Film Sense

Actor, Producer, Creature Performer DOUG TAIT (Hellboy, Legacies, Attack of the Unknown) stops by the Film Sense Zoom room for our first interview since we met on the Wyrd documentary MEN IN SUITS. Links: Doug Tait on IMDB MEN IN SUITS on YouTube  

Producer HEATHER BUCKLEY ("The Ranger", "We Are Still Here" and "Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life & Ghastly Death of Al Adamson") joins filmmaker JACK BENNETT ("Grandpa Metal", "New Music Sucks") and myself to discuss the inclusive genre studio she recently co-founded, BLACK MANSION. - Frank H. Woodward A Little More About Black Mansion Black Mansion's mission is to "explore genre as a potent vehicle for visionary and provocative storytelling through features, series and documentaries... to present new voices that are boldly cinematic, deeply personal and prestige." Links: BLACK MANSION Go Fund Me THE RANGER Now On Shudder

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... I had the delight of meeting actor Misty Rosas when I interviewed her for my documentary "Men In Suits".  Since then her work has gone into hyper-drive thanks to two instantly iconic roles on "The Mandalorian"... Kuiil, the wise Ugnaught, and the endearing Frog Lady.  A lot has changed for Misty Rosas.  You could even say, "The Force is strong with this one." Links: Misty Rosas Official Site LIFE LESSONS An Album by Misty Rosas Misty Rosas on YouTube Music

The puppet ghost stories of Kevin McTurk (The Haunted Swordsman, The Mill At Calder's End, The Narrative of Victor Karloch) are a fine blend of many cinematic influences including George Méliès, Jim Henson, Japanese folk tales, Hammer Horror and so much more. The masterful way he creates illusions of fantasy and life has amazed film festival audiences around the world. In many ways, I consider him one of the most intriguing filmmakers working today. So let’s venture into the spirit cabinet with Kevin to hear the method behind his magic. Links: The Spirit Cabinet - Kevin McTurk's Official Site

I continue to sift through the FILM SENSE bins in search of bonus interviews like this one from my discussion with director Andrew Kasch about the challenge of going to the movies and discovering new voices in a shrinking, streaming world. - FHW

As we call "wrap" on 2020, I sift through the FILM SENSE bins in search of bonus interviews like this one from my discussion with author/screenwriter David J. Schow. - FHW

Here's a Bonus Feature to watch after seeing CLEAN, a short film by Frank H. Woodward, now streaming on the official Screamfest YouTube Channel.  Watch CLEAN here!!! Joining Frank for this virtual Q&A are Brian Pope ("Howard"), Jack Bennett ("Dr. Robert"), Liesel Hanson ("How-To Instructor"), producer Pam Altieri Paterra, composer J. Phillip Wilkins, and sound recordist Hunter Paterra. CLEAN had its premiere on October 10, 2020 at Screamfest 2020. This Q&A was recorded on September 30, 2020.

The time has come for a closer look at the business side of filmmaking with a focus on independent productions. Michael Hayes is one of the partners of Prolific Pictures, a film sales and production company.  We speak to him about what filmmakers need to keep in mind going forward in a market where production, distribution, exhibition... pretty much everything has changed. Links: Prolific Pictures Michael Hayes on IMDB The Camera Eye - A Facebook Group Moderated by Prolific Pictures

With Election Day upon us... It's time to get political with filmmaker Izzy Lee. Izzy has directed such socio-political horror films as RE-HOME, MY MONSTER and THE OBLITERATION OF THE CHICKENS.  She was also named by The A.V. Club as one of the filmmakers Blumhouse should definitely hire.  Links: Nihil Noctem Films MY MONSTER by Izzy Lee RITES OF VENGEANCE Teaser

"If you were to reboot Hollywood, what are some of the changes you would make?"  In this limited series, I ask fellow filmmakers and industry professionals this very question. In Part Two, we are joined by Kevin VanHook, a writer/director (The Fallen Ones), comic book creator (Bloodshot) and visual effects supervisor. Links: BLOODSHOT on Amazon Prime Worldwide FX - Visual Effects

Halloween is a family thing for many of us.  That's what possessed Uncle Frank to geek out with his niece & nephew, Paige & Joe, about Halloweens past & present.  Very scary stuff... for our family and yours!

