Process of making a motion picture
POPULARITY
Categories
Oscar‑winning filmmaker Morgan Neville joins Adam to discuss his intimate archival portrait of Paul McCartney’s turbulent and creatively explosive 1970s. Neville reflects on his own documentarian origin story, his lifelong connection to the Beatles and Wings, how he built the film from audio‑only conversations with Paul, and why McCartney’s post‑Beatles decade feels like a sequel to Get Back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times Third World Newsreel's Enduring Legacy This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: It's almost unheard of for an independent media collective to survive as long as Third World Newsreel has. Since 1968, they have chronicled some of the most pivotal movements in human history and continue to expand on their collection of over 700 titles. There's lots to learn about how they've adapted through technological revolutions, political persecutions, philanthropic booms and busts — and how the oldest media arts collective in the U.S. is making do in today's “media carnage”, as Laura Flanders puts it. Joining us are JT Takagi, an independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the longtime executive director of Third World Newsreel. Tami Gold is an artist and activist whose documentaries grapple with everything from imperialism to sex work. Her films include My Country Occupied, Another Brother and Land Rain Fire among many more. Puerto Rican-born Juan Carlos Dávila works in film as well as TV, where he reports on social movements around environmentalism, militarism and the struggles of the working class on the island. His films include The Stand-By Generation, Viequez: An Endless Battle and Drills of Liberation. Join us as we look at the past, present and future of Third World Newsreel and ask how film can be used as a tool for organizing. “I'd say we feel more urgent now than ever before. Every day there's something happening that makes it clear that our rights and liberties, and people's lives all over the world are at stake. Not being in touch with the history and media that shows the truth of what's going on is really decimating people's ability to, as Juan said, know what to follow and what to do.” - JT Takagi “We need to retake the theater, the physical space that is being ignored by the corporations. Perhaps now that is the opportunity that we have . . . A theater is being rented by people who are organizers, and they're using their collective spirit and know-how to organize huge, huge crowds to come.” - Tami Gold “People can shoot stuff with the phone . . . I see a lot in Puerto Rico that people are still wanting to produce with the corporate industry standards. Many young filmmakers like myself tend to think that we need so many personnel to be doing films. Right now we can actually make films with less.” - Juan Carlos Dávila Guests: • Juan Carlos Dávila: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist, Puerto Rico Correspondent, Democracy Now! • Tami Gold: Filmmaker, Artist, Activist • JT Takagi: Executive Director, Third World Newsreel Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. Music Credit: Music Credit: "Povenier" by Sotomayor from their album WABI SABI courtesy of Wonderwheel Recordings, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends RESOURCES: Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut • BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut • Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: • Documentaries Ripped From the Headlines Are Becoming Harder to See, by Marc Tracy, December 18, 2024, The New York Times • My Country Occupied, Documentary by Tami Gold • La Generación Del Estanbai (The Standby Generation), Documentary by Juan C. Davila and Third World Newsreel, Trailer • Why Frederick Wiseman Was the Greatest Documentary Filmmaker Ever, by Richard Brody, February, 17, 2026, The New Yorker •. Fredrick Weissman Filmmaker, Producer and Theater Director, Zipporah Films Inc • Drills of Liberation, Documentary by Juan C. Davila • Third World Newsreel (TWN) Brings Historic Newsreel Retrospective To BAM, Anthology Film Archives, And DOK Leipzig, October 2025, Third World Newsreel • Have You Seen It Yet? The Algorithm Problem In Movie Marketing, by Charity Maxson, January 27, 2026, TR!LL Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Treat your art like a startup is fantastic advice from filmmaker Charlotte Siller. She has a lot of great wisdom from her ten year journey into making a documentary. A CURIOUS IDOL is a film about the "life, and truth, of Louise Brooks", a film star but also an intellectual powerhouse.Charlotte and I discuss so many topics we don't normally talk about on the podcast -- an unvarnished take on not showing up for class in college and the blockchain. It is thrilling to share an episode with such a unique filmmaker, Charlotte Siller.In this episode, Charlotte and I talk about:her ten year quest to bring her film, A CURIOUS IDOL: DOCUMENTARY OF A LOST GIRL;her unvarnished and amazing take on school, acting, and how she wound up as a filmmaker;why she didn't connect with acting and how cinema studies set her up to make a documentary;what the film looks like now and when it can expected to be released;why she's putting the film out now, despite the enormous challenges;the opportunities of the blockchain for indie filmmakers and her award from Decentralized Pictures;how marketing helped her filmmaking;what's next for her.Charlotte's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Wong Kar-Wai; George Cukor; THE MOMENT (2026) dir. by Aidan Zamiri based on a original idea by Charli XCXMemorable Quotes:"The film itself is about Louise Brooks, who was a silent film star, but even more was a writer and like this brilliant self-taught woman.""The hardest thing about being truthful about the world is having to be truthful about yourself.""I think the professors there taught me how to look at film storytelling analytically and how to have a holistic viewpoint on it.""The most important thing to me in this whole process was that I did not put my own bias on it.""This has been a pretty sporadic decade of doing this. Hopefully, this is helpful to young filmmakers who are starting to embark in these journeys. I had to live a life in between all of this.""Filmmaking requires, oh, so much marketing, like a ton of marketing. And I didn't realize that. I had that experience until I started doing marketing and then I was like, oh, wait a minute."Links:Follow A CURIOUS IDOL On InstagramA CURIOUS IDOL WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
In this conversation, David Bryan speaks with Steve & Rick Simone-Friedland about their recent play, 'Kind Stranger,' which is adapted from Tennessee Williams' memoir. They discuss their creative process, the challenges of performing a one-person show, and the importance of queer narratives in theater. The duo reflects on their personal and professional relationship, the audience's reception of their work, and their plans for future productions.Kind Stranger depicts the poignant journey of Tennessee Williams as the legendary playwright recounts his life, art, and love affairs. Witness his wit and unflinching honesty as he writes his last chapter, revealing how his plays were his life and his life was his plays. Adapted directly from his memoir and using only his words, Kind Stranger could be the last original Tennessee Williams play.Steve and Rick Simone-Friedland, a married couple, went into the project wanting to use the words and humor of one of the greatest American Playwrights as the foundation of this play.Fresh from a successful but all too brief opening in New York, Rick (actor) and Steve (director/writer) are currently actively working toward bringiing 'Kind Stranger' to audiences in other cities.Steven Simone-Friedland (Adaptation & Direction) is an independent, freelance filmmaker residing in Los Angeles, California. He has directed, written, produced and edited a number of short film and television projects including [sic], Togetherness, and Sunday Cup of Coffee which was awarded the CineEast's. Golden Eagle Award, the Herman Kass Fellowship in Filmmaking, the Rita Morrison Best Director's Award, and the AMPAS Award in Motion Picture Production. As an editor, Steven edited the feature documentary, The Yes Men Are Revolting and Donner Pass, and the television pilots, Group & Techno 3. When not pursuing film & tv projects, Steven serves as series editor on such Bravo shows as Real Housewives of Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Orange County and Dubai, Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Family Karma, MTV's Siesta Key and HBO's Queen of Versailles Reigns Again. Steven's Los Angeles theater directing credits include critically acclaimed productions of Ourselves Alone, Oleanna, Betrayal, Scenes of an American Life, and Imagining Rachel, which received its World Premiere at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Steven is a graduate from Northwestern University's theater department and received his MFA in filmmaking at UCLA.Rick Simone_Friedland - Concept & PerformanceEmmy Award© winner, Rick Simone-Friedland, is known to television audiences for his work on, Married People, Just the Ten of Us, A Year in the Life, Life Goes On, KC Undercover, and as Joe Pistone in the Discovery Series Mob Scene. Theatre audiences may know Rick from roles in George C. Wolfe's production of The Me Nobody Knows, Ken Page's production of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, or as Bruno in The Theatre West production of Moose On The Loose. Rick recently completed filming roles in the films How Do You Fall Out of Love With Country Music, Boystown, and Some Sorta' Queerarhttps://www.kindstrangerplay.com/
