Behind The Lens

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we take a step back in time with writer/director DEVON PARKS as he talks about his debut narrative feature directorial, THE RIOT ACT. Premised upon a fascinating and factual piece of history upon which Devon takes true events from the turn of the 20th Century and then hypothesizes "what if", creating a riveting tale of revenge and shifting allegiances. Take a listen as we go in-depth talking about the actual events of 1903 when locally respected and esteemed Dr. Parchman (fictionalized to "Perrauw" for the film) shot and killed his daughter to prevent her from running off with "a low life actor". (And yes, folks, he was acquitted because of his social stature.)

But before Devon joins us live, take a listen as we go back in time talking about an icon who needs no introduction, Judy Garland, and RUPERT GOOLD's new film, JUDY. Set during Garland's final stint at London's The Talk of the Town mere months before her death, thanks to award-worthy costuming, cinematography, musical arrangements, and a tour de force performance by Renee Zellweger as Judy Garland (HAND HER THE OSCAR NOW!), we are transported to a time and place we'll now only find over the rainbow. It's been 30 years since Judy Garland took us all over that rainbow into the Technicolor land of Oz. But time, pills, alcohol, husbands, have taken their toll on her. She is now broke, homeless, battling ex-husband Sid Luft to keep her children with her, and she has a reputation for unreliability. I sat down with JUDY director, acclaimed artistic theatre director RUPERT GOOLD, the perfect choice as director for this film, to talk about the elements and challenges in bringing JUDY to life. Take a listen as we talk about The Judy Garland Great American Songbook (including some fun factoids on license fees for song use), the film's cinematography as a storytelling layer and use of anamorphic lenses, framing, dutching, cranes, and more in constructing the film's visual tonal bandwidth, visual metaphor, the pros and cons of Rupert's theatre expertise in tackling a film like JUDY and, of course, Renee Zellweger.

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This is a long-awaited episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our incredible guest, entrepreneur and acclaimed documentarian BILL HANEY.

Over the decades, Bill has shined a light on numerous important issues, honing in on the personal aspects and ramifications of subjects like slave labor in the sugar cane fields of the Dominican Republic with "The Price of Sugar", or the environmentally hazardous method of mountaintop removal for coal extraction from Coal River Mountain with "The Last Mountain". But now, Bill brings us a documentary that focuses on a man but touches on mankind on a global scale. A scientist, a Nobel prize winner, a man whose multi-decades passion and commitment led him to seek, and find, a cure for cancer – JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH.

Listen to our insightful and thoughtful discussion on the making of JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH through the lens of Jim Allison's journey as a man, a son, and a scientist, as well as gain insight into Bill and some of his socially aware and affecting endeavors beyond filmmaking.

Plus, take a listen to our exclusive interview with acclaimed writer/director/editor/producer LARRY FESSENDEN talking his latest film (after a long absence from the director's chair), a 21st-century reimagination of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" with DEPRAVED.

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A very interesting episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at an important moment in history thanks to our special guest, writer/director VALERIE McCAFFREY, who joins us at the mid-point of the show talking about her new short film – DIRTY BOMB. Based on true events of WWII involving the V-2 rockets and sabotage by prisoners at Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp who were forced to manufacture the bombs, this is a little known story but one with personal resonance for Valerie. A renowned casting director, Valerie continues to dip her toe into the waters of writing and directing telling impactful and important stories. DIRTY BOMB is one of them. Listen as Valerie talks about her personal connection to this story, her research process in order to attain historical accuracy in story and in visuals, securing locations, seasonal shoots, production design and costume authenticity, and casting, particularly in casting Ido Samuel. But before Valerie joins us, take a listen to our exclusive interview with writers/directors SCOTT BECK & BRYAN WOODS as we go in-depth talking about the twisted and terrifying HAUNT!

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I'm very excited about this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome back two wonderful filmmakers, one with a new film that was just released, and the other with a film we've followed since the festival circuit which now has distribution and is available for all.

Our first guest is writer/director/producer/editor QUINCY ROSE talking about his latest film, THE NARCISSISTS. It's a true joy to have Quincy join us again. #BTLRadioShow has had the privilege of showcasing all three of Quincy's feature films and having Quincy on hand to talk about each. With a storied cinematic pedigree, this latest love letter to New York City handily shows us whom a couple of his filmmaking influences are. Take a listen as he talks about casting this four-person ensemble, crafting the dialogue, showcasing New York – and not the iconic images, but rarely seen gems, embracing "the still" of the camera while life just moves on, sound design, and of course, some exquisite jazz musical pieces.

