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BTL Radio Show - 06/22/2026 with MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH talking HEKLA and DOUG BREMNER discussing THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG
Jun 22, 2026
1h 42m 47s
BTL Radio Show - 06/15/2026 with special guest director JAY SILVERMAN discussing YALE
Jun 15, 2026
1h 01m 28s
BTL Radio Show - 06/08/2026 with guests JESSE WEGLEIN talking ROAR and SARAH AFFLECK talking DEAR UPSTAIRS NEIGHBORS
Jun 8, 2026
1h 25m 11s
BTL Radio Show - 06/01/2026 with actor KATIE CASSIDY and director JON KEEYES talking SPEED DEMON
Jun 1, 2026
42m 30s
BTL Radio Show - 05/18/2026 with special guest writer/director JING AI NG discussing FORGE
May 18, 2026
53m 14s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
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| 6/22/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 06/22/2026 with MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH talking HEKLA and DOUG BREMNER discussing THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG | It’s another week of BEHIND THE LENS shining a spotlight on DANCES WITH FILMS and a couple of the wonderful films and filmmakers in this year’s festival, namely HEKLA and w/d MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH and THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG and w/d DOUGLAS BREMNER. First up - MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH and HEKLA! HEKLA is a comedy/drama about the emotional cost of pursuing a creative life. Set over one hectic day in Chicago, it explores how ambition, identity, and vulnerability collide when you’re chasing something as personal – and uncertain – as an acting career. Hekla Gudmunsdottir (Elizabeth Stam), a determined actress, races through auditions, breakups, and self-doubt, risking her heart and career to claim her voice and step fully into the artist and woman she’s meant to be: Hekla goes on four auditions, gets new headshots, and plays Lady Macbeth in a dive bar, all while attempting to keep intrusive thoughts of a recently ended relationship at bay. Beneath the humor and dramatic momentum lies a story about the importance of showing up for yourself, even when the world isn’t clapping for you yet. Written and Directed by MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH and co-written by Elizabeth Stam, HEKLA stars Elizabeth Stam, Wendy Robie, Mary Tilden, Brookelyn Hebert, and Sadieh Rifai. And let me put these folks on your artisans' radar right now because their work in HEKLA is beyond outstanding - cinematographer Jose Perez, editor Eric Marsh, production designer Heather Kuhlmann, and composer Trev Gibb. These magicians give HEKLA the visual textures and excitement that it has. In this exclusive interview, Michael and I break down HEKLA and all of its production elements. There’s much to see and much to unpack with this film, starting with its unique structure of five acts, each with distinct titles and styles, inspired by both classic cinema and personal experiences with casting. The film follows a day in the life of HEKLA, an actress navigating multiple auditions, with each act able to stand alone as a short film. Michael collaborated closely with lead actress Elizabeth Stam, who co-wrote the script, and credits the film’s visual impact to cinematographer Jose Perez and production designer Heather Kuhlmann. The movie uses mostly black-and-white visuals with bursts of vibrant color to reflect HEKLA’s inner world, drawing inspiration from classic Hollywood and the French New Wave. Editing by Eric Marsh and a pre-recorded, dreamlike score by Trev Gibb further enhance the film’s tone. The interview also touches on the film’s open, ambiguous ending and the collaborative, fast-paced production process. Shifting gears, and I do mean shifting, we move into a medical legal tale told from a very unique perspective - that of the medical expert. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is inspired by a true story involving writer/director DOUG BREMNER. In addition to being a filmmaker, Doug is also a professor of psychiatry and a medical researcher. He did brain imaging research on the effects of an acne medication, isotretinoin (Accutane), on the brain, and as a result became an expert witness in multi-district litigation related to depression and suicide in teenagers who had taken the drug. The research was funded by private donations from affected families. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is a fictionalized story with elements of truth. In reality, the plaintiffs settled with the drug manufacturer, and part of the settlement was a confidentiality clause that precluded them from talking about the settlement. In the film, we meet Amanda Bellaconda, a mother grieving the death of her son as the result of suicide, who seeks the help of Dr Jack Forteo to understand why teenagers are suddenly taking their own lives after taking a medication for acne. Carinaderm (the fictional drug in the film) is the goose that keeps laying golden eggs, an acne medication bringing in a billion dollars a year for the Renzon Pharmaceutical Company. When Dr. Fort | 1h 42m 47s | ||||||
