Propellant Minnesota

Join us for a jam-packed conversation with Justinsuperstar, a creative force who has had a front row seat to the online video explosion. In this episode, Justin reflects on his early days of online content creation, getting fired from College Humor, being around for the creation of Vimeo, having the #1 app in the country, winning an Emmy, and how his journey evolved into becoming a serious documentary filmmaker.  Discover his thoughts on the importance of completing projects, the lessons learned from failures, and his unique perspective on navigating an ever-changing digital landscape.Don’t miss the rest of the discussion, where Justin talks about his time at YouTube, launching his own agency, and his current documentary project, 'Mom and Dad's Nipple Factory.' With over 20 years in the creative world, Justin shares the highs and lows of his career, offering invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers and digital creators.

This week, we chat with Anthony Cousins, the director of the acclaimed short When Susurrus Stirs and the found footage horror film Frogman. Anthony has made waves in the indie horror genre with his film Frogman, a genuinely frightening tale shot in glorious low-res high-8 film. The film follows three friends in search of the Loveland Frogman who find out that he is more than just a local legend.Anthony takes us through his creative process, the importance of authenticity in lo-fi horror, and his fascination with cryptids like the Slide-Rock Bolter. We also cover the state of the film industry, the unique aspects of the horror genre, and Anthony’s opinions on AI. Hear about his lessons from life's setbacks and what’s next for his career, including the sequel Frogman 2.Connect with Us:https://www.instagram.com/propellant_podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/PropellantFilmshttps://www.tiktok.com/@propellantstudiosKey Highlights:• Found Footage Horror: Insights into creating Frogman and the challenges of the shaky cam subgenre.• Cryptid Research: Anthony’s extensive knowledge of cryptids, including the Loveland Frogman.• Current Film Industry: Thoughts on the state of the film industry and the independent horror genre.• AI in Filmmaking: Anthony’s opinions on the impact of AI on the creative process.• Lessons from Setbacks: Personal experiences and lessons learned from setbacks in life.• Future Projects: Exciting details about the upcoming sequel, Frogman 2.

This week, we chat with Chris Grap, the Vice President of Experiential Entertainment at the Mall of America. Chris shares his journey from working on film sets in LA to creating immersive experiences at the largest mall in the United States. Discover how he collaborates with Nickelodeon Universe to expand the on-site theme park and his plans for an upcoming waterpark. Chris also discusses his passion for themed entertainment, his move back to Minneapolis, and his annual Toys for Tots fundraiser featuring a screening of the Star Wars Holiday Special.Key Highlights:• Innovating Themed Entertainment: Chris discusses his role at the Mall of America and how he pushes the boundaries of themed entertainment in a retail space.• Upcoming Waterpark: Chris shares exciting plans for a new waterpark at the Mall of America.• Film Industry Background: Stories from Chris’s time working on film sets in LA and his transition to Minneapolis. • Annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser: Chris talks about organizing his yearly fundraiser, featuring a screening of the Star Wars Holiday Special.• Leaving LA: Chris’s decision to move back to Minneapolis and his experiences since returning.Connect with Us:https://www.instagram.com/propellant_podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/PropellantFilmshttps://www.tiktok.com/@propellantstudios

After one and half seasons, it's time we learn a little more about our host, Matt Osterman. Join Propellant team members, Lexi and Taylor, as they turn the tables and interview Matt for an exclusive look at his diverse career. From his early work on the Blue Zones project to directing notable films like Ghost From The Machine, 400 Days, and Hover, Matt shares his experiences and insights. Learn about his entrepreneurial ventures and exits, his role in the marketing and media industry, and his latest film, The Fence and the Fox. This episode offers a unique perspective on Matt’s journey through filmmaking, technology, and business creation.Key Highlights:• Early Career and Blue Zones Project: Matt discusses his beginnings working with Dan Buettner on the Blue Zones project and researching what makes people live longer.• Transition to Filmmaking: Matt shares his journey from producing short films to working on the documentary Sportsfan.• Directing Ghost From The Machine: The creation, success, and eventual remake of his low-budget feature film. • Entrepreneurial Ventures: Co-founding an Internet Service Provider to bring high-speed internet to rural Wisconsin.• Branding and Marketing: His work in creating over 25 brands for major retailers and running HeyPropellant.com and Propellant Films.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Steve Speers, legendary Camera Assistant and owner of Cinemechanics, as he takes us through his remarkable career in the film industry. In this episode, Steve opens up about his work with some of Hollywood’s most renowned directors, cinematographers, and actors, as well as his passion for technological innovation.Steve recounts his collaborations with Roger Deakins, Wes Anderson, Roger Altman, the Coen brothers, Linklater, and many more. Learn about the inception of Cinemechanics and Steve’s current projects in the Twin Cities. He also shares his thoughts on the significant transition from film to digital technology in the industry and speculates about future technological advancements that could revolutionize filmmaking.Connect with Us:https://www.instagram.com/propellant_podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/PropellantFilmshttps://www.tiktok.com/@propellantstudios

