Shows
CINEMACTIVIST30 - Meet Priscilla SmithFrom an extra on Phone Booth, to Cannes in her 20’s and breaking out on her own, meet Priscilla Smith the domestic sales agent for Unearth and owner of The Coven and Foxglove Entertainment. This is Part 1 of our conversation. Part 2 releases next week.00:00 - The Road to France03:43 - Heading to Hollywood and Finding her way to Film Sales10:55 - The Cannes Experience in your 20’s and the Social Aspects15:53 - How a Sales Agent can help you and your Film and the Importance of Pacing20:23 - What happ...
2022-06-2230 minCINEMACTIVIST29 - Unleash with Shiara PettisIn episode 28 you met writer, Shiara Pettis. In this episode we introduce you to our remote writing process over the past 12 months and tease some Unleash script details. 00:00 - The Big Ask05:24 - Writing and Eco Horror Film09:04 - Meet Unleash’s characters13:40 - Our Process and Timeline17:38 - Reader Feedback after Year 122:18 - Differences from Unearth’s development process24:11 - Next steps| Published on June 8, 2022 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey |Support CINEM...
2022-06-0830 min
CINEMACTIVIST28 - Meet Shiara PettisWriter, Shiara Pettis, received her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing - Poetry at Southern New Hampshire University and her Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Journalism at Slippery Rock University. When John was ready to further explore a sequel to Unearth, he was sent her name. That was a year ago. In this episode, get to know Shiara. And in next week’s Part 2, learn about our process for writing a script with a partner.00:00 - Meeting Shiara04:25 - School & Early Interests10:14 - Writing a Poetry Book14:23 - Therapeutic or Cathartic?
2022-06-0133 min
CINEMACTIVISTSeason 2 TeaserCOMING SOON!Season 2 of CINEMACTIVISTFeaturing:UNLEASH - the sequel to UNEARTH, co-written by Shiara PettisLAKE ERIE, OUR KIN - two-part documentary collaboration with Melissa Troutmanand more!| Published on May 25, 2022 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey |Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons Den Productions by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cinemactivist/message
2022-05-2504 minCINEMACTIVIST27 - Master with Dr. Rhonda MatthewsIn this episode, I am joined by educator, Dr. Rhonda Matthews. Dr. Matthews has been a university professor of Sociology & Politics in Higher Ed since 1992 and was the perfect guest to dive into Mariama Diallo's Sundance film, Master. Beyond the film, we talk about how truth-telling media is dangerous, Incrementalism in storytelling and representation, Individual Work vs Institutional Change and much more. Master is available on Amazon Prime and stars Regina Hall, Zoe Renee and Amber Gray.[00:00] Dr. Rhonda Matthews’ education background and working at a wide variety of Educational institutions[07:48] Intro on Master by...
2022-04-271h 22CINEMACTIVIST26 - Preview of the Unearth Ultimate Edition Blu-rayToday, April 19 2022, we are self-releasing the UNEARTH Ultimate Edition Blu-ray. You can purchase the film through all the major online retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, you name it. We’re there. You can also order through www.unearthmovie.com.On today’s episode, I wanted to give you a preview of a couple of the new extra features on the Blu-ray. First, you’ll hear some comments from Marc Blucas, Allison McAtee, PJ Marshall, Monica Wyche and Rachel McKeon from last year’s cast reunion Q&A at the Eerie Horror Fest. Second, we will have film critic...
2022-04-1916 minCINEMACTIVIST25 - Trans Portrayal & What Moves the Social Needle with Dr. Tyler Titus and Elisabeth KoromausIn this episode, we take a deep dive on trans portrayals in Film, TV and other media. I am joined by Dr. Tyler Titus and Elisabeth Koromaus. Dr. Titus is a mental health professional, small business owner and recently ran an awesome campaign for County Executive in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Elisabeth is finishing up her degree in the Animation program at Edinboro University. Our conversation should be of use to all writers, filmmakers, and all creatives considering the inclusion of characters who do not share their lived experience. Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons Den Productions by becoming a P...
