Behind The Lens

A fantastic episode of BEHIND THE LENS that's jam-packed with two talented filmmakers, MICHAEL OBLOWITZ and BENJAMIN POLLACK – both who have a music video background – and actor JON LINDSTROM who many of the "General Hospital" fans out there will recognize, as we talk about CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT and WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JONNY FAITH. Right out of the gate, writer/director MICHAEL OBLOWITZ and actor JON LINDSTROM join us discussing their new film CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT. A well-paced slow-burn noir police thriller with a twist, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT boasts an exceptional cast (along with Lindstrom, there's Mel Gibson, Nick Stahl, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth) and an interesting story POV that we rarely, if ever, see onscreen. We get into all the ins and outs of the "making of" CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT including Michael's A-list cast, crafting and conveying authenticity and reality, the very specific color palette and production design and how that plays into the work o

A fun-filled show this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we wrap up the month of June and the first half of 2023 as we take a look at ELEMENTAL with voice actor SHILA OMMI and SHEROES with writer/director JORDAN GERTNER! First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with writer/director JORDAN GERTNER who makes his feature directorial debut with the kick-ass action film SHEROES. Known best for his producing work, notably the James Franco-Vanessa Hudgens-Selena Gomez wild ride of "Spring Breakers", Jordan now steps into the director's chair with SHEROES and delivers a beyond entertaining adventure. Lensed in Thailand, SHEROES is the story of four BFFs intent on partying and adventuring a la "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", only now it's Thailand. Things go awry from the start when one of the girls is kidnapped by a local drug lord. Rather than call the police for help, the remaining three BFFs decide to save their friend themselves. AAnd keep listening because we've g

It's time again for DANCES WITH FILMS film festival now in its 26th year, and as usual, BEHIND THE LENS is celebrating some of the wonderful films and filmmakers you'll see and meet at this year's fest. To get into the spirit of things, this week we are joined by D.MITRY GELFAND talking about his poignant and powerful short HEDGEHOG, while GRAHAM STREETER discusses his latest feature UNFIX. First up is writer/director D.MITRY GELFAND who is no stranger to me thanks to his feature directorial a few years ago, the beautiful and tender film "My True Fairytale". D.Mitry now joins us discussing his latest narrative short, HEDGEHOG, a look at the war in Ukraine through the innocent eyes of a 6-year-old girl and what happens when she finds an injured Russian soldier in her grandmother's barn. An emotionally powerful short that speaks volumes in its mere 17 minutes, Dmitry gives us a unique perspective based on his own life experience as an immigrant from the USSR when he was only 15 ye

An eclectic #BTLRadioShow this week as we are joined by EDWARD SAVIO talking his YA novel LEAGUE OF AULD, plus our exclusive interview with filmmaker PAUL COLLETT discussing his new film, THE HAUNTING OF HELL HOLE MINE. How about some chat on action, authors, and audiobooks thanks to author EDWARD SAVIO who joins us live discussing his latest YA novel (now in audiobook form), LEAGUE OF AULD, Book 3 in the "Battle for Forever" series. Listen as Edward dives into the "Battle of Forever" series and his inspiration, as well as crafting characters, most notably his protagonist, 1500-year-old Alexander X as well as the genesis of his villains Peter Kroll and Elam Khai, the structural design of what will be a four book series and how he develops and moves the plot. Also, given June is "Audiobook Appreciation Month", Edward talks about the audiobook process and the narrators/readers of the "Battle for Forever" series with Wil Wheaton reading Books 1 and 2 and audiobook legen

It's some of the best of the best on this week's #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director PATRICIA CHICA talking about MONTREAL GIRLS while editor CHAD GALSTER talks YELLOWSTONE! Joining us live and fresh off a screening at Cannes Film Festival and a successful theatrical opening weekend is writer/director/editor PATRICIA CHICA to discuss her award-winning film MONTREAL GIRLS. A wonderful coming-of-age story of 20-somethings in the artistic community of Montreal, with a diverse blend of cultures, ethnicity, characters, and generations, MONTREAL GIRLS is a refreshing new film in the genre. A debut feature directorial for Patricia, she brings a very special energy to the film, both onscreen and behind the lens. A fascinating conversation as she discusses her lengthy pre-production, curated casting, using metaphysical energy and individual chakras in preparing her actors, designing the color palette of the film, and so much more. AND – – it's Emmy Awards season and FYC campaigns are kicking in wh

