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Benjamin Duchek
  • 5.0 (9)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
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A weekly podcast highlighting the creators of independent film and the business behind it. Hosted by Ben Duchek.

  1. Indie Film Highlight: YEAST (2008)

    7H AGO

    Indie Film Highlight: YEAST (2008)

    Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: YEAST (2008) Director: Mary Bronstein Screenplay: Mary Bronstein; Greta Gerwig Stars: Mary Bronstein; Greta Gerwig; Benny Safdie SYNOPSIS A maddeningly oblivious, tyrannical and emotionally stunted young woman tries her best to negotiate two toxic friendships Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us on Letterboxd Follow us on Instagram Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

    2 min
  2. Eric Leja

    2D AGO

    Eric Leja

    Only a Marine could get away with writing a novella entitled -- let me make I'm sure I got this right -- "Let's Murder the F**k out of Baby Hitler." And even then, maybe only a Marine who is a filmmaker and screenwriter. Fellow redleg Eric Leja (servicemember assigned to the artillery branch) returns to the podcast to talk about his new novella which is he is hoping to turn into a feature or a series; the reaction to such a provocative title in an industry that claims to support free speech; the lumping of veterans immediately into the red hat crowd, and more. He asked me, are you sure you're okay with the title? F**k yeah, I'm okay. I'm supporting fellow veterans till I die. We do touch on politics in this episode, which I'm usually loathe to do because you hear enough of this stuff on everything other than a film podcast. But if you do hear something you disagree with, certainly as it relates to the film industry, I'd love to hear why. And that brings us right back to where we started: Eric's novella. Spoiler alert, no babies are actually harmed. The whole point of it is to think about our current situation in a new and hopefully funny way. And to let Eric turn this into a feature film. Fire for effect, I'm cheering him on. In this episode, Eric and I discuss: how the catchy name came about;what he's been up to since the strike;why he decided to self-publish on Amazon and the amount of money he makes per sale;the chilling of speech and how that's different than Hollywood at any point in Eric's lifetime;how far he decided to go politically in the novella;the assumptions made about veterans in film and politics;what the future of the novella is;the challenges facing the business right now and the power of dentists in filmmaking! Eric's Indie Film Highlight: GODMOTHER dir. by John Veron Memorable Quotes: " I don't think it's ethical to Hitler-ize my children." " if things keep going like this unchecked, this is what it's gonna look like and it's gonna be, dystopic far right version of America. That was what the screenplay was about. And it came from a place of anti extremism." " Everyone's horrified to do anything right now." " I've never seen in my lifetime out here, like these corporations also having to fight for attention from the government and a constant approval as well." On the expectations of being red-pilled as a veteran: " I've noticed a lot of sighs of relief when I like reveal that I'm not like that." " People have literally said to me like, I think it's so cool that you're a veteran, but you're not like one of those veterans." " Nobody at like Warner wants to be the guy holding the TV show with three showrunners that's struggling to get off the ground when Paramount buys 'em." Links: Buy LET'S MURDER THE F**K OUT OF BABY HITLER Now Follow Eric On Instagram

    28 min
  3. NYC Mayor's Office Of Media And Entertainment Commissioner Rafael Espinal

