Dan Cogan is one of the most prominent non-fiction producers working today. Both an Academy Award®- and Emmy Award®-winner, Dan founded Story Syndicate with Liz Garbus in 2019. Previously, Dan was the founding Executive Director of Impact Partners. They provide the creative mentorship to help make films the strongest they can be, and the strategic guidance to achieve the widest possible audience for each film. Impact has a unique model of equity investing into the documentary film community - pioneering a system where filmmakers and investors work together to achieve mutually beneficial goals of telling powerful stories, raising awareness about critical issues facing our world today, reaching mass audiences on a global scale, and creating revenue for their films. He has produced more than 100 films and series, including: Allen v. Farrow; Icarus, which won the 2018 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature; Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, which won the 2019 Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary; The Cove, which won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature; and the Apollo, which won the 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Documentary. Dan has been highly regarded by many colleagues, and while we’ve never worked together, I am a fan and advocate of how he amplifies filmmakers from all walks of life. This week we dive deep into the documentary scene, discuss best practices for finding and maintaining investor relationships, and he explains the producer’s diagram for choosing projects.

Life With Caca

Dan Cogan - Producer of Academy Award Winning Documentary ICARUS

Kelly Macmanus Funke is President of Littleton Road Productions, a television production company with an overall deal at Universal Content Productions (UCP). Her career began in the 1990s, working for Cary Woods as he produced the first projects of today's most celebrated content creators, including Jon Favreau, Doug Liman, James Mangold, Alexander Payne, M. Night Shyamalan, and Scott Rosenberg. Under her own company film generator, she was the associate producer on Jonas Pate's SHRINK and she championed the early works of author Gregg Hurwitz, Broadway and screenwriter Jon Hartmere, and television writer, Patrick Macmanus. Then it all came to a halt. In 2009, she said goodbye to Hollywood. She spent the next decade in leadership positions in various industries. She served as Senior Vice President, Marketing for North America for the sportswear brand FILA. She was part of the global executive leadership team that returned the branded manufacturer from near-obsolescence in 2007 to a $5 billion dollar enterprise that won Shoe of the Year in 2018. During her time away, she also shepherded the return of legendary brand ambassador Grant Hill to a lifetime deal; built an in-house ad agency from the ground up; and oversaw the creation and growth of the company's B2B and B2C eCommerce teams. Immediately prior to her tenure at FILA, Funke was Director of Operations on a U.S. Senate primary in the '08 cycle and oversaw operations for Jamestown Associates, a nationally renowned political ad agency. In the fall of 2019, her brother Patrick was inundated with projects for him and for the many talented writers he he championed with his overall deal at UCP. Naturally he called up Kelly. Naturally, she said yes. Two years later, they now have an overall deal, created the hit Peacock drama Dr. Death starring Joshua Jackson and are in the middle of production on the true-crime limited series The Girl From Plainville starring Elle Fanning. Her story is just as remarkable as she is. Can’t wait for you to dive in and meet Kelly! This week, we discuss: Parallels between production and the writer’s process Why producing is age agnostic Having faith in yourself 

Kelly Funke - President of Littleton Road Productions

Julie Lynn formed Mockingbird Pictures in 1999, with Bonnie Curtis joining in 2012 after more than 15 years working with Steven Spielberg. Together they produce film and television across a wide variety of genres, with movie budgets that range from under $1 million to over $100 million. They have produced for brand-new filmmakers as well as experienced, award-winning directors. Julie worked as a First Amendment lawyer before embarking on a film career as a creative executive for producer Mark Johnson.. They first partnered under the Mockingbird Pictures banner after producing the Academy Award®-nominated Albert Nobbs in 2012. They are still thinking about what non-profit work they are going to cook up together after they retire from filmmaking … but they are hopeful that day is still many years away. They are most proud of all the “repeat customers” amongst their collaborators, as well as the fact that they were able to successfully take their families on a joint vacation, because they clearly don’t see enough of each other at work. This week, Bonnie and Julie shine on light on: Creating a producer’s group Putting trust in your filmmakers How their unique partnership functions 

Julie Lynn & Bonnie Curtis - Producers at Mockingbird Pictures

The ray of sunshine from across the pond joins us on this week’s episode of Angle on Producers. Rowena Wallace is a UK producer who always dreamed of working in film. Her dreams came true as she climbed her way through the ranks, maintaining connections and working hard. She is a singular presence, and I’m not just talking about her love of negotiating (which we unpack). She started her Peach House, focused on shepherding up-and-coming artists and nurturing her ever-growing production slate.  Peach House is a female-founded talent management and production house est. in 2019 by George Monkland and Rowena Wallace and backed by talent management collective Tricycle Talent. Tricycle’s founder and media veteran Sara Curran is the Peach House chairman. She is a mentor with the UK-based company Creative Access, and lucky for us, she did a bit of mentoring on this episode as well. We dive into the art of cold emailing, how to cultivate your luck and the benefits of leading with kindness. Oh, and much much more.

