Shows
Life in the Credits134 Children of Men with Filmmaker Ben RekhiBen Rekhi, Filmmaker, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Children of Men, a 2019 sci-fi thriller film. Ben shares what it’s like having a career as a writer, director, and producer of feature and documentary films. He discusses interning with Roger Deakins on O Brother, Where Art Thou?, working in film finance at IM Global, and winning Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor at the 2021 Gawad Urian Awards as well as Best Actress at the 69th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for Watch List. Ben plays our “Evil Plans” game.
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2024-09-041h 01Life in the Credits109 Shrek 2 with Digital and Social Producer Alisha ZafarAlisha Zafar, Digital and Social Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Shrek 2, a 2004 animated comedy. Alisha shares what it’s like having a career as a producer on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She discusses the experience and network she gained while in the NBCUniversal Page Program, how the digital team maintains the voice of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert across social media platforms, and filming the digital segment “Feature Film Faves” with Ben Schwartz. Alisha plays our “Catch That Reference” game.
Follow Alisha on Instagram @alishasafari, Twitter @alisha_zafar, Tiktok @alisha.zafar, or her websit...
2023-11-0258 minLife in the Credits100 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Superbad, and Predator with ‘Go Flix Yourself’ and ‘The Ten to One’ Hosts Brad Oman, Ben Konowitz, and Nate LoucksBrad Oman, Ben Konowitz, and Nate Loucks, hosts of the podcasts Go Flix Yourself and The Ten to One, join Susan and Ben to discuss three films: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Superbad, and Predator. Brad, Ben and Nate discuss launching Go Flix Yourself as well as The Ten to One, which showcases their mutual love of SNL. They describe how to build culture among the hosts and listeners. They explore the important role that movies have in their lives, the joy that fan feedback brings them, and how to identify a podcast niche. Everyone competes in multiple...
2023-08-051h 20Life in the Credits094 John Wick 4 with Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director Scott Rogers and Stunt Coordinator Stephen DunlevyScott Rogers, Stunt Coordinator and 2nd Unit Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss John Wick 4, a 2023 neo-noir action thriller. Scott shares a stunt coordinator's responsibilities, how he designed and directed the Arc de Triomphe sequence, how Director Chad Stahelski’s background in stunts elevates the John Wick franchise, and shooting an historic driving scene with Keanu Reeves. Scott plays our “Wicked Stunts” game.
Stephen Dunlevy, Stunt Coordinator, joins Susan and Ben to share a stunt coordinator's responsibilities, what it meant to watch The Matrix shoot while bartending as an 18-year-old in Sydney to then work as a stun...
2023-06-1053 minLife in the Credits093 Licorice Pizza with Illustrator and Artist Kat ReederKat Reeder, Artist and Illustrator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Licorice Pizza, a 2021 comedy-drama. Kat shares what it’s like having a career as an illustrator and portrait artist. She discusses how her Peruvian background and life in Hawaii inspire her work, booking Licorice Pizza based off her Instagram, designing the movie poster without knowing the title or cast, and winning a CLIO award. She also shares her experience working with the incredible creative team behind the movie, attending the Licorice Pizza premiere, meeting Paul Thomas Anderson, and seeing her artwork all over Los Angeles. Kat plays our “Paul...
2023-06-0252 minLife in the Credits092 1923 with Artistic Director Lesly KahnLesly Kahn, Artistic Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss 1923, a 2022 drama series. Lesly shares what it’s like having a career as an acting teacher and coach in Los Angeles and globally. She discusses how her first teaching job drastically changed her life, the differences between teaching and coaching actors, how a well crafted TV show can transport the viewer to another time and place, and the importance of creating your own content. She also dissects Helen Mirren’s monologue in 1923. Lesly plays our “Movie Monologues” game.
Follow Lesly Kahn on Instagram and Twitter @leslykahn or IMDb. Le...
2023-05-2651 minLife in the Credits091 The Queen’s Gambit with Music Editor Tom KramerTom Kramer, Music Editor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss his work on The Queen’s Gambit, a 2020 television series. Tom shares what it’s like having a career editing music for Avengers: Endgame, Ladder 49, and Mulan (1998). He discusses how music editing fits into the production schedule, how to experiment when “temping a film,” some of the more unique edits he’s done, and traveling globally with the Fantasia 2000 live orchestra. Tom also provides behind-the-scenes insights on the music of The Queen’s Gambit. Tom plays our “Movie Games” game.
Follow Tom on IMDb. Watch Chupa and The Queen’s Gamb...
2023-05-2044 minLife in the Credits090 Pinocchio with Supervising Director and President of the Animation Guild Jeanette Moreno KingJeanette Moreno King, Supervising Director and President of the Animation Guild, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, a 2022 animated film. Jeanette shares what it’s like having a career working on animated shows like Little Demon with Danny Devito and Aubrey Plaza. She discusses starting in an Austin, TX animation studio as a key assistant animator on Space Jam, the most common feedback she gives to animators, the importance of union membership, and premiering Little Demon at San Diego Comic Con. Jeanette plays our “Movie Alter Egos” game.
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2023-05-1250 minLife in the Credits089 Weird: The Al Yankovic Story with Composers Zach Robinson and Leo BirenbergZach Robinson and Leo Birenberg, Composers, join Susan and Ben to discuss Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, a 2022 biographical comedy. Zach and Leo share what it’s like writing and performing music for film and TV. They discuss starting their career working with Christophe Beck on films like Frozen, Ant-Man, and The Peanuts Movie, how they compose music together, what it means to write a music spec, and the challenge of writing music for nostalgic shows like Cobra Kai. We also learn behind the scenes insight into the music of Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Zach and Leo play ou...
2023-05-051h 01Life in the Credits088 SNAG with Actor David ZayasDavid Zayas, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss SNAG, a 2023 action thriller. David shares what it’s like having a career and preparing for roles as an actor in theater, TV, and film. He discusses his experience on the set of SNAG, the great camaraderie between the cast and crew, and the challenges of filming 9,000 feet above sea level. David also talks about starting his career at New York's LAByrinth Theater Company, learning from other actors on the sets of Oz, and launching Primitive Grace Theater. David plays our “SNAGged It” game.
Follow David on Instagram @zz_nyc...
2023-04-2631 minLife in the Credits087 Freaks and Geeks with CBS' SVP, Late Night Programming, West Coast Nick BernsteinNick Bernstein, CBS' SVP, Late Night Programming, West Coast, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Freaks and Geeks, a 1999 TV series. Nick shares what it’s like having a career overseeing TV shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden, Carpool Karaoke, and Tuning Out the News. He discusses working on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno while in the NBC Page Program, wrapping up The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Linda Cardellini signing his Freaks and Geeks yearbook. Nick plays our “Future Projects” game.
Follow Nick on Instagram and Twitter @bernsteinnick or IMDb. The La...
