Episode 42: Valerie Weiss On Her Journey From Biophysics To “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”

Valerie Weiss is an award-winning director and scientist known for “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”, “Outer Banks” and “Chicago Med”. In this episode, Valerie and Pete discuss the future of filmmaking as they explore the benefits of using volume technology and Scriptation, the importance of allowing your life experiences to influence your perspective, being comfortable with uncertainty, marrying her love of science with her love for directing, and more… (00:00:00 - 00:03:45) -- Podcast Intro (00:03:45 - 00:11:55) -- Mailbag Questions(00:11:55 - 00:16:15) -- The First Story That Impacted You(00:16:15 - 00:19:00) -- Getting Involved With Theater and Acting(00:19:00 - 00:25:15) -- Balancing Her Love For Science With Directing(00:25:15 - 00:28:00) -- Getting Accepted Into The AFI Directors Program(00:28:00 - 00:33:10) -- Benefits of Being A Director With A Ph.D(00:33:10 - 00:37:30) -- Early Stages Directing Film(00:37:30 - 00:41:50) -- Staying Committed and Appreciating Your Personal Life Experiences (00:41:50 - 00:42:45) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey and Motivational Handbook” Promo(00:42:45 - 00:47:05) -- Getting Her Start In Episodic Directing(00:47:05 - 00:52:35) -- Episodic Directing vs. Feature Directing(00:52:35 - 00:59:25) -- Getting Invited Back and Securing Her Role(00:59:25 - 01:04:40) -- Benefits Of Volume Technology(01:04:40 - 01:12:50) -- What Traits Make You Unique?(01:12:50 - 01:18:55) -- Being A Team Player and Problem Solving(01:18:55 - 01:24:45) -- Benefits of Using Scriptation(01:24:45 - 01:30:05) -- Lightning Round Questions(01:30:05 - 01:31:21) -- Podcast Outro