Behind The Lens

It's a bit of a mix and match on BEHIND THE LENS this episode as writer/director DAVID GUY LEVY joins us live talking about his latest film THE MANDELA EFFECT, the story of a man who, following a personal tragedy, becomes obsessed with facts and the misremembering of them by thousands of people. Listen as David talks about the development of the story and visually bringing a questioning of reality to the screen.

Plus, listen to our exclusive interview with writer/director JESSICA HAUSNER as she talks about the hypnotic (and deliciously creepy) LITTLE JOE! Our discussion digs deep into Jessica's use of color, cinematography, social issues and themes, and more.

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A fun-filled episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we take to the stage with ALEX RUIZ and VINCE GIOVANNI talking about their new play opening this week in Los Angeles – OVER TIME. But first, a bit of devilish fun thanks to our exclusive interview with composer NATHAN JOHNSON talking KNIVES OUT!!

First up is our exclusive interview with KNIVES OUT composer NATHAN JOHNSON. One of my Best Picture picks of the year, writer/director Rian Johnson delivers a flawless whodunnit thanks to superb casting, a rapier script, even sharper dialogue, and a score by Nathan that dances with the dialogue as if performing its own saber dance. The score is akin to "gothic whimsy" and tells its own chapters within this delicious film which only add to each character through themes and musical motifs. Listen as Nathan and I talk about not only the fun of this KNIVES OUT score, but its stylization a la the masters of the cinematic past – Waxman, Steiner, Herrmann, Alford, and Skinner – with not only the composition itself but the orchestration and instrumentation (most notably, strings and woodwinds), employing musical designs bending notes and using the Hungarian scale, developing individual themes for each character and the considerations and challenges with each, as well as Nathan's own reflections of his journey as a composer and working with his cousin Rian Johnson as they went from the early days of banging cabinets with mallets to create the sound of drums and using glasses for strong sounds thanks to no money to KNIVES OUT and recording at Abbey Road with a full orchestra.

Hilarity ensues when we are joined live by ALEX RUIZ and VINCE GIOVANNI. Alex is already a favorite #BTLRadioShow guest having been in-studio prior for his then-series "Quien es Quien?", but he now brings his collaborative partner and co-star Vince into the mix thanks to their new comedy play, OVER TIME. And what a mix it is!! While beyond fun, these two are passionate about their craft as is evidenced during our discussion. Co-writers, co-producers, and co-stars of OVER TIME, it is obvious that without the chemistry and friendship Alex and Vince have, a play like OVER TIME could not occur. Set on Super Bowl Sunday in Michigan, this is a tale of four friends gathered together for the big game, during which conversations and revelations about life bubble to the forefront in comedic fashion. You'll love listening to these two as they talk about the challenges of writing and performing OVER TIME, much of which revolves around a surprise twist in the play – which they reveal for the first time on #BTLRadioShow, bringing in a female director – Eliza Hayes Maher, the collaborative balance that comes thanks to Vince's strengths in theatre and Alex's on the big and small screens, stage versus screen, and could OVER TIME become a travelling roadshow! OVER TIME opens December 5 at the Stephanie Feury Theatre in Los Angeles and runs December 5, 6, 7 and again on December 12, 13, and 14. All shows at 8pm!

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS we honor International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women thanks to our special guest w/d JARET MARTINO and his new film DONNA: STRONGER THAN PRETTY! based on the story of Jaret's own mother, Donna, we go in-depth into his multi-journey crafting this film and telling his mother's story with as much honesty and compassion as possible. From a dedicated cast, many of whom stayed with the film since the first table read more than five years ago, to shooting at 50+ locations, to the magic of shooting with Black Magic's Ursa mini camera, to camera lens selection for establishing distinctive visual tone between decades, and so much more, Jaret more than delivers and discusses his first directorial feature.

