Behind The Lens

The joys of live broadcasting played out on BEHIND THE LENS this week as we had to shift gears and deviate from our planned show celebrating South African filmmaking with live guests out of TIFF and "go global" with some exclusive prerecorded interviews with production designer GRANT ARMSTRONG talking MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 and filmmaking brothers THOMAS & CHARLES GUARD talking DEAD SHOT. Shot on location, Grant Armstrong did extensive location scouting for MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 on the island of Corfu and not only found multiple locations that service the story beautifully but had to build one key set piece and "marry it" with the actual locations. In this exclusive interview with Grant, he talks about his search for the perfect locations including the top of a mountain, the color palette, finding specific locations that include the village and town square where a good portion of the film takes place, the town fountain, and a 2000-year-old olive tree, not to mention a magica

It's a "high stakes" episode of BTL Radio Show thanks to filmmakers MICHEAL BAFARO and MICHAEL MITTON (aka THE MICHAELS) talking their new horror film DON'T LOOK AWAY. Plus, my exclusive interview with director NIMROD ANTAL talking RETRIBUTION. First up take a listen to my exclusive interview with director NIMROD ANTAL talking about the high-octane white-knuckler RETRIBUTION starring Liam Neeson. This is classic Neeson and Nimrod takes us along for the ride – literally. An interesting conversation discussing the logistics and thematics of the making of RETRIBUTION and the magic of Liam Neeson. Standout in RETRIBUTION is the cinematography of Flavio Martinez Labiano and together with Nimrod, the pair craft some textured visual grammar to deliver powerful visual and emotional tonal bandwidth. And calling on editor Steve Mirkovich, the tension of RETRIBUTION is ratcheted up beyond the thrills and chills of an edge-of-your-seat E-ticket ride. Nimrod and I cover it all and more in this in

From comic books to fairy tales, and both laced with a bit of horror, take a listen to this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we're joined live by writer/director RAY SPIVEY talking about his new film STORAGE LOCKER, as well as writer/director MAX GOLD talking about his latest, BELLE. First up this week, RAY SPIVEY joins us talking about STORAGE LOCKER. What happens when comic books, the supernatural, and witchcraft collide? That's the crux of STORAGE LOCKER when comic book collector Packer Stanley falls for two beautiful sisters who run a massive underground storage facility. As a wannabe-witch sister resurrects her dead father in the form of a demonic boy, she uses him to eliminate certain members of a secret society of rarities collectors. Enmeshed in this "plot" is Packer who lets his hormones muddy his quest for the Holy Grail of comics, the first appearance of "The Spyder", and lure him into the storage locker maze where he must face off with the demon to obtain his coveted

Miss BEHIND THE LENS live? Catch up now as it's an episode celebrating the weird and the wonderful on #BTLRadioShow as we take a look at SUMMONING THE SPIRIT with writer/director JON GARCIA and PIGLADY with writer/director/actor ADAM RAY FAIR. First up take a listen to my exclusive interview with writer/director JON GARCIA talking about SUMMONING THE SPIRIT; a fresh and refreshing tale of Big Foot that melds horror, the Big Foot mythology, New Age metaphysical aspects, a dash of the Age of Aquarius, with a touch of the supernatural. The film is beautifully shot and gives rise to some standout performances. (AND YES…. there is still plenty of blood!) I loved speaking with Jon as we dove into the making of SUMMONING THE SPIRIT, including his own experiences hunting Big Foot! Then writer/director/actor ADAM RAY FAIR is live talking about his feature directorial debut with PIGLADY. And you know what they say about truth being stranger than fiction? Well, that's exactly what inspired this film as PIGLA

It's an exciting mix of entertaining films and filmmakers on today's BEHIND THE LENS as we turn our attention to two very different films, both of which I wholeheartedly enjoyed and recommend – OPERATION NAPOLEON and RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE. While both films are adapted from best-selling novels, one filmmaker is a much-lauded veteran Icelandic director while the other makes the leap from the stage as a Tony-winning playwright to the screen with his feature directorial debut. First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with director OSKAR THOR AXELSSON as he talks about his new film, the slow-burn thriller OPERATION NAPOLEON. Adapted by Marteim Thorisson and Arnaldur Indridason from Indridason's novel of the same name, Oskar and I dive into the specifics of this adaptation as well as the filmmaking challenges inherent to shooting on a glacier, international casting, cinematography, and more. Then listen to director and co-writer MATTHEW LOPEZ who makes his directorial feature debut w

