The ISA Podcast

Writer / Director Mark Hanley

He talks about his new short film: Dark Afternoon

DC Comics’ “Wonder Woman” adaptation is one of the best comic book movies ever.

After the last few dour big screen efforts coming from the DC universe, “Wonder Woman” breaks the cycle with its upbeat origins story. Director Patty Jenkins, screenwriter Allan Heinberg, and star Gal Gadot have delivered an instant classic. It’s smart, funny, moving, and with World War I as its backdrop, it has genuine stakes that mean more narratively. Gadot, very much like Christopher Reeve in his 1978 “Superman” debut, makes virtue compelling and attractive. Her earnest Amazon princess Diana wants to save the world and that goodness drives how the story develops and every action set piece within. To put it simply, the film is wondrous.

The new “Twin Peaks” is as revolutionary a show today as it was in the 90’s.

Anyone expecting the return of “Twin Peaks” to be a warm and cuddly trip down memory lane doesn’t get David Lynch. The series he created with Mark Frost in 1990 revolutionized television with its complex “Who killed Laura Palmer” storyline. The show challenged narrative norms with its slower pace and trippy blend of horror, melodrama and mysticism. Today, the show is even more daring, adding Dadaism, surrealism, and scathing societal commentary to the mix. “Twin Peaks” remains a show that must be seen to be believed. It’s the water cooler of the summer.

SYS Episode 167

Dallas discusses how he found the screenplays for some of the most recent films he's produced.

“Alien: Covenant” is well done if all too familiar.

Ridley Scott is one of the greatest filmmakers working today. So why does “Alien: Covenant” feel so “been there, done that”? All the tropes from the franchise are there – face huggers, acidic blood, a plucky female heroine – but little is done to make them feel truly fresh. Scott’s heart seems to lie with the philosophical arguments about man vs. god explored, but clichéd horror action keeps getting in his way. Characters act incredibly dumb and die, plot twists are telegraphed a mile away, and the audience is left laughing or groaning instead of being terrified. And despite impeccable production values and smart turns by Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterson, this prequel could have used more of what those alien double mouths have - more bite.

SYS Episode #166: Interview with Academy Award Winning Producer Tony Bill

Tony discusses how he finds the scripts he intends to produce

Excerpt from the podcast...

"...If you listened to my podcast on Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 1, you know that I’m a huge fan of James Gunn’s writing. Not just for the brilliant execution of pretty much every moment of his scripts, but also for his overarching use of Theme to give real emotional resonance to these goofy action sci-fi comedies.

So, it’s interesting to watch Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2 to see James Gunn both succeeding and struggling in the places he’s most strong…"

1967 movies were a turning point in the history of cinema.

This week, ISA members and film critics Jeff York and Gary Goldstein discuss the impact that films from the year 1967 had on the trajectory of cinema and how the entertainment industry is still feeling its impact 50 years later. Movies like THE GRADUATE, BONNIE & CLYDE, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, COOL HAND LUKE, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER and UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE told fresh, bold stories about contemporary topics that struck a chord with both critics and audiences alike. Movies filled with antiheroes, counter culture themes, and topics like racial prejudice and sexual liberation became prevalent that year, and the movie world was better for it. In fact, 1967 set a course for Hollywood that turned the 70’s into the best decade ever for startling modernity on the big screen.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is a hilarious, heartfelt second chapter.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is already a huge hit at the box office worldwide and it’s easy to see why. Marvel Studio’s 2015 predecessor established a raucous, yet character-driven superhero franchise that was equal parts snark and heart. Now director/writer James Gunn has done it again with this sharply conceived sequel. He honors the comic book source material, raises the adventure stakes, and expands each character. Gunn even gives each one of his secondary characters a lot to do, including standout turns by Karen Gillan, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Rooker, and new-to-the-franchise Kurt Russell. Most impressive is how Gunn incorporates old school shtick and repetition to make the gags even funnier, as well as how he creates genuine pathos throughout. This tent pole is chock full of both hilarity and heart.

Alexis Fedor's mission is to help artists of all disciplines build businesses that thrive in any market under any circumstances.

Aside from working as writer and performance artist in New York City with some of the best theater and dance companies, as well as film and television, Alexis has worked as a business developer for the last six years, helping businesses worth between $2 and $5 million grow their revenue both online and offline. As a result of the marketing plans she has designed for my clients, she's helped them bring in over $1,000,000.00 in revenue over the last three years.

Alexis has also mentored with some of the most talented and successful business owners in New York City who have helped shape the basis of my core business philosophy, which has enabled her to design a unique method of coaching, teaching and mentoring artists to build successful businesses.

Fedor intends to help every artist implement a profit plan that both aligns with their vision for their art and is suited for their unique business model and their lifestyle. So for each of my courses, free resources, and one-on-one coaching I have a three-step approach that works to achieve this:

It’s important that every artist receives the exact guidance they need for their specific situation. So she works together with artists to make sure they have what they need to get started on the right foot. This podcast and interview sheds light on how to approach yourself as the CEO of your business...not just a mere employee.