Behind The Lens

A female-centric fun BEHIND THE LENS with this episode thanks to producer JESSICA DEVANEY and director D.W. THOMAS. First up, we're welcoming JESSICA DEVANEY, producer and founder/president of Multitude Films who joins us live off fresh off the world premiere at Tribeca of her latest film, PRAY AWAY. Just in time for Pride Month, Jessica talks about the genesis of Multitude Films and its mission. An LGBTQ-led independent production company, Multitude is dedicated to telling non-fiction stories by and about underrepresented communities. Listen as Jessica talks about founding Multitude, finding and developing stories, working hands-on/boots on the ground as a producer with specific films, film financing and hybridization, and more. Plus, just prior to airtime, the development deal between Steven Spielberg and Netflix was announced and we get Jessica's first impressions about streaming versus theatrical releasing, particularly in light of the Spielberg deal. Then get ready because co-writer/director

We're taking a look at life, love, and death in this week's BEHIND THE LENS with special guest writer/director ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES talking about her new film, DEADLY ILLUSIONS. Plus, hear our exclusive interview with writer/director SEBASTIAN SIEGEL talking about the emotionally powerful GRACE AND GRIT. Joining us live is writer/director ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES talking about her delicious new film, DEADLY ILLUSIONS. Starring Kristin Davis as a bestselling female novelist suffering from writer's block who becomes spellbound by her children's caregiver, things take a dangerous turn as writer Morrison begins to indulge in the fantasies of her latest bestseller in a blurring of the lines between fantasy and reality. Listen as Anna talks about the inspiration for the film, the importance of casting not only Kristin Davis but Greer Grammer and their necessary dynamic as the driving force of the film, working with cinematographer Mike McMillin to establish the perfect visual tonal bandwidth, editi

A "wordly" episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guest HARRY MAVROMICHALIS who is on hand talking about his documentary OLYMPIA, plus our exclusive interview with MICHAEL HAUSSMAN talking EDGE OF THE WORLD. Writer/director/editor HARRY MAVROMICHALIS is with us live talking about his debut documentary feature, OLYMPIA. A cinema verite styled look at the legendary Olympia Dukakis, the film is a multi-year project that melds interviews from family and colleagues, archival footage, an in-depth look at Olympia's theatre work, her activism, her Greek heritage and so much more, as Olympia provides her own take on life, death, and love. Listen to an engaging conversation with Harry as he talks about the making of OLYMPIA, his inspiration for the documentary, his persistence that led to Olympia Dukakis finally saying "yes", assembling footage, obtaining archival materials and blending those with present-day footage, finding a through-line, his lessons learned and challenges faced

Jam-packed, fun-filled, and interesting episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guest, the multi-talented MINDY BLEDSOE talking her new film, THE IN-BETWEEN, plus our pre-recorded exclusive interview with DAVID CHARBONIER and JUSTIN POWELL talking their latest film, THE DJINN. Remember that old adage, "Be careful what you wish for"? We're about to find out why that is thanks to filmmakers DAVID CHARBONIER and JUSTIN POWELL and their latest film, THE DJINN, the tale of a mute boy alone in his apartment who makes a wish to fulfill his heart's greatest desire – to have a voice – only to find himself trapped with a sinister being, THE DJINN. A film reliant on sound and visuals, and a powerful performance from Ezra Dewey, this is a film – and interview – not to be missed. Take a listen as David and Justin not only talk about the making of THE DJINN – and particularly that sound design – and casting the wonderful Ezra Dewey, but also their second film The Boy Behind The Door which was

Things get a little wild and wacky on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to some comedic hijinks with director PAUL TANTER talking STEALING CHAPLIN, while screenwriter EMMA NEEDELL talks about creating THE WATER MAN. First up, take a listen to our prerecorded exclusive interview with screenwriter EMMA NEEDELL talking about THE WATER MAN, David Oyelowo's beautiful directorial debut. An interesting discussion on Emma's writing process, developing this story, finding tone and translating that to the page, and more. And yes, I want a graphic novel or storybook of this wonderful tale! And then, a big welcome to director PAUL TANTER who talks in-depth about his new film STEALING CHAPLIN, an absolute "Must See" film for 2021! A comedy of errors that stems from the real-life graverobbing of Charlie Chaplin in Switzerland in the 1970's, with a shift the location to Las Vegas, add in a few bumbling con men, some mobsters, and Wayne Newton and you've got a fun dark comedic romp. And

