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by Michelle Simone Miller
Join actress and host Michelle Simone Miller and hear from the most interesting people in Entertainment, as well as the inside scoop on all of your favorite films and TV shows. Each week Michelle talks to Directors, Producers, Network Execs, Actors and more, to learn how they started, how they moved up, and any tips they've learned along the way. Mentors on the Mic is the place to find Mentorship without having to ask for it.
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I had the pleasure of speaking with the filmmakers of the 'Love Fictionally' Shorts film block at the 25th Anniversary season of the Tribeca Festival. These films premiered at Tribeca on Friday, June 25th, with additional screenings on Saturday, June 13th at 8:30pm and Sunday, June 14th at 2:00pm. I moderated a Q&A after the screening on June 13th. The description for this block is: Take a humorous, heated and heartfelt journey through love and relationships. KAILY MORGAN SMITH | Director & Producer of 'General Admission' Starring Nina Dobrev, Adam Shapiro, Cedric Yarbrough, Sarah Baker Kaily Morgan Smith is a director, writer, producer, and entrepreneur originally from Denver, Colorado. Her acting credits include THE OFFICE, GILMORE GIRLS, and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. In 2012, Kaily relocated to New York City after being cast as Alicia Silverstone’s understudy in the Broadway production of THE PERFORMERS. In addition to her creative work, Kaily is the co-founder of SeriesFest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. Kaily is the founder of Kind Spirit Studios, her current production company focused on developing bold, character-driven stories with a particular emphasis on female-driven narratives across film and television. DREW VAN STEENBERGEN | Director Writer & Actor of 'Buckets' Starring Drew Van Steenbergen Drew van Steenbergen is an award-winning editor and director with work spanning commercials, narrative series, shorts and interactive storytelling. He serves as the lead editor for Spotify and The Ringer’s Golden Globe winning podcast, “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” and has edited series for Paramount+, Hulu, Disney, ABC, and Comedy Central. Drew has also cut high-profile commercial campaigns for such clients as DoorDash, Bank of America, and NBC’s Abbott Elementary – earning accolades including Clio Awards, Best Editing at the NYTV Festival, and Best Short Film at OutFest LA. TY MOLBAK | Director & Writer of 'You Tryna Say You Love Me?' Starring Asante Blackk, Malia Pyles Ty Molbak (Director, Writer, Producer) was raised between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Whidbey Island, Washington. You Tryna Say You Love Me? marks his first short film with dialogue. As an actor, Ty recently appeared in Hamlet directed by Tony nominee Robert O’Hara and is best known for starring in the BAFTA-winning interactive project Immortality by Sam Barlow which premiered at Tribeca in 2022. Additional credits include Damien Chazelle’s Babylon, Master (Sundance & SXSW 2022), Next Exit (Tribeca 2022), She Taught Love (Hulu), and Law & Order, portraying the counterpart to Luigi Mangione in the series’ viral episode. Directing credits include TAN (a dance-film featuring dancers from San Francisco Ballet), SCORCH (a one-person play), Mary Poppins (reimagined with shadow puppetry), and Something Yellow (a silent short acquired by IndieFlix). Ty is also the founder of Blue Collaborative, a nonprofit production company where he’s produced projects starring actors like Kaia Gerber, Bob Odenkirk, and Nat Wolff. He attended LMU’s School of Film and Television before transferring to Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts and Shakespeare’s Globe in London to study acting. MAGGIE AND TYLER BROWN | Directors & Writers of 'One Night' Starring Rain Spencer, Jackson Reid Kelly, Jahking Guillory Maggie Brown is a filmmaker and advocate for menstrual equity. In middle school, she co-founded The Pad Project, a nonprofit dedicated to ending period stigma worldwide. At 15, she was the associate producer of the Oscar-winning Netflix documentary Period. End of Sentence. (2019). Now 22, Brown graduated from Columbia University, where she spent her senior year interning at A24. One Night marks her official narrative directorial debut. The short, which she co-wrote and directed with her brother, will have its world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Tyler Brown is a director whose work spans music, film, and animation. He has collaborated with Gary Oldman, Duran Duran, Def Leppard, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Trent Reznor. His credits include Willa Amai’s “What’s Up” (1.4M+ views). He writes at Sony Pictures Animation and has been featured in Variety, THR, and Billboard. Special Thanks to Ben Thompson and Alan Seales Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/use