2023-04-211h 00Life in the Credits086 Amélie with Writer and Showrunner Michael JaminMichael Jamin, Writer and Showrunner, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Amélie, a 2001 romantic comedy. Michael shares what it’s like having a career as a television writer for sitcoms like Beavis and Butt-Head and Tacoma FD, how a writers’ room operates, and the different writers’ room roles. He discusses showrunning challenges, touring for his upcoming book, A Paper Orchestra, starting his podcast, Screenwriters Need to Hear This, and laughing with Norm Hiscock for an entire week while they wrote the King of the Hill episode, “Bobby Goes Nuts.” Michael plays our “Foreign Film Face-off” game.
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2023-04-1337 minLife in the Credits085 Mank with Gaffer Danny GonzálezDanny González, Gaffer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Mank, a 2020 biographical drama. Danny shares what it’s like having a career in the lighting department for movies, TV, and commercials. He discusses the process of building a lighting design for a show, the difference between lighting on a sound stage versus on location, executing a particularly difficult scene on the set of Devotion, and filming on Hawaii on the deck of Queen Anne’s Revenge from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides during a huge storm. We also get a behind the scenes look into Danny’s work o...
2023-04-0658 minLife in the Credits084 Spinning Gold with Cinematographer Byron WernerByron Werner, Cinematographer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Spinning Gold, a 2023 biopic. Byron shares what it’s like having a career as a cinematographer and director of photography in film, commercials, and music videos. He discusses winning a VMA for "Best Rock Video" on Coldplay’s “Orphans,” the importance of good communication on a film set, and the joy from working on a movie that celebrates his favorite music from the last 50 years. Byron reveals behind the scenes insights on the making of “Spinning Gold” and how his experience with music videos influenced the film. Byron plays our “Pick the Biopi...
2023-03-3045 min
Life in the Credits083 Blade Runner with Writer and Director Bill MarsiliiBill Marsilii, Writer and Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Blade Runner, a 1982 sci-fi action film. Bill shares what it’s like having a career as a screenwriter for film and TV. He discusses crafting catchy loglines as a thespian in New York, working with Terry Rossio on the script for Deja Vu, writing for Courage the Cowardly Dog, and finding the best resources for finding film festivals. He also tells us about his surreal experience talking about soft shell crabs with his parents and Denzel Washington hanging out in front of a time machine. Bill plays our “Spac...
2023-03-1752 minLife in the Credits082 Trust with Standup Comedian, Writer, and Host Ophira EisenbergOphira Eisenberg, standup comedian, writer, and host, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Trust, a 1990 romantic dark comedy. Ophira shares insights into her career hosting NPR’s Ask Me Another, starting her own podcast Parenting is a Joke, and discovering her love of storytelling while working on The Moth. She also talks about doing shots with Patrick Stewart at The Bell House NY and the joys of having her memoir, Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamy, optioned for film. Ophira plays our “Filmagories” game.
Follow Ophira on Instagram and Twitter @ophirae or IMDb. Find out more about...
2023-03-1055 min
Life in the Credits081 Heat with Stunt Coordinator and Performer Daniel StevensDaniel Stevens, stunt coordinator and performer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Heat, a 1995 action movie. Daniel shares what it’s like having a career performing and coordinating stunts for action movies. He discusses being a stunt double for actors like Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, sneaking onto sets to meet stunt coordinators when he first moved to LA, shooting a complicated car chase on the set of “Extraction,” and getting a compliment from Steven Spielberg on the set of “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Daniel plays our “Heating Up” game.
Follow Daniel on Instagram @danielstevens1, TikTok @danielstevensstunts or IMDb.
2023-03-0444 min
Life in the Credits080 Mannequin with Associate Program Manager Mimi SanouvongMimi Sanouvong, Associate Program Manager, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Mannequin, a 1987 romantic comedy. Mimi shares what it’s like having a career on the business side of the entertainment world. She discusses starting as an executive assistant for Ian Sander at Sander/Moses Productions, working as a production assistant with Andy Samberg and Maya Rudolph, landing her Funny or Die role, and finding excuses to talk to Ryan Gosling when he visited the office. Mimi plays our “Lesser Known Work” game.
Follow Mimi on LinkedIn and check out slingshotconnections.com. Find out more about Comediology at com...
2023-02-2447 min
Life in the Credits079 The Grand Budapest Hotel with Visual Effects Artist Ryan RossRyan Ross, Visual Effects Artist, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Grand Budapest Hotel, a 2014 comedy. Ryan shares what it’s like having a career as a Compositor in film, television, and music videos. He discusses working on visual effects for @LilMiquela, a virtual instagram influencer, delving into stop motion animation on Henry Selick’s Wendell & Wild, and the process of adding digital effects to live action footage. He also talks about his experience on Ant Man and Wasp: Quantamania and The Mandalorian while working at Digital Domain. Ryan plays our “Which Wes Is It?” game.
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2023-02-1648 min
Life in the Credits078 Set It Up with Director of Development Isabel SchultzIsabel Schultz, Director of Development, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Set It Up, a 2018 romantic comedy. Isabel shares what it’s like having a career developing animated programming for Frederator Studios. She discusses her role in the creative process of a show, the importance of deeply knowing your characters when pitching to studios, and finding out her latest project sold to Hulu while vacationing at a villa in France. Isabel plays our “Actor Movie Actor Movie” game.
Follow Isabel on Instagram @isabeleveschultz and @nofurtherquestionsimprov as well as on LinkedIn.
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2023-02-1046 min
Life in the Credits077 This is 40 with Writer and Producer David WildDavid Wild, Writer and Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss This is 40, a 2012 comedy. David shares what it’s like having a career as a Peabody and Emmy award-winning writer and producer. He discusses falling into a career as a TV writer while working for Rolling Stone, getting a last minute call to help LL Cool J at the US National Tree Lighting Ceremony, and starting the Naked Lunch podcast with Phil Rosenthal. He also discusses asking Trevor Noah to present at the Grammys while they sat next to each other on a plane and provides behind the sc...
2023-02-0251 min
Life in the Credits076 Videodrome with Chief Technology Officer Ruslan KhamidullinRuslan Khamidullin, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Filmustage, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Videodrome, a 1983 horror sci-fi film. Ruslan discusses his career as the CTO of a film technology startup. He shares what it was like using machine learning to develop script breakdown software, the challenges of starting your own company in an old-school industry, and finding out at the 2022 Berlin Film Festival that Star Wars set decorator Roger Christian used Filmustage on his latest project. Ruslan plays our “Special Effects” game.
Follow Ruslan and Filmustage on Instagram @filmustage or LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/rusl...
2023-01-2638 min
Life in the Credits075 In The Loop with Production Supervisor Billy GleesonBilly Gleeson, Production Supervisor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss In The Loop, a 2009 comedy. Billy shares what it’s like having a career as a production supervisor for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He discusses how he realized he wanted to work in late-night television after interning with Conan O’Brien. He also discusses starting his entertainment career with the Seattle Seahawks football team, using his “Starting Up In Television” LinkedIn group to help improve representation in the industry, and managing cue cards in the middle of the NYC street for Stephen Colbert and The Late Show's resident...
