The Filmumentaries Podcast

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Colin Goudie, a veteran film editor known for his work on 'Monsters' and 'Rogue One'. We discuss Goudie's journey from his early education in photography to his extensive career at the BBC and his transition to freelance editing. Colin shares valuable insights about the editing process, the importance of training, and the evolution of edit...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Gabriel Hardman, a comic book artist and storyboard artist. We discuss Gabriel's artistic journey, influences, and the importance of storytelling in both comics and film. Gabriel shares insights on the role of mentorship in his career, the value of comics in the film industry, and the significance of framing and emotion in visual storytel...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, known for his work on iconic films such as Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan. Rydstrom shares his journey into the film industry, influenced by silent films and the groundbreaking sound design of the 1970s. He discusses his experiences at Lucasfilm, the evolution of sound design, and the col...

Back in June 2021 I had the pleasure of speaking to prolific playwright, film writer and director John Patrick Shanley. Thanks to former guest Jim Maxwell (digital matte artist) for putting me in touch with John.  In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with acclaimed writer and director John Patrick Shanley. We explore Shanley's creative journey, from his early days of writing poet...

After chatting with Walter for Episode 30 he asked me if I was happy with what I'd got. I replied saying I wish I had asked him about Return to Oz. He kindly offered another 45 minutes on the subject, so we went ahead the following Monday and chatted for almost an hour about his directorial debut.  Murch shares insights into Disney's changing approach in the 1980s, his personal connection to the O...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with film legend Walter Murch, exploring his journey in sound design and editing. Murch shares insights from his early fascination with audio, his experiences in film school during the Vietnam War, and his influential work on iconic films like The Godfather and American Graffiti. The conversation delves into the creative processes behind sound...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Dan Perry, a legendary title designer known for his work on iconic films such as Star Wars and The Exorcist. We discuss Perry's journey into the world of title design, the evolution of the craft, and the collaborative process involved in creating memorable title sequences. Perry shares insights into the emotional and technical aspects of...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Roger Christian, the set decorator for Star Wars and art director for Alien. We discuss Christian's early inspirations, his journey into the film industry, and the pivotal moments that led him to work on Star Wars. Christian shares insights into the creative process behind the film, the challenges faced on set, and the innovative solution...

AS A THANK YOU THIS IS A BONUS EPISODE AND NOT CHARGED TO PATRONS ON PATREON.  In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview filmmaker John Lefkowitz about his documentary on Walter Murch, a renowned editor and sound designer. We discuss Murch's philosophical approach to cinema, the art of editing, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The conversation delves into personal exper...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with digital matte artist, Jim Maxwell about his journey in the film industry, the evolution of matte painting from traditional techniques to digital methods, and his experiences working at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). We discuss the importance of photo reference in creating realistic matte paintings, the challenges of working in high-r...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with film journalist and author Helen O'Hara about her book 'Women vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film.' We discuss Helen's journey into film journalism, the historical context of women's roles in the film industry, the challenges they face, and the misconceptions surrounding gender equality in Hollywood. The conversation also tou...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview director Peter McDonald, who shares his journey into the film industry, his experiences working with legendary actors and directors, and the challenges he faced while directing. McDonald reflects on his career highlights, the importance of collaboration, and the lessons learned from both good and difficult experiences in filmmaking. The di...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Madeleine Most, a second assistant camera on iconic films like The Empire Strikes Back. Madeleine shares her unique experiences as a woman in the male-dominated film industry of the 70s and 80s, discussing her journey into filmmaking, the challenges she faced on set, and the importance of women's roles in film production. The conversation...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Ivor Powell, a prominent producer and writer known for his work on iconic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien, and Blade Runner. The conversation delves into Powell's early career, his experiences working with legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott, and the creative processes behind some of the most influential fi...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Patrick McClung, a veteran in the visual effects industry known for his work on iconic films such as Star Wars, Blade Runner, and Ghostbusters. Patrick shares his journey into the world of miniature effects, detailing his early interests, experiences in the military, and eventual entry into the film industry. He discusses the evolution of...

In this episode of the Filmumentary podcast, I speak with Gavin Rothery, director of 'Archive' and visual effects supervisor for Duncan Jones's 'Moon'. We discuss Gavin's early inspirations, his unconventional path into filmmaking, and the collaborative process behind Moon. Gavin shares insights on managing expectations in the creative industry, the importance of perseverance, and the emotional ro...

In this episode of the Filmumentary podcast, I interview Joe Alves, the legendary production designer known for his work on iconic films like Jaws and Close Encounters. Joe shares his journey from a young artist to a prominent figure in the film industry, detailing his experiences in animation, live-action filmmaking, and the challenges faced during the production of Jaws. The conversation delves...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with the director of Dangerous Days (the amazing Blade Runner documentary), Charles de Lauzirika, and also Bruce Wright who works for Disney Animation. This conversation delves into the fascinating history of Blade Runner, focusing on the accidental screening of a work print in 1990 that captivated a small audience and sparked discussions abou...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I spoke to the wonderfully talented industrial designer, illustrator, concept artist and producer, Nilo Rodis-Jamero. I’ve been pretty much obsessed with Nilo’s work since I was four or five years old, after looking at The Empire Strikes Back Sketchbook and later, The Art of Return of the Jedi. Two books that I still own to this day. Nilo worked on Th...

In this episode of the Filmumentary podcast, I interview Academy Award-winning sound designer Mark Mangini. We discuss Mangini's journey into the film industry, his early inspirations, and his transition from Hanna-Barbera to sound editing. The conversation delves into the art of sound design, particularly in animation, and the collaborative process with directors like Denis Villeneuve. Mangini em...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Martin Meunier, a French visual effects artist who shares his journey from a childhood fascination with Star Wars to a successful career in the film industry. Martin discusses his early experiences in France, his move to the US, and his work on notable films like James and the Giant Peach and Starship Troopers. He reflects on the influenc...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview stunt performer Ben Dimmock, who shares insights into his career in the film and TV industry. Dimmock discusses his early influences, the rigorous training and qualifications required to become a stunt performer, and the evolution of stunt work in the age of CGI. He also delves into the pressures of performing stunts, the collaborative nat...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Paul Blake, the actor who portrayed Greedo in the original Star Wars film. The conversation covers Blake's journey into the role, his experiences on set, interactions with George Lucas and Harrison Ford, and the lasting impact of Star Wars on his career. Blake shares anecdotes about the audition process, character development, and the behi...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Marty Brennis, a veteran of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) who worked on numerous iconic films. The conversation covers Brennis's journey from working with Francis Ford Coppola to George Lucas, his contributions to motion control systems, and the evolution of technology in filmmaking. Brennis shares insights on the importance of communi...

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview J.W. Rinsler, a renowned author known for his behind-the-scenes books on iconic films. We discuss Rinsler's journey to Lucasfilm, the challenges of researching and writing definitive making-of books, and the importance of archives in uncovering hidden stories. Rinsler shares insights into navigating sensitive topics in filmmaking, the evol...