Behind The Lens

Comedy is king on this week's episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at two very different types of comedy through the lenses of their creators. FREE LUNCH EXPRESS is a balls-to-the wall political satiric farce from LENNY BRITTON and SAM BRITTAN about Bernie Sanders while brothers and co-writers/directors IAN and ESHOM NELMS deliver a deliciously dark comedic look at Santa Claus with FATMAN. First up, take a listen to our prerecorded exclusive interview with IAN and ESHOM NELMS as we unwrap the secrets, and the heart, behind FATMAN. A rich dark comedic gem glittering in the twinkling holiday cinematic light, FATMAN dleivers the real deal Santa; the guy who has the potential to be jolly but centuries of greedy and grousing kids (and adults) has just taken its toll on him, so much so that Santa's packin' (and we're not talking just presents) when he takes off in his sleigh on Christmas Eve. But before he even gets to next Christmas, Santa's got to deal with cash flow issues thank

This week's BEHIND THE LENS has a focus on cinematic drama and tension thanks to our special guest ANDRE WELSH talking about his new film DISRUPTED, plus our prerecorded exclusive interview with Academy Award winner ROBERT PORT and acclaimed author RICHARD BAUSCH who talk about their very special film, RECON, timed for release on Veteran's Day on November 11th. First up, take a listen as Academy Award winning writer/director ROBERT PORT and acclaimed author and Air Force veteran RICHARD BAUSCH (2 novels, 8 short story collections, a volume of poetry and prose) talk about RECON, a stellar adaptation of Bausch's NYT best-seller, PEACE. Based on the true story of four young GIs in Italy during WWII (one of whom was Bausch's father), RECON takes place over the course of one day as each reflects on his own life, his own fate, his own hopes and dreams, their collective commonalities and differences define the course of things to come amidst the hell of war. Can they find humanity in the horror?

It's a fun-filled episode of #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to our special guests, co-writers/directors JEFF KERR and RAY SPIVEY talking their debut narrative feature WRITER'S BLOCK, plus our prerecorded exclusive interview with cinematographer turned director SHANNON KOHLI talking about her feature film directorial debut, ALL JOKING ASIDE! We kick off this episode listening to director SHANNON KOHLI talk about her feature film directorial debut with ALL JOKING ASIDE. An acclaimed cinematographer, Shannon made the leap into the director's chair some time ago with episodic television. Best familiar with her work as cinematographer, it was earlier this year that I had the chance to appreciate her directorial talents thanks to Dirty John: Betty Broderick starring Amanda Peet Christian Slater, the 12-part mini-series of which she directed the climactic final episode. With that, Shannon showed a true command of storytelling and finding that balance of emotion through performance and visuals. Needle

A show so chock full of fun thanks to our special guests that we expanded this week's episode of #BTLRadioShow to 90 minutes!! Filmmakers and brothers, CHARLEY and VLAS PARLAPANIDES, who join us talking about their new anime series on Netflix, BLOOD OF ZEUS. But in addition to Charley and Vlas, we've also got our pre-recorded exclusive interview with director LYDIA DEAN PILCHER and co-director/writer GINNY MOHLER talking about their new film, RADIUM GIRLS. I first met Charley and Vlas nine years ago for the blockbuster film Immortals which they co-wrote. Their love of mythology, which gave rise to some of the most ancient oral forms of storytelling, was at the heart of that film. And while they have had other projects since Immortals, nothing compares to what they now bring us as the Executive Producers, creators, and writers of BLOOD OF ZEUS. If you love Greek mythology, you'll love the series. If you love anime, you'll love this series. If you love mythology and anime together, you wil

Some sticky gooey fun (turpentine not included) for you on this episode of #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director CORY WEXLER GRANT talking PAINTER, while TAR is the watchword of the day for writer/director AARON WOLF. Take a listen to writer/director CORY WEXLER GRANT who joins us live talking about his debut feature directorial, the exquisitely haunting (and twisted) PAINTER. A portrait of obsession and jealousy, every frame, every word, every look, every movement, is painted with cinematic deliberateness, drawing one ever deeper into this tale of a wealthy matronly patron and a young talented painter who has become the object of her desire on multiple levels. Cory and I dig deep into the construction of this hypnotic work, starting with the story of wealthy matron Joanne who is obsessed with Aldis, a young painter who is obsessed with the success of rival artist Ryan West. Former elementary schoolmates, Ryan bullied Aldis back in the day, something that Aldis has never gotten over and is obsessed with g

