Behind The Lens

We take to the open waters this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director ZACH CARVER who joins us live talking about his latest doc, THE RACE TO ALASKA. And, we dive into the deep end with a bite of SHARK BAIT and our exclusive interview with one of my fave filmmakers, JAMES NUNN. Everyone knows of my love for sharks (after all, I am known as moviesharkd), especially in film, and thankfully a new shark film hits the cinematic waters just in time for summer – SHARK BAIT! The tale of five friends on spring break who head to the sandy beaches of Mexico for much-needed fun and partying. On their last night, partying gets a bit out of control which leads to stealing some jet skis in the morning and heading out into the ocean for a game of chicken. And you can just imagine how well that goes. Needless to say, spring break, stupidity, and sharks are a lethal combination. Take a listen to this exclusive interview with director JAMES NUNN as we dive into the making of SHARK BAIT talking everything from shooting off

It's a bit of a mixed bag on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we hear from writer/director/actor BRIAN PRESLEY talking his new film HOSTILE TERRITORY. Plus my thoughts on DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. . .and madness it is indeed, and then a little tease on the riveting new HBO Max limited series THE STAIRCASE. Then, my exclusive interview with writer/director/actor BRIAN PRESLEY talking about his new film, HOSTILE TERRITORY. A film set in post-Civil War United States, Brian brings some oft-forgotten pieces of history to the forefront (the Orphan Trains and Company K) in a heartfelt, and action-packed story of a family torn apart by war and the fallout from that war. Built around fascinating pieces of history, a compelling and often nail-biting story, solid performances, and beautiful lensing in the rugged Colorado wilderness during winter, HOSTILE TERRITORY is a "must see." Take a listen as Brian and I go in-depth into the "making of" HOSTILE TERRITORY. And how ab

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we hear from two very distinctive directors and their latest projects – veteran director MARTIN CAMPBELL and first-time feature director EMERSON MOORE. First up, our exclusive interview with acclaimed veteran director MARTIN CAMPBELL talking about MEMORY. Starring Liam Neeson, MEMORY is the story of an assassin-for-hire who becomes the target of a hit by the very people who hired him. Alex Lewis may be a hitman, but he does have moral boundaries which now put him in the line of fire. But Alex Lewis is also a man falling victim to Alzheimer's. A complex character and a story of complex issues come to life under Martin's direction. Listen as Martin talks about researching Alzheimer's, bringing authenticity to the story and the character of Alex Lewis, casting and most notably Liam Neeson and the "pizzazz" of Monica Bellucci, focusing on story and character with action secondary, developing visual grammar with cinematographer David Tattersall, and more. A

A BEHIND THE LENS you don't want to overlook thanks to our special guest TIM McGRATH, plus our exclusive interview with director GRANT S. JOHNSON. If you missed this episode of #BTLRadioShow live, you definitely want to catch up now to hear what writer/director/actor TIM McGRATH has to say about his feature filmmaking debut, SURVIVING THEATER 9. A survivor of the Aurora Colorado "Dark Knight Rises" theatre shooting on July 20, 2012, Tim brings us a powerful and inspirational movie based on the true story, sharing survivors' stories in a narrative film while educating us all on the emotional magnitude of these now neverending mass shootings and the need for mental health education for the public at large. A fascinating conversation and discussion unlike any we've heard before as Tim talks about the cathartic nature of the film, getting beyond the events in Aurora in 2012, telling this story, as well as his learning curve as a filmmaker. But first, our exclusive interview with direct

It's a jam-packed episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome special guest MIRANDA KWOK who joins us live talking THE CLEANING LADY. And we turn our attention to the upcoming 13th Annual TCM Film Festival with an exclusive interview with DAVE KARGER. But first, a look at some new books that have hit the shelves thanks to authors LISA SCOTTOLINE and SCOTT McGEE. First up, we take a look at the latest page-turning thriller from best-selling author Lisa Scottoline, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS. Next, we take a gander at the latest entry in the TCM Library from Scott McGee, DANGER ON THE SILVER SCREEN: 50 FILMS CELEBRATING CINEMA'S GREATEST STUNTS. As is tradition at #BTLRadioShow each year, we take a look at the upcoming TCM FILM FESTIVAL, this year thanks to our exclusive interview with TCM host DAVE KARGER. Listen as Dave and I rave about, among others, faves and special treats at the fest, and explore some of the excitement and fun in store at the festival next week. Then we switch gears