| 6/15/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 06/15/2026 with special guest director JAY SILVERMAN discussing YALE | Last week was all about Tribeca Film Festival and some wonderful animated short films that had their premieres there. This week it’s all about Dances With Films, which starts this week on June 18 and runs through June 28 at the TCL Chinese Theatre complex in Hollywood. And there are some great films for you to look forward to seeing, starting with the opening night film - the world premiere of YALE from director JAY SILVERMAN. I love this film! YALE is based on a true story about screenwriter Van Billet’s maternal grandfather. When he first learned about his family lore as a young teen, he couldn’t believe it was true and knew he had to write about it. YALE is directed by Jay Silverman and written by Van Billet and stars Kevin Dunn, Caitlin McGee, Kathleen Gati, Rachael Harris, Dominic Leeder, Nene Nwoko, and Benjamin Mackey. Abandoned by her beloved father, Yale Parker, when she was nine, Mackenzie (MAC) Mitchell’s adult life has been consumed with alcohol and run-ins with the law, causing a deep rift with her son, Ryan, 12. When Ryan needs an emergency kidney transplant, his only chance at survival might be the last person Mac wants to ask for help — her father, whom she hasn’t seen for thirty years. Their reunion is complicated when Yale reveals a jaw-dropping secret that he has eight other families that he kept hidden from her all her life…and one of them might be a match to save her son. As this odd couple set off on an epic road trip to track down her half-siblings, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, ultimately both learning that ‘genes’ run deep. I spoke with director JAY SILVERMAN the other day about YALE. This is our fourth interview together chatting about his films. He is always a joy and is so generous of spirit. And he loves storytelling and making movies. I will always have time for Jay and his films. Setting YALE head and shoulders above the crowd starts with Kevin Dunn, who plays Yale Parker. When was the last time you got to see Kevin Dunn - a cinematic and television institution - with a leading role where he got to showcase drama, comedy, and lots and lots of heart? Beyond the heartfelt script, Kevin is one of the main reasons that make Yale so special. As you’re about to hear in this exclusive interview with Jay, and forgive the roundaboutness of our conversation as we kind of hit everything backwards and sideways, we cover all the aspects and elements of YALE. We start by chatting about Kathleen Gati, who plays Bunny, an ex-stripper and current wife of Yale. Being a die-hard Kathleen Gati fan thanks to her years on “General Hospital”, knowing that she was in the cast was one of the reasons I was excited for YALE, as I know what she brings to the table. And for all you GH fans and Kathleen Gati fans, do not look to see Mutter, aka Dr. Liesl Obrecht, anywhere in Bunny. This is another side to Kathleen’s talents that she delights us with as she brings her unique qualities to YALE, including her versatility and comedic talent. And I’ll be honest with you. Normally, I don’t excise any part of my conversations with talent unless it’s something off the record or very personal and not to be shared, but I did trim this interview and cut out about 7 minutes of Jay and me discussing “General Hospital.” Seriously. As we dove into YALE, Jay shared insights into the casting process, noting that both Kathleen and Rachael Harris (another winner in my book who I will see in anything), though in smaller roles, are crucial to the film's impact. As we moved into discussion on Kevin Dunn, who plays Yale Parker (also known as Hymie Hymowitz), Jay explained that the story, written by Van Billet, attracted Kevin because of its complexity and blend of comedy and drama, rooted in real-life experiences. We also discussed the challenge and reward of working with child actors, specifically Benjamin Mackey, who plays Ryan, and how his authentic, non-precocious performance adds dept | 1h 01m 28s | ||||||
| 6/8/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 06/08/2026 with guests JESSE WEGLEIN talking ROAR and SARAH AFFLECK talking DEAR UPSTAIRS NEIGHBORS✨ | animationTribeca Film Festival+3 | JESSE WEGLEINSARAH AFFLECK | PixarROAR+1 | TokyoSan Francisco+1 | animationshort films+5 | — | 1h 25m 11s | |
| 6/1/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 06/01/2026 with actor KATIE CASSIDY and director JON KEEYES talking SPEED DEMON✨ | supernaturalaction-horror+4 | KATIE CASSIDYJON KEEYES | SPEED DEMON | — | SPEED DEMONKATIE CASSIDY+6 | — | 42m 30s | |
| 5/18/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 05/18/2026 with special guest writer/director JING AI NG discussing FORGE✨ | Miami art worldfirst-time feature director+3 | Jing Ai Ng | FORGE | Miami | Jing Ai NgFORGE+6 | — | 53m 14s | |
| 5/11/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 05/11/2026 with guest writr/director JOHN MICHAEL KENNEDY discussing AN ENEMY WITHIN✨ | film debutmystery thriller+3 | JOHN MICHAEL KENNEDY | WingateForesights+1 | — | John Michael KennedyAN ENEMY WITHIN+5 | — | 1h 00m 55s | |
| 5/4/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 05/04/2026 with special guest RENNY HARLIN diving into DEEP WATER✨ | filmmakinginterview+4 | RENNY HARLIN | DEEP WATER | — | Renny HarlinDEEP WATER+5 | — | 39m 22s | |
| 4/27/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 04/27/2026 with director DAVID MACKENZIE talking about the explosive FUZE✨ | filmdirector+4 | DAVID MACKENZIE | FUZE | London | FUZEDavid Mackenzie+4 | — | 31m 43s | |
| 4/20/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 04/20/2026 with special guest writer/director ANTON SIGURDSSON discussing REFUGE✨ | psychological thrillermystery+4 | ANTON SIGURDSSON | REFUGE | Lake PlacidPhiladelphia | REFUGEANTON SIGURDSSON+8 | — | 52m 10s | |
| 4/13/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 04/13/2026 with guests BEN WHEATLEY talking NORMAL and ANEIL KARIA talking HAMLET✨ | film adaptationShakespeare+3 | Ben WheatleyAneil Karia | NORMALHAMLET | — | Ben WheatleyAneil Karia+5 | — | 47m 58s | |
