Shows
Back To OneSpecial Episode: Josh Pais Returns to Discuss his book "Lose Your Mind"Josh Pais returns to the podcast (first time was Ep. 77). Aside from being one of the most respected actors in the game, with over 150 credits in film and TV, Pais is the founder of "Committed Impulse," a groundbreaking training born from his own acting process that has since become a "secret weapon" for thousands of top entrepreneurs, artists, doctors, lawyers, public speakers, and creators of all kinds. His work helps people break free from the tyranny of overthinking and drop into a state of embodied, spontaneous brilliance. And now—he has written a book! In "Lose Your Mind: The Pa...
2025-09-231h 00
Back To OneRuby CruzWatching Ruby Cruz's remarkable and seemingly effortless performance in her latest film, "The Threesome," I got a hunch that she was engaging with the work on some kind of intuitive level where connection was paramount. I also sensed that this might not be easy to talk about. In one sense I was right, the gifted young actor, who's credits include "Bottoms," "Willow," "Mare of Easttown" and "The Sex Lives of College Girls," approaches the work in an elusive way, but, lucky for us, she still manages to speak about the intangible and slippery aspects with an eloquence that is...
2025-09-1637 min
Back To OneTim Blake NelsonTim Blake Nelson is a celebrated actor, writer, and director. His nearly 100 screen credits include "The Thin Red Line," "Lincoln," "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," "Watchmen," and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" For his latest, the independent film "Bang Bang," he plays an aging boxer whose glory days are long past. On this episode, he details how his process has changed by comparing the patience he has now to his approach for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" where "fear inspired hubris" fueled him. He explains why it's the actor's job to retranslate poor direction, how his thirst for knowledge...
2025-09-091h 07
Back To OneJohn Carroll LynchJohn Carroll Lynch has delivered so many performances, on so many sets, for both the big and small screen, that it is almost ridiculous. Just a few highlights of his hundreds of credits include: "The Drew Carey Show," "Fargo," "Zodiac," "Big Sky," "American Horror Story," "The Trial of The Chicago 7", and his latest, "Sorry Baby". On this episode, he gives us a deep dive into his approach to the work, and how it has evolved over the years. He explains the benefits of highlighting the text based on lexical categories, how directing his first feature "Lucky" (with Harry Dean...
2025-08-261h 18
Back To OneSunita ManiYou know the multitalented Sunita Mani from "Glow," "Spirited," "Mr. Robot," or "Save Yourselves!" And now, just this year, she has roles in so many projects (like "The Wild," "Death of a Unicorn," "A Nice Indian Boy," "Government Cheese," "His and Hers," "The Roses") that one wonders how she has to time to do it all. On this episode, she takes us back to where it all started, improv comedy, and explains how being willing to fall down and get back up has served her work. She details the "emptying out" process that she needs to do before a...
2025-08-1957 min
Back To OneMary NeelyMary Neely first came to the world's attention during the pandemic with her viral videos, earning praise from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as being named "Best Theater of 2020" by The New York Times and The Washington Post. Since then, she has been delivering great work on both sides of the camera, such as the tv pilot "Stars Diner" which premiered at SXSW this year, "Valley Girl," "Lyle Lyle Crocodile," and Netflix's "Happiness For Beginners." Now, she and Kareem Rahma ("Subway Takes") co-wrote and co-star in the true New York low budget indie film "Or Something." O...
2025-08-1336 min
Back To OneIvan MartinYou can see Ivan Martin's work in "Billions," "The Sopranos," "Suits," "Ozark," "Gaslit," "What We Do In The Shadows," and much more. Currently, he stars in the exceptional indie film "To Kill A Wolf," writer/director Kelsey Taylor's modern take on Little Red Riding Hood. On this episode, he talks about the circumstances that brought that role his way, the connection he has with the character that made him feel like he could bring him to life, and the environment on set that made it all possible. He explains the round-about way he got interested in acting when he...
2025-08-0537 min
Back To OneMartin HarrisMartin Harris has delivered stand-out work on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "Young Sheldon," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Stranger Things," and now he plays the Boravian General in "Superman." On this episode he describes the surprisingly efficient production that James Gunn presided over, and how it felt like "shooting a party video." He surmises why directors keep giving him more scenes on-set, how reading a book between set-ups not only gets you focused but is also a conversation-starter, why he credits Kobe Bryant with helping him get to the next level with his career, and much more. Back To...
2025-07-2935 min
Back To OneJason PatelJason Patel is an emerging actor and artist. He plays the lead role of "Aysha" in "Unicorns," opposite Ben Hardy. It's his feature film debut. The film is co-directed by Sally El-Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, who also wrote the screenplay. "Unicorns" also features Patel's music, a true fusion of both art forms. On this episode, he talks about how he approaches everything in life with creativity and love, and why his life goal is to make people happy even when he's not there. He describes the giant role music plays in his preparation, the importance of staying in...
2025-07-2244 min
Back To OneDavid MalinskyFor the 350th episode of Back To One, I sat down with an actor who brings me great joy when he's on the screen, the one and only David Malinsky. He wrote the blurb himself for this episode. It follows: Peter has only met David three times in person before. His filmography includes Onur Tukel's "Abbey Singer/Songwriter," "Black Magic for White Boys," "Poundcake," Theodore Collatos' "Tormenting the Hen," MG Cinecraft's "A Moderate Folly" and more. Dave has also done standup comedy, cabaret singing, and YouTube Video Essays. But Dave thinks it's vital to situate acting within...
2025-07-1540 min
Back To OneErik JensenErik Jensen is a multipyphenate who, along with his wife and creative partner Jessica Blank have been called "the foremost practitioners of documentary theater in the U.S." Their genre-defining plays "The Exonerated," "Aftermath," "Coal Country," and "The Line" were all critically acclaimed. As an actor, Jensen's credits include "The Walking Dead," "Mindhunter," "Mr. Robot," "The Americans," not to mention his praised portrayal of legendary NY Yankee Thurman Munson in "The Bronx is Burning." On this episode he details his approach toward playing that beloved figure, and finding out that "almost the entire body of that character was an...
2025-07-0858 min
Back To OneBonnie RoseBonnie Rose started her professional career as a stand-in for Bette Midler on "First Wives Club." Next up, the iconic and legendary film director Sidney Lumet hand picked her for the feature film "Night Falls On Manhattan," playing a New York City cop opposite Andy Garcia, which led to many other Lumet projects over the next decade including a recurring role as a legal aid attorney on the TV legal drama "100 Centre St." Bonnie's massive credits in television and film include "Inside Llewyn Davis," Marvel's "Jessica Jones," "Mr. Robot," "Blue Bloods," "Broad City," "The Sopranos," and the trifecta of all "Law...
