About Hollywood Rebooted Podcast with Billy Barnes
The Hollywood Rebooted podcast, hosted by award-winning filmmaker Billy Barnes, offers a raw and unfiltered look at the grit, grind, and gear fueling the modern film industry. Barnes, known for his "Swiss Army Knife" approach to production, sits down with the visionary men and women behind your favorite shows—from award-winning editors and producers to celebrated actors and directors. Together, they peel back the curtain on the "New Hollywood" landscape, where traditional gatekeepers are being bypassed in favor of DIY mentalities and self-distribution. The show explores the reality of making the leap to long-form storytelling in an era where personal branding and creative independence are just as vital as a polished reel.
Designed as both a roadmap and a masterclass, the podcast serves as an essential resource for those looking to break into the industry or veterans aiming to pivot within a rapidly shifting studio system. By highlighting practical strategies for maintaining creative momentum and navigating the business of independent production, Hollywood Rebooted empowers creators to take control of their own narratives. Whether you are curious about the technical nuances of a sound mix or the strategic complexities of marketing a digital series, Billy Barnes provides the insights necessary to stay relevant and thrive in the future of filmmaking.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Battery Not Included Podcast | DP Brandon Cox of RZA's One Spoon of Chocolate
How does one go from shooting iconic music videos for Eminem and the Backstreet Boys to lenseing major Hollywood feature films? In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted, we sit down with powerhouse Director of Photography Brandon Cox (DP for RZA’s highly anticipated film, One Spoon of Chocolate). Brandon takes us on a deep dive into his incredible career trajectory, sharing the raw, unfiltered truth of how he broke into the industry.
We discuss his early days hustle in the music video boom, transition secrets into feature films, and his firsthand experiences working with legendary artists and directors.
Plus, we tackle the elephant in the room: Artificial Intelligence. Brandon breaks down exactly how AI is making its way into the DP world, how tools are changing, and why—ultimately—algorithms will never be able to replace true human ingenuity, emotion, and artistic instinct on set.
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, cinematographer, or just a fan of the craft, this masterclass in industry survival is for you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 May 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Andor Composer Brandon Roberts
Can AI truly capture the soul of a Hollywood film score? In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted, we sit down with Emmy Award-winning composer Brandon Roberts to dismantle the current state of film music and look closely at the future of the industry. From the massive orchestral depths of a galaxy far, far away to blood-curdling horror soundtracks, Brandon’s versatile musical footprint is everywhere.
We trace his journey from the ground up, starting with his early days breaking into the competitive world of film scoring after graduating from USC. Brandon shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of collaborating with visionary showrunners and directors, detailing how working with Tony Gilroy on Star Wars: Andor (Season 2) and horror maestro Eli Roth on Thanksgiving and Ice Cream Man completely shaped his creative philosophy and career trajectory.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 May 2026
Hollywood Rebooted | Greenland 2 Production Designer Vincent Reynaud
Is artificial intelligence about to replace the traditional Hollywood movie set entirely?
In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted, we are joined by visionary Production Designer Vincent Reynaud—the creative force behind the world-building of the highly anticipated disaster sequel Greenland 2: Migration and iconic films like SEVEN.
As the film industry shifts dramatically toward LED volume stages, "grey walling," and AI-generated backgrounds in pre- and post-production, the art department is facing its biggest existential crisis yet. Vincent pulls back the curtain on how modern movie sets are constructed, the dangerous reality of losing physical craftsmanship to algorithms, and most importantly—how passionate filmmakers can fight to keep practical effects, built sets, and real locations alive in cinema.
About Tonight's Guest: Vincent Reynaud
Vincent Reynaud is a master of creating gritty, immersive, and high-stakes cinematic environments. Frequently collaborating with action director Ric Roman Waugh, Vincent’s incredible eye for authentic detail and atmospheric design has shaped some of the most intense survival and action stories on the big screen.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
11 May 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Euphoria Editor Aaron I. Butler
In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted, we sit down with the visionary editor behind some of the most visually stunning projects in modern television: Aaron I. Butler, ACE.
We dive deep into the science of storytelling, exploring how pacing and rhythm are used as tools to emotionally hook an audience and keep them on the edge of their seat. Aaron pulls back the curtain on his creative shorthand with Sam Levinson, explaining how their collaborative process defines the unique, visceral "feel" that has made Euphoria a cultural phenomenon.
Plus, stay tuned for some exclusive behind-the-scenes stories! Aaron shares what it was really like celebrating at the Season 3 premiere party, including his fun interactions with Zendaya and Alexa Demie.
