Shows
We Need to Talk About OscarGalloping through life, with 'Horsegirls' director Lauren Meyering and star Lillian CarrierWhat happens when you take a hobby that once seemed outlandish and turn it into a poignant narrative about friendship, acceptance, and personal growth? That's the heart of today's discussion with Lillian Carrier and Lauren Meyering, the creative minds behind 'Horsegirls'.Lillian shares her audition journey and the emotional depth she discovered in Margarita, a character that breaks the mold of typical autistic portrayals in media. Lauren reveals how their collaborative process allowed for richer storytelling, where every detail mattered—from character room decor to interaction nuances.2025-06-0822 min
We Need to Talk About OscarA mother-daughter tale of light and dark, with 'Honeyjoon' director Lilian T. MehrelWhat happens when grief meets paradise? Lilian T. Mehrel's 'Honeyjoon' finds profound beauty in this collision, following a mother and daughter whose contrasting responses to loss play out against the stunning backdrop of the Azores. Lilian's debut feature asks whether we can laugh while we mourn, love while we ache.She describes her characters through a yin-yang lens: where one woman chases light and humor as shields against pain, the other surrenders to shadow and sorrow. Their dynamic becomes the film's beating heart, raising questions that linger long after the credits roll.The journey to...2025-06-0720 min
We Need to Talk About OscarFighting for Love: Gianna Toboni on families vs government in 'Just Kids'Exploring the emotional landscape of parental love amidst legislative turmoil, our conversation with Gianna Toboni, director of the poignant documentary 'Just Kids,' delves deep into the heart-wrenching choices faced by families in states where gender-affirming care is under siege.In a world where government policies threaten the well-being of transgender minors, Toboni's film follows three families as they navigate the treacherous waters of life-altering decisions. The narrative isn't just a documentary—it's a raw account of resilience, showcasing the lengths to which these parents will go to secure their children's health and safety. The bond between pa...2025-06-0620 min
We Need to Talk About OscarOld school rebels and new age challenges, with 'A Bright Future' director Lucía GaribaldiLucía Garibaldi's latest film, 'A Bright Future', making its world premiere at Tribeca, offers a compelling exploration of rebellion and belonging through the lens of a South American neighborhood that feels both intimately familiar and strangely otherworldly. Our conversation with the Uruguayan writer-director delves into her distinctive approach to crafting a narrative backdrop that blends reality with surrealism, creating a world that resonates on multiple levels.What's particularly intriguing is how Lucía presents her protagonist Elisa's struggle against societal expectations as both deeply personal and universally relatable. The director shares her creative choices behind the fi...2025-06-0521 min
We Need to Talk About Oscar'We Are Pat' director Rowan Haber on how a 90s character mirrors today's gender conversationsRowan Haber's documentary 'We Are Pat' explores the intricacies of identity and representation in the film industry through the lens of Julia Sweeney's groundbreaking character Pat. As the Tribeca Film Festival premieres approach, we delve into how this character became a cultural touchstone that reflects the evolving conversation around gender non-conformity, examining its unexpected relevance in contemporary discussions of identity.Rowan's approach to the documentary embodies a refreshing blend of light-heartedness and serious inquiry, as he grapples with the balance between honoring the past and critiquing it. With a sprinkling of humor and a lot of heart...2025-06-0420 min
We Need to Talk About OscarNavigating Love and Miscommunication: The Making of 'I Don't Understand You'Navigating the choppy waters of modern communication while attempting to craft a film about it can feel like trying to tame a wild goose—an exercise in futility and occasional hilarity. Brian Crano and David Joseph Craig, the duo behind the lens of 'I Don't Understand You,' dive deep into the intricacies of their creative process. Our conversation with the two reveals how they tackled the overwhelming presence of cell phones, a modern-day nemesis that threatens to drown out genuine connection.The film's narrative dances around the absurdities of miscommunication in this hyper-connected age, all while th...2025-06-0227 min
We Need to Talk About OscarOut of place but in control: John Maclean and Robbie Ryan on 'Tornado'John Maclean and Robbie Ryan take us on an insightful journey through the creative process behind their film 'Tornado', reflecting on their decade-long collaboration that has shaped their artistic identities. We dive deep into the thematic undercurrents of their films, with a keen focus on displacement as a recurring motif.Ryan's cinematographic perspective adds a rich layer to the discussion, as he elucidates how the visual language of 'Tornado' borrows from the stylistic elements of classic Westerns and samurai films. Their exchange is peppered with references to legendary filmmakers like Kurosawa and Tarkovsky, showcasing how their influences...2025-05-3022 min
