Behind The Lens

It's all about love on BEHIND THE LENS today! Lost love, grief-stricken love, love of film, love of filmmaking and even love between the covers, as we welcome filmmakers LAURIE KAHN, KRISTIN WEST and ARMIN NASSERI. You'll quickly get caught up in the passion and professionalism of producer/actress KRISTIN WEST and writer/director ARMIN NASSERI who are live in-studio, as they talk about not only their short film, the psychological thriller SEEKING VALENTINA, but filmmaking philosophies, developing script, producing hurdles and considerations, location-location-location, and more! Some eye-opening discussion to benefit every indie filmmaker. (And don't forget, SEEKING VALENTINA screens Wednesday the 27th at San Antonio Film Festival!) And then writer/director LAURIE KAHN joins us live to talk about LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS. A "Must See Festival Film" at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival where it made it's US premiere, LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS delves into love, romance and the mu

The guys got it going on this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome actors MIKE DOPUD and DYLAN WALSH! First up today is DYLAN WALSH. You may know him best as Dr. Sean McNamara from the groundbreaking tv series "Nip/Tuck", but while Dylan has a long and storied career in both tv and film, you've never seen him in any role that even comes close to that of Senator Fallon in the hilarious and farsical C STREET (a more timely film we could never find during this election year and particularly the week of the RNC). And he's talking all about C STREET and more with BTL Radio Show! Then MIKE DOPUD is live from Vancouver. Former pro football player in the Canadian League, former hockey player, stuntman, actor, Mike has done it all and continues to do it all, most notably with his latest film, VIRTUAL REVOLUTION, where every element of his career path comes into play as he tackles the role of Shadow Agent Nash in a virtual world set in 2047 Paris. Plus, a tidbit from legend Robert Redford as

Another diverse group of talent on today's show starting with actor MITCHEL MUSSO! You may remember him best from his days on "Hannah Montana" or voicing on "Phineas & Ferb", but talking with Mitchel we get some real insight into who he is and where he's going as he talks about his career, his love of his fans and of course, his new family comedy film – CHARACTERZ! And Greg Caruso is on hand at the mid-point of the show talking up his documentary MAKING THE AMERICAN MAN. An up close and personal look at menswear today and what a "gentleman" is, Greg takes on a journey that starts with product being "Made In The USA." Listen as Greg talks about his own filmmaking journey in MAKING THE AMERICAN MAN. Plus, hear excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interviews with CAPTAIN FANTASTIC writer/director Matt Ross as he talks about his filmmaking journey, collaboration and some of the talented collaborators who gave life to CAPTAIN FANTASTIC. http

It's a "royal flush" of talent on BEHIND THE LENS as we navigate the poignant and comedic minefield of friendship with BFFs, and then go deep undercover in John le Carre's world of friendship and espionage with OUR KIND OF TRAITOR. It's all about BFFs as we welcome writers/producers and actresses TARA KARSIAN and ANDREA GRANO, and actors JEFFREY VINCENT PARISE and DAN GAUTHIER live to BTL to talk about, what else, BFFs. Hilarity ensues with Tara and Andrea, but then explodes at the midpoint of the show with Jeffrey and Dan. Amidst the laughter, however, yous'll get some terrific insight from Tara and Andrea on the creative process of writing and pitfalls of producing, while the boys talk performance, finding scripts, the excitement of the BFFs script, role appeal, and more. And yes! All the "General Hospital" fans will love hearing Jeffrey Vincent Parise talk about GH and his character "Carlos Rivera" (especially with a few hints of what may be yet to com

This week on BEHIND THE LENS, we welcome back writer/director/producer SHERI SUSSMAN who delivers some exciting news about her deliciously dark comedy short, ONE NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD. Joining her this time is one of the stars of ONE NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD, IAN BUCHANAN. You know and loved him in "General Hospital" as Duke Lavery, but in ONE NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD, you get to see a more "decadent" side of Ian's acting ability. Take a listen as Ian steals the show with his Scottish charm and humor talking about ONE NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD, and giving us some "General Hospital" tidbits and food for thought. But before we get to Sheri and Ian, writer/director Benson Lee is talking about his new film, the frothy and fun, SEOUL SEARCHING. Think "Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles" and a little bit of "Ferris Bueller" but with a "seoul searching" Korean spin. Filmmakers will appreciate hearing what Benson has to say about music licensing and developi

