WRAP DRINKS
A podcast dedicated to talking with film and television professionals about what actually happens behind the camera. Join us as they tell us what got them into the industry, offer up tips and tricks they've learned along the way, and share some of their more thrilling experiences from set. There's a fine line between 'shitty' and 'genius,' join us as we cross it together.
Episodes
#057 - Simon Chong // Supervising Director
Imagine if you could land a dream job through a series of tweets. Well that's how Supervising Director Simon Chong got hired to work on Bob's Burgers! Join us as we chat with Simon about how he uprooted his life from the UK and moved to LA , the different roles he took on before directing his first episode, and why it takes 9 months to put together one animated episode.
#056 - Matthew Borgatti // Animatronics
Before he escaped set life, Matthew Borgatti was working for legendary set shops designing animatronic props for films like Snakes on a Plane, Garfield, and Alien vs. Predator. Tune in as we chat with Matthew about the elements that go into deciding how much function an animatronic prop needs in order to be picture ready and what some of the on the fly solutions are that this type of work inspires
#055 - BJ McDonnell // Steadicam Operator
You ever wonder how a beautiful "oner" gets shot? Well it's talented operators like BJ McDonnell who use their techniques and skills to capture those elaborate long takes. When he's not operating the steadicam rig, BJ works as the A camera operator on films like The Interview, Fall Guy, and the latest Naked Gun. BJ's love for working on set means that he's less interested in going to work and more
Mini Ep. #05 - Unique Producers Service Operations Manager Adam Roback
If you're down in South Florida, chances are your production has rented gear from Unique Producers Service. On this mini episode, we chat with Adam Roback, the Operations Manager and what it's like to work with local productions to provide equipment. We touch a bit on their history as a rental house, the importance of maintaining their gear, and their customer service approach.
#054 - Vinny Raffa & Mario Pignard Jr. // Balloon Techs
You've definitely seen the stickers, Vinny Raffa has a posse. But for his day time job he's a balloon tech. Both he and Mario Pignard Jr. have been illuminating scenes from above with balloons for over 25 years. Tune in as we chat with these lighting techs about how light balloons work on set, the expectations from production, and how they collaborate with other departments to set up scenes.
#053 - Davy Gomez // Editor
Before he was working on nonlinear edits, NYC based editor Davy Gomez was taking the commercials out of VHS rips of his favorite TV shows. Today, Davy's resume includes work on music videos, commercials, and a popular TV show called "The Bear." Tune in as we pick Davy's brain about post production teams, workflows, bin management, and his methodology when approaching a project.
#052 - Dan Kanes // CEO, Atlas Lens Co.
You know it goes. You make your first movie and you catch the filmmaking bug. Next thing you know, you're working as a PA and breaking into your department of choice and it's not too long before you're as grumpy as the guys that mentored you. For Dan Kanes, this trajectory changed for him when he went to see "Punch Drunk Love" and he fell in love with the look of anamorphic lenses. You would think
#051 - Alexandra Taupier // Director of Photography
Miami based Director of Photography Alexandra Taupier discovered her passion for film making while in school. Through mentorship and on set learning, Alexandra quickly discovered that she has a natural talent for camera operating. This boost of confidence from other operators and cinematographers helped pave the way for her career as a DP. Tune in as we talk with Alexandra about her jump into came
#050 - Alex Chou // Photographer & Digitech
A Florida based technician, Alex Chou marks the start of his career on the day he made an impulse buy on a camera. When he's not taking photos at Swim Week, he's working on set as a digitech, applying fast looks and ensuring that the client only sees the best take coming from the other end of the tether cable. Join us as we chat with Alex about what it's like to work in a city with a hurricane sea
#049 - Emily Gunshor // Costume Designer
A trained dancer, Emily's career came to a halt after an injury kept her from performing. Luckily, her experience in the theater world made the transition to film & television easy when she was offered a costume PA gig. Fast forward to present day, Emily is costuming for popular films like Scream, Halloween, and TV shows like Daredevil: Born Again. Tune in as we talk with Emily about what it's
