The Filmumentaries Podcast

Jamie Benning
  • 4.9 (55)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Filmumentaries Podcast

Look no further if you want knowledgeable in-depth conversations between film historian Jamie Benning and some of the greatest artists in all the movie making crafts from effects to editing, stunts to storyboards.

  1. 117 - Colin Cantwell - Concept Artist - My chat with Sierra Dall, his long term partner.

    2 DAYS AGO

    117 - Colin Cantwell - Concept Artist - My chat with Sierra Dall, his long term partner.

    In this episode of the Filmumentary's podcast, host Jamie Benning speaks with Sierra Dahl, the long-term partner of the late Colin Cantwell, a visionary concept artist known for his work on iconic spacecraft in films like Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey. The conversation explores Colin's creative journey, his collaborations with legends like Stanley Kubrick and George Lucas, and Sierra's efforts to preserve his legacy through a revamped website and potential documentary. The discussion highlights Colin's unique approach to design, his contributions to NASA, and the impact of his work on popular culture. Colin Cantwell was a key figure in the creation of iconic spacecraft designs for Star Wars.Sierra Dahl shares her personal journey with Colin and his legacy.Colin's work with NASA included contributions to the moon landing broadcast.He was the first graduate of the animation major at UCLA.Colin's designs were influenced by his passion for quantum physics.He created the concept art for Star Wars before being officially hired.Colin's approach to design involved viewing ships as individual characters.His work on War Games showcased his programming skills and creativity.Sierra is dedicated to preserving Colin's legacy through a new website.The CSJ Foundation aims to inspire youth through STEAM education using Colin's work.Remember, if you visit colincantwell.com you can use code "FILM15" at checkout to get 15% off any of the items in the store.  All my links

    45 min
  2. 116 - Nigel Smith - Cinema Historian and Tour Guide

    DEC 3

    116 - Nigel Smith - Cinema Historian and Tour Guide

    In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with cinema historian and walking tour guide, Nigel Smith. Nigel is the creator of Memory Palaces, a website project dedicated to exploring and preserving the stories of London’s cinemas—both those still standing and those long forgotten. Join me and Nigel as we discuss: Nigel’s early love of cinema, sparked by watching Superman II as a child.The evolution of his passion from movies to the buildings that housed them.The rich history of London’s cinema culture, including iconic locations like the West End’s movie palaces and quirky cinemas like the Prince Charles.Fascinating discoveries from Nigel’s research, such as a Camden cinema run by a medium who let spirits dictate the programming.The enduring importance of community in cinema-going, from bustling matinees of the past to modern film clubs like Tufnell Park Film Club.Nigel also shares anecdotes from his popular walking tours, where participants bring their own memories to add to the tapestry of London’s cinematic past. Whether it’s the glamour of West End premieres or the humble beginnings of Victorian-era musicals, Nigel’s storytelling brings the history of cinema to life in a truly unique way.For more on Nigel’s work and how to join one of his walking tours, visit Memory Palaces. Links and Recommendations: Learn about Nigel’s walking tours: Memory PalacesVisit the Cinema Museum in London: cinemamuseum.org.ukExplore the Kent Museum of the Moving Image: kentmomi.orgListen in for a fascinating conversation about the intersections of cinema, architecture, and community. All my links

    42 min
  3. 115 - John Bell - Concept Designer and Art Director - BTTF II, Jurassic Park, Antz etc

    NOV 19

    115 - John Bell - Concept Designer and Art Director - BTTF II, Jurassic Park, Antz etc

    Welcome to Episode 115 of The Filmumentaries Podcast. This time I’m talking to John Bell, a concept artist and art director whose career has spanned some of the most memorable films of the last four decades. From Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home to Jurassic Park and Back to the Future II and III, John’s work has left a significant mark on cinema.  In our conversation, John takes us back to the early days of his career, when he transitioned from designing cars at General Motors to creating video game concepts at Atari, before finally finding his way into the film industry. He shares the story of how a speculative portfolio sent to ILM eventually opened the door to a career that included working alongside legends like Nilo Rodis-Jamero and Ken Ralston. We talk in depth about his work on Back to the Future II, where he imagined a future Hill Valley steeped in a mix of Americana and 1980s aesthetics, and Jurassic Park, where he brought bold, colorful designs to vehicles, props, and even the park’s iconic branding. John also reflects on how collaboration is at the heart of filmmaking, with directors like Steven Spielberg and production designers like Rick Carter encouraging his input while shaping the look and feel of these projects.  We also cover his time working on Antz at DreamWorks, where he stepped into the role of production designer for the first time, and Rango, ILM’s first animated feature. Throughout, John shares his approach to balancing creativity and problem-solving, and the importance of pulling inspiration from both his surroundings and his past experiences.  It’s a wide-ranging discussion that touches on everything from the challenges of designing for science fiction, fantasy, and animation to how the industry has changed over the years. I hope you enjoy it. All the links John Bell Studio