2023-01-201h 02
Life in the Credits074 The Goonies with CEO David CarpenterDavid Carpenter, CEO of Gamiotics, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Goonies, a 1985 adventure comedy. He discusses his time as a producer on Broadway in NYC, the process of developing the Gamiotics tool which increases accessibility and interactivity in the theater space, and the challenges of designing The Twenty-Sided Tavern, a “choose your own adventure” show. David plays our “Classic Quotables” game.
Follow David on Instagram @GamioticsStudios and gamiotics.com. The Twenty Sided Tavern plays in Chicago until January 15. Find ticket information and future tours of the show at thetwentysidedtavern.com.
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2023-01-1145 min
Life in the Credits073 Everything Everywhere All at Once with Writer-Producer & Showrunner David SteinbergDavid Steinberg, Writer-Producer and Showrunner, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Everything Everywhere All at Once, a 2022 action-adventure comedy. Dave shares what it’s like having a career as a Writer, Producer, and Showrunner for tv and film. He discusses the process of pitching a show to a network, being the showrunner for Netflix’s No Good Nick, the difference between a show in development and a show that's greenlit, and how incredible it was walking onto the stage of #NoGoodNick during filming. Dave plays our “Movie-verse Jumping” game.
Follow Dave on Instagram & Twitter @davidhsteinberg or IMDb. Get scree...
2022-12-2948 min
Life in the Credits072 Darby and the Dead with Composer Roger NeillRoger Neill, Composer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Darby and the Dead, a 2022 comedy fantasy. Roger shares what it’s like having an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning career composing music for television, movies, and video games. He discusses writing music for King of the Hill, how crafting music changes based on the content, performing at the Hollywood Bowl with Air and the LA Philharmonic, and being a member of the Academy for Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He also provides behind the scenes insight into composing the music for Darby and the Dead. Roger plays our “Break That Four...
2022-12-2353 min
Life in the Credits071 Kissing Jessica Stein with Writer and Producer Hannah RothblattHannah Rothblatt, Writer and Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Kissing Jessica Stein, a 2001 romantic comedy. Hannah shares what it’s like having a career as a Digital Producer on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. She discusses crafting digital content that matches the voice of a show’s host, maintaining a work-life balance in a job that requires her to keep up with the news, and casting her grandma in a field piece for Full Frontal. Hannah plays our “Sounds Like Love” game.
Follow Hannah on Instagram @babkabebe or IMDb.
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2022-12-2149 min
Life in the Credits070 The Crow with Vice President of Production and Development Justin VesciJustin Vesci, Vice President of Production and Development, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Crow, a 1994 action drama. Justin shares what it’s like having a career as the Vice President of Production and Development at PZAJ. He discusses how he selects stories and projects for development, the growing film scene in Nashville, seeing his project “2 Hearts” become a #1-watched-movie on Netflix, and driving Keanu Reeves home from the set of Street Kings. Justin plays our “Big Bads: 90s Edition” game.
Follow Justin @lvfstdieawesome on Instagram, IMDb or LinkedIn. Check out more of his work at pzaj.com.
2022-12-0839 min
Life in the Credits069 Deep Water with Comedian Sara SchaeferSara Schaefer, Comedian, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Deep Water, a 2022 thriller. Sara shares what it’s like having a career as a writer and stand up comedian. She discusses writing for “unscripted” television, getting her own talk show ‘Nikki and Sara Live’ on MTV, and the process of recording a half hour special on Comedy Central. Sara shares how she gets into the voices of the hosts she’s writing for, writing for Netflix’s History of Swear Words with Nicolas Cage, and developing her first solo show “Going Up.” Sara plays our “I Wouldn’t Call It Romance” game.
2022-12-021h 01
Life in the Credits068 Love and Basketball with Platform Operations Manager Natalie KocekianNatalie Kocekian, Platform Operations Manager, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Love and Basketball, a 2000 romantic drama. Natalie shares what it’s like having a career working in brand partnerships and consumer products. She discusses her trajectory at Lucasfilm, the difference between a brand partnership and a product placement, and transitioning to her current role at YouTube. She also shares how it feels to see fans react to “The Force Awakens” trailer at her first Star Wars Celebration Convention and seeing her first Star Wars credit roll across the screen while being with her father. Natalie plays our “One On One”...
2022-11-1750 min
Life in the Credits067 Deborah with Writer and Director Noga PnueliNoga Pnueli, Writer and Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Deborah, a 2022 sci-fi dark comedy. Noga shares what it’s like having a career as a writer and director of feature length films. She discusses what it means to write a script on spec, getting to see a live reading of her script with Molly Ringwald and Parker Posey, and the importance of finding a community of writers. She also shares what it was like shooting her movie Deborah in 6 weeks while holed up with the cast and crew in Utah. Noga plays our “Movie Machines” game.
Foll...
2022-11-1050 min
Life in the Credits066 Medieval with Writer and Director Petr JáklPetr Jákl, Writer and Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Medieval, a 2022 action drama. Petr shares what it’s like having a career as an actor, writer, and producer in the Czech Republic and the United States. He discusses his start as a stunt performer in movies like xXx (Triple X) and Bad Company, how his father’s work in film and as a Judo competitor inspired Petr’s career in both, accidentally hanging up on Luc Besson, his experience directing Medieval with Michael Caine and Ben Foster, and his passion for showing the beauty of the Czech R...
2022-10-2751 min
Life in the Credits065 The Incredibles with Showrunner and Executive Producer Rich RosenthalRich Rosenthal, Showrunner and Executive Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Incredibles, a 2004 animated action adventure. Rich shares what it’s like having an Emmy and James Beard award winning career as the showrunner for Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. He discusses getting his start as a production assistant working on commercials, becoming an executive producer on Adult Swim’s ‘Children’s Hospital’, transitioning a show from PBS to Netflix, and getting to travel the world eating delicious food with his brother Phil Rosenthal. Rich plays our “Somebody Feed the Movies” game.
Follow Rich on IMDB. Watch “Som...
2022-10-2049 min
Life in the Credits064 Rambo: First Blood Part II with Filmmaker Sam HargraveSam Hargrave, Filmmaker, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Rambo: First Blood Part II, a 1985 action film. Sam shares what it’s like having a career as an action movie director and stunt performer. He discusses his most recent experience directing Extraction 2 starring Chris Hemsworth, his path from stunt performer to director, stunt doubling for Chris Evans as Captain America, and how action sequences contribute to storytelling in a film. We also take a question from our Patreon subscriber Ben Konowitz. Sam plays our “Action Faction” game.
Follow Sam on Instagram @samhargrave or IMDB.
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2022-10-121h 00
Life in the Credits063 Abominable and the Invisible City with Composer George ShawGeorge Shaw, Composer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss "Abominable and the Invisible City," a 2022 Dreamworks animated series. George shares what it’s like having a career as a composer for film, TV, YouTube, and video games. He discusses how “Back to the Future” kick-started his passion for film scores, auditioning as a composer, working with the Composer Diversity Collective, and crafting musical themes for "Abominable and the Invisible City" characters. George plays our “Heard That One Before” game.