We're getting FUBARed with fun and action this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our very special guest, the incomparable and hilarious SIMON PHILLIPS, and his role in the new Netflix action comedy series FUBAR starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first television series. And as if Simon and FUBAR aren't enough for you, how about my prerecorded exclusive interview with director RIC ROMAN WAUGH talking about his new film starring Gerard Butler, KANDAHAR! It is always a good time when SIMON PHILLIPS and I start chattering, so kicking things off and having him back live on #BTLRadioShow this week was a real treat. And as you'll hear, what a time we had talking about FUBAR and soooo much more! Simon is always working, be it acting, writing, or producing so for him to make time for our show means a lot. Listen as we bounce back and forth among Simon's various projects and films, always coming back to the fun of FUBAR. A key thing about FUBAR is that Simon's role and his one-on-one inte

It's Ladies Day on this episode of #BTLRadioShow as you hear from two very talented actors – MADISON ISEMAN talking about her new film KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC and LEAH GIBSON who jumps into the action world with MERCY. As I was doing some interviews off-camera when the live show airs, I did a prerecord for you with prerecorded exclusive interviews with these wonderful ladies. First up, take a listen to my prerecorded exclusive interview with the wonderful MADISON ISEMANN. Already known for her work in films like Clouds, Feast of the Seven Fishes, Annabelle Comes Home and the acclaimed tv series I Know What You Did Last Summer where she played 3 different characters, Madison now ups the ante and co-stars in the fantasy adventure KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC. Based on the international anime sensation, Knights of the Zodiac brings the Saint Seiya saga to the big screen in live-action for the first time. Seiya – played by Mackenyu – a headstrong street teen, spends his time fighting for cash while he searches f

A terrific show this week on #BTLRadioShow thanks to our special guest FREDDIE STEVENSON discussing his documentary TRIALS TO TRIUMPH, and our prerecorded exclusive interview with BILL HOLDERMAN & ERIN SIMMS talking BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER. Five years ago BILL HOLDERMAN and ERIN SIMMS were live on #BTLRadioShow to talk about a new feature film they co-wrote which also marked Bill's feature directorial debut. That little film was "Book Club." With big name talent – Fonda, Bergen, Keaton, and Steenburgen – leading the way, we all hoped for a hit so that a sequel might follow, but no one had any idea just how big a hit "Book Club" would become. But here we are, five years later, and I once again got to chat with Bill and Erin about the sequel BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER. And while we couldn't mesh schedules for them to join me on the live show this time, we did speak for this prerecorded exclusive interview about this latest "page-turner" covering everything from

Today on #BTLRadioShow it's a day celebrating some talented and very happy and fun filmmakers and their latest films; ANDY FICKMAN talking ONE TRUE LOVES and GARO SETIAN & ANAHIT SETIAN talking SPACE WARS: QUEST FOR THE DEEPSTAR. Each of the filmmakers you'll hear from in my prerecorded exclusive interviews are brimming with joy and happiness as they talk about their respective films and their craft. And another commonality among them is their attention to detail in the making of their films. First up, take a listen to the oh-so-talented and oh-so-fun ANDY FICKMAN talking about his new film ONE TRUE LOVES. Starring Simu Liu, Luke Bracey, and Phillipa Soo, ONE TRUE LOVES is a tale filled with love, heartache, and happiness that is sweet, sentimental, and poignant as Emma (Soo) marries the love of her life Jesse (Bracey) only to lose him to a tragic accident a year later. But as time passes, she reconnects with her childhood best friend Sam (Liu) and falls deeply in love with him. But as Emma rea

We've got a jam-packed #BTLRadioShow for you this week thanks to DAWN MIKKELSON and her latest documentary MINNESOTA MEAN, while CHAZ BONO talks about his new film BURY THE BRIDE, both of whom join us live! First up, documentarian, director/editor DAWN MIKKELSON, is with us talking about her latest doc, MINNESOTA MEAN, a look inside the world of women's roller derby through the eyes of the Minnesota All Stars as they compete to win the Hydra, the top international prize of the sport. While giving all the team members a spotlight, the focus of the documentary primarily features six team members and their personal journeys over the course of a year as they battle injury, come to a crossroads in each of their personal lives, get incredible and enthusiastic spousal support, face the challenges and desires of motherhood, question the "what next after derby", and so much more. And then CHAZ BONO is with us live to talk about his new film, a little taste of horror with BURY THE BRIDE. Directe

