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How Alex vs. A-Rod Was Really Made: A Deep Dive With Director Erik LeDrew & Editor Kevin Barth

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:45:00 +0000

How do you make one of the biggest sports documentaries of the year? In this episode of Frame By Frame, Daniel sits down with director Erik LeDrew and editor Kevin Barth, the creative minds behind HBO’s Alex vs. A-Rod.

They break down the entire storytelling journey—from early brainstorming sessions and gaining Alex Rodriguez’s trust, to the emotional Colorado shoot that became the heart of the series, to spending 88 weeks in the edit shaping one of the most vulnerable portraits of A-Rod ever shown on screen.

This conversation goes deep into the director–editor relationship, how to collaborate under pressure, why certain scenes almost didn’t make the cut, and what it truly takes to build a multi-year documentary from scratch
If you love filmmaking, storytelling, sports docs, or the craft behind documentaries, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

00:00 – Intro

Daniel sets up the episode and introduces Erik & Kevin.

02:00 – How Erik & Kevin First Connected

Their creative partnership and early projects that shaped their process.

08:30 – Origin of the Alex vs. A-Rod Documentary

A-Rod’s blind spots, the initial pitch, and why this project mattered.
14:00 – Building Trust With A-Rod

How they got him comfortable enough to open up emotionally.

20:00 – Developing the Structure & Tone

The “writer’s room” process and mapping out the psychological heart of the story.

27:00 – Editing a Multi-Year Documentary

Finding rhythm, musicality, pacing, and what gets left on the cutting room floor.

33:00 – The Colorado Shoot

The make-or-break moment of the doc—and why it almost didn’t work.

45:00 – Balancing Objectivity & Collaboration With A-Rod

Navigating notes, integrity, and the fine line between access and honesty.

52:00 – Working With HBO

Why HBO was the ideal partner and how their feedback elevated the project.

58:00 – Storytelling Lessons & Advice for Filmmakers

Erik and Kevin share what they’ve learned across their careers.

1:05:00 – The Frame They’re Most Proud Of

A powerful closing reflection on their favorite moments in the film
1:10:00 – Closing Thoughts

Daniel wraps the conversation and previews what’s next.

Filming Mahomes, Kelce & the Chiefs: Inside The Kingdom w/ Kristin Lappas

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:15:00 +0000

What does it take to film Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs from the inside? Emmy-winning director Kristen Lappas takes us behind the scenes of The Kingdom, the new Disney+ and ESPN documentary series on the Chiefs dynasty.

In this episode of Frame By Frame, Kristen shares how she earned the trust of Mahomes, Kelce, and Coach Andy Reid, what it was like to direct the Chiefs through a historic season, and how she built one of the biggest NFL docuseries of all time. From underground bunkers of Chiefs history to emotional family moments, this is the story behind The Kingdom.

If you’re a Kansas City Chiefs fan, a filmmaker, or just curious about how sports documentaries are made, this is a must-watch.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Kristen Lappas on The Kingdom
01:18 – How the Chiefs project came together
03:13 – Building trust with Andy Reid & the players
06:06 – Filming Mahomes up close (and a Super Bowl haircut)
08:13 – Structuring a dynasty story: themes & arcs
11:10 – The art of pitching: how Kristen sold The Kingdom
14:38 – Balancing honesty vs. PR when partnering with teams
18:56 – Surprising storylines that shaped the series
21:26 – Discovering the Chiefs’ underground archive bunker
25:36 – Making The Kingdom appeal beyond football fans
27:07 – Handling Taylor Swift’s presence in the story
29:00 – Premiering The Kingdom in Kansas City
31:21 – Creative swings: directing the Giannis documentary
36:49 – Lessons from working with superstars (Mahomes, Giannis, Caitlin Clark)
39:07 – Kristen’s career break: the story of Arthur
43:49 – Advice for young filmmakers & pitching stories
45:09 – Balancing filmmaking with motherhood
47:49 – Kristen’s advice for first-time feature directors
50:24 – What’s next for Kristen Lappas
51:25 – Mentors, influences, and finding your voice
54:51 – Lessons from The Kingdom & Andy Reid’s “Don’t Judge” card

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I’ve Waited My Whole Career to Tell This Story (My Director Debut)

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

After a short break, I’m back — and with big news.

In this episode of Frame by Frame, I’m announcing my first feature documentary: 12 — the untold story of how the city of Seattle came together in the 1990s to stop the Seahawks from relocating to Los Angeles.
Backed by Marshawn Lynch, Beast Mode Productions, and Victory Sports Media, this project is the biggest opportunity of my directing career so far. I break down the inspiration behind the film, how it came together behind the scenes, and what I’ve learned so far stepping into the role of feature documentary director.