Follow George on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @georgeshawmusic or IMDB. Learn more about George’s music at georgeshawmusic.com and lnk...
2022-10-0541 min
Life in the Credits062 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with Screenwriter LeLe ParkLeLe Park, Screenwriter, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, a 2019 drama comedy. LeLe shares what it’s like having a career as an emerging screenwriter. She discusses developing a limited series with Jim Vendiola for WB Discovery’s OneFifty program, her process for getting into character when writing, the value of having a mentor, and finding out she got representation with Verve while burning her Hello Fresh meal. LeLe plays our “Turn of Phrase: Tarantino Edition” game.
Follow LeLe on Instagram @lelepark100, Twitter @LeLePark05 or IMDB. Learn more about her project ‘Argus’ wit...
2022-09-2147 min
Life in the Credits061 Rush with ‘In the Points’ Co-Hosts Matt D’Auteuil and Stefano SodanoMatt D’Auteuil, Co-Host and Producer, and Stefano Sodano, Co-Host, of ‘In The Points’ Podcast, join Susan and Ben to discuss Rush, a 2013 action drama. Matt and Stefano share what it’s like creating their podcast “In The Points.” They get us up to speed on the world of Formula 1 racing, discuss how adding a third host helped the dynamic of the show, and how they divide up the workload of a weekly podcast. We also weigh the pros and cons of using a Formula 1 car to rob a bank. Matt and Stefano play our “Actor Movie Actor Movie” game.
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2022-09-151h 03
Life in the Credits060 Do the Right Thing with Actor & Writer Timothy DavisTimothy Davis, Actor & Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Do The Right Thing, a 1989 comedy-drama. Tim shares what it’s like having a career as an actor and writer in theater, film, and television. He discusses originating the role of Del in the play Cowboy Versus Samurai, navigating nudity in a theatrical performance, and his first day playing Chef Ryan on Billions. Tim plays our “Filmagories” game.
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2022-09-101h 10
Life in the Credits059 When Harry Met Sally with Comedian Abbi CrutchfieldAbbi Crutchfield, Comedian, joins Susan and Ben to discuss When Harry Met Sally, a 1989 romantic comedy. Abbi shares what it’s like having a career as a comedian, host, and writer in New York. She discusses getting her start at College Humor, interviewing celebrities for People, developing and hosting Up Early Tonight, and opening for Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall. Abbi plays our “When Susan Met Abbi” game.
Follow Abbi on Instagram & Twitter @curlycomedy or IMDB.
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2022-09-0159 min
Life in the Credits058 Dumb and Dumber with Entertainer Bryce Read and Creator & Joy Bringer Ian VytlacilBryce Read, Entertainer, and Ian Vytlacil, Creator & Joy Bringer, join Susan and Ben to discuss Dumb and Dumber, a 1994 comedy. Bryce and Ian share their TikTok series, “Bryce and Ian watch a Movie and Discuss while Eating Fish and Chips.” They discuss coming up with the series idea, the TikTok creation process, Ian’s acting in the play Kitties in Space, and Bryce’s directing in Portal-Prov, his weekly sci-fi improv show. We also learn where to eat bottomless fish and chips in Chicago. Bryce and Ian play our “Picture Palace Pairings'' game.
Follow Bryce on Instagram @Bryce1984...
2022-08-2549 min
Life in the Credits057 Minding the Gap with Andrea Lytle Peet and Director Brian BeckmanThis special episode is available in video form with captions on our YouTube channel. Andrea Lytle Peet and Director Brian Beckman join Susan and Ben to discuss Minding the Gap, a 2018 documentary. Andrea and Brian share what it’s like creating the independent documentary, “Go On Be Brave.” Andrea discusses her experience as the documentary’s subject, her contributions to the film’s story, and the challenges ALS presented leading up to her 50th marathon. Brian discusses how he and Miriam, his Co-Director and wife, balance work responsibilities, select final footage from three years of filming, and fund an indie docu...
2022-08-171h 04
Life in the Credits056 Minions: The Rise of Gru with Assistant Associate Producer Ana BretonAna Breton, Assistant Associate Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Minions: The Rise of Gru, a 2022 animated film. Ana shares what it’s like having a career as an assistant associate producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She discusses getting her big break on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, filming a Full Frontal segment in her hometown of Mexico City, and making a reality show about women running for office. We then dig deep into the Minions universe. Ana plays our “Supervillain or Super Spy” game.
Follow Ana on Instagram @bretonana, Twitter @missbreton or IMDB. Find out mo...
2022-08-0444 min
Life in the Credits055 The Way We Were with Writer and Producer Cindy BegelCindy Begel, Writer and Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Way We Were, a 1973 Romantic Drama. Cindy shares what it’s like having a career as a tv comedy writer for Laverne and Shirley, Happy Days and Married with Children. She discusses writing her first Lavern and Shirley script for a graduate school assignment, how to capture an established character’s voice, and making Robin Williams laugh while writing on Mork and Mindy. Cindy plays our “Who Am I?: Sitcom Edition” game.
Follow Cindy on Twitter @cindybegel or IMDB.
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2022-07-2847 min
Life in the Credits054 Hana-bi (Fireworks) with Editor and Producer John L. RobertsJohn L. Roberts, Editor and Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Hana-bi (Fireworks), a 1997 crime drama. John shares what it’s like having a career as an editor in TV and film. He discusses how much of a show is written in the editing room, mentorship from Tom Rolf and Carol Littleton, joining the Star Trek universe, and the high demand for editors in Hollywood. John plays our “Silver Screen Cops and Robbers” game.
Follow John on Instagram @john.l.roberts or IMDB. Check out his fiction writing at johnneylamar.com.
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2022-07-201h 04
Life in the Credits053 A Place in the Sun with Actor and Writer Jack MerrillJack Merrill, Actor and Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss A Place in the Sun, a 1952 romantic drama. Jack shares what it’s like having a career as an actor in film, television, and theater. He discusses meeting and working for David Mamet shortly after graduating from NYU, co-founding the legendary NYC theater company Naked Angels, and his passion for performing live on stage. Jack plays our “Trial and Error” game.
Follow Jack on Instagram @jackymerrill or IMDB.
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2022-07-1552 minLife in the CreditsRepost: Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse with Graphic Designer and Animator Liv SenghorLiv Senghor, Graphic Designer and Animator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse, a 2018 animated film. Liv shares what it’s like having a career as a graphic designer on late night tv with Seth Meyers, Amber Ruffin, and Hasan Minhaj. She also describes helping build the Amber Ruffin show from the ground up, working on daily versus weekly shows, and becoming extremely familiar with politicians’ faces while animating them. Liv plays our “Bad Plans” game.
Follow Liv on Instagram @liviosah, on LinkedIN or IMDB.
