In this thrilling 28th episode of Film by Numbers, we dive deep into the post-apocalyptic horror that redefined the zombie genre — 28 Days Later. And it wouldn't be a proper celebration without a very special guest: Noah Huntley, who plays Mark in the film, joins us on the pod! We chat with Noah about his experience working on Danny Boyle’s genre-defining classic, behind-the-scenes stories, the film’s gritty production style, and how it helped reshape horror for the 21st century. Plus, we explor...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 28
BONUS EPISODE: Tamar Jeffers McDonald on the Romantic Comedy In this special bonus episode of Film By Numbers, we’re thrilled to share the full interview with renowned film historian Tamar Jeffers McDonald. Join us as Tamar brings her expert eye to the world of the romantic comedy—unpacking its visual language, cultural impact, and enduring appeal. From golden age Hollywood charm to modern-day classics, she explores how these films capture the genre's emotional core and reflect shifting ideas of...
Jul 09, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode, we say “I do” to one of the most beloved—and misunderstood—genres in film: the romantic comedy. Using 27 Dresses (2008), starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, as our jumping-off point, we explore the rom-com's tropes, evolution, and cultural impact. Why do so many critics dismiss rom-coms as fluff? What makes 27 Dresses both a quintessential and subversive entry in the genre? And how have romantic comedies shaped our expectations of love, friendship, and personal growth? J...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Following his passing on 16th January 2025, we take the opportunity to honour the film career and genius of American director David Lynch in this episode of Film By Numbers. A true artist who transformed cinematic language with his surrealist soundscapes and dream-like imagery, the ‘Lynchian’ dialogue is one of the subconscious manifested as a progressive narrative by which to share our darkest, yet also our most hopeful, feelings and experiences. Lynch’s dream logic has helped make sense of an ...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 26
To mark our 25th episode, we're diving into 25th Hour and the powerful, provocative filmography of Spike Lee—one of the most vital voices in American cinema. We're joined by special guest host Odie Henderson, the Boston Globe film critic and Spike Lee expert, for a passionate, insightful conversation about Lee's signature style, recurring themes, and cultural impact—from Do the Right Thing to Da 5 Bloods and beyond. We’ll unpack how 25th Hour became one of Lee’s most underrated yet emotionally c...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this special full-length interview, Film By Numbers sits down with actor Kieran O’Brien for an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation about his bold and fascinating career. From his early days on British television to roles in films like 9 Songs, 24 Hour Party People, and The Look of Love. We talk about working with visionary director Michael Winterbottom and the lessons learned from decades in the business. Honest, reflective, and packed with behind-the-scenes insights—this is a must-listen f...
Apr 30, 2025•51 min
In this episode of Film By Numbers, we explore the bold and diverse filmography of Michael Winterbottom—a director known for blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and for tackling everything from war zones to rock tours to raw human intimacy. We’re also joined by special guest Kieran O'Brien, long-time Winterbottom collaborator and star of 9 Songs, 24 Hour Party People, and The Look of Love. Kieran shares behind-the-scenes stories, insights into Winterbottom’s fearless directing style,...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Joel Schumacher: Chaos, Camp & Cult Classics In this episode of Film By Numbers, we dive into the wild, unpredictable world of Joel Schumacher—a filmmaker whose career is as varied as it is misunderstood. From cult classics like The Lost Boys, to controversial turns in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, to raw dramas like Falling Down and 8MM, Schumacher’s work is bold, stylish, and often polarizing. We explore the recurring themes in his films, his fearless use of visual flair, and the ...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, we’ll break down Catch-22, Joseph Heller’s satirical masterpiece, and whether Mike Newell’s film adaptation could ever do it justice. Are some books just impossible to adapt? Is it true that "the book is always better"? And can film ever capture the depth, nuance, and psychological insight of a novel? Plus, we explore the two-way relationship between books and films—does one help the other thrive? And have you ever loved a movie, only to read the book and see it in a whole new l...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Hello and welcome to Film By Numbers! This is episode 21 and we have named it '21 Grams - the Films of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu'. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Mexican filmmaker. He is primarily known for making modern psychological drama films about the human condition. His projects have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades including five Academy Awards, as well as a Special Achievement Award, three Golden Globe Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Directors Guild of America Awards....
