In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed composer Sara Barone to discuss her work on Netflix’s psychological thriller series The Beast in Me. Sara takes us behind the scenes of crafting the show’s tense, atmospheric score, exploring how music helps shape suspense, character psychology, and emotional storytelling. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with fellow composers, and the unique challenges of scoring a series built on mystery and unease. Whether you’re a fan of film music, television storytelling, or The Beast in Me, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the art of composing for the screen.

Sara Barone is an Emmy-nominated composer for film, television, and interactive media whose work spans acclaimed documentaries, feature films, television series, and video games. She is known for her contributions to the BBC’s Planet Earth III, which earned a Primetime Emmy nomination, as well as Netflix’s The Beast in Me, the feature film To Kill a Wolf, and the VR game Alien: Rogue Incursion. Her additional music credits include Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Love, Death & Robots. A graduate of Columbia University and the USC Thornton School of Music, Sara has established herself as one of the rising voices in contemporary screen scoring, known for creating emotionally rich and immersive musical landscapes.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Itai Ne’eman to discuss his work on the coming-of-age road trip comedy Driver’s Ed. Ne’eman takes us behind the camera to explore how the film’s visual style was developed, the challenges of shooting on the road, and his collaboration with director Bobby Farrelly.

Itai Ne’eman is an award-winning Israeli cinematographer and director of photography whose work spans feature films, television series, documentaries, commercials, and visual art projects. Born in Tiberias, Israel, Ne’eman has built an international career distinguished by a visually dynamic style and a diverse body of work. He has served as cinematographer on acclaimed productions including Outer Range, High Desert, The Spy, Mayans M.C., Mr. Mercedes, Dig, Tyrant, and Homeland.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers Woodruff Laputka and Tehben Dean, alongside actress Avise Parsons, to discuss their haunting new feature, The Man Whom the Trees Loved. Inspired by Algernon Blackwood’s classic supernatural tale, the film follows a couple whose vacation on a remote island takes a disturbing turn as an eerie connection between man and nature begins to unravel their relationship. We explore the film’s origins, the challenges of shooting in the wilds of Florida, adapting literary horror for the screen, and the deeply personal themes of grief, inspiration, and renewal woven throughout the story.

Woodruff Laputka is a filmmaker, writer, editor, and actor known for his work in independent genre cinema. His directing credits include The Last Incantation, The Herd, and The Man Whom the Trees Loved, which he also co-wrote, co-directed, and stars in as Dave. Through his work, Laputka explores themes of horror, folklore, and the emotional complexities of human experience.

Tehben Dean is an award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer whose career spans documentary, commercial, music video, and narrative filmmaking. After beginning his career in Alaska, Dean worked extensively throughout Portland and Los Angeles, creating projects for brands including Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. His debut feature, All I’ve Got & Then Some, premiered at Slamdance and earned multiple festival awards. He co-directed and produced The Man Whom the Trees Loved, continuing his focus on visually striking and emotionally resonant storytelling.

Avise Parsons is an actress who stars as Sophie in The Man Whom the Trees Loved. In the film, she portrays a woman fighting to save her marriage as her husband becomes increasingly consumed by a mysterious connection to the surrounding forest. Parsons brings emotional depth and vulnerability to the role, helping anchor the film’s blend of psychological drama and supernatural horror.

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Jevon Boreland and actor Emidio Lopes to discuss their psychological thriller Welcome. Jevon shares the inspiration behind writing and directing the film, the challenges of crafting suspense and morally complex characters, and his journey from award-winning short films to feature filmmaking. Emidio reflects on bringing Darren Coleman to life, collaborating with the cast and crew, and navigating the emotional intensity of the story. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Welcome, a tense thriller that explores fear, survival, and the difficult choices people make when pushed to their limits.

Jevon Boreland is a Toronto-based Canadian writer, director, producer, and co-founder of Dark Wolf Pictures. Known for creating character-driven stories that blend emotional depth with genre filmmaking, his work has been described as authentic, thought-provoking, and empathetic. Boreland first gained recognition through a series of acclaimed short films, including Stripped, To Kill a Secret, and A Gift, which screened at festivals across North America and earned multiple awards, including several Best Director honors. His feature directorial debut, Welcome (2025), is a psychological thriller that showcases his passion for exploring complex human behavior through suspenseful storytelling. In addition to his film work, Boreland has built a career as an unscripted television producer.

