The Production Meeting

Actor and voice-over artist George Newbern ("Scandal", "Father of the Bride", "Adventures in Babysitting") on adapting to changing times in Hollywood.

Actor Jeffrey Weissman, who played George McFly in "Back to the Future II" and "Back to the Future III", talks about filling another actor's shoes for the tentpole sequels, Crispin Glover's landmark lawsuit over the character, and being blacklisted by Hollywood as a result of talking to Glover about the case.

Gary Bullock, best known for his role as Sheriff Cable in "Twin Peaks : Fire Walk With Me", talks about the opportunities a David Lynch film presented him with, fandom, and what he's up to these days.

Miles Chapman, best known for creating the "Escape Plan" franchise, offers screenwriting advice to those wanting to break into the industry.

Courtney Gains first achieved success during the 1980s with a variety of roles in films such Children of the Corn (1984), Back to the Future (1985), Can't Buy Me Love (1987), Colors (1988), The 'Burbs (1989) and Memphis Belle (1990). In this insightful look back, Gains discusses his beginnings, how he strives to avoid typecasting, how the parts have changed over the years and his venture into music. Get Courtney Gains' new EP 'Journeyman' on Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/album/7my1cqhsmt0SNJcrhRJqJJ

Actor Dennis Hayden is likely most recognized for his role as 'Eddie', one of the villains in John McTiernan's 1988 classic "Die Hard". In this fun and also educational chat, Hayden explains how the role came to be, how he was able to make it into a bigger part than originally written, and whether or not it - and roles in films like "Action Jackson" and "Another 48 Hours" - saw him typecast as an action movie villain.

Troy Evans is an acclaimed character actor from Missoula, Montana, USA that is recognized for his work in "Twin Peaks","Under Siege", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "Ace Ventura : Pet Detective", "E.R", and most recently, "Bosch". In this entertaining and enlightening interview Evans talks about the trials and tribulations of being a character actor, his time behind bars, and why connections in the industry are vital.  

Wesley Strick is an American screenwriter who has written such films as the comic-horror hit Arachnophobia, the Martin Scorsese remake of Cape Fear and the video game adaptation Doom. Since 2015, he has worked as a writer/executive producer on The Man in the High Castle. In this insightful interview, Strick discusses his beginnings, his proudest achievements, offers advice to budding screenwriters and discusses the "Superman" project he was once involved in.

Actor and comedian Robert Wuhl, known for his work in "Good Morning Vietnam" (1988), "Batman" (1989), and "Arliss" (1992), stops by to talk about his work in the aforesaid groundbreaking comic book movie, why Michael Keaton wouldn't have been cast if the internet were around then, and why he wasn't involved in the Tim Burton-directed sequel.

Geoffrey Blake is an Emmy nominated, two-time SAG Award winning actor best known for his role as 'Wesley' (the abusive radical boyfriend) opposite Robin Wright's 'Jennie' in the iconic Academy Award Best Picture "Forrest Gump", and as 'McCloskey' in western hit "Young Guns" (1988). In this insightful interview, Blake talks about his beginnings, career highlights and his acting workshop (at https://www.workingactorsstudio.org/).

Actor turned investment broker Scott Valentine, one of the stars of NBC's '80s classic "Family Ties", on lessons he learnt as an actor and the importance of also being a smart businessman if you're going to pursue a career in film or television.

Accomplished screenwriter Jeffrey Reddick ('Final Destination", "Final Destination 2", "The Final Wish", "Dead Awake") shares tips on how to successfully pursue a career in Hollywood, how important your network and circle is, and how to deal with rejection and frustration.

Dave Sheridan stops by to talk about his illustrious career, working with the Wayans' brothers on the "Scary Movie" films, why he decided to get into podcasting, how the pandemic hasn't affected his career, and his plans to resurrect 'Doofy' for a possible spin-off.

Co-host Gabriel Campisi talks about his new book The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood: Success in the Era of Netflix and Streaming Video- now available on Amazon - in between a few laughs with the gang.

Celebrated filmmaker Brett Leonard, director of "The Lawnmower Man", "Virtuosity" and "Hideaway", talks about the new technology he's working with and how he's helping lead the charge in a new type of filmmaking.

Actor and voice-over legend Stuart Pankin, known for lending his lungs to Disney's "Dinosaurs", and performing in such films as "Arachnophobia", "Congo","Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves" and "Fatal Attraction", stops by to talk about working in and out of a recording booth, covid's effect on theater, film and television, and being Earl Sinclair.

Ian Buchanan stops by to reminisce about his time as Dick Tremayne on the landmark series "Twin Peaks".

Roundtable discussion with several actors turned film producers -  Joey Travolta ("Beverly Hills Cop 3", "Oscar"), Tami Stronach ("The Never-Ending Story") and her husband and producing partner Greg Steinbruner, and Christopher Showerman ("Radio America", "Between the Sand and the Sky").

