Welcome to the Talking Pictures Podcast presented by the Film and Photography Society at UCLA! We are a group of passionate student filmmakers and we want to talk about all things media from our perspective.
(Season 4, Episode 9) Princess Mononoke Gets a Re-release on IMAX!In this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Izzy, Jacob, and David give their thoughts on the Studio Ghibli classic Princess Mononoke (1997), which recently had a re-release in IMAX. Check out our socials and other projects here:Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductionsEditor: John TanProducer: Melia HandleyExecutive Producer: Frederic Robb.FPS Rating: 9.5/10
(Season 4, Episode 8) A Minecraft MovieOn this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Emily, Valeria, and Emerie give their thoughts on one of the biggest films of 2025: A Minecraft Movie! Enjoy.Check out our socials and other projects here:Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductionsProducer: Remy DavisEditor: Mariano SantillanoExecutive Producer: Frederic Robb
(Season 4, Episode 7) Mickey 17: Doubly DivisiveOn this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, John, Jake and Aditi give their opinions on Bong-Joon Ho's latest film: Mickey 17! Enjoy.Check out our socials and other projects here:Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductionsProducer: John TanEditor: John TanExecutive Producer: Frederic Robb.
(Season 4, Episode 6) Anora: A Pre-Oscar's DiscussionOn this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Emily, Izzy, and Serena give their thoughts on the Oscar-nominated (and now Best Picture winner) Anora (2024)! Enjoy.Check out our socials and other projects here:Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductionsExecutive produced, hosted, and edited by Frederic Robb.FPS Rating: 9/10
(Season 4, Episode 5) The Substance: A "New Look" For HorrorOn this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Gaby and Romy give their thoughts on the Oscar-nominated The Substance (2024)! Enjoy.Check out our socials and other projects here:Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductionsExecutive produced, hosted, and edited by Frederic Robb.FPS Rating: 8.75/10
(Season 4, Episode 4) The Wild Robot Review: One of Dreamwork's Best?On this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, David, Izzy, Rosalie, and Zain give their thoughts on the Oscar-nominated animated film from 2024: The Wild Robot! Enjoy.Check out our socials and other projects here:Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductionsExecutive produced, hosted, and edited by Frederic Robb.FPS Rating: 8.8/10*Apologies for audio issues*
(Season 4, Episode 3) Oscars Nominations: The Minor Categories On this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Fred gives his thoughts and predictions on the 2025 Oscars Nominations for smaller categories. He covers Costume, Makeup, Production Design, Sound, Visual Effects, and Editing. Enjoy! Check out our socials and other projects here: Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Executive produced, hosted, and edited by Frederic Robb.
(Season 4, Episode 2) Babygirl Review: Rave-ing Opinions? On this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Aarushi, Cindy, and Fred give their thoughts on the recent romance-drama starring Nicole Kidman, Babygirl (2024). Check out our socials and other projects here: Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions FPS Rating: 6.4/10 Executive produced, hosted, and edited by Frederic Robb.
Season 4, Episode 1: Nosferatu Review On this episode of the Talking Pictures Podcast, Fred, the FPS Media Director, gives his thoughts on Nosferatu (2024), compares it to its predecessors, and discusses the new direction of its story. Check out our socials and other projects here: Website: http://fps-productions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpsproductions/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbie8n35-dUNjrbQqoeYvDw/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSProductionsUCLA/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Rating: 9/10 Executive produced, hosted, and edited by Frederic Robb.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Nitika, Fred, Aarushi, and Tal give their thoughts on the recent Dev Patel film Monkey Man!
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Valeria and Sydney discuss Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. They go over what was done well, what was done poorly, and what was lost in the process of adaptation. Spoilers abound! Check out our socials and other projects here: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Host: Valeria Gutierrez Guest: Sydney Speckmann Editor: Eli Kupetz Executive Producer: Eli Kupetz
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Eli, Fred, Leeann, and Victoria discuss the 2024 Oscar nominations, what films were snubbed, what should win, and what will win in each category. Tune in to find out what movies we would like to thank the Academy! Check out our socials and other projects here: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Host: Eli Kupetz Guest: Zaraleen Hernandez Editor: Eli Kupetz Executive Producer: Eli Kupetz TIMECODES 0:00 Introduction 01:26 Best Cinematography 03:07 Best Sound 05:34 Best Film Editing 08:21 Best Visual Effects 11:02 Best Production Design / Best Costume Design 13:15 Best Makeup & Hairstyling 15:54 Best Original Score 18:16 Best Original Song 22:24 Best Animated Feature 24:53 Best International Feature Film 26:53 Best Adapted Screenplay 28:21 Best Original Screenplay 31:11 Best Supporting Actor 34:01 Best Supporting Actress 36:48 Best Actress 42:28 Best Actor 48:16 Best Director 50:26 Best Picture
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Eli and Zaraleen discuss the 2004 sci-fi romance classic Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. They take a deep-dive into some of the unique filmmaking techniques, hidden details, and literary allusions in the film. Spoilers abound! Check out our socials and other projects here: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Host: Eli Kupetz Guest: Zaraleen Hernandez Editor: Eli Kupetz Executive Producer: Eli Kupetz
