Interviews
Allan Ungar (Director) / Kraig Wenman (Writer/Executive Producer
Bandit
Interview with the Director (Allan Ungar) and Writer/Executive Producer (Kraig Wenman) of the film Bandit.
You can find Bandit on Amazon Prime, iTunes, and wherever else you buy/rent your films. Check out this comedy/thriller starring Josh Duhamel, Elisha Cuthbert, Mel Gibson, & Nestor Carbonell.
Paul Schuyler (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor)
Red River Road
Interview with the Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor Paul Schuyler of the horror, thriller Red River Road
You can find Red River Road on Vudu, Amazon, and all other major platforms where you rent/buy your films. Red River Road is written and directed by Paul Schuyler, and it stars Paul Schuyler, Jade Schuyler, Quinn Schuyler, Shaw Schuyler, and Brody.
Florian Gunzenhauser (Writer/Director)
Glasgow
Interview with the Writer and Director (Florian Gunzenhauser) of the short drama Glasgow.
You can find out more about Glasgow by heading to the Instagram or website attached below. Florian encourages you to reach out; he would love to share the film. Glasgow stars Joseph LaDoucheur, Daniel Martin Berkey, Juanita Quintero-Aviles, and more.
Timothy J. Cox (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer)
Live Health & more...
Interview with the Writer, Director, Actor, & Producer, Timothy J. Cox, of the short drama Live Health.
Timothy J. Cox has been a massive supporter of Bain's Film Reviews over the years, and I encourage you to take a look at his films.
You can watch Live Health by clicking the YouTube link below and you can learn more about Timothy J. Cox by clicking any of the links below. Live Health is directed by Jamie Cox & Timothy J. Cox, written by Timothy J. Cox, & stars Timothy J. Cox, Nancy Kellogg Gray, Matthew Harris, & more.
Rickey Bird (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor)
Naked Zombie Girl is Back
Interview with the Writer, Director, Producer, & Editor, Rickey Bird, of the short horror film Naked Zombie Girl is Back.
You can watch Naked Zombie Girl is Back, and the rest of Hectic Films' projects by clicking the links below. Naked Zombie Girl is Back is written & directed by Rickey Bird & stars Nicole Cinaglia, Robbie Allen, D.T. Carney, & more.
Scott Schiaffo (Actor)
Clerks III
Interview with Actor, Scott Schiaffo, of the feature-length comedy Clerks III.
Clerks III is the sequel to 2006 film Clerks II, written & directed by Kevin Smith.
You can find Clerks III on all major streaming services, including Prime Video, VUDU, and more. Clerks III is written & directed by Kevin Smith, and it stars Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Trevor Fehrman, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Scott Shiaffo, & more.
Brian Ballance (Writer/Actor)
Blisters
Interview with writer and actor Brian Ballance of the short drama Blisters.
You can watch Blisters by heading to Brian's website which is attached below. Don't forget to check out Brian's other projects as well.
Blisters is directed by Chris Foster, written by Brian Ballance, & stars Brian Ballance.
Eirik Tveiten (Writer/Director)
Night Ride
Interview with writer and director Eirik Tveiten of Night Ride. Eirik and I sat down and talked about his short film Night Ride.
We also talked about how I haven't seen enough Coen Brothers' films, extreme weather, diversity in cinema, and more. Night Ride is written & directed by Eirik Tveiten and stars Sigrid Husjord, Ola Hoemsnes Sandum, Axel Barø Aasen, Jon Vegard Hovdal, etc. You can check out Eirik's projects by heading to his site, which is listed below.
Aly Trasher (Actor)
8 Found Dead
Interview with one of the stars of 8 Found Dead, Aly Trasher.
Aly and I sat down to talk about 8 Found Dead, a horror film that just won Best Director and Best Feature at LA's Screamfest. We talk about favorite films, personal relationships on set, and the importance of the horror genre. Stay tuned for more information regarding 8 Found Dead.
Lorenzo Vigas (Writer/Director/Producer)
The Box
Interview with the writer, director, and producer of The Box, Lorenzo Vigas.
Lorenzo and I sat down and talked about Oscar qualifications, the cinematic landscape of Mexico, and understanding one's identity. The Box is directed by Lorenzo Vigas, written by Paula Markovitch, Laura Santullo, & Lorenzo Vigas, and stars Hatzín Navarrete, Hernán Mendoza, Elián Gonzalez, etc.
