Behind The Lens

BTL Radio Show - 09/16/2024 with ALYSSA RALLO BENNETT and our exclusive interview with BOB SALERNO

Interesting conversations and filmmaker insights on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as director ALYSSA RALLO BENNETT joins us going in-depth about her new film THE ARRIVAL, and you’ll hear my exclusive interview with producer-turned-director BOB SALERNO discussing his feature directorial debut HERE AFTER.
 
First up is my exclusive interview with longtime producer now turned director, BOB SALERNO, talking about his feature directorial debut with HERE AFTER which stars Connie Britton. Some great perspective from Bob as we dive into the diversity of his prior films as a producer to give depth and context for what he now tackled as a director with HERE AFTER. Digging into “the making of” HERE AFTER, Bob discusses the challenges of a limited budget, shooting in Italy, limitations on work hours, casting in Italy and finding actors to embody the supporting characters, visual grammar and developing a visual tonal bandwidth and working with his cinematographer Bartosz Nalazek, working with editor John Lyons, the film’s score with composition and orchestration by Fabrizio Mancinelli, lessons learned even by a seasoned producer once he puts his director’s hat on.
 
Then we are joined by director ALYSSA RALLO BENNETT to discuss her new film THE ARRIVAL. Very interesting story with intriguing personalities and plot points that speak to various social themes as we are dropped into several conversations taking place within an upscale bar restaurant. Honing in on each pairing of individuals, we discover the purpose of each in being there and are along for their individual journeys filled with intersecting people and tales. Characters are interesting and engaging thanks to being well developed on the page and brought to life with nuance in the performances. Listen as Alyssa talks about being an “actor’s director”, casting and rehearsal, and how this script was written by Gary O. Bennett and developed and tailored to specific actors in the story. With visuals as important as the story and acting, Alyssa hones in on the multi-level location and working with her cinematographer Michael Munari, making use of the entire space to provide various POVs with some metaphoric and telling camera angles. And, of course, we also dig into the sound design and undercurrent of a score, and more! Plus, some great tips on distribution and on working with Gravitas Ventures on this film.

BTL Radio Show - 09/09/2024 with special guest ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES and our exclusive interview with JENNA ST. JOHN

What a fun - and female filmmaker-friendly - week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to the return of two wonderful filmmakers talking about their latest projects - JENNA ST. JOHN and ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES.
First up is my exclusive interview with the fabulously talented screenwriter, JENNA ST. JOHN talking about her latest project, the fun-filled family film STINKY SUMMER. Regular listeners and readers will remember Jenna from her prior live appearances and call-ins to #BTLRadioShow and will recognize that this new film is a far cry from some of her prior works like "Sexpectations" and "Dinner with the Alchemist" (both in which she also stars). STINKY SUMMER is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of audience and plot, but still built on Jenna's skill for developing story and fully textured characters. What can possibly happen when you've got a skunk, a camp full of girls, and some international spies on your tail? Answer: a whole lotta laughter and Jenna dives into it all in this conversation.
STINKY SUMMER is now available on VOD.
 
And then writer/director ANNA ELIZABETH JAMES is live talking about her latest movie for Lifetime Television, HELD HOSTAGE IN MY HOUSE. Solid story, interesting construct with the psychological thriller that unfolds, excellent casting, some returning cast and production team from Anna’s prior films all make for an interesting and engaging tale. Listen as Anna discusses the idea for the film, creating characters and then casting so that the characters feel real but also are cohesive within the structure of the film. And talk about perfect casting - Amy Smart and Harrison Fox as mother and son, the heartbeat of the film and driving force of the story, are phenomenal with undeniable and authentic chemistry. Reteaming with her “Deadly Illusions” cinematographer Mike McMillin, Anna talks about the importance and the magic of lighting, especially as it speaks to the passage of time while showcasing character building pieces of set dress. Also reteaming with Anna is editor RJ Daniel Hanna with Shane Hazen also joining in the cutting room. Not only is pacing important to the unfolding of this story, but the shots that are used so as not to convey any “spoilers” or reveals too early. And Anna has her own thoughts on cinema and its purpose today as well as the appeal of psychological thrillers.
HELD HOSTAGE IN MY HOUSE is now streaming on MyLifetime.com and airing on Lifetime TV.
 
