In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Martin Meunier, a French visual effects artist who shares his journey from a childhood fascination with Star Wars to a successful career in the film industry. Martin discusses his early experiences in France, his move to the US, and his work on notable films like James and the Giant Peach and Starship Troopers. He reflects on the influence of Star Wars on his career, the importance of connections in the industry, and the transition from...
Jan 12, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview stunt performer Ben Dimmock, who shares insights into his career in the film and TV industry. Dimmock discusses his early influences, the rigorous training and qualifications required to become a stunt performer, and the evolution of stunt work in the age of CGI. He also delves into the pressures of performing stunts, the collaborative nature of stunt coordination, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from major film productions like Mis...
Dec 24, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Paul Blake, the actor who portrayed Greedo in the original Star Wars film. The conversation covers Blake's journey into the role, his experiences on set, interactions with George Lucas and Harrison Ford, and the lasting impact of Star Wars on his career. Blake shares anecdotes about the audition process, character development, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of filming. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of Star ...
Nov 25, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Marty Brennis, a veteran of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) who worked on numerous iconic films. The conversation covers Brennis's journey from working with Francis Ford Coppola to George Lucas, his contributions to motion control systems, and the evolution of technology in filmmaking. Brennis shares insights on the importance of communication, the transition from analog to digital, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes in the film i...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview J.W. Rinsler, a renowned author known for his behind-the-scenes books on iconic films. We discuss Rinsler's journey to Lucasfilm, the challenges of researching and writing definitive making-of books, and the importance of archives in uncovering hidden stories. Rinsler shares insights into navigating sensitive topics in filmmaking, the evolution of his projects, and his recent novel, 'All Up,' which explores the history of the space race....
Nov 12, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with illustrator Sylvain Despry, who has worked with renowned directors like Ridley Scott and Stanley Kubrick. We discuss Despry's journey into the artistic world, the importance of mentorship, and the role of storyboarding in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on art, the challenges faced by artists during the pandemic, and Despry's upcoming film project about the brand, Brand X. Throughout the discussion,...
Oct 13, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode of the Filmumentary's podcast, I speak with Kenneth George Godwin, author of 'The David Lynch Files, volume two, Dune.' Kenneth shares his unique experiences working on the set of Dune, detailing his journey from writing an essay on Eraserhead to being hired by David Lynch. The conversation explores the challenges faced during the production, the tensions between artistic vision and commercial demands, and the impact of Dune on Lynch's career. Kenneth also reflects on the lost fo...
Sep 09, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Charles de la Sarica, a renowned figure in behind-the-scenes filmmaking. We discuss Charles's journey into the world of documentaries, the challenges of capturing the filmmaking process authentically, and the evolution of behind-the-scenes content. Charles shares insights on balancing storytelling with authenticity, the impact of streaming on documentary content, and his aspirations for future projects. The conversation highlights the im...
Sep 07, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with puppeteers Toby Philpott, Dave Barkley, and John Coppinger, who share their experiences working on the iconic character Jabba the Hutt in 'Return of the Jedi.' They discuss their paths to the film, the challenges of building and performing as Jabba, and the lasting legacy of their work in the Star Wars universe. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, the innovative techniques used in puppeteering, and the on...
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with prop collector Dan Lanigan about the fascinating world of movie props. We discuss the emotional connections that props create for fans, the challenges of collecting, and the importance of preserving these artifacts for future generations. Dan shares insights from his experiences working on the Disney Plus show 'Prop Culture' and the significance of props in film history. The conversation also touches on the business side of prop collect...
Aug 06, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview special effects supervisor Kevin Pike, who shares his fascinating journey from being a busboy to working on iconic films like Jaws, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. Kevin discusses his experiences in the film industry, the evolution of special effects, and his transition to screenplay consulting, providing insights into the creative process and the challenges faced by filmmakers. Kevin's site can be found at Filmtrix.net All the li...
Jul 22, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode of the Filmunetaries podcast, I interview Paul Hirsch, an Oscar-winning film editor known for his work on iconic films such as Star Wars and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The conversation explores Hirsch's journey into the editing world, the transition from film to digital editing, and the collaborative process with directors. Hirsch shares insights on the art of editing, the challenges faced in modern filmmaking, and the impact of technology on the editing process. The discussion al...
Jul 12, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Tim Rose, a renowned puppeteer and animatronics engineer known for his work on iconic characters such as Admiral Ackbar and Salacious Crumb. The conversation delves into Tim's journey into puppeteering, the magic of the Muppets, and the challenges of modern filmmaking. Tim shares insights on character development, the importance of rehearsal, and the legacy of Jim Henson, while reflecting on the evolution of animatronics and the future o...
Jun 28, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with fellow Star Wars superfan Giles Terera, a talented actor, director, and storyteller. We discuss the journey of creating the documentary Muse of Fire, the challenges faced during its production, and the impact it has had on education. Giles shares his experiences performing in the hit musical Hamilton, the intensity of theatre life, and the importance of collaboration in storytelling. The conversation also touches on future projects and ...
Jun 04, 2020•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 2
