Julie Bruns and Steven Kammerer: Beneath Crimson Sails and the Case for Ambitious Genre Filmmaking
Anthony Epp sits down with Julie Bruns and Steven Kammerer, filmmakers and actors behind Beneath Crimson Sails for a wide-ranging conversation about fantasy storytelling, independent filmmaking, and the passion projects that keep artists creating. Drawing inspiration from worlds like The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, and classic adventure cinema, the guests discuss building immersive universes, crafting memorable characters, and bringing ambitious genre stories to life on independent budgets.
The episode explores the challenges of writing and developing long-form creative projects, the importance of world-building, and how filmmakers balance inspiration from beloved franchises while creating something uniquely their own. Along the way, the conversation branches into gaming, practical storytelling lessons, favorite films, dream acting roles, and the enduring appeal of fantasy adventures.
Anthony and his guests also share advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely, experiencing the world firsthand, and choosing projects you genuinely love—because filmmaking is a long journey that demands persistence, curiosity, and commitment.
Listen now for an entertaining discussion about fantasy, filmmaking, creativity, and what it takes to build stories that audiences can truly get lost in.
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