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2022-07-0846 min
Life in the Credits052 Hoop Dreams with CEO Mike FarahMike Farah, CEO, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Hoop Dreams, a 1994 documentary. Mike shares what it’s like having a career as the Chief Executive Officer at Funny or Die. He discusses Will Ferrell and Adam McKay hiring him as a Producer at Funny or Die, making internet videos with Jerry O’Connell during the writer’s strike, how the pitch experience can remain positive even when getting rejected, and evolving Funny or Die from a production company to an independent studio. Mike plays our “Cinema Synonyms” game.
Follow Mike on Instagram and Twitter @mike_farah or IMDB.
2022-06-2944 min
Life in the Credits051 After Hours with Editor Daphne Gómez-MenaDaphne Gómez-Mena, Editor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss After Hours, a 1985 dark comedy. Daphne shares what it’s like having a career working as an editor on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. She discusses moving to New York City and faxing her resume to every production house she could find, becoming an accidental rockstar as a member of Avenue D, transitioning from editing to post production while at The First 48, and the difference between editing scripted versus unscripted shows. Daphne plays our “Lesser Known Work” game.
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2022-06-2350 min
Life in the Credits050 Keeping Company with Writer, Producer, and Actor Devin Das and Writer and Director Josh WallaceDevin Das, Writer, Producer, and Actor and Josh Wallace, Writer and Director, join Susan and Ben to discuss Keeping Company, a 2021 horror comedy. Devin and Josh share what it’s like having a career in the independent film industry. They discuss working in comedy production at Funny or Die, how to get started making an indie film, the importance of finding your process when writing as a team, and the unbelievable feeling of sitting in a movie theater watching your own movie. They also reveal behind the scenes insights from filming Keeping Company. Devin and Josh play our “Here’s to 5...
2022-06-0946 minLife in the Credits049 The Thing and The American with Master Framer and Owner Lance and Janet SawyersLance Sawyers, Master Framer and Owner, and Janet Sawyers, Office and Event Coordinator, of Studio 71 Frame Shop, join Susan and Ben to discuss two films: The Thing, a 1983 horror, and The American, a 2010 action drama. Lance and Janet share what it’s like having a career in the “gifts and mementos” domain of the entertainment industry. They discuss taking framing to the next level by focusing on the skateboard and comic book industries, combining artifact preservation with artistic display, framing an original photo of Pancho Villa, creating a piece for Sam Hargrave for The Avengers, and traveling the country buildi...
2022-06-0146 min
Life in the Credits048 The Proposal with Actress and Singer Kerry FrancesKerry Frances, Actress and Singer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Proposal, a 2009 romantic comedy. Kerry shares what it’s like having a career as an actress and singer in theater, commercials, and film. She discusses touring with Fiddler on the Roof, working with Rian Johnson on the set of Knives Out and playing The Movie Game with Chris Evans. Kerry plays our “Matching Leads” game.
Follow Kerry on Instagram and TikTok @kerryfrancesofficial, Twitter @kerryingon, www.kerryfrances.com, or IMDB. You can also check out her single “For Christmas” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other major stre...
2022-05-2743 min
Life in the Credits047 Clue with Writer, Actor, and Aunt Dana QuercioliDana Quercioli, writer and actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Clue, a 1985 mystery comedy. Dana shares what it’s like having a career as an improviser and TV writer. She discusses touring the world with Second City, the fully functioning city that exists underneath Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, starting her own podcast ‘Those Who Aunt’, and driving Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, and Eugene and Frank Levy around in a 15-passenger van. Dana plays our “Clue You In” game.
Follow Dana on Instagram @dtotheq, @thosewhoaunt or IMDB. Learn more about the Letters to...
2022-05-1847 min
Life in the Credits046 Slumdog Millionaire with Writer Jonterri GadsonJonterri Gadson, Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Slumdog Millionaire, a 2008 drama. Jonterri shares what it’s like having a career as a writer for comedy and reality TV, as well as feature films. She discusses being inspired to become a TV writer after watching Malcolm in the Middle as a kid, her first writing job for Adult Swim’s Birdgirl, the process of writing for a reality show versus a scripted narrative show, and the excitement of sitting next to Wanda Sykes during a table read. Jonterri plays our “Who Wants a T-Shirt to Wear?” game.
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2022-05-1145 min
Life in the Credits045 Pee-wee’s Big Adventure with Social Strategy Director Amy EicherAmy Eicher, Social Strategy Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, a 1985 comedy. Amy shares what it’s like having a career in social media marketing in film and TV. She discusses how a show’s social media presence can have an authentic voice, launching Tig Notaro’s twitter account, and crafting a community of fans for CBS’s Ghosts. She also shares attending Drunk History’s panel at New York Comic Con followed by doing karaoke with the cast, all while having a life outside of entertainment. Amy plays our “Telly to Talkie” game.
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2022-05-0645 min
Life in the Credits044 Vinyl Nation with Co-Directors Kevin Smokler and Christopher BooneKevin Smokler and Christopher Boone, Directors, join Susan and Ben to discuss Vinyl Nation, a 2020 documentary. Kevin and Chris share what it was like co-directing Vinyl Nation. They discuss their love of film from an early age, the filmmaking process in post-production, and what a documentary on vinyl uncovers about human connection. Kevin and Chris play our “Finding the Reel: Documentary Edition” game.
Follow Kevin on Instagram @smokler, Twitter @Weegee or IMDB. Follow Chris on Twitter @bartondeepwood or IMDB. Find out more about Vinyl Nation at vinylnationfilm.com
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2022-04-281h 23
Life in the Credits043 Duck Soup with Writer Matt NeumanMatt Neuman, writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Duck Soup, a 1933 comedy. Matt shares what it’s like having a career as a comedy writer on Saturday Night Live and Not Necessarily the News. He discusses getting his big break on writing for Lily Tomlin in 1975, passing up Lorne Michaels’ offer to join a new show he was developing only to get hired anyway on the 5th season of SNL, the breakneck pace of writing a weekly sketch show, writing sketches for Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics, and transitioning to writing comedy for his own online publication The...
2022-04-2146 min
Life in the Credits042 Sliding Doors with Producer. Director and Comic Book Editor Jessica PetelleJessica Petelle, Producer, Director, and Comic Book Editor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Sliding Doors, a 1998 romance. Jessica shares what it’s like having a career in television and film production and directing. She discusses getting started as an executive assistant on the Simpsons, starting the new Hollywood Hoosiers scholarship at the IU Media School, working as a 2nd unit director on Trigger Point, and co-creating the Reburn comic book. Jessica plays our “The Movie Genre Sham Jam” game.
Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicatography, @reburncomic, jessicapetelle.com, or IMDB. Find out more about the Hollywood Hoosiers Schola...
2022-04-1354 min
Life in the Credits041 Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train with Writer & Production Assistant Khadjiah JohnsonKhadjiah Johnson, Writer and Production Assistant, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, a 2020 action adventure anime. Khadjiah shares what it’s like having a career as a production assistant in late night tv, a freelance writer for Funimation, and a staff writer for Black Nerd Problems. She discusses being inspired to pursue a career in late night after seeing Trevor Noah, researching her way into an internship at the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, writing about anime and mental health for Funimation, and lugging 92 Italian sausages across New York City. Sh...
2022-04-0739 min
Life in the Credits040 Remember the Titans with Chief Operating Officer, Motion Picture Group Jen HollingsworthJen Hollingsworth, COO of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Remember the Titans, a 2000 drama. Jen shares what it’s like managing multiple teams behind the scenes to get movies made. She discusses getting her start at Sony, how La La Land almost didn’t make it to the big screen, co-founding Female Executives in Media and Entertainment (FEME), and the excitement of watching her team members grow and flourish professionally. Jen plays our “Movie Ball” game.
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2022-04-0151 min
Life in the Credits039 Normal with Actor Keon MitchellKeon Mitchell, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Normal, a 2020 romantic drama. Keon shares what it’s like having a career as an actor in film, tv, commercials and theater. He discusses booking his first role in an ESPN commercial in Charlotte, NC; playing a young Danny Glover in Almost Christmas, and filming with Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett on Lovecraft Country. He also shares his experience working on this episode’s featured movie. Keon plays our “Sizzle Reel” game.
Follow Keon on Instagram, his website TheKRMBrand.com or IMDB. Watch Normal on Youtube.
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2022-03-2443 min
Life in the Credits038 Drive with Associate Director and Lead Video Editor Dan DomeDan Dome, Associate Director and Lead Video Editor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Drive, a 2011 action movie. Dan shares what it’s like having a career in late night television on SNL, Conan, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He discusses launching his career in 1994 as a tape operator in a NYC post house alongside his father, the difference between editing a pre-recorded show versus a live show, and getting to meet Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin while at The Today Show. We agree on loving the “Drive” scorpion jacket. Dan plays our “E...
2022-03-1037 min
Life in the Credits037 Batman with Originator and Executive Producer of the Batman Movie Franchise Michael UslanMichael Uslan, Originator and Executive Producer of the Batman movie franchise, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Batman (1989). Michael shares the history of his career as an Executive Producer in the movie and tv industry. He discusses approaching DC to buy the film rights to Batman, how Tim Burton convinced him to cast Michael Keaton, and the joys of teaching at his alma mater, Indiana University. We also learn why the Joker is the pinnacle of comic book villains. Michael plays our “Batman or Not Batman” game.
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2022-03-021h 05
Life in the Credits036 Desperately Seeking Susan with Producer Ruthie WyattRuthie Wyatt, Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Desperately Seeking Susan, a 1985 comedy. Ruthie shares what it’s like having a career as a producer for Team Coco’s social media and live events. She discusses getting her foot in the door at NBC, creating Team Coco House at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con, and winning an Emmy for Conan Without Borders. We also learn the connection between Desperately Seeking Susan and Conan O’Brien! Ruthie plays our “Cinema Swap Meet” game.
Follow Ruthie on Instagram @ruthiewyatt or IMDB.
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2022-02-2344 min
Life in the Credits035 Run & Gun with Actor and Executive Producer Ben MillikenBen Milliken, Actor and Executive Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Run & Gun, a 2022 action thriller. Ben shares what it’s like having a career as an actor and EP in television and movies. He discusses getting cast in his first role in “Newcastle” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, balancing his lead actor and executive producer roles on the set of Run & Gun, the difference between working on a major tv show like Bosch versus an indie film, and why it’s impossible to pick just one favorite movie. We also discuss behind-the-scenes insights on the making o...
2022-02-1636 min
Life in the Credits034 Hook with Executive Producer Olivia AguilarOlivia Aguilar, Executive Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Hook, a 1991 adventure comedy. Olivia shares what it’s like having a career as an Executive Producer at Will Ferrell and iHeartRadio’s Big Money Players Network. She discusses her start as a Production Assistant on the movie Her, working in Funny or Die's accounting department before transitioning to digital production at College Humor, and her enthusiasm for booking actor Doug Jones. Olivia plays our “Sequel Remake Revisitation Recollection Challenge” game.
Follow Olivia on Instagram @olivianewtonjuan or IMDB.
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2022-02-0948 min
Life in the Credits033 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Literary Manager’s Assistant Moriah AtlasMoriah Atlas, Literary Manager’s Assistant, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, a 1953 musical comedy. Moriah shares what it’s like having a career as an assistant at Epicenter, a literary management and production company. She discusses tapping into Hollywood’s alumni networks to get hired, shifting her career path from writing to script development, running the Hollywood Hoosiers networking group, and how Gentlemen Prefer Blondes passed the Bechdel Test back in 1953. Moriah plays our “Movie Tunes” game.
Follow Moriah on Instagram @moriahatlas, moriahatlas.com, or IMDB.
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2022-02-0243 min
Life in the Credits032 A Thousand Clowns with Writer and Performer Brian StackBrian Stack, Writer and Performer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss A Thousand Clowns, a 1965 comedy. Brian shares what it’s like having a career as a writer and performer in late night TV. He discusses working for Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert, getting into improv after meeting Mick Napier at Indiana University, performing with Chris Farley at the Arc in Madison, WI, how a sketch moves and changes from the writers room to what is shown on TV, working through his own melancholy through the characters he’s developed, meeting Walter Cronkite while dressed as a 7-foot-tall Franke...
2022-01-2642 min
Life in the Credits031 Old School with Director LPLP, Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Old School, a 2003 comedy. LP shares the differences between guest directing a tv show like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia versus directing a movie like Desperados, working with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay at Funny or Die, and getting Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas star in a sketch about a spelling bee. LP plays our “Going old school with Old School” game.
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2022-01-1942 min
Life in the Credits030 Malignant with Writer and Comedian Emily WinterEmily Winter, Writer and Comedian, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Malignant, a 2021 horror movie. Emily shares what it’s like having a career in tv writing and stand up comedy. She discusses being a writer on Nickelodeon’s “That Girl Lay Lay”, releasing her own book “One Day Smarter”, breaking into the world of late night while living in the Midwest, and how having a great stand-up performance is akin to a religious experience. Emily and surprise guest Chris Calogero play our “Monster Mash” game.
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2022-01-1241 min
Life in the Credits029 Harold and Maude with Actor Jen LandonJen Landon, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Harold and Maude, a 1971 romantic comedy. Jen shares what it’s like having a career as an actor on soap operas, procedurals, and dramas. She discusses nailing her very first audition for As The World Turns, playing the rebellious ranch hand Teeter on Yellowstone, singing her go-to karaoke songs, and working with Hugh Jackman, Jason Reitman, and one of her personal acting heroes, Elizabeth Marvel. We also get a cameo from Jen’s bulldog Pearl. Jen plays our “Oh I know this! What’s ‘er name?” game.
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2022-01-0648 min
Life in the Credits028 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with Graphic Designer & Animator Liv SenghorLiv Senghor, Graphic Designer and Animator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse, a 2018 animated film. Liv shares what it’s like having a career as a graphic designer on late night tv with Seth Meyers, Amber Ruffin, and Hasan Minhaj. She also describes helping build The Amber Ruffin Show from the ground up, working on daily versus weekly shows, and becoming extremely familiar with politicians’ faces while animating them. Liv plays our “Bad Plans” game.
