Next Act with Jeff Ornstein

A designer exploring a new path in acting and Hollywood. Join Jeff Ornstein as he shares personal experiences, lessons learned, and conversations with others making big career shifts in the entertainment industry. Practical insights, honest stories, no fluff, just the journey of breaking into a new world.

Next Act with Jeff Ornstein is a arts podcast hosted by Jeff Ornstein, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jeff Ornstein hosts Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, a arts show with 27 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #27

  Ernest Chan - Animation Supervisor, DreamWorks Animation

  Aug 18, 202625 minS1

  In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein , Jeff sits down with Emmy-nominated animation supervisor Ernest Chan to explore what more than two decades inside the animation industry have taught him about creativity, leadership, and staying relevant in a constantly changing business. Ernest shares how being the “last man standing” in a digital department at Nickelodeon unexpectedly pushed him from artist to supervisor, and why that transition completely changed his understanding of leadership. He discusses the importance of putting people in a position to succeed, taking accountability when projects go wrong, and learning how to lead individuals rather than expecting everyone to work the same way. The conversation also explores how streaming, YouTube, and changing viewing habits are reshaping animation, and why large studios face a very different creative landscape than they did earlier in Ernest's career. Ernest also reflects on a powerful encounter that reminded him why animation matters. After years in the business, hearing someone describe Nickelodeon as an “Island of Joy” for children affected by conflict brought the impact of his work back into focus and reminded him that even behind-the-scenes contributions can mean something profound to audiences around the world. From SpongeBob SquarePants and Kung Fu Panda to She-Ra and Voltron, this is a candid look behind the scenes of animation and the lessons that come from building a career in one of entertainment's most demanding creative industries.

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  Episode #26

  Christopher Gaunt - Actor, Producer, Director & Writer, Chazy Lake Productions

  Aug 13, 202625 minS1

  After 32 years at Procter & Gamble, Christopher Gaunt walked away from a successful corporate career to pursue an entirely different path: film and television. In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein , Chris shares what gave him the confidence to make that leap and how the lessons he learned in business prepared him for the uncertainty, rejection, and persistence required in entertainment. Chris and Jeff discuss why actors can't take rejection personally, the importance of embracing your casting type, and why professionalism and preparation can matter just as much as talent. Chris also explains why he approaches acting, producing, directing, and writing not only as creative pursuits, but as businesses where an entire team depends on everyone doing their job well. They also explore Chris's growing ambitions as a filmmaker, his desire to work across acting, directing, producing, and writing through Chazy Lake Productions, and the persistence required to bring independent films to life. Chris leaves listeners with a message for anyone considering their own next act: challenge yourself, do what you think you can't do, and never give up.

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  Episode #25

  Lauren Sowa - Actor, Filmmaker & Co-Founder, Form & Pressure Films

  Aug 11, 202626 minS1

  What happens when an actor decides that performing isn't enough and starts creating the stories she wants to see in the world? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with actor, filmmaker, and producer Lauren Sowa to explore her journey from performing professionally as a child to acting in theater, film, and television, and eventually stepping behind the camera to produce and direct her own work. Lauren shares why she began viewing filmmaking as a form of activism and how that philosophy helped inspire Marisol, her first film as a producer, which went on to win the HuffPost Impact Award and be licensed by HBO. She also discusses the realities of financing independent films, why representation behind the camera matters, and how producers can create safer, more supportive sets where everyone feels valued. The conversation also looks at the challenges facing independent filmmakers today, from shrinking funding opportunities to the economics of producing, and why Lauren remains optimistic that difficult times can lead to a new wave of creativity and innovation. For Lauren, the next act isn't simply about making more films. It's about creating meaningful stories, building stronger creative communities, and helping shape a more human future for filmmaking.

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  Episode #24

  Emmitt H. Thrower – Founder & CEO, Wabi Sabi Productions Inc.

  Aug 6, 202620 minS1

  What happens when life forces you to reinvent yourself? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein , Jeff sits down with award-winning filmmaker, actor, former NYPD officer, and stroke survivor Emmitt H. Thrower to discuss how adversity became the foundation for an extraordinary second act. Emmitt shares his journey from policing the streets of New York to building Wabi Sabi Productions, creating documentaries and films that do more than entertain -they inspire conversation, challenge perspectives, and drive meaningful community change. Along the way, he opens up about recovering from a life-altering stroke, embracing reinvention, mentoring emerging creatives, and why purpose has always mattered more than profit. The conversation explores filmmaking as a catalyst for action, the importance of disability representation in entertainment, homelessness, police-community relationships, and why some of the most powerful stories are the ones that move people to act - not just watch. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, filmmaker, or someone navigating your own next chapter, Emmitt's story is a powerful reminder that your greatest work may still be ahead of you.

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  Episode #23

  Stewart Lewis – Singer-Songwriter, Novelist & Filmmaker

  Jul 30, 202621 minS1

  What happens when one creative career evolves into another, and then another? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein , Jeff sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter, bestselling novelist, filmmaker, and creative writing professor Stewart Lewis to explore a career built on curiosity, reinvention, and the courage to pursue new creative passions. From touring with artists like Shawn Colvin and Ani DiFranco to publishing internationally acclaimed novels and bringing his stories to life on the big screen, Stewart shares how every chapter of his career prepared him for the next. Together, Jeff and Stewart discuss the differences between writing novels and screenplays, directing actors for the first time, building creative communities, and why it's never too late to start something completely new. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone considering a major life pivot, this conversation is a reminder that your next act can become your most meaningful one yet. In this episode, you'll learn: How Stewart transitioned from music to bestselling novels and filmmaking Why collaboration transformed his creative process The biggest differences between writing books and writing screenplays What makes a great film director beyond technical skills Why embracing change leads to a more fulfilling creative life The mindset needed to overcome fear, rejection, and self-doubt The best stories are often the ones we haven't written yet.

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