Behind The Lens

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we dig deep into what lies beneath Guy Nattiv's new film SKIN with an exclusive interview with JAMIE BELL. A brutally visceral and emotionally powerful film, SKIN is based on the true story of a young man trying to leave a Neo-Nazi supremacist group and start a better life for himself. Beyond timely and topical in today's volatile sociopolitically charged climate, Jamie pulls no punches as he talks about the film and finding the truth within his character, Bryan Widner. Listen as Jamie talks about producer Oren Moverman and coming on board this project, working with director Guy Nattiv, discussions with Widner as a means to ensure the authenticity of the story and Widner's journey, as well as walking the emotional line of a man leaving one life behind for a different future. And although this is a very heavy dramatic film, Jamie regales us with some lighter moments of working with "Boss", a very talented and very large Rottweiler.

Then writer/director/editor ADAM MARINO joins us live at the midpoint of the show talking about his new film RING RING. A thriller with a side of terror, Adam goes in-depth about his casting process – including nabbing the original Hulk – Lou Ferrigno – as both a producer and actor, location scouting and finding the perfect house and making it a character in the film, cinematography, the score and finding the balance within the film, sequel potential, and more! And what about those MCU reveals at Comic-Con, not to mention AVENGERS: ENDGAME truly becoming king of the box office world!

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It's a day of lions and orcas and surfers, oh my, on BEHIND THE LENS as this week we go from Pride Rock to the Seven Seas as we take a look at three incredible films - THE LION KING, LONG GONE WILD, and BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE.

First up, take a listen to what director Jon Favreau had to say at the recent press conference about the VR and gaming system technologies that brought THE LION KING to life.  And composer Hans Zimmer answers my question on the majesty of the film's score and its orchestration.

Then, writer/director AARON LIEBER joins us live talking about his new documentary, BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE, as we go beyond Bethany's story of losing her arm to a shark in 2003 only to come back and surf again. Listen as Aaron talks about the genesis of the documentary, his love of surfing and what draws him to these films (now his third surfer film), developing the throughline and story while insuring the voice of the film is that of Bethany, culling through some 500 hours of archival materials for the first half of the film and then shooting the second half, editing, and more.

Rounding out the show is writer/director and author WILLIAM NEIL talking about his new doc, LONG GONE WILD. We heard a lot about whales in captivity as the result of BLACKFISH, and we saw a lot of changes, but listen as Bill talks about what's happening now, what more have we learned, and what more we can do as the battle for sanctuary for these beautiful cetaceans continues, particularly given the increasing marine theme parks and orcas in captivity in China. 

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It's all about the trials and tribulations of family and the human condition this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at two distinctly different films – DESOLATE and SWORD OF TRUST – and two distinctly different approaches to filmmaking.

First up, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with writer/director LYNN SHELTON as she talks about her new film, SWORD OF TRUST. Always a laugh-filled joy to speak with Lynn, we kick off our conversation talking about her directorial lessons learned over the past few years while focusing on episodic television versus feature films and now her return to the humor of her earlier works like "Humpday".

And then writer/director FREDERICK CIPOLETTI joins us live talking about his new film DESOLATE, a story that focuses on farmers decimated by drought, turning their farm, the town, and community to the brink of collapse while allowing conflict, crime, and violence to erupt as each struggles to survive. Take a listen as Frederick talks about how California's drought served as the inspiration for this story, working with cinematographer Isaac Bauman to create a beautiful visual tone that embraces the browns and golds of dead crops and dry lands while blue-ebony night skies and tight framing metaphorically serve to showcase the uncertainty and unknown of what's to come, casting, detailed sound design, editing, and more.

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Today on BEHIND THE LENS we're looking at two distinctly different films, both with a theme of "home invasion" of sorts.

First up, we'll hear from GREG KINNEAR as he talks about making his directorial debut with PHIL. Although Greg wanted to appear live on #BTLRadioShow, due to his production schedule, we had to do a prerecord exclusive interview for today's show. Not only directing in PHIL but starring in it, this is a real eye-opener as Greg is quite candid about his insecurity going into the project, his attention to detail, working with incredible collaborators, casting, and the challenges of directing and acting. Plus, some insight into three other films Greg has opening this year! A sparkling cinematic gem, PHIL hits theatres July 5.

Then, take a listen to our exclusive interview with director ORSON OBLOWITZ talking about his new film opening July 12 - TRESPASSERS. A true home invasion thriller, Orson and I dig deep into creating atmosphere, selecting the perfect location, cinematography, scoring, casting, and a particularly effective manicured performance from Fairuza Balk.

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An exciting day on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome and congratulate, fresh off his Sunday night win, ANDREW GIBSON, writer/director/editor of the Dances With Films Grand Jury Prize winner GUTTERBUG!!

