S4E191: The Evolving Role of AI in Filmmaking

On Get Reelisms Podcast episode 191, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen interview filmmaker/producer/AD and occasional actor Avid (“Avi”) from Puppy Love Productions about becoming a “multi-tool” on set, especially in vertical productions. Avi recounts starting as a high-school editor on Final Cut Pro 7, continuing filmmaking while majoring in chemistry/biochemistry due to family pressure, learning directing performances through an improv-actor collaborator, and falling into first AD work via a 48-hour challenge and a Sony-financed short where a seasoned producer taught him set lingo. They discuss on-set judgment and delegation, phone rules, interns learning walkie etiquette, and how vertical storytelling uses cliffhangers, paywalls, CPI/client-driven scenes, and evolving efficiency systems. Avi also explains creating 3Line Studio, notable clients, a stolen box truck recovery using AirTags, and plugs a vertical Scene Lab event at 3Line Studio on April 29 (7–10 PM). Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase)  & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf)  About Christine W Chen: **Christine W. Chen** is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, **Moth to Flame**, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including *Erzulie*, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned **DGA 1st Assistant Director** and co-author of *Get Reelisms* and *ABCs of Filmmaking*, as well as the co-host of the *Get Reelisms Podcast*. For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani: **Adam Chase Rani** is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the *Get Reelisms Podcast* with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they’ve built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. Guest: Avid Eghbali was born on August 20, 1996 in Iran. He is a director and producer, known for Bated Breath, Drift (2024) and Hell Hath No Fury (2026).   WEBISODE version of the Podcast   00:00 Chem Major Film Hustle 01:01 Podcast Intro And Guest 02:16 Meeting Avi On Verticals 02:51 Multi Tool Set Mindset 06:24 Avi Acting On Set 09:06 How Avi Got Started 12:30 Learning AD Lingo Fast 14:26 Family Pressure And Legacy 20:04 First Day Jitters To Growth 22:30 Delegation And Set Judgment 29:33 Phones On Set Debate 32:55 CPI Scenes And Vertical Demands 35:32 How Verticals Are Written 38:08 Vertical Video Debate 40:06 Innovation and Naysayers 41:39 Vine Lessons and Coexistence 42:49 AI Trailers and Backlash 44:00 AI as Previs Tool 47:37 Branded Vertical Series 51:36 Three Line Studio Origins 56:58 Celebrity Shoots and Clients 59:02 Stolen Box Truck Story 01:03:38 Trump Impressions and Set Antics 01:12:44 Event Plug and Housekeeping 01:14:28 Final Goodbye [Official Get Reelisms Page](getreelisms.com) Get Reelisms Amazon Store Instagram