As it's the last day in July, seems appropriate for BEHIND THE LENS to turn its attention this week to the post-apocalyptic horror film END TIMES, written and directed by JIM TOWNS and starring JAMIE BERNADETTE and CRAIG STARK. Lucky for us that Jim and Jamie were both available to speak with me this past Thursday afternoon about the film. Already long known for his work in the horror realm, JIM TOWNS makes a leap into zombie territory for the first time with END TIMES and does so to great success. A film that truly speaks to the idea of what it means to be human when humanity appears lost, in this interview Jim discusses bringing his vision to life not only through Jamie and Craig's characters and performances but with cinematography, editing, very specific locations, make-up, happy accidents and more. A boots-on-the-ground producer and lead actor in END TIMES, JAMIE BERNADETTE brings a unique perspective to the film both in front of and behind the camera thanks to a keen eye that melds both dis

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we take a look at two films and three directors, each making their feature directorial debut. SOPHIA CASTUERA brings us the "mumblecore" narrative AUGUST AT TWENTY-TWO while GARY MATOSO and CAMERON ZOHOORI take us behind the lines of volunteer firefighting in the United States with ODD HOURS, NO PAY, COOL HAT. First up is SOPHIA CASTUERA talking about her debut narrative feature – AUGUST AT TWENTY-TWO. A wannabe actress fresh out of school trying to make it in the Big Apple and filled with all the confusion and trouble that comes with being 22 from floundering in a career, making bad decisions, pushing away a BFF, jealousy, partying versus work, etc. Very much in the vein of the Duplass Brothers early "mumblecore" films, not to mention being very female-centric in front of and behind the camera, Sophia discusses the challenges and the joys of directing not just this film, but a feature film at that. Then things get hot when directors GARY MATOSO and CAMERON

A fantastic episode of BEHIND THE LENS that's jam-packed with two talented filmmakers, MICHAEL OBLOWITZ and BENJAMIN POLLACK – both who have a music video background – and actor JON LINDSTROM who many of the "General Hospital" fans out there will recognize, as we talk about CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT and WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JONNY FAITH. Right out of the gate, writer/director MICHAEL OBLOWITZ and actor JON LINDSTROM join us discussing their new film CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT. A well-paced slow-burn noir police thriller with a twist, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT boasts an exceptional cast (along with Lindstrom, there's Mel Gibson, Nick Stahl, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth) and an interesting story POV that we rarely, if ever, see onscreen. We get into all the ins and outs of the "making of" CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT including Michael's A-list cast, crafting and conveying authenticity and reality, the very specific color palette and production design and how that plays into the work o

A fun-filled show this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we wrap up the month of June and the first half of 2023 as we take a look at ELEMENTAL with voice actor SHILA OMMI and SHEROES with writer/director JORDAN GERTNER! First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with writer/director JORDAN GERTNER who makes his feature directorial debut with the kick-ass action film SHEROES. Known best for his producing work, notably the James Franco-Vanessa Hudgens-Selena Gomez wild ride of "Spring Breakers", Jordan now steps into the director's chair with SHEROES and delivers a beyond entertaining adventure. Lensed in Thailand, SHEROES is the story of four BFFs intent on partying and adventuring a la "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", only now it's Thailand. Things go awry from the start when one of the girls is kidnapped by a local drug lord. Rather than call the police for help, the remaining three BFFs decide to save their friend themselves. AAnd keep listening because we've g

It's time again for DANCES WITH FILMS film festival now in its 26th year, and as usual, BEHIND THE LENS is celebrating some of the wonderful films and filmmakers you'll see and meet at this year's fest. To get into the spirit of things, this week we are joined by D.MITRY GELFAND talking about his poignant and powerful short HEDGEHOG, while GRAHAM STREETER discusses his latest feature UNFIX. First up is writer/director D.MITRY GELFAND who is no stranger to me thanks to his feature directorial a few years ago, the beautiful and tender film "My True Fairytale". D.Mitry now joins us discussing his latest narrative short, HEDGEHOG, a look at the war in Ukraine through the innocent eyes of a 6-year-old girl and what happens when she finds an injured Russian soldier in her grandmother's barn. An emotionally powerful short that speaks volumes in its mere 17 minutes, Dmitry gives us a unique perspective based on his own life experience as an immigrant from the USSR when he was only 15 ye