In this episode, we discuss:
The psychology of the "emotional hook."
Translating Sam Levinson’s vision from script to screen.
The technical challenges of editing Euphoria’s most intense sequences.
Exclusive stories from the Season 3 premiere.
About Aaron I. Butler
Aaron I. Butler is an award-winning editor known for his ability to blend raw emotion with cinematic flair. Beyond his iconic work on Euphoria, his impressive IMDB credits include:
The Idol (TV Series)
I Am Burt Reynolds (Documentary)
L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later
Under the Electric Sky
Paper Tigers
Connect with Us
Subscribe for more deep dives into the film industry!
Follow Hollywood Rebooted on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodrebootedpodcast/
Connect with Aaron I. Butler
https://www.instagram.com/aaronibutler/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
19 Apr 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Rising Actor Zander Torres
In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we sit down with one of 2026’s most exciting breakout talents, Zander Torres. From the grind of the LA indie scene to sharing the screen with industry titans, Zander opens up about the reality of being a working actor in today's rapidly shifting cinematic landscape.
Zander dives deep into his experience working alongside Timothée Chalamet, sharing the specific "on-set secrets" and professional habits he learned from observing one of the generation's biggest stars. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the cameras aren't rolling, this is for you.
We also break down the "New Standard" for auditions: The world of casting has moved almost entirely to recorded submissions. Zander shares his proven strategy for booking the room from your living room, including technical tips, performance adjustments for the lens, and how to make a lasting impression on casting directors without ever meeting them in person.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Apr 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Emmy Winning Showrunner Sean Presant
Can a YouTube show really win an Emmy? 🏆
In this episode of the Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we sit down with Emmy-award winning writer and showrunner Sean Presant. Sean takes us behind the curtain of his incredible career, from the moment he realized he won his first Emmy for a digital-first show to the deeply personal experiences that shaped his journey.
Sean opens up about working with the legendary Tabitha Brown on the hit series Tab Time, sharing why it remains the most heartfelt and rewarding moment of his professional life.
We also dive deep into the "Room":
The Anatomy of a Writers Room: What actually happens when a group of creatives gets together to build a world?
The AI Revolution: How artificial intelligence is disrupting the industry, what it means for the future of storytelling, and why "human genius" can't be automated.
Whether you're an aspiring writer, a fan of Tab Time, or curious about how tech is changing Hollywood, this conversation is packed with gems.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
6 Apr 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Emmy Winning Editor Charles Little II
Welcome to a masterclass in post-production. In this full episode of the Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we are joined by Emmy Award-winning editor Charles Little II, ACE. Charles is the visionary behind the edit for some of the most impactful stories on television today. We go behind the scenes of his work on the global phenomenon "Welcome to Wrexham" (FX), the high-octane drama of "9-1-1: Lone Star" (FOX), and the provocative cultural docu-series "Social Studies" (FX).
If you’ve ever wondered how a professional shapes raw footage into an award-winning narrative, this is the 411 you’ve been waiting for.
We breakdown The Roadmap to the Bay: How Charles built a career at the highest level of television, Knowing Your "Why": Why technical proficiency is secondary to understanding the human experience, AI vs. The Human Soul: A deep dive into why technology can assist, but never replace, the emotional intuition of a human storyteller, and Genre Hopping: The different mindsets required for scripted drama vs. unscripted documentary storytelling.
Hosted by Billy Barnes
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Mar 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | From His Garage to a Galaxy Far Far Away, Chris Bartlett
From tinkering in his garage to working in a galaxy far, far away—this is the ultimate "dream job" success story.
The man behind the gold mask (and 19 other characters!) joins us on Hollywood Rebooted Podcast. Ever wondered how someone actually becomes a Star Wars droid? Today, we’re sitting down with Chris Bartlett, the incredible performer and artist who has brought C-3PO and nearly 20 other iconic droids and creatures to life in the Star Wars universe.
Chris didn’t just wait for a phone call from Lucasfilm—he built his own future. We dive deep into his journey of building high-end droid costumes in his garage, a passion project that eventually landed him his dream job on the set of The Mandalorian. Chris shares what it was really like going from a fan-builder to sharing scenes with icons like Pedro Pascal, the legendary Carl Weathers, and the formidable Werner Herzog.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Mar 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | VP of Development and Television Academy Megan Chao
In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we are joined by industry veteran Megan E. Chao. Megan is an award-winning producer, director, and editor, currently serving as the Secretary of the Television Academy and a member of their AI Task Force. With nearly two decades of experience, she has successfully navigated the path from initial concept to major network delivery.