Screenwriter and filmmaker Josh Stolberg talks about his many contributions to the horror genre ("Piranha 3D", "Sorority Row", "Jigsaw"), as well as the effect Covid had on his most recent project, "Spiral".

John Badham, celebrated director of such films as Saturday Night Fever (1977), Dracula (1979), Blue Thunder (1983), WarGames (1983), Short Circuit (1986), and Stakeout (1987), talks about the latest edition of his book "John Badham On Directing", transitioning from film to television, and industry changes he's noticed over the years.  

Actor Linden Ashby reflects on playing Johnny Cage in "Mortal Kombat", released 25 years ago this month. The actor, also known for his work on TV's "Melrose Place" and "Teen Wolf", talks career highs and lows, dealing with depression, his love of "Friday Night Lights" and moving behind the camera.    

Acclaimed actor and filmmaker Mario Van Peebles ("Posse", "New Jack City", "Panther", "Heartbreak Ridge") on making the transition from actor to director, his showbiz roots, the effect of the pandemic on the industry, and upcoming projects.

Celebrated stunt performer Chris Durand ("Halloween H20", "Captain America : The Winter Soldier", "Demolition Man", TV's "Angel") talks about his career as a stuntman, how he approached the role of 'The Shape', and why he doesn't think the Academy should start implement a stunt category.

Australian actor Andrew Williams, known for his roles in the soaps "Neighbours", "E-Street" and "Melrose Place", speaks about why he retired from acting and became a Dharma teacher.

John Pirruccello, Clark Middleton, Andrea Hays, Lisa Coronado, and Stewart Strauss join hosts James Grixoni, Clint Morris, Stefanie Estes and Gabriel Campisi to talk about working on the groundbreaking third season of "Twin Peaks".

Mark Rolston ("Aliens", "The Shawshank Redemption", "The Departed") on making the transition from theater to the big screen and more recently, voice-over work in video games.

Jake Wardle (Freddie Sykes), and his green glove, joins the podcast to talk about his career, working with David Lynch on "Twin Peaks : The Return" and how he's coping through the pandemic.

Keith Coogan, known for his roles in such Reagan-era classics as "Adventures in Babysitting", "Cousins", "Hiding Out", "Cheetah", "Toy Soldiers", "Book of Love", and "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead", talks about the differences in the industry since he started acting.

Writer-editor-producer-filmmaker Patrick Lussier, whose glitzy CV includes such credits as "Terminator : Genisys", "Drive Angry 3D", "My Bloody Valentine", "Dracula 2000", "Halloween H20" and "Cursed", talks about past hits, misses and navigating a career in Hollywood.

Veteran producer Joel Soisson joins the program to discuss how low-budget comedy "Bll & Ted's Excellent Adventure" became a killer success. Soisson, whose other credits include "Pulse", "The Prophecy", "Dracula 2000", "Hellraiser : Revelations" and "Feast", also reflects on his time working for Dimension Films.

Two actors from opposite sides of the world, Stefanie Estes ("Tales from the Loop", "Bethany") and Kate Lister ("SeaChange", "Drive Me to the End") talk about the pandemic's effect on the acting industry, their TV breaks, and always looking ahead.

Andrea Evans, most recognized for her portrayal of Tina Lord on the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live'', and also recognized for her roles on "The Young and the Restless", "The Bold and the Beautiful", "Passions" and "The Bay", talks about returning to work during a pandemic.

Lin Shaye, whose varied work includes "There's Something About Mary", "The Grudge", "Kingpin", the "Insidious" franchise and "Room for Rent", talks about her beginnings in the industry, working with brother Robert 'Bob' Shaye, her work with the Farrelly Brothers and how she ended up a horror film go-to.

"Mad Max 2 : The Road Warrior", "Weird Science", "InnerSpace" and "Commando" actor Vernon Wells talks to James and Clint about relocating for work and working during a pandemic.

Legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky ("Groundhog Day", "Mississippi Burning", "Spaceballs", "The Goldbergs") talks to James Grixoni, Clint Morris and Gabriel Campisi about how his career changed after working with Alan Parker and Harold Ramis.

"Baywatch" actor David Chokachi and "George of the Jungle 2" star Chris Showerman talk big breaks, management, representation and share tips for up-and-coming actors on this week's roundtable.

Leading independent filmmakers John Woodruff ("Animal Among Us"), Aaron Mirtes ("Clowntergeist") and Sean Cain ("Dead by Dawn") join hosts James Grixoni, Clint Morris and Gabriel Campisi to answer the question : "Why do so many independent filmmakers start out with a low-budget horror movie?"

Hosts James Grixoni, Clint Morris and Gabriel Campisi welcome independent filmmaker and actor Miles Doleac ("American Horror Story", "Banshee", "The Hollow") to the show to discuss how the pandemic, and in particular the closures of theaters, have affected how his latest film "The Dinner Party" will be released.

Hosts James Grixoni, Clint Morris and Gabriel Campisi discuss how the Covid19 pandemic has affected the film industry and what permanent changes they expect to stick even after lockdown rules are eased.