In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I  interview VFX legend Dennis Murin, who shares his childhood inspirations, early experiments in filmmaking, and insights into the evolution of visual effects. The discussion highlights the challenges of entering the film industry, the impact of technology on filmmaking, and the creative approaches that define the art of cinema. Dennis reflects on the integration of live action and effects, the importance of understanding audience perspective, and the need for seamless effects that enhance storytelling. 

Here's the link to our "Not Your Average Joe" Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jamiebenning/not-your-average-joe-0

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

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In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I discuss the upcoming Kickstarter for a documentary on production designer Joe Alves, who has an extensive career in Hollywood. The conversation transitions to insights from producer Jim Bloom, who shares his experiences in film production, including the challenges of moving Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) to Northern California, the intricacies of long-distance production, and the evolution of visual effects. Bloom also recounts his cameo as Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back and the challenges faced during the production of Return of the Jedi.

Check out the following link if you're interested in supporting the Joe Alves documentary project on Kickstarter - https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/1d3f98a4-6576-46f0-9585-6c9fc45ab7e5/landing

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Jim Bloom, an ex-ILM and Lucasfilm producer. We discuss Jim's early career in film, his experiences working on iconic films like American Graffiti and The Conversation, and his collaboration with renowned directors such as George Lucas and Francis Coppola. Jim shares insights into the filmmaking process, the challenges of working in the industry, and the importance of personal connections in building a career in film. 

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I discuss the evolution of film history with author John Walsh, focusing on his latest book about the Doctor Who films starring Peter Cushing. We explore the significance of these films in the context of the Doctor Who franchise, the challenges of adapting television to film, and the changing perceptions of these works over time. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of physical media in an age dominated by streaming services and the excitement of uncovering lost artifacts in film history. 

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https://uk.bookshop.org/books/escape-from-new-york-the-official-story-of-the-film/9781789096217

 https://titanbooks.com/70944-dr-who-the-daleks-the-official-story-of-the-films/

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Ryan Condal, the writer and showrunner of HBO's House of the Dragon. We discuss Ryan's journey from being a fan of film to becoming a successful screenwriter and showrunner, the impact of iconic films like Star Wars on his career, and the hard work and resilience required in the film industry. Ryan shares insights into the role of a showrunner, the complexities of shooting a series, and the importance of storytelling in filmmaking. He delves into the challenges of non-sequential filming, the use of volume technology, and the importance of practical locations. 

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with filmmaker Alexandre Poncet about his journey in documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic figures in the film industry. We discuss the challenges and insights of producing documentaries, the importance of narrative structure, and the art of editing. Poncet shares his experiences working on documentaries about Ray Harryhausen and Phil Tippett, emphasizing the personal connections and creative processes involved in filmmaking. 

The Phil Tippett book - here.
The documentaries - here.

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with writer and executive producer David Mandel, known for his work on iconic comedies like Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Veep. The conversation explores Mandel's early influences, his transition from television to film, the differences in production between the two mediums, and the importance of ensemble casts in comedy. We also delve into the themes of absurdist humor and the creative process behind writing for television and film. Mandel discusses the balance between humor and storytelling in his work, the significance of age in experiencing Star Wars, and the thrill of the hunt in collecting. 

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Thanks to both David Mandel and Jim Maxwell for being great!

This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Gino Acevedo, a renowned makeup and special effects artist known for his work on films like Lord of the Rings and Alien 3. Gino shares his journey from a childhood fascination with monster movies to becoming a professional in the film industry. He discusses his early inspirations, the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career in special effects, and his experiences working on iconic films. Gino's insights into the evolution of makeup effects and the importance of mentorship in the industry provide a captivating look into the world of film production.

All my links

This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview film composer Daniel Pemberton, who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a sought-after composer in the film industry. The conversation explores Pemberton's early influences, his transition from television to film, and the challenges of scoring for established directors like Guy Ritchie. Pemberton emphasizes the importance of creativity, limitations, and the impact of industry changes on his career. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of film music and the need for composers to push creative boundaries while navigating the demands of the filmmaking process.

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This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with T Dan Hofstedt, a talented animator who has worked on major Disney projects such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Mulan. Tidan shares his journey into animation, influenced by his father's work at Disneyland and his early exposure to the art form. He discusses his education at CalArts, his first job at Hanna Barbera, and his experiences working with renowned animators like John Pomeroy. The conversation delves into the intricacies of animation, the importance of weight and balance in character movement, and the evolution of the animation industry. 

My mic recording got somehow trashed so what you’ll hear is the recording of my mic through Zoom, rather than on my normally separate recording. But hopefully it won’t make a big difference.


All my links

This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

Watch more on YouTube:
Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

All my links