We have a delightful treat for you today as we welcome back Julia Max and Ian McDonald to discuss ‘The Surrender,’ which you can now watch on Shudder. This episode is extra special because they are our very first returning guests—yes, you heard that right! Ian joined us last fall to discuss the screenplay for ‘Woman of the Hour,’ while Julia first appeared on the show when ‘The Surrender’ screened at SXSW this March.

We explore the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with sharing a deeply personal story, the challenges of distributing a slow-burn horror film, and how they navigated the demanding expectations of the filmmaking journey. We also delve into the nuances of genre audiences and discuss how crucial it is to find the right home for a film like theirs. So settle in as we explore the art of surrendering to creativity!

Today, we're diving deep into the world of sound and its uncanny ability to bridge the chasm between humanity and nature with the incredibly talented Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan! We kick off our chat with a thought-provoking observation: nature is not just a backdrop, but an active participant in our emotional narratives.

As we unravel the layers of Don's latest project, 'Vox Humana', we explore how he ingeniously intertwines sound design with storytelling, turning scripts into sonic experiences that resonate on multiple levels. His approach to crafting a screenplay that almost resembles a symphony of sounds rather than traditional dialogue reveals a unique creative process that challenges conventional filmmaking. Throughout our conversation, we examine our complex relationship with the natural world, discovering how sound can capture both our reverence for and tension with nature.

Our deep dive into the world of 'Juliet & Romeo' brought us face-to-face with the marvels and tribulations of adapting such a revered text. Writer-director Timothy Bogart opened up about the challenges of reimagining Shakespeare's work, and we couldn't help but chuckle at how he navigated the fine line between honoring the original material and injecting new life into it.

What's particularly enlightening is the discussion surrounding the modern reinterpretation of characters like Juliet, who Tim argues deserves more agency than she's typically afforded in past adaptations. He crafted a narrative that allows her and the other characters to shine, giving them the emotional depth that often gets lost in translation.

The conversation also explores how Bogart approached the iconic love story from fresh angles, reimagining the tale for contemporary audiences while preserving the timeless themes that have captivated hearts for centuries. His insights into the creative decisions behind key scenes reveal both his reverence for Shakespeare and his courage to challenge traditional interpretations when the story demanded it.

(Photo: Courtesy of VPP LLC)

In our chat with Jo Willems about the fourth episode of 'Black Mirror' Season 7, 'Plaything', we took a thrilling detour into the minds of those who create the visual magic behind the screen. Jo, an engaging storyteller himself, painted a vivid picture of his long-standing partnership with director David Slade.

What's particularly intriguing is how Jo approached the dual timelines of the episode, threading together the past and future with a cohesive visual narrative that captures the emotional essence of the characters. He shared some delightful anecdotes about the technical challenges they faced, especially during the trippy sequences that required a creative use of lighting and camera work.

As we dive deeper into the themes of memory and reality, Willems articulated the complexities of shooting scenes that exist in the nebulous realm between truth and perception. His insights into how he balances the subjective nature of memory with the objective demands of cinematography added layers of depth to our understanding of the visual storytelling process.

In a world where history and art intersect, Lovell Holder offers fresh insights on 'Lavender Men.' Our conversation traces the journey from stage to screen, balancing historical accuracy with personal storytelling. Lovell candidly describes being a "midwife" to Taffeta's evolution from the play's bookends to the film's protagonist.

We also chat about how timing shapes Lovell's creative choices – whether he's working with film or text – and the different approaches each requires.

(Photo credit: Luke Fontana)

Eugene Kotlyarenko and Barton Cortright take us on a wild cinematic ride in their discussion about 'The Code’, a film that defies conventional storytelling and embraces the chaos of modern filmmaking. With a whopping 70 recording devices in play, the film transforms the act of observation itself into a central theme. Eugene's insistence on each camera serving a narrative purpose creates a rich tapestry of perspectives, challenging viewers to consider their roles as witnesses in a world dominated by digital surveillance.

As we peel back the layers, we explore the film's unique commentary on our surveillance culture, where characters oscillate between paranoia and acceptance. Bart shares insights into the technical challenges of capturing such a vast array of footage while maintaining image quality that serves the story. And we also dive into how 'The Code' integrates themes of longing and memory as a response to the pandemic.

(Photo credit: Francesca Palombo)

This week, we welcome the visionary duo behind the hauntingly beautiful film 'April' – Georgian writer-director Dea Kulumbegashvili and her longtime collaborator, cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan, known for his mesmerizing visual poetry. Together, they've crafted a cinematic experience that defies conventional storytelling while captivating audiences with its deliberate pacing and breathtaking imagery.

Our conversation ranges from the magic of what's captured in the frame to the enchanting mysteries of what lies just beyond it. It's a playful yet profound exploration of perspective, where we question not just what we see, but how we perceive our very existence through the lens of film.

As we banter about titles and the creative process, you'll find out how the two dance between intense collaboration and friendly debates—because let's be real, who doesn't love a good argument over artistic vision, especially when it's all moving toward a similar goal?

Marya E. Gates, a film critic turned author, takes us on a cinematic journey through the untold stories of women filmmakers in her debut book, 'Cinema Her Way'. We explore the intricate tapestry of female contributions to cinema, uncovering countless voices and narratives that have often been overshadowed.

Her decade-long quest to spotlight women directors, which began with her project 'Female Filmmakers in Focus', emerged as both a personal challenge and a passionate response to the male-dominated industry that had left her disenchanted with mainstream cinema.

Through extensive interviews and profiles, Gates illuminates the artistic brilliance of filmmakers who have made significant yet underappreciated contributions. From pioneering visionaries to emerging talents, this conversation captures the essence of Marya's mission: to celebrate, recognize, and amplify women's voices in film.

Pam Brady, the co-creator and co-showrunner of '#1 Happy Family USA', joins us to share insights from her impressive career that includes hit projects like 'South Park' and 'Team America: World Police'.

Our conversation explores how comedy serves as her vehicle for tackling serious themes, inviting audiences to engage with poignant moments through laughter. Pam speaks passionately about her creative partnership with Ramy Youssef and the delicate balance they've struck between humor and heart while navigating cultural representation in their show.

We also dive into the evolution of her creative process, examining how the pandemic transformed collaborative writing and why maintaining authentic characters remains at the core of her storytelling approach.

(Photo: Courtesy of Valerie Terranova / Getty Images For Prime Video)

This week we're chatting with Lena Góra, the lead actress starring in 'The Eastern Gate'. We get into the nitty-gritty of her acting process with Lena, especially how she tackles different languages and all that comes with it. She opens up about how each language has its own rhythm and energy that completely transforms her performance – it's not just memorizing lines, but really living and breathing the culture behind the words.

The way she preps for those epic fight scenes is seriously impressive – putting in countless hours to make every punch and movement look effortless on screen. Hearing her talk about the sweat and dedication behind those seamless action sequences gives you a whole new appreciation for what goes into creating such a believable character.

(Photos: Courtesy of Max)