Behind The Lens

If you@apos;re clocking the number of laughs in a show, this week@apos;s BEHIND THE LENS is the champion thanks to the ALWAYS WORTHY special guests, writer/producer/actress AMBERLEE COLSON and actors IAN GOMEZ and ERIC EDELSTEIN! An amazing bunch of actors with a chemistry that shines on and off screen. You don@apos;t want to miss the lovefest/funfest with this group! This week@apos;s special guests are @quot;always worthy@quot; of attention, especially when they@apos;re talking about their latest film, ALWAYS WORTHY ( Always Worthy the film). Take a listen now as AMBERLEE COLSON talks about her journey of taking her one woman show @quot;Big Hair@quot; from stage to screen and the trials and tribulations of not only adapting the script for the screen, but adapting her performance as an actress. Then Amberlee@apos;s ALWAYS WORTHY co-stars IAN GOMEZ (@quot;My Big Fat Greek Wedding@quot;, @quot;Cougar Town@quot;, @quot;Celebrity Name Game@quot;) and ERIC EDELSTEIN (@quot;Jurassic World@quot;, @quot;The Hill

A lot of energy, a lot of fun and a lot of talk about family on this week's BEHIND THE LENS with special guests writer/director/producer Deon Taylor and writer/director/producer Gayle Kirschenbaum. First up, hear the passion of Deon Taylor as he talks about his latest film, MEET THE BLACKS. At the farthest end of the spectrum from his last film, the critically acclaimed and well received "Supremacy", MEET THE BLACKS is one raucous riotous laugh after another. Listen as Deon not only talks about the "making of" MEET THE BLACKS and his considerations for story and comedy casting, but the cinematic considerations of lighting and lensing, plus his concerns shooting this film digitally as opposed to his prior works, with "Supremacy" even being shot in 16mm. Deon gives some terrific tips for filmmakers. And hot on Deon's heels is Gayle Kirschenbaum who joins me talking about her very powerful, cathartic, resonant and fun documentary, LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! It's a coff

BEHIND THE LENS guests just keep getting better and this week the proof is in the pudding as film critic debbie elias welcomes special guests writer/director/producer Michael Damian talking his latest film, HIGH STRUNG, and actress/producer Courtney Daniels is on hand with RESCUE DOGS. Many of you remember Michael Damian for his starring turn as Danny Ramalotti on the long running soap opera "The Young and the Restless" or, for his string of #1 hits on the pop/rock charts. But what you may not know is Michael is also a successful writer/director and producer. Working with Michael as co-writer/co-producer is his wife Janeen and together they have combined their talents and pieces of their own life's journeys for one of the most beautiful and emotionally fulfilling sensory experiences of the year with HIGH STRUNG. Dance and music come together in a poetic explosion of beauty under Michael's guiding eye and he joins me at the 12 minute mark of the show live from the TCL Chinese Theatre where

Laughter bounds in this week's BEHIND THE LENS as film critic debbie lynn elias welcomes LIVE in-studio, the one and only ALEX RUIZ, voice actor extraordinaire and one of the stars of the smash hit Telemundo telenovela ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?! Talk about having a ball!! Take a listen as debbie and Alex talk "Everything Alex" and then some, from voice acting to tv and film to the Latin and Hispanic career cross-overs, and of course, his voice work on SOUTH PARK and ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?, plus film in general, film favorites and Alex's take on comedy performance! Given that Alex plays "The Terminator" in ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?, you can bet there's some talk going on about the real Terminator – Ah-nold! But don't worry! Unlike Schwarzenegger's Terminator, Alex's "El Termi" is a good guy and BFF, but a guy with a broken heart. Does Alex spill the beans on what happens to El Termi?? Listen now and find out! Adding to the fun are live callers with questions for Ale

Fascinating doesn't begin to describe this week's BEHIND THE LENS and our fabulous guests as we hear from filmmakers Abner Pastoll, Laura Gabbert and Patricia Riggen! ABNER PASTOLL, writer/director/editor of the Hitchcockian-styled thriller ROAD GAMES, is with us live in the first half hour talking about his inspiration and vision and the hard filmmaking road less traveled for his journey making ROAD GAMES. Leaving no stone unturned in the production values of the film, hear Abner talk about cinematography, sound and scoring as integral components to the tonal bandwidth of the film as a whole. Documentarian LAURA GABBERT joins us at the half hour mark to talk about her latest film, CITY OF GOLD. A cultural journey of Los Angeles as seen through the eyes of acclaimed food critic Jonathan Gold, CITY OF GOLD is as much a travelogue of the hidden wonders and history of Los Angeles as it is insight into the thoughts and ruminations of Gold. Laura is live as she talks about striking gold with the mak

