical details. If you've aspired to catch the eye of a casting director, Ruby's insights are your roadmap to making an impression.
Wrapping things up, we venture into the practicalities of the casting world, demystifying the casting platforms and the actor-casting director dynamic. Ruby offers a peek into her decision-making process, highlighting the significance of authenticity and clarity in communications. If you're keen to stay on top of casting calls in the NOLA film scene and beyond, following @rudebellycasting on Instagram is a must. In the spirit of continuous learning and connection, we also suggest checking out Active Access, where narrative projects come alive. With Ruby's stories and tips in your arsenal, your next audition could be the gateway to your big break!

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Ever wondered what it’s like to leap from the world of football to the realm of film? That's exactly what Tavond Francis did, and he's here to share his riveting story. As an actor and former college athlete, Tavond was encouraged by his parents towards theater from a young age. Ignoring it for sports, he'd eventually stumble upon acting during a break from school and it soon took center stage. His journey is filled with excitement, including a background stint in AMC’s Into the Badlands that set the wheels of his acting career in motion.
But Tavond's story is more than a rookie-to-actor transformation. He peels back the curtain on the technical side of his craft, offering valuable nuggets on script breakdown, character embodiment, and adding a personal touch to roles. The guys talk about how techniques learned from Jim Gleason and Sanford Meisner acting schools have shaped their approach to crafting characters. Tavond has a growing interest in stunt work and would love to add that layer to his craft. What's more, he shares delightful anecdotes about working with Peyton and Eli Manning, and his thoughts on work-life balance are refreshingly candid.
Tavond is not one to sugarcoat. He delves into the highs and lows of the industry, stressing the significance of a positive attitude amidst challenges and tough decisions. With tales of switching agencies and sacrifices, he underscores the need for focus and staying grounded. His dream of working in a Tarantino movie and his top five actors he’d love to work with hints at his aspirations. If you're keen on grasping the intricate dynamics of the film industry, this conversation with Tavond is a must-listen. Hear about his journey, acting techniques, and much more, in a conversation that is as inspiring as it is informative.

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Embark on a cinematic journey with us as we engage in an in-depth conversation with the talented writer-director Rachel Jacob. Ever wondered how personal experiences can translate into a deeply moving film? Rachel demystifies this by unveiling her work on 'The Dead Driver', a poignant film based on Michelle Silva's real-life experiences, and discussing the innovative production techniques used, including LED walls.
Rachel's development into directing is nothing less than fascinating. Her reverence for Stanley Kubrick and the lessons learned from the Circle Exercise hosted by Jim Gleason are clearly mirrored in her directing style. She dives deeper into how her writing approach serves her directing process, emphasizing the importance of understanding actors' needs and adopting a less-is-more strategy to achieve natural, realistic performances.
But it doesn't stop there. Rachel shares her insights about the vibrant culture of the New Orleans film scene and the significance of upholding a good reputation in the industry. We also discuss the art of balancing different roles in a production, underscoring the importance of mutual communication and trust. This episode is a captivating exploration into the world of film production, making it a must-listen for all film enthusiasts out there. Buckle up for an illuminating ride!

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Step into the spotlight with us, as we welcome the multi-talented Olivia Peck, a shining star in the Louisiana film industry. Olivia, an actress and singer, unfolds her inspiring journey in the world of entertainment. She lets us in on her early passion for singing and acting, her experiences of studying music education, and how she wears a confident mask over her nerves. A truly inspiring story, not to be missed!
Next up, we touch on a universal struggle - self-doubt. With Olivia leading the way, we delve into how singing lessons can help boost one's confidence and silence the negative voices within. She offers some valuable advice on embracing your unique talents, showing vulnerability, and stepping outside your comfort zone. We share our own experiences too, showing how singing lessons inspired us to take leaps of faith and try new things.
Lastly, join us as we don our dreamer hats and discuss our hopes for the coming decade. We share our dreams of being our own bosses, spending more quality time with loved ones, and creating amazing content alongside our friends. We even give you a sneak peek into potential future projects, including a possible sequel or prequel to Olivia's mockumentary film. Olivia, Tj, and Plaideau wax lyrical about the supportive and vibrant New Orleans community and our shared love for the city's unique vibe. Don't miss out on this insightful and heartwarming episode of Nola Film Scene!

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U