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| 4/6/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 04/06/2026 with special guest JOSHUA ENCK discussing A GREAT AWAKENING✨ | historical dramareligion+3 | Joshua Enck | Sight & SoundA GREAT AWAKENING | — | A GREAT AWAKENINGJoshua Enck+6 | — | 48m 05s | |
| 3/30/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 03/30/2026 with guest OSCAR BOYSON discussing OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR✨ | filmdirecting+3 | OSCAR BOYSON | UNCUT GEMSFRANCES HA+1 | — | OSCAR BOYSONOUR HERO, BALTHAZAR+5 | — | 40m 53s | |
| 3/16/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 03/16/2026 with guests DAVID KOEPP talking COLD STORAGE and MARC KLASFELD talking DO NOT ENTER✨ | Oscarsfilm industry+5 | David KoeppMarc Klasfeld | COLD STORAGEDO NOT ENTER+3 | — | OscarsDavid Koepp+6 | — | 56m 31s | |
| 3/9/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 03/09/2026 with writer/director PAUL BOYD talking about SCARED TO DEATH✨ | filminterview+3 | PAUL BOYD | SCARED TO DEATHMONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS+1 | — | Paul BoydScared to Death+3 | — | 1h 11m 52s | |
| 3/2/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 03/02/2026 with guests NASTASYA POPOV talking IDIOTKA and CINQUE LEE discussing LAST RIDE✨ | filmmakingcomedy+4 | NASTASYA POPOVCINQUE LEE | IDIOTKALAST RIDE | — | filmmakingIDIOTKA+7 | — | 1h 17m 14s | |
| 2/23/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 02/23/2026 with special guest director BRAD ANDERSON discussing WORLDBREAKER✨ | apocalypticsci-fi+5 | BRAD ANDERSON | WORLDBREAKER | — | WORLDBREAKERBrad Anderson+5 | — | 39m 54s | |
| 2/9/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 02/09/2026 with special guest KEVIN LEWIS talking MISDIRECTION , plus some Oscar trivia✨ | filminterview+3 | KEVIN LEWIS | MISDIRECTIONWILLY’S WONDERLAND+1 | — | MisdirectionKevin Lewis+3 | — | 41m 33s | |
| 2/2/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 02/02/2026 with guests RENNY HARLIN talking THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 3 and BRYAN FULLER talking DUST BUNNY | This week is a fun week for me with BEHIND THE LENS, given the two films that we’re talking about and the two filmmakers I’m speaking with. It’s a great way to kick off my 44th year as a film critic, although I was published with reviews going back 5 years before that! Today you’ll hear from one of my all-time favorite directors, RENNY HARLIN, as we talk about THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 3, which now completes his trilogy of the rebooted classic. And, then there’s writer/director BRYAN FULLER, who makes his feature directorial debut with the sumptuous and fun visual feast, DUST BUNNY. So, let’s get started! First up - RENNY HARLIN and THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 3. The Strangers began back in 2008 thanks to w/d Bryan Bertino, who treated us to the tale of James Hoyt and Kristen McKay, who visit an isolated vacation home to enjoy some time together. Hopeful bliss turned into terror, making their stay a bloody nightmare. In 2018, director Johannes Roberts, with a script by Bryan Bertino and Ben Ketai, rebooted the franchise with The Strangers: Prey at Night, starring Bailee Madison, Lewis Pullman, and Christina Hendricks. It was always Johannes’s intent to do a sequel, but that didn’t pan out. But then in 2024, RENNY HARLIN stepped into the franchise with what has become a three-chapter series with all three films shot at the same time over 53 days of principal photography, with a cast led by Madelaine Petsch. In The Strangers: Chapter 1, we met Maya and Rory, whose car breaks down in the creepy and eerie small mountain town of Venus, forcing them to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive. In 2025, Renny gave us the next chilling chapter with Madelaine Petsch returning as Maya, and joining her are, among others, Gabriel Basso and Richard Brake. Chapter 2 picks up the morning after Chapter 1 ended, where we find Maya as the sole survivor of The Strangers’ murdering spree of the previous night. But the night’s events aren’t over as she must now do everything in her power to survive the continued, relentless attacks from the masked killers. The film expanded from a cabin to the town and forested areas, becoming very physical, very tactile, and very visceral. Now, we have the final piece of the puzzle with THE STRANGERS CHAPTER 3. Maya is again the last woman standing. She survived what she thought was the worst of the worst, but now she must move on. But how to do that, when she must face the masked killers one last time in a brutal, full-circle reckoning of survival and revenge. This final chapter is very internalized, very observational as Maya tries to absorb what all has happened while trying to understand the psyche of these masked psychopaths. Where lighting and lensing were the key tools in the cinematic toolbox for Chapter 2, sound becomes all-important with CHAPTER 3. And that’s what Renny and I focus on in this exclusive interview, once again very short on time for real in-depth analysis, but we did our best. Highlighting the film’s psychological depth and sound design, Renny emphasizes not only the importance of sound in creating tension, such as a diner scene and Maya's limping footsteps in an underground, stoned tunnel, but also describes the meticulous process of recreating sounds and auditory context. We delve into the significance of a saw mill location and how that inspired Renny to alter the story with some creative additions. We also talk about his use of needle drops, like Heart’s “Crazy On You” and "Knights in White Satin," to enhance the story's impact. The film's internalized psychological aspects and the seamless integration of sound and visuals are extremely well done. So take a listen as RENNY HARLIN talks THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 3. Switching gears into a film that I absolutely love is my conversation with writer/director BRYAN FULLER, talking DUST BUNNY. This i | 1h 03m 27s | ||||||
