Episode 129 - Mama Bear: Nurturing Talent On Set In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Jaclyn interviews Susan Willis, a military veteran who transitioned from serving in the US Air Force to a career in the film industry. Susan shares her unique background, having grown up in a Navy family, and her experiences running a coffee shop before discovering her passion for filmmaking in 2013. Known as 'Mama Bear' on set, Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding all aspects of film production and her commitment to nurturing and guiding others in the industry. The interview touches on her challenges and achievements in background casting and her pivot to focusing on principal casting and acting.&nbsp;Highlights Include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Welcome and Introduction</li><li>From Military to Performance</li><li>Discovering the Film Industry</li><li>Background Work and Casting</li><li>Challenges and Growth in Casting</li><li>Teaching and Training</li><li>From Background to Speaking Roles</li><li>Prioritizing Acting over Casting</li><li>Final Thoughts and Contact Information</li></ul> Bio:Susan grew up in a Navy family and has lived on 2 islands but grew up mainly on the Gulf Coast. She later served in US Air Force where she also met her husband and started a family. Post military Susan entered the Coffee business world, working at several coffee shops including owning her own shop from 2006 - 2010. Although she has been acting since high school she found her call into the film industry in 2013 both on and off camera acting, casting and even some directing and light producing of her own short films. She loves to help things run smoothly on set and not afraid to jump in and help out as needed which is how she acquired the name of Mama Bear. Susan is married to her very supportive husband Brian. They have two grown children and one granddaughter. Susan resides in SC near Augusta GASusan’s Links: <a href="https://linktr.ee/susan_willis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/susan_willis</a>Mamma Bear Casting: <a href="https://www.mamabearcasting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mamabearcasting.com/</a> FAFF Association Online Meetups:<a href="https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetings</a>Screenwriters Retreat - Mexico:<a href="https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat</a>Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V</a>VIP Producers Mentorship Program<a href="https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship</a>&nbsp; The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers,&nbsp; talent agents, and distributors.&nbsp;It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the <a href="https://faffpodcast.com/faffassociation">Faith & Family Filmmakers Association</a> <a href="https://faffpodcast.com/support">Support Faith & Family Filmmakers</a> Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to

Geoffrey and Jaclyn Whitt

The Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to composers, talent agents, and distributors. Hear inspiring stories from the journeys of successful Christian Filmmakers. Find out what’s currently being written and produced. Learn about distribution and fundraising strategies. Get expert advice that will help you advance in your career. This show is for people involved in all areas of the filmmaking industry, and those who want to be! Produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt, this podcast is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Episode Summary

Transcript

Chapters

Clips