For this episode, number 75, I spoke with filmmaker and optical VFX expert Peter Kuran. Peter was one of the few people employed by George Lucas on Star Wars and became a core crew member at Industrial Light and Magic. He went on to have a long career in VFX and then became a director in his own right. I should point out that we had internet problems so some of the recording is garbled or lost. I’ve edited around it in places and left it in in other places so you know that there was a piece miss...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 75
For this episode of the podcast, number 74, I spoke with VFX artist, expert, VFX twitter ambassador and all round good guy Todd Vaziri. Todd began his career right out of college and worked on shows like Charmed and Xena Warrior Princess for Flat Earth productions before moving to among others, Banned from the Ranch before landing at ILM for Attack of the Clones. Since then he’s worked on just about every ILM tentpole movie. So here is my conversation with ILM VFX artist Todd Vaziri. I hope you ...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Episode 73 If you remember, I interviewed House of the Dragon writer and showrunner, Ryan Condal back in September 2022, episode 59 I think. Well he and I have become friends and we chat quite a bit on Whatsapp. He suggested I speak to his Special Effects Supervisor on Dragon, Michael Dawson. “He’s been in the industry since Superman in the late 70’s. He’s a great guy and would be perfect for your podcast”. So, a couple of weeks ago I did indeed have a great chat with Mike. He not only worked on...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Welcome to this DVD extra type episode. Here is my conversation with Van Ling, the guest on episode 71, talking about his time at the fabled Banned From The Ranch Entertainment. I hope you enjoy this little extra bonus episode.
Mar 27, 2023•32 min•Ep. 72
So for this episode I spoke with Van Ling. A name you may recognise. Perhaps for his work on laserdisc, DVD and blu ray, perhaps for his collaborations with James Cameron on The Abyss and Terminator 2 (you’ll love the story of how he got started with Cameron), or maybe for his time working on VFX at Banned From The Ranch Entertainment on films like Dante’s Peak or The Relic. Either way you’ll find his eclectic career fascinating. I spoke with Van just before our trip to LA. We were hoping to mee...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 71
For this episode, number 70, I finally spoke with director Patrick Read Johnson. He recently released his many years in the making, labour of love 5-25-77. A film that semi fictionalises and chronicles the early life of a character, named Patrick Read Johnson and his love of movies like 2001 A Space Oddysey, Star Wars and Close Encounters. I saw an early cut of this about ten years ago with several scenes missing. Patrick and I connected over the release of my Star Wars Begins (still available t...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 70
For this episode, number 69 I spoke with ILM and Sony Picture Imageworks legend Ken Ralston . Ken started on VFX in advertising, then in 1976 he was employed to work on a little film called Star Wars. He remained at ILM for 20 years having worked on Star Wars, Star Trek, Dragon Slayer, Back to the Future , I mean the list is huge. He then went on to work as Visual Effect Supervisor and Creative Head at Sony Pictures Imageworks. He’s won five academy awards during his career. If you know who Ken ...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 69
For this episode, number 68 I spoke with an animator at ILM, namely Hal Hickel. Now, if you’re on twitter you’ll know that Hal is a prolific tweeter. I’ve had a number of conversations with him online. Recently in one conversation it transpired that Hal had done some of the work on the 2004 version of Star Wars (A new hope), particularly on the redone Jabba scene. A redo of the 1997 special edition release. My friend Drew of Star Wars Visual Comparisons. So I decided to approach Hal to come on t...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 68
For this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with the ultra talented and lovely human being… Jean Bolte, that’s BoltE, rhymes with Nick Nolte as she told me. Jean has worked in the film industry for many years. She started in wigs and beard, then moved to ILM in time for Willow for which she was a model maker. The thumbnail for the episode shows Jean working on the ostrich for the famous morphing scene. She then went to work on Hook, Jumanji, Men in Black, The Phantom Menace and so many more ...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 67
For episode 66, I have an Oscar winning director. But I don’t talk to him about his films at all. Instead I talk to him about a book he’s written. Lee Unkrich is probably best known by film fans as the director of Toy Story 3 and Coco. He of course won an Oscar for both of those movies. What you might not know is that he is a lifelong fan of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. For many years he has run a website “the overlook hotel”, which he fills with everything and anything he can about his favour...
Jan 06, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 66
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I discuss the journey of Rose Degnan, a key figure in the visual effects industry, particularly her experiences at ILM during the production of Star Wars. The conversation covers her entry into filmmaking, the evolution of visual effects, the work culture at ILM, and the balance between personal life and a demanding career. Rose shares insights on the importance of appreciation in the workplace and the transition from practical effects to digital te...
Dec 30, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 65
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I engage in a deep conversation with VFX artist Steve Williams and director Scott Lieberich about the groundbreaking work behind Jurassic Park and the documentary 'Jurassic Punk.' We explore the challenges faced in the visual effects industry, the personal struggles of artists, and the evolution of storytelling in modern cinema. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing individual contributions in collaborative environments and the imp...
Dec 09, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview VFX legend Dennis Murin, who shares his childhood inspirations, early experiments in filmmaking, and insights into the evolution of visual effects. The discussion highlights the challenges of entering the film industry, the impact of technology on filmmaking, and the creative approaches that define the art of cinema. Dennis reflects on the integration of live action and effects, the importance of understanding audience perspective, and t...
Nov 24, 2022•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I discuss the upcoming Kickstarter for a documentary on production designer Joe Alves, who has an extensive career in Hollywood. The conversation transitions to insights from producer Jim Bloom, who shares his experiences in film production, including the challenges of moving Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) to Northern California, the intricacies of long-distance production, and the evolution of visual effects. Bloom also recounts his cameo as Luke...
