Behind The Lens

It's a mixed bag this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director DANNY LEE talking about his new documentary WHO IS STAN SMITH? and our exclusive interview with VFX Supervisor MARCUS TAORMINA discussing REBEL MOON-PART 2: THE SCARGIVER. First up, take a listen as we dive into visual effects and my exclusive interview with VFX Supervisor MARCUS TAORMINA going in-depth about the visual effects work in REBEL MOON-PART 2: THE SCARGIVER. An interesting conversation as we delve into heat signatures and color, shooting ground battles in California where no pyro is permitted due to fire concerns thus putting more on the shoulders of VFX, working with Weta (aerial battles) and Scanline (ground battles), and more. Then one of the most insightful documentary discussions ever on #BTLRadioShow comes courtesy of director DANNY LEE as he talks about his new documentary WHO IS STAN SMITH?. Do you know who Stan Smith is? Some of you may know Stan Smith as a former tennis champion, not to mention having his own Adidas s

It's a mixed bag of creativity on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to writer/director/editor PATRICK MEANEY and his new film THE BRINK OF, and MOON KNIGHT costume designer MEGHAN KASPERLIK. First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with PATRICK MEANEY discussing his latest film, the sweetly charming "integrated musical", THE BRINK OF. This is a film that will have you smiling from beginning to end while filling you up with wonderful original songs written and performed by lead actors Nicolette Norgaard and Tim Hoffman. Then you'll hear costume designer MEGHAN KASPERLIK talk about her extensive research and design process for the costume design of MOON KNIGHT just in time for the new 4K UHD and Blu-ray Steebook (complete with plenty of extras) release on April 30. Listen as Meghan dives into the minutiae of the details with everything from the environs and how that influenced costume and color, fabrications, buttons, 3D printing on fabric and more. http://eliasentertainmen

He's baaaaaack! That's right! Musician/singer/director/author FRANK MEYER is back for the fourth time on BEHIND THE LENS. Frank was initially scheduled to be in-studio for the entire hour, but due to a last-minute emergent situation, was unable to be here in person but still joined us via phone for the majority of the show. Fresh off his whirlwind tour with The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs in Spain and with more fun surprises in the offing, Frank talks about it all. Upcoming LP and EP releases, band merchandise (and boy did the fans in Spain love the merch!!), more touring for Frank, some great advice for creatives and particularly musicians/bands/singers about where to place your music for audience consumption so you get more of the money versus an entity like Spotify. Some very helpful insights from Frank. And if you think Frank was on a whirlwind, how about a short recap of some of my highlights from this past week's TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood celebrating the 15th Annual TCM

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we have a wonderful new filmmaker joining us live, DAMIAN HURLEY, discussing his new film STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL, plus our exclusive interview with screenwriter ALESSANDRO CAMON talking about his latest film, the emotionally powerful, THE LISTENER. Slow and steady wins the race with the films we're showcasing on this episode of #BTLRadioShow as we welcome writer/director DAMIAN HURLEY live to discuss his feature directorial debut of the slo-burn mystery STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Damian is a filmmaker to put on your radar now. Thoughtful, insightful, and skilled, Damian "sees" his vision and executes it utilizing all the tools in the cinematic toolbox to create emotionally and visually evocative storytelling. And just how is it to direct one's mother but have her as your producer? Damian tells all! And dare I say, he is one of the nicest individuals with whom I have ever spoken. But first, we kick off the show with my exclusive interview with screenwriter AL

A mix-and-match episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week as w/d/e/actor RICHARD RYAN joins us talking about ART OF DECEPTION. Plus, my exclusive interview with director THEA SHARROCK discussing the wickedly delicious WICKED LITTLE LETTERS. First up is my prerecorded exclusive interview with director THEA SHARROCK go in-depth on one of the most hilarious films you will see all year – WICKED LITTLE LETTERS. I laughed so hard that I had to watch the film twice to hear all of the dialogue. Boasting a first-rate cast with Olivia Coleman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones, Eileen Atkins, Joanna Scanlon, and Anjana Vasan, with a script by Jonny Sweet, WICKED LITTLE LETTERS is quite simply, perfection. Based on a true event from the 1920's United Kingdom, foul language itself becomes a character thanks to the verbatim verbiage of the profane letters at the heart of this tale, which is then punctuated with outstanding production values and performances while also addressing themes as topical today as in

