Natasha Ero hosts the Tash Talks Film podcast, where she interviews independent filmmakers and industry leaders in the Texas film industry and beyond. Also streaming on YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
Costume Designer Alan Gonzalez on Emmy Win, Working with Beyoncé and Ten Years of Tude
In this episode, I sat down with Emmy-Award winning fashion and costume designer Alan Gonzalez, founder of ALANTUDE, to celebrate his 10-year career working in fashion. From our high school days at HSPVA to building a successful fashion brand, Alan shares how a life-changing DM from Project Runway opened doors in his career—and what it was really like working with Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, Law Roach, and more.If you’re interested in a career in fashion design, moving to NYC, or behind-the-scenes stories from Project Runway and the Cowboy Carter Tour, this episode is for you.00:00
5:00 Reminiscing about HSPVA5:50 Appearing on Project Runway 14:53 Designing costumes for Broadway20:00 Tex Mex in NYC21:24 Landing first major client33:10 What HSPVA and Houston upbringing taught Alan39:00 Celebrating Ten years of Tude40:43 Cowboy Carter tour
11 Jun 2026
How Victor Glover's Historic Space Mission Inspired Director Isaac Yowman's Sincerely Brad
Isaac Yowman is a multi-platinum Grammy nominated producer turned NAACP Image Award-Nominated Filmmaker who's directed for brands like Marvel, the NBA, Coca Cola, and Netflix.
His latest project Sincerely Brad is loosely inspired by Victor Glover, the first black astronaut to travel to the moon during NASA's Artemis II mission.In this episode, I sat down with Isaac to discuss his notable projects, including Sincerely Brad. Isaac's work has earned him a Shorty Award, Telly Award, and recognition on the Cannes Lions Shortlist. In this conversation, Isaac and I discuss Verticals and why he's concerned about the long-term impact of vertical storytelling. We also discuss screening his critically-acclaimed short film Rides & Hides at Tribeca Film Festival.00:00 Intro2:12 Isaac on pouring into his community11:39 Isaac’s notable projects12:26 Isaac’s connection to his work 16:30 NAACP Image Awards20:31 Dr. Rod Paige25:44 Rides & Hides and Tribeca Film Festival29:00 The Future of Vertical Storytelling 44:27 Sincerely Brad & Victor Glover's Response54:34 Isaac's latest project Follow Natasha:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashtalksfilm/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tashtalksfilm Check out Natasha's website: natashaero.comFollow Isaac:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillvibes/Check out Isaac's website: iyovisuals.com
10 Oct 2025
Talking ‘Trading Races’ and a New Era of Texas Filmmaking with Director Noah Mortel
In this week’s Tash Talks Film episode, Natasha sits down with writer/director Noah Mortel of Genesis Entertainment.
They discuss his new genre-bending film Trading Races and his time interning and working in LA at New Line Cinema.
We discuss the movie's influences, how the idea came to life, and what it reveals about race, identity and society.
Noah and I also chat about how his internship in Los Angeles at New Line Cinema was the launching pad for his directing career.
Noah also shares the stories behind handing Will Smith his resume and an unforgettable encounter with Chris Tucker!
Timestamps:
01:18 Big News in Texas Film Industry: Senate Bill 22
04:44 The Impact of AI on the Film Industry
10:16 Noah's Journey: From Baylor to New Line Cinema
16:27 Experiences in LA and Returning to Houston
19:01 Creating in Houston vs. Los Angeles
25:00 Trading Races
35:46 Rapid Fire Q&A starts
45:18 Tash Talks Talent
🎬 Stay up-to-date and follow Trading Races on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradingracesfilm/
For more on Noah be sure to follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahmortel/
Check out Natasha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashtalksfilm/
Note: This episode was recorded in May 2025.
29 Sept 2025
From First Job to First Thursdays: Alfred Cervantes on the Future of Film in Houston
In this episode of Tash Talks Film, Alfred Cervantes, Executive Director of the Houston Film Commission, takes us through his journey from landing his first job as a PA on a movie to becoming one of the city’s leading advocates for film production.
Alfred shares in-depth insight on the work the Houston Film Commission does, why it champions Houston as a filmmaking destination, and how bringing people to Houston often makes them fall in love with the city.
He reflects on the pride he takes in creating community at First Thursdays — a monthly gathering designed to showcase indie filmmakers , spark connections, and grow Houston’s film culture. Alfred also offers valuable advice for emerging filmmakers.
Timestamps:
3:36 Alfred's first job in film production
14:33 How the Houston Film Commission operates
31:30 How visitors fall in love with Houston
36:30 Alfred’s goal with first Thursdays
43:22 Film professionals relocating to Houston
45:25 The start of First Thursdays
48:19 How film selection works for First Thursdays
1:01:10 Alfred’s advice to young filmmakers
Follow Natasha on Instagram: @tashtalksfilm
Follow Houston Film Commission on Instagram: @filmhouston
Check out the Houston Film Commission's website: houstonfilmcommission.com
26 Sept 2025
Shahd Shahroor on Rewriting Muslim Cultural Narratives in Film
In this episode of Tash Talks Film, I got the chance to talk to filmmaker Shahd Shahroor. We discuss overcoming networking anxiety, trusting your voice as a young, female director, and rewriting cultural narratives in Western media.
Shahd shares insights into her filmmaking journey, the significance of accurate Muslim and Arab representation in media, and the story behind starting her production company, Honey Blackbird Films.
We learn more about Shahd's upcoming projects, her inspirations, and the need for balanced gender representation in cinema.