Then, writer/director/producer MICHELE REMSEN is back talking more about her feature directorial debut, TOSS IT. Fresh off a visit to Cannes Film Festival, Michele has words for the wise when it comes to film distribution, not to mention considerations for filmmakers contemplating heading to Cannes on their own dime. Listen as Michele fills us in on her filmmaking journey and the events that have transpired since her last visit to #BTLRadioShow when TOSS IT was on the fest circuit.

But before our special guests join the fun, we've got excerpts of our exclusive interview with writer/director GAVIN HOOD as he talks about the powerful and important OFFICIAL SECRETS.

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Get ready because this is the biggest and one of the best BEHIND THE LENS shows ever! Two hours of guests coming at you!

First up is JASON AXINN, director/editor of the killer graphic novel style animated TO YOUR LAST DEATH. Calling live from London fresh off the film's World Premiere, Jason talks about everything from the 2D hand-drawn animation to voice casting (William Shatner!!), to creating the visual look and meld of animated graphic novel styles, developing character and more. Not only Jason's first feature directorial, but first animated feature, Jason is candid about the journey to bring TO YOUR LAST DEATH to life.

Next up is writer/director JUSTIN WARD who talks about his charming and fun new film RELISH. Known for his outstanding documentary work over the years (particularly "Inside the UFC", "UFC TV", and over 400 hours of sports programming), you'll be as amazed as I to hear Justin talk about completing principal shooting in only NINE DAYS! Justin goes in-depth talking about cinematographer Bryan Koss and the development of the film's visual tonal bandwidth and suiting it to the story themes; casting an incredibly talented ensemble of young actors and developing individual traits while defying character tropes, Eric Swanson's editing, and the talented Rio Mangini doing double duty as one of the film's ensemble leads and composer of the film's score.

At the midpoint of the show, STEVE LEE, sound editor/guru and founder of the HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM, is back with us for the third or fourth time filling us in on the upcoming "Movie Sound Appreciation Event" in support of the Museum being held on September 8th at Scum & Villany Cantina in Hollywood, California. And how about this bit of irony for you - Academy Award winning sound editor Mark Mangini (and a former guest on #BTLRadioShow) will be doing a Q&A at the September 8th event. And if the name "Mangini" sounds familiar, it's because we just finished talking about Mark's son Rio and his work on RELISH!

Second half of the show finds writer/director /documentarian JANICE ENGEL on hand talking about her latest documentary, the kick-ass, RAISE HELL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS. For those unfamiliar with Ivins, get ready for a real ride with the documentary and hearing about Janice's journey in telling Molly's story.

Wrapping up the show is our exclusive interview with ANGEL HAS FALLEN director RIC ROMAN WAUGH as he talks about turning the franchise on its ear and taking a new tact with the story and character development, while almost doubling the action sequences! Plus, hear some thoughts from Gerard Butler, Nick Nolte, 2nd Unit Director Vic Armstrong, and Stunt Coordinator Greg Powell on Ric and the AHF franchise.

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Get ready because this is the biggest and one of the best BEHIND THE LENS shows ever! Two hours of guests coming at you!

First up is JASON AXINN, director/editor of the killer graphic novel style animated TO YOUR LAST DEATH. Calling live from London fresh off the film's World Premiere, Jason talks about everything from the 2D hand-drawn animation to voice casting (William Shatner!!), to creating the visual look and meld of animated graphic novel styles, developing character and more. Not only Jason's first feature directorial, but first animated feature, Jason is candid about the journey to bring TO YOUR LAST DEATH to life.

Next up is writer/director JUSTIN WARD who talks about his charming and fun new film RELISH. Known for his outstanding documentary work over the years (particularly "Inside the UFC", "UFC TV", and over 400 hours of sports programming), you'll be as amazed as I to hear Justin talk about completing principal shooting in only NINE DAYS! Justin goes in-depth talking about cinematographer Bryan Koss and the development of the film's visual tonal bandwidth and suiting it to the story themes; casting an incredibly talented ensemble of young actors and developing individual traits while defying character tropes, Eric Swanson's editing, and the talented Rio Mangini doing double duty as one of the film's ensemble leads and composer of the film's score.