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Alexandra, Ashley, Brandon, and Kyle discuss the 2023 film Saltburn, written and directed by Emerald Fennell. They talk about the shocking scenes, the aesthetics, and the many themes of the film. Spoilers abound! Check out our socials and other projects here: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Hosts: Alexandra Manzo & Ashley Zhuk Guests: Brandon Nasiri, Kyle Walsh Editor: Eli Kupetz Executive Producer: Eli Kupetz
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Eli, Kat, Daniel, and Brandon share their favorite (and least favorite) films and TV shows from 2023. They discuss Barbie, Oppenheimer, Priscilla, Saltburn, Past Lives, and more! Here are everyone's top 5 lists from this episode: Eli: Oppenheimer Barbie They Cloned Tyrone The Last Of Us Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Kat: Succession Barbie Saltburn What We Do in the Shadows Beef Daniel: Barbie Priscilla Past Lives All of Us Strangers Bottoms / Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Brandon: Babylon (December 2022 Release) Oppenheimer The Holdovers Saltburn Poor Things Check out our socials and other projects here: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Hosted by: Eli Kupetz Guests: Daniel Guerrero, Katherine Mueller, Brandon Nasiri Edited by: Eli Kupetz Executive Produced by: Eli Kupetz
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Eli, Sam, and Andrew discuss film and TV adaptations of video games, and why so many of them fall short. They also discuss recent successful video game adaptations like The Last of Us, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Five Nights at Freddy's, as well as speculation about upcoming video game adaptations in development. Check out our socials and other projects here: https://linktr.ee/fpsproductions Hosted by: Eli Kupetz Guests: Sam Umbay, Andrewtrung Le Edited by: Eli Kupetz Executive Produced by: Eli Kupetz
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Eric Plotkin sits down with Maanasi, Jo, Catherine, Michael, and Ashley to talk about the series finale of Succession and reflect on their favorite moments from the show. Spoilers abound!
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Andrewtrung and Darren talk about one of the most iconic and influential films of all time: Back to the Future (1985). An unforgettable and ubiquitous staple of American cinema and pop culture, Back to the Future has captivated the brains, hearts, and souls of billions of people for three decades (six, if you count the time travel). But is it perhaps the most iconic 80s movie of all time? Here, Andrewtrung and Darren address this question by discussing the greatness of the film's story, writing, soundtrack, acting, and virtually everything else that makes a movie great. Thank you for tuning in! Thank you so much to our 2022-23 Outreach Director, Darren Penuliar, for appearing on this episode and for recommending this film.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Andrewtrung and Sophie talk about one of the most beloved films of the under-appreciated claymation genre: Chicken Run. An essential claymation masterpiece for one of the largest, most illustrious animation studios in the world, Aardman Animations, Chicken Run manages to take a story so straightforward with themes so universal, and transform it into a holistically unique work of art through its medium and through the passion fueling its production. Here, Andrewtrung and Sophie discuss the production, story, characters, and greatness of this incredible film. Thank you for tuning in! Thank you so much to our 2022-23 FPS Member, Sophie Emma Wells, for appearing on this episode and for recommending this film.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Andrew and Eli answer the age-old question: Is Adaptation. (2002) the greatest screenplay ever written? A beloved and unforgettable staple in the careers of the endlessly lauded writer Charlie Kaufman and the limitlessly talented filmmaker Spike Jonze, Adaptation. is more than just a film - it's a meditation on films, what it means to be an artist, what it means to be human, etc. It's one of the few films about everything. Here, both Andrew and Eli discuss Adaptation.'s multi-layered approach to storytelling, and how its incredibly self-referential nature makes it one of the most brilliant works of art they've both ever seen. Thank you so much to our 2022-23 FPS Internal Director, Eli Kupetz, for appearing on this episode and for recommending this film.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Andrew and Charlotte discuss their experiences of and feelings toward the Avatar movies. This franchise has garnered a bittersweet reputation as being both a highly marketable and lucrative set of films (with the first Avatar being the highest-grossing movie of all time) and a thematically and artistically dry Hollywood-ized commercial product for the film community. During their discussion, Andrew and Charlotte reflect on the visuals, storytelling, themes, and overall filmmaking that buttress each Avatar film. Thank you so much to our 2022-23 FPS Vice President, Charlotte Oxley, for appearing on this episode and for recommending this franchise.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Andrew and Anuradha discuss a movie from the early 2000s that's unjustifiably fallen under the radar. Down with Love, a 2003 romantic comedy directed by Peyton Reed and starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, is unique in that it serves as a modernized nod to the romantic comedies of the 60s. With glamorous artwork and production, a euphonious soundtrack, and a screenplay as colorful as the costumes, our two hosts talk about Down with Love, why it works, why it's special, and why it should be on your watchlist. Thank you so much to our 2022-23 FPS President, Anuradha Srikanth, for appearing on this episode and for recommending this movie.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Emma discusses the double standards that female directors face in Hollywood. Explaining the actions of David O. Russell and Olivia Wilde, Emma compares the treatment that each filmmaker has received for their actions and emphasizes the incongruity in media perception for each director. Listen in to hear more about this sensitive but critical topic that reverberates across the film industry.