Rowena Wallace - Producer and Manager at Peach House

Veronica Beach is the Head of Production at Pereira O’Dell, a bi-coastal ad agency with offices in SF and NY. She has over 20 years of producing experience, specializing in Advertising Production. She has produced some of the most viewed and famous campaigns historically over her career as well as won over 100 Cannes Lions and other multiple awards. She came into my life in 2013 when I was raising finishing funds for my feature documentary, AUTISM IN LOVE. The subject touched her so deeply she corralled all of her industry contacts to help us raise a huge chunk of money to finish the film. She was one of those angels that was put on my path and helped me stay the course on what became my first feature producing credit.  Pretty cool, right? When we intersected, Veronica was at DAVID The Agency where she was a founding member and Global Head of Production for over 8 years. This stint challenged her on many fronts including a move to Sao Paulo, Brazil to open the offices in South America, learning Portuguese, and deepening her understanding of culture in LATAM. In the midst of a pandemic, Veronica re-launched, poolhouse a platform for Producers to connect, share information, resources, and find jobs. They currently they have over 3,000 followers on IG and over 750 producers on the platform. *Please note that this episode contains a very candid discussion on trauma, depression, and sexual abuse that begins around the 40 minute mark and lasts for about 10 minutes.* Veronica destigmatizes mental health issues in the entertainment industry by sharing her own struggles with trauma and depression. She speaks with openness and authenticity on how her mental health impacted her life and career, and how dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helped her heal. If you are struggling with your mental health there is no shame in getting help. Visit MakeItOK.org to get resources, tips for talking about mental health, and more. If you or anyone you know is struggling, there's help available, any time. It's free and you'll reach a trained volunteer. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HOME to 741-741, or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Veronica Beach - Head of Production at Pereira O'Dell Agency

This week on the show we are joined by a legend of the indie scene, the one and only Christine Vachon.  She is an independent Spirit Award and Gotham Award winner.  In 1995, she co-founded the indie powerhouse Killer Films with partner Pamela Koffler. Those of us who have been curious about producing most certainly have seen or read her books ‘Shooting to Kill’ and ‘A Killer Life’ Killer Films has produced over 100 films, including some of the most celebrated American indie features such as:   Carol (nominated for six Academy Awards) Far from Heaven (nominated for four Academy Awards) Still Alice (Academy Award winner) Boys Don’t Cry (Academy Award winner) One Hour Photo KIDS Hedwig and the Angry Inch Velvet Goldmine I’m Not There (Academy Award nominee) Her highly lauded career spans thirty+ years and she continues to churn out zeitgeist shifting films at every turn, such A24’s summer release ZOLA.  Directed by Janicza Bravo, the film follows a stripper named Zola (played by Taylour Paige) as she embarks on a wild road trip to Florida.  A self-proclaimed pragmatist, opportunist, and hustler, Christine possesses the special alchemy of an inherent producer.  In this very special episode we discuss:  -Her enduring relationships with partner Pamela Koffler and director Todd Haynes.  -How to sustain a life as an independent producer. -The importance of not dwelling on the “what could have beens” but to look to the “what could be’s.”

Christine Vachon - Co-Founder of Killer Films & Producer of ZOLA

Danielle DiGiacomo is the Head of Content at Utopia Media, where she leads acquisition, development, and packaging for incoming content and IP.  She is one of the coolest, realest ladies in the biz who has learned how to trust her gut to distribute the most exciting and daring films around. She's open like a book and reads the industry like one, and we have the distinct pleasure of being privy to her knowledge and perspective.  DiGiacomo previously worked as senior VP of acquisitions and strategic partnerships at The Orchard and its rebranded company 1091. While there, she landed many buzzy independent films such as the Oscar-nominated documentary “Cartel Land,” the Sundance comedy “The Overnight” and the drama “Neruda” out of the Cannes Film Festival. During this no holds barred conversation, we talk about the ins and outs of distribution, the art of negotiation, and how no one really knows what they're doing, so we might as well be kind to each other and have fun while we figure it all out.

