Behind the Slate

Aaron is joined by filmmaker, and actor Brent Michal who plays the lead role of 'Jay' in Withdrawal. Brent talks about his journey from child actor to filmmaker back to acting again and shares the love of the process that keeps him going.

Brent's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/brentmichal

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron is joined by filmmaker, Evan McNary. In 2021, Evan released his debut feature film 'Ragged Heart' which was shot in Athens, GA. After scrapping and saving enough money to shoot the film himself, Evan used many unconventional filmmaking techniques to craft a unique and heartfelt story about father grieving for his daughter. He talks all about his process in making the film, sharing helpful tips and powerful insights about filmmaking and the current state of independent cinema.

Film Website: https://www.raggedheartfilm.com/

Evan on Instagram: @evanmckrispy

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outside of the script, casting is the most part of the filmmaking process. Today, Aaron talks through the casting process for 'Withdrawal' and then speaks with lead actor, Millie Rose Evans. Millie is an actor and musician based in Atlanta, GA. She gives a step-by-step insight into her experience during the 'Withdrawal' casting process, providing valuable tips, and honest testimony.

Follow Millie Rose Evans:

Instagram: @millieroseevans

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ycgcLaB1PDQOxwG96U6No?si=_i7lsEPxRCWdoiutpkPssA

Follow the film on IG: @withdrawalfilm

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron is joined by filmmaker, podcaster, blogger and all around Indie Film expert, Noam Kroll. Since 2012, Noam has created one of the greatest free resources available to filmmakers, www.noamkroll.com. Through reviews, tutorials, and first hand narratives, Noam provides everything you need to become a self taught filmmaker. Additionally he runs a podcast, 'Show Don't Tell' dedicated to micro-budget filmmaking, where he speaks to filmmakers from all over the world about their work and process. Finally, he is an acclaimed and daring filmmaker, shooting his recent film, 'Disappearing Boy' as a one-man crew.

Noam's Blog: https://noamkroll.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/show-dont-tell-micro-budget-filmmaking/id1228448011

Instagram: @noamkroll

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we get into the plot of our upcoming feature film 'Withdrawal'. Aaron discusses where the idea came from and how it evolved from an inspired thought to an actionable project, culminating in a 8-Point 'Upfront Aims Program' inspired by Melvin Van Peebles.

Follow the film on IG: @withdrawalfilm

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, I introduce our new summer series, 'Withdrawal'. Unlike our previous historical deep dives, this series is going to go inside the production of a current film project... my own feature-film.

I am currently in pre-production and won't have time to do my usual history research so instead I am going to be taking you step-by-step through my filmmaking process and whatever might happen along the way. We are going to be giving weekly production updates as well as in-depth interviews with the cast and crew. We will ALSO be bringing on a variety of independent artists, filmmakers, scholars and authors to talk about their creative processes, to gain insight and inspiration.

To kick things off, I'm going to open up and share a little bit of my own story and how I got here.

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Aaron is joined by actor, writer, producer and comedian. Jonathan has acted in shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Broad City as well as commercials and feature films. He is an acclaimed writer working on shows like Grownish, and is currently developing a project with Ramy Youssef and Judd Apatow. He is the co-creator of the first all-black improv team at Upright Citizens Brigade theatre which went on to create the sketch comedy series Astronomy Club on Netflix (for which he was a co-star and co-writer). He is also the co-host of the podcast ‘Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood)’ along with Jerah Milligan and James III…a podcast dedicated to promoting the cause of leading black actors in Hollywood.

We discuss race and representation in Hollywood, the creation and development of the BMCJIH podcast, and how the show has evolved over the past seven years, and how it has affected Jonathan's work as a writer.

