Behind The Lens

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we are joined by writer/director SAM ZALUTSKY talking about his new potboiler, SEASIDE. Plus, we shine a light on two extraordinary young actors – EMMA NELSON and ANNA PNIOWSKY – with our exclusive interviews with each. Take a listen to writer/director SAM ZALUTSKY, who joins us live, talking about his new film SEASIDE. Set and shot on the Oregon Coast, Sam wades in deep talking about the film's metaphor of "dangerous beauty" within both story and visuals, the challenges of shooting and dealing with tides, plus lighting issues when caves are involved and natural lighting is the goal. First up is EMMA NELSON who goes toe-to-toe with Cate Blanchett in Richard Linklater's latest film, WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE. Emma's first feature film finds her not only playing Blanchett's daughter in this quirky, fun journey, but shooting on the ocean off the coast of Greenland, riding in Zodiacs being operated by co-star Billy Crudup, and having a stunt dou

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we take an in-depth look at a slow burn neo-noir thriller, plus the long-awaited big screen adaptation of Alvin Schwartz's beloved book series, SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. Take a listen to writer/director LISE RAVEN and actor FRANK BRUCKNER as they go deep into the making of SNAELAND. Character-driven and starring Bruckner and Emily Behr, SNAELAND was shot completely on location in Iceland and Berlin. From conception to character to casting to cinematography to sound, no stone is left unturned in our discussion. Presenting the unique challenge of sunlight 24/7, Lise provides great filmmaking insight into tackling this aspect of the production, including camera and lens selection, while Frank talks about how 24-hour daylight impacted not only him as an actor but in influencing his approach to his character. Lise also provides economical and ecological tips for minimizing the film's carbon footprint in Iceland while also navigating permits and travel of equipme

An interesting blend of films and guests this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we talk with athlete MILLAN LUDENA, producer JEFF BRAND, writer/director/editor ESME VON HOFFMAN, and hear some more of our exclusive with writer/director GUY NATTIV on SKIN. After the tragic events of the weekend with two more mass shootings in the United States, we shuffled up the show in order to bring you some more of our exclusive interview with SKIN writer/director, GUY NATTIV. With every passing day, we are reminded in some heinous fashion or other of the long-simmering violence and hatred stemming from racism and white supremacism across this country and beyond. No longer something "hidden" or not discussed, these issues are at the forefront of the conversation in today's world. And that is what makes Guy Nattiv's SKIN the most timely and topical film in America right now. We've been talking about SKIN for several weeks and you heard our full interview with JAMIE BELL who plays former white supremacist

Jam-packed is an understatement when it comes to this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to special guests writer/director RICK ALVERSON, actor KIRBY BLISS BLANTON, and producer DRAKE DOREMUS! Kicking off #BTLRadioShow we're talking about ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD, truly Quentin Tarantino's love letter to Hollywood and specifically, the memorable year 1969. Hands down my fave Tarantino film, he has truly outdone himself on every level to deliver a masterpiece. And what about casting? Brad Pitt's best role and best performance in many a year, and possibly the best of his career. But be on the lookout for scene-stealing Julia Butters who is truly cinematic gold. Take a listen as I discuss the movie at length paying attention to cinematography, color, some fun action sequences, the integral importance of the beloved Musso & Frank's, and more. Shifting gears from the glory and fun of Tarantino, how about the glory of a film starring Jeff Goldblum and Tye Sheridan? Writer/Director

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we dig deep into what lies beneath Guy Nattiv's new film SKIN with an exclusive interview with JAMIE BELL. A brutally visceral and emotionally powerful film, SKIN is based on the true story of a young man trying to leave a Neo-Nazi supremacist group and start a better life for himself. Beyond timely and topical in today's volatile sociopolitically charged climate, Jamie pulls no punches as he talks about the film and finding the truth within his character, Bryan Widner. Listen as Jamie talks about producer Oren Moverman and coming on board this project, working with director Guy Nattiv, discussions with Widner as a means to ensure the authenticity of the story and Widner's journey, as well as walking the emotional line of a man leaving one life behind for a different future. And although this is a very heavy dramatic film, Jamie regales us with some lighter moments of working with "Boss", a very talented and very large Rottweiler. Then writer/director/ed

