Behind The Lens

We go from one end of the spectrum to the other this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at writer/director Atom Egoyan's dramatic new thriller SEVEN VEILS and everyone's favorite (and looney) pig and duck, Porky and Daffy, in writer/director Peter Browngardt's feature animated directorial debut LOONEY TUNES: THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP. First up today is my exclusive interview with one of my longtime favorite directors – ATOM EGOYAN. Written &mps; Directed by Atom, SEVEN VEILS stars Amanda Seyfried who reunites with Atom after their 2015 film Chloe, as well as Rebecca Liddiard, Douglas Smith, Mark O'Brien, Vinessa Antoine, Ambur Braid, Michael Kupfer-Radecky. Premised on the biblical tale of Salome, which has been told in countless ways over the years, most notably as a 19th-century opera by Richard Strauss and written by Oscar Wilde, Atom has taken his love for the tale which he has directed on the stage numerous times since 1996 and now explores what a production of Salome would m

It's a fun episode of BEHIND THE LENS as writer/director TIFFANY KIM STEVENS joins me in discussing her new quirky comedy TRIGGER HAPPY, plus my exclusive interview with director DITO MONTIEL talking about his latest dysfunctional family comedy RIFF RAFF. First up is my exclusive interview with director DITO MONTIEL talking the brilliantly conceived RIFF RAFF. Boasting an A-list cast led by Jennifer Coolidge and Ed Harris, along with Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey, with Pete Davidson and Bill Murray, RIFF RAFF is laugh-out-loud chaos with a wife, an ex-wife, a disowned son with a pregnant girlfriend, an innocent teen on the cusp of college, and a couple of gangsters named Leftie and Lonnie coming for them all. Needless to say, Leftie and Lonnie are played by Murray and Davidson, respectively. Listen as we break down the film and Dito's creative process covering everything from casting and character development to storyboards to cinematography to editing, as well as the film'

A terrific BEHIND THE LENS for you this week to finish off Black History Month as you're about to hear my exclusive interview with director JULIUS ONAH talking about CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, as well as my interview with actor turned writer/producer/and lo budget no budget micro-budget filmmaker ELLA THOMAS talking KNOW MERCY. First up is ELLA THOMAS with KNOW MERCY, a film that is rooted in faith while exploring good versus evil, immortality versus mortality, and what it means to be human. Many of you are already familiar with Ella, notably for her most recent role in "Nightbitch". What I love about this conversation with Ella is not only how we break down the film from her perspective as a writer and producer, but we delve into casting and performance – including her own – and the emotional depth of the characters, along with emphasizing the importance of grounded motivation and real interpersonal dynamics. Reflecting on her collaboration with Perdell Richardson with this project, E

It's a Slamdance Special on BEHIND THE LENS this week as we look at two films marking their world premieres at the Slamdance Film Festival and chat with their respective filmmakers— CAMERON S. MITCHELL talks about DISPOSABLE HUMANITY while CORY SANTILLI discusses IN THE MOUTH. Kicking things off is my exclusive interview with CAMERON MITCHELL writer/director/cinematographer and co-editor of DISPOSABLE HUMANITY, an eye-opening documentary about how the Nazis used disabled people to train killing staff and design the concentration camp apparatus for the Holocaust. Listen as Cameron discusses DISPOSABLE HUMANITY and exploring the Action T4 program during the Third Reich. His parents, who researched American eugenics, inspired him to document the T4 centers, where disabled individuals were systematically killed. The film features Mitchell's family home movies and interviews with survivors and historians. The score, composed by Andre Barros, enhances the cinematic experience. As you'll hear, Camero

A fun BEHIND THE LENS show for you this week as we take a look at two very different action films – one in present day and another in the medieval era – thanks to my exclusive interviews with writer/director STEVE BARNETT talking VALIANT ONE and writer/director/editor MATTHEW NINABER talking A KNIGHT'S WAR. First up is my exclusive interview with writer/director STEVE BARNETT discussing VALIANT ONE, an often nail-biting edge-of-your-seat action flick based on a true story and the premise of "What If?" – what if the leaders or special ops members of a military mission that lands in enemy territory die, and it's left to the surviving lower ranking team members and civilian specialists to figure out how to get out of enemy territory and survive, and maybe even complete the mission? Here, the "what if" involves a US military team intending to land in South Korea but crashes on the North Korean side leaving survivors to work together to protect a civilian tech specialist and find the

