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- 2020–Podcast EpisodeDavid Jonsson talks to Film Forums about his journey as a young, up and coming, actor. From being on report in his East London school, to being selected for a Warner Bros. scholarship at RADA, to landing a series' regular role on the new BBC/HBO series, 'Industry'. David tells all.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeLauren McCann, the writer and director of 'Girl Boxer', discusses the fine lines of morality in life and film with presenter and actress, Aiysha Jebali. Lauren wrote the gritty series' proof of concept which explores the ethics of when it may be tempting to take a life and whether or not extenuating circumstances make a difference. 'Girl Boxer' tells the fascinating story of a struggling single-mother lured into the underground boxing ring by the Irish mob - however - the real question is, why her? --- Film Forums Podcast focuses on the people of film and how they have put their work in the public eye with success. We ask all your burning questions about screenwriting, pitching to studios, raising finance, submitting to BAFTA qualifying film festivals, distribution, marketing and more. We are interested in all aspects of the film industry from independent to blockbuster - all can find a home at Film Forums. We interview directors, actors and screenwriters about movies starring the likes of Sean Young (Blade Runner), Barry Primus (The Irishman, American Hustle), Jason Biggs (American Pie, Orange is the New Black), and Eduardo Sanchez (The Blair Witch Project).
- People say that your soundtrack is one third of your film - so why is it so often overlooked by independent filmmakers? Film Forums' Aiysha Jebali discusses what narrative music 1really is and why it is so important in the film industry with accomplished movie composer Andrew S. Markus from 4scoreand7music. Andrew also tells us how established men like him are supporting women in film and other under represented groups, by working at cost for the right projects, via his new initiative: The Equity in Film Program.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeWe're delighted to bring you this interview with the charming and wonderfully talented Ferdinand Kingsley, who plays Irving Thalberg in the latest masterpiece by director, David Fincher. Mank (2020, Netflix) is set in old Hollywood and centres around the elite circle that were running MGM at the time Herman J. Mankiewicz was developing Orson Welles' masterpiece Citizen Kane (1941). Accomplished actor Ferdinand Kingsley, son of actor Ben Kingsley and theatre director Alison Sutcliffe, speaks directly to his fellow actors about how he carved out his own path in the performing world. It really wasn't as easy as you may assume. He discusses the criticality of training, the difference between film acting and theatre performance, his childhood behind the curtain and his preparation process for playing a character with such a contrasting worldview and actions taken, such as, Thalberg. This highly accomplished MGM film producer, played by Kingsley, became known for delivering the world's first mainstream "fake news", disguised as service announcements and documentary style clips in cinemas. Irving Thalberg produced these "news" segments using out of work actors and they were played at the beginning of most of his blockbuster movies, in order to influence the vote of the masses towards the Republican party.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeAt the time of publishing, the pilot episode of Boy*Friends (2020) has reached an incredible 1M views on YouTube!Isaiah Frizzelle plays Dom in the comedy series written by Noam Ash and Austin Bening, a show that follows two roommates, one gay and one straight, navigating their way through university to adulthood. Isaiah talks about how he got involved in the project and his hopes for the series in the future...Accomplished yet humble, actor and writer Isaiah Frizzelle also talks about the importance of having a solid support network while we embark on our creative journey as filmmakers. Isaiah touches on working closely with his friends such as fellow actors Kazy Tauginas (John Wick, The Equalizer 2) and Freddy Giorlando (Standing Eight), regarding them as family.Isaiah can also be seen in many award-winning independent films, such as, Standing Eight (2016) for lupus awareness and Terminal Legacy: Lost Souls (2016). Frizzelle's The Bird Brain Podcast can be found on major podcast platforms.
- American actress, producer and recording artist, Tamela D'Amico joins presenter Aiysha Jebali for another insightful episode of the Film Forums Podcast. D'Amico takes us through her amazing career in the performing arts from an early age, all the way to her recent outlook-altering experience in the Cannes selected Indian film One Little Finger (2019) by Rupam Sarmah. This eye-opening film follows a neurologist (played by Tamela D'Amico) as she gives up everything to study music therapy in India. D'Amico's character helps the differently abled come together through music and alters their, and her own, perception of what it means to be "disabled".
