The Filmumentaries Podcast

Jamie Benning
  • 4.9 (59)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
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The Filmumentaries Podcast

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. Push the Button - The Curious Career of Jeff Okun

    4D AGO

    Push the Button - The Curious Career of Jeff Okun

    Episode 124  Like many visual effects artists of a certain vintage, Jeff Okun didn’t plan on a career in VFX. In fact, by his own account, he didn't even plan to work in film at all. "I’m a completely accidental human being," he told me with a chuckle. His ambitions began on a very different stage — as a stand-up comic — until a sharply atheistic routine delivered at home earned him a lifetime ban from performing in front of his parents. Instead, Okun’s creative outlet took the form of magic tricks, homemade stunts, and Super 8 visual gags. “I would blow up model ships and fake fights in rush hour traffic,” he said, “and I’d be in the bushes filming with ketchup for blood.” All of this childhood chicanery ultimately gave way to a fascination with the trickery of movies — the kind of illusions you could only pull off with careful camera work, sleight-of-hand editing, and an appetite for mischief. Learning the Craft the Hard Way Okun's first job in film was with the legendary graphic designer and filmmaker Saul Bass. The experience was, in Okun's words, “awful,” but also profoundly formative. As Bass’s gopher-turned-editor, Okun was thrown into the deep end. “I hated him,” he laughed. “But he taught me everything: editing, sound, post-production supervision, how to shoot, how to frame. It was a masterclass.” Working for Bass meant operating in a visually precise, effects-heavy style — layering camera moves, creating in-camera effects, and often relying on labor-intensive optical printing processes. When optical houses turned down Bass’s business — too exacting, too expensive — Okun stepped in with cost-saving workarounds and pricing schemes that actually worked. “We doubled the budget, added a contingency, and somehow still landed exactly on target.” “By the end of it, I ended up loving the man,” Okun said. “Not because he gave me a break, but because he was so specific and difficult to please that when you did please him, it meant something. He learned how to prep lineup sheets, how to composite with interpositives, and how to break down 140-layer optical shots into manageable components. “I was just the fix-it guy. I didn't know what I was doing half the time. I still don't.” VFX by Way of Accident It wasn’t long before optical houses and producers began calling on Okun when their films were in trouble. One fix led to another. His reputation grew as someone who could step into a crisis and calmly solve it — usually with a combination of ingenuity, humour, and brute-force trial and error. “I think Saul trained me to see puzzles. That’s what it comes down to — seeing what’s broken and putting it together in a way that works. Most of the time, it wasn’t about having the right answer. It was about trying 50 wrong ones.” This kind of lateral thinking came into its own on films like Stargate (1994), where Okun — working with Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak’s fledgling CG company — had to convince director Roland Emmerich that computer graphics were even worth attempting. “Roland didn’t believe in CG. So we built the shot, made the CG glider deliberately less detailed to match the miniature footage. Showed it to him. He said, ‘Exactly — that’s what I’m talking about. Miniatures are the way to go.’ And we said, ‘Nope. All CG.’ That’s when he finally came around.” (Fun fact, VFX supervisor Jeff Okun was paid homage by Brent Spiner in Independence Day in the role of Dr. Brackish Okun. There’s uh, a slight resemblance.) - Credit to Nofilmschool.com Penguins, Moose, and the Invisible Effect Okun is quick to point out he wasn’t a Star Wars kid. In fact, he avoided the original film for weeks on principle — he doesn’t do queues. But he did get a behind-the-scenes tour of ILM’s original Van Nuys facility courtesy of Bass and George Lucas. There, he saw motion control rigs, Richard Edlund on his knees filming the crawl, Phil Tippett animating the chess game, and pyro...

