With so much fantastic and noteworthy stories, music and films out there, it’s possible that we take for granted just how hard it is to be an entertainer. The trick, as they say, it to make it look easy. When there’s a great performance, spellbinding novel or a perfect song/album, it can seem like it all came together without any stress. That’s where any creative would tell you that their main goal is to not let you see them sweat. They are determined to impress, and when they do you’re bound to remember them. Speaking of grit and determination, one such individual is Canadian-born actress and musician, Brittany Allen. This…
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Interview…Luke Hemsworth on Elevating the Writing and Character Acting in ‘Beast’
Tyler Atkins’ Beast is full of heavyweight talent, brilliant acting and dialogue exchanges that leave you speechless. The jabs that hit you in the heart and make your jaw drop don’t just happen in the ring. It’s the back and forth between Luke Hemsworth, Dan MacPherson, Russell Crowe and the rest of the exceptional cast that will make this an instant classic. Today, we got a true thrill to talk with Luke about his experiences in this masterfully moving MMA themed drama. He and MacPherson have a long working relationship and are some of Australia’s best and brightest. While they don’t square off against each other (trading fisticuffs anyway) they…
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Interview…Daniel MacPherson on the Heart and Intensity of ‘Beast’
Sports movies are usually about overcoming the odds, redemption, etc. and sometimes a love story finds itself woven into the world of pastimes, pugilism, double headers or championship bouts. So it’s a rare feat when a story or film can pull off a win in multiple categories and please all the crowds. As such, Tyler Atkins’ Beast does just that. It also covers themes and topics that are deeper yet more unique and universal than we’re used to seeing. Dan “there is no fear in MacPherson” MacPherson commands the screen in Beast as he and the rest of the exceptional cast create something with TONS of heart. The film’s punches…
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Interview…Writer/Director Addison Heimann on Relationships and Trojan Horses in Genre Cinema
Tell me if you can relate to this. You go to a frozen yogurt place and stare at all the toppings. While completely different, they all look appealing. You grab one, then another and before you know it, your cup is overflowing with insane combinations. Each bite is weird but enjoyable. This happens to me every time. So why they build up above? Well, sometimes unlikely and complicated pairings and combinations make for the most memorable experiences. And as far as experiences, nothing compares to the “taste” of how we navigate the waters of love, life, friendship, and the human condition – successfully or unsuccessfully. Hope that made sense because…
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Interview…Composer Tom Howe on Unfailing Optimism of Character and Honesty in Music
Tom Howe is an award-winning composer of over 100 films and television projects like Reminders of Him, Wonder Woman, Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Legend of Tarzan, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, and Dog Man. From sweeping orchestral scores and imaginative sonic landscapes to iconic main title themes and hit songs, his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist—combined with his expertise in classical, pop, rock, and electronic sound design—has made him one of today’s most in-demand composers. A gifted songwriter, and two-time Emmy nominee, Howe has collaborated with leading artists and songwriters on original main title themes and songs. He co-wrote the Ted Lasso main title theme with Marcus Mumford and the Shrinking main title theme…
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Interview…Nathan Johnson on the Tense and Beautiful Gothic Score to ‘Wake Up Dead Man’
Towards the end of last year, writer/director Rian Johnson and Netflix released the third entry in the Benoit Blanc mystery series. As expected, it was thrilling, engaging, taught, layered, and chock full of the Kentucky-fried wit that makes the series and character so enjoyable. It was also the most complex head-scratcher in the saga. If you weren’t busy enough asking who? why? and how the hell? in this gothic whodunit, you were likely asking the same thing about elements of the score. And who is the culprit behind this soundtrack? That would be Nathan Johnson – series regular and usual suspect in the Johnson-verse. Their collaboration has spanned decades and…
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Interview…Creative Team Behind the Themes and Massive Mythology of ‘Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead’
In nautical terms, sometimes it’s the smallest fish who makes the biggest waves. And this seems to be very appropriate to describe the highly ambitious and very enjoyable tale from Croatian filmmakers Zoran Lisinac, Domagoj Mazuran, and Neb Chupin. This hydra of talent is a collective powerhouse bringing their spectacular story of visual and narrative splendor to the masses. Moreover, you don’t get grand tales like this too often, especially ones that feel highly unique. On that note, Storm Rider is steeped in original mythology and feels like the talented team had the likes of Tolkien, Bay and Singh on their minds for decades. And they are also very eager…
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Interview…Leo Baker Discusses Tangible Threats and Tantalizing Teleportation in ‘Red Rovers’
Legitimacy goes a long way when telling a story. Whether the tale being told is grounded or just plain tall, it is much more impacting and engaging when they involve tangible elements. Even far-fetched ideas like teleportation and space battles can feel real when they are based on, well, real things. While no one has figured out how to achieve quantum-anchored spatial relocation (that we know of anyway), the idea that a team of Special Missions Unit operators can warp to any point on Earth to deal with conflicts or terrorism can seem unbelievable. But when you base the action on actual rules of engagement, vernacular and the know-how that…
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Interview…Nolan Gould on ‘The Liars of Black Mountain Road’
It’s always incredibly rewarding getting to speak with the people who make the things we enjoy. The main and most obvious reason for it is that we are often times treated to fun or interesting stories of creative struggles/triumphs. Those behind-the-scenes looks at how the tiniest decisions contribute to the whole are inspiring on a number of levels. Last year, we were thrilled to talk to Parker Croft – writer, director, producer of As Easy As Closing Your Eyes. It’s a short film that really hits home at it circles issues such as loss, addiction, and much more. It’s also wrapped up in a sci-fi vision of the future that,…
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Interview…Luke Edwards Talks Acting, Producing and Stories From the Sets of ‘The Wizard’ and ‘Little Big League’
Once in a great while, we get to speak with our heroes, people who inspire us, or those we just wish we could hang out with. So enter one such individual who fits all three and let me ask you a question: How many times have you seen The Wizard and/or Little Big League? We won’t tell you our answer, but I will say I have actually and literally worn out the VHS of both of them. Yes, both. In this wide-ranging conversation, we spend time with Luke Edwards to discuss his experiences in film & television, his approach to acting, and experiences on set working with larger-than-life actors/personalities. For…
