What makes a great horror film director? Does it require that you spend every night watching hours and our of VHS tapes filled with nightmare images, terrifying monsters and blood curdling screams? Or does the art of making an audience shit themselves in fear, come from a deeper understanding of the human condition. A fascination with the dark side that everyone has -- so desperately tries to hide. Horror film directors Mike Pecci (director of 12KM & Who's There) and Prano Bailey-Bond (director of CENSOR) discuss the images that have shaped their careers, the human traits that draw them to a story, and why they chose horror film making as the art form to tell human stories.

If you've ever referred to actors as "The Talent" you might want to pay attention. Directing is one of the most social jobs you can have, and yet so many people who want to direct neglect their relationship with their actors. They aren't unicorns dancing around in front of the camera. They're professionals there to do a job, and it takes more than just rehearsing lines to understand how to effectively direct them. Judith Weston wrote one of the best books about this exact experience entitled "Directing Actors." This book has become almost a bible for our Host Mike Pecci as he preps his first feature. It also provides some great insight for actors like long-time guest and friend of the show Lance Williams. Take literally all of the notes as Mike, Judith, and Lance flesh out the importance of effective communication, the benefits of action verbs, and the how to direct actors.

If you're a listener of this show, you're probably just as in love with Crime Movies as we are. From Scorcese to Truffaut to Takeshi Kitano, Crime films have been absolute staples in the zeitgeist of international cinema for decades. Director Cameron Van Hoy utilized his love for these directors and their work to create the new crime cinema hit: Flinch. Cameron and Host Mike Pecci break down their experience as directors, their love for crime cinema, and which classics they think are required viewing for anyone looking to make a crime film of their own.

"I want to be a great commercial director!" The commercial world beats you up as a Director, so how do you keep the passion up and survive? Director Ron Brodie has an insane wealth of knowledge from directing commercials for huge brands like Aflac to getting a Vimeo Staff Pick to working with the biggest names in media. Understanding what kind of people you want to work with and, more importantly, the kind of person you want to be will help you leave an impression as a Creative. Ron and Host Mike Pecci discuss their experience in the commercial world, creating their individual styles, and the importance of perspective in a creative career.

Director Mike Pecci talks in depth about why he makes movies.
He shares his fascination with the inner voice, the science behind changing your life habits, and the type of characters he loves to put in his films. It's the first time ever one the show that our host goes this deep into what exactly motivates him to direct films.
Pecci also discusses why he thinks that the new release of Zack Snyder's Justice League is so great and what it says about a directors voice.

You did the impossible: You got your film made. Now it's a question of how to get people to see it. Do you release it online? Do you try to get it released in theaters? Or do you try your hand at the film festival circuit? Our guest, Marshall Cook, directed a hysterical look at the ridiculous reality of attending film festivals as a filmmaker in his movie: Film Fest. Host Mike Pecci and Marshall swap stories of attending festivals as directors, the struggle of independent filmmakers, and the comparisons between comedy and horror.

When was the last time you saw a cult classic in a theater? Don't use quarantine as an excuse. How long was it before we shut down since you were at a midnight showing of The Thing? Evil Dead? Rocky Horror? There's a different kind of energy when you're sitting down to watch a raunchy, ridiculous B-Movie. Our guest, Director Kevin Lewis, set out to make a new addition to the cult classic pantheon, and there really isn't much better to add than Nic Cage beating up animatronic demon animals. Host Mike Pecci and Kevin share their love for cult classics, B-Movies, and making a new age version of the cult classic.

There's no secret formula to becoming the next Spielberg or Kubrick. We wish there was, but there really is only one piece of advice we can give to young filmmakers who want to find success: Just Shoot it. Host Mike Pecci is interviewed on his own show this week by the hosts of the Just Shoot It Podcast: Directors Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan. The three discuss the film industry, the struggles of young filmmakers trying to make a name for themselves, and some really great tips of where to look for inspiration and insight on your journey in the film industry.

The question of whether you need to move to LA to make films has been discussed on this show more times than we can count. Host Mike Pecci has repeatedly promoted making films in your hometown. But making films in Boston may seem like skiing in the Adirondacks. They're fine, but you can't really get the same kind of experience as you would going west. Directors Dustin Devlin and Jack Lemay showed that not only can you make a film in Boston worth bragging about, but that it can focus on skiing in the Adirondacks. Mike, Jack, and Dustin discuss the benefits of indie film making, the excitement of action sports film making, and why people might actually like winters in the northeast.

Our Associate Producer, Liam, remembers growing up and binge watching one of my favorite shows: Gossip Girl. A little later, he switched to watching another classic: Pretty Little Liars. Now, he and his roommates are obsessed with Dynasty. These shows all had some things in common: fashion, drama, and most of all EGO. Director Norman Buckley has directed episodes for all of these shows and shares his years of wisdom as a successful TV Director and Professor at UCLA. Host Mike Pecci joins Norman in ILWP's version of a film school lecture that reminds us of the importance of having a strong, small ego.

That hunger... that drive... that NEED to make your film... it's always there. It's always pulsing in your mind. But what if no one else feels it? What if no one else understands? How do you make it a reality? How much are you willing to put on the line? They say you shouldn't put money into your own film, but is it true? Is it really not worth it? Director Josh Lobo thought it was. Host Mike Pecci and Josh discuss the struggles of directing an independent feature film, how to find your crew, and why putting your own money into your film may be the right decision.

How far would you go to make a viral video? Would you make a fool of yourself? Strap on some sexy pants? Beat babies? Technically commit an act of terror? Mike Diva somehow did all of that as he created a slew of classic viral videos like Sexy Sax Guy, the Japanese Trump Commercial, and the Tokyo Stomp. Yeah, he’s that guy. After Mike went viral, he continued on to be a successful music video and commercial director and his most recent epic video for Run the Jewels and the Cyberpunk2077 is a gorgeous cybernetic masterpiece. In this episode, host Mike Pecci talks with Mike Diva about how he went from chasing his shirtless friend around malls to directing commercials for Xbox.

Even when you're doing what you think you want to do, it can be really tough. The job of a director isn't just going on set and yelling action or telling someone to do something faster or slower. The job of a director is all of the other work that goes into making a film. The prep work. The research. The story. Finding the crew. Even building up your career to get to where you want and need to be. Director duo Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott, also known as Cary & Jon, join Director Mike Pecci to really dive into what it means to work as a director.

If you've seen the trailer for Fatman, you know this isn't just another Christmas movie. With such a uniquely fuel-injected take on Santa Claus, Ian and Eshom Nelms have directed what is sure to be an instant Christmas Classic alongside the likes of Gremlins and Die Hard. Director Mike Pecci and the Nelms brothers went deep into the reality of cultivating a collaborative environment on set, watching 60 hours worth of footage in 48, and taking advantage of having Mel Gibson in the edit room.