Behind The Lens

This week's BEHIND THE LENS is all about the words on the page – the script; the ideas, the process, the characters, the tension, the action. And we've got two terrific exclusive interviews today with insight into the screenwriting process thanks to CAROLINE GOODALL and MATTSON TOMLIN, both of whom I spoke with late last week. First up, take a listen to my conversation with CAROLINE GOODALL. You may know her best for her decades of work as an actor in films like "Hook" or "The Princess Diaries" (as Mia's mom) or her television work in series like "Berlin Station", "The White Queen", and "Bulletproof", but now Caroline puts pen to paper as screenwriter of THE BAY OF SILENCE starring Claes Bang, Olga Kurylenko, and Brian Cox. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Lisa St. Aubin de Teran, listen as Caroline talks about the appeal of the novel for her and breaking it down for film, developing POV and character, deviating from the novel, as

It's "all about James" on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to JAMES GRIXONI and JAMES D'ARCY! First up we hear from writer/director JAMES D'ARCY in an exclusive interview talking about MADE IN ITALY! A script originally written as a starring vehicle for himself, James talks about getting the film made 12 years after first diving into the script, casting Liam Neeson and real-life son Michael Richardson as father & son in the film and the poignancy that comes with their casting given this story, the challenges of directing, the benefits and pitfalls (and joy) of shooting in Italy, the art of collaboration, how James' own decades of experience as an actor aided him in directing, and more. And then take a listen as actor JAMES GRIXONI joins us live at the midpoint of the show in a casual conversation talking about anything and everything. You may know James best as Deputy Jesse Holcomb from the David Lynch directed "Twin Peaks" or from his small role in one

A fun-filled week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our special guests, writer/director SAM FRIEDLANDER and director ANDREA DORFMAN. First up this show is SAM FRIEDLANDER who is back for a second go-round for his comedy, BABYSPLITTERS. It's wonderful to welcome Sam back to the show as he first joined us in February 2019 when the film premiered on the festival circuit and now it's in distribution and available for everyone to see. Take a listen as Sam recaps the film and some of the highlights of crafting the comedic balance of two couples and one pregnancy and "babysplitting" parental responsibilities, while filling us in on his journey over the past year in terms of the public reception on the festival circuit, obtaining distribution, the distribution plan, and, of course, the topsy turvy pivoting of releasing platforms in light of the pandemic. Some good insight into the distribution process for filmmakers. Then ANDREA DORFMAN joins us talking up her hilarious new film, SPINSTER. Taking pla

Take a listen now to some of the most insightful filmmaking conversations around thanks to director RYAN BROOKHART talking TWO WAYS TO GO WEST and writer/director KYLE COUCH talking THE TENT. Plus, hear what ALEX WINTER had to say about the much anticipated BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC during our recent exclusive interview! First up is director RYAN BROOKHART talking about his new film - TWO WAYS TO GO WEST. A drama that showcases some dynamic performances from James Liddell (who also wrote the film), Paul Gennaro, and Drew Kelley as three friends coming together for the wedding of one of them, only to discover - and come to terms with - who they are now as individuals and to each other. Listen as Ryan talks about the specificity and challenges of cinematography in creating an emotional connection with each character while establishing the ever-changing emotional landscape of their interpersonal relationships, location, lighting and use of mirrors, color, sound design and the absence thereof in key momen

A terrific and quite energetic #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to director/editor BOB ROSE and his new documentary INSTABAND, plus the love fest for THE OUTPOST continues with our exclusive interview with TAYLOR JOHN SMITH. I'm still trying to figure out how director Rod Lurie ended up with not only such an incredibly talented cast on THE OUTPOST, but one filled with truly outstanding, respectful, nice young men. Obviously, like attracts like. Over the past few weeks on BEHIND THE LENS you've heard our exclusive interviews with Rod Lurie talking about the making of THE OUTPOST, as well as CALEB LANDRY JONES who delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as Medal of Honor recipient SSgt Ty Carter talking about finding his way into SSgt Carter through Ty Carter himself as well as insight from Jones' brother who is a Marine. Paramount to telling this story was a common goal of not only authenticity, but to do justice and show reverence to the soldiers of Combat Outpost Keating, all men and women in arm

