Film By Numbers

Film By Numbers

By Film By Numbers PodcastTV & Film
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Film By Numbers episodes

  • Episode 27.5 - Full Interview with Tamar Jeffers McDonald

    BONUS EPISODE: Tamar Jeffers McDonald on the Romantic Comedy


    In this special bonus episode of Film By Numbers, we’re thrilled to share the full interview with renowned film historian Tamar Jeffers McDonald.


    Join us as Tamar brings her expert eye to the world of the romantic comedy—unpacking its visual language, cultural impact, and enduring appeal. From golden age Hollywood charm to modern-day classics, she explores how these films capture the genre's emotional core and reflect shifting ideas of romance on screen.


    Whether you're a rom-com devotee or just curious about how these beloved films are framed and remembered, we hope you enjoy the chat!


    Thank you Tamar for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with FBN.



    53 min
  • Episode 27 - 27 Dresses: Romantic Comedies (with Tamar Jeffers McDonald)

    In this episode, we say “I do” to one of the most beloved—and misunderstood—genres in film: the romantic comedy. Using 27 Dresses (2008), starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, as our jumping-off point, we explore the rom-com's tropes, evolution, and cultural impact.


    Why do so many critics dismiss rom-coms as fluff? What makes 27 Dresses both a quintessential and subversive entry in the genre? And how have romantic comedies shaped our expectations of love, friendship, and personal growth?


    Join us as we break down the genre conventions, the emotional payoffs that define the genre—and find out why rom-coms deserve a little more acknowledgement.


    Also joining us for this discussion is Tamar Jeffers McDonald, Professor of Film History, and Dean of the School of Art and Media, at the University of Brighton. Tamar is also the author of Romantic Comedy: Boy Meets Girl Meets Genre and the BFI classic on When Harry Met Sally.


    You can find Tamar's books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Tamar-Jeffers-McDonald/author/B0034P8RPS?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true


    Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods

    Interview: Tamar Jeffers McDonald


    Produced & Edited By: Matthew Simmonds


    Original Music: Neil Parmar





    1 hr 40 min
  • Episode 26 - Room 26 at The Lost Highway Hotel - The Films of David Lynch

    Following his passing on 16th January 2025, we take the opportunity to honour the film career and genius of American director David Lynch in this episode of Film By Numbers.


    A true artist who transformed cinematic language with his surrealist soundscapes and dream-like imagery, the ‘Lynchian’ dialogue is one of the subconscious manifested as a progressive narrative by which to share our darkest, yet also our most hopeful, feelings and experiences.


    Lynch’s dream logic has helped make sense of an often cruel and unforgiving world for many film lovers. His legacy has left an indelible print on the way we tell visual stories and he also leaves behind a formidable body of work that includes several significant masterpieces of the medium.


    Hosted by Phil Slatter and David Woods.

    Special guest host Paul Risker.

    Produced & Edited: Matthew Simmonds

    Original Music: Neil Parmar


    Full Lynch Lynch Interview: David Lynch - The Idea Dictates Everything: https://youtu.be/_6koYFk6jlA?si=gXMIGvjxOIsH7pMt

    1 hr 50 min
  • Episode 25 – 25th Hour: The Films of Spike Lee (with Odie Henderson)

    To mark our 25th episode, we're diving into 25th Hour and the powerful, provocative filmography of Spike Lee—one of the most vital voices in American cinema.


    We're joined by special guest host Odie Henderson, the Boston Globe film critic and Spike Lee expert, for a passionate, insightful conversation about Lee's signature style, recurring themes, and cultural impact—from Do the Right Thing to Da 5 Bloods and beyond.


    We’ll unpack how 25th Hour became one of Lee’s most underrated yet emotionally charged works, explore his collaborations with Denzel Washington, Delroy Lindo, and reflect on how his films continue to challenge and inspire.


    Tune in for a celebration of bold filmmaking, deep storytelling, and a director who’s never afraid to speak truth through cinema.