 
 
 

BTL Radio Show - 08/26/2024 with special guest SIMON BOISVERT and our exclusive interview with JON KEEYES

It's a fun week of crime and comedy, mystery and drama on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at two new films - THE CLEAN UP CREW with director JON KEEYES and CHARLIE TANGO with writer/director SIMON BOISVERT.
First up, my exclusive interview with director JON KEEYES going in-depth into THE CLEAN UP CREW, a terrific crime comedy that boasts some incredible performances, most notably a balls-to-the-wall comedic turn by Melissa Leo and a scene-stealing Antonio Banderas, not to mention fun and action at every turn. Listen as Jon and I go into detail on the cinematography and editing choices, costuming and color, casting, score, and more! What excited me about speaking with Jon is his own sense of humor and joy as he talks about the film, something that comes through loud and clear on screen.
Then writer/director SIMON BOISVERT joins us discussing his new twisty thriller CHARLIE TANGO. An intriguing tale that appears to be one thing, but thanks to Simon's storytelling skill and craftsmanship, turns on a dime and shifts our focus to the real meat of the story, delivering yet another surprise. As you will hear, its an interesting journey bringing CHARLIE TANGO to life as Simon took two different stories, neither which was sufficient in length to make a feature film, and melded them into one to arrive at CHARLIE TANGO. A big element of the film is Simon’s attention to visual detail which he breaks down for us along with the challenges he faced for some scenes while finding tone and tension within the editing process.
 

BTL Radio Show - 08/12/2024 with special guest RJ Collins plus my exclusive interview with Emmy nominee BLAKE NEELY

An informative and fun show this week on #BTLRadioShow as we welcome director RJ COLLINS live discussing his new crime thriller CRESCENT CITY.  Plus, my exclusive interview with composer BLAKE NEELY, Emmy nominee for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for MASTERS OF THE AIR. 
First, we’re going for gold, Emmy gold that is, thanks to composer BLAKE NEELY.  Emmy nominations are out and voting begins later this week for Television Academy members.  One of my favorite nominees is composer BLAKE NEELY who snagged a nomination for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for MASTERS OF THE AIR.  By now you've probably watched the series on AppleTV and heard the theme at the start of each episode and if you're like me, you love it.  But what goes into composing a theme that captures the series, the story, and our attention when accompanied by visuals?  In this exclusive interview, Blake and I dive into the essence of MASTERS Main Title Theme and its creation from composition to instrumentation and the importance of capturing the emotional essence of story through music and creating a unique sound and experience by incorporating different instruments and orchestral elements (and in this case chorale elements as well) that add depth and complexity to the piece.
And then, director RJ COLLINS joins me live discussing his new film, the chilling, twisting-turning, serial crime thriller CRESCENT CITY.  Boasting an impressive cast with Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nickey Whelan, and Alec Baldwin, you will be riveted to the screen when you see this film.  An insightful conversation as RJ breaks down the genesis of the story and his decades-long collaboration with screenwriter Rich Ronat, delving into lighting and lensing and the work of cinematographer Alex Salahi to bring this story to life visually and emotionally with texture and color.  An indie film shooting with a waiver during the SAG strike, RJ talks about a big plus - being able to obtain Hawk anamorphic lenses to deliver the film’s striking look.  And we talk casting, locations, score, the all-important editing of Eric Potter, and more.  Plus, some bonus chat about two other films RJ produced which are out now - BONEYARD and THE GIRL IN THE POOL.

BTL Radio Show - 08/05/2024 with special guest SIMON PHILLIPS and our exclusive interview with NANETTE BURSTEIN

And what a fun show we've got for you with this episode of #BTLRadioShow today with something for everyone thanks to the fabulous SIMON PHILLIPS and his new film THE MOUSE TRAP (MICKEY'S MOUSE TRAP) plus my exclusive interview with director NANETTE BURSTEIN talking her new documentary ELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE LOST TAPES.
First up, get ready classic film fans, TCM fans, and Elizabeth Taylor fans because we're kicking off the show with my exclusive interview with NANETTE BURSTEIN and her new doc, ELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE LOST TAPES.  Released exclusively on HBO on August 3rd, you do not want to miss this one.  And you don't want to miss this interview as Nanette talks about the project, starting with how these 40 hours of previously unheard and unknown tapes came to her; a story in and of itself!  But how do you break down that audio and make it cinematic?  As you'll hear, it takes a lot of research and planning, developing a through line, finding all of the visuals - including many home movies of Elizabeth's as well as many by Roddy McDowell - deciding what to include and not include and how to bring the documentary into the later years of Taylor's life with her philanthropic work.  A wonderful interview and a fabulous documentary.
And then...... he's back!!!  SIMON PHILLIPS is back with us for the third time and this time it's all about THE MOUSE TRAP as Producer/Writer/ and playing "Mickey"!! In January 2024, Simon released the trailer for this film and blew everyone away as the film contains footage of the first iterations of Disney's Mickey Mouse as "Steamboat Willie"  (which entered the public domain on January 1st) with the main character of THE MOUSE TRAP bearing more than a strong resemblance to Willie.  But trust me when I say there is nothing Disney-esque about THE MOUSE TRAP!  A deliciously delightful horror film that horror fans and beyond are going to love with an original story courtesy of Simon, a lot of fun horror elements, plenty of bloodshed, and perhaps even a bit of magic.  And Simon and I dive into it all from a storytelling, filmmaking, and acting standpoint (aka no one but Simon could have played Mickey and achieved the vision Simon sought), all laced with a lot of fun and laughter.  Interesting is also Simon's keen sense and awareness as he discusses how he had the foresight and got ahead of the curve with this film and the public domain issues.  Plus, we talk about his other relatively new release, BLOOD AND SNOW, a sci-fi/horror which Simon co-wrote and stars in alongside Vernon Wells, and what's next for Simon.  THE MOUSE TRAP is streaming on digital platforms on August 6!

