Reel Wisdom with NK

The Indie Producer's Roadmap with Mike D. WareIndie film producing takes someone who is gritty, resourceful, and financially savvy. In this episode of Reel Wisdom with NK, we sit down with multi-hyphenate Chicago-based filmmaker and producer Mike D. Ware (Senior Producer at 1986 Studios, Echo Boomers, Pools, Dog Years, Double Blind).With over a decade of experience bringing ambitious independent projects to life, Mike shares his advice for navigating the indie landscape. We break down the core skills aspiring producers should sharpen, the realities of budgeting for passion projects, securing high-level talent, and so much more.Whether you are calculating your next career move or gearing up for your first project, this conversation is packed with invaluable industry insights.New episodes of Reel Wisdom with NK drop every 3rd Monday of the month. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Credits:Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & DirectorNK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer Alyssa Neyland - Production DesignerZiva Armstrong - Set DecAlex Richardson - Costume DesignerFiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PREstefanía Mena - Social Media Manager Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

Made in Illinois: Film, Industry & Opportunity - Live with Peter HawleyWhat does it actually take to make a movie in Illinois—and how can independent filmmakers navigate the state’s resources to get their projects funded and made?Recorded live at the Midwest Film Festival, host NK sits down with Peter Hawley, Director of the Illinois Film Office, to breakdown state tax incentives, underutilized filmmaker resources, and the infrastructure helping fund Midwest cinema. Whether you need tax credit guidance or industry advice, tune in for essential insights into making films in the Midwest! Credits:Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & DirectorNK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer Andrew Moore - WriterAlyssa Neyland - Production DesignerZiva Armstrong - Set DecAlex Richardson - Costume DesignerFiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PREstefanía Mena - Social Media Manager Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

The conversation continues! In Part 2 of this live recording at the Midwest Film Festival, NK turns the spotlight from behind-the-scenes design to the performances and visuals that bring a story to life.She is joined by three more celebrated Best of the Midwest Award winners to talk performance, visual storytelling, and pulling off a winning feature:Ashlyn Lozano | Winner – Best ActressBrian Zahm | Winner – Grand Prize & Best CinematographyBen Bishop | Winner – Best ActorIn this episode, the panel dives into the collaborative dynamic between actors and directors, the art of crafting unforgettable lead performances, and the visual strategies needed to capture an award-winning look. Listen in to catch the rest of the conversation!Credits:Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & DirectorNK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer Andrew Moore - WriterAlyssa Neyland - Production DesignerZiva Armstrong - Set DecAlex Richardson - Costume DesignerFiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PREstefanía Mena - Social Media Manager Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

In part one of this intimate live conversation, host NK sits down with three standout Best of the Midwest Award winners to unpack the artistry, discipline, and execution behind their craft:Mariah Bennett | Winner – Best Production DesignErick Juarez | Winner – Best CastingDavis Cameron Chu | Winner – Best EditingWhether you are prepping your next short, navigating the festival circuit, or looking to sharpen your technical toolkit, tune in for actionable insights and real-talk advice on making films that leave a mark.Credits:Katelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & DirectorNK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer Andrew Moore - WriterAlyssa Neyland - Production DesignerZiva Armstrong - Set DecAlex Richardson - Costume DesignerFiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PREstefanía Mena - Social Media Manager Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

Film Festival Programming Demystified with Raul Benitez & Sandra Bernal AristizábalToday we are Demystifying the art of film festival programming. We sit down with the ultimate cinema architects and uncovering the hidden blueprint they use to build the industry. We are revealing exactly what a programmer does and the submission strategies that could land your film on the big screen. If you're working to take your filmmaking career to the next level, you cannot afford to miss this.CreditsKatelyn Henslin - Executive Producer & DirectorNK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenrí Byrd - Creative Associate Producer Sarah Glees - Production Coordinator Andrew Moore - WriterAlyssa Neyland - Production DesignerZiva Armstrong - Set DecAlex Richardson - Costume DesignerFiona Sullivan - Head of Marketing and PREstefanía Mena - Social Media Manager Isaac Dempsey - Social Media EditorCory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

Global kaleidoscope: Multicultural Storytelling with Natasha ParkerCredits:NK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerKatelyn Henslin - Head Producer & DirectorEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production DesignerKelsey Denvir - Costume DesignerEstefania Mena - Writer and Committee MemberNetta Harper - Artwork Hair ArtistFaith Hart - Social Media ManagerSarah Glees - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

Green Lighting Yourself with Troy PryorCredits:NK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerKatelyn Henslin - Head Producer & DirectorEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production DesignerKelsey Denvir - Costume DesignerEstefania Mena - Writer and Committee MemberNetta Harper - Artwork Hair ArtistFaith Hart - Social Media ManagerSarah Glees - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

