Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #70 - "How To Make A Movie"

Release Date: November 11, 2024

In the 70th episode of Smosh Mouth, the dynamic hosts Shayne Topp ("Shane") and Amanda Lehan-Canto ("Amanda") welcome a special guest, Olivia, to delve deep into the intricate process of creating a short film. Titled “Wei Bapa,” Olivia’s project serves as the focal point of this engaging discussion, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on the highs and lows of independent filmmaking.

1. Welcome and Lighthearted Banter

The episode kicks off with the trio engaging in their signature playful banter, immediately establishing a relaxed and humorous atmosphere. Shane comments on Olivia’s persistent makeup from her last appearance, leading to a comedic exchange about the challenges of doing someone else’s makeup.

Notable Quote:

• Shane [00:04]: “You’ve kept it on. She hasn’t washed her face.”

2. Olivia’s Current Life and Stressors

Transitioning from humor, the conversation shifts to Olivia’s personal life. She shares feelings of being rushed and the stress associated with not giving herself enough time, which ties directly into her filmmaking endeavors. This segment highlights the personal sacrifices and emotional toll that passion projects can demand.

Notable Quote:

• Olivia [02:01]: “I feel a little bit rushed because I rush myself… my stomach will be making all sorts of crazy sounds.”

3. Introducing "Wei Bapa"

Olivia introduces her short film, “Wei Bapa,” providing an overview of its premise and the inspiration behind it. The film explores Olivia’s relationship with her father, who resides in China and maintains constant communication through daily calls. Olivia’s role as a translator adds complexity to their interactions, especially when her father questions her about marriage.

Project Overview:

• Title: Wei Bapa (translates to “Hi Dad” in Mandarin)
• Premise: Centers on the first meeting between Olivia’s father and her boyfriend, Sam, three months into their relationship. The language barrier intensifies the awkwardness and cultural nuances of the interaction.

Notable Quote:

• Olivia [07:57]: “So the short is called Wei Bapa, which translates to hi, dad… when my dad met Sam, my boyfriend Sam.”

4. The Story and Cultural Dynamics

Olivia delves deeper into the narrative of “Wei Bapa,” discussing the cultural and emotional layers embedded in the story. Her father’s traditional views and constant check-ins create a backdrop for exploring themes of responsibility, expectations, and the complexities of familial relationships across cultures.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [09:11]: “My dad is very traditional. He doesn’t… as long as you get married.”
• Shane [10:26]: “The language barrier makes any dad more intimidating.”

5. Casting Challenges and Solutions

One of the most compelling parts of Olivia’s journey is her struggle to cast a father figure who authentically represents her real-life dad. She recounts the exhaustive search for an Asian actor fluent in Mandarin, recounting numerous roadblocks such as visa issues and finding someone who physically and demeanor-wise matched her father’s characteristics.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [19:09]: “I had to cast someone in their late 60s, early 70s Chinese who can speak Mandarin fluently.”
• Olivia [20:51]: “Jim Lau is an incredible actor… he literally transformed into my dad.”

Jim Lau, a seasoned actor with over 50 years of experience, ultimately secured the role, bringing authenticity and depth to the character, much to the astonishment of Olivia’s mother.

Notable Quote:

• Olivia [21:13]: “My mom was like, is that my ex-husband? Yeah.”

6. Budgeting and Funding the Project

Olivia candidly discusses the financial aspects of independent filmmaking. From initial budgeting struggles to crowdfunding efforts, she emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning and financial management. Olivia highlights how friends and supportive peers contributed financially, enabling her to realize her vision without compromising the project’s integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [24:14]: “I had some really lucky friends who were willing to donate money…”
• Amanda [26:09]: “Line by line, we had to figure out what we were willing to lose.”

7. Production Hurdles: Accidents and Technical Glitches

The production phase of “Wei Bapa” was fraught with unforeseen challenges. Olivia recounts a significant setback when their production assistant crashed the van, followed by catastrophic hard drive failures that jeopardized the project’s progress. These incidents underscore the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the resilience required to navigate such crises.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [27:09]: “We had a PA who drove it to a wall…”
• Olivia [28:20]: “Both my hard drives crashing… that was the scariest thing.”