It's a day of lions and orcas and surfers, oh my, on BEHIND THE LENS as this week we go from Pride Rock to the Seven Seas as we take a look at three incredible films - THE LION KING, LONG GONE WILD, and BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE. First up, take a listen to what director Jon Favreau had to say at the recent press conference about the VR and gaming system technologies that brought THE LION KING to life.  And composer Hans Zimmer answers my question on the majesty of the film's score and its orchestration. Then, writer/director AARON LIEBER joins us live talking about his new documentary, BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE, as we go beyond Bethany's story of losing her arm to a shark in 2003 only to come back and surf again. Listen as Aaron talks about the genesis of the documentary, his love of surfing and what draws him to these films (now his third surfer film), developing the throughline and story while insuring the voice of the film is that of Bethany, culling through some 500 hours of archi

It's all about the trials and tribulations of family and the human condition this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at two distinctly different films – DESOLATE and SWORD OF TRUST – and two distinctly different approaches to filmmaking. First up, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with writer/director LYNN SHELTON as she talks about her new film, SWORD OF TRUST. Always a laugh-filled joy to speak with Lynn, we kick off our conversation talking about her directorial lessons learned over the past few years while focusing on episodic television versus feature films and now her return to the humor of her earlier works like "Humpday". And then writer/director FREDERICK CIPOLETTI joins us live talking about his new film DESOLATE, a story that focuses on farmers decimated by drought, turning their farm, the town, and community to the brink of collapse while allowing conflict, crime, and violence to erupt as each struggles to survive. Take a listen as Frederick talks about

Today on BEHIND THE LENS we're looking at two distinctly different films, both with a theme of "home invasion" of sorts. First up, we'll hear from GREG KINNEAR as he talks about making his directorial debut with PHIL. Although Greg wanted to appear live on #BTLRadioShow, due to his production schedule, we had to do a prerecord exclusive interview for today's show. Not only directing in PHIL but starring in it, this is a real eye-opener as Greg is quite candid about his insecurity going into the project, his attention to detail, working with incredible collaborators, casting, and the challenges of directing and acting. Plus, some insight into three other films Greg has opening this year! A sparkling cinematic gem, PHIL hits theatres July 5. Then, take a listen to our exclusive interview with director ORSON OBLOWITZ talking about his new film opening July 12 - TRESPASSERS. A true home invasion thriller, Orson and I dig deep into creating atmosphere, selecting the perfect location, cin

An exciting day on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome and congratulate, fresh off his Sunday night win, ANDREW GIBSON, writer/director/editor of the Dances With Films Grand Jury Prize winner GUTTERBUG!! Plus, writer/director JOSH HUBER joins the fun talking his latest film MAKING BABIES, the genesis of the film, working with the hilarious Steve Howey, establishing the tone, and more. AND, hear from PAVAROTTI sound mixer extraordinaire CHRIS JENKINS in our exclusive prerecorded interview as he talks about working with Ron Howard and sound mixing with Dolby Atmos! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we take an up close and personal look at two narrative features making their World Premiere at DANCES WITH FILMS, plus it's all about Forky with Disney and Pixar's TOY STORY 4! Joining us LIVE in the first half of the show is Writer/Director BRETT BENTMAN who's on hand to talk about his new film 90 FEET FROM HOME which makes its world premiere at DWF on June 20th. An emotionally powerful film that draws you in from beginning to end, take a listen as Brett talks about bringing this true story to the big screen, the film's themes, the challenges of finding the perfect cast (which he has done beautifully) and what each brings to their respective roles and the film as a whole (more Shawn Michaels, Adam Hampton, and Thom Hallum, please!), Anthony Gutierrez' rich cinematography and their collaborative influences for the film's visual tonal bandwidth, and more! And then Writer/Director/Editor/Cinematographer MARCUS MIZELLE is back with us LIVE talking abou

