A podcast about
‍how great projects get made.

We head to Fort Worth, Texas—a city that’s quickly becoming a key player in the film world. We sit down with Taylor Hardy, Commissioner at the Fort Worth Film Commission and Director of Video Content at Visit Fort Worth, to explore how this once-overlooked city has transformed into a go-to destination for major productions like 1883, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and even music videos from artists like Kendrick Lamar.

Taylor shares how it all started. Back in 2015, Fort Worth didn’t even have a film office. Fast forward to today, and it’s hosting large-scale productions and attracting top-tier talent. Taylor walks us through that journey—from scouting locations herself as an intern to building a film-friendly culture rooted in community, collaboration, and a can-do attitude.

Taylor highlights the city’s hands-on approach—from helping with scouting and permits to offering hotel rebates and travel support. She also touches on the city's new training initiative, the Fort Worth Film Collaborative, which helps locals jump into film work by applying existing skills to the production world. With over 200 students already enrolled, it’s a clear sign of the city’s investment in long-term industry growth.

Taylor also breaks down the state’s revamped film incentive program and shares how Fort Worth helps productions access these benefits while also offering additional support through local programs and community outreach.

Whether you're a producer looking for a new filming location, a filmmaker navigating state incentives, or someone building out a local crew, this episode is a must-listen.

We dive into the gritty and electrifying world of independent horror filmmaking with director and producer Joe Begos. Known for his visually arresting style and commitment to practical, in-camera effects, Joe shares the unfiltered story of how he built a career outside the traditional studio system.

Joe walks us through his unconventional path, from early childhood fascination with horror to the decision to skip film school and make movies the hard way. He recounts the experience of making his first feature on credit cards and pure hustle to create a film that landed on a major festival stage and launched his career. That same DIY ethos carried through to his next projects, where he refined his skills not just as a director, but as a producer, cinematographer, and even editor, learning every part of the process.

Throughout the conversation, Joe opens up about the evolving challenges of staying independent while growing as an artist. From raising money and managing crew to navigating creative control and working within tight budgets, he offers an honest look at what it takes to keep your vision intact in a collaborative—and often unpredictable—industry. He shares how each film pushed him to learn something new, and how embracing limitations often led to his most creative breakthroughs.

We also explore Joe’s latest film, Jimmy and Stiggs, a deeply personal project built almost entirely in his apartment over four years. What began as a response to the creative paralysis of the pandemic became a full-fledged feature, and now slated for a wide theatrical release through a major new distribution label. Join us for a raw and inspiring conversation where we explore what it truly means to stay creative and resourceful throughout the ups and downs of production.

We explore the evolving landscape of interactive storytelling with Elliot Wolf, executive producer of Prime Video’s On Call and co-founder of Wolf Games. With a strong background in television and a deep appreciation for narrative craft, Elliot shares how he’s bringing storytelling into new territory with Public Eye, an upcoming AI-assisted daily murder mystery game. Designed to offer players a fresh case every day, Public Eye blends traditional storytelling with new technology, allowing users to step into the role of detective and work through immersive investigations.

Elliot walks us through the creative and technical process behind the game’s development, including how AI tools help generate dynamic content while preserving story structure and character consistency. He explains how Public Eye maintains a balance between player choice and narrative coherence, and how personalization can make interactive experiences more engaging.

The conversation also highlights how generative AI is influencing creative workflows, especially in areas like writing, design, and game development. Rather than replacing human input, Elliot emphasizes how AI can support creators by enhancing productivity and enabling new formats. He also shares his thoughts on how these developments could complement more traditional media, potentially offering new ways for audiences to engage with stories and characters between major content releases.

Whether you're interested in gaming, storytelling, or the future of entertainment, this is an episode you wouldn’t want to miss.