Pretend Worlds Real People

"Find a way."For a 19-year-old Italian man, his way involved moving to England and over the next 20 years assimilating into British life. Fed Zanni is a London-based actor who has worked hard at his craft, earning himself some wonderful roles. He shares with us what it was like to be a young Italian in London, what it took to establish himself as an actor, and he has some incredible "day-in-the-life" stories. This interview will make you smile from start to finish!Shoutouts & Promotions1. Mamma Mia! The Party (UK)2. Instagram for High Pitch 3. Fed's personal training website: Moving Mountains Fitness

"There's no one way."We venture into the other side, on this week's episode of Pretend Worlds Real People! Michael McMillian joins Steph and Tyler in between recordings of his addictive paranormal podcast, Bigfoot Collectors Club, to share his story. Having built his career as an actor and writer, with humble beginnings in theater, Michael shares a cluster of stories that had our hosts splitting sides. Let's do this! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS-Good On Paper (Netflix)-Bigfoot Collectors Club-B.C.C. The Other Side-Instagram: @mcmillzz

"Challenge yourself to do something you love, instead of something you don't care about."Building your career in the arts industry is hard enough, a constant uphill battle. It takes a warrior's spirit to keep on. This week's guest has fought tooth and nail to build his career, and he doesn't plan on stopping. Kenneth Fok is a South African actor who has appeared in films like Safe House (2012) and Tomb Raider (2017), before nabbing a recurring role on Cinemax's WARRIOR. He shares some fantastic stories of his start, along with surreal experiences with Oscar winners, that will keep your ears perked to the very end. SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONSWARRIOR (Currently on HBO MAX)

" Find what you love, make your own work." This week, we're joined by the incredibly talented, Emma King-Farlow! The donner of several different hats in the world of theater. As a Writer, Director, and Producer; Emma has created both fantastically-original worlds, as well as genre bending adaptations of classic works for the stage. She takes Steph and Tyler through her battle with stage fright, finding her niche in writing, and spreading mental health awareness in the arts industry. What are you doing? Check it out! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS-Shadow Road Productions-Fireside Folktales

"Always keep writing." The other half of the Booksmart writing team makes her debut! If you remember our former guest, Sarah Haskins, she mentioned she had a writing partner, Emily Halpern. Emily joins Tyler and Stephanie for a chat about her journey as a screenwriter. From working with David Mamet to being in writers' rooms to managing motherhood and a career, Emily shares many unique experiences that you'll love to hear!

"Don't wait for someone to give you a job." Please give a round of applause for this week's guest, Christine Willes! For the last thirty years, you may have seen Christine grace your television screens with her incredible performances in shows like The X-Files, Dead Like Me, and Reaper. In this episode she sits down with Tyler to discuss her beginnings in theater, the transition to TV, and what it takes to carve out a career as an actor. SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS-Family Law 

" There's no single path." This is an episode ten years in the making. Tyler and Steph are joined by Songwriter, Composer, and Filmmaker; Zack Hemsey. For the last twenty years, he's produced tracks in both collaborative and solo formats across a plethora of genres. His most notable track, "Mind Heist," became the staple for the marketing campaign of Christopher Nolan's INCEPTION! Tune in now! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONSBIRTH: Zack's New Documentary Zack's Website

"It doesn't cost me anything to share."This week, guest Helen Murray walks Stephanie through what it means to be an Executive Producer of a theatre company. Her many years in the theatre industry has shaped her into an incredible and perceptive leader. The two women discuss theatre diversity and community outreach, how a company can produce a season during a pandemic, and how important it is for artists to listen to one another and share in a show's creation. Shoutouts & Promotions1. Aurora Fox Arts Center2. Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure

" If it stops being worth it to you, move on." The PWRP crew is joined by Denver creative wonder, Mariah Diaz! She's a Costume Designer, Filmmaker, Producer, and Writer that worked through the pandemic to launch her production company; Front Porch Studios. Each day, Mariah continues to maintain her rigorous work ethic to continue building her career. She's an inspiring artist that will keep your ears glued throughout this episode! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS:Front Porch Studios IG

"Expand your skill set, be passionate!"  We're taking you back into the volume of Deck Nine Games as Tyler and Steph sit down with MoCap Technician, Alexis Bloom! After cutting her teeth in Engineering, kicking ass on a robotics team as it turns out; she pivoted her focus towards her life long passion in Animation & Visual Effects. Our talk spans from everything it takes to become a MoCap Tech to what she does to relax after a long day in the volume. Tune in! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONSAlexis' Website: alexisjbloom.com