BTL Radio Show - 07/29/2024 with special guests ERIN MACDONALD, PHD and JAY SILVERMAN

It's an out-of-this-world full house on this episode of BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our special guests:  "Star Trek" franchise science advisor ERIN MACDONALD, PH.D. talking about SPACE CADET, STAR TREK: PRODIGY and astrophysics, and director JAY SILVERMAN talking about his beautiful new film CAMERA.

BTL Radio Show - 07/15/2024 with guest JEFF CELENTANO plus exclusive interviews with ERIC ROBERTS and GUY PEARCE

It’s a jam-packed episode of  BEHIND THE LENS as director JEFF CELENTANO joins us live talking about his new film BLACKWATER LANE, and you’ll also hear my exclusive interviews with ERIC ROBERTS talking LUMINA while GUY PEARCE talks about THE CONVERT.
First up is my exclusive interview with the one and only ERIC ROBERTS talking about one of his new films (he has so many popping out and on deck), the sci-fi thriller LUMINA.  A fun interview with one of my favorite character actors.  Giving insight into creating a character including the wardrobe, production design, and location (shooting in Marrakesh for the first time in his career), Eric also discusses his process for accepting roles.  And get ready as Eric even gives me his thoughts on aliens!!  Is he a believer? 
Then director JEFF CELENTANO discusses his new psychological thriller, BLACKWATER LANE.  Written by Elizabeth Fowler based on the best-selling novel by B.A. Paris, this is one riveting, twisty-turny tale that (1) doesn't stray far from the book and (2) is exquisitely visualized by Jeff in the film as he taps into all of our senses.  In other words, what you "see" and "hear" in the book is expertly brought to life on screen.  An insightful conversation that delves into location scouting, shooting overseas, lighting and lensing, and so much more. 
And we round out the show going overtime (as usual!) with my exclusive interview with GUY PEARCE talking about his new film, THE CONVERT.  A powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking film, it's easy to understand what led Guy to this one.  It's been a few years since we last spoke, so catching up now is just wonderful.

BTL Radio Show - 07/08/2024 with special guest BRIAN JOHNSON plus my exclusive interview with ASIF AKBAR

We're showcasing a variety of films this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome BRIAN JOHNSON who discusses his new dystopian thriller POPULATION PURGE. Plus, my exclusive interview with ASIF AKBAR talking about his new thriller inspired by the West Mesa serial killer murders, BONEYARD, and you’ll hear my mini-review of Kevin Costner's epic masterwork HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA - CHAPTER 1.

BTL Radio Show - 06/24/2024 wit guests MEREDITH YINGER, STEVE BALDERSON, and our exclusive interview with JOSH MARGOLIN

It's another full house this week on #BTLRadioShow as we welcome writer/director MEREDITH YINGER and writer/director/editor/author STEVE BALDERSON who returns for the fourth time!  PLUS, thanks to Steve being late with his call-in to the live show, you get the added bonus of my exclusive interview with writer/director JOSH MARGOLIN.
 
First up, Meredith joins us to talk about her new feature, a powerful documentary on domestic abuse but with a new perspective that we haven't seen before, SCARS UNSEEN, which makes its World Premiere on June 30th at Dances With Films in Hollywood!
 
Then take a listen to my exclusive interview with JOSH MARGOLIN as he talks about his new film THELMA and 94-year-old June Squibb - Action Hero!
 
And finally, the uber-talented Steve Balderson joins us again to talk about his latest venture - the streaming series BLOODY FAMOUS! Talk about wicked, dark, twisted, satiric fun!!! I am in love with this episodic and hope that Steve gives us a Season 2. Think "The Bachelorette meets The Hunger Games" but ramped up to the Nth degree! Who will be the victor in this deadly game of love?

06/10/2024 with special guest JONATHAN SMITH and our exclusive interview with PABLO BERGER

This episode of #BTLRadioShow is all about FUN with a capital “F” thanks to a favorite returning filmmaker, JONATHAN SMITH, and his latest film GUY FRIENDS, and the brilliance of director PABLO BERGER with the oh-so-wonderful ROBOT DREAMS.