    1h 27m
  2. The Art of Dialogue Editing - With Vickie Sampson

    MAR 25

    The Art of Dialogue Editing - With Vickie Sampson

    Episode 123: Vickie Sampson – Dialogue, Detail, and the Art of Sound In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I speak with sound editor, dialogue and ADR supervisor, and filmmaker Vickie Sampson. Vickie’s career began in the early 1970s, and she’s since built up a mighty list of credits including Romancing the Stone, The River, Tank Girl, The Fifth Element, Ordinary People, and Return of the Jedi. She’s also the daughter of the trailblazing Kay Rose – the first woman to win an Oscar for sound editing. We discuss: Growing up surrounded by film and soundHer hands-on experiences on shows like The Big Valley and The RiflemanThe vital but often misunderstood role of dialogue and ADR editingWhat makes a great production sound handover (and how so many indies get it wrong!)‘Temp love’ and the challenges of directors getting attached to scratch tracksWorking with actors like Keanu Reeves, Meryl Streep and Sigourney WeaverHer time in London supervising ADR for Return of the Jedi – including a story about the reels being stolen from her carWhy clean dialogue is the bedrock of a good filmHer continued work as a director and teacherThis one’s packed with stories, insights, and practical advice for anyone working in – or just obsessed with – film sound. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Skywalking Through Neverland Podcast – Episode 72 – More on Vickie’s Jedi reels storySimon Hayes' article on the sound of Wicked“A Letter from Your Sound Department” (available upon request or via Vickie’s site)Support the podcast: Grab some merch: filmumentaries.creator-spring.com Or support on Patreon for just $1 a month: patreon.com/jamiebenning Follow me on social media: @filmumentaries on Threads, Instagram and Facebook  Filmumentaries Linktree

    1h 13m
  3. "Her Name Was Moviola" - With Director Howard Berry

    MAR 11

    "Her Name Was Moviola" - With Director Howard Berry

    In this conversation, I speak with Howard Berry about his film project 'Her Name Was Moviola', which explores the art of film editing through the lens of a a traditional editing setup. Howard shares the origins of the project, his connections with notable filmmakers like Walter Murch and Mike Leigh, who are both involved in the projet. And the challenges he faced in acquiring the necessary equipment for the film.  The chat highlights the technical aspects of film editing and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. We look at the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on the editing process and the relationship between directors and editors. Howard shares insights into his experience editing a film about editing, the challenges faced during production, and the importance of preserving cinematic stories. We also touch on the film's reception at various festivals and the future distribution plans. The project began as an oral history of Elstree Studios.Howard's connections in the film industry were crucial to the project's development.Walter Murch's involvement was pivotal in shaping the film's direction.The film aims to document the process of editing, not just the final product.Acquiring vintage equipment like the movieola was a significant challenge.Howard's persistence in networking led to valuable collaborations.Mike Leigh's willingness to share footage was a turning point for the project.The technical aspects of editing are often overlooked but are essential to the craft.The film serves as a tribute to the art of film editing.Howard's journey reflects the importance of community and support in filmmaking. Howard emphasizes the importance of preserving historical stories in film.The documentary was always intended to focus on the technical and psychological aspects of editing.Walter Murch's preference for a nuts-and-bolts approach shaped the film's direction.The relationship between a director and editor can be tense yet collaborative.Critiques from directors can enhance the editing process and lead to better outcomes.Editing a film about editing presents unique challenges and pressures.Trust between filmmakers is crucial for a successful project.The film has received positive feedback from audiences and critics alike.Festival screenings have provided valuable exposure and audience engagement.Future distribution plans aim to reach a wider audience through streaming services. Filmumentaries Linktree Her Name Was Moviola The Elstree Project

    1h 10m
  4. Marketing Hollywood's Hits and Flops with Jim Fredrick

    FEB 25

    Marketing Hollywood's Hits and Flops with Jim Fredrick

    In this conversation, Jim shares his journey into the film industry, detailing how a little film called Star Wars inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking. He discusses his early experiences in the industry, the evolution of trailer editing, and the critical role of marketing in film success. Jim reflects on his time at Castle Rock Entertainment, the challenges of marketing films like The Shawshank Redemption, and the importance of intuition in making marketing decisions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of film marketing, exploring the challenges faced in promoting films like 'Shawshank Redemption' and the impact of initial reception on a film's legacy. We discuss the evolution of film reception over time, about iconic directors like Stanley Kubrick and franchises like Harry Potter. Highlighting the importance of creativity in marketing and the unique experiences that come with working on significant film projects. Jim's book - Opening Weekend is available here! Shawshank Redemption Trailer All my links

