NOLA Film Scene with Tj & Plaideau
A podcast about acting, filmmaking, and the improv scene in New Orleans.
Episodes
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Dean unpacks the turning point that changed his work: an acting class with Aaron Speiser that replaced “how should this look?” with “what does this human believe right now?” We dig into the “moment before,” the trap of starting scenes in a pre-selected emotion, and why memorizing like a song locks rhythm and kills spontaneity. Dean’s mantra is ruthless and liberating: ...
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Ever notice how the best performances feel unforced, like the camera just wandered into a real moment? That’s the core of our time with actor and coach Dean West, who makes a compelling case that presence beats performance every time. We dig into the gritty, practical habits that keep you human on set—then pair them with simple mindset drills that turn nerves into fuel...
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A meme tried to tell our story for us—so we brought in the person at the center of it. Ann Mahoney sits down with us to unpack a viral rumor about a Walking Dead scene, why it’s completely false, and what gets lost when the internet mistakes convincing acting for personal pain. From there, we zoom out to the bigger picture: how audiences conflate character with human, ...
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A 48-hour film sprint on a horse rescue ranch. Cowboy kung fu. Seven hours of beautiful footage left on the floor. That’s where our talk with New Orleans filmmaker Scott Nielsen kicks off—and it only gets wilder from there. Scott breaks down the kind of pre-production you can and should do before you even have a script: scheduling people, page targets, asset wrangling,...
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What if your greatest challenges became your greatest strengths? Actress, writer, and producer Eileen Gruba transforms this question from philosophical musing to lived reality in this powerful conversation about disability, resilience, and the fight for inclusion in Hollywood.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans based ac...
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Resilience takes center stage as actress, writer, and producer Eileen Gruba shares her extraordinary 30-year journey through the entertainment industry. From childhood tragedy to industry trailblazer and advocate for disabled actors, Eileen's story captivates with raw honesty and unwavering determination.
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What does it mean to find success in the entertainment industry during slow times? Hick Cheramie returns to our show after two years to share the profound wisdom he's gained navigating the unpredictable waters of an acting career while maintaining his day job in the oil fields.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans ba...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
From childhood VHS movie-making to crafting indie films with a distinctive voice, actor-director Zac Cino takes us behind the scenes of his creative journey on this episode of NOLA Film Scene.
Zac shares the story of how a prop gun pressed against an actor's face created an unexpectedly authentic moment - which leads to a fascinating discussion about unco...
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When we hit record on our very first NOLA Film Scene episode two years ago, we never imagined the incredible journey ahead. From upgrading our recording setup (goodbye, dark sound booth!) to forming meaningful connections with talented creators across Louisiana, this anniversary livestream captures the heart of what we've built together.
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultat...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
What happens when a 21-year Coast Guard veteran trades military service for movie magic? Kevin Cheatham takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from aviation mechanic to Hollywood stunt performer, actor and filmmaker in this fascinating conversation.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCa...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
What would make you cut a beard you've grown for years? For TJ, it wasn't money—it was the right creative project. In this candid conversation, TJ and Plaideau break down their separate journeys through this year's 48-Hour Film Competition in New Orleans, revealing the surprising personal sacrifices and creative decisions that shaped their experiences.
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Tatiana Piper's path to the DC Universe began not on a Hollywood soundstage but in a Russian classroom where creative aspirations were met with skepticism. "When is this phase going to fade out and you're going to go be a doctor or lawyer or build spaceships?" her family would ask. Despite her natural theatrical talents, Tatiana initially compromise...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Dollar bills transform into works of art and vehicles of human connection in the hands of Jim Vess, the beloved "origami guy" of the New Orleans film scene. Recorded at the inaugural Galaxy Con New Orleans, this conversation reveals how Jim's creative habit has touched lives across the entertainment industry and beyond.
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
What happens when a childhood passion refuses to be silenced? In this captivating conversation, Jana McCaffrey reveals her remarkable journey through multiple careers while never letting go of her dream to perform.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Birthday celebrations, upcoming film competitions, and the realization that we're approaching our podcast's two-year anniversary – this casual check-in episode captures the ongoing journey of NOLA Film Scene.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana s...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
From performing sketch comedy to nearly empty theaters to suddenly writing for Steven Spielberg, Paul Rugg's unexpected journey into animation reveals the magical creative energy behind Warner Brothers' most beloved 90s cartoons. Paul's journey from sketch comedy to Emmy Award winner, Paul's journey is nothing short of inspirational. He reminds us ...
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What does it take to cross boundaries between music, acting, and language? Manon Pagès embodies this creative journey, bringing her classical music foundations to the vibrant film scene of New Orleans.
The conversation opens a window into how disciplined training in one art form can powerfully transfer to another. Beginning with taking piano and then entering ...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Tj discusses a major failure on a film project and Plaideau discusses a win.
Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law. Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana fil...
Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.
Susan Lebrecht's creative journey defies conventional artistic paths, weaving together dance, choreography, and acting into a rich tapestry of expression. Her earliest artistic memories revolve around musical theater and watching West Side Story as a child, sparking a passion that would evolve throughout her life.
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