    #SpikeLee #25thHour #FilmByNumbers #OdieHenderson #BlackCinema #MoviePodcast #DoTheRightThing


    Links to Odie's work:


    Slant: https://www.slantmagazine.com/author/odienator/

    Roger Ebert: https://www.rogerebert.com/contributors/odie-henderson

    Books: https://www.waterstones.com/author/odie-henderson/7159097

    Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/odie-henderson/movies

    Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/odienator/

    Blaxploitation Boxset: https://www.filmtreasures.co.uk/blaxploitation-classics-volume-1-4k-blu-ray-boxset-pre-order


    Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods

    Produced by Matthew Simmonds & Paul Risker

    Edited by: Matthew Simmonds

    Original music by: Neil Parmar


    1 hr 46 min
  • Episode 24.5 - Full Interview with Kieran O'Brien
    In this special full-length interview, Film By Numbers sits down with actor Kieran O’Brien for an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation about his bold and fascinating career. From his early days on British television to roles in films like 9 Songs, 24 Hour Party People, and The Look of Love.
    We talk about working with visionary director Michael Winterbottom and the lessons learned from decades in the business. Honest, reflective, and packed with behind-the-scenes insights—this is a must-listen for fans of innovative cinema and raw performance.
    52 min
  • Episode 24 - 24 Hour Party People: The Films of Michael Winterbottom (with Kieran O'Brien)
    In this episode of Film By Numbers, we explore the bold and diverse filmography of Michael Winterbottom—a director known for blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and for tackling everything from war zones to rock tours to raw human intimacy.
    We’re also joined by special guest Kieran O'Brien, long-time Winterbottom collaborator and star of 9 Songs, 24 Hour Party People, and The Look of Love. Kieran shares behind-the-scenes stories, insights into Winterbottom’s fearless directing style, and what it’s like to work on films that constantly push artistic boundaries.
    From Manchester's music scene to politically charged docu-dramas, this is a deep dive into one of the UK’s most uncompromising filmmakers.
    Tune in for candid stories, creative insight, and a celebration of cinema without limits.
    Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
    Guest: Kieran O'Brien
    Produced and Edited: Matt Simmonds
    1 hr 25 min
  • Episode 23 - The Number 23: The Films of Joel Schumacher
    Joel Schumacher: Chaos, Camp & Cult Classics
    In this episode of Film By Numbers, we dive into the wild, unpredictable world of Joel Schumacher—a filmmaker whose career is as varied as it is misunderstood. From cult classics like The Lost Boys, to controversial turns in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, to raw dramas like Falling Down and 8MM, Schumacher’s work is bold, stylish, and often polarizing.
    We explore the recurring themes in his films, his fearless use of visual flair, and the way he balanced popcorn spectacle with deeper, sometimes darker undertones.
    Was Schumacher a misunderstood auteur or simply a director-for-hire with a flair for spectacle? Let’s revisit his hits, his misses, and everything in between.
    🎧 Buckle up—it’s gonna get neon.
    #JoelSchumacher #FilmByNumbers #TheLostBoys #FallingDown #BatmanAndRobin #MoviePodcast #CultCinema
    1 hr 16 min
  • Episode 22 - Catch 22: Book-to-Screen Adaptations (with author Tim Lebbon)
    In this episode, we’ll break down Catch-22, Joseph Heller’s satirical masterpiece, and whether Mike Newell’s film adaptation could ever do it justice.
    Are some books just impossible to adapt? Is it true that "the book is always better"? And can film ever capture the depth, nuance, and psychological insight of a novel?
    Plus, we explore the two-way relationship between books and films—does one help the other thrive? And have you ever loved a movie, only to read the book and see it in a whole new light?
    Also in this episode, we welcome special guest Tim Lebbon, an award-winning author of horror and dark fantasy, to help us tackle one of cinema’s trickiest challenges—adapting books into films and films into books!
    Tim's works include The Silence (which was adapted into a Netflix film), Among the Living, Coldbrook, and The Nature of Balance. He has also written tie-in novels for major franchises like Alien, Star Wars, and Hellboy.
    Many thanks to Tim Lebbon for taking time out to chat with us!
