Student Pages Podcast

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.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Larissa Leoffler’s Journey from Trauma, Set to Spotlight

For our latest spotlight series, Larissa Loeffler joins Jayden at Student Pages to discuss her role in the fan-made LittleFoot animation, her path from filmmaking to voice acting, and working behind the scenes on major productions like Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

She shares personal stories about turning loss into creative drive, the challenges of balancing multiple roles in the industry, and practical advice for students trying to break into film, theatre, or voice work.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Littlefoot Reimagined: Joey Lever Indie Take on The Land Before Time

For our latest spotlight episode, Jayden interviews Award Winning British Filmmaker Joey Lever about his upcoming short Littlefoot, a reimagining of The Land Before Time. Joey discusses his love of storytelling, learning every role on set, building a small but talented crew, directing experienced voice actors, and blending realistic textures with Pixar-style animation.

He explains the challenge of condensing an hour-and-a-half story into a 15-minute short, the power of social media for connecting with cast and fans, and his hope that this project will reignite interest in the original film and lead to a feature adaptation.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Kingston Fletcher: Playing Benji in Stranger Things Season 5

Host Izzy sits down with young actor Kingston Fletcher to discuss his role as Benji in Stranger Things Season 5, sharing what it was like on set and working with the cast.

Kingston talks about discovering the show at audition time, his love of the horror genre, the characters he’d love to play, and the surprise moment he learned he'd booked the role.

He offers simple advice for aspiring actors—start early and practice—describes how he manages nerves, reflects on Stranger Things as his biggest achievement so far, and weighs in on the fate of Eleven.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Call to Agnes: Madison’s Breakthrough in Despicable Me 4 & Inside 'Buddy' with a Star-Studded Cast

In our latest spotlight episode, Jayden caught up with young actress Madison Skyye-Polan about her roles in the upcoming film Buddy (as Hannah) and voicing Agnes in Despicable Me 4. Madison shares on-set memories, working with stars like Michael Shannon and Keegan-Michael Key, and what drew her to these projects.

She also talks about auditioning, handling nerves, balancing homeschooling with an acting career, and offers advice to aspiring actors about persistence, authenticity, and staying hardworking.

https://www.instagram.com/madisonskyypolan/

 

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: From Ironheart to Stranger Things: Alyse Elna Lewis on Playing Wendy

Host Izzy chats with young actor Alyse Elna Lewis about playing Wendy on the global hit series Stranger Things [Season 5], becoming a fan of the show, and her experience working with the cast.

Alyse reflects on her earlier roles inc. Marvel's Ironheart as young Riri, how she overcomes nerves and overthinking, and shares advice for aspiring actors.

She also talks about her dream of a Disney role and what motivates her as she continues to build her career.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Eleven’s Fate Teased? Carson Minniear Reflects on Stranger Things Finale

Carson Minniear talks about how he unexpectedly landed the role of Thomas in Stranger Things Season 5, his preparation for playing a bully, and the differences between on-camera and voice acting.

He shares advice for young actors about classes, auditions, balancing school, and social media, recalls favorite projects like Pupstruction and working with Adam Sandler, and even teases a moment that hints Eleven may still be alive.

At just 14 years old, Texas native Carson Minniear is emerging as one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents — with exciting new roles across film, animation, and a soon-to-be-released television series! Best known for his heartwarming and inspirational role in 5000 Blankets opposite Anna Camp and he has been working continually since the age of 6 years old. Carson’s on-screen credits include appearances in hit series such as The Purge, Doom Patrol, Mayfair Witches, and The Chosen. His feature film work includes Palmer, starring Justin Timberlake. His ability to emotionally connect with characters and deliver grounded, heartfelt performances has been praised by directors and casting teams alike.

Carson starred in the thriller Site (Released Aug 8) based on a powerful true story, where he plays the son of Jake McLaughlin’s character — a young boy who loses his vision following an ATV accident. The cast also includes: Arielle Kebbel, Theo Rossi. The emotional role challenged Carson to perform much of the film with his eyes covered, delivering a heartfelt and grounded performance well beyond his years. 

 

In summer '25 he also appeared in Eye for an Eye, a chilling supernatural thriller shot in Savannah, where he plays a bullied teen who turns to the paranormal for revenge. The film co-stars Whitney Peak and Bridgerton’s Golda Rosheuvel and shows off Carson’s darker, dramatic side.

 

https://www.instagram.com/carson_minniear/

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Inside the Mind of Bobby Trey: Johnny Ray Gill on Cross, Capitalism and Craft

Johnny Ray Gill discusses his role as sociopathic ex-cop Bobby Trey in Amazon's Cross, the influence of poetry on his acting, and the responsibility of storytelling to explore complex social issues like policing and capitalism.