This week on BEHIND THE LENS it's double the pleasure and double the fun with filmmakers Mali Elfman and Michael David Lynch. Back with us again is writer/director/producer/actress Mali Elfman as we talk about her latest project – FUN SIZE HORROR: VOLUME TWO! You may remember Mali from last year when she was on the show talking about the horror anthology FUN SIZE HORROR: VOLUME ONE on its release. VOLUME ONE was such a success that she and her team put together VOLUME TWO. As engaging and fun as ever, Mali really opens up about the producing process as well as talking about the "FUN SIZE HORROR COMMUNITY" which she and her partners have built as a means to seek out and support talented new filmmakers in the horror genre, giving them a chance to put their storytelling skills to work by getting their films made. A fabulous chat that directors and producers will be insightful and beneficial. Then writer/director/producer/editor/DP Michael David Lynch is live and fresh off the Cinequest world

A fascinating and fun "round robin" experience with writer/director Joe Pepitone, who is back for his second visit with BEHIND THE LENS, plus actor/singer/musician/entertainer Edvin Ortega and actress Penelope Lagos, as we tackle and talk a myriad of filmmaking aspects, including the 88th Academy Awards and the diversity elephant in the room. Making these guests and this discussion even more interesting is that all have impressive resumes to their credit with expertise and skills in different areas, only to come together "in hell" for a collective experience with Pepitone's hilarious THE JERSEY DEVIL. With their varying perspectives, each of their respective insights is not only informative, but entertaining, as you hear their individual personalities shine through. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

What a terrifically "diverse" show this week as we hear excerpts of debbie's exclusive interview with Joseph Fiennes talking Kevin Reynold's RISEN, a unique telling of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ as seen from the eyes of a non-believer with the approach of a mystery/detective story. A compelling journey for believers and non-believers alike. And we get started with some excerpts of debbie's exclusive interview with RACE director Stephen Hopkins who brings the amazing story of Jesse Owens' journey to the 1936 Olympics to the big screen. Delving into the political and societal machinations both in the United States and in Nazi Germany, Hopkins focuses on Jesse Owens the man and the triumph of friendship and sportsmanship. Joining BEHIND THE LENS live is special guest, Markus Reymann. Currently appearing in the hilarious dark comedy short from Sheri Sussman, One Night in Hollywood (a fave here at BEHIND THE LENS), in addition to his acting, Markus is

The WOW factor is at an all-time high with this week's BEHIND THE LENS! First up, hear from the innovative and visionary director Timur Bekmambetov and his new project "Screenshare Filmmaking" – verite storytelling set entirely on the screens of digital devices – and the workshop he is hosting at SXSW this year. There will be eight two-person teams chosen to participate; four from the United States who will be brought to Austin to SXSW to work in-person, and four teams from overseas who will participate remotely. This is an opportunity not to be missed. So filmmakers, take a listen to today's show and hear more about the workshop from Timur, then go to www.screensharefilms.com to apply before February 24, 2016! This is truly a golden ticket for filmmakers! And then we've got a half hour that all my TCM Party pals out there will love as Susan Claassen joins me at the midpoint of the show to talk about costume design, this year's Oscar costume contenders and, the legendary Ed

Yesterday may have been the Super Bowl but today is a "Super" BEHIND THE LENS with filmmakers Greg Kohs, Sheri Sussman and Deborah Goodwin! An eclectic group indeed, first up is documentary filmmaker (and 10 time Emmy winner) GREG KOHS talking about THE GREAT ALONE, the comeback story of Iditarod Champion Lance Mackey. Fascinating behind-the-scenes detail from Greg about the challenges – and the magic – of shooting in Alaska and the frozen tundra, both from a cinematic standpoint and that of logistics covering a 1,049 mile race. At the half hour mark, writer/director SHERI SUSSMAN is back talking about the hilarious ONE NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD and its upcoming screenings in Berlin and Beverly Hills! And you've already heard from producer/writer/actor Arturo Muyshondt and his passion for THE PASTOR. Now, hear from co-writer and director, DEBORAH GOODWIN as she gives her insight and reflection into the making of this inspiring film as well as what the future holds for her upcoming projects. Plus