Danielle DiGiacomo - Producer of BEST KEPT SECRET & Head of Content at Utopia Media

Laura Brown is the Editor in Chief of InStyle, one of the world’s most successful fashion media brands. I’ve been, stalking, I mean following her on IG for quite some time. I simply adore how authentically herself she is and it made me curious to know what is it like to produce a new magazine issue month after month, year after year. So, in my true caca form, I found her well via her inbox, and low and behold, she said yes.  You may be wondering what the fancy Editor in Chief of a top international publication is doing on a podcast about producers?  Turns out the ethos behind producing a magazine is very congruent with producing a film. The emotional labor, team effort, and creativity needed to pull off an issue is nothing short of a miracle. Sort of like the miracle required to make a film. Laura spent 11 years at Harpers Bazaar before being appointed to this role in August of 2016. She is responsible for InStyle’s voice and helming a brand that reaches 30-plus million women. She also leads development of the ‘InStyle Badass Women’ platform and hosts InStyle’s weekly podcast ‘Ladies First’ Does she sleep? How much wine does she consume? How did she find time to squeeze me in? All great questions I don’t have the answers to... But, what I can give you is her lovely insights into leading life and work with joy, making sure you are going into a profession for the right reasons, and how being yourself is your greatest weapon.  Enjoy the laughs & lessons. Beijos, Caca

Laura Brown - Editor in Chief of InStyle Magazine on Producing a Magazine and Being Your Best Self

Mary Rohlich is the Head of TV and Film for Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Purple Pebble Pictures.  She came into my life thanks to the lovely Sarah Anthony, doc producer/friend/hero ho was also a guest many episodes ago.  At the time of this recording, which it baffles me to say was at the end of 2020, Mary was transitioning from being a free agent to her new position at Priyanka’s company.  She is a veteran film, television, and documentary producer. She is also an Executive Producer on the acclaimed Netflix series Atypical, which is in its fourth and final season. She has produced numerous hit comedies (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) and award-winning documentary features (Gleason, Wrestle). Mary also enjoys serving as board chair for the non-profit film organization, Vidiots. One of my personal takeaway was the reminder that there is no "there there." There is no one path. So, stay the course. Trust your own journey. This week, Mary and I discuss: Earning your seat a table that actually aligns with your goals and values The integration of family, into set life and work culture The virtues of working with people you trust and admire Thanks for doing this life thing with me! Beijos, Caca

Mary Rohlich - Head of TV & Film for Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Purple Pebble Pictures

Michelle Satter is the Founding Director of Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, the inaugural program of the Institute. She's passionately ushered the world of independent film to new heights since 1981 as a founding member of the Sundance Institute. Many consider her the fairy godmother of independent film; the hidden hand shepherding, developing and nurturing many filmmakers who've likely gone on to become your favorite storytellers today. She continues to breathe life into the film industry both in the US and abroad and leaves her indelible mark on our industry at every turn. She is an innovator, a trailblazer, and we are beyond lucky to have spend an hour with her. Here's her full bio / some of the names she's been behind: Under Satter's tenure, the Feature Film Program has provided year-round and in-depth support to the ground-breaking and award-winning filmmakers Radha Blank (The 40-Year-Old Version), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Dee Rees (Pariah), Marielle Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl), Gina Prince Bythewood (Love and Basketball), Damien Chazelle (Whiplash), Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox), Taika Waititi (Boy), Rick Famuyiwa (The Wood), Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre), Paul Thomas Anderson (Hard Eight), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs), and Miranda July (Me and You and Everyone We Know), among many others. Check out Sundance’s latest initiative: Sundance Collab

Michelle Satter - Founding Director of Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program

Kirsty Bell is a sensational human. She is also a producer, artist, director, and CEO of Goldfinch Entertainment, a production and finance house based in the UK. She launched Goldfinch Entertainment to prove that investment in independent filmmaking was viable and opened up new possibilities within the arena for creative visionaries. She has funded over 200 Film and TV projects in the last four years. She has helped many first-time directors bring their films to life. There’s hardly enough that can be said about Kirsty. She’s a pioneer that continues to raise the bar for producers and artists around the world. Her tireless effort in shepherding and supporting emerging filmmakers is exemplary. Most recently Goldfinch launched their First Flights Features program and their Short Film Fund. Both programs perpetuate their ethos of discovering emerging filmmakers with bold and daring voices. Check it out! --> first-flights.com

Kirsty Bell - Producer/Director of A BIRD FLEW IN and CEO of Goldfinch Entertainment