2025-07-0140 min
Back To OneSteve ZahnSteve Zahn gained early attention for his breakout roles in the 1990s, including "Reality Bites" and "That Thing You Do!" He became a frequent scene-stealer in films like "Out of Sight," "Happy, Texas," and "Saving Silverman," showcasing his offbeat humor and charm. In HBO's "Treme," he played a passionate music teacher navigating post-Katrina New Orleans. More recently, he appeared in the first season of "The White Lotus," earning critical acclaim for his role as a troubled father on vacation. His latest is personal on multiple levels—the indie film "She Dances," which he co-wrote with his producing partner Rick Go...
2025-06-2454 min
Back To OneTim BagleyTim Bagley has so much experience doing comedy on television that his credits read like a comprehensive list of every sit-com over the past 30 years. But his depiction of Brad Schraeder on "Somebody Somewhere" is on another level. It's beautiful, truthful, restrained work, that is often hilarious and sometimes very moving. Few performances on television this year have impacted me more. On this episode, he talks about how the collaborative nature of that show helped so much with his work, the big part logic plays in his comedy, why it's important to keep challenging himself, and much more. Plus h...
2025-06-1759 min
Back To OneCarrie PrestonCarrie Preston is back in her Emmy-winning role as 'Elsbeth Tascioni' in the second season of the CBS series "Elsbeth," from "The Good Fight" and "The Good Wife," creators Michelle and Robert King. On this episode she gives us a deep dive into her work on that hit show, taking us way back to the "queen of quirk" as just a recurring role on the "Goods", trying to figure out how to dip her toes into this new character, taking clues from the word "pause," all the way till the second season of her own show, taking the job...
2025-06-1043 min
Back To OneIan McShaneThe legendary Ian McShane has been acting for more than 60 years, from "The Wild and The Willing," "The Last of Shelia," and "Jesus of Nazareth" to "Lovejoy," "Sexy Beast," and the "John Wick" films. His two latest films are "Ballerina," set in the John Wick universe, and and the action comedy "Deep Cover." On this episode he talks about what made his time as Al Swearengen on "Deadwood" (perhaps his most iconic role) so special, and tells a story about an unforgettable suggestion from creator David Milch. He explains what sets Wick's Chad Stahalski apart as a director/producer...
2025-06-0340 min
Back To OneBobby NaderiYou know Bobby Naderi from his subtle and sometimes hilarious work in films like "Bright" and "The Beekeeper." Now he brings that same aliveness to the new Amazon series "The Better Sister," where he plays Detective Matt Bowen. On this episode, he talks about how his nomadic youth shaped his life and work, how failures paved the way for breakthroughs, why he stopped anticipating how a scene will play out, how his mother's blunt criticism of his acting work helped him get better, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker M...
2025-05-2742 min
Back To OneLovie SimoneThe young but wise Lovie Simone is best known for "Selah and The Spades" and "The Craft: Legacy." Now she stars in the hit Netflix series "Forever," an adaptation of the Judy Bloom book. On this episode, she talks about the giant role music plays in her preparation, why having a Black hair & make-up person on set is crucial to work, "importance over relevance," "quality over quantity," her love of words "and the weight of each word," the "accidental" way she and Michael Cooper Jr. built their "Forever" chemistry, plus much more. Back To One is the...
2025-05-2034 min
Back To OneTheodore Bouloukos ReturnsTheodore Bouloukos returns to the podcast after nearly 7 years (first time was episode 14). The "secret weapon of independent cinema," as The New Yorker's Richard Brody called him, brings us up to date on his adventures in acting. He talks about why he never dwells on a project's prospects after his work is done, explains the kind of characters that attract him, reminisces about a couple exceptional recent shoots (including the wonderful ode to the game of Baseball that is the film "Eephus"), makes a case for going "full on" for every role, and much more. "Eephus" is...
2025-05-1354 min
Back To OneJoel PotrykusWe rarely get to hear Joel Potrykus talk about himself as an actor. The independent filmmaker of such beloved low-budget treasures as "Ape," "Buzzard," and "Relaxer" says he has, in fact, never talked about it. In his latest, "Vulcanizadora," he once again co-stars with the man he loves to point his camera at, Joshua Burge. The two reprise their roles of Derek and Marty exactly ten years after they birthed those characters in "Buzzard." On this episode, Potrykus explains the decision to take on the role in both films, why he loves working with the "machine" that is Burge...
2025-05-0649 min
Back To OneBrett GelmanYou know him as Murray in "Stranger Things," or Martin in "Fleabag," or loved him in "Lemon" (the wonderful indie film he also co-wrote), or his countless guest star roles on Comedy Central, Adult Swim, "The Office," "Curb" (the list goes on), but lately Brett Gelman has been venturing into more serious projects like "McVeigh" and "Lady in the Lake." On this episode, he talks about the conscious choice to just "do great roles" that often takes him away from comedy. He talks about his relationship to the craft which started in acting school, explains how bombing on stage...
2025-04-2939 min
Back To OneAdeel AkhtarAdeel Akhtar is a versatile British actor known for his powerful performances across film, television, and theatre. He gained widespread acclaim for his BAFTA-winning role in the BBC drama "Murdered by My Father," and won another one, a few years later, for "Sherwood." His other credits in front of the camera include "Four Lions," "The Big Sick," "Enola Holmes," "Utopia," and "Sweet Tooth." On stage, Akhtar has appeared in productions at the National Theatre and the Royal Court. Currently he wows audiences as Lopakhin in a new production of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn...
2025-04-2243 min
Back To OneMichael AngaranoMichael Angarano has been acting since he was an infant and has a long resume of memorable work in both comedic and dramatic roles—"Almost Famous," "Will and Grace," "This is Us," "Gentlemen Broncos," "Oppenheimer," to name a few. His latest is a wonderful comedy with a lot of heart that he stars in, co-wrote and directed called "Sacramento." On this episode he talks about the long road of getting that film made, how he needed to adjust once he saw Michael Cera's approach to the role, and the interesting realization that he may not need to act and di...
2025-04-1546 min
Back To OneJolene PurdyJolene Purdy is always a standout. She gained recognition for her performance as Cherita Chen in the cult classic "Donnie Darko," and later appeared in hit shows like "Orange Is the New Black," "Under the Dome," "Breaking Bad," "WandaVision," and "The White Lotus." She now plays opposite Kevin Bacon in the new Amazon series "The Bondsman." On this episode, she talks about how the collaborative nature of that production ignited her creativity and brought out the best in her. She tells us her secret to mastering the art of delivering exposition, why she loves to be directed, how she...
2025-04-0847 min
Back To OneHadi TabbalThe incredible Lebanese actor Hadi Tabbal just finished the monumental Broadway run of Sanaz Toossi's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "English." He originated the role of Omid, and performed in various iterations of this powerful and transformative play over the last few years. On this episode, he talks about the fascinatingly unique aspect of "English" that is unlike any other play he's performed, and what he means when he says it is "alive" every night and "very delicate," and he has to "take care" not to "derail" it. He explains the difference between "discovery" and "deciding," talks about the "saddest" part...