If you missed BEHIND THE LENS live this week, you definitely want to take a listen now to the legendary Carole Cook, writer/director Jody McVeigh-Schultz, and some excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with FINDING DORY producer Lindsey Collins! Returning again this year to talk about S.T.A.G.E. LA, an event near and dear to her heart, is star of stage and screen, the one and only Carole Cook. As usual, Carole is beyond a hoot and a holler! Now in its 32nd year, STAGE LA is the longest-running annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world. Started in 1984, to date, STAGE has raised more than $7 million for HIV/AIDS organizations in the Southland with monies going to individuals for personal services and care. David Galligan has staged and directed all 32 productions. This year's theme is SONDHEIM No. 5 saluting the music of Stephen Sondheim and boasts a cast of new and old legends. (For tickets go to www.stagela.com. Two shows Saturday, June 18th at 2pm and 8pm at The Wallis in

An eclectic day of filmmaking and filmmakers on BEHIND THE LENS this week as we round out the month of May looking at a web series, a documentary and a narrative feature, with each project being a "first" for the respective filmmaker. Joining us live in-studio talking about her new hilarious web series, TRAVEL BOOBS, is series creator and actress, Jaime Slater. Writer/Director Michael David Lynch returns to BEHIND THE LENS, this time with his first documentary VICTOR WALK, which has its world premiere at Dances With Films next week. Rounding out the day are first-time feature director Kevin Good and screenwriter Jenna St. John with their intriguing period narrative, DINNER WITH THE ALCHEMIST. Set in 1800's New Orleans, filled with voodoo, interesting characters and stemming from an actual historical event of the day, DINNER WITH THE ALCHEMIST, also marks its world premiere at Dances With Films this week. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Another full day on BEHIND THE LENS as we have some returning filmmakers with big release news on their films, plus a first-time feature director with a world premiere this week at Dances With Films. First up is writer/director Ned Ehrbar, back to talk about BUNKER, a sci-fi rom com set during the Robot Apocalypse, and now premiering on DirecTV. Also returning is writer/director Michael Wechsler talking about ALTERED MINDS, a psychological thriller that has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Hear all about the new DVD release AND inside info from Michael himself on the DVD extras. And, of course, Michael has some great tips for filmmakers. Rounding out the day is writer/director/actor Desmond Devenish talking about his new film, MISFORTUNE. Listen to an interesting discussion about collaboration and directorial considerations for this first feature filmmaker, including cinematography and score. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

It's the day of the documentary filmmaker on BEHIND THE LENS this week as we welcome special guests Soren Peter Sorensen and Ido Haar. First up is director/editor/cinematographer SOREN PETER SORENSEN talking up his timely and compelling film, MY FATHER'S VIETNAM. With Memorial Day around the corner, this personal insight into a chapter of American history that fractured the country and dismissed the needs of soldiers, shines a poignant light on Soren's journey to not only document and personalize chapters of American history through the lives of three American soldiers, but to understand his own father better. A first film for Soren, listen as he talks about his learning curve and approaching the making of MY FATHER'S VIETNAM. At the 45 minute mark, Israeli filmmaker IDO HAAR is live talking about his latest documentary, PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW. A fascinating underlying story about a "wannabe" singer, Samantha Montgomery aka Princess Shaw, and Israeli musician and video ma

Another terrific week on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome actress STEPHANIE SHAMIE who co-stars in director Paul Duddrige's new film, MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. Listen as Stephanie talks about her journey navigating the acting waters thus far, the craft of acting and her process, plus some insight into being part of an ensemble cast that boasts the talents of Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, Courteney Cox, Christina Ricci, Selma Blair and Mira Sorvino. Then you'll hear excerpts of film critic debbie elias' exclusive interview with MAGGIE'S PLAN cinematographer Sam Levy as he goes in-depth talking about collaborating with director Rebecca Miller and cinematically achieving her visions for the film of being "awake" and with a "metaphysical overlay." And on this National Classic Movie Day, one more snippet from TCM Film Festival and TCM programming guru Charlie Tabesh! http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

