JDH the Podcast

Welcome to JDH the Podcast — an unfiltered deep dive into filmmaking, entertainment, and the creative process from every angle imaginable. Hosted by John David Harris, writer/director of the independent feature film HOSTAGE , this podcast goes beyond surface-level conversations to explore the realities of storytelling, independent film production, directing, writing, acting, industry politics, streaming culture, marketing, controversy, and everything in between. No topic is off limits. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a film fanatic, or someone fascinated by the entertainment world behind the curtain, JDH the Podcast delivers honest conversations, behind-the-scenes insight, and raw discussions you won’t hear anywhere else. 🎬 Filmmaking. Entertainment. Culture. Creativity. Chaos. This is JDH the Podcast .

JDH the Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts JDH the Podcast, a arts show with 21 episodes published.

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  Episode #22

  JDH talks with Rome Davis - Comedian Spotlight

  Oct 1, 202636 minS1

  Stand-Up Comedy, Creative Freedom & Going Independent | Rome Davis on JDH – The Podcast What does it take to build a career in stand-up comedy without waiting for Hollywood or the entertainment industry to open the door? On this episode of JDH – The Podcast , host John David Harris sits down with stand-up comedian and filmmaker Rome Davis for an honest conversation about the realities of comedy, developing original material, releasing independent comedy specials, and creating opportunities without relying on traditional industry gatekeepers. Rome shares how he first got into stand-up comedy, why he started taking comedy classes, and how years of open mics, testing jokes, and performing for different audiences helped shape his voice as a comedian. From an early PBS appearance to his independent comedy special Roe Shambeau , Rome explains what it takes to turn a passion for comedy into a growing independent career. IN THIS EPISODE: • Breaking into stand-up comedy and finding your comedic voice • How open mics and years of performing develop better material • Creating and releasing independent stand-up comedy specials • Rome Davis and Roe Shambeau : taking control of your own content • Self-distribution, streaming platforms, and getting your comedy seen • Why exposure and audience growth can matter more than immediate revenue • Comedy culture, roasting, audience expectations, and creative freedom • Navigating controversy and the conversation around cancellation in comedy • Influences including Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Paul Mooney • Building a career without depending entirely on agents, managers, or traditional gatekeepers • Rome’s ambitions in touring, sketch comedy, writing, and potentially appearing on Saturday Night Live (SNL) INDEPENDENCE, COMEDY & THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT Rome’s journey highlights a challenge facing independent entertainers: making the work is only part of the equation. Finding an audience, getting distribution, and creating the next opportunity can be just as important. Whether you're an aspiring comedian, an independent filmmaker, a content creator, or simply a fan of stand-up comedy, this conversation explores what it means to take control of your creative career and build something on your own terms. WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE What do you think matters more for an independent comedian: getting a major industry deal or building an audience independently? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to JDH – The Podcast for conversations with comedians, filmmakers, actors, musicians, and entertainment industry voices discussing their journeys, creative process, and the realities behind the business. ️ Hosted by John David Harris A production of Antigone Productions #RomeDavis #StandUpComedy #JDHThePodcast

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  Episode #20

  JDH talks with Patricia Hetherington - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

