Filming a Horror Movie in Rural Italy: Community, Crew, and Non-Actors

Conversation with Italian filmmaker A.M. Nonnis, with Matthew Toffolo, on the making of an independent feature horror film using an all non-actor cast, and the resources of the small town. Using the excitement of the town to make an award winning feature film.

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LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/bVvnplt1E74

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Red Wins, 77min., Italy

Directed by A.M. Nonnis

Six people play a dark and ruthless gambling game in which every card can either grant significant rewards or decree a death sentence. With each turn, a mysterious red light selects the player, inexorably determining the fate of every participant.

https://www.instagram.com/mattia_nonnis

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-red-wins

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was driven by passion and stubbornness. I almost had no money to make this project, but I had amazing and talented people around me who made it happen. I was allowed to use our town’s beautiful theater for filming, found the actors, arranged a crew, and then I said to myself, “You know what? We can do this.” Red Wins was in my mind, and I needed to bring it to life as soon as possible.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took around 3 years. I started writing Red Wins in early 2021 and finished post-production at the end of 2024. By January 2025, I finished the last small corrections, and then Red Wins was ready for the festivals. I’m not gonna lie, it was so hard to let it go. I kept making little corrections for a while!

How would you describe your film in two words?

Irregular and oppressive.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Let’s be real, shooting Red Wins was no piece of cake! It was my first movie, the budget was low, and even if everyone who joined me in this adventure strongly believed in the project, I couldn’t hold them up for too long. We had breaks, some even lasting months, between different phases of filming. The post-production part wasn’t any easier. I had to focus on other work as well and find time for Red Wins. I had to keep going through the night sometimes, and it was exhausting. Covering different roles was hard, but no doubt, I put every piece of my soul into Red Wins.

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The Art of Writing: When Inspiration Strikes and the Importance of Criticism

Award-winning screenwriter Darryl Mansel chats about how he only writes when he’s inspired. That is his routine. Only when he feels that spark to put pen to paper is when he disciplines himself to get it down. Daryl also chats about how criticism and feedback on your work is SO important. It needs to happen in order for you to have perspective.

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LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/67lCeAPm3hg

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Watch Today’s Best Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNkD7_Fp8HI

Get to know writer Darryl Mansel:

What is your screenplay about?

Once Upon a Time in Space is about perseverance and struggle. It asks the question ‘how far are you willing to go to obtain something that you need?’

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Science fiction, action, adventure

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It should be made into a movie because adventure is sorely lacking these days. Plenty of action, very little adventure. The audience wants to go on a ride with characters, this will give them the means to do so while having the choice of which character they ultimately want to succeed.

How would you describe this script in two words?

WILD BUSINESS.

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

2.5 years

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From Military to Filmmaking: A Unique Path to Creative Dreams

 Army Veteran and filmmaker Law Artis chats with Matthew Toffolo about the similarities of the military and making a film. Long 12-16 hour days. Chain of command. Everyone has a job to do that makes the whole unit work. You don’t do your job and everything falls down.

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LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/S2hXYvuM7hA

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Law’s World: Lipstick Bandit, 13min., USA

Directed by Law Artis

“A sassy pansexual sex blogger prepares for a high-profile house tour, but his plans are derailed by his narcissistic bestie, determined to retrieve something she claims is irreplaceable.”

http://lawartis.com/

https://instagram.com/laws_world

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I grew up watching so many tv shows and as a performer I wanted to create something I’ve never seen. I wanted to mix my love of reality tv, web series, and film into my own version of a proof of concept film for my web film series I wrote. It;s time for a plus size, poc, to lead a comedy film series and why not me!

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

This was a one year process. I am a graduate of School of Visual Arts as a Film Directing Grad Program. I wrote the script in the summer of 2024, and started preproduction winter of 2024, and was in post production by early spring 2025.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Fabulously Iconic.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Biggest obstacle for any indie filmmaker/creative; where is the money coming from?

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Podcast: EP. 1653: Actor/Director Connor Ryan (MEMORIA OBSCURA)

Conversation with the co-writer/co-director and star of the award-winning short film MEMORIA OBSCURA. Connor takes a deep dive as his experiences working as an actor in Los Angeles and auditioning for roles, and how he collaborated with co-director David Christopher Nelson on this film.

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Memoria Obscura, 5min., USA
Directed by David Christopher Nelson, Connor Ryan
In a world where memory erasure is a legitimate industry, the underground black market known as Memoria Obscura serves as a hub for stolen and repurposed memories.

Get to know Connor Ryan

What motivated you to make this film?

My motivation comes from multiple aspects. I’ve always wanted to collaborate with Dave, which was a major reason. Beyond that, I want to create films I believe are currently missing in the industry and bring back the 80s–90s cinema I grew up with.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About a year and a half.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Connor: Bad Ass

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Connor: The biggest challenge was the final scene. Dave and I spent months refining it to get the look and ending just right. Once Dave composited the background, everything clicked, and we successfully landed the ending.

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How an Acting Class Scene Became a Film: An actors/directors journey

Kyle Riggs & Dylan Lighthall met in acting class. They did a scene together in class. Then they decided to make a short film out of the scene. Now that short film, called The Interrogation, is a multiple award-winning film that has played at over 50 film festival from around the world.


LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/mkP7Qmb9CBw

The Interrogation, 5min., USA

Directed by Kyle Riggs, Dylan Lighthall

A Russian mob interrogation goes awry when an over-eager enforcer tries to pitch in, but can’t get his mind out of the gutter.

http://www.instagram.com/riggseyyy

http://www.instagram.com/dylanlighthall

Subscribe to the podcast:

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Why Local Politics Matters: Big City vs. Small Town Challenges

Tom Pratt wrote a novel called ONE MAD APPLE about a small town school board election gone haywire. It’s based on a true story. Tom wrote the screenplay the novel is based on as well. He talks about the major importance of small town politics and how the politicians need to be held accountable.


LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/t6KBDg4-T_Y

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJWMb6F1GVY

What is your screenplay about?

A dark comedy feature inspired by a true story and based on the book of the same name.

After a man moves to a small town to care for his dying father, he embraces the community and his new life as a stepfather and husband, until he finds himself in the crosshairs of an unhinged townswoman who challenges him in a school board election and makes him look like the crazy one.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Thriller/Dark Comedy

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

The story is inspired by real life and will be relatable to the viewer. Everyone has a crazy aunt like the antagonist!

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Media Bias: Why Mainstream News Outlets ignore peacefull protests

Conversation with award-winning filmmaker Liz Smith (THE LINE WE CROSSED) about her feature documentary about climate protestors in the UK. They are all non-violent and heavily attended. But why doesn’t the media cover it?


LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/T9B9TJvoFjc

The Line We Crossed, 110min., US

Directed by Liz Smith

A British story of dissent, drawn from the frontlines of climate resistance. Through the experiences of those who stood in defiance, it traces the quiet unraveling of our protest rights. The film challenges audiences to question what makes dissent effective and where the line of acceptability is.

http://www.thelinewecrossed.com/

https://www.instagram.com/p75investigates/

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Why So Few Female Drummers? Breaking Down Stereotypes in Music

Conversation with filmmaker/drummer Cindy Goldberg on the making of her award-winning short film BEAT KEEPERS. A film about talented female drummers who meet up for a retreat. Why so few female drummers? Cindy Goldberg explains….


LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/u6D2M9sDF1k

Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter, 43min., Canada
Directed by Cindy Goldberg

A powerful and inspiring documentary that follows a group of talented female drummers as they unite for a life-changing three-day retreat in Dallas, Texas. Through the raw energy of rhythm, unwavering mutual support, and a shared passion for music, these women forge deep, lasting connections and celebrate the transformative power of music to heal, empower, and unite.

https://www.instagram.com/cindygoldbergdrummer

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-beat-keepers

Queen Victoria’s Hidden Power: A Deep Dive into 19th-Century Politics and World History

Award-winning screenwriter Laurie Gruber (RAVEN’S CHOICE) takes the viewer into the world of British politics in the 19th century and how frighteningly similar they are to today’s world.


LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/UchhJ2Vt5Yg

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QDNj491w8Q

James Stuart Donovan Hastings, Earl of Billingswood, has had one headache after another. First his home is in disrepair, his nephew is too young for his own good, his best friend thinks he’s gone round the bend and now someone just tried to kill him. If it wasn’t for the angel with strawberry blonde hair and amethyst eyes, he might well be dead. Blasted horse, thinks he knows more than the master!

What is your screenplay about?

James Stuart Donovan Hastings, Earl of Billingswood, has a potentially deadly encounter on his way to Sandringham. He is rescued by a beautiful angel. His horse decides it is his right to make choices for the master. Can there be a happy ending?

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

With the success of other Historical Fiction/Romances such as Bridgerton allowing for viewers the chance to escape their day to day experiences, allowing them to immerse themselves in an era that has been romanticized.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Captivating drama

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Princess Bride

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

Couple of months

How many stories have you written?

Seven novellas

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Making an Anti-AI Film WITH AI: A Director’s Fears & Inspiration

Japanese filmmaker Yusuke Nakamae talks about making a sci-fi film about the future of AI. FYI: It’s not going to go well. But he has to make an anti AI film using AI.


LISTEN to the full podcast: https://youtu.be/NkV7wn8IvI8

ECHOES, 8min., Japan
Directed by Yusuke Nakamae

The Third World War has left Earth’s resources depleted, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. Learning from the repeated mistakes of history, humanity turns to the advanced decision-making capabilities of AI to find a path forward. The solution proposed by the AI is an ambitious plan: transporting energy from outer space back to Earth.

https://www.instagram.com/yusuke.nakamae

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

The release of ChatGPT in 2022 really sparked something in me.As a UX designer at Hulu Japan, I’ve always been close to technology and digital experiences—but that moment made me seriously reflect on what creativity means in an age where AI can generate content.That question became the seed of ECHOES.The sci-fi setting naturally came from my own personal taste and the kinds of stories I love to watch and tell.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was deeply moved and surprised by how many people picked up on the symbolism and emotional undertones. Seeing that the themes I care about resonated across borders and cultures was incredibly rewarding.

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