S4E172 | From LA to Austin: Filmmaking, Community & the Indie Hustle

Get Reelisms | An Ode to Filmmaking

In episode 172 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both filmmakers, are joined by illustrators Kellie Penna and Jason. They discuss the origins and creation of their book 'Get Reelisms,' which started on the set of 'Terror Birds' in 2016. The conversation covers the differences in film culture between Austin and Los Angeles, the importance of community, and the challenges faced in the industry today, such as lack of opportunities and financial instability. They also touch on the personal impact of these challenges, the communal nature of Austin, and the advantages and drawbacks of working in LA. The episode ends with plans for future gatherings and the importance of continuing to support indie filmmaking.

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase) & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)

About Christine W Chen:

Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.

For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com

About Adam Rani:

Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow.

Guests: Team Get Reelisms

Kellie Penna: A native Texan who moved to Austin shortly after graduating college, Kellie cut her chops in the run and gun indie scene in Austin, doing all things art. 6 or 7 years later, each project gets bigger and better. Kellie is a full time production designer in the film industry. She has been on almost every Christine Chen film.

Jason Cates: Jason Cates is a life long Austin area artist that has worked with Moth to Flame films primarily as a set sound recordist. He is also the creator of Derelict Ink a monthly zine featuring poetry and prose. Vile Trash Poet is his branding for his sound exploration studies with synthesizers and sampling.

For more information go to getreelisms.com

For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com

WEBISODE version of the Podcast

getreelisms.com

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:33 Reunion and Catching Up

01:02 Meet the Team

02:49 Origins of Get Reelisms

03:58 Creating the Book

05:18 Challenges and Successes

10:03 The Baby Book Project

12:41 Life in Los Angeles vs. Austin

15:20 Community and Collaboration

31:37 Dating and Social Dynamics

35:59 Navigating Dating in the City

36:48 The Cost of Socializing

37:16 Building Connections in LA

39:18 Austin vs. LA: A Comparison

39:55 The Creative Community in Austin

46:24 Challenges of Filmmaking in LA

51:37 The Indie Film Spirit

57:04 The Future of Filmmaking

01:06:50 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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