#048 - Chris Morgan & Andrew Lane // TV Boy Founders
Chris Morgan & Andrew Lane's early days in production introduced them into the very niche world of Hidden Camera Television. They got their start as Production Assistant's on VH1's "Sledgehammer" where they discovered concealable tech, a market that they would become deeply invested in both technically and financially. After a few years of working together, they decided to start their own comp
#047 - Chris Hill // Gaffer
Although he isn't a native Floridian, Gaffer Chris Hill has made the sunshine state his home for the last 15+ years, but that doesn't keep him from traveling for work. In his trusty van, he often finds himself on the road moving to wherever the work is. Not surprising for someone who nearly joined the circus before deciding to enter the film business instead.Join us as we talk with Chris about his
#046 - Alex Tellez // Director & DP
Dallas based Director and DP Alex Tellez has a made a career for herself by strategically curating her Instagram page. By posting the type of content she wanted to be hired to make, Alex found herself getting contacted directly by brands in the sports world to shoot, direct, and edit content for them. Tune in as we talk with Alex about the journey from her days as an intern to her current work dir
#045 - Rian Johnson // Writer & Director
Rian Johnson has been making movies with his friends since he was a kid. By the time he graduated high school he had amassed a portfolio of over 100 shorts. Though he says, "they weren't all great," his tenacity proved to be essential in his career. After graduating he spent years looking for the money to finance his first feature, "Brick", which led him to make his own European romp-around featur
Mini Ep. #04 - Sales Manager Chad Tiller
Chauvet Cinema Group Sales Manager Chad Tiller, sat with us at the 4Wall Vendor Showcase in 2025 to talk lighting, sales approach, and his love for chatting with crew to get feedback on their units. 🏆✅ Follow Us ✅ 🏆ShittyRigs on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shittyrigsShittyRigs on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shittyrigsChad Tiller on IG - https://www.instagram.com/litegearchad/?hl=en
#044 - Sergio Lazarov // Live Producer & Multi-cam Director
Sergio Lazarov is an international live producer and multi-cam director. Starting his career abroad, now based in the United States, his Spanish language productions of The Voice, X-Factor, and The Grammys have taken him around the world. Sergio leans on his background in post-production and love for music to help inform his camera cuts during live events. In addition to live shows, Sergio’s resum
Mini Ep. #03 - Virtual Production Supervisor Eve Roth
Our set at the 2025 4 Wall Showcase would not have been possible without Eve Roth's amazing leadership and design skills. We sat down with Eve to talk about what it takes to run an ideal Virutal Production and got the inside scoop on working with AWGE team to produce a branded piece of ASAP Rocky and Puma.
#043 - Anna Stachow // Makeup Designer
When most people hear the title makeup artist, they think this responsibility only focuses on beauty, but luckily for us, Anna Stachow came on the podcast to clarify this misconception. As a makeup designer, Anna's job is to figure out how best to visualize a character's backstory. Whether that's a fighter that needs special effect bruises, a creature that needs prosthetics, or a teenager who just
Mini Ep. #02 - Mathew Leland & Ben Danielowski
Earlier this year, 4Wall hosted us at their 2025 Vendor Showcase. This year, they went above and beyond to work with their team putting together a volume set just for us. We sat down with Ben and Mat, who were kind enough to explain how the setup works and tell us how their relationship with 4Wall came to be.
#042 - Hillary Spera // Cinematographer
While most cinematographers seem to have a fixed trajectory that eventually lands them a tentpole Marvel series, Hillary Spera's came almost from left-field. Before her contribution to the the Daredevil Born Again series, Hillary was traveling the world as a documentary DP filming on fishing boats, documenting Insane Clown Posse shows, and filming in abortion clinics in the Mid-west. Still, the pu
Mini Ep. #01 - Gaffer Bill Almeida
Bill Almeida is gaffer known for his work on the John Wick Franchise, Fallout, and Instigators. In June 2025, he made some time to stop by the 4 Wall Vendor showcase in Moonachie NJ. Tune in as we pick Bill's brain while we sit on the volume that the 4wall team designed just for Wrap Drinks!