"If you were to reboot Hollywood, what are some of the changes you would make?"  In this limited series, I ask filmmakers and industry professionals this very question. In Part One, we are joined by JODI GOMES, an award winning producer/director of unscripted series and documentary films.  Her company Point 7 Entertainment is behind such shows as A&E's The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty and the documentary feature One Child Left Behind: The APS Teaching Scandal. Links: JODI GOMES on IMDB "One Child Left Behind" Official Site  

David J. Schow (The Crow, Creepshow) is an award winning author, screenwriter, monster lover and constant creator. He was kind enough to sit down with me and share his thoughts on monster movies, James Bond, writing wisdom and the future of Hollywood. And thus begins Season 3 of Film Sense... Links: David J. Schow Filmography Cimarron Street Books - "Monster Movies" by David J. Schow "Silver Scream" Available on Amazon "Wild Hairs" Available on Amazon

This feature length, mostly uncensored whiskey chat is like being at the Tam O'Shanter with filmmakers Jack Bennett and Frank H. Woodward.  Jack talks about his latest music video Grandpa Metal before pondering deep, philosophical thoughts about making movies.  A conversation that will most likely get one of thes two guys in trouble. (SPOILER: It’s Frank. He looks forward to your emails.) Links: GRANDPA METAL music video

From Frankie to Chucky... Paige and Frank geek out about horror movie boogeymen, monsters, and spooks.

Film Sense is back with filmmaker Andrew Kasch (Legends of Tomorrow, Tales of Halloween)!!  Gather round as we share tales of filmmaking in the Age of COVID, anthologies, and the healing power of creation. Links: QUARAN TINIES by Andrew Kasch VARIETY: Horror Anthology Film ‘Isolation’ Finishes Filming Entirely in Quarantine CLOWN TOWN by John Skipp & Andrew Kasch TALES OF HALLOWEEN Trailer

In which two generations of geeks talk about things they enjoy. Hosted by Paige Barr and Frank H. Woodward Today's Topic: Disney Parks What changes do we enjoy in Disneyland and Walt Disney World? What attractions do we miss? Opening Music by J. Phillip Wilkins

Director Chelsea Stardust shares her memories of 2019 including what she learned from having two feature films released in the same year, All That We Destroy and Satanic Panic. Plus... Chelsea and I look back at some other gifts of the year. -FHW Links: ALL THAT WE DESTROY on Hulu SATANIC PANIC on Amazon Prime ** Support FILM SENSE - Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment**

You've heard his work here as the theme music for FILM SENSE.  Now I sit down to chat about soundtracks and more with composer Jonathan Wilkins. But wait!  There's more! To mark my birthday, Jon and I look back on our early days as young filmmakers.  Jon was there with me when we made our first short and now we get to tell you all about it. -FHW Related Links: Jonathan Wilkins on Twitter - @lucrativeangst HOT FLASH by Danny Woodburn - Music By Jon Wilkins "You Only Live Twice" by The Postmarks PARROT BUSTERS - A Film By Frank H. Woodward, Jonathan Wilkins and Devon Sharkey  

What's the best way to watch a movie?  Is the cinematic experience becoming a thing of the past?   That's the topic of my FILM SENSE discussion with to co-founders of Film Geeks- San Diego Beth Accomando and Miguel Rodriguez. How important is it to see movies the way they were meant to be seen?  For over 100 years, the ideal venue was always a darkened theater.  With an audience.  A communal affair.   Today, however, people can catch the latest release at home, on their computer, tablet or smartphone.  And while the age of streaming has presented audiences with seemingly unlimited choices (and filmmakers with new channels)... at what cost? Is it too late to save cinema?  Not if we have anything to say about it. Links: Film Geeks SD Digital Gym Cinema Junkie /KPBS Horrible Imaginings Film Festival A24 Zines 2018 Internet Piracy Report (Torrent Freak) 2018 Internet Piracy Report (Screen Daily) David Walker - 12 Blaxploitation Films To REALLY Know  •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment• FILM SENSE is registered under Creative Commons.

