Business of Film

What really happens when a television director steps onto a fast-moving set? In Part 2 of Jesse Ikeman's conversation with veteran director Grant Harvey, they explore the craft and pressure of directing television, from blocking and working with actors to collaborating with cinematographers and crews, making creative decisions quickly, and balancing artistic instincts with the demands of production. Grant shares lessons from more than 80 hours of television directing and explains why preparation, collaboration, humility, and knowing when to push your ideas are essential to succeeding behind the camera.
About Grant Harvey: Grant’s most recent assignments include directing the pilot, series finale and half of the episodes of Hallmark Channel’s The Way Home starring Andie Macdowell and Chyler Leigh, and directing and co-executive producing the pilot episode of Mistletoe Murders starring Sarah Drew. He produced and directed How We Ended Us - his fifth feature film along with A Christmas Horror Story, Freezer Burn, Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning, and American Beer. Grant has directed five television movies and over eighty hours of episodic television. His episodic directing work includes AMC’s Orphan Black starring Tatiana Maslany, Amazon Prime’s Tin Star starring Tim Roth, and CBC/CW’s Burden of Truth starring Kristin Kreuk - which he also co-executive produced. Grant directed the pilot episode of The Best Years, as well as season openers/finales of 12 Monkeys, Heartland, X-Company, Bitten, Nurses and CTV’s Whistler – where he also acted as series director. Grant acted as cinematic director of FarCry 6 and Watchdogs: Legion, two AAA video games for Ubisoft. Grant created and directed the CBC special Balletlujah! documenting Alberta Ballet’s collaboration with k.d. lang - which won a Canadian Screen Awards for ‘Best Arts Documentary’. He has produced and directed over five hundred commercial campaigns in Canada and the U.S and over twenty music videos. His work has earned numerous Canadian and international awards as a director, including “Best Director’ at the 2013 DGC Awards. Grant is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency in Los Angeles.
 
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What does it take to become a successful television director? In this episode, Jesse Ikeman speaks with veteran director Grant Harvey about the realities of directing TV, from landing the job and pitching to showrunners to preparing with cinematographers, collaborating with actors and crews, and maintaining a show's creative vision under the pressures of production. With more than 80 hours of television directing experience, Grant shares hard-earned lessons about ego, preparation, collaboration, visual storytelling, and finding the "North Star" that keeps an episode focused.
 
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What does a film producer actually do—and how do movies get made in today's entertainment industry?
In this episode of The Business of Film Podcast, Jesse Ikeman sits down with veteran producer Ameet Shukla to explore the realities of modern film production. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, Ameet shares his journey from intern to producer and explains the many roles producers play throughout development, financing, production, and distribution. They discuss the film greenlight process, balancing creative integrity with budget realities, understanding audience sentiment, theatrical releases, global film financing, and how streaming has reshaped the economics of filmmaking. Whether you're an aspiring producer, filmmaker, screenwriter, or simply curious about the business behind your favourite movies, this episode offers practical insights into how films are brought from script to screen.
#BusinessOfFilm #AmeetShukla #FilmProducer #FilmProduction #Filmmaking #Hollywood #IndependentFilm #FilmFinancing #Producing #MovieBusiness #FilmIndustry #Screenwriting #Producers #FilmDistribution #TheatricalRelease #Streaming #Cinema #EntertainmentBusiness
 
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How are virtual production and LED volumes changing the way movies and television are made? In this episode, Jesse Ikeman sits down with Justin Cathcart, Virtual Production Supervisor at Dark Slope Studios, to explore the technology behind real-time filmmaking. Learn how Unreal Engine, LED walls, camera tracking, and in-camera visual effects are making blockbuster-quality production more accessible to independent filmmakers while reshaping the future of film production.
 
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Can storytelling change the world? In this episode, Jesse Ikeman speaks with Lindsay Hadley, CEO and Co-Founder of Harbor Fund, about the intersection of film, philanthropy, and social impact. They discuss innovative approaches to film financing, the challenges of funding independent films and documentaries, impact investing, the role of patrons in the arts, and why meaningful stories have the power to shape culture. Discover how new funding models could transform the future of filmmaking while supporting stories that matter.
 
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The creator economy is reshaping entertainment, advertising, and content creation. In this episode, Jesse Ikeman speaks with Darryl Singer, Chief Revenue Officer at Connected Interactive, about authentic storytelling, AI-powered marketing, audience building, monetization, paid media, and the future of creator-led content. From YouTube and TikTok to brand partnerships, advertising strategies, and platform algorithms, Darryl shares actionable insights for filmmakers, creators, and businesses looking to grow in today's digital-first media landscape.
 
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This edition of the "Best Of: Business of Film" features expert advice on filmmaking, producing, television, film financing, publicity, stunt coordination, distribution, and navigating major film festivals like Cannes. Learn how professionals like Victor Paguia, Matt Code, Angie Power and Julie Sisk approach creativity, production, budgeting, marketing, and career growth while gaining practical insights that apply whether you're an emerging filmmaker or an established industry professional.
 
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What makes the Cannes Film Festival the most important event in the global film industry? Jesse Ikeman speaks with Julie Sisk, founder of the American Pavilion at Cannes, about the business of film festivals, networking, emerging filmmakers, and the evolution of one of cinema's most influential gathering places. Julie shares insider advice for first-time attendees, reflects on the changing landscape of festivals, discusses the transition of the American Pavilion, and introduces Take Two Films, a new venture focused on immersive festival experiences. A must-listen for filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, film students, and anyone interested in the future of cinema and the film business.
#Cannes #FilmFestivals #Filmmaking #FilmIndustry #Cinema #Networking #IndependentFilm #BusinessOfFilm
 
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What if the future of Hollywood isn't longer movies—but shorter stories?
In this episode of The Business of Film Podcast, John McLean, COO of The Workbook, joins Jesse Ikeman to explore the rise of vertical dramas, creator studios, mobile-first entertainment and new financing models transforming the film industry. From IP ownership and content licensing to creator platforms, film financing and the economics behind short-form storytelling, this conversation examines one of the fastest-growing sectors in modern entertainment.
#Hollywood #VerticalDrama #FilmFinance #CreatorEconomy #BusinessOfFilm #Entertainment
 
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How is technology changing the way Hollywood discovers talent?
In this episode of The Business of Film Podcast, John McLean, COO of The Workbook, joins Jesse Ikeman to discuss the future of casting, talent discovery and film production. They explore how data is transforming casting decisions, why global talent opportunities are expanding, how production workflows are evolving, and what actors, producers and filmmakers need to know to stay ahead in a rapidly changing entertainment industry.
#Hollywood #Casting #FilmIndustry #Filmmaking #Actors #AI #Entertainment #BusinessOfFilm
 
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