2022-04-131h 08CINEMACTIVIST24 - Time to Take Off the Blinders with Jane Saunders [Part 2]In this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with Jane Saunders. Jane Saunders is a New York based composer, arranger, musician and educator. As a music technology & musicology enthusiast, she has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with various projects and is the creator of the Avant-Garde Metal project The Greatest Fear (recipient of The Independent Music Awards Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal Album of the year). Jane composed the awesome film score for our feature film, Unearth. Check out her work at http://www.janesaunders.orgPlease note we get into some light sp...
2022-04-061h 09CINEMACTIVISTBONUS - Nationalizing Gas, Fracking Fuels Plastic and Unifying Against GreedIn this episode, John sounds off about our reliance on fossil fuels, an update on a plastics processing plant in Erie Pennsylvania, and more. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. This episode references:The GuardianExclusive: oil companies’ profits soared to $174bn this year as US gas prices rosehttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/06/oil-companies-profits-exxon-chevron-shell-exclusiveBreaking Pointshttps://www.youtube.com/c/breakingpointsBreaking Points with Krystal and Saagar is a fearless anti-establishment Youtube show and podcast.Does FOX News wa...
2022-03-1724 minCINEMACTIVIST23 - Finding Music on Mars with Jane Saunders [Part 1]In this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with Jane Saunders. Jane Saunders is a New York based composer, arranger, musician and educator. As a music technology & musicology enthusiast, she has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with various projects and is the creator of the Avant-Garde Metal project The Greatest Fear (recipient of The Independent Music Awards Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal Album of the year). Jane composed the awesome film score for our feature film, Unearth. Check out her work at http://www.janesaunders.org [00:00] Alice in Chains, Nine Inch Nails and gro...
2022-03-0958 minCINEMACTIVISTBONUS - Monoculture & 2021 Favorite FilmsBonus Episode! John talks monoculture and shares his favorite narrative and documentary feature films of 2021.For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions.NARRATIVES:Nine DaysThe Power of the DogNightmare AlleySee for MeThe NoviceDune: Part OneComing Home in the DarkThe Last DuelBergman IslandMalcolm & MarieDon’t Look UpBoiling PointTest PatternLast Night in Soho...
2022-02-1609 minCINEMACTIVIST22 - PJ Marshall and the Driving Force of SurvivalIn this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with actor, PJ Marshall. PJ plays Tom Dolan in Unearth and we got to talk about his memories on set, personal connection to the material, and finding a groove with your directors. Listen wherever you podcast.[00:00] How PJ Became Part of the Unearth Family and Marc Blucas: Team Player[06:18] Two worlds: Mindhunter and Unearth[09:06] Personal connection to the material and being moved by the Underdog[12:52] Alice in Chains’ Jar of Flies, Tom Dolan and Going off the Deep End[29:57] Un...
2022-02-0942 minCINEMACTIVIST21 - Andrea Londo and Adam Stilwell on Actor|Director Collaboration [Part 2]In this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with Andrea Londo (Narcos on Netflix) and Adam Stilwell (The Triangle) of THE FREE FALL. After attempting to take her own life, a young woman (Andrea Londo) must wrestle with an overbearing husband (Shawn Ashmore). The Free Fall is now available on all the major VOD platforms and limited theaters across the US. John met Adam a decade ago at the Eerie Horror Fest and it was a treat to bring him and Andrea to the festival in 2021 for the film's Pennsylvania premiere. Check it out before listening as...
2022-02-0241 minCINEMACTIVIST20 - Unearth Ultimate Edition Blu-ray AnnouncementThese days it's rare for independent filmmakers to have the opportunity to release special features for their films. That's why we held onto the Blu-ray distribution rights for Unearth. Today we are happy to share with you some of the details of what to expect on the Ultimate Edition Blu-ray of Unearth, available April 19, 2022! The package will be available through the websites of all major retailers in US & Canada as well as www.unearthmovie.com. But that's not all -- we've also got new poster art coming in April as well from artist, Christopher Shy.I...
