Behind The Lens

Fascinating doesn't begin to describe this week's BEHIND THE LENS and our fabulous guests as we hear from filmmakers Abner Pastoll, Laura Gabbert and Patricia Riggen!

ABNER PASTOLL, writer/director/editor of the Hitchcockian-styled thriller ROAD GAMES, is with us live in the first half hour talking about his inspiration and vision and the hard filmmaking road less traveled for his journey making ROAD GAMES. Leaving no stone unturned in the production values of the film, hear Abner talk about cinematography, sound and scoring as integral components to the tonal bandwidth of the film as a whole.

Documentarian LAURA GABBERT joins us at the half hour mark to talk about her latest film, CITY OF GOLD. A cultural journey of Los Angeles as seen through the eyes of acclaimed food critic Jonathan Gold, CITY OF GOLD is as much a travelogue of the hidden wonders and history of Los Angeles as it is insight into the thoughts and ruminations of Gold. Laura is live as she talks about striking gold with the making of CITY OF GOLD.

And bookending the show are excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with director PATRICIA RIGGEN as she talks about the magic of making MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN.

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This week on BEHIND THE LENS it's double the pleasure and double the fun with filmmakers Mali Elfman and Michael David Lynch.

Back with us again is writer/director/producer/actress Mali Elfman as we talk about her latest project – FUN SIZE HORROR: VOLUME TWO! You may remember Mali from last year when she was on the show talking about the horror anthology FUN SIZE HORROR: VOLUME ONE on its release. VOLUME ONE was such a success that she and her team put together VOLUME TWO. As engaging and fun as ever, Mali really opens up about the producing process as well as talking about the "FUN SIZE HORROR COMMUNITY" which she and her partners have built as a means to seek out and support talented new filmmakers in the horror genre, giving them a chance to put their storytelling skills to work by getting their films made. A fabulous chat that directors and producers will be insightful and beneficial.

Then writer/director/producer/editor/DP Michael David Lynch is live and fresh off the Cinequest world premiere of his narrative feature directorial debut, DEPENDENT'S DAY. A fabulously fun and funny film, DEPENDENT'S DAY was made out of Michael's passion; so much so, that he is the guiding force as writer/director/producer/cinematographer/editor to a cast of comedic gems. Hear Michael talk about the challenges of wearing so many hats as well as lessons learned that he now takes with him into future work.

Plus, Sally Field talks about creating the character of "Doris Miller" in the new comedy from Michael Showalter, HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS which is in theatres March 11th!

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A fascinating and fun "round robin" experience with writer/director Joe Pepitone, who is back for his second visit with BEHIND THE LENS, plus actor/singer/musician/entertainer Edvin Ortega and actress Penelope Lagos, as we tackle and talk a myriad of filmmaking aspects, including the 88th Academy Awards and the diversity elephant in the room. Making these guests and this discussion even more interesting is that all have impressive resumes to their credit with expertise and skills in different areas, only to come together "in hell" for a collective experience with Pepitone's hilarious THE JERSEY DEVIL. With their varying perspectives, each of their respective insights is not only informative, but entertaining, as you hear their individual personalities shine through.

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What a terrifically "diverse" show this week as we hear excerpts of debbie's exclusive interview with Joseph Fiennes talking Kevin Reynold's RISEN, a unique telling of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ as seen from the eyes of a non-believer with the approach of a mystery/detective story. A compelling journey for believers and non-believers alike. And we get started with some excerpts of debbie's exclusive interview with RACE director Stephen Hopkins who brings the amazing story of Jesse Owens' journey to the 1936 Olympics to the big screen. Delving into the political and societal machinations both in the United States and in Nazi Germany, Hopkins focuses on Jesse Owens the man and the triumph of friendship and sportsmanship.

