Building Babellion

Editor Caleb Leanza interviews Producer Jen Low about how she navigated scheduling scares, and kept the cast and crew hydrated while shooting the short film, “Simmer”. Further, they discuss how important it is to read people’s stress levels and emotions on a film set, and being able to make adjustments on the fly.

Director Joshua Afiriyie interviews DP Jalen-Ramseur-WIilliams about how he translated the script of “Simmer” into a visual aesthetic for our viewing pleasure. Further, they discuss his relationship with his camera team, and the toy franchise that first inspired him to pursue filmmaking.

Editor Caleb Leanza interviews Mae Stokes about how she produced the short film “Simmer” from script coverage to film festival research. Further, they discuss her dynamic with director/writer Joshua Afiriyie, and how she managed to make compromises with script revisions and location changes.

Director Joshua Afiriyie interviews Max Yillah about how he prepared for the role of Carter; the poetic, tormented protagonist of “Simmer” (our upcoming short film). Further, they discuss their dynamic on set, favorite scenes to film, and how their identities come into conflict with the entertainment industry.

Josh and Sophia discuss Belfast, a film with 7 Oscar nominations directed by Kenneth Branagh. Sophia addresses the criticism she's heard by film bros around their college campus, and Josh states the pros of cons of depicting a sociopolitical conflict through the eyes of a child. 

Gladia and Caleb discuss the ending of The Power of the Dog, the western with 12 Oscar nominations. Specifically, Gladia compliments Jane Campion's nominated directing and screenplay, and Caleb compliments Peter Sciberras' nominated editing.

Titus and Gladia discuss Drive My Car, the first Japanese film to be nominated for Best Picture. Titus compliments the nominated screenplay, which Ryusuke Hamaguchi adapted from Haruki Murakami's short story of the same name. Gladia gives kudos for Hamaguchi's ability to blend stage elements throughout the cinematic presentation. 

Josh and Caleb discuss CODA's three nominations at this year's Academy Awards. They reveal how casting deaf actors made the film better, and how it sets a high bar for how the rest of the industry should approach casting. 

Josh and Titus discuss West Side Story's many nominations at this year's Academy Awards, including Steven Spielberg for Best Director, Ariana DeBose for Best Supporting Actress, and above all else: Best Picture. They go in depth about what they found appealing and disappointing about the film, addressing how it stands apart from the 1961 original, and the Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, of which the story is based on.

Caleb and Gladia discuss content of Licorice Pizza currently subject to controversy, including the depiction of a 15 year old boy developing a romance with 25 year old woman. They also offer compliments to the production design, cinematography, and performances, none of which were nominated at the Academy Awards.