2025-04-011h 06
Back To OneJonathan MajorsJonathan Majors is an actor. His latest film is "Magazine Dreams." He sat down with Peter Rinaldi to talk about the work. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on Instagram
2025-03-2539 min
Back To OneAriella MastroianniAriella Mastroianni is an actor from New Jersey by way of Ontario, Canada. With director Ryan J. Sloan, she co-wrote and co-produced "Gazer," which she also stars in. The film, which the duo shot on weekends over the course of two years, brings the paranoid thriller genre into wildly original new territory. On this episode, Mastroianni tells the story of deciding to shoot on film, using their own money, with no formal support, no connections, just a deep desire to make the film they were both dying to see. She talks about the tools her acting teachers (like Brad...
2025-03-181h 05
Back To OneVincent D'OnofrioAn actor's actor of the first order, Vincent D'Ononfrio has been delivering "all in" performances, usually in supporting roles, for nearly four decades—"Full Metal Jacket," "Men In Black," "Household Saints," "Steal This Movie!," "The Cell," "The Magnificent Seven," to name just a few, not to mention 10 audience-loving seasons of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." He's getting more accolades for his latest performance as Wilson Fisk in "Daredevil: Born Again." On this episode he talks about the "emotional event" that he has to summon to bring about Fisk's voice in that series and its predecessor. He takes us all the way...
2025-03-111h 14
Back To OneGugu Mbatha_RawThe celebrated period drama "Belle" marked the arrival of Gugu Mbatha-Raw and since then she hasn't stopped impressing audiences in films like "Motherless Brooklyn," "Misbehaviour" and series like "Doctor Who," "Black Mirror" (San Junipero episode), "Loki," "The Morning Show," and "Surface," which is now releasing episodes from its second season. On that Apple TV+ series, Gugu plays Sophie, a woman who has lost her recent memories and must piece them together. She talks about the "liberating" feeling she got playing someone with a missing back story and how it forced her to be present. She explains how she utilizes...
2025-03-0440 min
Back To OneCaveh ZahediCaveh Zahedi is one of the most influential independent filmmakers of our time. Jay Duplass, Lena Dunham, Richard Linklater, Greta Gerwig, are all big fans of his 30+ years worth of ultra-autobiographical work (five features, "I am A Sex Addict" perhaps being the most popular). His magnum opus, "The Show About The Show," started out as a "self-reflexive TV show about its own making" for BRIC TV and has continued despite lawsuits, loss of distribution, re-castings, and many more obstacles, thanks to Zahedi's dogged determination to simply tell the story, mostly through re-enactments using the actual people in his orbit...
2025-02-2546 min
Back To OneLucy BoyntonLucy Boynton is known for delivering exceptional performances in films like "Sing Street," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Chevalier," and "The Greatest Hits." Her latest is the BritBox's limited series "A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story," about a woman convicted of killing her abusive lover who then became the last woman to be hanged in the UK. On this episode, she talks about why the challenge she faced portraying Ellis "wasn't an actor issue," but more about facing the traumas women are still dealing with decades later. She ponders how acting as a child served her into adulthood, explains why over-direction...
2025-02-1842 min
Back To OneGriffin DunneGriffin Dunne has balanced acting, directing, and producing for over 40 years in this business. "Chilly Scenes of Winter," "An American Werewolf in London," "After Hours," "Practical Magic," "This is Us," to name just a small handful of his credits. For his latest, "Ex-Husbands," he delivers a performance revelatory in its ease, miraculously blending lightness and dread. It's so much fun, and even inspirational, to simply watch him walk around as this character, carrying this load. Hopefully, this is the start of a new chapter: Dunne as the contemplative man of a certain age who has seen it all. On...
2025-02-1144 min
Back To OneMargo MartindaleIn movies like "Million Dollar Baby," "August: Osage County," "Blow The Man Down," and series like "The Americans," "Justified," and "Sneaky Pete," "esteemed character actress Margo Martindale" loves to play people much different from herself. And she's been so good at it for so long that she only started to get truly recognized for her work in her 60s. Three Emmys later, she's able to pick and choose what she wants to do. Her latest, the Amazon series "The Sticky," finds her number one on the call sheet and having a blast playing the bombastic maple syrup farmer Ruth...
2025-02-0436 min
Back To OneMarianne Jean-BaptisteMarianne Jean-Baptiste is getting accolades and awards for her incredible performance in Mike Leigh's "Hard Truths." The two last worked together nearly 30 years ago, on Leigh's "Secrets and Lies," for which Jean-Baptiste was nominated for an Oscar. On this episode, she takes us all the way back to her first time working with Mike Leigh, on the play "It's A Great Big Shame," and details for us the ins and outs of working with him on these three projects. She talks about her love of process, how this intense character work fuels her on less actor-centric jobs, why she's...
2025-01-1442 min
Back To OneMike Leigh Dishes Hard Truths: A Special EpisodeThe U.S. premiere of "Hard Truths" at the New York Film Festival in October brings director Mike Leigh back to the podcast for the third time (Ep. 54 and Ep. 204). He talks about working again with Marianne Jean-Baptiste after nearly 30 years, how a lower budget didn't change his process but made him "dig vertically," why American actors are unofficially not allowed in his films. Plus he shares his hope for cinema after he's gone, but explains why he refuses to officially pass down his process. And much more! "Hard Truths" opens in select U.S. theaters on...
2025-01-0742 min
Back To OneTiffany BooneTiffany Boone's breakout role was Jerrika Little on the series "The Chi." "Little Fires Everywhere," "The Midnight Sky," "Nine Perfect Strangers" and "Hunters" followed. Now she voices Sarabi in Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King." She explains how getting back to her childlike imagination was a must for that role. She tells the story of trying to break up with acting but acting wouldn't break up with her. She talks about the importance of knowing the character better than anyone else, how focusing on connecting with people through her art allowed her to "let go of the desperation," and much...
2024-12-3138 min
Back To OneTommy DeweyTommy Dewey is best known for playing Alex Cole on the Hulu series "Casual" for five seasons. This year, two movies benefit from his talents—the Jason Reitman ensemble comedy "Saturday Night", and Caroline Lindy's romantic/horror/comedy "Your Monster," where he brilliantly plays the titular character. On this episode, he talks about what went into deciding on the proper mixture of absurdity and tenderness for that special role. He explains why, if a comedy script connects with him, he "maybe reads it once and stay the hell away from it." Plus how writing can help you as an act...
2024-12-2438 min
Back To OneAlessandro Nivola ReturnsAlessandro Nivola returns to the podcast (Ep. 37 and Ep.170) to discuss three performances he gives in three different films out at the same time this week—Pedro Almodóvar's "The Room Next Door," "The Brutalist," and "Kraven The Hunter." He gifts us with a detailed peek into what it took to build each of these characters. He talks about the interesting way he received a "green light" from Almodóvar in terms of his approach to the role of an Upstate New York policeman, the challenge of balancing adherence to period authenticity with a modern accessibly as Attila in Brad...