On this episode of She's All Over the Place, host Katie Chonacas sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Cate Shortland, director and pioneering voice for women behind the camera, to discuss her landmark debut feature Somersault. Originally nominated for Un Certain Regard and the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Somersault follows teenage Heidi, who escapes home after a traumatic encounter and attempts to rebuild her identity in a frozen ski town. Through isolation, longing, and fragile connection, the film explores adolescence, intimacy, and the human need for belonging. We go far beyond filmmaking technique. This conversation becomes an honest exploration of creative courage, emotional exposure, and artistic voice, especially for female storytellers navigating an industry that often discourages vulnerability. Cate shares: • How Somersault was conceived and made • Working with early-career actors Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington • Why vulnerability is a strength in storytelling • Emotional truth vs. performance in film • The responsibility of female filmmakers to tell authentic stories • Finding confidence as a woman director • Creative intuition, sensitivity, and psychological depth in cinema We also discuss the film's new 4K restoration and its continued cultural relevance, over 20 years after its Cannes premiere. More than a film discussion, this episode is a masterclass on owning your voice, telling your story, and making art that feels emotionally truthful. About the Film – Somersault Following a reckless encounter with her mother's boyfriend, teenage Heidi flees home and takes refuge in a motel in the winter town of Jindabyne. She finds work at a petrol station, befriends a coworker, and begins a complicated relationship with Joe, a young man dealing with his own emotional wounds. Together they confront isolation, desire, addiction, and the search for connection. Written & Directed by: Cate Shortland Cast: Abbie Cornish, Sam Worthington, Lynette Curran Genre: Drama Runtime: 106 minutes Restored in 4K from the original 35mm negative by Piccolo Films
Come for the breezy fantasy, stay for Robert De Niro actively trying to speed run himself out of the movie – it's STARDUST! Our very own Sky Pirate, Stephen Hilger, returns to help us drag Claire Danes across the land so that we can finally prove ourselves to Sienna Miller. Ya know, normal fantasy stuff! Next week New Line Cinema tries to jump start another fantasy trilogy adaptation with THE GOLDEN COMPASS. Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod References: Special Features What Do Stars Do? They Shine – The Casting Process A Quest of Enormous Importance Stardust: The Visual Companion by Stephen Jones Cinefex #111 Production History Den of Geek Jon Harris Interview Matthew Vaughn on Stardust Sequel Ain't It Cool News Neil Gaiman Interview Los Angeles Times Neil Gaiman Interview Sarah Michelle Gellar Turns Down Role Ilan Eshkeri's Stardust: A Film Score Guide by Ian Sapiro Credits: Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich. This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari. This episode was researched by Parth Marathe. Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shop The "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling. Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord. Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Original Release Date: Monday 23 February 2026 Description: After discussing the latest news regarding Netflix, their attempts to purchase Warner Bros, and what the current President of the U.S.A. is demanding they do, Dean and Phil talk about more of the intriguing movies coming out in 2026 (including period pieces, biopics, and crime films). Hollywood still hasn't recovered from the dual strikes of a few years back, and with the negotiations for new contracts upcoming, the Writers Guild seems to be imploding. Dean and Phil analyze the latest labor strife. The recent movie Anaconda gets reviewed, and the French classic Amelie gets re-appraised in time for its 25th anniversary. In the return of “What We're Reading” the latest by Dan Brown and a work of historical fiction about legendary filmmaker G.W. Pabst get discussed. Finally the murders of two groundbreaking physicists has Phil troubled, so he asks Dean about whether the deaths might be part of a conspiracy. And speaking of conspiracy, Dean and Phil conclude with the latest news surrounding Ryan Coogler's reboot of “The X-Files”.
Writer and director Morgan Cooper on turning a self-funded Bel-Air short into a series, building creative audacity before opportunity arrives, and staying resourceful across drafts, collaboration, and a children's picture book.You'll learn:Why “imperfect action” can be a practical antidote to creative paralysis, especially early in your craft.How he found a compelling dramatic lens by stripping away sitcom expectations and focusing on character archetypes and real-world stakes.What it can look like to invest commercial income back into self-initiated work to build a body of proof.Why “waiting for permission” often hides fear, and how starting anyway can change what's possible.Why the “angle” of your idea matters, and how recalibrating it can be the difference between a draft that stalls and a draft that lands.How identifying the “big question” of a story can give your scenes direction and your revisions momentum.Simple ways to keep the creative channel open using a notes app, project scrap bins, and a journaling method that functions like index cards.How collaboration becomes part of the craft when you treat writing as iterative perspective-building, not a solitary performance.What writing a picture book can teach about economy, structure, and building an arc inside tight page limits.How designing a kid-led mission around resourcefulness can create momentum and emotional payoff in short form.Resources & Links:
This week on ITCAF the guys break down a massive week in Hollywood, from the losses of Robert Duvall and Eric Dane to the WGA strike and the high-stakes Warner Bros. Discovery sale. They also dig into House of the Dragon Season 3, Toy Story 5, Scorsese jumping into the Star Wars universe, Bad Bunny's first leading film role, TV reboots, pilot season chaos, and more. Plus our Top 5 Favorite 2026 Trailers, the latest box office numbers, and IMDb's top trenders.Chapters:0:00 Opening Monologue 0:52 Opening Music1:13 Show Open3:00 Eric Dane4:21 Robert Duvall 5:52 2026 Deaths So Far7:12 WGA Strike9:52 WBD Sale15:43 Disney News23:20 Fox News25:58 Warner Brothers News29:00 Paramount News33:03 NBC News35:38 Sony News37:05 Lionsgate News38:40 Amazon Prime News40:30 Netflix News42:34 Top 2026 Trailers56:49 Box Office1:00:30 IMDb Pro Trending1:01:01 Wrap UpFollow Us Here:Website: https://crazyantmedia.comMerchandise: https://crazyantmedia.com/crazy-ant-merchandiseOur first film, Deadlines: https://crazyantmedia.com/deadlinesPodcasts:ITCAFpodcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/itcafpodcast/id1644145531Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tf6L0e7vO9xnVtWaip67s?si=tYPrIVr_R36qpYns4qeZ8gEverything's Okay Podcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-okay/id1664547993Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uMm80MW4K50f8uURgVUYp?si=9mF7mwf_Qe-ZDqKBhEovMgSocial Media:ITCAFpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/itcafpodcast?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/itcafpodcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQ7hHn/Everything's OkayTwitter: https://twitter.com/everythingsokp?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/everythingsokp?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Crazy Ant MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantmedia?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantmedia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQP1c1/Logan (Left)Twitter: https://twitter.com/jloganaustin?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/jloganaustin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.loganaustin?_t=8ZMB9Hp1yxf&_r=1Dustin (Right)Twitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantceo?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantceo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyantceo?_t=8ZMB84k7BUM&_r=1
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. Justin Younts sits down with award-winning filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux to discuss independent filmmaking, cultural perspective, and storytelling craft. From Brooklyn to Toronto, Jaze shares insights on directing, producing, and bringing original films like EFC to life in today's film industry.http://jazebordeaux.com/00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:42 - Guest Background00:04:03 - Cultural Differences00:06:35 - Impact of Diverse Cultures00:09:37 - Entrepreneurial Journey00:14:02 - Inspiration00:15:28 - Understanding Film Financing00:16:39 - The Artwork of Film Structure00:18:25 - Learning from Startup Companies00:19:32 - Preparing for Film Financing00:19:47 - The Importance of Budgeting00:20:37 - Learning from Mistakes and Ventures00:22:19 - Advice for New Filmmakers00:24:23 - The Importance of a Clear Pitch00:28:46 - The Changing Film Industry00:29:58 - Improving the Industry from a Budget Standpoint00:31:12 - Comparing Film Production Costs Globally00:31:40 - Challenges in the American Film Industry00:35:26 - The Impact of Inflation and Human Capital on Film Budgets00:39:37 - The Consequences of Rushed Film Production00:41:06 - Going Outside the System: An Alternative Approach to Film Production00:43:51 - The Vision for a Global Independent Film Platform00:46:31 - The Evolution of Online Streaming00:48:42 - The Challenges of Online Streaming00:49:14 - The Experiment and Lessons Learned00:50:58 - The Issue of Digital Rights Management00:52:33 - The Future of Piracy00:53:57 - The Demand for Physical Copies00:54:35 - The Uncertainty of Digital Ownership00:54:48 - The Return to Physical Media00:59:08 - The Potential of Personalized Streaming00:59:48 - The Future of Media Consumption01:02:04 - On-Set Learning and Experience01:05:08 - The Importance of Acting01:10:57 - The Journey into Filmmaking01:14:11 - Directing Actors: A Collaborative Approach01:16:06 - The Significance