  Sep 25, 202643 minS1

  Patricia Heatherington shares her journey from aspiring filmmaker in New Zealand to establishing herself in the independent film industry in London. She discusses the culture of short film making, the challenges of promoting New Zealand films, and the opportunities for career development in the UK. Patricia also highlights the Action on the Side project and its role in networking and practical filmmaking experience. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including teaching and education in film, the inception of 'Action on the Side', the cost and accessibility of filmmaking, the evolution of filmmaking technology, the importance of traditional filmmaking techniques, the impact of AI on the film industry, virtual production and sustainability, the shift in media consumption and ownership, passion for short films, and the transition to feature films. Patricia Hetherington shares insights on these topics and discusses her future plans and projects. Takeaways New Zealand's independent film industry fosters a culture of short film making, driven by the need for filmmakers to go out and make films independently. The challenges of promoting New Zealand films and the cultural cringe associated with consuming American and British media have influenced the consumption of local films in New Zealand. The impact of AI on the film industry is a topic of concern, with a pushback against generative AI and a focus on using AI as a tool in filmmaking. The shift in media consumption and ownership, including a return to physical media and wired headphones, is influencing industry trends and responses. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Action on the Side Project 01:22 Early Filmmaking Aspirations and University Studies 02:20 Involvement in the Music and Artists Social Club 03:18 Culture of Short Film Making in New Zealand 04:03 The 48-Hour Film Competition 05:23 The Process of Making a Film in 48 Hours 06:11 Challenges and Rewards of the 48-Hour Film Competition 07:11 Cultural Cringe and Film Consumption in New Zealand 08:10 Challenges of Promoting New Zealand Films 09:02 Career Development and Transition to the UK 11:27 Decentralization of the Film Industry and Opportunities 12:18 Recognition of New Zealand Films Internationally 13:16 Balancing Filmmaking with Day Job and Career Development 14:10 Interest in Transitioning to Feature Films 17:18 Action on the Side Project and Networking Opportunities 19:50 Teaching Experience and Networking Opportunities 20:19 Teaching and Education in Film 22:14 Starting Action on the Side 23:27 Cost and Accessibility of Filmmaking 25:14 Evolution of Filmmaking Technology 27:11 Importance of Traditional Filmmaking Techniques 30:20 Impact of AI on the Film Industry 32:30 Virtual Production and Sustainability 37:49 Shift in Media Consumption and Ownership 40:26 Passion for Short Films 41:30 Transition to Feature Films 42:31 Future Plans and Projects Patricia makes a compelling case for making films without waiting for permission. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, actor, or creative professional, this conversation offers practical insight into building experience, creating opportunities, and finding your place in the independent film community. #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #ShortFilms #FilmProduction #EmergingFilmmakers #FilmSchool #CreativeCareers #FilmIndustry #FilmProducer #Storytelling #48HourFilmChallenge #LondonFilmmaking #BehindTheScenes #FilmmakerTips #ActionOnTheSide

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  Episode #16

  JDH talks with Dan Robins - Independent Filmmakers Spotlight

  Sep 21, 202647 minS1

  How do you break into film when you have no real experience, no industry connections, and you're starting during COVID? Filmmaker and actor Dan Robbins joins JDH – The Podcast to talk about his unexpected path into filmmaking and acting — a journey that began when he stumbled across an old profile and an actual casting opportunity during the COVID era. Within just three days , Dan had taken new photos, written a bio, learned how to self-tape, submitted for roles, and landed his first film job. From there, the conversation dives into what really happens behind the casting process — including self-tapes, auditions, confidence, personality, collaboration, and what makes a performer stand out once they actually get on set. Dan also shares the story of his first film set: a Japanese-market fan film involving dialogue, wire work, stage combat, and firearms training — an intense introduction to filmmaking that left him feeling both grateful and completely out of his depth. JDH and Dan also compare the traditional audition process with today's self-tape culture and discuss why being comfortable, confident, collaborative, and enjoyable to work with can matter just as much as the audition itself. ️ IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 — JDH welcomes filmmaker Dan Robbins 00:27 — Leaving the corporate world during COVID 00:52 — The forgotten profile that opened the door to film 01:19 — New photos, a bio and the first auditions 02:13 — How casting has changed 02:42 — Learning self-tapes from scratch 03:49 — Dan's first film job: wire work, stage combat & firearms training 04:31 — Feeling completely out of your depth 04:51 — Why self-tapes can reduce audition nerves 05:18 — Confidence and why casting wants you to succeed 06:46 — Why personality and collaboration matter on set ABOUT JDH – THE PODCAST JDH – The Podcast , hosted by filmmaker John David Harris , explores filmmaking and entertainment from every angle — from acting and directing to casting, producing, editing, cinematography, the business of entertainment and the unexpected stories behind the people who make it happen. No topic is off limits. If you're interested in filmmaking, acting, auditions, casting, independent film, self-tapes, behind-the-scenes stories, or the entertainment industry , subscribe and follow JDH – The Podcast for more conversations. Like the video if you enjoyed the conversation. What do you think casting really rewards — talent, confidence, personality, preparation, or some combination of all four? Subscribe for more JDH – The Podcast interviews. #JDHThePodcast #DanRobbins #BreakingIntoFilm #Acting #Casting #SelfTape #Auditions #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #FilmIndustry #ActorsLife #Filmmaker