It's a big day for BEHIND THE LENS as we're kicking off Year 11 of BTL Radio Show AND my 43rd year as a film critic! And what better way for "moviesharkd" to start a new year and new decade than with a shark movie. And what a shark movie I have for you today – INTO THE DEEP! Directed by CHRISTIAN SESMA and written by Chad Law and Josh Ridgway, INTO THE DEEP stars Scout Taylor Compton, Callum McGowan, Stuart Townsend, Jon Seda and Richard Dreyfuss. An action-packed thriller where pirates on the hunt for sunken drugs kidnap a boat of tourists, including husband and wife Cassidy and Gregg, and force them to dive into shark-infested waters to retrieve the drugs (and anything else they might find of value). Listen as Christian and I discuss the making of INTO THE DEEP and the challenges it presented to him. Well accomplished with action films on land, diving into a movie that is 90%, if not more, both underwater and on the water proved to be a steep learning curve for Christian, but one tha

If you're a reader, listener, viewer, or follower of BEHIND THE LENS, then you know that this week is a very special show as it's the last show of 2024 AND the last show of the first TEN YEARS of BTL!!! And I think this is a special befitting the occasion thanks to my special guest w/d JOHN CORCORAN talking about his debut short film SKYFOREST, plus my exclusive interview with JACK HUSTON talking all things DAY OF THE FIGHT. We kick off the show with my exclusive interview with writer/director JACK HUSTON discussing his narrative feature directorial debut, DAY OF THE FIGHT. A truly knockout directorial that shows me that as good as Jack is acting onscreen, he's even better as a director and writer behind the lens. Written and directed by JACK HUSTON, DAY OF THE FIGHT boasts a megawatt cast including, among others, Michael Pitt as "Mikey", Ron Perlman as MIkey's trainer and father figure "Stevie", John Magaro as "Father Patrick", Steve Buscemi as Mikey'

In this week's episode of BEHIND THE LENS we welcomed in the holiday season with our very special BTL friend, SIMON PHILLIPS talking SILENT BITE while giving a big hello to NICO SANTUCCI who makes his feature directorial debut with SAROGETO. Leave it to SIMON PHILLIPS to fill us with the Christmas spirit and get us in the holiday mood with his latest film, SILENT BITE. Written and produced by Simon, with Simon also starring alongside several other talented folks and friends of his, only Simon could come up with a film that melds a bank heist, Christmas, and vampires! This film is so much fun!! And of course, a conversation with Simon is always more fun than a sleigh full of Santas. Listen as we talk SILENT BITE and its inspiration, Simon's secrets to writing this particular film, casting and characters (and what characters they are!), melding Christmas with lusty vampires, the secrets to shooting in snow-filled -20 degree weather, what led him to his first-time feature director Taylor Martin an

It's Musical Monday on BEHIND THE LENS as we look at two fun new musicals – SPELLBOUND with director VICKY JENSON and 1660 VINE with actor KHEMUNI NORODOM. Yes, musicals! Plus, my mini-review on the amazing BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN, and some thoughts on the epic and masterful Roman spectacle GLADIATOR II. First, listen to my exclusive interview with director VICKY JENSON talking about the new animated musical from Netflix – SPELLBOUND. Beautiful animation, thoughtful and entertaining story, fun fun characters, creative and imaginative from beginning to end, and filled with music from the legendary Alan Menken, this is a film – and an interview – not to be missed. At the show's midpoint is actor, musician, and Prince of the Cambodian Royal Family, KHEMUNI "MUNI" NORODOM. He joins me live discussing his new film (and incredible breakout performance) – 1660 VINE. Now streaming on Prime, 1660 VINE is a Broadway-style high-octane energy musical with terrific cinematic elements th

This week on BEHIND THE LENS it's all about the great outdoors and survival as we take a look at two wonderful films with two fantastic filmmakers as director GEORGE NOLFI discusses ELEVATION and ANDREW KIGHTLINGER talks about LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE. First up, is my exclusive interview with director George Nolfi talking about his thrilling action film – ELEVATION. Set in the post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy. Written by John Glenn, Jacob Roman, and Kenny Ryan, ELEVATION stars Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson, and Danny Boyd Jr. Shot entirely on location at elevations above 8200 feet and as high as 11500 feet above sea level, this is a nail-biter. Take a listen as George and I discuss the film's structure, visuals, thematic elements, and the importance of shooting in real locations to create an authentic, naturalistic world. Another thrilling advent

