Behind The Lens

We wrap up "summer" with this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with writer/director MICHAEL MANDELL talking about THE MOVIE, plus my exclusive prerecorded interview with writer/director ABI DAMARIS CORBIN talking about the powerful John Boyega-led film, BREAKING. Writer/Director ABI DAMARIS CORBIN has taken one true story involving a veteran and the failures of the VA system and society and delivers the emotionally charged drama, BREAKING. Led by John Boyega and Michael K. Williams in his final film role, BREAKING is the story of former Marine Lance Corporal Brian Brown-Easley and the challenges he faced mentally and emotionally as he tried to reintegrate into civilian life on leaving the military only to have his efforts end in tragedy. Working with the Brown-Easley family, Corbin delivers a film that is undeniably riveting and heartbreaking as we are with Boyega as Brown-Easley inside the bank during the hostage situation, getting into his head and his heart. Balancing that with what is happening on th

Another week of embracing history and WWII on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director ADRIENNE HALL talking about INTO FLIGHT ONCE MORE while director BIANCA STIGTER talks about THREE MINUTES: A LENGTHENING. We open this week's show with my exclusive conversation with writer/director BIANCA STIGTER who makes her feature documentary directorial debut with THREE MINUTES: A LENGTHENING. One of the most fascinating documentaries you will ever see, thanks to 3 minutes 33 seconds and 28/100ths of a second of denegrated Kodak film footage from 1938, shining a light on a small Polish community just one year before the start of WWII. Originally catching Bianca's attention thanks to a Facebook post about this little home movie, three minutes gradually becomes 69 minutes as we see shriveled and barely discernible footage start to come to life through restoration and then analysis of buildings, signs, trees, architecture, clothing, fabric, buttons, caps, and faces by religious, cultural, historical, and even scient

We're dipping our toes into new waters with this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome director CHARLOTTE MIKKELBORG to discuss - and explain - the exciting new multisensory Augmented Reality game TIME DETECTIVES: THE MYSTERY OF THE MARY ROSE, while actor THEO ROSSI talks about his terrific new film EMILY THE CRIMINAL. A first of its kind from Picture This Productions, TIME DETECTIVES: THE MYSTERY OF THE MARY ROSE is a multisensory augmented reality game designed to bring history to life through partnerships with key cultural heritage sites across the UK and overseas. With this first app, the game explores the sinking of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's favorite ship!  A fascinating concept and even more fascinating game app (which I subsequently was able to download and "play"), it's almost like playing Nancy Drew in history as you try to ascertain what caused the sinking of the Mary Rose.  Venturing into new territory herself with this multisensory augmented reality, take a listen as

An interesting meld of films today thanks to our guests TONY AHEDO talking his film ICON, and STEPHEN EDWARDS discussing at length his "must see" documentary, SYNDROME K. First up is writer/director/editor TONY AHEDO who makes his narrative feature directorial debut with ICON, a coming of age story focused on high school students Sam and Ana and the effects of an unplanned pregnancy. While we have seen plenty of films, tv movies, reality shows, etc. with a theme of teen pregnancy, ICON is one of the rare instances where the story is told from the POV of the young father-to-be. And then we jump right into a conversation with documentarian and acclaimed composer STEPHEN EDWARDS talking his new documentary, SYNDROME K. One of my "must see" documentaries of the year, SYNDROME K is fascinating. Showcasing a little-known aspect in the history of WWII and Italy, in October 1943, three dedicated doctors at the Fatebenefratelli Hospital on Tiber Island across from the "Jewish Ghetto" o

BEHIND THE LENS kicks off the last month of 'summer' with a lot of laughs as we take a look at two very different but very funny films thanks to GENEVIEVE ADAMS and JONO McLEOD. First up, our exclusive interview with writer/director JONO McLEOD talking about his hybrid live action-animated feature documentary MY OLD SCHOOL. It's long been said that truth is stranger than fiction and Jono shows us just that as he takes a trip back in time to his high school days as he and his former classmates reflect on one of the greatest frauds in Glasgow's history thanks to their classmate Brandon Lee. A wild story, a fun and entertaining film, and a very fun interview with Jono. Then writer/director/actor GENEVIEVE ADAMS joins us talking about her feature directorial debut – and in which she stars – the fun, funny, and sweet SIMCHAS AND SORROWS. The tale of Agnes, an atheist actress with 13 years of Catholic school to her credit, who attempts to convert to Judaism to marry the man she loves…and she&a

