Scene This

In this engaging interview, directors Miles Merritt and Gail Kempler discuss their film 'Fundbox: A Love Story,' exploring themes of kindness, human connection, and the unique Vienna lost-and-found system. They share behind-the-scenes insights on filmmaking, casting, and capturing the city's beauty, emphasizing the importance of hope and humanity in cinema. Key Topics - The unique Vien...

Join us as we discuss the latest sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, exploring its adaptation from the book, scientific accuracy, character development, and how it compares to other space movies. We also share our favorite alien movies and upcoming programming updates. Sound Bites "The Matrix still holds up 27 years later" "It's a family-friendly sci-fi film" "They explain...

This interview explores the impactful documentary 'Home of the Brave' which captures a pivotal moment of protest and community resilience during ICE raids at Dodger Stadium. Directors Cristina Costantini and Alfie Koetter discuss the story behind the film, the power of individual acts of bravery, and the importance of community-led resistance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Documentary...

This episode features an in-depth discussion on Sunday night's Oscars, including winners, speeches, and memorable moments, along with a review of the film 'The Bride' and the parody of Mike, Erica & Adrian's taste. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Programming 05:33 Oscars Reaction 30:22 Reviewing Stock Draft Picks 33:21 The Bride Spoiler Free Review 39:58 Commodus Scale 43:03 Th...

In this episode, we dive into the 98th Academy Awards predictions, discussing categories like production design, sound, visual effects, and more. Our hosts share insights, personal favorites, and detailed analysis to help you get ready for Oscar night. Join us as we analyze the 2025 Oscar predictions, covering categories from Best Music Original Song to Best Picture. Get insights on potential winn...

In this engaging interview, director Renee Marie Petropoulos and actress Emily Grant discuss their short film Souvenir, exploring themes of queer relationships, microaggressions, and the filmmaking process. They share insights into character development, casting, and the importance of nuanced storytelling in addressing complex social issues. Key Topics - Themes of boundary crossing and microaggres...

In this episode, we explore the film 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' directed by Gore Verbinski, delving into its themes of AI, time travel, and societal reflections. We discuss the film's chaotic narrative, character performances, and its place within the sci-fi genre, offering insights and recommendations for viewers. Takeaways The film explores complex themes of AI and societal...

In this engaging interview, Maddy Meyer, a publicist and entertainment enthusiast, shares her journey into the entertainment industry, her passion for pop culture, and the inspiration behind her new podcast, Maddy Mania. Discover insights into the world of PR, the evolution of wrestling fandom, and her favorite pop culture icons. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maddy Meyer and Her Journey 02:59 Lif...

Erica turns 32 so she gets to pick the anniversary episode from 1994 for today's episode and she went with, The Mask! We discuss recent launches within Scene This, including a new program called Sacred Screens & Stages, they discuss the latest rumors around Jim Carrey, and break down the 1994 classic The Mask with categories & awards. Chapters 00:00 Intro to Erica's Anniversary Epi...

In this lively episode, the hosts discuss recent movies, industry passings, and their thoughts on the film 'Crime 101'. They analyze performances, plot choices, and share recommendations for double features, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging tone. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:32 What We've Seen This Week 13:40 Spoiler Free Review 22:26 Commodus Scale 25:53 Spoiler Review...

In this engaging interview, filmmaker Blake Winston Rice discusses his short film DISC, the creative process behind it, and insights into filmmaking, storytelling, and industry inspirations. Discover how short films can open doors to larger projects and learn from Blake's experiences and influences. Key Topics Filmmaking process and collaboration Writing and dialogue in short films Casting and...

In this episode of Scene This, the hosts celebrate the 35th anniversary of the classic film Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg. They discuss the film's impact on childhood memories, its critical reception, and whether it still holds up today. The conversation explores potential sequel ideas, what hasn't aged well in the film, and hot takes on its characters and plot. The hosts also engage...

In this conversation, filmmaker Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani discusses her journey in storytelling, the differences between commercial and independent production, and the creative process behind her latest project, 'To Fade Away.' She emphasizes the importance of trusting audiences in advertising, shares insights on the challenges of filmmaking, and offers advice for aspiring filmmakers. Sou...

In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively draft of movies from the year 1996, exploring various categories such as comedy, action, horror, and drama. They reflect on the impact of iconic films and performances from that year, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about their choices. The conversation highlights the significance of 1996 in cinema history and the lasting legacy of its films. I...

In this engaging conversation, Mike Ornelas interviews Christine La Monte, a writer and producer of now Oscar Nominated documentary for Best Song, Viva Verdi! They explore her fascinating journey in the film industry, her latest documentaries focusing on opera, and her experiences working with renowned artists like Ai Weiwei. Christine shares insights into her career evolution, the creative proces...

In this episode of Scene This, the hosts discuss their recent movie viewings, including the new film 'Send Help' directed by Sam Raimi. They delve into the performances of Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, exploring themes of survival, campiness, and audience reactions. The conversation transitions into a spoiler discussion, where they analyze character dynamics and the film's narr...

In this conversation, director Michael Premo discusses his documentary 'Homegrown,' which explores the events leading up to the January 6th Capitol attack. He shares insights into the film's conception, the participants he followed, and the energy experienced during protests. Premo reflects on the focus of the film, the challenges of filming during the insurrection, and the feedback re...

In this episode, the hosts celebrate the 40th anniversary of the cult classic film 'Labyrinth,' discussing its nostalgic value, character performances, and the impact of David Bowie's portrayal of the Goblin King. They explore the film's themes, potential sequels, and what hasn't aged well, while also sharing their personal experiences and critiques. The conversation delves int...

In this conversation, director Sook-Yin Lee discusses her film 'Paying For It,' an adaptation of Chester Brown's graphic novel. She reflects on the long journey of bringing the project to life, the collaborative process with Chester, the importance of casting, and the film's relevance to contemporary discussions about sex work and relationships. Lee emphasizes the need for understa...

In this episode of "Scene This," hosts Mike, Erica, and Adrian dive into a lively discussion about the latest film, "Dead Man's Wire," directed by Gus Van Sant. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted banter about their movie preferences and personal anecdotes, setting a fun tone for the episode. Each host shares what they've watched recently, with Erica reminis...

In this episode of Scene This!, host Mike Ornelas interviews composer Segun Akinola, known for his work on the acclaimed TV series Doctor Who and his latest project, Origin, which chronicles the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League. Segun shares his journey into the world of music composition, highlighting how his early experiences with various musical genres shaped his approach to sco...

In this episode of Scene This, the hosts discuss various movie releases, including their thoughts on the Golden Globes, personal movie picks, and a deep dive into the film 'Marty Supreme.' They explore character dynamics, themes of ambition and morality, and the chaotic nature of the film. The conversation also touches on other films like 'After the Hunt' and 'The Thing with Fe...

In this episode of Scene This, the hosts celebrate the first annual MOEMAC Awards, recognizing the best films of 2025. They discuss the parameters for nominations, highlight various categories including Best Costumes, Best Music, and Best Cinematography, and award winners based on their performances. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling, collaboration, and the impact of music...

In this episode of Scene This, the hosts discuss their recent movie watches, including holiday favorites and the impactful film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.' They delve into the emotional weight of the film, which addresses real-life events in Gaza, and reflect on the moral complexities of war and the importance of awareness. The conversation encourages listeners to engage with current events...

In this conversation, Mike Ornelas speaks with director Charlie Polinger and actor Everett Blunck about their film 'The Plague.' They discuss the film's themes of adolescence and bullying, the creative process behind its conception, the casting choices, and the personal experiences that influenced the story. The conversation also touches on underseen films that the guests recommend, sh...