Welcome to Reel Wisdom with NK, the Midwest Film Festival's podcast exploring the journeys, insights, and lessons from filmmakers and creatives across the Midwest.
The Indie Producer's Roadmap with Mike D. Ware Indie film producing takes someone who is gritty, resourceful, and financially savvy. In this episode of Reel Wisdom with NK, we sit down with multi-hyphenate Chicago-based filmmaker and producer Mike D. Ware (Senior Producer at 1986 Studios, Echo Boomers, Pools, Dog Years, Double Blind). With over a decade of experience bringing ambitious independent projects to life, Mike shares his advice for navigating the indie landscape. We break down the c...
21 Sept 2026
Made in Illinois: Film, Industry & Opportunity
Made in Illinois: Film, Industry & Opportunity - Live with Peter Hawley What does it actually take to make a movie in Illinois—and how can independent filmmakers navigate the state’s resources to get their projects funded and made? Recorded live at the Midwest Film Festival, host NK sits down with Peter Hawley, Director of the Illinois Film Office, to breakdown state tax incentives, underutilized filmmaker resources, and the infrastructure helping fund Midwest cinema. Whether you ne...
24 Aug 2026
The Best of the Midwest: Meet the Winners - Pt. 2
The conversation continues! In Part 2 of this live recording at the Midwest Film Festival, NK turns the spotlight from behind-the-scenes design to the performances and visuals that bring a story to life. She is joined by three more celebrated Best of the Midwest Award winners to talk performance, visual storytelling, and pulling off a winning feature: Ashlyn Lozano | Winner – Best ActressBrian Zahm | Winner – Grand Prize & Best CinematographyBen Bishop | Winner – Best ActorIn this episode...
17 Aug 2026
Sitting Down with the BMA Winners Pt. 1
In part one of this intimate live conversation, host NK sits down with three standout Best of the Midwest Award winners to unpack the artistry, discipline, and execution behind their craft: Mariah Bennett | Winner – Best Production DesignErick Juarez | Winner – Best CastingDavis Cameron Chu | Winner – Best EditingWhether you are prepping your next short, navigating the festival circuit, or looking to sharpen your technical toolkit, tune in for actionable insights and real-talk advice on makin...
20 Jul 2026
Film Festival Programming Demystified
Film Festival Programming Demystified with Raul Benitez & Sandra Bernal Aristizábal Today we are Demystifying the art of film festival programming. We sit down with the ultimate cinema architects and uncovering the hidden blueprint they use to build the industry. We are revealing exactly what a programmer does and the submission strategies that could land your film on the big screen. If you're working to take your filmmaking career to the next level, you cannot afford to miss this. C...
16 Feb 2026
Global kaleidoscope: Multicultural Storytelling
Global kaleidoscope: Multicultural Storytelling with Natasha Parker Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Sarah Glees - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer...
22 Jan 2026
Green Lighting Yourself
Green Lighting Yourself with Troy Pryor Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Sarah Glees - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Brye...
15 Dec 2025
Communication in Freelance
Communication in Freelance with Katelyn Henslin Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Sarah Glees - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Pro...
17 Nov 2025
The Art of Sound & Scoring
The Art of Sound & Scoring with Cory Coken Credits: NK Gutiérrez - Host & Producer Katelyn Henslin - Head Producer & Director Emily Seddon - Co-Producer Henri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production Designer Kelsey Denvir - Costume Designer Estefania Mena - Writer and Committee Member Netta Harper - Artwork Hair Artist Faith Hart - Social Media Manager Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive Producer Bryen Hensley - Technical Director&nb...
20 Oct 2025
Leadership in Film
Leadership in Film with Pemon Rami In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, host NK is joined by filmmaker, educator, and cultural leader Pemon Rami to explore what true leadership looks like in the film industry and how we can build a creative community that lasts. From his early beginnings walking into a theater company out of curiosity, to becoming a mentor for generations of artists, Pemon shares what it really means to sustain an industry: passing on knowledge, leading with integrit...
15 Sept 2025
The Importance of Intimacy Coordinating
The Importance of Intimacy Coordinating with Aimy Tien & Dr. Nikki Blacksmith In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, host NK welcomes intimacy coordinator and multidisciplinary artist Aimy Tien alongside organizational psychologist Dr. Nikki Blacksmith to unpack the transformative role of intimacy coordination in film and television. Together, Aimy and Dr. Blacksmith highlights why intimacy coordinating is not just about safety, it’s about creating peaceful, supportive spaces where actor...
18 Aug 2025
Mental and Physical Health as a Freelancer
Mental and Physical Health as a Freelancer with Melissa Doman In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, host NK sits down with organizational psychologist and author Melissa Doman to tackle one of the most pressing and often overlooked topics in the film industry: protecting your mental and physical health as a freelancer. With a career advising global companies and a deep understanding of workplace dynamics, Melissa brings actionable, realistic strategies tailored to the unpredictable world of...
21 Jul 2025
The Art of Post Production
The Art of Post Production with Ana Christian & C. Ryan Stemple In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, host NK sits down with Ana Christian and C. Ryan Stemple, co-owners of Journeywork Entertainment, to demystify one of the most overlooked yet essential stages of filmmaking: post-production. More than just cutting footage, post is where the story truly takes shape and it starts long before the cameras roll. Ana and Ryan break down the filmmaking journey as a three-part creation: once in...
16 Jun 2025
Dear Actors
Host NK interviews casting expert Brittani Ward and voice director Susan Farlik Carlson about the emotional and practical realities for actors, emphasizing their inherent worth.
19 May 2025
The Art of Producing
Angie Gaffney illuminates the multifaceted role of an independent film producer, discussing leadership and strategic thinking with host NK in an interview.
14 May 2025
Teaser - The Art of Producing
This episode of "Reel Wisdom with NK" previews the topic of producing, but provides no specific details.
Who has been a guest on Reel Wisdom with NK
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Brittani Ward
Susan Farlik Carlson
Angie Gaffney
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
364
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 15 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
0
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Reel Wisdom with NK
Who hosts Reel Wisdom with NK?
NK host the show. Published by Reel Wisdom with NK.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Reel Wisdom with NK take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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