    - Find Tim Here: https://www.timlebbon.net
    - Buy Tim's Books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001IU0D3U
    Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
    Produced and Edited: Matthew Simmonds
    Original Music: Neil Parmar
    Clips Used:
    Catch 22 trailer
    Nightclubbing By Iggy Pop (Trainspotting)
    Apocalypse Now (This Is The End)
    LA Confidential
    Stand By Me
    The Shining Opening Credits
    #FilmByNumbers #Catch22 #BookToFilm #Storytelling
    1 hr 14 min
  • Episode 21 - 21 Grams: The Films of Alejandro Gonzalez Irrinatu
    Hello and welcome to Film By Numbers!
    This is episode 21 and we have named it '21 Grams - the Films of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu'.
    Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Mexican filmmaker. He is primarily known for making modern psychological drama films about the human condition. His projects have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades including five Academy Awards, as well as a Special Achievement Award, three Golden Globe Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Directors Guild of America Awards. His most notable films include Amores perros (2000), 21 Grams (2003), Babel (2006), Biutiful (2010), Birdman (2014), The Revenant (2015), and Bardo (2022).
    Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
    Produced & Edited: Matthew Simmonds
    Original Music: Neil Parmar
    Clips and music from:
    Amores Perros (2000)
    The Revenant (2015)
    Birdman (2014)
    David Lynch Quote via The David Lynch Masterclass
    YouTube Music
    - Midlands Movie Awards: https://www.midlandsmovies.com/midlands-movies-awards
    - Submit your film to Midland Movie Awards on Film Freeway: https://filmfreeway.com/MidlandsMoviesAwards
    •Deadline February 16 2025•
    The Midlands Movies Awards is an annual awards ceremony for Midlands (UK) films and filmmakers.
    What are we planning?
    For our 9th year, Midlands Movies will again be recognising all the movie-making talent from the area in 2025. Our awards will bring attention to the many amazing local films completed in the Midlands region of the UK.
    What are the rules?
    Make a film in the Midlands! Our focus is on films from the area so 75% of your finished and submitted film MUST have been shot/made on location in the Midlands region of the UK. For details please check full terms & conditions below. Films submitted will be considered across all eligible categories.
    How much does it cost?
    To cover admin costs, we charge a small amount to enter each of your films. For just one single price your film is entered into all of the 16 categories it may be eligible for.
    When will the ceremony happen?
    The red carpet evening will take place Saturday June 14th 2025 at the Y Theatre in Leicester in partnership with Chrome Video (www.chromevideo.co.uk)
    Who’s on the jury panel?
    A jury panel of respected and experienced film professionals have the difficult task of choosing nominations and winners.
    Special Guest Jury Member 2025
    RICHARD ARMITAGE is a multi-award winning stage and screen actor and best known for his role of Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson’s trilogy of The Hobbit. He has been involved in three global number one Netflix hit shows & also starred in Into the Storm, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Captain America: The First Avenger and Oceans 8. Richard hails from Leicester and went to drama school in Coventry and will choose the winner of Best Short Film
    Jury Panel 2025:
    * Jack Rafferty (BBC Leicester)
    * Jake Harvey (Phoenix Cinema Leicester)
    * Lateesha Johnson (BFI Network)
    * Nicola Prestage (BAFTA-nominated filmmaker)
    * Sophie Ivanova & Mellissa Donello (B'hma Film & TV Market)
    * Michael Sales (Midlands Movies)
    1 hr 10 min
  • Episode 20 - Twentieth Century Fox: Movie Studios & The Golden Age Of Hollywood - With David Sterrit
    Hello!
    This is episode 20 and we have named it Twentieth Century Fox – Movie Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood. We’ll be looking at the influence of the ‘Big 5’ movie studios, MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros, RKO, and, of course, 20th Century Fox, who took cinema from the silent era through to the one of sound and discuss how they created a dynasty of romanticism, escapism and drama, though the glossy veneer was not all it seemed…
    1 hr 18 min

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