A fun-filled show this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director MIKE ARTHUR talking the noodly goodness of his latest documentary, I, PASTAFARI. Plus, our prerecorded exclusive interview with CALEB LANDRY JONES talking about his award-worthy performance in THE OUTPOST. The love for THE OUTPOST keeps rolling along on BEHIND THE LENS! Two weeks ago you heard our exclusive conversation with director Rod Lurie talking THE OUTPOST and this week we kick off the show with our in-depth exclusive interview with CALEB LANDRY JONES as he talks about the film and his role as Medal of Honor recipient Sgt Ty Carter. One of the most genuine and nicest guys around, it had been a number of years since Caleb and I last talked and I was so pleased to find him as authentic, good-humored, and kind as he was a decade ago. His many lauded performances leading him to this star-caliber turn in THE OUTPOST have neither jaded him nor compromised his compass. Listen as Caleb talks about his inspirations for getting into the minds

It's a fun show thanks to writer/director BRIAN BARSUGLIA, who joins us live at the midpoint of the show to talk about a film I'm very excited to be a part of – SOCIAL DISTANCE. Plus, we've got our exclusive prerecorded interview with cinematographer SEBASTIAN THALER talking about his latest film, the riveting nail-biter 7500. First up is our exclusive conversation with SEBASTIAN THALER talking about 7500. This is a film not to be missed and Sebastian's lensing melded with a powerhouse emotional performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes 7500 the riveting, jaw-dropping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that it is. With a pedigree that includes working with his father, European cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler, as well as working as an assistant to the legendary Ed Lachman, the excellence of Sebastian's work comes as no surprise. Take a listen as we dig deep into his process for 7500 as we talk about camera and lens selection, lighting, working within the confinement of an actual airplane co

An exciting episode of #BTLRadioShow this week thanks to writer/director/editor/composer MICHAEL CUENCA, who joins us live talking about his new I'LL BE AROUND, while director ROD LURIE talks about his latest (and greatest) film THE OUTPOST, in our exclusive prerecorded interview. First up is our exclusive conversation with director ROD LURIE talking about his new film THE OUTPOST. In short, THE OUTPOST is the BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR! Based on Jake Tapper's bestselling book "The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor", Rod delivers a film that is visceral, intense, emotional, powerful, and technically superlative. This is a "war movie" in the truest sense of the word. This is not a glossy, fictionalized or romanticized Hollywood look at this true event. This is the story of the men of Combat Outpost Keating and the 10-3-2009 Battle of Kamdesh, the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan War in 2009. These men of Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated unit

Another full week on #BTLRadioShow as we continue our discussion on A THOUSAND MILES BEHIND with actor JEFFREY DOORNBOS who joins us live, plus our exclusive pre-recorded interview with writer/director JOSHUA CALDWELL as we talk about his new hot-button film INFAMOUS. He was unable to join us last week along with his director Nathan Wetherington, but actor JEFFREY DOORNBOS is with us live talking about getting into character, finding the soul of "Preston", and his performance in the powerful A THOUSAND MILES BEHIND. A longtime member of the acclaimed Blue Man Group in New York City, Jeffrey talks about how the creativity and lack of dialogue in his Blue Man performances proved an asset when finding the character of Preston in this film, as well as discussing working with Greg Evigan, Vanessa Campbell, and that Scrambler Ducati motorcycle, itself a character in the film. Jeffrey has some insightful thoughts on working with cinematographer Keith Dunkerley on becoming both one with the camera and dist

A more reflective show this week on #BTLRadioShow as we focus on two standout films – A CLEAR SHOT with our exclusive prerecorded interview with MARIO VAN PEEBLES, and A THOUSAND MILES BEHIND with our special live guest, director NATHAN WETHERINGTON. First up, we take a look at A CLEAR SHOT with our exclusive interview with MARIO VAN PEEBLES. A powerful film based on the true-life events of the largest hostage situation ever in the United States when a group of four Vietnamese youths stormed a Good Guys electronics store in Sacramento. A film that couldn't be more timely and topical in today's world, listen as Mario talks about the film and the characters – a melting pot of race, gender, ethnicity and the danger of what can happen in a divisive and discriminatory situation – plus, his thoughts on "two Americas" and where we stand as a nation, as a people, today in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder and global protests. Then, we welcome writer/director NATHAN WETHERINGTON live to

