The Emergent Lens

Hosted by actor/director Tim Russ and created/produced by Calix Lewis Reneau, this filmmaking series offers a sharp, story-first look at the craft and chaos of filmmaking through the eyes of African-American creators. Each episode begins the way filmmakers actually live: with the work itself.

Before Tim asks a single question, viewers are dropped directly into the guest’s film. After experiencing their world, you sit with the filmmaker and Tim for a loose, honest conversation about how it all really happens. They share craft tricks, set disasters, hard-earned lessons, and the unexpected joy that keeps filmmakers returning to the process.

This filmmaking series also embraces the fun, unfiltered side of creative work. Pie or cake? Arri or RED? Roll or control? The show leans into that playful energy—part filmmaker church, part war-story circle, and part film school you wish you’d had.

Tim Russ brings decades of experience to the series. He is well known for his iconic roles in Star Trek: Voyager, Spaceballs, and many other film and television projects. His experience grounds the conversations and gives viewers a trusted guide into each filmmaker’s creative process.

As a filmmaking series, The Emergent Lens delivers honest insight, creative inspiration, and authentic stories from working filmmakers. It is designed for anyone who loves movies, behind-the-scenes storytelling, or the real challenges and triumphs of the creative process.

Tim Russ is known for work ranging from Star Trek: Voyager to Spaceballs and far beyond.

The Emergent Lens is streaming now online and on Roku at Fancy A Movie.