| 1/26/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 01/26/2026 with special guest TOM BOTCHII discussing RELENTLESS | Welcome back to another week of BEHIND THE LENS! I’m excited about today’s show and my exclusive interview with my special guest, director/writer/editor TOM BOTCHII, talking about his new film RELENTLESS. And let me tell you, RELENTLESS is exactly what its title promises: a sustained assault of motion, impact, and withheld meaning. It begins as a home invasion and refuses to let go, barreling forward as a near-wordless cat-and-mouse chase that doesn’t pause to explain itself—at least not until the audience is already locked into its grip. What I found interesting in speaking with Tom is that he has a wonderful sense of humor that belies the violence, hatred, and revenge that unfolds in this film. He is so engaging and fun. I can’t wait to speak to him again. And in addition to Tom and RELENTLESS, how about some fun facts about the 98th Academy Award Nominations? Keep listening after Tom's interview for some trivia night-ready Oscar factoids for you. RELENTLESS starts as a seemingly straightforward home invasion robbery but quickly becomes a sustained chase between two men—Teddy, a homeless drifter, and Jun, a successful businessman—layering the pursuit with ideas drawn from what Tom calls the “Twitter mentality.” Not Twitter as a platform, but as psychology: rage without listening, guilt assigned without process, justice declared without context. A two-hander that stars Jeffrey Decker as Teddy and Shuhei Kinoshita as Jun, Tom wanted multiple journeys within the same film. The first is visceral: survive the pursuit. The second is moral and psychological: are we even right about who’s guilty? In this exclusive interview, Tom discusses the inspiration and creation of his film RELENTLESS, emphasizing its brutal and primal nature. As the film progresses, violence becomes bloody and brutal, increasing in that brutality until it reaches a savage, even barbaric level of primal ferocity. As we break down the film’s thematic and emotional structure, David Christopher Pitt’s cinematography is critical for its creativity in creating visuals that track the themes. Some outstanding set pieces which showcase David’s work include key scenes such as a tense bubble-car-wash fight, where a camera lens broke, and a home invasion sequence using multi-level set pieces. Co-editing the film along with Tom is DP David Pitt, who is doing double duty here, a challenging task indeed, given that the film's structure avoids dialogue initially, building tension through action and minimal exposition. Something I found quite interesting is Tom’s highlighting the importance of audience perspective, noting that subtle actions can convey character plights effectively. And you get some very fun anecdotes that include insights on practical effects, such as using shoelaces to resemble barbed wire, and Jun leaving his home to escape Teddy, but bringing only his sneakers with him, which he changes in the middle of an intersection. A fascinating reason for that little addition to the film. So, take a listen as writer/director/editor TOM BOTCHII digs deep into the creation and making of RELENTLESS. Then keep listening for some fun, noteworthy tidbits about this year’s Oscars and the little Golden Boy himself. Enjoy! | 53m 17s | ||||||
| 1/19/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 01/19/2026 with PAUL SCHWARTZ and SALVATORE SCIORTINO & JOSHUA TATE | Welcome back to BEHIND THE LENS! This past weekend was Dances With Films Film Festival NY and from all accounts, it was a blast. You all know how much I love to champion indie films, which makes DWF one of my fave fests. And how lucky are we to not only have DWF in Los Angeles later in the year, but also an abbreviated version in NY! I was privileged to screen a few of the fest films before their premieres and screenings at Dances, as well as speak with some very talented filmmakers, who you are going to hear from right now. Two standout world premieres at Dances With Films and films that I already love are the elegant and emotionally beautiful STOP TIME from PAUL SCHWARTZ, and the edge-of-your-seat human thriller ROOF from Salvatore Sciortino and Joshua Tate. So sit back and take a listen as we dive in. First up, let’s take a look and a listen at STOP TIME and my exclusive interview with writer, director, editor, and cinematographer PAUL SCHWARTZ. And did I mention he also composed the film’s end credit song? As mentioned, STOP TIME had its world premiere on Saturday at Dances With Films NY film festival, and while currently on the festival circuit, I anticipate it won’t be long before the film gets a distribution deal. STOP TIME tells the intertwined stories of Peter de Vries, a photographer, and Adrianna Maier, a theatrical lighting designer. Both are carrying heavy burdens of sadness: burdens that mutual friends of theirs believe each could lighten for the other. Over the course of 24 hours in New York City, their lives circle, until they meet at the opening of Peter’s gallery show, which leads them both down an unexpected path. Written and directed by PAUL SCHWARTZ, STOP TIME stars Nelson Avidon, Tara Westwood, Patty McCormack, Kelly Deadmon, Christina