Plus, writer/director JOSH HUBER joins the fun talking his latest film MAKING BABIES, the genesis of the film, working with the hilarious Steve Howey, establishing the tone, and more.

AND, hear from PAVAROTTI sound mixer extraordinaire CHRIS JENKINS in our exclusive prerecorded interview as he talks about working with Ron Howard and sound mixing with Dolby Atmos!

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS we take an up close and personal look at two narrative features making their World Premiere at DANCES WITH FILMS, plus it's all about Forky with Disney and Pixar's TOY STORY 4!

Joining us LIVE in the first half of the show is Writer/Director BRETT BENTMAN who's on hand to talk about his new film 90 FEET FROM HOME which makes its world premiere at DWF on June 20th. An emotionally powerful film that draws you in from beginning to end, take a listen as Brett talks about bringing this true story to the big screen, the film's themes, the challenges of finding the perfect cast (which he has done beautifully) and what each brings to their respective roles and the film as a whole (more Shawn Michaels, Adam Hampton, and Thom Hallum, please!), Anthony Gutierrez' rich cinematography and their collaborative influences for the film's visual tonal bandwidth, and more!

And then Writer/Director/Editor/Cinematographer MARCUS MIZELLE is back with us LIVE talking about his new film CHAMELEON which also makes its world premiere at DANCES WITH FILMS on the 22nd. Last time Marcus was on #BTLRadioShow we talked about the comedy "Actor For Hire". This time it's the thriller CHAMELEON.  While we devote plenty of time to Marcus' crafting of CHAMELEON with casting and cinematography, editing, an intricate timeline that fuels the tension and the story twists and turns, sound, and the film's score, Marcus also gives great insight based on his experience in the film industry.  Having worked on set in a multiplicity of capacities, honing his skills as he moved into directing, Marcus talks about the value of getting on set and doing whatever job there is and learning the ropes.  He's got some wonderful words to say about working with the late great cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, as well as one of my favorite people, director Ric Roman Waugh.

But before Brett and Marcus join us, we're talking TOY STORY 4. I've said it before and I'll say it again, TOY STORY 4 is perfection!! And we'll talk a bit about why, plus hear from Tony Hale with his thoughts on voicing one of the new additions to the world of TOY STORY - FORKY!

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It's all about DANCES WITH FILMS FILM FESTIVAL this week on BEHIND THE LENS, and most particularly, the opening night gala presentation, APPLE SEED.

Now in its 22nd year, DANCES WITH FILMS is truly one of the last celebrations of independent film and the creativity and struggle that goes into making a film and seeing it through to a big screen appearance. Known for showcasing films which are traditionally lo budget/no budget/micro budget, DWF shines a light on filmmakers who know how to tell emotionally and visually appealing stories while getting the most bang from their limited budget bucks. The festival is once again held at the TCL Chinese 6 complex at Hollywood & Highland in the heart of Hollywood and runs from June 13-23, 2019. Take a listen as I talk about some of my early faves in the festival, most notably: 90 FEET FROM HOME, the dark comedy DRIVEN, BLOWING UP RIGHT NOW, WHERE WE DISAPPEAR and WOWZERS.

But then our attention turns to the DWF Opening Night Gala film – APPLE SEED. From writer/director/actor MICHAEL WORTH, APPLE SEED takes on particular poignancy; not only because of its charm and celebration of Americana and the journeys each of us face in life, but because of the film's star – RANCE HOWARD. A veteran character actor with almost 300 films and tv shows to his credit before his passing in 2017, Rance is a familiar face to all, and not just because he is father to Ron and Clint and grandfather to Bryce. But with APPLE SEED, this is the first time Rance has been the lead actor in a film – and, the first time he has ever appeared with his son Clint where they played father and son. I spoke exclusively with RON HOWARD several weeks ago, and call it serendipity or a gift from the movie gods, but Ron and the whole Howard family had seen an earlier cut of APPLE SEED, so we were able to talk about the film, his dad, and director Michael Worth. And as you'll hear, I had the privilege of telling him the film would be opening DWF. Take a listen to our conversation about APPLE SEED and see if you don't get a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye listening to Ron. But then, I spoke with CLINT HOWARD who was an open book filled with joy, laughter, energy,and love as he talked about his dad, working with him on APPLE SEED, Ron as a director and a brother, advice and anecdotes from Rance, Clint's own thoughts on acting, and so much more. What you hear now are excerpts of our conversation culled down from two hours of fabulous fun with Clint.

Following on the heels of the Howard brothers' thoughts, MICHAEL WORTH joins us live talking about the seed of an idea that blossomed into APPLE SEED, the "road trip", casting, cinematography, editing, score and music needle drops and, of course, the 20/20 hindsight of Rance and Clint together as father and son and this final film being Rance's first lead role.

