First Act Break

About First Act Break

Insights on finding success in the film industry — by young filmmakers, for young filmmakers. Hosted by USC film directors Jiayang Liu and Richard Li.

Publisher

Jiayang Liu and Yunqi Richard Li

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jan 2025

Latest episode

23 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Nov 2025

   How to Make Your First Feature Film and Premiere it at Tribeca | Chris Merola

   Director Chris Merola discusses his journey of creating his first feature film, Lemonade Blessing, and premiering it at Tribeca Film Festival, offering insights into independent film production in an interview.

2. 

   23 Nov 2025

   What It’s Like Editing Vertical Short Dramas | Eljin Yoo

   Editor Eljin Yoo describes how musical rhythm influences pacing and storytelling in vertical short dramas for platforms like TikTok and Reels, offering insights into the indie film journey and career stability in an interview.

3. 

   22 Nov 2025

   The Emmy-Winning Composer Behind the NFL, NBA, FAZE, and Kai Cenat. | Mic Ferrante

   Emmy-winning composer Mic Ferrante discusses scoring for major brands like the NFL and NBA, offering insights into breaking into the film industry and pursuing a composing career in this interview.

Who has been a guest on First Act Break

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Chris Merola
• Eljin Yoo
• Mic Ferrante
• Rhys Zemeckis
• Teddy Alvarez-Nissen

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

98,900

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

57

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

Contact First Act Break

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.