Sound is one of the most important—and often least understood—parts of a production. On this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, host Mia LePage talks with sound mixer and business owner Pablo Mena about finding his way into the sound department, building a career in Los Angeles, and what it takes to capture great audio on set.

Pablo shares practical insights on boom versus lav mics, tricky wardrobe and mic placements, preparing gear, solving sound problems, and why “fix it in post” isn’t always the answer. He also reflects on working across commercials, reality TV, music videos, and major productions—and on the importance of looking out for your crew and building a strong community.

Follow Pablo: Instagram — @PabloMena
Mia’s and the podcast’s social media handles weren’t provided in the episode transcript, so I haven’t guessed them.

Chapters
00:00 Meet sound mixer Pablo Mena
01:18 Growing up in Mexico and becoming a TV host
04:42 Moving to Los Angeles to study film
08:20 Finding his way into sound
11:09 Mic placement tricks and a challenging wardrobe
14:16 A sound mixer’s setup and day on set
19:17 Why sound can be overlooked on set
23:34 Connecting with talent and building trust
29:26 Sound mixer, A1, A2, and boom operator roles
34:13 Pablo’s first production job and career beginnings
38:04 The technical, creative, and problem-solving sides of sound
39:17 Working on Dance Moms: The Reunion
44:34 Favorite projects and capturing behind-the-scenes moments
54:04 Hot takes: reality TV, boom versus lav, and set life
01:02:13 Crew loyalty and building Still Speeding LLC
01:12:24 Advice for aspiring sound mixers
01:15:40 Pride, happiness, and what’s next
01:21:05 Where to find Pablo and closing remarks

Follow Pablo: Instagram — @PabloMena

CALL SHEET CONFESSIONS
CSC Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod/

Mia Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mialepage/

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=632ca9d243e047e1

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/call-sheet-confessions/id1884911125
Website:
www.callsheetconfessions.com

In this episode of Call Sheet Confessions, host Mia LePage sits down with filmmaker, director, and creative director Nayip Anthony Garcia for an honest conversation about building a career behind the camera.

Nayip reflects on how early music videos helped shape his career, the lessons he learned working as an extra and production assistant, and why he believes in giving every project his full effort. He also discusses directing Almost Popular, creating safer and more inclusive sets, navigating the ups and downs of freelance work, and staying grounded through routine and personal growth.

Plus, hear his advice for aspiring filmmakers: start making things with the tools you have, prepare thoroughly, and stay adaptable when a shoot doesn’t go according to plan.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Nayip’s early music-video work
05:00 How “Banji” changed his career
13:00 Starting out as an extra and PA
23:00 Personal struggles, recovery, and routine
31:00 Female perspectives and Almost Popular
38:00 Freelance life, rejection, and staying motivated
46:00 A director’s process and adapting on set
55:00 Hot takes in Hollywood
1:05:00 AI, creative collaboration, and filmmaking
1:12:00 Call Sheet Confession and on-set stories
1:19:00 Advice for aspiring filmmakers
1:26:00 Future projects and creative goals
Follow the host and guest:

CALL SHEET CONFESSIONS

CSC Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/callsheetconfesspod/

Mia Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mialepage/

Nayip Anthony Garcia: @nayipanthonygarcia

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2PZkkg10gXNJTd5Y5JHb9a?si=632ca9d243e047e1

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/call-sheet-confessions/id1884911125

Website:
www.callsheetconfessions.com

Step back onto set with us for a wild ride through the stories we cannot stop thinking about. In this special compilation episode of Call Sheet Confessions, we’re rounding up the most unforgettable, chaotic, inspiring, and downright unhinged tales from life in entertainment.

From near-disasters to big breaks, hospital escapes to backlot blessings, these are the stories that remind us why we love set life so much.

If you’re a PA, dancer, actor, creative, or just obsessed with how the industry really works, these moments will be living in your head rent free too.