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2021-12-2946 min
Life in the Credits027 Welcome to the Dollhouse with Production Designer & Director Liz ToonkelLiz Toonkel, Production Designer and Director, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Welcome to the Dollhouse, a 1995 comedy. Liz shares what it’s like having a career as a production designer for tv, independent films, and commercials. She explains what it’s like to build a world on a set, the difference between a union and non-union project, the importance of developing interests outside of your entertainment day job, and how she discovered her passion for magic at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Liz plays our “Worldbuilder” game.
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2021-12-2346 min
Life in the Credits026 Catch Me If You Can with Music Supervisor Ryan SvendsenRyan Svendsen, Music Supervisor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Catch Me If You Can, a 2002 drama. Ryan shares what it’s like having a career as a music supervisor at Lionsgate and Millennium Media, working on the music for the Hunger Games franchise featuring Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Lorde, and adding trumpet to Lil Nas X’s Billboard #1 song Industry Baby. Ryan plays our “Hum That Theme” game.
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2021-12-151h 01
Life in the Credits025 The Princess Bride with Key Grip Alex KonowitzAlex Konowitz, Key Grip, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Princess Bride, a 1987 action fantasy. Alex shares what it’s like having a career as a key grip, dolly grip, and rigging grip, watching a majestic sunset from the pool he built on the Jungle Book set, and the challenges of moving a camera inside the 4-foot-tall tunnels underneath a Los Angeles correctional facility. Alex and Ben Konowitz play our “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou and Susan” game.
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2021-12-0855 min
Life in the Credits024 The Big Sick with Producer Eleanor WinklerEleanor Winkler, Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Big Sick, a 2017 comedy-drama. Eleanor shares what it’s like working as a producer in comedy television at places like Funny or Die and how she got her start in film by volunteering at her local theater company in Sydney, Australia. She also co-founded Bus Stop Films, a nonprofit that gives people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to learn about and work in the film and tv industry and coordinated a whole crew to fly last minute to Akron, Ohio to film Lebron James, Amy Schumer, and Bill Hader fo...
2021-12-0239 min
Life in the Credits023 The November Man with CFO Jason CherubiniJason Cherubini, CFO, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The November Man, a 2014 action-thriller. Jason shares what it’s like having a career as the CFO and an executive producer with Dawn’s Light Media, how he fell into creating the action movies he loves, and working on set with WWE’s Adam “Edge” Copeland, Thomas Jane, and all three Lawrence brothers. Jason plays our “I Spy the Spy in Films Gone By” game.
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2021-11-2541 min
Life in the Credits022 Moneyball with Executive TV Lit Assistant Tyler MathewsTyler Mathews, Former Executive TV Lit Assistant and Political Operative, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Moneyball, a 2011 sports drama. Tyler shares what it’s like having a career working as an assistant in the TV Lit department at Paradigm and A3 Artist Agency, how the skills he learned in Hollywood helped him transition into working on Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign, and how cool it is to have Lawrence Fishburne, David Mamet, and Henry Golding casually walk into your office. Tyler plays our “Syno-ball” game.
Follow Tyler on Twitter @tv_mathews.
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2021-11-1734 min
Life in the Credits021 Moonstruck with Improv Coach Liz AllenLiz Allen, Improv Coach, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Moonstruck, a 1987 romantic comedy. Liz shares what it’s like having a career as an improv coach specializing in ensembles and groupmind, falling in love with improv through her classes at Second City and iO Chicago, and her experience coaching on set and with the cast of Mike Birbiglia's Don’t Think Twice. Liz plays our “Cher Pair Cage Match” game.
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2021-11-1045 min
Life in the Credits020 Jaws with Screenwriter, Script, and Story Supervisor Ellen TremitiEllen Tremeti, Screenwriter, Script, and Story Supervisor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Jaws, a 1975 thriller. Ellen shares what it’s like having a career as a story supervisor on animated films like Lego Ninjago and Spirit Untamed, creating an animated film during 2020 when no one could be in the same room, her short story being featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, as well as fun facts about the making of Jaws. Ellen plays our “You Can Quote Me On That” game.
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2021-11-0340 min
Life in the Credits019 Midsommar with Producer Julie LevitskyJulie Levitsky, Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Midsommar, a 2019 horror film. Julie shares what it’s like having a career at a small production company, trying to keep up with Billy Eichner as he runs down the street, making a new ice cream flavor with Samantha Bee and Ben Cohen from Ben & Jerry’s, and how important her early connections were to getting jobs she loves. Julie plays our “Name that Scream” game.
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2021-10-2740 min
Life in the Credits018 Atomic Blonde with Actor and Stunt Performer Rachel McDermottRachel McDermott, Actor and Stunt Performer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Atomic Blonde, a 2017 action-thriller. Rachel shares what it’s like having a career as a stunt performer and action actor, how to train for getting hit by a car, her time on the set of The Mandalorian, and being a part of Flame On Stunts, an all-female stunt team that specializes in getting set on fire. Rachel plays our “What Stunt?” game.
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2021-10-2039 min
Life in the Credits017 O Brother, Where Art Thou? with Comedian and Writer Josh GondelmanJosh Gondelman, Comedian and Writer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?, a 2000 comedy-drama. Josh shares what it’s like having an Emmy winning career writing for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and producing Desus & Mero, opening for John Oliver on New Year’s Eve, and his early days crowdsourcing stand up material from his preschool students, “traveling the classic preschool-to-late-night-comedy path.” Josh plays our “Killer Soundtrack” game.
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2021-10-1342 min
Life in the Credits016 Game of Thrones with Wardrobe Stylist Skylar FleckSkylar Fleck, Wardrobe Stylist, joins Susan and Ben to discuss HBO’s Game of Thrones, a fantasy drama television series. Skylar shares what it’s like having a career styling zombies and cowboys in commercials, one of her early career experiences while working on the indie film The Tribes of Palos Verdes, and the skills needed to dress an actor in a full suit of armor in less than 45 minutes. Skylar plays our “Game of Woahs” game.
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2021-10-0742 min
Life in the Credits015 Back to the Future with Screenwriter and Executive Producer Aaron WaltkeAaron Waltke, Screenwriter and Executive Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Back to the Future, a 1985 adventure sci-fi comedy. Aaron shares what it’s like navigating the tv pitch process, getting started in LA with National Lampoon, washing down an Emmy win with Gatorade, and growing up making movies with his parents’ camcorder in Greenwood, IN. Aaron plays our “Back in Time” game.
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2021-09-2949 min
Life in the Credits014 Shall We Dance with Writers' Coordinator Kathy YamamotoKathy Yamamoto, Writers’ Coordinator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Shall We Dance, 1996 Japanese romantic comedy-drama. Kathy shares what it’s like having a career working in the Conan writers’ room in late night television, acting in commercials on her days off, and the benefits of being a seat filler at awards shows. She watched Beyoncé perform! Kathy plays our “Dance Dance Attribution” game.
