Host Bill Thill welcomes prop master Dutch Merrick to the show to discuss the art, science and business of props. Have you ever wondered where all the objects you see actors interacting with on screen come from? The answer is probably a lot more complicated than you realize. With over two decades in the business, Dutch is a master of his craft and a great storyteller who's currently at work on a book and documentary film about the history of props and property masters in Hollywood.  A trade where creativity, art, engineering and good old fashioned hustle are necessary to succeed, this behind the scenes look at one of the most important aspects of putting on a show is sure to inform and entertain. Plus, Dutch plays 'The Lightning Round' and wishes for a particular super-power that would definitely make his job easier! SHOW NOTES: Guest V.O. "Previously On..." Leah Brock MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra INTRO CLIP: "The Jerk" (1979) CLOSING CLIPS: "Blazing Saddles" (1974)  

Hollywood AWAC

EP. 8: The Thing’s The Thing: The Art and History of Props In Film & Television With Prop Master Dutch Merrick

Bill welcomes writer and broadcaster Ken Zurski to the show to discuss his process of researching, writing and publishing his first book, "The Wreck Of The Columbia", a true story chronicling the sinking of a paddle wheel steamboat on the Illinois River on July 4th, 1918. Ken sheds light on the path he took from radio professional to embracing stories of local history and subsequently conceiving of and launching  his third book, "Unremembered: Tales of the Nearly Famous & the Not Quite Forgotten". That idea is now gaining footing with a global audience of historically curious readers. Ken reminds us that stories are everywhere and how sometimes the inspiration we're looking for might be right in our own backyard. SHOW NOTES: GUEST V.O.: "Previously On..." - Leah Brock MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra INTRO CLIP: "Barton Fink" (1991)

EP. 7: The Evolution of a Writer: From Stories of Local History to the Birth of a Global Brand with Ken Zurski

Host Bill Thill sits down with writer Joe R. Lansdale ("Hap and Leonard", "Cold In July", "The Bottoms", etc.) and Kasey Lansdale to discuss their recent collaboration writing their new book, "Terror Is Our Business". This talented father/daughter duo chat about the creative process and what it takes to build a life less ordinary while pursuing creative endeavors. Joe's rise from his Nacogdoches, Texas roots to international best selling author is only part of the Lansdale family all-American success story. Beyond being an award-winning author, Joe speaks with fatherly pride about Kasey's work as a singer/songwriter and recording artist, his son Keith's skill as a screenwriter and how his wife Karen was was the supportive muse that helped launch the entire Lansdale family creative enterprise. A fun and inspirational discussion that celebrates the benefits of hard work and early rejection to the sometimes tearful results of meeting your idol, the creativity and kindness of the the talented Lansdales shines through as Joe and Kasey share their stories and tips for leading a creative life. SHOW NOTES GUEST V.O.: "Previously On..." Leah Brock MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra "Sorry Ain't Enough" Kasey Lansdale "Living In The Moment" Kasey Lansdale INTRO CLIP: "Bubba Ho-Tep" (2002)  

EP. 6: "The Family That Creates Together..." With Writer Joe Lansdale & Singer Kasey Lansdale

Host Bill Thill meets up with critic, journalist, and digital content creator Tara McNamara at the Cinemark Theaters in Los Angeles to discuss movies of the 1980's. Tara has been a critic for Common Sense Media for 15 years, written for Variety and Fandango and is the founder of 80sMovieGuide.com. She also produces the podcast, "80's Movies: A Guide To What's Wrong With Your Parents", a show she co-hosts with her daughter. Tara is an expert on the films of the 1980's and her unique take on the decade, that was defined by teen movies and MTV, will both delight and horrify...and somehow that seems appropriate! Film fans, and those harboring prom photos that feature big hair, will enjoy this trip down movie memory lane.--And we promise not to tell your kids! SHOW NOTES: GUEST V.O.: "Previously On..." - Leah Brock MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra INTRO CLIP: "Caddyshack" (1980)  

EP. 5: Movies Of The 1980's With Film Critic Tara McNamara

Host Bill Thill is joined by acting coach Dave Abbitt for an in depth conversation about acting and what's required to master the craft. With many years in the entertainment industry, Dave is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable instructors around. His weekly scene study class at the Raven Playhouse in the NoHo Arts District is designed to challenge and inspire actors to reach their full potential. Plus, the 'movie you might have heard of' toy line that got away and Dave plays "The Lightning Round!" SHOW NOTES: Guest V.O. "Previously On..." - Leah Brock MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra INTRO CLIP: "Birdman" (2014) CLOSING CLIP "Blazing Saddles" (1974)

EP. 4: The Art & Craft Of Acting With Acting Coach Dave Abbitt

To Squee Or Not To Squee! Host Bill Thill is joined by self-described obsessed 'fangirl' and New York based documentary filmmaker Hansi Oppenheimer to discuss the power of female fandom. According to the Urban Dictionary, Squee! is the sound a fangirl makes, 'To Squeal with Glee', when expressing a feeling of excitement and happiness. We go behind the Squee! to discuss the self-empowerment of fandom and the influence fans have on the industry. Hansi also shares her experience of using new, readily available, technology to create filmed content for a receptive worldwide audience by any means necessary. Plus, Hansi plays 'The Lightning Round!'   SHOW NOTES: Guest V.O. "Previously On..." - Leah Brock MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra INTRO CLIP: "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984)

EP. 3: Squee! Female Fandom & Documentaries On A Shoestring Budget With Filmmaker Hansi Oppenheimer.

Host Bill Thill and Producer, Writer and Pop Culture expert Jake Deptula meet for coffee and conversation at Priscilla's coffee shop in Toluca Lake, CA. In the shadow of Disney and Warner Bros. Studios, Priscilla's is the place to meet and greet friends in this famous media triangle neighborhood that's also home to the Garry Marshall Theater. Part-time contributor to the Hollywood AWAC podcast and full-time inspiring guy, Jake talks about his career path, how to navigate in the new Hollywood environment and shares his insight into a way of thinking that will benefit any creative as they build a career in the business. Plus, Jake plays 'The Lightning Round!'   SHOW NOTES: Guest V.O. "Previously on..." - Leah Brock Music "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra "Stayin' Alive" The Bee Gees        

EP. 2: Bridging the Gaps with Creative Producer Jake Deptula

Host Bill Thill is joined by guest contributor, writer Michael Claibourne for an "Opening Night" overview of the Hollywood AWAC community and podcast.

EP. 1: Welcome to Hollywood AWAC

Hollywood AWAC, the Actors, Writers and Artists Collective, takes an inside look at the art and business of entertainment. From Hollywood to Broadway, host Bill Thill introduces listeners to friends, colleagues and creatives who make their livings in front of and behind the scenes. From cast and crew to performers, artists and executives, guests share their stories, insights and the wisdom gained from their careers. An upbeat look at an industry where art and business come together to create and define our culture. A podcast for fellow professionals and fans who want to experience all aspects of the inner workings of show business.

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Hollywood AWAC

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