Scott Martin, Michael Jai White, Charlotte Kirk and Stephanie Beran join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss their new film, Exit Protocol. 

Interviewed separately, these conversations offer thoughtful insights into the production of Exit Protocol, creative decisions, and the collaborative energy that shaped the film.

It’s an interesting look at bringing the Dolph Lundgren film to the screen as each of the guests share their perspectives on filmmaking, working with the ensemble and what sets Exit Protocol apart from other action thrillers.

James Badge Dale (13 Hours, The Standoff At Sparrow Creek) and Michael Mando (Better Call Saul, Spider-Man) join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their roles in John Swab’s latest film, King Ivory. 

Swab’s drug thriller explores the dangerous world of fentanyl trafficking in the U.S., offering a gritty glimpse into a society fighting for survival.

In this interview, Dale and Mando discuss the challenges of portraying characters caught in the crossfire of the opioid crisis, what it was like working under Swab’s direction and the personal impact of bringing the tale to the screen. 

If you’re looking for insight into how real-world issues shape movies, then this is an episode for you.

Oh, and we also talk quite a bit about my physical media collection that was lurking behind me on our Zoom call. It would seem that I might have committed to hosting movie night on Friday!

Filmmaker and actor Caleb Alexander Smith (The Catch, Modern Family) and his co-star David Krumholtz (Oppenheimer, The Santa Clause, Supergirl) join his episode of the the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss their thought provoking new film, Forelock. It’s a work that could easily slip under the radar in today’s crowded cinematic landscape - and that would be a massive shame.

Forelock strikes an impressive balance: it deftly engages with the modern superhero conversation while simultaneously echoing the raw humanity and urban melancholy of the 1969 classic, Midnight Cowboy.

This conversation dives into the Forelock's unique rhythm, its artistic intent, and how both Smith and Krumholtz approached creating something that really manages to resonate. 

British film producer and the man behind Shogun Films, Jonathan Sothcott joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his impressive and varied career in the film industry.

 One of the most prolific figures in British genre cinema, Sothcott discusses his latest horror movie Helloween, the realities of producing independent films and how he’s built a career telling stories that connect with audiences worldwide. 

This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and rewards of film-making, as well as Jonathan’s ongoing passion for creating bold and entertaining movies.

Film composer and singer-songwriter Tom Schraeder joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast for an in-depth conversation. Known for his emotionally charged music, Schraeder has built a career that bridges the worlds of songwriting and film scoring with ease.

Composing music for films like The Dark And The Wicked, We’re Not Safe Here and Vicious, Schraeder is a musician who can add multiple layers to a film with the subtlest of scores.

In this discussion, Tom reflects on his creative process, the transition from performing artist to composer, and how storytelling shapes his approach to music. From crafting intimate character pieces to scoring cinematic moments, he shares insights into balancing emotion, melody, and narrative.

This is a fascinating episode for anyone interested in the craft of film music and the artistry that drives a composer’s work.

Writer-director Kiah Roache-Turner’s Beast Of War isn’t just another entry in the long tradition of shark films - it’s a pulse-pounding WWII thriller that delivers on both fronts.

This Australian production stands out with its commitment to practical effects over CGI, keeping viewers on edge as a group of soldiers faces both a battle-scarred predator and the harsh realities of survival at sea.

Kiah Roache-Turner joins this episode of the podcast to discuss the film’s cinematic inspirations, the challenges of shooting in an indoor water tank, and how Beast Of War channels the spirit of Australian New Wave war movies like Gallipoli and Attack Force Z.

This conversation offers an inside look at the film’s gritty visuals, standout performances, and the creative choices that make this shark adventure a genre standout. 

This time around, Charlotte Kirk and Zach McGowan, the stars of Neil Marshall's new erotic thriller, Compulsion join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast.

Co-starring Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Compulsion delivers a throwback punch, homaging the shadowy style of Italian giallo and the sleazy vibe of 80s and 90s erotic thrillers. Kirk and McGowan discuss what drew them to its dark, complex characters and the film’s tightly wound, high-stakes narrative.

The pair dive into the challenges and rewards of working on a film loaded with moral - and both Kirk and McGowan talk about working with Neil Marshall - and the intensity of Compulsion’s bloodiest sequence.

Neil Marshall’s Compulsion is not only a homage to the blood-soaked Italian giallo, but also a throwback to the kind of erotic thrillers that Hollywood churned out in the 1980s and 1990s - think Dario Argento meets Brian De Palma,

Starring Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Charlotte Kirk and Zach McGowan, the Malta set pic is a twisty and turny thriller that throws in a lot of left turns - and it will keep you guessing until the end.

Compulsion’s writer-director, Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent), returns to the Movies In Focus podcast along with the film’s star, Anna-Maria Sieklucka (365 Days, The Next 365 Days).

They discuss the throwback nature of the film, filming a tale with such complex characterisation, Compulsion’s pivotal - and very bloody - standout sequence and much, much more.

Actors Hayley McFarland and Sharmita Bhattacharya, the captivating leads of writer/director Solomon Gray’s quietly unnerving horror We're Not Safe Here, join this episode of Movies In Focus podcast.

We're Not Safe Here is a horror film that sidesteps typical genre tropes, offering a carefully crafted, slow-burning chill that lingers well beyond the closing credits.

Hayley and Sharmita delve into their richly layered performances, unpacking the emotional weight and human fears that elevate the film above conventional horror fare.

They explore the creative nuances behind the film’s unsettling atmosphere and haunting storytelling - this is a must-listen for fans of intelligent, introspective genre cinema.

Action Auteur, Renny Harlin joins this special bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. In the 1990s, Harlin delivered some of the decade’s most memorable and entertaining films like Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, The Long Kiss Goodnight - and my favourite go-to killer shark film, Deep Blue Sea.

Now he’s turning his attention back to horror with The Strangers: Chapter 2 - the follow-up to last year's hit entry in the home invasion franchise.

Harlin discusses what drew him to the material, how he approached building tension in this new chapter, and reflects on a career that has constantly balanced spectacle, style, and scares.

I also managed to squeeze in a question about his newest shark thriller, Deep Water.