Sarah Dowland  Film Producer This week, the very talented film producer Sarah Dowland visited the Basement! In the episode, Professor Suarez discusses Dowland’s career transition from visual effects to her work as a film producer, as well as her definition of visual effects and the effect she thinks AI will have on the film industry. Later on, they discuss the documentary she has been producing which was released earlier this year called Sue Bird: In the Clutch and how she came to work on this film. If you want to learn more about the intricate art of filmmaking, then [...]

Don Winslow Author Don Winslow, a one-of-a-kind author, was this week’s guest in the Basement! Throughout the episode, Professor Suarez and Winslow talk about his life as a private investigator before becoming a well-known author, as well as the concept of “writer’s block” and how he suggests writers overcome it. Later on, Winslow discusses the last book in his most recent book series, The Danny Ryan Trilogy. The finale of the series, City in Ruins, was released at the beginning of April 2024. If you are a sci-fi fantasy reader, then this is a “must add” to your reading [...]

The Stone Fish Brothers  the brothers who believe in Art Emmy Award-winning Songwriter, Music Producer, and Non-profit Leader, Hughie Stone Fish, and his equally talented brother, Avery Stone Fish, visited the basement! These two gifted brothers funded Stone Fish Studios to create more than just visual storytelling, they are both true artists who use their talent and video production company to innovate through music, painting, screenplay writing, and many other art forms! In this episode, we had the fantastic opportunity to talk with Hughie and Avery about art's importance in developing a healthy society and what art is. In [...]

Daniel Goldfarb Screenwriter The incredible Daniel Goldfarb, a two-time Emmy nominee, was this week’s guest in the Basement! In this episode, Professor Suarez and Goldfarb talk about the intricate work behind writing for a television show, as well as what makes a good script. As he talks about this, he also gives fantastic advice to anyone looking to become a screenwriter, regardless of where you are in the process of learning. Later on, they discuss Goldfarb’s hit TV show on Max, Julia. From researching how to embody Julia Child herself to casting her character, everything you want to know [...]

Noah J. Ricketts Actor The Basement’s esteemed guest this week is the fabulous actor, Noah J. Ricketts! In the episode, Professor Suarez and Ricketts have an in-depth discussion about what acting means to Ricketts and how he goes about getting into the characters he plays. Later on, Ricketts’ discusses his most recent work in his role as Frankie Hines in the new television miniseries Fellow Travelers. He also takes the time to detail how his character is a revolutionary for the queer and drag communities at the time that the show takes place in the 1950s. If you want [...]

Patrick Howe Production Designer Five-time Emmy award-winning production designer, Patrick Howe is FSB’s extraordinary guest for this week. In this episode, Professor Suarez and Howe have an in-depth discussion about the intricacies of the work Howe does as an on-set designer, as well as the time management skills that are a must-have while working in both the theater and film industries. Howe details all these aspects while talking about his most recent work on the world-renowned TV show, Only Murders in the Building. If you’re an “Only Murders'' fan, then you don’t want to miss this episode! Audio Podcasts [...]

Paul Leary  Electronic Musician, Professor at SUNY Oswego Paul Leary, a talented electronic musician and a professor at SUNY Oswego, is our special guest this week on FSB. Professor Suarez had the opportunity to ask Leary about what music means to him and the ways in which students can be successful in any industry they choose in the future. Later they discuss electronic music and the process he undergoes, as well as Leary’s first-ever album. Be sure to check out this latest episode! Audio Podcasts Meet Our [...]

Diego Vicentini Film Director & Writer Diego Vicentini, talented Venezuelan filmmaker, is our special guest to kick off FSB's newest season. Professor Suarez had the opportunity to talk with Vicentini about his debut and overnight success of his first feature film, Simón. The film has been chosen to represent Venezuela at the 38th Goya Awards. In this conversation, Suarez and Vicentini also discuss film-making cost and distribution, film marketing and promotion as well as exciting and very personal upcoming projects for the Venezuelan film director. Be sure not to miss this engaging conversation! Audio Podcasts [...]

Marcus Rutherford Actor British actor Marcus Rutherford visited the basement! On this occasion, we had the pleasure of talking with the actor who brings to life the character of Perrin Aybara in the acclaimed Amazon Prime miniseries The Wheel of Time. Not only is Marcus a first-class actor who has built his career thanks to his talent and hard work, but he is a lovely human being and worthy of the success coming his way. We spoke about his love for acting, his beginnings, his connection with the role of Perrin, and his upcoming projects. This inspirational conversation is [...]

Dennis Lehane Novelist, Screenwriter and TV Producer In this new episode of From Suarez’s Basement, I had the unique opportunity to pick the brain of Dennis Lehane who is the writer behind the acclaimed limited series on Apple TV “Black Bird.” In our conversation we explore Dennis’ impressive career as a novelist with more than twelve novels successfully published and four of them adapted for film and television. We spoke about creative writing and the process of adapting a novel into a script. Specifically, how he adapted the memoir of “Black Bird” into a TV series as his role [...]