Filmmaker / Creature Designer MIKE HILL fell in love with monsters at a young age.  That passion lives on today in the films he makes and creatures he creates. In this FILM SENSE interview, Mike sits down to discuss a wide variety of topics including designing creatures like the Amphibian Man for THE SHAPE OF WATER, chasing his own muse with his short film PRODIGAL SON, and the many inspirations he’s discovered on this journey. Links: Mike Hill Art - Facebook  

When a filmmaker enjoys a certain amount of success, it most likely means they have some fans that have rallied around their work.  In this new age of branding, however, a true fan has become a much bigger part of the filmmaking process.  Filmmakers CHRIS MANCINI and GARY DEOCAMPO join us in a discussion about the role of fans in our lives and work. Fans are more than just our audience.  They can also finance a project via crowdfunding or promote a movie thanks to word of mouth on social networks.  The dark side of fandom is that those same supporters can also be a destructive force. Listen to some of our experiences with fans and ways to build a beautiful friendship. LINKS: Comedy Film Nerds - Stand-up comedians, authors and filmmakers Chris Mancini and Graham Elwood are the Comedy Film Nerds. Their weekly podcast is devoted to the newest movie releases, classic film, major features, independent film and all things movie-related! Del Toro Films - The official site of filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro.  Moderated and edited by Gary Deocampo. Long Ago and Far Away - A graphic novel series by Chris Mancini. GRUMMY - A film by Micheline Pitt & R.H. Norman.  Produced by Gary Deocampo and creature designer Kevin Yagher.

Black Panther... Get Out... Candyman... all have become classics of speculative fiction.  They are also shining examples of AFRO-FUTURISM and the ETHNO-GOTHIC.   With the success of these films, it may seem that a new sub-genre of fantastic cinema is being born.  But according to PROFESSOR JOHN JENNINGS, horror and science fiction have been depicting the black experience for quite sometime.  What we have instead is a Renaissance. So join Prof. Jennings and myself as we explore this new birth. Bio: JOHN JENNINGS is a Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of California at Riverside. Jennings is co-editor of the Eisner Award-winning collection The Blacker the Ink: Constructions of Black Identity in Comics and Sequential Art. Jennings is also a 2016 Nasir Jones Hip Hop Studies Fellow with the Hutchins Center at Harvard University. Jennings’ current projects include the horror anthology Box of Bones, the coffee table book Black Comix Returns (with Damian Duffy), and the Eisner-winning, Bram Stoker Award-winning, New York Times best-selling graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s classic dark fantasy novel Kindred. Jennings is also founder and curator of the ABRAMS Megascope line of graphic novels. Sound Clips: Luke Cage - Disney Enterprises, Inc. © COPYRIGHT MCMXCI, MMI DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. All Rights Reserved © 2016 Marvel Sun Ra / "Calling Planet Earth" - © 1998 © 2015 D A Music / Org Music (from a 1971 live performance) Underground Resistance / "Jupiter Jazz" - © 1992 Mad Mike Music Get Out - © 2017 Universal Studios Candyman - © 1992 Polygram Filmed Entertainment Avengers: Infinity War - © 2018 Marvel Suggested Reading from Prof. Jennings: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler A Graphic Novel Adaptation - Illustatetd by John Jennings. Adapted by Damian Duffy Black Kirby by John Jennings & Stacey Robinson Cosmic Underground: A Grimoire of Black Speculative Discontent - Edited by Reynaldo Anderson & John Jennings Marvel Essential Luke Cage Power Man Vol. 2 by Various The Conjure Man Dies: A Mystery Tale of Dark Harlem by Rudolph Fisher Flyboy 2 by Greg Tate Creating Black Americans by Nell Irvin Painter Black Frankenstein: The Making of an American Metaphor by Elizabeth Young Stamped From The Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi Framing Blackness: The African American Image In Film by Ed Guerrero CORRECTION: The name of the executive producer of LITTLE is Marsai Martin (Blackish).

