Verbal Diorama

Verbal Diorama

The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't. Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies were made? Hosted by Em, Verbal Diorama takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary stories of cast and crew who bring movies to life. Movies are tough to make, and this podcast proves how amazing it is that they actually exist. From Hollywood classics to hidden gems, each episode explores the history, legacy, and untold stories that make cinema magic. Ear Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee New episodes weekly. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast app. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. The Princess and the Frog

    HACE 4 DÍAS

    The Princess and the Frog

    In 2009, Disney released The Princess and the Frog, introducing Tiana as their first African-American Disney princess, paving the way for more diverse representation in animation. The CGI animation boom and the disappointing box office returns of the early 2000s had left a scar at Disney, and behind the scenes, there was huge change in the animation department. By 2004, then-CEO Michael Eisner had closed Disney's traditional 2D animation department, convinced that hand-drawn animation was dead. What followed was a corporate coup, with Roy E. Disney leading a campaign to oust Eisner, which worked spectacularly. When Pixar's John Lasseter took over Disney Animation in 2006, his first act was to bring back the very art form Eisner had killed. Lasseter immediately re-hired legendary directors Ron Clements and John Musker, who had left Disney just months earlier after years with projects in development hell following Treasure Planet's failure. Despite the numerous controversies around representing Disney's first Black princess—from changing her name from "Maddy" and her job to avoid slavery connotations, to criticism that she spends only 17 minutes of the film in human form, they ended up with Tiana, one of Disney's most accomplished, hard-working and important princesses, and what was being developed as The Frog Princess became The Princess and the Frog. The film's stunning animation style, represents a heartfelt return to traditional hand-drawn techniques, combined with modern digital artistry to create a visually captivating experience, but as we all know, it didn't last, and The Princess and the Frog became both a creative triumph and a bittersweet swan song for an art form that defined Disney's legacy. Mentioned in this episode: How Disney's Princess and the Frog Has A Problem With Black Males by JoJo Boy Wonder on YouTube Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app 💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access ☕ Send a tip to support the show 📱 Share this episode with fellow film lovers Get In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on The Princess and the Frog Twitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.com About Verbal...

    54 min
  2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

    29 ENE

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

    From Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman's creation of mutated turtles wielding nunchucks, the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starts with humble, and slightly dark origins, but they would evolve from comic book characters to beloved animated icons and become their own pop culture phenomenon. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie franchise in total has accumulated $1.15 billion across six movies from three studios since 1990, and so when Paramount were looking to reboot existing IP, it made total sense to go for the heroes in a half shell, and to get permanent teenager Seth Rogen aboard. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem blends 2D and 3D elements to create a fresh visual experience that sets it apart from previous Turtles adaptations, and for the first time uses actual teenagers to voice the Turtles, capturing their essence and making their teenage struggles relatable and authentic. It addresses themes of family and acceptance, resonating with audiences through the Turtles' journey to find their place in the world, as well as finding mutants just like themselves along the way. While the visuals are iconic, the film's soundtrack might be even more so, which features classic East Coast hip hop tracks, and a bit of Vanilla Ice's iconic 'Ninja Rap' from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. You had to be there. Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go! Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app 💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access ☕ Send a tip to support the show 📱 Share this episode with fellow film lovers Get In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Twitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.com About Verbal DioramaEar Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of...

    53 min
  3. Paprika

    22 ENE

    Paprika

    Animation is often dismissed as children's entertainment, but Paprika proves it's a sophisticated art form, capable of exploring complex adult themes with stunning visuals. It represents the culmination of Satoshi Kon's obsession with the boundaries between reality and illusion. Throughout his short career, Kon consistently explored how modern life makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish the real from the imagined. Paprika takes this to its logical extreme, literalizing the collapse of these boundaries through its dream-sharing technology. Paprika, Kon's final film, asks profound questions about authenticity, whether our dream selves might be more genuine than our waking personas, and what happens when technology erodes the walls between inner and outer worlds. It's a dreamlike journey into the blurred line between reality and imagination, showcasing the power of animation, and its vivid and surreal imagery delves into deep themes of identity, sexuality, and the subconscious, making it a thought-provoking experience. Its lasting influence on cinema and its place in Kon's legacy makes Paprika both a triumphant artistic achievement and a bittersweet farewell from one of animation's most remarkable and passionate talents. Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app 💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access ☕ Send a tip to support the show 📱 Share this episode with fellow film lovers Get In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on Paprika Twitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.com About Verbal DioramaEar Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Thank You to Our Patreon SupportersCurrent Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam,

