Behind The Lens

A very special episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome back old friends, hear from one new, and say goodbye to a cherished one from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Actor and Producer FRAN KRANZ is back again along with writer/director/producer CASEY WILDER MOTT talking about one of my fave "Must See Festival Films" which had its world premiere at LAFF 2017 and is now making its way into theatres – A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM! As I have said since first screening the film before LAFF last year, if everyone saw this film before ever being handed a Shakespearean play to read in junior high school, everyone would love Shakespeare! A visual wonder, Casey's adaptation pulsates, mesmerizes and hypnotizes thanks to phenomenal performances, drop-dead gorgeous cinematography by Daniel Katz and production design from Glen Hall. But it all starts with a vision and here that beautiful vision is Casey's. Listen as the boys and I follow-up on the conversations we started at LAFF 2017, as they

You might want to call this episode of BEHIND THE LENS, "Six Degrees of Separation of Paul Rudd" as all of our filmmakers today are connected to Paul Rudd. . .and let's not forget that Paul Rudd has two films currently out in theatres and/or on VOD and digital – THE CATCHER WAS A SPY and "Ideal Home" – with one of the most anticipated films of the year opening up this week – ANT-MAN AND THE WASP! First up, we dive into the quantum realm of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP and hear a bit from writer/director PEYTON REED as he talks about the award-worthy editing of the film as cast and crew traverse the streets of San Francisco, going from micro to macro to huge and back again, wth rapier precision and edge of your seat intensity. And you'll hear film critic debbie elias' take on the heartfelt family humor filling the film. (Come on! Who doesn't love silly dad jokes!) Then we move into some world history and particularly that of WWII and the story of former baseball player, Moe

It's a BEHIND THE LENS that's out of this world thanks to former astronaut and "Global Space Statesman" BUZZ ALDRIN, writer/director MICHAEL GRODNER, and writers/directors/actors DAVID ZELLNER and NATHAN ZELLNER as we look to the stars, the world of punk rock, and a wild western! First up we take a peek into the stars and space exploration with our pre-recorded interview with BUZZ ALDRIN. A sit-down exclusive that preceded film critic debbie elias moderating an intimate Q&A with Buzz on June 21 for the premiere of THE MAN WHO UNLOCKED THE UNIVERSE (a fascinating documentary on Ulugh Beg whose interest and work in astronomy pre-dated that of Galileo by 150 years and set the stage for much of what has come since in our journey to the stars), take a listen as Buzz talks about his latest endeavor, The Human SpaceFlight Institute, and his thoughts on our trajectory to Mars. Then writer/director MICHAEL GRODNER joins BTLRadioShow to talk about his feature directorial debut, THE ICARUS LINE M

An eclectic BEHIND THE LENS this week filled with intensity and energy thanks to our very special guests, actress ELAINE BALLACE and comedian SHANE MAUSS, plus our exclusive interview with BLAKE JENNER! But before we get to our live guests, take a listen to our exclusive pre-recorded interview with actor turned screenwriter BLAKE JENNER. Known best for his role as "Ryder" in the smash television series "Glee", Blake steps up his game and expands his horizons as not only lead actor in BILLY BOY, but the film's screenwriter and a "creative producer". An intensely personal and emotionally visceral character study of a young man with potential who is grappling to come to terms with his past, BILLY BOY boasts an emotional rawness that is laid bare through indelible performances. Listen as Blake goes in-depth talking about not only his writing process but character development, working with his fellow castmates, director Brad Buecker, and stepping into the producer's chair as

It's a pretty "incredible" episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to WILL McFADDEN talking his world premiere film DOUBTING THOMAS, MICHAEL DUNAWAY talking the charming 6 L.A. LOVE STORIES, and, of course, director Brad Bird and the cast of THE INCREDIBLES 2! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's time to tesser; tesser through movies, that is! Miss BTLRadioShow live this week? Catch up now with special guests director DAVID PALAMARO talking in-depth about his first narrative feature MURDER MADE EASY, director Adam Sobel talks his first feature documentary THE WORKERS CUP, and producer CATHERINE HAND talks A WRINKLE IN TIME! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Miss BTLRadioShow live? Then take a listen now as this episode of BEHIND THE LENS is a real page-turner as we talk BOOK CLUB with writer/director BILL HOLDERMAN and co-writer/producer ERIN SIMMS, while writer/director MIKE ROMA talks DATING MY MOTHER. Plus hear from everyone's favorite Wookie and RON HOWARD with some tidbits on SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