Hold on to your stethoscopes folks because we've got a real treat for all the General Hospital fans out there with this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome PARRY SHEN live at the top of the show followed by writer/director JASON RICHARD MILLER with Parry and Jason talking about their new film MADELINES! Take a listen and you'll not only hear some #GH intel (Parry is already looking forward to April 1, 2023 and GH's 60th birthday) as well as how daily soap work prepares you for indie films like MADELINES, but Parry dives into discussions on his preparation for a role, what he looks for when a script comes his way (note to casting agents and directors – when you think action, think of Parry Shen), some of his early television work like "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "Tru Calling" and the ups and downs of the business, as well as his voicing on video games including mo-cap work, and so much more. And as for MADELINES, Parry goes into detail about working with his two co-

It's the morning after the night before in Hollywood on BEHIND THE LENS and we take a look at the good, the bad, and the very ugly from the Academy Awards, plus a look ahead to some of next year's possible Oscar contenders with our exclusive interview with writer/director HANY ABU-ASSAD talking HUDA'S SALON and joining us live is writer/director ALESSANDRO GENTILE talking about his directorial debut with LODO. Then onto much happier things as you'll hear my exclusive interview with writer/director HANY ABU-ASSAD talking about his latest film, HUDA'S SALON, "a feminist journey with controversial themes, a thriller with humor, a Shakespearean drama with a tragic love story." A powerful drama that speaks to so many themes unfolding in our world today. As always, Hany is open and candid, talking about halting production due to the pandemic and then returning to complete the film, his own bout with Covid and how that has impacted his outlook on life, the importance of telling t

This week it's All About Animation as we take a look at two dynamic and innovative animated films, Oscar Nominee THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES and THE SPINE OF NIGHT, with filmmakers MIKE RIANDA and MORGAN GALEN KING. Two films with two distinctive animation styles, stories, color palettes, and more, but both filmmakers true lovers of the art of animation. First up, take a listen to my prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director MIKE RIANDA talking about the Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature, THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES. My pick for Oscar, this is an interesting conversation as we look at all of the components that went into breaking the mold with innovation in style and design, to give MITCHELLS such a distinctive and perfect look, perfect meld, perfect balance, and perfect animated film. And then, we turn our attention to the hand-drawn classic rotoscope animation fantasy THE SPINE OF NIGHT as we welcome co-writer/co-director/co-editor and lead animator MORGAN GALEN KING live to the

A week of exploring and asking age-old questions this week on BEHIND THE LENS as BEN EPSTEIN joins us asking the big question with WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE, while RUDOLPH HERZOG asks the questions most of us don't think about when it comes to space exploration and colonization with LAST EXIT: SPACE. First up, take a listen to our exclusive interview with writer/director RUDOLPH HERZOG talking about his latest documentary LAST EXIT: SPACE. It's always wonderful to chat with Rudolph about his films and his books, but this subject matter makes it even more fun. Going down a research rabbit hole, LAST EXIT: SPACE asks the questions and takes a look at the considerations for long space travel and colonization. With interesting expert interview subjects (how about a space sexologist!), some beautiful imagery, a cogent throughline, and narration by Werner Herzog, and a longtime collaborative team, Rudolph and I cover it all and more! Then hear from writer/director BEN EPSTEIN who joined us live on the show, as

It's a day of documentaries on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at two very different subjects thanks to our guests ANDREW NOVICK who talks about JONBENET'S TRICYCLE while MARIA PEEK and STEPHEN PEEK talk about SEXTORTION: THE HIDDEN PANDEMIC. First up, take a listen to director/editor MARIA PEEK and producer/cinematographer STEPHEN PEEK who join us fresh off their world premiere at Santa Barbara International Film Festival to talk about SEXTORTION: THE HIDDEN PANDEMIC. A compelling and disturbing investigation into the world of online grooming and sextortion–a present-day reality for one in seven children online. An interesting conversation discussing how Maria and Stephen became involved in this documentary, the challenges of research, the opening up of files and cooperation of DHS and other agencies, interviews with investigators and prosecutors explaining and showing the investigative process, creating a throughline, editing, the courage of one of the victims to now speak out, the shared shock