It's all about DANCES WITH FILMS FILM FESTIVAL this week on BEHIND THE LENS, and most particularly, the opening night gala presentation, APPLE SEED. Now in its 22nd year, DANCES WITH FILMS is truly one of the last celebrations of independent film and the creativity and struggle that goes into making a film and seeing it through to a big screen appearance. Known for showcasing films which are traditionally lo budget/no budget/micro budget, DWF shines a light on filmmakers who know how to tell emotionally and visually appealing stories while getting the most bang from their limited budget bucks. The festival is once again held at the TCL Chinese 6 complex at Hollywood & Highland in the heart of Hollywood and runs from June 13-23, 2019. Take a listen as I talk about some of my early faves in the festival, most notably: 90 FEET FROM HOME, the dark comedy DRIVEN, BLOWING UP RIGHT NOW, WHERE WE DISAPPEAR and WOWZERS. But then our attention turns to the DWF Opening Night Gala film – APPLE SEED. From wri

Summer kicks off with a bang this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at three winning films and speak with their gifted filmmakers who are not only good storytellers, but really good guys. And here's a bonus for you – all three films open in theatres this week on June 7! First up, take a listen to our exclusive interview with RON HOWARD talking about his new documentary, PAVAROTTI! The film is, in a word, Bellisimo! Exquisitely told and emotionally beauteous, the detail and depth with which Ron Howard tells the story of the man behind the voice is not only told with an objective eye, but a caring one. By film's end, one feels as if they know "Luciano", that they sat at the table and ate pasta with him, shared laughs. Listen as Ron talks about the research and assimilation of archival materials and the technical challenges presented with the use of old footage and recordings, gathering interviews, finding a throughline and working with his editor Paul Crowder, opting for sound mix

Catch up with #BTLRadioShow as we dig deep into the world of YELLOWSTONE with excerpts of our exclusive interviews with Ruth Carter, Ruth De Jong, Ben Richardson, and Brian Tyler. Plus, hear what production designer Gemma Jackson (with a Will Smith sidebar) has to say about creating the world of ALADDIN. And we talk about the powerful TRIAL BY FIRE. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's a deliciously wicked episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to 79 PARTS, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, MURDER MADE EASY, and THE INTRUDER! First up is writer/director DAVID PALAMARO giving a quick pre-recorded tease about MURDER MADE EASY. Regular listeners and readers will recall David being on the show several times when MURDER MADE EASY was on the festival circuit. A devilishly delectable dish with six guests, six meals, and six murders, MURDER MADE EASY now hits Blu-ray/DVD on May 20th. Then we continue last week's discussion on THE INTRUDER with an excerpt of my exclusive interview with DENNIS QUAID talking about delving into THE INTRUDER and the maniacal character of Charlie Peck with director Deon Taylor. Our first live guest today is director JAY LOWI talking about his divine dark comedy EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Fresh, funny, and classroom worthy of extra credit, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES gets an A+ in my book. Listen as Jay talks about his impeccable cast and crafting the visu

It's a real "show of shows" this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome back the fabulous DEON TAYLOR for the entire hour! Take a listen as we go in-depth talking about Deon's latest film – THE INTRUDER plus Deon's journey as a filmmaker to arrive at today with a wide release feature film that debuted as the #1 new release at the box office and only second to "Avengers: Endgame". A man who has always kept his eye on the ball, his story is an inspiration to every filmmaker or wannabe filmmaker. And he is as affable, energetic and entertaining as can be while staying grounded, grateful, and humble. Dennis Quaid affectionately refers to him as "Mr. Excitement." One of the hallmarks of his filmmaking finds Deon with an uncanny knack for lulling one into a false sense of security when it comes to both his characters and his audience. He shows us ordinary people who become victims to terrifying circumstances, but who somehow find the inner mettle to survive. He also excel

