Behind The Lens

It's a fun-filled episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at the indie gem #ROXY, the blockbusting RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET, and one of the greatest love stories ever told, STAN & OLLIE. First up, we go back to Litwak's Arcade and then into the internet with RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET. Take a listen to what co-directors RICH MOORE And PHIL JOHNSTON (also a co-writer) had to say about making a sequel to WRECK-IT-RALPH while producer CLARK SPENCER talks about some of the technological advances that allowed for the visual wonders we see unfold onscreen. Then, director MICHAEL KENNEDY is live talking about the sweet and funny #ROXY, a new spin on the age-old tale of Cyrano de Bergerac. From cinematography to casting to capturing magic hour to the talented young actors on board for #ROXY, Michael covers it all. We close out the second half of our show with our prerecorded exclusive interview with director JON S. BAIRD as he talks about STAN & OLLIE. We all know about cinematic comedy legends Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, but how much do we know about STAN & OLLIE, lifelong partners onscreen and lifelong friends off, most notably in the latter part of their lives when they hit the boards across the Pond with a comedy show. Listen as Jon talks about his love for Laurel & Hardy, the casting of Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly in the title roles, the equally compelling storyline of the men's wives, bringing a real sense of old Hollywood royalty in the film with the casting of Danny Huston as Hal Roach, the lighting and lensing design and working with cinematographer Laurie Rose, and Martin Scorsese's influence on Baird's directing.

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It's an "excellent" adventure on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director ALEX WINTER who's live talking about his latest doc TRUST MACHINE: THE STORY OF BLOCKCHAIN. Plus, hear from legendary sound designer and composer ALAN HOWARTH talk about his early years in music which have led him to be inducted into the ROCKGODZ HALL OF FAME this weekend. And a final check-in with actor BREN FOSTER as he reflects on his days aboard THE LAST SHIP and his beloved character of Wolf Taylor. Throughout the first half of the show, take a listen to excerpts of our exclusive interview with actor BREN FOSTER as he reminisces about THE LAST SHIP, which went out with a bang on November 11, 2018, after a hugely successful five-year run. From creating and developing his character of Wolf Taylor to the memories he'll cherish from his years on the show, it's as candid and touching as can be. And then we've got ALAN HOWARTH. Legend. Pioneer. No one word can describe the multi-talented, multi-faceted Alan. His career began in music playing in numerous bands in the 60's, some successful enough to be opening acts for Steppenwolf, The Who, The Cream. But he was also one of the pioneers in synthesizers (popularized most notably by Hans Zimmer). The combination of music and performance and his technical expertise with designing synthesizers eventually led him to Hollywood as the creator of the sound of the USS Enterprise on "Star Trek". The rest, as they say, is history as Alan has gone on to become one of the most acclaimed sound effects designers and sound designers, not to mention composers, in the arts today. And this weekend on November 18 at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, Alan will be inducted into the ROCKGODZ HALL OF FAME as one of the celebrated unsung heroes behind Rock and Roll's most legendary musicians and most famous instrumentation on chart-topping albums. Take a listen as Alan talks about his pioneering road of the past 50 years. But look out as things get really "excellent" at the midpoint of the show when ALEX WINTER joins us live. You know him best as William "Bill" S. Preston in the "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" franchise (and yes, fans, there is a third one on the way and Alex has some tidbits on it for us), but did you also know Alex is a lauded documentary filmmaker? Already very well versed in the internet and its various uses and ins and outs as seen in two of his prior documentaries "Downloaded" and "Dark Web", with TRUST MACHINE, Alex now delves into the world of cryptocurrency and the concept of "blockchain". Informative, educational, and entertaining, listen as Alex talks about the focus of the film and what blockchain is, focusing on the story of an individual (in this case, Lauri Love) versus impersonal graphs and charts and statistics, the editing process, his interest and fascination in documentaries, and more.

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS we go back to The Hundred Acre Woods with some prerecorded exclusive interviews with JIM CUMMINGS, writer ALLISON SCHROEDER and costume designer JENNY BEAVAN. Not only is it Awards Season, but CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is available November 6, 2018, on Digital and Blu-ray. And we catch up with writer/director/actor JOSEPH CULP talking about his new film (and feature directorial debut) WELCOME TO THE MEN'S GROUP. Every film starts with a story and we start off the show with CHRISTOPHER ROBIN screenwriter ALLISON SCHROEDER. Listen as she talks about creating the story and balancing screen time among Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and the gang, as well as the dynamic between Christopher Robin and Pooh. Of course, once you have the words on the page, it's time to flesh out your characters through performance and there's no better man for that job than master voice actor JIM CUMMINGS who talks about voicing Pooh and Tigger and how these performances of the dynamic duo differ from those of the past 30 years. But then, you need a look. Luckily for Christopher Robin and Pooh that Academy Award-winning costume designer JENNY BEAVAN was on hand to develop period perfect looks for not only our furry friends but the humans milling about the film as well. Listen as she talks about director Marc Forster's vision in terms of the look of the film and how costume played into that, and how she works with costume houses to find just the right looks for characters, not to mention hand-knitting Pooh's signature red sweater. Then, take a listen to my conversation with JOSEPH CULP (son of acclaimed actor Robert Culp) as he talks about his feature directorial debut with WELCOME TO THE MEN'S GROUP. Writer/director/producer and one of the film's stars in an impeccable ensemble cast, Joseph goes in-depth about story development, casting, and the importance of this film in today's world.

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It's always a "really big show" when sound guru STEVE LEE is in the house and this week is no different! Back for his third appearance on #BTLRadioShow, Steve makes some big announcements about THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM and recent acquisitions donated or on loan from some of the sound industry's greatest legends and their families. As an added bonus, Steve brings along a couple of "golden" friends, one of whom is a big surprise! With Steve on hand, we again dive into Hollywood sound history and not only hear some very recognizable sound effects, but learn the history of each. And since it's Halloween week, listen for some spooktacular sounds!

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Some interesting discussion on BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to writer/director FARADAY OKORO, director REMI KESSLER and homeless advocate RUDY SALINAS. Bookending this episode of #BTLRadioShow is our prerecorded exclusive interview with director REMI KESSLER and Los Angeles homeless advocate RUDY SALINAS who sat down with me during LA Film Festival to talk about the documentary THE ADVOCATES, which is already in distribution and playing in theatres. With a unique approach to the focus and structure of the film, Remi sheds light on his filmmaking process and introducing us to some of the homeless on the path to rebuilding their lives, while Rudy opens our eyes, and our hearts, to the boots on the ground advocacy of his group and others. And joining us at the quarter hour mark is writer/Director FARADAY OKORO talking about his new film, NIGERIAN PRINCE! You know all those scam emails you get about "send money", "funds being released but need $3000 to release them"? With NIGERIAN PRINCE you see this play into a compelling character study with some underlying cautionary subtext. Going beyond discussions about Faraday's extensive research into these Internet scams in order to create this compelling film, one of the most interesting aspects of shooting NIGERIAN PRINCE is that Faraday shot on location in Nigeria and he goes into depth with the formalities of shooting a film in the country and the challenges that it can present. From location scouting in a foreign land (for an independent film, mind you!) to production design and the use of color to reflect the vibrancy of the Nigerian people and their world, we cover all the bases in the making of NIGERIAN PRINCE.

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A perfect episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we're talking about love, baseball, and love of baseball with BRAMPTON'S OWN, and our love of Dermot Mulroney as he talks about I STILL SEE YOU. Kicking off the show is our prerecorded exclusive interview with actor DERMOT MULRONEY. Long a favorite among moviegoers, and always one of my personal favorites and fun to speak with about film, Dermot is one of the few actors who has seamlessly successfully navigated among genres and character types to create a diverse and eclectic cinematic resume; and, he's also one of the lucky ones to be a part of some of the most beloved movies on the big and small screens. Co-starring with Bella Thorne and Richard Harmon, Dermot is currently back on the big screen with the supernatural psychological thriller, I STILL SEE YOU, and it is truly a "must see" film. Based on the novel, "Break My Heart 1000 Times" by Daniel Waters, directed by Scott Speer, I STILL SEE YOU is set 9-years after an apocalyptic event which killed millions. But instead of leaving physical evidence of the deaths, those who died remain present as "spectral remnants" or "REMS" which appear every day at the same time, in the same place, wearing the same clothes, doing the same thing, as they were the moment they died. One of the novelties of this story, though, is that the spectral remnants are a part of everyday life and everyone sees them. It's normal. The other novelty is that while the living can see the REMS, there is no way to connect or interact with them. Dermot plays beloved Professor August Bitner who studies the spectral remnants, desperate to figure out how to connect with them. An interesting role and something quite different for him, take a listen as we go deep into the character, the film as a whole, the production values and effects (Dermot is very film savvy), doing his own underwater stunt work, and his overall career choices, including some beloved Hallmark holiday movies.