Communication in Freelance with Katelyn HenslinIn this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, our host, NK, sits down with Chicago-based independent producer Katelyn Henslin for a candid and practical conversation about navigating the freelance film industry and why communication is the backbone of a sustainable creative career.Katelyn is an established freelancer in Chicago, she reflects on recent career milestones, including wrapping her largest-budget feature as lead producer, and the lessons learned along the way.Together, they break down the realities of freelance life: treating your career like a business, understanding that every set is an interview, and learning when to say “no” to protect your long-term goals. Katelyn emphasizes the ripple effect of communication on set, the importance of going through proper channels, and how professionalism, kindness, and self-advocacy can shape future opportunities.This episode also dives into the mental side of freelancing from imposter syndrome to overcommitment and the systems that help creatives stay organized, visible, and grounded in a fast-paced industry. Katelyn's insights offer a roadmap for emerging filmmakers looking to balance craft, logistics, and human connection while building a career they can sustain.Whether you’re just entering the freelance world or refining how you show up on set, this episode is a reminder that clear communication, trust in yourself, and respect for the collective process are what truly move the industry forward.Credits:NK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerKatelyn Henslin - Head Producer & DirectorEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production DesignerKelsey Denvir - Costume DesignerEstefania Mena - Writer and Committee MemberNetta Harper - Artwork Hair ArtistFaith Hart - Social Media ManagerSarah Glees - Social Media Editor Cory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

The Art of Sound & Scoring with Cory CokenIn this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, our host NK sits down with Cory Coken, owner of NoiseFloor Chicago, to explore the invisible art form that shapes how every story is felt: sound design and scoring.Cory shares why sound is not just an accessory to film but a storytelling force of its own: one that guides emotion, builds rhythm, and breathes life into every frame. Together, they discuss the importance of honest collaboration between filmmakers and sound designers, the emotional power of music, and why timing and trust are everything in post-production.From creating authentic partnerships to giving creatives the time and space they need to deliver their best work, Cory offers practical advice for directors, editors, and producers alike. He reminds filmmakers that sound and emotion are inseparable, and that great sound design requires openness, patience, and a shared vision.This episode is both a masterclass in collaboration and a call to action for filmmakers: trust your team, let your voice shine, and don’t be afraid to finish and share your work with the world.Credits:NK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerKatelyn Henslin - Head Producer & DirectorEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production DesignerKelsey Denvir - Costume DesignerEstefania Mena - Writer and Committee MemberNetta Harper - Artwork Hair ArtistFaith Hart - Social Media ManagerCory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD

Leadership in Film with Pemon Rami In this episode of REEL WISDOM WITH NK, host NK is joined by filmmaker, educator, and cultural leader Pemon Rami to explore what true leadership looks like in the film industry and how we can build a creative community that lasts.From his early beginnings walking into a theater company out of curiosity, to becoming a mentor for generations of artists, Pemon shares what it really means to sustain an industry: passing on knowledge, leading with integrity, and creating spaces where others can thrive.Together, NK and Pemon dive into the qualities of great leaders clarity of purpose, emotional intelligence, and the courage to decide what’s non-negotiable. They discuss the importance of communication, curiosity, and kindness on set, and how cultivating collaboration is the key to building a stronger creative ecosystem.Pemon reminds us that filmmaking isn’t just about producing movies  but it’s about producing audiences, nurturing new voices, and shaping the cultural narratives that connect us all. His advice is simple but profound: if you’re in charge, you don’t need to prove it. Be clear, be compassionate, and be a good person.Whether you’re leading a team, directing your first project, or dreaming of one day doing both, this episode offers timeless wisdom on how to lead with heart and leave something that outlives you.Credits:NK Gutiérrez - Host & ProducerKatelyn Henslin - Head Producer & DirectorEmily Seddon - Co-ProducerHenri' Byrd - Hair and Makeup Artist & Coordinator Alyssa Neyland - Production DesignerKelsey Denvir - Costume DesignerEstefania Mena - Writer and Committee MemberNetta Harper - Artwork Hair ArtistFaith Hart - Social Media ManagerCory Coken - Audio Mixer & Executive ProducerBryen Hensley - Technical Director Ashton Johnson - Video Editor & GraphicsJake Hensley - Audio MixerKimberly Knudsen - Production ManagerDevin Delaney - ComposerJamie Vanadia - Re-Recording Mixer Production Facility - Noisefloor LTDPost Production Provided by - Noisefloor LTD