    48 min
  4. KPop Demon Hunters

    15 ENE

    KPop Demon Hunters

    Verbal Diorama is a podcast all about How It's Done. It being movies, and to be honest, this one is as Golden as they come. I'm Free to Takedown the history and legacy of KPop Demon Hunters, with the outcome of me becoming Your Idol. This is What It Sounds Like... my little Soda Pop. When director Maggie Kang set out to create an animated musical combining K-pop, Korean mythology, and a demon-slaying girl group, she had a clear vision: to make a film authentically rooted in Korean culture. After more than a decade working on major animated projects, Kang pitched what she called her "love letter to K-pop" and her Korean heritage to Sony Pictures Animation. The result was KPop Demon Hunters, a film that would go on to become a global phenomenon that no-one saw coming. The film's success exceeded all expectations. KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix's most-watched film ever with over 500 million views, surpassing even Squid Game. The soundtrack made history as the first film soundtrack to place four songs in the Billboard Hot 100's top ten simultaneously, with lead single "Golden" holding the number one spot for eight weeks. The song earned five Grammy nominations, and songwriter EJAE became the first Korean American woman nominated for Song of the Year. KPop Demon Hunters represents a significant evolution in the Korean Wave. Created by a largely non-Korean production team in America, the film nonetheless maintained deep cultural authenticity, from its references to Korean girl groups of the past, and to Korean shamanism, to the small details like how characters use their chopsticks. It combines vibrant animation with KPop culture, creating a unique visual and audible feast. The soundtrack is not just catchy; it's Golden. Play me on repeat 끝없이 in your head. Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app 💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access ☕ Send a tip to support the show 📱 Share this episode with fellow film lovers Get In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on KPop Demon Hunters Twitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.com About Verbal DioramaEar Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025...

    1 h y 1 min
  5. Monsters, Inc.

    8 ENE

    Monsters, Inc.

    They scare, because they care. But do they? Do they really? Animation Season 2026 kicks off with Pixar's fourth feature, turning 25 years old this year, the incomparable Monsters, Inc. In the world of Monsters, Inc., fear is a power source, and children's screams fuel the world of Monstropolis, which is both clever and a bit dark. This is a bright colourful movie, that cleverly hides its darkness from kids, but adults will see it everywhere. James P. Sullivan, as Monsters Incorporated's number one scarer, has no idea that his world is literally about to be changed by a three-year-old human girl, who finds herself in Monstropolis. His best friend Mike Wazowski is an eyeball with arms and legs who just wants to put that thing back where it came from, or so help me! Originally titled Monsters, Monsters, Inc transformed from the story of an accountant in their 30s reliving childhood fears of monsters, to a story about scaring just being the monsters' day jobs. Neither Sulley nor Mike were in the original pitch, both characters evolved massively over time. The production of Monsters, Inc. involved significant technological advancements for Pixar - only six years after Toy Story - especially in fur animation, making Sulley's character feel more lifelike and relatable. And bizarrely, also tentacles. Animation isn't just for kids; it’s a versatile art form that can tell deep stories, as seen in the exploration of themes like fear and love in Monsters, Inc. It cleverly critiques societal fears and misconceptions, showing how characters are shaped by the narratives they believe—like the monsters thinking children are toxic. I'm pretty sure kids aren't toxic, though, right? RIGHT? Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app 💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access ☕ Send a tip to support the show 📱 Share this episode with fellow film lovers Get In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on Monsters, Inc. Twitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.com About Verbal DioramaEar Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and...

