Shows
Supporting CharactersEpisode 72: Skip ElsheimerBill speaks with archivist and A/V Geeks founder Skip Elsheimer about his many creative endeavors, from publishing fanzines like Preparation X and performing with the Wifflefist musical collective to preserving and sharing thousands of 16mm educational and ephemeral films. Topics include ZOOM, George Lucas, FELICIA, sponsored nutritional films, Rolf Forsberg, stock footage, CYPHER IN THE SNOW, how a lunchbox helped get Fassbinder movies into Best Buy and the unlikely thing that connects Adolph Hitler, sperm and Mahatma Gandhi. Visit the A/V Geeks website: https://avgeeks.com/ Subscribe to the A...
2025-12-162h 02Supporting CharactersEpisode 71: Josh HurtadoBill talks to film critic and Potentate Films founder Josh Hurtado about his many pursuits, from writing for Screen Anarchy and contributing Blu-Ray special features to consulting for film festivals and teaming up with Dylan Marchetti's Variance Films on a wildly successful theatrical re-release of S.S. Rajamouli's RRR. Topics include: Masala films, SANTA SANGRE, Indie Meme, Psychobilly, the distribution of Indian cinema in North America, the recent reemergence of key John Woo and Russ Meyer movies, skinheads, John Waters and vegan warnings on Letterboxd. Read Josh Hurtado at Screen Anarchy: https://screenanarchy.com/globalvoices...
2025-12-012h 33Supporting CharactersEpisode 70: Willow Catelyn MaclayBill speaks with film critic and author Willow Catelyn Maclay about her various endeavors in film culture, from writing freelance criticism and creating the Curtsies and Hand Grenades website to contributing to special features to Blu-Rays from labels like Mondo Macabro, Arrow Video and American Genre Film Archive and co-authoring the book CORPSES, FOOLS AND MONSTERS: THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF TRANSNESS IN CINEMA with Caden Mark Gardner. Topics include: BLADE RUNNER, Simran Hans' Girls Gotta Eat fanzine, Letterboxd, BOYS DON'T CRY, Elizabeth Purchell, the "Body Talk" series, constructive feedback from editors, COME BACK TO THE 5 & DIME, JIMMY DEAN...
2025-11-242h 10Supporting CharactersEpisode 69: Erica Shultz Bill talks to author and podcaster Erica Shultz about her endeavors in film culture, from creating shows like Unsung Horrors to writing and publishing her book THE SWEETEST TABOO and contributing special features to various Blu-Ray releases. Topics include Letterboxd, Horror Gives Back, Customers Also Watched, Emerald Video, DEEP IN THE HEART, lessons learned while publishing a book, Julia Smith's BIRTH OF THE ACID WESTERN, second-screen writing, THE LAST SHARK and forcing yourself to watch over a dozen movies about La Llorona. Sign up to watch Erica's online class for the Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies, ERASING...
2025-11-142h 23
Director's ClubBonus Episode: One Battle After Another (feat. Bill Ackerman, Patrick Ripoll)Spoilers spoilers spoilers! If you haven’t seen One Battle After Another (and you should) then wait to dive into this month’s bonus conversation featuring friends Bill Ackerman (of Supporting Characters) and Patrick Ripoll (of 96 Greers) as we have an impromptu talk about the latest PTA film, One Battle After Another and how it is conversation with his other work as well. In addition, I talk about my first viewing of the film (and how unique it was) as well Bill’s thoughts on what he’s seen at the New York Film Festival that we can look...
2025-10-031h 37
Director's ClubBonus Episode: One Battle After Another (feat. Bill Ackerman, Patrick Ripoll)Spoilers spoilers spoilers! If you haven’t seen One Battle After Another (and you should) then wait to dive into this month’s bonus conversation featuring friends Bill Ackerman (of Supporting Characters) and Patrick Ripoll (of 96 Greers) as we have an impromptu talk about the latest PTA film, One Battle After Another and how it is conversation with his other work as well. In addition, I talk about my first viewing of the film (and how unique it was) as well Bill’s thoughts on what he’s seen at the New York Film Festival that we can look...
2025-10-031h 37
Somebody's WatchingEpisode 19: David Lynch ( w/ Bill Ackerman & Courtenay Stallings)It only felt right to dedicate another episode to David Lynch. In February, I put out an episode documenting a Lynch marathon that I co-organized, but that wasn't enough Lynch in my book, and so I approached two bonafide Lynch experts with the goal of having a more in-depth conversation about the filmmaker. Bill Ackerman is a film writer and the host of the fantastic Supporting Characters podcast as well as a special podcast dedicated to Blue Velvet called From the Neighborhood. He's undoubtedly one of the best film podcasters full stop end of story. Courtenay Stallings is a fil...
2025-07-222h 18
Director's ClubEpisode 232: Favorite Films of 2024 (feat. Bill Ackerman)Nearly five hours of conversation and recommendations all about the year 2024 in cinema! Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) and I reveal 25 favorite films, talk about the year in general and have a lot to say as usual. In addition, you’ll get to hear thoughts from previous guest Chloe Waryan as well as a traditional song from yours truly where I sing the titles of Bill’s 40 favorites.00:00 - 15:40 - Intro / Thoughts15:41 - 02:50:09 - Numbers 25-11.02:50:10 - 02:54:04 - Chloe’s Top Ten02:54:05 - 03:45:57 - Number...
2025-01-064h 55
Director's ClubEpisode 232: Favorite Films of 2024 (feat. Bill Ackerman)Nearly five hours of conversation and recommendations all about the year 2024 in cinema! Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) and I reveal 25 favorite films, talk about the year in general and have a lot to say as usual. In addition, you’ll get to hear thoughts from previous guest Chloe Waryan as well as a traditional song from yours truly where I sing the titles of Bill’s 40 favorites.00:00 - 15:40 - Intro / Thoughts15:41 - 02:50:09 - Numbers 25-11.02:50:10 - 02:54:04 - Chloe’s Top Ten02:54:05 - 03:45:57 - Number...
2025-01-064h 55
Best Hour of Their Day | PodcastBTK 015. Why Mental Resilience Is Just as Important as Physical Strength | Bill AnthesIn this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Bill Anthes, founder of Between the Ears, discusses why mental resilience is just as essential as physical strength. Bill shares insights from his work helping people unlock their potential through mental and emotional fitness, emphasizing how building mental toughness can transform both athletic performance and everyday life. This conversation is a must-watch for coaches, athletes, and anyone looking to strengthen their mindset.
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2024-11-1146 min
Director's ClubEpisode 220: Favorite Films Of 2023 (feat. Bill Ackerman & Patrick Ripoll)The title of this episode says it all. Over four hours of nerdy movie conversations and recommendations all about the year 2023. Two Director's Club mainstays return. Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) along with Patrick Ripoll (co-host of 96 Greers) join me as well all share their favorite films of 2023.No categories this year (like Best Actor, etc.) but plenty of reflection, surprising disagreement and even a wild story about what happened when Patrick tried to see one of Jim's favorites. Thank you so much for the support this past year, listeners...
2024-01-084h 29
Director's ClubEpisode 220: Favorite Films Of 2023 (feat. Bill Ackerman & Patrick Ripoll)The title of this episode says it all. Over four hours of nerdy movie conversations and recommendations all about the year 2023. Two Director's Club mainstays return. Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) along with Patrick Ripoll (co-host of 96 Greers) join me as well all share their favorite films of 2023. No categories this year (like Best Actor, etc.) but plenty of reflection, surprising disagreement and even a wild story about what happened when Patrick tried to see one of Jim's favorites. Thank you so much for the support this past year, listeners...
2024-01-084h 29
Genre GrinderEpisode 42: Alternative 1970s American Horror – THE SEQUEL, feat. Bill Ackerman of Supporting Characters (1 of 2)THE SUMMER OF LOVE GIVES WAY TO PERVERSE MELODRAMAS, BLOODY HOME INVASIONS, NECROPHILIC HOUSEWIVES, AND…CARNIVOROUS BEDS? After Night of the Living Dead (1968), but before the slasher boom of the early '80s, American horror went through one of its most creative and influential eras. But, for every Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Carrie (1976), and Halloween (1978), there were dozens of under-the-radar oddities that took years – sometimes decades – to be recognized by cult audiences for their unique contributions to American horror. Join Gabe and special guest Bill Ackerman of the Supporting Characters podcast and numerous Blu-ray commentary tracks...