Mollye Asher is an Academy Award winning Producer who takes on bold and sometimes risky projects. We are lucky to be catching her at time when those risks have paid off in a big way. “Nomadland”, her third collaboration with writer/director Chloé Zhao was the big winner at this year’s Academy Awards. The film took home Oscars for best picture, best actress for Frances McDormand and best director for Chloé, the first woman of color to win the award. Her producing credits are vast, so I won’t rattle them off here, but some highlights include Carlo Mirabella-Davis’ Swallow and Chloé Zhao’s The Rider, which premiered in the 2017 Cannes Directors Fortnight and won its top prize. It went on to be nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Feature at the 2018 Gotham Awards.  Mollye is also a co-founder of the production company, The Population alongside Derek Nguyen and Mynette Louie, another badass producer who was recently on the show! This week, we dive deep into the what it means to be bold,  how she circumvents the word NO, and the beginnings of her long time collaboration with Chloé Zhao.

Mollye Asher - Academy Award Winning Producer of NOMADLAND

Lynette Howell Taylor is an Academy Award and Emmy nominated producer and founder of 51 Entertainment. She produced Bradley Cooper's directorial debut A STAR IS BORN, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Lynette served as Executive Producer on Derek Cianfrance’s HBO limited series I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE starring Mark Ruffalo, which is based on the best-selling novel by Wally Lamb, and earned Ruffalo an Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series. She produced the 92nd Academy Awards Ceremony alongside Stephanie Allain. Lynette has produced over 25 movies in the last 15 years including: CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, written and directed by Matt Ross and starring Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen. Brie Larson’s directorial debut UNICORN STORE. BIG EYES directed by Tim Burton Ryan Fleck's Oscar nominated HALF NELSON Derek Cianfrance's THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES and his Oscar nominated BLUE VALENTINE.  

Lynette Howell Taylor - Academy Award Nominated Producer of A STAR IS BORN

**A special episode!** Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan are directors and hosts of JUST SHOOT IT podcasts and I am honored to be episode #259. When I was flirting with the idea of starting AOP, I frequently returned to their show. They've been at it for 6 years, which is mad impressive. Enjoy this chat about my journey, all things producing, and the lessons I've learned in almost two years of doing my own podcast. Check them out! https://justshootitpodcast.com/ Matt Enlow is a director working in comedy / mrmattenlow.com Oren Kaplan is a director and VFX artist / www.orenfilm.com

Special Episode - "Just Shoot It" Podcast Interviews Me!

 Jolene Rodriguez is the President at Broken English Productions, the newly launched film finance arm of Grandave Capital. They launched last June with a focus on movie and TV projects centered on Latinx stories, told by Latinx filmakers. Previous to this new role, she was development and production executive art Sony’s Screen Gems’ for over a decade. During her tenure, Jolene leveraged her position to build an impressive list of industry contacts, A-list talent, producers and film financiers. She played a critical role in setting up an Untitled Gabrielle Union rom-com, and Untitled Gigi Guerrero Latinx horror. Jolene recently Executive Produced the 2019 high profile Cannes Marché feature, Keyhole Garden starring Zoe Saldana. During her more than 10-year tenure at Screen Gems, Jolene was able to build an impressive list of industry contacts, A-list talent, producers and film financiers. She played a critical role in setting up an Untitled Gabrielle Union rom-com, and Untitled Gigi Guerrero Latinx horror. In addition, she is on the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF). She’s was recognized as one of the Powerful and Influential Latinos in Entertainment of 2019 by the Imagen Foundation. The non-profit encourages the positive portrayals of Latinos in all forms of the entertainment media and to reward the excellence of those entities or individuals whose productions elevate the image and status of all Latinos. Jolene’s origin story is inspiring as well. She held down a full time college class load, part time job, part time internship, while also parenting her two babies, one of whom was two weeks old at the start of her internship at Sony. If that doesn’t say B O S S, I don’t know what does… This week, we chat: How to stop making excuses for your dreams Navigating the high highs and low lows Her wish for Latinx stories in the next decade 

Jolene Rodriguez - President at Broken English Productions

Life With Caca is a weekly podcast of intimate and, sometimes, brutally honest conversations with producers from all corners of the entertainment industry. Along the way, your host and Emmy nominated producer Carolina Groppa, will demystify what exactly a producer is by giving listeners a glimpse into what it's like to walk in our shoes. The clean, curated version of people’s lives we hear about rarely tells the whole story so I’m here to talk about the messy parts, the hard stuff... the "caca!"

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Life With Caca

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