But first, take a listen to our exclusive interview with director TODD HAYNES as we talk about the powerful "Must See" film of the year - DARK WATERS. The story of attorney Rob Bilott and the Taft Law Firm and their decades-long battle (still going on today) on behalf of the residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia against Dupont Chemical Company. A landmark case that exposed Dupont's actions to the world with their use of the C8 chemical compound in so many products, most particularly Teflon and Teflon-coated products, and their contaminating disposal of it into the waters and lands of Parkersburg, this is a story that has global impact. Bottom line - Dupont KNEW about the dangers of C8, failed to disclose it, and continued to use it. How many of you have or have ever used a Teflon product, be it carpet, clothing, cookware, or more? If the answer is yes, then you have C8 in your body. With a collaborative production team that includes his long-time cinematographer Ed Lachman, along with production designer Hannah Beachler fresh from Wakanda, Todd speaks to the importance of the story and in "getting it right" while immersing the audience in the world of attorney Rob Bilott and the people of Parkersburg through location, lighting, lensing, and production design.

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Another jam-packed week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guests writer/director ANDREW LYMAN-CLARKE and writers/directors DAVID BAKER and JUSTIN R. SMITH.

But first, take a listen to our exclusive interview with filmmakers JOE & ANTHONY RUSSO! Not ones to sit on their laurels with the MCU, Joe and Anthony have expanded their cinematic endeavors with their new company AGBO Films. Creating a mecca for collaboration and mentorship for writers, directors, producers, editors, and more, not to mention an expanse fully equipped with stages, post-production facilities, and in-house screening rooms, the aim of AGBO is to create thoughtful stories and quality films. The first film produced by the Russos under the AGBO banner is 21 BRIDGES starring Chadwick Boseman who also serves as a "boots on the ground" producer. We go in-depth talking about 21 BRIDGES, and their all-inclusive involvement with the production, bringing in veteran cinematographer Paul Cameron, first-time feature helmer Brian Kirk, long-time collaborator composer Henry Jackman, working with scribe Matt Carnahan, the power and magic of Boseman, casting, and more.

Then writer/director ANDREW LYMAN-CLARKE joins us live talking about his new film NIGHT SWEATS. Inspired by true events, Andrew draws us into the world of an average everyday Joe named Yuri who watches his friend suddenly die from a mysterious illness akin to Mad Cow Disease. Yuri's questioning of the "how" and "why" of the death only intensifies as others start dying while he exhibits debilitating symptoms himself.

Rounding out the show are writers/directors DAVID BAKER and JUSTIN R. SMITH talking their powerful new documentary SAVING ATLANTIS, focusing on the importance of coral reefs around the world and the adverse effects of global warming on their health and existence. Diving right into the project, David and Justin talk about their own filmmaking learning curve with this documentary given they had to not only learn how to scuba dive but obtain scientific certification.

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Hold on to your hats boys and girls because this week on BEHIND THE LENS we're going from the race track of 1960's Le Mans to a modern-day Western thanks to GRAHAM PHILLIPS and PARKER PHILLIPS, and our exclusive interview with PHEDON PAPAMICHAEL.

First up, take a listen to our prerecorded exclusive interview with Oscar-nominated cinematographer PHEDON PAPAMICHAEL as he puts the pedal to the metal with FORD V FERRARI. Focusing on the friendship between legendary automotive designer Carroll Shelby and British race car driver Ken Miles, the film is set against the backdrop of the battle between automotive titans Henry Ford Jr. and Enzo Ferrari as Ford readied itself to compete against Ferrari's award-winning racing team at Le Mans in 1966. Key to the high octane success of the film is Phedon's work as he puts the moviegoer in the driver's seat of the race car, making us feel the car corner on rails or catch the sun flares rounding critical course turns.

