Behind The Lens debbie lynn elias

A mix-and-match episode of BEHIND THE LENS this week as w/d/e/actor RICHARD RYAN joins us talking about ART OF DECEPTION. Plus, my exclusive interview with director THEA SHARROCK discussing the wickedly delicious WICKED LITTLE LETTERS.

First up is my prerecorded exclusive interview with director THEA SHARROCK go in-depth on one of the most hilarious films you will see all year – WICKED LITTLE LETTERS. I laughed so hard that I had to watch the film twice to hear all of the dialogue. Boasting a first-rate cast with Olivia Coleman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones, Eileen Atkins, Joanna Scanlon, and Anjana Vasan, with a script by Jonny Sweet, WICKED LITTLE LETTERS is quite simply, perfection.

Based on a true event from the 1920's United Kingdom, foul language itself becomes a character thanks to the verbatim verbiage of the profane letters at the heart of this tale, which is then punctuated with outstanding production values and performances while also addressing themes as topical today as in 1920 – freedom of speech, oppression, workplace discrimination, socio-economic discrimination, discrimination against women, and overall misogyny.

Then take a listen as the man wearing all the hats, RICHARD RYAN, joins us talking about his latest film, the action-packed thriller ART OF DECEPTION. Talking about choosing collaborators, developing the script, a prolonged "part-time" shooting schedule, post-production, and more, Richard covers his roles as producer, writer, director, actor, editor, line producer, post-production supervisor, VFX, and the inherent challenges he faced in bringing ART OF DECEPTION to life.

The Easterpalooza continues this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we are joined by DIANE FOSTER & ALLISON LOBEL talking about the comedy horror spectacular EASTER BLOODY EASTER, plus our exclusive interview with PHIL ALLOCCO discussing his new crime thriller 5LBS OF PRESSURE.

If you missed the live show you definitely want to catch up now and take a listen as the show kicks off with my exclusive Interview with writer/director PHIL ALLOCCO. It's been six or so years since Phil was on the show with his first film, "The Truth About Lies", and now he's back with his second feature, the riveting crime thriller 5LBS OF PRESSURE starring Luke Evans and Alex Pettyfer.

Then put on your best Easter bonnet and grab that basket of goodies to munch on as we hop into Easter mode again for a second look at the comedy horror film EASTER BLOODY EASTER, this week with producer/director/actor DIANE FOSTER and producer/writer/actor ALLISON LOBELL!

Digging deep into the Easter fun that is EASTER BLOODY EASTER, Diane gives us some production insight into directing her first feature and the challenges and gratification that comes with an indie film, while Allison talks about her creative process and how this incredible story and wonderful characters (gotta give it up for Demon Killer Bunnies and the Jackalope) came to be. Wearing multiple hats for the production, both women discuss the importance of costume in informing characters and performances, particularly their own, the ensemble cast on the whole, juggling hats, the importance of collaboration and working as a team, and some very fun anecdotes about slaying bunnies that you don't want to miss! And how about a cast and crew that is 95% female????

A wonderful fun-filled show this week on BEHIND THE LENS as I get to celebrate the remarkable work of two very talented longtime friends, writer/director DAVE BOYLE and actor/producer KELLY GRANT.

First up is my prerecorded exclusive interview with writer/director Dave Boyle going in-depth discussing his smash hit Netflix series HOUSE OF NINJAS! Known best for his films, diving into an eight-episode series – shot in Japan and in Japanese – is new territory for Dave and he more than delivers. Knowing Dave since his first film 18 years ago, with all he's done as a director, writer, writer/director, HOUSE OF NINJAS outshines everything that's come before! However, a real joy for me is seeing his steady growth as a filmmaker and storyteller, which brings him to this moment and this series. In the first half of the interview, we break down story, character, and casting (including cat labor laws in Japan) before moving into the technical aspect of the series production.

And then we hop into the Easter spirit a bit early as actor/producer KELLY GRANT is live talking about her new film, the fun-filled and bloody horror comedy EASTER BLOODY EASTER; her first feature as a producer and a lead actor. A horror comedy with a killer jackalope and killer rabbits, this is one film you want to find in your Easter basket this year. Listen as Kelly and I delve into her work producing and acting in this lo budget/no budget/micro budget treat as well as her thoughts on acting, self-taping, and the ever-changing film/television/theatre landscape. It is the perfect conversation for those new to the profession or just wanting to glean information to up your own game.