It's a full house on BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to four fabulous filmmakers and two wonderful and very different films! First up we're talking the fascinating and frightening ALGORITHM: BLISS with writers/directors ISAK BORG and DENA HYSELL-CORNEJO. A thought-provoking and riveting tale of what happens when ethics, morals, technology, and sanity collide, ALGORITHM: BLISS boasts a mesmerizing performance by Sean Faris. Listen as Borg and Dena go in-depth talking about designing the color palette and visual tonal bandwidth of the film and its reliance on some outstanding production design, casting, and above all, the genesis of development of a story and subject as compelling as this. And then we go from darkness into the light with PUNCHING AND STEALING and writers/directors/actors RYAN CHURCHILL and DANNY PARKER-LOPES. A film of unfettered simplicity, sweetness, and sincerity that makes you laugh, makes you smile, and makes you want more, PUNCHING AND STEALING is a perfect counter to these s

An exciting #BTLRadioShow this week as we welcome back writer/director LISE RAVEN to talk about her wonderful film SNAELAND, plus our prerecorded exclusive interview with creator/writer/showrunner MARK BOMBACK talking about the riveting mini-series on Apple TV – DEFENDING JACOB. First up is our prerecorded exclusive interview with MARK BOMBACK, the creator and writer of the acclaimed hit mini-series, DEFENDING JACOB! Now before you take a listen, be warned – SPOILERS! Mark and I discuss all aspects of the show, including spoilers for those who haven't yet seen it, and because of that we purposely decided together to hold this interview until after the series finale aired this past weekend. Listen as we talk about everything from adapting William Landay's novel and some key changes to the story to Mark tackling a series versus a feature film to casting (and potential Emmy noms for Jaeden Martell and Cherry Jones) to the wearing of a very wide-brimmed production hat to deviating from the novel with

With a theme of cinematic atmosphere and a meld of past and present, this week on BEHIND THE LENS we take a look at two films – A NUN'S CURSE and UNION BRIDGE – and two exciting filmmakers – TOMMY FAIRCLOTH and BRIAN LEVIN. First up, take a listen to our prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director/editor/cinematographer TOMMY FAIRCLOTH going in-depth with A NUN'S CURSE. Shot on location in a Civil War era prison, the story melds a present day road trip of four friends (one of whom is obsessed with all things nun-related, especially the legendary Sister Monday) with the prison's history, and Sister Monday's murderous legend, as the group is trapped inside the prison for the night. Stunning, rich visuals mesmerize while strong performances and story provide intrigue. Listen as Tommy digs deep into the production design and location, challenges and benefits of shooting within the walls of the prison itself, casting, cinematography and the use of light and focal length, and the film

Another busy week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our long-awaited special guest, writer/director/editor JONATHAN SMITH talking BATSH*T BRIDE, and our exclusive interview with writer/director/cinematographer JOHN BARR talking BLOOD AND MONEY. And how about some info on a little trivia contest happening this Saturday courtesy of HOLLYWOOD CRITICS ASSOCIATION. This week we're taking another walk down the aisle with BATSH*T BRIDE and writer/director/editor JONATHAN SMITH. Our regular listeners will recall that one of the film's stars, Chad Anthony Miller, was on the show last month and talked about the film from an actor's perspective. Now we get the man who created the hilarity! (I'm still wondering how many brides (or grooms) out there have pulled a prank like the one Heather pulls in this film!) Listen as Jonathan talks about the idea for the film and his journey in bringing it to fruition, finding the comedic tone while avoiding some more well-known bridal tropes, his casting process and f

The Force (and certainly the comedic force) is with #BTLRadioShow on this May the 4th Monday thanks to a jam-packed show and some fabulous guests; so jam-packed, in fact, the show expands to 90 minutes this week! First up, say "welcome back" to writer/director MICHELE REMSEN who is back with us talking about her hilarious anti-romcom TOSS IT and worldwide VOD (Amazon Prime, AppleTV) screenings which culminated in a live Zoom Q&A with Michele and some cast and crew on May 4th courtesy of NYWIFT. Then take a listen to writer/director/editor BRUCE DELLIS talking about his new film, RAISING BUCHANAN! Funny and sweet, with added charm thanks to Rene Auberjonois in one of his final screen appearances, here as President James Buchanan, RAISING BUCHANAN is a lighthearted gem that boasts an unforgettable performance by Amanda Melby while giving us a bit of a history lesson on a man often dubbed "America's Worst President". I loved speaking with Bruce about the "history" behi

