Student Pages Podcast

Award-winning writer-director Kira Powell on her short film Best Eyes

For our latest spotlight series episode, we sat down with Kira Powell, an award-winning writer-director whose ground breaking work explores themes like identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. Her short film BEST EYES has just been nominated for Outstanding Short Form (Live Action) at the NAACP Image Awards, a recognition that highlights the film’s impact and resonance. You can watch the incredible film here.

 

BEST EYES premiered at the Academy Award®–qualifying Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) and has screened at Urbanworld, Micheaux, and festivals worldwide. The film won the 2024 DGA Student Jury Award and earned 1st place in the Afro-Latino Short Film Competition presented by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA). Kira is currently developing a feature-length version of BEST EYES.

 

A Los Angeles–based graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory with an MFA in Directing, Kira brings over a decade of professional on-set experience to her filmmaking. She has a deep sensitivity to character, informed by her work as an actor, and her

additional shorts have, screened at Screamfest, Tallgrass, and Black Harvest. Beyond film, she created the award-winning solo show Caught in the Mix, exploring Black-Latinx identity to sold-out audiences in Los Angeles.

 

Afterdrive Unveils 'Fashion' and Their First EP Plans

In this episode Student Pages sits down with Afterdrive frontman Ben Watts and bassist Ed Ruff to discuss their new single "Fashion", upcoming UK and EU tours, and the inspirations behind their evolving sound.

They talk about supporting big acts, balancing work and music, handling social media and hate, and the creative process as they prepare to release their first five-track EP.

Listeners get advice for aspiring musicians, a look at the band’s influences, and a preview of what fans can expect on the road and in future releases.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: US Actress Regina Bryant on her lead role in "Pushed Off A Plane and Survived"

For our latest spotlight episode, Jayden sits down with Regina Bryant. An Atlanta and Los Angeles based actress starring in the upcoming Lifetime feature film “Pushed Off A Plane and Survived,” premiering Saturday, February 28th at 8pm EST / 7pm CST, with streaming available the following day. Regina discusses her involvement in the project, time on set, and her training background.

Other credits include ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Wonder Years”, Showtime’s “Shameless,” Marvel’s “Hawkeye,” Lifetime original movie “Single Black Female 3: The Final Chapter,” and CW’s “All American: Homecoming.”

Following her lead performance in the short film “Project Blackbird,” Regina was invited as a panelist for the Mental Health in Film Panel at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and her performance earned her the Best Actress Award at the 2022 London Independent Film Festival.

Rising Star: Gianlucca Gazzo on Joining Stranger Things Season 5

Jayden interviews young actor Gianlucca Gazzo about landing the role of Glenn in Stranger Things Season 5, his early start in acting, and what drew him to the part. He shares memorable on-set moments, working with fellow co-stars Jake Connelly and Joe Keery, and how his passion developed from childhood.

Gianlucca discusses the sacrifices of acting, his love for intense and mysterious roles, and his desire to one day create and direct his own projects — possibly an animated series. He also offers advice for aspiring actors: take classes, get an agent, and go for opportunities without hesitation.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Issie Victoria: The Voice Behind Nibbler in Littlefoot

Host Izzy chats with actress Issie Victoria about voicing Nibbler in the new Littlefoot short, her training from local theatre to drama school, and what it means to join The Land Before Time legacy.

She also discusses handling nerves and rejection, shares practical advice for aspiring actors, and teases upcoming projects including the short film Short Stay and her dream of starring in a horror film.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: From Fan to Co-Creator: Matthew Reynolds on Bringing Littlefoot to Life

In this Spotlight Sessions interview, Jayden speaks with Matthew Reynolds, co-creator of the fan film Littlefoot, about his path into animation and how a late-night message led him to join the project. He describes his evolving roles in modeling, texturing, and rigging as the film grew.

They also cover the remote collaboration with co-creator Joey, the online audition process that attracted professional voice talent, and Reynolds’ enduring love for The Land Before Time that inspired his work on the project.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: From Two Million to N=40: Jairic's Journey from Parties to Producer

Producer and musician Jairic talks about his rise in music, celebrating 2 million subscribers, and a lifelong passion for performance and production.

His new EP, n=40, draws on his background in statistics and life lessons — repurposing college piano recordings, the track “yellow to yoga,” cinematic hip‑hop storytelling, and collaborations on visuals and film.

Jarek also shares how family, sobriety, discipline, and mental health shaped his work, and previews his independent full-length LP "Lamerican" while balancing touring, filming, and fatherhood.

 

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: From Melbourne to London: Inside Charm Of Finches' Tour & New Album

Host Izzy interviews Melbourne sibling duo Charm of Finches about their new single "Meteor," which draws on nature and travel to shape their indie-folk sound built around tight harmonies.

The conversation covers their upcoming UK tour, recording experiences in Canada and during lockdown, their creative process, social media, vintage finds, and advice for emerging musicians as they work on a new album.

https://www.instagram.com/charmoffinchesband/

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: From Dragon Ball Z to Little Foot — Sam Retic on Acting, Advice & Dreams

Host Izzy interviews Sam Retic about his role as the narrator of the new short film Little Foot, paying homage to The Land Before Time. They discuss his voice acting background, past projects like indie Dragon Ball Z roles, and what drew him to this project.

Sam shares practical advice for students breaking into acting—persistence, self-promotion, and putting yourself out there—and talks about challenges like securing representation. He also describes his favorite character types, dream roles (including Planet of the Apes and Westerns), and upcoming projects.

The episode highlights Sam's pride in LittleFoot, his excitement for fans to revisit beloved characters, and his hopes for more on-camera and stage work.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Animating Nostalgia: Behind the Scenes of Littlefoot

In this episode Izzy interviews animator David Magary about his career and his role as lead animator on the fan short Littlefoot, covering his creative process, team collaboration, and the most challenging sequences.

They also discuss memorable projects, upcoming work with anthropomorphic characters, and David’s core advice for aspiring animators about persistence and keeping your creative spark alive.