This week, we're "kinda sorta live" as this episode of BEHIND THE LENS is prerecorded but airing live in its regular time slot. And why prerecorded you may ask? It's because today is the 5th Annual #HCAFilmAwards and I am one of the presenters. LA traffic being what it is, I couldn't get from the Adrenaline Radio studios to the awards venue in a timely fashion for rehearsal, so I opted to prerecord the show for you on Friday for airing today. But what a terrific show this is thanks to our exclusive interviews with BEN MILLIKEN talking RUN & GUN and OLGA KALASHNIKOVA talking ANGEL BY THURSDAY! First up you'll hear from BEN MILLIKEN as he talks about his new film RUN & GUN which I still think should be called "Run & Gun & Fun". Written and directed by Chris Borelli, RUN & GUN boasts a strong cast and is filled with assassins, double-crossing twists and turns, scorpions, anime action figures, action and lots of laughs for an entertaining feast. Ben ta

We're talking with JAN MILLER CORRAN and PATRICK LONGSTRETH in this episode of BEHIND THE LENS, making Valentine's Day a little extra special with films that celebrate family, friends, love, and the neverending journey of life. First, we welcome writer/director JAN MILLER CORRAN who talks about her new film ALONG CAME WANDA. Charming and filled with heart, not only does Jan showcase the talents of Cathy DeBueno and Constance Brenneman, but the beauty of Los Angeles during the pandemic lockdown with empty freeways and beautiful forested greenery and blue skies. Listening to Jan it's easy to understand the ease and low of ALONG CAME WANDA as it mirrors her own joy. Then director PATRICK LONGSTRETH joins us fresh off his Slamdance win with the 2022 Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature, IRON FAMILY, the story of the indefatigable Jazmine Faries, a young woman with Down's Syndrome who lets nothing stop her or her overactive and creative imagination, as well as her undying love for Matt

This episode of BEHIND THE LENS shifted midstream on air when a scheduled guest failed to appear, but that didn't diminish the filmmaking fun thanks to the wonderful JOAN CARR-WIGGIN (who did join us live) talking about A GRAND ROMANTIC GESTURE; not to mention our prerecorded exclusive interview with TIM KIRKBY talking LAST LOOKS! First up we welcome JOAN CARR-WIGGIN back to the show. Always a joy to not only speak with Joan but watch her films, she's here just in time for Valentine's Day with a romantic comedy with the mature audience in mind – A GRAND ROMANTIC GESTURE. Sweet and charming with a light humorous touch, this is the story of Ava, a longtime medical professional who loses her job thanks to forced early retirement. Lost without her career, Ava's husband and daughter strong-arm her into taking a cooking class at the local adult school, as well as preparing to be a grandmother. Clearly not cut out for cooking, Ava quickly jumps into a drama class where she is cast as a Juliet –

A "Must Listen" episode of BEHIND THE LENS is one that filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers don't want to miss thanks to our special guest STEVE BALDERSON who is live talking about his new book How To Find Investors, plus his new film ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT making its world premiere at Santa Fe Film Festival on February 12. And as if that's not enough for you, how about our exclusive interview with the wonderful KENNY LEU talking about his new film, the powerful A SHOT THROUGH THE WALL. An accomplished filmmaker in his own right, not to mention author, speaker, and so much more, I am thrilled to welcome STEVE BALDERSON back to #BTLRadioShow who not only talks about his latest film ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT which is screening at The Santa Fe Film Festival but his latest book, HOW TO FIND INVESTORS. It's one thing to want to make a film. It's another to get the money to make it. Listen as Steve and I delve into the book and the successful process he has used to find investors for his 17

Things get a bit dark and serious with a touch of the supernatural and surreal on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to GREG NEWBERRY who is on hand live to discuss his new film, the political courtroom drama WHO IS AMOS OTIS?, plus our exclusive interview with writer/director ISAAC RODRIGUEZ talking LAST RADIO CALL. First up, take a listen to our exclusive interview with writer/director ISAAC RODRIGUEZ talking about his new film LAST RADIO CALL. A dash of horror, a smattering of folkloric supernatural, and a nice blend of "found footage" and "present-day" set in an ultra-spooky abandoned hospital location, and all packaged with a verite style make for a fun thriller. Isaac talks about all of that and how he took an initial 2-minute short and developed it into a feature with a story that comes together with images and sound. Isaac delves into his process going from 2-minute short to feature, the thrill of this location, and how about an anecdote you'll only hear on #BTLRadioShow about how a &quo