How about taking a trip into the past and the early days of jazz with BOLDEN? One of my picks of the year, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with writer/director DAN PRITZKER as we go in-depth into the history of jazz and Buddy Bolden. At the midpoint of the show, writer/director/producer/cinematographer VILAN TRUB joins us live talking about his neo-noir crime thriller, THE DIRTY KIND, the story of a politician, a hooker, a couple of gangsters and a private eye and how everything goes wrong for everyone. Calling on his own love of 30's and 40's Sam Spade films and works by Dashiell Hammett, as well as more recent crime thrillers, listen as Vilan talks about crafting the story and the characters and layering plotlines on character traits, wearing a multiplicity of hats, shooting a film in nine days, the importance of location on a low budget production, rehearsal, editing, 20/20 hindsight, and his best advice to other filmmakers – don't wait for someone to wave a bag of mon

Female filmmakers are front and center this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to writer/director ROXANNE BENJAMIN and director ROXANN DAWSON. First up is our exclusive pre-recorded interview with director ROXANN DAWSON who makes her feature directorial debut with BREAKTHROUGH. Based on the true story of 14-year old John Smith who, on January 19, 2015, fell through the ice of Lake St. Louis, and was clinically dead for almost an hour. With no CPR for 27 minutes and no pulse for 45 minutes, the emergency medical team delivered the worst possible news to John's mother, Joyce. But as any mother knows, you don't give up on your child. Calling on her immense faith, Joyce prayed for John to "come back to life" and be healed. Miraculously, he started breathing. Adapted for the screen by screenwriter Grant Nieporte from the bestselling book "The Impossible" by Joyce Smith, take a listen as Roxann talks about what compelled her to tell this story and why she chose it as her directorial feat

Fresh off the 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival and a look back at the gems of the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond, this week on BEHIND THE LENS, we continue to take a look at history through the eyes of cinema thanks to our two special guests, writer/director TIM DISNEY and producer KEN PETRIE. Take a listen as writer/director TIM DISNEY talks about his new narrative feature WILLIAM, premised on a longstanding scientific debate about Neanderthals v. Homo Sapiens. "What if" the Neanderthals were actually the more advanced of the two species? And "what if" a Neanderthal child was born in today's world. Would he be stronger, smarter? Given the rapid-fire scientific advancements of cloning and the unearthing of very well preserved human and animal remains from the Neanderthal era and older, reality provides a fascinating basis for Tim's telling of this story. Known for his documentary work, Tim talks about making the leap into this narrative feature, the research that went in

It's that time again! Time for the 10th ANNUAL TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL!!! And for the 5th consecutive year, BEHIND THE LENS celebrates TCM and the festival with a preview look thanks to our very special classic film Movie Mavens, KELLEE PRATT, AURORA DESMOND, KRISTEN LOPEZ, and PAULA GUTHAT! This year, all four of the ladies are TCM AMBASSADORS, so festival attendees, be on the lookout for them! These gals will be everywhere seeing as many movies as they can, answering questions for you, and keeping you updated on social media. You can hop onto Twitter and keep up with each of us throughout the festival and all year long at: @irishjayhawk66, @citizenscreen, @journeys_film, @paula_guthat, and @moviesharkd. Take a listen as we go through the festival line-up and special events and debate the merits of each film from the perspective of "conflict" situations. And trust me on this - every time block presents conflict situations as to which movie to see or event to attend; a true testament t

It's a jam-packed show this week as we take flight with DUMBO and hear what TIM BURTON, RICK HEINRICHS, and COLLEEN ATWOOD have to say about the "making of" this delightful tale, followed by filmmaker SHAWN AUSTIN talking about his latest feature PRINCESS OF THE ROW, and then rounding things out with co-directors PAT McGEE and ADAM LINKENHELT as they talk about their powerful documentary AMERICAN RELAPSE. But first up it's all about that precious pachyderm DUMBO! Take a listen and hear what TIM BURTON had to say to me during our recent press conference about creating the specific sound for our little elephant as well as "Dumbovision", while production designer RICK HEINRICHS talks specifically about designing the Medici Circus and its sideshows, and costume designer COLLEEN ATWOOD talks about her design work on a Busby Berkeley inspired number which incorporated choreography, cinematography and Berkeley's legendary geometric stylings into her costume design. Then co-write