What a show on BEHIND THE LENS this week! Last week we started probing ALTERED MINDS with actress Jaime Ray Newman. This week, her co-star Joseph Lyle Taylor joins us to dig a little deeper into character and performance (as well as talk about the directorial style of Sidney Lumet, with whom he previously worked). And ALTERED MINDS writer/director Michael Z. Wechsler himself is on hand talking about structure and construct of this psychological thriller, not to mention creating blizzard conditions and snow in Philadelphia when there is none. In the last segment of the show, writer/director/editor Nathan Williams is live talking about his feature debut, IF THERE'S A HELL BELOW, fresh off its successful Slamdance premiere on Sunday. For those Slamdance attendees, take a listen to Nathan and then go see the encore showing of IF THERE'S A HELL BELOW on Wednesday. A riveting mystery with a noirish feel, Nathan goes into detail about his conceptualization and visual grammar infusing the film. Not o

It's a devil of a good time on BEHIND THE LENS this week with writer/director Joe Pepitone and actress Jaime Ray Newman talking the hilarious comedy THE JERSEY DEVIL, and the compelling psychological thriller ALTERED MINDS, respectively! Fans of Jaime Ray Newman already know her from her extensive credits in film and tv, including "Red Widow", "Drop Dead Diva", "Mind Games", and, of course, "General Hospital". Knowing Jaime's work, you'll enjoy hearing about her latest film, ALTERED MINDS from writer/director Michael Wechsler, and working with co-stars Ryan O'Nan and Judd Hirsch. And for all you "General Hospital" fans out there, Jaime answers the burning question: Who's more terrifying? Judd Hirsch as Dr. Nathaniel Shellner in ALTERED MINDS or, Constance Towers as Helena Cassadine in GH? At the half way point of the show, you'll hear one of the most fun and most engaging guests we've ever had - writer/director Joe Pepit

Talk about high energy! That's just what you get this week on BEHIND THE LENS as acclaimed director JUDY CHAIKIN and actor/writer/producer ARTURO MUYSHONDT are live going "behind the lens and below the line" with film critic debbie elias. Fresh off a successful festival and theatrical run with THE GIRLS IN THE BAND and now available as a Collector's Edition DVD chock full of extra footage not included in the film itself, Judy Chaikin kicks off today's show with some toe-tapping insight into this exciting documentary. Filled with untold stories of female jazz and big band instrumentalists and their inspiring, fascinating and groundbreaking journeys from the late 30's to the present day, music lovers, history buffs and cinephiles alike will be "in the mood" not only to check out this "must see" documentary, but hear from Judy herself about her passion for music and "the making of" THE GIRLS IN THE BAND! Then writer/producer/actor Arturo Muyshondt j

Kicking off 2016 and Year Two of BEHIND THE LENS is special guest, director/producer and native Philadelphian, Liz Hinlein who marks her directorial feature debut with OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN. Already an award-winning director known for her commercial work as well as music videos and rockumentaries, Liz moves into the feature director's chair with this emotionally driven and visually stimulating work. With distinctive and beauteous cinematography by Liz and her DP Edward Button, visuals are a key component to her storytelling, be it in Other People's Children or a cosmetics commercial. Take a listen as Liz and debbie talk about her directorial curve from a "coddled commercial director" to "independent feature filmmaker". And, BTL wrapped up 2015 with interview excerpts from Quentin Tarantino talking 70mm, Ultra Panavision and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. To get some more insight into the making of THE HATEFUL EIGHT, take a listen now to excerpts of debbie's exclusive interviews

I can't imagine a better way to wrap up 2015 and the first year of BEHIND THE LENS than with two incredible guests - actor and now writer/director, Eddie Jemison, and producer/director Nick Fitzhugh. At the quarter hour mark take a listen as Eddie Jemison and I talk about his directorial debut, KING OF HERRINGS. Solid storytelling and standout performances, most notably by Jemison's real life and on-screen wife Laura Lamson, are a hallmark of this film as Eddie and I talk about his inspiration, his 25-year friendship with his co-stars and the art of directing. One of my favorite guests of the year, I can't wait for Eddie to join me again. Shifting gears at the half hour mark, producer/director/cinematographer/showrunner Nick Fitzhugh is live talking about one of the most indelible television mini-series to come around in a long time - CONFLICT. A six-part miniseries focusing on the roots of human conflict as seen through the eyes of some of the world's best conflict photographers, CON

