Franklin Ritch talks about his latest film THE ARTIFICE GIRL.

THE ARTIFICE GIRL is now available On Demand and Digital.

Stephen Woolley has never shied away from provocative stories or complex characters. The award-winning producer behind The Crying Game and Interview with the Vampire has built a career on bringing bold, emotionally charged narratives to the screen. In 2005, Woolley came Center Stage with Mark Gordon to discuss his latest project at the time—Stoned, a film that dives into the turbulent life and mysterious death of Rolling Stones co-founder Brian Jones. In this candid conversation, Woolley opens up about the allure of Jones’s tragic arc, the challenges of recreating the 1960s rock scene, and why the film was more than just another rock biopic—it was a story about fame, identity, and the cost of living too fast.

Known for his sharp edge and darker thrills in films like Piranha 3D, Sorority Row, and the Saw franchise entries Jigsaw and Spiral, screenwriter and director Josh Stolberg made an unexpected pivot in 2011 with Conception—a romantic comedy that trades gore for giggles and explores the emotional, awkward, and often hilarious journey of making a baby. In this interview, Stolberg stops by the studio to talk about stepping outside his horror comfort zone, what inspired this heartfelt ensemble piece, and why exploring love and intimacy was just as thrilling as unleashing chaos in 3D.

In 2010 Joe Cross joined me Center Stage to talk about his inspiring documentary "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead," a film that follows his journey from chronic illness to vibrant health. Armed with a video camera and a juicer, Cross traveled into the heart of America to share his life-changing story and fresh juice with all who would listen.

For more information, visit https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/joes-films/

Few entertainers wear as many hats—or voices—as Harry Shearer. Emmy-winning actor, writer, musician, and master of political satire, Shearer has carved out a one-of-a-kind career spanning decades of comedy, commentary, and cultural critique. Known to millions as the voice behind some of The Simpsons’ most iconic characters, and to cult film fans as the bassist of This is Spinal Tap, Shearer’s talent for blending sharp wit with sharp insight is unmatched.

In 2002, Shearer joined Mark Gordon in the studio to talk about Teddy Bears’ Picnic, a satirical film he wrote and directed that takes a hilariously incisive look at power, secrecy, and the absurd rituals of the elite. In this candid conversation, he reflects on the making of the film, the real-world inspirations behind it, and how comedy can be one of the most potent tools for truth-telling.

Behind the Camera with Mel Stuart: From Willy Wonka to Wattstax

Mel Stuart may not be a household name, but his work has left an indelible mark on generations of film lovers. In this rare and insightful interview, the legendary director reflects on his time bringing Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to life—sharing stories about Gene Wilder’s iconic performance, the challenges of turning a whimsical tale into a cinematic classic, and the unexpected magic that happened on set. Stuart also opens up about casting Richard Pryor in Wattstax, the groundbreaking concert film that captured the soul of Black America in the 1970s. It’s a journey through cinema history with a man who helped shape it.

What starts as a thrill-seeking road trip quickly descends into a chilling nightmare in The Houses October Built, the found footage horror film that blurs the line between documentary realism and pure terror. Filmmakers Zack Andrews and Bobby Roe take audiences deep into the world of underground haunted houses—where the fear is real, and the danger might be too.

In this episode, we go Center Stage with Andrews and Roe to uncover the inspiration behind their cult horror hit, how they embedded themselves in real haunt culture across America, and why the film’s blend of authenticity and suspense continues to unnerve audiences. If you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond the front gates of your favorite haunted attraction, this conversation might make you think twice before stepping inside.

In 1996, I met Hope Davis. She was doing press for her film The Daytrippers. When I first met Hope Davis, her beauty took my breath away. She was charming and fun, and I was smitten. During the interview, she talked about the restaurant jobs she had before becoming a working actor. Since The Daytrippers, she has not stopped working, appearing in numerous movies and television shows. Most recently, she was featured in Your Honor with Bryan Cranston and on the HOB series Perry Mason. Coming up later in 2022, Hope Davis will be featured with an all-star cast in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City.

Stay to as we go back to the early days of Center Stage with Hope Davis.

Just days before Life of Pi would go on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Original Score, I had the chance to sit down with legendary re-recording mixer Doug Hemphill—one of the quiet forces behind the film’s immersive sonic landscape. From his early days working with Francis Ford Coppola on Apocalypse Now to capturing the surreal sound of tigers and storms in Life of Pi, Hemphill’s career has been a masterclass in the art of cinematic sound. In this interview, he reflects on his Texas roots, his first mixing job with Willie Nelson, and his journey through some of Hollywood’s most iconic soundscapes—from Gremlins to Master and Commander, Almost Famous to Walk the Line. With humility, humor, and deep technical insight, Hemphill offers a rare glimpse into the invisible craft that gives movies their emotional depth and visceral impact.

In the late 1960s, Raghu Markus set out on a journey to India in search of something deeper—a path beyond the noise of the West and into the heart of spiritual awakening. What he found was not just a new way of seeing the world, but a remarkable teacher: K.C. Tewari, a revered high yogi with the extraordinary ability to enter states of Samadhi—deep, trance-like meditations where the self dissolves into something far greater.

Decades later, Markus brings this profound encounter to the screen in Brilliant Disguise: The Samadhi of K.C. Tewari, a documentary that explores the mystery, devotion, and transformative power of one man’s spiritual mastery. In this thoughtful interview, Markus reflects on his time with Tewari, the lasting impact of those teachings, and what it meant to return to that sacred experience through film.

Join us as we go Center Stage with Raghu Markus to explore the story behind the story—a tale of devotion, transcendence, and the quiet brilliance that lies beneath the surface of a humble yogi’s life.