Jefferson Stein (Writer/Director/Producer)
Burros
Interview with the writer, director, and producer of Burros, Jefferson Stein.
Jefferson and I sat down and talked about trust on a film set, knowing where to draw the line, and how Jefferson looks significantly younger than he is. Burros is written & directed by Jefferson Stein, and it stars Amaya Juan, Zuemmy Carrillo, Virgina Patricio, & more.
Colby Day (Writer/Director/Producer)
Lead/Follow
Interview with the writer, director, and producer of Lead/Follow, Colby Day.
Colby and I sat down and talked about the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of casting the right people, and how I just might like musicals after all. Lead/Follow is written & directed by Colby Day, and it stars Della Saba & Sam Nelson Harris.
Malachi Pullar-Latchman (Actor)
Hunted (Hounded)
Interview with the star of Hunted (Hounded), Malachi Pullar-Latchman.
Malachi and I sat down and talked about taking the lead, being the youngest person on set, and looking to those around you for advice. You can find Hunted (or Hounded as it's called everyone except for in the USA) on Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and more. Hunted is directed by Tommy Boulding, written by Ray Bogdanovich & Dean Lines, and stars Malachi Pullar-Latchman, Samantha Bond, James Lance, Hannah Traylen, Nick Moran, Nobuse Jnr, and more.
Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers (Director) / Carmine Pierre-Dufour (Writer/Director)
Fanmi
Interview with Director Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers & Writer-Director Carmine Pierre-Dufour of Fanmi.
Sandrine, Carmine, and I sat down and talked about what it's like to co-direct, what it takes to find the right actor, the greatest challenges of being honest and accessible in film, & more. Fanmi is Directed by Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosier & Carmine Pierre-Dufour, Written by Carmine Pierre-Dufour, & stars Marie-Evelyne Lessard & Mireille Metellus. Stay tuned to find out where to watch Fanmi.
Andreas Kessler (Director)
Nakam
Interview with Director Andreas Kessler of Nakam.
Andreas and I sat down and talked about what it means to sacrifice everything, drawing the line between good and evil, and the importance of music in film. Nakam is Directed by Andreas Kessler, Written by Fabien Virayie, & stars Anton Krymskiy, Peter Miklusz, Yevgeni Sitokhin, & more.
Marilyn Cooke (Writer/Director)
No Ghost in the Morgue
Interview with Writer/Director Marilyn Cooke of No Ghost in the Morgue.
Marilyn and I sat down and discussed the importance of balancing comedy and drama, magical realism, and spilling the beans. No Ghost in the Morgue is written & directed by Marilyn Cooke & stars Schelby Jean-Baptiste, Michel Laperrière, Ariane Bérubé, & more.
Zach Koepp (Writer/Director/Producer), Jessica Bishop (Actor), & Christian Olivo (Actor)
The Willowbrook
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Zach Koepp, Actor Jessica Bishop, & Actor Christian Olivo of The Willowbrook.
Zach, Jessica, & Christian sat down with me and we talked about writing a script in no time at all, creating a film with an attractive cast, and the many inspirations for filmmaking. The Willowbrook is written and directed by Zach Koepp and stars Jessica Bishop, Erin Day, Lawrence J. Hughes, Chris Boudreaux, Christian Olivo, & more. You can watch The Willowbrook on VUDU, Prime Video, and wherever else you watch your films.
Matthew Kyle Levine (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Composer/Director of Photography)
Trusted Hands
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Composer/Director of Photography of Trusted Hands.
Matthew and I sat down and discussed the process of creating sex scenes, filming with those closest to you, the creative process, and his short film, Trusted Hands. Trusted Hands is written & directed by Matthew Kyle Levine & stars Victoria Astuto, Eve Austin, & Jame MacDonald. You can watch Trusted Hands, and many other films by Matthew, on his Vimeo page (which you can find by clicking the link below.
Tommaso Aquarone (Writer/Director/Producer)
My Eyes
Interview with Writer, Director, & Producer Tommaso Acquarone of My Eyes.