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeNot too many people can tell you that they've directed Bruce Willis on the set of Die Hard. Movie director John Suits can - albeit in a 2 minute commercial for some batteries. Before that, John had the opportunity to work with the legendary actor in Breach (2020) an action-packed, Sci-fi thriller. Ironically, the movie features the escape of humankind from a devastating plague on Earth - In this episode of the Film Forums Podcast we talk with John about the making this movie and why the characters played by Bruce Willis et al should really have worn masks at the beginning of the film. We also discuss the interest on movies about viruses during the Coronavirus pandemic, what he wishes he'd known when he first started out as a filmmaker, and so much more.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeUSC School of Cinematic Arts graduate and successful filmmaker, Braden R. Duemmler, reveals what he has learned over the years - from being a student at a prestigious top-tier film school to producing his own cinematic horror What Lies Below (2020) and how it gained full distribution with Saban Films. Duemmler walks us through the most important aspects of filmmaking, how he handled his budget and how he made the connections necessary to get his film off the ground. What Lies Below (2020), starring American Beauty's Mena Suvari, is a science fiction horror that follows a 16 year-old girl as she returns home from camp. Her mother has a new boyfriend, one she is set to marry; a man whose charm, intelligence and good looks set him apart from the rest. Is he really all that he seems?
- 2020–Podcast EpisodePolitical exile and award-winning filmmaker, Nadira Murray, tells Film Forums' Aiysha Jebali exactly what inspired her cinematic rendition of the UK former "Fast Track" deportation system in her film Locked In (2017). When we think of such a topic as detention centres and deportation, we often expect to see it in a documentary format. This can sometimes feel quite detached and almost cold. We may even be less connected to the very raw subjects featured than we are to the characters in a far less realistic Sci-Fi movie. It was this knowledge and Murray's personal love of cinema that spurred her on to bring the stories of so many in suffering to life in a narrative film with characters we could relate to. Her RADA training and strong acting background meant that Nadira was dedicated to finding the right people to tell this important story via crucial casting efforts. Not to mention, it has been over 16 years since Nadira herself has been able to return home to Uzbekistan, since fleeing for political protection. Nadira knows this story all too well and has stood hand-in-hand with many others who are new to the UK and desperately trying to navigate our seemingly complex immigration systems in order to literally save their own lives.
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeThat difficult question: How to Fund an Independent Film? The truth is, there are many routes and here we discuss some of the biggest ones with Jeffrey A. Brown - independent filmmaker of The Beach House (2019/II), distributed by AMC Network's Shudder. Just a few things you could consider for raising capital to fund your indie movie: . Create a pitch deck . Pitch to studios from a film treatment, synopsis or film script . Approach independent financiers with your pitch at any stage of the filmmaking process . Try crowdfunding using JustGiving, GoFundMe, IndieGoGo, Kickstarter or any of the other fantastic platforms out there . Self-fund or partially self-fund using your own savings . You could create a proof of concept and use it as a visual pitch for studios, independent financiers and/or crowdfunding .Enter film festivals with your proof of concept and network while there . Collaborate with other producers to bring together the capital, labour or equipment you need to make your movie. There really are just so many options. We hope you enjoy hearing how Jeffrey A. Brown got his film, The Beach House, funded and the financing routes he explored. Most of all, we hope his filmmaking journey gives you some ideas and inspiration that can be applied practically. Jeffrey A. Brown is an NYU Film School graduate who gained 50+ credits on well-established film sets before embarking on his feature film debut. After gaining experience, he is truly going from success to success with is independent filmmaking career, as his film takes cinemas and OTT distribution platforms by storm. THE BEACH HOUSE LOGLINE: 'A romantic getaway for two troubled college sweethearts turns into a struggle for survival when unexpected guests - and the surrounding environment - exhibit signs of a mysterious infection.'