Catch up now with this episode of #BTLRadioShow and our guest writer/director/DP/editor TRIP JENNINGS talking about his new documentary ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE. Plus, you'll hear our exclusive interview with CASPER VAN DIEN talking about his new film HUNT CLUB. One of the most interesting and educational documentaries you will see this year is ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE, especially for those living in the Western United States and fire-prone areas. Bringing us the foremost experts on wildfire, as well as the most recent science from a firefighting aspect, preventative aspect, and ecological aspect, ELEMENTAL examines the history of wildfires and firefighting in the United States, opening our eyes to the ever-changing approach to combating wildfires in an effort to prevent whole communities like Paradise, California from being eradicated. Delving into everything from how fire is needed for the ecosystem to controlling and preventing fire and punctuated with some stunning cinematography as well

It's a colorful and lively edition of #BTLRadioShow thanks to writer/director MOSTAFA KESHVARI who joins us live talking about his new film COLORBLIND. Plus, writer/director TIM BOGART dives into the making of what quickly became one of my fave films of the year, SPINNING GOLD! Joining us live at the top of the show is writer/director MOSTAFA KESHVARI discussing his new film, the exquisite and powerful COLORBLIND. The story of a colorblind mother and son facing racial and social injustices, COLORBLIND speaks to us literally, figuratively, and metaphorically. A fascinating aspect of the production is that the film was developed by color scientists to accurately display colorblindness and metaphorically address racism. Take a listen as Mostafa discusses the science and the cinematic art that came together for COLORBLIND. And then, get ready, because you'll hear my prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director TIM BOGART talking about his new film opening on Friday – SPINNING GOLD. One of my

On this episode of #BTLRadioShow we take a look at the incredible new VR project ONCE A GLACIER with writer/director JIABAO LI, and then you'll hear our exclusive interview with writer/director PAUL WEITZ talking MOVING ON. Fresh off the world premiere of her amazing animated VR project ONCE A GLACIER at SXSW, writer/director JIABAO LI is with us live talking all things VR and glacial. A fascinating and immersive work that explores the life of a glacier and a young girl whose life journey is to save the glacier, Jiabao talks about her journey into this immersive VR experience and its accompanying VR installation which debuted at SXSW. Discussing her own involvement with VR and her professorial work at the University of Texas, Jiabao talks about her love of glaciers and her approach to making the animated short film. A real technical challenge, you'll be as amazed as I was to hear her talk about the capturing of various sounds of glaciers and the dangers and care to be taken in obtaining the audio a

It's a post-Oscar week on BEHIND THE LENS as we do a brief recap of this year's events and take a look back at the Oscar-winning AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER with our prerecorded exclusive interview with VFX Supervisor JOE LETTERI. And while we take a look back, we also take a look forward with writer/director RYAN LACEN and his film which is now eligible for consideration for Academy Awards 2024, ALL THE WORLD IS SLEEPING. Although written versions of this first interview have popped up in various places over the past months, this is the first time you'll hear an excerpt of my exclusive interview with AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER VFX Supervisor JOE LETTERI. Joe and the team at Weta took home the Oscar for their work on the film and you'll hear exactly what went into creating the Oscar-winning VFX work from water to eyes to weight of hair and jewelry in water and more! And then, writer/director RYAN LACEN joins us talking about his film ALL THE WORLD IS SLEEPING. Our longtime listeners may reca

We're getting into the swing of Spring a bit early on this episode of #BTLRadioShow thanks to EMILIO PALAME as he joins us live talking about his new film KNIGHTS OF SWING. And it's "ride 'em cowgirl" as YAYA GOSSELIN talks about her new film HEART OF A CHAMPION. First up is my prerecorded exclusive interview with the wonderful YAYA GOSSELIN. YaYa has long been a favorite actor of mine and it's always a joy to speak with her about any project she's working on. This time it's a film very close to her heart, HEART OF A CHAMPION. A champion barrel racer and horsewoman in real life, it's as if HEART OF A CHAMPION was written just for her as she plays – you guessed it – a girl desperate for her own horse who learns to barrel race. And YaYa does all of her own riding and barrel racing! Are you listening Taylor Sheridan? Then get ready to swing as writer/director/musical arranger/composer/actor EMILIO PALAME joins us live talking about his swinging new film KNIGHTS OF