We Need to Talk About OscarBack for More: Julia Max and Ian McDonald talk 'The Surrender'We have a delightful treat for you today as we welcome back Julia Max and Ian McDonald to discuss ‘The Surrender,’ which you can now watch on Shudder. This episode is extra special because they are our very first returning guests—yes, you heard that right! Ian joined us last fall to discuss the screenplay for ‘Woman of the Hour,’ while Julia first appeared on the show when ‘The Surrender’ screened at SXSW this March.We explore the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with sharing a deeply personal story, the challenges of distributing a slow-burn horror film, and how they n...2025-05-2320 min
We Need to Talk About OscarThe Sonic Bridge: Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan on Nature, Sound, and StorytellingToday, we're diving deep into the world of sound and its uncanny ability to bridge the chasm between humanity and nature with the incredibly talented Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan! We kick off our chat with a thought-provoking observation: nature is not just a backdrop, but an active participant in our emotional narratives.As we unravel the layers of Don's latest project, 'Vox Humana', we explore how he ingeniously intertwines sound design with storytelling, turning scripts into sonic experiences that resonate on multiple levels. His approach to crafting a screenplay that almost resembles a symphony of sounds rather...2025-05-1621 min
We Need to Talk About OscarUnlocking Verona: Tim Bogart on modernizing Shakespeare's masterpieceOur deep dive into the world of 'Juliet & Romeo' brought us face-to-face with the marvels and tribulations of adapting such a revered text. Writer-director Timothy Bogart opened up about the challenges of reimagining Shakespeare's work, and we couldn't help but chuckle at how he navigated the fine line between honoring the original material and injecting new life into it.What's particularly enlightening is the discussion surrounding the modern reinterpretation of characters like Juliet, who Tim argues deserves more agency than she's typically afforded in past adaptations. He crafted a narrative that allows her and the other characters...2025-05-0921 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Emmy #21: Jo Willems breaks down the visuals of 'Black Mirror S7 - Plaything' from the 90s to 2032In our chat with Jo Willems about the fourth episode of 'Black Mirror' Season 7, 'Plaything', we took a thrilling detour into the minds of those who create the visual magic behind the screen. Jo, an engaging storyteller himself, painted a vivid picture of his long-standing partnership with director David Slade.What's particularly intriguing is how Jo approached the dual timelines of the episode, threading together the past and future with a cohesive visual narrative that captures the emotional essence of the characters. He shared some delightful anecdotes about the technical challenges they faced, especially during the trippy...2025-05-0627 min
We Need to Talk About OscarFrom Stage to Screen - Lovell Holder on the journey of 'Lavender Men'In a world where history and art intersect, Lovell Holder offers fresh insights on 'Lavender Men.' Our conversation traces the journey from stage to screen, balancing historical accuracy with personal storytelling. Lovell candidly describes being a "midwife" to Taffeta's evolution from the play's bookends to the film's protagonist.We also chat about how timing shapes Lovell's creative choices – whether he's working with film or text – and the different approaches each requires.(Photo credit: Luke Fontana)2025-05-0224 min
We Need to Talk About OscarRolling with 70 Cameras: Eugene Kotlyarenko and Barton Cortright on the wild metaverse of 'The Code'Eugene Kotlyarenko and Barton Cortright take us on a wild cinematic ride in their discussion about 'The Code’, a film that defies conventional storytelling and embraces the chaos of modern filmmaking. With a whopping 70 recording devices in play, the film transforms the act of observation itself into a central theme. Eugene's insistence on each camera serving a narrative purpose creates a rich tapestry of perspectives, challenging viewers to consider their roles as witnesses in a world dominated by digital surveillance.As we peel back the layers, we explore the film's unique commentary on our surveillance culture, where ch...2025-04-2934 min
