What does it really take for an independent film to break through?

In this episode of Beyond the Take, Marc Chouen sits down with filmmaker, producer, and Executive Director of the SoHo International Film Festival, Sibyl Santiago, for a deep dive into how the indie film world actually works.

Sibyl shares her journey from child actor to producer to festival leader, the challenges she faced as an Asian American actress, and how she built a career by creating her own opportunities. She breaks down what festivals are really looking for, how filmmakers should approach submissions, and why community-driven festivals matter more than ever.

They also talk about:

• How filmmakers can stand out in a crowded festival landscape

• What programmers look for when watching thousands of submissions

• Why prestige doesn’t always equal opportunity

• How streaming is reshaping indie distribution

• Building sustainable careers outside the studio system

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or just trying to break into the industry, this episode is packed with real-world insight you won’t hear in film school.

🎬 If you’re serious about independent film, festivals, and long-term career growth — this one’s for you.

What does it actually take to start acting and how do you know if you should keep going when things get hard?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen flips the format and sits down with someone new to the acting world, asking the kinds of honest questions most people are too afraid to ask out loud.

Marc opens up about:

• Recently losing his agent and what that really means for an actor’s career

• How rejection works and how not to let it destroy your confidence

• Why voice acting and on-camera acting are harder than they look

• Making personal connections with material that doesn’t feel natural

• How auditions, self-tapes, and streaming have changed the industry

• What early actors misunderstand about opportunity and competition

• Treating acting like a business without losing your creativity

• The thin line between persistence and walking away and how to know the difference

Marc also shares personal experiences from his own career, including moments where he nearly quit acting entirely before landing pivotal roles, and why fearlessness, preparation, and the right support system matter more than talent alone.

This episode isn’t about selling a dream. It’s about clarity.

If you’re thinking about acting, just starting out, or questioning whether to keep going, this conversation will help you understand what you’re really stepping into.

What does it really take to build a lasting career in the entertainment industry without shortcuts, hype, or excuses?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with actor, producer, and longtime mentor Jaime Zevallos, whose 27-year journey through film, television, theater, and independent cinema offers a rare look at how careers are actually built.

Jaime opens up about:

• Starting as a graffiti artist and finding his way into acting

• Learning the business side of entertainment through PA work, film school, and self-education

• Making tough choices early on just to survive and when to take real risks

• Why today’s artists have no choice but to create their own opportunities

• The realities of social media, visibility, and false narratives of “success”

• Union benefits, health insurance, and why longevity matters more than clout

• Producing independently, self-financing projects, and planning a Cannes submission

• The difference between chasing money and staying creatively fulfilled

• How mentorship, community, and persistence separate those who last from those who burn out

This is not a highlight reel or a success story wrapped in platitudes. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about adaptation, perseverance, and betting on yourself in an industry that keeps changing the rules.

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or creative trying to figure out how to stay in the game, this episode is for you.