Iconoclast had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 on Tuesday, June 9th.Sponsor:Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!!Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent) writes, directs and stars in this tightly coiled psychological thriller. A reclusive loner's obsession with a live-streaming influencer reshapes his entire existence through one unsettling choice at a time.Connor (Gabriel Basso) is going nowhere: Dead-end job, no real footing in the world, and a growing fixation on Nika (Courtney Eaton), a live-streaming influencer who has no idea he exists. He starts reshaping himself around her: lifting weights, learning to shoot guns and building a version of himself he thinks she'd want. His colleague Morgan (Rain Spencer) is the only thing keeping him tethered to reality, but she's losing her grip.Gabriel Basso is known for The Night Agent, Hillbilly Elegy, The Kings of Summer, and A House of Dynamite. He wrote, directed and starred in Iconoclast.Rain Spencer is known for The Summer I Turned Pretty, Good Girl Jane, One Night, and Big Girls Don't Cry.The film also stars: Noah Centineo, Kiernan Shipka, and Courtney Eaton.Guest:Rain Spencer's IMDbGabriel Basso's IMDbHost:Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMillerTwitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemicWebsite: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.comYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelleIf you like this episode, check out:5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk)
SWITCH had it's World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 in the Indie TV Narrative Showcase. Public 1 (Premiere) Screening - Sunday, June 7 at 8:30PM at Shorts Theater at Spring StudiosPublic 2 Screening - Monday, June 8 at 6:30PM at AMC 19th St. East 6Public 3 Screening - Sunday, June 14 at 2:15 PM at AMC 19th St. East 6Sponsor:Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill!Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!!PAULINE CHALAMET (Lena)Pauline Chalamet is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after rising stars. Pauline can soon be seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Chalamet recently starred in season three of the critically acclaimed HBO Max original comedy series, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” alongside Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series follows four suitemates attending a New England college, as they navigate academics, campus politics, new friendships, and busy sex lives.ISABELLE PLATT (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1)Isabelle is a queer writer/director from Portland, Oregon, currently based in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in screenwriting from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Her work has been shown at numerous festivals, including the International Film Festival of Rotterdam and Bushwick Film Festival. Her stories employ humor, heart, and the fantastical to explore gay stuff, identity crises, and shifting familial relationships. She believes in the power of the rom-com.SOFYA LEVITSKY-WEITZ (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1)Sofya Levitsky-Weitz is a playwright and TV/film writer. She has original TV projects in development with Hulu, 20th Century Studios and Fifth Season. TV work includes FX’s THE BEAR (WGA Award for Outstanding New Comedy for S1 & 2), Hulu’s THE DROPOUT (WGA Nomination), GASLIT on Starz and asa writer/producer on Hulu’s THE TWISTED TALE OF AMANDA KNOX.Levitsky-Weitz has an original film in development–which she will direct–with Marc Platt and has worked on multiple features with Michael Showalter including THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. As a playwright, Sofya’s work has been developed in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Her play FLINCHING is currentlybeing developed by the Hearth for an LA premiere. Her play THIS PARTY SUCKS (2019 Kilroy’s List) is optioned for the stage/film & TV rights by Mark Gordon Pictures and is slated for commercial production.Guest:Pauline's IMDbIsabelle's IMDb Isabelle's WebsiteSofya's IMDb Sofya's WebsiteHost:Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMillerTwitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemicWebsite:
SWITCH had it's World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 in the Indie TV Narrative Showcase. Public 1 (Premiere) Screening - Sunday, June 7 at 8:30PM at Shorts Theater at Spring StudiosPublic 2 Screening - Monday, June 8 at 6:30PM at AMC 19th St. East 6 Public 3 Screening - Sunday, June 14 at 2:15 PM at AMC 19th St. East 6 Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! PAULINE CHALAMET (Lena) Pauline Chalamet is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after rising stars. Pauline can soon be seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Chalamet recently starred in season three of the critically acclaimed HBO Max original comedy series, “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” alongside Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the series follows four suitemates attending a New England college, as they navigate academics, campus politics, new friendships, and busy sex lives. ISABELLE PLATT (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1) Isabelle is a queer writer/director from Portland, Oregon, currently based in Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in screenwriting from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Her work has been shown at numerous festivals, including the International Film Festival of Rotterdam and Bushwick Film Festival. Her stories employ humor, heart, and the fantastical to explore gay stuff, identity crises, and shifting familial relationships. She believes in the power of the rom-com. SOFYA LEVITSKY-WEITZ (Showrunner, Screenwriter, Director, Ep 1) Sofya Levitsky-Weitz is a playwright and TV/film writer. She has original TV projects in development with Hulu, 20th Century Studios and Fifth Season. TV work includes FX’s THE BEAR (WGA Award for Outstanding New Comedy for S1 & 2), Hulu’s THE DROPOUT (WGA Nomination), GASLIT on Starz and asa writer/producer on Hulu’s THE TWISTED TALE OF AMANDA KNOX. Levitsky-Weitz has an original film in development–which she will direct–with Marc Platt and has worked on multiple features with Michael Showalter including THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. As a playwright, Sofya’s work has been developed in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Her play FLINCHING is currentlybeing developed by the Hearth for an LA premiere. Her play THIS PARTY SUCKS (2019 Kilroy’s List) is optioned for the stage/film & TV rights by Mark Gordon Pictures and is slated for commercial production. Guest: Pauline's IMDb Isabelle's IMDb Isabelle's Website Sofya's IMDb Sofya's Website Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: 5th Anniversary Episode - Tribeca Festival Favorites (Best Feature Film, Short film, Doc, Pilot, Talk) How I Got my Press Badge for Tribeca Festival - 4th Anniversary Solo Episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Iconoclast had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2026 on Tuesday, June 9th. Sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor Studio Pilates South Slope and Studio Pilates Cobble Hill! Check out the Intro offer here for Studio Pilates South Slope and the Intro Offer for Studio Pilates Cobble Hill. 6 classes for only $60!!! Synopsis: Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent) writes, directs and stars in this tightly coiled psychological thriller. A reclusive loner's obsession with a live-streaming influencer reshapes his entire existence through one unsettling choice at a time. Connor (Gabriel Basso) is going nowhere: Dead-end job, no real footing in the world, and a growing fixation on Nika (Courtney Eaton), a live-streaming influencer who has no idea he exists. He starts reshaping himself around her: lifting weights, learning to shoot guns and building a version of himself he thinks she'd want. His colleague Morgan (Rain Spencer) is the only thing keeping him tethered to reality, but she's losing her grip. Gabriel Basso is known for The Night Agent, Hillbilly Elegy, The Kings of Summer, and A House of Dynamite. He wrote, directed and starred in Iconoclast. Rain Spencer is known for The Summer I Turned Pretty, Good Girl Jane, One Night, and Big Girls Don't Cry. The film also stars: Noah Centineo, Kiernan Shipka, and Courtney Eaton. Cover Art photo of Gabriel Basso: The Hollywood Reporter Guest: Rain Spencer's IMDb Gabriel Basso's IMDb Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz We're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover Lillian's inspiring journey from winning a $1 million pitch prize at the Tribeca Festival to creating a heartfelt film that resonates across cultures and emotions. In this episode, we explore filmmaking, storytelling, audience connection, and the power of authentic expression.Main Topics & Insights:Lillian's experience winning the Tribeca x AT&T Untold Stories award of $1 million and mentorship from TribecaThe emotional and visual storytelling of Honeyjoon—themes of love, grief, and self-discoveryThe importance of audience reactions and community in theatrical filmmakingThe dynamic process of pre-production, shooting in Portugal, and managing weather challengesPost-production collaboration, editing, sound design, and use of symbolism through colorStrategies for distribution, theatrical release, and staying motivated as a creatorPersonal growth: writing, embracing dark humor, and maintaining an authentic voiceThe impact of storytelling during and after the pandemic—connecting diverse audiencesResources & Links:IMDb WebsiteConnect with Lillian T. Morrell:Support & Engagement:If you enjoyed this episode, leave a five-star review on your favorite platformShare this episode to help stories connect more deeply across audiencesHost:Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMillerTwitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemicWebsite: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.comYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelleIf you like this episode, check out:TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce NorbitzThe First Feature Journey Free Talk at Tribeca
