The Smith Society

VOKSEE
  • 5.0 (26)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast where stories and storytelling unite. Through intimate interviews and insightful discussions, we bring you the voices behind the stories you love. We feature world-renowned actors, writers, directors and more -- discussing a variety of topics related to the film and television industry. We uncover the secrets of their craft and celebrate the diverse tales that shape our world.

  1. JUN 20

    Holding On: Why Physical Media Matters

    This episode is a deep dive into the enduring value of Blu-rays and DVDs—what they preserve, what they offer and why they still matter. I explore how the simple act of owning a movie creates a more meaningful connection to the story. From the thrill of the hunt to the joy of liner notes, bonus discs, and director’s commentary, there’s something sacred in the tangible experience of film. As studios consolidate and content vanishes with little warning, physical media isn’t just about nostalgia -- it’s about preservation, access, and control. Whether you're a longtime collector or just Blu-ray curious, this is a conversation about keeping cinema real, visible, and in your hands. Vidiots Foundation - Become a member, donate, get involved: A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema, Vidiots is dedicated to inspiring human interaction around film through communal theatrical presentations and preserving, growing, and providing access to its diverse DVD, BluRay, and rare VHS collection, showcasing the work of emerging, master, and underrepresented artists, and producing unique and affordable film events, and vital education programs. https://vidiotsfoundation.org/ The Smith Society Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez The Smith Society theme song: Steady Cadence The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Ian Rene Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    9 min

  2. 12/06/2024

    Duane Hansen Fernandez and A Place to Fall Down

    Duane Hansen Fernandez is a writer and director. Born from a Danish mother and Filipino father, Fernandez's ethnic background towed him from his birthplace in Los Angeles, California to numerous corners and countries of the world throughout the years. It was these years that taught him to use his art to reflect an influence from his many cultural environments. Once dreaming of becoming an archaeologist, that passion never really went away, although it evolved. Fernandez found himself becoming his own archetype of an anthropologist -- seeking to understand how people live and interact with one another, but also how they make their lives meaningful. Why do people do what they do? What are their untold stories? Most importantly, how can we make the world a better place by telling them? Fernandez has had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest leaders in the industry, from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney, Marvel, Searchlight, A24, Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate, to Paramount, Sony Pictures, NBC, Fox, and FX. GUEST HOST: Niklaus Lange boasts a diverse and successful 30 year career in the media industry. Lange has transitioned seamlessly from on-screen talent to a sought-after behind-the-scenes creative force garnishing 200+ million video views and documentary filmmaking awards. A PLACE TO FALL DOWN The directorial debut of Duane Hansen Fernandez, A PLACE TO FALL DOWN is a moving short film that delves into the life of Jose, an elite mechanic struggling to cope with overwhelming grief after losing his beloved wife. The film unfolds in the span of a single day, capturing Jose’s emotional journey as he navigates balancing his daily life and with his profound sense of loss. Just when he thinks he might drown, he’s reminded the world works in mysterious ways. Featuring an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr. (Jockey), A PLACE TO FALL DOWN explores the question: can a person work to make themselves whole again after experiencing trauma? Collins Jr. portrays the grief-stricken Jose with subtlety and elegance, proving it’s in the darkest moments that the resilience of the human spirit shines the brightest.  Teaser Trailer: A Place to Fall Down - Teaser Trailer Instagram: A Place to Fall Down IG The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Ian Rene Recorded at: Westlake Studios A PLACE TO FALL DOWN - FILM CREDITS Director: Duane Hansen Fernandez Writer: Duane Hansen Fernandez Producer/s: Duane Hansen Fernandez & Rebecca Parks Fernandez Director of Photography: Tobin Oldach Editor: Danielle L. Statuto Executive Producer/s:Kristy Sowin, Devin Stinson First Assistant Director: Devin Stinson Jose: Clifton Collins Jr. Charlotte: Erika Christensen Scott: Niklaus Lange Margo: Larissa Dias Meditation App: David George Grandpa & Lita: Toon$ & Boops Machado Camera First Assistant: Jordan Martin Digital Image Technician: Conrad Radzik Gaffer: Robert Oliva Key Grip: Adam Shambour Sound-Mixer: Amanda Beggs, C.A.S. Texture Photographer: Devin Stinson Still Photographer: Paul Clear Hair & Makeup Artist: Laurie Hallak Key Production Assistant: Nash Oldach Composer: Wink Winkelmann Consulting Music Supervisor: Thomas Page Automotive Consultant: Jasen Remington Assistant Editor: Lucia Wang Colorist: Miles Kula Audio Post-Production: Eleven Sound Mixer/Sound Designer: Jordan Meltzer Sound Mixer, Producer: Andrew Smith Graphic Design - Garage Logo: Chris Scott End titles by: Endcrawl SCORE Track: A Beautiful Disaster 1 Written by: Wink Winkelmann Produced by: Duane Hansen Fernandez Bass & Guitar: Wink Winkelmann Keys: Rashon Murph Guitar: Yunus Iyriboz Drums & Percussion: Garrit Tillman Multitrack Engineer: Ian Rene Multitrack Asst. Engineer: Patrick Gardner Mix Session Engineer: Ian Rene Mix Session Asst. Engineer: Hayden Duncan Courtesy of: VOKSEE Recording/Mixing Studio: Westlake Special thanks: Chelsea Devantez, Nena Erb, Genesis Automotive, Valerie Lertyaovarit, John 'Pliny' Eremic, Fatima Albuquerque Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    49 min

