Best in Fest

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Aarti Misra — producer, business strategist, and global dealmaker working at the intersection of film, technology, and finance.
With over 20 years of experience spanning Silicon Valley startups, film production, and international co-productions, Aarti breaks down how the entertainment industry is evolving—and what filmmakers must understand to stay competitive in an AI-driven, globally distributed marketplace.
🎯 In this episode, we cover:
 🤖 How AI is transforming filmmaking—and why it’s a tool, not a replacement for creatives
 🎬 Inside “Up and Now”: an AI-powered tool for storyboarding, shot lists & pre-production
 💰 How film financing works today (and how independents can compete with studios)
 🌍 Why global co-productions and international tax incentives are reshaping film production
 📊 The rise of independent filmmakers in a disrupted Hollywood system
 🎥 How to package films, secure IP, and find the right audience
 📱 Vertical content, short-form storytelling & new monetization opportunities
 🧠 Why creatives—not tech companies—must drive AI innovation in storytelling
 🏢 How big tech is influencing the future of studios and distribution
Aarti also shares insights from her work across Europe, the U.S., and India, explaining how filmmakers can leverage global partnerships, navigate shifting distribution models, and build sustainable careers outside traditional studio systems.

n this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Sohm Kapila — a globally trained actress whose credits span Grey’s Anatomy, The Morning Show, Never Have I Ever, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and more — to break down the realities of building a sustainable acting career across continents.
From being born in India and raised in the UK to establishing herself in Los Angeles, Sohm shares how her journey through theater, television, and film shaped her craft—and how actors today must adapt to an ever-changing industry.
🎯 In this episode, we cover:
 🎭 What the Meisner acting technique really is—and how to use it on set
 🎬 How to prepare for auditions using “couch time” and character psychology
 🎥 The difference between acting for theater vs. film and TV
 🎙️ Why improv training (UCB) builds confidence and booking potential
 🌍 Building an international acting career across the UK, US, and beyond
 🎭 Navigating typecasting and diversity in casting for actors of color
 📉 How Hollywood strikes and industry shifts impact working actors
 🎶 Her upcoming Bhangra musical and potential Broadway trajectory
 🤖 Exploring AI and storytelling through her original short film Baby Talk
 💡 Why perseverance and saying “yes” are key to longevity in acting
Sohm also shares her personal process for developing characters, working through multiple takes on set, and adapting performances in real time—skills essential for actors working in today’s fast-paced production environments.

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Jennifer Elizabeth Valdez — entrepreneur, domestic abuse survivor, and founder of From Gen to Generations — to share a deeply personal story of resilience, reinvention, and building success against all odds.
Jennifer opens up about leaving an abusive home at just 15 years old, surviving homelessness, and navigating dangerous environments while working to support herself. Through sheer determination, she went on to build multiple healthcare companies, become a CEO, and launch a platform dedicated to empowering others through storytelling and real-life transformation.
🎯 In this episode, we cover:
 💔 Escaping domestic violence and surviving homelessness as a teenager
 🧠 How adversity builds resilience, discipline, and decision-making skills
 💼 Building multiple businesses from the ground up
 📈 The realities of success—and what happens after failure
 🎙️ Launching a podcast to empower others through real stories
 🎬 Using personal experiences to create films, books, and creative projects
 ⚖️ How to navigate setbacks, lawsuits, and major life disruptions
 🔥 Why failure is part of the path—not the end of it
 💡 How to “dance with fear” and take action anyway
Jennifer also shares how she transitioned back into creative work—writing a book (We Were Fearless), producing film projects, and funding her own content—while using her business success to support her passion for storytelling.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Charlotte Delaney Riggs, an award-winning actress and rising talent known for projects like Austin High, Thunder Road, and Through a Glass, Dimly.
Charlotte shares her journey from performing in elementary school theater productions to working professionally in film and television—while balancing school, auditions, and life as a young actor in today’s fast-changing entertainment industry.
🎯 In this episode, we cover:
 🎭 How young actors get started in film, TV, and commercials
 🎬 The reality of auditions—and why most actors don’t book every role
 🧠 How to handle rejection and move on quickly in a competitive industry
 ✍️ Breaking down a script: audition technique vs. on-set performance
 📺 The difference between acting in films vs. ongoing series
 🎓 Balancing acting, college, and a demanding schedule
 📱 How Gen Z consumes content (streaming, TikTok, short-form video)
 🚀 Why influencers and short-form creators are shaping the future of entertainment
 🌍 How Hollywood is evolving for the next generation of actors
Charlotte also shares practical advice for actors—like why you should submit your audition and forget about it, how to make bold choices even with limited script information, and why persistence matters more than perfection.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Kash Hovey — actor, producer, and host of On Air with Kash — to explore how the entertainment industry has evolved from traditional Hollywood systems to today’s creator-driven economy.
Raised in a legacy entertainment family and with experience both in front of the camera and behind the scenes at William Morris Endeavor (WME), Kash brings a unique perspective on how careers are built—and rebuilt—in a rapidly changing industry.
🎯 In this episode, we cover:
 🎬 Breaking into Hollywood as an actor and navigating early career opportunities
 🏢 What it’s like working inside a major agency like WME
 🎙️ Why podcasting and hosting are becoming powerful career paths
 📱 How social media, influencers, and YouTube are reshaping entertainment
 💰 The shift from traditional residuals to modern creator monetization
 🌍 Why production is moving outside Los Angeles (tax incentives & global filming)
 🚀 How creators can build careers without relying on studios
 🎥 Why vertical video, streaming, and digital platforms are the future
 🧠 How to adapt to industry changes and stay relevant as a creative
Kash also shares firsthand insight into the transition from traditional film and TV structures to a world where content creators, podcasters, and influencers are driving audience attention—and revenue.