This is one fun episode of #BTLRadioShow as writer/director BEN EPSTEIN is back talking about WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE and, the moment I was waiting weeks to share with you, my interview with writer JIMMY WARDEN talking COCAINE BEAR! And if you missed this live show, you definitely want to take a listen now! Get ready because we're talking about what is already one of my fave films of the year – COCAINE BEAR! You've seen the trailer and by now you've heard the screams of laughter and delight from folks who have hit the theatres. Now you get to hear my laughter-filled exclusive interview with screenwriter JIMMY WARDEN giving us the scoop on the true life story, crafting the script, collaborating with director Elizabeth Banks and more. Plus, Jimmy gives us some tidbits about his directorial feature "Borderline" which should be releasing later this year. Regular listeners may recall that BEN EPSTEIN joined us in March 2022 while WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE was on the festival circuit, but now it&apo

Getting into a Valentine's Day mode and showing some love on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to JR RODRIGUEZ, plus our exclusive interview with EVERETT DOWNING and PATRICK HARPIN. First up, we're talking about the new Netflix animated series MY DAD THE BOUNTY HUNTER in this exclusive interview with the series co-creators/Executive Producers/writers, EVERETT DOWNING and PATRICK HARPIN. I am a huge fan of this new series and you will be, too. And I'm a huge fan of Everett and Patrick who, as you'll hear, put heart and soul and humor into the series. And then take a listen to writer/director JR RODRIGUEZ who joins us live discussing his new Valentine's Day release, REMEMBER YESTERDAY. A sweet and poignant look at love, life, and second chances. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

An exciting episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to documentary director/producer CHRISTINE YOO and director NICOLAS HARVARD. First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with director NICOLAS HARVARD talking about his feature directorial debut – THE LOCKSMITH. Now, Nicolas is no stranger to film and television having long worked as a 1st Assistant Director and 2nd Unit Director on shows like "Yellowstone" and films like "Wind River", "Chappaquiddick", "The Spectacular Now", and "Rudderless". (Let's face it. You can’t do much better today then work and learn from Taylor Sheridan.) But now he steps into the saddle as director and tackles elements of filmmaking he hasn't had to concern himself with before, such as casting, editing and music. It's a terrific conversation as Nicolas gets candid about this experience. And then, director/producer CHRISTINE YOO is live talking about her documentary 26.2 TO LIFE which screened at Santa Barbara Inter

It's getting dark on this week's episode of Behind the Lens as we delve into the mind and the darkness that lurks within. And we take a look at another Slamdance gem. First up, writer/producer/actor SEAN CRAMPTON joins us live talking about his new film THE STALKING FIELDS, the tale of a group of civilians who run for their freedom when they find themselves caught in the middle of a Black Ops program designed to cure PTSD. Together with his co-writer/co-producer Jordan Wiseley, the duo draw on their own experiences growing up in military families, experiences which add unexpected layers of authenticity. It's an interesting conversation as we discuss all aspects of the film from conception to casting to location to action, armament and fight choreography, and even the weather. And then get ready as you hear from writer/director SHUJAAT SAUDAGAR and actor ALI FAZAL talking about their new horror/thriller THE UNDERBUG fresh off its Slamdance screening. Rich in visual and structural metaphor, TH

What would January be without BEHIND THE LENS supporting Slamdance Film Festival and taking a look at some of the films screening in the upcoming festival! And boy have we got a couple of winners for you on this week's show thanks to JOHN HSU talking about STARRING JERRY AS HIMSELF and ALEX RAPPOPORT talking WITH PETER BRADLEY! First up, producer/writer/actor JOHN HSU is live talking about his new film, the documentary STARRING JERRY AS HIMSELF. A contender in the Documentary Feature category at Slamdance, this is a film you've got to see to believe. Filled with heart, joy, sadness, and mystery, the film is a "docu-fiction hybrid that blurs the lines of reality while staying true to the subject and his story." Skillfully edited to tell this unique story, John provides a real insider perspective to the "making of" STARRING JERRY AS HIMSELF; John is Jerry's son and also appears in the documentary. And get ready for a real life twist by film's end. And then, director/ci