Jonathan Braylock on Twitter: @jonbraylock

Jonathan Braylock on Instagram: @jonbraylock

Black Me Can't Jump (in Hollywood): @Blackmenpodcast

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron is joined by award winning director, Alfred Preisser. In 2006, Mr. Preisser directed the acclaimed 2006 revival of 'Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death', during which time he became close friends with Melvin Van Peebles. Preisser went on to act in Van Peebles' final film 'Confessions of an Ex-Dufus Itchyfooted Mutha' and work on the staged Opera of 'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song'. We are honored that Alfred took the time to speak to us about the time he spent with Melvin.

Mr. Preisser's work has been recognized with The American Theatre Wing Award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement, The Drama Desk Award, The Edwin Booth Award, The Lucille Lortel Award, and two Obie Awards.

Aflred Preisser: https://www.alfredpreisser.com/

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melvin takes over Broadway only to see his midas touch leave him. Later in life he experiences a Renaissance as the first black trader on Wall Street and ages gracefully into one of the greatest elder statesmen in cinema history. Rest In Peace Melvin Van Peebles (8/21/32-9/21/21), one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century.

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Join our weekly film club: https://www.instagram.com/arroyofilmclub

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Sources:

'Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song' by Melvin Van Peebles (1971)

'How to Dismantle a [Theatric] Bomb: Broadway Flops, Broadway Money, and Musical Theater Historiography' by Dr. Elizabeth Wollman (May, 2020

'2008 Interview with Red Bull Music Academy': https://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/melvin-van-peebles-dont-write-a-check-your-ass-cant-cash

'Unstoppable: Melvin Van Peebles, Gordon Parks, and Ossie Davis in Conversation': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHuW5bxVamg

Visionary Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeRJLgAbW-4&list=PLCwE4GdJdVRLS1R8f9-G8hihJQKmePpCW&t=116

'How To Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (And Enjoy It)' (2005) Dir. Joe Angio

Black Arts/West History by Douglas Q Barnett: https://www.historylink.org/File/3523

Paul Carter Harrison Archives: Emory University Rose Reading Room

'Le Fete a Harlem' Program Archive: https://data.bnf.fr/fr/39467577/fete_a_harlem_spectacle_1964/

1972 Tony Awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weVm6vn7SOg

Mario Van Peebles/Melvin Van Peebles interview with Charlie Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9N3D7ZzjkY&t=996s

June 6th 1972 Episode of Black Journal: https://www.criterionchannel.com/don-t-play-us-cheap/videos/melvin-van-peebles-on-black-journal-2

NYT 'The Boadasssss Success' (1972): https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/20/archives/the-baadasssss-success-of-melvin-van-peebles-van-peebles-counting.html?searchResultPosition=76

NYT 'Melvin Van Prolific' (1972): https://www.nytimes.com/1972/05/28/archives/melvin-van-prolific-melvin-van-prolific.html?searchResultPosition=15

NYT Review of 'Waltz of the Stork' (1982): https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/06/theater/stage-waltz-of-van-peebles-opens.html?searchResultPosition=13

'Making Do the Right Thing' Dir St. Clair Bourne: https://archive.org/details/making-do-the-right-thing

'Classified X' Dir. Melvin Van Peebles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOfwnPJtHJM

Joshie Jo Armstead Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcWYsDOm8M

'Melvin Van Peebles The Real Deal': https://www.criterionchannel.com/videos/melvin-van-peebles-on-sweet-sweetback-s-baadasssss-song-2002

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron is joined by Millie De Chirico, co-host of the podcast 'I Saw What You Did' and co-author of the book 'TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema'. We talk about five films featured in the book that challenge the preconceived notions of Blaxploitation. We then dive in to our mutual loves: cinema and basketball...to find the common ground between all time great directors and all-time great hoopers.

TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/tcm-underground-50-must-see-films-from-the-world-of-classic-cult-and-late-night-cinema-millie-de-chirico/18255384?ean=9780762480005

Millie De Chirico on Twitter: @milliedechirico

Millie De Chirico on Instagram: @debbie_country

I Saw What You Did on Instagram/Twitter: @IsawPod

Email us: [email protected]

Instagram: @behindtheslatepod

TikTok: @behindtheslatepod

YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast

Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.