BEHIND THE LENS is back with a bang to kick off YEAR EIGHT with some laughter and lightness thanks to writer/director PAUL BOYD and his new film I, CHALLENGER, plus our exclusive interview with the young star of THE TENDER BAR, DANIEL RANIERI. And we remember some of the beloved legends we've said goodbye to in just the past few days. First up today, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with that little scene-stealer in THE TENDER BAR - DANIEL RANIERI. Making his acting debut under the guidance of director George Clooney, Daniel steals your heart and the film with his performance. I spoke with Daniel about the role, acting, working with Clooney, Ben Affleck, Christopher Lloyd, and others, the rigors of onset school and homework (blech!), the fun of filmmaking, and more. Energetic, effervescent and an absolute delight, just listening to Daniel will put a smile on your face! Then writer/director PAUL BOYD is on hand live to talk about his new comedy, I, CHALLENGER. A situational comedic

As 2021 and year seven of BEHIND THE LENS draws to a close, we treat you to a mix and match of films and filmmaking with our special guests DAVID BEINSTEIN and ALAN McINTYRE SMITH talking ARE YOU HAPPY NOW, plus our exclusive interviews with writer/director MICKEY REECE talking the fascinating AGNES while director MIKE ROHL makes merry with THE PRINCESS SWITCH 3: ROMANCING THE STAR. First up, we get a little bit of Christmas magic thanks to director MIKE ROHL in this prerecorded exclusive interview as he talks about THE PRINCESS SWITCH 3: ROMANCING THE STAR. Director of the first two installments of the franchise as well, Mike and I join up again to discuss his dazzling, ever-increasing amount of Christmas lights and the movie magic that gives us Vanessa Hudgens taking on three concurrent roles. Take a listen as Mike talks about not only the expanded visual palette (and more twinkle lights), but added color themes, upping the ante with Vanessa Hudgens times three, the design and manufacture of the Christmas

From the luscious countryside of the south of France to the global alien annihilation of Earth, we've got the best of both worlds on BEHIND THE LENS courtesy of special guests SETH and NOAH GILBERT talking THE ONLY ONE, while SIMON KINBERG talks about all things INVASION. So, who's been watching AppleTV's INVASION? WOW! The final episode of Season One just aired and I'm still blown away by it. Luckily, we now have Season Two to look forward to! But right now listen to my pre-recorded exclusive interview with Executive Producer/Creator/Co-Writer SIMON KINBERG talking all about INVASION from the idea and story to craftsmanship to globe-trotting events to score and so much more. We spoke on December 7, just prior to the Season One finale and the day before Season Two was announced so Simon was able to reflect on the build of the entire season through characters and diversity in front of and behind the camera, as well as visually bringing the series to life, not to mention the creation and lo

It's a full house and a mixed bag this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our returning special guest JOSH TESSIER talking OVERRUN, plus our exclusive prerecorded interviews with writer/director FRAN KRANZ talking MASS, and the amazing cast of MIXTAPE – GEMMA BROOKE ALLEN, AUDREY HSIEH, and OLGA PETSA. First up, take a listen to the freshest, most effervescent, and most fun trio of actors from the new Netflix hit, MIXTAPE – GEMMA BROOKE ALLEN, AUDREY HSIEH, and OLGA PETSA. Set on the eve of Y2K, this is the story of 12-year-old Beverly who, together with her new BFF's Nicky and Ellen, sets out on a journey to find songs on a mixtape crafted by her late parents. (And folks – the soundtrack is amazing!) With none of the girls even born when this film takes place, you can really hear their amazement and joy at experiencing the hair, the clothes, and the music of the era. But most important is their very evident friendship to come from MIXTAPE. Plus, you'll hear our exclusive interview with write

BEHIND THE LENS is ready for the holidays with everything from visiting friends to that shopping experience known as "Black Friday" to holiday movies to entertain you thanks to writer/director BRETT WAGNER talking THE BIG BEND and VFX/creature creator guru ROBERT KURTZMAN talking BLACK FRIDAY. First up, our exclusive conversation with one of the kings of creature creation prosthetics and make-up, ROBERT KURTZMAN. Take a listen as Robert talks about his new film, BLACK FRIDAY, where holiday shoppers run amok and turn into zombies and monsters while shopping in a toy store. Granted, we all know that shoppers on Black Friday can be monstrous, but thanks to Robert Kurtzman and his work, it spectacularly comes to life in this fun horror film from director Casey Tebo and writer Andy Greskoviak. From creature design to use of color to collaboration with cinematographer David Kruta to techniques used for creature and prosthetic creation, Robert covers it all. Then we take a little holiday trip to THE BI