Back To One

Please Note: These interviews were recorded prior to the SAG/AFTRA strike, in June 2023, as part of the Tribeca Festival. On this special episode of Back To One, actors Sophia Lillis, Hannah Gross, and Michael Cera talk about their work in writer/director Dustin Guy Defa’s wonderful new film "The Adults." We get a glimpse into each of their general preparation processes before doing a deep dive into their work on this actor-centric production. They each talk about how they built the reality of their complex sibling relationship, why the songs and dances that play such a big part in their characters’ past feel so organic, the extremely hard task of being truly unfunny, and much more. The Adults opens in select U.S. cities on August 18th. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

On this very special episode, I visit the picket line at each of the four SAG/AFTRA strike sites in New York City, in one continuous, unbroken audio “take.” Actors Michael Gaston, Clarissa Thibeaux, and others talk to me about what’s at stake, and en route to each location I share my own thoughts on the issues at hand, make some predictions, voice concerns, and offer up my total and complete solidarity to the cause, all supported by the loud and never-ending symphony of the New York City streets! Get ready for the strangest, but definitely most sonic-rich, episode of this podcast yet! This episode was recorded on Monday, August 7, 2023 from 9:56am ET until 10:48am ET For more information of the SAG/AFTRA strike, click here Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

(This episode was recorded prior to the SAG/AFTRA strike) Dierdre Friel always finds a way to ground her characters in such a deep reality that you feel like they aren’t written at all, just simply among the living. Two examples of this can be found in “Ella” on the NBC show “New Amsterdam,” and “Greta” on “Physical,” the Apple TV+ hit that enters its third season on August  2nd. On this episode, she details the helpful exercise of laying out the similarities she shares with the character, and using Meisner’s “what if” when the differences outweigh them. She talks about her amazing experience training at the Globe Theater, the “detective work” that is so integral to her process, the risky decision to take a part in a play that continues to pay dividends, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Fol

Chris Messina is that rare character actor leading man who is the go-to supporting actor in seemingly everything. From “The Mindy Project” and “Newsroom,” to “She Dies Tomorrow” and “I Care A Lot,” he handles ultra-serious roles (like in “Blame,” which I loved) or uproarious ones (such as this year’s hit “Air”) with what seems like effortlessness, and now he’s starring in the new series “Based on a True Story” with Kaley Cuoco. In this hour, he generously takes us on an extended tour of his process. He talks about learning to “experience” rather than “act,” why the thought of preparing a role “for 14 years” excites him, and the elements that make up “Air” which elevated his work past simply being four phone calls. He tells wonderful stories about his time at the Actors Studio in New York, getting a helpful note from Amy Adams that has profoundly affected his work, why a recent viewing of “Raging Bull” got him emotional, and leaves us with much more inspiration and wisdom than we had before. Back To One is the

Dave Burd, known by his stage name Lil Dicky, is a multi-platinum rapper, comedian and actor. For three seasons now, he has been the co-creator, executive producer, writer and star of the critically acclaimed comedy series, “Dave.” In this hour, he takes us from the beginning, being the laugh machine for his friends, through the discovery of his musical talent and the viral comedy video years, and finding his happy place in pitch meetings, convincing the money people that he could not just make a good TV show, that’s easy, but maybe one of the great shows of all time. He talks about the hard work he puts into every aspect of “Dave,” learning and growing from the amazing writers, the unique collaboration with the directors, and the true secret to his outstanding comedic performance: not having any time to think about it at all. Plus much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep

Few television show characters are more iconic than “Mad Men’s” Don Draper. Jon Hamm played him for 7 seasons and just might have changed television forever. Since then Hamm has ventured into film and exercised his funny muscles. Last year’s “Confess, Fletch” was a wonderful example of what Hamm can do with good material, and so is his latest, “Maggie Moore(s),” directed by his friend (and “Mad Men” co-star) John Slattery.  In this episode, he talks about how Slattery worked with him to establish the very specific tone of that film, and what he needs from a director in general. He details how his previous television work prepared him for “Mad Men,” how he didn’t let the hype of that show overwhelm him in the final season (for which he won an Emmy), plus much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow B