2022-01-2608 minCINEMACTIVIST19 - Andrea Londo & Adam Stilwell are Possessed by The Free Fall [Part 1]In this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with Andrea Londo (Narcos on Netflix) and Adam Stilwell (The Triangle) of THE FREE FALL. After attempting to take her own life, a young woman (Andrea Londo) must wrestle with an overbearing husband (Shawn Ashmore). The Free Fall is now available on all the major VOD platforms and limited theaters across the US. John met Adam a decade ago at the Eerie Horror Fest and it was a treat to bring him and Andrea to the festival in 2021 for the film's Pennsylvania premiere. This one's all about control. Check...
2022-01-1944 minCINEMACTIVIST18 - Adrienne Barbeau on Film as a Platform to Entertain and Educate [Part 2]In this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with the legendary Adrienne Barbeau. Adrienne plays Kathryn Dolan in Unearth. We talk politics, the obligation to create socially-conscious cinema, She Kills, Catwoman, Carnivale and much more! Note: Recorded in March 2021.Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions.[0:00] Social Media, Politics and Morality[7:30] The Arts as a Tool against Corruption and a way to present differing views[13:43] Adrienne’s story about The Fog script and do...
2022-01-121h 03CINEMACTIVISTBONUS - The Matrix Resurrections with Chris MoreChristmas Bonus Episode! 1999 was a big year for cinema. One highlight came from The Wachowski's, who introduced us to the world of The Matrix. A film that unlocked a thirst for stylish, thought-provoking films in LDP's John C. Lyons and Dorota Swies. In this episode, Chris More, who John met in the late 90's while they were both studying Computer Science and Mathematics, takes a trip down the original trilogy rabbit hole. A fresh and original revisit care of the new film: The Matrix Resurrections. Knuckle up!Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation...
2022-01-051h 31CINEMACTIVIST17 - Art Unlocks the Side Door with Eleanor Goldfield [Part 2]In this episode, Part 2 of my conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, journalist, musician, all-around creative radical, Eleanor Goldfield. Eleanor directed "Hard Road of Hope" (www.hardroadofhope.com), a documentary about coal miners and frackers in West Virginia who time and time again find themselves on the frontlines of labor issues and industrial repercussions. We dive into post production, self-releasing your film, how art can be insidious (in a good way) and much more.Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions.[0:00...
2021-12-2337 minCINEMACTIVIST16 - Recontextualizing Home with Tara Eng [Part 2]On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air follows Philly Thrive, a South Philadelphia activist organization, as they mobilize to shut down all operations of Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery. The largest on the east coast of the United States. On the Fenceline just screened at the UN Global Climate Summit in November. In this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with filmmaker, Tara Eng. Tara is a former Working Films George F. Stoney Fellow and has produced and directed short documentaries about abusive trust in gymnastics ("The Lucky Ones") and urban sustainability in New York City ("...
2021-12-1539 minCINEMACTIVIST15 - We Are the Villains in this Story with Gaia's Tertius KappDuring Unearth's festival run, one film title kept coming up in reviews: GAIA. This week, we speak with writer/producer, Tertius Kapp, about all things Gaia, indie film challenges and more. In Gaia, an injured forest ranger on a routine mission is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists. What is initially a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest.Find Gaia on HULU and rent on Amazon Video here in the USA. Or go to https://gaia.filmTertius references Pentti Linkola, Finnish deep...
2021-12-081h 15CINEMACTIVIST14 - Filmmaking to Change the World: Joshua Pribanic & Melissa Troutman [Part 2]This is Part 2 of our conversation with Public Herald investigative journalists, Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman. Public Herald’s mission is two-fold: truth + creativity. Their work uses investigative journalism and art to empower readers and hold accountable those who put the public at risk. Public Herald has garnered millions of readers, over 2,000 Lifetime Members, published exclusive investigations that reshaped the narrative on fracking, been cited in more than 20 peer-reviewed studies, regularly cited in national coverage, is licensed to more than 100 U.S. colleges, led to probes of criminal conduct, and produced three feature-length documentaries with international distribution. Our...
