Behind The Lens

This week it's time for DINNER WITH THE ALCHEMIST and then a trip into the wild blue yonder with THE MILLIONAIRES' UNIT: THE FIRST U.S. NAVAL AVIATORS IN WORLD WAR I. Our regular listeners first met writer/director KEVIN GOOD and co-writer/actor JENNA ST. JOHN two years ago when DINNER WITH THE ALCHEMIST first hit the festival circuit. With a distribution deal in place and the film now available to all, Kevin and Jenna are back, and this time live in-studio - and with another new production in tow, their 3-month old son Chaucer! Talk about balancing independent filmmaking and family! Jenna goes in-depth into her writing process and the research and historical fact incorporated into this blend of period lushness with alchemy, voodoo and murder, while Kevin talks cinematography, special effects, taking the feature film leap and more. At the midpoint of the show, we go back in history with a look at the fascinating documentary THE MILLIONAIRES' UNIT. The story of a group of Yale students who were

It's a mighty tasty BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to our special guests, director JAY SILVERMAN and writer/director ETHAN WARREN. But before you hear from our directors, how about taking a trip to Wakanda as we go behind-the-scenes of the BLACK PANTHER. In this pre-recorded exclusive interview, take a listen to BLACK PANTHER production designer HANNAH BEACHLER as she talks about creating Wakanda, the importance and use of color, and designing large set pieces while maintaining an intimacy of storytelling. It's lip-smacking goodness tempting your cinematic taste buds as director JAY SILVERMAN talks about his new film, OFF THE MENU. A perfect date night movie for Valentine's Day (February 14, in case you've forgotten), not only is OFF THE MENU beautifully cinematic, it is a glorious showcase for all the foodies out there. Listen as Jay covers everything on the cinematic menu from taking on directorial duties to cinematography to casting to location scouting and, of course, working with fo

BEHIND THE LENS just keeps on rolling along as we welcome MARIO VAN PEEPLES and LISA FRANCE to this week's show. A powerhouse in the industry, writer/director/actor/producer MARIO VAN PEEPLES is live talking about his latest series on SyFy Channel- SUPERSTITION. A riveting chilling thriller, you'll enjoy hearing Mario talk about creating the series' big screen feel with exemplary production values, complex characters, and fascinating storylines steeped in historical fact and legend. With the Season One finale just aired, the fate of Season Two hangs in the balance with a rapidly growing fanbase. Involved at every level of production (including directing 8 episodes), it's a joy to hear Mario talk about this incredible journey from script to screen. Then pro basketball player turned stuntwoman turned filmmaker LISA FRANCE joins us talking about her new documentary ROLL WITH ME. Fresh off a successful showing at Slamdance, as you will learn in this conversation with Lisa, ROLL WITH ME is the

A fun-filled and enlightening BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to special guests DAN MIRVISH and LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS! With Slamdance Film Festival in full swing, what better way to celebrate indie film than with DAN MIRVISH. Not just one of the co-founders of Slamdance, but a filmmaker in his own right, Dan is on hand talking about his latest directorial feature, BERNARD AND HUEY, starring Jim Rash and David Koechner. A recently discovered, long lost script by the Pulitzer-Prize and Oscar-winning cartoonist, playwright and screenwriter, Jules Feiffer, BERNARD AND HUEY is the closing night feature at Slamdance. Hear Dan talk about the discovery of the script and bringing it to life . . . including developing characters previously experienced in cartoons and books, as well as turning his Culver City garage into a New York subway! Then we have a legend on hand – LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS. One of the hardest working and most consistently present actors since he first lit up our movie screens some 30-years ago, Lou sk

We've got the cream of the crop and the pick of the litter this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our guests SANTINO PANICO, DANA NACHMAN, and DON HARDY. First up is SANTINO PANICO. Sports fans may know Santino best from his days as an All-American on the gridiron or most recently as a marathon runner, but what few may know is that Santino proves himself to be an accomplished storyteller and filmmaker with the documentary, FROM THE GROUND UP. Focusing on his journey from meat eating football player to a marathoning vegan, on this freshman directorial journey, Santino opens our eyes into a world of "plant-based" eating. Hear the passion and enthusiasm in Santino's voice as he talks about not only the whats and whys of plant-based eating but the whats and whys and hows of real grassroots filmmaking from self-financing to corraling interview subjects to editing to licensing/clearances (a real testament to Santino's conviction in making this documentary is his patience in obtaining cleara

