Get Good on Your Own Terms | Rob Spera on Reps, Subtext, and Making Your Own Path

In this episode, Mishu sits down with director, writer, and educator Rob Spera, whose decades-long career spans feature films, cult classics, network television, and theater. They talk about staying connected to your purpose, cultivating a habit of experimentation, and the self-directed discipline that lets you keep growing—no matter where you are in your career.

🎬 Rob Spera’s feature films include The Sweet Life, Fathers and Sons, and the cult classic Leprechaun in the Hood. He’s directed episodes of Criminal Minds, Supernatural, and Army Wives, and helmed over 75 theatrical productions during his tenure as Resident Director at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Rob is also the author of The Film/TV Director’s Field Manual and currently serves as Head of Directing at Rideback Rise, a fellowship for POC filmmakers.

We talk about:
 → Making filmmaking your daily sketch practice
 → Working without waiting for permission
 → Building a sustainable long-term creative life
 → Why directing is “the art of the subtext”
 → Rob’s advice to early-career directors (and late-career ones too)

Visit robspera.com or follow him on Instagram at @robsperaofficial

Buy The Film/TV Director’s Field Manual here: Amazon link

Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod.
Produced by @ohhmaybemedia