2024-12-181h 07
Back To OneEthan Herisse and Brandon WilsonEthan Herisse and Brandon Wilson are the stars of "Nickel Boys," RaMell Ross' bold and brilliant adaptation of Colson Whitehead's novel that tells the story, cinematically, almost entirely in a first-person POV-style. Herisse and Wilson talk about the challenge of acting to the camera, their saga of navigating auditions, the "freedom" and "openness" they both felt from Ross, how the trust they built with the crew played a big part in performing in this process, and much more. "Nickel Boys" opens in select theaters on December 14th. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from F...
2024-12-1030 min
Back To OneMichael ShannonMichael Shannon is known for his intense and versatile performances across film, television, and theater—"Take Shelter," "99 Homes," "Nocturnal Animals," "Boardwalk Empire," "Long Days Journey Into Night," "George and Tammy," to name just a few. On this episode, he talks about his "simplistic" approach to preparation, the test he gives directors to see if he can trust them, the importance of "disappearing," why he no longer likes to do endless takes, and much more. Plus he discusses his love for George Mackay, who plays "Son" to Shannon's "Father" in "The End," Joshua Oppenheimer's post-apocalyptic musical which opens in select th...
2024-12-0341 min
Back To OneThe Seventh Annual Kevin Corrigan EpisodeIn this time of the year when traditions give us a sense of comfort and repetition that we need, especially in these volatile times, Back To One has a tradition of its own—the annual Kevin Corrigan episode! The patron saint of the indie film actor was the first guest on this podcast and he has returned every year since, telling hilarious stories from his adventures in the acting world, waxing about Brando, Walken, Scorsese, expounding on music, philosophizing about life in general—these episodes have become listener favorites. In this installment, Corrigan talks about shooting a scene recently wher...
2024-11-261h 15
Back To OnePeter VackAs an actor, Peter Vack is known for his work in television series such as "I Just Want My Pants Back (series lead)," "Mozart In The Jungle," and "Love Life," and recent independent films like "PVT Chat," Eugene Kotlyarenko's "The Code" and his virtuoso turn as an evil version of "Peter Vack" in "Actors" (written, directed, and co-staring his sister Betsey Brown). As a filmmaker, he has gotten a reputation for demanding an "all in" approach from his performers. His first feature, "Assholes" (called "the most disgusting movie ever"), won a jury prize at SXSW, and his latest, "www...
2024-11-191h 18
Back To OneJack DunphyJack Dunphy is a writer, filmmaker, animator, actor and podcaster. His shorts have played in festivals around the world and his latest, "Bob's Funeral," won Best Nonfiction Short Film at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. As an actor, he starred in Peter Vack's "Assholes" and Caveh Zahedi's legendary, unfinished, 24-hour retelling of Joyce's "Ulysses." He can soon be seen in "Paradise and Lunch," the new film from Jordan Tetwesky and Joshua Pikovsky, and "Anything That Moves" from Alex Phillips. His wonderful new podcast, "Revelations with Jack Dunphy," in which he talks about his struggles with addiction and mental illness with fel...
2024-11-1246 min
Back To OneJaclyn BethanyJaclyn Bethany is an Emmy award winning filmmaker, writer and actor based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has been committed to creating art and telling stories exploring complex women, the intimacy of female friendship, sisterhood and queerness from the female perspective. Some upcoming film projects include "Delusion "- a short film in collaboration with Adult Film NYC, "In Transit," written by Alex Sarrigeorgiou and featuring Jennifer Ehle and Francois Arnaud, and "All Five Eyes," which she co-wrote with Greta Bellamacina, featuring Bellamacina and Honor Swinton-Byrne. In this episode she talks about her role as the Co-Artistic Director of The F...
2024-11-0528 min
Back To OneDaisy RidleyDaisy Ridley shot to global fame for her portrayal of Rey in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy. Since then, she has been choosing diverse roles that showcase her talents in films with wide ranging budgets that prove her north star is the quality of the work and nothing else. She has three films that have come out in this year alone—"Sometimes I think About Dying," "Young Woman and The Sea", and her latest, "Magpie." On this episode, she explains how coming up with the idea for "Magpie" and building her character from the ground up was an interesting ex...
2024-10-2937 min
Back To OneMaria DizziaActor, director, coach, teacher, Maria Dizzia is a perpetual student of the craft of acting, which makes her celebrated and in-demand for all those jobs. The movie "My Old Ass" and the play "Pre-Existing Condition" are a couple of her most recent projects. On this incredibly dense and gold-filled episode, she generously gives us a peek into the aspects of the work that she deems important to focus on, worth struggling with, or where she simply finds the most fruit. She talks about the huge importance of those first subconscious "offerings," how to use the discoveries made when "alive" to...
2024-10-2250 min
Back To OneCory Michael Smith"There are practical paths and intuitive paths with each character," says Cory Michael Smith at the start of this episode, and it's a recurring theme throughout. The talented actor was Riddler on the series "Gotham," a standout in three Todd Haynes films, and now plays Chevy Chase in "Saturday Night." On this episode he details the careful process of studying Chevy clips for months before diving into the script. He talks about the importance of "ridding myself of any hint of fraudulence," why it's so important for him to show up with lots of ideas, how being intentional with...
2024-10-151h 04
Back To OneMichael UrieMichael Urie is one of those mega-talented actors who seems to jump effortlessly from theater (like "Torch Song," "Spamalot," and, currently, the revival of "Once Upon A Mattress") to television (like "Ugly Betty," "Younger," and, currently, "Shrinking"), with a genuine love for both. On this episode, he talks in-depth about his acting process with a humility and a humor that is infectious. He explains why he decided to always be off-book on day one, how he came to believe in himself as an actor after starting out wanting to be a director, tells an interesting story about the temptation...
2024-10-081h 28
Back To OneWill JanowitzStraddling the line between outsider artist and full fledged Hollywood sellout, Will Janowitz has always found solace working both sides of the industry. With work ranging from Troma films to Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock" to "The Sopranos," he's made a career of always doing the unpredictable. This year two films he produced, and one he wrote, will make their festival run; "Bang Bang" starring Tim Blake Nelson and the later, "Train Dreams," starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones directed by Clint Bently. On this episode he talks about his improvisational sweet spot and how it rests in the heart of d...
2024-10-0157 min
Back To OneChase StokesHis breakout role in Netflix's "Outer Banks" catapulted Chase Stokes to fame. In the series, he portrays the charismatic and determined John B, the leader of a group of young outcasts on a treasure hunt in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The show's blend of adventure, mystery, and coming-of-age drama quickly gained a massive fanbase, establishing Stokes as a rising star. Since then he's been in "Tell Me Your Secrets," this year's "The Uglies," opposite Joey King, and next year's "Valiant One," not to mention Season 4 of "Outer Banks," which is dropping in October. On this episode, he...