It's another diverse and interesting #BTLRadioShow this week as we take chat live with director and documentarian SARAH COLT about her independent feature directorial debut with THE DISRUPTED. Plus, hear what writer/director MARK WILLIAMS has to say in our exclusive interview about his latest film, HONEST THIEF. First up, take a listen to writer/director MARK WILLIAMS as he talks about his latest film HONEST THIEF starring Liam Neeson and Kate Walsh, along with Robert Patrick, Jeffrey Donovan, Jai Courtney, and Anthony Ramos. And let's not forget Tazzie the dog! Perhaps best known for his work as a producer behind films like A Dark Place, The Accountant, Flawless, and The Canyon, as well as producing and writing the Emmy-winning tv series Ozark, and directing Gerard Butler in the feature A Family Man, Williams now steps back into the directing chair with his sophomore feature, HONEST THIEF. With a comfortable and familiar feel thanks to Liam Neeson in well-trod territory of the action crime th

A jam-packed #BTLRadioShow that kicks off with comedy as we take a listen to our exclusive interviews co-writers/co-directors ALEX HUSTON FISCHER and ELEANOR WILSON, and writer/director BREA GRANT. Then we move into a more serious tone as writer/director/editor PETER JOSEPH joins us live. First up is our exclusive interview with ALEX HUSTON FISCHER and ELEANOR WILSON talking about their debut feature film, SAVE YOURSELVES! Just what would you do and how would you react if you unplugged for a week or even a weekend, only to plug back in and find out there's an alien invasion taking over the world??? Number One, could you even divest yourself of all electronics (computers, smartphones, phones, notebooks, radios, Sirius, etc.), and Number Two, how prepared are you to handle the end of the world? And what would you do if you suddenly found adorable looking Pouffes (think humongous "Star Trek" tribbles) in the house and on the roof but your sourdough bread mix and all the alcohol in the house gone

We've got a tasty treat for you on this week's edition of #BTLRadioShow – especially for the filmmakers out there – thanks to our special guests, STEVE BALDERSON, and DAVE NEWBERG and MOLLY DWORSKY. First up is filmmaker/author/lecturer STEVE BALDERSON. An accomplished filmmaker of many years and in the many disciplines required for the making of a film, Steve has taken some of that hard-earned, practical, on the job knowledge, and written FILMMAKING CONFIDENTIAL. This is one of the handiest books of filmmaking tips to come around in a while. It's not about what's the right lens or camera or sound equipment. In this book, Steve breaks down the filmmaking process based on his years of experience and gives great suggestions in an entertaining and fun prosaic style on topics like approaching budgeting, distribution, writing, storyboarding, intent versus practicality, shooting for the "stars" or not, the importance of sound, to fest or not to fest, editing, making a film shoot a fu

BEHIND THE LENS goes from THE SHANNON O'BRIAN CHRONICLES to the Salton Sea this week with our special guests, JENNESS ROUSE and GREG BASSENIAN. First up is the incredibly talented JENNESS ROUSE who is back for her third visit to #BTLRadioShow and boy does Jenness have a lot to talk about thanks to her award-winning improv web series of shorts – THE SHANNON O'BRIAN CHRONICLES. If you haven't watched this series, you need to. Now! Jenness as her alter ego Shannon O'Brian is HILARIOUS. Listen as Jenness tells us how the flu and a tube of neon pink lipstick led her to Shannon and how that turned into a global festival love fest for the web series, the character, and for Jenness as creator, director, performer. Energetic and effervescent as always, a fun time will be had by all with Jenness around! And then we move on to a very sobering subject – our environment and California's Salton Sea – with filmmaker GREG BASSENIAN who joins us to talk about his latest documentary MIRACLE IN THE

It's an extended edition of BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to the release of some terrific films and some wonderful filmmakers as we explore the human condition through cinema and individual introspection with our guests TOM PUTNAM, WILLIAM NORRETT, and T. ARTHUR COTTAM, plus our exclusive interview with ROGER MICHELL. First up is writer/director TOM PUTNAM talking about THE DARK DIVIDE. Adapted by Putnam and based on the best-seller WHERE BIGFOOT WALKS: CROSSING THE DARK DIVIDE by Robert Pyle, one of the most foremost authorities on wildlife and acclaimed nature writers, the film is as much about Pyle's exploration of the "Dark Divide" as it is of himself. Starring David Cross and Debra Messing and showcasing some of the most beautiful wilderness this country has to offer, the visuals and soundscape alone make THE DARK DIVIDE a "must see" film! Then, novelist, screenwriter, and actor WILLIAM NORRETT, and director/cinematographer T. ARTHUR COTTAM are on hand for their first