An interesting mix of film focus this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to special guests and filmmakers, writer/director SEAN McEWEN and writer/co-director PAUL POMPA. First up, SEAN McEWEN talks about BRAKING FOR WHALES (now available on digital and VOD) starring Tom Felton and Tammin Sursok as siblings navigating life together while honoring their deceased mother's final wishes. Touching, funny, poignant, and at times bittersweet, a road trip well worth taking. Listen as Sean and I talk about the genesis of the story and bringing the reality of siblings and life's challenges to the screen in an organic manner while not descending into heavy drama, the effortless ease and chemistry between Felton and Sursok, pushing political correctness, the value of veteran comedians and actors like David Koechner and Wendi McLendon-Covey, the challenges of a "road trip" film without the benefit of a lengthy road trip, keeping a light visual tone through cinematography, the importance of score, and the

Two very different films. Two very different filmmakers in their approach and style. Two fascinating discussions on BEHIND THE LENS; one with director BAILEY KOBE talking about RAG DOLL, the other with writer/director/DP/editor CARLISLE KELLAM talking his new documentary COMFORT FARMS. First up is director BAILEY KOBE talking about his new film, RAG DOLL. A thoughtful introspective character study of a young woman entering her first MMA tournament, RAG DOLL boasts some excellent performances, notably from supporting actors Dot-Marie Jones and Stephanie Erb, not to mention, lead actress Shannon Murray, as well as some effective and evocative production use of slo-motion techniques, lighting and framing. Listen as Bailey goes in-depth talking about working with his cinematographer Aymae Sulick and designing the visual tonal bandwidth and use of camera framing, lighting and ECU's as emotional tools, casting, the importance of authenticity with the MMA fighting and corresponding concerns for added levels o

What a week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to two incredible live guests, TYLER CORNACK and RYAN KOCH, talking their new film BUTT BOY, while two more fabulous filmmakers, CHRIS ROBERTI and JOSH ITZKOWITZ, talk their latest film SAME BOAT in an exclusive prerecorded interview. First up is our prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director/actor CHRIS ROBERTI and writer/producer JOSH ITZKOWITZ talking about their new film, SAME BOAT. In over 33 years as a film critic, I have never described a "sci-fi" film as sweet, but this one certainly is. And the guys are an absolute delight with great candor and a wicked sense of humor on display throughout our conversation! Listen as we talk about the film's original idea of time traveling assassins with a mission to go back through time and eliminate those individuals who do "bad things" that hurt the planet and humanity. And in this case, they come back to stop an attorney who in several years creates a loophole in the law that allows pollut

#BTLRadioShow is back for another week in this time of Covid with a jam-packed and interesting show thanks to writer/director PI WARE talking about his latest documentary, SKIN DEEP: THE BATTLE OVER MORGELLONS, plus our exclusive interview with writer/director JONATHAN JAKUBOWICZ talking RESISTANCE! First up, take a listen to our exclusive prerecorded interview with JONATHAN JAKUBOWICZ as we go in-depth talking about his latest film, RESISTANCE. A relatively unknown chapter in the life of famed mime Marcel Marceau, we are transported back in time to WWII and occupied France with a young Marceau joining the French Resistance, helping to save hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis. A powerful film that shines a light on history and an unsung hero, Jesse Eisenberg mesmerizes as Marceau with heartfelt authenticity and childlike charm, while Bella Ramsey shines as the young Elsbeth, a girl saved by Marceau after she witnessed the murder of her parents by the Nazis. Clemency Poesy is outstanding as a fellow R

What a show BEHIND THE LENS has for you this week! A little bit wild, a little bit wacky, and touched with a big splash of doo-wop, all thanks to our very special guests actor CHAD ANTHONY MILLER and director BRENT WILSON. CHAD ANTHONY MILLER was a co-host on the very first episode of #BTLRadioShow over six years ago. He is a wonderful comedic actor who celebrates and thrives on small independent films and it's a guarantee that whenever Chad is in a film, you know hilarity will ensue. And ensue it does on BTL as Chad joins us live to talk about his two latest projects – OPHELIA FALLS which you can watch right now on Amazon Prime, and the upcoming BATS**T BRIDE which releases on May 8. And then director BRENT WILSON joins talking about his latest documentary STREETLIGHT HARMONIES celebrating the history of Doo-Wop! Taking us on a musical journey back to the street corners of Philly and NY of the 50's with groups of kids gathering and singing under the streetlights, thanks to music historians and m