He shares his journey from spoken word to stage and screen, his thoughts on social media and craft versus fame, and why perseverance, research, and ambitious original stories matter in cinema.

Johnny Ray Gill is set to star in the upcoming second season of Amazon’s global hit series “Cross.” Johnny Ray has quickly emerged as one of the show’s most talked-about performers with his chilling and magnetic turn as the sociopathic ex-cop “Bobby Trey.” His scene-stealing role became a breakout of the first season, helping propel Cross to Amazon’s #1 spot both domestically and internationally. 

Now a series regular of the show, we see ‘Bobby Trey’ ready to make good on the deal he made with Cross at the end of season one, locate at least 3-5 bodies from his former boss’ killing spree from season one or spend the rest of his life in jail as Cross pins the murders on him. However, Bobby Trey has a few tricks up his sleeve and will drive even more suspense and intensity this season! With audiences invested in Bobby Trey’s dark and unpredictable storyline, Johnny is poised to be one of the standout names of the new season. Cross premieres February 11, 2026.

 

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Spell On Me: SJ Hill’s Soulful Return from the Valleys

SJ Hill discusses his upcoming single "Spell On Me," the creative process behind it, and how his Welsh roots and multi-genre influences shape his music.

He shares his journey from aspiring footballer to musician and teacher, talks about coping with loss, the role of social media, and offers practical advice for emerging artists about consistency, authenticity, and branding.

Welsh soul sensation SJ Hill returns with his most emotional and dramatic release yet — ‘Spell On Me,’ a song about a love so powerful it lifts you, destroys you, and pulls you deeper even when you know you should walk away. Following the viral success of his previous single ‘Tonight’ (1.4 million Instagram views, 40K+ streams), SJ Hill cements his place as one of Wales’ most compelling emerging voices, delivering a track rich in vulnerability, passion, and cinematic soul.

SJ Hill’s voice has taken him from local stages to global attention. His music has been featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist, BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Radio Wales A-List and he’s performed at some of the UK’s top venues, including Wembley Arena and the O2 Academy London. Not afraid to push for mainstream attention, the Cardiff born singer got through to the X-Factor bootcamp in 2017 and has since gone on to win an episode of ITV’s ‘Romeo & Duet’, as well as reaching the semi-finals of LLIAS- The Welsh Voice.

Such achievements led to him entertaining guests such as John Legend, Chrissy Teigan and Chris Martin at this year’s prestigious New Years Eve party at Soneva Jani Resort in the Maldives. “‘Spell On Me’ is a song that I hope a lot of people can relate to”, says SJ Hill. “It’s about the type of relationship when you know someone is bad for you, but you keep coming back because they lift you up and break you down in equal measure”, he further explains.

Co-written with his long-time friend and collaborator Tommy John, the track is about the kind of love that pulls you in and tears you apart at the same time — a Jekyll & Hyde relationship where someone can be your pleasure and your pain, your thunder and your calm, your truth and your lie. The lyrics dive into emotional duality, addiction to chaos, and the feeling of being under someone’s spell. Honest, dramatic, and personal, ‘Spell On Me’ explores emotional dependency, blurred boundaries, and the kind of connection that transforms you — for better and worse.

Blending raw, confessional lyricism with melodic, hypnotic hooks and with powerhouse soul vocals that cut straight to the heart, fans of Hozier, Rag’n’Bone Man, Lewis Capaldi, Dermot Kennedy, The Weeknd and Sam Smith will find the same emotional depth and vocal fire in ‘Spell On Me’. Keeping firmly in tune with his roots, SJ Hill created ‘Spell On Me’ in a special place — a small, old-school studio in the Rhondda Valley, once a Salvation Army building and now transformed into a creative hub for Welsh talent. The studio, owned and run by Daniel Edwards, has become a place where authenticity and artistry meet.

Working alongside Daniel and Tommy John, ‘Spell On Me’ feels deeply tied to Welsh identity and emotional truth, with the heart of SJ Hill’s local community running within.

https://www.instagram.com/sjhillofficial

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: From Classical Roots to Electronic Soundscapes: Hannah Schneider on Her New Album

Host Izzy interviews Danish artist Hannah Schneider about her upcoming album releasing on 27 February, created by recording instrumentalists during a residency at a Copenhagen museum and blending classical influences with electronic soundscapes.

Hannah discusses her musical upbringing, the importance of collaboration and community, using social media as a creative outlet, dealing with criticism, and advice for aspiring musicians: work hard, find your community, and don’t compromise.