It's a show filled with festival fun on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to festival filmmakers and creators, JESSIE McCORMACK and KEL THOMPSON! Already in full swing is the 2020 virtual edition of Dances With Films. Earlier in August we welcomed writer/director Ryan Barton-Grimley who talked about his DWF world premiere film, "Hawk & Rev: Vampire Slayers". This episode we continue to showcase some DWF films, and share some laughs, with filmmakers JESSIE McCORMACK and KEL THOMPSON. First up, take a listen as writer/director/actor JESSIE McCORMACK joins us live talking about her new comedy series, PISS OFF, I LOVE YOU, which premieres on September 5 and 6 as part of the DWF Web Pilots section. Irreverant hilarity that focuses on a Yank transplanted to jolly old England, nothing is off-limits when it comes to laughs and Jessie's own performance as our "heroine", Murica aka Sandy. Listen as Jessie goes in-depth (in between all the laughter) talking about the concept fo

And what a show we've got today thanks to our special guests, writer/director RYAN BARTON-GRIMLEY and Emmy-nominated Editor NENA ERB! First up, RYAN BARTON-GRIMLEY "stakes" his place on the show to talk about the upcoming Dances With Films world premiere of his latest film – HAWK & REV: VAMPIRE SLAYERS! Always a fan of vampires and slaying, HAWK & REV is pure hilarity with fun performances and 80's pop culture references (poor George Clooney), not to mention solid production values. And, in addition to writing and directing HAWK & REV, Ryan stars in the film as Hawk, and does editing work as well. Listen between the laughter as Ryan talks about the concept, his love for the 70's and 80's films which are the basis for the design of the film, characters and casting, cinematography and working with cinematigrapher Sean Ayeres, the use of color, time lapse, VFX and VFX, the importance of pre-vis and storyboarding, Robbie Elfman's scoring, and more! HAWK & REV

This week's BEHIND THE LENS is all about the words on the page – the script; the ideas, the process, the characters, the tension, the action. And we've got two terrific exclusive interviews today with insight into the screenwriting process thanks to CAROLINE GOODALL and MATTSON TOMLIN, both of whom I spoke with late last week. First up, take a listen to my conversation with CAROLINE GOODALL. You may know her best for her decades of work as an actor in films like "Hook" or "The Princess Diaries" (as Mia's mom) or her television work in series like "Berlin Station", "The White Queen", and "Bulletproof", but now Caroline puts pen to paper as screenwriter of THE BAY OF SILENCE starring Claes Bang, Olga Kurylenko, and Brian Cox. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Lisa St. Aubin de Teran, listen as Caroline talks about the appeal of the novel for her and breaking it down for film, developing POV and character, deviating from the novel, as

It's "all about James" on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to JAMES GRIXONI and JAMES D'ARCY! First up we hear from writer/director JAMES D'ARCY in an exclusive interview talking about MADE IN ITALY! A script originally written as a starring vehicle for himself, James talks about getting the film made 12 years after first diving into the script, casting Liam Neeson and real-life son Michael Richardson as father & son in the film and the poignancy that comes with their casting given this story, the challenges of directing, the benefits and pitfalls (and joy) of shooting in Italy, the art of collaboration, how James' own decades of experience as an actor aided him in directing, and more. And then take a listen as actor JAMES GRIXONI joins us live at the midpoint of the show in a casual conversation talking about anything and everything. You may know James best as Deputy Jesse Holcomb from the David Lynch directed "Twin Peaks" or from his small role in one

A fun-filled week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our special guests, writer/director SAM FRIEDLANDER and director ANDREA DORFMAN. First up this show is SAM FRIEDLANDER who is back for a second go-round for his comedy, BABYSPLITTERS. It's wonderful to welcome Sam back to the show as he first joined us in February 2019 when the film premiered on the festival circuit and now it's in distribution and available for everyone to see. Take a listen as Sam recaps the film and some of the highlights of crafting the comedic balance of two couples and one pregnancy and "babysplitting" parental responsibilities, while filling us in on his journey over the past year in terms of the public reception on the festival circuit, obtaining distribution, the distribution plan, and, of course, the topsy turvy pivoting of releasing platforms in light of the pandemic. Some good insight into the distribution process for filmmakers. Then ANDREA DORFMAN joins us talking up her hilarious new film, SPINSTER. Taking pla