Tommaso and I talked about creating just the right amount of sexual tension, incorporating countless emotions into one short film, and the brilliant use of lighting to tell a story. My Eyes is Written & Directed by Tommaso Acquarone & stars Kseniya Rappaport & Joāo Farina.
Valerie Buhagiar (Writer/Director)
Carmen
Interview with Writer & Director Valerie Buhagiar of Carmen.
This one was a long time coming, and it's taken months to work out the kinks in our schedules and to be able to sit down and chat--but we made it.
Valerie and I chatted about speaking your truth in film, being able to trust the others on set, and, for the first time, I was stumped. Carmen is written & directed by Valerie Buhagiar and stars Natascha McElhone, Michela Farrugia, Steven Love, Richard Clarkin, Henry Zammit Cordina, & more.
Nick DeKay (Director/Producer)
The Ark of Lilburn
Interview with Director and Producer Nick DeKay of The Ark of Lilburn.
Nick and I chatted about kidney stones, flat tires, and life's other challenges, building relationships on set, and transitioning from stunts to sitting in the Director's chair. The Ark of Lilburn is Directed by Nick DeKay & stars Cole Porter, Lowe Porter, Kevin Geeslin, Ian West, Shari Taylor, & more.
You can watch The Ark of Lilburn on Prime Video, VUDU, Apple TV, & more.
Aaron Latta-Morissette (Actor/Producer) & Luke Masella (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor)
Up and Down
Interview with Actor and Producer Aaron Latta-Morissette & Luke Masella (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor) of Up and Down.
Aaron, Luke, and I talked about Central Jersey, skipping the intro, channeling your inner struggles, and if Giovanni really exists. Up and Down is written and directed by Luke Masella and stars Aaron Latta-Morissette and Giovanni Ore.
You can watch Up and Down on YouTube.
Levi Austin Morris (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor/ Director of Photography)
Paralysis
Interview with Levi Austin Morris (Writer/Director/Actor/Editor/Producer/Director of Photography) of Paralysis.
Levi and I talked about really shitty lighting, being creepy, and the phenomenon that is sleep paralysis. Paralysis is written & directed by Levi Austin Morris & stars Allison Label, Levi Austin Morris, Lisagaye Tomlinson, & more.
Paralysis is currently circulating the film festival circuit, and you can follow its journey by heading over to its Instagram page: @paralysisthefilm
Sean Crampton (Writer/Actor/Producer)
The Stalking Fields
Interview with Sean Crampton (Writer/Actor/Producer) of The Stalking Fields.
Sean and I talked about using color to tell a story, PTSD, and the challenge of creating an action film on a small budget. The Stalking Fields is directed by Ric Maddox, written by Sean Crampton & Jordan Wiseley, and stars Sean Crampton, Taylor Kalupa, Adam J. Harrington, Rachael Markarian, Richard O. Ryan, & more.
You can watch The Stalking Fields on iTunes, Prime Video, & more. Check the links below to find out more about the film.
Greg Vorob (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor)
Overcrowded, Will Reading, Marty & Doug's New Religion, & more.
Interview with Greg Vorob (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor) of Overcrowded, Will Reading, Marty & Doug's New Religion, & more.
Greg and I talked about films that stand the test of time, creating a podcast, and the importance of pork roll vs. Taylor ham.
Greg has been a supporter of Bain's Film Reviews since the beginning--sending me films to review, providing endless advice, and now being on the podcast. Check out some of Greg's projects and support him like he's supported me!
You can find Will Reading and Marty & Doug's New Religion by heading to YouTube or clicking the links below.
Douglas Brian Miller (Director/Producer/Editor/Director of Photography/etc.) & Mark Shapiro (Writer/Director/Editor/etc.)
Downwind
Interview with Douglas Brian Miller (Director/Producer/Editor/Director of Photography/etc.) & Mark Shapiro (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/etc.) of Downwind.
Douglas, Mark, & I talked about finding the right people to include in your documentary, being passionate, and the fact that we are all connected. Downwind is directed by Douglas Brian Miller & Mark Shapiro, written by Warren Etheredge & Mark Shapiro, and stars Ian Zabarte, Claudia Peterson, Mary Dickson, Michael Douglas, Lewis Black, & more.
Cameron S. Mitchell (Writer/Director/Producer/Director of Photography)
Elsa
Interview with Cameron S. Mitchell (Writer/Director/Producer/Director of Photography) of Elsa.
