Behind The Lens

With a theme of cinematic atmosphere and a meld of past and present, this week on BEHIND THE LENS we take a look at two films – A NUN'S CURSE and UNION BRIDGE – and two exciting filmmakers – TOMMY FAIRCLOTH and BRIAN LEVIN.

First up, take a listen to our prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director/editor/cinematographer TOMMY FAIRCLOTH going in-depth with A NUN'S CURSE. Shot on location in a Civil War era prison, the story melds a present day road trip of four friends (one of whom is obsessed with all things nun-related, especially the legendary Sister Monday) with the prison's history, and Sister Monday's murderous legend, as the group is trapped inside the prison for the night. Stunning, rich visuals mesmerize while strong performances and story provide intrigue. Listen as Tommy digs deep into the production design and location, challenges and benefits of shooting within the walls of the prison itself, casting, cinematography and the use of light and focal length, and the film's meticulous sound design.

Then writer/director BRIAN LEVIN joins us live talking about his new film UNION BRIDGE where a family's secret dating back to the Civil War may now destroy it if the truth of what actually happened during the war ever comes to light. And thanks to visions of the past now haunting this generation's family members, the truth seems destined to rear its head. Another film with strong ambient cinematography with its own southern roots shooting near the Mason-Dixon Line in another historic area. Listen as Ben talks about the idea for the film, jumping from a career in comedy writing to heavy drama with an historical and supernatural edge, meeting the challenges of being a first-time feature director, casting, dealing with the weather, Sebastian Slayter's cinematographic design, the benefit of shooting in a location rich with history, working within a minimal budget, and staying true to his own vision for the film are just some of the things we discuss.

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Another busy week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our long-awaited special guest, writer/director/editor JONATHAN SMITH talking BATSH*T BRIDE, and our exclusive interview with writer/director/cinematographer JOHN BARR talking BLOOD AND MONEY. And how about some info on a little trivia contest happening this Saturday courtesy of HOLLYWOOD CRITICS ASSOCIATION.

This week we're taking another walk down the aisle with BATSH*T BRIDE and writer/director/editor JONATHAN SMITH. Our regular listeners will recall that one of the film's stars, Chad Anthony Miller, was on the show last month and talked about the film from an actor's perspective. Now we get the man who created the hilarity! (I'm still wondering how many brides (or grooms) out there have pulled a prank like the one Heather pulls in this film!) Listen as Jonathan talks about the idea for the film and his journey in bringing it to fruition, finding the comedic tone while avoiding some more well-known bridal tropes, his casting process and finding the perfect meld of actors, working with cinematographer Jason Merrin and developing a visual tone and color palette that says "light and breezy", the importance of his chosen locations, and Mike Pettry's light and lovely score. You can hear the excitement and enthusiasm in Jonathan's voice as he talks about the film, all of which is reflected in the film itself. BATSH*T BRIDE is available now on all digital and VOD platforms.

But before we go bridal with Jonathan, take a listen to our exclusive interview with cinematographer turned director, JOHN BARR, as we go in-depth talking about his debut feature directorial, BLOOD AND MONEY. It's always interesting and insightful speaking with a cinematographer/director because of their unique eye when it comes to storytelling. John is no different. The visual immersion he brings to this character study of former Marine Jim Reed, caught in a cat and mouse game with killers and criminals in the dead of winter, is riveting. Staying with Reed's POV but building in the topography of the landscape into the POV adds dimension and texture, making the ice and snow its own character. Gorgeous to look it, the film stars Tom Berenger…another gorgeous aspect of the film. A terrific conversation for filmmakers and moviegoers alike. BLOOD AND MONEY is available on digital and VOD on May 15th.

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The Force (and certainly the comedic force) is with #BTLRadioShow on this May the 4th Monday thanks to a jam-packed show and some fabulous guests; so jam-packed, in fact, the show expands to 90 minutes this week!

First up, say "welcome back" to writer/director MICHELE REMSEN who is back with us talking about her hilarious anti-romcom TOSS IT and worldwide VOD (Amazon Prime, AppleTV) screenings which culminated in a live Zoom Q&A with Michele and some cast and crew on May 4th courtesy of NYWIFT.