2024-09-2450 min
Back To OneGrace GlowickiThe mega-talented Canadian multi-hyphenate Grace Glowicki gives an incredible performance in Mary Dauterman's debut feature "Booger." On this episode, she reveals why she was interested in the project before even opening the script, and how she could just tell Dauterman was going to be the kind of director that would give her the support she needs. She talks about her current focus on examining issues dealing with authority, her love of bodily fluids in film, her struggle with emotional scenes, how directing herself as an actor actually helped her acting career, differences between the Canadian and American indie film...
2024-09-1735 min
Back To OneOdessa YoungOdessa Young is only 26, but she already has a truly impressive body of work behind her. "Assassination Nation," "A Million Little Pieces," "Shirley," "Mothering Sunday," "The Stand," "The Staircase," "Manodrome," in each of these projects, she seems to have an effortless command over her character, each unique, never forced, always true. Now she stars as Vita, the lead character based on Zia Anger in "My First Film." On this episode, she talks about the need to "cultivate an obsession" as character preparation, recent musings on "how much an actor should act to the camera," why she never worries about...
2024-09-1149 min
Back To OneLuke TennieTo be a standout on a show featuring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford is quite a feat, but that's exactly what Luke Tennie did in his breakthrough role as Sean in the hit Apple TV+ series "Shrinking." On this episode, the seemingly effortlessly-talented young actor takes us back to his early days and details how football played a pivotal part in helping him with the disciplines required for acting. He explains his belief that there can be no real "play" without massive preparation; talks about coming to a place of understanding that auditioning is simply a "demonstration of my...
2024-09-0456 min
Back To OneWIll BrillHe was in "The OA," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," and played Roy Cohn in "Fellow Travelers," but the stage is where Will Brill has found the most satisfaction and success recently, in "A Case For The Existence of God," "Uncle Vanya," and, just this year, as Reg in "Stereophonic" on Broadway, for which he received a Tony Award. On this episode he talks about building Reg by starting with his voice, why following playwright David Adjmi to a bar was a pivotal move, the importance of directorial affirmation, how his pre-show ritual has changed, and much more. ...
2024-08-2748 min
Back To OneSimon RexHe was a model and MTV VJ, and then Simon Rex transitioned to acting, becoming widely recognized for his comedic roles in the "Scary Movie" franchise, where his sharp timing and parody skills made him a fan favorite. But more substantial parts were on the horizon. On this episode, he talks about the job that changed everything, Sean Baker's *Red Rocket," which won him wide acclaim, an Independent Spirt Award, and a fresh chapter in his career. He talks about the interesting new place he finds himself now at the intersection of "not caring and caring SO MUCH." He...
2024-08-2046 min
Back To OneMarianne RendónMarianne Rendón's performance in "Summer Solstice," Noah Schamus' "modern twist on the buddy comedy from a queer and trans perspective," is special in such a rare way that makes shinning a light on it actually detrimental to its effect on the new viewer. Its revelations are small and imbedded in the nuances of the character. It's how they seem rooted and not created, "lived" and not "played," that make them extraordinary. On this episode, Rendón takes us back to her training, and how being fed great experimental theater before the classics resulted in a kind of "reverse en...
2024-08-1344 min
Back To OneDylan ArnoldStill in his early career, Dylan Arnold has already built a diverse catalog of roles, including a breakout one in season three of Netflix's "You," reprising a fan-favorite for the "Halloween" franchise in "Halloween Kills," and last year, of course, playing Frank Oppenheimer, holding much more than his own, opposite Oscar winner Cillian Murphy. Now he goes a good bit darker in Alma Har'el's Apple TV+ series "The Lady In The Lake." On this episode, he talks about the differences between these two incredible actor's directors, Har'el and Christopher Nolan, and what works best for him. He explains the i...
2024-08-0633 min
Back To OneDavid GarelikDavid Garelik was in Trey Edward Shults' "Waves," Peter Berg's "Mile 22," and recently finished a run of an Off-Broadway 2-hander at the WP Theater, co-produced with Colt Coeur. Now you can see him as the bad guy/enucleator, opposite Liana Liberato, on this season of "Criminal Minds: Evolution" on Paramount+. On this epic episode, he recounts his journey from moving to New York with zero acting experience and "being a bad auditioner", to making naivety work for him and "changing the game" by refusing to play it. It's a story of perseverance, endurance, and growth, fueled by focus on...
2024-07-301h 09
Back To OneJimmy TatroJimmy Tatro is an actor, director, writer, and comedian best known for the popular YouTube channel he created over a decade ago, "LifeAccordingToJimmy." His career expanded into the mainstream with roles in movies like "22 Jump Street" and the Netflix series "American Vandal," all while he continued to expand the content on his channel. His latest project is "The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie," a continuation of his popular mock-reality show web series. The film delves deeper into the absurd lives of friends navigating the quirks of suburban Southern California while preparing for their high school reunion. Tatro's...
2024-07-2355 min
Back To OneY'lan NoelY'lan Noel played Daniel in the HBO series "Insecure" and starred in "The First Purge," now he plays Officer Platt in "Lady in The Lake," Alma Har'el's eagerly anticipated new series for Apple TV+ that drops on July 19th. On this episode, he discusses his unique approach to the work, which starts with, and centers on, daydreaming and the avoidance of aiming to do "the right thing." He talks about allowing for "an energy that's not me to make certain decisions;" the importance of solitude, space, stillness; how Har'el's willingness to leave room for the mystical served his process...
2024-07-1637 min
Back To OneZachary Ray ShermanAfter early success opposite Kirsten Dunst in Lifetime's "Fifteen and Pregnant," and as Jasper on the CW's reboot of "90210," Zachary Ray Sherman has gone on to build an impressive acting resume balancing television work (Hulu's "Under the Banner of Heaven") with edgy, transformative roles in independent films ("Cuck"; "Can't Seem to Make You Mine," opposite Lindsay Burdge; and "A Desert," which just premiered at the Tribeca Festival, to name a few). On this episode, he talks about why it all starts with building trust with his collaborators early, the semi-mystical process of aligning his heart with the character's heart...
2024-07-0952 min
Back To OneAbbey LeeIn the midst of a successful modeling career a decade ago, Abbey Lee's chance to break into acting came with "Mad Max Fury Road." That challenging shoot was the first of many she faced with relish. A scene-stealing role in "The Neon Demon" followed, then M. Night Shyamalan's "Old," "Lovecraft County," and "Florida Man," to name a few, and now she stars opposite Kevin Costner in his 2-part western epic "Horizon: An American Saga" (in theaters now). On this episode, she talks about letting the character find her, the importance of staying malleable, using everything that happens as fuel...