Cameron and I talked about not being the editor, presenting Elsa in a series of different lights, and the struggle of following a film when you have ADHD. Elsa is written & directed by Cameron S. Mitchell and stars Elsa Sjunneson.
You can watch Elsa on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxuxpCPG0-Q&t=43s
Sophia Peer (Writer/Director/Actor) & Annie Pisapia (Actor)
Who's Annie?
Interview with Sophia Peer (Writer/Director/Actor) & Annie Pisapia (Actor) of Who's Annie?
Sophia, Annie, & I talked about creating content based on real life, finding a new career later in life, and mispronouncing names. Who's Annie? is directed by Sophia Peer, written by Sophia Peer & Annie Sicherman, & stars Annie Pisapia, Sofia Dobrushin, Sophia Peer, etc.
The pilot episode of Who's Annie? is currently screening at Slamdance.
Matthew Mahler (Writer/Director/Editor)
What Jack Built, To Be Alone, Protanopia, & more.
Interview with Matthew Mahler (Writer/Director/Editor) of What Jack Built, To Be Alone, Protanopia, & more.
Matthew and I talked about choosing your own path, even if it sounds pretentious, using what you have to create a film, and the pressures of creating an entire film in 48 hours. What Jack Built, To Be Alone, and Protanopia are written & directed by Matthew Mahler, and they each star Timothy J. Cox & more.
What Jack Built: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dY2zXmrijA
Austin Shell (Writer/Director/Producer/Director of Photography) & Dylan Shell (Director/Producer/Director of Photography
Ready Cash
Interview with Austin Shell (Writer/Director/Producer/Director of Photography) & Dylan Shell (Director/Producer/Director of Photography) of Ready Cash.
Austin, Dylan, and I talked about creating a film with your brother, taking a risk on a film that just seems to far fetched, and the importance of not showing balls for twenty straight minutes.
Ready Cash is directed by Austin Shell & Dylan Shell, Written by Austin Shell & Chet Turner, & stars Zach Meiser, Sydney Jordan, James Dickey, Timothy J. Cox, Tracy Bedford, & more.
Maziyar Khatam (Writer/Producer/Actor)
Baba
Interview with Maziyar Khatam (Writer/Producer/Actor) of Baba.
Maziyar & I talked about being so close to a project that you have to step back, making sure the momentum never falters, & bringing your own experiences to life, even if they make you uncomfortable.
Baba is directed by Anya Chirkova & Megan Ismailsoy, written by Maziyar Khatam, and stars Amir Zavosh, Maziyar Khatam, James Choy, & Sina Djamshidiat.
Peter Hoffman Kimball (Writer/Director/Producer)
Millstone
Interview with Peter Hoffman Kimball (Writer/Director/Producer) of Millstone.
Peter and I talked about breaking down barriers, creating a film accessible to everyone, and developing a twist that no one sees coming. Millstone is written & directed by Peter Hoffman Kimball and stars, Daniel Durant, Eddie Buck, & Bellamie Bachleda.
Gaspar Noé (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Director of Photography/Editor)
Irreversible & Irreversible: Straight Cut
Interview with Gaspar Noé (Writer/Director/Producer/Director of Photography/Editor of Irreversible & Irreversible: Straight Cut.
Gaspar and I talked about finally being able to create the movie that you always wanted to, the dark realities of life, and the Brangelina of France. Irreversible & Irreversible: Straight Cut is written & directed by Gaspar Noé and stars Vincent Cassel, Monica Bellucci, Albert Dupontel, & more.
You can find my entire interview by clicking the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pRJioQaMmTIWHO7wFpK8D4pRZn_8KpSFCzwK5GBxy-c/edit?usp=sharing
Malin Barr (Writer/Director/Actor)
Evergreen
Interview with Malin Barr (Writer/Director/Actor) of Evergreen.
Malin and I talked about casting yourself in the leading role, making sure not to talk shit about America, and what it's like becoming an American citizen. Evergreen is written & directed by Malin Barr and stars Malin Barr, Zach Appelman, Rana Roy, Andrew Dits, etc.
Evergreen recently played at Film Maudit 2.0. Click the links below to follow Evergreen's journey.
