Tom Verica Head of Creative Production for Shondaland/Netflix In this captivating episode we sit down with the multi-talented Tom Verica, an actor, director, producer, and head of Creative Production for Shondaland/Netflix. He is known for his remarkable work on beloved series like Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte, and Inventing Anna, among many other successful TV shows. Join us as Tom shares his unique insights into the world of TV production, revealing what it’s really like to direct a hit show steeped in period drama and romance. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a devoted fan of TV drama, this episode is [...]

Ricardo Nazario y Colón  Poet Prepare to dive deep into the world of modern poetry in this episode of From Suarez's Basement. Join us as we embark on a lyrical journey, exploring the transformative power of verse in today's cultural landscape. Ricardo Nazario y Colon is a celebrated poet whose work has been described as "a vivid tapestry of emotion and insight." He shares their creative process, discusses the influences shaping their work, and reveals how poetry can address today's pressing issues with nuance and punch. We'll also explore how social media, and digital platforms reshape poetry's reach and [...]

Michael Wylie Film and TV Production Designer Have you ever wondered what it takes to create the stunning sets that bring your favorite TV shows to life? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of TV Production Design, where imagination meets reality. Join Professor Suarez as he chats with top TV and Film designer Michael Wylie, who transforms blank canvases into iconic worlds. Michael is responsible for the words of Netflix's hit TV show "Avatar the Last Airbender" and popular movies such as Men in Black II. Explore with our special guests the creative processes behind designing [...]

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Actor The Basement’s guest this week is the award winning actor, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee! Professor Suarez and Lee discussed Lee’s early acting years as a main character in the well known show, Kim’s Convenience. Lee goes in-depth about the struggles he had with embracing his character, Appa; as well as the difficulties the show had with getting on air. Later on, Lee talks about his most recent work on the hit live action version of the TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender. If you are a “Last Airbender” fan, then this is a must watch episode! [...]

Sarah Dowland  Film Producer This week, the very talented film producer Sarah Dowland visited the Basement! In the episode, Professor Suarez discusses Dowland’s career transition from visual effects to her work as a film producer, as well as her definition of visual effects and the effect she thinks AI will have on the film industry. Later on, they discuss the documentary she has been producing which was released earlier this year called Sue Bird: In the Clutch and how she came to work on this film. If you want to learn more about the intricate art of filmmaking, then [...]

Don Winslow Author Don Winslow, a one-of-a-kind author, was this week’s guest in the Basement! Throughout the episode, Professor Suarez and Winslow talk about his life as a private investigator before becoming a well-known author, as well as the concept of “writer’s block” and how he suggests writers overcome it. Later on, Winslow discusses the last book in his most recent book series, The Danny Ryan Trilogy. The finale of the series, City in Ruins, was released at the beginning of April 2024. If you are a sci-fi fantasy reader, then this is a “must add” to your reading [...]

The Stone Fish Brothers  the brothers who believe in Art Emmy Award-winning Songwriter, Music Producer, and Non-profit Leader, Hughie Stone Fish, and his equally talented brother, Avery Stone Fish, visited the basement! These two gifted brothers funded Stone Fish Studios to create more than just visual storytelling, they are both true artists who use their talent and video production company to innovate through music, painting, screenplay writing, and many other art forms! In this episode, we had the fantastic opportunity to talk with Hughie and Avery about art's importance in developing a healthy society and what art is. In [...]

Daniel Goldfarb Screenwriter The incredible Daniel Goldfarb, a two-time Emmy nominee, was this week’s guest in the Basement! In this episode, Professor Suarez and Goldfarb talk about the intricate work behind writing for a television show, as well as what makes a good script. As he talks about this, he also gives fantastic advice to anyone looking to become a screenwriter, regardless of where you are in the process of learning. Later on, they discuss Goldfarb’s hit TV show on Max, Julia. From researching how to embody Julia Child herself to casting her character, everything you want to know [...]

Noah J. Ricketts Actor The Basement’s esteemed guest this week is the fabulous actor, Noah J. Ricketts! In the episode, Professor Suarez and Ricketts have an in-depth discussion about what acting means to Ricketts and how he goes about getting into the characters he plays. Later on, Ricketts’ discusses his most recent work in his role as Frankie Hines in the new television miniseries Fellow Travelers. He also takes the time to detail how his character is a revolutionary for the queer and drag communities at the time that the show takes place in the 1950s. If you want [...]

Patrick Howe Production Designer Five-time Emmy award-winning production designer, Patrick Howe is FSB’s extraordinary guest for this week. In this episode, Professor Suarez and Howe have an in-depth discussion about the intricacies of the work Howe does as an on-set designer, as well as the time management skills that are a must-have while working in both the theater and film industries. Howe details all these aspects while talking about his most recent work on the world-renowned TV show, Only Murders in the Building. If you’re an “Only Murders'' fan, then you don’t want to miss this episode! Audio Podcasts [...]