With everyone still in the hazy afterglow of Oscar, I opted to prerecord this episode of BEHIND THE LENS with two brand new exclusive interviews for you with MARK BRISTOL talking ACCIDENTAL TEXAN and JAMES HAWES talking the powerful ONE LIFE.

Fresh off the Kenergy of last nights 96th Academy Awards, I'm taking a look at some of the highs ("I'm Just Ken") and the lows (the In Memoriam segment) of the broadcast. And then we look ahead with some films that are part of the Oscars 2025 pack.

First, you'll hear my exclusive interview with director MARK BRISTOL discussing his new film, the light, bright and heartfelt ACCIDENTAL TEXAN, starring Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss, Bruce Dern, and a scene-stealing turn by Eddie the Cow. A fun film filled with heart, our conversation reflects the fun of the film itself.

Then history comes to life thanks to director JAMES HAWES as we discuss his feature directorial debut with ONE LIFE. An acclaimed television filmmaker, James brings us the story of Sir Nicky Winton, a man who helped save 669 refugee children in Prague during WWII. Eloquent and sensitive in its telling, James and I cover the ins and outs of the "making of" and hear his thoughts on the timeliness and poignancy of the film's release given today's political and war-torn climate.

It's another taut and tense episode of BEHIND THE LENS as writer/director/actor JEFF KNITE joins us live discussing his latest entry in the horror realm – THE OMICRON KILLER. Plus, you'll hear my exclusive interview with the incredible BARRY PEPPER talking about his latest film BRING HIM TO ME and more!

Long on my bucket list of talent to interview is BARRY PEPPER and after many decades we finally get to chat and about a film that truly speaks to what Barry brings to the table with every film and performance. Take a listen as we discuss the action-packed pot-boiler BRING HIM TO ME, having a car as a character co-star, doing his own stunt work, working on indie films, and more. Plus, we delve into Barry's approach to roles and his considerations in choosing them, some or his prior catalogue (including Crawl!) and we even take a look back at one of Barry's best performances in a film as timely as ever, Bitter Harvest.

Then listen as writer/director/actor JEFF KNITE talks about his new film THE OMICRON KILLER; the tale of a retired copycat serial killer who emerges from "retirement" seeking vengeance. An interesting concept. An interesting discussion with Jeff.

You're in for some chills and thrills in this episode of BEHIND THE LENS as we welcome SEBASTIEN DROUIN direct from Paris, plus our exclusive interview with the fabulous NELMS brothers – ESHOM and IAN. Both films are at the top of my "Must See" viewing list thus far for 2024!

Kicking off this episode of #BTLRadioShow is another exclusive interview with two of my favorite filmmakers ESHOM NELMS and IAN NELMS. I fell in love with their hard-hitting, action-packed filmmaking and storytelling with "Fatman" starring Mel Gibson. And as they promised me then, they are back with another impressive, riveting pot-boiling crime thriller RED RIGHT HAND starring Orlando Bloom, Andie MacDowell, Garret Dillahunt, and more. Take a listen as we dive into every element of RED RIGHT HAND from lighting and lensing to rapier editing, finding pace, impeccable casting and performances, shooting action, score and sound, practical effects and yes, bloodshed!

Then #BTLRadioShow goes global as writer/director/editor/VFX guru SEBASTIEN DROUIN joins us live from a wet and rainy Paris discussing his new frighteningly chilling film COLD MEAT, a "serial killer survival thriller with a killer hook." Filled with twists and turns, Sebastien and I dance around much of the story so as not to spoil the viewing for you, but that doesn't stop us from going in-depth into the wholly immersive sensory elements of the film, most notably the sound design and the claustrophobic nature of shooting within the confines of a compact car with windows obscured by 6-8 inches of snow amidst a howling white-out blizzard. How does that impact the fear factor? And how do you make the most of a car interior to visually engage an audience for 75% of a film? You'll find out!