Toth, Catherine Quirico, and Daria Karic. In this exclusive interview, writer/director/editor/cinematographer Paul Schwartz discussed his film STOP TIME, which he expanded from a 44-minute short. The film, shot in black and white, explores themes of loss and recovery, inspired by his wife's breast cancer diagnosis. The story revolves around a photographer named Peter, with Adriana's backstory adding depth. Schwartz did a mix of formats, including using Super 8 film for vintage home movies, and employed creative editing techniques, including time-lapse and superimpositions. The sound design, blending ambient sounds and music, enhances the emotional impact. Schwartz, with a background in music and ballet, meticulously crafted the film, aiming for a delicate, ballet-like elegance. Now, I want to let you know that after listening to this week's show and this interview with Paul Schwartz, you can go to the website, www.behindthelensonline.net, and not only hear this interview in its entirety as a stand alone, but you'll find my full review of the film, and an exclusive interview with none other than the legendary Patty McCormack talking about STOP TIME and several other projects she's currently working on. And yes, we talk about Rhoda and "The Bad Seed", too! Now, let’s switch gears with a film that I was riveted by. ROOF. That’s it. One word. ROOF. It’s a human thriller, a nail-biter, it has some wonderful cinematic nods to beloved films of the past few decades, boasts strong performances, creativity, and, in all honesty, is a Must See Film. The premise is simple and effective. When a catastrophic blackout leaves two strangers, Dev, a trader who just lost the company millions, and Mary, a pregnant woman with nowhere to turn, trapped on a rooftop in downtown L.A. over July 4th weekend, survival becomes a brutal waiting game. With no water, no exit, and the city oblivious to their cries for help, the heat and hunger push them to the brink, both physically and mentally. As desperation sets in, a bond forms between them, blurring the lines between fear, trust, and something deeper. But as their bodies weaken and the ledge starts looking lik | 1h 16m 40s | ||||||
| 1/12/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 01/12/2026 with special guest writer/director STEVEN GRAYHM discussing SHEEPDOG | We're looking at another emotional film this week on BEHIND THE LENS as I chat with writer/director and actor STEVEN GRAYHM in this exclusive interview about his latest film, SHEEPDOG, one of the most important and powerful films you will see this year. There have been a number of films over the years, especially since all of the Middle East conflicts, that address PTSD or some form of it. Some of those films “work”, while others fall flat and are formulaic and unaffecting. One of the best documentaries done over the past decade is THAT WHICH I LOVE DESTROYS ME, directed by Ric Waugh. Another emotional, no-holds-barred narrative is BLOOD STRIPE by director Remy Auberjonois that focuses on a female combat veteran and her battle with vigorous PTSD. An interesting perspective comes from 2017's MEAGAN LEAVEY directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, which focuses on a Marine corporal and her K9 combat companion, and not only her fight to adopt her combat dog Rex after both are injured, but also dealing with both human and canine PTSD. And now we have a very unique film with SHEEPDOG, thanks to STEVEN GRAYHM. SHEEPDOG is the story of decorated U.S. Army combat veteran Calvin Cole (Steven Grayhm), who is court-ordered into treatment and into the care of a VA trauma therapist in-training. Things become even more complicated when Calvin's father-in-law, a retired Vietnam Veteran (Vondie Curtis-Hall), shows up on his doorstep having just been released from prison. As Calvin’s plan to run from his past becomes even more challenging, he learns through the support of his community: tough love and compassion, that he must put himself back together again for his family – and for himself. Written and directed by Steven Grayhm, SHEEPDOG stars Emmy Nominee Vondie Curtis-Hall, Academy Award Nominee Virginia Madsen, Tony Nominee Lilli Cooper, Dominic Fumusa, Matt Dallas, and Steven Grayhm. As you’re about to hear in this exclusive interview, STEVEN GRAYHM discusses his film SHEEPDOG, an emotional powerhouse about PTSD, featuring authentic portrayals and filled with hope. The film explores the impact of PTSD over time, with characters from different eras, and the importance of seeking help. In this conversation, Steven emphasizes the refinement process over 14 years, the intimate cinematic style, and the collaboration with cinematographer Evans Brown. He highlights the diverse treatment methods for PTSD, including EMDR and art therapy, and the meticulous editing and sound design. The film's success on the festival circuit underscores its impactful storytelling. What is most interesting from the get-go is the film’s title. SHEEPDOG itself signals Steven's intent. Drawn from Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s book On Combat, the metaphor divides the world into sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs—those who run toward danger to protect others. But as you’ll hear Steven explain, many veterans discover that when the uniform comes off, the “wolf” follows them home in the form of guilt, memory, isolation, and unresolved trauma. This film, he stresses, is about that unseen battle—and about post-traumatic growth rather than combat heroics. The genesis of the project was unexpectedly intimate. In 2011, Steven's car broke down during a solo drive from Vancouver to Los Angeles. The tow truck driver who picked him up, recently out of the military, began to talk about his marriage, his children, financial strain, and the medications tied to his service. What struck Steven most was not the content of the confession, but the context. The driver repeatedly told him he had never shared these things with his wife or therapist. “That was the seminal moment,” Steven recalls, “of being able to share your stories like that with a complete stranger that would listen without prejudice.” That encounter became the emotional seed of SHEEPDOG. Later that same summer, Steven and actor Matt Dallas traveled across the country, sitting with veterans and their families, confirming t | 43m 42s | ||||||
