EP357 | Cinematography Salon Special | Hollywood Always Plays it Safe (w/ David Kruta) (Copy)
Director Mike Pecci joins host David Kruta for a powerful Cinematography Salon crossover podcast on post-COVID Hollywood, AI in filmmaking, studio gatekeeping, and how real creators can thrive by making authentic work in a fear-driven industry. A must-listen for filmmakers navigating today’s creative landscape.
EP353 | Will I Survive the AI Revolution? (w/ FILMCRUX)
Are you going to survive AI? As this technology evolves at a nightmare pace, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. Will I still have a job? Can I make money as an artist? Will I ever make another film? While the big conversations revolve around copyright and originality, it’s hard not to feel like that heat is being stoked by the companies with the most to lose.
What many creatives are really wondering is: Can I trust clients who are already slashing budgets to keep hiring actual humans?
Today’s episode kicks off from a spark on Instagram. After host Mike Pecci shared his thoughts on using generative AI, the comment section blew up. One voice stood out—FILMCRUX, run by Lion El Aton, who had strong opinions on how AI is being used and its value to young filmmakers. Instead of arguing online, Mike invited him on the show.
What followed is a raw, honest, and sometimes heated conversation about AI, the future of creativity, and the very real fear artists are feeling right now. But it’s not all fire and debate—this episode ends on something rare: common ground, hope, and real ideas for how to move forward in an uncertain world.
This one’s for anyone feeling confused, scared, or fired up. Let’s talk about it.
RPRT47 | Why do we keep fighting?! (w/ Mike Pecci)
Tune in now to this week’s electrifying episode of Right Place, Right Time, where host Mike Pecci dives deep into the lifeblood of creativity and why it’s more vital than ever to rally around the artists in our lives. Today, Mike shares a raw, heart‑to‑heart phone call with a longtime friend on the brink of walking away from their filmmaking dreams—truly at their wit’s end after battling Hollywood’s endless roadblocks.
ILWP REMOTE ENCONTERS 05 | Should You Be Afraid of AI?
In the latest episode of "Remote Encounters," hosts Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams tackle some weighty topics with a panel of industry experts against the backdrop of a Las Vegas hangover. Joined by writer/director and AI enthusiast Dave Clark, cinematographer Chris Ortenburger, and FX guru Wren Weichman, the discussion revolves around the transformative impact of AI on filmmaking.
They delve into the potential implications of AI for the industry, including its role in shaping storytelling, the distribution of power in Hollywood, and the challenges filmmakers face in reaching their audience. Peppered with insightful film references and fueled by genuine curiosity, the conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of cinema in the digital age.
From the promise of AI-driven innovation to the ethical considerations it raises, no stone is left unturned as they navigate the intersection of technology and creativity. So whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or simply a lover of cinema, this episode offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of filmmaking.
RPRT49 | Thomas Jane Gets Real About Art, Humanity, and AI’s Role in Our Future
On today’s episode of Right Place / Right Time, hosts Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams sit down with legendary actor Thomas Jane (The Mist, The Punisher, Boogie Nights) for a wide-ranging and deeply inspiring conversation about art, creativity, and the future of humanity.
Tom gets philosophical about surrounding yourself with art, staying open to inspiration, and imagining a hopeful future where man and machine work together to foster growth and life. He takes us on a historical journey through the ancient roots of storytelling — how the spoken word and early music helped shape the world and even predicted the future.
He also shares a powerful personal story: as a 16-year-old kid from the East Coast, he packed his bags and headed to India to pursue acting — an experience that rocked his worldview and opened his mind in unexpected ways. Lance and Tom go deep on the craft and philosophy of acting, while Mike drops hints about a potential future film collaboration with Tom.
This episode is packed with everything you want — insight, adventure, artistic passion, and a fresh shot of inspiration.
RPRT53 | Guy Ritchie Premiere, NYC Creative Life, and Why VEO 3 Won’t Replace Filmmakers
On today’s episode of Right Place / Right Time, Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams dive into a whirlwind of creativity, celebrity moments, and AI disruption. Mike shares stories from his recent trip to Lower Manhattan, where Gina Gizella Manning shot stunning content at the premiere of Guy Ritchie’s new film The Fountain of Youth — and Mike jumped in to edit it on the spot, crafting epic visuals in real-time.
They also talk NYC food adventures, hidden gems discovered with Gina, and what it means to stay creatively energized in one of the world’s greatest cities.
Then the conversation turns to the release of Google’s new AI filmmaking platform, VEO 3 — and why it’s not going to replace directors, editors, or traditional cinema anytime soon. Mike and Lance break down the hype, the fear, and the reality behind AI in film, and offer a grounded perspective on what’s next for working creatives.In this heartfelt episode of the Right Place, Right Time Podcast, Mike and Lance reflect on the power of family, through stories both personal and universal, and how it’s always the right place, right time to be a good person.
ILWP REMOTE ENCOUNTERS 06 | Is Virtual Production the Future of Filmmaking?
In the latest episode of "Remote Encounters," hosts Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams tackle some weighty topics with a panel of industry What is virtual production? And what is the “volume”? In this episode of ILWP’s Remote Encounters is your backstage pass to the innovation of virtual production.
Hosts Mike Pecci and Lance A. Williams sit down with the VP of Vu Daniel Mallek, Aaron Gordon Co-Founder and COO of Synapse Virtual Production, and CEO of CUBE Studio James Hakesley.
They unpack how each of their respective companies are democratizing virtual production, its crossover into various mediums, and the surprising business connections between films, video games, and virtual production, while answering many of your burning questions about these groundbreaking tools in the industry.