    1h 17m
  5. The Only Female VFX Camera Operator - With Maryan Infield

    FEB 11

    The Only Female VFX Camera Operator - With Maryan Infield

    In this conversation, Maryan discusses her journey into the film industry, detailing her entry point after film school, her experiences at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She shares insights into the creative environment at ILM, the collaborative spirit among teams, and the innovative techniques used in films like Return of the Jedi. Maryan reflects on her post-ILM career, the changing dynamics in the industry, and the importance of perseverance and creativity in filmmaking. In this conversation, Maryan reflects on her experiences in the film industry, particularly focusing on the creative processes behind visual effects, the impact of influential figures like George Lucas, and the transition from effects work to live action and music videos. We discuss the challenges of working in different effects houses, the importance of collaboration, and the evolution of technology in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on personal career transitions, the balance between work and family life, and the shift towards education in the arts. All my links

    1h 10m
  6. The Saga Museum with Gus Lopez

    JAN 28

    The Saga Museum with Gus Lopez

    In this conversation, Gus Lopez shares his journey as a Star Wars collector, discussing the profound impact of Star Wars on film and culture, the evolution of collecting through the internet, and the importance of storytelling in the collecting community. He also delves into the ambitious plans for the Saga Museum, a collaborative effort among prominent collectors to create a public space for showcasing their collections and sharing their stories with fans. In this conversation, Gus Lopez discusses the ambitious plans for a physical Star Wars museum, focusing on fundraising, educational components, community engagement, and the importance of support from Lucasfilm. He shares insights into the collecting journey, the responsibility of preserving cultural artifacts, and the vision for a location that attracts both fans and tourists. The conversation concludes with ways fans can get involved in the project. Takeaways Gus Lopez was a Star Wars kid who began collecting early.The influence of Star Wars on film and culture is significant.Collecting became serious for Gus in the early 90s.Networking among collectors was crucial in the early days.The Star Wars Collectors Archive was a pioneering website.Collecting is seen as a social hobby by Gus.Every collectible has a unique story behind it.The Saga Museum project has been in the works for three and a half years.Collaboration among collectors enhances the museum experience.Legacy is important; sharing collections with the public is fulfilling.The museum aims to shareunique memorabilia with a wider audience.Fundraising is a primary focus, with a goal of $2 million.Educational components will span history, art, and science.Community support is crucial for the museum's success.Lucasfilm's endorsement is vital for credibility and support.Collecting requires a range of skills and experience.The museum will preserve cultural artifacts for public enjoyment.Choosing the right location is essential for attracting visitors.Fans can contribute through donations and merchandise purchases.The museum will create a space for both kids and adults to learn.The Saga Museum Tour of Gus's Collection All my links

    47 min
  7. Director Paul King on his new film "Shine On"

    JAN 7

    Director Paul King on his new film "Shine On"

    In this conversation, Jamie interviews director Paul King about his documentary 'Shine On', which explores the making of 'The Shining' and its filming locations at Elstree Studios. They discuss their personal experiences with the film, the meticulousness of Kubrick's work, and the emotional connections that fans have with the movie. Paul shares insights into the production process of his documentary, the challenges faced during filming and editing, and the support received from the Kubrick estate. The conversation highlights the nostalgia and significance of revisiting iconic films and locations. All my links Shine On Documentary That Kubrick Season trailer from Film4

    52 min
  8. 117 - Colin Cantwell - Concept Artist - My chat with Sierra Dall, his long term partner.

    12/19/2024

    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
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4.9
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

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! 

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Benning
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jamie Benning - Filmumentaries.com
  • Show Website
    The Filmumentaries Podcast

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