Timestamps:
00:34 Nostalgia and Local Theaters
02:49 Cinema Culture and Streaming
13:05 Rapid Fire Q&A
40:21 Networking and Building Connections in the Film Industry
43:28 Empowerment and Trusting Your Vision as a Filmmaker
47:04 The Story Behind Honey Blackbird Films
51:28 Challenging Stereotypes and Authentic Storytelling
22 Sept 2025
Joe Grisaffi on Balancing Life and Career, Set Etiquette, and Creating with Friends
On this episode of Tash Talks Film, I got the chance to sit down with award-winning director and veteran actor Joe Grisaffi. Joe shares his journey into acting, working in California, and starting his own casting company, Southwest Casting.
He discusses his directorial projects, including the touching film 'Laughing Boy' and 'Lars the Emo Kid.'
Joe also offers invaluable advice for new filmmakers, highlights the importance of networking, and shares the story behind the Laughing Dog Comedy Film Festival, dedicated to his late dog, Zoe.
We dive into the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career in a city like Houston versus traditional media hubs like Los Angeles and New York.
01:07 Natasha's Southwest Casting Experience
02:39 Joe's Early Acting Career
04:31 Moving to California and Filmmaking Journey
09:47 Advice for Aspiring Actors
12:14 Challenges and Rewards of Indie Filmmaking
15:05 Balancing Life and Career in Houston
22:59 Networking and Creating Opportunities
25:56 Favorite Collaboration and Film Project
30:39 Networking and Building Relationships
31:38 Paxton Gilmore
32:45 Working with Sara Gaston
36:34 Rapid Fire Q&A
46:36 Laughing Dog Comedy Film Festival
49:37 The Rewards of Directing
51:25 Upcoming Projects & Final Thoughts
18 Jun 2025
Zaire Folson on Film, Community, and the Art of Seeing in Color
Film colorist Zaire Folson discusses his journey into the film industry and shares advice on how to connect with the local film community in a new city in an interview with Natasha Ero.
21 Apr 2025
Lights, Camera, Legacy: Katy Lea Cannon on 58 Years of WorldFest Houston
Ready to mix and mingle with Houston’s finest in the film industry? On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katy Lea Cannon, Vice President of WorldFest Houston.
The film festival’s 58th anniversary is quickly approaching, so Katy gave me the rundown on what we can expect this year.
We talked everything from her dad, Hunter Todd, the founder of WorldFest being a documentary filmmaker for the precursor to Nasa to helping expand the film festival landscape in Houston. We also chat about the magic of film festivals, and how you could find yourself sitting next to Hollywood's next big director.
WorldFest's website: https://worldfest58.eventive.org/welcome
Check out the WorldFest Houston schedule: https://worldfest58.eventive.org/schedule
WorldFest Houston's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldfesthouston/?hl=en
Natasha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashtalksfilm/?hl=en
Natasha's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tashtalksfilm
Music by https://pixabay.com/users/niknet_art-46104493/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=246210 (https://pixabay.com/users/niknet_art-46104493/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=246210)
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Music by https://pixabay.com/users/alex_kizenkov-33612407/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=142392 (https://pixabay.com/users/alex_kizenkov-33612407/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=142392)
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27 Feb 2025
Finding Your Film Community with Not Another Film Org's David Clark & Brian Alan DeLaney
Do you want to start collaborating with other filmmakers and finally get your foot in the door? Do you have an incredible screenplay but aren’t sure of how to get it produced and filmed?
First things first, find your film community. Go to a networking event or a film screening in your city. These are guaranteed places to find like minded individuals who can help you get started.
Today I have two talented guys joining me on the podcast who are very popular in Houston’s film scene. Sketch comedy writer David Clark and Film composer Brian Alan DeLaney of Not Another Film Org are sitting down with me to talk about how they took over one of the longest running film networking events in Houston.
Not Another Film Org's Instagram: @notanotherfilmorg
Find all of Not Another Film Org's socials here: https://linktr.ee/houston.film.meet
Natasha's Instagram: @tashtalksfilm
3 Jan 2025
Creating Our Own Stories with In The House's Rehman Ahmed and Byron Franco
In this week’s episode, I sit down with two of the founding members of Houston film production company In The House. Rehman Ahmed and Byron Franco share the unlikely filming location that you wouldn't dare walk around at night.
The pair also share some wild stories of their early filming days that ended in the police showing up to their set.
Rehman shares his experience studying with the legendary Groundlings comedy troupe.
Rehman and Byron also emphasize the importance of creating your own opportunities.
10 Dec 2024
Favorite Houston Filming Locations, Acid Test, and Movie Trailers with Jenny Waldo
Award-winning producer Jenny Waldo shares insights from her USC days, debut film Acid Test, and offers advice to aspiring filmmakers on Tash Talks Film.
12 Nov 2024
Why Community Storytelling is One of the Strongest Tools We Have Right Now with Camille Ashraf
This week Tash talks to Camille Ashraf, co-founder of film & theater production house Actors Across Borders. Camille shares how Actors Across Borders was formed, the idea behind the Falasteen Arts Festival, and why it was so important to tell the stories of 12 Houston Palestinians in the org's new documentary "In Our Own Words."
Actors Across Borders Instagram: @actorsacrossborders
Check out AAB's latest short film 'Thinking About You': "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvdY0l3-eZ8
Tash's Instagram: @tashtalksfilm
31 Oct 2024
What the Houston Film Industry is Missing with Houston Film Scene's Julissa Guajardo
Co-founder of Houston Film Scene Julissa "Juls" Guajardo sits down with Tash to talk about how Houston Film Scene was born, their experience working on a BET+ show and what's keeping the Houston film industry from gaining national attention.
https://www.houstonfilmscene.com
Houston Film Scene's Instagram: @houstonfilmscene
Juls' Instagram: @juls.media
Tash's Instagram: @tashtalksfilm
Music by FASSounds (https://pixabay.com/users/fassounds-3433550/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=242100) from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=242100)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,887
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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