And then we shift gears as we welcome GRAHAM PHILLIPS, "Prince Eric" himself from Disney"s "Little Mermaid Live!" tv special, and his brother PARKER PHILLIPS to talk about their new feature collaboration THE BYGONE. Co-written and co-directed by the brothers with Graham also starring in the film, THE BYGONE is an ode to the old westerns but more truthful in fact and events. Listen as we discuss the similarities of the oil pipelines and fracking occurring in North Dakota today with the Gold Rush of old while exploring the fate of Native Americans both then and now with the fate of the "Cowboys and Indians" tied together. With this serving as a backdrop to the film, with this story Parker and Graham explore the lawlessness that comes with the territory of greed and how it turns brother on brother and opens the door to the sex trade in the remote oil regions.

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As we are reminded on this week's BEHIND THE LENS, high school is hell and so is adulthood - but both situations provide plenty of laughter and fun when viewed through the lenses of DAYBREAK and WELCOME HOME and their incredible creators.

First up is our exclusive interview with ARON ELI COLEITE, showrunner/creator/writer/Executive Producer of the new Netflix hit - DAYBREAK.  I can't say enough about DAYBREAK!  It is beyond bingeable!   It's the end of the world as we know it and I love it!  This is true "Must See Streaming TV"!  Think "Mad Max" meets "Waterworld" meets "Buffy" meets "Bueller" with a dash of "Warm Bodies" and "Revenge of the Nerds" thrown in.  And yes, Aron and company do remind us all that high school is hell and you're lucky to get out alive, but it's done with heart, humor, and hilarity.  A

And after celebrating surviving high school and the end of the world, we turn our attention to the hell of adulthood with the creators and cast of the hilarious comedy series WELCOME HOME - BOBBY CHASE, JUSTIN ALVIS, and DANIEL B. MARTIN.   Now in their 30's, a group of lifelong BFF's are forced to move back home with their parents. Still stuck in high school mentality but tossed out into the real world, this is the most dysfunctional bunch of 30-somethings you've ever seen!  One of the wonderful aspects of this series is that no matter how inept you think you are or how messed up your own life is, this gang will not only make you laugh but have you thinking that maybe your life isn't so bad after all.  Bobby, Justin, and Dan are not only co-writers and co-directors, but they also all star in the series.  Take a listen as the boys talk about the genesis of the show, casting a series with over sixty speaking parts, the benefits of stage actors with a dialogue heavy and think on your feet production, production challenges, and of course, their collaborative camaraderie both on and off screen.  Funny onscreen and just as entertaining off!  You're gonna love listening to this triumvirate!

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Catch up with this week's exciting #BTLRadioShow as we travel the globe and take a look at history and culture in India through the lens of Michelin Star Chef turned film director VIKAS KHANNA talking THE LAST COLOR, while mother-daughter dynamic filmmaking duo SWATI BHISE and DEVIKA BHISE talk THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI. Plus, exclusive interviews with DEON TAYLOR and DAN KRAUSS who talk about their films, BLACK AND BLUE and THE KILL TEAM, respectively.

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It's a fun episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we talk aliens and alcohol and SPINNING DRY with our special guests JAMES DUVAL, JAMES AVALLONE, and ELANA KRAUSZ.

Before being joined by our guests, we kick off the show talking about the DOWNTOWN LA FILM FESTIVAL and some of the films that will be screening at the Fest, including INSIDE GAME which we showcased last week on #BTLRadioShow with director Randall Batinkoff.

First up is actor JAMES DUVAL talking about his latest film, SPINNING DRY. Set over the course of one day and night we meet Jimmy's character of Norm, a military veteran and the gardener's son, and Sam played by Elana Krausz, "alcoholic Hollywood mother and five-time ex-housewife who is also an alien abductee." The two bond of alcohol and aliens, but not without a lot of soul searching, personal problems, and reflection. You probably know Jimmy best as "Miguel" in the 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day", but he has done so much more since then, working continuously primarily on episodic tv and indie films, including SPINNING DRY which has its premiere at #DTLAFF. And the irony isn't lost on the fact that since that early ID role, Jimmy has periodically had more encounters with aliens and does so again with SPINNING DRY. An absolute delight, listen as we talk about his career, some of his roles over the years, and the making of SPINNING DRY for which he also serves as a producer and collaborator with co-directors JAMES AVALLONE and ELANA KRAUSZ.

