In a world of celebrity gossip news, Film Center is a weekly podcast that's about the facts. Hosted by writer-director Derek Johnson II (@derek.johnsonii) and actor Nicholas Killian (@nicholaskilliann) they talk about movies and TV in a way that’s informative and entertaining. They cut out the fluff and stick to what makes projects sink or swim. Tune in to stay up to date on studio news and learn how professionals navigate Hollywood!
Derek Johnson II and Nicholas Killian
In this episode we interview the team behind Spaceship Joyride, a new filmmaking company that specializes in music videos.
In this episode we talk with Bennett Sommer about capitalizing on your creative visions!
This episode of Film Center News, we sit down with John Stapp to talk about how to harness one's creative vision.
It's episode 50! Thank you to all our listeners for helping us get this far! Today we pull back the curtain of Film Center News and talk about things that we've noticed since we started this show.
Nicholas Killian Talks with Ex - NFL star Ivery Lewis about his journey to starting a podcast about the word of God and how it has help him and everyone around him.
This week Nicholas and Derek talk to director/writer Diego Navarro about how he got into filmmaking and how long it took him to make his very first Feature film.
This week Nicholas and Derek talk to Michelle about how her family inspired her to pursue photography, and how she turned that into the career she has today.
Nicholas and Derek talk to Actor Monty Renfro about his love for Theater and the play he just finished.
Nicholas talks to Jeff about his journey to moving to the U.S and becoming an actor, while blackmailing his parents to get everything started.
Nicholas And Derek talked to Gilbert in Pt. 2 of the interview and how actors can prepare themselves to thrive.
Nicholas And Derek talked to Gilbert about how moving to New York from Jamacia inspired him to pursue a career in the Fine Arts.
Nicholas and Derek talk to Joaquina about her International acting journey, and how she found her way to Hollywood.
Nicholas and Derek Talk to Actor Ryan Padilla about how he got into acting and why his family is so supportive of his chosen career path.
Nicholas and DJ delve into actress Esther Peralta's inspiring journey, from her Salvadoran heritage into acting in California.
Nicholas And Dj interview actress Kat Q. We ask about her life and how she changed from a STEM major to moving out to LA. Listen in to find out more!
Nicholas And Dj interview actress Adlih Torres. We ask about her life and how she became in inspired to follow a career in the entertainment industry, Listen in to find out more.
Film Center honored the legendary Akira Toriyama, reflecting on his profound impact on the entertainment world, notably through his creation of "Dragon Ball".
Derrick Johnson and Nicholas Killian delve into a candid discussion on their experiences with D-Box theater seats while weaving in a broader narrative about the evolution of movie-watching experiences, technology integration in theaters, and the implications of these changes for audiences and the film industry. They contrast D-Box's motion seats with traditional and 4D cinema experiences, discussing the technology's potential and shortcomings. The conversation extends to the broader context of film production locations, industry challenges, and personal anecdotes related to celebrity encounters and family perspectives on Hollywood fame. This episode of Film Center on Comic Con Radio explores the intersection of technology, movie-going, and cultural values in the contemporary media landscape.
Listen in to Part 2 of our Breaking IN series! This time, we talk about the casting process and why you should always give it a shot!
With the Oscars on the horizon, Derek and Nicholas open up on how to started your own project. Learn how to succeed up front with per-production advice in this part 1!
Darlene Barrios, a production supervisor, as she discusses her journey in the entertainment industry. From managing office operations to working closely with clients like Disney and Paramount, Darlene shares insights into the behind-the-scenes world of post-production and digital asset management. Learn about her experiences interacting with celebrities like Val Kilmer and the intricacies of compressing various formats into digital files.
This week on Film Center News we talk to Coco Li and her journey to Moving to the U.S from China and becoming a production designer!
The Southern Senpais learn what it takes to become a comic book artist. Check it out in this weeks episode.
Out of all the people we've talked to, Jamal has on of the most inspiring stories. Learning how to master writing in prison, he's now a comic book writer and publisher! Learn his method of mastering any skill when the going gets truly tough!
Listen in as we talk to Allison Sribnick on breaking into the animation industry and succeeding! As a production coordinator at Titmouse animation (Adult Swim & Netflix), she has massive insight into the state of the animation industry.
This week, we talk to Ariel Freeman about Netflix's continuing to turn animation projects into live action projects! As a production coordinator at Dreamworks, she has some awesome insight!
In this episode of Film Center News, we sit down with Producer Mae Stone and she gives us her perspective on the Katt Williams interview. As an added bonus, we get into the drama behind The Color Purple movie.
This is the second part of our meet the host special! Listen in as we discover how Derek Johnson II got started as a writer-director in LA.
This episode with sit down with a Disney Coordinator and find out what it takes to work for the mouse.
This is another amazing episode at LA Comic-con! We're interviewing writer Jemima Victor. She's a fantasy writer from Boston. We talk about what it's like to write Black sci-fi and fantasy and what that even means.
This time we interview Madness & Company at LA Comic-con! Listen in as we discuss modern art in movies.
This past weekend, we caught up with graphic artist Ozzy da Vyrus at LA Comic-con 2023! He gives us his take on the creating great art in this climate. Cinematic art styles are starting to all look the same. He tells us how he gets his art to look so unique and effectively draw a crowd. Previously working for rappers like Gucci, you're not going to want to miss this one!
