Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking

Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen from the Get Reelisms podcast discuss their recent film experiences, including Christine's encounter with Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio at a film screening, and her new status as an Academy member. The episode offers insights into the exclusive world of prestigious film screenings and the realities of living in Los Angeles. They also talk about the challenges of the film industry, the necessity of side hustles, and the importance of staying in the game despite the difficulties. The hosts underscore the value of life experiences and continuous learning in the filmmaking journey. The episode concludes with the announcement of an upcoming interview with writer and director Rob Spera.
 
Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)   & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 
About Christine W Chen:
Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.
For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com
 
About Adam Rani:
Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.
 
For more information go to getreelisms.com 
For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com
 
WEBISODE version of the Podcast
TIME SUMMARY:
00:00 Introduction and Movie Review
00:40 Welcome to the Get Reelisms Podcast
01:35 Christine's Encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio
04:39 Becoming an Academy Member
09:24 The Perks of Membership
15:37 Networking and Meeting Industry Giants
18:41 Discussing Movie Preferences
19:13 Logistics of Filmmaking
19:39 Experiences on Set
21:05 Challenges of Filming in Mansions
23:37 Living in Different Cities
32:21 The Reality of the Film Industry
38:30 The Impact of AI on Filmmaking
39:59 Conclusion and Upcoming Guest

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Navigating the Challenges of Independent Filmmaking: Insights from '25 Cats from Qatar' Director
In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen welcome back indie documentary filmmaker Mye Hoang to discuss her latest film '25 Cats from Qatar.' Mye shares her experiences and challenges while touring the film, dealing with distribution, and employing innovative strategies like in-person screenings and merchandise sales to engage audiences and fundraise for cat rescues. The conversation also delves into the importance of passion in filmmaking, the difficulties of marketing independent films, and the increasingly fragmented media landscape. The episode is filled with heartfelt moments, practical advice, and insights into the world of indie filmmaking.
 
Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 
About Christine W Chen:
Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.
For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com
About Adam Rani:
Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.
Guest: 
Mye Hoang is a Los Angeles–based producer and director, best known for her feature documentary Cat Daddies (2022), which she directed, produced, and edited. She previously produced acclaimed indie projects such as Man from Reno and I Will Make You Mine, and launched her career with the coming-of-age narrative Viette (2012). A longtime advocate for Asian-American cinema, Hoang also founded the Asian Film Festival of Dallas and served as Artistic Director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival..
 
For more information go to getreelisms.com 
For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com
 
WEBISODE version of the Podcast
getreelisms.com 
 
00:00 Introduction to the Challenges of YouTube Filmmaking
00:36 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest
01:53 Touring with '25 Cats from Qatar'
10:20 The Cat Crisis in Qatar
14:05 Behind the Scenes: Filming in Qatar
25:36 The Bigger Picture: Animal Welfare and Distribution Challenges
39:03 The Challenge of Competing with Streaming Giants
39:28 The Struggle for Financial Viability in Filmmaking
42:12 The Reality of Self-Distribution and Live Events
44:50 The Importance of Merchandise Revenue
47:39 The Difficulties of Independent Film Promotion
52:07 The Impact of Social Media and Algorithms
57:39 The Frustrations of Booking Theaters and Festivals
01:10:34 The Value of Human Connection in Filmmaking
01:11:34 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

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In episode 176 of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss the demanding nature of film production and how it impacts their personal lives. They share behind-the-scenes insights into their recent filmmaking experiences, particularly focusing on the rise and intricacies of vertical short-form dramas. The hosts also delve into the challenges faced due to industry changes, including differing set hours and the widespread adoption of data-driven content creation. Additionally, they touch upon the cultural dynamics influencing current popular content and express concerns on how these trends might shape future media consumption. Despite the struggles, both hosts reflect on the evolving landscape with optimism for the future of creative expression in filmmaking.
 
Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)   & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 
About Christine W Chen:
Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.
For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com
 
About Adam Rani:
Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.
 
For more information go to getreelisms.com 
For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com
 
 
WEBISODE version of the Podcast
getreelisms.com 

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In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss their latest challenges in the filmmaking industry, focusing on Christine's recent experience of having her laptop stolen from her car. They talk about the importance of community support and resilience in the face of setbacks. The episode also touches on the current trends in the film industry, the role of vertical filmmaking, and their personal experiences with the ups and downs of working in film. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of perseverance and staying committed to their passion for filmmaking despite the obstacles.
 
Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)   & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 
About Christine W Chen:
Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.
For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com
 
About Adam Rani:
Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.
 
For more information go to getreelisms.com 
For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com
 
 
WEBISODE version of the Podcast
getreelisms.com 
00:00 The Unfortunate Incident
01:01 Introducing the Get Reelisms Podcast
01:47 A Filmmaker's Life in Austin
03:21 The Dances with Films Festival Experience
06:45 The Aftermath of the Theft
08:09 A Heartwarming Encounter
12:25 Reflecting on the Struggles and Support
16:51 Car Troubles and the Hustle
23:26 Community Support and Moving Forward
27:29 Commitment to the Film Industry
28:00 The Power of Community
29:22 Struggles in the Industry
29:56 Looking Back and Moving Forward
31:15 Navigating Inconsistencies
33:30 Verticals: The New Frontier
34:26 Directing Challenges and Opportunities
43:59 Nostalgia and Media Formats
50:03 The Future of the Film Industry
51:36 Conclusion and Housekeeping
 

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In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen engage with filmmaker Josh Munds to discuss their unique and humorous film 'Peeping Todd.' The conversation dives into the logistics and challenges of creating a musical about a peeping tom, featuring behind-the-scenes anecdotes involving the cast and crew, quirky budget allocations for sex toys, and funny improvisations. Special guest appearances from other crew members further highlight their collective effort in bringing this unconventional project to life. The episode ends with an invitation to watch the film's premiere at Dances with Films in LA's Chinese Theater, promising a night of laughter and creativity.
 
Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) 
About Christine W Chen:
Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.
For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com
About Adam Rani:
Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.
Guest: 
Josh Munds is a filmmaker known for his work on Peeping Todd (2025), as well as earlier shorts Unemployed (2016) and Death Day (2016) IMDb. A former Louisiana Film Prize finalist for Death Day, Josh wrote and directed the dark comedy solo, working with a tight-knit crew of family and friends to bring the project to life in just six days. His recent feature Peeping Todd earned him Best Director honors at the Waco Indie Festival
Peeping Todd (2025) is a darkly comedic thriller that follows Todd, whose obsession with voyeurism spirals out of control. When his secret spying habits are threatened, Todd becomes increasingly unhinged—and ultimately willing to do anything to keep watching the object of his affection, Claire.
 
For more information go to getreelisms.com 
For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com
 
 
WEBISODE version of the Podcast
getreelisms.com 
 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:23 Special Guest Introduction: Josh Munds
03:23 Filmmaking Journey and Shreveport Connections
06:02 Peeping Todd: From Concept to Feature
08:37 Musical Numbers and Choreography Insights
10:47 Production Challenges and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
28:18 Upcoming Screenings and Future Plans
31:34 The HOA Scene and Michael's Request
32:30 Challenges of Filming: Elements and Elderly Actors
33:06 Funny Moments and Props on Set
34:43 Reese's DJ Scene and NSYNC Inspiration
35:44 Wardrobe Callbacks and Prop Reuse
38:46 Filming Locations and Scheduling
41:02 Favorite Moments and Set Dynamics
44:42 Pitching the Film and Community Support
46:56 Sound Design and Test Screenings
55:54 Excitement for the Premiere

 

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