As a bonus for all, Jimmy sticks around to continue our conversation as JAMES AVALLONE and ELANA KRAUSZ join the fun. And fun it is. Just listening to these three talents engage gives you more than an idea of the behind-the-scenes collaboration and camaraderie and how that translated on-screen. In a word, beautifully. Listen as Jimmy and Elana go in-depth talking about wearing multiple hats during the production with the added weight of being on screen in virtually every scene of a dialogue-heavy film, while all three talk about the technical aspects of the production from cinematography to cranes to night shoots to shooting in one location and coming up with creative ways to lens to vary shots and hold the interest of the audience, and so much more. So technically astute on production, don't be surprised if we see JAMES DUVALL step behind the camera and direct a film in the future.

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It's a day full of surprises on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guests, director RANDALL BATINKOFF and writer/director NANCY GOODMAN.

First up is actor turned director, RANDALL BATINKOFF, who is back for his third appearance on #BTLRadioShow! This time he's here talking about his latest film, INSIDE GAME, the betting scandal that rocked the NBA! In 2007, Tim Donaghy, James "Baba" Battista, and Tommy Martino, best friends since their days of shooting hoops at Cardinal O'Hara High School in suburban Philadelphia, were arrested and prosecuted for one of the biggest scandals to rock the NBA. Donaghy was a respected NBA referee. Battista was a big-time bookie with mob connections in the Havertown area outside Philly. Tommy Martino was the "go-between" between Battista and Donaghy, the latter who was providing coded inside info on multiple NBA games and through these schemes of Battista and Donaghy, was attempting to control the point spread of games. Ironically, the NBA was not aware of Donaghy's own betting until it came out during a widespread organized crime investigation by the FBI. While a documentary of this sordid tale was previously made, a narrative feature was never ventured. Enter writer Andy Callahan and Batinkoff who introduce us to Tim, Baba, and Tommy, perfectly played by Eric Mabius, Will Sasso, and Scott Wolf, respectively.

Then writer/director NANCY GOODMAN joins us talking about her new film SURPRISE ME!. Inspired by Nancy's own life, SURPRISE ME! is the story of Genie Burns, surprise party planner extraordinaire. And while her business may be going swimmingly and always has her thinking outside the box, her personal life is calculated, safe, and sheltered. . .that is until she meets Jeff and throws away her "rule book". Madness and mayhem result along with wonderful life lessons about the surprises that life hands you.

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS we look to the stars and into the past as we take another look at THE RIOT ACT with two very special guests, plus an excerpt from our exclusive interview with the director of LUCY IN THE SKY.

First up, take a listen to an excerpt from our exclusive interview with director NOAH HAWLEY as he talks about LUCY IN THE SKY starring Natalie Portman and Jon Hamm. Noah's first foray into the world of narrative features after a very successful career as a television writer ("Legion", "Fargo", "Bones") and sometimes director ("Fargo"), his direction and vision is solid; he takes some visual risks with aspect ratio as a means to further immerse the audience into the story and the mind of astronaut Lucy Cola who is experiencing an existential crisis and descent into madness following her latest mission into space and spacewalk.

Then we've got a big welcome for actor MICAH HAUPTMAN who returns to #BTLRadioShow almost four years to the day, this time talking about THE RIOT ACT. Last week, writer/director Devon Parks joined us to talk about the film which is also based on a true story that occurred at the turn of the 20th Century. Always a joy, Micah talks character, costume, and more! And no sooner do we have Micah, than veteran actor BRETT CULLEN is on hand talking about his starring role in THE RIOT ACT, the importance of production detail, collaborating with his director, his storied career, advice for young actors and, of course, "Joker" in which he plays Bruce Wayne's father.

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