It's a wonderful mixed bag this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director TERRY LOANE and his beautiful new film THE LAST RIFLEMAN, and actor COLIN CUNNINGHAM with his scene-stealing performance in HE NEVER LEFT (not to mention his ongoing role in Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga"). Kicking off the show is the perfect film for this Veteran's Day – THE LAST RIFLEMAN – and my exclusive interview with director TERRY LOANE. Inspired by the true story of WWII UK/Irish Veteran Bernard Jordan, we follow the adventure of Artie Crawford (age 92 3/4). After the death of his wife, he sneaks out of his nursing home and makes his way to France to reunite with his brothers-in-arms and honor the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. Starring Pierce Brosnan as Artie along with John Amos in one of his final performances as a US veteran, and Jürgen Prochnow as a veteran of the Nazi war machine, there is plenty of emotionality in this film that is balanced with a light visual tone. Then, he's ba

What a BEHIND THE LENS we've got for you with this episode as we take a look at two films as different as night and day thanks to writer/director ANTHONY REPINSKI and his film, HEATHER; plus, XAQUE GRUBER talks about the fabulous SALLYWOOD! Joining me at the top of the show is writer/director ANTHONY REPINSKI to discuss his new horror film, HEATHER. Brutal, and graphic but with a fascinating character study unfolding, it is impossible to look away no matter what unfolds onscreen. An interesting conversation with Tony as he talks about going from multiple tours of military duty in the Middle East to filmmaking, his love of storytelling, the genesis of HEATHER and the importance of the film's themes on bullying and beyond, working in a contained environment on a limited budget, having a strong production team, and more. Then get ready for the indefatigable and exuberant writer/director XAQUE GRUBER and SALLYWOOD. (Due to logistics on Xaque's end, although we had hoped to do this live, we prerec

It's a fun Halloween week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guest JANE CLARK and her new film WITCHY WAYS; plus my exclusive interview with ROEL REINE discussing CLASSIFIED. Kicking off the show is my exclusive interview with director/DP/composer ROEL REINE disclosing all the secrets about making his new film, the action thriller CLASSIFIED starring Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin and Tim Roth. Written by Bob DeRosa, the script is tight, the plot has some original elements in the hitman genre, first-rate performances, superb action, and the location of Malta is glorious. Then writer/director JANE CLARK joins me talking about her magically enchanting new film WITCHY WAYS! My regular readers and listeners may remember Jane from prior appearances on #BTLRadioShow talking about the fantastically fun and funny "Crazy Bitches", the movie and the tv series! I love WITCHY WAYS and Jane and I have the best conversation here as she breaks down her filmmaking process from script to screen with

With Halloween fast approaching, we keep the spooky going this week on BEHIND THE LENS and toss in some alien fun too, thanks to VIVIAN KERR and her new film, SEANCE, and RENNY GRAMES & BOSTON McCONNAUGHEY with their fun-filled alien encounter, ALIEN COUNTRY. Writer/director/actor VIVIAN KERR is kicking off the show and discussing her psychological thriller SEANCE. With only four actors, Scottie Thompson (who dazzles in period work), Connor Paolo, Jilon Van Over, and Kerr herself, this tightly knit ensemble shines in this tightly scripted and lensed story. A beautiful period piece set in 1892, Vivien dives into the genesis of the story and the making of the film discussing everything from locations and finding homes built in the 1890s that are still period-perfect, to Johanna Coelmo's lighting and lensing, the bulk of which is shot at night making beautiful use of negative space and candlelight, to Nina Fuller's gorgeous costuming... And then the dynamic duo of writer/actor RENNY GRAMES and

An interesting show this week as we look at the hot-button documentary NO ONE ASKED YOU with writer/director RUTH LEITMAN; a doc that is not only timely but should be mandatory viewing with elections looming. And we'll take a look at THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT with writer/director MICHAEL FELKER; a film that's a thriller, with a touch of noir, along with some supernatural sci-fi-esque elements and disbelief. First up, you'll hear my exclusive interview with writer/director MICHAEL FELKER as he discusses his new film, THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT. Michael is a wonderful director who thrives on storytelling detail and using all cinematic tools in the toolbox. A very enlightening and informative interview as we dive into all of those tools and how Michael used them to bring this film to life. Then writer/director RUTH LEITMAN joins us at the midpoint of the show in discussing her new documentary NO ONE ASKED YOU which deals with one of the hottest-button topics this election cycle – abortion. NO ONE