    5D AGO

    NYC Mayor's Office Of Media And Entertainment Commissioner Rafael Espinal

    Elected at 26 to the New York State Assembly, my guest today, filmmaker Rafael Espinal says it was easier to become a politician than chase his dreams into indie film. Think about that for a moment! Now he's helping you achieve your dreams by serving as commissioner of New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, or MOME. And what I mean by that is I didn't expect him to be so in tune with the plights of independent filmmaking, in New York City and elsewhere. We talk about the challenges of indie filmmaking in NYC, including improving permitting; how it can be competitive globally; childcare in the city and how that affects filmmakers; the hopeful rise of more diverse voices, and more. All that said, the main takeaway if you're out there wanting to make a film career in NYC, he's on your side. And if you want to move your production studio or career to the best city in the world, he's the man for that as well. I don't think you can listen to this episode and not be bullish on the prospects of making a film in New York City over the next few years. In this episode, Rafael and I talk about: why he is the best person to lead the NYC MOME right now -- he's an indie filmmaker as well (he made his first film recently);what he's going to do with his film -- festival route? YouTube? -- and how that affects how he runs MOME;what does the commission do for me?;his sympathies (but honest advice) for the filmmakers not applying for permits in the city;his comments when taking the job that " the systems are extremely archaic in a way that creates a burden on production companies" -- have things improved?;production space in NYC and the role of AI in the built environment;how the Mayor's goal of free childcare throughout the city will influence filmmakers in the city and what MOME can do to help;diversifying the industry in New York City and how making it "look like our subway cars" actually happens;whatever happened to the Alliance for Downtown New York's Filmmaker in Chief initiative and how we get MOME's name out there in terms of outreach?how does NYC plan to stay competitive in attracting global productions?his goals for the next few years. Memorable Quotes: " Just recently, I made my first professional short film that I've been working on." " Like every filmmaker, we sit at home thinking about, how do we get exposure, who's gonna help us produce and make our first film?" " What I'm most proud of about the team here at the film office is that the folks running the permit system are actually independent filmmakers themselves." " If you want to ensure that you don't have the NYPD or any other agency come down and shut down your production, the best thing you can do is come to us." "[I] remember what it is to be someone who's just trying to make their film, who is looking for their way into the industry. And that's what I bring to the table." " Our dream here is to see a film industry and a film landscape where the workers and the directors and the folks on sets look like our subway cars, right?" " Going to the DMV is not the most pleasant experience, and I don't want filmmakers to feel like going to MOME feels like going to the DMV, right?" " There are folks out there, investors doubling down on building stages in the city of New York." " It was easier for me to become a politician than it was to be a film director." " We haven't fully baked it yet, but I'm thinking about how do we replicate that idea and create filmmakers in each borough." " At the end of the day, top line, I would love to say that New York has become the easiest and most affordable place to make a movie." Links: Follow Rafael On Instagram Follow MOME On Instagram

    26 min
  4. Indie Film Highlight: HAPPYEND (2024)

    6D AGO

    Indie Film Highlight: HAPPYEND (2024)

    Watch This Episode On YouTube Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: HAPPYEND (2024) Director: Neo Sora Writer: Neo Sora Stars: Kurihara Hayato; Hidaka Yukito; Ayumu Nakajima SYNOPSIS Friends Yuta and Kou, about to graduate, sneak into school. They pull off a terrible prank and face unforeseen consequences as graduation approaches. Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us on Letterboxd Follow us on Instagram Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

    2 min
  5. Natalia Koniarz

    APR 17

    Natalia Koniarz

    Watch This Episode On YouTube One time, it might be a coincidence. But time after time, if you're going to areas that make other people afraid, like underground fight clubs in Asia or the Chilean Andes or like in her latest film, SILVER (2026), a mine in Bolivia, that's your hallmark as a filmmaker. You can say that about my guest, brilliant director Natalia Koniarz, whose film SILVER won the Documentary Feature Grand Jury Prize at this year's Slamdance film festival. No explanations, no interviews, just gorgeous cinema about a Bolivia mine that needs to be seen on a big screen. Will it? How can we do that? We discuss that on this episode, as well as being absolute brave as hell. When I'm sleeping in my warm bed, I thank God for filmmakers like Natalia. In this episode, Natalia and I discuss: what do all the awards tell her about SILVER? And what does it feel like?what should people know about the film before watching;how she got such immersive footage of the mines that few films have achieved;did anyone tell her she needs to offer more explanations in the film?;how she knew she wanted to get involved in filmmaking;her next film will be about underground fighting in Asia -- what draws her to otherworldly topics?the distribution process and the challenges of seeing a doc like hers in a theater;indie filmmaking in Paris and Poland;what's next for her. Memorable Quotes: " It's a very immersive film where you have to immerse into the world. There is no explanation of history or there's no interviews." " I was asking the miners and people around how they would make the film." " I've met people who have been completely crushed by the film and I met those who haven't felt anything. And I think it's the way that things exist in the art." On her film's topics: " I have this feeling that they are choosing me more than I'm choosing this." " I don't treat fear as something bad." " That's actually a game changer also...how easy it is in Europe, easier to have co-productions between countries." Links: Follow Natalia On Instagram