Ken Radner
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Ken Rander and I sat down and discussed two of my favorite films, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, in the first of a series of new videos to the podcast.
Ken and I discussed the fact that Bill and Ted are everymen potheads before it was cool, the over exaggerated comedy of Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, and others, and one of the greatest reveals in cinematic history.
James Carr (Writer/Producer) & Jerah Milligan (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer)
Mahogany Drive
Interview with James Carr (Writer/Producer) & Jerah Milligan (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer) of Mahogany Drive.
James, Jerah, & I talked about finding the right way to ruffle some feathers, educating others on difficult topics, being dead on your birthday, and more. Mahogany Drive is directed by Jerah Milligan, Written by Jonathan Braylock, James Carr, & James III, & stars Jonathan Braylock, James III, Jerah Milligan, Tessa Hersh, Addie Weyrich, and more.
Jon Seymour
Spaceballs & Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Jon Seymour and I sat down and discussed two films, one that I haven't seen in years (Mel Brooks' Spaceballs) and one that was all new to me (Tim Burton's Pee-wee's Big Adventure).
Jon and I discussed the lighting in the Devil's game, the use of ridiculous comedy to drive a plot, and terrifying thought of Pee-wee Herman sitting around with a bunch of children.
Ken Rander (Part 2)
The Lost Boys & Lost Boys: The Tribe
Ken Rander and I sat down and discussed two films, one that I've been avoiding my entire life, and one that Ken's been avoiding for the pat fifteen years: The Lost Boys and Lost Boys: The Tribe.
Ken and I discussed the Corey Feldman's horrific Rambo impression, P.J. Pesce's fan-fiction-esque sequel, crafting a campy yet effective horror movie, and the trajectory of the two Coreys.
Greg Swinson (Writer/Director) & Ryan Thiessen (Director/Director of Photography/Editor)
Hunt Her, Kill Her
Interview with Greg Swinson (Writer/Director) & Ryan Thiessen (Director/Director of Photography/Editor) of Hunt Her, Kill Her.
Greg, Ryan, & I talked about flaky actors, acting all by yourself, and dealing with obnoxious dogs while you're trying to have a conversation. Hunt Her, Kill Her is directed by Greg Swinson & Ryan Thiessen, written by Greg Swinson, and stars Natalie Terrazzino, JC Oakley III, Larry Bunton, Philip Zimny, & more. Hunt Her, Kill Her is available on VOD soon. Make sure to watch the full video to find out all the details.
Sabina Vajrača (Writer/Director/Producer)
Sevap/Mitzvah
Interview with Sabina Vajrača (Writer/Director/Producer) of Sevap/Mitzvah.
Sabina and I talked about creating characters that do the real versions justice, how flattery will get me far in life, and how her grandmother was a huge inspiration in creating Sevap/Mitzvah. Sevap/Mitzvah is written & directed by Sabina Vajračan and stars Helena Vuković, Uma Fijuljanin, Sanela Krsmanović-Bistrivoda, and more.
John Cajio & Eric Norcross
2022: The Best Year in Film History?
2022 may just have been the best year in the history of film, with films from The Banshees of Inisherin & Clerks III to Everything Everywhere All at Once & The Menu taking the world by storm.
John, Eric, & I sat down and talked about the best and worst from 2022, some of the other greatest years in film, and the fact that Eric was easily swayed (maybe).
Mike Doxford (Writer/Director/Producer)
Non-Negotiable
Interview with Mike Doxford (Writer/Director/Producer) of Non-Negotiable.
Mike and I talked about the family dynamic and how to bring it to life, casting a young, brilliant actor, and the importance of multiple personalities playing a role in Non-Negotiable. Non-Negotiable is written & directed by Mike Doxford & stars Samuel Anderson, Jill Winternitz, & Izabella Dziewanska.
Ken Radner (Part 3)
Tron & Tron: Legacy
Ken Radner is back for a third time! This time we talk about a classic and a modern sequel: Tron and Tron: Legacy.
Ken and I discussed a combination of Flynn and the Dude, the strange inclusion of Michael Sheen's Castor and some other interesting elements, and how, thirty years later, Tron: Legacy was tasked with living up to the hype of its predecessor.