2024-07-0250 min
Back To OneJulianne NicholsonThere are few actors more well respected than the preternaturally gifted Julianne Nicholson. Recent notable credits include "August: Osage County," "Dream Scenario," "Mare of Easttown" (which won her an Emmy award), and her latest, playwright Annie Baker's first film, "Janet Planet." In this episode, she talks in-depth about playing Janet in that remarkable film, her elusive preparation process, getting the environment to settle into her body, actually learning how to do acupuncture, why she lets her instinct lead the way, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each e...
2024-06-2540 min
Back To OneJohn EarlyJohn Early is an actor, comedian, writer, and wearer of many hats. His latest as a comedian and writer is the HBO special "Now More Than Ever." His latest as an actor is the independent film "Stress Positions." On this episode he talks about how these two projects came about, the differences between the John Early character and himself, the pleasure of working on the series "Search Party," why he relishes straight-up acting, the comedy breakthrough he made in his new special, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. I...
2024-06-1838 min
Back To OneClive OwenWhen you look at the illustrious career of Clive Owen, you see choices made based on the depth of the roles ("Closer," "Children of Men," "Hemingway and Gellhorn," "The Knick"), not on trajectory or star power. His two latest projects, "Monsieur Spade" and "A Murder At The End of The World," are quality television series where he's able to settle in and deliver the grounded, nuanced work we've come to expect from him. On this episode, he explains why he needs time to prepare a role, and the "marination" process that is required. He talks about the qualities found...
2024-06-1132 min
Back To OneBetsy AidemBetsy Aidem has been in over 80 plays, off Broadway, on Broadway, and around the world. Recent titles of note: "All The Way," where she played Lady Bird Johnson, "Mama's Boy," where she played Lee Harvey Oswald's mother, Tom Stoppard's "Leopoldstadt," and "Prayer For The French Republic," for which she is nominated for her first Tony Award. On this gold-filled episode, she talks about her love of extensive research, why she doesn't think the people she plays are just one person, the "golden moment when your character is unsure," the importance of a director's patience and willingness to let her...
2024-06-0457 min
Back To OneMolly GordonMolly Gordon makes everything better. She was a stand-out among stand-outs in films like "Good Boys," "Booksmart," and "Shiva Baby." Then she showed her talents on the other side of the camera, co-writing/directing the hilarious indie hit "Theater Camp." Now she plays Claire on the beloved series "The Bear," which is about to drop its third season. On this episode she talks about why she loves improv, how her parents unintentionally formed her comedy sensibilities, getting "buzzed" from in-person auditions, "locking in" with Jeremy Allen White, why she's always aspiring to a child-like lack of self consciousness, and...
2024-05-2835 min
Back To OneNell Tiger FreeShe was on "Game of Thrones" when she was a child, but Nell Tiger Free hit her stride in the M. Night Shyamalan series "Servant," and now her absolutely incredible performance in the hit horror film "The First Omen" has solidified her as one of the great young actors working today. On this episode, she discusses her 'total non-process' process, which means every aspect of her work takes place between "action" and "cut" and literally nowhere else. She talks about why she only reads the script once, finds all backstory that isn't on the page "cringe," doesn't like to...
2024-05-2350 min
Back To OneTom Pelphrey ReturnsSince he was last on the podcast (Ep. 112), Tom Pelphrey has been nominated for an Emmy for his work on "Ozark," he's had juicy roles on "Outer Range" and David E. Kelly's "Love and Death," and now Kelly has given Pelphrey perhaps his most exciting role to date in the character of Raymond Peepgrass in Netflix's "A Man In Full." On this episode, Pelphrey takes us deep into his work on that limited series. He talks about why a good costumer designer is an actor's best friend, what made him feel free to go "full weird" with Regina King...
2024-05-1530 min
Back To OneMia ValletOver the past year and a half, no actor in any medium has given me more inspiration through their work than Mia Vallet. As a company member and frequent performer at the exciting NYC "loft theaters" Adult Film and The Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research, she continues to show the thrilling possibilities for this craft of acting, culminating in her performance as Nina in "Sea Gull," Adult Film's new version of Chekov's masterpiece, opening on Friday May 10th in Manhattan. On this episode, she talks about her training at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and...
2024-05-071h 00
Back To OneJudy ReyesJudy Reyes is best known for playing Carla on the TV series "Scrubs," but her nearly three-decades-long career is packed with roles on long-running shows like "Devious Maids," and in movies like "Birth/Rebirth," for which she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress. Her latest is Hannah Marx's highly anticipated screen version of John Green's celebrated novel "Turtles All The Way Down" (coming to MAX on May 2nd). On this episode, she takes us back to the beginning—her "dramatic" childhood household serving as a form of acting training, defying her mother when she wanted to...
2024-04-3034 min
Back To OneRyan CzerwonkoAs a working actor, Ryan Czerwonko's credits include "The Endgame," "Chicago Med," "Chicago Fire," "Cherry," "Paint," and "Watchmen," to name a few. He's also the artistic director of Adult Film, an exciting Brooklyn theater and film group where he acts, directs, and teaches. His latest project is a year-long exploration of Chekhov's "Sea Gull" that will culminate in a limited engagement in Manhattan in May and a documentary on the whole process. On this episode, he explains why Chekhov is so important to him and what he set out to do with this ambitious endeavor. He gives us a...
2024-04-231h 08
Back To OneDylan BakerDylan Baker is the definition of a consummate actor. For over three decades he has delivered so many incredible performances in series like "The Good Wife," "Damages," "Hunters," films like "Happiness," "Selma," "Spider-Man 2", and his latest, "LaRoy, Texas", where he plays a professional killer. He talks about his approach toward playing despicable people, some who other actor's wouldn't touch. He takes us back to his beginnings, and the acting instruction that changed his work and which he still uses today. He tells a story about how the legendary theater director Nikos Psacharopoulos had a big impact on his early...
2024-04-1649 min
Back To OneBrandon ScottHis work in series like "Grey's Anatomy," "13 Reasons Why," and "This Is Us," has established Brandon Scott as a captivatingly talented actor. His latest is the new MAX series "The Girls on the Bus," where he plays the jilted ex-lover of Melissa Benoist's journalist character, who now needs his help because he's the new press secretary to the leading Presidential candidate. He talks about the process of building connection between two people that are supposed to have a past, and how sometimes that can be done in simple ways. He describes the impact Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini had...
2024-04-0952 min
Back To OneColin Burgess and Anthony OberbeckColin Burgess and Anthony Oberbeck star in "Dad & Step-Dad," a indie comedy film they co-wrote with director Tynan DeLong. It follows Jim and Dave, a dad and a step-dad, as they struggle with bonding during a weekend upstate with Branson, the 13 year-old son they share. It's about family, communication, insecurity, and the fragility of the male ego. On this episode, Burgess and Oberbeck describe the development of their comedy tastes and take us back to the improvised shorts that preceded the feature, where they were able to hone their characters and comedic sensibility before growing the project to feature-length. T...
2024-04-0243 min
Back To OneGeorge MacKayYou know the gifted actor George MacKay from films like "1917" or "True History of The Kelly Gang." Now he has given us two absolutely incredible performances in "Femme" (in select theaters now) and "The Beast" (out on April 5th). On this episode, he takes us into his process of inhabiting these two extremely different characters. He explains why context is becoming more and more important to him in his preparation, talks about the actor as storyteller, the secret to appearing truly menacing, those sex scenes in "Femme," a lesson about respect that he learned from Eddie Marsan, and much...
2024-03-2649 min
Back To OneLukas GageLukas Gage is on a roll. In shows like "The White Lotus," "Euphoria," "You," and the latest season of "Fargo," films like "How to Blow Up a Pipeline," "Down Low" (which he also co-wrote), and now the eagerly anticipated "Road House" reboot, he's been able to display his immense talent and range. He's even played himself in "Gossip Girl" and "The Other Two." On this episode, he explains how sometimes doing the opposite of what's described is beneficial in an audition, why over-directing doesn't work for him, the importance of creativity for the actor, how he arrived at his...
2024-03-1940 min
Back To OneAnastasia OlowinThe Brooklyn-based actor Anastasia Olowin stars in Shaun Seneviratne's "Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts," which just had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. She has such a command of the screen and brings so much life to her character, it's hard to believe this is her first feature film. On this episode, she takes us back to her training at NYU's Experimental Theater Wing, her 8 years producing and acting in new work for the stage, and the 10 year journey to bring "Ben and Suzanne" to the screen. She talks about the collaborative process at the...
2024-03-1245 min
Back To OneHugo De SousaAs an actor, Hugo De Sousa had breakout leading roles in "We Used to Know Each Other," "Mister Limbo," and "Everything in The End." I was introduced to his work as an actor/filmmaker, with the celebrated shorts he made in collaboration with Frank Mosley—"The Event" and "Good Condition." On this episode he talks extensively about the making of those films, and his latest, which might be of particular, cathartic interest to listeners of this podcast, the absurdist short "Je Ne Suis Pas Une Star De Cinéma." Plus he discusses the importance of feeling "out of balance in...
2024-03-0544 min
Back To OneMario Van Peebles"Heartbreak Ridge" put him on the map as an actor, "New Jack City" as a director, and with "Posse," the 1993 hit Western he directed and stars in, Mario Van Peebles secured his place as a celebrated actor/director with countless credits, over the next 30 years, on the big and small screen. His latest is another star-filled, super fun western called "Outlaw Posse." On this episode, he talks about the importance of discovering the tone of the project, how his love of learning leads to his desire to make "edutainment," ways his acting experience informs his work as a director...
2024-02-2740 min
Back To OneJohn MagaroJohn Magaro has been delivering consistently stellar performances in films like "Not Fade Away," "The Big Short," "Carol," "First Cow," and "Showing Up," to name a few. This past year he played Arthur, husband of Greta Lee's character Nora, in "Past Lives." On this episode he talks, spoiler-free, about the last scene of that film, and why it makes people emotional. He explains how receiving books, music, photos from directors helps in his preparation. He makes the case for experience over academia, takes us back to a big breakthrough that came to him from the legendary acting teacher Howard...
2024-02-201h 01
Back To OneLeah McKendrickLeah McKendrick wrote, directed, and stars in the hilarious, super smart, and intensely personal new film "Scrambled." It's about a perpetual bridesmaid who, realizing she isn't quite willing or able to settle down, decides to freeze her eggs. McKendrick doesn't shy away from depicting her character's sex life, the frustrations involving family and friends, and the true loneliness that enveloped her when she decided to do the same procedure in real life. It's that rare film that will have you belly laughing one minute and crying hard the next. On this episode, we find out what elements were at...
2024-02-1338 min
Back To OneMia McKenna-BruceMia McKenna-Bruce is an English actress. Her performance in the film "How To Have Sex" is, rightfully, being spoken about with many superlatives. Subtle, controlled, thoroughly alive, deeply impacting, it is a star-making turn. There's a scene where her character, Tara, is simply walking down the street, and it's something of a revelation. It won her the BIFA for Best Lead Performance. On this episode, she breaks down the ingredients that helped her deliver this work—an extensive audition process to find her co-stars that allowed her time to play; complete trust in the director, Molly Manning Walker, and ev...
2024-02-0628 min
Back To OneSallieu SesaySallieu Sesay is a Sierra Leonean-American actor who has had recurring roles on CBS' "Seal Team" and HBO's "Barry," and, in his latest, delivers an incredible supporting performance in John Trengove's nihilistic thriller "Manodrome," alongside Jesse Eisenberg. On this episode he talks about doing tons of research before taking on that part, having so little in common with the character, and facing the pressure of being at the center of a movie's most pivotal scene. He gives us a glimpse at his dedication to this craft, his continuous training with some of the best acting teachers around such as...
2024-01-3034 min
Back To OneJack HustonJack Huston has worked with Scorsese, Ridley Scott, David O' Russell, The Coens, had meaty roles on series like "Mayfair Witches," "Fargo," and, maybe most notably, "Boardwalk Empire," where he played Richard Harrow. His latest project is Lulu Wang's Amazon series "Expats." On this episode he talks about gaining 30 pounds for that part (which wasn't as much fun as it sounds), why it all starts with the voice for him, writing and directing his passion project "The Day of The Fight" for Michael Pitt and Joe Pesci, and he reveals a common trait of all great directors he's known...
2024-01-2346 min
Back To OneSpenser GraneseYou know Spenser Granese from memorable roles on "Better Call Saul," "Fear of the Walking Dead," "Pam & Tommy," and, perhaps most memorably, the character of Bevel in the final season of "Barry." On this episode, he talks about landing that role after trying hard to get on the show for 3 seasons, and the incredible working environment he found on set. He opens up about his unique approach to the craft having no formal training, why he keeps the lines barely memorized, avoids expectations, operates on his instinct, and much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense...
2023-12-2641 min
Back To OneMichelle MonaghanDiscovering Michelle Monaghan in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" was like finding evidence that the old school Hollywood comedy actress gene, long thought extinct, was alive and well. She did more than hold her own opposite Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, she stole the movie. I've been rooting for her ever since. A few "Mission Impossibles," "Gone Baby Gone," "True Detective" followed, as well as some significant work in small indies like "Trucker," "Fort Bliss," and "Nanny." She returns to comedy with her latest, "The Family Plan," which is streaming now on Apple TV+. On this episode, she talks...