    54 min
  6. Santa Claus: The Movie

    24/12/2025

    Santa Claus: The Movie

    Santa Claus: The Movie was an ambitious holiday spectacular that was supposed to save the Salkinds' crumbling film empire. Fresh off the disappointing performances of Superman III and Supergirl, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind bet $50 million on creating the definitive cinematic Santa Claus origin story, complete with backstory, a North Pole workshop brought to life, and a modern-day New York adventure featuring Dudley Moore as a renegade elf. The Salkinds' signature approach to filmmaking, taking beloved existing characters and mounting lavish international co-productions outside the Hollywood system, had worked brilliantly for the first Superman films but was now straining under financial pressure. The father-son team assembled an impressive cast, constructed elaborate sets at Pinewood Studios, and poured resources into cutting-edge visual effects for Santa's flying sleigh. They envisioned a franchise that would become as iconic as their Superman films, a movie that would define Santa Claus for generations of children. Instead, the film became another expensive disappointment that Christmas season, unable to recoup its massive budget despite its technical achievements and heartfelt performances. The planned holiday classic flopped at the box office in the US, but it has nonetheless found an affectionate cult following in the decades since, especially here in the UK. It remains one of Britain's most loved Christmas movies. It’s pricey, overly-stuffed, extravagant, best enjoyed with a tipple, and full of nostalgia - a little bit like a traditional British Christmas to be honest. I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a fantastic New Year. See you all in 2026! I would love to hear your thoughts on Santa Claus: The Movie ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for...

    50 min
  7. Scrooged

    18/12/2025

    Scrooged

    Scrooged, a modern 80s retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" stars Bill Murray as a cynical, mean-spirited TV executive who finally learns the true meaning of Christmas, but its production was marred with difficulties. After a four-year hiatus following the overwhelming success of Ghostbusters, Bill Murray returned to acting for this passion project. But before signing on, Murray literally tore apart the original script with screenwriters Mitch Glazer and Michael O'Donoghue to completely rework it, particularly the romantic subplot and family scenes. What followed was one of Hollywood's most notorious productions. Director Richard Donner and Murray clashed constantly throughout the three-month shoot in New York City and Hollywood. Murray felt Donner rushed through takes and kept pushing him to perform louder and broader, while Donner struggled with Murray's improvisational style. The $32 million production took a physical toll as well. Murray worked on dusty, smoky sets filled with fake snow that made him cough up blood. Co-star Carol Kane accidentally split his lip so badly during a scene that filming had to stop for several days. Co-writer O'Donoghue was equally miserable, claiming less than half the original script survived. The film's iconic ending speech was almost entirely improvised by Murray, who went off-script and received a spontaneous ovation from the crew. O'Donoghue was less than impressed, but the moment became one of cinema's most memorable holiday monologues. Scrooged adds layers of comedy and modern critique to Dickens' original text, showcasing not just the spirit of Christmas but a satirical look at the entertainment industry, and the commercialization of Christmas. Yule Love It! I would love to hear your thoughts on Scrooged ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat,...

    47 min
  8. Jingle All the Way

    11/12/2025

    Jingle All the Way

    In his chaotic quest for a Turbo Man doll, Howard Langston goes to extremes to find the toy on Christmas Eve. It's the stuff of Christmas slapstick comedy, right? In reality, society has always been obsessed with 'the must-have' gifts during the holiday season and parents have gone to even more extreme lengths for their kids, with both the Cabbage Patch riots of 1983 and the Power Rangers craze of 1993 proving beleaguered mums and dads will do anything to get the latest toy for their children, including chasing trucks and beating up store staff. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Howard, a great mattress salesman, but a less-than-adequate husband and father. When his disappointed son tells him he wants a Turbo Man action figure, Howard springs into action on Christmas Eve, only to find every store out of stock. This is why you don't leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute! Despite the initial poor reception, Jingle All the Way has become an unlikely holiday classic, and an effective satire of the commercialization of Christmas. The movie has found new life through annual holiday season rewatches, with nostalgia playing a significant role in its enduring popularity. And in a weird twist of fate, the movie, which came out in November 1996, predicted exactly what parents would do to get a Tickle Me Elmo that year... I would love to hear your thoughts on Jingle All the Way ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    42 min

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The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't. Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies were made? Hosted by Em, Verbal Diorama takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary stories of cast and crew who bring movies to life. Movies are tough to make, and this podcast proves how amazing it is that they actually exist. From Hollywood classics to hidden gems, each episode explores the history, legacy, and untold stories that make cinema magic. Ear Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee New episodes weekly. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast app. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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