of Casting and Performance01:17:38 - The First Notable Film: Excelsis01:17:56 - The Name Change to EFC01:18:10 - The Importance of Film Title01:18:56 - The Challenge of Translating Film Titles01:19:28 - The Marketing Aspect of Film Titles01:20:50 - The Impact of Unexpected Events on Film Production01:25:15 - The Decision Between Story and Action01:28:00 - The Rise of Women's Mixed Martial Arts01:30:00 - The Initial Reception of Women's MMA Film01:32:22 - The Evolution of Women's Roles in Combat Sports Films01:35:00 - Recognition and Awards01:37:00 - The Experience of Winning Best Director01:42:36 - The Story Behind 'Starry-Eyed'01:43:36 - Adapting the Story and Characters01:46:00 - Incorporating Film School Graduates01:47:03 - The Evolution of 'Starry-Eyed'01:48:16 - Supporting Other Filmmakers01:49:23 - Introduction to 'Let Go'01:49:41 - The Making of 'Let Go'01:50:48 - The Role of Carly Rose in 'Let Go'01:53:14 - The Story of 'Let Go'01:53:58 - Release of 'Let Go'01:54:22 - Current Projects of Alex Cruz01:55:00 - Distribution of EFC01:55:34 - Introduction to 'Genesis'01:55:41 - The Evolution of 'Genesis'01:56:18 - The Concept of 'Genesis'01:57:35 - The Writing Process of 'Genesis'01:59:31 - The Genre and Influence of 'Genesis'02:01:58 - Closing Thoughts02:02:38 - Personal Background: Track and Field Experience02:03:26 - Unexpected Journey into Track and Field02:04:10 - Overcoming Initial Challenges and Winning02:05:16 - Facing More Experienced Competitors02:09:31 - Changing Perspective and Winning the Race02:11:15 - Applying Lessons from the Track to Life02:13:55 - Daily Routines and Meditation02:16:53 - Physical Fitness and Taekwondo02:17:42 - Current Reading and Listening Habits02:18:33 - Favorite Film Scores and Tracks02:20:35 - Current Viewing Habits02:21:46 - Impressions on 'Peacemaker' Series02:22:43 - Thoughts on 'The Foundation'02:23:18 - Recent Theater Experience: 'Honey'
Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Tech Sake' podcast talks to Brendan about the impact of AI on Hollywood; from this week's viral video which showed AI versions of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in a fight scene to how AI is being used day to day in filmmaking and content creation.
Producer Zainab Azizi joins GG Hawkins to break down her journey from agency mailroom to President of Raimi Productions and producing studio features like Send Help. Azizi shares how she develops original ideas, packages talent, protects projects through shifting studio mandates, and leads with a collaborative producing style. She also discusses mentoring female producers, balancing creative and financial realities in modern filmmaking, and why theatrical success for original films still matters. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Zainab Azizi discuss... How Send Help evolved from a logline in 2019 to a theatrical release Moving the project from Columbia Pictures to 20th and navigating studio mandate shifts Why Sam Raimi was essential to directing the film—and how storyboards helped secure studio confidence Packaging as a producer: attaching directors and actors through agency relationships Casting Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien and building chemistry into the film's core dynamic The tension between “social media value” and creative talent in casting decisions What Azizi learned in the WME mailroom and how agencies really function behind the scenes Different types of producers (creative, line, financing, studio producers) and protecting the “PGA” credit Her collaborative leadership style and the “three solutions for every problem” rule Mentorship, promoting female producers, and fostering more women-led sets Why theatrical releases for original films still matter in 2026 Developing a Seshu Hayakawa biopic and why his story feels urgent today The importance of sacrifice, networking, and embracing rejection early in your career Memorable Quotes: “My job is to find three solutions for every problem.” “Rejection is just redirection. We celebrate rejections.” “If it scares you, it means you're headed the right direction.” “You have to put yourself out there.” Guests: Zainab Azizi – President of Raimi Productions and producer of Send Help Resources: LaBelle Foundation (for adopting Cactus the foster puppy) Producers Guild of America (PGA) Producers United Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
Synopsis: What's it take for an independent media collective to last for almost 60 years? This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: It's almost unheard of for an independent media collective to survive as long as Third World Newsreel has. Since 1968, they have chronicled some of the most pivotal movements in human history and continue to expand on their collection of over 700 titles. There's lots to learn about how they've adapted through technological revolutions, political persecutions, philanthropic booms and busts — and how the oldest media arts collective in the U.S. is making do in today's “media carnage”, as Laura Flanders puts it. Joining us are JT Takagi, an independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the longtime executive director of Third World Newsreel. Tami Gold is an artist and activist whose documentaries grapple with everything from imperialism to sex work. Her films include My Country Occupied, Another Brother and Land Rain Fire among many more. Puerto Rican-born Juan Carlos Dávila works in film as well as TV, where he reports on social movements around environmentalism, militarism and the struggles of the working class on the island. His films include The Stand-By Generation, Viequez: An Endless Battle and Drills of Liberation. Join us as we look at the past, present and future of Third World Newsreel and ask how film can be used as a tool for organizing. “I'd say we feel more urgent now than ever before. Every day there's something happening that makes it clear that our rights and liberties, and people's lives all over the world are at stake. Not being in touch with the history and media that shows the truth of what's going on is really decimating people's ability to, as Juan said, know what to follow and what to do.” - JT Takagi “We need to retake the theater, the physical space that is being ignored by the corporations. Perhaps now that is the opportunity that we have . . . A theater is being rented by people who are organizers, and they're using their collective spirit and know-how to organize huge, huge crowds to come.” - Tami Gold “People can shoot stuff with the phone . . . I see a lot in Puerto Rico that people are still wanting to produce with the corporate industry standards. Many young filmmakers like myself tend to think that we need so many personnel to be doing films. Right now we can actually make films with less.” - Juan Carlos Dávila Guests: • Juan Carlos Dávila: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist, Puerto Rico Correspondent, Democracy Now! • Tami Gold: Filmmaker, Artist, Activist • JT Takagi: Executive Director, Third World Newsreel Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast February 25th, 2026. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends RESOURCES: Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut • BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut • Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: • Documentaries Ripped From the Headlines Are Becoming Harder to See, by Marc Tracy, December 18, 2024, The New York Times • My Country Occupied, Documentary by Tami Gold • La Generación Del Estanbai (The Standby Generation), Documentary by Juan C. Davila and Third World Newsreel, Trailer • Why Frederick Wiseman Was the Greatest Documentary Filmmaker Ever, by Richard Brody, February, 17, 2026, The New Yorker •. Fredrick Weissman Filmmaker, Producer and Theater Director, Zipporah Films Inc • Drills of Liberation, Documentary by Juan C. Davila • Third World Newsreel (TWN) Brings Historic Newsreel Retrospective To BAM, Anthology Film Archives, And DOK Leipzig, October 2025, Third World Newsreel • Have You Seen It Yet? The Algorithm Problem In Movie Marketing, by Charity Maxson, January 27, 2026, TR!LL Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Send a textJoining us to discuss their new film Sweetness is Herman Tømmeraas of Netflix's Ragnarok and writer/director Emma Higgins. Sweetness is a coming of age story that highlights what can potentially happen when the line of fandom and obsession are blurred. Sweetness is currently available on Digital & Demand via Saban FilmsFollow us on Social Media: @pvdhorror Instagram, X, TikTok, FacebookWatch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pvdhorrorSpecial thanks to John Brennan for the intro and outro music. Be sure to find his music on social media at @badtechno or the following:https://johnbrennan.bandcamp.com
Send a textHow do you turn a technical camera launch into a soulful piece of science fiction? In this episode, director Andrew Kightlinger joins the Rumikay Talks podcast to break down the reality of a career in film. From his unique childhood education in Madagascar—where movies arrived in a traveling "Red Island Video Club" footlocker—to directing a feature for Sylvester Stallone, Andrew shares what it takes to survive and thrive in the industry.In this episode, we discuss:The "Sting" of Rejection: Why the "no's" never stop hurting, but how to stop taking them personally.The Art of the Pitch: How Andrew landed the Fujifilm GFX launch by pitching emotional storytelling over technical specs.Vulnerability on Set: Why being a "benevolent director" and taking acting classes leads to more truthful performances.Grief as Inspiration: How the loss of his grandmother fueled the script for his latest sci-fi short.Atomic Habits: Why small steps and personal growth are essential for staying focused as a creative.✨ Selected links from the episode: ✨Andrew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/andrew.vhsOKAY at Slamdance:https://slamdance.com/26-lineup/Slamdance Film Festival: February 19th–25th in Los Angeles (and virtually!)