We dive deep into the mechanics of development, discussing:
The Art of the Pitch: What networks are actually looking for right now.
The Sizzle Reel: Why this is your most important tool and how to make one that sells.
Securing Funding: Navigating the financial hurdles of production.
The Future of AI: Megan shares her unique perspective from the Television Academy’s AI Task Force on how generative AI will impact creators and the industry at large.
Megan is the Vice President of Development and Production at Birman Productions and a professor at USC Annenberg. Her distinguished career includes work on acclaimed documentary projects such as:
Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story (Netflix) – Supervising Producer & Editor
Earth Focus (PBS / Link TV) – Showrunner, Director & Editor
Me Facing Life: Cyntoia Brown (PBS | Independent Lens) – Editor
Saint Patrick’s Greatest Gift (CuriosityStream) – Supervising Producer & Editor
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
23 Feb 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Transformers ONE Actor Jason Konopisos Alvarez
What does it take to survive and thrive in Hollywood for over two decades? 🎭
In this episode of the Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we are joined by the incredibly versatile Jason Konopisos-Alvarez. From his early days in cult classics to voicing iconic villains in major franchises, Jason has navigated the highs, the lows, and the complete transformations of the film industry.
Jason shares his unique perspective on the "DIY" filmmaking era and how a modern actor must balance live-action performance with the booming world of voice acting and motion capture. We discuss:
The Cult Classic Legacy: What it was like filming Idiocracy and watching it become a cultural phenomenon years later.
Finding the Voice: His experience bringing Shockwave to life in Transformers One and joining James Gunn’s DCU in Creature Commandos.
The Long Game: Honest insights into the 10-year "grind" and how he stayed motivated before his recent breakthrough roles.
The Indie Spirit: Why projects like The Unexpecteds represent the future of collaborative, creator-driven filmmaking.
Featured Filmography & Roles:
Transformers One (Shockwave / Guard 2)
The Unexpecteds (Jordan De Alvarez)
Creature Commandos (Congorilla / Pilot)
Idiocracy (Supporting)
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (Supporting)
Eyes of Wakanda (Ferro)
Starfield (Alban Lopez - Video Game)
King of the Hill (Various Voices)
Muppets Most Wanted (Co-Star)
The Last Lullaby (Supporting)
Jason’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and adaptation. Whether you're an aspiring actor or a fan of the franchises he’s helped build, this conversation offers a deep look into the craft and the business of being a working actor today.
Follow Jason Konopisos-Alvarez:
https://www.instagram.com/jason_konopisos/
Subscribe to Battery Not Included:
https://www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Feb 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Robocop Actor Yvette Nipar
Is the "Old Hollywood" officially gone? 🎬
In this episode of the Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Yvette Nipar. With a career spanning decades—from her iconic roles in RoboCop: The Series and 21 Jump Street to her extensive work in film and television—Yvette has seen the industry transform from the inside out.
Today, she’s pulling back the curtain on what it’s actually like for a veteran actor to navigate the modern landscape. We dive deep into:
The Evolution of the Set: How the shift from "Studio System" vibes to the current era has changed the craft.
The DIY Movement: Why Yvette is embracing the "Do-It-Yourself" filmmaking spirit and why it’s no longer optional for actors.
Adaptation vs. Survival: Practical advice for seasoned pros and newcomers alike on staying relevant in a digital-first world.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Memories from her time on some of the biggest shows of the 80s and 90s.
Yvette brings a rare blend of veteran wisdom and fresh, gritty determination. If you’ve ever wondered how the stars of your favorite classics are reinventing themselves for the streaming and indie era, you don’t want to miss this conversation.
Follow Yvette Nipar:
https://www.instagram.com/yvettenipar/
Subscribe to Battery Not Included:
https://www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/
#YvetteNipar #RoboCop #21JumpStreet #IndieFilmmaking #ActorLife #HollywoodEvolution #BatteryNotIncludedPodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Feb 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Lone Star 911 Actor Brian Michael Smith
In this episode of Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, we sit down with the powerhouse that is Brian Michael Smith (9-1-1: Lone Star).
Brian’s path to becoming a series regular wasn't an overnight success, it was a masterclass in persistence, craft, and authenticity. We trace his steps from his roots in Michigan to the high-stakes acting scene in New York City, and finally, his move to Los Angeles.
