Go For Production with Brandon Riley: A Filmmaking Podcast

In this insightful episode of Go for Production, host Brandon Riley sits down with Dori Zavala as they talk everything legal. With over 23 years of experience in legal, business, and finance, Dori has made it her mission to guide filmmakers through the often-overlooked yet critical world of film financing, legalities, and production clearances. She shares how her consulting practice, Open For Show Business, equips creatives with the strategic tools they need to bring a script to life—all while avoiding costly legal pitfalls. Dori and Brandon delve into the foundational steps every producer should take before cameras roll, starting with setting up an LLC to protect personal assets, establishing a business bank account, and getting key investor documents in order. They discuss essential contracts—everything from cast and crew agreements to location releases—and underscore the importance of transparency and clarity in every deal. Dori explains the complexities of copyright law, particularly for artwork and music, showing why seemingly small details can make or break a film’s distribution potential. Whether you’re an independent filmmaker piecing together a million-dollar budget or a producer looking to safeguard your project for future distribution, Dori's expertise offers invaluable guidance. Learn how to streamline your production’s legal workflow, handle complicated negotiations with agents, and ensure you have a clear roadmap for financing, music licensing, and more. By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why having an entertainment attorney on board early can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

In this episode we talk with Robert "Skid" Skidmore about his experience working with background actors. Skid is an experienced Assistant Director and host of the Below The Line Podcast. A few of the shows that Skid has worked on include Veep, Entourage, Spider Man 2, Arrested Development, Big Fish, The West Wing and many more..Visit his website at https://www.belowtheline.biz/

In this episode we talk with John Francis Collins about his experience working as a Location Scout, Location Manager and ALM.John is a veteran Locations Expert who has worked on countless movies. A few of the films that John has worked on include Emancipation, 12 years of slave, One night in Miami, Your Honor and Mississippi Grind.

In this episode we chat with Mirko Urania (CEO of WrapTime) about going digital with out-times and creating a production report in minutes.Visit the website http://www.wraptime.io

In this episode we chat with Luke DeBoer (CEO of Set Hero) about all things digital with call sheets, production reports and more....Visit the website https://setheroapp.com and https://moviemagictoexcel.com/

In this Episode we speak with Robin Kincade (@kincadeproductions on instagram) about working as a successful production assistant in film and tv.Robin has over 20 years experience as a freelance producer, location scout and photographer for some of the biggest names in the business including NBC, ABC, MTV, CMT, Showtime, HBO, Reality Television and many more.After 4 years in development, she launched Kincade Productions and is proud to launch this one of a kind course that gives step- by-step direction on how to break into the film industry. Website: https://www.kincadeproductions.com/

In this episode we talk with Phillip Rush about his recent adventure filming a movie during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Phillip Rush (@philliprush on instagram) is an experienced 1st AD based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania who has worked on numerous independent films and series. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

In this episode I’m going to share with you the latest books I’m reading that I highly recommend.Deep Work by Cal NewportThe 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman and Kaley Warner KlempThe Obstacle is the way by Ryan HollidayMasterclass--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

In this episode we discuss the COVID-19 White Paper guidelines with Lisa Mall.Lisa is a DGA 2nd AD-based in Dallas, TX but frequently works across the US in various cities such as New York City, Portland, OR and many others. Her recent projects include Halle Berry's "Bruised," Netflix's unreleased "Grand Army," USA Network's "Queen of the South," and a handful of indie feature films. Past projects include IFC's "Portlandia," Marvel's "Daredevil" and "Jessica Jones," and a smattering of movies the likes of "Olympus Has Fallen," "The Maze Runner," and "Get On Up," to name a few.Please enjoy!Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC01GJT61n1F7SWkrzw5vAqQ?sub_confirmation=1About the Host - Brandon Riley:Brandon Riley is a seasoned Producer, Line Producer, UPM and Assistant Director (1st AD & 2nd AD) with 10+ years’ experience creating and managing high-profile film, TV, digital media and live events. He’s worked with numerous a-list Actors and talented Directors in 10 states with budgets under $10 million. His ability to problem solve, think clearly in difficult situations and continually pull off the impossible make him an invaluable team player. He holds a Bachelors degree in Radio/TV/Film and a minor in Philosophy from the University of North Texas and is currently a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America. In his spare time Brandon enjoys developing and packaging projects (features and tv series) under his company Radiant First Productions for various markets and is often hired as a consultant to assist with the development process for numerous companies.Connect with Brandon Riley:Visit the BLOG: http://www.assistantdirecting.comVisit the SITE: https://www.thefilmfixer.usFollow Brandon Riley on TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/radiantfirstFollow Brandon Riley on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/radiantfirstFollow Assistant Directing on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/assistantdirecting--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

In this episode we talk with Jules Kovisars (@JKovisars on twitter)Jules is a Producer, Production Executive and DGA Unit Production Manager.Following graduation from Vassar, Jules was admitted to the DGA trainee program and upon graduation worked as a Key 2nd AD for many years on shows ranging from lower budget TV to blockbuster feature films like Men In Black: 2.She spent some time working in Spain as the Head of Production for Palma Pictures, the largest commercial service company in the EU.Returning to Los Angeles, Jules continued to work as a UPM and Producer on acclaimed series including THE FOSTERS (Freeform TV) and EPISODES (Showtime), as well as myriad pilots and one-offs. From this experience, Jules was recruited to the rebranding of truTV network, based in New York City, where she remained until the finalization of the merger with AT&T.Currently in LA Jules works as a producer and UPM on numerous scripted projects, and is repped by UTA.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

In this episode we talk with 1st AD Doug Torres (@suckafish1102 on instagram) about getting into the mind of the Director and creating a style that works. Doug is a verteran DGA 1st AD who has worked on countless movies. A few of the films that Doug has worked on include Drumline, Mr. 3000, We Own the Night, The Scorcer's Apprentice, The Beaver, 12 Years a Slave, Tripe 9, Bright, Ad Adstra and the upcoming trilogy Fear Street.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

In this episode we talk with Butch Kaplan about the various roles of producers, hiring practices and maintaining longevity in the film/tv industryButch (@butchkaplan on instagram) has been working as a Producer & Production Manager in Film and Television for over 30 years. Some of Butch’s credits include Fear The Walking Dead, John Q, The Notebook, Alpha Dog, Bablyon AD and Oldboy.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support

Jason Waggenspack is the founder and CEO of Neutral Ground Films and The Ranch Film Studios. He has recently produced "The True Don Quixote" with Tim Blake Nelson and Jacob Batalon as well as "Arceneaux" with Lance Nichols and is currently directing the medicinal cannabis documentary called "Abby's Joy". He has played an integral part in landing several major motion pictures to the state of Louisiana for over a decade. He is the Treasure of the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association (LFEA) and is the 2018 Champions Of Tourism Award Winner by the Lt. Governor.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/go-for-production/support