An eclectic #BTLRadioShow this week as we are joined by EDWARD SAVIO talking his YA novel LEAGUE OF AULD, plus our exclusive interview with filmmaker PAUL COLLETT discussing his new film, THE HAUNTING OF HELL HOLE MINE. How about some chat on action, authors, and audiobooks thanks to author EDWARD SAVIO who joins us live discussing his latest YA novel (now in audiobook form), LEAGUE OF AULD, Book 3 in the "Battle for Forever" series. Listen as Edward dives into the "Battle of Forever" series and his inspiration, as well as crafting characters, most notably his protagonist, 1500-year-old Alexander X as well as the genesis of his villains Peter Kroll and Elam Khai, the structural design of what will be a four book series and how he develops and moves the plot. Also, given June is "Audiobook Appreciation Month", Edward talks about the audiobook process and the narrators/readers of the "Battle for Forever" series with Wil Wheaton reading Books 1 and 2 and audiobook legen

It's some of the best of the best on this week's #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director PATRICIA CHICA talking about MONTREAL GIRLS while editor CHAD GALSTER talks YELLOWSTONE! Joining us live and fresh off a screening at Cannes Film Festival and a successful theatrical opening weekend is writer/director/editor PATRICIA CHICA to discuss her award-winning film MONTREAL GIRLS. A wonderful coming-of-age story of 20-somethings in the artistic community of Montreal, with a diverse blend of cultures, ethnicity, characters, and generations, MONTREAL GIRLS is a refreshing new film in the genre. A debut feature directorial for Patricia, she brings a very special energy to the film, both onscreen and behind the lens. A fascinating conversation as she discusses her lengthy pre-production, curated casting, using metaphysical energy and individual chakras in preparing her actors, designing the color palette of the film, and so much more. AND – – it's Emmy Awards season and FYC campaigns are kicking in wh

We're getting FUBARed with fun and action this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our very special guest, the incomparable and hilarious SIMON PHILLIPS, and his role in the new Netflix action comedy series FUBAR starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first television series. And as if Simon and FUBAR aren't enough for you, how about my prerecorded exclusive interview with director RIC ROMAN WAUGH talking about his new film starring Gerard Butler, KANDAHAR! It is always a good time when SIMON PHILLIPS and I start chattering, so kicking things off and having him back live on #BTLRadioShow this week was a real treat. And as you'll hear, what a time we had talking about FUBAR and soooo much more! Simon is always working, be it acting, writing, or producing so for him to make time for our show means a lot. Listen as we bounce back and forth among Simon's various projects and films, always coming back to the fun of FUBAR. A key thing about FUBAR is that Simon's role and his one-on-one inte

It's Ladies Day on this episode of #BTLRadioShow as you hear from two very talented actors – MADISON ISEMAN talking about her new film KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC and LEAH GIBSON who jumps into the action world with MERCY. As I was doing some interviews off-camera when the live show airs, I did a prerecord for you with prerecorded exclusive interviews with these wonderful ladies. First up, take a listen to my prerecorded exclusive interview with the wonderful MADISON ISEMANN. Already known for her work in films like Clouds, Feast of the Seven Fishes, Annabelle Comes Home and the acclaimed tv series I Know What You Did Last Summer where she played 3 different characters, Madison now ups the ante and co-stars in the fantasy adventure KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC. Based on the international anime sensation, Knights of the Zodiac brings the Saint Seiya saga to the big screen in live-action for the first time. Seiya – played by Mackenyu – a headstrong street teen, spends his time fighting for cash while he searches f

A terrific show this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our special guest FREDDIE STEVENSON discussing his documentary TRIALS TO TRIUMPH, and our prerecorded exclusive interview with BILL HOLDERMAN & ERIN SIMMS talking BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER. Five years ago BILL HOLDERMAN and ERIN SIMMS were live on #BTLRadioShow to talk about a new feature film they co-wrote which also marked Bill's feature directorial debut. That little film was "Book Club." With big name talent – Fonda, Bergen, Keaton, and Steenburgen – leading the way, we all hoped for a hit so that a sequel might follow, but no one had any idea just how big a hit "Book Club" would become. But here we are, five years later, and I once again got to chat with Bill and Erin about the sequel BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER. And while we couldn't mesh schedules for them to join me on the live show this time, we did speak for this prerecorded exclusive interview about this latest "page-turner" covering everything from