Christmas comes early to BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome visionary director and producer Timur Bekmambetov! debbie had the pleasure of interviewing Timur earlier this year while he was in Italy filming BEN-HUR and you heard excerpts of that interview right here on BEHIND THE LENS. But this week, Timur is live from Moscow talking about a new project he is producing and the gifted writer/director he is mentoring with it, not to mention giving us more than a few tidbits on the upcoming BEN-HUR, plus an interesting discussion on how he is inspired by young filmmakers and artisans, and his praise for and insight on working with BEN-HUR producers, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. Plus, The Force is with us at the top of the show as we hear excerpts of what the creators and stars of STARS WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS had to say last week at the super secret press event in Los Angeles. And hear more from Ericson Core, Luke Bracey and Phil Boston on the making of POINT BREAK. http://behindthelensonline.net http:

What a show we've got for you this week on Behind The Lens! debbie's regular readers and listeners all know of her love of books, literacy and reading, especially since so many of our greatest and most favorite films began in literature, so it's a real privilege for BEHIND THE LENS to go from Mars to the marine blue waters of the deep blue sea, from Mermaids to Megalodons, as fiction and film merge with special guests acclaimed children's book author Nancy Ann Guettier and NY Times bestselling author Steve Alten. But before you hear from Nancy and Steve, get this week's dose of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS as debbie delivers some tidbits gleaned from the super secret movie press junket held over the weekend! And hear a clip from POINT BREAK director/cinematographer Ericson Core as he talks with debbie about the unusual process of shooting this adrenaline fueled thrill ride - shooting second unit (all the action and extreme sports) first, followed by the first unit lensing - and his

BEHIND THE LENS went out on a limb this week with some very fun and kinda unusually themed documentaries. First up, we welcome Sam Klemke, subject of the fascinating (and weirdly fun) documentary SAM KLEMKE'S TIME MACHINE from director Matthew Bate. We have all probably journaled highlights of each year of our lives at some point or another, but Sam Klemke kept an annual film diary of his life. Beginning in 1977 and continuing for 35 years, those Super 8mm films, reel-to-reel recordings, cassettes, VHS tapes and more, are the history of "one human", and just happened to catch the eye of Australian filmmaker Matthew Bate. Taking Sam's life and juxtapositioning it against the journey of NASA's Golden Record of humanity, also launched into space in 1977 and attached to Voyager, Bate gives us a beyond entertaining - and thoughtful - look at "human versus humanity". And as you quickly discover, Sam Klemke is fun-loving, engaging and a fabulous interview! Then An

This week BEHIND THE LENS digs deep and welcomes director Delila Vallot to talk about her latest documentary, CAN YOU DIG THIS. Focusing on the urban gardening revolution taking place in South Central Los Angeles, CAN YOU DIG THIS shines an inspirational light on a community that is now picking up shovels instead of guns. You can hear Delila's live interview at the halfway point of the show. And we're doing some more digging "behind the lens and below the line" with THE GOOD DINOSAUR. Take a listen to excerpts of interviews with the film's voice talent - Sam Elliott, Jeffrey Wright, Raymond Ochoa, Anna Paquin and AJ Buckley as they talk about "going dino" and the magic of THE GOOD DINOSAUR. Peppered throughout the show, how can anyone pass up listening to Sam Elliott and Jeffrey Wright! Plus, we get things started with debbie's exclusive pre-recorded interview with producer Nicole Grindle and director Sanjay Patel, the filmmaking team behind Pixar's newes

An exciting BEHIND THE LENS this week as debbie is privileged to welcome Grammy winning and world renowned lyric coloratura soprano Sumi Jo to the show to talk about the stunning new film YOUTH, working with Michael Caine ("He's just so adorable") and her operatic solo of David Lang's hauntingly beautiful "Simple Songs #3", plus insight into her thoughts on opera and her passion for it now. In our last segment, we switch gears with a master of tragic irony, writer/director/producer/editor Rick Alverson, to talk about his new film ENTERTAINMENT. Plus, hear some final thoughts from producer Nina Jacobson in an exclusive interview talking the end of an era with the release this Friday of the final installment in THE HUNGER GAMES franchise - MOCKINGJAY-PART 2. And if you want to hear what cinematographer Sharon Calahan has to say about light and color and creating the "painterly realism" of THE GOOD DINOSAUR, you definitely want to take a listen at the midpoint of the sh