Interview with Filmmaker Ed Charrette: From Struggling Artist to Indie Film Success In this episode of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi, sponsored by Ads on the Go, sits down with his cousin, filmmaker, author, and lighting designer Ed Charrette. The conversation delves into Ed's journey into filmmaking, his production company Back on Clock Productions, and the creation of his latest feature film 'First Draft'. Ed shares insights on his inspirations, including the Coen brothers, and discusses the personal elements he infuses into his films. The episode also touches on the challenges and joys of independent filmmaking, as well as Ed's work in lighting design for live events. They reminisce about memorable filming experiences and the evolving landscape of the film industry in the age of streaming. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:28 Special Guest Introduction: Ed Charrette 01:40 Ed's Journey into Filmmaking 03:18 Challenges and Inspirations in Filmmaking 04:37 Acting in Your Own Films 05:50 Creating 'First Draft' 10:00 Personal Reflections in Filmmaking 13:20 Directing Techniques and Challenges 15:33 Balancing Creative Control and Collaboration 19:12 Writing and Filmmaking Philosophy 26:54 Engaging Audiences with Unique Storytelling Techniques 27:10 The Concept of Minimal Character Appearances 28:14 Inspiration from Real-Life Experiences 30:27 Challenges and Unexpected Moments in Filmmaking 35:42 The Evolution of the Film Industry 43:42 Balancing Filmmaking and Lighting Design 46:52 Final Thoughts and Future Projects