The Independent Film Podcast
Director, casting director, writer Rick Pagano joins us today to talk casting. Rick is a veteran casting director who has worked in theater, television and film. Projects he's worked on include Drugstore Cowboy, Picket Fences, Point Break, Hotel Rwanda, X-Men: Last Stand, Altered Carbon, 24 and The Blacklist.
You can see a video version of this interview here: https://youtu.be/Cs7YeD-rpqU
Peer Oppenheimer, producer of more than 30 films, including the acclaimed Blue Car, starring David Strathairn, Agnes Bruckner and Frances Fisher and Rails & Ties," with Kevin Bacon and Marcia Gay Harden. Peer talks about his early, publishing, television and film career (which included attempting to make his first film in Viet Nam, during the Viet Nam War) on through his experience now. He talks about film financing, producing and the state of the film industry.
James Foley, director of such films as Reckless, At Close Range, Glengarry Glen Ross, and After Dark My Sweet, talks with Kamala and Joel about working with actors such as Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, Al Pacino, and Jack Lemmon. He also speaks about his experience at USC Film School, what brought him to directing and where the industry is headed.
Writer/Producer Chris Levinson talks about the craft of television writing. Chris gives us great information on pitching shows, cable vs. network, the network pilot process, and working in a writing room. Chris has written on shows such as Law and Order, Dawson's Creek, Charmed and Party of Five. Her father, Richard Levinson, was also a great writer/producer of such shows as Murder, She Wrote and Columbo. So she has a great working knowledge of the evolution of writing for film and television. If you are a writer, or are interested in the writing process, this is a great show for you.
Rebekah and David McKendry from Fangoria talk with Joel and Kamala about horror films, exploitation films and their annual Trinity of Terrors. They also discuss what they look for in films and how to better get your movie noticed. Other topics explored are feminism and horror, the importance of good trailers and what makes horror films last.
Bruce Campbell, actor/producer talks with Joel and Kamala at the Fangoria Trinity of Terror Horror Conference in Las Vegas. He talks about getting started in film from his hometown of Detroit, Michigan and his relationship with high school buddy Sam Raimi. Films and television shows discussed include: Evil Dead 1 and 2, Crimewave, Army of Darkness, My Name is Bruce, Burn Notice. This frank and pragmatic interview with an independent film icon is not to be missed.
Tom Silvestri, longtime script consultant for studio and independent film, also the owner of Silvestri Storyworks at http://www.silvestristoryworks.com. He joins Joel and Kamala to talk about his experiences working with such filmmakers as Amy Adelson, Richard Donner, Hutch Parker, Bob Shaye, Raymond Wagner, Toby Emmerich and many more. Tom has advice for writing screenplays, producing and presenting them in Hollywood.
Editor Christopher Holmes talks with Kamala and Joel about his history in the film industry. Christopher Holmes has edited a great number of films including Five Easy Pieces, Jack Nicholson's directorial debut Drive, He Said, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Car Wash, Rocky II, Night Hawks, and many others.
Director Arthur Hiller talks about his career in the film industry. With a long list of films including The In-Laws, Love Story, Silver Streak, The Lonely Guy, The Americanization of Emily, The Hospital and many others. Arthur gives us insight on working with actors, the great writer Paddy Chayefsky and how to be prepared when luck strikes you.
Dan Ireland began his career as the co-founder / co-director of The Seattle International Film Festival. Among his many accomplishments, he launched the American Premieres and releases of such notable films as SOLDIER OF ORANGE, THE ROAD WARRIOR, ALIEN, THE STUNT MAN, CHOOSE ME, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, MONA LISA, DANCE WITH A STRANGER, ANOTHER COUNTRY, CHOOSE ME, and BLOOD SIMPLE, among many others. In the 1980's, Ireland (along with Darryl Macdonald) was the co-owner / co-operator of The Egyptian Theatre, the most successful independent theatre in the state of Washington. Ireland remained at the theatre and festival until 1986, where he was Executive Vice President of Acquisitions for Vestron Pictures. It was at Vestron that Ireland developed his filmmaking skills. During his time there, he was Executive Producer of fifteen films including John Huston's final film THE DEAD (two Oscar nominations), Bernard Rose's (CANDYMAN, IMMORTAL BELOVED, ivansxtc.) feature debut PAPERHOUSE and Ken Russell's THE RAINBOW.
In 1993, Ireland joined Cineville, one of the leading independent film production companies which produced such films as DELUSION, GAS FOOD LODGING and MI VIDA LOCA.
In 1996 Ireland made his debut as a feature director for Cineville with the highly acclaimed film, THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, starring Vincent D'Onofrio and Renee Zellweger also produced by Ireland and D'Onofrio. His subsequent directorial credits include: THE VELOCITY OF GARY, PASSIONADA and most recently, MRS. PALFREY AT THE CLAREMONT.
Leza Lidow is an accomplished painter turned film maker; she sits down with Kamala and Joel in her beautiful Los Angeles home to talk about her twelve part series of short films. Leeza is known for her work with mannequins in such pieces as her life size chess set, and depiction of the last supper. Her latest film is the eleventh in a twelve part series.
Carlos Goodman started out as the attorney on Reservoir dogs; he has been involved in the entertainment industry a number of years. Among many other films he has worked on pulp fiction, and good will hunting; he represents many high level producers, directors, and actors.
Triple threat Scott Prendergast stars, directs, and writes his first feature film "Kabluey" co-starring Lisa Kudrow. Scott talks about what it took for him to get his film made; Scott's first short "Group Therapy" made it into the Sundance film festival.