Despite these setbacks, Olivia’s determination and problem-solving skills ensured that the project stayed on track, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in the filmmaking process.

8. The Filming Experience and Location Negotiations

Securing the right location was another significant hurdle. Olivia shares her experience negotiating with Bistro Nas, a Michelin-starred restaurant reluctant to accommodate her project due to high demand and operational constraints. Her persistence paid off when she leveraged her social media influence to offer promotional content in exchange for a manageable shooting rate, ultimately allowing the project to proceed within budget and logistical limitations.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [30:54]: “I made a deck of myself and pitched reels, TikToks, stories…”
• Shane [33:56]: “I think Olivia is the destined director for a Skittles commercial.”

Olivia’s strategic approach to location management highlights the creative solutions often necessary in independent filmmaking.

9. Post-Production Struggles and Final Touches

With filming completed, Olivia enters the post-production phase, where the technical aspects of sound mixing, music integration, and color grading become paramount. She discusses the learning curve involved in mastering professional verbiage and coordinating with her team to ensure the final product meets her artistic vision.

Notable Quote:

• Olivia [06:28]: “We’re picture locked. There’s just a few other things we need to make it all finished.”

10. Emotional and Creative Reflections

Olivia reflects on the emotional journey of creating “Wei Bapa,” acknowledging the vulnerability and personal investment involved. She speaks about the internal conflicts of sharing personal stories and the cathartic nature of preserving significant life experiences through film.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [17:41]: “This was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.”
• Shane [18:17]: “Explaining the premise of it. I’m excited.”

Olivia emphasizes the importance of collaboration and support from her peers, which was instrumental in overcoming many of the challenges faced during production.

11. Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Towards the episode’s conclusion, Olivia imparts valuable advice to listeners aspiring to embark on their own filmmaking journeys. She underscores the significance of having a clear vision, maintaining collaboration, and being financially prudent. Additionally, Olivia advocates for kindness and patience, both towards collaborators and oneself, recognizing the inherently challenging yet rewarding nature of creating art.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [55:26]: “Having a clear idea of what you want to make, but also being collaborative and being nice to people.”
• Shane [56:00]: “Things cost money, and being nice to people… I'm gonna start doing that.”

12. Future Projects and Encouragement

Olivia hints at future creative endeavors, expressing excitement about directing a music video and potentially exploring genres like horror. The hosts, Shane and Amanda, reciprocate with their own creative aspirations, further enriching the episode’s collaborative spirit.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia [43:22]: “I want to make a really fun music video.”
• Shane [43:51]: “If there’s anyone out there who’s destined to direct a Skittles commercial, I think it’s you.”

13. Closing Remarks and Community Support

As the episode wraps up, Olivia invites listeners to follow the progress of “Wei Bapa” on Instagram, fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement. The hosts end with a heartfelt appreciation for Olivia’s openness and the shared experiences of creative challenges.

Notable Quote:

• Olivia [57:44]: “Follow Wei Bapa film on Instagram… I’m going to be posting updates and fun things.”

Key Takeaways

• Persistence is Crucial: Olivia’s journey exemplifies the importance of unwavering determination in the face of setbacks.

• Collaboration Enhances Creativity: Building a supportive network can significantly ease the filmmaking process.

• Financial Planning Matters: Meticulous budgeting and creative funding strategies are essential for project viability.

• Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing personal stories can lead to profound artistic fulfillment and connection with audiences.

• Adaptability is Essential: Being prepared to navigate unforeseen challenges ensures project continuity.

Final Thoughts

Episode #70 of Smosh Mouth offers a candid and inspiring look into the world of independent filmmaking through Olivia’s experiences with her short film “Wei Bapa.” The episode balances humor with heartfelt discussion, providing both entertainment and practical insights for aspiring filmmakers. Olivia’s transparency about her struggles and triumphs serves as a motivational blueprint for anyone looking to embark on their own creative projects.

Listeners are left not only with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of making a movie but also with actionable advice and encouragement to pursue their artistic passions with resilience and kindness.

Stay Connected: Follow Olivia’s filmmaking journey and updates on “Wei Bapa” by following Wei Bapa Film on Instagram.