The Easterpalooza continues this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we are joined by DIANE FOSTER & ALLISON LOBEL talking about the comedy horror spectacular EASTER BLOODY EASTER, plus our exclusive interview with PHIL ALLOCCO discussing his new crime thriller 5LBS OF PRESSURE. If you missed the live show you definitely want to catch up now and take a listen as the show kicks off with my exclusive Interview with writer/director PHIL ALLOCCO. It's been six or so years since Phil was on the show with his first film, "The Truth About Lies", and now he's back with his second feature, the riveting crime thriller 5LBS OF PRESSURE starring Luke Evans and Alex Pettyfer. Then put on your best Easter bonnet and grab that basket of goodies to munch on as we hop into Easter mode again for a second look at the comedy horror film EASTER BLOODY EASTER, this week with producer/director/actor DIANE FOSTER and producer/writer/actor ALLISON LOBELL! Digging deep into the Easter fun that is EASTER BLOODY EAST

A wonderful fun-filled show this week on BEHIND THE LENS as I get to celebrate the remarkable work of two very talented longtime friends, writer/director DAVE BOYLE and actor/producer KELLY GRANT. First up is my prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director Dave Boyle going in-depth discussing his smash hit Netflix series HOUSE OF NINJAS! Known best for his films, diving into an eight-episode series – shot in Japan and in Japanese – is new territory for Dave and he more than delivers. Knowing Dave since his first film 18 years ago, with all he's done as a director, writer, writer/director, HOUSE OF NINJAS outshines everything that's come before! However, a real joy for me is seeing his steady growth as a filmmaker and storyteller, which brings him to this moment and this series. In the first half of the interview, we break down story, character, and casting (including cat labor laws in Japan) before moving into the technical aspect of the series production. And then we hop into the East

With everyone still in the hazy afterglow of Oscar, I opted to prerecord this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with two brand new exclusive interviews for you with MARK BRISTOL talking ACCIDENTAL TEXAN and JAMES HAWES talking the powerful ONE LIFE. Fresh off the Kenergy of last nights 96th Academy Awards, I'm taking a look at some of the highs ("I'm Just Ken") and the lows (the In Memoriam segment) of the broadcast. And then we look ahead with some films that are part of the Oscars 2025 pack. First, you'll hear my exclusive interview with director MARK BRISTOL discussing his new film, the light, bright and heartfelt ACCIDENTAL TEXAN, starring Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss, Bruce Dern, and a scene-stealing turn by Eddie the Cow. A fun film filled with heart, our conversation reflects the fun of the film itself. Then history comes to life thanks to director JAMES HAWES as we discuss his feature directorial debut with ONE LIFE. An acclaimed television filmmaker, James b

It's another taut and tense episode of BEHIND THE LENS as writer/director/actor JEFF KNITE joins us live discussing his latest entry in the horror realm – THE OMICRON KILLER. Plus, you'll hear my exclusive interview with the incredible BARRY PEPPER talking about his latest film BRING HIM TO ME and more! Long on my bucket list of talent to interview is BARRY PEPPER and after many decades we finally get to chat and about a film that truly speaks to what Barry brings to the table with every film and performance. Take a listen as we discuss the action-packed pot-boiler BRING HIM TO ME, having a car as a character co-star, doing his own stunt work, working on indie films, and more. Plus, we delve into Barry's approach to roles and his considerations in choosing them, some or his prior catalogue (including Crawl!) and we even take a look back at one of Barry's best performances in a film as timely as ever, Bitter Harvest. Then listen as writer/director/actor JEFF KNITE talks about his new fi