2024-01-071h 47
Unsung HorrorsNight of Death! (1980) w/ Bill AckermanVive la France! Vive la cannibales! Somewhere in between Jean Rollin and Ogroff lies Raphael Delpard's Night of Death! (Yes, it does come with an exclamation point). Supporting Characters and Director's Club podcast host Bill Ackerman joins us to talk about all the things that work well in this film even when you know the answers to the mysteries. Follow Bill on Instagram @supportingcharacterspodcast, Twitter (X?) @Characters_Pod, or Letterboxd @billackerman and listen to all of his podcasts here: https://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/ Check the special features on your blu-rays to find his work or read some of his words...
2023-09-061h 24
Vending & OCS Nation PodcastLessons in selling from a prominent expert witness - A conversation with Bill AckermanIn this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio talks with Bill Ackerman, one of the nation's most prominent expert witnesses.
What can we learn from Bill Ackerman? Not only does he entertain us as he takes us inside the world of a high profile expert witness, he provides some valuable lessons for anyone in sales, including the importance of preparation, knowing your product, knowing your material, doing your research, understanding your audience, being prepared to overcome objections and knowing what the customer needs to hear to ultimately decide that your product, your s...
2023-07-1214 minVending & OCS Nation PodcastLessons in selling from a prominent expert witness - A conversation with Bill AckermanIn this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio talks with Bill Ackerman, one of the nation's most prominent expert witnesses.
What can we learn from Bill Ackerman? Not only does he entertain us as he takes us inside the world of a high profile expert witness, he provides some valuable lessons for anyone in sales, including the importance of preparation, knowing your product, knowing your material, doing your research, understanding your audience, being prepared to overcome objections and knowing what the customer needs to hear to ultimately decide that your product, your s...
2023-07-1214 min
Director's ClubEpisode 212: Joan Micklin Silver (feat. Marya Gates & Bill Ackerman)For this episode I recruited two terrific and talented film writers and commentators especially since two of the movies we talk about happen to be all-time favorites for the both of them. Guest co-host and Supporting Characters host Bill Ackerman returns as well as Chicago film critic Marya Gates for a delightful discussion on the work of Joan Micklin Silver. She's responsible for a number of excellent films including HESTER STREET, CHILLY SCENES OF WINTER, BETWEEN THE LINES, CROSSING DELANCEY and so much more! Thanks to this episode I have a new favorite romantic comedy to add...
2023-04-202h 41
Director's ClubEpisode 212: Joan Micklin Silver (feat. Marya Gates & Bill Ackerman)For this episode I recruited two terrific and talented film writers and commentators especially since two of the movies we talk about happen to be all-time favorites for the both of them. Guest co-host and Supporting Characters host Bill Ackerman returns as well as Chicago film critic Marya Gates for a delightful discussion on the work of Joan Micklin Silver. She's responsible for a number of excellent films including HESTER STREET, CHILLY SCENES OF WINTER, BETWEEN THE LINES, CROSSING DELANCEY and so much more! Thanks to this episode I have a new favorite romantic comedy to add t...
2023-04-202h 41
The Disc ConnectedBoutique Blu Ray Interview with Contributor and Podcaster Bill Ackerman of Supporting Characters!!!Bill Ackerman is a major inspiration of mine. He is a meticulous editor of interviews that are already far and away better than anything I could hope to accomplish. He puts his entire soul into finding the depths of individuals associated with home video, and truly does it for all of the right reasons. Please enjoy this conversation with Bill and subscribe to everything he puts out! - Supporting Characters: https://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters Director's Club: https://www.directorsclubpodcast.com/ - Become a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/DiscConnected - Like the page and follow on Facebook here: h...
2023-03-131h 09
The ButteCast with Bill FoleyPodcast No. 63: Ted AckermanTed Ackerman was a standout on the Montana Tech basketball team 50 years ago. From 1971 through 1974, Ackerman tossed in 1,681 points for the Orediggers.
He went on to a successful coaching career at Butte High, where his girls' teams went 96-80 from 1982 through 1989.
With the Oredigger men playing some huge games (hopefully two) at the HPER Complex this week, I thought it would be a good time to go back and remember a Tech great from a half century ago.
Today's podcast is presented by Lone Peak Physical Therapy. Call today and start feeling better a...
2023-03-061h 13
Uptown Song ClubUSC 8 - Arthritic Goat feat. Heather Drain & Bill AckermanAfter a holiday hiatus Uptown Song Club, a podcast about songs, is back dropping polished gold nuggets directly into your ears! Host Patrick Ripoll is joined by film, music and esoteric culture writer Heather Drain (https://twitter.com/mondoheather) and host of Supporting Characters Bill Ackerman (http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters) to talk about The Bloodbells Chime by Current 93, Antidote by The Hives and Las Vegas Story/Walking With The Beast by The Gun Club. They also talk about the pettiest songs they can think of, songs they feel bad for not liking and the 70's rock-revival wave of...
2023-01-101h 10
Supporting CharactersEpisode 68: Imogen Sara SmithBill speaks to author and film historian Imogen Sara Smith about her various endeavors, from writing books like BUSTER KEATON: THE PERSISTENCE OF COMEDY and IN LONELY PLACES: FILM NOIR BEYOND THE CITY to contributing audio commentaries, booklet essays and on-camera interviews to home video releases from The Criterion Collection, Kino Lorber, Eureka!, Imprint, Flicker Alley, Arrow and Indicator. Topics include: John Bengtson's SILENT ECHOES, Eddie Muller, writing techniques, The Criterion Channel, Courtney Stephens' TERRA FEMME, her Phantom Light column for Film Comment, THE WELL, film lists/ranking and stumbling upon old W.C. Fields locations. R...
2022-08-291h 41
Supporting CharactersBonus Episode - Travis CrawfordBill remembers his friend, writer/film programmer Travis Crawford.
2022-08-2808 min
Supporting CharactersEpisode 67: Katie RifeBill talks to writer/editor/podcaster/programmer Katie Rife about her many endeavors, from co-founding Everything Is Terrible, inventing puns for Mr. Skin and presenting films at Facets Night School to writing/podcasting for The A.V. Club, programming for The Music Box Theatre and freelancing for outlets like Rolling Stone, Vulture and Roger Ebert.com. Topics include: Mike McPadden, Daily Grindhouse, gatekeepers, Odd Obsession Movies, her book IF YOU LIKE QUENTIN TARANTINO…, William Morris, Film Club, Fantastic Fest 2017, online harassment, Elizabeth Purchell, ironically working for Jerry Springer and getting judged for renting THE WIRE. Follow Katie Ri...
2022-07-181h 47
Supporting CharactersEpisode 66: Elena LazicBill speaks to Animus Magazine founder/editor and film critic Elena Lazic. Topics include: Stéphane Delorme, PETRA, having a responsibility to cinema, The Prince Charles Cinema, STRAW DOGS, filmmaker intentionality, Another Gaze, The Relentless Picnic, the Oscars, Cahiers du Cinéma, the solitary nature of writing, TITANE, Reverse Shot, Vincent D'Onofrio and developing critical faculties through disappointment with INSPECTOR GADGET. Read Animus Magazine:https://animusmagazine.com Subscribe/Read Animus on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/animus_mag/posts Visit Elena Lazic's website:https://elenalazic.wordpress.com Re...
2022-07-052h 46
Supporting CharactersEpisode 65: Brad StevensBill speaks to author and film critic Brad Stevens about his film cultural endeavors, from contributing to publications like The Dark Side, Sight & Sound and Video Watchdog to writing books like MONTE HELLMAN: HIS LIFE AND FILMS and ABEL FERRARA: A MORAL VISION. Topics include: Auteurism, Robin Wood, BBC's "The Great American Picture Show" season, alternate versions of films, Sight & Sound's Greatest Films of All Time poll, SCHINDLER'S LIST, Nicole Brenez, writing the novel THE HUNT, warming up to the films of Steven Soderbergh, physical media versus streaming and Abel Ferrara. Read Brad Stevens' "Bradlands" articles...
