GateCrashers Podcast
Hosted by: Makayla McIntosh (Siren of the Pacific Productions)
+ Cat Yudain (Foxhole Films)
Join Cat and Makayla for weekly interviews with Filmmakers, Visionaries, and other Movers and Shakers who did not wait for permission before green-lighting themselves. When we share knowledge and experience, we can storm the gates together.
Brought to you by Fox+Siren Productions
01
The Cavalry Isn't Coming
In this introductory episode, Makayla and Cat take you on a journey through the dynamic world of entertainment, exploring the art of gatecrashing and carving out your own path. They share personal stories and insights about the challenges and triumphs of producing content, the evolving landscape of the industry, and the power of storytelling. Discover how they navigate the complexities of parasocial relationships and the intimate connections formed through podcasting. Whether you're an aspiring creator or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of passion in the entertainment world. 🌐 Connect: 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound // Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram:  / dgrahamsound
02
Courtney Romano and The NonDe Film Movement
In this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with Courtney Romano — filmmaker, writer, and founder of Queens Bird Films — to talk about the Non-De Film Movement, her rebellion against Hollywood’s outdated hierarchy. Courtney’s building a blueprint for filmmakers who refuse to wait for permission — creators who are done chasing studio validation, film festival approval, or anyone else’s green light. We dive into what it means to operate as your own movie studio, how to survive (and thrive) outside the system, and why the next wave of indie film won’t look like anything we’ve seen before. Follow Courtney and join the movement: 📩 letsgoagain.substack.com 🎬 queensbirdfilms.com 🌐 Connect: 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound // Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram:  / dgrahamsound
03
No Excuses:
Creating Fearlessly
with Ryan James Metcalf
From signing with one of Hollywood’s biggest agencies to building his own creative empire, Ryan James Metcalf has carved his own lane as an actor, filmmaker, and founder of @cropshoppe - a revolutionary production space for creators. We talk about: ⚡️ Turning a career pivot into a creative powerhouse 🎬 Why making demo reels for other actors changed everything 🤖 How technology & AI are reshaping storytelling 🔥 And why there’s no excuse not to create and share your art This one’s for every creative ready to take control of their career. 🎥 Guest: @ryanjamesmetcalf ( / ryanjamesmetcalf ) 🌐 www.cropshoppe.com 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound // Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: instagram.com/dgrahamsound
04
Hot Takes
with Cat and Makayla
Cat and Makayla are back this week with Hot Takes Episode #1! Things are heating up. In our very first Hot Takes episode, Makayla and Cat (attempt) rapid-fire industry hot takes. We’re talking: The truth about short films — are they worth it? Film festivals — what’s really going on behind the scenes? The actor’s landscape today — can you just be an actor? Plus a few taboo industry topics. From guilty film favorites to potential faux-pas, leave your hot takes and thoughts in the comments down below or check us out on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧 🌐 Connect: 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound // Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram:  / dgrahamsound
05
The Vagina Episode (Yes, Really):
Bonnie Gross on the
Roadshow Revolution of Her Feature Film,
Lady Parts
The Vagina Episode (Yes, Really). In this episode of Gatecrashers, we sit down with filmmaker Bonnie Gross — the writer, producer, and creative engine behind LADY PARTS, a fearless dramedy based on her real-life journey through pelvic pain, medical gaslighting, and the wildly intimate chaos that comes with a vulvar vestibulectomy. Bonnie turned one of the most vulnerable chapters of her life into a film that’s disrupting women’s healthcare conversations, winning festival awards, and now gearing up for a nationwide RoadShow. We talk about building taboo-breaking art from scratch, the indie filmmaking grind, why comedy is sometimes the only way through medical trauma, and how Bonnie is taking Lady Parts on tour to spark a movement of advocacy, laughter, and loud-and-proud storytelling. If you’ve ever been dismissed, doubted, or told to “tone it down” — this one is for the gatecrashers. Based on writer & executive producer Bonnie Gross’s true story, Lady Parts is a dramedy feature film where a young woman’s sex life becomes a family affair when she has to undergo a vulvar vestibulectomy. Her loving but overbearing parents help her through recovery (despite her cringing) and learn that saying “vagina” loud and proud is the first step to advocating for herself in all aspects of her life. Website: www.ladypartsfilm.com IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21423506/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/lady-parts-2024/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_YoOG_Z99g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyparts_film/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladypartsthemovie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shake_ur_bonbon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladypartsfilm LADY PARTS LOGLINE: Based on writer & executive producer Bonnie Gross’s true story, Lady Parts is a dramedy feature film where a young woman’s sex life becomes a family affair when she has to undergo a vulvar vestibulectomy. Her loving, but overbearing parents help her through recovery (despite her cringing) and learn that saying “vagina” loud and proud is the first step to advocating for herself in all aspects of her life. Upcoming Screenings (we only have tickets available for Denver, but more ticket links coming soon): 🗓️ Sunday March 1, 2026 at 5:30pm 📍 The Fallser Club, 3721 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 🗓️ Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1pm 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 🗓️ Thursday April 9, 2026 📍 Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA 02144 🗓️ Thursday May 14, 2026 at 6pm 📍 The Miracle Theatre 🗓️ Sunday May 17, 2026 at 6:00pm 📍 Patagonia Theatre, Alexandria, VA 🗓️ Saturday June 13, 2026 at 3pm 📍 The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211 🎟️ https://bit.ly/ladypartsdenvertickets 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound // Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: / dgrahamsound