We Need to Talk About OscarDea Kulumbegashvili & Arseni Khachaturan on framing the unseen in 'April'This week, we welcome the visionary duo behind the hauntingly beautiful film 'April' – Georgian writer-director Dea Kulumbegashvili and her longtime collaborator, cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan, known for his mesmerizing visual poetry. Together, they've crafted a cinematic experience that defies conventional storytelling while captivating audiences with its deliberate pacing and breathtaking imagery.Our conversation ranges from the magic of what's captured in the frame to the enchanting mysteries of what lies just beyond it. It's a playful yet profound exploration of perspective, where we question not just what we see, but how we perceive our very existence through the le...2025-04-2521 min
We Need to Talk About OscarFrom Film Critic to Author: Marya E. Gates on her new book - 'Cinema Her Way'Marya E. Gates, a film critic turned author, takes us on a cinematic journey through the untold stories of women filmmakers in her debut book, 'Cinema Her Way'. We explore the intricate tapestry of female contributions to cinema, uncovering countless voices and narratives that have often been overshadowed.Her decade-long quest to spotlight women directors, which began with her project 'Female Filmmakers in Focus', emerged as both a personal challenge and a passionate response to the male-dominated industry that had left her disenchanted with mainstream cinema.Through extensive interviews and profiles, Gates illuminates the artistic...2025-04-2226 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Emmy #20: ‘No1 Happy Family USA’ Co-Creator Pam Brady on crafting stories that resonatePam Brady, the co-creator and co-showrunner of '#1 Happy Family USA', joins us to share insights from her impressive career that includes hit projects like 'South Park' and 'Team America: World Police'.Our conversation explores how comedy serves as her vehicle for tackling serious themes, inviting audiences to engage with poignant moments through laughter. Pam speaks passionately about her creative partnership with Ramy Youssef and the delicate balance they've struck between humor and heart while navigating cultural representation in their show.We also dive into the evolution of her creative process, examining how the pandemic...2025-04-1823 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Emmy #19: 'The Eastern Gate' star Lena Góra on language, emotion, and expectationsThis week we're chatting with Lena Góra, the lead actress starring in 'The Eastern Gate'. We get into the nitty-gritty of her acting process with Lena, especially how she tackles different languages and all that comes with it. She opens up about how each language has its own rhythm and energy that completely transforms her performance – it's not just memorizing lines, but really living and breathing the culture behind the words.The way she preps for those epic fight scenes is seriously impressive – putting in countless hours to make every punch and movement look effortless on scree...2025-04-1515 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Emmy #18: 'Call Me Ted' - A journey through the life of a media iconCapturing the essence of an iconic figure like Ted Turner is no small feat, but in this conversation, we dive deep with Joni Levin and Keith R. Clarke, the creative minds behind the documentary series 'Call Me Ted'.Their insights reveal how they navigated the complexities of Turner’s life—from his monumental achievements in media to his personal struggles and the shadows cast by familial relationships. This isn't just a biography; it’s a journey through the highs and lows of an individual who has profoundly shaped modern media and philanthropy.Joni and Keith discus...2025-04-1142 min
We Need to Talk About OscarNo rest for the independent, with ‘Gazer’ DP Matheus BastosIn this episode, we sit down with Matheus Bastos, the cinematographer of 'Gazer', to talk about his path, intricately weaving tales of passion, creativity, and the sheer love for cinema that drew him into the world of filmmaking.We delve into the production of 'Gazer', exploring the unique challenges of a project shot over an extended timeline, which allowed for a challenging, yet fluid evolution of the narrative and characters. Matheus tells us about the importance of adaptability, revealing how the interplay of changing seasons and personal growth influenced the film's aesthetic.He also shares...2025-04-0435 min
We Need to Talk About Oscar'Audrey's Children' director Ami Canaan Mann on the timelessness of the gender gapOur conversation with 'Audrey's Children' director Ami Canaan Mann takes us on a journey that explores not just the film itself, but the essence of storytelling, particularly the responsibility inherent in portraying real lives.The film, rooted in the historical context of 1969, serves as a mirror reflecting contemporary societal issues, especially the subtle sexism that women like Audrey faced in male-dominated fields. Ami walks us through the nuances of her directorial approach while showcasing the tenacity required to bring such a meaningful story to life.(Photo: Courtesy of Blue Harbor Entertainment)2025-03-2819 min
We Need to Talk About OscarMagic in the Mundane: How 'Some Nights I Feel Like Walking' Captures Queer IntimacyDiving straight into the heart of indie filmmaking, this episode features a captivating conversation with Petersen Vargas, the visionary writer-director of 'Some Nights I Feel Like Walking', and Miguel Odron, the film's breakout star in his debut role. The film, which has taken festivals by storm from Tallinn to Glasgow, explores the intricacies of queer identities within the vibrant yet tumultuous Filipino landscape.Together, they discuss how the film's structure—set in a single night—heightens the emotional stakes, turning mundane moments into powerful reflections on life, love, and loss amidst societal chaos. As they recount their expe...2025-03-2626 min
We Need to Talk About OscarFraming fear, with 'Control Freak' cinematographer Scott SiracusanoThis week on the show, Scott Siracusano, cinematographer of 'Control Freak,' takes us behind the scenes of the nuanced process of bringing a feature film to life, especially one that builds on the eerie undercurrents of its short film predecessor. Scott shares his approach to lighting and camera movement, revealing how he crafted scenes to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense.We also discuss the technical challenges of shooting with mirrors—an innovative choice that not only enhances the film's aesthetic but also serves to deepen the audience's understanding of the characters' internal struggles. From th...2025-03-2426 min
We Need to Talk About OscarFrom Paintbrush to Camera: Bebe Dierken's cinematic focus through the ranksBebe Dierken's journey through the cinematic landscape is a tapestry woven with passion, perseverance, and a dash of serendipity. From her early days as a painter, where the still life of pumpkins nearly sent her to a creative grave, to the bustling film sets where she became a revered cinematographer, Bebe's tale is as vibrant as the frames she captures.In our chat, she shares how she stumbled upon cinematography almost by accident, discovering her love for the craft in a dark room rather than a gallery filled with canvas. With years of experience as a focus...2025-03-1825 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Emmy #17: Peter Craig adapts ‘Dope Thief’As we dive into the creative universe of Peter Craig, the mastermind behind the gripping series 'Dope Thief', we explore the intricacies of storytelling and character development that make this show a must-watch.Peter shares his passion for writing, revealing that the thrill of crafting a narrative comes from fully immersing himself in his characters' lives. He likens the process to an egoless trance, where the line between himself and his characters blurs, leading to deeply authentic portrayals of their struggles and triumphs.We also discuss the alchemy of transforming a book into a visual...2025-03-1413 min
We Need to Talk About OscarJulia Max summons Colby Minifie for ‘The Surrender’Family dynamics can be tricky to manoeuvre, but they’re absolutely worth the struggle! Julia Max's debut feature, 'The Surrender' really highlights this. The horror drama features the amazing Colby Minifie alongside the legendary Kate Burton as a mother-daughter duo, delivering a tough but captivating story for those who can handle it.As we sit down with the incredibly talented pair, Julia and Colby share their experiences in bringing this ambitious project to fruition, the expected yet still challenging production hurdles, and the covenant of care and gore involved.(Photo credits: Cailin Yatsko and Jacqueline Ha...2025-03-0923 min
We Need to Talk About OscarCam Banfield’s directorial debut makes you question ‘How Was Your Weekend?’As we kick off our coverage of this year's edition of SXSW, we welcome first-time director Cam Banfield on the show, whose short film 'How Was Your Weekend' premieres in the fest's Narrative Competition. The 9-minute film stars James Morosini stuck in the loop of dreadful Monday mornings, alongside the amazing Rachael Harris.Cam walks us through the early days of the project, the fun and challenges of shooting a Monday over the weekend, and the symphony formed by his two leads and the rest of the cast reenacting everyday horrors.2025-03-0718 min
We Need to Talk About OscarExploring family and chaos, with 'Riff Raff' director Dito MontielDito Montiel, the director of memorable films like 'Boulevard' and 'A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints', joins us for a riveting chat about his newest project, 'Riff Raff'. The film features a star-studded line-up, including Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Bill Murray, and many more, which only adds to the intrigue of this film that delves into the chaotic yet beautiful world of family dynamics. Montiel’s storytelling is rooted in his personal experiences, particularly the familial bonds he formed in the punk rock scene of his youth.Throughout our conversation, Dito shares his process of bringing the ch...2025-02-2819 min