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  Episode #15

  JDH talks with Jaiveer Asthana

  Sep 14, 202648 minS1

  The conversation covers the challenges and experiences of independent filmmaking, including the creative process, technical aspects, and industry dynamics. It also delves into the impact of regulations and trends on creativity and the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the film industry, including the evolution of comedy, the changing landscape of horror movies, the impact of Hollywood on franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, the democratization of filmmaking, and the role of product placement in film financing. The discussion also delves into the challenges and opportunities for independent filmmakers in the current industry. Takeaways Independent filmmaking requires resourcefulness, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Regulations and industry trends can impact creativity and the accessibility of filmmaking. Evolution of Comedy Changing Landscape of Horror Movies Impact of Hollywood on Franchises Democratization of Filmmaking Role of Product Placement in Film Financing Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Independent Filmmaking 03:01 The Evolution of Filmmaking Technology 05:53 Challenges and Risks in Filmmaking 08:57 Navigating Industry Regulations 12:03 Impact of Trends on Creativity 18:56 The Changing Landscape of Entertainment 24:20 Evolution of Comedy 25:26 Changing Landscape of Horror Movies 26:20 Impact of Hollywood on Franchises 27:15 Democratization of Filmmaking 31:22 Role of Product Placement in Film Financing Most filmmakers are waiting for permission that will never come. Jay Astana is proof you can build a real career by grabbing a camera, making the thing, and refusing to let excuses win. JDH sits down with Jay, a sports therapist turned filmmaker, to unpack how he went from making short films with friends and martial artists to building a slate of three features, with a fourth on the way. In this conversation, they discuss: Why waiting for the right gear, money, or connections keeps creators stuck How Jay used a Panasonic G7 and a DIY mindset to make finished films The realities of low-budget filmmaking, including sound, permits, and guerrilla shooting Why finishing and showing a film matters more than making it perfect How YouTube, streaming, vertical video, and product placement are changing filmmaking The decline of comedy and the changing entertainment industry How independent filmmakers can build careers outside the traditional system Why creators need to stop talking about their ideas and start making them Jay also shares his long-term goal of building a small production house in London to help new filmmakers create their first project and bring it to cinemas. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker, screenwriter, aspiring director, or creator with an unfinished idea, this conversation is a reminder that the best time to start is now. Stop waiting. Start shooting. #IndieFilmmaking #IndependentFilm #FilmmakingTips #LowBudgetFilmmaking #FilmMakers #AspiringFilmmaker #Screenwriting #Directing #FilmProduction #CreativeEntrepreneur #YouTubeFilmmaking #GuerrillaFilmmaking #ShortFilms #FeatureFilms #FilmmakerMindset

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  Episode #15

  JDH talks with Apostoly Peter Kouroumalis (Toly A.K)

  Sep 7, 202640 minS1

  The conversation delves into Tolie Peter's journey into filmmaking, from early influences to challenges in the film industry, and his approach to writing and filmmaking. It also explores the evolution of film production and distribution, as well as his genre preferences. Apostoly Peter discusses his approach to writing, the challenges of filmmaking, the impact of decentralization on the entertainment industry, and his future goals in the film industry. He also shares insights on financing, graphic novels, and experimental films. Takeaways Transition from other creative pursuits to filmmaking Challenges and experiences in the film industry The importance of planning the beginning, middle, and end when writing a story The impact of decentralization on the entertainment industry and the opportunities it presents for filmmakers Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Filmmaking 00:53 Early Influences and Beginnings 02:16 Transition to Film School and Career Start 03:06 Challenges in the Film Industry 06:04 Experience in Film Production 08:04 Evolution of Film Production 16:42 Distribution and Genre Preferences 20:19 Writing Style and Filmmaking Approach 21:10 The Art of Writing 22:03 Exploring Different Genres 23:45 Decentralization of the Entertainment Industry 25:28 Challenges of Filmmaking 30:43 Financing and Grants 36:47 Graphic Novels and Experimental Films 40:20 Perspectives on Filmmaking 42:01 Future Goals

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