06
Sketches, Improv, and a Feature Film:
How Sean Crampton Hit His 10,000 Hours
In this explosive episode of Gatecrashers, Makayla and Cat sit down with actor–writer–director-producer Sean Crampton, a true multi-hyphenate force who’s rewriting the rulebook on how to build a career in Hollywood. Sean breaks down the unconventional path that led to his success — starting with his 10,000 hours spent grinding alongside his improv troupe, shooting scrappy sketches that became the foundation of his craft. Sean shares the wild story of making his first feature film at just 24, how that passion project ended up landing James Franco. The future belongs to artists who operate like their own movie studio instead of waiting for permission from traditional gatekeepers. We talk balancing the multi-hyphenate lifestyle, writing for the booming vertical content space, and an intro to how Sean is producing his own indie series in a true Mark Duplass, “just make it” style that empowers creators to build their own ecosystems. Community is everything in this industry. If you're an actor, filmmaker, or creator who wants to break the system instead of chase it, this is the episode to inspire you. Sean's Links: Rebel Filmmaking Community: https://rebelfilmmakingcommunity.thinkific.com/ Bloomfield Boys Productions: https://www.instagram.com/bloomfieldboysproductions 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable Derek Graham Sound // Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: / dgrahamsound
07
Shredded: Makayla's First Feature
In this intimate episode, Makayla and Cat dive into the real story behind SHREDDED — a film born from grief, trauma, and the search for healing. Together, they explore how the project began, why Makayla felt compelled to make it, and the ways storytelling and surfing became powerful tools for processing pain. Honest, vulnerable, and deeply human, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the emotional roots of the film and the journey of turning personal breaking points into art that can help others feel less alone. 🎬 Watch Shredded : Shredded on Prime: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Shr... Shredded on Tubi: http://tubitv.com/movies/100042236/sh... Shredded on JustWatch: http://justwatch.com/us/movie/shredde... Official Trailer: • Shredded (2024) Official Trailer IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27924817/ Review – “Shredded (2024)” on Ruthless Reviews: https://www.ruthlessreviews.com/movie... 🌐 Connect: 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by the incomparable: Derek Graham Sound Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: / dgrahamsound
08
From Voice to Vertical:
How Angela Liu Accidentally GateCrashed a New Era of Filmmaking
In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Angela Liu — a trilingual filmmaker, voice-over artist, and award-winning producer/director whose journey into vertical storytelling is anything but ordinary. Angela shares how her path began in voice-over and sound, how she came to the U.S. for grad school, and how one chaotic production day — where the director was suddenly fired — thrust her into directing her very first vertical drama. That unexpected moment didn’t just change her trajectory… it launched her into an entirely new storytelling frontier. Today, Angela works with leading vertical platforms like Dreameshort, Sereal+, and Flareflow, helping to define the rapidly evolving landscape of micro-dramas. In this conversation, she opens up about: Her evolution from VO talent to filmmaker- and why sound is still at the heart of everything she creates. How she unexpectedly became a vertical director overnight. Why verticals are exploding globally and what makes the format so creatively powerful. The growing importance of intimacy coordinators and ethical set culture. Tips for actors auditioning in the vertical space (and common mistakes she sees). How writers, directors, producers, and actors can break into vertical filmmaking. How her deep love for storytelling (especially stories for those who cannot speak for themselves) guides every project she touches. Angela’s passion, insight, and generosity make this a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of storytelling and the new creative opportunities unfolding right now in the vertical world. Angela's Links: First vertical: The Unwanted Bride of Atticus Fawn: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33045524/ The hit: Fated at First Sight: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32544154/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_fated%2520at AudioDrama app: Magicwave: https://www.magic-wave.com Website: https://www.angelaliuchen.com/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4277032/ 🌐 Connect 🎬 Production: @foxandsiren.productions 📸 Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh 📸 Cat: @catyudaintea 📰 Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves 📰 Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com 📩 Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound
09
Facing Demons: Roxanne Fernandes on Echo and Creating a Safe Set