We Need to Talk About OscarBrace yourselves for 'Lockjaw'Slamdance is one of those festivals where the voices of the future become the voices of the present! One of the buzziest titles in this year’s lineup is Sabrina Greco’s directorial debut, ‘Lockjaw,’ starring Blu Hunt as Rayna, the main character wearing braces that are the physical manifestation of the titular situation one and a half months after a DUI.But the physical damage is only what’s on the surface. We embark on dissecting the entire affair with the director and star of the refreshingly 77-minute-long film.From the spark that ignited the idea o...2025-02-2127 min
We Need to Talk About OscarLured into injustice, with the co-director and cinematographer of ‘A Lien’With the final voting for this year's Academy Awards underway, we bring you a short film that's thematically as timely as it gets. 'A Lien' chronicles a far too common and unjust tearing apart of a family in the midst of the father's immigration process.The 15-minute short is directed by brothers David and Sam Cutler-Kreutz, and today we are joined by Sam and cinematographer Andrea Gavazzi to discuss the baffling situation, the personal stories behind it, and the multi-faceted nature of the family's separation.(Photo credit: Andrea Gavazzi)2025-02-1419 min
We Need to Talk About OscarJarin Blaschke brings color to the world of 'Nosferatu'The unsurprising surprise hit of late 2024 - early 2025 was undoubtedly Robert Eggers’ gothic horror retelling of Nosferatu. The familiar story of Count Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, is captured from a fresh perspective, through the eyes and nightmarish life of Ellen, played by Lily-Rose Depp. The two are accompanied in their gory ventures by other talented actors, including Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.The not only thematically but visually striking piece is lensed by none other than the director’s go-to collaborator, cinematographer Jarin Blaschke. Thanks to Jarin joining us on this episo...2025-02-1116 min
We Need to Talk About OscarMaria Bakalova reconciles with grief in ‘O Horizon’Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova took Hollywood and the world by storm as Tutar in 2020's Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, and her choices ever since have lived up to that. Whether playing a vital role in Halina Reijn and A24's first venture, Bodies Bodies Bodies, voicing Cosmo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, or just last year playing Ivana Trump alongside Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice, she also finds time for passion projects like Triumph, her home country's Oscar submission this year, and today's topic of discussion, O Horizon.During our conversation, Maria tells us...2025-02-0919 min
We Need to Talk About Oscar‘Magic Hour’ captures actors Miriam Shor and Josh Stamberg in a different lightFestival season is in full swing, and this time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Miriam Shor and Josh Stamberg, the stars of Magic Hour, Jacqueline Christy's directorial debut, which premieres at this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival.Miriam, who you might know from Younger, and Josh, who starred in Fleishman Is in Trouble and WandaVision, discuss the evolution of their acting careers, the relationships they have built with the characters they've portrayed over the years and decades, as well as the benefits of working with a first-time director.2025-02-0616 min
We Need to Talk About OscarDrew Hancock realizes AI in 'Companion'We're not used to seeing refreshing, high-quality movies (other than intended Oscar palyers) hit theatres in January, or as some like to call it, Dumpuary. Of course, there are always exceptions, like Paddington 1 and 2, Split, or Cloverfield.This January, on the brink of February, writer-director Drew Hancock’s feature debut, Companion, joins that list. The romcom-esque sci-fi thriller, starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, undeniably brings a fresh perspective to one of the most pressing topics of our time.Drew is more than just a promising new voice in the industry. In our conversation, he sh...2025-01-3115 min
We Need to Talk About OscarVera Drew revisits the early days of 'The People's Joker'As we rapidly approach the 40th Independent Spirit Awards, you'll hear a few conversations with this year's nominees. One of them is comedian, writer, director, and star of her own feature debut: Vera Drew!In our conversation with her, she shares the ups and downs of bringing The People's Joker to life—a film that defies not only genre but all expectations. Beyond that, Vera takes us on a trip down multiverse lane, dissects the character, the very idea of the Joker and all it represents, and much more!2025-01-2922 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Sundance #3: The unintentional intentions in ’Rains Over Babel’One of the few things the pandemic couldn’t put a stop to was creativity. Our next guest is a perfect example: first-time director Gala del Sol, who began developing her debut feature during a time of great uncertainty.Gala’s incredibly ambitious Rains Over Babel premieres at Sundance in the NEXT section, offering something fresh and new while working within a familiar story and structure.In our conversation, we discuss the birth and evolution of the film, the importance of our upbringing, and how intentional the Dante adaptation was.(Photo credit: Gala del Sol Film...2025-01-2719 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Sundance #2: The search for ‘LUZ’Three worlds, three dimensions? Not necessarily... However, director Flora Lau’s interpretation of the search for something both on a physical and spiritual level is exactly what we get to witness in Flora’s second feature LUZ.To up the ante, we haven’t been joined by this many guests before, as this time, in writer-director Flora Lau, producer Yvette Tang, actresses Sandrine Pinna and Huang Lu, and composer Mimi Xu.In our conversation with them, the group reflects on the physical manifestation of the previously cited search in the form of a deer, connecting different places and wo...2025-01-2623 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Sundance #1: One of a kind 'By Design'We could write endlessly about why you should look out for Amanda Kramer's By Design, but we’ll let the film’s synopsis speak for itself: “A woman swaps bodies with a chair, and everyone likes her better as a chair.” Honestly, what more do you need to strap in and watch this hour and a half long film starring Juliette Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, and narrated by Melanie Griffith?!Like all films, there are two sides to the story: one behind the camera and one in front of it. We had the incredible opportunity to speak with both Amanda K...2025-01-2555 min
We Need to Talk About OscarChris Sullivan visits Soderbergh’s Hollywood in ‘Presence’Even though this year’s edition of the Sundance Film Festival has just kicked off, today marks the release of one of the buzziest titles from last year’s festival. We’re talking about none other than one of the two Steven Soderbergh movies to see the light of day (well, actually the silver screen), the technically ingenious, thematically spooky Presence!Our guest today is someone who you might know from TV shows such as This Is Us or The Knick, and films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. In Soderbergh’s newest, actor Chris Sullivan plays a husband...2025-01-2419 min
We Need to Talk About OscarEd Lachman and a cinematographer’s spatial awarenessAs far as the art of cinematography goes, few are as accomplished or, dare I say, as revered as Edward Lachman. A frequent collaborator with Todd Haynes and a former partner to Paul Schrader and Steven Soderbergh, Ed has left an indelible mark on the craft.Today, we’re discussing Maria, the Angelina Jolie-led drama that marks Ed’s second collaboration with Chilean auteur Pablo Larraín following El Conde. The film, centered on the infamous opera singer’s final days, came with its share of challenges, demanding but, as you might expect, solvable.In our con...2025-01-2028 min
We Need to Talk About Oscar'September 5' director Tim Fehlbaum on the weight of historyIt’s one thing to make a film about tragic historical events, but it’s another to depict them gracefully and objectively. This is exactly what director Tim Fehlbaum, his crew, and the stellar ensemble of Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch set out to do in the movie September 5.During our sit-down with Tim, he shared what led him to his third feature, his connection to the 1972 Munich events, his approach to directing this incredibly talented cast, and the complexities of the emotional and technical sides of the story.(Photo credit: Jürgen...2025-01-1616 min
We Need to Talk About OscarShea Whigham breaks out of characterVery few actors possess the level of versatility and underappreciation as Shea Whigham. From starring in indie gems like Wristcutters: A Love Story and Take Shelter to blockbuster franchises such as Mission: Impossible and acclaimed TV shows like Boardwalk Empire, Shea’s range is undeniable.Last June marked the Tribeca premiere of his team-up with Carrie Coon for Jeffrey Reiner’s crime dramedy Lake George, where Shea plays Don, a white-collar ex-convict who forms an unlikely alliance with Phyllis, played by Coon.We can also see Shea in 2025’s first major Netflix release, the miniseries American Primeval, where...2025-01-0923 min
We Need to Talk About OscarHow ‘The Brutalist’ cinematographer Lol Crawley moved what's immobileYou probably know by now that we wouldn’t even risk not talking about the unexpected yet glorious return of VistaVision, with none other than The Brutalist cinematographer Lol Crawley!Brady Corbet’s third feature’s been the talk of the town ever since it’s buzzy Venice premiere and Silver Lion win.Lol tells us not only about his approach to photographing buildings, but what makes his collaboration with Brady go, and we even try to define the undefinable: beauty.(Photo: Courtesy of A24)2025-01-0725 min