2021-12-011h 03CINEMACTIVIST13 - The Beach House Deep Dive with Jeffrey A BrownThis week's guest is Jeffrey A Brown. Jeffrey wrote and directed his first feature, The Beach House, and has years of experience as location manager on everything from The OA to Spider-Man 3. In The Beach House, a romantic getaway for two troubled college sweethearts turns into a struggle for survival when unexpected guests - and the surrounding environment - exhibit signs of a mysterious infection. Check it out on Shudder (or rent/own everywhere!) and jump into the deep end with us. [0:00] Festivals and Shudder[5:21] Challenges of an 18-day shoot[9:05] Post-production & Practical Effects: Ch...
2021-11-241h 17CINEMACTIVIST12 - And We're Back... Next week!John here. Cinemactivist took a few months off while we re-launched the Eerie Horror Fest, completed a new short film, and more. We've got some news in this short episode as well and we officially return next week with new interviews.| Published on November 17, 2021 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey |Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons Den Productions by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cinemactivist/message
2021-11-1705 min
CINEMACTIVIST11 - How Dance and Film Joined Forces During a PandemicUnder quarantine I got to create a short film, DEINCEPS MOTUS, with dancemakers and choreographers Angela DiFiore, Corinne Justine and Mark Santillano. In this episode, we reunite to talk about the Erie Dance Film Festival, the themes of our film and the process of working together for the first time, during a pandemic. Watch the Festival Cut of Deinceps Motus:https://vimeo.com/517946264DEINCEPS MOTUS (2021) - 8 minutesFilmmaker: John C. LyonsDancemakers: Angela DiFiore, Corinne JustineArtistic Statement:Our film title, Deinceps Motus, means “forward motion” when translated from Latin to Engli...
2021-08-1143 min
A Movie OdysseyRelic (2020) with John LyonsErie-based filmmaker John Lyons, director of the new film Unearth and proprietor of the Film Grain and Cinemactivist podcasts, joins Brad and Gus to discuss the Australian horror film from first-time feature director Natalie Erika James.
Email us: amovieodyssey.podcast@gmail.com
2021-07-1659 minCINEMACTIVIST10 - Unearth Home Release News and Grassroots Theatrical DebriefUnearth is just days away from VOD & DVD release in the USA, UK and Ireland! In this episode, we give you all the information on where to see it, and how to help us maximize our release impact. We also recap our theatrical, drive-in and virtual cinema grassroots efforts and share our takeaways and tips for other filmmakers looking to do something similar with their projects -- hopefully not during a pandemic.US residents can find convenient links to Pre-order Unearth at www.unearthmovie.com [0:39] All of our Unearth V...
2021-06-2324 minCINEMACTIVIST09 - How Monica Wyche Makes it Feel Like Summer CampIn this episode, I got to catch-up with actress, Monica Wyche. Monica plays "Aubrey" in Unearth and you're sure to recognize her from TV Series like The Path, The Sinner and For Life. She was a joy both on screen and off. Check out her website at www.monicawyche.com. [3:58] South Carolina to NYC[18:07] Collaboration with your Partner[20:26] Transitioning into TV[24:42] The On Location Experience[27:58] Does Where you Reside Matter for Actors?[41:19] Directing Stylesds on the Page to Life[39:37] Working with SAG
2021-06-1653 minCINEMACTIVIST08 - How Dirty Industries Win the Messaging War with Eleanor GoldfieldIn this episode, Part 1 of my conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, journalist, musician, all-around creative radical, Eleanor Goldfield. Eleanor directed "Hard Road of Hope", a documentary about coal miners and frackers in West Virginia who time and time again find themselves on the frontlines of labor issues and industrial repercussions. We also get into her process, the need for strong unions (now more than ever!) and how damaging industry is able to get entrenched in isolated communities in order to win the messaging battle.Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks...
2021-06-0939 minCINEMACTIVIST07 - How PJ Marshall Found Purpose on Stage and ScreenIn this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with actor, PJ Marshall. Listen wherever you podcast.[00:00] Exercise gets you back to the Present[03:22] Anxiety and Self-doubt[08:35] Childhood[12:10] Early Inspirations [17:10] NYC and LA[30:00] Navigating the IndustryPatrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. | Published on May 19, 2021 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey |Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons De...