Mark Duplass is the living patron saint of the indie filmmaker. Honest, simple, modest, positive, affirming about the work, Duplass, first with his brother Jay and now on his own, has become a household name in the film world for producing projects in a DIY style foregrounding authenticity, improvisational humor, and human connection. As an actor, both in his own productions and also series like “The Morning Show,” he finds a way to keep that homegrown genuineness alive in front of the camera. His latest film, “Biosphere,” which he co-wrote with director Mel Eslyn, is a true two-hander (with the wonderful Sterling K. Brown) that never fails to surprise and is sure to be a summer crowdpleaser when it opens on July 7th. On this episode, he talks about how his approach to acting grew out of necessity as a filmmaker, what he loved about being directed by his trusted partner Eslyn, why he himself hasn’t directed for over eight years, what he needed to adjust when working in more precision-oriented productions, why

In recent movies like “Air” and “Funny Pages,” television series like “Our Flag Means Death,” and plays like Annie Baker’s “The Flick,” Matthew Maher has made a name for himself as someone who can bring an oddball or weirdo to life with enough charm, charisma, and genuine gusto to make us love him unconditionally. On this episode, he talks about his acting foundations, the tools formative teachers have given him, and some theories he has developed as a teacher himself. He explains the allure of experimental theater in 90s New York City, makes a case for embracing contradictions and obstructions in a character, and brings it all back to the simple act of “owing it.” Plus much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

It is extremely hard not to love Jeff Hiller’s character Joel, opposite Bridget Everett’s Sam, on the hit HBO series “Somebody Somewhere.” Their friendship is sweet, revelatory, and concerningly codependent, all at the same time. On this episode, he talks about how he got good at auditioning while wondering if he’d ever play someone with an inner life, “or a name.” He tells the story of landing “Joel,” the surprising connections he shares with the character, the secret ingredient that makes his chemistry with Everett work so well, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Owen Teague is only 24, but he’s already had an opportunity to show his range as an exceptional young actor in shows like “Bloodline,” “Black Mirror,” and “The Stand” and films like “To Lesley,” “Montana Story,” and the new Nicole Holofcener film, “You Hurt My Feelings” (which opens Friday, May 26th). On this episode, he talks about gleaning “a lot” from the great actors he’s worked with, knowing when to “separate yourself,” the importance of feeling scared but not intimidated, discovering how central a character’s physicality is for him, plus much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

With incredible performances in films like “Midnight Cowboy,” “Coming Home,” “Deliverance,” and “Runaway Train,” Jon Voight has earned himself a spot in the acting Pantheon. At 84, he has never stopped working. Seven seasons of “Ray Donovan” being a recent highlight. On this episode, he talks about how he “starts slow” when developing an approach to a character, letting “things drop into my psyche.” He pinpoints directorial characteristics of John Schlesinger (director of “Midnight Cowboy”) that worked well for him, details a scrappy fight scene with Jonathan Rhys Meyers on his latest film “Mercy,” reminisces about working with Cassavetes on “Love Streams” the play, and much more! “Mercy” is Select Theaters now, On Digital May 19, and On Demand June 2. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One o

You’ve seen his work in such films as “Interstellar” and “Cloud Atlas,” and television series like “Containment” and “Carnival Row," now David Gyasi plays Austin Dennison in Debora Cahn’s new hit Netflix limited series “The Diplomat.” On this episode, he talks about the rare collaboration he had with Cahn in developing Dennison, the part of the job he finds “sacred,” loving re-HEARsal, the real reason why he is so picky with the roles he takes on, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

The 4K restoration and re-release of the comedy “Party Girl” brings Parker Posey to Back To One. Shortly after the success of that movie in 1995, she went on to star in so many independent films, like “The Daytrippers,” “Clockwatchers,” “The House of Yes” (not to mention a bunch of Hal Hartley and Christopher Guest classics), that she was dubbed “Queen of the Indies.” On this episode, she explains why that moniker was oddly detrimental to her career. She talks about recent experiences on the sets of “Beau Is Afraid” and “The Staircase;” the connection between actors and athletes; why, for her, it all starts with “shoes and hair;” and much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

