5 episodes
An Alien in Hollywood - Ronald Shusett Harry Duran
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- TV & Film
An Alien in Hollywood is the story about the life and times of legendary filmmaker and “Godfather of Hollywood science fiction” Ronald Shusett.
Unless you’re a Hollywood behind-the-scenes aficionado you've probably never heard of Ron. He is no less than the man who co-created, wrote, and produced three of the most influential, iconic and mind-blowing science fiction blockbusters in film history – Alien, Total Recall and Minority Report.
His movies have grossed over one and a half billion dollars, have launched the careers of Sigourney Weaver and Ridley Scott, and turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into the #1 box office star in the world. Ron has been the inspiration for filmmakers like J.J. Abrams and James Cameron, and he made author Phillip K. Dick a household name. With the release of “Alien” Ron and his partner Dan O’Bannon spawned the “Alien Universe” and the first movie franchise in history.
The series is hosted by Harry Duran and Robin Maxwell.
Music by Vincent Covello and Vic Migenes
Podcast Artwork by Barbara Mastej
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Total Recall - The Schwarzenegger Effect
In this episode of An Alien in Hollywood, co-hosts Harry Duran and best-selling author Robin Maxwell continue chronicling the story behind Ron Shusett’s classic film, Total Recall. Ron discusses early days of preproduction in Mexico City as well as his relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He recounts the many obstacles he faced while making this film, including toning down the amount of violence and dealing with those who tried to have him removed. Finally, Ron speaks to his thoughts and feelings leading up and following the release of Total Recall.
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Total Recall - Early Days
In this episode of An Alien in Hollywood, co-hosts Harry Duran best-selling author Robin Maxwell shift their focus to Ron Shusett’s other major accomplishment in film, Total Recall.
Ron talks about the decision to purchase the rights to Philip K. Dick’s short story, We Can Remember It for You Wholesale to create Total Recall. He recalls roadblocks and challenges he overcame with Disney’s movie studios, producer Dino De Laurentiis, and a revolving door of actors and directors.
Finally, Ron details the story of how he landed famed director, Paul Verhoeven, and up-and-coming action star, Arnold Schwarzenegger to headline his film. -
Alien - Screening and Release
In this episode of An Alien in Hollywood, co-hosts Harry Duran best-selling author Robin Maxwell broach the topics of both the screening and release of Alien with creator Ron Shusett. Ron stresses the important roles that editing, pacing and mood all played in the filming of Alien. Finally, Ron recounts some unbelievable moments including scaring Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty and impressing Steven Spielberg and George Lucas with his film.
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Alien - Nostromo, A Very Bloody Birth
In this episode of An Alien in Hollywood, co-hosts Harry Duran best-selling author Robin Maxwell continue their discussion with Ron Shusett about the origins of the sci-fi blockbuster, Alien. Ron shares behind-the-scenes stories of butting heads with Hollywood executives, casting decisions, and how they shot the famous Chestburster scene.
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Alien - Birth of a Hollywood Blockbuster
In this first episode, co-hosts Harry Duran (host of Podcast Junkies) and Robin Maxwell (historian and best-selling author) kick of the podcast with a quick overview of how they met through a series of incredible coincidences and partnered to produce An Alien in Hollywood. The interview with Ron kicks off the early days, when Alien was still just an idea in Dan O'Bannon's head and how the 2 of them worked together to write one of the most influential science fiction horror movies of all time, Alien.