#041 - Jamie Rice // Touring Photographer & Filmmaker
Like most of us breaking into the film industry, Jamie Rice's career began with PA work. Although she quickly knew she didn't want to be an AD, she found a path assisting both directors and producers. When the writer's strike happened, Jamie pivoted and began photographing bands like Meet Me @ The Altar and Daisy Grenade. Tune in as Jamie shares all the lessons she learned during her many shifts i
#040 - Jose Ramirez // Sound Mixer
Jose Ramirez is a Sound Mixer born and raised in Queens NY. You’ve probably heard some of his work on Funny Pages, 2nd Chance, and Bad Shabbos. Unlike most of his peers in SVA, Jose chose the path of sound guy instead of a Director during his undergrad education. He found himself working so much while attending school that he nearly dropped out to work full time. Join us as we pick Jose’s brain ab
#039 - Wolfgang Held // Director of Photography
With a career spanning across 40 years, DP and ASC member Wolfgang Held has been traveling the world photographing award winning films. Whether it's a narrative feature or documentary film, Wolf's choices for lighting, framing, and even how many cameras are on a set are dictated by his verite approach. We talked with Wolf about some of his most notable work, his early projects, and what it's like
#038 - Anni Abbruzzese // Loader & 2nd AC
Anni Abbruzzese is a union loader and 2nd AC who has worked on projects such as Hocus Pocus 2, Castle Rock, and The Instigators. Anni's journey into the camera department began when they were scooped up from their role as a PA by a camera team person who saw their potential. Anni quickly learned the camera department can be a challenging experience that tests your limits, but this taught them
#037 - Stratton Bailey // Underwater Key Grip & Cinematographer
Stratton Bailey is an underwater key grip and cinematographer whose credits include Nanny, Rosemead, and Thalassophobia. Growing up, diving and being in the water became second nature to Stratton. Little did he know he was developing an integral skill for his future career. As the guard for set safety, being a key grip is already a complex line of work and when you add water it can easily become a
#036 - Jen Beauchesne // Food Stylist
Although she is a bit softspoken, Food Stylist Jen Beauchesne is not afraid to dish out the truth on styling food for camera. Before venturing into this craft, Jen was working as a photo assist. After realizing her calling, Jen took the steps to transition careers and has collaborated with innovators such as Victoria Granof and Steve Giralt. Jen's years of experience include commercial work for Du
#035 - Jeremy Balon // Prop Master and Podcaster
Originally based in Ohio, Jeremy dropped out of film school and moved to Florida to pursue his career in film. After several years working in indie production, he joined the union where we was able to work on productions like Elementary, Cold Souls, and Hello Tomorrow. We spoke with Jeremy about his journey and learn about what the prop exam for the union is like, learning to work with big celebri
#034 - Rob "Smitty" Smith // Key Grip
If you've worked on a New York Production, the chance that you've bumped into Smitty on your set is pretty high. If you haven't - it's likely the Key Grip on your set probably trained under him.Born and raised in the Bronx, Rob Smith says he was saved by the film industry after years of getting into trouble on the streets. After a friend brought him to set of a music video in 1990s, he was immedia
#033 - David Mullen // Cinematographer
Perhaps best known for working with the Polish Brothers on Northfork and Twin Falls Idaho, David Mullen has shot over 40 other independent feature films; Jennifer’s Body and the Love Witch to name a few. David's resume also includes television series such as United States of Tara, West World, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.David is not only renowned for his work, but he also has a reputation for be
#032 - Kathleen Kim // Puppeteer
Meet Kathleen Kim, you might have seen her on SNL, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Helpsters, or even Sesame Street, but you probably didn't know it was her. Kathleen is a puppeteer who's been the talent behind some incredible characters.Puppeteering wasn't always a part of Kathleen's original career trajectory but this changed when she took a "puppetry for comedy" improv class. Kathleen's witty se
#031 - Larry Fessenden // Producer, Director, and Founder of Glass Eye Pix
Larry Fessenden is a producer, director, and the founder of Glass Eye Pix. Above all, he is a lover of cinema and not afraid to get involved in the technical process and do the work. In fact, he prefers it. A performer in his own right, when Larry isn't making films, he's starring in them.In many ways, Larry is a local legend and icon of the horror genre. His career spans over 40+ years and 20+ fi
#030 - Tony Pettine // Script Supervisor
Tony Pettine has worked as a Script Supervisor on 50+ films. Tony is also the co-creator of ScriptE, which is the market leader in Script Supervision software with over 5000 users worldwide. On today's episode, we get to dive down the rabbit hole of what it's like to work as a script supervisor on films and television. We get to hear the ins and outs of being a department of one and learn about ho
#029 - Luke Geissbühler // Director of Photography
On this episode, we have a 2 guest segment lined up. First up, Smokey Nelson is back in the studio to co-host. Smokey was the Gaffer on "Half Nelson" and "Blue Valentine". He's also the DP on "Neon Joe Werewolf Hunter".Our featured guest is a good friend of Smokey's, Luke Geissbühler. Luke Geissbühler is a Director of Photography best known for his work on Helvetica, The Borat Films, and Robots.Wi
#028 - Spike Morris // Director of Photography
Visiting all the way from the UK, Director of Photography Spike Morris stopped by the Wrap Drinks set to chat with us about all things cinematography related. Spike's love for photography and working with analogy technology morphed into a passion for filmmaking. Spike's desire for experimentation has led him to work on some exciting projects like Moses Boyd's "Stranger than Fiction" music to video
#027 - Natalie & Simon Cleveland // Post-Producer and Effects Wizard
Ad agencies, lighting design, non-profit work, special effects, protests, and psychedelic art shows; these two have seemingly done it all. Natalie Cleveland currently finds herself as a Producer & Industry Advocate, while Simon Cleveland is working under the title of Lighting & Effects Wizard.In this episode of Wrap Drinks we sit down with the industry power couple to talk about understand
#026 - Blake Steigerwald // Cinematographer and Trinity Operator
Blake's eventual role as a cinematographer didn't happen through the most traditional route. In fact, Blake's stint in the film industry began as a Production Assistant - infamously on the huge sets like "The Dark Knight Rises". Blake's ambitions however took him beyond this when he transitioned to AC work. In recent years, his accomplishments include being the Tech Producer for the NFL featurette
#025 - Heidi Koleto // Prop Master
Heidi Koleto is a Prop Master with experience working on TV Shows such as Barry, Julia, and Kevin Can Fuck Himself. On today's episode, she gives us insight on what it's like to work on these large productions and how she handles the day to day tasks and responsibilities to keep a show running. Throughout this conversation we also learn about some of her amazing quirks that contribute to h
#024 - Demian Neufeld // Drone Operator
Demian Neufeld is a Drone Pilot and the co-owner of Ryders Alley. Before DJI was breaking ground with their cinematic drones, Demian was attempting to fly cameras using RC helicopters. At the age of 12, he started his passion for photography before changing his focus to something more financially secure, pre-med. However, it wasn't long after he graduated that he decided to leave this career and g
#023 - Adrianne Jorge // Film Projectionist
In the era before digital movie theaters, film projectionists were integral part of the movie theater experience. Adrianne Jorge began her journey as a projectionist in college doing film screening in classrooms before moving to local theaters. Adrianne landed her spot in the union through a film festival after proving her value, and would later work for Woody Allen in his private screening room.