It's a full house on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with guests ZORA IMAN CREWS and ALEC TIBALDI, plus our exclusive interview with DEBRA McCLUTCHY and ANNE ALVERQUE. First up, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with documentarians DEBRA McCLUTCHY and ANNE ALVERQUE talking about their hot new Netflix doc – THE MARTHA MITCHELL EFFECT. A fascinating conversation about Martha Mitchell and her appeal and importance in U.S. history, and what led Debra and Anne down the research rabbit hole to tell this chapter of Mitchell's life during the Nixon Administration and Watergate. When you talk about breaking glass ceilings, especially in Washington, Martha Mitchell wielded her hammer with more strength than the mighty Thor. And then, hilarity ensues thanks to ZORA IMAN CREWS and ALEC TIBALDI talking about their "inside baseball" to-die-for mockumentary THE DAPHNE PROJECT fresh off the film's opening weekend theatrical premiere. Weaving their own New York theatre experiences

A bit of mix and match on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with filmmaker DANIEL J. COPLAN talking about 8 WINDS, plus our exclusive interview with director ANTHONY FABIAN talking about the delightful MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS. First up is writer/director/producer/editor/actor DANIEL COPLAN who is on hand talking about his new film, 8 WINDS. Listen as Dan talks about his 5+ year journey in making 8 WINDS from idea to script and how to bring the page to life on screen. Covering everything, starting with the film being lo budget/no budget/micro-budget and how that dictated what Dan would and wouldn't be able to do with filming which impacted him starting at the script stage, to single camera shooting to using natural light and planning for such, to wireless mics and why scenes were limited to only two speaking characters in a scene, to casting, to pick-up shooting, to editing and more. A lot of helpful information for first-time or novice filmmakers as well as showcasing Dan's passion and sticktoitive

It's all about DOUBLE THREAT on BTL Radio Show with our exclusive prerecorded interview with producer/director/editor SHANE STANLEY. An action-adventure starring Matthew Lawrence, Danielle C. Ryan, Dawn Olivieri, and Kevin Joy, DOUBLE THREAT is fast-paced and action-packed boasting a breakout lead performance by Danielle C. Ryan and a scene-stealing turn by veteran Dawn Olivieri. Shane bares all as he talks in-depth about the contributions and importance of each of his collaborators on the film, from actors to cinematographer Joe Layogan and more, as well as the challenges and serendipitous creative benefits of Covid restrictions and the loss of multiple locations just days before filming. An interesting conversation for new and veteran filmmakers alike as Shane discusses overcoming obstacles, shooting from the hip, and pivoting in a heartbeat. And for all the "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"/Joe Lando fans out there, you'll want to hear what Shane has to say about his next film, "Night

Last week BTL RADIO SHOW started some cinematic summer globetrotting with films about Mongolia & Genghis Khan and Syrian immigrants rebuilding lives in Canada. This week we continue our cinematic trek and go from the steamy swamps of the bayou in the Southern United States with CHRISTINE CHEN and ERZULIE to the highest point on the Earth – the summit of Mt. Everest – with ALEX HARZ and THE QUEST: NEPAL. First up, director/writer/editor/adventurer ALEX HARZ joins us live talking about his new documentary THE QUEST: NEPAL. Talk about an up close and personal journey!! Alex takes us along on his trek through Kathmandu and up into the Himalayas as he makes his way up Mt. Everest to its summit. Amazing cinematography with even more jaw-dropping images not only shows us the splendor of nature but the beauty of the Nepalese people and their culture. An engaging and entertaining adventurer and filmmaker, I could have chatted with Alex all day talking about THE QUEST: NEPAL. And as you listen to this show, you&a

We're going global on this episode of BTL Radio Show with our films, one a narrative based on a true story and one a documentary, thanks to our special guests JONATHAN KEIJSER talking PEACE BY CHOCOLATE while ROBERT H. LIEBERMAN talks ECHOES OF THE EMPIRE: BEYOND GENGHIS KHAN. Writer/director JONATHAN KEIJSER kicks off the show as he joins us in talking about his narrative feature debut – PEACE BY CHOCOLATE. A feel good true story pulled from the news, this is the story of a Syrian family (and distinguished chocolatiers) who emigrate from Syria to Canada and are forced to rebuild their lives in a new country with language barriers, work issues, family struggles, father-son head-butting, unacceptance and acceptance by the community and more. A wonderful film that inspires and gives hope, Jonathan's story of bringing this film to life and working with the real family in developing the film is inspirational while the production challenges are the things that only make first-time filmmakers better. Th