| 1/5/26 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 01/05/2026 with special guest RIC ROMAN WAUGH talking GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION | Welcome back to another year of BEHIND THE LENS and BTLRadioShow!! I’m excited to be back and kick off Year 12 of BTLRadioShow. I am beyond thrilled to start the new year with a very special guest and talk about the absolute “Must See” film of 2026. And that guest is none other than my friend of 40+ years - director RIC ROMAN WAUGH - and that film is GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION. I first met Ric when he and his brother Scott, also an acclaimed director, were in their teens learning the stunt trade and working with their dad, legendary stuntman Fred Waugh. So to see Ric, and Scotty, move through the world of stunts and stunt coordination and into directing as well as writing, has been an absolute privilege and joy. And to see how damn good they are as filmmakers! Wow! It blows my mind - especially with Ric and his cadre of films like FELON, SHOT CALLER, SNITCH, NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, KANDAHAR, ANGEL HAS FALLEN, the powerhouse documentary THAT WHICH I LOVE DESTROYS ME about veterans and PTSD, and GREENLAND. Action, emotion, practical in-camera action, explosions - Ric loves pyrotechnics (just think ANGEL HAS FALLEN and KANDAHAR). His films are always emotionally layered and capture all the shades of grey, both sides of the coin. And now with the next chapter of "Greenland", GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION, Ric tops his own level of excellence with more depth, humanity, and breathtaking action than ever before. I’ll be honest with you. GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION is the first film Ric has ever done that made me ugly cry AND put me on the edge of my seat with terror, fear, and quite a few jump scares. This film is a perfect marriage of action, practical effects, incredible camera work by Martin Ahlgren, keen editing, and superb performances. Then ice it all with David Buckley’s score, and you have perfection. GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION is award-worthy on multiple levels. As you all may recall, 5 years ago, we saw Comet Clarke decimate the earth in “Greenland,” and we followed the Garrity family as they fought to make it to safety in underground bunkers in Greenland. Definitely action-packed, nail-biting tension. Now, 5 years later, we are again following the Garrity family - John, Allison, and their son Nathan, this time as they’re forced to leave the safety of their bunker in Greenland to traverse a shattered world in search of a new home. Radiation from Clarke, although abating somewhat, has permeated the earth for the past 5 years, making it unsafe to go outside of the bunkers unless suited up. There are pockets of survivors around the globe -but as the immediate effects of Clarke have died down somewhat, new challenges have surfaced with changed polarity of the earth and the tides, ongoing sporadic fractures of the comet still crash into the earth, earthquakes, tidal waves. Even military communications are spotty at best. So what does John Garrity do when his family is once again in immediate danger and forced out into “the world and the contaminated air”? He fights for their survival. And what a fight it is. Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin are back as John and Allison Garrity, and Roman Griffin Davis steps in as their now 15-year-old son, Nathan. You may remember Roman Griffin Davis from his scene-stealing performance in Taika Waititi’s “JoJo Rabbit”, so you know he’s got the chops to stand tall with Gerard Butler. Just before Christmas, Ric and I had the opportunity to chat about GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION. Now, any of you who have heard our prior conversations know that we can chat for a long time. LOL! This go round, we were only given about 30 minutes, but we covered quite a bit into Ric’s vision and directorial process for this film. Highlighting the emotional integrity of GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION with a focus on family resilience and hope, the film explores the aftermath of the comet’s impact, emphasizing human connection and survival. As you’ll hear, Ric has nothing but praise for his c | 32m 38s | ||||||