We talk:

Why this story matters — and why it almost got lost

The origin of 12 and the team behind it

What it takes to make a doc at this scale

Finding the heart of a story that changed a city

Balancing creative work, parenting, and small business life

If you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or just someone who loves underdog sports stories, this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to Frame by Frame for more behind-the-scenes episodes as I bring this documentary to life — one frame at a time.

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Directing LeBron James for Netflix: The Untold Story w/ Susan Ansman

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:20:00 +0000

Susan Ansman spent a year embedded with LeBron James, directing Netflix’s Starting 5 and capturing the most personal moments of his career. In this episode, Susan shares how she made the leap from ESPN to freelance, what it’s really like to direct a global superstar, and how she’s paving the way for women in sports filmmaking.
⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: How Susan became LeBron’s director

01:09 – Why she quit ESPN for this opportunity

02:15 – First day: Inside LeBron’s house on Halloween

03:40 – Building trust with high-profile athletes

05:31 – Capturing LeBron rapping in the car

07:00 – Verité filmmaking and shooting solo

08:06 – The story structure behind Starting 5

10:00 – The toast, Bronny’s health scare & vulnerability

13:30 – Being a one-woman crew with LeBron

16:00 – What it takes to shoot elite athletes

19:00 – The power of listening as a director

21:45 – From EVS operator to Emmy-winning filmmaker

24:30 – How editing shaped her directing style

27:00 – Juggling directing, producing, and editing

30:00 – Shooting the Olympic basketball documentary

34:00 – Navigating confidence in a male-dominated industry

37:30 – Advice to women entering sports filmmaking

41:00 – Why representation behind the camera matters

44:00 – Final reflections + what’s next for Susan

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What a Creative Director Actually Does (That No One Talks About) w/ Will Shanahan Ep. 013

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:30:00 +0000

Creative Director. It’s a title everyone wants—but few truly understand. In this episode of Frame By Frame, I sit down with Will Shanahan, VP of Creative at The Unlisted Company, to break down what this role really means in the world of branded content, advertising, and filmmaking.

Whether you’re an aspiring CD, a freelance director, or just curious about how creative projects actually get made—this episode pulls back the curtain.

📍 Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Why speaking your mind matters

01:06 – What does a Creative Director actually do?

03:38 – The difference between title and responsibility

07:41 – Defining the role in one sentence

08:00 – Creative Director vs. Head Coach vs. GM

09:21 – Director vs. Creative Director collaboration

11:10 – How to build relationships between directors and CDs

12:32 – The one skill no one talks about—but every CD needs

14:35 – Business lessons learned as a Creative Director

17:06 – Navigating budget conversations with clients

19:59 – Why the word “partnership” changes everything

20:16 – The rare project that went exactly as planned

22:47 – Will’s origin story: How he became a CD

24:07 – Staying creative while managing meetings and chaos

26:26 – The creative power of not trying too hard

27:16 – Advice for new Creative Directors

29:43 – Why pitching is more than just presenting ideas

33:14 – How to make clients feel something during a pitch

34:16 – Real pitch example: The New York Giants

35:40 – Will’s favorite deck-building tools and resources

36:33 – Making the leap: Why Will joined The Unlisted Co.

39:34 – Trusting your gut in a creative career

40:24 – Closing thoughts + why relationships create opportunity

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How to Build a Personal Brand as a Creative (Even If You Hate It) | ft. Praise Santos

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:00:00 +0000

If personal branding feels cringy, confusing, or just exhausting — this episode is for you.

Brand coach and creative powerhouse Praise Santos, founder of ComePlum, breaks down what personal branding really is, why it matters, and how creatives like filmmakers, designers, and freelancers can brand themselves with authenticity and confidence.

We unpack how to stand out in a saturated market, attract your dream clients, and stop letting imposter syndrome hold you back.

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Why Personal Branding Feels Hard

00:33 - What Is Personal Branding, Really?

01:08 - Branding = The Soul of Your Business

01:58 - Why People Hire People

02:57 - Finding the “Why” That Powers Your Brand

04:06 - The Biggest Pain Points Creatives Face

06:00 - “I’m Not Special Enough” and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves

07:35 - How to Show Up Authentically Online

08:36 - The Hype Sheet: A Game-Changing Branding Tool

10:34 - What to Put in Your Creative Brand Toolkit

12:00 - Serving vs. Selling: The Heart of Great Branding

14:16 - Praise’s Journey to Becoming a Brand Coach

17:15 - How a Mission Statement Won a Filmmaker a Client

19:00 - How to Position Yourself as a Premium Creative

21:16 - Want to Be the Four Seasons of Your Industry? Here’s How

23:09 - Why Podcasting Is a Branding Superpower

25:31 - Podcast Tips: Niche, Ideas, and Delegation

28:03 - Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Brand

29:31 - Where to Find Praise & ComePlum

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Unlocking Filmmaking’s Future with AI!