We've got plenty of laughs on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to special guests ERIC SILVERA & SEAN KENEALY, but we've also got a fascinating exclusive interview that takes us into the history and heart of Australia with STEPHEN MAXWELL JOHNSON. HIGH GROUND is already one of my "Must See Films" of the year, and talking in-depth about the film, the history behind it, and the cultural history of the Aboriginal people and its importance in the world, is director STEPHEN MAXWELL JOHNSON in this pre-recorded exclusive conversation. A powerful human drama based on just one of the many Frontier events that occurred between the British and the native Aboriginal people in Australia in the early 20th Century, HIGH GROUND stars Simon Baker in this exploration of people vs power, culture and identity, and gives a new perspective to that long accepted. Baker, together with Jacob Junior Nayinggul, steal the heart and touch the soul. Listen as Stephen talks about shooting on sacred lands in

HERE WE GO! It's time for some laughter, some tears, and even a bit of head-scratching with this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with our special guests, filmmakers IVO RAZO and BRIAN MORRISON! Take a listen as writer/director IVO RAZO talks about his film, the mockumentary/satire/parody, REBOOT CAMP. (Heads up folks, Chaz Bono is in the film and he is really one of the reasons to watch!) The story of two brothers who create the fake self-help group, REBOOT CAMP, led by the fictional "Gordon St. Pierre" (expertly played by David Lipper), in order to make an expose-type documentary about fake gurus and the ease with which people are conned into believing anything and everything. Surprisingly, this fabricated REBOOT CAMP becomes a hit and garners a devoted following. But what happens when the tables turn on the brothers and an interloper upsets their apple cart? With an all-star cast, some acting in character and others as themselves, Ivo talks about the logistical challenges of shooting and meshing

Delving into some darkness on this episode of #BTLRadioShow we take a look at the 93rd Academy Awards show with the good, the bad, and the ugly (Swarovski tv spots were the big winners of the night while NO ZOOM was a godsend), and then welcome writer/director TJ MARINE talking about his new film, AT NIGHT COMES WOLVES, followed by writer/director TRACY LUCCA talking DARK STATE. A determined filmmaker, take a listen as TJ MARINE talks about crafting the thriller AT NIGHT COMES WOLVES by taking three short films already completed and melding them into a feature with some creative editing, then using music to bring it all together to cohesive result. Then TRACY LUCCA goes in-depth talking about DARK STATE. A timely and topical look at the media, power mongers, selling of one's soul for fame, riches, and power, and all viewed under the lens of today's world, listen as Tracy talks about the story behind the film, creating a very definite visual tonal bandwidth thanks to color, the importance and power

The joys of live broadcasting are on full display this week with #BTLRadioShow as we shifted gears on the fly when our live guest failed to call in. But that is all to the benefit of JAKOB'S WIFE as instead of only 20 minutes or so with one exclusive interview, the entire show became all about JAKOB'S WIFE!! One of my "Must See" films of 2021, JAKOB'S WIFE is beyond delicious. Quite a tasty treat, if you ask me. The story of Anne and her husband Pastor Jakob, Anne has kind of faded into the background after 30 years of marriage. Ever the dutiful, community-spirited pastor's wife, she has lost "Anne" somewhere along the line. But after a bit of temptation and a surprise "embrace" by something, Anne's entire world shifts. She comes alive!! And while she also becomes a timeless fashion plate and a woman with confidence who has found her voice again, she fears silver and craves blood and doesn't do too well in the dental chair. But what about her husba

Fun and sci-fi fantasy come together in this expanded episode of #BTLRadioShow as we take a look at VIKES with writer/director TENNEY FAIRCHILD, and VOYAGERS with writer/director NEIL BURGER. Joining us live is writer/director TENNEY FAIRCHILD talking about his coming of age romp, VIKES. And while VIKES may have some sweet charm to it, the film also deals with some timely and topical issues and themes which are even more important today than in 2016-17 when the film was shot. Listen as Tenney talks about his process for story development and subsequently taking the words on the page and translating them into visuals, the casting process, shooting location, the importance of visual detail, and more. And we're talking VOYAGERS thanks to two of my favorite filmmakers, writer/director NEIL BURGER and production designer SCOTT CHAMBLISS. Listen to my prerecorded exclusive interviews with each of these gentlemen as we dig deep into the genesis of the film and Neil's process for crafting a world for a mu