My first encounter with the work of actor, writer, director Betsey Brown was her captivating and shocking performance in “The Scary of Sixty-First.” Then, in her first feature film “Actors,” she and her brother Peter Vack play over-the-top versions of themselves in a wildly fictional, yet super-personal exploration of their relationship that boldly pulls out all the cinematic stops. It’s the kind of rare indie that gives you hope for the future of film. In this episode, she talks about the aspects of the acting craft that are central to her—patience, relaxation, fearlessness, appreciation, and the importance of the present moment—plus the unique ways she and her brother bring out the best in each other both in front of and behind the camera, and much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To O

Emily Meade is best known for her roles in the HBO shows “The Deuce,” “The Leftovers,” and “Boardwalk Empire.” Her latest project, the Amazon series `Dead Ringers,” premieres on April 21st. She became an advocate for intimacy coordinators on set following a lack thereof on “The Deuce,” where she portrayed a sex worker. After urging HBO to hire an intimacy coordinator, her advocation ignited the use of intimacy coordinators on all HBO sets and beyond, creating a new standard in Hollywood. In this episode, she talks about needing to base her characters on real-life people she knows, how being a true empath affects the work, the struggle of shifting what characters casting people see you playing, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

For three decades, Julio César Cedillo has been delivering authentic, nuanced, fully realized performances in films and television series such as “Sicario,” “Cowboys and Aliens,” “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,” “Narcos Mexico,” and the new Netflix film “Chupa,” to name just a few. In this hour, he generously shares what he’s learned from being a “lunchbox actor,” doing this work he loves. He talks about why, as an actor who happens to be Mexican, his first read of a script is a “search for traps.” Through stories detailing his experiences on-set, he explains why it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission, the importance of “owning it,” why humbleness doesn’t serve the work, and much much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram  

On this special episode, we’re talking all about voice! Neda Lahidji is an actor, singer, vocal health coach, voice teacher and a certified vocal health first aider. She specializes in the voices and vocal health of actors, VO actors, and singers, including any vocal athletes in the film industry as well as directors who use their voice tremendously throughout production. She talks about the different factors that affect the voice, gives us techniques to help maintain a vocal athlete’s optimal vocal health, shares her own stories of various vocal ups and downs, explains why it’s almost all mental, and much more! Whether you act, sing, or both: voice habilitation is preventative vocal care. Hopefully this conversation will inspire you to invest in your voice and vocal health! Find Neda on Instagram Check out her video about vocal health here Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep di

Edwin Lee Gibson’s stage career spans 40 years and over 100 U.S. and international theater productions. On television he is currently reprising his role as series regular "Ebraheim" in season 2 of FX's hit series “The Bear.”  On this episode, he talks about the importance of listening, “letting the character find me,” working with the late Peter Brook, cultivating a relationship with fear, how his stutter actually made him dig deeper into the study of speech, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram  

Jeremy Jordan is probably best known for his Tony and Grammy-nominated portrayal of Jack Kelly in “Newsies” on Broadway, as well as his many roles on television including series regulars on CW’s “Supergirl”, NBC’s “Smash” and Disney Channel’s “Tangled.” And now he leads a star-studded cast as the tenacious record industry giant Neil Bogart in the epic new feature film “Spinning Gold.” On this episode, he talks about how finding a character’s physicality and where they hold tension informs his preparation, the importance of letting every single moment of a performance tell the story, why he’s still getting used to the non-transient nature of film, how having a child opened him in ways nothing else could, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram  

Sophie von Haselberg stars as Sissy St. Claire in Amanda Kramer’s psychedelic fever dream musical “Give Me Pity!” It’s part mock 70’s television special, part monologue film, and requires the creation of a bigger-than-life persona on screen, and von Haselberg carries it all and delivers a virtuoso performance. On this episode, she takes us from Kramer “pulling me from the ether,” through extensive preparation, getting the character “into my body,” a frustrating Covid pause, on to the live theater-like 5 day shoot, and how she doesn’t think she would have “ever allowed myself to dream that something like this would fall into my lap.” Plus much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram