In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Joi Noelle Worley, editor, director, and content creator with experience across DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, Hulu, and independent film, to explore the evolving landscape of storytelling across animation and live action.

Joi shares her unique career path working in both mediums, breaking down the creative and technical differences between editing animation and live action—and how those skills translate into directing, writing, and building original IP.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🎬 The real difference between editing animation vs live action
• 🎞️ Why editing is about emotion, timing, and storytelling—not just cutting footage
• 🤖 AI in filmmaking: where it helps—and where it threatens creativity
• 🎨 Why animation is more than “just for kids” and requires deep collaboration
• 🎭 Directing animation vs actors: clarity, story beats, and visual intention
• 📺 Working on projects for DreamWorks, Netflix, and major studios
• 🧠 How animation skills improve live action directing (storyboarding, pacing)
• 🚀 Creating your own IP: building pitch bibles, animatics, and proof of concept
• 🌍 Pitching original series and films in today’s competitive market
• 🎥 Why filmmakers must create their own opportunities instead of waiting for permission

Joi also dives into her original projects, including her animated series Lionheart, viral fan animatics, and her current feature film Ilaaj, a Hindi-language inspirational drama exploring healing and self-discovery.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Elissa Shay. actress, writer, and producer, to break down her journey from struggling to find the right roles in Hollywood to producing and starring in her own feature film, Fractured.

After facing challenges as a mixed-ethnicity actress in an industry that often struggles with representation, Elissa took control of her career—writing, producing, and financing projects that aligned with her purpose and creative voice.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🎭 Why Elissa transitioned from acting into producing early in her career
• 🌍 Producing a documentary in Africa (Mully) and what it taught her about storytelling
• ✍️ Writing your own roles when Hollywood isn’t offering the right opportunities
• 💰 How indie films are actually financed through private investors
• 🧾 Using tax incentives and investor structures to fund a feature film
• 🎬 How Fractured came together with talent like Julia Ormond and Bruce Dern
• 📊 The realities of film festivals, PR, and why marketing budgets matter
• 🚧 Common mistakes filmmakers make when they don’t budget for distribution
• 📱 Why building an audience during production is critical for success
• 🎥 Navigating identity and representation in casting and storytelling

Elissa also shares candid insights about the biggest lesson she learned: making the film is only half the battle—getting it seen is an entirely different challenge.

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Shalini Dutta, an accomplished actress with over three decades of experience across Bollywood, theater, television, and independent film to discuss her journey, career reinvention, and the evolving landscape for women and South Asian talent in the global film industry.

From her early start in Indian cinema to stepping away for family life and returning years later to pursue meaningful storytelling, Shalini shares what it really takes to sustain a creative career across different life stages.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• 🎭 How Shalini began her acting career in Bollywood and regional Indian films
• 🌍 The key differences between Bollywood and Hollywood storytelling styles
• 🎬 Why meaningful, character-driven roles matter more than screen time
• 🔄 Reinventing your acting career after a long break
• 👩🏽‍🎬 The rise of strong female roles and diverse storytelling in modern cinema
• 📺 How Indian cinema has evolved into a global storytelling force
• 🎥 Working in indie films like Between Places and building a second career
• 🌱 Why actors should choose roles based on purpose—not just exposure or pay
• 🎙️ Building a platform to uplift South Asian voices through content and community

Shalini also shares insights into the challenges and progress of representation for South Asian actors, explaining why opportunities are growing—but why there’s still work to be done.