At the midpoint of the show, STEVE LEE, sound editor/guru and founder of the HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM, is back with us for the third or fourth time filling us in on the upcoming "Movie Sound Appreciation Event" in support of the Museum being held on September 8th at Scum & Villany Cantina in Hollywood, California. And how about this bit of irony for you - Academy Award winning sound editor Mark Mangini (and a former guest on #BTLRadioShow) will be doing a Q&A at the September 8th event. And if the name "Mangini" sounds familiar, it's because we just finished talking about Mark's son Rio and his work on RELISH!

Second half of the show finds writer/director /documentarian JANICE ENGEL on hand talking about her latest documentary, the kick-ass, RAISE HELL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS. For those unfamiliar with Ivins, get ready for a real ride with the documentary and hearing about Janice's journey in telling Molly's story.

Wrapping up the show is our exclusive interview with ANGEL HAS FALLEN director RIC ROMAN WAUGH as he talks about turning the franchise on its ear and taking a new tact with the story and character development, while almost doubling the action sequences! Plus, hear some thoughts from Gerard Butler, Nick Nolte, 2nd Unit Director Vic Armstrong, and Stunt Coordinator Greg Powell on Ric and the AHF franchise.

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS we are joined by writer/director SAM ZALUTSKY talking about his new potboiler, SEASIDE. Plus, we shine a light on two extraordinary young actors – EMMA NELSON and ANNA PNIOWSKY – with our exclusive interviews with each.

Take a listen to writer/director SAM ZALUTSKY, who joins us live, talking about his new film SEASIDE. Set and shot on the Oregon Coast, Sam wades in deep talking about the film's metaphor of "dangerous beauty" within both story and visuals, the challenges of shooting and dealing with tides, plus lighting issues when caves are involved and natural lighting is the goal.

First up is EMMA NELSON who goes toe-to-toe with Cate Blanchett in Richard Linklater's latest film, WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE. Emma's first feature film finds her not only playing Blanchett's daughter in this quirky, fun journey, but shooting on the ocean off the coast of Greenland, riding in Zodiacs being operated by co-star Billy Crudup, and having a stunt double. Engaging and enthusiastic, hear the pride in Emma's voice as she talks about school and the importance of keeping her grades up, and her interest in all the workings of making a film.

And then we hear from ANNA PNIOWSKY and the intensity of her work with writer/director Casey Affleck in the two-hander LIGHT OF MY LIFE. Known best for her lighter work in the Hulu series "Pen15", here Anna brings a confidence and maturity to her role as "Rag", daughter to Affleck's "Dad", in LIGHT OF MY LIFE. Listen as Anna talks about the challenges of the role and its internalization, the excellence of Affleck as a director and acting partner, and creating the all-important father-daughter bond upon which the film rises and falls. Another young actor enthusiastic and excited about her craft!

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS we take an in-depth look at a slow burn neo-noir thriller, plus the long-awaited big screen adaptation of Alvin Schwartz's beloved book series, SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK.

Take a listen to writer/director LISE RAVEN and actor FRANK BRUCKNER as they go deep into the making of SNAELAND. Character-driven and starring Bruckner and Emily Behr, SNAELAND was shot completely on location in Iceland and Berlin. From conception to character to casting to cinematography to sound, no stone is left unturned in our discussion. Presenting the unique challenge of sunlight 24/7, Lise provides great filmmaking insight into tackling this aspect of the production, including camera and lens selection, while Frank talks about how 24-hour daylight impacted not only him as an actor but in influencing his approach to his character. Lise also provides economical and ecological tips for minimizing the film's carbon footprint in Iceland while also navigating permits and travel of equipment.

And hear our exclusive interview with director Andre Ordeval as he talks about SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK, most notably the intertwining of sound and production design, plus the importance of bringing Stephen Gammell's acclaimed book illustrations to life on film.

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An interesting blend of films and guests this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we talk with athlete MILLAN LUDENA, producer JEFF BRAND, writer/director/editor ESME VON HOFFMAN, and hear some more of our exclusive with writer/director GUY NATTIV on SKIN.

After the tragic events of the weekend with two more mass shootings in the United States, we shuffled up the show in order to bring you some more of our exclusive interview with SKIN writer/director, GUY NATTIV. With every passing day, we are reminded in some heinous fashion or other of the long-simmering violence and hatred stemming from racism and white supremacism across this country and beyond. No longer something "hidden" or not discussed, these issues are at the forefront of the conversation in today's world. And that is what makes Guy Nattiv's SKIN the most timely and topical film in America right now. We've been talking about SKIN for several weeks and you heard our full interview with JAMIE BELL who plays former white supremacist Bryon Widner several weeks ago. In telling Widner's story, Nattiv takes us into the world of a tight-knit supremacist group and into the mindse of Widner, who gave full access and rights to his story to Nattiv. What makes SKIN so powerful is not only its authenticity and truth, but that Bryon Widner saw the error of the ways of white supremacy and chose to leave. In today's interview excerpts, listen as Nattiv talks about writing the script and some of the challenges he faced, as well as designing the visual tone of the film and shooting some large set pieces, including staging the Neo-Nazi rally which opens the film.