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Hello! This is episode 20 and we have named it Twentieth Century Fox – Movie Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood. We’ll be looking at the influence of the ‘Big 5’ movie studios, MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros, RKO, and, of course, 20th Century Fox, who took cinema from the silent era through to the one of sound and discuss how they created a dynasty of romanticism, escapism and drama, though the glossy veneer was not all it seemed…
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This is episode 19 and we have named it K19: The Widowmaker and the subject up for discussion is films set on submarines. The film that gives us our title is Kathryn Bigelow’s 2002 historical thriller about Russia's first nuclear submarine which malfunctions on its maiden voyage. A race against time ensues as the crew put their lives on the line to prevent a nuclear disaster. The film is based on true events: K19 was on its maiden voyage in the North Atlantic in 1961 when disaster struck and the...
Aug 09, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 19
We're delighted to share with you our full interview with filmmaker Elliot Goldener. In this interview we discuss the complexities of shooting a 'found footage' film and celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his film 'The Borderlands'. Many thanks to Elliot for taking the time out to speak with us. Interview conducted by Phil Slatter. Produced and edited by Matthew Simmonds
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 18
Hello and welcome to episode 18 of Film By Numbers! We've named it Apollo 18 and the subject up for discussion is the fairly unique sub genre of found footage. The film that gives us our title is the 2011 found footage sci-fi horror that tells the tale of a covert mission to the moon after the Apollo space programme had officially ended. We're also joined by filmmaker Elliot Goldner. Elliot is responsible for of the best examples of found footage with his film 'The Borderlands' which is currentl...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Our Hitchcock conversation continues with this exclusive interview with film critic, author and scholar, David Sterritt. David has vast knowledge of Hitchcock's work (and he's met Hitch!) and has published critical studies and taught courses on Alfred Hitchcock. Many thanks to David for sharing his extensive knowledge of the Master of Suspense. The interview was conducted by Film By Numbers producer Paul Risker. Paul is a Contributing Editor at PopMatters, advisory board member and interview edi...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Hello and welcome to the latest episode of Film By Numbers! It is Episode 17 and we have called it ‘Meeting at Number 17: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock’. Number 17 was an early feature film of Hitchcock’s from 1932 that the great man himself denounced as “a terrible picture, very cheap melodrama.” It’s a crime thriller about a gang of thieves who gather at a safe house following a robbery whilst being pursued by a police detective. As well as Number 17 we delve into Hitchcock’s filmography, moti...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 17
We're delighted to share with you our full interview with producer Rebecca O'Brien. In this interview with discuss working with filmmaker Ken Loach and writher Paul Laverty. We also discuss the state of funding in British cinema and the complexities of working within a co-production. Many thanks to Rebecca and the team at Sixteen Productions for being part of Film By Numbers. Interview by David Woods Produced and Edited by Matthew Simmonds...
Apr 12, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Hello and welcome to episode 16 of Film By Numbers. We are now up to Episode 16 and we have named this Sweet Sixteen after both the Ken Loach film of 2002 and the production company set up at that time by Loach his long term screenwriting collaborator Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien. And We're thrilled to announce we have an excerpt of an interview with Sweet Sixteen producer Rebecca O'Brien in this podcast, the full interview will be made available as a separate podcast in the near fu...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 16
It is episode 15 and we have called it ‘The 15 Beats of the Script’ which come from Blake Snyder's Save The Cat and breaks up a standard script into 15 beats which are, Opening Image, Theme Stated, Set-up, Catalyst, Debate, Break into 2, B Story, Fun and games, Midpoint, Bad Guy close in, All is lost, Dark Knight of the soul, Break into 3, Finale Final image Many thanks to Glenn Gers to taking part in our interview. Below are links to the full interview and Glenn's YouTube channel. Full intervie...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 15
We're delighted to share our full interview with fabulous Pamela Hutchinson. Pam is freelance writer, critic, curator and film historian. She regularly contributes to The Guardian, Sight & Sound, BFI and is also the editor of the silent film website Silent London . Our discussion digs into the wonders of the musical genre and how the format has progressed over time. Many thanks go out to Pam for being part of this discussion. Additional reading 👉 Pam's website: https://pamhutch.wordpress.co...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 14
It is episode 14 and we have been a bit creative in naming the podcast Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and the subject is musicals. It’s a broad topic and we have roped in some help in the guise of author, critic, film historian and curator Pamela Hutchinson. We will play an excerpt of our interview with Pamela later on and the full interview will be available as a separate podcast. Pam's website: https://pamhutch.wordpress.com/about/ All that Glitters - BFI article: https://www2.bfi.org.uk/news...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Here's our full interview with the author of the Devil's Advocates book on Halloween, Murray Leeder. Thanks to Murray for chatting with us.
Oct 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 13
It is episode 13 and we have named it Assault on Precinct 13. We jumped at the chance to discuss the directorial films of the writer, director, producer and composer John Carpenter. We discuss his back catalogue and what may come for the self-acclaimed ‘Horror-Mesiter’. We’re also delighted to have Murray Leeder on the podcast. Murry is the author is a the Devils Advocate book on Halloween. Halloween (Devils Advocate) Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Halloween-Devils-Advocate-Advocates/dp/19067337...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 13
It is episode 12 and we have named in 12 Angry Men. Primarily we are going to discuss chamber pieces – films that take place by and large in just one location. The film that gives us our title was directed by Sidney Lumet in 1957 and tells the story of a jury sent out to deliberate the verdict of a seemingly open and shut murder case. They have to return a unanimous decision and whilst 11 jurors are convinced of the defendants guilt, juror number 8 (Henry Fonda) is not so sure and feels they men...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Hello and welcome to episode 11! There are eleven players on an association football team so on this episode we will be discussing football in cinema. We will be looking at why it doesn’t work from an aesthetic point of view, how it works narratively and socially and taking a look at documentaries. Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods Edited and Produced By: Matt Simmonds Music: Neil Parmar & YouTube music. Buy Film By Numbers a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/outwardfilmnetwork
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Hello and welcome to the latest episode of ‘Film by Numbers’ from Outward Film Network. This episode is number ten and we have called this ‘The Ten Commandments’ after in may respects three things – the Cecil B Demille 1923 silent film, the re-make also by DeMille from 1956 which famously starred Charlton Heston as Moses and of course the actual ten commandments from the old testament and Torah. So we will be discussing religion in cinema. You can search Outward on Facebook, Instagram and our Yo...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Let’s talk about sex This episode is number nine and we have called this ‘Nine Songs’ after the Michael Winterbottom film from 2004. Known for its explicit sex scenes in which the actors Kieran O’Brien and Margo Stilley were actually having sex, it was a censorship landmark so we’re going to be looking back at sex in cinema, from the Hays code to erotic thrillers to sex comedies and all the way through to where we are now. We also have a guest host! We chat with intimacy coordinator Haley Murale...
Apr 16, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 9
This episode is number eight and we have called this ‘Hard Eight’ meaning we will be discussing the films of the writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson. You can search Outward on Facebook, Instagram and our YouTube channel and our website is www.outwardfilmnetwork.com Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods Guest Host: Neil Parmer Edited: Matt Simmonds Music: Neil Parmar
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This episode is number seven and the theme is 007: James Bond. At the time of recording, this episode also coincides with the 60 th anniversary year of the Bond films, as well as the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s stint as the iconic super spy. As we wait to find out who the next Bond will be, we’ll be discussing the extraordinary longevity of this franchise, the source material of Ian Fleming’s novels and how they have been translated into cinema, the politics of Bond, the different actors and ac...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Welcome to episode 6! We've called this ‘The Sixth Sense’ after M. Night Shymalan’s 1999 film and we will be discussing film twists. Is a revelation the same as a Twist? What makes a good or bad twist? How genre expectation has affected twists over time? Post modern casting and how that affects a twist, and of course our recommendations. SPOILER ALERT! We try to be spoiler light here but obviously there will be times where we may reveal a films secret so do be aware. SPOILER ALERT!...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 6
