Kingdom of Dreams Podcast

Jawad Mir

Kingdom of Dreams Podcast is a must-listen for film enthusiasts. As a director, producer, and passionate movie lover, I’ve always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories, especially those from my own filmmaking journey. This podcast is dedicated to uncovering untold stories from Directors, Editors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Production Designers, Producers, Composers, VFX artists, and more. It also explores the highs and lows of building a career in filmmaking and the profound ways it shapes our personal lives.

  1. EP 300 - 'The Rocketeer' - Screenwriter - Danny Bilson

    May 14

    EP 300 - 'The Rocketeer' - Screenwriter - Danny Bilson

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with screenwriter Danny Bilson for a fascinating conversation about the making of the cult classic adventure film The Rocketeer. Danny shares the incredible story behind how the film came to life, the journey of bringing the beloved comic book to the screen, and how director Joe Johnston eventually came on board to shape its timeless visual style and spirit of old Hollywood adventure. We also dive into the challenges the film faced during its original release, why it struggled at the box office despite its ambition, and how over the years it found a passionate audience and evolved into a true cult classic loved by generations of movie fans. From behind the scenes stories to reflections on storytelling, studio expectations, and the lasting legacy of The Rocketeer, this is a conversation film lovers and aspiring storytellers will not want to miss. Danny Bilson is an American screenwriter, producer, director, and novelist best known for co-writing the cult classic adventure film The Rocketeer. Over the course of his career, he has worked across film, television, comic books, and video games, building a reputation for blending action, science fiction, and character-driven storytelling. Alongside longtime creative partner Paul De Meo, Bilson also wrote films such as Trancers and worked on television projects including The Flash and Viper. Beyond Hollywood, he has taught screenwriting at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, mentoring the next generation of storytellers while continuing to explore genre filmmaking and world-building. #ilm #joejohnston #industriallightandmagic #therocketeer #jenniferconnellyedits #disney #comics    http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    53 min
  2. EP 299 - 'Body of Lies' - Set Decorator - Sonja Klaus

    May 11

    EP 299 - 'Body of Lies' - Set Decorator - Sonja Klaus

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down once again with set decorator Sonja Klaus for another fascinating conversation about her adventures working alongside legendary director Ridley Scott. This time, we dive into the making of Body of Lies starring Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. Sonja shares fun behind the scenes stories from the production, the challenges of building believable worlds across multiple locations, and what it’s like collaborating with Ridley Scott on large scale cinematic storytelling. As always, Sonja is an absolute delight to have on the show, and this marks probably the fifth time she has joined Kingdom of Dreams Podcast. Be sure to also check out our previous conversations covering her incredible work on Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, American Gangster, and Prometheus here on the channel. Sonja Klaus is an acclaimed set decorator known for her detailed and immersive work in film and television. Over her career, she has collaborated with major directors including Ridley Scott and helped shape the visual worlds of films such as Body of Lies, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Martian. Her work focuses on creating believable environments through carefully chosen props, textures, furniture, and visual details that support the story and characters. Sonja is respected in the industry for blending realism with cinematic scale, helping bring some of modern cinema’s most visually rich productions to life. #ridleyscott #bodyofllies #russellcrowe #leonardodicaprio        http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    54 min
  3. EP 298 - Requiem for a Dream - Producer - Eric Watson

    May 8

    EP 298 - Requiem for a Dream - Producer - Eric Watson

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with producer Eric Watson for a fascinating conversation about the making of Darren Aronofsky’s cult classics Pi and Requiem for a Dream. Eric takes us behind the scenes of the early days of independent filmmaking, sharing stories about the unexpected success of Pi, the risks involved in getting the film made, and how its breakout reception changed everything overnight. We also dive deep into the making of Requiem for a Dream, discussing the emotional impact the film had on audiences, the intensity behind its production, and why the film continues to resonate decades later. From behind the scenes moments to the challenges of bringing such bold stories to the screen, this is a powerful conversation about filmmaking, creativity, and the lasting influence of cinema. Eric Watson is a veteran film producer best known for producing Darren Aronofsky’s cult classic Requiem for a Dream. Over the years, he has been involved in a wide range of independent film projects, helping bring bold, unconventional stories to the screen. Known for supporting visionary filmmakers and character driven cinema, Watson has built a reputation for championing films that push creative boundaries and leave a lasting cultural impact. #requiemforadream #pi #darrenaronofsky #addiction    http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    51 min
  4. EP 297 - Secrets of the Bees - Director Nadége Laici