Focusing more on the reality of life and the world today with this episode of #BTLRadioShow, our special guests, STEVEN ALLERICK and JESSE NOAH KLEIN, each has a powerful story to tell through film. First up, and let just say, "He’s baaaaaack!", actor/writer/director/producer STEVEN ALLERICK returns talking about his latest project – VARIANT – and the IndieGoGo finance campaign for film funding. Listen as Steve talks about the impetus for the project and why this is such a personal film, plus why he will be stepping behind the camera with his directorial debut. And find out how you can become a part of the VARIANT movement. Then writer/director JESSE NOAH KLEIN is on hand to talk about his new film, LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE starring Sarah Sutherland. An emotional exploration of a woman who returns "home" after a two-year absence, filled with some Malick-esque notes and nods, Jesse discusses the genesis of this story, the film's construct, and his visual and emotional style in bringing t

This week on #BTLRadioShow we go from Philly to the UK with w/d AOIFE CREHAN talking THE LAST RIGHT, plus take a listen to our exclusive interview with w/d RICKY STAUB talking CONCRETE COWBOY! And we also chat about NY Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline and her new historical novel (already a bestseller), ETERNAL! http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's another jam-packed episode of #BTLRadioShow as we go from the Atlantic to the Pacific thanks to our special guests, ALEX NOYER and actor JASMIN SAVOY BROWN, fresh off their world premiere at SXSW talking about their frightening and intriguing new film SOUND OF VIOLENCE, and director/co-writer PAOLO PILLADI who makes his narrative feature directorial debut with the delightfully engaging and fun LAST CALL. First up we head to Philly with PAOLO PILLADI and LAST CALL, a fun film that focuses on lifelong friends and family, "the old neighborhood", gentrification, redevelopment, and the nostalgic warmth of neighborhoods and the mom and pop shops of our youth. Shooting in Bayonne, NJ as a perfect stand-in for the suburban Philly neighborhood of Upper Darby ("Darby Heights" in the film), this is the story of Mick, a guy who wanted more than what he thought the neighborhood could give him and moved all the way to Rittenhouse Square and Center City (about 10 miles) to become a mover and

It's a busy episode of #BTLRadioShow as we're talking Oscar nominations, plus. . . ALEXANDRA LORETH and KEVIN PONTUTI are live talking about their new film making its world premiere at the virtual Cinequest Film Festival, THE YELLOW WALLPAPER. Mesmerizing and hypnotic, the film dazzles with its meticulous and methodical sound design and rich cinematography. Take a listen as we dive into not only the excitement and anticipation of a world premiere but "the making of" THE YELLOW WALLPAPER, starting with the challenges of adapting this acclaimed gothic feminist horror story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman which essentially takes place in the mind of the protagonist, giving a fully tapestried identity to her, and then crafting meticulous tactical visuals that bring the story to life. In addition to discussing the stunning and metaphoric visual design both from a cinematographic and production design standpoint, we delve into the use of sound and the film's overall soundscape, all of which f

It's a fun episode of #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to director CRAIG BREWER and writer/director LESLIE THOMAS. First up we're taking a little trip back to Zamunda with director CRAIG BREWER as we go in-depth talking about the hilarious COMING 2 AMERICA in this prerecorded exclusive interview. Hear my review of the film and listen as Craig talks about casting, incorporating touchstones to the original film, finding the heart of the film, the comedy beats, cinematography and working with cinematographer Jody Williams to capture familial intimacy within the comedy canvas as well as staging those incredible production numbers, the production design of Jeffrey Sage, and the award-worthy costume design of Ruth E. Carter (hand her the Oscar 2022 now). And then writer/director LESLIE THOMAS is live talking about her new film, HONESTY WEEKEND, where the age-old adage of "honesty is the best policy" is put to the test with laughter and love. Leslie covers the gamut from story to casting an ense

