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Exploring 'Dadness' and Creativity: Filmmakers Adam Rodgers and Tom Ventimiglia on Turf Valley

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Sep 2, 2022 • 56m

In this enlightening episode of The Truth In This Art, Rob engages with the creative minds behind Turf Valley, Adam Rodgers, and Tom Ventimiglia. As accomplished filmmakers, Adam and Tom have masterfully crafted the comedy series, delving into the world of suburban dad life. Adam's multifaceted career includes roles as a dad, filmmaker, and screenwriting educator at Johns Hopkins University, while Tom, a seasoned screenwriting teacher at the Baltimore School for the Arts, brings his wealth of experience to the forefront. Their collaboration on Turf Valley has spotlighted the nuances of fatherhood in a humorous light, capturing the essence of suburban living.

About Turf Valley

Three stay-at-home dads who discuss life’s “big” questions for six, maybe seven minutes tops.


In this session, we take a closer look at:

  • The premise and creation of the comedy series Turf Valley, where the lives of suburban dads are brought to life. Uncover the inspirations, challenges, and humor that shape the show's unique perspective on fatherhood.
  • Dive into the intriguing concept of "dadness," a blend of foolishness and nobility inherent to fatherhood. Discuss the intricacies of embracing this paradoxical concept, sharing stories and insights on how it influences the experience of being a dad.
  • Explore the role of embracing one's individuality and idiosyncrasies in the creative process. Investigate how allowing for the expression of strangeness and uniqueness can pave the way for innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and artistic growth.
  • Journey through Adam's experiences in Hollywood, learning from his years in the industry. Explore the lessons he gained about perseverance, professionalism, and the unyielding drive to continue creating and producing films in a competitive landscape.
  • Discuss the pivotal role of arts education in nurturing the next generation of creatives. Examine how it bridges the gap between academia and practical work, equipping students with valuable experiences and insights that prepare them for the dynamic world of creativity.


In this episode, Rob Lee interviews filmmakers Adam Rodgers and Tom Ventimiglia, the creators of the comedy series Turf Valley. They discuss the inspiration behind the show, the concept of "dadness," and the importance of embracing one's strangeness in the creative process. They also talk about their experiences in Hollywood and how they apply their knowledge and skills to their work on Turf Valley. Additionally, they share insights on the role of arts education in practical applications and the importance of collaboration in the creative process.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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