BEHIND THE LENS goes global with this week's guests, STEVEN ALLERICK and VIVIENNE DeCOURCY! In-studio to help kick off the new year and our fourth year of BEHIND THE LENS, actor STEVEN ALLERICK is back! From Broadway to musical theatre to television to commercials to stage to film, Steve does it all and as an actor/writer/producer, has a keen perspective which he brings to any discussion on the filmmaking process. And talking about a keen perspective, as the former "Simba" on Broadway, in Toronto and in Los Angeles in "The Lion King", you'll love hearing Steve's take on THE GREATEST SHOWMAN! Joining us live at the midpoint of the show all the way from London is writer/director VIVIENNE DeCOURCY talking her new film, and first narrative feature, DARE TO BE WILD! Taking us from the lush emerald green hills and forests of Ireland to the arid lands of Ethiopia to the prim and proper Chelsea, with DARE TO BE WILD Vivienne brings us the story of Mary Reynolds. Named as one of the

It's a fabulous fun-filled BEHIND THE LENS to not only wrap up 2017, but the third year of BTL! What better way to end the year than with two of my favorite guys to interview as we talk about the award-winning comedy THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES! Returning to BTL is award-winning writer/director PHIL ALLOCCO and joining him is one of the film's stars, the uber-talented FRAN KRANZ. I had a chance to sit down with Fran earlier this year at LAFF to talk about the glorious "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which had its premiere at LAFF and he was a joy! And yes! Not only does Fran talk a bit about "A Midsummer Night's Dream", but reveals the film just got a distribution deal with release set for Spring 2018! And speaking of distribution, both gentlemen provide some insight into the distribution experience in this ever-changing media age, as well as providing their perspectives on visual comedy, acting, casting, and more! But before we get to Phil and Fran, take a listen to the stars of

Another exciting week on BEHIND THE LENS as we explore two favorite genres – the western and a hybrid fantasy/sci-fi love story – thanks to special guest, writer/director JARED MOSHE, plus an exclusive interview with creature creator/sculptor MIKE HILL. First up is our exclusive interview with creature creator MIKE HILL talking the now Golden Globe-nominated masterpiece from Guillermo del Toro, THE SHAPE OF WATER! Get Mike's insight into working with Guillermo and executing his vision as he discusses practical production considerations, aesthetics, and integrating those factors with the telling and advancement of the story. Learn something about silicon versus foam latex, epoxy paints, color color and more color, designing for Dan Lausten's lighting and water as well as working with water, fish lips, and more. At the midpoint of the show writer/director JARED MOSHE is live talking his new film, THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN. An avowed lover of the American western, LEFTY BROWN follows on the heels of hi

From a galaxy far, far away to cowboys and comics, BEHIND THE LENS has something for everyone as we rustle up the creative folks of RUSTY REVOLVER and hear from the cast of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. First up today it's all about comics and cowboys with the team from RUSTY REVOLVER. Three of the most entertaining gentlemen we have ever had on BTL, writer/director PAUL MORRELL, actor/producer ANTON TROY, and actor VERNON GEORGE WELLS are on hand to talk about this multi-media project as RR hits Amazon Prime as a web series with a companion comic book available now as well. What little boy (or girl) didn't dream of growing up to be a cowboy and fighting the bad guys? RUSTY REVOLVER gets to do just that in this rootin' tootin' round-up as Paul and Anton talk about the genesis of the show and the character of Rusty, the visual aesthetic, and the importance of editing and post-production in saving the day after two days of under-developed footage! Legendary actor Vernon Wells chimes in as he tal