2022-06-082h 01
Supporting CharactersEpisode 64: Anna BogutskayaBill speaks to film programmer, broadcaster, writer, podcaster and festival director Anna Bogutskaya about her many endeavors in film culture, from co-founding The Final Girls collective and programming for BFI Southbank to serving as director of Underwire Festival, producing podcasts and recording Blu-Ray audio commentaries. Topics include: THE WIZARD OF OZ and tiny philistines, The Hot Fuzztival at the Prince Charles Cinema, TROUBLE EVERY DAY and arthouse horror, Yhara Zayd, Russian dubbing practices, "The B word" programming controversy, The Filmcast and parasocial relationships, the WE ARE THE WEIRDOS touring program and reediting a Pedro Almodóvar movie to discourage i...
2022-05-113h 22
Supporting CharactersEpisode 63: Kim NewmanBill speaks to novelist and film critic/historian Kim Newman about some of his many endeavors. Topics include: NIGHTMARE MOVIES, originality in horror, SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT, audio commentaries, Carlos Clarens' ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE HORROR FILM, gatekeepers, toxic fandom, LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH and how a unique series of quirks in the British education system helped to prepare him for a freelance writing career. Visit The Kim Newman website:https://johnnyalucard.com Buy Kim Newman's novel SOMETHING MORE THAN NIGHT:https://johnnyalucard.com/2021/04/20/cover-reveal-something-more-than-night/ Read about Sheep...
2022-04-111h 13
Supporting CharactersEpisode 62: Michael J. WeldonBill speaks to author and magazine publisher/editor Michael J. Weldon about his many endeavors, from drumming with Cleveland proto-punk act Mirrors and reviewing movies for Cle, to Psychotronic, his photocopied, hand-written fanzine that lead to books like the influential PSYCHOTRONIC ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FILM, the long-running PSYCHOTRONIC VIDEO magazine, calendars, film festivals and the Psychotronic store he manages today. Other topics include Ghoulardi, Roger Corman, hypnotism, Diane Keaton's HEAVEN, Club 57, Johnny Ramone, cattle call auditions for GHETTO FREAKS, childhood filmmaking efforts, Alfred Sole, research methods, 42nd Street theatres, THE HYPNOTIC EYE and being killed over and over by Dr. B...
2022-03-072h 43
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Zeros And Ones (feat. Bill Ackerman, Chris O'Neill and Abel Ferrara)Director's Club is proud to present a special episode hosted by regular contributor Bill Ackerman of the Supporting Characters podcast. He is joined by filmmaker and film programmer Chris O'Neill to talk about the latest film, Zeros and Ones from the last director we covered on the show, Abel Ferrara. In addition, there is an interview with the director himself which is a true honor. I can't thank Bill enough for doing this which I would've loved to have been a part of but my final semester in grad school is starting to wrap up so I've...
2021-11-171h 18
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Zeros And Ones (feat. Bill Ackerman, Chris O'Neill and Abel Ferrara)Director's Club is proud to present a special episode hosted by regular contributor Bill Ackerman of the Supporting Characters podcast. He is joined by filmmaker and film programmer Chris O'Neill to talk about the latest film, Zeros and Ones from the last director we covered on the show, Abel Ferrara. In addition, there is an interview with the director himself which is a true honor. I can't thank Bill enough for doing this which I would've loved to have been a part of but my final semester in grad school is starting to wrap up so I've...
2021-11-171h 18
Director's ClubEpisode 193: Abel Ferrara (feat. Bill Ackerman)One of the best guests you can have on any movie podcast would be Supporting Characters host Bill Ackerman, who returns for a yearly visit, this time to talk about the down & dirty gritty auteur Abel Ferrara. Usually for October, we try our best to talk about a horror director and though Ferrara isn't classified as one, you can certainly look at his films as being disturbing with some horrific scenes and well, THE ADDICTION does have vampires after all. Bill saw probably three times as much as I did though I managed to comment on about ten titles...
2021-10-203h 02
Director's ClubEpisode 193: Abel Ferrara (feat. Bill Ackerman)One of the best guests you can have on any movie podcast would be Supporting Characters host Bill Ackerman, who returns for a yearly visit, this time to talk about the down & dirty gritty auteur Abel Ferrara. Usually for October, we try our best to talk about a horror director and though Ferrara isn't classified as one, you can certainly look at his films as being disturbing with some horrific scenes and well, THE ADDICTION does have vampires after all. Bill saw probably three times as much as I did though I managed to comment on about ten titles...
2021-10-203h 02Supporting CharactersEpisode 61: Chris PoggialiBill talks to writer and film historian Chris Poggiali about his many endeavors in film culture, from co-creating the Temple Of Schlock fanzine and founding the long-running blog of the same name, to contributing to various magazines and video releases, distributing BLACK SAMURAI and working on books with Grady Hendrix, Michael Gingold and Sam Sherman. Topics include: Jack Starrett, the impact of crack on 42nd Street theatres, Steve Puchalski's SLIMETIME and horror fanzines, The Journal of Interstitial Cinema, William Smith, blogathons, Paul Talbot, lost and endangered films, the link between THE GREEN HORNET and WANDA, bootlegs, THAT'S HOLLYWOOD, screenwriting for...
2020-12-044h 03Supporting CharactersEpisode 60: Justin DeclouxBill speaks to filmmaker, author, podcaster, film programmer and home video label founder Justin Decloux about his many endeavors in film culture, including the Laser Blast Film Society, The Important Cinema Club podcast, the Gold Ninja Video label, the feature films TEDDY BOMB and IMPOSSIBLE HORROR and the book RADIOACTIVE DREAMS: THE CINEMA OF ALBERT PYUN. Topics include: Will Sloan, ARMY OF DARKNESS, the importance of good collaborators, the films of Charles Roxburgh and Matt Farley, RADIOACTIVE DREAMS, Canadian cinema, Fred Olen Ray, Letterboxd, Emily Milling, the Loose Cannons podcast, CRITTERS 4 and playground deception. Visit Justin Decloux's...
2020-10-262h 44Supporting CharactersEpisode 59: Andrew J. Rausch Bill speaks to novelist, screenwriter and film historian Andrew J. Rausch about his various endeavors, from early experiences in journalism, hip-hop and microbudget horror movies to a writing career that has yielded over 40 books to date. Topics include Quentin Tarantino and MY BEST FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY, Rod Lurie, interview techniques, Jack Hill, identifying homophobic aspects in the work of Edward D. Wood Jr., freestyling with The Roots, writing crime fiction and the challenges of adapting CARNIVAL OF SOULS into a novel. Visit Andrew J. Rausch's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Andrew-J-Rausch/e/B001JS5VZQ...
2020-10-122h 01Supporting CharactersEpisode 58: Mink Stole Bill speaks actress and singer Mink Stole about her life and career. Topics include the rehearsal process on John Waters movies, Andy Warhol's Exploding Plastic Inevitable show, taking friends from The Cockettes to see PINK FLAMINGOS (and their reactions), her "Think Mink" advice column, LOST HIGHWAY, Peaches Christ, learning new skills in public, Prescott Townsend, Peggy Gravel's opening rant in DESPERATE LIVING, the pleasures of voting in person, THE BROWNIE STORY, Dreamland fashions and what color shoes she wore the day after Labor Day. Watch Mink Stole as Peggy Gravel in the opening to DESPERATE LIVING
2020-09-281h 20Supporting CharactersEpisode 57: Gary Tooze Bill speaks to Gary Tooze about his home video review site, DVDBeaver, now in its 18th year. They discuss his experiences with film, from encountering Charlie Chaplin on television and renting 35mm Basil Rathbone movies with his father to creating the Listserv discussion group that evolved into his website. Topics discussed include audio commentaries, the 4K UHD format, David Cronenberg, nostalgia, Jonathan Rosenbaum, content warnings, Jesús Franco, Tim Lucas, contemporary pop culture in James Bond movies, online negativity, DETOUR and the pleasures of simple storytelling. Visit DVDBeaver: http://www.dvdbeaver.com Read the DVDBeaver Top 100 desert island discs list: ...