Filmmaker, writer, and director Roxanne Fernandes joins Gatecrashers to share her journey from Australia to Canada, navigating new industries, building community, and grounding her creative work in empathy and advocacy. In this episode, Roxanne opens up about her early projects, what inspired her to volunteer with Look Glass, and how that experience continues to shape the stories she tells and the environments she helps create on set. We dive into the impetus behind Echo, her experience co-writing and co-directing the film with Megan, and the power of collaboration when storytelling is rooted in care and intention. This conversation also explores how lived experience, community work, and accountability can inform safer, more inclusive creative spaces-and why language, process, and awareness matter for everyone on set, from actors and directors to producers, costume designers, and crew. Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders. While these topics are handled with care, we hope this conversation also serves as inspiration and guidance for artists and crew on how to build more inclusive, supportive, and safe sets through conscious language and compassionate practices. A thoughtful, honest episode about resilience, responsibility, and the future of storytelling.  Roxane's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannefernandes/  IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4671385/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoshort2024/  IMDb (Echo): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35463275/ Connect: Production: @foxandsiren.productions • Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh • Cat: @catyudaintea • Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves • Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com • Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound
10
Turning 'No One's Coming' into Creative Fuel
with Teresa Catherine
The cavalry isn’t coming — so what do you do when you decide to make the feature anyway? In this episode, Cat and dive deep into the nitty gritty of becoming a first-time feature filmmaker after cutting your teeth on multiple shorts, and what it really looks like to build momentum when no one is swooping in to save the day. (she/her) joins us to talk about navigating life as a multi-hyphenate in NYC, writing your own roles, and committing to the stories that truly light you up — even when the path forward feels unclear. Teresa is a multifaceted filmmaker, writer, and actress based in New York City and the founder of Maid & Prince Productions, a company rooted in championing women both in front of and behind the camera. From award-winning micro-budget shorts like Joke’s on You and Rocket (Wo)Men, to larger-scope festival standouts including Only the Dead and interiorem pueri (inner child) — her work has screened at festivals like Raindance NYC and Cleveland International Film Festival. Now, she’s stepping into her first feature, No One Likes a Mad Woman, currently in development after a successful short-to-feature evolution. We talk candidly about: Making the leap from acting to producing your own work Learning by doing — and failing — as a filmmaker What changes when the project gets bigger (and scarier). Turning “no one is coming” into creative fuel Balancing artistry, survival jobs, and long-term vision in NYC If you’re an actor who wants to write, a filmmaker staring down your first feature, or a creative tired of waiting for permission — this one’s for you. Follow Teresa & support the project: Donate (Tax-Deductible): https://www.filmindependent.org/sponsored-projects/no-one-likes-a-mad-woman/ Maid & Prince: https://maidandprinceproductions.com Teresa Catherine: http://www.teresacatherine.com/ IG: @teresacatherine — https://www.instagram.com/teresacatherine/ IG: @maid.and.prince.productions — https://www.instagram.com/maid.and.prince.productions/ IG: @madwoman_movie — https://www.instagram.com/madwoman_movie/ Connect: Production: @foxandsiren.productions Makayla: @iammakaylamcintosh Cat: @catyudaintea Makayla’s Substack: Rebel Waves Cat’s Substack: catyudain.substack.com Email: foxandsirenproductions@gmail.com GateCrashers Podcast theme by Derek Graham Sound Website: http://Dgsound.net Instagram: http://instagram.com/dgrahamsound
11
At Your Own Risk: Creating Your Own Career in Hollywood
In inspiring episode of Gatecrashers, Cat and Makayla kickoff 2026 and sit down with filmmakers, authors, and creative rule-breakers Helenna Santos and Alexandra Boylan- the women behind the micro-budget feature At Your Own Risk. We dive into Alexandra’s journey into producing her very first feature film, a micro-budget horror that proved you don’t need permission, massive resources, or a studio greenlight to make something powerful. She shares how learning to use what you already have access to (locations, friends, skills, and community) became the foundation for her producing career and eventually led her to mentoring other filmmakers. Helenna brings a unique cross-border perspective, sharing how building a creative life in Canada has shaped her approach to storytelling, sustainability, and artistic freedom; and how making work outside the traditional Hollywood system can open unexpected doors. Together, we talk about why micro-budget filmmaking can actually be better than big budget projects: less pressure, more flexibility, stronger collaboration, and the freedom to experiment, take risks, and simply have fun making art with your friends. This episode is about: -Creating before you feel ready -Using what’s already in your hands -Why smaller budgets can lead to bigger joy -Building a creative life without gatekeepers -And starting a new year by choosing momentum over perfection If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or creator wondering whether you’re “ready” — this conversation reminds you that you already are. Welcome to 2026. Create boldly. LINKS: Alexandra: theboylansisters.com/ tubitv.com/movies/666447/at-your-own-risk Helenna: www.helennasantos.com/
12
Coming Soon
Tune in 1/13/26 for our next episode!