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Summer kicks off with a bang this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at three winning films and speak with their gifted filmmakers who are not only good storytellers, but really good guys. And here's a bonus for you – all three films open in theatres this week on June 7!

First up, take a listen to our exclusive interview with RON HOWARD talking about his new documentary, PAVAROTTI! The film is, in a word, Bellisimo! Exquisitely told and emotionally beauteous, the detail and depth with which Ron Howard tells the story of the man behind the voice is not only told with an objective eye, but a caring one. By film's end, one feels as if they know "Luciano", that they sat at the table and ate pasta with him, shared laughs. Listen as Ron talks about the research and assimilation of archival materials and the technical challenges presented with the use of old footage and recordings, gathering interviews, finding a throughline and working with his editor Paul Crowder, opting for sound mix in Dolby Atmos and the genius of sound recording mixer Chris Jenkins, not to mention selecting very specific arias for which Pavarotti is best known and then using them to highlight moments of Pavarotti's live versus the chronology of performance.

Then writer/director MICHAEL MELSKI joins us live talking about his new film, THE CHILD REMAINS. Based on the true story of the "Butterbox Babies" and the surrounding legend that has permeated not only Canadian folklore, but Scottish and Irish as well, Michael crafts a chilling tale steeped in ambient cinematographic excellence.

Rounding out the show, Australian actor ANDREW STEEL is with us live talking about his first North American feature, WISH MAN. You'll quickly hear why Andrew is just one more reason why we love Australia. Classically theatre trained and with a successful career in Australia primarily on stage with the Australian Shakespeare Company and in television, Andrew makes the leap to the United States with the story of Frank Shankwitz, the man who founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Handpicked by Shankwitz to be the man to depict him on screen, the stars seem to have perfectly aligned for Andrew who is also known for his own philanthropic endeavors, namely the international film festival Flicks4Change.org and its offshoot, Scripts4Change.org. Listen as Andrew talks about WISH MAN, his serendipitous meeting with Shankwitz and how the role came to him, developing the character through working with writer/director Theo Davies and Shankwitz, nailing a midwestern US accent and learning to ride a motorcycle, working with veteran actors Fay Masterson, Danny Trejo, Frank Whalley, Kirby Bliss Stanton, Carey Scott, Dale Dickey, Bruce Davison and, in the coolest cameos possible, Robert Pine and Larry Wilcox, and more.

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Catch up with #BTLRadioShow as we dig deep into the world of YELLOWSTONE with excerpts of our exclusive interviews with Ruth Carter, Ruth De Jong, Ben Richardson, and Brian Tyler. Plus, hear what production designer Gemma Jackson (with a Will Smith sidebar) has to say about creating the world of ALADDIN. And we talk about the powerful TRIAL BY FIRE.

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It's a deliciously wicked episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to 79 PARTS, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, MURDER MADE EASY, and THE INTRUDER!

First up is writer/director DAVID PALAMARO giving a quick pre-recorded tease about MURDER MADE EASY. Regular listeners and readers will recall David being on the show several times when MURDER MADE EASY was on the festival circuit. A devilishly delectable dish with six guests, six meals, and six murders, MURDER MADE EASY now hits Blu-ray/DVD on May 20th. Then we continue last week's discussion on THE INTRUDER with an excerpt of my exclusive interview with DENNIS QUAID talking about delving into THE INTRUDER and the maniacal character of Charlie Peck with director Deon Taylor. Our first live guest today is director JAY LOWI talking about his divine dark comedy EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Fresh, funny, and classroom worthy of extra credit, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES gets an A+ in my book. Listen as Jay talks about his impeccable cast and crafting the visuals around the story of an over-achieving perfect A+ student and son who uses his brain in the most entrepreneurial way possible – killing off the parents of fellow students, for a price, of course.

Rounding out the joy is director ARI TAUB talking about his wickedly fun and darkly comedic 79 PARTS! Set in NY 1979, thanks to "look, location and wardrobe," the film is steeped in authenticity as we meet law student Jack. Broke and unable to pay tuition, his pal Gino, fellow law student and first-generation Italian-American, hooks Jack up with his uncle, Irish mobster and "car parts" dealer Dennis Slattery. Toss in some comedic sidekicks of Slattery's, a wife, a girlfriend, the INS, some gorgeous vintage vehicles and period-perfect costuming and you are smack in the middle of 79 PARTS. Completing the look is Ari's decision to shoot in Super 16mm (bless you Kodak!). And Ari has the best behind the scenes stories about his 10+ year journey to make the film. Four terrific films. Some great directors and conversation. Enjoy!

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