What Creators Can Learn from Lin-Manuel Miranda and How to Create Your Own Work, Part 2

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, CA got some big news and a step forward for getting production back in CA. E-Kan and Rían talk about the latest progress in CA’s $750 million film/tv tax credit as well as what just went down the FilmLA contract renewal. FilmLA is the non-profit that helps LA filmmakers get permits for their productions, at least that’s the idea. But with productions leaving CA in droves, LA filmmakers want some major change and showed it by making their voices heard at a town hall in Downtown LA. You’ll hear what went down.

The guys also continue their conversation on making your own work, obstacles and roadblocks they’ve faced, and some practical tricks and methods to trick your brain and get sh#* done.

E-Kan also saw a talk with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and shares incredible lessons on leadership and collaboration from the Broadway gods themselves. And that gets them to Rían’s worst audition story for a musical and what could’ve been… if Rían just knew how to dance. You’ll also hear why Christopher Nolan said “You don’t need to be typing to be writing”, and E-Kan says “Write what makes you angry.”

If you find yourself hitting stumbling blocks, this episode might help you.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/l-a-renews-film-office-contract-five-more-years-1236297718/

https://deadline.com/2025/06/california-passes-750m-film-tax-credit-funding-1236444493/

 

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzHVG7r0G0c

E-Kan directed a short- No Laughing Matter: Tears of A Clown link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=sleaN1b0og8&t=1s&sttick=0

 

Hidden Gems:

The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/9395741538/ref=asc_df_9395741538?mcid=5fad61ab3eb73b24b49e34f8e10be519&hvocijid=10747138887357338460-9395741538-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10747138887357338460&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003384&hvtargid=pla-2281435178778&psc=1

B&H Bild Expo- https://www.bildexpo.com/

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(3:50) CA Film TV Tax Credits

(5:10) FilmLA Tax Renewal

(08:40) Creating your own work

(09:45) Rían’s worst audition story was for a musical

(12:20) E-Kan enters a singing contest

(15:00) Rían was almost a pop star

(17:00) Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s the best

(21:00) Roadblocks that Rían faces

(23:00) Practical ways to get started creating

(26:40) Trick your brain

(29:00) Get a deadline

(38:00) Lesson E-Kan learned and why consistency is key

(40:25) Hidden Gems