Then writer/director MICHAEL DONEGAR joins the fun to talk about BRAMPTON'S OWN. The story of Alex, a smalltown guy whose heart and head and lifelong focus is set on making it to "The Show" aka Major League Baseball, frustration sets in when he is passed over again by his current Minor League club. Back to his hometown and his mom when the season ends, Alex starts questioning his choices in life, both personally and professionally. A story about sacrifice and choices, there is resonance for all. One of my favorite interviews and guests to appear on #BTLRadioShow, listen as Michael talks about the genesis of the film and his personal connection to the themes in play, casting (including the marvelous Jean Smart), shooting logistics (how about a 42-page shot list?), cinematography, visual design, development and lensing of some wonderful sequences involving pitching machines, and of course, influences of baseball movies that have come before.

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It's a painless and fun-filled episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to the legendary CAROLE COOK and our special guests, writer/director JORDAN HOROWITZ, and actor JOEY KLEIN. Originally scheduled to call in live for one of her annual visits to BTL, CAROLE COOK was forced to forego a live call-in in favor of some urgently needed back surgery. But, so determined not to miss out on the show and entertaining our listeners and her legion of fans, she insisted on doing a prerecorded interview to talk about her latest charitable endeavor, CABARET IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN LA. Take a listen as Carole talks about the upcoming cabaret shows to benefit The Actors Fund, her performance numbers, performing with her husband TOM TROUPE, and as always, regales us with a host of fun stories about her years on Broadway and in film, this time including one about Judi Dench voicing a cow. Seriously.

Then we welcome two special guests – writer/director JORDAN HOROWITZ and actor JOEY KLEIN – who talk about their new film, PAINLESS. Listen as Jordan talks about the medical and scientific research behind the film, production design, cinematography and more, while Joey goes in-depth about preparing for the role of a man who suffers with a genetic affliction that prevents him from feeling pain. An interesting subject for a narrative film. An interesting discussion on filmmaking.

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More interesting and thought-provoking discussions on BEHIND THE LENS this episode with three very talented directors as each brings issues of human nature to the forefront through film. JAMIELYNN LIPPMAN and MICHAEL GREENE are live, while we've got a prerecorded interview with SARA COLANGELO.

First up this week is part of our prerecorded interview with writer/director SARA COLANGELO talking about her latest film, THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and newcomer Parker Sevak. Adapted from a screenplay and film by Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, Sara explores the psychological complexity of a kindergarten teacher and her obsession with a seemingly prodigal student named Jimmy. Questions of moral and ethical ambiguity arise and Colangelo digs deep with indelible performances, emotional depth and a distinctive visual palette.

Then, MICHAEL GREENE joins us live talking about his new film, LIVE. Last week actor Asante Jones was on hand talking about working with Michael, his acting process, and the cautionary tale told with LIVE. This week, Michael talks about the film from the point of view as writer and director, the challenges of getting the film made, finding tone, casting, and other elements of the process.

Rounding out this episode of #BTLRadioShow is writer/director JAMIELYN LIPPMAN who returns to BTL this year with her latest documentary - 3 YEARS IN PAKISTAN: THE ERIK AUDE STORY. Erik's story made the news more than 14 years ago when he was arrested and held prisoner in a Pakistani prison accused of a crime he didn't commit - drug trafficking. An up and coming actor and stuntman, Erik's life was put on hold - and almost ended as he was on death row - before those working in the United States to secure his release were finally successful, with Erik retaining his own integrity by not making a deal to cop a plea and confess. While Erik's story was told in 2010 by the Nat Geo show "Locked Up Abroad", there was much that wasn't covered. Calling on her own friendship with Erik, Jamielyn felt it important to dig deeper, provide more context and explore the man Erik was and who he has since become. A 2 1/2 year process in which interviews were obtained (and in some cases, refused), dramatic recreations were conceived and shot, and a lengthy editing process, Jamielyn talks about it all.

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Some strong subject matter being discussed on BEHIND THE LENS this episode thanks to ASANTE JONES talking about his latest film LIVE, director STEPHANIE WELCH talks her new documentary A DANGEROUS IDEA: EUGENICS, GENETICS AND THE AMERICAN DREAM, plus our exclusive interview with director SUSAN LACEY talking JANE FONDA IN 5 ACTS.

