Screen Speak

In this episode, I talk about Neill Blomkamp’s Gran Turismo. Starring Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Maeve Courtier-Lilley and Djmon Hounsou.

Topics Include: The Plot, My Video Game Console History, Gran Turismo's Integration in the Story, Appreciation for the Complexities and Handling of Cars, Sim Drivers Vs. Professional Drivers, The Cast, Fun Fact, Cinematography Praise, Knowing Purpose at an Early Age, Movie Tropes, and more.

Learn More About Gran Turismo

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.

IMDB - Click Here

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References Made

Iowa Independent Film Festival - Click Here

Constantine (2005) - Click Here

In this episode, I talk with Charlie Gandez, President of the Iowa Independent Film Festival about the upcoming 16th Annual Film Festival (September 7-9 in Mason City & Clear Lake, Iowa).

Topics Include: Iowa Independent Film Festival Overview, Festival Amenities, Opportunities in Festivals, Festivals History, Stand Out Moments, Charlie's Presidential Responsibilities, Charlie's Introduction to the World of Movies, Lessons Learned, Value Brought to the Community, Clear Lake History, Funny Moments/Questions, Celebrity Encounters, and more.

Learn More About & Connect with Charlie

Charlie is a Mexican-American (Xicano) Iowa-based multimedia artist, screenwriter, and educator. His work ranges from writing screenplays, directing films, designing Illustrations, and photographing the beauty of life.

Besides partaking in multiple forms of art and media, he also serves as an Assistant Professor of Communications at Waldorf University as Carlos Ruiz. Charlie Gandez = Pseudonym.Ever since 2006, he's fueled his addiction of art and media starting with the art of photography when he was first trained in the darkroom printing his work from a 35mm film camera.

Fast forward to now, his arsenal of skills and interests have expanded beyond photography to film, screenwriting, and graphic design to name a few. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Charlie takes his personal experiences of growing up in between two cultures and incorporates them in his screenplays.

Charlie's Instagram - Click Here

Learn More About the Iowa Independent Film Festival

Website - Click Here

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Facebook - Click Here

Festival Pricing

Purchase Tickets - Click Here

Full Weekend Pass - $30

Day Pass - $20

Discount Code (15% Off: Valid until August 31st, 2023) - IIFF2023AUG15

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References Made

Film Freeway - Click Here

Mason City Community Theater - Click Here

173 Distillery - Click Here

Produce Iowa - Click Here

In this episode, I talk with Jake Daniels, Founder of Mediaverse Studios (Based out of Marengo, Iowa), about the creation of the studio and its offerings available within.

Topics Include: Mediaverse Origins, Studio’s Vision, The Mediaverse Team, Resources & Assistance Available, Average Amount of Projects on Site, YouTube Content Coming, Revenue Strategy, Marketing Efforts, Sustainability Measures, Community Engagement Aspirations, Jake’s Introduction to Filmmaking, Importance of Learning about the Entertainment Industry Early, Lessons Learned Leading a Filmset, Collaborative Options, and more.

Learn More About & Connect with Jake

Jake Daniels is filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of both Mediaverse Studios and his videography and design company, Jake Of All Trades. He is also an Air Force Veteran that served as both a 1st and 2nd Lieutenant. He resides in Iowa and is very passionate about bringing Iowa Creatives resources and tools to bring their visions to life. Jake’s Instagram - Click Here

Learn More About Mediaverse

Mediaverse Studios LLC is an all inclusive, collaborative space for artists and filmmakers alike. They love making movies and want to help bring your own visions to life through their facility resources, educational content, and consultation with their creative team.Website - Click Here

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References Made

Emma Walker (Artist) - Click Here

Cintree Films - Click Here

Michael Huntington - Click Here

Brittany Benedict - Click Here

48 Hour Film Project - Click Here

In this episode, I talk about Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer.

Topics Include: Source Material, Pulitzer Prize's Background, Rank in Chris Nolan’s Movies, Rewatchability, Prometheus History, Non Linear Storytelling, Moral & Existential Questions, Oppenheimer Himself, The Atomic Bomb, Politics of the Time, Communism, Security Clearance Hearings, 1000 Yard Stares and more.

Learn About Oppenheimer

Imdb - Click Here

Source Material - Click Here

Rotten Tomatoes - Click Here

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In this episode, I talk with Sofia Haan (Content Specialist & Writer) about the latest with the ongoing WGA Strike, as well as SAG-AFTRA joining in the fight.

Topics Include: Latest Coverage of the Strikes, Who we Side With, Where to Stay Informed on the Strikes, Actors Issues with AI, Indiana Jones De Aging, Barbenheimer, Strikebreaking Consequences, Importance of these Strikes, Stance on Debate on Motion & Performance Capture Being True Acting, Why Supporting WGA & SAG AFTRA Matters, Greed in the Entertainment Industry, Transparency Ethics, Morals at the Top and more.

Connect with Sofia

Instagram - Click Here

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References Made

Fran Dresher - Click Here

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland - Click Here

SAG AFTRA Website - Click Here

WGA West - Click Here

WGA East - Click Here

First Aid Kit - Click Here

In this episode, I talk with Bernd Wittenben (Actor/German Advisor/Producer) about the WWII Independent Film, Reveille.

