The Filmumentaries Podcast

Jamie Benning
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The Filmumentaries Podcast – Exploring the Unsung Heroes of Cinema. Go beyond the credits and uncover the untold stories of the filmmakers, artists, and craftspeople who bring your favorite movies to life. Hosted by filmmaker, author, and film historian Jamie Benning, The Filmumentaries Podcast offers in-depth conversations with the behind-the-scenes legends of Hollywood and beyond. Each episode features exclusive interviews with art directors, production designers, VFX artists and supervisors, editors, sound designers, animators, and other key creatives who shaped iconic films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, Ghostbusters, and more.  Whether you're a die-hard cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the hidden artistry of moviemaking, this podcast is your all-access pass to film history. What You’ll Discover: Rare insights into filmmaking from the people who were thereDeep dives into classic and modern movie-making techniquesStories of innovation from Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm, and beyondExclusive discussions on practical effects, CGI, set design, and film scoringA celebration of cinema’s hidden heroes New episodes twice a month. Subscribe now and follow Jamie Benning on social media: @filmumentaries on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, and @jamieswb on X.  Visit Filmumentaries.com for more exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights! 

  1. 134 - Inside the Movie Novelizations of the ’80s with James Kahn — Jedi, Goonies & Poltergeist

    -5 J

    134 - Inside the Movie Novelizations of the ’80s with James Kahn — Jedi, Goonies & Poltergeist

    In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I talk with James Kahn, the novelist behind some of the most iconic movie novelizations of the 1980s, including Return of the Jedi, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and Poltergeist. James shares how a chance encounter while working as an ER doctor in Santa Monica led him onto the set of ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, where he met Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg, an opportunity that set his writing career in motion. We discuss: How James went from emergency medicine to Hollywood writerHis early break writing the Poltergeist novelizationThe creative freedom Spielberg gave him on Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and othersWriting Return of the Jedi under intense secrecy — including how George Lucas gave him a decoy script where Luke kills the EmperorInventing backstory details that became “canon” for decades, like Ben and Owen being brothers and hints about Anakin’s fall into the lava pitsGiving Short Round his own chapter and exploring Mikey’s POV in The GooniesHow his books helped fans relive these films long before home videoWhy a great novelization is about more than retelling a screenplayHis recent memoir, A Jedi Memoir: A Double Life, weaving together stories from Hollywood and emergency medicineIf you grew up with these books, this one’s packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and moments of movie history you probably didn’t know. If you enjoy the show and want to help me keep making these conversations, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon: All the links This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    51 min
  2. 133 - From The Blob to Pan’s Labyrinth: Tommy Williamson Talks VFX, Guillermo del Toro and Making Movie Magic

    27 AOÛT

    133 - From The Blob to Pan’s Labyrinth: Tommy Williamson Talks VFX, Guillermo del Toro and Making Movie Magic

    In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with Tommy Williamson, a visual effects artist, prop maker, and lifelong creator whose career spans more than three decades. Tommy has worked on films including Spider-Man 2, Sin City, The Mist, Dune: Prophecy, and the modern masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth. Tommy shares his journey from building paper-craft UFOs as a kid to working alongside Guillermo del Toro and becoming one of the artists helping to bridge the worlds of practical effects and cutting-edge digital VFX. We also dive into his passion for prop replicas and his work as the creator behind Nerds and Makers, where he builds incredible recreations of iconic movie props. If you love behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories, prop-making secrets, and hearing from the artists who bring movie magic to life, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Tommy’s early love of model making and practical effectsHis first big break on the 1988 remake of The BlobAdapting to the digital VFX revolution after Jurassic ParkWorking closely with Guillermo del Toro on Pan’s LabyrinthThe creative process behind his Nerds and Makers prop replicasWhy keeping one foot in both practical and digital worlds makes him a better artistThe importance of experimentation, curiosity, and lifelong creativity“I’ve always had to make things. It’s absolutely in my DNA. Even now, I’ll work on a show all day and then spend my evenings printing a lightsaber or a blaster. I can’t not do it.” — Tommy Williamson You can follow Tommy and see his incredible prop builds on Instagram: @nerdsandmakers This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    1 h 14 min
  3. 132 - Dave Barclay - My Life With Animatronics. Movies, Puppets and Beyond

    12 AOÛT

    132 - Dave Barclay - My Life With Animatronics. Movies, Puppets and Beyond

    Episode 132 - Dave Barclay - My Life With Animatronics. Movies, Puppets and Beyond! At just 19 years old, Dave Barclay found himself stepping into the role of chief puppeteer for Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back. It was the start of an extraordinary career in animatronics and puppetry that would see him bringing to life some of cinema’s most beloved and memorable characters. In this episode, Dave takes us back to his creative beginnings, growing up in a family of puppeteers, and the serendipitous chain of events that led from working in Hamleys toy shop to meeting Mark Hamill — and ultimately joining Stuart Freeborn’s Yoda team. We cover: His early inspirations from Planet of the Apes to making masks at home.The technical and creative challenges of performing Yoda alongside Frank Oz.Becoming chief puppeteer for Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.Working on The Dark Crystal, Little Shop of Horrors and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.The importance of collaboration between puppeteers, animators, special effects teams and actors.The process of writing his new autobiography My Life with Animatronics, Movies, Puppets and Beyond, filled with stories and photos from across his career.Dave’s journey is a mix of artistry, technical problem-solving, and being in the right place at the right time — but also about saying “yes” when opportunity knocks. Listen now to hear stories from a man whose work has shaped how we see and believe in some of cinema’s most iconic creatures. Find Dave’s book: My Life with Animatronics, Movies, Puppets and Beyond – available now at Cool Waters Productions. All my links This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    1 h 18 min
  4. BONUS - Propstore's Stephen Lane and Tim Lawes on some iconic props!

    6 AOÛT · BONUS

    BONUS - Propstore's Stephen Lane and Tim Lawes on some iconic props!

    In this special bonus episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I take you behind the scenes of Propstore’s upcoming Los Angeles auction, featuring some truly jaw-dropping pieces of movie history. I was invited to a press preview at London’s Dorchester Hotel, where I spoke with Propstore’s Tim Lawes (Director of Consignment) and Stephen Lane (CEO and Founder) about some of the headline items, including: A screen- and photo-matched Darth Vader hero lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the JediThe iconic Jaws clapperboard with teeth, plus Bruce the shark’s eyesJane Fonda’s Barbarella costume and blasterWe discuss the thrill of uncovering long-lost props, the stories behind these legendary items, and what it means for collectors to own a piece of cinematic history. The auction runs September 4–6, 2025, streamed online from Los Angeles, with the full catalogue available at propstore.com. Next episode: My interview with puppeteer Dave Barclay, whose incredible career goes far beyond Jabba the Hutt. All my links This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    15 min
  5. 131 - Phil Hawkins - From Fan Films to Features.

    22 JUIL.

    131 - Phil Hawkins - From Fan Films to Features.

    In episode 131 of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with director Phil Hawkins to talk about his journey from a kid obsessed with Jurassic Park and Star Wars to a filmmaker directing commercials, indie features, and ambitious projects like Star Wars: Origins and the Sky Original Robin in the Hoods. Phil shares how he taught himself filmmaking as a teenager, cutting together VHS tapes and roping in friends to create homemade sci-fi adventures. We discuss how this DIY approach evolved into making shorts and, later, a career in commercials – where he honed his craft in visual storytelling, working with big crews, and balancing creative ambition with tight schedules. We also talk about his fan-favourite short film Star Wars: Origins, which went viral for its bold concept and cinematic scale, and how it helped open doors to bigger opportunities, including his recent family feature Robin in the Hoods. Along the way, Phil reflects on the importance of collaboration, and the lessons learned from juggling creativity with industry realities. If you’re interested in how a director moves from self-taught beginnings to studio-backed projects while staying true to his passion, this is a conversation worth hearing. Listen now to hear: How VHS edits and fan films became Phil’s film school.The leap from shorts to commercials – and what commercials teach about storytelling.Making Star Wars: Origins and the risks and rewards of fan filmmaking.Crafting Robin in the Hoods and wrangling a cast of young actors for an adventure film.Phil’s thoughts on building a creative, respectful set environment.Star Wars Origins All the links This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    1 h 24 min
  6. 130 - Jaws @ 50 with Director Laurent Bouzereau

    8 JUIL.

    130 - Jaws @ 50 with Director Laurent Bouzereau

    Episode 130 – Laurent Bouzereau on “Jaws at 50” In this special episode, I catch up with the legendary documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau to discuss his latest project, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, premiering Friday 11th July at 8pm on National Geographic and streaming the same day on Disney+. Laurent, whose behind-the-scenes work on Jaws, Indiana Jones, and Spielberg has inspired me for years, reflects on the challenges of revisiting Jaws 30 years after his original 1995 documentary. We talk about the new angles he explored, from Spielberg’s emotional recollections and rare 8mm footage to fresh perspectives from filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Jim Cameron, and Jordan Peele. Recorded on the fly on Martha’s Vineyard during the Jaws 50th celebrations, this short but meaningful conversation touches on the legacy of Jaws, the humanity behind the production, and how Laurent’s approach has shifted over the years. Also in this episode: An update on my Joe Alves documentary and the incredible support from GoFundMe donorsA mention of my new two-part article on ILM's animation legacy: ILM Evolutions: Animation from Rotoscoping to Rango – now live on ILM.comLinktree Support the podcast This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    23 min
  7. 129 – The Star Wars Influence: Live at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival

    25 JUIN

    129 – The Star Wars Influence: Live at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival

    Episode 129 – The Star Wars Influence: Live at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival In this special live episode, I join Doug Weir—Remastering Lead at the BFI—and post-production veteran Paul Collard on stage for a panel titled The Star Wars Influence, recorded at the BFI’s Film on Film Festival. Curated and hosted by Doug, the panel explores how George Lucas’s frustrations with the Hollywood studio system led to a wave of technological innovation that forever changed the filmmaking landscape. From the creation of ILM to the invention of motion control, EditDroid, SoundDroid, and digital cinema tools, we look at how Lucas empowered a generation of problem-solvers and helped pioneer the digital workflow we now take for granted. This conversation took place just before a rare screening of Star Wars from a 35mm Technicolor dye-transfer print—an experience I’ll be covering in more detail in a bonus episode coming soon. Topics include: Lucas’s break from the traditional studio systemThe founding of ILM and the Dykstraflex motion control rigVistaVision, optical printers, and visual effects R&DThe origins of EditDroid and non-linear editingThe value of Technicolor dye-transfer printsLucasfilm’s wider influence on Pixar, Avid, and beyondThanks again to Doug and Paul—and to the BFI for hosting such a thoughtful and inspiring event. Joe Alves Doco GoFundMe All my links This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    54 min
  8. 128 - Anthony Forrest - "Move Along" Star Wars Actor

    10 JUIN

    128 - Anthony Forrest - "Move Along" Star Wars Actor

    In this special archival episode, I speak with actor and musician Anthony Forrest, best known to Star Wars fans for playing the sandtrooper who famously waved Obi-Wan and Luke past an Imperial checkpoint with the words: “These aren’t the droids we’re looking for.” Originally recorded over a decade ago, this conversation explores Forrest’s original casting as “Fixer” in the cut Tosche Station scenes, his time filming in Tunisia, and how George Lucas unexpectedly tapped him to suit up as a trooper. Anthony also reflects on working alongside Alec Guinness, the skepticism among the British crew, and the surreal experience of flying home with champagne and Star Wars stickers courtesy of Sir Alec himself. Beyond Star Wars, we also discuss Anthony’s career in music, his time busking in the London Underground, and his low-budget feature The Ballad of Bob’s Garage.  Listen in for rarely heard stories from behind the mask. Mentioned in this episode: Deleted scenes from A New HopeFilming in Tunisia and LondonBusking and recording in the London UndergroundAlec Guinness and the 2007 Academy screeningThe Ballad of Bob’s Garage projectGoFundMe for our Martha’s Vineyard shoot — any support is greatly appreciated! All my links This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube: Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries All my links

    43 min
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À propos

The Filmumentaries Podcast – Exploring the Unsung Heroes of Cinema. Go beyond the credits and uncover the untold stories of the filmmakers, artists, and craftspeople who bring your favorite movies to life. Hosted by filmmaker, author, and film historian Jamie Benning, The Filmumentaries Podcast offers in-depth conversations with the behind-the-scenes legends of Hollywood and beyond. Each episode features exclusive interviews with art directors, production designers, VFX artists and supervisors, editors, sound designers, animators, and other key creatives who shaped iconic films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, Ghostbusters, and more.  Whether you're a die-hard cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the hidden artistry of moviemaking, this podcast is your all-access pass to film history. What You’ll Discover: Rare insights into filmmaking from the people who were thereDeep dives into classic and modern movie-making techniquesStories of innovation from Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm, and beyondExclusive discussions on practical effects, CGI, set design, and film scoringA celebration of cinema’s hidden heroes New episodes twice a month. Subscribe now and follow Jamie Benning on social media: @filmumentaries on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, and @jamieswb on X.  Visit Filmumentaries.com for more exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights! 

Informations

  • Création
    Jamie Benning
  • Années d’activité
    2020 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    140
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jamie Benning - Filmumentaries.com
  • Site web de l’émission
    The Filmumentaries Podcast

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