Then take a listen to writer/director/editor BRUCE DELLIS talking about his new film, RAISING BUCHANAN! Funny and sweet, with added charm thanks to Rene Auberjonois in one of his final screen appearances, here as President James Buchanan, RAISING BUCHANAN is a lighthearted gem that boasts an unforgettable performance by Amanda Melby while giving us a bit of a history lesson on a man often dubbed "America's Worst President". I loved speaking with Bruce about the "history" behind this film and the "history" of President Buchanan. Imagine! A film that's entertaining and educational! We go in-depth on the importance of casting and in this case, the perfect blend of veteran "character actors" Rene Auberjonois and M. Emmet Walsh (Bruce and I both have some fun Emmet anecdotes) with a talented and diverse blend of folks like Amanda Melby, Kathy Shim, Terence Bernie Hines, and Steve Briscoe. Candid and passionate, Bruce talks about making the jump from short films to a narrative feature and the learning curve therein, as well as discussion on finding that perfect visual and emotional tonal bandwidth in collaboration with his cinematographer Bret Kalmbach. And how about showing some love for the beauty and diversity of Arizona by incorporating it into the story! Terrific film. Terrific conversation.

We round out the show with a whole lotta laughter during life in the time of covid thanks to QUARAN TEAM and our exclusive interview with the creative team behind QUARAN TEAM - BOBBY CHASE, GREG AIDALA, and MIKE FEURSTEIN. Guaranteed to have you in stitches just listening to our pre-recorded conversation, you're in for even more laughs as you watch this episodic series set during, you guessed it, the covid quarantine! And with an entire office staff using Zoom, what could possibly go wrong?? The comedy is fresh and funny and laughs abound not only in the show, but on air!

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An interesting mix of film focus this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to special guests and filmmakers, writer/director SEAN McEWEN and writer/co-director PAUL POMPA.

First up, SEAN McEWEN talks about BRAKING FOR WHALES (now available on digital and VOD) starring Tom Felton and Tammin Sursok as siblings navigating life together while honoring their deceased mother's final wishes. Touching, funny, poignant, and at times bittersweet, a road trip well worth taking. Listen as Sean and I talk about the genesis of the story and bringing the reality of siblings and life's challenges to the screen in an organic manner while not descending into heavy drama, the effortless ease and chemistry between Felton and Sursok, pushing political correctness, the value of veteran comedians and actors like David Koechner and Wendi McLendon-Covey, the challenges of a "road trip" film without the benefit of a lengthy road trip, keeping a light visual tone through cinematography, the importance of score, and the husband and wife collaboration of McEwen and Sursok.

Then a heartfelt conversation with first-time filmmaker PAUL POMPA as we talk about his short narrative film UNTREATED. Taking a look at three addicts through the lens of powerlessness and understanding, Paul bares his soul as he talks about the film's inspiration – himself and some family members. But then we delve into the high production values of the film and the power and expediency of perfectly melding dialogue, performance, and visuals to convey more than what is on the page. A storyteller turned musician who now returns to his love of stories, Paul has high hopes for continuing on his current path with film as his creative outlet and for UNTREATED making its way on the festival circuit as soon as film festivals become part of the world's normal again.

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Two very different films. Two very different filmmakers in their approach and style. Two fascinating discussions on BEHIND THE LENS; one with director BAILEY KOBE talking about RAG DOLL, the other with writer/director/DP/editor CARLISLE KELLAM talking his new documentary COMFORT FARMS.

First up is director BAILEY KOBE talking about his new film, RAG DOLL. A thoughtful introspective character study of a young woman entering her first MMA tournament, RAG DOLL boasts some excellent performances, notably from supporting actors Dot-Marie Jones and Stephanie Erb, not to mention, lead actress Shannon Murray, as well as some effective and evocative production use of slo-motion techniques, lighting and framing. Listen as Bailey goes in-depth talking about working with his cinematographer Aymae Sulick and designing the visual tonal bandwidth and use of camera framing, lighting and ECU's as emotional tools, casting, the importance of authenticity with the MMA fighting and corresponding concerns for added levels of safety and training, pacing of story, and, among others, challenges faced in bringing RAG DOLL to life, not the least of which was an injured lead actor (not related to filming!) which caused a nine-month delay in production.

Then writer/director/editor/cinematographer CARLISLE KELLAM joins us talking his new documentary COMFORT FARMS. Showcasing a very unique "agro-cognitive behavioral therapy" for soldiers returning from battle, Carlisle turns his camera on Army Ranger Jon Jackson who, on the brink of suicide, formed a non-profit and founded Comfort Farms in Georgia where veterans work the land, healing themselves while providing sustainable, humanely grown and harvested food for themselves and the community. It's a living and breathing circle of life as we hear from the veterans themselves and watch this therapeutic lifestyle. Listen as Carlisle talks about the genesis of the film, his wearing of a multiplicity of production hats, his singular approach to maintaining the voice of the veterans versus "talking heads", his eclectic use of music and archival news and combat footage along with that from the DOD to capture the "headspace" of the veterans, and the emotional metaphor and similarities between battle and farming.