Topics Include: Reveille’s Distribution Strategy, Reveille’s Production Path, Bernd’s Passion for History, Accolades for the Film, Determining a Films Audience, Financing & Generating Interest for the Film, Prepping the Actors, Shooting Schedule, Using Live Rounds on Set, Rust Incident, Precautions Taken to Handle Weapons, Thoughts on Substance Use on a Set, Post Production Path, Public Relations Importance with Films, Movie Trailers, Practical Advice for Getting a Movie Made, Union Representation Issues in Iowa, Industry Impacting Changes, and more.

About Reveille

Synopsis - In November 1943, a group of American soldiers and their wounded German prisoners are forced to confront their mutual humanity after taking cover together following a skirmish in central Italy.

Trailer - Click Here

IMDB - Click Here

Official Website - Click Here

Available on Amazon & Vudu on August 4th 2023

Connect with Bernd

About Bernd - Born and raised in Braunschweig, Germany, Bernd Immigrated to the US in 2012 and became a US Citizen in 2021. He is a trained machinist, graduated from German Train/Railroad Border Patrol/Special Forces in West Germany, and has a Masters Degree as Water Landscaper. In addition, he is also an Actor, Producer, German Dialect Coach and History Buff.

Instagram - Click Here

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References Made

Buffalo 8 - Click Here

Michael Akkerman (Writer/Director) - Click Here

Myra Miller (Researcher) - Click Here

Live Round Usage on Reveille - Click Here

Cooper Shine (DP) - Click Here

The Big Thing Podcast - Click Here

In this episode, I chat all about Movies & AI with none other than Chat GPT (Artificial Intelligence Itself!)

Topics Include: What is Chat GPT? AI Usage in the Film Industry, Pros and Cons of AI, The Terminator Films, Best & Worst Movies, and more.

Learn More About Chat GPT

Open AI - Click Here

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In this episode, I talk about the 1990 film - Awakenings

Topics Include: Life & Podcast Updates, About the Movie, Catatonia, Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, Watching Difficult Scenes, Stand Out Scenes, Emotional Stand Out Scenes, Joy & Tragedy, What Life Is All About, Harsh Truths and More.

Learn More About Awakenings

Imdb: Click Here

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References Made:

Oliver Sacks Foundation - Click Here

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life - Click Here

In this episode, I talk with Lucas Halverson (Actor) and Dillon Jacobson (Filmmaker) about the various ways that movies resonate with us.

Topics Include: How Dillon & Lucas Connected, What You Look For In A Friend, Creative Collaboration, Lucas’s Work & Future Aspirations, Creating Personal Stories That Hit Home While Being Bankable to an Audience, How Movies Speak to Us, Watching Movies Alone vs. Watching With An Audience, Nostalgia, Big Studios Supporting Original Ideas, Horror Genre, How Movies Affect Us, Public Domain, Taking IP and Changing It, The Lion King, Lucas & Dillon's Take on Animation vs. Live Action Depictions of Animals, How You Can Help To Get Original Content Made, Our Process on Recommending Movies To People, Ticket Price Rationale, Movie Games and more.

Connect with Lucas & Dillon

Lucas’s Instagram - Click Here

CLD Films - Click Here

Dillon’s Instagram - Click Here

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Contact: [email protected]

References Made

My Movies Pro App - Click Here

Clerks III - Click Here

Film Scene - Click Here

Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey - Click Here

The Terrifyer - Click Here

The Sopranos - Click Here

Marcus Theaters - Click Here

In this episode, I talk with Eric Freese (Festival Director) and Scott Chrisman (Festival Founder) about their thoughts/reflections on the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival.

Note: Sorry for having my AC running in the background for a fair amount of the episode. Something I will be more mindful about the next time I decide to record in my living room..

About CRIFF

The first CRIFF was held in 2001 at Mount Mercy University’s McAuley Auditorium. In the 20+ years since, CRIFF has continued to provide a venue for Iowa-connected filmmakers to screen their work for peers and general audiences. The organization’s primary goals are to encourage independent filmmakers with Iowa ties to continue improving their craft, to provide a place to specifically showcase Iowa-connected films, present a unique cultural event to the community, and to offer networking opportunities for the purpose of building the Iowa Filmmaking Industry.

Topics Include: Thoughts on How the Festival Went, Repeat Entrants, Favorite Films, Digesting Shorts, Surprises at the Festival, Feedback on General Audience Attendees, Festival Volunteers, Collins Road Theaters, Sponsors, Photos Captured, Awards Experience, Lessons Learned, Appreciation for the Logistics of Operating a Film Festival, 2024 CRIFF, How to Be Informed on CRIFF, Culture of Film Festivals and more.

Connect with Eric & Scott

Eric’s Instagram - Click Here

Scott’s Instagram - Click Here

Get Involved with CRIFF

Website - Click Here

Facebook - Click Here

Instagram - Click Here

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References Made

Mandy Maring (Volunteer/Intern Coordinator) - Click Here

Mike Saunders - Click Here

Jason Bolinger - Click Here

Collins Road Theaters - Click Here

Produce Iowa - Click Here

Sweetopia - Click Here

Stillwater Coffee - Click Here

Alisabeth Von Presley - Click Here