Note From Tongal: “Rolling Sound: Podcasts for Filmmakers" is part of a series of Tongal Community-written blog posts that were originally sourced in the Tongal Blog Open Call Project. Read more Tongal Community-written posts here and then Pitch us a topic you'd like to write about for the Tongal Blog!
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Podcasts are nothing new but it seems they are more popular than they have ever been. I love music, but sometimes I need something else to stimulate my mind, especially on long drives or flights. What is amazing is that there are hyper-specific podcasts for anything you want to hear about. Fiction, non-fiction, business, filmmaking, politics, movements, etc. As a filmmaker and creative, there are a ton of great podcasts you can check out. Here, I’ve laid out my six favorite podcasts for filmmakers and creatives, along with my favorite episode, in the hopes that one of them will become your new favorite too.
GoCreative Show
I wouldn’t say this list is in order, however the GoCreative Show was the first podcast I got into and it inspired me to start my own. Ben Consoli not only gets amazing guests, but he is such a good host. You feel like you are in the room with them just having a conversation. Not only does he get amazing DPs (Tim Ives, Greg Fraser, Toby Oliver, Robert McLachlan, Tod Campbell, Ben Kutchins, to name a few) but he brings on set designers, makeup artists, special effects, editors, business professionals and more. In my opinion, it is the most well-rounded filmmaking podcast out there. Being a fan I can’t pick just one favorite episode.
Start here:
Episode 66 with Greig Fraser - DP for Rogue One and Lion
Episode 92 with Tim Ives - DP for Stranger Things
Episode 84 with Robert McLachlan - DP for Game of Thrones
Cinematographer’s Insight
The Cinematographer’s Insight Podcast is my podcast and I’ve worked hard to bring more than just gear talk and film ramblings to the table. We focus on education and telling the stories of successful freelancers. How they made the jump to freelance, mistakes they made, how they got that first ‘big job.’ Everything is on the table. Relationships, mental health, physical health, getting clients, leading crews, accounting and more. The two most popular episodes are solo episodes and are business focused.
Start here:
Episode 20 - From Full-Time to Freelance and Getting Clients
Episode 19 - Accounting 101 for Freelancers
No Film School Podcast
Many of you may be familiar with No Film School as a blog but did you know they also have a podcast? They have a huge library to listen to and it is always relevant. Similar to GoCreative, they look for anyone in the field, not just Cinematographers or Directors. I also like that they provide information to help with your next job. Those end up being my favorite episodes.
Start here:
How to Build the Perfect Lookbook with Adam Egypt
The Cinematography Podcast
Hosted by Ben Rock and Illya Friedman, The Cinematography Podcast brings on top-rated Cinematographers. More often than not, their guest is an ASC member and currently working in the industry. Picking my favorite episode was easy as they interviewed one of my favorite DPs.
Start here:
Episode 33 - Matthew Libatique, ASC - A Star is Born and Venom
Filmmakers Drinking Bourbon
It is exactly what it sounds like. Alexander Elkins and Frank Steele host this laid back podcast about gear, movies and anything related to filmmaking. If you are a fan of bourbon, this is a huge win. But don’t worry if you don’t like bourbon, you will still enjoy the show. Alexander and Frank tackle a lot of topics and aren’t afraid of stirring the pot. My favorite episode does just that.
Start here:
Short Story Long
Short Story Long has nothing to do with movies, filmmaking or technology. However, it is an entrepreneurial podcast that leaves me motivated and inspired after every episode. The people that Chris ‘Drama’ Pfaff brings on are nothing short of incredible. Most of the names you won’t recognize, but Drama only brings on amazing people with incredible stories. All of them have created their own success on their own terms and it is so relatable to being a freelancer. I ask that you listen with an open mind and allow the knowledge to soak in. I’ve changed my business based on things I have learned on this show and I hope it will do the same for you. My episode recommendations will get you started but you can’t go wrong with any of them. I’ve listened to almost every episode and some of them multiple times.
Start here:
Episode 154 - Trevor Moawad - The Importance of Mindset
Episode 142 - Karen Civil - Marketing/Branding Strategist
Episode 117 - Sugar Ray Leonard - Don’t Ever Quit
Episode 65 - Kevion Stirdivant - Personal Development and Goal Setting
