For many of us, 2021 began the same way 2020 ended – still stuck indoors. For our midwest sister outlet, Reel Chicago, forced hibernation was mainly due to inclimate weather and COVID. For us on the west and east coast, the Reel 360 team was hunkered down because coronavirus was spreading and there were no vaccines available for us. We could have been depressed and reported only dreary news during Q1, but instead we got creative and leaned into interviewing those making news and differences in the industry.
It really paid off, as Reel 360’s writers chatted with influencers and difference makers in advertising, film, TV and more. Some were over ZOOM. Others were on the phone. But we found all of them informative and entertaining. Here are the interviews that shined for us in 2021.
REEL 360’s Top Interviews for 2021
1. The Scoop with Tag Team
This most popular commercial in Geico’s history was also the number one spot for Reel 360 in 2021. We had to go behind the scenes and talk to old school Hip Hop group Tag Team – Cecil Glenn (DC the Brain Supreme) and Steve Gibson (Steve Rolln). “Shaka-laka-shaka-laka-shaka-laka.”
2. Filmmaker Kris Mercado
Reel 360’s Jessica Velle sat down with award-winning director, Kristian Mercado Figueroa to discuss his eclectic career jump-start from Fashion and Art Direction to the smooth transition into filmmaking.
3. Ted Lasso’s Casting Director, Theo Park
Theo Park is the woman with an eye for the witty talent behind the Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series nomination for Ted Lasso. Reel 360’s Megan Penn spoke with Theo about her Emmy nomination and casting the funniest show on TV. Click here for interview.
4. LALIFF co-founder Edward James Olmos
There’s an entire generation that knows Edward James Olmos from Battlestar Galactica or Miami Vice. But there is a another group that knows Mr. Olmos as the founder of LALIFF – The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. Mr. Olmos spoke with Reel 360’s Colin Costello about LALIFF, Hollywood, politics and life.
5. Molly Parker and Clifton Collins Jr. of Jockey
Reel 360’s Joia DaVida had the chance to Interview Sony Pictures’ Jockey stars Clifton Collins Jr. and Molly Parker. Collins character Jackson Silva, is an aging jockey dealing with aches, broken bones, and the onset of a degenerative neurological disease. Molly Parker’s character Ruth is the trainer of a promising young filly. The two characters blend together in a perfect balance.
6. We’re Here’s Jeremy Austin aka 6
Magnificent Makeup Artist and Drag Queen, Jeremy Austin aka 6, shared their story with Reel 360’s Jessica Velle on how a 17-year-old teen from Columbus, Ohio overcame homelessness and drug addition to becoming an incredible drag performer and Head Makeup Artist on HBO’s award-winning reality series We’re Here. Click here for the interview.
REELated: 2021 in Review: The stories that caught our readers’ attention
7. David & Goliath’s Natalie Gomez
David&Goliath’s Associate Comms Director Natalie Gomez is a fierce advocate for diversity and believes in sharing her experience to empower others as they embark on their own personal and professional journey. Natalie’s answers were a highlight of our Reel Women section. Click here for her interview.
8. Cutters Studios’ Elizabeth Krajewski
Another standout in our Reel Women section was Cutters Studio’s Elizabeth Krajewski. Under her leadership, the studio has grown its talent roster and secured starring roles in major campaigns for Getty Images, Mazda, the Emmy-nominated Savage X Fenty Show and many others. Click here for Elizabeth’s interview.
9. Sandra Bullock shows a different side in The Unforgivable
Acting legend, Sandra Bullock, discussed her her true crime obsession, the research she did and showing a different side to audiences in the new Netflix film, The Unforgivable. Click here for her interview.
10. Hue&Cry designer Lauren Cash
A new, emerging talent in the animation & design production space, Lauren graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA in Motion Design and a minor in Business of Art and Design. She was another highlight for Reel 360 this year. Click here for her interview.
There were other conversations. Lots of them. From Jennifer Lawrence, Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood to the CEO of Havas and VP of Elephant. All informative. All entertaining. We’ll continue to take you behind the scenes of advertising, film, TV and post in 2022.
Happy New Year!