- 'What happens when unresolved trauma comes to the surface?' This is one of the central questions that motivated the development and creation of If Not Now, When? (2019) a directorial debut from Tamara Bass and Meagan Good. Here, at the Film Forums Podcast - actor, writer and producer Tamara Bass talks to fellow filmmaker, presenter Aiysha Jebali about breaking barriers for women of colour through powerful storytelling and resisting stereotypes. A self-confessed introvert, Bass explains how acting has provided an outlet and mode of expression, the empowerment of setting up a production company, and the struggles of raising finance to make a movie focused on black female characters. That determination to tell this story her way has led to an authentic, well-crafted and beautifully produced movie about love, forgiveness and the incredible bond between women.
- Episode: (2021)2020– 15mPodcast EpisodeHorror, though highly commercial, is a genre which has struggled for originality in recent years, perhaps more than any other genre. Often relying on jump scares, extreme levels of gore and the same old settings - audiences have been crying out for something fresh and exciting. Shawn Linden's Hunter Hunter (2020) gives horror fans a fantasy twist that they didn't know they were begging for. Our very own Pete Straley spoke with Shawn Linden, the writer/director of Hunter Hunter (2020) as he discussed the intense experience of filming in extreme conditions, the relief of working with a stellar cast and the challenge of making the transition from screenwriter to director. The incredibly humble and talented independent filmmaker was more than happy to share his filmmaking journey with us at Film Forums and such a pleasure he was to have on the show. Hunter Hunter Logline: "Joseph and his family live in the remote wilderness as fur trappers, but their tranquility is threatened when they think they are being hunted by the return of a rogue wolf, and Joseph leaves them behind to track it."
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeKeanu Reeves, Wesley Snipes, Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock? Oh - and don't forget Denzel Washington - What would you give to work alongside any of these Hollywood acting stars? To learn from them, maybe even sit next to them on a film set and suggest to them that the scene they just filmed was going to be the shot for the movie's icon poster - in this case, John Wick (2014)? Actor, producer and writer Kazy Tauginas can tell you all about it. He's been there and done it on films such as The Equalizer 2 and Dolemite Is My Name (2019). Yet rather than letting his ego rise and his head graze the clouds, his feet remain firmly on the ground. Kazy graduated film school at the New York Film Academy where he started building his filmmaking network, participating in a Q&A with the late Christopher Plummer, as well as Melissa Leo who was nominated for an Academy Award at the time. A solid foundation, then, for what was to come. Having worked on set with Hollywood icons, Kazy Tauginas is able to provide a fascinating insight into how to make it as an actor. Kazy's advice to aspiring filmmakers comes from a place of hard work, determination and natural acting talent, alongside screenwriting and producing work. He also has the perspective of having worked as a restauranteur and amateur boxer prior to making it as an actor and filmmaker in Hollywood. Kazy's award winning short film, Standing Eight, is about professional boxer, Dusty Abrams who is forced to retire and contend with life outside of the ring after being diagnosed with lupus. Proceeds from the film will go to help fund lupus research.
- Episode: (2021)2020–Podcast Episode'Every director and producer worth their salt understands how important editing is' says Jim Page, a film and television editor with over 15 years of experience and counting. The list of clients that this impressively accomplished video editing professional will leave beginner editors of film salivating - Most won't get anywhere near the likes of ITV soap Coronation Street and BBC's EastEnders, alongside award-winning films like No More Wings (2018) and work for brands such as Samsung and Disney as well as documentaries for Discovery and other major TV channels. In this in-depth interview, video editing guru Jim Page talks about a previous lack of self confidence, losing his way and starting from the bottom of the ladder, to getting the chance to work on projects with increasing prestige. His advice includes not worrying about dropping money you probably don't have on expensive equipment, take any job you can to begin with, and the art of video editing itself. A must-watch for anyone looking to become an editor in the film and TV industry from this Berlinale Talent alumnus.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeWhat Liam O'Donnell has achieved with Skylines is just about every film students' dream - What started out as a completely independent film venture, based heavily on the locations they happened to have access to, has grown into a treasured series of science fiction action movies. All three films are available on either Netflix, Amazon or iTunes and star huge names such as Lindsey Morgan, Rhona Mitra, James Cosmo and Alexander Siddig. The trilogy's director Liam O'Donnell shares his filmmaking secrets with presenter and actress, Aiysha Jebali as they discuss everything from writing the treatments to post production spending and everything else in-between. These films certainly pack a punch with phenomenal stunt artists from The Raid (2011), James Bond: Skyfall (2012) and Captain Marvel (2019), alongside actors like Daniel Bernhardt and Cha-Lee Yoon being willing and more than capable of doing their own action sequences too. Logline: "When a virus threatens to turn the now earth-dwelling friendly alien hybrids against humans, Captain Rose Corley must lead a team of elite mercenaries on a mission to the alien world in order to save what's left of humanity."
- 2020–Podcast Episode2019's Joker was a dark, twisted journey into the origins of one of pop culture's greatest villains, brought to life through an Oscar-winning Joaquin Phoenix performance. The film inspired many unique and wonderful pieces of artwork, and it was one such piece which grabbed our attention here at Film Forums. Glen Stone, illustrator and a self-confessed Batman super-fan, produced a fantastic piece which drew such acclaim Warner Bros. used it on the Italian Blu-Ray Collector's Edition. After coming across Glen's work on social media, Film Forums creator Richard Williams simply had to cheekily ask for an interview. Thankfully Glen, already a huge film fan, met the invitation with a thumbs up and a smile as big as the Joker's.
- Given his glossy and professional appearance, the conventional good looks and confident showreel, you'd be forgiven for suspecting Freddy Giorlando might be overly confident or perhaps even a little arrogant. However, as you'll see from this interview, Freddy is pleasant, warm and articulate, very generous with his time and considered in every answer he gives. We discuss the art of acting, producing and filmmaking, including his journey from HB Studio in New York City where he openly talks about coping with anxiety at film school and acting classes. Freddy explains what drives him to commit to so many different humanitarian and creative networking projects, such as Engage The Vision, The Creatives Mixer, and The Creators Writing Room, as well as starting the uniquely named Shicken Productions. Freddy appeared in the short film Standing Eight (2016) with fellow actor and writer Kazy Tauginas to help raise lupus awareness. Proceeds from the film will go to help fund lupus research.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeMike P. Nelson is the director of the newest instalment of a classic horror franchise, with Wrong Turn (2021). The film follows a group of friends as they hike the Appalachian Trail. When they stray from the path, they stumble upon an isolated community who have lived there for hundreds of years and will go to any length to protect their way of life. In this interview, filmmaker Mike talks with Aiysha Jebali about his journey breaking into the film industry; from working in a grocery store and filming weddings, to making his first feature film with MGM. The key to his success? No matter what he was doing, he never stopped creating. Be sure to watch until the end as Nelson shares valuable tips for film students and aspiring filmmakers, including how to work with studio executives and retain your creative vision for a film project. Wrong Turn (2021) is available on VOD, Digital, DVD and Blu-ray from 23rd February 2021. Starring Matthew Modine (Stranger Things (2016 - ), Full Metal Jacket (1987), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Adain Bradley (The Bold and The Beautiful (1987 - ) , All American (2018 - ), Bill Sage (Orange Is The New Black (2013 - 2019) and Charlotte Vega (Warrior Nun 2020 - ). What did we think of the Mike P. Nelson's take on the horror franchise we hear you say?
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeAfter he graduated from the Montreal Film School, Hicham Hajji spent a year working on high profile music videos. He then ventured to Morocco where his filmmaking career began in earnest, working on feature films as a first assistant director. Founding his own production company in 2008 in Morocco, Hicham has since opened a branch in Los Angeles where he now resides. Hicham has worked as a line producer on films such as Werner Herzog's Queen of the Desert (2015) starring Nicole Kidman, James Franco and Robert Pattinson. His directorial debut Redemption Day (2021) had awards bestowed upon it long before its release and was quite the gamble for Hicham, as he staked all of his finance on the movie. The man is nothing if not committed. In this fascinating interview, Hicham and presenter Aiysha Jebali discuss the challenges of shooting on location in North Africa, how Ocean's Eleven (2001) star Andy Garcia came to be involved, and what advice he would give to aspiring filmmakers. Redemption Day (2001) also stars Gary Dourdan (CSI Investigation (2000 - 2015)), Serinda Swan (Inhumans (2017), Ballers (2015 - 2019)), Ernie Hudson of Ghostbusters (1984) fame and Martin Donovan who featured in Christopher Nolan's Tenet (2020).
