Welcome to FILM NOTES a show about filmmaking and filmmakers. This series features interviews with industry insiders who are both on and off set. We'll learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it as we go through their 'film notes'. Want to learn more about writing, directing, producing, or content creation? Check out my books at shaneborza.com/books. I also have a number of filmmaker resources at shaneborza.com/movies Support the show at: patreon.com/shaneborza
Episode 51: Working with a Composer (Guest: Greg Schwab)
In Episode 51 of Film Notes, host Shane Borza sits down with Los Angeles-based cinematic composer, music producer, and 35+ year set and production veteran Greg Schwab.
Having spent over three decades on physical film sets, in lighting houses, and managing equipment rentals, Greg brings a rare, deep-seated understanding of set dynamics and visual storytelling directly into his musical scoring process. In this conversation, we explore how directors and composers can communicate effectively, the danger of falling into "temp love," and why bespoke, human-crafted music is essential for elevating story on screen.
In this episode, we cover:• How directors can communicate tone and character emotion without knowing musical jargon• Why bringing a composer on board during pre-production or early edits leads to a stronger score• How to use temp tracks without falling into the "temp love" trap• The micro-dynamics and emotional weight of custom, note-by-note scoring vs. stock music• Bridging the gap between physical set production and post-production audio
Connect with Greg Schwab:• SoundCloud: @gregschwab• YouTube: @GS-SBK6• Email: SteelBlueKnight@gmail.com
About Film Notes:
Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Shane Borza, Film Notes features in-depth conversations with filmmakers, actors, crew members, and industry leaders exploring the craft, business, and reality of modern filmmaking.
17 Aug 2026
Film Notes Ep 50 - Nicole Grace
What does it really take to forge a career in action cinema from the ground up?In Episode 50 of FILM NOTES, I sit down with Nicole Grace—a Kiwi powerhouse based in Sydney, Australia—who just landed the lead role in LOVE MACE, the explosive new project from legendary stunt coordinator and director Igor Breakenback, support it on Kickstarter NOW!Even though Nicole and I had never met prior to this recording, our shared network made this conversation feel like catching up with an old friend. Together, we dive deep into the grit behind the glamour: her athletic background as a gymnast, her time as a personal trainer, her transition into the high-stakes world of stunt work and action acting, and how her strategic background in marketing helped her navigate the hard road to breaking through in the industry.It’s a spirited, transparent talk on resilience, physical skills, and the hustle required to own your lane in modern independent film.See more of my work: shaneborza.com/mediaSupport the Show: links.shaneborza.com/supportExplore the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK at shaneborza.com/media.#FilmNotes #IndieFilmmaking #ActionCinema #Stunts #LoveMace #NicoleGrace #IgorBreakenback #ActorHustle #FilmProduction
20 Jul 2026
Film Notes Ep 49 - Shane Borza BTS
What does the raw evolution of a filmmaker actually look like before the awards, the features, and the masterclasses?
In Episode 49 of FILM NOTES, I’m pulling back the curtain and interviewing myself to break down the foundational trial-by-fire era of my creative journey. I’m sharing the rare, behind-the-scenes videos, photos, and slideshows from my very first 5 productions in film school.
We look at the early mistakes, the sudden pivots on set, and the critical layout frameworks that laid the groundwork for everything to come—pulling raw data straight from my personal archives.
Access the Masterclass:
Watch Episode 49: links.shaneborza.com/filmnotes49 (http://links.shaneborza.com/filmnotes49)
See more of my work: shaneborza.com/media (http://shaneborza.com/media)
Support the Show: links.shaneborza.com/support
Explore the newly updated 2026 worldwide print and digital editions of FILM NOTES and THE FILM NOTES WORKBOOK at shaneborza.com/media (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fshaneborza.com%2Fmedia).
#FilmNotes #IndieFilmmaking #DirectorLife #FilmSchool #CreativeProcess #FilmProduction #Mastery
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
466,451
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
45
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
0
Contact Film Notes
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Film Notes
Who hosts Film Notes?
Shane Borza host the show. Published by Shane Borza.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Film Notes take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Film Notes?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