You're in for some chills and thrills in this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome SEBASTIEN DROUIN direct from Paris, plus our exclusive interview with the fabulous NELMS brothers – ESHOM and IAN. Both films are at the top of my "Must See" viewing list thus far for 2024! Kicking off this episode of #BTLRadioShow is another exclusive interview with two of my favorite filmmakers ESHOM NELMS and IAN NELMS. I fell in love with their hard-hitting, action-packed filmmaking and storytelling with "Fatman" starring Mel Gibson. And as they promised me then, they are back with another impressive, riveting pot-boiling crime thriller RED RIGHT HAND starring Orlando Bloom, Andie MacDowell, Garret Dillahunt, and more. Take a listen as we dive into every element of RED RIGHT HAND from lighting and lensing to rapier editing, finding pace, impeccable casting and performances, shooting action, score and sound, practical effects and yes, bloodshed! Then #BTLRadioShow goes global as writer/direct

If you missed this episode of BEHIND THE LENS live, catch up now as it's a fun-filled upbeat rom-commish show that's just out of this world with everything from Willie Nelson to a multi-year galactic romance. First up is my exclusive interview with the delightful and engaging writer/director EVA HASSMANN who makes her feature film directorial debut with WILLIE AND ME, a film that not only boasts Willie Nelson among its cast, but one that is written specifically around his songs. Plus, Eva talks about working with Peter Bogdanovich in what is his final onscreen appearance. A wonderful conversation discussing a charming and fun film. Then, writer/director MICHAEL LUKK LITWAK joins us live talking about his feature film directorial debut, MOLLI AND MAX IN THE FUTURE. One of my favorite fun films of the year, listen as Michael dives into, among others, the practical in-camera designs and effects that shape this engaging and heartfelt story. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Catch up now with this exciting episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to MIKE TAYLOR and his new film THERE IS A MONSTER, plus our exclusive interview with ROXINE HELBERG talking COLD COPY. First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with writer/director ROXINE HELBERG talking about her feature directorial debut, the powerful and fascinating, COLD COPY. And then get ready as writer/director MIKE TAYLOR joins us live discussing his new film, THERE IS A MONSTER. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's all about tension and drama on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to writer/director JOE MAGGIO talking about his new film BLISS while director GABRIELA COWPERTHWAITE talks I.S.S. First up take a listen to my exclusive interview with GABRIELA COWPERTHWAITE discussing her new nail-biting narrative feature I.S.S. And then JOE MAGGIO joins us live fresh off the Slamdance world premiere of his new film BLISS! http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Catch up now and take a listen to this week's episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome director ANDREW Baird talking about his new film SUNRISE. Plus, my exclusive interview with director RENNY HARLIN discussing his latest, THE BRICKLAYER. First up, listen as director RENNY HARLIN talks about THE BRICKLAYER, an honest-to-goodness old school action spy thriller starring Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrov, and Tim Blake Nelson. Breaking down the film and its various elements, we dive into the cinematography, sound design, action and stunts, practical in-camera work, actors (most notably Eckhart) doing all of their own stunts, and more. And Renny also gives us some tidbits on his reboot of THE STRANGERS (opening in May) and more! Then director ANDREW BAIRD is with us live talking about his new film SUNRISE starring Alex Pettyfer and Guy Pearce. A slo-burn thriller, Andrew goes into detail about character and the importance of location (shooting multiple locations in Ireland for the feel of the Pacific Northwest i

#BTLRadioShow kicks off YEAR TEN with a very special guest – Academy Award winner TOM SCHULMAN who joins us live discussing his new film which he wrote and directed, the pot-boiling DOUBLE DOWN SOUTH. Plus, you'll hear my exclusive interview with writer/director BILL OLIVER talking about his emotionally powerful film OUR SON. First up, take a listen as writer/director BILL OLIVER talks about OUR SON; an emotional, very human, powerhouse starring Luke Evans and Billy Porter in a gut-punching story of a gay couple now going their separate ways but with their son caught in the middle. Porter is more than award-worthy. Listen as Bill and I break down the film's elements and how each supports the very human themes of this story, diving into the cinematography and particularly blocking and lighting, score, casting, the impetus for the story itself, and more. Then listen as writer/director (and Academy Award winner) TOM SCHULMAN joins me live discussing at length his new film DOUBLE DOWN SOUTH – a charac