Brendan Schechter
Howard the Duck
Brendan Schechter sat down with me to talk about Howard the Duck, a brilliantly cheesy Marvel film about a humanoid duck tasked with saving the world.
Brendan Schechter and I discussed George Lucas' influence on Howard the Duck's score, the oddly sexual nature of the relationship between Lea Thompson and a duck, and how exciting it is that thirty-five years later Howard is still relevant in Marvel lore.
Ryan Fleming (Writer/Director/Producer)
Sisyphus Unbound
Ryan Fleming sat down with me to chat about his film Sisyphus Unbound. Sisyphus Unbound is a psychological drama that explores the ideas of struggle and perseverance.
Ryan and I talk about creating relatable and accessible characters, taking a break from finals, and placing actors in the right locations in order for a film to succeed. Sisyphus Unbound is written & directed by Ryan Fleming and stars Frederick J. Todd, Timothy J. Cox, & Emerson Adams.
Elham Ehsas (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor)
Yellow
Elham Ehsas (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer/Editor) sat down to talk to me about his film Yellow. Yellow is about a young lady, Laili, as she shops for her first full-body veil in a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Elham and I talked about the love he has for his country, the importance of comedy and levity in such a dramatic story, and the brilliance of Afsaneh Dehrouyeh. Yellow is written & directed by Elham Ehsas and stars Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, Elham Ehsas, and more.
Al'Ikens Plancher (Writer/Director/Producer) & Timothy Mark Davis (Producer)
Konpa
Al'Ikens Plancher (Writer/Director/Producer) & Timothy Mark Davis (Producer) of Konpa. Konpa is a beautiful short film about love, family, and food wrapped up in a beautiful bow of light and familiarity.
Al'Ikens, Timothy, & I talked about juxtaposing light, creating something accessible but true to its roots, and telling a linear, cohesive story. Konpa is written & directed by Al'Ikens Plancer & stars Edson Jean, Angela Bures Lukacs, Marie Lafalaise-Noël, & more.
Emerson Adams (Director)
Rewriting Mallory
Emerson Adams (Director) of Rewriting Mallory. Rewriting Mallory is a short drama that dabbles in magical realism and science fiction and tells the story of the harrowing realities of life and the struggles that we face each and every day.
Emerson and I (not just once but twice) talked about creating balance in a film that plays with the ideas of science fiction, transitioning from acting to the director's chair, & trusting the people you work with. Rewriting Mallory is directed by Emerson Adams, written by Malcolm Vanderwoude, & stars Jonathan Erwin, Tammy Snow, Lucy Borchers, Timothy J. Cox, Bryson Schultz, & more.
Hillia Aho (Writer/Director)
In Passing
Hillia Aho (Writer/Director) of In Passing. In Passing is a short film about the simple and often daunting reality of life and the importance of finding solace in the ones we love to make it through.
Hillia and I talked about writing what you know (even if you consider it lazy), vivid dreams that lead to screenwriting, the importance of using sound to tell a story, and more. In Passing is written & directed by Hillia Aho and stars Kaileela Hobby & Fedra Ramirez Olivares.
Nathan Morris (Director) & Aminder Virdee (Writer)
My Eyes Are Up Here
Nathan Morris (Director) and Aminder Virdee (Writer) of My Eyes Are Up Here. My Eyes Are Up Here is a short romantic comedy that deals with stereotypes and acceptance in a unique setting.
Nathan, Aminder, and I talked about writing a story that you know and a character that accurately represents your experiences, being long winded versus accepting your film as a romantic comedy, and the the unique pressure that comes with telling a story of this nature. My Eyes Are Up Here is directed by Nathan Morris, written by Arthur Meek & Aminder Virdee, and stars Jillian Mercado, Ben Cora, Pooky Quesnel, & more.
J.W. Cox (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor)
Zero Percent
J.W. Cox (Writer/Director/Producer/Editor) of Zero Percent. Zero Percent is a short film about a young woman trapped in a basement grappling with the potential that just outside exists the apocalypse.
J.W. and I talked about lucking into the right location, making sure that no babies were hurt during the filming process, and using your religious background to construct a dark, horrifying depiction of the human psyche. Zero Percent is written & directed by J.W. Cox and stars Brandi Boykin, Chris Dettone, & Kennedy Hancock.