Emidio Lopes is a Canadian actor and writer whose screen credits span film and television. He stars as Darren Coleman in the psychological thriller Welcome and has also appeared in projects including The Big Cigar, Hudson & Rex, Youngblood, Pressure Play, Silent, and Mea Culpa. Recognized for his versatility and ability to portray emotionally layered characters, Lopes continues to build a diverse body of work across independent and mainstream productions.

At the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, 1st on Film caught up with rising Canadian star Miku Martineau for a quick but engaging red carpet conversation. Best known for her breakout roles in Kate, Star Trek: Section 31, and Netflix’s hit series Bet, Miku discusses stepping into a variety of genre projects, what attracts her to unique characters, and her experience leading one of Netflix’s most talked-about new series. In this short but insightful interview, she reflects on her evolving career, the challenges of playing fan-favourite characters, and the excitement surrounding Bet.

Recorded live on the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards.

Miku Martineau is a Canadian actress, voice artist, and singer from Toronto, Ontario. She first gained international attention for her performance as Ani alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Netflix’s action thriller Kate (2021). Since then, she has continued to build an impressive résumé with roles in Honor Society, Ruby and the Well, and Paramount+‘s Star Trek: Section 31, where she portrayed a young Philippa Georgiou opposite Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh. In 2025, Martineau took on her biggest leading role yet as Yumeko in Netflix’s live-action series Bet, inspired by the popular manga Kakegurui. Known for her versatility across action, science fiction, drama, and thriller projects, Martineau is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most exciting young performers.

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with the creative team behind Kevin’s Series of Unfortunate Events, the LGBTQ+ romantic comedy that serves as the fourth installment in the anthology series Patterns.

Joining us are director Rex Glensy, writer Asad Moghal, and lead actor Jake Watkins for an in-depth conversation about bringing this heartfelt and hilarious story to life. We discuss the inspiration behind the episode, balancing romance and comedy, crafting authentic LGBTQ+ representation, and the unique challenges of telling a complete and compelling story within an anthology format.

The trio also shares behind-the-scenes stories from production, insights into their creative collaboration, and what they hope audiences take away from Kevin’s journey.

Actor, writer, and first-time novelist Jon Duque joins the podcast to discuss his debut novel, Letting Go, a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores grief, resilience, identity, and hope. Jon shares the inspiration behind the book, the personal experiences that shaped its emotional core, and the journey of transitioning from acting and screenwriting to novel writing.

In this conversation, we dive into the themes of loss and healing, the role of football culture in the story, the creative process behind building its supernatural elements, and what Jon hopes readers will take away from the novel. Whether you’re a fan of compelling character-driven stories, interested in the writing process, or looking for an inspiring discussion about overcoming life’s challenges, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Letting Go is available on Amazon June 9th

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Blake Winston Rice and actor/writer Victoria Ratermanis to discuss their acclaimed short film DISC. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film follows two strangers whose one-night stand leads to an unexpectedly intimate and chaotic predicament, blending sharp comedy with genuine human connection. Blake and Victoria take us behind the scenes of the film’s creation, from developing the story together to collaborating with star Jim Cummings, navigating the festival circuit, and exploring themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and modern relationships. It’s a candid conversation about independent filmmaking, creative partnerships, and finding humor in life’s most uncomfortable moments.

Blake Winston Rice is an award-winning writer and director from New Jersey and a graduate of Rowan University. His breakout short film, Tea (2024), starring Michael Gandolfini and executive produced by Patty Jenkins, premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to screen at numerous Oscar-qualifying festivals.

Victoria Ratermanis is an actor, writer, director, and producer who is a lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the Oscar-nominated short film A Lien and has appeared in projects including Fosse/Verdon. A graduate of Pace University with a BFA in Acting and trained in the Meisner technique at Playhouse West Brooklyn, Victoria has built a multifaceted career both in front of and behind the camera. With DISC, she serves as co-writer, producer, and star alongside Jim Cummings, marking a significant step in her filmmaking journey. Born in Baltimore and raised overseas, her unique upbringing has helped shape the imaginative storytelling and versatility that define her work today.