This Is The Year

Author of Greenbelt Summer, Matt Moreland, and filmmaker Eric Bizzarri have similar influences and desires in philosophy, culture, people and movies. After meeting, they felt they were always meant to be friends, almost as if they've already known each other for years. Matt discusses how he emerged into the film industry, his influences for writing, and the strength it takes for one to endure the pressures and harsh realities of the film industry. Lead with kindness and compassion. You can't get time back, at least this is how the boys reflect on the countless hours they've spent rolling away on projects. The boys discuss a creator's responsibility to accepting a vision, its flaws and strengths, and how it's executed. The more people you have involved, the more you have to let go. Relationships are difficult in the film industry, both platonic and romantic. How far are we willing to go to understand when a relationship now longer serves us?

On this episode, Marc wears a hat, while Eric talks about sitting courtside at a Raptors game. Eric is joined by motivational speaker Sam Demma (15:55), as they talk about starting one's entrepreneurial path collecting trash, giving life advice to high schoolers at age 20, and why it's important to build one's brand at a young age.  

Cinematographer Joel D'Alimonte and Eric Bizzarri had a funny, awkward first encounter, but have now known each other for years, becoming great friends and collaborators.  Joel discusses the non-linear path he took to starting in the film industry, and the two discuss what inspires a person to do so in the first place. Joel reflects on his personality growing up, bartending, the absence of a high school education, his relationship to God and how that's shaped his dream career path of cinematography. The process of cinematography is different than what he's used to, like the dialogue with his director, but there are similarities between what he's doing now, and what he's done before. Follow @thisyearpodcast on socials! 

Actor and former athlete Harrison Browne reunites with Eric Bizzarri after two years in studio. Eric produced the Feature Film On the Fringe of Wild, with Harrison in the lead role. The film completed production March 14, 2020. The two discuss the unique experience of moving into isolation immediately after being surrounded by a large cast and crew each day. Harrison is the first transgender athlete in professional hockey, having been a part of the National Women's Hockey League and winning championships for the Metropolitan Riveters and Buffalo Beauts. As a trailblazer and pioneer for LGBTQ rights, Harrison discusses avoiding being labelled as a "poster child" for transgender rights and freedoms, but rather an activist for these segregations, as well as creating his own approvals and spaces to feel accepted in by pursuing projects and people he loves. Towards acting, he's always tackling imposter syndrome and the drive to "book the gig." 

Actress and musician Hallea Jones is joined in studio with Eric Bizzarri, as they reunite after three years and recall how they started in the industry. Hallea recently rose to fame on Netflix's Locke and Key as "Eden", in addition to recording and writing her own music.  She describes becoming more comfortable in her own skin as she grows older, learning to make choices for herself, including bolder and more confident fashion decisions that don't please the male gaze, while learning to digest inevitable rejection.