#022 - Valerie Armstrong // Writer and Showrunner
Before Valerie Armstrong was able to sell her show "Kevin Can F**k Himself" (spoilers ahead of you haven't watched yet) to AMC, she worked a number of different jobs to pay the rent. Whether it was being an assistant to the owner of a Pistachio farm, working as an NBC Page, or being a writing assistant on "Masters of Sex", these jobs prepared Valerie for the daunting task o
#021 - Jeff Brink // Creator of Blackout
Jeff Brink might currently be known as the CEO of Blackout Lighting Console, but his exploits as a disruptor in the film industry goes back to his days at NYU. In the days when attaching a cinema camera to a drone was unheard of, Jeff and his team were determined to innovate and find a path, paving the way for drone photography as we know it today. Ultimately, this pursuit reached its end and Jeff
#020 - Mayvis Payne // Makeup Artist, Author, and Speaker
Mayvis Payne got her start in makeup artistry in retail before transitioning to the film industry. While working at MAC cosmetics, Mayvis got her break when a "regular customer" turned out to be a producer for BET who was impressed by her talents later recommended her for work on network shows. Today, she is a self published author with her book "Lipgloss Chronicles," in which
#019 - Steve Giralt // Director & Founder of The Garage
Steve Giralt is a director, DP, and photographer with a side of engineer. He founded The Garage to push the art of tabletop cinematography forward and empower artists to create the most innovative work. Steve talks about what it took to make his famous "burger drop" video, how much easier it would be for him today, and how brands keep him busy pushing the limits of what motion control te
#018 - Fletcher Wolfe // Director of Photography
Director of Photography Fletcher Wolfe spent her time working as a juicer, then a gaffer, before finally moving to cinematography. Fletcher recounts the struggle of having to turn down jobs when making a change in departments. Hear about building her own lights, her favorite tools of the trade, and how hard work all pays off as her time on commercials, documentaries, and narrative films has landed
#017 - Nick Neofitidis // One Man Band
Director, Editor, and DP Nick Neofitidis shares stories from his days starting out in the MTV News gear closet, shifting into field work, and eventually getting to shoot and travel as a lone DP. The few essential tools he could bring in his kit were only as useful as the street smarts he had to pick up when traveling through places like South Africa, India, and Peru. Nick's experiences along t
#016 - Joe Bearese // Camera Car Driver
Joe Bearese is a stunt driver and co-owner Metro Camera Cars, providing specialty tracking vehicles for film, television, and commercials. Joe talks us through the unique challenges faced when using this specialized equipment from coordinating multiple moving vehicles to maneuvering tight city streets. Whether it's pushing these vehicles to their limits filming F1 cars or waiting to change a d
#015 - Brian Spears // Makeup FX Artist
Makeup FX artist Brian Spears takes us behind the scenes, sharing insights into the magical process of transforming everyday faces and bodies into extraordinary masterpieces for film, television, and more. From crafting intricate prosthetics to seamlessly blending reality with fantasy, Brian possesses a unique blend of artistic vision and technical prowess. Come along on this captivating journey o
#014 - Christelle De Castro // Director & Photographer
Dive into the creative brilliance of Christelle de Castro, a renowned commercial Director and Photographer, whose work has made an indelible mark on the industry. Hear how she went from living and working in a dark NYC basement to co-founding the international production company Ground Work. Christelle's visionary touch extends to campaigns for global brands including Nike, Samsung, Supreme, C
#013 - Rebecca Hofherr // Costume Designer
Costume Designer Rebecca Hofherr takes us behind the scenes of movies like Winter's Bone and Good Burger 2, unraveling the creative process, and challenges of creating iconic costumes. Whether it's unexpected encounters with with celebrities like Meryl Streep or working closely Jennifer Lawrence, Rebecca goes deep into the nuances of costume design in today's ever-evolving film industr
