Up and Comers of Hollywood

EP 19 | From Child Actor to Filmmaker: Rodes Phire's Journey in Hollywood

In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' host Marie Finch interviews  Rodes Phire, a multi-talented director, writer, producer, and founder of Unpaved Rodes Entertainment Production Company. Rodes shares her inspiring journey from being a child actor in Los Angeles to becoming an accomplished filmmaker, director, and podcast host. They discuss her challenges as being of Japanese and European ancestry in the industry,  lessons learned, and her latest directorial debut, 'Farewelling,' released on all streaming channels on March 23, 2025. Rodes also talks about the importance of maintaining creativity, the complexities of film financing, and the significance of female empowerment in her work. Tune in to learn from her experiences and gain insights into the world of independent filmmaking.  Movie 'Farewelling' synopsis:  In the midst of the pandemic and aftermath of her best friend’s overdose, Jenna finds herself in crisis as she reunites with those still around her. Questions of her own ethics and morals surface as she grapples with the “why” of everything, eventually discovering what it takes to truly break us. Contact Info:Rodes Phire IMDB:  https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm2809010/?rf=cons_nm_ov_hdr&ref_=cons_nm_ov_hdrArticle:  https://canvasrebel.com/meet-rodes-phire/  (Recommended Books)Website:  https://www.creativerodes.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodesphire/TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@rodesphire?lang=enSend us a textSupport the showHOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@upandcomershollywoodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upcomersofhollywoINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

EP 18 | Creative Forces: Mico Saad's Dynamic Hollywood Journey

In this inspiring episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch interviews Mico Saad, a multifaceted TV host, Golden Globes jury member, award-winning actor, and filmmaker. Mico shares his incredible journey from being a professional dancer and actor in Egypt to facing numerous challenges as he pursued his dreams in Hollywood. Learn about his passion for the arts, his various roles in the film industry, and his unique approach to life and career. Hear Mico's motivational insights about the importance of enjoying the journey, embracing multicultural experiences, and continuously showing up. Don't miss this uplifting conversation about overcoming obstacles and making a mark in the entertainment world.Mico Saad became the lead TV host of TEN Hollywood, a media documentary about Hollywood, which aired on TEN TV for two seasons, and the third is in the making, where he interviewed Mario Kassar and Rami Romani. Mico has alternated between the U. K. and U. S., working alongside Ricky Gervais, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and other notable actors. He has produced a few short films in Hollywood, and was recognized with a Best Actor Award and Best Short Film Award by the Action on Film International Film Festival for Al Masri Life, which he wrote, directed, and starred in alongside prominent Hollywood Egyptian American actor Syed Badreah.Mico Saad's IMDB Page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7770934/Mico's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/micosaad/reels/#tentelevision #upandcomersofhollywood #tvhost #micosaad#mariefinch #hollywoodSend us a textSupport the showHOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@upandcomershollywoodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upcomersofhollywoINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

EP 17 | Crafting Worlds: Senior Set Designer Yihong Ding's Story from Shanghai to Hollywood

In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' we sit down with Yihong Ding, a graduate of the American Film Institute and a senior set designer with the Art Directors Guild (ADG). From her beginnings in Shanghai to her education in London and eventual move to Los Angeles, Yihong shares her inspiring journey. She discusses her work on major productions like 'The Orville,' 'Star Trek: Picard,' and Zack Snyder’s 'Rebel Moon,' and provides insights into the vital role the art department plays in storytelling. Yihong's technical expertise evolved alongside her career. She started with SketchUp for set modeling but made a significant shift to Rhino in 2021, greatly enhancing her precision and versatility in design. Her mastery of Rhino was recognized by AFI, where she returned as an instructor, teaching concept modeling to up-and-coming filmmakers. Learn about the challenges, the artistic process, and the industry dynamics that shape a set designer’s career. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and work of an industry master. Subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6486602/Website: https://www.yihongding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yihong-ding-82a3272b/Book Recommendation:What an Art Director Does: https://www.amazon.com/What-Art-Director-Does-Introduction/dp/1879505185AFI: https://conservatory.afi.com/conservatory-capture/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=editing&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACrVlIfGwj5coWpef_5bJawoeXKsT&gclid=CjwKCAiAjKu6BhSend us a textSupport the showHOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@upandcomershollywoodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upcomersofhollywoINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

EP 16 | Behind the Scenes with Jasmine Pears: An Executive Assistant's Story

In this episode of Up and Comers of Hollywood, host Marie Finch sits down with Jasmine Pears, an accomplished studio executive assistant working with the vice president of adult animation development at a leading Los Angeles studio. Jasmine shares her remarkable journey from her small town in Northern California, through her education at CSUN, and her diverse experiences in the entertainment industry.  She discusses her varied experiences, from interning in college, working on big production sets, reading and finding scripts for an Academy Award Nominee film producer, assisting celebrities, and eventually transitioning into her current studio executive assistant role. Jasmine offers valuable insights and practical job strategies for aspiring professionals in the competitive entertainment industry. Tune in to hear about her challenges, successes, and the significant moments that shaped her career. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-pears-471a876a/Entertainment Job Board:https://www.entertainmentcareers.net/Facebook Job Board (Los Angeles):  https://www.facebook.com/groups/PAJobsLA/Linkedin Jobs: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/entertainment-jobs-los-angeles-ca/?currentJobId=4043069275Send us a textSupport the showHOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@upandcomershollywoodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upcomersofhollywoINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...HOST MARIE FINCH: ...

EP 15 | The Professional Evolution of Sandra Allen: From Stage Manager to Award Winning Television Executive Producer

In this episode of 'Up and Comers of Hollywood,' Sandra Allen shares her inspiring journey from a stage manager in college to a prominent  award winning producer and showrunner for unscripted television. Allen discusses her career path, which includes working on shows such as 'Tribunal Justice,' 'Judge Steve Harvey,' and 'Cutler's Court.' She details her experience with the legal and talk show genres and the crucial production roles she has taken on. Sandra also offers valuable insights into the skills needed for television production, the importance of people skills, and how speaking up can open doors in the industry. The episode highlights the difference between scripted and unscripted programs, Sandra's experiences with notable personalities like Oprah and Steve Harvey, and offers advice for aspiring producers. Additionally, Allen talks about her mentoring philosophy and the challenges and successes in her career, emphasizing the importance of finding one's path in the dynamic world of Hollywood production.IMDBPRO:  https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0021030/overviewLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanndra/Linkedin Learning:  https://www.linkedin.com/learning/browse/businessWriters Guild Foundation: https://www.wgfoundation.org/resource-centerIndustry Writing Programs: https://www.wga.org/the-guild/advocacy/inclusion-and-equity/industry-writing-programs2024 Internships:  https://www.oscars.org/careers/academy-gold-program-internshipsSend us a textSupport the showHOST MARIE FINCH: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial...Thank you and check out our YouTube Channel to watch the episode @Up and Comers of Hollywood YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@upandcomershollywoodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upcomersofhollywoINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upandcomers...HOST MARIE FINCH: ...