BEHIND THE LENS gets "fast and furry" this week as we welcome special guests Chris Cordone and Spencer Garrett talking STEVIE-D and Dominic Rodriguez fills us in on his documentary and the world of "Furries" with FURSONAS. At the quarter hour mark, writer/director/actor Chris Cordone and one of my favorite character actors, Spencer Garrett, join us live talking about their new film, STEVIE-D. Written and directed by Cordone, who stars in a dual role, STEVIE-D is guaranteed laughter as twists and turns abound thanks to not only a smart and funny script by Cordone, but a striking, light visual design and tone. Listen as the two talk about the "making of" STEVIE-D, from conception of this noir-ish comedy to festival audience reception, including adventures in location scouting and impeccable casting (Garrett was the first one attached to the script). Plus get some terrific insight and thoughts on the industry from veteran actor Spencer Garrett. Then the fur is flying as Dominic

What a blast on this week's BEHIND THE LENS as we rock in May with a ride on the LA RIVER; LA RIVER music, that is. Live in-studio are L.A. RIVER band members Marcus Pierce, Nicholas Krall and Adam Lieberthal, while on the phone are Chas Litman and James Avgeris. With their music described as having a country-rock vibe with "thought-provoking lyrics, tight musical jams, and ethereal harmonies", take a listen to not only the boys talking music andthe history of L.A. RIVER, but hear the music! Yep, we've got three of their songs peppered throughout the show that you're gonna love. Trust me when I say that one listen to the boys and their music and you'll be clamoring for more. Never fear as they've got an album being released this summer and Marcus gives us the timeline for that. And hear about their gig this past weekend at the Motion Picture Television Fund. TCM Classic Film Fest may have been happening in Hollywood, but L.A. RIVER was performing for some of those very

Getting ready for TCM Classic Film Festival this week? Then you need to take a listen to this very special BEHIND THE LENS with special guests, TCM Film Fest Social Producers, Kellee Pratt, Aurora Desmond, Kristen Lopez and Annmarie Gatti! As Social Producers the girls have each put together fun events that happen throughout the fest, adding just a bit more immersion and excitement to the classic film fan festival experience! And for those of you not attending TCMFF, all of the 20+ Social Producers on site will keep you "in the know" throughout the Fest. Kellee, Aurora, Annmarie and Kristen are live at the 30 minute mark to explain all, so be sure to tune in to listen to what they've got planned (and where you can pick up your TCMFF souveniers – new location this year)! Plus, we'll be talking the fest in general and some of our most anticipated individual highlights. But before we get to TCM Film Fest, director MARIANNA PALKA is live at the 15 minute mark talking ALWAYS WORTHY! You m

This week we take a step back in time to the 40's and the "Golden Age of Hollywood" with a filmmaker and actors who have true depth, knowledge, understanding and reverence for classic film and the art of film noir, as we welcome writer/director/editor DUSTIN KAHIA, and actors JT ALEXANDER and MOJEAN ARIA, as they talk about their new film CALL OF THE VOID and its upcoming world premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival. And talk about fun! Their ease and chemistry is infectious. A stunning psychological noir thriller presented in black & white with a visual grammar and emotional tone that harken to masters like Hitchcock, Preminger, Litvak and Lang, bodes for interesting and fun discussion among the group from both a directorial and creative standpoint, and that of performance. Plus, the boys weigh in on various aspects of the filmmaking craft in general, as well as hot topics of the day, including texting in theatres. http://behindthelensonline.net http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

If you@apos;re clocking the number of laughs in a show, this week@apos;s BEHIND THE LENS is the champion thanks to the ALWAYS WORTHY special guests, writer/producer/actress AMBERLEE COLSON and actors IAN GOMEZ and ERIC EDELSTEIN! An amazing bunch of actors with a chemistry that shines on and off screen. You don@apos;t want to miss the lovefest/funfest with this group! This week@apos;s special guests are @quot;always worthy@quot; of attention, especially when they@apos;re talking about their latest film, ALWAYS WORTHY ( Always Worthy the film). Take a listen now as AMBERLEE COLSON talks about her journey of taking her one woman show @quot;Big Hair@quot; from stage to screen and the trials and tribulations of not only adapting the script for the screen, but adapting her performance as an actress. Then Amberlee@apos;s ALWAYS WORTHY co-stars IAN GOMEZ (@quot;My Big Fat Greek Wedding@quot;, @quot;Cougar Town@quot;, @quot;Celebrity Name Game@quot;) and ERIC EDELSTEIN (@quot;Jurassic World@quot;, @quot;The Hill