    1h 40m
  4. 114 - Laurent Bouzereau - Director of "Music By John Williams"

    NOV 5

    114 - Laurent Bouzereau - Director of "Music By John Williams"

    In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I’m bringing you some updates on my work with ILM and sitting down with director Laurent Bouzereau to chat about his new documentary, Music by John Williams. We dive into the emotional punch of Williams’ music, the process behind crafting the documentary, and Williams’ lasting legacy as a composer. Laurent opens up about his experience working closely with Williams and the art of storytelling in documentaries, as well as the challenge of sifting through such a massive collection of iconic work. ‘Music by John Williams’ is available on Disney+ and in cinemas for limited release.  UK Screenings of the film Slimer Article at ILM.com All the links

    31 min
  5. 113 - Kevin Jenkins - Production Designer - Star Wars - Jurassic World

    OCT 29

    113 - Kevin Jenkins - Production Designer - Star Wars - Jurassic World

    Episode 113 is up. My conversation with production eesigner, art director, concept designer and VFX artist Kevin Jenkins. We swap stories about our childhood movie experiences and the films that got under our skin—like Jaws, Star Wars, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We talk about how these films not only shaped Kevin's tastes but ignited a passion for storytelling and artistry that's stuck with him. Kevin and I get into the risks filmmakers took back then. We touch on the balance between practical effects and digital tech, and why having a passionate, collaborative team is crucial to making something memorable. There's a bit on the commercialization of genres and how fandom sometimes gets too caught up in nostalgia, missing out on new, original stories. We also cover how filmmaking has evolved with technology, especially for artists like Kevin, who transitioned from traditional illustration to digital tools. Kevin shares insights on how tech influences collaboration and creativity on set. He walks me through the role of a concept artist, the problem-solving and idea generation that goes into projects like World War Z and Edge of Tomorrow—highlighting the creative process behind creature designs and visual effects. Kevin opens up about the challenge of finding the right design and the nuances of working within big franchises. He talks about the essential collaboration between art and costume departments to build a cohesive visual world. Finally, Kevin shares his ambition to work on a historical epic. All the links

    1h 27m
  6. 112 - Jon Spira - Director of "The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee"

    OCT 7

    112 - Jon Spira - Director of "The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee"

    In this episode, I sat down with Jon Spira to dive deep into the making of his latest documentary, The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee. If you’re a regular listener, you know Jon’s been on the podcast a couple of times before, and it’s always a treat to hear him talk about his work. This time around, he takes us through the journey of bringing Christopher Lee’s story to life—literally.Jon kicked things off by sharing what drew him to this project in the first place. Inspired by a mix of fascination and intrigue, he became captivated by Lee's enigmatic presence, especially after rewatching a rather unusual "This Is Your Life episode" featuring Lee. Jon’s documentary doesn't just skim over Lee’s storied career, from Hammer Horror to The Lord of the Rings, but it digs into the emotional layers of a man who, despite his towering on-screen persona, was often plagued by self-doubt and a desire to control how the world perceived him. We spent a good amount of time talking about the challenges Jon faced in portraying someone as multifaceted as Christopher Lee. It’s no small feat to condense a career that spanned over six decades into a single film. Jon wanted to avoid the usual biographical pitfalls—just ticking off achievements and movie titles—and instead aimed for something more intimate and emotionally resonant. He wanted viewers to come away with a sense of who Christopher Lee really was, beyond just the roles he played. One of the more fascinating parts of our conversation was Jon’s decision to use a marionette puppet to represent Lee. It was an unconventional choice, but as Jon explained, it made perfect sense for a subject who was so concerned with how his story was told. He originally toyed with the idea of CGI but felt that it lacked the emotional warmth he was looking for. So, he collaborated with Andy Gent, known for his work with Wes Anderson and Tim Burton, to create a beautifully crafted puppet of Lee. And who better to provide the voice than Peter Serafinowicz, whose deep, rich tones helped bring that puppet to life. Jon’s approach allowed Lee to narrate his own story, with other voices occasionally chiming in to add a touch of warmth and gentle contradiction. It’s this kind of creative storytelling that sets Jon’s work apart—finding new ways to tell familiar stories.Jon and I also delved into some of the broader challenges facing filmmakers today. The industry is in a strange place right now, with budgets tightening, streamers changing their strategies, and the rise of new technologies like AI reshaping the landscape. We had a lively discussion about the role of AI in filmmaking. For one specific sequence in the film—recounting a moment when Christopher Lee witnessed the last public execution by guillotine in France—Jon’s team used AI-assisted animation to breathe life into archival photos. It’s a decision that has sparked some controversy, especially from certain corners of the American press, but Jon sees it as just another tool in the creative toolkit. He acknowledges the fears around AI and the impact it might have on jobs, but he also believes that, when used thoughtfully, it can elevate storytelling in new and exciting ways.Throughout our conversation, a recurring theme was empathy—something that Jon clearly values in his approach to documentary storytelling. He talked about how he always aims to create a sense of connection between the audience and his subjects, to show their humanity in all its complexity. For Jon, it’s not just about documenting facts; it’s about exploring how those facts feel, and how they shape the person behind the public image. In The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee, this approach results in a film that isn’t just a tribute to a cinematic legend but also a portrait of a man grappling with his own insecurities, just like the rest of us. We also touched on the state of cinema today—how trends are...