A very extended episode of #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to my very special guest, journalist and entertainment reporter turned author SCOTT HUVER discussing his true crime book, BEVERLY HILLS NOIR: CRIME, SIN & SCANDAL IN 90210, plus my exclusive interview with PAUL REISER & COLM MEANEY talking about their new film THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE. First up, is my exclusive interview with PAUL REISER and COLM MEANEY talking about THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE. Needless to say, there are plenty of laughs in the film and in our interview. These two bring so much experience and talent to the table and listening to them feed off of one another is a pure laugh-filled delight. Then, my friend and colleague, entertainment reporter/columnist turned author, SCOTT HUVER, joins me at the 30-minute mark of the show to discuss his new true crime book, BEVERLY HILLS NOIR: CRIME, SIN & SCANDAL IN 90210. Spanning almost a century of some notable crimes on the mean streets of 90210, there is something for everyone in this

The spooky season continues on BEHIND THE LENS this week as filmmakers DREW GARCIA and NATE GARCIA discuss their narrative feature directorial debut (as well as handling the editing and cinematography), for the the wonderfully entertaining TREASURE TRACKERS. Filled with just enough Halloween spookiness, adventure, friendship and fun, TREASURE TRACKERS is perfect for the whole family. It's a fun-filled conversation as we break down the cinematic and story elements of the film as well as talk about the need today for more films like TREASURE TRACKERS with a nostalgic family throwback. But before Drerw and Nate, listen to my exclusive interview with director ELLEN KURAS going in-depth discussing her new film, LEE, starring Kate Winslet and Andy Samberg. A chapter in the life of famed Vogue photographer Lee Miller, LEE dives into the WWII years when Lee was in the trenches and battle-ravaged towns, up close and personal, photographing the horror and the humanity of war as a war correspondent for Vogue Ma

We're diving into the darkness this week on BEHIND THE LENS and getting the jump on some Halloween horror thanks to three terrific filmmakers, CHRIS CARTER, JESSICA MORGAN, and RJ DANIEL HANNA, and some scary new films from each of them, NIGHT OF THE HARVEST and SUCCUBUS. One of the great elements of today's conversations is the discussions with Chris and Daniel about cinematography, lighting, and color with their respective films. Very insightful hearing their approaches to visual grammar as it pertains to each film. Kicking things off are writer/director/DP CHRIS CARTER and writer/director/actor JESSICA MORGAN talking about their new film, NIGHT OF THE HARVEST, "a spine-chilling thriller where masks and costumes aren't just for fun—they're part of a terrifying ritual. Prepare for a journey into the heart of fear, where every shadow hides an unknown threat and each twist reveals the mysteries behind the Harvest." Then, writer/director RJ DANIEL HANNA joins us discussing his

Interesting conversations and filmmaker insights on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as director ALYSSA RALLO BENNETT joins us going in-depth about her new film THE ARRIVAL, and you'll hear my exclusive interview with producer-turned-director BOB SALERNO discussing his feature directorial debut HERE AFTER. First up is my exclusive interview with longtime producer now turned director, BOB SALERNO, talking about his feature directorial debut with HERE AFTER which stars Connie Britton. Some great perspective from Bob as we dive into the diversity of his prior films as a producer to give depth and context for what he now tackled as a director with HERE AFTER. Digging into "the making of" HERE AFTER, Bob discusses the challenges of a limited budget, shooting in Italy, limitations on work hours, casting in Italy and finding actors to embody the supporting characters, visual grammar and developing a visual tonal bandwidth and working with his cinematographer Bartosz Nalazek, working with editor John L

What a fun – and female filmmaker-friendly – week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to the return of two wonderful filmmakers talking about their latest projects – JENNA ST. JOHN and ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES. First up is my exclusive interview with the fabulously talented screenwriter, JENNA ST. JOHN talking about her latest project, the fun-filled family film STINKY SUMMER. Regular listeners and readers will remember Jenna from her prior live appearances and call-ins to #BTLRadioShow and will recognize that this new film is a far cry from some of her prior works like "Sexpectations" and "Dinner with the Alchemist" (both in which she also stars). STINKY SUMMER is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of audience and plot, but still built on Jenna's skill for developing story and fully textured characters. What can possibly happen when you've got a skunk, a camp full of girls, and some international spies on your tail? Answer: a whole lotta laughter and Jenna dives into it all in this