NOLA Film Scene with Tj & Plaideau

Have you ever stood before the curtain of the entertainment industry, peeking through to catch a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes? Step into the spotlight with Hunter McHugh, a casting director whose roots are deep in New Orleans' effervescent film community, as he shares the transformation from an actor to a casting maestro. Hunter pulls back the curtain on his journey, from standing in for stars on 'Bad Moms&ap...

Discover the heartbeat of acting with the extraordinary Ann Mahoney, as she shares her profound insights into the art of performance. From nurturing the unique spark within each actor to embracing the stark realities of self-taping in our digital age, Ann's wisdom as an actor, educator, and writer radiates through every word. She delves into the power of an actor's personal narrative in shaping their on-screen presence an...

Ever wondered what it's like to trade a drumstick for a script? Kaleb Naquin, once a high school band aficionado, now finds himself on the rise in the acting sphere, and he's here to pull back the curtain on his intriguing journey. From his days at ED White Catholic High School to an impromptu audition that set his path alight, Kaleb's anecdotes about breaking into the Louisiana film scene carry the rhythm of an insp...

Have you ever stumbled upon the same plot in different movies and thought, "What are the odds?" Well, we hit the jackpot with Ruby Green, who joins us to unravel the mystery of multiple "Thirst Trap" short films converging in the New Orleans film scene. Our laughter-filled chat takes us behind the scenes, as Ruby, a seasoned casting director, producer, and production manager, dishes on the uncanny coincidences t...

Ever thought about growing out a beard to land the perfect role, or how your unique quirks could be your ticket to stardom? Creek Wilson, the man behind the Mariner Ghost in "The Haunted Mansion," joins us for a candid talk about the idiosyncrasies of the acting world and the unexpected opportunities that come with embracing your distinctive features. We get personal as Creek reminisces about his daughter's pushing t...

Step into the world of Billy Slaughter, a New Orleans actor with a tale that's as riveting as the roles he plays. Our candid conversation peels back the curtain on his remarkable journey post-SAG strike, the visceral experience of filming "The Ravine" within the walls of a real penitentiary, and the ways faith and true crime weave through the fabric of this compelling story. Billy's reflections on the raw, authe...

Ever wondered what it takes to leap from the known to the unknown and land on your feet? Alicia Lu did just that, trading the certainty of a marketing career for the unpredictable yet exhilarating world of acting in New Orleans. Join us for a heart-to-heart with this magnetic talent, where she walks us through her compelling transformation and ascent in the acting sphere.
 
 Our conversation with Alicia illuminates the audi...

Lights, camera, action! TJ and Plaideau are back, bringing the vibrant world of film right to your ears with Season 2 of Nola Film Scene. We're not just back—we're bringing the heat with an exclusive sit down with Alicia Liu, kicking off a series that peels back the curtain on the acting industry. Ever wonder what it takes to make it in the biz? Here's where you'll hear straight from the horse's mouth, as T...

Gather around the hearth of storytelling as TJ and I, your festive hosts, unwrap a treasure trove of Christmas past and present in our latest podcast episode. We're joined by special guests like Olivia Peck, who sprinkle their own brand of holiday magic into the mix. Reflecting on the Nutcracker gifts that became a cherished tradition with my mother, and TJ's heartwarming tale of teaching his kids the art of computer buil...

Ever wonder what it takes to become a successful voice artist? Let voiceover veteran Debi Derryberry light the way as she shares her journey from a fledgling talent to a respected icon in the industry. From unforgettable roles like Draculaura and Jimmy Neutron to invaluable collaborations, Debi unveils the secrets behind her illustrious career. If you're an aspiring voice actor, you'll appreciate her candid advice on the ...

Step into the spotlight with us, as we welcome the multi-talented Olivia Peck, a shining star in the Louisiana film industry. Olivia, an actress and singer, unfolds her inspiring journey in the world of entertainment. She lets us in on her early passion for singing and acting, her experiences of studying music education, and how she wears a confident mask over her nerves. A truly inspiring story, not to be missed!

Next up,...

Picture TJ, a budding principal actor, at a chaotic Thanksgiving dinner. While the turkey is in the oven, he shares the thrill of the SAG-AFTRA strike reaching its end, the freedom to talk about projects openly, and the serendipitous occurrences that make the film industry so tantalizing. This episode is about embracing vulnerability and gratitude, spiced with personal stories that add flavor to our journey.

Ever wondered ...

Ever found yourself captivated by the on-screen performances of actors in blockbuster films like 'Top Gun Maverick' and 'Mission Impossible 8'?  This episode welcomes talented actor and coach, Jim Gleason, who breaks down the authentic nature of on-camera acting and how accepting your circumstances as truth, staying in the moment, and dismantling emotional walls is essential.

Let me take you on a journe...

Embark on a cinematic journey with us as we engage in an in-depth conversation with the talented writer-director Rachel Jacob. Ever wondered how personal experiences can translate into a deeply moving film? Rachel demystifies this by unveiling her work on 'The Dead Driver', a poignant film based on  Michelle Silva's real-life experiences, and discussing the innovative production techniques used, including LED walls.<...

Welcome aboard listeners! Prepare to be wowed as we navigate the world of entertainment with our special guest, the multi-dimensional Josh Young. This episode promises to be as enticing as a page-turner graphic novel, with Josh unveiling his creative process, from pumping up crowds to penning comic books. We start our journey by unraveling the intricacies of being an MC spiced up with Josh's experiences in the field. 

From the astounding stages of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival to the big screen of Die Hard 2 and Bill & Ted's, we're thrilled to have William Sadler, the iconic actor, share his riveting journey in the world of acting. William weaves an inspiring tale that began with his memorable performance as Hamlet, his first paying gig. Hear about his transition from being 'Bill' to 'William', a change moti...

Ever dreamt of leaving the corporate world for a career in acting and content creation? Our guest for this episode, Blake Nolan, did exactly that. Let Blake guide you through his exciting journey, from his college days at Ole Miss to his exciting roles in the NOLA Film Scene. Hear how he navigated his way through filming opportunities in Georgia and the thrilling experience of working on the Last of Us: Immunity fan film project. B...

Ever wondered what it’s like to leap from the world of football to the realm of film? That's exactly what Tavond Francis did, and he's here to share his riveting story. As an actor and former college athlete, Tavond was encouraged by his parents towards theater from a young age. Ignoring it for sports, he'd eventually stumble upon acting during a break from school and it soon took center stage. His journey is filled ...

It's not everyday you get to sit down with a personality as vibrant as Ginjer Wulff. From her humble beginnings in school and church productions to starring in high-profile commercials, her journey into the world of acting is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we delve into her captivating stories of beating the odds when she auditioned for and booked a Super Bowl commercial.  

The road to success in the acting in...