| 12/15/25 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 12/15/2025 with special guest RYAN FRANCIS talking about SPEED TRAIN | Welcome back to another week of BEHIND THE LENS! And it’s the final show of 2025!! And this week, we shine a light on a man who’s a producer, director, writer, and actor in his latest film, SPEED TRAIN - RYAN FRANCIS. I have had the pleasure of knowing Ryan for over two decades. I reviewed his first short film and multiple feature films thereafter, and interviewed him. And over the years, he has moved from being an actor in front of the camera to going behind the camera into directing and, most recently, also producing. And now he brings us a fast-paced, entertaining futuristic film that posits some interesting questions for us as individuals and a society - SPEED TRAIN. SPEED TRAIN is set in a distant future where tech reigns supreme and a disgraced tech genius hijacks a bullet train and uses the brain-chipped passengers as weapons. As chaos erupts, rebels, cheerleaders, and an FBI agent must battle AI threats and mercenaries alike. With time running out, they fight not only for survival but to reclaim their freedom from a world slipping into digital control. Directed by Ryan Francis and written by Ryan Francis and Judah Ray, SPEED TRAIN stars Nicky Whelan, Scout Taylor-Compton, Oliver Masucci, Louis Mandylor, Jade Patteri, Liana Ramirez, Mike Manning, Kristos Andrews, and Devanny Pinn. In this very candid, fun, and unfettered conversation, writer/director/producer and actor Ryan Francis discusses his career growth from acting to directing, highlighting his recent film SPEED TRAIN, as well as discussing at length some of his prior films of late in which he only acts or serves an Executive Producer versus directing; notably, “Reverence” (in which he has a killer death scene - pun intended), “The Jurassic Games: Extinction”, “Trail of Vengeance”, “The Flood”, and “3 Days in Malay”. He also discusses two upcoming films he’s excited about, “Bruton” and “Bring the Law.” As we specifically dig into the making of SPEED TRAIN, Ryan shares the challenges of directing a futuristic sci-fi film in 12 days with a small budget, praising his team, including DP Nico De La Fere and editor Austin Nordell. A large portion of our conversation also discusses the film's themes of AI and human reliance on technology, which is something that plays a major role in SPEED TRAIN. An interesting aspect of our discussion also revolves around the challenges of the film industry, the importance of maintaining a passion for making movies, and the need to bring audiences back to the theater experience. Now, mind you. This is only a 50+ minute portion of our interview. There is still more that we covered on other cinematic subjects, such as distribution, but I’ll have that for you at a later date on www.behindthelensonline.net. But right now, here's director/writer/actor/producer RYAN FRANCIS talking all things SPEED TRAIN and more! You can see SPEED TRAIN right now in theatres and On Demand. And that’s it for this week and this year! If you missed any episodes, you can find them all on www.behindthelensonline.net, Podbean, iTunes, multiple other podcast platforms, and on our YouTube channel. But never fear, I’ll be back on January 5, 2026, to kick off year 12 of BTL Radio Show with my guest, my friend, RIC ROMAN WAUGH, talking GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION. And if you think 20+ years of knowing Ryan Francis is a long time, how about over 40 years knowing Ric and his brother, Scotty, who is also a director. So until January 5, 2026, have a safe and happy holiday season. Go to the theatres. See lots of movies. | 1h 05m 48s | ||||||
| 12/8/25 | ![]() BTL Radio Show with Adam Volerich talking DRINK AND BE MERRY, and CELIA ANISKOVICH discussing THE MERCHANST OF JOY | Welcome to another week of BEHIND THE LENS. This week, it’s all about Christmas as I welcome director/co-cinematographer/co-editor ADAM VOLERICH, talking about his feature directorial debut, DRINK AND BE MERRY, and director CELIA ANISKOVICH, who is filled with the Christmas spirit as she talks about her documentary, THE MERCHANTS OF JOY. So, let’s get that cinematic sleigh going with Adam Volerich and DRINK AND BE MERRY. At a struggling New York dive bar in the days leading up to Christmas 2019, Chet, a beleaguered bartender in a state of extended arrested development, must balance caring for his misanthropic, aging regulars - who have nowhere else to go, and rely on him for far more than pouring drinks - with his naive desires to muster some Christmas spirit. As Adam himself describes it - “You know this bar. Maybe you were a regular. Maybe you were just passing through. But you sat, and you sipped all the same. The Bartender treated you well. The Barflies bantered with each other...It’s a liminal space where the outside world exists only in the memories of those seated on the stools, and they’re all doing their best to forget it. It’s comfortable. It’s cozy. That’s how you remember it anyway." In this exclusive conversation, Adam talks about how his real-life experiences at the Assembly Bar in Queens inspired DRINK AND BE MERRY and how screenwriter Leon Winters put pen to paper to capture the lifeblood of a dive bar and its patrons. Set on Christmas Eve Day and Eve, the film was shot at the Elm Witch Pub in New Brunswick and looks extremely festive, as many dive bars do for the holidays. Jefferson White, best known as the beloved character Jimmy on “Yellowstone”, stars as Chet, the bartender who cares about his regulars while his own life has no clarity or cheer. A strong suit of the film is the visual grammar developed by Adam and co-cinematographer Jack Mannion, with some fantastic imagery that ranges from sparkling ECU’s to a B&W dreamlike sequence to night shoots of a post-closing time Chet walking the streets. That visual style emphasizes the contrast between the warm, nostalgic bar and Chet's harsh, sparse apartment and the darkness and solitude of the night. Listening to him discuss the visual magic, including the production design, is enlightening. Adam also has much to say about his collaborative process, most notably between himself, Mannion, and co-editor Dominick Nero, and provides great insight into the challenges of transitioning from shorts to features. Then we move from the warmth of a cozy, nostalgic bar to the hustle and bustle of New York City with THE MERCHANTS OF JOY and documentarian CELIA ANISKOVICH. A funny, heartwarming, and grounded documentary that follows five families who sell Christmas trees in New York City each holiday season, THE MERCHANTS OF JOY captures the cast of characters behind the city’s Christmas tree stands– small business owners who bring holiday cheer to the streets each season, along with a healthy dose of friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) competition with each other. As you’ll hear Celia discuss in this exclusive interview, the project began with an Epic Magazine article about the Christmas Tree trade. Propelled by her own love of Christmas, she dove into the project without a penny of funding and maxed out her credit cards. With a tiny crew in tow, she found herself not only directing the film but also driving the crew van, fetching coffee, and generally serving as the production’s one-woman power grid. This is truly lo budget/no budget/micro budget guerrilla filmmaking. Describing how she developed the story and honed in on the vendors' personal stories, emphasizing the joy and community spirit, it all revolved around the schedules of the individual vendors as they all had more than one location, ping-ponging between multiple lots, drifting from point A to point B with no warning. Celia and her team simply showed up, cameras ready, ho | 1h 09m 36s | ||||||
| 12/1/25 | ![]() BTL Radio Show - 12/01/2025 with guests MICHELLE DANNER and MICHAEL J. WEITHORN | While today’s films and filmmakers may not be about holiday movies, they do fit with the love and laughter of the holidays as MICHELLE DANNER joins me talking about her new film, the beautiful and romantic UNDER THE STARS, while writer/director MICHAEL J. WEITHORN is on hand discussing his fantastic film, THE BEST YOU CAN. First, let’s turn our attention to Puglia, Italy, and UNDER THE STARS with MICHELLE DANNER. Directed by Danner with a script by Victoria Vinuesa, UNDER THE STARS stars Toni Collette, Andy Garcia, Alex Pettyfer, Eva De Dominici, Rob Estes, and Vincent Riotta. UNDER THE STARS follows a struggling romance novelist named Ian, played by Alex Pettyfer, in what I consider to be the best performance of his career, trapped in a lifeless relationship and plagued by writer’s block. Hoping to reignite his passion, he travels to Italy for inspiration - only to unexpectedly fall for Ariana, a spirited local who challenges everything he thought he knew about love and himself. And as if that’s not enough, how about tossing in Ian’s aunt Audrey and Ariana’s father Giacomo? In this exclusive interview, Michelle and I discuss UNDER THE STARS, highlighting its enchanting setting in Puglia, Italy, and the personal connection she felt there, inspired by her late Italian mother. Emphasizing the importance of the cinematography in UNDER THE STARS, and the exquisite location, Michelle talks about her collaboration with her DP, Pierluigi Gigi Malavasi, to capture the romantic, beautiful setting. Adding to the immersive nature of the film is the work of production designer Franckie Diago and costume designer Chiara Ferrantini, which enhances the visual appeal. Of course, the score is important in a film with romance and Italy, and for that, Michelle turned to composer Andrea Guerra, who delivers a beautiful score that was performed by a live orchestra. An interesting element of this conversation is Michelle’s reflections on the relaxed Italian filming schedule and the joyful, uplifting nature of the film. Shifting gears but still enjoying the lightness and laughter and life, we turn our attention to writer/director MICHAEL J. WEITHORN and THE BEST YOU CAN. I have long admired the work of MICHAEL J. WEITHORN, best known for his decades in television as creator, executive producer, and writer of the sitcom "The King of Queens", as well as a writer for "Family Ties", "True Colors", and "Ned and Stacey." He has a gift not only for comedy, but also for the love, laughter, sorrow, and tears that come from everyday life. Although he dipped his toe into the directing waters back in 2010 with the feature "A Little Help", in addition to an episodic here and there, Michael has more or less stayed in the writing and producing lane; that is, until now, as he picks up his pen and steps into the director's chair with the wonderful narrative feature THE BEST YOU CAN. Reuniting Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon on screen for the first time in twenty years, THE BEST YOU CAN is a sharp, touching, and laugh-out-loud exploration of change, losing our bearings, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. This character-driven comedy is a reminder that sometimes the people who understand us best are the ones who are nothing like us. A beautiful blend of comedy and drama, with THE BEST YOU CAN, Michael gives us a film filled with heart and humor, an ease of connection between the characters and the audience, and the blending of unlikely relationships that give way to some of life's best moments. For someone with a strong television background, together with his cinematographer Andrew Wonder, Michael steps out of the traditional three-camera format (thank you Desi Arnaz) and embraces more traditional cinematic lensing with camera movement that's looser and playful, just like the growing dynamic between our two main principals, perfectly played by Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon. THE BEST YOU CAN is warm and wonderful sto | 1h 04m 27s | ||||||
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