Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking

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 Podcastgetreelisms.com  Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

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 Podcastgetreelisms.com 00:00 The Unfortunate Incident01:01 Introducing the Get Reelisms Podcast01:47 A Filmmaker's Life in Austin03:21 The Dances with Films Festival Experience06:45 The Aftermath of the Theft08:09 A Heartwarming Encounter12:25 Reflecting on the Struggles and Support16:51 Car Troubles and the Hustle23:26 Community Support and Moving Forward27:29 Commitment to the Film Industry28:00 The Power of Community29:22 Struggles in the Industry29:56 Looking Back and Moving Forward31:15 Navigating Inconsistencies33:30 Verticals: The New Frontier34:26 Directing Challenges and Opportunities43:59 Nostalgia and Media Formats50:03 The Future of the Film Industry51:36 Conclusion and Housekeeping  Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

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.comAbout 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 FestivalPeeping 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 Podcastgetreelisms.com  00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:23 Special Guest Introduction: Josh Munds03:23 Filmmaking Journey and Shreveport Connections06:02 Peeping Todd: From Concept to Feature08:37 Musical Numbers and Choreography Insights10:47 Production Challenges and Behind-the-Scenes Stories28:18 Upcoming Screenings and Future Plans31:34 The HOA Scene and Michael's Request32:30 Challenges of Filming: Elements and Elderly Actors33:06 Funny Moments and Props on Set34:43 Reese's DJ Scene and NSYNC Inspiration35:44 Wardrobe Callbacks and Prop Reuse38:46 Filming Locations and Scheduling41:02 Favorite Moments and Set Dynamics44:42 Pitching the Film and Community Support46:56 Sound Design and Test Screenings55:54 Excitement for the Premiere  Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen share their experiences at the Cinegear Expo, a camera-heavy event showcasing the latest in film technology from brands like Canon, Sony, and ARI. The hosts delve into eclectic new technologies like Canon's C 400 camera, which creates proxies simultaneously while recording, and unique filters with built-in glitter for dynamic visual effects. Christine narrates her encounter with legendary DP Sir Roger Deakins and discusses panels featuring creators from Chef's Table and TV genre directors. They also celebrate the practical insights and nostalgia shared by industry veterans like Jim Planette, whose father gaffed iconic films like 'It's a Wonderful Life.' The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of the filmmaking community in LA, emphasizing the importance of persistence, networking, and embracing the ever-evolving technological landscape. 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.comAbout 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 Podcastgetreelisms.com  00:00 Exploring the Overwhelming First Day at Cinegear00:53 Introduction to Get Reelisms Podcast01:15 Navigating Universal Studios for Cinegear02:56 Exciting Camera Gear and Innovations04:13 Canon C400: A Game Changer for Filmmakers08:06 Unique Filters and Creative Tools12:03 Networking and Promoting Get Reelisms13:28 Meeting the Legendary Roger Deakins18:20 Insights from Chef's Table Creator19:52 The Cinematic Journey of Chefs21:48 Challenges of TV Directors22:50 The Magic of Filmmaking23:32 The Struggles and Rewards of LA24:40 Technological Innovations in Filmmaking29:41 The Legacy of Classic Films34:37 Conclusion and Reflections  Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram

In episode 172 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both filmmakers, are joined by illustrators Kellie Penna and Jason. They discuss the origins and creation of their book 'Get Reelisms,' which started on the set of 'Terror Birds' in 2016. The conversation covers the differences in film culture between Austin and Los Angeles, the importance of community, and the challenges faced in the industry today, such as lack of opportunities and financial instability. They also touch on the personal impact of these challenges, the communal nature of Austin, and the advantages and drawbacks of working in LA. The episode ends with plans for future gatherings and the importance of continuing to support 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.comAbout 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.Guests: Team Get ReelismsKellie Penna: A native Texan who moved to Austin shortly after graduating college, Kellie cut her chops in the run and gun indie scene in Austin, doing all things art. 6 or 7 years later, each project gets bigger and better. Kellie is a full time production designer in the film industry. She has been on almost every Christine Chen film. Jason Cates:  Jason Cates is a life long Austin area artist that has worked with Moth to Flame films primarily as a set sound recordist. He is also the creator of Derelict Ink a monthly zine featuring poetry and prose. Vile Trash Poet is his branding for his sound exploration studies with synthesizers and sampling. For more information go to getreelisms.com For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com  WEBISODE version of the Podcastgetreelisms.com 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:33 Reunion and Catching Up01:02 Meet the Team02:49 Origins of Get Reelisms03:58 Creating the Book05:18 Challenges and Successes10:03 The Baby Book Project12:41 Life in Los Angeles vs. Austin15:20 Community and Collaboration31:37 Dating and Social Dynamics35:59 Navigating Dating in the City36:48 The Cost of Socializing37:16 Building Connections in LA39:18 Austin vs. LA: A Comparison39:55 The Creative Community in Austin46:24 Challenges of Filmmaking in LA51:37 The Indie Film Spirit57:04 The Future of Filmmaking01:06:50 Wrapping Up and Future Plans  Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram