Welcome to Following Films , where we dig into the stories behind the movies—and the people—who challenge the way we watch them. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today, I’m joined by philosopher and film lover Matthew Strohl, author of the new book Hard to Watch , a passionate and thought-provoking call to expand the way we engage with cinema. We’re living in a golden age of movie access—between streaming, physical media, repertory theaters, and more, there’s never been a better time to explore the...
Jul 07, 2025•38 min
Welcome to Following Films , where we explore the creative journeys behind the films that inspire us. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today’s guest is Steven Martini—an award-winning screenwriter, actor, musician, and the director of the deeply personal new indie film BitterSweet . This film is more than just a story—it’s Steven’s story. BitterSweet is based on his own real-life breakdown, a turning point that led to his late autism diagnosis and forced him to reexamine everything: his identity, h...
Jul 01, 2025•38 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films . I’m Chris Maynard, and today I’m talking with director Destry Allyn Spielberg about her new film, Please Don’t Feed the Children . It’s a tense, gripping horror-thriller set in a world where a virus has wiped out the adult population, and a group of orphans finds themselves taken hostage by a mysterious woman with a dark secret. The film features a fantastic cast — including Michelle Dockery, Giancarlo Esposito, and Zoe Colletti — and marks Destry’...
Jun 24, 2025•13 min
Welcome to the Following Films Podcast, I’m Chris Maynard. Today I’m joined by two special guests from the bold new film Killing Mary Sue . It’s a darkly comic thriller about a corrupt senator plotting to kill his biggest liability — his rebellious step‑daughter — only for her to discover she has a hidden talent as an unstoppable killer. The film is currently available on VOD, and I’m excited to be talking with its star, Sierra McCormick, and its writer and director, James Sunshine. We’ll dig in...
Jun 20, 2025•35 min
Welcome back to The Following Films Podcast , where we look at the craft of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the people who bring it all to life. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today’s episode is a short one, but a good one. We’re joined by two remarkable guests: acclaimed actor Dermot Mulroney , whose filmography spans everything from My Best Friend’s Wedding to Young Guns and Yellowstone … and director Salvador Litvak , whose bold new film Guns & Moses is already sparking conversation...
Jun 19, 2025•15 min
You're listening to Following Films, the podcast where we dig beneath the surface of cinema to uncover the stories behind the screen. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today we’re going deep into the heart of Diablo — a lean, ferocious action-thriller starring Scott Adkins that lands today in theaters and on demand. Diablo is the story of Kris Chaney — a man fresh out of prison, carrying the weight of a promise and running from the kind of danger you can’t hide from. Directed by Ernesto Díaz Esp...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr
Welcome to Following Films, the show where we talk to the creators behind today’s most compelling cinema. I’m your host, and today we’re honored to be joined by filmmaker Amir Kovacs, director of the beautifully animated new feature, Book of Joshua: Walls of Jericho. Now available on major VOD platforms, Walls of Jericho is a powerful retelling of the biblical story from the Book of Joshua—a tale of faith, endurance, and divine triumph. Set after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the film fol...
Jun 11, 2025•33 min
I had the chance to sit down with Harley Flanagan — punk pioneer, founding member of the Cro-Mags , and the subject of the new feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS . Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller , this no-holds-barred film dives into Harley’s life — from the violent streets of ‘70s New York to the hardcore scene that defined a generation. This isn’t just about music — it’s about survival. Abuse, addiction, squats, street fights, punk gigs, Jiu-Jits...
Jun 08, 2025•44 min
Welcome to The Following Films Podcast . I’m your host, Chris Maynard , and today I’m joined by acclaimed horror filmmaker Sean Byrne — the visionary behind The Loved Ones and The Devil’s Candy . Sean is back with his most intense and ambitious film yet: Dangerous Animals — a razor-sharp fusion of shark thriller and serial killer horror, set against the vast, unforgiving waters of the Australian coast. With a bold script from screenwriter Nick Lepard , and haunting performances by Hassie Harriso...
Jun 06, 2025•19 min
Show Notes – Following Films Episode Title: “GOING POSTAL: Filmmakers Tda Sallee & Jason Sikorsky on Gaming’s Most Notorious Underdog” Hosted by: Chris Maynard Guests: Ted Sallee & Jason Sikorsky, directors of GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD Now Streaming on VOD Episode Summary: Host Chris Maynard sits down with filmmakers Tad Sallee and Jason Sikorsky to unpack their five-year journey making GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD —a bold, heartfelt, and cinematic deep dive into one of gami...
Jun 02, 2025•36 min
Some films aim to entertain; others aim to provoke. Lemonade Blessing dares to do both—and does so with unapologetic flair. At first glance, the film is a bold, raunchy sex comedy. But peel back the irreverent humor, the teenage horniness, and the sacrilegious hijinks, and you’ll find something much deeper pulsing beneath the surface: a raw, reflective exploration of generational trauma, toxic masculinity, and the quiet desperation of growing up with inherited wounds. In this interview, Followin...
May 30, 2025•23 min
Hey everyone, welcome to The Following Films Podcast . I'm your host, Chris Maynard. Today’s episode is something really special — I had the chance to sit down with Renn Hawkey, a musician and producer you probably know from his work with Deadsy. But this time, we’re talking about something brand new: The Yagas , a deeply personal project that blends music, myth, and mood in powerful ways. Their debut album, Midnight Minuet , was just released — and it’s haunting, cinematic, and full of depth. E...
May 23, 2025•52 min
Welcome to Following Films , the show where we go behind the scenes with the people who make the movies we love. I’m your host, Chris Maynard , and today I’m joined by a filmmaker whose new film is both a gritty Boston drama and a deeply personal debut. Eric Aronson is a Boston-based writer and director with over 22 years of experience as a Hollywood screenwriter. He’s written for major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, Miramax, and Lionsgate, and collaborated with creative forces like Sacha Ba...
May 19, 2025•31 min
Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast, the show that dives deep into the world of independent cinema—where creativity meets grit, and stories are told against all odds. Today’s guest is an indie filmmaker who truly embodies that spirit. We're joined by the writer, director, and editor of Blind Blood, an award-winning crime thriller now streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and UK, and on Tubi in Australia. From writing the script to pulling off a feature film on limited resources, he’s here ...
May 15, 2025•32 min
🔥 Episode Overview: Guests: Stephen Leonhardt & Isabella Scanoni, Production Designers of Beast Games Host: Chris Maynard Streaming now on: Prime Video On this episode of the Following Films Podcast , we dive into the jaw-dropping production behind one of the most ambitious reality competition shows ever created: Beast Games . Host [Name] sits down with acclaimed production designers Stephen Leonhardt and Isabella Scanoni to talk about what it really took to build the massive, surreal world...
May 14, 2025•21 min
In one of the most unexpected turns in recent entertainment news, President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. In this episode, host Chris Maynard unpacks the potential consequences of this controversial proposal and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood and global filmmaking. Later in the episode, Chris sits down with Sonnet Daymont, a therapist and horror film consultant, to discuss her work on the film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, her u...
May 07, 2025•42 min
Welcome to The Following Films Podcast — your go-to destination for deep dives into music, movies, and pop culture that push boundaries and spark conversation. In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write. We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and th...
May 01, 2025•47 min
Today on The Following Films Podcast , I’m joined by cinematographer Martin Ruhe . Martin’s latest film, The Amateur , is a tense, grounded thriller, and we spend a lot of time talking about how he helped shape its unique look and feel. We also get into his earlier work, like the beautifully shot Control , and how his collaborations with George Clooney kicked off with The American and later continued with The Tender Bar . It was a real pleasure hearing Martin break down his process, how he appro...
Apr 28, 2025•40 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films — I'm Chris Maynard. Today I'm really excited to have cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on the show. You probably know his work from Snowfall , Straight Outta Compton , and a bunch of other incredible projects. We’re talking about his newest film, Opus , and how he approached the look and feel of it, what it was like putting it together, and just his overall process behind the camera. It’s a great conversation — so let's jump right in....
Apr 26, 2025•41 min
On this episode, we’re diving into a story that blends nostalgia, music, and the origins of esports — a follow-up to one of the most beloved documentaries in gaming history. I’m talking about Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day . This new film is the feature directorial debut from Oscar-winning producer Ed Cunningham — best known for Undefeated and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters . If you're a fan of the latter, you're in for a real treat, because this film brings us back ...