How to turn complexity into connection through clear communication.Communication in high-stakes moments isn't about saying more — it's about connecting better. For Jonathan Berek and Phil Polakoff, the most effective communicators don't rely on jargon or performance. They rely on empathy, listening, and stories that resonate.Both longtime Stanford Medicine leaders, Berek and Polakoff have spent their careers translating complex, emotional, and often urgent health issues for patients, colleagues, and the public. And they've learned that the message only lands when it's delivered at the right level, with the right intention. “Know your audience,” Berek says, describing the importance of “leveling” — communicating in language that meets people where they are, without talking down or over their heads.For both Berek and Polakoff, listening is the foundation. “The two most important skills in communication are empathy and listening,” Berek explains — not as soft skills, but as the core mechanics of trust. Polakoff agrees, pushing for directness and clarity: “I like a yes or a no. I don't like ambivalence or ambiguity.” And when it comes to being memorable, he's relentless about simplicity: “Think bold, start small.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Berek and Polakoff join host Matt Abrahams to examine what great communicators actually do: prepare deeply, speak concisely, listen with intention, and use storytelling to bring others along. Because as Berek puts it, “People feel the emotion when they see a story,” and emotion — paired with clarity — is what turns information into impact.Episode Reference Links:Phil PolakoffJonathan BerekConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:49) - Raising Awareness For Women's Cancer (03:46) - Redefining Health Beyond Disease (05:08) - Why Storytelling is Essential (07:08) - What Makes a Story Memorable (08:45) - Advice for Better Communication (09:46) - Making Complex Ideas Accessible (10:34) - Speaking at Your Audience's Level (11:57) - Listening & Empathy (12:39) - Improving Communication with Improv (14:08) - Communication for Collective Change (16:47) - Mentorship & The Big Picture (17:58) - The Final Three Questions (21:48) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
In today's episode of **Is It Worth It?**, Logan dives deep into the atmospheric and emotionally heavy world of *Train Dreams*, adapted from the novella by Train Dreams. Set against the rugged backdrop of the early 20th-century American West, this story follows day laborer Robert Grainier as he endures love, loss, isolation, and the unstoppable force of modernization sweeping through the frontier.In this review, we explore…✨ How the film interprets Grainier's quiet but devastating journey✨ Themes of loneliness, grief, and the mythic American landscape✨ The power of minimal storytelling✨ Whether the adaptation captures the spirit of the original work✨ And of course… Is it worth watching?If you're a fan of slow-burn frontier stories, emotional character studies, or unique indie adaptations, this review breaks down everything you need to know before hitting play.
In this episode of Now for Something Completely Machinima, the team revisits Ozymandias (1999) — one of the earliest and most controversial works of machinima, created by Hugh Hancock and Strange Company using the experimental LithTech Film Producer toolkit.What begins as a straightforward critique quickly turns into a deeper debate:
What if the only thing standing between you and a 6 figure year was 400 cold calls?In this episode, we sit down with George and Jack of Agrippa Creatives, a brand strategy and filmmaking duo who launched their agency in mid-2025 and built predictable retainer revenue in just six months.Before the Mastermind, there was no real structure - just stacking $500 projects to stay busy but never stable.After? They built $3,500 monthly retainers, a $9,000 premium offer, and backend systems that finally made revenue predictable.And yes… it started with 400 cold calls.In this episode, we dive into:• The “minimum level of engagement” that transformed their pricing• Why stacking small projects quietly stalls growth• How to move from one-off gigs into recurring retainers• The structure that makes scaling sustainable• The shift from “what can we charge?” to “what makes this partnership effective?”Six months ago, $50K this year felt like a stretch.Now they're projecting $200K+ in year one.Follow Agrippa CreativesSAVE THE DATE & REGISTER: Our $10K per Month Creator Workshop is back — happening next Wednesday, February 25th at 4:30pm PST.In this free, live workshop, we're breaking down what's actually working right now to build a creative business that consistently clears $10,000 per month — whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, content creator, or social media manager.We'll cover:The four stages every creative business moves through on the way to six figuresHow to build offers that scale to $10K+/moHow to price your work to maximize every job in 2026How to increase demand so you're not relying on hope or referralsIt's the exact framework we use in our own business day to day, and the workshop is live, free, and interactive with plenty of time for Q&A. Spots are capped.Register here: www.creativrise.com/workshopIf you want to experience the same environment George & Jack grew in, Round 15 starts March 15th. Applications open to the waitlist on February 25th.If you're a photographer, filmmaker, content creator, or social media manager in the wedding or brand space, join the waitlist for a chance at one of the 35 spots to build a six-figure foundation in just six weeks.Learn more and watch real client stories atwww.creativrise.comFollow Along:→ Instagram: @creativrise | @joeyspeers | @christyjspeers
If you're enjoying the content, please like, subscribe, and comment! Manu's Website: https://manurewal.comManu's Top Films: 1. CHAI PANI ETC (FICTION) (90 minutes):https://vimeo.com/ondemand/chaipanietcengsubtitles2. LE CORBUSIER IN INDIA (2x50 minutes) :https://vimeo.com/ondemand/lecorbusierinindia3. INDIAN MODERNITY, the Architecture of RAJ REWAL (5x26 minutes)https://vimeo.com/ondemand/indianmodernity4. THE PARLIAMENT LIBRARY OF INDIA, a Raj Rewal building (42 minutes)Manu Rewal is a multi-award winning Indian-French film writer-director-producer. He occasionally gives lectures on subjects related to his films in museums and at global cultural and academic institutions. He also works as a creative consultant for entrepreneurs who need advice for developing their brand and presenting their businesses in an innovative manner.His most recent fiction is a short film. A proof of concept for a feature, a thriller about the rule of law and freedom. His debut feature, Chai Pani etc, (Love, bribes etc), a coming of age satire, overcame censorship in India, before it was released in the theatres and won the Special Jury Award at the International film festival in Brussels in 2007. His first short fiction, Hollywood ki Pukar (the Call of Hollywood) a comedy, was premiered in the Director's fortnight, global eyes, in Cannes 2002.He has made 15 documentaries on architecture and cities in India. 7 were selected and 3 won awards in international film festivals, including at UNESCO Film Festival on art and education. His most recent documentary Indian Modernity (2017) was co-produced with the Centre Pompidou, Paris. Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Stanford, Cornell, Yale etc. have acquired his films.He has served on juries of film festivals in France, Belgium, Morocco, and Canada.With an Indian father and a French mother, he was born in 1966 and grew up in Delhi, India. He finished his schooling in a boarding school in the south of France. Then studied the arts and film in the Sorbonne University, Paris and filmmaking at New York University._______________________Follow us!@worldxppodcast Instagram - https://bit.ly/3eoBwyr@worldxppodcast Twitter - https://bit.ly/2Oa7BzmSpotify - http://spoti.fi/3sZAUTGYouTube - http://bit.ly/3rxDvUL#film #filmmaking #filmfestival #director #producer #documentary #movie #bollywood #hollywood #architecture #education #studio #arts #subscribe #explore #explorepage #podcastshow #longformpodcast #podcasts #podcaster #podcasting #worldxppodcast #viralvideo #youtubeshorts
Welcome to episode 180 of the Get Reelisms Podcast! Hosted by filmmakers Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, this episode dives deep into the realities of working in the film industry. Adam and Christine discuss the inevitable struggles of unpaid work, the importance of resilience, and the value of loving what you do. They also reminisce about their five-year journey of hosting the podcast, recounting the significant changes and growth over the years. From on-set stories to life lessons, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring filmmakers. Stay tuned as they prepare for an exciting interview with Onset Headsets!Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase) & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) About Christine W Chen:Christine W. Chen is a Taiwanese American filmmaker, Academy member (Short Films Branch), and versatile producer, director, and writer known for bold, character-driven storytelling. Through her production company, Moth to Flame, she has created award-winning short films, features, and branded content—including Erzulie, a feminist swamp thriller that had a limited theatrical run and now streams on major platforms. In addition to her directorial work, Christine is a seasoned DGA 1st Assistant Director and co-author of Get Reelisms and ABCs of Filmmaking, as well as the co-host of the Get Reelisms Podcast.For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com About Adam Rani:Adam Chase Rani is a production designer and set dresser working in the Austin film market, bringing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and practical creativity to every project. During the pandemic, he co-founded the Get Reelisms Podcast with Christine Chen to foster community within the film industry. Together, they've built a platform that blends education, candid conversations, and industry insights to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow. For more information go to getreelisms.com For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com WEBISODE version of the PodcastTIME SUMMARY:00:00 The Harsh Realities of the Film Industry00:48 Welcome to the Get Reelisms Podcast01:55 Reflecting on Five Years of Podcasting03:11 The Impact of COVID on the Podcast04:25 Teaching and the Reality Check for Students10:37 The Journey from Student to Co-Host12:01 The Evolution of the Podcast14:37 High School Memories and Acting18:01 The Art of Acting and Directing19:53 The Magic of Improvisation in Film20:20 Iconic Improvised Scenes in The Wolf of Wall Street22:05 Aging and Nostalgia23:12 Interviewing World War II Veterans25:49 Recent Projects and Film Work28:30 The Challenges and Rewards of Film Production30:20 Reflections on Career Growth and Work Ethic37:32 Living and Working in Los Angeles vs. Austin38:07 Wrapping Up and Upcoming Podcast Official Get Reelisms PageGet Reelisms Amazon StoreInstagram