Joining BEHIND THE LENS live is special guest, Markus Reymann. Currently appearing in the hilarious dark comedy short from Sheri Sussman, One Night in Hollywood (a fave here at BEHIND THE LENS), in addition to his acting, Markus is also Director of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Academy, a unique venture which puts artists with cutting edge scientists and thinkers to communicate the issues of our time. Reymann and TBA have spearheaded some important environmental and oceanic philanthropy with the Alligator Head Foundation and Marine Lab and Mexico's Cabo Pulmo marine protected area and national park and others, all of which is being documented on film. Given the surge and success of documentaries like "Racing Extinction" and "Energizing Our World", among others, we see the importance of melding science and the arts, something that Markus showcases with TBA21 documentary shorts, including one on the discovery of a biofluorescent hawksbill sea turtle, which discovery was made by Markus and marine biologist David Gruber!

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The WOW factor is at an all-time high with this week's BEHIND THE LENS!

First up, hear from the innovative and visionary director Timur Bekmambetov and his new project "Screenshare Filmmaking" – verite storytelling set entirely on the screens of digital devices – and the workshop he is hosting at SXSW this year. There will be eight two-person teams chosen to participate; four from the United States who will be brought to Austin to SXSW to work in-person, and four teams from overseas who will participate remotely. This is an opportunity not to be missed. So filmmakers, take a listen to today's show and hear more about the workshop from Timur, then go to www.screensharefilms.com to apply before February 24, 2016! This is truly a golden ticket for filmmakers!

And then we've got a half hour that all my TCM Party pals out there will love as Susan Claassen joins me at the midpoint of the show to talk about costume design, this year's Oscar costume contenders and, the legendary Edith Head. For over 12 years, Susan has travelled the country with her one woman show, "A Conversation with Edith Head" and it is a phenom for classic film fans. As you can see from the show banner below, Susan and Edith could be twins separated by birth. Her knowledge of Edith Head, film and costuming is staggering and she shares it with us on BEHIND THE LENS. One of my favorite moments today? Susan reading a letter from "Edie" to attendees/presenters at the 40th Academy Awards about "appropriate attire."

And in keeping with a costume design thread, take a listen to excerpts of my exclusive interview with Sandy Powell, a double Oscar nominee this year for CINDERELLA and CAROL.

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Yesterday may have been the Super Bowl but today is a "Super" BEHIND THE LENS with filmmakers Greg Kohs, Sheri Sussman and Deborah Goodwin!

An eclectic group indeed, first up is documentary filmmaker (and 10 time Emmy winner) GREG KOHS talking about THE GREAT ALONE, the comeback story of Iditarod Champion Lance Mackey. Fascinating behind-the-scenes detail from Greg about the challenges – and the magic – of shooting in Alaska and the frozen tundra, both from a cinematic standpoint and that of logistics covering a 1,049 mile race. At the half hour mark, writer/director SHERI SUSSMAN is back talking about the hilarious ONE NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD and its upcoming screenings in Berlin and Beverly Hills! And you've already heard from producer/writer/actor Arturo Muyshondt and his passion for THE PASTOR. Now, hear from co-writer and director, DEBORAH GOODWIN as she gives her insight and reflection into the making of this inspiring film as well as what the future holds for her upcoming projects.

Plus, I give you some tidbits into TOUCHED WITH FIRE which opens in theatres Friday, and the latest documentary from Greg Barker and HBO, HOMEGROWN: THE COUNTER-TERROR DILEMMA which premieres on HBO tonight.

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What a show on BEHIND THE LENS this week! Last week we started probing ALTERED MINDS with actress Jaime Ray Newman. This week, her co-star Joseph Lyle Taylor joins us to dig a little deeper into character and performance (as well as talk about the directorial style of Sidney Lumet, with whom he previously worked). And ALTERED MINDS writer/director Michael Z. Wechsler himself is on hand talking about structure and construct of this psychological thriller, not to mention creating blizzard conditions and snow in Philadelphia when there is none.

In the last segment of the show, writer/director/editor Nathan Williams is live talking about his feature debut, IF THERE'S A HELL BELOW, fresh off its successful Slamdance premiere on Sunday. For those Slamdance attendees, take a listen to Nathan and then go see the encore showing of IF THERE'S A HELL BELOW on Wednesday. A riveting mystery with a noirish feel, Nathan goes into detail about his conceptualization and visual grammar infusing the film.

Not often that BEHIND THE LENS has two directors on the same show, having films of similar genre with each showcasing different lensing and editing styles and film construct. Fascinating discussion to hear the different approaches and concerns of each.

