Behind The Lens

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

BEHIND THE LENS kicks off year nine with NORA KAYE talking THE COSMOS SISTERS and our exclusive interview with SCOTT COOPER talking THE PALE BLUE EYE! WOW! First up for 2023 and year nine of #BTLRadioShow is our exclusive interview with award-winning writer/director SCOTT COOPER talking about his mesmerizing new film, THE PALE BLUE EYE, now on Netflix. Adapted by Scott from the acclaimed novel of the same name by Louis Bayard, THE PALE BLUE EYE is, at its heart, an Edgar Allan Poe origin story set at West Point in the 1830s. Steeped in metaphor and ambiance thanks to the film's visual tonal bandwidth and exemplary visual grammar courtesy of Cooper's frequent collaborator, cinematographer Masanobu "Masa" Takayanagi, Scott and I dig deep into discussion covering the film's visual tonal progression and framing, use of color, and Stefania Cella's production design which is an integral part of the film's metaphoric style. Then joining us live for the second half of the show

What better way to end the year and wrap up year eight of BEHIND THE LENS than with my very special guest, the multi-hyphenate renaissance man himself, FRANK MEYER, who joins us live in-studio! And to kick off the show, Frank even serenades us all with a rocking Christmas song! If you missed us live, you'll want to check out this episode of #BTLRadioShow now! A documentary filmmaker, an award-winning director & producer, author, musician, singer/songwriter- FRANK MEYER is the real deal. (And he's a terrific guy and friend.) A fascinating and fun hour with Frank as we dive into his career and the trajectory from music to writing to producing to directing to performing with multiple bands over the years and so much more. One of the very interesting aspects of our discussions is how Frank addresses many of the "business" aspects to making a film or making music that so often end up being the killer of dreams. He's got some really sage advice and encouragement for all of the hopef

It's a "super" show coming atcha on this episode of #BTLRadioShow thanks to special guests, CARL REID and ENRICO NATALE, who are on hand to talk about their latest series, the hilariously satiric (and even heartwarming) GROUNDED. What happens to super-heroes when they are "grounded" and on lockdown thanks to a global pandemic; and not just any pandemic but one the media has coined the "Poopacalypse"? You'll find out in this 8-episode series. And you'll hear all about how GROUNDED came to be and what went into making the series during the height of the Covid pandemic and lockdown, plus what will it take to give us a Season Two! And as a bonus, some insight into a "super" short film, THE NEW KNIGHT. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

Santa came early to BEHIND THE LENS this week with some very special guests – JAYE TYROFF & NICHOLAS deKAY talking THE ARK OF LILBURN, and CATHERINE CORMAN, and a holiday surprise, the legendary ROGER CORMAN, talking LITTLE JEWEL. You read that right, folks – Roger Corman! First up, take a listen as writer/director CATHERINE CORMAN is live talking about her latest short film, LITTLE JEWEL, which has been long-listed for the Academy Award for the Live Action Short Film section. Haunting and poignant, and shot on Super 8mm, LITTLE JEWEL is a genuine treasure. And joining Catherine is none other than ROGER CORMAN, legendary filmmaker and Catherine's father, who just happens to have a role in the film as a "revolutionary poet." As you will hear Catherine discuss, "revolutionary" is a word that more than suits Roger behind the camera. And then we set sail with director NICHOLAS deKAY and producer JAYE TYROFF, who are also live talking about one of the craziest and most entertaining

First up, take a listen as writer/director MICHAEL KOCH talks about A PIECE OF SKY, Switzerland's submission for the 95th Academy Awards as Best Foreign Language Film. A quiet, reflective, and thoughtful film that tacitly explores the relationship between man and nature, life and death, A PIECE OF SKY is one of the most emotionally beautiful films of the year; not to mention that stunning multi-season imagery of the Swiss mountains. Set in a remote alpine village, (Michèle Brand) works both as a waitress and mail carrier to support her young daughter. She has fallen deeply in love with the village newcomer, Marco (Simon Wisler), a strong and silent farmhand from the lowlands. But soon after their wedding, Marco is diagnosed with a brain tumor. As the seasons change, his behavior grows increasingly erratic, leading up to a severe transgression that threatens to tear the young family apart. Then listen to writer/director SEBASTIAN LELIO discuss the award-worthy film THE WONDER. Directed by Lelio and co