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeBorn in Seoul, South Korea, Brian A. Metcalf (WGA, PGA, DGA, VES, ASCAP) is an Asian-American, award-winning filmmaker (writer, director, producer and actor). In this interview, Brian talks us through the creative process for making his most recent film, Adverse (2020), a drama/thriller that he produced, directed, wrote and acted in. Brian explains how he and his filmmaking team managed to bring in a large ensemble cast with Academy Award® Nominees Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), Sean Astin (Lord of The Rings, Stranger Things), Golden Globe® Nominee Lou Diamond Phillips, Golden Globe® Nominee Penelope Ann Miller and more. Adverse (2020) was picked up by Lionsgate's Grindstone Entertainment and is available now on VOD, Digital and DVD.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeSeth Savoy began his directing career by intentionally using short films to hone his craft of filmmaking, before attempting to make a feature film to full scale with a reasonably-sized budget. Once Savoy had built his confidence with his award-winning short films, he and his writing partners started working on a true events-inspired screenplay during his undergraduate degree at Columbia College, Chicago. Every great film begins with an attention-grabbing screenplay and that's exactly what Seth Savoy, Jason Miller and Kevin Bernhardt wrote. Long before what would become Echo Boomers (2020) starring Michael Shannon, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Alex Pettyfer, Hayley Law and Lesley Ann Warren, were remote video calls between these up-and-coming filmmakers to co-write a film which went on to win the 2015 Sundance Film Festival Screenplay Pitch of the Year Award-winning script. Despite a strong start with promising interest raised at Sundance Film Festival 2015 and directly among distributors and studios alike - it nonetheless took several years to get everything and everyone required to make Echo Boomers (2020) the roaring success that it is. The film not only hosts a captivating plot, great direction and cinematic film editing but it is told through diverse characters played by some of the hottest next-gen millennial talent on the acting scene. Here on the Film Forums Podcast, director/screenwriter Seth Savoy doesn't shy away from the very real challenges of getting an independent debut feature film funded and produced to a standard that would attract large-scale distributors like Saban Films.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeAiysha Jebali is a passionate and staggeringly motivated actor, voice artist, poet and writer from Aberdeen in Scotland. Before Aiysha joined Film Forums as a presenter and contributor, she talked to platform creator Richard Williams about her diverse roots and journey into independent filmmaking. Jebali reveals how her time in LA via Learn in the Sun's training course and travelling around the world helped to shape her as a person and an actor, as well as boosting her self-confidence. She offers her views on whether budding actors should undertake formal training in their craft or get life experience first. She also talks with incredible passion about why she became involved in fellow Scottish filmmaker David Lawson's first film, A Clockwork Heart (2020) and explains how she approached this short film with virtually no words of dialogue which resulted in great reviews from several independent critics.