2020-09-212h 20Supporting CharactersEpisode 56: Jonathan HertzbergBill talks to Kino Lorber's Director of Repertory Sales and Acquisitions, Jonathan Hertzberg, about his many film cultural endeavors, from creating the Obscure One Sheet Blog and programming for the Chicago International Film Festival to developing his DIRTY OLD NEW YORK video essays and launching the new Fun City Editions home video label. Topics include THE WANDERERS, virtual cinemas, Michael Ferrari, Montclair in the 90s, THE SWIMMER, Milestone Films, the Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee and how discovering Danny Peary's CULT MOVIES books during adolescence can both expand one's taste and lead to a bad back. Visit the Fun...
2020-09-072h 56Supporting CharactersEpisode 55: Abraham Castillo Flores Bill speaks to lecturer, editor and film programmer Abraham Castillo Flores about his path in film, from directing short films and cutting promos for the Independent Film Channel to programming for Mexico's Mórbido Film Fest and hosting The Morbido Crypt's Guide to Mexican Fantasy and Horror Cinema events. Topics include: Luz María Rojas, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Luchador films, Liliana V. Blum, the documentaries of Paulina del Paso, contextualizing extreme films at festivals, Lucio A. Rojas' TRAUMA, the programming work of Evrim Ersoy and Nicole McControversy, employing terror to promote safe sex, Lex Ortega, DIAMOND FLASH, the magic of editing an...
2020-08-242h 54Supporting CharactersEpisode 54: Nellie KillianBill speaks to film programmer Nellie Killian about her pursuits in film, from attending Orson Welles and Fritz Lang retrospectives as a child to co-founding the Migrating Forms Film Festival and teaching film courses at the Pratt Institute. They discuss her career in programming, from her work with venues like Brooklyn Academy Of Music to such recent efforts as the acclaimed TELL ME: WOMEN FILMMAKERS, WOMEN'S STORIES, now streaming on The Criterion Channel. Topics include: The Cinema Worker Solidarity Fund, experimental films, the New York Underground Film Festival, producing live subtitles for 35mm Andrzej Zulawski movie screenings, virtual cinema rentals...
2020-08-101h 53Supporting CharactersEpisode 53: Ashlee BlackwellBill speaks to writer, producer/screenwriter and professor Ashlee Blackwell about her various endeavors, from organizing events like Philly Loves Women In Horror and developing the Graveyard Shift Sisters website to teaching film at St. Joseph's University and co-writing, co-producing and appearing in the documentary HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR. Topics include: James Bond III, the value in narrowing one's focus, R. Shanea Williams, THE EXORCIST, Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman, unwinding to stand-up comedy and having one's feminist sensibilities awakened by A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER. Follow Ashlee Blackwell on Twitter: https://twitter.com/As...
2020-07-271h 43Supporting CharactersEpisode 52: E. PurchellBill speaks to film historian, preservationist and filmmaker E. Purchell about their various endeavors, from programming and creating pre-screening short films for the Florida Avalon microcinema to the development of ASK ANY BUDDY, their Artforum 'Best of 2018' Instagram feed and acclaimed collage film companion. Topics include: Gregg Araki, Man Parrish, the Don't Look In The Closet podcast, the film programming of Jazmyne Moreno, Everything Is Terrible!, Dark Entries Records, Instagram and Vimeo restrictions, Tom DeSimone and the contradictory qualities of adult films. Follow the ASK ANY BUDDY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askanybuddy/ Visit the official...
2020-07-131h 52
Build Race PartyRacing Adventures with John AckermanBill Caswell and John Ackerman reminisce over their racing adventures from Rally Tennessee to the Nurburgring 24hr to Foutecross to the Monaco Grand Prix to the 24hrs of Lemons. The two discuss the best ways to see races, and how others sneak into sold-old races. They cover their first year entering the Baja Pig in the Baja 1000 and other important racing stuff like “How to destroy a BMW 750Il using a Dodge Neon.”
2020-06-051h 54
Best Hour of Their Day | Podcast212: Bill Anthes | Improving mindset during the quarantineBill Anthes is a Special Forces Veteran and professional coach with experience in providing life-changing coaching services. Trained and highly competent in Leadership, Personal Development, and Life Coaching. Bill provides actionable opportunities for individuals and teams to learn more about themselves through a collaborative partnership in the pursuit of becoming a better human.
2020-04-151h 02Best Hour of Their Day | Podcast32. Bill Anthes | The greatest adaptation happens between the earsThis episode is all about mindset and how to overcome adversity to be the best version of yourself. In this interview with Bill Anthes, a former Green Beret and founder of Between the ears we discuss tactics to help you overcome anything in life, the importance of journaling, and how a structured morning routine can set you up for success the rest of the day.
Find Bill online: @btwntheears - @billanthes - Betweentheears.com - Btepractice.com
2019-06-181h 01Supporting CharactersEpisode 51: Emma WestwoodBill speaks to author, broadcaster and film historian Emma Westwood about her many creative endeavors, from co-founding film societies and writing freelance criticism to hosting Triple R's Plato's Cave and developing her recent monograph on David Cronenberg's THE FLY. Topics include: Fatal Visions, Lee Gambin, the differing approaches of American and Australian film schools in the early 1990s, ALIEN, John Frankenheimer, Bert Deling's DALMAS, writing about standup comedy, HOUSEBOAT HORROR, the research process for audio commentary tracks, Raymond Stross, why children relate to monsters and why "write what you know" is bad advice. Visit Emma Westwood's website:
2019-06-033h 23Supporting CharactersEpisode 50: Josh Olson Bill speaks to writer/director, Trailers From Hell guru and podcaster Josh Olson about his many endeavors, from writing screenplays like the Oscar-nominated A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE and the audio drama BRONZEVILLE to co-hosting shows like The Movies That Made Me and The West Wing Thing. Topics include: Harlan Ellison, Werner Herzog and the German New Wave, NIGHT WATCH, Randy Frakes, landing professional opportunities through mistaken identity, MAD Magazine, Anthony Bourdain, screening UNFORGIVEN for David Cronenberg, The Cinefamily and whether or not people still approach him to read their scripts. Watch Josh Olson on Trailers...
2019-04-292h 15Supporting CharactersEpisode 49: Mike "McBeardo" McPaddenBill speaks to author, screenwriter and fanzine publisher Mike "McBeardo" McPadden about his various endeavors, from creating the fanzine Happyland in 1991 to developing books like HEAVY METAL MOVIES and TEEN MOVIE HELL. Topics include: Rick Sullivan's Gore Gazette, approaching 1980s teen sex comedies in the #MeToo era, writing as Selwyn Harris for Screw and Hustler, Danny Peary, 1990s fanzine culture, authoring screenplays for Gregory Dark films like THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES 5 and ANIMAL INSTINCTS III, John Hughes, Troma Entertainment, LEMORA: A CHILD'S TALE OF THE SUPERNATURAL, Gilbert Gottfried, Mr. Skin, catching ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW at age 10 with...
2019-04-151h 56
Bye Bye Celluloid08 - Bill Ackerman - Part TwoSUPPORTING CHARACTERS podcast host Bill Ackerman returns to discuss the current state of home media, the seemingly shrinking number of digitally unavailable obscurities, the social significance of film festivals, and directors ranging from Frank Perry to Bill Gunn to Don Coscarelli, as well as Bill's Blu-ray and DVD commentaries. Recorded in December 2018. Supporting Characters on the Now Playing Network: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters Follow Bye Bye Celluloid: Facebook http://www.facebook.com/byebyecelluloid/ Twitter http://twitter.com/ByeByeCelluloid Instagram http://www.instagram.com/byeb...
2019-04-0125 minSupporting CharactersEpisode 48: Kent Jones Bill speaks to writer, filmmaker, and New York Film Festival director Kent Jones. They discuss his path from writing film reviews as a teenager to directing the new film DIANE. Topics include: William Wyler, collaborating with Martin Scorsese on documentaries like MY VOYAGE TO ITALY and A LETTER TO ELIA, programming at venues like Film Forum and Film Society Of Lincoln Center, moderating Q & As, Jean-Luc Godard, Netflix, John Ford, Elia Kazan, Manny Farber, ZODIAC, New Video, Monte Hellman and the importance of costume designers. Visit IFC Films site for DIANE: http://www.ifcfilms.com...
2019-03-212h 31Supporting CharactersEpisode 47: Chris O'Neill Bill talks to filmmaker and film programmer Chris O'Neill. They discuss his experiences in film culture, from childhood movie rental rituals to directing short films, working in distribution and programming for theatres like Kino Cinema and Triskel Christchurch. Topics include Irish cinema, tape trading, STRAW DOGS, Brad Stevens, the changes William Friedkin made to CRUISING and the impact of parenthood on work/life balance. Visit the official site of Triskel Christ Church: https://triskelartscentre.ie/cinema/ Listen to an interview with Chris O'Neill about the 59th Cork Film Festival. Chris O'Neill - Triskel Arts Centre #CorkFilmFest - Fred Industry Ch...
2018-11-262h 21Supporting CharactersEpisode 46: Manuela LazicBill talks to film critic Manuela Lazic. They discuss her experiences in film culture, from reading Cahiers du Cinema with her sister in middle school to writing for publications like Little White Lies, The Ringer, Vague Visages, RogerEbert.com and Birth.Movies.Death. Topics include: Erotic thrillers, influential teachers, Christopher Nolan, writing about performance, podcasts, BLOW UP, drawing Freudian inspiration from Sasha Alexander's performance on NCIS, positivity and branding on social media. Visit Manuela Lazic's official site: https://manilazic.com/ Read "The Wild Innocence Of Melanie Griffith": https://vaguevisages.com/2018/08/08/you-gotta-act-the-wild-innocence-of-melanie-griffith/
2018-11-121h 16Supporting CharactersEpisode 45: Sergio MimsBill talks to film programmer and historian Sergio Mims about some of his many pursuits in film culture, from working on the set of films like PENITENTIARY to co-founding the website Shadow And Act and festivals like Blacklight and Black Harvest Film Festival. Other topics include: influential books, classical music, tips for conducting celebrity interviews, J. Lee Thompson, the L.A. Rebellion film movement, Films And Filming, working in radio and having the good sense to turn down work on a film with a title like THE BABYSITTER MURDERS. Visit the official site for the Black Harvest Film...
2018-11-051h 41Supporting CharactersEpisode 44: Stephen ThrowerBill speaks to author and musician Stephen Thrower about some of his contributions to film culture, from his earliest film criticism for Shock Xpress and his film journal Eyeball to the development of books like BEYOND TERROR: THE FILMS OF LUCIO FULCI, NIGHTMARE USA: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE EXPLOITATION INDEPENDENTS and MURDEROUS PASSIONS: THE DELIRIOUS CINEMA OF JESS FRANCO. Other topics include: Dr. Who, Roxy Music, POSSESSION, David Lynch, Ramsey Campbell, THE BROOD, Derek Jarman, DUFFER, Throbbing Gristle, DON'T GO IN THE HOUSE, hedonistic writing techniques, approaches to film scoring and how certain films can be analogous to...
2018-10-312h 28Supporting CharactersEpisode 43: Lisa PetrucciBill speaks to artist and exploitation film preservationist Lisa Petrucci about her experiences in film culture, from childhood encounters with horror movies at the drive-in to running Something Weird Video. Topics discussed include: Mike Vraney, working at Michael Weldon's original Psychotronic Store in the East Village, early 90s exploitation film fan culture, Reel Wild Cinema, the evolution of Something Weird's customer base, screening sexploitation films for today's audiences and how her dad came up with idea for G.I. Joe. Visit Lisa Petrucci's official website: http://www.lisapetrucci.com/ Visit the official Something Weird Video...
2018-10-221h 10Supporting CharactersEpisode 42: Peter BiskindBill speaks to Peter Biskind about his various endeavors in film culture, from editing for publications like American Film and Premiere to writing books like THE SKY IS FALLING, DOWN AND DIRTY PICTURES and EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS: HOW THE SEX-DRUGS-AND-ROCK-'N'_ROLL GENERATION SAVED HOLLYWOOD. Topics discussed include: Biskind's work as a documentarian, Brandon Films, getting reprimanded by Francis Coppola, the development and reception of EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS, comic book movies and extremism in popular entertainment, Harvey Weinstein and having to axe a piece by Christopher Hitchens because of his insufficient notes. Buy The Sky Is...
2018-10-081h 23Supporting CharactersEpisode 41: Adrian MartinBill speaks to author and film critic Adrian Martin about how a childhood interest in science fiction fanzines lead him towards a rich and varied life in film culture, from teaching film at age 19 and working as a freelance film/arts critic to writing books, co-editing online journals like Rouge and collaborating with fellow critic Cristina Álvarez López on audiovisual essays. Topics include: writing techniques and outfoxing subeditors, progressive rock, specializing in certain films/filmmakers, audio commentaries, Bill Krohn, discussing troublesome directors, early 1980s Melbourne film culture, Josef Von Sternberg and experiencing premonitions in dreams concerning PLANET OF TH...
2018-08-202h 36Supporting CharactersEpisode 40: Rachael NisbetBill speaks to writer Rachael Nisbet about her creative endeavors, from developing the website Hypnotic Crescendos to writing booklet essays for Dario Argento and Sergio Martino home video releases. Topics discussed include: Umberto Lenzi, Edinburgh film culture, research practices, erotic thrillers, Kat Ellinger, DON'T LOOK NOW, Scalarama and how to apply the aesthetic of an Italian giallo to one's wedding reception. Visit Rachael Nisbet's website, Hypnotic Crecendos: http://hypnoticcrescendos.blogspot.com/ Read Rachael Nisbet's essay about the building that the New York apartment in Dario Argento's INFERNO was modeled after: ht...
2018-08-081h 32Supporting CharactersEpisode 39: Ela Bittencourt Bill speaks to film critic Ela Bittencourt about her many pursuits, from past programming efforts like the Neither/Nor Polish retrospective at True/False Film Fest and the LGBTQ Brazil series at the Museum Of The Moving Image, to writing for publications like Slant and Film Comment and creating the website Lyssaria to call attention to the work of young filmmakers. Other topics include: Polish Cinema in the 1990s, hybrid documentaries, Andrzej Zulawski, the importance of good editors and the childhood experience of playing an extra in an Andrzej Wajda movie. Visit Ela Bittencourt's website, Lyssaria: www...
2018-07-232h 45Supporting CharactersEpisode 38: Eric Allen HatchBill speaks to writer and film programmer Eric Allen Hatch about his many endeavors, from writing criticism for Baltimore's City Paper to his years serving as director of programming for the Maryland Film Festival. Topics discussed include the Filmmaker Magazine piece "Why I Am Hopeful", The Red Room Collective, Video Americain, Skizz Cyzyk and MicroCineFest, Beyond Video, Baltimore Museum Of Art's Free First Thursdays film series, memes and social media, POSSESSION, Metrograph, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and the need for community engagement as a programmer. Read "Why I Am Hopeful", Eric Allen Hatch's Filmmaker Magazine piece on the...