First up, take a take a listen to our exclusive pre-recorded interview with director SUSAN LACEY as we go in-depth into the making of JANE FONDA IN 5 ACTS. A beyond fascinating documentary, with a life as full as Jane's Susan talks about some of the biggest hurdles starting with narrowing down themes and ultimately settling on an almost chapterization of Jane's life focusing on her dad Henry Fonda, each husband (Roger Vadim, Tom Hayden and Ted Turner) and ultimately, the final chapter of Jane as she is today; editing hours and hours of interview footage with Jane Fonda herself; making decisions to rely on Jane's own voice to tell her story and judiciously including only some select other interviews from people like Robert Redford, Peter Fonda, Dick Cavett and Jane's son Troy Garrity; archival research to bring us more than the well-known and over-used photos we've come to know over the decades; balancing activism (and particularly the Viet Nam days) with acting and family in the story structure; collaboration with her producing partners and more.

Then actor ASANTE JONES joins us talking about his new film LIVE. A cautionary tale about the pitfalls and perils of social media and putting one's life out there for all to see, Asante talks about the importance of this role and this film, the shooting style of writer/director Michael Greene and its impact on performance, choosing his roles and more! Writer/Director STEPHANIE WELCH rounds out the show as we talk about her new documentary A DANGEROUS IDEA: EUGENICS, GENETICS AND THE AMERICAN DREAM. A long journey from conception to completion, the timing of this documentary couldn't be more perfect given our current political state in the United States and the philosophies of the Trump Administration. Filled with interviews from social and anthropological figures like Robert Reich, Ralph Nader, Professor Barbara Katz Rothman, and Van Jones as well as genetic scientist like Professor Stuart Newman, Welch talks about creating a balanced narrative that shows both sides of the coin – from Gregor Mendel's theories on genetics and inheriting traits to the genome theory to the pseudoscience that genetics determine one's success, career, lifestyle, politics, etc. Filmmakers will find her research process quite interesting, as well as our discussion on editing a documentary of this nature and the use of graphs and animation to visually connect with the audience.

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An exciting and eye-opening BEHIND THE LENS as we span the globe exploring cultures and historical events thanks to our special guests, LEON LEE and NAMRATA SINGH GUJRAL, plus our exclusive interview with writer/director AMMA ASANTE.

We kick off this episode of #BTLRadioShow with our exclusive interview with writer/director AMMA ASANTE who talks about her latest film, the emotionally powerful WHERE HANDS TOUCH. Set in 1944 Germany, Asante explores an oft-overlooked part of World War II history – the Rhineland Bastards, the name given by the Nazis to those of mixed race. Another part of Hitler's "cleansing", Asante sets the stage and brings us into time and place with a love story between a young girl of mixed parents named Leyna, and Lutz, one of the exuberant Nazi Youth and son of a famed member of the Nazi military regime. Listen as Asante talks about her approach to telling this story from the visual immersion to the emotional resonance, the contemporary relevance of the film today, and shooting at a former concentration camp.

Moving from 1944 Germany to present-day China, Peabody Award winner and filmmaker LEON LEE takes us deep into the story of Sun Yi, a man held prisoner in the Masanjia Labor Camp, with his powerhouse documentary, LETTER FROM MASANJIA. Hiding a note inside a Halloween decoration (a headstone, no less) made in the prison for shipment to the United States for sale in a K-Mart store, Sun Yi begged the finder of the note to contact human rights organizations and alert them to the abuse and torture at Masanjia. Luckily for Sun Yi, in 2012 Julie Keith of Oregon opened up the Halloween decorations she had purchased two-years earlier and found the note. Lee, an authority on China, takes us down the rabbit hole and into Sun Yi's experiences and persecution for his involvement with Falun Gong, a spiritual group founded on the moral philosophies of truth, compassion and tolerance. Filmmakers will be amazed to learn of the lengths Lee had to go into order to make this film as he is not allowed to enter China, and Sun Yi, on his release from Masanjia could not leave the country. A fascinating conversation.

And then we welcome acclaimed writer/director and President of Uniglobe Entertainment, NAMRATA SINGH GUJRAL, talking about her new film 5 WEDDINGS! A cultural explosion showcasing the beauty and wonders of India set against a fictional story of a magazine journalist seeking the Editor-In-Chief position which will be determined by the quality of this unique assignment, Gujral's enthusiasm about the film is palpable as she talks about its structure, deciding on the weddings to focus upon (there are 15 different types of weddings in India), including the Hijara as an important part of the film, focusing on the relationships of fathers & daughters, true love, tradition, working with her cinematographer Christo Bakalov, casting Bo Derek and Candy Clark, the importance of authentic casting, and advice for filmmakers about finding your target audience.

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