- Medalion Rahimi is a US-born actor based in Los Angeles, California. Her family immigrated from Iran when she was young. She attended the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television and can now be found on blockbuster CBS show NCIS: LA where she plays agent Fatima Namazi. NCIS: Los Angeles stars television household names such as: Chris O'Donnell as G. Callen LL Cool J as Sam Hanna Daniela Ruah as Kensi Blye Barrett Foa as Eric Beale Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks Renée Felice Smith as Nell Jones Linda Hunt as Hetty Lange In this in-depth interview with Film Forums' presenter Aiysha Jebali, Medalion discusses working her way up the film and tv industry ladder; from working in commercials and indie film projects, to landing parts in bigger productions like Princess Isabella in ABC's Still Star-Crossed (2017), and guest appearances in Jane The Virgin, Criminal Minds, New Girl and NCIS. A must-watch for any aspiring actor, especially female actors from an ethnic minority background, to draw inspiration from.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeNoel is a director and writer whose debut feature film, Lie Low (2019), was made on a micro-budget (shoestring doesn't even begin to cover it) over 13 days in UK and France. Lie Low (2019) is available on Amazon Prime and surpassed the million streamed minutes mark on Amazon during summer 2019. This is a genuinely fascinating insight into the filmmaking process, the challenges of shooting a movie on such a small budget, as well as some great advice for budding writers and directors.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeA former New York agency model, Nicole Russin-McFarland is one of the most compelling interview subjects we have ever had on the show. Having amassed an impressive social media following, Nicole has developed her online brand and is now a credible film director and film score composer, as well as an animator subverting the conventions of her craft. At the time of the interview Nicole had commenced classes studying special effects via the Stan Winston School to prepare herself for a future directing studio films. Her preconceptions and fears about film schools were, in this instance, thankfully unwarranted - At times enigmatic, Nicole makes for an intriguing and candid guest who has had a decorated career in the entertainment business to date. Notably, Nicole discusses some of the ugly realities of her experiences in 'showbiz', as a model and journalist, and later as an aspiring filmmaker. It is testament to her that she remains inspired and driven by the success stories of the likes of Hans Zimmer, John Williams and James Horner, as well as directors like James Cameron and Peter Jackson.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeGallo is a man of many creative talents, including screenwriting, filmmaking, producing and painting. Since writing his first feature film, Wise Guys (1986), he has been involved in a number of successful movies including Golden Globe nominated Midnight Run (1988), and Bad Boys (1995). His most recent film, Vanquish (2021), follows a former drug courier played by Ruby Rose (Orange is the New Black) as she is forced back into a dangerous criminal underworld by a corrupt cop played by Morgan Freeman (Shawshank Redemption) in order to save her daughter. In this fascinating interview with Richard Williams and Aiysha Jebali, director George Gallo discusses how the two worlds of filmmaking and painting intersect, what it's like to work alongside Morgan Freeman, and how hurricanes and the Covid 19 situation halted the filming of Vanquish (2021). He also gives advice to aspiring filmmakers on the importance of having fun while making a film and allowing the film to exist without you.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeFrench-Canadian actress Jessica Malka talks us through her fascinating career, from her early beginnings in Quebec to moving to the US and seeking further opportunities in Hollywood. From regular TV appearances such as on the long-running Providence (2005 -) to more recent short films, LA Psycho (2018) and RE-Artists (2019), we discuss the work involved in finding a project, as well as advice for budding actors, such as acting unions and union work.
- Klaus is not your typical actor. Whilst many struggle with side hustles to support themselves during a long-term struggle to find work in the acting profession, Kyle has gone in another direction with more of a jet-set lifestyle. Whilst he's jumped on the long-haul flight that is the film industry alongside others in the acting fraternity, he's anything but a passenger. For Kyle is also a successful entrepreneur with his own YouTube channel; he opened his first real estate business back in 2012 and has since become a retailer and restaurateur. One wonders how he fits acting in at all. Oh, and did we mention he writes and produces, too? Among his acting credits includes roles in Homeland (2011 - 2020), Standing Eight (2016), Billions (2016 -), The Last O.G. (2018 - ), Happy. (2017 - 2019) and The Blacklist (2013 -). In the following lengthy interview, Klaus gives us a great insight into his experiences of becoming an actor, securing roles and getting his work seen. We also discuss his love-hate relationship with agents, how the pandemic encouraged video-call casting and, of course, his many business interests. (PS. He's done the actor bartending thing too by the way...)