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What a week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to two incredible live guests, TYLER CORNACK and RYAN KOCH, talking their new film BUTT BOY, while two more fabulous filmmakers, CHRIS ROBERTI and JOSH ITZKOWITZ, talk their latest film SAME BOAT in an exclusive prerecorded interview.

First up is our prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director/actor CHRIS ROBERTI and writer/producer JOSH ITZKOWITZ talking about their new film, SAME BOAT. In over 33 years as a film critic, I have never described a "sci-fi" film as sweet, but this one certainly is. And the guys are an absolute delight with great candor and a wicked sense of humor on display throughout our conversation! Listen as we talk about the film's original idea of time traveling assassins with a mission to go back through time and eliminate those individuals who do "bad things" that hurt the planet and humanity. And in this case, they come back to stop an attorney who in several years creates a loophole in the law that allows pollution to blanket the globe; plus, the challenges (and fun) of shooting surreptitiously within the contained environment of a cruise ship over the course of two back-to-back cruises on the same ship with the same rooms, the collaboration between Chris and Josh, casting and chemistry, Chris' navigation through his first feature directorial and, of course, my hopes for a sequel with vampires at sea.

And then, get ready, because writer/director/actor TYLER CORNACK and writer/producer RYAN KOCH are up talking about their film BUTT BOY! Talk about fun!! Another terrific pair of filmmakers who genuinely love their craft and storytelling. Think dark comedy plus science fiction (plus high production values and beautiful rich cinematography courtesy of William Morean) equals hilarity with BUTT BOY! Who would ever think that a simple prostate exam for our "protagonist" Chip would open up a world where items big and small end up in the "bowels of hell" so to speak, and turn into a noirish crime thriller. Tightly scripted and well crafted, the film moves at a brisk pace thanks to editor Austin Lewis. Listen as Tyler and Ryan talk about the genesis of the story, the story structure and their decision to not draw out the main plot points but still craft a slow burn, the importance of playing the characters straight (critical with Tyler's performance as "Chip"), designing the visual tonal bandwidth and color palette, Tyler's wearing of both a directorial and lead actor's hat, shooting in the actual 1960's Batcaves used for the "Batman" television series, and so much more! BUTT BOY is available now on all digital platforms.

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#BTLRadioShow is back for another week in this time of Covid with a jam-packed and interesting show thanks to writer/director PI WARE talking about his latest documentary, SKIN DEEP: THE BATTLE OVER MORGELLONS, plus our exclusive interview with writer/director JONATHAN JAKUBOWICZ talking RESISTANCE!

First up, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with JONATHAN JAKUBOWICZ as we go in-depth talking about his latest film, RESISTANCE. A relatively unknown chapter in the life of famed mime Marcel Marceau, we are transported back in time to WWII and occupied France with a young Marceau joining the French Resistance, helping to save hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis. A powerful film that shines a light on history and an unsung hero, Jesse Eisenberg mesmerizes as Marceau with heartfelt authenticity and childlike charm, while Bella Ramsey shines as the young Elsbeth, a girl saved by Marceau after she witnessed the murder of her parents by the Nazis. Clemency Poesy is outstanding as a fellow Resistance member while Matthias Schweighofer is chilling as Klaus Barbie. Not to be overlooked is a nice turn by Ed Harris as General Patton in a key moment in Marceau's life - introducing Marvel Marceau to the Allied troops after the war at what would be Marceau's first public performance as a mime.

Then, writer/director PI WARE joins us live talking about his new documentary, SKIN DEEP: THE BATTLE OVER MORGELLONS. With the world shaken by Covid, and so many in denial over the disease, SKIN DEEP is timely in its examination of the Morgellons, a disease that some doctors try to dismiss as being "all in the head" despite physical symptomology. Objective in its examination and presentation, thanks to Pi's keen eye and years of editing reality tv and docs, this exploration proves a real eye-opener in a time when the public is becoming more aware of "unknown" disease, diagnosis, research, and treatments. Listen as we talk about "denialism", why Morgellons, finding a throughline and balanced presentation, the trial and error of editing, Andrew Gross' impeccable score, and more. SKIN DEEP: THE BATTLE OVER MORGELLONS is available on digital/On Demand and DVD.

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What a show BEHIND THE LENS has for you this week! A little bit wild, a little bit wacky, and touched with a big splash of doo-wop, all thanks to our very special guests actor CHAD ANTHONY MILLER and director BRENT WILSON. CHAD ANTHONY MILLER was a co-host on the very first episode of #BTLRadioShow over six years ago. He is a wonderful comedic actor who celebrates and thrives on small independent films and it's a guarantee that whenever Chad is in a film, you know hilarity will ensue. And ensue it does on BTL as Chad joins us live to talk about his two latest projects – OPHELIA FALLS which you can watch right now on Amazon Prime, and the upcoming BATS**T BRIDE which releases on May 8.