The camera has wrapped.  Picture has been locked.  Now it's time to sell your film.  That's where film markets come in. But what do film sales look like in a market dominated by streaming services like Netflix?  How do you craft a film that has the best shot at making its budget back especially in the independent arena? In this episode, we welcome the good folks from Prolific Pictures (Michael Hayes, Germaine Lacayo, Brian Kelly Jones) who share what they've learned from the most recent round of film markets like AFM and Berlin.  We talk about the demands of the new markets and what filmmakers should realistically expect from the sale of their film. -FHW

And we're back with a very special interview!  Mallory O'Meara is a  film producer, author, podcaster and all around fascinating friend.   Her new book The Lady From The Black Lagoon tells the unknown tale of Millicent Patrick, the woman responsible for designing the most iconic creature in cinema history The subheading on Mallory's book speaks of "Hollywood monsters" and she's not just talking about the foam latex kind.  In this episode we discuss Mallory's experience in the film biz where many scary things exist.  Fear not, though.  Mallory shines a light on it all from women in film to social media. Links: Mallory O'Meara on Twitter Order "The Lady From The Black Lagoon" Watch "Yamasong" - Mallory's latest film Listen to "Reading Glasses" - Mallory's podcast with Brea Grant

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." In this episode, we discuss the current state of indie film with two filmmakers who continue to work on the front lines...  CHELSEA STARDUST and SEAN KELLER. Chelsea just wrapped principal photography on a feature film for Fangoria called SATANIC PANIC (chosen as a "Must-See Horror Movie of 2019" by Film School Rejects).   Sean, in addition to writing projects with Chelsea, also wrote and produced THE CAPTURE (now available on Amazon Prime).  His other films include RAGE and GIALLO. Links: Chelsea Stardust - IMDB SATANIC PANIC - IMDB The Must See Horror Movies of 2019- #5 "Satanic Panic" - Film School Rejects Sean Keller - IMDB THE CAPTURE on Amazon Prime 

In Part 2 of this 2-part episode, Oscar Winning production designers David & Sandy Wasco discuss the role of the production designer and art department in the filmmaking process. Links: David Wasco Sandy Reynolds-Wasco

Oscar Winning production designers David & Sandy Wasco have been a successful production design team for nearly 30 years.  In that time, they've worked on Pulp Fiction,The Royal Tennenbaums, Collateral, Molly's Game and the Oscar winning La La Land. In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, we discuss the role of the production designer and art department in the filmmaking process.  David and Sandy also share stories about their work with Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson, Aaron Sorkin, and Damien Chazelle. Links: David Wasco Sandy Reynolds-Wasco

Tax rebates... grants... refunds... these are just some of the ways different states and countries compete for film production dollars.  They want you to shoot in their area, but what film incentive is right for you?  How are states like California evolving to keep cameras rolling in their neighborhood? Join Ed Duffy (VP / Representative State Film Incentive Alliance, Teamsters Local 399) and Kevin VanHook (producer / director, Alpha Dog and Slayer) as they walk us through their experiences with incentive programs in California, Louisiana, Canada, Puerto Rico and beyond. Related Links: CA Film Commission Tax Credit Progress Report Entertainment Partners Film Incentive Info (by Region)  •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment• Credits: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Guest Sound Engineer... Kelly Harris Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at L.A. On Camera Training Center in Burbank, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons 