A lot of energy, a lot of fun and a lot of talk about family on this week's BEHIND THE LENS with special guests writer/director/producer Deon Taylor and writer/director/producer Gayle Kirschenbaum. First up, hear the passion of Deon Taylor as he talks about his latest film, MEET THE BLACKS. At the farthest end of the spectrum from his last film, the critically acclaimed and well received "Supremacy", MEET THE BLACKS is one raucous riotous laugh after another. Listen as Deon not only talks about the "making of" MEET THE BLACKS and his considerations for story and comedy casting, but the cinematic considerations of lighting and lensing, plus his concerns shooting this film digitally as opposed to his prior works, with "Supremacy" even being shot in 16mm. Deon gives some terrific tips for filmmakers. And hot on Deon's heels is Gayle Kirschenbaum who joins me talking about her very powerful, cathartic, resonant and fun documentary, LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! It's a coff

BEHIND THE LENS guests just keep getting better and this week the proof is in the pudding as film critic debbie elias welcomes special guests writer/director/producer Michael Damian talking his latest film, HIGH STRUNG, and actress/producer Courtney Daniels is on hand with RESCUE DOGS. Many of you remember Michael Damian for his starring turn as Danny Ramalotti on the long running soap opera "The Young and the Restless" or, for his string of #1 hits on the pop/rock charts. But what you may not know is Michael is also a successful writer/director and producer. Working with Michael as co-writer/co-producer is his wife Janeen and together they have combined their talents and pieces of their own life's journeys for one of the most beautiful and emotionally fulfilling sensory experiences of the year with HIGH STRUNG. Dance and music come together in a poetic explosion of beauty under Michael's guiding eye and he joins me at the 12 minute mark of the show live from the TCL Chinese Theatre where

Laughter bounds in this week's BEHIND THE LENS as film critic debbie lynn elias welcomes LIVE in-studio, the one and only ALEX RUIZ, voice actor extraordinaire and one of the stars of the smash hit Telemundo telenovela ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?! Talk about having a ball!! Take a listen as debbie and Alex talk "Everything Alex" and then some, from voice acting to tv and film to the Latin and Hispanic career cross-overs, and of course, his voice work on SOUTH PARK and ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?, plus film in general, film favorites and Alex's take on comedy performance! Given that Alex plays "The Terminator" in ¿QUIEN ES QUIEN?, you can bet there's some talk going on about the real Terminator – Ah-nold! But don't worry! Unlike Schwarzenegger's Terminator, Alex's "El Termi" is a good guy and BFF, but a guy with a broken heart. Does Alex spill the beans on what happens to El Termi?? Listen now and find out! Adding to the fun are live callers with questions for Ale

Fascinating doesn't begin to describe this week's BEHIND THE LENS and our fabulous guests as we hear from filmmakers Abner Pastoll, Laura Gabbert and Patricia Riggen! ABNER PASTOLL, writer/director/editor of the Hitchcockian-styled thriller ROAD GAMES, is with us live in the first half hour talking about his inspiration and vision and the hard filmmaking road less traveled for his journey making ROAD GAMES. Leaving no stone unturned in the production values of the film, hear Abner talk about cinematography, sound and scoring as integral components to the tonal bandwidth of the film as a whole. Documentarian LAURA GABBERT joins us at the half hour mark to talk about her latest film, CITY OF GOLD. A cultural journey of Los Angeles as seen through the eyes of acclaimed food critic Jonathan Gold, CITY OF GOLD is as much a travelogue of the hidden wonders and history of Los Angeles as it is insight into the thoughts and ruminations of Gold. Laura is live as she talks about striking gold with the mak

This week on BEHIND THE LENS it's double the pleasure and double the fun with filmmakers Mali Elfman and Michael David Lynch. Back with us again is writer/director/producer/actress Mali Elfman as we talk about her latest project – FUN SIZE HORROR: VOLUME TWO! You may remember Mali from last year when she was on the show talking about the horror anthology FUN SIZE HORROR: VOLUME ONE on its release. VOLUME ONE was such a success that she and her team put together VOLUME TWO. As engaging and fun as ever, Mali really opens up about the producing process as well as talking about the "FUN SIZE HORROR COMMUNITY" which she and her partners have built as a means to seek out and support talented new filmmakers in the horror genre, giving them a chance to put their storytelling skills to work by getting their films made. A fabulous chat that directors and producers will be insightful and beneficial. Then writer/director/producer/editor/DP Michael David Lynch is live and fresh off the Cinequest world