#012 - Chris Ingvordsen // Iconic Filmmaker
Chris Ingvordsen is a prolific filmmaker with an incredible career that began during the home video revolution in the 1980s. He produced and directed 24 feature films, working with legendary actors and actresses like Sandra Bullock, Robert Mitchum, Julia Roberts, and more. Ingvordsen's unique approach to filmmaking, influenced by his mentor Larry Cohen, involved tact and resourcefulness, often
#011 - Yessica Curiel-Montoya // Gaffer
Meet Yessica Curiel-Montoya is a brilliant gaffer shaping NYC's visual stories with her lighting wizardry. From iconic skylines to intimate studios, Yessica's passion for crafting mesmerizing atmospheres has earned her a well-deserved reputation. Join us as we take a look into Yessica's remarkable journey, from her early days tinkering with lights to becoming a trailblazing gaffer in a
#010 - Brandon Taylor // Key Grip
Brandon Taylor is a key grip in New York City. Join us as he shares some of his set stories, like getting a dolly up a stubborn flight of stairs, talks about some of the best gear to use on set, and gives advice on how to make a condor do a wheelie (if you're feeling risky). Whether you're a seasoned key grip or you're just starting out, this podcast is full of valuable insights. So li
#009 - Josiah Van Dien // Tour Photographer
Josiah Van Dien, a tour photographer for celebrities like Shawn Mendes, talks with us about his experience shooting concerts, being on tour 305 Days out of the year, and his tips for getting the perfect shot. 10 years in the industry, Josiah shares his insights on how to capture the energy of a live performance and some of the challenges and rewards of being a tour photographer.Support the show
#008 - Jordy Vandeput // YouTube Creator
Jordy Vandeput is the founder of Cinecom, a YouTube channel with over 2.5 million subscribers, focusing on tutorial videos about VFX, editing, and filmmaking. Join us as Jordy shares his processes for the videos he creates and his thoughts on the future of the creator industry.Support the show
#007 - Alan Kudan // Sound Mixer
Alan Kudan is a sound mixer, the voice of God on our show, and host of Lunatics Radio Hour Podcast. Listen in as we discuss how to book more jobs, union versus non-union jobs, and hear some really interesting experiences from his time in the industry.Support the show
#006 - Adam Lukens // Gaffer & Equipment Rental House Owner
Adam Lukens is a gaffer, co-owner of Brooklyn Lighting and Grip, and fernet maker. His time of set has had him working in some of the most random locations in the US under brutal conditions. Listen in as he talks about his favorite rigs and equipment, building secret lounges behind set walls, and what it takes to have the best wrap party.Support the show
#005 - Corey Tatarczuk // Production Designer
Corey Tatarczuk shares some of her insane experiences in NYC. She has done it all from running a NYC Youth Film Program to creating some truly epic sets, including building a lake inside of a warehouse. Learn what it takes to thrive in the art department and how having friends all over can help you get anything done.Support the show
#004 - Bryan Kelley // Grip
Bryan Kelley's time as a grip has brought him all over. Listen in as he talks about what grips do on set, some of the experiences he has had on set, and what it's like being recognized as the real life embodiment of a mascot when you're far away from home.Support the show
#003 - Smokey Nelson // Director of Photography
Director of photography Smokey Nelson, aka the MAD SCIENTIST, talks with us about risk management, problem solving in the moment, and how being adaptable led him to traveling the globe as part of his storied career.Support the show
#002 - Martin Flores // Filmmaker
Martin Flores shares with us some of his incredible encounters with famous filmmakers and experiences working in the film industry.Support the show
#001 - Mike Farino & Bert Mayer // Co-Founders of ShittyRigs
Director of photography Mike Farino and grip/electric Bert Mayer speak about where they met each other, how working together led them to the creation of Shitty Rigs, and how the once innocent blog grew into the globally recognized brand it is today.Support the show
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