A 90 minute holiday special featuring the Damn Dirty Geeks!  Join Frank Dietz, Jack Bennett, Scott Weitz, Trish Geiger and host Frank H. Woodward as they unwrap a cornucopia of topics that defined 2018!   Fans in control of the asylum... Netflix and Marvel's rise to power... the looming threat of Disney +... "Roma"... and that spiritual feeling you get seeing a film in the theater! •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment• Credits: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at The Hobbit Hole in Toluca Lake, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons 

Film Sense presents a case study of a recent independent film from concept to release.  In this special episode, writer / director Graham Skipper takes us on an in depth exploration of his horror film SEQUENCE BREAK.  Synopsis A reclusive video arcade technician experiences bizarre biomechanical mutations and hallucinations when a mysterious new arcade machine appears in his shop. Starring Chase Williamson, Fabianne Therese, Lyle Kanouse, Jon Dinan, and Audrey Wasilewski. Written & Directed by Graham Skipper    Related Links: Sequence Break on Shudder DVD On Amazon Writer / Director / Actor Graham Skipper   •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment•   Credits: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Guest Sound Engineer... Jay Marks Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at L.A. On Camera Training Center in Burbank, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons 

The continuation of our discussion about film festivals with Heidi Honeycutt (creator/programmer, Etheria Film Night), Izzy Lee (fimmaker, Nihil-Noctem), and Miguel Rodriguez (festival founder / director,  Horrible Imaginings Film Festival). Part 2 of 2 Related Links: Etheria Film Night Horrible Imaginings Film Festival Film Geeks SD Nihil-Noctem - Izzy Lee's Official Site American Cinematheque •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment• Credits: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Guest Sound Engineer... Jack Bennett Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at L.A. On Camera Training Center in Burbank, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons

What makes a good film festival?  What should filmmakers expect from the festival experience?  How do festivals keep the love of films alive? These and other questions are examined by Heidi Honeycutt (creator/programmer, Etheria Film Night), Izzy Lee (fimmaker, Nihil-Noctem), and Miguel Rodriguez (festival founder / director,  Horrible Imaginings Film Festival). Part 1 of 2 Related Links: Etheria Film Night Horrible Imaginings Film Festival Film Geeks SD Nihil-Noctem - Izzy Lee's Official Site American Cinematheque •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment• Credits: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Guest Sound Engineer... Jack Bennett Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at L.A. On Camera Training Center in Burbank, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons   

How low can you go?  That seems to be the big question independent filmmakers are facing when they seek funding for their projects especially in these uncertain times. But how low is low? What do producers mean when they want to make a "micro-budget" film? Join Jack Bennett (writer/director), Brian Kelly Jones (producer) and Staci Layne Wilson (writer/director/producer) to learn of their recent adventures in the micro-budget verse. Related Links: Fetish Factory Directed by Staci Layne Wilson  BlancBiehn Productions Eye For An Eye Produced by Brian Kelly Jones Prolific Pictures Anthrax: Blood Eagle Wings Directed by Jack Bennett •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment• CREDITS: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Guest Sound Engineer... Kelly Harris Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at L.A. On Camera Training Center in Burbank, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons   

  Netflix... Amazon... Hulu... these are just three of the many streaming platforms that have forever changed Hollywood. Everything from how movies are made to how they are watched. How has streaming changed the business?  This is something we're still trying to figure out.  In Episode One of Film Sense, I speak with people from three, traditional platforms of exhibition that are being forever changed by the streaming effect... theaters, home video, and cable. Join David Gregory (owner, Severin Films), Dave Leeson (producer, cable & TV) and Lisa (theatrical distribution & exhibition) NOTE: Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. Related Links: AMC Stubs / A List Subscription Program Doctor Butcher M.D. / Zombie Holocaust CREDITS: Produced by Frank H. Woodward  Theme Music... Jonathan Wilkins Guest Sound Engineer... Jay Marks Audio Package Courtesy of Brian Kelly Jones Microphones Courtesy of Scott Weitz This episode was recorded at L.A. On Camera Training Center in Burbank, CA Film Sense is registered under Creative Commons  •Please be sure to Subscribe, Like, Share and Comment•