    1h 19m
  7. 111 - TyRuben Ellingson - VFX Art Director and Educator - Star Wars and Avatar

    SEP 24

    111 - TyRuben Ellingson - VFX Art Director and Educator - Star Wars and Avatar

    In this conversation, TyRuben shares his journey into the world of visual effects and concept design, detailing the profound impact of films like '2001: A Space Odyssey' on his aspirations. He discusses the importance of self-permission in pursuing one's dreams, the skills he developed over the years, and his experiences at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). He emphasizes the significance of collaboration, the fast-paced nature of concept design, and the evolution of CGI in filmmaking. He reflects on his work with industry legends like George Lucas and James Cameron, the transformative experience of working on 'Avatar', and his eventual transition into education and engagement with artificial intelligence. Key moments: Seeing '2001: A Space Odyssey' sparked my interest in visual effects.Self-permission is crucial for success in any field.Building a diverse skill set is essential for a career in VFX.Collaboration is key in the creative process.The fast-paced environment at ILM taught me to adapt quickly.Pitching ideas is a vital part of the creative process.Working with George Lucas was a dream come true.The experience on 'Avatar' solidified my role in the industry.Teaching is a natural progression in my career. All the links

    1h 29m
  8. 110 - Andrew Whitehurst - VFX Supervisor - Ex Machina, Indiana Jones

    SEP 10

    110 - Andrew Whitehurst - VFX Supervisor - Ex Machina, Indiana Jones

    Today’s conversation is one I’ve had in the bag for a couple of months now . I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Whitehurst. Andrew’s journey into the visual effects industry is one that really resonates with me, especially when he talks about his childhood fascination with movie magic and a certain BBC documentary. Yes, THAT one! Like many of us, it all started with a spark of curiosity. He pursued that passion at art college and gained experience in various roles, which eventually led him to become a visual effects artist. His early work on projects like Tomb Raider 2 and Troy paved the way for his role as VFX supervisor on Ex Machina, ultimately winning him an academy award. In our conversation, I got to dive deep into Andrew’s experience working on films like Ex Machina and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. We talked about the challenges of creating realistic CGI characters and the meticulous attention to detail that’s required for modern audiences. Andrew shares that belief in the value of using traditional tools like pencil and paper in the design process, and on the importance of looking beyond the screen to other forms of art for inspiration. Through our discussion, Andrew provided some great insights into the decision-making process for visual effects and how to strike that delicate balance between realism and audience expectations.  Key points: A love for movies and a fascination with visual effects can lead to a career in the industry.Art college and self-learning are valuable for developing skills in animation and 3D software.Opportunities may arise in unexpected ways, such as working as a runner or doing graphic design for DVD menus.Being open to new roles and challenges can lead to career progression and working with renowned directors.Enjoying the process and having a good working relationship with colleagues are key to success in the industry. Ex Machina was a highly ambitious film with a tight shooting schedule and minimal pre-visualization and concept work.The design process for Ava focused on creating visual effects that could be executed like a regular piece of drama.The decision to use CG for Ava's head was made during the editing process, allowing for more creative control and a stronger visual impact.The design of Ava was influenced by a variety of sources, including racing car suspension, modernist sculpture, and human anatomy.The use of pencil and paper in the design process is a valuable tool for exploring ideas and understanding visual concepts. Taking the time to manually create something allows for thinking and feeling, which can lead to better results and creative collaboration.Observing the world and engaging with different forms of art can enhance creativity and provide inspiration for visual effects.Recreating a young version of a character like Indiana Jones requires a combination of techniques, including face swapping and machine learning.The use of high-resolution scans and archival material can help ensure accuracy and detail in visual effects.Closure on a project is important for maintaining mental health and allows for focusing on new challenges. All the links

    1h 22m
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Look no further if you want knowledgeable in-depth conversations between film historian Jamie Benning and some of the greatest artists in all the movie making crafts from effects to editing, stunts to storyboards.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Benning
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jamie Benning - Filmumentaries.com
  • Show Website
    The Filmumentaries Podcast

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