In this episode of the Filmumentaries Podcast, I speak with Garrett Brown, the inventor of the Steadicam. We discuss Brown's early influences, his journey into invention, and the development of the Steadicam, which revolutionized filmmaking by allowing for stable handheld shots. Brown shares anecdotes from his career, including the challenges he faced and the impact of his invention on the film industry. The conversation also touches on the evolution of camera technology and the future of filmma...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I engage in a deep conversation with documentary director Frank Pavich. We explore Frank's journey into filmmaking, his experiences in film school, and the evolution of his career, particularly focusing on his acclaimed documentary 'Jodorowsky's Dune.' The discussion highlights the challenges and triumphs of documentary filmmaking, the importance of collaboration, and the unexpected reunions that can occur in the creative process. All my links...
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I welcome director John Spira, known for his documentary 'Elstree 1976'. The conversation explores John's journey into filmmaking, the impact of film school, and his transition into documentary work. We discuss the making of 'Elstree 1976', audience reception, and the importance of preserving stories from those on the fringes of the film industry. John shares insights on the unique perspectives of lesser-known figures in cinema, emphasizing the valu...
Jan 15, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 43
My friend and colleague Jason Henry, director of Disney+'s Prop Culture, suggested that he should interview me for my own podcast. A "getting to know Jamie Benning episode" he said. The day before we were due to record, Jason suggested our mutual friend and presenter of Prop Culture, Dan Lanigan should host the interview. So here is Dan Lanigan, presenter, producer, prop collector turning the tables by interviewing ME, Jamie Benning. We discuss my journey in creating filmumentaries, a unique ble...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Bonus episode.I released episode 40 today. My conversation with author John Glennie. But as it's close to Christmas, I thought "what the heck"... lets put out episode 41 too.Both are with authors of great movie books that you should be adding to your Christmas list.So, here's my chat with author John Walsh about his new book Escape from New York The Official Story of the Film, available now! Twitter - @walshbros Book on Amazon Book at Waterstones Support the show...
Dec 15, 2021•50 min•Season 4Ep. 41
Welcome to episode 40 of The Filmumentaries Podcast.Now I am a lover of movie books. I own a lot of them. I have owned more than I now have. Some favourites include Alan Arnold’s Once Upon a Galaxy - The Making of The Empire Strikes Back, Paul Sammon’s Future Noir - The making of Blade Runner, Steven Bach’s – Final Cut. So many to name. But what I didn’t know, I am embarrassed to say, that I had no idea about fellow Brit author Jay Glennie’s books on The Deer Hunter, Raging Bull and Trainspottin...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I'm joined by guests Frank Pavich, Dan Lanigan, and Soby, we discuss the fascinating story of Alejandro Jodorowsky's Dune and the recent auction of its pitch book, which sold for $3 million. We also explore the cultural significance of the pitch book, the impact of community involvement in the auction, and the broader implications of art ownership in the digital age. The conversation delves into the intersection of art, value, and community, highlig...
Nov 30, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview renowned producer Howard Kazanjian, known for his work on iconic films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. The conversation delves into Howard's early career, the evolution of the studio system, and his collaboration with George Lucas. Howard shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of major productions, the importance of teamwork in filmmaking, and his reflections on the industry. He emphasizes the significan...
Nov 29, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I discuss the intricate sound design of the film Dune with sound designers Mark Mangini and Theo Green. We explore the importance of sound in creating immersive cinematic experiences, the collaborative process between sound and visual effects, and the innovative techniques used to develop unique sounds for the film. The conversation highlights the significance of engaging sound designers early in the filmmaking process and how sound can enhance stor...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview editor Sean Barton, who shares his journey into the film industry, his experiences working on iconic films like Quadrophenia and Return of the Jedi, and his insights into the evolution of film editing from traditional methods to digital techniques. The conversation explores the impact of editing on performances and the challenges faced by editors in the modern film landscape. Barton reflects on his work on iconic films like Jagged Edge, ...
Oct 15, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Colin Goudie, a veteran film editor known for his work on 'Monsters' and 'Rogue One'. We discuss Goudie's journey from his early education in photography to his extensive career at the BBC and his transition to freelance editing. Colin shares valuable insights about the editing process, the importance of training, and the evolution of editing technology, particularly the differences between Lightworks and Avid. The conversation highlight...
Sep 30, 2021•2 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Gabriel Hardman, a comic book artist and storyboard artist. We discuss Gabriel's artistic journey, influences, and the importance of storytelling in both comics and film. Gabriel shares insights on the role of mentorship in his career, the value of comics in the film industry, and the significance of framing and emotion in visual storytelling. The conversation also touches on the art of minimalism in storytelling, the filmmaking process...
Sep 21, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, known for his work on iconic films such as Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan. Rydstrom shares his journey into the film industry, influenced by silent films and the groundbreaking sound design of the 1970s. He discusses his experiences at Lucasfilm, the evolution of sound design, and the collaborative process with directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. The conversation highligh...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Back in June 2021 I had the pleasure of speaking to prolific playwright, film writer and director John Patrick Shanley. Thanks to former guest Jim Maxwell (digital matte artist) for putting me in touch with John. In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with acclaimed writer and director John Patrick Shanley. We explore Shanley's creative journey, from his early days of writing poetry to his successful career in theatre and film. Shanley shares insights on the importance of mentors...
Aug 15, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 32
After chatting with Walter for Episode 30 he asked me if I was happy with what I'd got. I replied saying I wish I had asked him about Return to Oz. He kindly offered another 45 minutes on the subject, so we went ahead the following Monday and chatted for almost an hour about his directorial debut. Murch shares insights into Disney's changing approach in the 1980s, his personal connection to the Oz books, and the darker tone of his film compared to the original Wizard of Oz. The discussion also t...