A very special BEHIND THE LENS this week as my pal, the incomparable musician/director/author/producer FRANK MEYER joins us LIVE in studio as we say goodbye to 2023 and wrap up Nine Years of BTL with 90-minutes of hijinks and hilarity! With FRANK MEYER in the house, fun is the watchword of the day and what a fun show this is as we hear three original Christmas songs written by Frank and performed by him acoustically live in-studio (and what an eclectic group of songs it is!). And we talk music and movies; lots of different movies from franchises and sequels to holiday horror of the past to new holiday films of 2023 and how about those films that we think are Christmas films but aren't acknowledged as so. Of course, Frank regales us with some of his "unique" and memorable concert performances while I break out some cherished 70-year-old mementos – holiday recordings from the legendary Dick Clark. But we also look ahead to 2024 with Frank's upcoming concert tour in Spain with the Trading

It's a mix and match on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome filmmakers TYLOR NORWOOD talking FIRELINE and JUSTIN BEST talking about SHERYL, plus our exclusive interview with director REGINALD HUDLIN talking CANDY CANE LANE. Thanks to having to juggle some "missing" talent while live on-air, you get the added bonus of our prerecorded exclusive interview with director REGINALD HUDLIN talking about CANDY CANE LANE to kick off the show and put us in a holiday mood. Then filmmaker TYLOR NORWOOD joins us to discuss his documentary FIRELINE, an up close and personal look on the firelines of the Dixie Fire in California as experienced and seen through the eyes of men holding the line. And then we say hello to writer/director JUSTIN BEST who joins us live talking about his delicious dark dark comedy revenge thriller SHERYL. Just what lengths will a woman (or man) go to in the pursuit of the perfect face and body, especially as a means to keep their man and feel wanted? Intriguing themes and

This week BEHIND THE LENS welcomes SEAN McEWEN to talk about his new narrative feature film AMERICAN OUTLAWS while LILA SCHMITZ joins us to discuss her Irish music documentary THE JOB OF SONGS. First up, writer/director SEAN McEWEN joins us at the top of the show to talk about his latest feature, AMERICAN OUTLAWS, based on the true story of the Dougherty siblings and their cross-country crime spree as they embark on a journey in search of home, safety, happiness, and freedom south of the border. A situational character study set within the confines of a road trip, Sean delivers an up close and personal look into the mindset of these three siblings. A fascinating discussion with Sean as he talks about the making of AMERICAN OUTLAWS from script to screen, including gaining access to and meeting with each of the three Dougherty siblings who are currently incarcerated at three different prisons. Then writer/director/editor LILA SCHMITZ joins us discussing her feature directorial THE JOB OF SONGS, the lively,

HO, HO, HO! The holiday season is upon us and what better way to kick it off on BEHIND THE LENS than talking all things Santa and Christmas with JASON WINER and THE SANTA CLAUSES Season 2, and ALBERTO BELLI and THE NAUGHTY NINE! You loved the films. You loved Season 1 of THE SANTA CLAUSES, and now we've got Season 2! And what a season it is as we follow the ongoing adventures of Scott Calvin and his family who have returned to the North Pole after Scott's ridiculous idea of retirement as Santa. Listen as director and Executive Producer JASON WINER discusses what goes into the series, the story and growth of the characters and the adventures, relatability to the audience, walking the dark line of Mad Santa, bringing back franchise favorites, Easter Eggs, score and needledrops, and so much more. Then get ready as there's a new Santa in town thanks to ALBERTO BELLI and THE NAUGHTY NINE! Talk about a fun-filled film! It's holly jolly from beginning to end as we follow a group of kids unhapp

After much live on-air jiggering and juggling due to studio technical issues, BEHIND THE LENS came together with our wonderful guests AARON MURTAGH talking about his short film MAN BABY and editor NICK PEZZOLLI discussing his two new films BUTCHER'S CROSSING and YOUR LUCKY DAY. And because of the studio technical issues, you also get my exclusive interview with director NEIL BURGER talking about his latest, THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER. We kick off the show with my exclusive interview with director NEIL BURGER talking about his new film THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER. A rich slow-burn starring Daisy Ridley and an award-worthy turn by Ben Mendelsohn. Next up is filmmaker AARON MURTAGH talking about his new short film MAN BABY. Wearing multiple hats as actor, writer, director (his first directorial effort), and producer, Aaron's approach to the short and most notably the story is a personal one that utilizes the Covid-19 lockdown and the birth of his first child to create this unique – and slig