This Labyrinth has everything: a dude with eyeballs in his hands, a sassy faun, a big ass toad, and bugs that are also fairies! This week our guest host, good friend, and Joe Dirt expert Stephen Hilger helps us get lost in dark heart of Guillermo del Toro's PAN'S LABYRINTH.Next week it's Matthew Vaughn's first foray into blockbuster filmmaking with STARDUST! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodReferences:Special Featuresdel Toro and FunkeThe Power of MythPan and the FairiesThe Color and the ShapeThe Melody Echoes the Fairy TaleDoug JonesGuillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth: Inside the Creation of a Modern Fairy Tale by Mark Cotta Vaz and Nick NunziataCinefex #109 Production HistoryAmerican Cinematographer Production HistoryThe Hollywood Reporter 15th Anniversary Academy Q&AGuillermo Del Toro Writes His Own SubtitlesCredits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
BONUS DROP: A little extra chaos from episode 319, as Dustin & Logan break down their Top 5 IPs Disney Does Not Own, Yet! The franchises Mickey hasn't swallowed up, but that the guys think he should. Big speculation, bad impressions, wild takes, and the faint sound of a checkbook opening.Website: https://crazyantmedia.comMerchandise: https://crazyantmedia.com/crazy-ant-m...Our film, Deadlines: https://crazyantmedia.com/deadlinesPodcasts:ITCAFpodcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tf6L0e...Everything's Okay Podcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uMm80M...Social Media:ITCAFpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/itcafpodcast?s=21...Instagram: https://instagram.com/itcafpodcast?ig...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQ7hHn/Everything's OkayTwitter: https://twitter.com/everythingsokp?s=...Instagram: https://instagram.com/everythingsokp?...Crazy Ant MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantmedia?s=2...Instagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantmedia?i...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQP1c1/
The Creativity, Education, and Leadership Podcast with Ben Guest
I'm not speaking from a place of privilege, I'm speaking from a place of survival.Alex McNab has a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University and an MFA in Film Production from the University of Southern California, where we were classmates and friends.In this conversation, Alex and I talk:* Is film school worth it? The debate between knowledge, network, and cost…* “Sloppy Saturdays” as a low-stakes practice to iterate fast and finish something weekly* Why he sees AI as using available “scraps” to keep making work in a shifting landscape* How he responds to “this is just AI” comments* My short doc Homegirls in Outer Space and Alex's animated documentary proof-of-concept Gullah Binyah: Aisha Been Watts, both playing at the Pan-African Film Festival in Culver City the week of February 16th* Workflow and where AI tools are heading* Keeping the human story so the tool doesn't become the filmYou can subscribe to Alex's Substack here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benbo.substack.com
Original Release Date: Monday 16 February 2026 Description: Your friends in podcasting discuss Netflix's (perhaps misleading) embrace of movie theaters, they celebrate the resurrection of Todd Hayne's seemingly dead but now forthcoming detective film (with Pedro Pascal replacing Joaquin Phoenix), and an upcoming movie starring Simon Pegg, Sofia Boutella and Quentin Tarantino. Nia DaCosta's Hedda gets analyzed, as does the Thai comedy A Useful Ghost and the Charlie Chaplin masterpiece Modern Times. More upcoming movies get previewed and the outstanding discodelic soul of Say She She gets celebrated in the return of "Live Event of the Week".
Seth Breedlove is a documentary filmmaker and producer best known as the founder of Small Town Monsters, a production company dedicated to exploring cryptids, folklore, and unexplained phenomena through cinematic documentary storytelling. Breedlove's work focuses on regional legends—such as Bigfoot, lake monsters, and other mysterious creatures—combining eyewitness testimony, historical context, and atmospheric filmmaking to examine how local myths shape culture and identity. His films aim to document both the mystery itself and the human stories behind enduring monster traditions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media
Travis Hopson sits down with CRIME 101 director Bart Layton to talk about his new heist flick starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and more!CRIME 101 is in theaters now.All of this and more can be found at www.punchdrunkcritics.com!Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: / @punchdrunkcritics1 Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: / pdcmovies Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: / pdcmovies You can also subscribe to our podcast Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts!#Crime101 #BartLayton #chrishemsworth
Colleen Foy is back on Inside The Crazy Ant Farm with Dustin for a deep dive into her whirlwind career since her last visit! From her standout work on the Law & Order/Law & Order: SVU crossover, The Hunting Party, and The Lincoln Lawyer, to stepping behind the camera as the acting coach for Netflix's XO, Kitty, Colleen shares the inside scoop on life in Hollywood today.They break down the art of auditioning in an ever-changing industry; how lighting, setting, and mindset can make or break a self-tape, and what actors should never do when going for a role. Colleen opens up about inhabiting characters far removed from herself, including dark, villainous roles, and reveals the types of parts she's still chasing, like that perfect romantic comedy lead.Packed with career insights, storytelling, and unfiltered Hollywood talk, this episode is a masterclass in craft, ambition, and fearless acting.Follow Colleen Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleenfoy?igsh=Y2lsYjczc2h0bnIyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecolleenfoy?_r=1&_t=ZT-93vAUS7tOObThreads: https://www.threads.com/@colleenfoyFollow Us Here:Website: https://crazyantmedia.comMerchandise: https://crazyantmedia.com/crazy-ant-merchandiseOur first film, Deadlines: https://crazyantmedia.com/deadlinesPodcasts:ITCAFpodcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/itcafpodcast/id1644145531Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tf6L0e7vO9xnVtWaip67s?si=tYPrIVr_R36qpYns4qeZ8gEverything's Okay Podcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-okay/id1664547993Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uMm80MW4K50f8uURgVUYp?si=9mF7mwf_Qe-ZDqKBhEovMgSocial Media:ITCAFpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/itcafpodcast?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/itcafpodcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQ7hHn/Everything's OkayTwitter: https://twitter.com/everythingsokp?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/everythingsokp?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Crazy Ant MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantmedia?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantmedia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQP1c1/Logan Twitter: https://twitter.com/jloganaustin?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/jloganaustin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.loganaustin?_t=8ZMB9Hp1yxf&_r=1Dustin Twitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantceo?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantceo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyantceo?_t=8ZMB84k7BUM&_r=1
Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Matthew Robinson about Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net
Elijah Sullivan was born in Lexington, Massachusetts. At the age of six, his parents moved him to the infamous "spiritual vortex" of Mount Shasta. He studied journalism before dropping out of college to pursue his lifelong passion for filmmaking. His day jobs have included stints at video stores, a movie theater, and running a public access television station. THE HOLE STORY is his first feature-length project, and combines his love for film and for the people of Mount Shasta.THE HOLE STORY takes a deep dive into the discovery of a sixty-foot hand-made hole on a California mountain implicates a small town's unusual local industry in a bizarre unsolved crime.More about THE HOLE STORY at these links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholestorymovieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHoleStoryMovieIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6795868/reference/?ref_=ext_shr_lnkLetterBoxed: https://letterboxd.com/film/the-hole-story-2025/THE HOLE STORY screens at the 10th annual MidWest WeirdFest, which runs March 5-8, 2026, at Micon Downtown Cinema, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. More details about the fest here: https://www.midwestweirdfest.com/Elijah visits with Talking Weird to chat about the making of his amazing film, the mystery of the "hole", other strange tales from Mount Shasta, and the trials of making a feature documentary. This is a fascinating episode that you do not want to miss!