Join us for an information packed and hilarious conversation with Andy Hunt, a filmmaker whose career spans reality TV, independent films, digital projects, and teaching film production. In this episode, Andy shares his journey, experiences, and forward-thinking views on the future of filmmaking.Andy Hunt, most known for his work on “The Infernal Machine” starring Guy Pearce, Jeremy Davies,  Alice Eve, and Alex Pettyfer, shares his unforgettable encounters with Hollywood legends, the impact of AI on creativity, and the evolution of film technology and where the craft is headed.Connect with Us:https://www.instagram.com/propellant_digitalhttps://www.facebook.com/PropellantFilmshttps://www.tiktok.com/@propellantstudioshttps://www.youtube.com/@PropellantPodcastKey Highlights: • Reality TV Fame: Andy recounts his time on Steven Spielberg’s reality TV show “On the Lot,” where he competed against other aspiring filmmakers and received invaluable feedback from industry giants. • Tarantino Encounter: Hear about Andy’s unforgettable meeting with Quentin Tarantino and the lesson he learned from it. • Working with Guy Pearce: Andy shares behind-the-scenes stories from “The Infernal Machine,” including a heartfelt moment involving a special message for a crew member. • Tech and Filmmaking: Andy discusses the dramatic shift from traditional film to digital, the rise of AI in the industry, and what this means for future filmmakers. • Power Dynamics: An exploration of how actors and creatives now wield more power than ever in Hollywood, and what this means for the industry. • Future of Filmmaking: Andy’s views on the future of the film industry, including the role of AI and new technologies, and how filmmakers can adapt and thrive.

In this episode of the Propellant podcast, Ansa Akyea takes us into his journey in the theater world, sharing insights on the power and tools available to actors and creatives today. He reflects on his diverse background, having moved frequently due to his father’s work with UNICEF, and how this experience shaped his ability to connect with different environments and people. Ansa emphasizes the importance of collaboration in theater, recounting his education and early career experiences. He also discusses the necessity of having a professional ego to navigate the challenges of the industry and the cultural crisis arising from inadequate preparation for diversity and inclusion in the arts.About Ansa Akyea:Ansa  is a distinguished actor, producer, and teaching artist, known for his exceptional contributions to theater in the Minnesota theater scene (*second largest theater market in the nation). With an MFA from the University of Iowa and extensive experience on both stage and screen, Ansa has performed at prestigious institutions such as the Guthrie and Mixed Blood Theaters. Ansa is the recipient of the Minnesota Playwright Center's McKnight Award for Acting, City Pages Best Actor award, the Minnesota Playwright Center's Many Voices Fellowship, and an Ivey award for the Guthrie Theater's production of Clybourne Park. When he’s not on the stage, Ansa is also the lead facilitator and coach at The Woke Coach, where he works at the intersection of social justice, race, and culture, utilizing his extensive experience to promote equity and inclusion through education and advocacy.

Join us for a fun and inspirational conversation with the talented Marisa Coughlan, an accomplished actress and writer known for her roles in “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” “Super Troopers,” and “Boston Legal.” In this episode, Marisa shares her journey from Minneapolis to Hollywood, her experiences in the film industry, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.Marisa delves into the importance of authenticity in storytelling, drawing from personal experiences, and the necessity of perseverance in the face of (constant) rejection. She offers candid insights into her writing process, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the challenges of balancing a creative career with personal life.Don’t miss Marisa’s inspiring stories and advice for aspiring writers and actors. Whether you’re a fan of her work or looking for motivation in your own creative endeavors, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.About Marisa Coughlan:Marisa Coughlan is a versatile actress and writer who gained prominence with her role in Kevin Williamson’s “Teaching Mrs. Tingle” (1999), alongside Katie Holmes and Helen Mirren. She is also known for her roles in “Super Troopers” and “Freddy Got Fingered.” Marisa has had a recurring role on “Boston Legal” and starred in “Side Order of Life.” She began writing while taking a break from acting and has created and produced several TV pilots and scripts.Marisa’s recent work includes writing and starring in the independent drama film “Days When the Rains Came,” filmed in her home state of Minnesota. Her creative journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and perseverance in the arts.

Jeff Hayne of Mill Creek Entertainment takes us through his journey from a life-altering accident to becoming one of the nation’s largest behind-the-scenes players in film and tv distribution. Discover his insights on selecting films, advice for filmmakers, the crucial role of physical media in preserving original content, and how his brush with mortality fueled a passion for living fully and appreciating every day.

Join us on this week's Propellant podcast as we take a tour into the mind of John O’Sullivan. John is best known for his entertaining one-minute virtual tours he presents on TikTok and other platforms. His presence really blew up over covid when he was doing virtual tours from Australia, but when he returned to his home state of Minnesota, he kept that train rolling and is now one of the best short content creators around. We talk about how he accidentally became a tour guide and met his future wife because of a volcano, getting cancelled in Australia, blowing up in Minnesota, what makes a good tour, and the reality and future of creating content for social media. John is honest, exceedingly likable, and, with no surprise, a really good storyteller.