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Is AI the future of filmmaking? In Episode 11 of Frame By Frame, I break down how AI tools are reshaping the creative process—and why they’re just another tool, not a replacement for human creativity.

I’ll walk you through exactly how I use AI in my daily workflow as a director and solopreneur: from generating creative ideas, building pitch decks, streamlining my podcast production, to editing and organizing footage. Plus, I share my thoughts on the ethical considerations, potential pitfalls, and why mastering these tools will set you apart in the evolving creative landscape.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or just curious about how AI is changing the game, this episode offers practical insights and real-world applications.

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The TRUTH About Directing Commercials: How to Get Signed & Win Jobs w/ Marcus Tortorici | EP 010

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:20:00 +0000

How do you go from shooting solo to directing big-budget projects? Award-winning director Marcus Tortorici (Voyager TV) shares his journey—breaking into the industry, mastering the pitch process, and how he got signed as a director.

🔹 How to craft a pitch that sells

🔹 What agents look for in a director

🔹 The reality of working with agencies & clients

🔹 Why trusting your creative instincts is everything

Marcus’ work blends stunning visuals with compelling storytelling, and in this episode, we break down how he does it—Frame By Frame.

00:00 - The Reality of Starting as a Director

00:07 - How Marcus Landed Big Sets Early in His Career

00:40 - Getting Over the Fear of Directing Large Crews

01:10 - Welcome to Frame By Frame!

01:52 - What Marcus is Working on at Voyager TV

02:31 - The Creative Process: How Marcus Approaches New Projects

03:39 - Who Finds the Work: Director vs. Agency?

05:21 - Writing Treatments & Creating Pitch Decks

08:00 - The Tools Marcus Uses for Visual References

09:30 - ChatGPT for Filmmakers? Why It’s a Game-Changer

11:07 - Selling Yourself as a Director: Why It’s Just as Important as Talent

13:50 - How to Pitch Effectively in a Post-COVID World

15:37 - Biggest Mistakes Young Directors Make

17:26 - The Unspoken Rule in Filmmaking: Agencies Don’t Care… Until They Do

19:31 - How Marcus Got Signed by Voyager TV

25:27 - The Portfolio Strategy That Got Him Noticed

29:03 - Why Social Media & Branding Matter for Directors

34:15 - Balancing Visuals & Story: Why Both Matter Equally

38:33 - How to Develop a Signature Look as a Director

42:04 - Trusting Your Creative Instincts & Fighting for Your Vision

45:31 - The Client-Agency Dance: Navigating Creative Control

46:59 - The Key to Longevity in Filmmaking: Resilience

48:28 - What’s Next for Marcus? Commercials vs. Features

52:33 - The Mindset Shift Every Director Needs

53:23 - Closing Thoughts & Subscribe for More!

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Why Giving Away Your Films for Free Might Be the Smartest Move w/ Jake Viramontez | EP 009

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Sat, 8 Mar 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Can giving away your films for free actually lead to career success? In this episode of Frame By Frame, filmmaker Jake Viramontez, founder of SOWN for Good, shares how embracing generosity in filmmaking transformed his career—leading to collaborations with Sony, TED, and global NGOs

From having no commercial work during COVID to landing a dream partnership with Sony, Jake’s journey proves that giving without expectations can open unexpected doors. He breaks down his storytelling philosophy, the three-act structure for NGO films, and how filmmakers can create impact-driven stories while building a sustainable career

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

✔️ How giving away films led Jake to work with Sony and TED

✔️ The three-act storytelling formula for social impact films

✔️ How young filmmakers can land projects without industry connections

✔️ The unexpected way generosity creates real career opportunities

✔️ Why NGOs and brands need human-centered storytelling more than ever

📌 Chapters & Topics:

00:00 – The Power of Giving in Filmmaking (Jake’s turning point)