This week on Film Center we interview the cast of the new play Corporate Dilemmas and their new type of play: The augmented play. This could be the future of theater. We sat down with Yeta Gonzalez and Shi Johnson to here more. Sit with us and check it out!
You asked for it, so we're delivering! Get to know one of the hosts, Nicholas Killian in this special episode!
This week we interview award winning actress Rebecca Tarabocchia. With a resume including not only movies but 3D animation, we talk to her about living post-strike and how actors can be better prepared next time. It's all in this week's episode of Film Center News!
Lindsay Turner, a fire dancer, is interviewed by Film Center. Lindsay shares her background and expertise in practical effects for fire dancing and using practical fire on film. Film Center also discuss fire safety protocols, the transition from practical to digital fire in film and TV, and the challenges of creating realistic digital fire effects. We talk about the creation of fire effects in film production, costume changes during performances, and the importance of safety in fire manipulation. Listen in to this special episode!Check out the Firemingos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHz6EkH9YUI
Elliot is a writer and a PA at a major studio who is finally able to get back to work. We ask him about the transition back into the thick of it. We cover various topics including frustration with a phone call, the importance of being comfortable in uncomfortable situations, past language experiences, career progression, job security, and appreciation for opportunities.
This week on Film Center, we talk Taylor! Taylor Swift's concert movie, "The Eras Tour," has become the highest-grossing concert movie ever, surpassing Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber's films. The success is attributed to Taylor Swift's dedicated fan base. However, the movie did not meet projected expectations due to minimal marketing and rowdy theaters. The film targeted a primarily female and white audience, potentially limiting its appeal. By partnering directly with AMC, the movie's reach may have been impacted. Listen in to Film Center News for more!
This episode of Film Center we interview Indie Producer Andrea Michelle, the organizer of the Pembroke Tarel Arts and Film Festival. We discuss the importance of sound in films and how filmmakers often overlook it. We also talk about the changing landscape! Listen in to this episode of Film Center! This episode was recorded at Priscilla's In Burbank
Film Center discusses the recent unionization of VFX artists at Walt Disney Pictures, highlighting the challenges they face including long hours, tight deadlines, low benefits, and lack of job security. It mentions that Disney has contracts preventing employees from unionizing and the lack of attention given to the post-production industry. Check out this new episode of Film Center!
This special episode of Film Center we sit down with SAG actor Cassiphias Guerrero as he gives us his take on the strike now that the WGA has a tentative deal. This episode was made on location at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in downtown Burbank.
With the sudden popularity of Netflix's "One Piece", does this finally mean that America is finally ready to do good adaptations? Find out on this episode of Film Center!
This week Film Center discuss why the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) won't go on strike. Out of all the unions, they're one of the most powerful! Also as a bonus, we got invited to check out Regal Cinema's Screen X! Listen in to find out all the details on this special double episode of Film Center!
Bob Iger is at it again. Derek Johnson II and Nicholas Killian discuss Disney's Q3 earnings call, expressing skepticism about the company's claim of improving quality while cutting costs and criticizing their lack of support for creatives. They also discuss the impact of ongoing strikes and highlight Disney's strong performance on Disney Plus and direct-to-consumer segment.
Film Center discusses the success and challenges of subscription services in the entertainment industry, using MoviePass as an example of a failed service. They mention positive experiences with AMC Stubs and suggest offering early access to movies to increase subscription appeal. Listen in as we give another important update!
We discuss the potential impact of the ongoing writer's and actor's strikes on the upcoming Oscars. We speculate on the absence of certain elements if the strikes continue and address the declining viewership and potential financial loss for the Academy and ABC. We suggest that the strikes could present an opportunity for the Academy to address issues and make improvements. The Academy could face a $100 million loss and potential lawsuits if the broadcast is canceled. We also discuss the current strike and explores the possibility of holding the ceremony without WGA and SAG members.
Film Center discuss WGA and SAG concerns including pay, healthcare, and the exploitation of actors' likeness through body scanning technology. The difficulties of becoming SAG eligible as challenges in maintaining health insurance, marketing through social media, and the financial impact of the strike on studios. They address concerns about AI replacing jobs and the importance of being part of the union. They discuss the impact of the strike on podcasts and independent films and concludes with perspectives on solidarity and the complexity of the situation. Listen in as the Film Center talks about the depths of this strike!
Film Center discuss the age at which an actor is considered too old to be an action star. They debate the definition of an action star and mention actors like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves, and Tom Cruise. They also discuss how certain actors are primarily known for their action movies while others have a broader range of genres. Listen in to another great episode!
Live action Spider-man vs Animated Spiderman: With the success of “Across the Spider-verse”, it appears that Sony has another Spider-man franchise on its hands. How will this one stack up against the others? Will it succeed or end in another flop and reboot? Listen in and find out!
The WGA strike is still going strong. In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind it and what the future holds. Will the WGA strike spark flames in other unions? How long is it predicted to last? Why is this strike the most important so far? Listen in as we discuss!
The Fast and the Furious take off this May with Fast X! With the announcement of Kung Fu Panda's fourth installment, Film Center takes a look at franchise longevity. Fast X is sure to make money as the 10th installment, but can Kung Fu Panda pull off a fourth masterpiece? Why do some franchises last while the good die young? Listen in to find out in this episode of Film Center.