Brendan Schechter (Part 2)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Brendan Schechter came back for more, and this time we discussed Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey--a film that many consider to be the best of all time.
2001: A Space Odyssey is about two men as they travel to Jupiter with the latest and greatest AI technology, HAL 9000, only to find out that they are no longer in control.
Brendan and I talked about the meaning behind the Stargate sequence, what the hell the monolith actually means, and whether or not after watching 2001: A Space Odyssey for the fifteenth time the film still provides new meaning, and so much more!
Bryan Miller
City Lights
Bryan Miller, English teacher extraordinaire, sat down with me to talk about City Lights--a silent film starring Charlie Chaplin as he attempts to cure the woman he loves of blindness.
Bryan and I talked about whether or not The Blind Girl was just a gold digger, how Chaplin might be the only person who can crack jokes about suicide, and the similarities between Chaplin and the late Pee-wee Herman.
City Lights is written & directed by Charlie Chaplin and stars Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Harry Myers, & more. You can watch City Lights on MAX.
Trevor Solan (Gin & Cinema - Ep. 1)
Barbie & Train Wreck Distillery's Rail Cart Gin
On a special segment of Bain's Film Reviews called Gin & Cinema, Trevor Solan sits down with me to review Barbie and Train Wreck Distillery's Rail Cart Gin. Barbie sees stereotypical Barbie attempting coming to terms with the realization that the real world is not as accepting as she once believed it to be.
Trevor & I talked about the political and social commentary present in Barbie, what the target audience actually is, & the frustration of the film ostracizing a number of viewers.
Barbie is directed by Greta Gerwig, written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, & stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, etc. Barbie is currently in theaters.
Joe Eddy (Writer/Director), Chris Lightbody (Writer/Actor/Producer), & Spencer Yaras (Writer/Actor/Producer)
Bootyology
Joe Eddy (Director/Producer), Chris Lightbody (Writer/Actor/Producer), & Spencer Yaras (Writer/Actor/Producer) of Bootyology. Bootyology is about the reemergence of The Booty Boys, a rap group that sings about butts. Now that they're back, they are out to make the greatest rap album of all time (or at least a rap album of all time).
Joe, Chris, Spencer, & I talked about the origin of Bootyology, being really good at pissing people off, and whether or not Chris and Spencer were the first choices to play The Booty Boys.
Bootyology is directed by Joe Eddy, Written by Chris Lightbody, & Spencer Yaras, and it stars Chris Lightbody, Spencer Yaras, Alysha Young, Robert J. Steinmiller Jr., Rhett George, etc. Bootyology is available wherever you purchase your digital movies starting August 22nd, and the Bootyology soundtrack is available on both Apple Music and Spotify.
David Richmann (Thunder Buddies - Ep. 1)
Strays
On a special segment of Bain's Film Reviews that we're calling Thunder Buddies, David Richmann sat down with me to review Strays. Strays is the story of four dogs, Reggie, Bug, Hunter, and Maggie as they set out on the journey of a lifetime. On their way they will learn about themselves and life--and friendships will blossom.
David and I talked about creating the perfect villain, the importance of voice casting, even when it doesn't initially make sense, and that Dennis Quaid is in this movie for God knows what reason.
Barbie is directed by Josh Greenbaum, written by Dan Perrault, & stars Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Will Forte, and more.
Thomas Angeletti (Director/Producer) & Timothy J. Cox (Writer/Producer/Actor)
After
Thomas Angeletti (Director/Producer) and Timothy J. Cox (Writer/Producer/Actor) of After. After is the story of Michael Darcy (Cox) and his daughter, Annie (Bet Metcalf), dealing with the murder of their son and brother.
Thomas, Timothy, and I talked about making sure that the score doesn't overpower the rest of the film, the many intricacies of developing an accessible protagonist, and finding ways to access emotion when filming.
After is directed by Thomas Angeletti, written by Timothy J. Cox, and stars Timothy J. Cox & Beth Metcalf.
Joe Eddy (Writer/Director), Chris Lightbody (Writer/Actor/Producer), Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. (Actor/Producer), & Spencer Yaras (Writer/Actor/Producer) [Part 2]
Bootyology
Joe Eddy (Director/Producer), Chris Lightbody (Writer/Actor/Producer), Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. (Actor/Producer) & Spencer Yaras (Writer/Actor/Producer) of Bootyology. Bootyology is about the reemergence of The Booty Boys, a rap group that sings about butts. Now that they're back, they are out to make the greatest rap album of all time (or at least a rap album of all time).