From the rolling hills of New Zealand to the technical Singapore licensing exams, Simon Josey has seen the world from two wheels. I had a blast sitting down with the host of the REEL Riders podcast to talk about our shared love for German engineering, the upcoming Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in the UK's stunning Lake District and much more. If you've ever wondered what it's like to cross three international borders before lunch or why some motorcycle films just feel right, this is an episode you won't want to miss.The heartbeat of the episode is the launch of the Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in the UK's Lake District—a sold-out debut that curated over 50 global submissions down to a dozen standout films. We talk candidly about programming a lineup that moves an audience through tension, humor, and quiet; the logistics of wrangling formats and files across borders; and why keeping the project independent matters to creators and viewers alike. If you've ever wondered why some moto films “just feel right,” you'll leave with a clearer checklist and new favorites to seek out.Threaded through it all is mental health and community. Weekly rides as ritual. Partners who make time possible. Dogs who reshape a work-from-home life. And the steady truth that two wheels can carry more than a rider—they can carry a week's worth of noise away. Subscribe, share this with a rider who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help more folks find our corner of the road. Then tell us: what motorcycle film captured the feeling best for you?https://reelriders.buzzsprout.com/https://www.instagram.com/reel.riders/https://www.youtube.com/@ReelridersTV#REELRiders #BMWmotorrad #R1250GS #R1250RT #AdventureRiding #MotorcycleCinema #MotoTravel #NewEpisode Tags: Mindfulness, Motorcycle riding, mindful motorcycling, motorcycle therapy, nature connection, peace on two wheels, Rocky Mountain tours, rider self-discovery, spiritual journey, motorcycle community, open road philosophy.
Before SURVIVOR was popular, people in the 1920's would find themselves on an isolated, inhospitable island, driven by survival and searching for that one piece of personal peace and salvation.Ron Howard's EDEN kinda does that with a bunch of sexy actors enacting the true story of a group of people setting up life in the Galapagos Islands. What ensues is a pinch of madness. A crumble of humanity and plenty of foul behavior.Depending on who you speak to, this is either "not bad" or "straight down the middle". That equates to a whole bunch of mediocrity. But it's coming out near Valentine's so, all is forgiven!
In this conversation, David Bross shares his unique journey from being a director of photography to woodworking and app development. He discusses the creation of his free iPhone app Digilog, which simulates Kodak film looks, and his philosophy of open-source software and teaching the next generation of filmmakers. David walks us through the technical challenges behind the Digilog app (free in the App Store here), from translating his DaVinci Resolve color grading workflow into code, to navigating Apple's app review process which rejected the app 15 times before approval. He also talks about sourcing rare Kodak CCD sensors to revisit the Digital Bolex project, not as a revival but as a stepping stone toward something bigger: building custom, artisanal cameras shaped by personal needs rather than the technological race. Along the way, he shares a candid take on why he believes modern cameras have reached a point of visual uniformity — and why that's a problem worth solving. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to David Bross and His Journey (03:15) Transition from Filmmaking to Woodworking (04:26) The Creation of Digilog App (06:35) Technical Challenges and Unique Features of Digilog (09:01) OpenGate Recording and Real-Time Processing (10:39) Audio Issues and User Experience (12:45) Film Stocks and Recording Formats (15:02) Anamorphic Lenses and Future Plans (17:54) Community Feedback and Open Source Philosophy (18:53) The Decision to Offer Digilog for Free (20:07) Educating the Next Generation of Filmmakers (21:30) Navigating Technology and Filmmaking Aspirations (23:49) The Changing Landscape of Cinematography (25:48) Reviving the Bolex Project (30:00) Creating Custom Cameras for Personal Needs (34:50) The Quest for Unique Camera Aesthetics (39:12) Harnessing Computational Power in Filmmaking
Starfield is one of the most cinematic games Bethesda's ever shipped… so why haven't we seen much machinima from it? Today we're looking at a mod that might finally crack that open: a fully built settlement with lore, characters, quests, and surprisingly strong voice acting, presented with a “lore trailer” that feels like a slice-of-life tour through a corporate-controlled mining town. We'll break down what it gets right, what it's missing as machinima, and why projects like this might be the new bridge between fandom and professional virtual production.Starfield has been sitting there looking cinematic… and creators have mostly not used it for machinima. In this ep, we dig into a standout exception by @team fire: an ambitious settlement + narrative mod (Arinya / Yeltsin Corp vibe) that ships with voice acting, lore, quests, factions, and “paid mod” ambitions - plus what that could mean for machinima, virtual production workflows, and the future of creator-made expansions.We dive into one of the most ambitious Starfield mod creations we've seen: a new settlement with lore, characters, quests, factions, and fully voiced performances. Why this works:· It's a real Starfield creation with serious craft (environment dressing, lore framing, VO credits).· It tees up a bigger convo: “mods as mini-studios,” machinima as a portfolio path (again), and whether Starfield can become a true machinima platform.· It has stakes: paid creations, bugs/beta realities, Bethesda updates potentially reshaping the ecosystem.Timestamps -01:05 Damien's pick: the Starfield settlement mod + why it caught our eye 03:10 What the trailer shows: Arinya, prefab-built scale, and “lived-in” set dressing 05:25 Lore + story hooks: corporation control, unrest, factions, player choice 07:45 Machinima critique: why it works as a “lore trailer” (and what's missing) 10:05 Camera language: sweeping establishes vs character/coverage (tools or style?) 12:35 Voice acting & credits: why human performance changes the feel 15:10 Ambition vs reality: beta bugs, updates, and building a team 18:05 Paid mod potential: bridge between free mods and official-style expansions 21:10 Mods as career pipeline: machinima exodus parallels + mod-to-studio pathways 24:05 Starfield updates/DLC: risk of breaking mods vs reviving interest 26:35 What this could mean for Starfield as a machinima platform 28:40 Viewer question: have you played it / what Starfield machinima should we cover? Credits –Hosts: Ricky Grove, Phil Rice, Damien Valentine, Tracy HarwoodProducer/Editor: Phil RiceMusic: Phil Rice and Suno AI
Welcome back to Is It Worth It?, the show where we break down the newest movies, shows, and reimaginings to help you decide what's worth your time and money. Today, J. Logan Austin dives into one of 2025's most talked-about releases: The Running Man (2025), the bold new adaptation of Stephen King's dystopian action adventure.In this review, we cover:
Across the country, film professors have been shocked to find that many students — even students studying the craft of filmmaking — can't get through a movie anymore. They say students are having a hard time watching both the classics and newer releases. From "The Godfather" to recent films, students are distracted by their phones and unable to keep their focus. What does this mean for our collective future? Our guests discuss what they're experiencing. Our guests: Craig Erpelding, teaching faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and author of "Filmmaking with Intention: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Engaging Motion Pictures" Amy Adrion, filmmaker and assistant professor in the School of Film and Animation at Rochester Institute of Technology Joy Anderson, filmmaker and MFA student at Rochester Institute of Technology Louisa Duchin, screenwriter and MFA student at Rochester Institute of Technology ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
Send a textWhat happens when your career dream and your life dream collide in the same month? In this episode, Cassidy sits down with filmmaker Joseph Austin II as he prepares for two massive "world premieres": the debut of his second feature film, A Story About You, at the Slamdance Film Festival, and the birth of his first daughter. Joseph shares the incredible story of winning a $60,000 Panavision grant that greenlit his latest project and the technical hurdles of shooting a feature with a tiny, three-person crew. We explore Joseph's journey from a college junior searching for a path to becoming a filmmaker whose work is now recognized on the global stage. He opens up about dealing with rejection, the importance of "advocating for your vision," and why he believes human-led storytelling will always hold a special power over AI. Key Highlights:The Panavision Grant: How Joseph turned a festival win into a greenlit feature. Indie Production Secrets: Managing 130-lb camera setups with just three people. Creative Restoration: Why Sankofa Bookstore in DC is a vital hub for his inspiration. The Industry's Future: Joseph's perspective on the merger-heavy world of TV and the rise of AI. Whether you are an aspiring director or a lover of independent cinema, Joseph's story is a masterclass in perseverance, humility, and the art of "simplifying" the daunting task of making a movie. ✨ Selected links from the episode: ✨Joseph's IG: https://www.instagram.com/josephaustinii/A Story About You at Slamdance:https://slamdance.com/26-lineup/Slamdance Film Festival: February 19th–25th in Los Angeles (and virtually!)