  3. 08/16/2024

    Sean Wang

    Today, we’ll be chatting with the writer, director, skater Sean Wang about his beautiful film DÌDI (弟弟), we will discuss the challenges and triumphs he encountered while bringing this story to life. So, whether you’re a film buff, an aspiring filmmaker, or just someone who loves a good story, you won’t want to miss this conversation. DÌDI (弟弟) IN THEATERS NOW! DÌDI (弟弟) - Official Trailer SEAN WANG Sean Wang is a filmmaker from Fremont, CA. His latest short film, NǍI NAI & WÀI PÓ, premiered at SXSW 2023 where it won the Grand Jury Prize & Audience Award. Since then, it received Grand Jury Awards at AFI Fest and SIFF 2023 and was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film for the 96th Academy Awards. His debut feature film, DÌDI (弟弟), had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast. THE SMITH SOCIETY Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    23 min

  4. 06/14/2024

    Gabriela Cowperthwaite

    Today we sit down with Gabriela Cowperthwaite and discuss her latest documentary film, The Grab. Quietly and seemingly out of sight, governments, private investors and mercenaries are working to seize food and water resources at the expense of entire populations. These groups are establishing themselves as the new OPEC, where the future world powers will be those who control not oil, but food. And it's all beginning to bubble to the surface in real time. Global food prices have hit an all-time high, threatening chaos and violence. Meanwhile, Russia is using food as a weapon against the Ukrainians, and as a geopolitical tool to wield global power. THE GRAB is a global thriller combining hard-hitting journalism from The Center for Investigative Reporting with the compelling character-driven storytelling of director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, taking you around the globe from Arizona to Zambia, to reveal one of the world’s biggest and least known threats. THE GRAB Trailer THE GRAB Site IN THEATERS NOW! The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    32 min

  5. 06/14/2024

    Matthew Chuang, ACS

    After a brief hiatus...we’re back with a brand new season of The Smith Society podcast! In our premiere episode, we chat with brilliant cinematographer Matthew Chuang. We discuss his early life and trajectory in this business, and we reflect on his stunning work in past films like Blue Bayou, You Won't Be Alone, and Of an Age. We cover all my favorite talking points: pre-production (IYKYK), comfort food, and of course, his latest project — helping create the epic visual world of Chief of War, a new Apple series (coming soon). More on Matthew Chuang www.matthewchuang.com instagram.com/mattscope Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. Edited by: Marshall Baker The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    1h 14m

  6. 04/26/2023

    Amy Choi, Rebecca Lehrer and The Mash-Up Americans

    On today’s episode we chat with our pals, the very smart and very funny Amy Choi and Rebecca Lehrer. Amy and Rebecca are the dynamic duo behind Mash-Up Americans, a creative studio that helps their clients understand and connect to the dynamic, diverse, modern American audience.  They reveal and re-center stories on the voices of the future — the voices you don’t hear enough today. Important note here, when I started working on the initial idea of this podcast four years ago, they were the first people I called. They have successfully launched a variety of successful shows and were so kind to share their knowledge with me. They recently launched Grief, Collected and Love & Noraebang - two of my favorite podcasts right now. >> Grief, Collected  www.griefcollected.com Grief is both a deeply individual and collective experience. In the arc of this show they pursue an expansion of our understanding of the many dimensions of grief, as an experience of our bodies, to our communities, to our governments, to our cultures. They are pursuing the answer to a fundamental question: Can we change the shape of our future, by processing our past? >> Love & Noraebang loveandnoraebang.com A fun romantic comedy podcast set in contemporary Los Angeles - It’s kinda an homage to K Drama and Telenovela – familiar tropes like business enemies thwarting love, secondary love interests, long distance drama, companies worried they’re being taken advantage of for their money. But in the end it’s all about two people falling in love in LA in 2022.  BTW, Love & Noraebang was nominated for an iheart Radio - Podcast of the Year!! Be sure to follow Mash-Up Americans on Instagram and check out their newsletter - it's the best! THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project. thesmithsocietypod.com The Host: Duane Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/ The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    1h 36m