It's a full house on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we take a trip to the dark sinister side with actor/writer/producer NIKI McELROY talking SHADY GROVE while ZACH KOEPP is on board talking about his chilling thriller THE WILLOWBROOK. Kicking off the show is actor/co-writer/producer NIKI McELROY talking about her new film, the creepy and bloody, SHADY GROVE. Directed by Dale Resteghini, SHADY GROVE tells the story of a young African-American couple, Shaina (Niki McElroy) and Mark (Todd Anthony), as they leave behind their party lifestyle to find tranquility in an isolated rental cabin with their friend, Elijah (Juhahn Jones). It doesn't take long for them to realize they have checked into a sinister nightmare as the locals reveal the true reason for their solitude. SHADY GROVE is a fictional story that incorporates the role of women in Greek mythology and sets them in our current and controversial Roe vs. Wade world. And then a big welcome to writer/director ZACH KOEPP who also joins us live

This episode of BEHIND THE LENS is a fascinating conversation with director LISA HEPNER and director of photography GUY MOSSMAN as they talk about their new documentary – THE HUMAN TRIAL. Plus, my exclusive interview with writer/director MALI ELFMAN going in-depth talking her feature directorial debut, NEXT EXIT. Joining us live during National Diabetes Month are director LISA HEPNER and director of photography GUY MOSSMAN talking about THE HUMAN TRIAL. Herself a diabetic, this is a very personal project for Lisa. Already an established producer, Lisa moves into the director's chair to take us into the up close and personal world of human clinical trials for a treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. Listen as Lisa and Guy talk about the 7+ year journey of making this documentary, starting with researchers and a biotech company in San Diego, then filming the arduous roller coaster ride of the first two patients in the clinical trial with the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking pain and tears, while also trav

It's a very special BEHIND THE LENS Halloween show as STEVE LEE talks about some big doings with THE HOLLYWOOD SOUND MUSEUM. Plus, I talk about a very important film for our time, especially with midterm elections upon us, the Phyllis Nagy-directed CALL JANE. And Oscar winner RICHARD ANDERSON surprises us with a call to not only talk sound but give us some tidbits on the upcoming political dramedy LEE'D THE WAY which he directed! Sound guru and founder of The Hollywood Sound Museum, STEVE LEE, was in-studio with us once again to announce some very important reveals and surprises about the Museum! And just what was the big announcement Steve had for us all? The Hollywood Sound Museum is having its first pop-up! Long a goal of Steve's to start with some smaller pop-ups on the sound experience as he works up to the physical museum, everyone will be able to experience a sonic montage of some of cinema's most famous sounds at the upcoming LOSCON festival! Steve's got all the skinny for u

It's a mix and match of movie goodness on BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to DAVID POAG and his film SPIRIT HALLOWEEN: THE MOVIE, and TARUN VERMA and his new film CONCEPTION. If you missed us live, you definitely want to catch up and take a listen now! Kicking off the show is our exclusive interview with director DAVID POAG talking about his new film SPIRIT HALLOWEEN: THE MOVIE. (It's a terrific family film for the holiday!) How would you like to shoot a film in a Halloween store AND in real underground caves AND work with Christoper Lloyd? Well, that's just what David did and he tells us all about it. Can you imagine the challenge of lugging cast, crew, and equipment underground? It's an interesting and fun interview and perfect for Halloween month. Then writer/director TARUN VERMA is with us live discussing his new film, CONCEPTION. With his prior filmmaking experience in comedy, this is Tarun's first stab at a narrative drama and he's got a winner here. A narrative drama ba