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Anu and Carmen recap season two of the cultural reset that is Euphoria. Diving into the plot lines and character arcs that were explored (or not explored) throughout the season, they talk about their own feelings on the season in relation to the first as well as on the character arcs. In addition to the onscreen content, they also dive into the production and writing of the show and discuss how it effects what is shown onscreen. Tune in to judge for yourself whether their takes are steaming hot or ice cold!!
On this episode of Talking Pictures, Jet interviews current FPS members, Emily, Eli and Courtney about their experiences on set in many different aspects, editing, production design, producing, etc. Talking about their past experiences on FPS productions as well as other types of film including behind the scenes, and stop motion, they delve into why they joined FPS and the differences between high school productions and university productions. Tune in for an inside look at on set experience, and maybe even some wild stories! Check out
On the second installment of our romantic comedies series, Brianna, Jet and Isabelle dive in modern romantic comedies, talking about the age of streaming, the differences between box office romantic comedies now and in the Golden Age. They dive into Crazy Rich Asians and Always Be My Maybe as a box office rom-com, delving deeper into golden age rom-com tropes, fashion, and modern attitudes. Tune in for modern takes on some modern spins!!!
On this episode of Talking Pictures, we are talking Oscars. With the Oscars coming up this weekend we are talking about the nominations -- snubs, surprises, you name it. Jet and Anu talk about House of Gucci, Don't Look Up, Dune and more. Tune in to find out what movies we would like to thank The Academy!!
Love em or hate em, rom-coms are a staple genre in pop culture, so we decided to dedicate two weeks to them. In our first episode on romantic comedies, Brianna, Jet and Isabelle deep dive into the Classical Era of rom-coms, focusing especially on When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. Tune in for some nostalgia, some discussion and maybe even some laughs!!
This week, Anu interviews FPS's Courtney Chapman and Madelyn Sullivan on production and costume design. Most recently, Courtney and Madelyn have worked on Goose Chase, a short film produced in Fall 2021 by FPS. Anu asks about how they come up with ideas and how they translate a script into 3D designs, as well as how working in a team affects their workflow, and much more. Tune in for a great conversation on design and the theatre-kid-to-production-designer pipeline!
This week, we rank Hayao Miyazaki's filmography, though not to pit the films against each other but to have a discussion about each. Andrew is thorough, thoughtful, and insightful as he discusses each work. Tune in to find out which film was Andrew's favorite!
This week, we talk about how the TV model has changed due to the advent of streaming and what that has done to the production and reception of television series. Meghana and Phoebe discuss the pros, cons, and what they personally like and dislike about the binging model versus the weekly release. Tune in to count how many times we say "interesting"!
This week, we wanted to do a retrospective on Gilmore Girls, a show known for its strong female protagonists, witty dialogue, and cross-generational appeal. Brianna and Anu discuss what they love about the show, what they don't like about the show, and who they think Rory should've ended up with. Tune in to find out why Jess is the best Rory boyfriend! (Not that it needs explaining) ☕️Check out our socials and other projects here:
As Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues, we decide to discuss the good, the bad, and the boring of Marvel's foray into TV shows. Jet and Anu mostly focus on the latest slate of Disney+ shows, like WandaVision and Loki, but take the time to remember some of the olderMarvel shows, like Daredevil. Tune in for some (maybe controversial?) opinions about Captain America!
Happy New Year!!! For this episode we wanted to take a look back at the past year and recount our movie highs (and lows) of 2021 including Spiderman: No Way Home, The French Dispatch, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, No Time to Die and more!! Tune in for some hot (and maybe some not so hot) takes. Blanket warning of spoilers throughout the episode so tread carefully and have fun!!
For the first episode in the 2021-2022 school year, Andrew and Dylan discuss Scream, as suggested by responses to the Talking Pictures Instagram. Scream is a 1996 slasher film directed by Wes Craven that uses black comedy, violence, and "whodunit" mystery to satirize slasher clichés. Tune in for a great discussion about 90's horror!
In today's episode, Rohan and Sophie interview FPS's very own Holly Chen, whose short film 'Discovery' won the Jury Award, Silver Tripod for Music/Sound, and was a Campus Finalist at Campus Movie Fest 2021 (February). Tune in for a great conversation on directing for the first time, music design, and writing/directing as a BIPOC creative! Watch 'Discovery' here: https://campusmoviefest.com/movies/92553-discovery Guests: Holly Chen Hosted by: Rohan Bansal and Sophie Wells Produced by: Rohan Bansal and Sophie Wells Edited by: Julia Alanis Executive Produced by: Anuradha Srikanth and Rohan Bansal
In our very first episode, Zoraiz, Sam, and Anu talk about their favorite comfort movies! Tune in for cozy vibes and fun conversation ~ Hosts: Zoraiz Irshad, Samantha Umbay, Anuradha Srikanth Editor: Julia Alanis Producer: Anuradha Srikanth, Zoraiz Irshad Executive Producer: Rohan Bansal
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