This episode of BTL Radio Show we help kick off Dances With Films film festival with filmmakers JASON LOFTUS talking ETERNAL SPRING and JENNY WALDO who talks about her feature film debut with ACID TEST, both with films at DWF. First up take a listen to first-time feature filmmaker JENNY WALDO talking about ACID TEST, making its West Coast Premiere at DWF. Knowing she wouldn't be available to join us live on the show, Jenny and I did a prerecorded interview talking about ACID TEST. Somewhat autobiographical in nature, ACID TEST is set in 1992 during the Bush-Clinton-Perot election cycle and focuses on high school senior Jenny who is trying to find herself while trying to survive in her dysfunctional family with a father with anger issues. Rebelling through music, dress, and deeds, including dropping acid in front of her parents, this journey of self-discovery is not only engaging and entertaining, but is beautiful to watch. Jenny goes in-depth about the visuals and their purposeful design, the story, the

It's a jam-packed show thanks to our special guests IGOR DRLJACA who is on hand talking about his latest film THE WHITE FORTRESS, while DAN MIRVISH is back, this time talking the terrific dark comedic thriller 18 ½. First up, take a listen to writer/director IGOR DRJLACA talking THE WHITE FORTRESS. The 2022 Oscar submission from Bosnia and Herzegovina, THE WHITE FORTRESS is a coming-of-age film set in a present day world with a war-torn history, political corruption, and no sense of hope for the young people burdened by the past. In spite of the obstacles of life, sweet romance develops for Faruk and Mina. But can moments of escape and fancy lift them beyond the White Fortress of life? Boasting beauteous cinematography and haunting piano scoring that capture both the visual and emotional history, this is a film not to be missed. An interesting conversation with Igor as he goes into detail about the history and politics of the country and the people and how that shaped this story and this film. And then

We take to the open waters this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director ZACH CARVER who joins us live talking about his latest doc, THE RACE TO ALASKA. And, we dive into the deep end with a bite of SHARK BAIT and our exclusive interview with one of my fave filmmakers, JAMES NUNN. Everyone knows of my love for sharks (after all, I am known as moviesharkd), especially in film, and thankfully a new shark film hits the cinematic waters just in time for summer – SHARK BAIT! The tale of five friends on spring break who head to the sandy beaches of Mexico for much-needed fun and partying. On their last night, partying gets a bit out of control which leads to stealing some jet skis in the morning and heading out into the ocean for a game of chicken. And you can just imagine how well that goes. Needless to say, spring break, stupidity, and sharks are a lethal combination. Take a listen to this exclusive interview with director JAMES NUNN as we dive into the making of SHARK BAIT talking everything from shooting off

It's a bit of a mixed bag on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we hear from writer/director/actor BRIAN PRESLEY talking his new film HOSTILE TERRITORY. Plus my thoughts on DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. . .and madness it is indeed, and then a little tease on the riveting new HBO Max limited series THE STAIRCASE. Then, my exclusive interview with writer/director/actor BRIAN PRESLEY talking about his new film, HOSTILE TERRITORY. A film set in post-Civil War United States, Brian brings some oft-forgotten pieces of history to the forefront (the Orphan Trains and Company K) in a heartfelt, and action-packed story of a family torn apart by war and the fallout from that war. Built around fascinating pieces of history, a compelling and often nail-biting story, solid performances, and beautiful lensing in the rugged Colorado wilderness during winter, HOSTILE TERRITORY is a "must see." Take a listen as Brian and I go in-depth into the "making of" HOSTILE TERRITORY. And how ab

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we hear from two very distinctive directors and their latest projects – veteran director MARTIN CAMPBELL and first-time feature director EMERSON MOORE. First up, our exclusive interview with acclaimed veteran director MARTIN CAMPBELL talking about MEMORY. Starring Liam Neeson, MEMORY is the story of an assassin-for-hire who becomes the target of a hit by the very people who hired him. Alex Lewis may be a hitman, but he does have moral boundaries which now put him in the line of fire. But Alex Lewis is also a man falling victim to Alzheimer's. A complex character and a story of complex issues come to life under Martin's direction. Listen as Martin talks about researching Alzheimer's, bringing authenticity to the story and the character of Alex Lewis, casting and most notably Liam Neeson and the "pizzazz" of Monica Bellucci, focusing on story and character with action secondary, developing visual grammar with cinematographer David Tattersall, and more. A