  7. 03/23/2023

    Margaret Brown and Descendant

    Today we are talking with the very talented Margaret Brown about her latest documentary, Descendant. On July 9, 1860, more than 100 captive Africans were brought to the shores of Mobile, Alabama, on a ship named the Clotilda, under cover of darkness. The international slave trade had been made illegal in the US in 1808, but human trafficker Timothy Meaher made a bet that he could get around the law with his ship. Today, the residents of Africatown, just north of Mobile, count the Clotilda survivors among their ancestors. The documentary Descendant, brings their stories to light as they grapple with a growing spotlight on their community following the discovery of the sunken Clotilda. The film shows how events that unfolded more than a century ago continue to have lasting repercussions several generations later. Brown produced the film alongside Kyle Martin and Essie Chambers for Participant and Take One Five Entertainment. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it was picked up by Higher Ground Productions and Netflix for theatrical and streaming distribution. The film was shortlisted for the 2023 Academy Awards, and you can watch it now on NETFLIX. The film currently has a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.  Descendant was released to select theaters and on Netflix on October 21, 2022. Descendant Trailer: YouTube Descendant Website You can also keep up with Africatown via the Clotilda Descendants Association. A number of the subjects featured in Descendant are quoted in this Smithsonian article, which details the search for the wreckage of the Clotilda. You can help Africatown’s community organizations preserve the legacy of their ancestors, combat environmental injustice and spur economic transformation. Learn more about the organizations and ways to get involved here. Note: The instrument we were discussing throughout the episode was the Akonting. Lepoleon Williams, who plays the instrument in the film, makes them himself. You can check them out in the link below, because they’re such a beautiful instrument! www.instagram.com/lepoleonwilliams Descendant: Directed by: Margaret Brown Cinematography by:  Zac Manuel, director of photography Justin Zweifach, director of photography Music by:  Ray Angry Rhiannon Giddens Dirk Powell Edit by:  Michael Bloch Geoffrey Richman Producers: Margaret Brown, producer Essie Chambers, producer Shawn Gee, executive producer Kate Hurwitz, executive producer Kern Jackson, co-producer Kristin Mann, line producer Kyle Martin, producer Christine Mattsson, co-executive producer Questlove, executive producer Jeff Skoll, executive producer Tariq Trotter, executive producer Diane Weyermann, executive producer Zarah Zohlman, executive producer THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project. thesmithsocietypod.com Host: Duane Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/ Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    1h 10m

  8. 02/17/2023

    Goran Stolevski and Of an Age

    Goran Stolevski is our latest guest, and the award-winning Macedonian-born and Australian-raised writer/director’s latest masterpiece, Of an Age, is all I’ve been talking about since I watched it. Of an Age is a beautiful and moving film about an unexpected and intense twenty-four-hour romance between an eighteen-year-old Serbian ballroom dancer and his best friend’s older brother. A decade later the pair meet for a bittersweet reunion. Directed with an abundance of love and care by Stolevski, this film was incredibly tender and honest, and the cinematography was as stunning as its performances. What a beautiful story! Stolevski came to prominence with short films including Would You Look at Her, winner of the Best International Short at Sundance 2018. Collectively his shorts played over 200 festivals worldwide including Clermont-Ferrand, Palm Springs, Melbourne and Raindance. He also directed three episodes of the fourth season of International-Emmy-winning series Nowhere Boys. Goran's feature debut You Won't Be Alone is steeped in Macedonian folklore with a genre twist. Produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings at Causeway Films, with Focus Features handling worldwide distribution, You Won't be Alone premiered in competition for the Grand Jury prize at 2022 Sundance Film Festival, receiving rave reviews from critics. The film stars Noomi Rapace, Carloto Cotta, Anamaria Marinca and Alice Englert. Of an Age: Written and Directed and Edited by: Goran Stolevski Produced by: Kristina Ceyton and Sam Jennings Starring: Elia Anton, Thom Green, Hattie Hook Of an Age Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtfkhimcnLY Official Website for Of an Age:  https://www.focusfeatures.com/of-an-age/ THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast featuring storytellers. From actors, writers, and directors to producers, editors, we discuss a variety of topics related to the film and television industry, everything from writing a screenplay to selling your idea and preparing for your next big project. thesmithsocietypod.com Host: Duane Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/ Email and ask a question or share a thought: info@voksee.com The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

    32 min
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast where stories and storytelling unite. Through intimate interviews and insightful discussions, we bring you the voices behind the stories you love. We feature world-renowned actors, writers, directors and more -- discussing a variety of topics related to the film and television industry. We uncover the secrets of their craft and celebrate the diverse tales that shape our world.

Information

  • Creator
    VOKSEE
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Smith Society
  • Show Website
    The Smith Society