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It's a devil of a good time on BEHIND THE LENS this week with writer/director Joe Pepitone and actress Jaime Ray Newman talking the hilarious comedy THE JERSEY DEVIL, and the compelling psychological thriller ALTERED MINDS, respectively!

Fans of Jaime Ray Newman already know her from her extensive credits in film and tv, including "Red Widow", "Drop Dead Diva", "Mind Games", and, of course, "General Hospital". Knowing Jaime's work, you'll enjoy hearing about her latest film, ALTERED MINDS from writer/director Michael Wechsler, and working with co-stars Ryan O'Nan and Judd Hirsch. And for all you "General Hospital" fans out there, Jaime answers the burning question: Who's more terrifying? Judd Hirsch as Dr. Nathaniel Shellner in ALTERED MINDS or, Constance Towers as Helena Cassadine in GH?

At the half way point of the show, you'll hear one of the most fun and most engaging guests we've ever had - writer/director Joe Pepitone - who regales us with stories about "the making of" THE JERSEY DEVIL. And Joe gets his own "burning" question to answer for you as to the inspiration for the film: Why would the Devil pick New Jersey for the new home of Hell?

Plus, I'll talk about some of the Oscar nominations and you'll hear my exclusive Oscar morning phone call with Phyllis Nagy, nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Carol", as well as a snippet of my chat with Lon Bender, Oscar nominee for Best Sound Editing for his work on "The Revenant."

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Talk about high energy! That's just what you get this week on BEHIND THE LENS as acclaimed director JUDY CHAIKIN and actor/writer/producer ARTURO MUYSHONDT are live going "behind the lens and below the line" with film critic debbie elias.

Fresh off a successful festival and theatrical run with THE GIRLS IN THE BAND and now available as a Collector's Edition DVD chock full of extra footage not included in the film itself, Judy Chaikin kicks off today's show with some toe-tapping insight into this exciting documentary. Filled with untold stories of female jazz and big band instrumentalists and their inspiring, fascinating and groundbreaking journeys from the late 30's to the present day, music lovers, history buffs and cinephiles alike will be "in the mood" not only to check out this "must see" documentary, but hear from Judy herself about her passion for music and "the making of" THE GIRLS IN THE BAND!

Then writer/producer/actor Arturo Muyshondt joins us live, calling from the United Nations where he is giving a presentation on THE PASTOR. The driving force behind Wolfgang Cinema and its well-known standard of excellence for producing films that inspire, educate and entertain, Arturo is live at the midway point of the show talking in depth about everything from the conception of the film to casting, performance, technical aspects, cconcurrently producing and acting, and above all, his core philosophy on bringing inspiration to the big screen. A timely and topical cross-cultural story and character study for our times, THE PASTOR opens in 400 theatres across the US via Fathom Events on January 25, 2016. Filmmakers will appreciate Arturo's tips on working with Fathom Events, as well as considerations in story development with faith based films.

And peppered from beginning to end, listen to excerpts of debbie's exclusive interview with Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki, cinematographer of the Golden Globe Best Feature Drama winner, THE REVENANT, as they talk about shooting with the Alexa 65, lenses, natural light and more!

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Kicking off 2016 and Year Two of BEHIND THE LENS is special guest, director/producer and native Philadelphian, Liz Hinlein who marks her directorial feature debut with OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN. Already an award-winning director known for her commercial work as well as music videos and rockumentaries, Liz moves into the feature director's chair with this emotionally driven and visually stimulating work. With distinctive and beauteous cinematography by Liz and her DP Edward Button, visuals are a key component to her storytelling, be it in Other People's Children or a cosmetics commercial. Take a listen as Liz and debbie talk about her directorial curve from a "coddled commercial director" to "independent feature filmmaker". And, BTL wrapped up 2015 with interview excerpts from Quentin Tarantino talking 70mm, Ultra Panavision and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. To get some more insight into the making of THE HATEFUL EIGHT, take a listen now to excerpts of debbie's exclusive interviews with THE HATEFUL EIGHT producer Richard N. Gladstein, and editor Fred Raskin.

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