2018-07-092h 33Supporting CharactersEpisode 37: Bill LustigBill speaks with filmmaker and Blue Underground CEO Bill Lustig about his many experiences in film, from his childhood experiences on 42nd Street regular to directing cult favorites like MANIAC and VIGILANTE and working in home video with companies like Anchor Bay Entertainment. Topics discussed include Netflix, ALICE SWEET ALICE, filming car chases with Randy Jurgensen, character actors, the differences between East and West Coast adult films of the 1970s, Duke Mitchell, TRUE ROMANCE and the economic realities of the home video business. Visit the official site of Blue Underground: Blue Underground - DVD and Blu-ray Cult Classics
2018-06-122h 14Supporting CharactersEpisode 36: Alexandra Heller-NicholasBill speaks with critic and author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas about her many pursuits, from co-founding Fiend Magazine and writing books like RAPE-REVENGE FILMS and FOUND FOOTAGE HORROR FILMS to editing for Senses Of Cinema and co-curating the Pioneering Women program on Australian women filmmakers of the 1980's and 1990's. Topics covered include: Carol Clover, Plato's Cave, date movies, masks, MEGAN IS MISSING, writing and editing tips, Hal Hartley, THE STENDHAL SYNDROME, Graveyard Shift Sisters and the predatory behavior of Pepé Le Pew. Visit Alexandra Heller-Nicholas's official site: Alexandra Heller-Nicholas Visit Alexandra Heller-Nicholas's site Generation Starstruck, focusing on Australian women's filmmaking made b...
2018-03-062h 26Supporting CharactersEpisode 35: Michael BrookeBill speaks with film writer and DVD/Blu-Ray producer Michael Brooke about his various endeavors, from his years at Hampstead's Everyman Cinema and the BFI to producing Blu-Ray releases for labels like Arrow Video and Indicator. Topics covered include: London repertory cinemas of the 1980s, Béla Bartók, revisionist video transfers, Ken Russell, video label economics and limited editions, Mehelli Modi and Second Run DVD, Jan Švankmajer, Channel 4's adventurous 1980s programming, audio commentaries, The Quay Brothers and how testing pasta shells for your children can lead you to reconsider appearing on camera. Read Michael Brooke's BFI...
2018-02-052h 59Supporting CharactersEpisode 34: Maitland McDonaghBill speaks with author, critic and publisher Maitland McDonagh about her creative pursuits, from the origins of books like THE 50 MOST EROTIC FILMS OF ALL TIME and the landmark BROKEN MIRRORS/BROKEN MINDS: THE DARK DREAMS OF DARIO ARGENTO to blogging for TV Guide and founding 120 Days Books. Topics covered include: ballet, COLUMBIA FILM REVIEW, Times Square grindhouse culture, Dennis Gifford's A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF HORROR MOVIES, writing for TV Guide, contemporary horror films, film theory, DARKER THAN AMBER, cat counselors and Abel Ferrara's approach to ensuring a quiet setting for an interview. Visit the official site of 120 Days Books...
2018-01-222h 09Supporting CharactersEpisode 33: Alan JonesBill speaks with film journalist, critic and film festival programmer Alan Jones about some of his many endeavors, from writing childhood film diaries to co-directing the UK's largest International genre film festival. Topics covered include: Dario Argento, The Portobello Hotel, punk rock, auditioning for Russ Meyer, CARRIE, The BFI, Guillermo del Toro, disco and Jones' forthcoming book DISCO MANIA for Nicolas Winding Refn, Asia Argento, visiting film locations, and how following the writing advice of Jackie Collins can allow you to accept the pleasures of alliteration. Visit the official FrightFest Site: http://www.frightfest.co.uk/ Visit Alan Jones' Amazon au...
2018-01-081h 57Supporting CharactersEpisode 32: Ashley WestBill speaks to The Rialto Report's Ashley West. West explains how his ongoing documentary project detailing the birth of the adult film industry in New York put him on the path to recording audio commentaries with figures like Radley Metzger, consulting on the HBO series THE DEUCE and co-founding The Rialto Report, a collection of podcasts, articles and photographs chronicling the history of the golden age of adult film. Other topics covered include: fanzines, the field recordings of Alan Lomax, the adult film work of Wes Craven, BOOGIE NIGHTS, the Golden Age Appreciation Fund, Video Nasties, Jamie Gillis, BARBARA BROADCAST...
2017-12-182h 00Supporting CharactersEpisode 31: Molly HaskellBill talks to author and film critic Molly Haskell about some of the many contributions she's made to film culture, from writing film criticism for publications like The Village Voice and Vogue to developing books like her landmark FROM REVERENCE TO RAPE: THE TREATMENT OF WOMEN IN THE MOVIES and the recent STEVEN SPIELBERG: A LIFE IN FILMS. Other topics covered include: Feminism, Andrew Sarris, Leo McCarey, DIABOLIQUE, the Sarasota French Film Festival, Twitter, Pauline Kael, women's films of the 1970s, film theory, Agnes Varda, the origins of the National Society Of Film Critics and New York film culture in...
2017-12-122h 03Supporting CharactersEpisode 30: Heather BuckleyBill talks to film journalist, special effects supervisor, podcaster and award-winning home video supplements producer Heather Buckley. They discuss her path from writing for Dread Central to co-producing the forthcoming feature film THE RANGER. Other topics include: J. Hoberman and Jonathan Rosenbaum's book MIDNIGHT MOVIES, punk rock, Martin Scorsese, applying a DIY ethic to working in corporate advertising, social media, the abuse of power in film culture, UNFORGIVEN, Michael Felsher and how hanging a poster of a character from Clive Barker's NIGHTBREED can inadvertently result in one's own exorcism. Read about Heather Buckley's film and supplementary feature credits on her...
2017-11-271h 56Supporting CharactersEpisode 29: Jonathan RosenbaumBill talks to author and film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum about some of his many endeavors in film culture, including books like MOVING PLACES and MOVIE WARS, his tenure as principal film reviewer at the Chicago Reader, and his involvement in multiple Orson Welles-related projects, ranging from THIS IS ORSON WELLES to THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND. Other topics include: Critical interactivity, identity politics in film criticism, André Téchiné, film culture in New York and Paris in the late '60s, confusing Art with Class, audio commentaries, TWIN PEAKS, hate mail, film festivals and how plagiarism can be a pos...
2017-11-131h 58Supporting CharactersEpisode 28: Kat EllingerBill talks to writer, editor and podcaster Kat Ellinger about the various film culture projects she's been involved in, from creating her first blog to co-hosting the Daughters Of Darkness podcast and serving as the Editor-In-Chief at Diabolique Magazine. Other topics covered include accents, Video Nasties, sexism in film culture, Heather Drain, Parental Advisory stickers, the importance of editors, audio commentaries, New Age travellers, the Japan Cuts film festival, Kat's forthcoming book on Harry Kümel's DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS, work/life balance and the proper use of newspapers to ward of vampires. Buy the new issue of Diabolique M...
2017-08-142h 34Supporting CharactersEpisode 27: Tim LucasBill talks to writer and film historian Tim Lucas about some of his many contributions to film culture, from early mimeographed fanzines and articles like "The Shape Of Rage" and "The Butchering of Dario Argento" to award-winning efforts like Video Watchdog magazine and the book MARIO BAVA: ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK. Other topics covered include David Cronenberg and the filming of VIDEODROME, audio commentaries, Kim Newman, George A. Romero, Craig Ledbetter, Quentin Tarantino, penning profane subtitles for RABID DOGS, The Jefferson Airplane, Video WatchBlog, the "post-horror" label and how reviewing Ken Russell's THE DEVILS for your high school...
2017-07-303h 47Supporting CharactersEpisode 26: Joseph A. ZiembaBill speaks with Joseph A. Ziemba, creator of the website Bleeding Skull, director of genre programming and promotions at Alamo Drafthouse, and a lead archivist for American Genre Film Archive (AGFA). They discuss the origins of his various projects, as well as formative cinematic experiences, the aesthetic of BOARDINGHOUSE, work/life balance, the evolution of AGFA, and why preserving films like BAT PUSSY won't necessarily get you disinvited from future family get-togethers these days. Visit the site Bleeding Skull: http://bleedingskull.com/ Visit the official site for American Genre Film Archive: http://americangenrefilm.com/ Visit the official site for Bleeding Sku...
2017-07-101h 06Supporting CharactersEpisode 25: Abbey BenderBill speaks with film critic Abbey Bender. They discuss her experiences in film culture, from childhood repertory screenings to writing for publications like Film Comment, The Village Voice, Playboy and Rolling Stone. Other topics include: "women's interest" writing assignments, fashion as it relates both to Rainer Werner Fassbinder and "The Brady Bunch", New York film culture, politics and contrarian auteur favorites on Twitter, JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS and forging short-lived friendships in order to have someone to see Jean-Luc Godard movies with. Links: Visit Abbey Bender's official site: https://abbeybender.wordpress.com/ Read Abbey Bender on Jayne Ma...
2017-06-261h 38Supporting CharactersEpisode 24: Lee Gambin Bill speaks with author and film historian Lee Gambin. They talk about his wide array of artistic pursuits, from directing confrontational stage plays and selling fanzines for beer money to writing for Fangoria and lecturing at film festivals and universities. Topics include: FROGS, the origins of Lee's various books (including the new NOPE, NOTHING WRONG HERE: THE MAKING OF CUJO), tailoring one's writing style for specific publishers, Melbourne film culture, and how researching movies like THE PACK can improve your relationship with your own dog. Buy WE CAN BE WHO WE ARE and preorder NOPE, NOTHING WRONG HERE: THE MAKING OF...
2017-06-112h 49Supporting CharactersEpisode 23: Ashley ClarkBill speaks with writer and film programmer Ashley Clark about his pursuits, from his early blog Permanent Plastic Helmet and programming screenings at the movie theatre where he worked to writing for publications like The Guardian, Sight & Sound, Reverse Shot and Vice and programming for the BFI and MOMA. Other topics covered include: THE HATEFUL EIGHT, Wendell B. Harris Jr.'s CHAMELEON STREET and the emotional side of curation, his book "Facing Blackness – Media and Minstrelsy in Spike Lee's BAMBOOZLED", TAXI DRIVER, the importance of editors, organizing the Black Star series at London's BFI Southbank, Ed Guerrero's Framing Blackness, and ha...
2017-05-222h 01Supporting CharactersEpisode 22: Elric KaneBill speaks with Elric Kane about the wide variety of film culture projects he's been involved in, from hosting podcasts like Killer POV, Shock Waves and Pure Cinema, to directing films, producing and hosting interview shows like This Week In Horror and Inside Horror, teaching film, working at Facets, launching an entrepreneurial venture with Jump Cut Café, and much more. Other topics covered include New Zealand film culture, female horror film directors, Monte Hellman, the Hollywood Underground Film Festival, POSSESSION and having tuna fish sandwiches with the director of CHRISTMAS EVIL. Hear Shock Waves: http://www.blumhouse.com/podcast/ Hear K...
2017-05-082h 25Supporting CharactersEpisode 21: Barry Solan Bill speaks with Barry Solan about both his years running repertory movie houses like The State Theatre and experiences as owner of the Video Americain video store chain. They also discuss midnight movie culture of the early 1980s, discovering rare movies on Youtube, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, bootlegs, how Video Americain came to be featured in John Waters' SERIAL MOM, the appeal of video stores, and Barry's assorted tangles with anti-pornography crusaders, film company theatre checkers, Led Zeppelin-loving bathroom vandals, HBO executives, angry filmmakers and protesters threatening to burn down his theatre for showing Jean-Luc Godard's HAIL MARY.
2017-04-242h 34Supporting CharactersEpisode 20: Amanda ReyesBill speaks with writer/podcaster Amanda Reyes about her many experiences that shape her work, from discovering Scandinavian films on Bravo as a teenager to the professional satisfactions of becoming as an archivist. They discuss the origins of her many film cultural endeavors, including the Made For TV Mayhem blog and its companion podcast, as well as the new book Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium 1964-1999. Other topics include frustrating screenwriting experiences, BAD RONALD, Kindertrauma, Wes Craven, nostalgia, female-driven horror movies, The Strange And Deadly Show, and a surprise revelation about being quoted on the...
2017-04-102h 45Supporting CharactersEpisode 19: Brian SaurBill speaks with film blogger and podcaster Brian Saur about the origins of his many endeavors, from his long-running Rupert Pupkin Speaks site to the recent Pure Cinema and Just The Discs podcasts. Other topics discussed include Saur's in-progress documentary on author Danny Peary, the influence of social media on initial viewing experiences, the merits of film lists and the circumstances that can lead a person to record podcasts from within a car alongside their dog. Read Rupert Pupkin Speaks: http://www.rupertpupkinspeaks.com/ Hear Pure Cinema Podcast: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/purecinema Hear Just The Discs: https://itunes.apple...
2017-03-272h 13Supporting CharactersEpisode 18: Nick PinkertonBill speaks with film critic Nick Pinkerton about his experiences and practices as a writer, from his initial reviews for Reverse Shot to becoming a regular contributor at publications like The Village Voice, Sight & Sound, Artforum and Film Comment. Other topics discussed include the late Kim's Video chain, the importance of great editors, moderating Q&As, New York City film culture, criticism in the age of social media, work/life balance and the professional hazards that can come from having the wrong attitude about frozen yogurt. Read Nick Pinkerton's film criticism: https://www.filmcomment.com/author/nick-pinkerton/ http://www.bfi.or...
2017-03-131h 42
The Great AlbumsPrince - Purple Rain (w/ guest Bill Ackerman)Podcaster Bill Ackerman (nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters) joins Bill and Brian to discuss Prince's multimedia spectacular, Purple Rain (1984, Warner Bros.). Bill talks about falling in love with this music as it saturated the airwaves in his youth, and then revealing that access to this film and album would have been denied to him if it not for a precocious baby sitter willing to collude with him. The Bills and Brian discuss the Minneapolis scene, First Avenue, the Revolution, Wendy & Lisa, and much more as we make our way through the album track by track!
2017-03-062h 02Supporting CharactersEpisode 17: Marc Walkow Bill speaks with DVD/Blu-Ray producer, writer and film festival programmer Marc Walkow about his many projects and pursuits in the world of film culture, from his early days at TLA Video to programming for the New York Asian Film Festival to his essential role in turning Nobuhiko Obayashi's HOUSE into a popular cult film. They discuss his extensive history in home video: developing the Euroshock and Mario Bava Collections at Image, producing the Merchant-Ivory Collection at Home Vision, developing special features for Criterion Collection titles like VIDEODROME, producing lavish box sets for Arrow Films like BATTLES WITHOUT HONOUR AND H...
2016-10-242h 20Supporting CharactersEpisode 16: Patrick RipollBill speaks with Tracks Of The Damned podcast host Patrick Ripoll. In addition to talking about both his current show and his years co-hosting the Director's Club podcast, they discuss Woody Allen, the C.H.U.D.com forums, standup comedy, the "Loveline" radio call-in program, what makes Letterboxd less evil than other social media sites, Buster Keaton, midnight movies, building cinephile monasteries within oneself, preserving pan and scan VHS transfers for historical purposes, TERMS OF ENDEARMENT, video store culture in 2016, Nicolas Winding Refn and the value of studying improv as it pertains both to podcasting and dating. Hear Tracks...
2016-10-032h 29Supporting CharactersEpisode 15: Violet LuccaThis week Bill speaks with the film critic Violet Lucca, Digital Editor of Film Comment Magazine and host of The Film Comment Podcast, about her experiences in film culture. Some of the topics discussed include: hybrid documentaries, Vine filmmakers, Nate Parker, DCPs and New York repertory cinemas, identity politics in film criticism, Rotten Tomatoes, prestige television, Film Comment's relationship to The Film Society Of Lincoln Center, torrents and the myth of availability, the difference between Marvel and DC comic book adaptations, David Lynch, Violet's forays into filmmaking, protests against animal testing and the potential for violence at Yasujiro Ozu screenings. R...
2016-09-191h 21Supporting CharactersEpisode 14: Danny PearyBill speaks with Danny Peary, the author of Cult Movies, Cult Movies 2, Cult Movies 3, Guide For The Film Fanatic, and Cult Movie Stars, among others. They talk about Peary's long history with movies: childhood viewing that ranged from Abbott & Costello to Ingmar Bergman, discovering Andrew Sarris in high school and spending afternoons at theatres like The Thalia, starting a campus film society while immersed in the student protest culture of the late 1960s, making silent short-subject comedies, his years of freelance writing for underground publications, developing books like Close-Ups and Cult Movies that established his reputation. Other topics discussed include...
