Business of Film

Business of Film explores the evolving world of storytelling. Hosted by Jesse Ikeman, it’s a candid look at how producers, writers, directors, and creators navigate the collision of creativity, technology, and business. Each episode delivers real conversations, sharp insights, and tactical takeaways for working professionals in film, TV, and the creator economy.

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Episodes

May 25, 2026

45 min

In this episode of The Business of Film Podcast, Ubisoft lead writer Kyle Muir joins Jesse Ikeman to discuss the evolving craft of video game storytelling. From Far Cry 6 and Splinter Cell to the broader challenges of narrative design, Kyle breaks down how writing for games differs from television and film, how interactive storytelling changes the creative process, and why collaboration is essential in AAA game development. The conversation explores world-building, player psychology, non-linear storytelling, creative problem-solving, and the future of narrative-driven games.
 
More from Business of Film:
https://linktr.ee/businessoffilmpod
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com

May 14, 2026

35 min

In this episode of The Business of Film Podcast, Emmy-nominated creator, writer, showrunner, and executive producer Courtney A. Kemp joins Jesse Ikeman to discuss her new Netflix series Nemesis. Best known for building the groundbreaking Power Universe, Kemp breaks down her creative process behind crafting compelling characters, intricate heist storytelling, and emotionally driven television that keeps audiences hooked.
 
Nemesis drops on Netflix today: May 14, 2026!
 
The conversation explores her journey from journalism to showrunning, writing for Netflix, managing large-scale productions, fostering new writing talent, and what it takes to create television with real momentum and staying power. Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, or fan of prestige TV, this is an in-depth look at how modern hit series are built.
 
More from Courtney:
https://www.instagram.com/courtneyakemp
 
More from Business of Film:
https://linktr.ee/businessoffilmpod
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 
 

May 7, 2026

40 min

In this episode of the Business of Film Podcast, Jesse Ikeman sits down with Eva Anderson, executive producer, co-showrunner, and writer of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed series Margo’s Got Money Troubles. From adapting the bestselling novel with David E. Kelly and A24 to balancing comedy, drama, and nuanced social themes, Eva breaks down the creative and logistical realities of modern television production. The conversation explores writing rooms, casting, on-set rewrites, character-driven storytelling, and what aspiring writers can learn from navigating today’s evolving TV industry.
 
Watch Margo's Got Money Troubles on Apple TV+:
https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/margos-got-money-troubles/umc.cmc.6wgw0u6vuwydp6obbzzccup3w
 
More from Business of Film:
https://linktr.ee/businessoffilmpod
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 

Apr 30, 2026

49 min

In this episode of The Business of Film Podcast, Jesse Ikeman sits down with Glenn Cockburn, founder of Meridian Artists, one of Canada’s top agencies representing writers and directors, to break down the realities of screenwriting and navigating today’s film and television industry. From developing voice and structure to pitching, selling, and adapting to a contracting market, Glenn shares practical, experience-driven insights for writers looking to stand out and build a career. 
 
More from Glenn:
https://torontoscreenwritingconference.com/
 
More from Business of Film:
https://linktr.ee/businessoffilmpod
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 

Apr 23, 2026

48 min

In this episode, writer-producer Todd Friedman and director Andy Palmer break down the full journey of making an independent film, from personal story to festival premiere and distribution. They share insights on writing and producing Last Shot, casting and working with actors like Jaime Pressly and Michael Rapaport, and navigating the realities of indie film financing, production, and post. The conversation also explores festival strategy, audience targeting, and how filmmakers can take control of marketing and distribution in today’s evolving landscape.
 
Last Shot will make its world premiere as the opening night film at the Dallas International Film Festival on April 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Texas Theater.
 
More from Todd & Andy:
https://www.instagram.com/hemlockcircle
https://www.instagram.com/directorandypalmer
https://www.hemlockcircle.com/ 
 
More from Business of Film:
https://linktr.ee/businessoffilmpod
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 

Apr 13, 2026

54 min

How do TV procedurals actually get made? Award-winning showrunner Alan McCullough pulls back the curtain on writers’ rooms, script development, and what it really takes to build a career in television. From Stargate to Private Eyes and The Spencer Sisters, this is a practical, insider look at how TV writing works.
 
More from Business of Film:
https://linktr.ee/businessoffilmpod
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 

Apr 2, 2026

44 min

In this episode, seasoned publicist Angie Power (Route 504 PR) shares how publicity shapes the success of a film from development through release.
With over 25 years of experience, she breaks down the role of press strategy, the difference between publicity and marketing, and how the media landscape has evolved. From film festivals to social media and influencer outreach, this conversation explores how films gain visibility in today’s industry.
A must-listen for filmmakers looking to better understand how their work reaches an audience.
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 
More from Angie:
https://www.route504pr.com/
https://www.instagram.com/route504pr
 

Mar 26, 2026

19 min

4 of our BEST conversations on film. You don't want to miss this!
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com

Mar 19, 2026

55 min

What actually works on YouTube right now?
 
Ryan Prunty (1.7M+ subscribers) and MrBeast writer Casey Creveling unpack the real strategies behind growth — from retention and consistency to AI, monetization, and why most creators never break through.
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 
More from Ryan & Casey:
https://www.socialcarry.co/
 
Ryan's Socials: 
https://www.youtube.com/@RyanPrunty
https://www.instagram.com/ryprunty/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/ryanpruntyofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanprunty?lang=en
 
Casey's Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/caseycreveling/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@caseycreveling
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycreveling
 

Mar 12, 2026

1hr 3 min

An inside look at the craft of storytelling, writing for television, and adapting major IP.
 
Jesse and Geoffrey Thorne (Genre 19) explore writers’ rooms, dialogue, pitching, and lessons learned from working across Marvel, Star Trek novels, and television.
 
QUESTIONS? Email us and we'll answer on the pod! askbofpod@gmail.com
 
More from Geoff:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0861382/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

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