2023-12-1939 min
Back To OneMelora HardinMelora Hardin is best known for playing Jan on the American version of "The Office." She was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the series "Transparent." Recently she stepped back into the role of Trudy Monk for "Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie," which is streaming now on Peacock. On this episode, she talks about bringing the character Mabel Montgomery-Mayflower to life in the new independent film "Golden Vanity," and how the perfect combination of director's vision and true collaboration helped her deliver that tour-de-force performance. She takes us back to her early days as a...
2023-12-1253 min
Back To OneRobbie TannYou might know Robbie Tann from "Preacher," "The Deuce," or when he played Billy on "Mare of Easttown," or Whitty in the "Mazey Day" episode of the latest season of "Black Mirror." Currently he plays Shipley in this year's most exciting and original sci-fi film, "The Creator." On this episode, he tells how the run-and-gun style of shooting on that production, combined with the cast and crew's infectious passion for the project, helped with all aspects of his work. He explains why he now bypasses a straightforward "roadmap" of preparation, focusing instead on letting the role seep into his...
2023-12-0534 min
Back To OneOlli HaaskiviYou know Olli Haaskivi from his work in series such as "Winning Time", "Manifest", and "The Sinner," and films like "Motherless Brooklyn", "Nancy" and of course, this Summer's blockbuster "Oppenheimer," where he played scientist Edward Condon. On this episode he shares his experience of working with Christopher Nolan on that film (which he says seemed less sprawling than some student films he's worked on!), why he felt the freedom to bring his ideas and "all of himself" (spoiler: Nolan is not afraid of actors!), and how all this affected the work in the moment. Plus he talks about his "...
2023-11-2858 min
Back To OneBrit MarlingBrit Marling is an inspiration. The talented multi-hypenate became an indie darling in 2011 with "Another Earth" and "Sound of My Voice"—collaborations with Mike Cahill and Zal Batmanglij respectively. She avoided various vapid roles and unfulfilling career paths and instead went on to star in (and co-create with Batmanglii) the hit Netflix series "The OA," which was bafflingly cancelled after two seasons, despite a rabid and large fan base. The two are back with another series, "A Murder At The End of The World"—a cool Zoomer detective whodunit set in a remote super-hotel in Iceland. On this episode, she...
2023-11-2147 min
Back To OneThe Sixth Annual Kevin Corrigan EpisodeThe SAG strike is over and Back To One returns in the most fitting way—with The Sixth Annual Kevin Corrigan Episode. The living patron saint of the indie actor fills us in on what's been going on in his world over the past year, talks about playing off of Tim Blake Nelson in his latest film "Bang Bang," takes us way back to his first time on a film set as an extra in 1987, describes a recent rewarding experience of performing his own ultra personal material, and ponders his strange case of involuntary lens spiking. Plus stories about "ma...
2023-11-141h 37
Back To OneAl Warren"Dogleg" is one of the best films of the year. A unique and hilarious feat of cinematic inventiveness, it follows amateur director Alan, played by Al Warren, after he loses his fiancé's dog at a gender reveal party on the day of an important shoot. Warren also wrote and directed the film, which took more than half a decade to finish. On this episode, he tells us why he was in no hurry to complete the film, and why he has taken a much more intentional and meaningful approach toward bringing it to the audience. He takes us b...
2023-10-0348 min
Back To OneAidan Gillan ReturnsAidan Gillen returns to the podcast (first time: Episode 40). You know him from some of the most beloved shows of the century: "Game of Thrones," "The Wire," "Peaky Blinders," to name a few. Now he stars in the Irish Neo-noir film "Barber," where he plays a private investigator hired by a wealthy widow to find her missing granddaughter. He talks about why he doesn't look at the lines until the day before shooting, how his latest venture on the stage affected his work, why he still doesn't like rehearsal for film, what bothers him about the idea of an "...
2023-09-1942 min
Back To OneOnur TukelOnur Tukel is a boldly independent writer-director-actor who, for more than a decade, has been making cutting edge comedies in New York City that sometimes land in the horror category, sometimes social satire, are often absurd, mostly hilarious, and always thoughtful—"Catfight," "Applesauce," "Summer of Blood," "The Misogynists," "Scenes From An Empty Church," to name just a few. His latest, "Poundcake," about a serial killer who only targets straight white men, is maybe his boldest yet, which says a lot. In this hour, he talks about his reluctant approach toward acting in his own films, the ways he has na...
2023-08-291h 00
Back To OneRon Cephas Jones (Expanded Re-Release)The great actor of the stage and screen, Ron Cephas Jones died on August 19, 2023, at the age of 66. On this episode from 2020, he details the value of a true collaborative relationship with the director, why the script never leaves his side in preproduction, talks about what it was like to slowly build "William" on "This Is Us" through many seasons of that show, and takes us back to his early days at LAByrinth theater in New York City to explain how Philip Seymour Hoffman forever changed his approach to work, plus much more! This is an expanded version of...
2023-08-2252 min
Back To OneThe Adults (Special Episode)Please Note: These interviews were recorded prior to the SAG/AFTRA strike, in June 2023, as part of the Tribeca Festival. On this special episode of Back To One, actors Sophia Lillis, Hannah Gross, and Michael Cera talk about their work in writer/director Dustin Guy Defa's wonderful new film "The Adults." We get a glimpse into each of their general preparation processes before doing a deep dive into their work on this actor-centric production. They each talk about how they built the reality of their complex sibling relationship, why the songs and dances that play such a...
2023-08-1553 min
Back To OneStrike: A Special EpisodeOn this very special episode, I visit the picket line at each of the four SAG/AFTRA strike sites in New York City, in one continuous, unbroken audio "take." Actors Michael Gaston, Clarissa Thibeaux, and others talk to me about what's at stake, and en route to each location I share my own thoughts on the issues at hand, make some predictions, voice concerns, and offer up my total and complete solidarity to the cause, all supported by the loud and never-ending symphony of the New York City streets! Get ready for the strangest, but definitely most sonic-rich, episode...
2023-08-0852 min
Back To OneBetsey BrownMy first encounter with the work of actor, writer, director Betsey Brown was her captivating and shocking performance in "The Scary of Sixty-First." Then, in her first feature film "Actors," she and her brother Peter Vack play over-the-top versions of themselves in a wildly fictional, yet super-personal exploration of their relationship that boldly pulls out all the cinematic stops. It's the kind of rare indie that gives you hope for the future of film. In this episode, she talks about the aspects of the acting craft that are central to her—patience, relaxation, fearlessness, appreciation, and the importance of th...
2023-04-2549 min
Back To OneEdwin Lee GibsonEdwin Lee Gibson's stage career spans 40 years and over 100 U.S. and international theater productions. On television he is currently reprising his role as series regular "Ebraheim" in season 2 of FX's hit series "The Bear." On this episode, he talks about the importance of listening, "letting the character find me," working with the late Peter Brook, cultivating a relationship with fear, how his stutter actually made him dig deeper into the study of speech, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one wor...
2023-03-2836 min