What happens when life gets messy—but the work still needs to get made? In this episode of The Story Lab, we get honest about what it means to stay creative when you're not okay.

From burnout to uncertainty, we talk about:
• Creating when you're depressed, anxious, or just disconnected
• Why your best work might come from your hardest moments
• Letting go of perfection and leaning into honesty
• How getting out of your medium can spark inspiration
• The balance between being a professional and being a person

If you’ve ever struggled to show up and make something real—this one’s for you.

🎧 Full podcast available wherever you listen: https://linktr.ee/thestorylabfilm

#CreatingThroughIt #MentalHealthAndCreativity #StorytellerStruggles #TheStoryLab #CreativeProcess #RealTalkForCreators #filmmakingpodcast

Support the show

Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

What do you sacrifice—and what do you gain—when you choose the in-house route over freelancing? In this episode of The Story Lab, we sit down with EP&Co Director/DP Seth Hunt who’s wrestled with both sides of the creative coin.

From navigating agency expectations to carving out a personal style, we talk about:
• The tension between creative freedom and brand consistency
• What it really takes to survive (and thrive) in an in-house role
• Why being a generalist can help—or hurt—your chances in this industry
• How to claim your title before the world gives it to you
• Building a portfolio that backs up your pitch

Whether you’re freelancing, full-time, or figuring it out—this one’s for the filmmakers in the trenches.

Follow Seth on Instagram: @seth_hunt

🎧 Full podcast available wherever you watch or listen: https://linktr.ee/thestorylabfilm

#FreelanceVsInHouse #FilmmakingCareers #CreativeIdentity #DirectorOfPhotography #DPThoughts #TheStoryLab #FilmmakingPodcast

Support the show

Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!

World-building isn't just for fantasy and sci-fi—it's the invisible foundation behind every great film, commercial, or video. In this episode of The Story Lab with Nate Bonsell, we dive into what world-building really means for filmmakers today.

From the genius of Severance to the budget realities of $5K productions, we explore how setting creative limitations can lead to stronger storytelling, greater immersion, and higher impact. Learn how cinematography, sound, and design choices create the "playground" for your characters—and why embracing constraints can be your most powerful tool.

🎬 Topics covered:

What world-building really is (and isn't)

Why limitations unlock creativity

How aspect ratios, lenses, and gear impact the world

Getting the most from low-budget productions

The evolving role of DPs and directors in storytelling

👀 Bonus episodes are coming soon, where we break down specific projects and how we built worlds from the ground up—what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned.

Watch or listen to the full conversation now!

Follow Nate: https://www.instagram.com/nbonsell24/

#WorldBuilding #FilmmakingTips #TheStoryLab #Cinematography #LowBudgetFilm #DirectorDP #Storytelling #FilmProduction

Support the show

Hosted by Evan Rogers and Lucas Cardoso

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more!