📌 In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Early Days: How a kid from Michigan set his sights on the arts.
The NYC Grind: Brian’s transition from being an acting teacher and mentor to landing his first big breaks.
The Breakthrough: His journey through recurring roles on hit shows like ]9-1-1: Lone Star – He stars as firefighter Paul Strickland (Series Regular).
Queen Sugar – He played Toine Wilkins, a police officer and close friend of the Bordelon family (Recurring).
The L Word: Generation Q – He appeared as Pierce Williams, a political strategist (Recurring).
After – He played the role of Jeremy Washington.
Blue Bloods – He appeared in multiple episodes as Officer Buckley.
Guest & Additional Appearances
Chicago P.D. – Roland Garrett (Episode: "Snitch")
Girls – Cop 1 (This was his first speaking credit in 2015)
Homeland – EMT Nate
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – ConElectric Worker #2
Paul Strickland & Lone Star: What it’s like portraying a fan-favorite character on a massive network drama.
Advice for Actors: The mindset shift required to go from "working actor" to "series regular."
🔗 Connect with Brian Michael Smith:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_brianmichael/
⚡ Support Battery Not Included:
If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell! It helps us keep the battery charged and bring you more conversations with the industry's best.
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/braythirteen/
#BrianMichaelSmith #911LoneStar #ActingJourney #BatteryNotIncluded #ActorLife #HollywoodStory #TransVisibility
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
2 Feb 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | Directing Your 1st Feature Michael Delano
Is the "Director’s Dream" still alive in 2026? 🎬
In Hollywood Rebooted Podcast, award-winning filmmaker Billy Barnes sits down with Michael Delano, producer, director, and the visionary founder of Cotu Media.
Transitioning from shorts to a feature film is the hardest leap a filmmaker can make. Michael breaks down the practical roadmap for directing your first feature, how to maintain creative momentum in a rapidly shifting "New Hollywood" landscape, and why your personal brand is just as important as your reel.
📌 In This Episode:
The First Feature: Step-by-step advice on making the jump to long-form storytelling.
Navigating New Hollywood: How to stay relevant and moving forward in the current industry climate.
Marketing Yourself: Modern strategies for young directors to get noticed by producers and investors.
The Cotu Media Story: Michael’s journey founding a production powerhouse.
🚀 About the Guest:
Michael Delano is a seasoned producer and director known for his ability to merge high-level artistry with savvy business strategy. As the founder of Cotu Media, ( https://www.cotumedia.com/ ) he has become a leading voice for the next generation of creators.
🎙️ About the Podcast:
Battery Not Included is hosted by Billy Barnes, an award-winning filmmaker dedicated to pulling back the curtain on the grit, the grind, and the gear that fuels the film industry.
🔗 Connect with Us:
Follow Battery Not Included Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/
Follow Billy Barnes:
https://www.instagram.com/braythirteen/
Follow Michael Delano/Cotu Media:
https://www.instagram.com/cotumedia/
https://www.instagram.com/yasodic/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 Jan 2026
Hollywood Rebooted Podcast | 3x Emmy Award Winner Eddie Perez
Welcome to the series premiere of the Hollywood Rebooted Podcast!
In our first-ever episode, award winning Director / Host Billy Barnes is joined by industry legend Eddie Perez. With over 30 years of experience, Eddie is a 3-time Emmy Award winner, a SAG Award winner, and currently serves as the Governor for the Stunts Peer Group at the Television Academy.
From his iconic 9-season run as the Stunt Coordinator for Shameless to his work on blockbusters like Deadpool, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Wakanda Forever, and Sicario, Eddie has seen—and done—it all.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
Breaking In: How to actually start a career as a stunt actor today.
The Evolution of Action: What the industry was like in the "wild west" days versus now.
The AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence is changing stunt work and what the future holds for human performers.
Behind the Scenes: Stories from the set of Shameless and working on massive film franchises.
Whether you're an aspiring performer or a die-hard movie fan, this masterclass in action filmmaking is not to be missed.
🎥 Featured in this Episode:
Shameless (Showtime)
Deadpool
Snowfall
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Star Trek Into Darkness
🔗 Connect with Us:
Follow Eddie Perez:
www.instagram.com/iameddieperez/
Follow Battery Not Included Podcast on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/batterynotincludedpodcast/
Follow Billy Barnes on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/braythirteen/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact Hollywood Rebooted Podcast with Billy Barnes
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Hollywood Rebooted Podcast with Billy Barnes?
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