Discover Lillian's inspiring journey from winning a $1 million pitch prize at the Tribeca Festival to creating a heartfelt film that resonates across cultures and emotions. In this episode, we explore filmmaking, storytelling, audience connection, and the power of authentic expression. Main Topics & Insights: Lilian's experience winning the Tribeca x AT&T Untold Stories award of $1 million and mentorship from Tribeca The emotional nad visual storytelling of Honeyjoob - themes of love, grief and self-discovery The importance of audience reactions and community in theatrical filmmaking The dynamic process of pre-production, shooting in Portugal, and managing weather challenges Post-production collaboration, editing, sound design, and use of symbolism through color Strategies for distribution, theatrical release, and staying motivated as a creator Personal growth: writing, embracing dark humor, and maintaining an authentic voice The impact of storytelling during and after the pandemic - connecting diverse audiences Resources & Links: IMDb Website Connect with Lilian T. Mehrel on Instagram and Honeyjoon Instagram Support & Engagement: If you enjoye the episode, please leave a five star review on your favorite platform Share this episode with a friend you know would love it Host: Instagram:@MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.com Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out: TRIBECA SERIES: RESOURCES, PROGRAMS and AWARDS with Director of Artist Programs Bryce Norbitz We're on a new Best 100 Mentorship Podcasts in the US list! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dive into the fascinating world of book-to-screen adaptations with host Michelle Miller and special guest Esther, exploring everything from casting choices to narrative changes that impact how we experience beloved series like Off Campus. Discover behind-the-scenes insights, fan reactions, and the future of adaptations in this lively discussion that fans and industry insiders won’t want to miss.Main Topics Covered:The adaptation process for Off Campus and its cultural significanceDifferences and similarities between book and TV representationsThe importance of trust and fan engagement in adaptation successHow specific scenes and character choices influence viewer perceptionFuture directions for the Briar U universe and adaptation strategiesIn this episode:Esther shares her background in book news and adaptation commentary (Bookish Newsgirl)Analyzing how Off Campus captures school nostalgia and college chaosDiscussion of key scenes like the iconic show me moment and their emotional impactExploring adaptation changes that enhanced storytelling, including character dynamics and plot pacingThe role of social media and fan reactions in shaping adaptation decisionsThe significance of diversity, casting, and visual storytelling in modern adaptationsTimestamps:00:15 - Introduction to Mentors on the Mic and episode focus on book-to-screen adaptations02:33 - Overview of Off Campus series and its recent TV adaptation03:57 - Esther's background in book news, adaptations, and social media presence05:48 - Fan community and mutual love for the Briar U universe10:08 - One word for the adaptation: "Committed" — why production quality matters12:07 - Chemistry and realness behind on-screen couples like Gigi & Walsey and Dean & Allie13:46 - Fan reactions and trust in casting choices20:41 - Visualizing characters in books with aphantasia and its impact on adaptation perceptions25:04 - Comparing adaptation strategies, including The Summer I Turned Pretty and Heated Rivalry30:25 - The importance of episode structure and binge versus weekly release formats32:30 - Book and TV SPOILERS38:00 - Exploring nostalgic references to the 90s and college life scenes38:16 - Watching book adaptations in person with like-minded fans38:33 - Amazon prime tactic for book adaptation seasonal drops46:51 - Changes from the book to adaptation, including Garrett's dependency storyline50:15 - Character development in Logan and Garrett and their backgrounds55:05 - Future seasons, skipped storylines, and expanding the Briar U universe61:48 - Iconic scenes like the show me moment and their emotional resonance63:03 - Our favorite 80s/90s movie moment67:28 - Authentic college experiences captured in show and book72:51 - Most relatable chaotic friend group moments and party scenes75:32 - Closing remarks, community engagement, and upcoming projectsResources & Links:Substack: Off the Record NewsletterConnect with Esther:InstagramTikTokGet the full scoop, analysis, and insider tips on adapting beloved book series—don’t miss this episode for all things book to screen!
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Join actress and host Michelle Simone Miller and hear from the most interesting people in Entertainment, as well as the inside scoop on all of your favorite films and TV shows. Each week Michelle talks to Directors, Producers, Network Execs, Actors and more, to learn how they started, how they moved up, and any tips they've learned along the way. Mentors on the Mic is the place to find Mentorship without having to ask for it.
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