On August 1, 2025, renowned American producer and director Jonathan Kaplan died. In remembrance of Kaplan’s remarkable career, we are resharing this 2011 interview from NPL staffer Bill Chamberlain who interviewed Kaplan as part of our 'Legends of Film' podcast.

On April 10, 2025, renowned Canadian-Bulgarian director Ted Kotcheff died. In remembrance of Kotcheff’s remarkable career, we are resharing this 2013 interview from NPL staffer Bill Chamberlain who interviewed Kotcheff as part of our 'Legends of Film' podcast.

During this bonus episode Bill talks to writer Tim Lucas. Lucas was the publisher of the video review magazine Video Watchdog. He talks about his favorite books about film, and what he's been watching during the pandemic of 2020. In addition to his work on the magazine, Lucas wrote the novels Throat Sprockets and The Book of Reinfield, a deep dive into Cronenberg's film Videodrome called Videodrome, and the biography Mario Bava: All The Colors Of The Dark.

During this episode Bill talks to director of photography Anthony B. Richmond. You may know Mr.  Richmond's work from such films as Let it Be, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and Don't Look Now. Richmond discusses the making of Don't Look Now, filming The Beatles' final concert (!), and working with David Lean on Doctor Zhivago.

During this episode Bill talks to novelist and screenwriter Stephen Geller, best known for writing the screenplay for Slaughterhouse Five. Mr. Geller discusses writing his script based on the legendary Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. novel, his unfulfilled movie project (vampire alert!), and how he really feels about the cult movie Pretty Poison, based on his novel She Let Him Continue.

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriter Jeffrey Alan Fiskin. Fiskin’s credits include Revenge, Crackers, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature Cutter’s Way (1981) starring Jeff Bridges. Mr. Fiskin discusses writing the script for Cutter’s Way, how Jeff Bridges’ dog got him a starring role in the film, and more recently, his experience working on the TV series Bosch.

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriter Tom Baum. Mr. Baum’s credits include Carny, The Manhattan Project, and The Sender. Baum discusses writing The Sender script, what he sees wrong with today’s movie trailers, and working at HBO during the early days. 

During this episode Bill talks to director Brian Trenchard Smith. Mr. Trenchard Smith’s credits include Dead End Drive In, BMX Bandits, Turkey Shoot, and The Siege of Firebase Gloria. Trenchard Smith discusses the making of the film, and also talks about the best stunt he ever directed. 

Legends of Film podcast host Bill Chamberlain mourns the loss of another legend of film, William D. Wittliff (1940-2019).

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriters David Webb Peoples and Janet Peoples. This husband and wife duo co-wrote the upcoming Movies @ Main feature 12 Monkeys. During the interview they discuss what inspired the writing of 12 Monkeys. Webb Peoples also talks about writing the screenplays for Blade Runner and Unforgiven.