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeScreenwriter Emma Needell has had a long wait for success but is now living the dream. After countless rejections, submissions, and evening classes, her script for family-friendly, coming-of-age fantasy adventure The Water Man (2020) brought her six figures up front, plus a cut of the movie's profits. It actually took Emma over seven years to get from the first words on the page to this point. Inspiring stuff for any aspiring screenwriter struggling in front of a blank page or a blinking cursor right now. The Water Man (2020) movie features Hollywood stars David Oyelowo and Rosario Dawson, with none other than Oprah Winfrey as Executive Producer. In this interview, Emma provides a fascinating insight into the world of screenwriting, providing tips on what to focus on, the realities of crafting a script for the screen, and how important budget is to have in mind when you commit your imagination to the keyboard. The Water Man (2020) is out 7th May 2021 in US theaters and will be available soon on Netflix.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeIn a rare opportunity to learn about the filmmaking process, we bring you an exclusive Q&A with the executive producer of Oscar-nominated Netflix movie The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). Aiysha Jebali sits down with film producer Ryan Donnell Smith to find out what exactly a movie producer does and how to become one on big budget films like his. Have you ever wondered: Why are so many movies filmed in Atlanta, Georgia? What are the tax benefits for filmmakers shooting in Georgia? What are the different types of film producers? What does a line producer do? How do I become a movie producer? We cover all this and more as we discuss the business of filmmaking with the executive producer of Academy Award-winning director Aaron Sorkin's Netflix film. Winner of a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay, The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) tells the true story of the trial against civil rights activists and anti-Vietnam war protestors in 1969. This group of individuals all protested against the Vietnam War at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Their main charge was conspiracy to incite a riot, even though most of the accused were, in fact, not connected previously. A monumental and politically-charged trial took place under President Nixon's presidency and is remembered for the farce it became. The film stars Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden, Alex Sharp as Rennie Davis, Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman, Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin, John Carol Lynch as David Dellinger, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale, Ben Sherman as Leonard Weinglass, Mark Rylance as William Kunstler, Danny Flaherty as John Froines, Noah Robbins as Lee Weiner and Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeHow do you make a high quality movie on a micro budget? Filmmakers Hedy Wong and Hisonni Johnson have answered this question with Take Out Girl (2020), about Tera Wong (played by Hedy), who delivers Chinese food for her mother's struggling restaurant in Los Angeles. She takes a job from a local drug lord to move "product" in an attempt to free her family from poverty, crime and their violent surroundings. Hissoni Johnson and Hedy Wong talk to us about the importance of believing in yourself as a filmmaker, how you don't need to have all the answers when you write an outline, and offer tips and tricks on how to create a feature film that looks like a studio movie on a 'zero budget'. The moviemaking duo provide a fascinating insight into the process of shooting the movie, scouting locations, and and submitting the movie to competitions, even before the film had been finalised, for the purposes of feedback. Wong, who has appeared in music videos with the likes of Chris Brown and Lil Wayne, was ready to shelve her script for Take Out Girl (2020). As fate would have it, she crossed paths with creative artist Johnson, who has made a name for himself for making films on a very low budget with outstanding results. Hisonni Mustafa Johnson is a talented writer, director, actor, and cinematographer - in fact, if you check the credits for the film, you'll see just how involved Johnson was and get some idea as to how many creative strings he has to his bow. TAKE OUT GIRL is out now on VOD and Digital.
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeSiow is a professional actor, voice artist and songwriter. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he is of Malaysian Chinese heritage and is based in London. In this interview Derek offers advice and encouragement for aspiring actors, and talks about the importance of staying positive whilst on your acting journey. Overcoming countless rejections and audition failures, Derek has appeared in Hollywood movies including Angel Has Fallen (2019), The Capture (2019) and Zero Dark Thirty (2012), as well as being one of the main characters in the television comedy animation series The Skinner Boys (Season 1 and 2).