It's the Chronic-WHAT-cles of Narnia! That's right the Chronic-WHAT-cles of Narnia!When choosing movies inspired by THE LORD OF THE RINGS to cover for our series, Disney's mega-budget adaptation of the iconic children's classic felt essential. Joining us through the Wardrobe from the Land of Spare Oom is our old friend – and expert on famous fantasy bros Tolkien & Lewis – Sarah Welch-Larson! Next week it's Matthew Vaughn's first foray into blockbuster filmmaking, STARDUST! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodAnd check out the latest edition of Sarah's (very good!) book about our beloved ALIEN franchise, Becoming Alien, here: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385236329/becoming-alien-second-edition/References:Special FeaturesThe Children's Magical JourneyChronicles of a DirectorCinefex #104 Production HistoryCameras in Narnia: How The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Came to Life by Ian BrodieDark Horizons Adam Adamson InterviewLos Angeles Times Production HistoryRotten Tomatoes Richard Taylor InterviewAshton Gleckman Harry Gregson-Williams InterviewC.S. Lewis Is Responsible for The Lonely IslandKingdom of Dreams Podcast Jim May InterviewCredits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The "good enough" era of streaming is hitting a wall, and a new rebellious streak in Hollywood is reclaiming the theater as the primal source of the cinematic experience. We are joined by two veterans navigating this shift: Rob Nederhorst, a VFX supervisor who has shaped the visceral worlds of John Wick 3 and The Conjuring, and Ben Hansford, a prolific commercial director now leading the charge in AI filmmaking at USC. They are not just talking about tech for tech's sake. They are discussing how to move past the "lens test" phase of AI, where everyone is just showing off what the tool can do, and getting back to the actual discipline of telling a story that makes an audience physically flinch. The conversation pivots from the "all-or-nothing" marketing hype of AGI to the practical, gritty reality of modern production budgets. As Netflix-style algorithms push for "dumbed down" content designed for second-screen scrolling, these creators are using tools like VidViz (being championed by Monstrous Moonshine) to fight back. We explore how AI is fundamentally altering the landscape of what is affordable and accessible, allowing independent filmmakers to compete with massive studio footprints. Ultimately, it is a breakdown of why a $35 million set and a toilet paper roll prop are both just tools, and why the only metric that matters at the end of the day is finishing a film that carries a human fingerprint. Monstrous Moonshine's VidViz for June July > "Another" by Dave Clark | AI Horror Film - Rob Nederhorst, Producer and VFX Supervisor > Ben Hansford's website > Rob Nederhorst's website > Ben Hansford on IMDB > Rob Nederhorst on IMDB > This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)
In this episode, we welcome Zach Kuperstein, cinematographer of films such as Barbarian, Woman of the Hour, Don't Move, The Eyes of My Mother, and Buddy, that just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. In our chat, Zach shares on his early days, filmmaking education, career path, and about the making of Barbarian and Woman of the Hour. He also talks about his approach for shooting each film, camera technology choices, as well as many insights for younger filmmakers today. The Making Of is presented by AJA:From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledgeThe worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.Imax Closes Out 2025 With $1.28 Billion At Global Box Office, Up 40% And Its Best Year EverImax ended 2025 with a record $1.28 billion grossed worldwide, the best year it's ever had. The slate grew overall and local language films busted out with two of its top five films for the year — Ne Zha 2 ($167 million) and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle ($95.9 million) — coming from beyond Hollywood.Read more hereNow with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 SpeedThe OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it's perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.Browse hereIntroducing the LiveU Solo PRO:Deliver an outstanding live video experience with the LiveU Solo PRO. Designed for creators and professionals alike, the Solo PRO video encoder provides one-touch, wireless live streaming directly from your camera to popular online platforms and any web destination. Stream with confidence using bonded 4G/5G connectivity and enjoy superior reliability and image quality up to 4K resolution. To learn more, contact Videoguys at 800-323-2325. Browse hereDonate to Help The Digital Cinema Society Survive:DCS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to keeping filmmakers current on motion picture technology is currently in dire financial straights. We are trying to make the best of a tough situation and asking those who can afford it to help keep us afloat.Please consider donating to DCS herePodcast Rewind:Feb. 2026 - Ep. 117.Feature your products or services in this newsletter and reach 250K film and TV industry professionals. To activate a sponsorship, contact mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
This week on ITCAF, Dustin and Logan dive deep into the latest leadership news from the Mouse House. Josh D'Amaro is the new CEO and Dana Walden is President and Chief Creative Officer. Is D'Amaro the actual top guy or are they really co-running Disney? The guys give their thoughts on that question and whether this new power duo can actually save Disney or if it's setting up the next Hollywood trainwreck. All that plus our Top 5 list, this week it's Top 5 IPs Disney Still Doesn't Own (some obvious, some wild), the weekend box office recap and IMDb's Top Trenders everyone's buzzing about. Pop culture, insider insight, and hot takes, this episode has it all!Chapters:0:00 Opening Monologue 1:13 Opening Music1:33 Show Open2:43 Disneys Big News3:19 CEO Josh D'Amrios background7:47 ABC Live Interview 8:45 Disney Parks Revenue 9:53 Dana Walden's background13:34 Why Dana Didn't Get The Job16:14 what it came down to18:14 Dana & Josh Leading Together21:26 Disney Has Done This Before22:57 Will the films suffer?25:28 The Future Legacy33:29 Dana is Key For AI34:24 Marvel needs Disney to let loos40:52 Top 5 IP's Disney Doesn't Own Yet1:00:19 Box Office1:04:22 IMDb trending1:05:11 Show WrapFollow Us Here:Website: https://crazyantmedia.comMerchandise: https://crazyantmedia.com/crazy-ant-merchandiseOur first film, Deadlines: https://crazyantmedia.com/deadlinesPodcasts:ITCAFpodcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/itcafpodcast/id1644145531Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tf6L0e7vO9xnVtWaip67s?si=tYPrIVr_R36qpYns4qeZ8gEverything's Okay Podcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-okay/id1664547993Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uMm80MW4K50f8uURgVUYp?si=9mF7mwf_Qe-ZDqKBhEovMgSocial Media:ITCAFpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/itcafpodcast?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/itcafpodcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQ7hHn/Everything's OkayTwitter: https://twitter.com/everythingsokp?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/everythingsokp?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Crazy Ant MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantmedia?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantmedia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQP1c1/Logan (Left)Twitter: https://twitter.com/jloganaustin?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/jloganaustin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.loganaustin?_t=8ZMB9Hp1yxf&_r=1Dustin (Right)Twitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantceo?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantceo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyantceo?_t=8ZMB84k7BUM&_r=1
Vida Cross is a Visiting Fulbright Research Chair who has come to the University of Windsor at the invitation of Leddy Library and the Black Scholars Institute. She has been conducting intensive research towards a creative writing project, focusing on Underground Railroad journeys to the Detroit River Borderlands and especially to Canadian communities in the region. Vida is a blues poet, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a Carl Sandburg Literary Award honoree and a Cave Canem Fellow. Vida's work references her ancestry as a third generation Chigagoan as well as the work of Archibald J. Motley Jr. and Langston Hughes. Vida's work has appeared in multiple journals and anthologies such as The Creativity and Constraint Anthology for Wising Up Press, A Civil Rights Retrospective with the Black Earth Institute, Tabula Poetica with Chapman University, Transitions Magazine at the Hutchinson Institute, the Cave Canem Anthology XII, The Literary Review with Fairleigh Dickinson University, Reed Magazine at Reed College, and The Journal of Film and Video from The University of Illinois at Chicago. Her poetry collection Bronzeville at Night: 1949 was published by Avst Press in 2017. Vida Cross holds an MFA in Writing and an MFA in Filmmaking from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, an MA in English from Iowa State University and a BA from Knox College. She is a faculty member at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Chairperson of the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission. https://vidacross.com/bio The Virtual Black History Presentation Vida recorded for the museum can be found here: https://youtu.be/BlMchbCSPYA?si=0_ca3rOOnfPt-6uy