An eclectic mix of fact and fiction-based-on-fact with this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at three wonderful films – COMING TO MY SENSES, LITTLE PINK HOUSE, and KODACHROME - in discussions with the respective filmmakers: DOMINIC GILL and NADIA GILL, COURTNEY BALAKER and TED BALAKER, and MARK RASO. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Miss BTLRadioShow live? Catch up and listen now to this emotionally charged episode of BEHIND THE LENS covering two hot-button topics as we welcome writer/director JON KEAN talking about his latest documentary, the powerful and powerfully moving and insightful AFTER AUSCHWITZ, and BENJAMIN NOLOT talking the eye-opening, socially disturbing, and powerful LIBERATED. The importance of both of these films and discussions with these two filmmakers cannot be overstated. PLUS. . . our exclusive interview with EUGENIO DERBEZ talking OVERBOARD! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

We're putting the pedal to the metal on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with writer/director/producer DEON TAYLOR talking everything TRAFFIK. Already an established, and admittedly self-taught, director, TRAFFIK is completely representative of Deon as a storyteller and as a filmmaker. Listen as we talk about working with legendary cinematographer Dante Spinotti, not to mention the film's sound design, employing sound and visual to create some riveting and striking sequences within the film. And how about the casting of TRAFFIK? Paula Patton, Roselyn Sanchez, Omar Epps and Laz Alonso all go against type and deliver outstanding performances under Deon's guidance and collaborative style. Deon's candor and forthright discussion is eye-opening for freshman filmmakers and veterans alike. But before we get to Deon, take a listen to an excerpt of our exclusive interview with writer/director GREG CARUSO talking his latest film FLOCK OF FOUR. Regular listeners will recall Greg previously appeared on

Miss BEHIND THE LENS live this week? Catch up and take a listen now because we're celebrating the 9th annual TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL with our fave movie mavens (and festival veterans), KELLEE PRATT, AURORA DESMOND, and KRISTEN LOPEZ with festival survival tips, plus screening recommendations and what makes them a "must see" at TCMFF! Plus, hear some of the hilarity courtesy of The Grandmaster of Sakaar, JEFF GOLDBLUM, as he presided over the AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR press conference this past weekend. And just what did Tom Hiddleston have to say to BTLRadioShow about the MCU? http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

WOW! What a BEHIND THE LENS this week with special in-studio guests, special effects sound editor and founder of THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM – STEVE LEE – PLUS, a surprise call-in guest AND a little golden boy named "Oscar" is on hand to brighten up the place! So much excitement, so much history, and so much fun we had to expand the show to 90 minutes! STEVE LEE is back, talking not only about what's happening with THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM, but taking us through some more sonic cinematic history with both iconic and lesser-known sound effects and the stories behind their creation, not to mention some of the legendary sound artisans responsible for our neverending aural experiences at the movies. And hear what director WILLIAM H. MACY had to say about sound design and "overlapping" during our exclusive interview talking about his new film KRYSTAL, with Steve giving some in-depth commentary on "overlapping" and storytelling considerations for the director and sound designers.

A whole lotta love, a whole lotta fun, and an insightful look into our collective political past through personal tragedy on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to special guests: actress turned director ASHLEY BELL talking LOVE & BANANAS, writer/director TONY VIDAL and actor JAKE THOMAS talking their new film BAJA, and our exclusive pre-recorded interview with director JOHN CURRAN talking CHAPPAQUIDDICK. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Miss BEHIND THE LENS live this week? Take a listen now to some of the most refreshing and joyful interviews around as we welcome PAT MILLS talking about DON'T TALK TO IRENE, plus our exclusive pre-recorded interviews with IMELDA STAUNTON talking FINDING YOUR FEET while MADELINE CARROLL talks I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, not to mention having some great anecdotes about working with Cloris Leachman! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's a sweet smelling potpourri of cinematic delights on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guest, actor JOHN T. WOODS, and exclusive interviews with MAX WINKLER & ZOEY DEUTCH talking FLOWER, while GREG SESTERO fills us in on his new film with Tommy Wiseau, BEST F(R)IENDS. (Unfortunately, we ran out of time for our interview with IMELDA STAUNTON, but you'll hear that interview in the coming weeks.) First up hear GREG SESTERO go in-depth as he talks about his new film, BEST F(R)IENDS. Written by Greg and starring himself and Tommy Wiseau, Greg's passion for storytelling and filmmaking are evident thanks to very thoughtful and genuine conversation and analysis of his own work. Talking about character and story development, you'll appreciate Greg's considerations for details both within story and visuals. And many may be surprised to hear what Greg has to say reflects on his involvement in the cult classic, THE ROOM. Then you'll get a touch of the comarade