And then director BRENT WILSON joins talking about his latest documentary STREETLIGHT HARMONIES celebrating the history of Doo-Wop! Taking us on a musical journey back to the street corners of Philly and NY of the 50's with groups of kids gathering and singing under the streetlights, thanks to music historians and many of the musicians themselves, we learn about the freedom and joy of harmonization, the hallmark of Doo-Wop, and how that has not only progressed over the decades but came to influence the harmonies and sound of groups like The Beach Boys and more current boy bands of today like NSYNC and more. Listen as Brent and I talk about the "making of" STREETLIGHT HARMONIES, from concept to extensive research into the music as well as locating archival film of performances, developing the through-line of the film and timeline of Doo-Wop, and then finding the artists themselves many of whom are now in their 70's and 80's and earning their trust to engage them in interviews.

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We may all be taking a licking in this time of covid-19, but we keep on ticking! And BEHIND THE LENS is here, hopefully, giving you some respite and distraction, especially when it comes to terrific filmmakers as guests! This week is a real treat thanks to actor ELLEN TOLAND and cinematographer JOSH FISHER who join us live talking INSIDE THE RAIN, plus our exclusive interview with writer/director/VFX/editor RONAN JORAH and producer/actor CAREY VAN DRIEST talking one of my most fave short films ever, SCRATCH.

First up is our prerecorded exclusive interview with RONAN JORAH and CAREY VAN DRIEST talking their devilishly delicious short film SCRATCH! What happens on a dark and stormy night in a New Jersey diner when two murders occur and a mysterious patron has a date with the Devil? Ronan Jorah weaves a mesmerizing tale utilizing all the tools in the cinematic toolbox to create a visual and aural treat, stripping away color, heightening saturation, celebrating the importance and nuance of sound, and using camera framing and focal length to immerse you in the moment. Listen as he and producer/actor Carey Van Driest talk about every element of SCRATCH, right down to the buttons on the Devil's coat and a distinctive bowler! And you can watch SCRATCH right now at www.mania.studio!

Then, cinematographer JOSH FISHER and actor ELLEN TOLAND join us live talking INSIDE THE RAIN, the feature debut of writer/director Aaron Fisher. A surprise treat and shining cinematic delight from Aaron Fisher that tells the story of Ben Glass, a young man dealing with mental illness, Aaron calls on own life experience to achieve not only emotional authenticity but to create a world in which Ben just happens to live with mental illness. Fisher keeps the film from being maudlin or mired in disease, opting to focus on Ben and the everyday foibles of life. This bodes well for some truly hilarious moments, some of which Joe Fisher (Aaron's brother) talks about as he goes in-depth on specific scenes and cinematography and the challenges of lo budget indie filmmaking, including racing against a thunder and lightning storm, last minute location change-outs, and more. Ellen adds much to the conversation from her perspective as an actor not only playing opposite Aaron (who stars as Ben) but from the perspective of being an actor to Aaron as a director. INSIDE THE RAIN also boasts an incredible supporting cast, not the least of which is Rosie Perez as Ben's therapist. While Rosie steals every scene she is in, so does Eric Roberts as a "film producer". INSIDE THE RAIN is available to watch now on VOD/Digital!

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A fun-filled episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week guaranteed to distract you from these troubled times, thanks to filmmakers SHERI SUSSMAN and JULIE PACINO, plus our exclusive interview with actor JOSH O'CONNOR!

JOSH O'CONNOR is everywhere right now. You can see him as Prince Charles in THE CROWN. You can see him as famed Jane Austen character Mr. Elton in EMMA in which he gives, what I believe is, the best and most entertaining Mr. Elton in any of the 10+ adaptations of Austen's tale. You can see him in the emotion-filled drama HOPE GAP playing son to Bill Nighy and Annette Bening. And you can hear him on #BTLRadioShow. We spoke with Josh in this exclusive interview talking about the diversity of his performances, and particularly that in HOPE GAP given the emotional complexity of the story and the cohesiveness of his character as a go-between with his parents. As Jamie, Josh pushes the envelope of his already well-heeled skillset.

Then we welcome back writer/producer SHERI SUSSMAN to #BTLRadioShow. And joining her this time is director/producer JULIE PACINO as they talk about their new short film NOWHERE TO GO. Thoughtful in story and in its presentation, Sheri and Julie go in-depth talking about the genesis of the story, their collaboration, Julie's visual influences and design (all the way through the credits!), and a key production element I find most impressive to the film, sound design.

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