Aug 11, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with film legend Walter Murch, exploring his journey in sound design and editing. Murch shares insights from his early fascination with audio, his experiences in film school during the Vietnam War, and his influential work on iconic films like The Godfather and American Graffiti. The conversation delves into the creative processes behind sound design, the impact of global cinema, and the evolution of editing techniques, providing a rich unde...
Jul 16, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Dan Perry, a legendary title designer known for his work on iconic films such as Star Wars and The Exorcist. We discuss Perry's journey into the world of title design, the evolution of the craft, and the collaborative process involved in creating memorable title sequences. Perry shares insights into the emotional and technical aspects of his work, as well as the influence of directors and the importance of titles in setting the tone for...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Roger Christian, the set decorator for Star Wars and art director for Alien. We discuss Christian's early inspirations, his journey into the film industry, and the pivotal moments that led him to work on Star Wars. Christian shares insights into the creative process behind the film, the challenges faced on set, and the innovative solutions that emerged from a tight budget. He also reflects on the importance of collaboration within the a...
Jun 22, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 28
AS A THANK YOU THIS IS A BONUS EPISODE AND NOT CHARGED TO PATRONS ON PATREON. In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview filmmaker John Lefkowitz about his documentary on Walter Murch, a renowned editor and sound designer. We discuss Murch's philosophical approach to cinema, the art of editing, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The conversation delves into personal experiences with editing, sound design's impact on storytelling, and the importance of the editor in shapi...
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with digital matte artist, Jim Maxwell about his journey in the film industry, the evolution of matte painting from traditional techniques to digital methods, and his experiences working at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). We discuss the importance of photo reference in creating realistic matte paintings, the challenges of working in high-resolution formats, and Jim's memorable encounter with George Lucas. The discussion also touches on t...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with film journalist and author Helen O'Hara about her book 'Women vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film.' We discuss Helen's journey into film journalism, the historical context of women's roles in the film industry, the challenges they face, and the misconceptions surrounding gender equality in Hollywood. The conversation also touches on cultural reflections within fandoms and the backlash against diversity in film. Finally, the...
May 01, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview director Peter McDonald, who shares his journey into the film industry, his experiences working with legendary actors and directors, and the challenges he faced while directing. McDonald reflects on his career highlights, the importance of collaboration, and the lessons learned from both good and difficult experiences in filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the magic of the Harry Potter films and concludes with McDonald's reflecti...
Apr 14, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Madeleine Most, a second assistant camera on iconic films like The Empire Strikes Back. Madeleine shares her unique experiences as a woman in the male-dominated film industry of the 70s and 80s, discussing her journey into filmmaking, the challenges she faced on set, and the importance of women's roles in film production. The conversation highlights the dynamics of working on major film sets, the camaraderie among cast and crew, and the...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview Ivor Powell, a prominent producer and writer known for his work on iconic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien, and Blade Runner. The conversation delves into Powell's early career, his experiences working with legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott, and the creative processes behind some of the most influential films in cinema history. Powell shares insights on the importance of luck in the film industry, the ch...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Patrick McClung, a veteran in the visual effects industry known for his work on iconic films such as Star Wars, Blade Runner, and Ghostbusters. Patrick shares his journey into the world of miniature effects, detailing his early interests, experiences in the military, and eventual entry into the film industry. He discusses the evolution of visual effects, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the unique challenges faced during prod...
Mar 16, 2021•1 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode of the Filmumentary podcast, I speak with Gavin Rothery, director of 'Archive' and visual effects supervisor for Duncan Jones's 'Moon'. We discuss Gavin's early inspirations, his unconventional path into filmmaking, and the collaborative process behind Moon. Gavin shares insights on managing expectations in the creative industry, the importance of perseverance, and the emotional rollercoaster of filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the transition from Moon to Archive, hig...
Mar 05, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of the Filmumentary podcast, I interview Joe Alves, the legendary production designer known for his work on iconic films like Jaws and Close Encounters. Joe shares his journey from a young artist to a prominent figure in the film industry, detailing his experiences in animation, live-action filmmaking, and the challenges faced during the production of Jaws. The conversation delves into the intricacies of set design, character development, and the innovative techniques used to bri...
Feb 19, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with the director of Dangerous Days (the amazing Blade Runner documentary), Charles de Lauzirika, and also Bruce Wright who works for Disney Animation. This conversation delves into the fascinating history of Blade Runner, focusing on the accidental screening of a work print in 1990 that captivated a small audience and sparked discussions about the film's legacy. We explore the film's evolution through various cuts, the impact of Ridley Scot...
Feb 09, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I spoke to the wonderfully talented industrial designer, illustrator, concept artist and producer, Nilo Rodis-Jamero. I’ve been pretty much obsessed with Nilo’s work since I was four or five years old, after looking at The Empire Strikes Back Sketchbook and later, The Art of Return of the Jedi. Two books that I still own to this day. Nilo worked on The Empire Strikes Back, Poltergeist, Return of the Jedi and several Star Trek films coming up with am...
Jan 27, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode of the Filmumentary podcast, I interview Academy Award-winning sound designer Mark Mangini. We discuss Mangini's journey into the film industry, his early inspirations, and his transition from Hanna-Barbera to sound editing. The conversation delves into the art of sound design, particularly in animation, and the collaborative process with directors like Denis Villeneuve. Mangini emphasizes the importance of sound in storytelling, the power of silence, and how to maintain freshnes...
Jan 21, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 16