Nov 16, 2022•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 62
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Jim Bloom, an ex-ILM and Lucasfilm producer. We discuss Jim's early career in film, his experiences working on iconic films like American Graffiti and The Conversation, and his collaboration with renowned directors such as George Lucas and Francis Coppola. Jim shares insights into the filmmaking process, the challenges of working in the industry, and the importance of personal connections in building a career in film. All my links...
Nov 01, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 61
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I discuss the evolution of film history with author John Walsh, focusing on his latest book about the Doctor Who films starring Peter Cushing. We explore the significance of these films in the context of the Doctor Who franchise, the challenges of adapting television to film, and the changing perceptions of these works over time. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of physical media in an age dominated by streaming services and the excit...
Oct 26, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 60
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Ryan Condal, the writer and showrunner of HBO's House of the Dragon. We discuss Ryan's journey from being a fan of film to becoming a successful screenwriter and showrunner, the impact of iconic films like Star Wars on his career, and the hard work and resilience required in the film industry. Ryan shares insights into the role of a showrunner, the complexities of shooting a series, and the importance of storytelling in filmmaking. He d...
Sep 30, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with filmmaker Alexandre Poncet about his journey in documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic figures in the film industry. We discuss the challenges and insights of producing documentaries, the importance of narrative structure, and the art of editing. Poncet shares his experiences working on documentaries about Ray Harryhausen and Phil Tippett, emphasizing the personal connections and creativ...
Sep 29, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 58
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with writer and executive producer David Mandel, known for his work on iconic comedies like Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Veep. The conversation explores Mandel's early influences, his transition from television to film, the differences in production between the two mediums, and the importance of ensemble casts in comedy. We also delve into the themes of absurdist humor and the creative process behind writing for television and film. M...
Aug 31, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Gino Acevedo, a renowned makeup and special effects artist known for his work on films like Lord of the Rings and Alien 3. Gino shares his journey from a childhood fascination with monster movies to becoming a professional in the film industry. He discusses his early inspirations, the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career in special effects, and his experiences working on iconic films. Gino's insights into the evolution of mak...
Aug 23, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview film composer Daniel Pemberton, who shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a sought-after composer in the film industry. The conversation explores Pemberton's early influences, his transition from television to film, and the challenges of scoring for established directors like Guy Ritchie. Pemberton emphasizes the importance of creativity, limitations, and the impact of industry changes on his career. The discussion highligh...
Jul 21, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 55
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with T Dan Hofstedt, a talented animator who has worked on major Disney projects such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Mulan. Tidan shares his journey into animation, influenced by his father's work at Disneyland and his early exposure to the art form. He discusses his education at CalArts, his first job at Hanna Barbera, and his experiences working with renowned animators like John Pomeroy. The conversation delves into the intricacies of anim...
Jul 04, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with documentary director John Spira about his new series, Real Britannia, which explores the history of British cinema. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating the series, the importance of uncovering lesser-known films, and the role of humor in documentary filmmaking. John shares insights into the filmmaking process, the significance of British cinema, and the educational impact of the series on audiences. Britbox.com Elstree 19...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Justin Berger, author of 'The Empire Strikes Back, Unauthorized Timeline, 1975-2020.' We discuss Justin's lifelong love for Star Wars, the inspiration behind his timeline book, and the announcement of a new project focusing on 'Return of the Jedi.' The conversation highlights the importance of preserving film history and the contributions of fans in documenting the legacy of Star Wars. Justin Berger is the author of The Empire Strikes B...
May 25, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Michael Pangrazio, a renowned matte painter and art director known for his work on iconic films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars. The conversation delves into Pangrazio's journey into the world of matte painting, his experiences at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and the creative processes behind some of the most memorable shots in film history. Pangrazio reflects on the evolution of visual effects, the importance of me...
May 03, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I celebrate the 50th episode milestone with the second part of a conversation with Lorne Peterson, a former model maker at ILM, discussing the evolution of model making and special effects in film, the impact of CGI, and the challenges faced during the transition to digital effects. The conversation highlights key moments in film history, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the creative processes behind iconic movie scenes. Lorne shares behi...
Apr 25, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Lorne Peterson, a founding member of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) and chief model maker for iconic films including the original Star Wars trilogy. Lorne shares his journey into the world of filmmaking, the innovations he brought to model making, and the collaborative environment at ILM that fostered creativity. He discusses the design process behind the models, the excitement of seeing his work on the big screen, and the lasting imp...
Apr 19, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with Paul Franklin, a renowned visual effects supervisor at DNEG, about his journey into the world of visual effects, the founding of Double Negative, and his experiences working with acclaimed director Christopher Nolan. The conversation delves into the evolution of visual effects in filmmaking, the importance of collaboration among departments, and the artistry involved in creating compelling visual narratives. Franklin shares insights on ...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I explore the historical and cultural significance of the Regent Street Cinema with Sara Varani. We discuss the cinema's rich history, its adaptation during the pandemic, and the unique experience it offers to audiences. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between honoring the past and embracing future technologies in the cinema industry. Regent Street Cinema All the links...
Mar 15, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I speak with VFX guru Craig Barron about his journey into the world of visual effects, starting from his childhood fascination with movies to his pivotal role at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). Craig shares insights into his experiences working on iconic films like Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, discussing the artistic and technical challenges faced during production. He highlights the evolution of matte painting techniques and the colla...
Feb 25, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 46