Timely, topical, and fascinating on multiple levels is the only way to describe this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with a nice mix for all thanks to special guest JACOB KORNBLUTH and some exclusive interviews with award-worthy filmmakers of COCO and composer CARTER BURWELL! No stranger to BTL, director JACOB KORNBLUTH is back talking about his latest documentary, SAVING CAPITALISM, based on the best-seller by former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich. Kornbluth and Reich first teamed up some years ago for the acclaimed INEQUALITY FOR ALL and have since gone on to not only collaborate on some 40 short videos which have gone viral with more than 250 million YouTube views, but also founded the non-profit, INEQUALITY MEDIA. Although a sobering subject, with SAVING CAPITALISM Jacob and Bob give us hope for the future, not to mention hope for filmmakers as Jacob discusses the journey to bring this book to the screen, the total shift in the political climate while in production, losing and then regaining focus, and more

On this episode of BEHIND THE LENS we're setting you up for a perfect holiday weekend with a little light reading and something tasty to snack on thanks to our guests director SCOTT WHEELER, producer RAFAEL DIAZ-WAGNER, and KELLEY SMOOT GARRETT. Classic film fans who missed KELLEY SMOOT GARRETT last time she was with us, can catch up now as she's back talking about PRINCESS APRIL MORNING-GLORY, a beautiful fairy tale by Letitia Fairbanks all hand done in illuminated calligraphy with exquisite illustrations. As Letitia's step-daughter, Kelley is now completing the book's journey of publication, something Letitia and her father were never able to do due to technologic limitations in the 1940's. A fairytale strongly influenced by "Uncle Douglas", Kelley talks about Douglas Fairbanks' motto of "3 Good Deeds" and how that influenced Letitia and "Princess April". And Kelley drops a big surprise on BTL about the upcoming 100th anniversary of United Artist

Take a listen now to this very special edition of BTLRadioShow - our first extended show (90 minutes!) - with special guest, Sound Effects Editor/Designer and founder of THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM, STEVE LEE! Chock full of sound effects clips ("Star Wars", "Raiders", "Robocop" and more), Steve provides the backstory of the creation of these notable sounds, not to mention regales us with more than a few anecdotes about film history and the folks who helped sonically shape it. And how about some surprise guests? Oscar and Emmy winner RICHARD ANDERSON is also on hand, as is LISA VARNEY, who makes a wonderful announcement about the legacy of her father, BILL VARNEY, and THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM!! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

We're going "APE" on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we swing into awards season action with a pre-recorded exclusive interview with DAN LEMMON, Visual Effects Supervisor on WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. Then live, at the midpoint of the show, actress-turned-author PENELOPE LAGOS returns to BTL to talk about her new children's book, I MISS MY BEST FRIEND. (And considering we all know what happens to the beloved Caesar in APES, we may all need this book!) Hard at work in New Zealand at WETA DIGITAL at the time of our interview, Dan gives us detailed insight into the art of motion capture and VFX on APES. From the challenges faced in bringing APES to life, to the collaborative process with director Matt Reeves, editor Billy Hoy and cinematographer Michael Seresin, to the technological advancements over this most recent trilogy of DAWN-RISE-WAR, to "ray tracing", to "aging up" existing characters versus creating new, and to the mastering of fur, this is one of BTL&ap

BEHIND THE LENS is so "bad" it's good as we celebrate BAD GRANDMAS with special guests, actor RANDALL BATINKOFF and director SRIKANT CHELLAPPA. BAD GRANDMAS stars Batinkoff, Judge Reinhold, Pam Grier and Florence Henderson in her final film role, and let me tell you, Florence Henderson is about as far from Carol Brady as you can get in BAD GRANDMAS! Not only listen to Srikant talk about the making of BAD GRANDMAS from idea to casting and cinematography, but Randall delights with warm – and hilarious – remembrances of the filming. Adding a bit more to the mix, Randall and Srikant – each now a first time director (Randall directed and starred in "37") – talk about lessons learned as first-timers. But before we get to Randall and Srikant and BAD GRANDMAS, the hammer hurls with excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with THOR: RAGNAROK screenwriter, ERIC PEARSON, talking about we the film's humor and the brotherhood of Thor and Loki. AND YOU'VE GOT A