02:30 – How Jake Started Giving Away Films for Free

06:45 – How a Cold Email to Sony Led to a Major Partnership

12:10 – Why Filmmakers Should Focus on Impact Over Money

17:30 – Jake’s Early Filmmaking Journey & First Mentor

22:15 – How Traveling and Nonprofits Shaped His Filmmaking Style

27:00 – The Art of Authentic Storytelling for NGOs & Brands

31:45 – The Three-Act Structure for Social Impact Films

36:30 – Building SOWN for Good and Mentoring Young Filmmakers

41:00 – How to Apply for SOWN for Good Filmmaking Opportunities

43:30 – Final Advice for Filmmakers: How to Build a Career That Matters

🎥 About Jake Viramontez:

Jake is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of SOWN for Good, a creative initiative that provides filmmakers with opportunities to tell meaningful stories for nonprofits. His work has been featured by Sony, Chevrolet, and global NGOs, blending commercial filmmaking with purpose-driven storytelling.

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Madeline Down Made the Seahawks’ Best Videos—Now She’s Doing This | EP 008

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0000

🎥 When do you know it’s time to leave your dream job? Former Seattle Seahawks Senior Producer Madeline Down built one of the NFL’s best in-house video teams, creating some of the most iconic sports content. But she walked away. In this episode of Frame By Frame, we dive into why she left, how she built her career in sports filmmaking, and what’s next as she transitions into narrative filmmaking
We also discuss her upcoming short film Sense of Emergency, inspired by a life-changing moment involving her mother and first responders, and the launch of her new creative studio, Studio 89, backed by Doug Baldwin.

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 - Opening Hook: When You’re No Longer Seen as a Creative

00:43 - Welcome to Frame By Frame w/ Madeline Down

01:12 - Leaving the Seahawks: Why She Walked Away from a Dream Job

02:25 - The Hardest Part About Leaving a Secure Job

04:23 - The Sports Content Grind & What It Teaches You

08:08 - Building the Seahawks Video Team from 4 to 12 People

10:02 - The NFL’s Content “Arms Race” & Why It’s a Bootcamp for Filmmakers

14:31 - Behind the Sound: The Seahawks’ First Docuseries

17:20 - The Challenges of Making Sports Documentaries

19:01 - How to Pitch & Sell a Creative Project Internally

21:37 - Her #1 Career Advice for Creatives

22:21 - Her Short Film Sense of Emergency – Inspired by a True Story

24:46 - The Wild Story of Her Mom’s Cardiac Arrest & Survival

28:35 - Crowdfunding Her Film Successfully (Using Seed&Spark)

31:10 - Casting Luke Barnett as the Lead & His Viral Film Success

33:02 - Transitioning from Athletes to Working with Actors

36:08 - Vault 89 & Launching Her Own Creative Studio

🔗 Follow Madeline Down:

→ [Instagram]

→ [Sense of Emergency Short Film]

→ [Studio 89]

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🎬 Subscribe for more filmmaking insights! If this episode resonated with you, hit LIKE and comment below—would YOU leave your dream job for something unknown?

From DC Shoes to the Huberman Lab Podcast: Chris Ray’s Filmmaking Secrets

danieljmogg@gmail.com (Mogg Media) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Filmmaker, Chris Ray—founder of Motion Clubhouse and a key part of the production team behind the Huberman Lab Podcast. In this episode, we dive into his inspiring journey from producing content at DC Shoes to building his own creative agency and working with some of the biggest names in the industry.

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of branded content and podcast production, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎥🎙️

Connect w/ Chris: Website | Instagram

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:28 - How We Met IRL After Years of Texts

01:05 - Chris’s Journey: From DC Shoes to Motion Clubhouse

03:00 - Breaking into the Industry Through Skateboarding

04:26 - The Moment Chris Decided to Start His Own Company

07:41 - Taking the Leap: Balancing Family & Career Risks

10:25 - Failing Fast & Learning Quickly in Business

11:08 - Why the Business Side of Filmmaking Is Just as Important

13:15 - The Art of Pitching to Brands

14:21 - Building Brand Relationships as a Creative

15:21 - How Smaller Creators Can Land Big Brand Deals

17:44 - The Future of Branded Content & Creator Economy

20:06 - Behind the Scenes of the Huberman Lab Podcast

23:16 - The Biggest Challenges of High-Level Podcast Production

26:39 - How Huberman Lab Encourages Creativity & Mental Clarity

28:06 - Realizing the Cultural Impact of Your Work

29:18 - Staying Inspired: What Fuels Chris’s Creativity

31:31 - Nerding Out on Gear: Film Cameras & New Tech

33:19 - Reviving Old Cameras: The Charm of Mini DV & Film

34:22 - Practical Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

36:10 - Chris’s Passion Projects & What’s Next

37:04 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Chris Online

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