Behind The Lens

It's the day of the documentary filmmaker on BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome special guests Soren Peter Sorensen and Ido Haar.

First up is director/editor/cinematographer SOREN PETER SORENSEN talking up his timely and compelling film, MY FATHER'S VIETNAM. With Memorial Day around the corner, this personal insight into a chapter of American history that fractured the country and dismissed the needs of soldiers, shines a poignant light on Soren's journey to not only document and personalize chapters of American history through the lives of three American soldiers, but to understand his own father better. A first film for Soren, listen as he talks about his learning curve and approaching the making of MY FATHER'S VIETNAM.

At the 45 minute mark, Israeli filmmaker IDO HAAR is live talking about his latest documentary, PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW. A fascinating underlying story about a "wannabe" singer, Samantha Montgomery aka Princess Shaw, and Israeli musician and video maestro Kutiman who, unbeknownst to the subjects, mashes up videos from the world to create new musical works, Ido crosses the globe and genres as he explores and exciting creative and collaborate melding of the arts.

Hear excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with LUKE WALKER as he talks about his new documentary AUSTRALIA'S LOST GOLD. Be it truth, legend, myth or a little bit of everything, Walker has been obsessed with the story of Aussie Harold Lasseter who died in 1931 having never revealed the location of a seven-mile vein of gold he allegedly found deep in Central Australia. Numerous expeditions have tried and failed to find the gold, but 80 years later, it has never been found, prompting rumors about Lasseter and "the truth" too numerous to count. Never doubting in his father, Lasseter's son Bob has continued the search and his invitiation to Luke Walker to join him is the jumping off point for this unfolding mystery as Luke then takes the audience along on his own journey of discovery as he taps into that little bit of Indiana Jones, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Temperance Brennan that lurks within each of us.

Plus, hear a little bit from Mike Epps as he talks about working with an ensemble cast. And don't be late to get some insight from director James Bobin and producer Suzanne Todd as they talk about melding the Carrollian, Burtonian and now Bobinian worlds for Disney's new timeless classic, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS!

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Another terrific week on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome actress STEPHANIE SHAMIE who co-stars in director Paul Duddrige's new film, MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. Listen as Stephanie talks about her journey navigating the acting waters thus far, the craft of acting and her process, plus some insight into being part of an ensemble cast that boasts the talents of Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, Courteney Cox, Christina Ricci, Selma Blair and Mira Sorvino.

Then you'll hear excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with MAGGIE'S PLAN cinematographer Sam Levy as he goes in-depth talking about collaborating with director Rebecca Miller and cinematically achieving her visions for the film of being "awake" and with a "metaphysical overlay." And on this National Classic Movie Day, one more snippet from TCM Film Festival and TCM programming guru Charlie Tabesh!

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BEHIND THE LENS gets "fast and furry" this week as we welcome special guests Chris Cordone and Spencer Garrett talking STEVIE-D and Dominic Rodriguez fills us in on his documentary and the world of "Furries" with FURSONAS.

At the quarter hour mark, writer/director/actor Chris Cordone and one of my favorite character actors, Spencer Garrett, join us live talking about their new film, STEVIE-D. Written and directed by Cordone, who stars in a dual role, STEVIE-D is guaranteed laughter as twists and turns abound thanks to not only a smart and funny script by Cordone, but a striking, light visual design and tone. Listen as the two talk about the "making of" STEVIE-D, from conception of this noir-ish comedy to festival audience reception, including adventures in location scouting and impeccable casting (Garrett was the first one attached to the script). Plus get some terrific insight and thoughts on the industry from veteran actor Spencer Garrett.

Then the fur is flying as Dominic Rodriguez is live talking about his documentary FURSONAS which debuts on iTunes on May 10th. FURSONAS takes a look at the world of "Furries", a diverse social group that celebrates and takes a look at those individuals who role-play as anthropomorphic animal characters, and the fandom that surrounds it. Rodriguez talks about his very personal take on the project as well as the hurdles and challenges he faced as a first-time feature documentary filmmaker.

And hear some excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with writer/director Lorene Scafaria as she talks about her latest film, THE MEDDLER.

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What a blast on this week's BEHIND THE LENS as we rock in May with a ride on the LA RIVER; LA RIVER music, that is.

Live in-studio are L.A. RIVER band members Marcus Pierce, Nicholas Krall and Adam Lieberthal, while on the phone are Chas Litman and James Avgeris. With their music described as having a country-rock vibe with "thought-provoking lyrics, tight musical jams, and ethereal harmonies", take a listen to not only the boys talking music andthe history of L.A. RIVER, but hear the music! Yep, we've got three of their songs peppered throughout the show that you're gonna love. Trust me when I say that one listen to the boys and their music and you'll be clamoring for more. Never fear as they've got an album being released this summer and Marcus gives us the timeline for that. And hear about their gig this past weekend at the Motion Picture Television Fund. TCM Classic Film Fest may have been happening in Hollywood, but L.A. RIVER was performing for some of those very luminaries while I and others were watching miles away on the silver screen. A chemistry and camaraderie that is fun and refreshing, you're gonna love 'em!

Plus, how about a little CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR to start the week, and sound engineer Bryan's weekly STAR WARS count down. (Come on! This week brings us "May the Fourth Be With You" and "Revenge of the Fifth", so you know Bryan's gotta fill us in!)

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Getting ready for TCM Classic Film Festival this week? Then you need to take a listen to this very special BEHIND THE LENS with special guests, TCM Film Fest Social Producers, Kellee Pratt, Aurora Desmond, Kristen Lopez and Annmarie Gatti! As Social Producers the girls have each put together fun events that happen throughout the fest, adding just a bit more immersion and excitement to the classic film fan festival experience! And for those of you not attending TCMFF, all of the 20+ Social Producers on site will keep you "in the know" throughout the Fest. Kellee, Aurora, Annmarie and Kristen are live at the 30 minute mark to explain all, so be sure to tune in to listen to what they've got planned (and where you can pick up your TCMFF souveniers – new location this year)! Plus, we'll be talking the fest in general and some of our most anticipated individual highlights.

But before we get to TCM Film Fest, director MARIANNA PALKA is live at the 15 minute mark talking ALWAYS WORTHY! You may remember the very worthy Amberlee Colson, Ian Gomez and Eric Edelstein were on hand two weeks ago for one of the biggest and best love and laugh fests ever on BEHIND THE LENS. Marianna was off shooting that day (on a James Franco film, no less) and couldn't join us, but we've got her now to tell us about her directorial approach not only with ALWAYS WORTHY but her other myriad of projects in front of and behind the lens.

And did I say "James Franco"? Well, yes I did, as kicking off this week's show take a listen to excerpts of my exclusive interview with James Franco and writer/director Pamela Romanowsky talking their latest project, THE ADDERALL DIARIES.

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This week we take a step back in time to the 40's and the "Golden Age of Hollywood" with a filmmaker and actors who have true depth, knowledge, understanding and reverence for classic film and the art of film noir, as we welcome writer/director/editor DUSTIN KAHIA, and actors JT ALEXANDER and MOJEAN ARIA, as they talk about their new film CALL OF THE VOID and its upcoming world premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival. And talk about fun! Their ease and chemistry is infectious.

A stunning psychological noir thriller presented in black & white with a visual grammar and emotional tone that harken to masters like Hitchcock, Preminger, Litvak and Lang, bodes for interesting and fun discussion among the group from both a directorial and creative standpoint, and that of performance. Plus, the boys weigh in on various aspects of the filmmaking craft in general, as well as hot topics of the day, including texting in theatres.

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If you@apos;re clocking the number of laughs in a show, this week@apos;s BEHIND THE LENS is the champion thanks to the ALWAYS WORTHY special guests, writer/producer/actress AMBERLEE COLSON and actors IAN GOMEZ and ERIC EDELSTEIN! An amazing bunch of actors with a chemistry that shines on and off screen. You don@apos;t want to miss the lovefest/funfest with this group!

This week@apos;s special guests are @quot;always worthy@quot; of attention, especially when they@apos;re talking about their latest film, ALWAYS WORTHY ( Always Worthy the film). Take a listen now as AMBERLEE COLSON talks about her journey of taking her one woman show @quot;Big Hair@quot; from stage to screen and the trials and tribulations of not only adapting the script for the screen, but adapting her performance as an actress.

Then Amberlee@apos;s ALWAYS WORTHY co-stars IAN GOMEZ (@quot;My Big Fat Greek Wedding@quot;, @quot;Cougar Town@quot;, @quot;Celebrity Name Game@quot;) and ERIC EDELSTEIN (@quot;Jurassic World@quot;, @quot;The Hills Have Eyes@quot;, @quot;Green Room@quot;) join the fun at the half hour mark and BTL becomes a total laugh fest as we hear antics and adventures not only with the making of ALWAYS WORTHY, but each shares some of their @quot;always worthy@quot; stories about the entertainment business in keeping with some of the themes of the Marianna Palka directed ALWAYS WORTHY.

But before all the laughter begins, hear excerpts of film critic debbie elias@apos; exclusive interview with Douglas Henshall as he talks about the acclaimed BBC One series SHETLAND which has finally found its way to the States and in Southern California, KCET.

And don@apos;t miss a few tidbits at the top of the show on THE JUNGLE BOOK and CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR!!

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A lot of energy, a lot of fun and a lot of talk about family on this week's BEHIND THE LENS with special guests writer/director/producer Deon Taylor and writer/director/producer Gayle Kirschenbaum.

First up, hear the passion of Deon Taylor as he talks about his latest film, MEET THE BLACKS. At the farthest end of the spectrum from his last film, the critically acclaimed and well received "Supremacy", MEET THE BLACKS is one raucous riotous laugh after another. Listen as Deon not only talks about the "making of" MEET THE BLACKS and his considerations for story and comedy casting, but the cinematic considerations of lighting and lensing, plus his concerns shooting this film digitally as opposed to his prior works, with "Supremacy" even being shot in 16mm. Deon gives some terrific tips for filmmakers.

And hot on Deon's heels is Gayle Kirschenbaum who joins me talking about her very powerful, cathartic, resonant and fun documentary, LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! It's a coffee klatch chat fest with Gayle as she talks about story structure, balancing of emotion and the pure fun of taking this cinematic journey revisiting life with her mother who, by the way, is buckets of fun in the documentary.

Plus, hear excerpts of what Cliff Curtis had to say during our exclusive interview talking his tour de force performance as Genesis Potini in THE DARK HORSE. And of course, since it's opening day of the 2016 baseball season, what better way to throw out the first pitch than to hear from documentarian Jonathan Hock talk about his latest film, the Kevin Costner narrated, FASTBALL! So. . .Play Ball!

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BEHIND THE LENS guests just keep getting better and this week the proof is in the pudding as film critic debbie elias welcomes special guests writer/director/producer Michael Damian talking his latest film, HIGH STRUNG, and actress/producer Courtney Daniels is on hand with RESCUE DOGS.

Many of you remember Michael Damian for his starring turn as Danny Ramalotti on the long running soap opera "The Young and the Restless" or, for his string of #1 hits on the pop/rock charts. But what you may not know is Michael is also a successful writer/director and producer. Working with Michael as co-writer/co-producer is his wife Janeen and together they have combined their talents and pieces of their own life's journeys for one of the most beautiful and emotionally fulfilling sensory experiences of the year with HIGH STRUNG. Dance and music come together in a poetic explosion of beauty under Michael's guiding eye and he joins me at the 12 minute mark of the show live from the TCL Chinese Theatre where he's readying for tomorrow's world premiere. You can hear the excitement in his voice as he talks about the challenges of lighting and camera choreography and the joy of serendipitous moments in shooting, not to mention his reaction to a very special alignment of the stars in connection with the film's release date of April 8th!

At the 30 minute mark, we literally go to the dogs with actress and producer Courtney Daniels and her latest venture RESCUE DOGS. Just speaking with Courtney, you can hear the elation in her voice as she talks about working with some wonderful animals in this wholly entertaining family film. As a founder of Busted Buggy Entertainment, and its new distribution arm, Courtney also dons her producer's hat talking about producing challenges and considerations when working with animals. Plus, she fills us in on a very unique and heartfelt distribution campaign for the film unfolding across America starting April 1st. Filmmakers will find what Courtney has to say of particular interest while animal lovers and moviegoers will sit back and go "awwwww"!

And we've got another exclusive clip for you with director Patricia Riggen talking about MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN.

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Laughter bounds in this week's BEHIND THE LENS as film critic debbie lynn elias welcomes LIVE in-studio, the one and only ALEX RUIZ, voice actor extraordinaire and one of the stars of the smash hit Telemundo telenovela ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?! Talk about having a ball!!

Take a listen as debbie and Alex talk "Everything Alex" and then some, from voice acting to tv and film to the Latin and Hispanic career cross-overs, and of course, his voice work on SOUTH PARK and ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?, plus film in general, film favorites and Alex's take on comedy performance! Given that Alex plays "The Terminator" in ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?, you can bet there's some talk going on about the real Terminator – Ah-nold! But don't worry! Unlike Schwarzenegger's Terminator, Alex's "El Termi" is a good guy and BFF, but a guy with a broken heart. Does Alex spill the beans on what happens to El Termi?? Listen now and find out! Adding to the fun are live callers with questions for Alex. A nicer guy you could never meet or speak with, showing a generous and jovial spirit with each caller, including a surprise final call near the end of the show.

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