We Need to Talk About OscarHow DoP Jomo Fray’s camera joined the act in ‘Nickel Boys’Our coverage of one of 2024's most masterfully crafted films wouldn’t be complete without the mind responsible for executing its extraordinary visual language. So, with that, we present our breakdown of Nickel Boys, featuring cinematographer Jomo Fray.Among other things, Jomo tells us about how he is choosing projects, the evolution of the film’s unique look and the creative process behind it, as well as the subsequently obvious, yet unexpected challenges the team faced along the way.2025-01-0248 min
We Need to Talk About OscarRina Yang fights the battle of perception in ‘The Fire Inside’2024's final episode features cinematographer Rina Yang, who joins us to discuss her work on The Fire Inside, the debut feature from cinematographer-turned-director Rachel Morrison.In our chat, we dig into the challenges of capturing the inspiring yet painfully real story of boxer Claressa Shields, from adapting to the Flint, Michigan setting to incorporating different lighting techniques into the story and production.Rina also shares insights on avoiding sport biopic clichés, creating an authentic visual language, and the connections between her and Shields’ journey.(Photo credit: Tram Kolluri / MGM Studios)2024-12-3017 min
We Need to Talk About OscarThe brutal art of indie filmmaking with Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, co-directors of 'Los Frikis'The Peanut Butter Falcon, you remember that one, right? Well, the directing duo of Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson are back with Los Frikis! And what’s more punk than staying in the world of indies instead of chasing a big studio deal?In our in-depth conversation with the two, we dive into the creative decisions behind their follow-up to their debut feature, their choice to take a universal story to early ‘90s Cuba, and the ever-evolving (but not always for the better) landscape of independent moviemaking.(Photo credits: David Alan Harvey / Los Frikis)2024-12-2546 min
We Need to Talk About OscarExploring emotions through the lens of cinematographer Cambio in 'Daughters'We don't talk enough about the cinematography of documentaries. But we should. And this time, we did.Daughters premiered in January at Sundance and was released on Netflix in August. The film, co-directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, centers on and follows four young girls preparing for a special Daddy-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers. This event is part of a unique fatherhood program in a Washington, D.C. jail. For most of these girls, the dance is their only opportunity to touch or hug their fathers during sentences that, in some cases, span as long as 20...2024-12-2034 min
We Need to Talk About OscarWe Need to Talk About Emmy #16: The cinematography of ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’The series adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude has captivated audiences for a week now in its highly anticipated series adaptation. While a story of this scale requires time to fully absorb, we’ve got a little “nudge” to help you dive deeper: our interview with the TV show’s cinematographers, Maria Sarasvati Herrera and Paulo Perez.In this conversation, they take us behind the scenes, sharing not only the journey of bringing the show to life but also their personal reflections on reading the novel and envisioning its world, plus cross-border...2024-12-1823 min
We Need to Talk About OscarInside the Control Room of 'September 5'To start the week strong, we sit down with cinematographer Markus Förderer and production designer Julian M. Wagner to discuss their work on Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5.The duo shares their initial reactions to the script, how they approached the sensitive subject of the Munich massacre, and the extensive research that went into their technical and material decisions, in order to ensure that the gravity of the event is honored with precision.2024-12-1632 min
We Need to Talk About OscarDirecting and portraying the cross-generational tragedy of 'Nickel Boys'After its world premiere in late August at the Telluride Film Festival, the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel, Nickel Boys has taken festivals, awards season, and audiences by storm over the past few months.We had the opportunity to sit down with writer-director RaMell Ross after a screening and Q&A of the film at the Camerimage Festival, where it played as part of the Directors’ Debut Competition. Then, a week before RaMell’s masterpiece (yes, you read that right) releases in a limited number of theaters, we connected with the two leads, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson...2024-12-1338 min
We Need to Talk About OscarCo-writer Clint Bentley on exploring the reality of ‘Sing Sing’Our coverage of Sing Sing is far from over! Why would it be? Awards season has just begun!This week, we’re joined by the film’s co-writer and producer, Clint Bentley. After his feature directorial debut, Jockey, Clint passed the director’s chair to his longtime collaborator, Greg Kwedar.In our conversation with Clint, we explored his and Greg’s working relationship, its dynamics, the delicacy and profound impact of Sing Sing, and the many ways art can help us heal and survive.2024-12-0621 min