Apr 19, 2025•47 min
Today, we’re heading straight into the dust, danger, and drama of the wild west with a very special guest—director and writer Brian Skiba —who joins us to talk about his latest film, GUNSLINGERS . Starring Stephen Dorff , Heather Graham , and Academy Award Winner Nicolas Cage , GUNSLINGERS is a gritty, high-octane Western thriller where justice rides on a hair trigger. When America’s most wanted outlaw lands in a quiet Kentucky town, chaos erupts—brothers clash, bullets fly, and vengeance rides ...
Apr 11, 2025•24 min
Welcome to Following Films , the podcast where we go beyond the screen to bring you conversations with some of the most unique voices in cinema today. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today, we’re diving into Last Breath — the sleeper hit that no one saw coming. Directed by Alex Parkinson , this gripping thriller tells the true story of a commercial diver who becomes trapped 100 meters below the surface of the North Sea with only five minutes of oxygen — and no chance of immediate rescue. It’s a ha...
Apr 09, 2025•24 min
Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we explore the creative minds behind the movies and shows we love. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today, we’re diving into the sonic world of Invincible—Amazon’s hit adult animated superhero series that’s equal parts heartfelt and harrowing. If you’ve been following the journey of 17-year-old Mark Grayson as he discovers his powers and unravels the dark truth about his father, Omni-Man, then you already know this show pulls no punches—visually or soni...
Apr 04, 2025•39 min
Welcome to The Following Films Podcast , where we dive deep into the world of cinema with the filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who bring movie magic to life. On today’s episode, I’m joined by legendary VFX artist Alec Gillis to talk about his involvement with Shout! TV ’s Double Take series, where celebrity guests curate and host themed double features. On April 5, Alec is hosting a special marathon in celebration of Roger Corman’s birthday—a fitting tribute, considering his early work on B...
Apr 02, 2025•18 min
Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of independent cinema and the filmmakers who bring these stories to life. I'm your host, Chris Maynard, and today, we have a fantastic conversation lined up. Joining me is Imani Davis, a key figure behind the Proof Film Festival, a groundbreaking event dedicated to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking films. We’ll be discussing what makes this festival unique, the kind of films audiences can expect, and how it’s cre...
Mar 28, 2025•35 min
Few songs capture the raw energy of the 1980s quite like Maniac , the electrifying hit made famous by Michael Sembello in the classic film Flashdance . Now, decades later, the punk-infused power of Tess and The Details is giving this beloved track a fresh, high-voltage revival. In this episode of The Following Films , we sit down with the band to dive into their bold reimagining of Maniac —exploring what drew them to the song, how they infused their signature sound into the arrangement, and what...
Mar 25, 2025•28 min
Welcome to The Following Films Podcast , where we dive deep into the world of cinema, storytelling, and the creative minds behind it all. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and on today’s episode, we’re exploring the fascinating intersection of horror and documentary storytelling. Joining me is acclaimed author Elizabeth Hand , here to discuss her participation in FIRST WORD ON HORROR —a gripping new documentary horror series available to stream on Substack. This series features intimate and insightf...
Mar 20, 2025•16 min
Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we explore the art and craft of filmmaking through conversations with the people who bring movies to life. I'm your host, Chris Maynard, and today, we’re diving into the haunting and atmospheric world of The Silent Planet (2024), a sci-fi thriller that blends psychological tension with existential dread. Directed by Jeffrey St. Jules, The Silent Planet follows two inmates sentenced to a lifetime of hard labor on a remote world. As isolation takes its...
Mar 11, 2025•19 min
Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we explore the crossroads of film, literature, and everything in between. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Paul Tremblay—acclaimed horror author of The Pallbearers Club and The Cabin at the End of the World, the novel that became M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. We dive into his hauntingly brilliant work, his love of punk rock, and his involvement in the upcoming documentary series First Word on Horror. Plus, in a fun twist of fate, we cha...
Mar 05, 2025•19 min
Thank you for listening to the Following Films podcast, today I’m joined by Graham Young of Michigan Rattlers Following the release of their brilliant third studio album, Waving From A Sea, Michigan Rattlers have hit the road for an intimate set of club dates. On their pivotal new Dominic John Davis produced record (Jack White, Willie Nelson, Greensky Bluegrass), the Michigan-based rock & roll band with a blend of folk, American and country influences, pairs the heavy hitting lyricism they’r...
Feb 28, 2025•26 min
