Are We Rolling? is a behind-the-scenes podcast where producers Jason Waggenspack, Todd Lewis, and Frank Monteleone break down how films actually get made. From development to financing to swapping set stories, the trio shares real behind-the-scenes anecdotes, hard-earned lessons, and what it takes to keep projects — and Louisiana’s film industry — rolling.
Episode 1: Well, Are We?
Jason, Todd, and Frank introduce themselves and dig into what are we rolling means, the many kinds of producers, how long a project can take to be finished, and why so many bad movies get made.
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02:00–05:30 — What does are we rolling mean?
05:30–06:45 — Let’s talk about Louisiana’s independent film ecosystem
06:45–12:05 — What the hell is a producer?
12:05–17:50 — How long does it take to make a film? That’s a biiiiig question.
17:50–23:15 — Why do bad movies get made?
23:15–31:20 — When a script is “ready?” (spoiler: it’s not)
31:20–36:30 — Let your grandma read your script, aka, why non-industry feedback matters
36:30–41:50 — What are Todd, Frank and Jason watching?
41:50–45:40 — What’s next for Louisiana in 2026?
Further reading on people + projects mentioned
Walter Hill — director, writer, producerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Hill
Irving Ravetch — screenwriterhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Ravetch
Harriet Frank Jr. — screenwriterhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Frank_Jr.
Alvin Sargent — screenwriterhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Sargent
Martin Ritt — directorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Ritt
Danny DeVito — actor, producerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_DeVito
Brad Pitt — actor, producerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitt
Clint Bentley — writer/directorhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm3286079/
Jodie Foster — actor, directorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodie_Foster
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson — producer, actorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_Cent
Con Air (1997)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118880/
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Curious_Case_of_Benjamin_Button_(film)
United 93 (2006)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475276/
Stranger Things (2016–2025)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4574334/
House of Dynamite https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32376165/
A Private Life (Vie privée)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33852162/
Train Dreamshttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt29768334/
Trespass (1992)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105636/
Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107004/
Wild Bill (1995)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114938/
Hud, Norma Rae, and the Long Hot Summer (1963) https://www.ebay.com/itm/253991915235