Just say "YES" to this episode of BTLRadioShow as we welcome three special guests, directors BLAIR FOSTER (ROLLING STONE: STORIES FROM THE EDGE) and NED EHRBAR (THE CALIFORNIA NO), plus fellow film critic, JOEL AMOS. But kicking off the show, take a listen to our exclusive interview with DENNIS QUAID as he talks about his latest role in I CAN ONLY IMAGINE. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's a journey into the making of a musical fantasy/rock opera on BEHIND THE LENS with special guest LUKE SHIROCK talking about his new film, TOMMY BATTLES THE SILVER SEA DRAGON, while JOHANNES ROBERTS talks horror in our exclusive interview on THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT. First up, take a listen to film critic debbie elias' pre-recorded exclusive interview with director JOHANNES ROBERTS as they go in-depth about Johannes' latest film, THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT. Cinematography, sound design, needle drops, casting, horror films, and more, no stone is left unturned. And for all the BAILEE MADISON fans out there, you'll love hearing what Johannes has to say about his leading lady. With barely a spoken word to be heard, TOMMY BATTLES THE SILVER SEA DRAGON is an exquisitely composed work that starts with the music and lyrics, on through choreography and cinematography, captivating the audience with sight and sound. As writer/director/composer and one of the film's stars, newcomer LUKE

Who ya gonna call on for a day of legends on BEHIND THE LENS? How about DICK CAVETT, RAY PARKER JR, and FRAN STRINE for starters! Truly a legendary BEHIND THE LENS, RAY PARKER JR and director FRAN STRINE are first up as they talk about their latest venture – WHO YA GONNA CALL – a documentary on the life of Ray Parker Jr. Starting up a friendship during the making of Fran's acclaimed documentary "Hired Gun", it was all of Ray's anecdotes and history that made Fran realize then that Ray Parker Jr needed a full feature in order to document and share his story with the world. Always a joy to have Fran Strine on BTLRadioShow, he's back and this time has Ray with him as they announce and talk about the launch of their crowdfunding campaign on INDIEGOGO for WHO YA GONNA CALL – which starts at midnight on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. One listen to these two and you'll be in stitches and not only want to see this documentary made, but jump on INDIEGOGO and donate to the seed money campaign. Fi

Dysfunction, hypochondria, and comedy are the watchwords for this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we talk live with MICHELE REMSEN, MATT PORTER, and MAX AZULAY. First up is writer/director/actor MICHELE REMSEN talking about her debut feature directorial TOSS IT, a comedy that in many respects harkens to the early days of screwball comedies with witty and biting banter punctuated with comedic hijinks, most notably "The Philadelphia Story". Listen as Michele talks about the creative genesis of TOSS IT and how it morphed into being a feature film on the page and then onto the screen. Plus, her thoughts on directing, casting chemistry, working with a small ensemble, cinematography and color, and more! At the midpoint of the show, co-writers/co-directors/actors MATT PORTER and MAX AZULAY are on hand talking the fun-filled 5 DOCTORS. Listen as Matt and Max talk about their very long journey into bringing 5 DOCTORS to life, as well as the experience of setting a film in their hometown and revisiting and inco

Miss BEHIND THE LENS live this week? Catch up now and listen to writer/director/actor Jeffrey Johnson talk about his journey to making CAPTAIN BLACK, while director Mark Pellington digs deep exploring memories, mortality and what we value with the poignantly beautiful NOSTALGIA . . . http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com