CME Presents is a new podcast from the New York City Center for Media Education (CME) at MNN. CME Presents interviews digital creators and industry experts to understand how the films, media, and digital experiences of our time are made.

Investigate with CME how great digital stories are told, how tech is changing the way we create, and much more.

The creative space moves quickly; CME is here to deliver industry information and media production tricks of the trade to the ears of creators and listeners interested in the creative process.

Episodes

EPISODE 5:

The Present & Future of Low Budget Filmmaking

The Present & Future of Low Budget Filmmaking

Is the evolving media landscape affecting how independent films are being made? 

Earlier this year, the New York City Center for Media Education held a panel to discuss the current and future state of independent film as part of the 2023 CME Winter Media Summit. The aim was to explore whether the changing media landscape and the seemingly endless supply of streaming content provided to audiences, affects how indie filmmakers produce projects.

For this panel that we are revisiting in today’s episode, titled “The Present and Future of Low Budget Filmmaking,” CME was joined by writer and director Victoria Negri, Executive Director of The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, Joseph Shahadi, and Actress and Filmmaker Djaka Soauré. The panelists spoke with CME Manager of Media Education Sean Mannion about how their approach to making work has evolved and the challenges of producing meaningful projects in 2023. Simultaneously, they relayed their approaches to getting work made, the changing nature of film festivals, utilizing social media to propel their projects, and the new production challenges presented in a Covid world. Please join us as we revisit this panel from February 2023.

Premiere date: 5/5/23

 

EPISODE 4:

Jarrett DePasquale

Directing and Producing Branded Content with Jarrett DePasquale

Jarrett DePasquale (@jarrettdp) is a director and producer.  His portfolio of commercials and branded content includes work for Ford, Wild Turkey, Coach, Lexus and the first ever custom episode of the hit show Hot Ones, for Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. But his path to directing wasn’t linear. Before directing and producing, Jarret spent some formative years working as a sound mixer on film sets.

In this episode, Jarret explains his path to working in the commercial space and breaks down his approach to directing and producing commercial content. We then explore the evolution of branded content.

Premiere date: 4/7/23

 

EPISODE 3:

CME Presents Podcast Cover image

Editing Film and TV with Jennifer Lee

Jennifer Lee is a film and TV editor. You’ve seen some of her recent work if you’ve watched the 20th Century Studios comedy, Rosaline, the pilot for the Golden-Globe winning show, Ramy, or the The Fallout, which won the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW.

But before Jennifer pivoted into film and tv editing, she worked as a comic book editor. Jennifer shares her experience transitioning into the film and tv editing world. We then take a deep dive into Jennifer’s approach to editing, storytelling and crafting narratives that maintain viewer interest.  Jenny also discusses her early years spent working on micro-budget indie films in New York City.

Premiere date: 3/3/23

 

EPISODE 2:

CME Presents Podcast Cover image

Elena Engel, documentary director on her approach to collaborating with John Leguizamo while creating the film John Leguizamo Live At Rikers: A Soul Exchange

John  Leguizamo visits Rikers Island Correctional Facility to perform his one-man Broadway show “Ghetto Klown” for an audience of over 400 inmates.

Following his performance, Leguizamo holds group discussions with justice-involved young men awaiting trial or sentencing. By sharing his personal journey of adversity and self-awareness, he inspires his audience to reflect openly and honestly about their own lives.

This short documentary interweaves excerpts from Leguizamo’s performance and those discussions bringing attention to the serious challenges and human side of incarceration. 

Premiere date: 2/3/23

 

EPISODE 1:

Sian-Pierre Regis

Sian-Pierre Regis, documentary filmmaker about the production of his film Duty Free. 

The film explores the economic crisis for an aging population, ageism and the care crisis, but it is also a deeply personal story that examines the bond between son and mother.

Premiere date: 1/9/23