    27 min
  6. Victoria Trow

    APR 14

    Victoria Trow

    Watch This Episode On YouTube Let's all wish happy birthday to filmmaker Victoria Trow, whose film ERUCTATION (2026) won big at SXSW this year -- not at all surprising once you watch it. That said, when you first read about it, at least for me, it was...a film about what? Burping? Then you watch it and realize you're in the hands of an ultra-talented admaker and filmmaker for six quick minutes that makes you know right away that she's going far. Her attention to detail, use of color and sound, all make ERUCTATION and Victoria one of my favorite films -- and guests -- of the year. Happy birthday, Victoria! Hope today is a great one. In this episode, Victoria and I discuss: how excited she was to attend SXSW this year, even before knowing her film would win!;her start in filmmaking and all of the things that led up to the incredible cinematic experience of her film;the evolution in her thinking from considering herself just a writer to directing films;what part of advertising work she dislikes;the crazy reactions to watching ERUCTATION or even just hearing about the topic;how hard it is to get comedy right in advertising;why the incredible 6 minute run time for ERUCTATION;does she read reviews for her films?the essential palette to the film and the amazing sense of place;her approach to going to SXSW;what's next for her and jumping between narrative and documentary.her advice for indie filmmakers and work with Charli XCX;artists compartmentalizing their talents -- they shouldn't! Victoria's Indie Filmmaker Highlights: Mike Egan; Victor Gabriel Memorable Quotes: "15 years in advertising and 15 years plotting my escape." " And then this project literally burped in my face, so I thought maybe this is the one to try it." "Do you wanna make a documentary about burping? They would laugh like you are now. And then I think. yeah, I just wanna make something fun and dumb and make something that can be beautiful." " Let's make a burp joke, but treat it seriously with reverence."  "This should feel like Portland in the rain." "Don't be afraid to talk about your ideas." Links: Follow Victoria On Instagram Victoria's Website

    35 min
  7. Indie Film Highlight: ADOPT A HIGHWAY (2019)

    APR 12

    Indie Film Highlight: ADOPT A HIGHWAY (2019)

    Watch This Episode On YouTube Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: ADOPT A HIGHWAY (2019) Director: Logan Marshall-Green Story By: Logan Marshall-Green Stars: Ethan Hawke; Elaine Hendrix; Diane Gaeta SYNOPSIS When an ex-convict finds an abandoned baby in a dumpster, he gains a new lease on life, deciding to dedicate himself to making sure the child has a good life. Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us on Letterboxd Follow us on Instagram Follow us on X Follow us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Follow us on LinkedIn

    2 min
  8. Julia Coulter

    APR 7

    Julia Coulter

    Watch This Episode On YouTube Here's a challenge: watch the first few minutes of ROAD TO L'ETAPE DU TOUR (2026) and not get the sense you're seeing a documentary. Impossible because the film is that good about its comparison to real life. The logline: facing a turning point in her life, a woman with a congenital heart defect embarks on a journey to train for a famous cycling race. It's all narrative, but the heart of the film, just like all her other art, is from its director, Julia Coulter, who you can tell from this discussion puts her whole being into her art. The opening segment is Julia talking about her lighting decisions in BROTHERS (2021), which you should watch. It is cinema at its highest level. Julia takes a couple of actors, a single location, and makes something that will stay with you for a long time. The film is linked below. I felt so lucky to watch her films and hear about how much love she puts into them, and I think you will feel the same way, too. In this episode, Julia and I talk about: why she made a narrative film that feels like a documentary in parts;how she came up with that brilliantly moving first scene, performing a stress test, and how that sets up the character for the film;her hopes to inspire others through her film;her start in filmmaking -- writing, directing, and acting! -- and how she figured out which to do in her first two short films;did the classical acting education help her craft?her lessons from casting films from an actor's perspective;her deeply personal film, BROTHERS, and what she took away from that experience in making such a moving film with just three characters and a hotel room;why we don't see more shorts like BROTHERS and HABIT (2022), which are so refined in run time, story, and cinematography?her advice for people directing other peoples' writing;whether it would be harder for her to give up directing or acting;the financial hurdles of making her first feature;the ending of ROAD TO L'ETAPE DU TOUR and the feeling she wants to give the audience;whether actors as directors handle complexity better in a story;why Cinequest and what she's looking for at a festival;what's next for her and the film. Julia's Indie Film Highlight: DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD (2020) dir. by Kirsten Johnson; CLOSE (2022) dir. by Lukas Dhont Memorable Quotes: "It's something that we see very intense, like athletes doing, but never in the context of hospitals have I seen that on screen." "I was very inspired by mumblecore." "If I wanted to create something, then I could just go out and do it. I could go out and write it. And so that gave me the freedom that acting alone doesn't where you are waiting on somebody else and their opinion of you or their opinion of your skills." "Do I have such a clear vision in my head when I write things that I really want to be the director? I think the answer to that is yes." "I always try to center myself on what do I want to watch and what would I go and see and what would I be interested in feeling from seeing a film? That's what I think is matters in the end." "Giving yourself constraints is actually helpful sometimes." Links: Follow Julia On Instagram Watch BROTHERS (2020)

    42 min
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About

A weekly podcast highlighting the creators of independent film and the business behind it. Hosted by Ben Duchek.

Information

  • Creator
    Benjamin Duchek
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Benjamin Duchek 2023
  • Show Website
    First Time Go
  • Provider
    Benjamin Duchek

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