It's a jam-packed extended show this week thanks to our special guests, filmmakers and co-directors ANDRE PHILLIPS and CHARLES VUOLO, plus some very enlightening and fun prerecorded exclusive interviews with writer/director NICHOLAS JARECKI and writer/director LOUISE LINTON. First, take a listen to our exclusive conversation with writer/director NICHOLAS JARECKI talking about his latest film, CRISIS. Much like his first film, "Arbitrage", Nicholas delivers a hard-hitting and riveting film, this time centered around the opioid crisis and the business of drug trafficking…through the Northern borders. Listen as Nicholas discusses at length his approach to the script and working with his actors in its development following the "first draft", casting, his extensive research into the various elements of the opioid crisis which set the stage for the three narrative threads which compromise the story, cinematography and finding visual tonal bandwidth through color and light, location selecti

This episode of #BTLRadioShow takes us from the social consciousness of A TINY RIPPLE OF HOPE in Chicago to the wild and wacky world of WILLY'S WONDERLAND. First up is our exclusive conversation with director KEVIN LEWIS going in-depth on the wild and wonderful world of WILLY'S WONDERLAND starring Nic Cage! Who doesn't love a Nic Cage film – especially when he's being Nic Cage at the top of his game. And that's exactly what we get from him in WILLY'S WONDERLAND. Listen as Kevin talks about his attraction to G.O. Parson's script, working with Cage in developing the character of "The Janitor", Molly Coffee's detailed production design, cinematography and developing extreme dutched angles and explosive use of color and light in collaboration with his cinematographer David Newbert, scoring by Emoi, and so much more. Then we shift gears as director/producer JASON POLEVOI joins us live talking about his documentary A TINY RIPPLE OF HOPE which had its world premier

It's a full house this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our special guests, filmmakers STEPHEN JANIS, DEANNE FOLEY, and LATONIA HARTERY. Plus, some quick review bytes on two new films streaming everywhere right now – ME YOU MADNESS and PARADISE COVE. One of my fave films of the year already is ME YOU MADNESS, written and directed by LOUISE LINTON and starring Linton and Ed Westwick. Irreverant, politically incorrect, high octane, glamorous, breaking the fourth, rapier wit-filled darkly comedic action movie love story, ME YOU MADNESS is delicious dark decadent fun from start to finish. Linton shows good command as not only a wordsmith, but as a storyteller (much of which I believe we can credit to her trial advocacy skills as a lawyer) is well constructed and structured. Visually, Linton knocks it out of the park with polish and color thanks to cinematographers Reinhart Reschke and Boa Simon, whose lighting and lensing only serve to elevate the already sumptuous production design of Allura Johnson and Tra

Take a listen to this episode of #BTLRadioShow as we welcome writer/director RAVIN GANDHI talking about the psychological thriller 100 DAYS TO LIVE and co-directors NIKIEA REDMOND & KIRSTEN D'ANDREA HOLLANDER talking their documentary ANATOMY OF WINGS. Joining us live at the top of the show is writer/director RAVIN GANDHI talking about the making of 100 DAYS TO LIVE, a chilling psychological thriller with twists and turns that will have your jaw dropping as we follow the story of a woman grappling with her own emotional fragility who runs a suicide support group. Having rebuilt her own life and found happiness, the rug is pulled out from under her as her fiance is suddenly kidnapped by a known serial killer who has thus far eluded the police. With the clock ticking, she races to uncover the identity of the killer/kidnapper and more importantly, why he kills. Listen as Ravin talks about the genesis of the story, building tension to a crescendo and then pulling the ultimate shocking twist, building char

It's all about the heartfelt enchantment of animation, music, and the love of a father-daughter, plus the power of redemption and family on this week's #BTLRadioShow thanks to special guests YIBING JIANG & JASON KEANE, plus our exclusive interview with director FISHER STEVENS! Joining us live today to talk about the very special animated short film (award-worthy Oscar consideration, folks!!), WINDUP, are writer/director YIBING JIANG and animation director JASON KEANE. Emotionally exquisite, this may well be the best 9 minutes and 55 seconds you ever spent watching a film. It is truly the beating heart of love as we watch the tale of a father and young daughter unfold. Take a listen Yibing talks about the birth of the story and bringing it to life while Jason goes into detail about the animation style and use of color, while each weighs in on the importance of music in not only the creative scoring process as a whole but specifically as to the accompanying animation, not to mention their love