A BEHIND THE LENS you don't want to overlook thanks to our special guest TIM McGRATH, plus our exclusive interview with director GRANT S. JOHNSON. If you missed this episode of #BTLRadioShow live, you definitely want to catch up now to hear what writer/director/actor TIM McGRATH has to say about his feature filmmaking debut, SURVIVING THEATER 9. A survivor of the Aurora Colorado "Dark Knight Rises" theatre shooting on July 20, 2012, Tim brings us a powerful and inspirational movie based on the true story, sharing survivors' stories in a narrative film while educating us all on the emotional magnitude of these now neverending mass shootings and the need for mental health education for the public at large. A fascinating conversation and discussion unlike any we've heard before as Tim talks about the cathartic nature of the film, getting beyond the events in Aurora in 2012, telling this story, as well as his learning curve as a filmmaker. But first, our exclusive interview with direct

It's a jam-packed episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome special guest MIRANDA KWOK who joins us live talking THE CLEANING LADY. And we turn our attention to the upcoming 13th Annual TCM Film Festival with an exclusive interview with DAVE KARGER. But first, a look at some new books that have hit the shelves thanks to authors LISA SCOTTOLINE and SCOTT McGEE. First up, we take a look at the latest page-turning thriller from best-selling author Lisa Scottoline, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS. Next, we take a gander at the latest entry in the TCM Library from Scott McGee, DANGER ON THE SILVER SCREEN: 50 FILMS CELEBRATING CINEMA'S GREATEST STUNTS. As is tradition at #BTLRadioShow each year, we take a look at the upcoming TCM FILM FESTIVAL, this year thanks to our exclusive interview with TCM host DAVE KARGER. Listen as Dave and I rave about, among others, faves and special treats at the fest, and explore some of the excitement and fun in store at the festival next week. Then we switch gears

Hold on to your stethoscopes folks because we've got a real treat for all the General Hospital fans out there with this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome PARRY SHEN live at the top of the show followed by writer/director JASON RICHARD MILLER with Parry and Jason talking about their new film MADELINES! Take a listen and you'll not only hear some #GH intel (Parry is already looking forward to April 1, 2023 and GH's 60th birthday) as well as how daily soap work prepares you for indie films like MADELINES, but Parry dives into discussions on his preparation for a role, what he looks for when a script comes his way (note to casting agents and directors – when you think action, think of Parry Shen), some of his early television work like "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "Tru Calling" and the ups and downs of the business, as well as his voicing on video games including mo-cap work, and so much more. And as for MADELINES, Parry goes into detail about working with his two co-

It's the morning after the night before in Hollywood on BEHIND THE LENS and we take a look at the good, the bad, and the very ugly from the Academy Awards, plus a look ahead to some of next year's possible Oscar contenders with our exclusive interview with writer/director HANY ABU-ASSAD talking HUDA'S SALON and joining us live is writer/director ALESSANDRO GENTILE talking about his directorial debut with LODO. Then onto much happier things as you'll hear my exclusive interview with writer/director HANY ABU-ASSAD talking about his latest film, HUDA'S SALON, "a feminist journey with controversial themes, a thriller with humor, a Shakespearean drama with a tragic love story." A powerful drama that speaks to so many themes unfolding in our world today. As always, Hany is open and candid, talking about halting production due to the pandemic and then returning to complete the film, his own bout with Covid and how that has impacted his outlook on life, the importance of telling t

This week it's All About Animation as we take a look at two dynamic and innovative animated films, Oscar Nominee THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES and THE SPINE OF NIGHT, with filmmakers MIKE RIANDA and MORGAN GALEN KING. Two films with two distinctive animation styles, stories, color palettes, and more, but both filmmakers true lovers of the art of animation. First up, take a listen to my prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director MIKE RIANDA talking about the Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature, THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES. My pick for Oscar, this is an interesting conversation as we look at all of the components that went into breaking the mold with innovation in style and design, to give MITCHELLS such a distinctive and perfect look, perfect meld, perfect balance, and perfect animated film. And then, we turn our attention to the hand-drawn classic rotoscope animation fantasy THE SPINE OF NIGHT as we welcome co-writer/co-director/co-editor and lead animator MORGAN GALEN KING live to the