    Apr 10

    EP 297 - Secrets of the Bees - Director Nadége Laici

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Nadége Laici, director of Secrets of the Bees, for a fascinating conversation about bringing the hidden world of bees to life. Nadége takes us behind the scenes of crafting a film that blends education with cinematic storytelling, sharing how the team approached capturing bee behavior in ways rarely seen before. She breaks down the technical innovations and filming techniques that allowed for an intimate, up-close look at these complex ecosystems. We also dive into the balance between scientific accuracy and visual storytelling, the challenges of working with nature at such a detailed level, and how collaboration across teams helped shape a film that is both informative and visually stunning. It’s a thoughtful conversation about nature, technology, and the art of revealing the unseen. Nadége Laici is a production designer and art director known for her work across film and television, with a strong focus on creating visually immersive environments that enhance character and story. With experience spanning period pieces and contemporary projects, she brings a refined eye for detail, texture, and authenticity, collaborating closely with directors and cinematographers to shape cohesive visual worlds. Her work reflects a balance of artistic vision and practical execution, translating scripts into lived-in spaces that feel both cinematic and emotionally grounded. #nationalgeographic #disney #hulu #bees   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    45 min
  5. EP 296 - Decorating 'Bridgerton' Series - Natalie Papageorgiadis

    Apr 8

    EP 296 - Decorating 'Bridgerton' Series - Natalie Papageorgiadis

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Natalie Papageorgiadis for a fascinating conversation about set decoration on the Netflix series Bridgerton. Natalie takes us behind the scenes of crafting the show’s rich and immersive interiors, sharing how each space is carefully designed to reflect character, status, and emotion. She breaks down key moments from various episodes, revealing how subtle details in set decoration help elevate storytelling. We also dive into the challenges of working across departments, maintaining historical authenticity while serving modern audiences, and how creativity and collaboration shape the visual world of a series as intricate as Bridgerton. It’s a thoughtful conversation about design, storytelling, and the unseen artistry behind the screen. Natalie Papageorgiadis is an interior designer with nine years’ experience in luxury 5-star hotels across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, who has expanded into film set decoration. Working freelance, she blends interiors and film to deliver concept-to-installation design with a fresh, cross-disciplinary approach. Her film and TV work includes Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Crown (Series II), and Bridgerton, alongside ongoing interior design and creative styling projects. #netflix #bridgerton #netflixseries #bridgertonseason4 #productiondesign #setdecorator    http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    46 min
  6. EP 293 - 'The Dinosaurs' - Cinematographer - Jamie Mcpherson - Steven Spielberg

    Mar 20

    EP 293 - 'The Dinosaurs' - Cinematographer - Jamie Mcpherson - Steven Spielberg

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with cinematographer Jamie McPherson to talk about his work on The Dinosaurs, executive produced by Steven Spielberg for Netflix. Jamie shares his approach to crafting the show’s visual palette, using light and shadow to bring a sense of scale and realism to a world that blends live action with cutting-edge visual effects. We dive into the challenges of shooting alongside extensive VFX, collaborating with ILM, and how careful cinematography helps ground the spectacle in emotion and story. Jamie McPherson is a cinematographer known for his refined visual style and ability to craft emotionally resonant imagery across film and television. With a strong foundation in lighting and composition, his work often balances naturalism with a cinematic polish, enhancing character-driven storytelling. He has built a reputation for collaborating closely with directors to shape tone and atmosphere, bringing a thoughtful, story-first approach to every project. Whether working on intimate narratives or larger-scale productions, McPherson focuses on visual clarity, texture, and mood, creating images that support both performance and narrative depth. #netflix #thedinosaurs #stevenspielberg #morganfreeman #naturedocumentary    http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Kingdom of Dreams Podcast is a must-listen for film enthusiasts. As a director, producer, and passionate movie lover, I’ve always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories, especially those from my own filmmaking journey. This podcast is dedicated to uncovering untold stories from Directors, Editors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Production Designers, Producers, Composers, VFX artists, and more. It also explores the highs and lows of building a career in filmmaking and the profound ways it shapes our personal lives.

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