It's another exciting BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome writer/director DAVID BURKMAN, plus, hear film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with cinematographer ED LACHMAN. In his first feature outing, DAVID BURKMAN tackles the Greek system of the college world with HAZE. A "fictional" work structured much like the story of Dionysus in "The Bacchae" by Euripedes, Burkman's approach is hard-charging and at times no-holds-barred shocking but at the same time eye-opening on issues that face us not only on the college campus but within human nature. Filmmakers will appreciate hearing about the logistic challenges David faced as a first-time feature filmmaker over 90 days of shooting during the course of 18 months, as well as score (complete with intonations of ancient Greek melodies and performance by reconstructed ancient instruments), lensing, and with over 300 hours of footage in hand – editing. But first, take a listen to our exclusive interview with cinematogra

It's another big week on BEHIND THE LENS with in-studio guest, author CHARLES WEST McNULTY, plus author/screenwriter SIDDHARTH KARA calls in live. Author/screenwriter/filmmaker and newspaper publisher, CHARLES WEST McNULTY is on hand for the hour to talk about his new book, a collection of limericks, not to mention his other various projects in development and already out in the world. You may even find yourself thinking back on your days of elementary creative writing as Charlie gives us a lesson on the construct and history of limericks plus engaging discussion on the value and appreciation of the printed page versus 140 characters online. At the midpoint of the show we welcome SIDDHARTH KARA. A Harvard Fellow, Siddharth is a leading expert on human trafficking and contemporary slavery, having published numerous books and lectured extensively on the subject. He now enters the world of filmmaking as screenwriter for director Will Wallace's new film, TRAFFICKED, starring Ashley Judd, Patrick Duff

It's a really big show on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with powerhouse guests talking about some outstanding, affecting, and meaningful films. STEVEN ALLERICK is back with us and in the studio for the full hour adding his perspective as a working actor of stage, screen and tv to today's discussions with our other special guests starting with director/writer REMY AUBERJONOIS and actor/co-writer KATE NOWLIN, who join us live at the 15-minute mark talking about their powerful new "Must See" film BLOOD STRIPE! Debuting at LAFF 2016, BLOOD STRIPE now makes its way into theatres after a very successful festival run. Actors, filmmakers and movie lovers will appreciate and enjoy hearing what Remy and Kate have to say about the process of making BLOOD STRIPE, from story inspiration to having a pre-determined location and its impact on the actual story development, to crafting, creating and embodying the character of "Sarge" from the ground up, to the delicate balance of editing, pl

It's time to get "lucky" on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with the screenwriters of LUCKY - LOGAN SPARKS and DRAGO SUMONJA. And hear excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with LUCKY director JOHN CARROLL LYNCH! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

This week on BEHIND THE LENS, writer/director/actor Luke Sabis and actor Charles Gorgano are back live in-studio talking about MISSING CHILD, now available on Blu-ray/DVD! And classic film fans won't want to miss listening to Kelley Smoot Garrett talk about LETITIA FAIRBANKS (as in the Douglas Fairbanks family) and PRINCESS APRIL MORNING-GLORY! (And here's some trivia for you, Kelley is Letitia's step-daughter and has some wonderful insight into the golden age of Hollywood!) http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

A BEHIND THE LENS not to be missed this week as we welcome acclaimed director DWIGHT LITTLE to talk about his new film LAST RAMPAGE starring Robert Patrick, while writer/director VINCENT SABELLA shares personal insight into his debut feature ELIZABETH BLUE. First up is artist/painter turned filmmaker, VINCENT SABELLA, talking about ELIZABETH BLUE. A functioning schizophrenic, Vincent is open, honest and enthusiastic as he speaks in depth about the biographical nature of the narrative film and the challenges he faced "experiencing" moments from his past, plus his approach to screenwriting complete with dialogue, direction and visual design notations at the script stage. From MURDER AT 1600 to HALLOWEEN 4 and FREE WILLY 2 and on to becoming a prolific tv director with shows like "Bones", DWIGHT LITTLE is at the top of his game with LAST RAMPAGE, based on the true story of the infamous 1978 prison break of Gary Tison and Randy Greenawalt. Listen as Dwight talks about the ins and outs o