Don't Kill the Messenger with movie research expert Kevin Goetz
Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Academy Award-winning producer Charles "Chuck" Roven, the co-founder of Atlas Entertainment, one of Hollywood's most enduring and successful production companies. Across four decades, Chuck has built a producing career defined by creative ambition and commercial scale — including five of the 100 top-grossing films of all time. From his early struggles to winning the Academy Award for Oppenheimer, Chuck's journey reveals how smart dealmaking, creative instinct, and relentless tenacity shaped one of the most impressive producing legacies in modern Hollywood.From Czechoslovakia to Cinderella Homes (03:22): Chuck's father escaped post-war Europe and built a real estate empire in Los Angeles, teaching Chuck the principle of horizontal business.Dawn Steel (08:16): Chuck recounts meeting his first wife, Dawn Steel, who revolutionized her way into Hollywood through merchandising hits like Gucci toilet paper before becoming Paramount's president of production.The 90-Day Escrow Deal (20:48): Instead of optioning Dick Tracy, Chuck negotiated a 90-day escrow deal to "check the title," wrote a script, and sold it to Universal.12 Monkeys and the Art of International Financing (30:34): Chuck explains how he assembled a consortium of international partners to co-finance Terry Gilliam's $32 million film.The Phone Call That Led to Batman Begins (36:30): After producing the hit Scooby-Doo, Chuck received a call inviting him to partner with an up-and-coming director named Christopher Nolan on a little project called Batman Begins.Bringing Oppenheimer to Nolan and Winning the Oscar (37:29): Chuck recounts how he brought the Oppenheimer project to Christopher Nolan. The film earned 11 Oscar nominations and Chuck's first Best Picture win.Making Mercy (42:24): Chuck describes developing the "Screen Life" concept into the thriller Mercy, featuring an AI judge with access to every camera and computer.The Value of Test Screenings (46:34): Despite working with directors like Christopher Nolan who prefer friends-and-family screenings, Chuck explains why recruited audience testing remains invaluable.Chuck Roven's producing philosophy combines his father's business lessons with an unwavering respect for the audience, proving that hunger, passion, and smart dealmaking can result in four decades of Hollywood success.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes revelations next time on Don't Kill the Messenger.Host: Kevin GoetzGuests: Charles “Chuck” RovenProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Chuck Roven:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_RovenIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0746273/For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com
Welcome back to Is It Worth It?, the review show where we break down the latest movies so YOU don't have to waste your time… unless it's worth wasting.
On the FIRST Keeping Things Reel of 2026, NYC writer & director Jacob Ellis chats with Cobbina about how up & coming filmmakers make the most of low-budget projects in moving projects forward. Plus, he also talks about his upcoming short, 'Life in Record' in which Cobbina is attached as one of the producers. Jacob Ellis' 'Life in Record is under way as it starts to gear into production this upcoming spring. If you like to learn more about how you can support / invest in the film, please follow @lifeinrecordfilm on Instagram & the Kickstarter Campaign will be attached in this description.Follow Jacob on these socials:@jacob_ellis3 @hiddenvalleyent(both on Instagram)The Reelers' Social Club launching February 20th exclusively on Substack.Follow Cobbina on these socials here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cobbinaappiah/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cobbinaappiah.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cobbinaappiah/Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/cappiah13/SUBSCRIBE to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keepingthingsreelpodFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingthingsreelpod/The Keeping Things Reel Podcast is a SPINMASTER MEDIA production created, hosted, and produced by Cobbina Appiah. Based in the NYC & New England (CT/MA) area.
Send us a textDirector Darren Lynn Bousman joins the show to discuss his upcoming film, Twisted, which stars Djimon Hounsou and Lauren LaVera. Bousman has contributed numerous films to the genre with his previous films Saw 2, 3, 4, and Spiral, as well Repo the Genetic Opera and many more, and with Twisted, revisits many of the themes that have fascinated him before such as the exploration of good and evil. Catch Twisted on digital February 6th! Follow us on Social Media: @pvdhorror Instagram, X, TikTok, FacebookWatch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pvdhorrorSpecial thanks to John Brennan for the intro and outro music. Be sure to find his music on social media at @badtechno or the following:https://johnbrennan.bandcamp.com
It is a kingdom of conscience, or nothing! This week we're going Ridley Mode™️! Join us as we embark on a journey through one of Scott's most polarizing films, its many cuts, many characters, and its place in historical epic film history.Next week it's Andrew Adamson's big screen adaptation of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPodReferences:Special FeaturesCommentaryCast RehearsalsColors of the CrusadePath to RedemptionKingdom of Heaven: The Ridley Scott Film and the History Behind the StoryKingdom of Heaven Production NotesIndieWire Ridley Scott InterviewAnimation World Network Alain Bielik InterviewHarry Gregson-Williams Career InterviewKingdom of Dreams Dody Dorn InterviewCollider Ridley Scott InterviewCredits:Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shopThe "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord.Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
From episode 318 it is our segment counting down the Top 5 All-Time Biggest Oscar Snubs! Check it out! We would love to hear from all of you! What are your picks? Who would you add or remove from the list? Let us know!Website: https://crazyantmedia.comMerchandise: https://crazyantmedia.com/crazy-ant-m...Our film, Deadlines: https://crazyantmedia.com/deadlinesPodcasts:ITCAFpodcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tf6L0e...Everything's Okay Podcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uMm80M...Social Media:ITCAFpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/itcafpodcast?s=21...Instagram: https://instagram.com/itcafpodcast?ig...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQ7hHn/Everything's OkayTwitter: https://twitter.com/everythingsokp?s=...Instagram: https://instagram.com/everythingsokp?...Crazy Ant MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantmedia?s=2...Instagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantmedia?i...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQP1c1/
This week on the Radio Labyrinth Podcast, we kick things off with a special guest—comedian, actor, writer, and director Steve Byrne, who joins us ahead of his Atlanta shows at Punchline Comedy Club.Steve talks about the most memorable (and chaotic) shows he's played in Atlanta, what's next for him behind the camera, and whether he's still plotting the eventual demise of Tony Scar from Kill Tony. We also give love to his films Always Amazing and The Opening Act, and dig into what draws him to telling stories beyond the stand-up stage.After that, we check in on life post S'nope 2026—surviving days trapped inside with a toddler, mild generator-related injuries, and watching Superman through the very loud, very concerned commentary of a small child (“Is Super Dog OK??”). We also touch on what we are and definitely are not watching right now, including thoughts on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and a firm pass on becoming Trek-olytes.Cold weather, comedy road stories, filmmaking, and just enough chaos—another week deep inside the Labyrinth.