Then we switch gears and take a look at a triumphant story with the documentary, FROM CORE TO SUN, as athlete MILLAN LUDENA and producer JEFF BRAND join us live from Ecuador. (Pardon us, but because of the phone logistics, our connection is not the best during this interview.) FROM CORE TO THE SUN chronicles Millan's journey to become a Guinness World Record holder as he attempts to run a half marathon inside the deepest part of the world, the Mponeng Mine (3,563M below the earth's surface) in South Africa and then traveling back to his home country of Ecuador to run a half marathon towards the closest point to the sun on the planet, the peak of Mt. Chimborazo (6,280M). While Millan gives some insight into his experience and thoughts, particularly interesting is the input from Jeff who talks about some of the logistic shooting challenges in the severest conditions on earth, as well as dealing and complying with the Guinness organization. Plus, find out how you can enter to win an incredible trip associated with the film!

Rounding out the show we shift gears with a cross between Ancient Rome and modern-day Detroit with writer/director/editor ESME VON HOFFMAN who is live talking about her directorial debut film, OVID AND THE ART OF LOVE. An original and entertaining film, listen as Esme talks about the renowned Roman poet Ovid as her inspiration for the film and her journey leading to the film's world premiere on August 10th, from ancient Roman hair and costume design to the Detroit locations and utilization of public art spaces, to a blend of oration and slam poetry, to casting talent like Corbin Bleu and John Savage, to a telling use of color, lensing and lighting. Plus, the timeless sociopolitical similarities between 31BCE and the rule of Emperor Augustus, and the 21st century and the current state of affairs.

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Jam-packed is an understatement when it comes to this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to special guests writer/director RICK ALVERSON, actor KIRBY BLISS BLANTON, and producer DRAKE DOREMUS!

Kicking off #BTLRadioShow we're talking about ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD, truly Quentin Tarantino's love letter to Hollywood and specifically, the memorable year 1969. Hands down my fave Tarantino film, he has truly outdone himself on every level to deliver a masterpiece. And what about casting? Brad Pitt's best role and best performance in many a year, and possibly the best of his career. But be on the lookout for scene-stealing Julia Butters who is truly cinematic gold. Take a listen as I discuss the movie at length paying attention to cinematography, color, some fun action sequences, the integral importance of the beloved Musso & Frank's, and more.

Shifting gears from the glory and fun of Tarantino, how about the glory of a film starring Jeff Goldblum and Tye Sheridan? Writer/Director RICK ALVERSON is live talking THE MOUNTAIN. Spellbinding, thought-provoking, and compelling, Rick discusses in rich detailed analysis, the narrative of film and breaking the traditional narrative through story construct, visuals, and performance; and what better film to explore this with than THE MOUNTAIN which is loosely based on Dr. Walter Freeman, a doctor who travelled the country promoting and performing lobotomies (Freeman famously performed the lobotomy on Rosemary Kennedy). And talk about performance? Goldblum is solid gold as the doctor. Listen as we talk about the visual design and bandwidth of the film.

And then actor KIRBY BLISS BLANTON joins us talking about her two current films – RING RING and WISH MAN. Last week we heard from RING RING writer/director Adam Marino, and a few weeks ago actor Andrew Steel was with us talking about his starring role in WISH MAN. Now we get to hear from Kirby. Take a listen as we talk about both films (even a little bit on her early tv work on "Hannah Montana"), the respective characters and the similarities and differences between not only the characters but with Kirby herself, tapping into attitude of a character, physical demands of certain roles like that in RING RING, and so much more.

Rounding out the show is DRAKE DOREMUS. Normally we'd be talking with Drake about his work as a writer/director, but this time he's here in his capacity as producer of the documentary LOVE, ANTOSHA. A loving tribute and look at the life of Anton Yelchin, whose life was cut short too soon, LOVE, ANTOSHA makes your heart smile as we move through Anton's life and hear from him and about him through his many written diaries, his films, home movies, photographs, cards and letters, interviews with friends and family alike (particularly his mother whose love for her son just fills the film).

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