2016-09-052h 28Supporting CharactersEpisode 13: Jeremy Richey Bill speaks with Jeremy Richey, editor and co-creator of the quarterly print journal Art Decades. They talk about the origins of this publication and his litany of film-related blogs, among them Moon In The Gutter, Fascination: The Jean Rollin Experience, Nostalgia Kinky and Harry Moseby Confidential. They also discuss plagiarism, influential books, Jean Rollin, feminism, Tim Lucas, Jeremy's documentary appearances, Kimberly Kane, discouraging freelance writing experiences and details about his upcoming book focusing on the European film career of Sylvia Kristel. Buy past issues of Art Decades: https://www.amazon.com/Jeremy-R-Richey/e/B00OV5YLWS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 Re...
2016-08-221h 40Supporting CharactersEpisode 12: Jay JacksonraoBill speaks with Black On Black Cinema host and TNP Studios founder Jay Jacksonrao. In addition to talking about the origins of his Nerdpocalypse and Black On Black Cinema shows, they discuss blockbuster spectacle cinema and the post-9/11 appeal of superhero movies, Baltimore film culture, FRUITVALE STATION and how the economy can inform the kinds of stories told in black films. Visit the official site for Black On Black Cinema: http://www.blackonblackcinema.com/ Visit the official site for The Nerdpocalypse. http://www.thenerdpocalypse.com/ Read Craig D. Lindsey's interview with the...
2016-08-071h 24
Supporting CharactersEpisode 11: Jim LaczkowskiBill speaks with Director's Club host and Now Playing Network founder Jim Laczkowski. In addition to talking about podcasts, both his own and those of others, they discuss his early years directing short comedies to make his classmates laugh, his long history with WGN Radio film critic Nick Digilio, EVIL DEAD 2, near-death experiences, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, bandwagon mentality, the Chicago film critic community, drive-in theatres, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, experiences touring as a solo musician, critic screenings and the enduring scent of Roger Ebert's sandwich. Hear Jim on the Director's Club podcast: http://www.directorsclubpodcast.com/ Hear...
2016-07-252h 12
Supporting CharactersEpisode 10: Joseph A. GervasiBill speaks with Exhumed Films co-founder and Diabolik DVD co-owner Joseph A. Gervasi about how the DIY ethos of hardcore punk informed his endeavors in film culture. They discuss the origins of his various projects, from early ventures like The Cabbage Collective and Bizarre Videos to later efforts like The Valerie Project and the ongoing Loud! Fast! Philly! series. Other topics addressed include Phil Hardy's Overlook Film Encyclopedia, entitled genre film collectors, CAFÉ FLESH, the subtle homage to Joseph's father on the Criterion Collection edition of VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS, and how declining nude modeling opportunities can negatively i...
2016-07-112h 51Supporting CharactersEpisode 9: Kier-La JanisseBill speaks to writer/film programmer Kier-La Janisse about her many contributions to film culture, from her Cannibal Culture fanzine and Cinemuerte film festival to co-founding venues like the Blue Sunshine Psychotronic Film Centre, schools like The Miskatonic Institute Of Horror Studies and her small-press publishing company with fellow writer Paul Corupe, Spectacular Optical Publications. We talk about the origins of her books A VIOLENT PROFESSIONAL - THE FILMS OF LUCIANO ROSSI and the acclaimed HOUSE OF PSYCHOTIC WOMEN, and her experiences in documentary film, whether as a co-producer, an interviewee or as the subject. Other topics covered include movie...
2016-06-272h 58Supporting CharactersEpisode 8: Mike WhiteBill speaks to writer/podcaster Mike White about his various projects and pursuits in the world of film culture, from WHO DO YOU THINK YOU'RE FOOLING? and Super Happy Fun to Cashiers du Cinemart and The Projection Booth. They also discuss film festivals, bootleg culture of the early 2000s, adult films, Bruce Campbell, underappreciated filmmakers, Mike's documentary appearances, unhelpful publicists, Greydon Clark, film theory, pranking the IMDB and much more. See the official site for The Projection Booth podcast: The Projection Booth Podcast Read Mike White's blog: ImpossibleFunky Productions See the official site for Cashiers du Cinemart: Cas...
2016-06-132h 10Supporting CharactersEpisode 7: Daniel GriffithBill talks to documentary filmmaker Daniel Griffith of Ballyhoo Motion Pictures. Griffith explains how his independently-made documentary on film producer K. Gordon Murray opened the door to an ongoing career producing DVD/Blu-Ray supplements (for companies like Synapse Films, VCI Entertainment and Shout Factory) and documentary features on subjects like John Carpenter's DARK STAR, Florida filmmaker William Grefe, Charles Band's Empire International Pictures, and teenagers making Super 8 genre movies in the 1970s. See Daniel Griffith's official website: http://www.ballyhoomotionpictures.com/
2016-05-311h 17Supporting CharactersEpisode 6: Eric BreslerBill talks to film programmer and PhilaMOCA curator Eric Bresler. They have a conversation about his wide variety of projects, including his Video Pirates found-footage comedy shorts, the documentary OTAKU UNITE!, the Cinedelphia Film Festival and his work at PhilaMOCA. Other topics discussed include Philadelphia film culture and exhibition, tape trading, Eric's admiration for the band Sparks, TLA Video, Pia Zadora, Eraserhood Forever (including this year's headliner), visits from both South Philly gangsters and David Lynch to PhilaMOCA, Brian Schmidt's THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE OF JOJO (AND HIS ANNOYING LITTLE SISTER), and the especially shady casting process for an independent film.
2016-05-171h 53Supporting CharactersEpisode 5: J.A. KerswellBill welcomes author J.A. Kerswell onto the show.
Kerswell's love for slasher movies inspired him to create the first
website devoted to them (Hysteria Lives!), write a book (Teenage
Wasteland, aka The Slasher Movie Book), co-host a podcast (The
Hysteria Continues), and appear on the bonus features of numerous
DVD/Blu-Ray releases for labels like Vinegar Syndrome, Arrow Films
and 88 Films. In addition to discussing these endeavors in
detail, other topics include growing up in the era of Video
Nasties, arthouse/horror hybrids, responding to criticisms,
nostalgia among horror fans, and how to prevent one's passion
projects from devolving i...
2016-05-021h 50Supporting CharactersEpisode 4 : Travis CrawfordBill speaks to writer/film programmer Travis Crawford about his writing career, underground genre film and music publications, glossier magazines like Fangoria and Film Comment, books like 1001 Films To See Before You Die, and websites like The Calvert Journal. They also discuss Crawford’s popular Danger After Dark festival series, his work with Artsploitation Films, Danny Peary’s Cult Movies, Dario Argento, the depressing state of foreign film distribution, his ill-advised visit to Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum with an iconic horror film director, and more.
See Travis Crawford discuss Danger After Dark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64vufXeX5ug
Read...
2016-04-211h 57
Supporting CharactersEpisode 3: Heather DrainBill speaks with Heather Drain about her path as a writer from childhood capsule reviews of B-movies in crayon to writing professionally for people like Video Watchdog and Dangerous Minds, the influence of Baxter Phillips' book Cut: The Unseen Cinema, the work of filmmaker Stephen Sayadian, her involvement with The Projection Booth podcast, David Schmoeller's CRAWLSPACE, peers she admires, early music videos, adult cinema, Lester Bangs, and details about a few of the upcoming projects she has in the works
2016-04-041h 28
Director's ClubEpisode 105: Atom Egoyan (feat. Al Kwiatkowski & Bill Ackerman)Hey guys! Jim here. Well, I'm nowhere to be found in this episode other than the ad and parody song. I had to take a couple weeks off, so I enlisted the help of two of my favorite previous guests to take the helm for an epic examination of a favorite Canadian filmmaker of theirs. Bill Ackerman and Al Kwiatkowski took it upon themselves to discuss the entire filmography of one Atom Egoyan, whose two films EXOTICA and THE SWEET HEREAFTER were highly acclaimed in the late 90s and well worth your time. But what about the films prior to t...
2016-04-043h 23