Today on #BTLRadioShow it's a day celebrating some talented and very happy and fun filmmakers and their latest films; ANDY FICKMAN talking ONE TRUE LOVES and GARO SETIAN & ANAHIT SETIAN talking SPACE WARS: QUEST FOR THE DEEPSTAR. Each of the filmmakers you'll hear from in my prerecorded exclusive interviews are brimming with joy and happiness as they talk about their respective films and their craft. And another commonality among them is their attention to detail in the making of their films. First up, take a listen to the oh-so-talented and oh-so-fun ANDY FICKMAN talking about his new film ONE TRUE LOVES. Starring Simu Liu, Luke Bracey, and Phillipa Soo, ONE TRUE LOVES is a tale filled with love, heartache, and happiness that is sweet, sentimental, and poignant as Emma (Soo) marries the love of her life Jesse (Bracey) only to lose him to a tragic accident a year later. But as time passes, she reconnects with her childhood best friend Sam (Liu) and falls deeply in love with him. But as Emma rea

We've got a jam-packed #BTLRadioShow for you this week thanks to DAWN MIKKELSON and her latest documentary MINNESOTA MEAN, while CHAZ BONO talks about his new film BURY THE BRIDE, both of whom join us live! First up, documentarian, director/editor DAWN MIKKELSON, is with us talking about her latest doc, MINNESOTA MEAN, a look inside the world of women's roller derby through the eyes of the Minnesota All Stars as they compete to win the Hydra, the top international prize of the sport. While giving all the team members a spotlight, the focus of the documentary primarily features six team members and their personal journeys over the course of a year as they battle injury, come to a crossroads in each of their personal lives, get incredible and enthusiastic spousal support, face the challenges and desires of motherhood, question the "what next after derby", and so much more. And then CHAZ BONO is with us live to talk about his new film, a little taste of horror with BURY THE BRIDE. Directe

Catch up now with this episode of #BTLRadioShow and our guest writer/director/DP/editor TRIP JENNINGS talking about his new documentary ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE. Plus, you'll hear our exclusive interview with CASPER VAN DIEN talking about his new film HUNT CLUB. One of the most interesting and educational documentaries you will see this year is ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE, especially for those living in the Western United States and fire-prone areas. Bringing us the foremost experts on wildfire, as well as the most recent science from a firefighting aspect, preventative aspect, and ecological aspect, ELEMENTAL examines the history of wildfires and firefighting in the United States, opening our eyes to the ever-changing approach to combating wildfires in an effort to prevent whole communities like Paradise, California from being eradicated. Delving into everything from how fire is needed for the ecosystem to controlling and preventing fire and punctuated with some stunning cinematography as well

It's a colorful and lively edition of #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director MOSTAFA KESHVARI who joins us live talking about his new film COLORBLIND. Plus, writer/director TIM BOGART dives into the making of what quickly became one of my fave films of the year, SPINNING GOLD! Joining us live at the top of the show is writer/director MOSTAFA KESHVARI discussing his new film, the exquisite and powerful COLORBLIND. The story of a colorblind mother and son facing racial and social injustices, COLORBLIND speaks to us literally, figuratively, and metaphorically. A fascinating aspect of the production is that the film was developed by color scientists to accurately display colorblindness and metaphorically address racism. Take a listen as Mostafa discusses the science and the cinematic art that came together for COLORBLIND. And then, get ready, because you'll hear my prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director TIM BOGART talking about his new film opening on Friday – SPINNING GOLD. One of my

On this episode of #BTLRadioShow we take a look at the incredible new VR project ONCE A GLACIER with writer/director JIABAO LI, and then you'll hear our exclusive interview with writer/director PAUL WEITZ talking MOVING ON. Fresh off the world premiere of her amazing animated VR project ONCE A GLACIER at SXSW, writer/director JIABAO LI is with us live talking all things VR and glacial. A fascinating and immersive work that explores the life of a glacier and a young girl whose life journey is to save the glacier, Jiabao talks about her journey into this immersive VR experience and its accompanying VR installation which debuted at SXSW. Discussing her own involvement with VR and her professorial work at the University of Texas, Jiabao talks about her love of glaciers and her approach to making the animated short film. A real technical challenge, you'll be as amazed as I was to hear her talk about the capturing of various sounds of glaciers and the dangers and care to be taken in obtaining the audio a