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2021-09-2234 min
Life in the Credits013 Airplane with Actor Chris WitaskeChris Witaske, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Airplane, a 1980 comedy. Chris shares his experiences as a comedian, actor, and writer, as well as creating Chicago Party Aunt, now an animated Netflix show. He reflects on his early career as a children’s birthday magician, starting out at Second City, and singing the National Anthem at a Cubs' game. Chris plays our “Wiki-what?” game.
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2021-09-1527 min
Life in the Credits012 My Octopus Teacher with Actor, Writer, Improviser Julie MarchianoJulie Marchiano, Actor, Writer, and Improviser, joins Susan and Ben to discuss My Octopus Teacher, a 2020 documentary. Julie shares what it’s like having a career acting in commercials, her role in the 5th grade version of Richard the III, as well as touring globally on cruise ships and in the US with Second City. Julie plays our "My Cinema Teacher" game.
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2021-09-0847 min
Life in the Credits011 Winter’s Bone with Production Manager Taylor WildenhausTaylor Wildenhaus, Production Manager, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Winter’s Bone, a 2010 mystery-drama. Taylor shares what it’s like having a career as a Production Manager for documentaries, working as a Research Producer for Last Week Tonight and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and shares her experience attending the Sundance Film Festival. Taylor plays our “Real Doc/Fake Doc” game.
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2021-09-0141 min
Life in the Credits010 Jurassic Park with Stylist Assistant and Set Costumer Nia PleasantsNia Pleasants, Stylist Assistant and Set Costumer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Jurassic Park, a 1993 Action Adventure Sci-Fi movie. Nia shares what it’s like having a career managing costumes while filming, wrangling 96 kids wearing irreplaceable vintage clothing, and how to create a career when you live outside of Hollywood. Nia plays our “Jurassic Park vs. Really Big Shark” game.
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2021-08-2543 min
Life in the Credits009 Adaptation with Screenwriter David RabinowitzDavid Rabinowitz, Academy Award-winning Screenwriter, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Adaptation, a 2002 American comedy-drama. David describes his career as a screenwriter. He details how he and Charlie Wachtel, his writing partner, as well as Kevin Willmott and Spike Lee, adapted Ron Stallworth’s memoir into BlacKkKlansman. He shares what it’s like working alongside Jordan Peele and Lee to then win an Oscar for best screenplay. David plays our movie quotes game.
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2021-08-2038 min
Life in the Credits009 Adaptation with Screenwriter David RabinowitzDavid Rabinowitz, Screenwriter, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Adaptation, a 2002 American comedy-drama. David describes his career as a screenwriter. He details how he and Charlie Wachtel, his writing partner, as well as Kevin Willmott and Spike Lee, adapted Ron Stallworth’s memoir into BlacKkKlansman. He shares what it’s like working alongside Jordan Peele and Lee to then win an Oscar for best screenplay. David plays our movie quotes game.
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2021-08-1938 min
Life in the Credits008 Little Miss Sunshine with Comedian and Actress Andy EriksonAndy Erikson, Comedian and Actress, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Little Miss Sunshine, a 2006 comedy-drama. Andy shares what it’s like having a career touring the country as a stand-up comedian, her time on season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and how she nailed her first audition to land a role on Scream Queens. She breaks down the steps she took to build a career in comedy. Ben recalls smashing cactuses with Gallagher at Indiana University. Andy plays our "Laugh or Cry” game.
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2021-08-1136 minLife in the Credits007 1917 with Motion Picture and Television Camera Operator Will DearbornWill Dearborn, Motion Picture and Television Camera Operator, joins Susan and Ben to discuss 1917, a 2019 British war film. Will shares what it’s like having a career shooting projects like Mank and The L Word: Generation Q, Season 2. He breaks down the roles in a film’s camera department and the process of shooting a scene. Will plays our name that director game.
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2021-08-0443 min
Life in the Credits006 Wonder Woman 1984 with Writer/Actor Francis VeltriFrancis Veltri, Writer/Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Wonder Woman 1984, a 2020 superhero film. Francis shares what it’s like working on micro-budget horror films like Weregrrl and Severe Injuries, as well as his deep knowledge of comic books. Francis plays our superhero actor game.
Check out Francis on IMDB and on YouTube where he hosts “Love and Improv”, “Much More Ado About Nothing”, and frequently stars in “The Grid Improv Comedy”.
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2021-07-2937 min
The Burn Podcast by Ben NewmanSean Swarner, beating cancer twice and climbing the highest summit on every continent with one lungSean Swarner will make YOU rethink what is possible for YOU.Sean was diagnosed with terminal cancer teenager not once, but twice.Despite fighting those devastating diagnoses he has become one of the most decorated adventure sports individuals on the planet, with only one lung…Just to name a few:-He has climbed the highest peak on all seven continents-completed an Iron Man Triathlon -reach both the North and South Poles.Sean is a extraordinary human pushing the boundaries of not only what he can do, but he...
2021-07-0221 minLife in the Credits005 Good Will Hunting with Actor Derek SmithDerek Smith, Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Good Will Hunting, a 1997 drama film. Derek shares what it’s like having a career acting in projects like What/If and Westworld, his personal connection to Good Will Hunting, as well as his experience working in casting. Derek plays our transformative movie game.
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2021-06-2540 minLife in the Credits004 The Man From Nowhere with Associate Producer Benjamin MullinBenjamin Mullin, Associate Producer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Man From Nowhere, a 2010 South Korean action thriller film. Ben shares what it’s like having a career in visual effects on Jumanji: The Next Level, Joe Bell, and Nine Days by breaking down effects in feature films and how to navigate a career in visual effects. Ben Mullin and Susan have some fun guessing the prices of movie props.
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2021-06-2519 minLife in the Credits003 The Family Stone with Actress Katrina NormanKatrina Norman, Actress, joins Susan and Ben to discuss The Family Stone, a 2005 comedy-drama film. Katrina shares what it’s like having a career acting and dancing professionally, being a Scott’s Tot on The Office, doing her own stunts in Money Plane, and performing at the Oscars. Katrina plays our holiday movie game.
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2021-06-2534 minLife in the Credits002 Soul and Lady in the Water with Voice Actor Samantha MooreSamantha Moore, Voice Actor, joins Susan and Ben to discuss Soul, the 2020 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and Lady in the Water, a 2006 fantasy thriller. Samantha shares what it’s like having a career lending her voice to video games, commercials, telephony, and audio drama projects. Samantha plays our game about animated movies.
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2021-06-2535 minLife in the Credits001 Scream Films with Specialty Costumer Katelyn RodgersKatelyn Rodgers, Specialty Costumer, joins Susan and Ben to discuss the Scream film series. Katelyn shares what it’s like having a career creating costumes for Deadpool, and Deadpool 2, and Black Panther along with the awkward time she met Conan O’Brien. Katelyn plays our movie costumes game.
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2021-06-2525 min