2021-05-1942 minCINEMACTIVIST06 - How Non-extractive Filmmaking can Strengthen Our Big Picture Bonds with Tara EngOn the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air follows Philly Thrive, a South Philadelphia activist organization, as they mobilize to shut down all operations of Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery. The largest on the east coast of the United States. In this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with filmmaker, Tara Eng. Tara is a former Working Films George F. Stoney Fellow and has produced and directed short documentaries about abusive trust in gymnastics ("The Lucky Ones") and urban sustainability in New York City ("Growing Justice"). Listen wherever you podcast. Patrons of Lyons Den Productions w...
2021-05-1245 minCINEMACTIVIST05 - How Laemmle Theatres Survived a PandemicAs we announced in last week's episode, Unearth is releasing theatrically on Earth Day: Thursday, April 22, 2021. In this episode, we bring you our full conversation with Gregory Laemmle, the President of Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles county. Greg saw our pitch email and Laemmle Theatres became the first venue in the USA & Canada to agree to program Unearth. Tickets available now! We talk about meeting the arthouse demand in Los Angeles, the importance of curation, pandemic shutdown, challenges, pivoting to virtual cinema and re-opening. Listen wherever you podcast. Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete c...
2021-04-1441 minCINEMACTIVIST04 - Unearth Theatrical AnnouncementOur feature film, Unearth, will premiere theatrically, both in-person and in virtual cinema formats, on Earth Day: Thursday April 22nd, 2021! We're kicking off the theatrical opening in person, in Los Angeles, at Laemmle Theatres. How does an independent filmmaker approach independent cinemas? We share our method in this episode.Unearth Theatrical Schedule: http://www.unearthmovie.com/schedule.htmlLaemmle Theatres Unearth Page: https://www.laemmle.com/film/unearth | Published on April 7, 2021 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey |Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons Den Productions b...
2021-04-0716 minCINEMACTIVIST03 - How Adrienne Barbeau Found a Way to Earn a Living Doing What She LovedWhen we heard actor/author, Adrienne Barbeau, was interested in being in our upcoming feature film, Unearth, we were over the moon. Her involvement, passion for the material, and efforts as a collaborator took our production to the next level. In this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation. Listen wherever you podcast. Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions.Adrienne began her career in 1963. She's travelled the world many times over for the stage and screen. She received a...
2021-03-3158 minCINEMACTIVIST02 - How to Survive the Current Independent Film Landscape with Clapboard Jungle's Justin McConnellWe met filmmaker Justin McConnell, virtually, last year in the Discord filmmaker community space at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where our new feature film, Unearth, had its world premiere and his new documentary, Clapboard Jungle was in the middle of its festival run. Clapboard Jungle follows five years in the life and career of an independent filmmaker (Justin McConnell), supported by dozens of interviews, posing one question: how does an indie filmmaker survive in the current film business? We feel the documentary is required viewing for creatives, especially filmmakers. In this episode, we bring you our...
2021-03-241h 30CINEMACTIVIST01 - How Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman Became Investigative Fracking JournalistsOur new feature film, Unearth, would not exist without the tireless work of Public Herald.Co-founded in 2011 by investigative journalists Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman, Public Herald’s mission is two-fold: truth + creativity. Their work uses investigative journalism and art to empower readers and hold accountable those who put the public at risk. Public Herald has garnered millions of readers, over 2,000 Lifetime Members, published exclusive investigations that reshaped the narrative on fracking, been cited in more than 20 peer-reviewed studies, regularly cited in national coverage, is licensed to more than 100 U.S. colleges, led to probes of criminal co...
2021-03-1851 minCINEMACTIVIST00 - The 5 W's of CINEMACTIVISTCinema is the venue for exhibiting a motion picture or the art or technique of making a motion picture. Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct, or intervene in social, political, economic, or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived greater good. CINEMACTIVIST is a podcast for anyone who appreciates the power of film and craves context. On CINEMACTIVIST, we will be exploring the films and filmmakers who use the art form to bring about political or social change, inform their audiences of important issues and perspectives, and whose goal i...
2021-03-1609 min