Joe, Chris, Bob, Spencer, & I talked about the the writing process of both the individual songs and the film as a whole, overcoming doubt and being able to share your film with the world, and being able to experience filmmaking with the people closest to you.
Bootyology is directed by Joe Eddy, Written by Chris Lightbody, & Spencer Yaras, and it stars Chris Lightbody, Spencer Yaras, Alysha Young, Robert J. Steinmiller Jr., Rhett George, etc. Bootyology is available wherever you purchase your digital movies, and the Bootyology soundtrack is available on both Apple Music and Spotify.
Ryan Moore (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer)
Marijuana Minutes
Ryan Moore (Writer/Director/Actor/Producer) of Marijuana Minutes. Marijuana minutes is a social-political satire in which a young woman, Amy, is given a weed pen that allows her to go back in time. Once the owners of the pen realizes Amy has it, they will stop at nothing to get it back.
Ryan and I talked about writing a character that is a reflection of the things you don't like about yourself, giving superpowers to someone that will only use them to benefit themselves, and realizing that once you've put yourself out there, you become a changed person.
Marijuana Minutes is written & directed by Ryan Moore and stars Rebecca DeMarco, Sophia Lucia Parola, Jared Cardenas, Evan Dickerson, Steven Melone, & more.
Mary Rose Branick (Actor) & David Flores (Writer/Director/Producer)
Likeness
Mary Rose Branick (Actor) & David Flores (Writer/Director/Producer) of Likeness. Likeness follows a young woman (Branick) as she works with a state-of-the-art AI in order to find her mother who's recently gone missing.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Virginia Newcomb and her mother Jaqueline Kay.
Mary Rose, David, and I talked about accidentally creating a film that is so relevant, their backgrounds in Irish Dance and Mariachi, the stellar performances of Mary Rose and Virginia and how David uses their talents to connect with his audience.
Likeness is Written & Directed by David Flores and stars Mary Rose Branick, Virginia Newcomb, & Lanéa Nolan.
Vinny Sereni (Sereni Ace)
Get Lost: The Documentary
Vinny Sereni (Sereni Ace) of Get Lost: The Documentary. This film is the counterpart to Sereni Ace's album of the same name, meant to put on display the creative process behind the hip-hop music developed by him and the rest of the Crescent Boys.
Vinny and I sat down and talked about the creative process, finding rhythm in the snowy mountains, and how mixing friends and business can be beneficial.
Get Lost: The Documentary is directed by Mike Burns and stars Vinny Sereni, Matt Nardone, Dan Blanton, James Duvak, and more.
Sushma Khadepaun (Writer/Director) & Ritesh Mehta (Co-Director of Programming)
Places I've Called My Own & the Indian Film Festival of Los Angel
Sushma Khadepaun (Writer/Director of Places I've Called My Own) and Ritesh Mehta (Co-Director of Programming for the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles). Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles is a film festival that showcases the projects of independent Indian filmmakers like Sushma Khadepaun, who wrote and directed Places I've Called My Own. Places I've Called My Own is about a young woman who travels back home to India and is forced to deal with her judgmental mother and the loss of her father.
Sushma, Ritesh, and I talked about curating a film festival, creating a film that hits close to home, and shedding light on Indian filmmakers from around the world.
Places I've Called My Own is written and directed by Sushma Khadepaun and stars Aditi Vasudev, AmardeepJha, Bhoommika Dube, & more.
William Hellmuth (Director/Producer/Director of Photography)
Dixieland
In the Season 2 finale of the Bain's Film Review podcast I sat down with William Hellmuth (director, producer, and director of photography) of the short film Dixieland. Dixieland takes place during the American Civil War and showcases the two men, Chuck (Tony Todd) and William (Philip Orazio), on opposite sides of the war, as they are forced to get to know one another.
William and I discussed creating an honest and trustworthy culture in which even the darkest of topics can be covered, developing the perfect light, and achieving balance.
Dixieland is Directed by William Hellmuth, Written by J. Scott Worthington, and stars Tony Todd and Philip Orazio.