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeVikash Bhai is persistent. When he knows what he wants, he's willing to do what it takes. Vikash Bhai tells our presenter how he auditioned 7 times for the role of Farhad, one of the main characters in Ben Sharrock's BAFTA-nominated comedy-drama Limbo (2020). The films centres on four asylum seekers who are staying on a remote island in Scotland, taking cultural awareness classes, whilst waiting for their refugee claims to be processed.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeJoshua Schubart had a difficult childhood, growing up homeless and in the foster care system. In this inspiring interview, he shares his harrowing journey to becoming a professional actor and how his experiences have empowered him. He discovered acting in his early teens when his foster parents put him into Catholic School. Those school plays led to professional theatre performances and then film and what started out as an escape from his day to day challenges and childhood traumas became his passion and long-term career. Joshua attended the Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and got a BA in acting from Stony Brook University. After his studies, he fully immersed himself in acting, writing, directing and is building his reputation as a hardworking and talented creative. He was a recurring actor on the television series The Tick (2017 - 2019), starring Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy, 2014) and has recently written, produced and is acting in After (2021) for IFT Network.
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeGatewood is a director, writer and actor whose debut narrative feature Good on Paper (2021), starring Iliza Shlesinger, is out on Netflix. This contemporary romantic comedy shines a light on the darker side of dating and is based - at least in part - on Shlesinger's real-life experiences. In this in-depth interview with us, Gatewood explains how important it is to keep going as a filmmaker, her struggles of trying to make it as an actor, and provides advice for aspiring filmmakers. Kimmy's other credits include Glow (2017), The Baby-Sitters Club (2020) and Atypical (2017).
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeDahlstrom is an actress and producer whose credits include Grey's Anatomy (2005 - ), Silicon Valley (2014) and Life in Pieces (2015). Tammy is a cast member of the TBS series Miracle Workers (2019 - ), alongside Hollywood acting talent such as Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter film series) and Steve Buscemi (Fargo, Reservoir Dogs, Monsters Inc). In this interview she talks about her acting journey, from starting out at the tender age of 3, to getting spots in high profile TV shows and acting alongside some of the biggest names of the industry. Unsurprisingly, Tammy has a lot of great advice to offer aspiring actors looking to embark on a career in the film and TV industry.
- 2020–Podcast Episode
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeJack C. Newell is a writer, director, producer, actor, and public artist. He is the co-creator of Destroy Your Art and the public art project, The Wabash Lights. It soon becomes clear in this interview with Newell that he is a thoughtful filmmaker, considered in his answers and straight talking. He has a lot of great advice for aspiring filmmakers, and up-and-coming actors, with tips on the auditioning process for the acting community. Jack also emphasizes the importance in believing in your own contribution to the filmmaking process. Believe in your story. What do you have to bring that no-one else does? Questions answered: What is a director looking for at an audition? Should I be brave and go off-book? Is film school really worth it? How do I get finance for my indie film? It's all here and so much more... Jack's feature film credits include 42 Grams, Open Tables, Hope Springs Eternal, and the quirky-comedy, Monuments. Newell's films have been featured on Netflix, Amazon, and IMDbTV, as well as the Austin Film Festival, Sidewalk Film Festival, Bend Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival and Newport Beach Film Festival.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeLaura Ellen Wilson is a multi-award-winning British actor, director and writer, as well as a black belt martial artist from Lancashire, England. In this interview, aspiring actor and Film Forums presenter Millie Hayward asks Laura for advice to pass onto other emerging actors. What's the best way to find acting work and network? How can you use social media to your advantage as an actor? What should an actor be looking to do first to get into the industry? It's all here and lots more. Laura stars in In Bluebell Wood (2021), a short film also featuring Ruby Thompson, Ilirian Bushi and Olivia Maiden. In 2017, Laura began her career in front of the camera and has since taken on leading and starring roles in feature films worldwide, including the UK, Bulgaria, Romania and the US. She is also a screenwriter.
- 2020–Podcast EpisodeOur guest is Aharon Keshales, a writer, director and producer from Israel. Back in 2013 Quentin Tarantino said Aharon's film Big Bad Wolves was his pick for movie of the year. Not bad going. Aharon's latest film, South of Heaven stars Jason Sudeikis, who plays a convicted felon who gets early parole after serving twelve years for armed robbery. Upon his release, he vows to give his love, the dying Annie (played by Evangeline Lilly), the best last year of her life - unfortunately it's not that simple.