Take a listen now to some of the most insightful filmmaking conversations around thanks to director RYAN BROOKHART talking TWO WAYS TO GO WEST and writer/director KYLE COUCH talking THE TENT. Plus, hear what ALEX WINTER had to say about the much anticipated BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC during our recent exclusive interview! First up is director RYAN BROOKHART talking about his new film - TWO WAYS TO GO WEST. A drama that showcases some dynamic performances from James Liddell (who also wrote the film), Paul Gennaro, and Drew Kelley as three friends coming together for the wedding of one of them, only to discover - and come to terms with - who they are now as individuals and to each other. Listen as Ryan talks about the specificity and challenges of cinematography in creating an emotional connection with each character while establishing the ever-changing emotional landscape of their interpersonal relationships, location, lighting and use of mirrors, color, sound design and the absence thereof in key momen

A terrific and quite energetic #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to director/editor BOB ROSE and his new documentary INSTABAND, plus the love fest for THE OUTPOST continues with our exclusive interview with TAYLOR JOHN SMITH. I'm still trying to figure out how director Rod Lurie ended up with not only such an incredibly talented cast on THE OUTPOST, but one filled with truly outstanding, respectful, nice young men. Obviously, like attracts like. Over the past few weeks on BEHIND THE LENS you've heard our exclusive interviews with Rod Lurie talking about the making of THE OUTPOST, as well as CALEB LANDRY JONES who delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as Medal of Honor recipient SSgt Ty Carter talking about finding his way into SSgt Carter through Ty Carter himself as well as insight from Jones' brother who is a Marine. Paramount to telling this story was a common goal of not only authenticity, but to do justice and show reverence to the soldiers of Combat Outpost Keating, all men and women in arm

A fun-filled show this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director MIKE ARTHUR talking the noodly goodness of his latest documentary, I, PASTAFARI. Plus, our prerecorded exclusive interview with CALEB LANDRY JONES talking about his award-worthy performance in THE OUTPOST. The love for THE OUTPOST keeps rolling along on BEHIND THE LENS! Two weeks ago you heard our exclusive conversation with director Rod Lurie talking THE OUTPOST and this week we kick off the show with our in-depth exclusive interview with CALEB LANDRY JONES as he talks about the film and his role as Medal of Honor recipient Sgt Ty Carter. One of the most genuine and nicest guys around, it had been a number of years since Caleb and I last talked and I was so pleased to find him as authentic, good-humored, and kind as he was a decade ago. His many lauded performances leading him to this star-caliber turn in THE OUTPOST have neither jaded him nor compromised his compass. Listen as Caleb talks about his inspirations for getting into the minds

It's a fun show thanks to writer/director BRIAN BARSUGLIA, who joins us live at the midpoint of the show to talk about a film I'm very excited to be a part of – SOCIAL DISTANCE. Plus, we've got our exclusive prerecorded interview with cinematographer SEBASTIAN THALER talking about his latest film, the riveting nail-biter 7500. First up is our exclusive conversation with SEBASTIAN THALER talking about 7500. This is a film not to be missed and Sebastian's lensing melded with a powerhouse emotional performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes 7500 the riveting, jaw-dropping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that it is. With a pedigree that includes working with his father, European cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler, as well as working as an assistant to the legendary Ed Lachman, the excellence of Sebastian's work comes as no surprise. Take a listen as we dig deep into his process for 7500 as we talk about camera and lens selection, lighting, working within the confinement of an actual airplane co

An exciting episode of #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to writer/director/editor/composer MICHAEL CUENCA, who joins us live talking about his new I'LL BE AROUND, while director ROD LURIE talks about his latest (and greatest) film THE OUTPOST, in our exclusive prerecorded interview. First up is our exclusive conversation with director ROD LURIE talking about his new film THE OUTPOST. In short, THE OUTPOST is the BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR! Based on Jake Tapper's bestselling book "The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor", Rod delivers a film that is visceral, intense, emotional, powerful, and technically superlative. This is a "war movie" in the truest sense of the word. This is not a glossy, fictionalized or romanticized Hollywood look at this true event. This is the story of the men of Combat Outpost Keating and the 10-3-2009 Battle of Kamdesh, the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan War in 2009. These men of Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated unit