The Indie Film Episode - Anora Backlash and Sing Sing Reinvents the Indie Film | Ep 21

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 21!

This is our Indie Film episode and we get to a lot of gems that didn’t make it during award season. There was also some backlash from crew members of Oscar darling, Anora. What really happened on set? And was Sean Baker anti-union? We get into the story and talk about the tricky line where independent film is today as well as why unions are so important for artists.

Also, they discuss how the film Sing Sing, the true story of inmates starting a rehabilitative theater program at the Sing Sing prison, experimented with a new financial model for their film - they paid everyone the SAME - all cast and crew, plus they got equity and points on the backend. The filmmakers are trying to revolutionize the film world and are launching a company to do it more. This is an incredible idea, and the guys will talk about whether it might be a sing of things to come for the indie film world. 

E-Kan and Rían also talk about the milestone California just hit with upcoming film and tv production talks about everything you need to know about what’s coming in the Golden State and how you can help. Information on Keep California Rolling below - nothing is guaranteed and we need to let our state representatives know how important this is.

There’s also plenty of love for inspirational actors like Colman Domingo, and E-Kan and Rían get into a discussion on a quote from Meryl Streep - Are actors more Zen? And how has acting made E-Kan a better person?

 

This is a good one, folks!

Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com! Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

Links: 

https://keepcaliforniarolling.org/

Ekan’s video on California production https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHZgkUmSgZI/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/03/19/while-other-states-chase-hollywood-california-locks-in-record-breaking-film-slate/

 

Sing Sing paid everyone the same - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sing-sing-filmmakers-paid-everyone-on-set-the-same-1235945503/

Anora controversy -https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/anora-iatse-union-set-1236162501/

https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/can-sing-sing-pay-equity-model-save-indie-film-interview-1235079671/

"Rust" Documentary - https://press.hulu.com/shows/last-take-rust-and-the-story-of-halyna/

Hidden Gems: 

Bear Market Coffee in Dublin https://www.bearmarket.ie/pages/blackrock-coffee-shop?srsltid=AfmBOopW3nRPRTuOYiGPZriIFFgM2RpmB7Hu9Pe-fIpwrPaFU5YSmTmv

Dr. Bronner’s Salsuds

https://www.drbronner.com/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner?srsltid=AfmBOormctFIcl9lQ3AJZd_ejc9q20QuVNFjTynNd3UF7sdGQm9HmrmF

 

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:55) California hits record

(06:28) Sing Sing filmmakers experiment with new pay model

(11:20) Why we love Colman Domingo

(14:25) Anora backlash

(19:45) Gwyneth Paltrow comments on Intimacy Coordinator

(21:43) Why we need unions

(27:20) Are actors more zen?

(28:50) E-Kan thought acting would make him a better person

(31:00) Hidden Gems