The Film Situation

044 - Kent Sanderson - President of Bleecker Street

Kent Sanderson is the President of Bleecker Street Media. Recently, they've released films such as RUMOURS (2024) with Cate Blanchett, SASQUATCH SUNSET (2024) with Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, and TREASURE (2024) with Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry. 

Kent also served as Executive Producer on other Bleecker releases, including THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE (2019), starring Jesse Eisenberg and Alessandro Nivola, as well as the upcoming Mike Leigh film HARD TRUTHS, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2024 New York Film Festival.

We discussed the world of independent cinema and the business of filmmaking, along with Bleecker Street’s latest releases, the evolving landscape of film distribution, and what it takes to create a lasting impact through independent film. Kent also shares his insights on two of his favorite movie scenes, one from SUPERMAN (1978) and another from CONTACT (1997), offering a glimpse into what he believes makes cinematic moments truly memorable. 

Hosted by Zef Cota

043 - Throwback - Bobby Perreti THE THIRD MAN & VERTIGO

In this episode, Zef sits down with Bobby Perretti, founder of Wheelhouse Films and an emerging filmmaker who began his journey studying screenwriting at Johns Hopkins University where he made his debut short film, The Cyclist. With experience as a director’s assistant, script doctor, writer, and coordinator for NYC's Directors' Collective workshop, Bobby shares insights into his work in film. Together, Zef and Bobby dive into the artistry of two cinematic classics: Carol Reed's 1949 British noir THE THIRD MAN and Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece VERTIGO. 

Originally recorded for FilmSEEN in June 2020.

Hosted by Zef Cota

 

042 - Tracy James Terry - Playwright & Screenwriter

In this episode of The Film Situation, Zef Cota sits down with the multi-talented Tracy James Terry, an award-winning playwright, actor, and musician turned screenwriter and producer. Tracy shares her journey from theater to film, recounting how her successful stage play led her to the world of screenwriting and eventually to founding her own film company. With wit and insight, she discusses the challenges of adapting her play for the screen, the cinematic and literary influences that shaped her work, and her upcoming film project, ÉIRE WE GO, a comedy about the hilarious misadventures of Americans in Ireland.

The conversation also dives into Tracy’s love for Hitchcock’s DIAL M FOR MURDER and Spielberg's JAWS, along with a discussion of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, covering the storytelling techniques, character dynamics, and cinematic innovations that make these classics unforgettable. Join us for an inspiring talk on pushing creative boundaries, the art of adaptation, and manifesting your vision in film.

041 - Art Camacho - Director

Director and legendary stuntman Art Camacho. Known for his work on action-packed films, Art shares insights into his latest release, RUTHLESS (2023), a gripping revenge thriller starring Dermot Mulroney. Zef and Art also dive into his upcoming project, featuring iconic actors Harvey Keitel and Danny Trejo. With decades of experience in the industry, Art discusses the art of blending high-octane action with compelling storytelling, while reflecting on his journey from stunt coordination to directing. It's a must-listen for action film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers alike!

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Hosted by Zef Cota

040 - Jonathan Yunger, p.g.a. President of Millennium Films

Jonathan Yunger's has produced iconic action franchises and has worked on more than sixty films at Millennium, including THE EXPENDABLES franchise, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, LONDON HAS FALLEN, JOLT, THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD, and MECHANIC: RESURRECTION. 

He's also produced films such as TESLA, starring Ethan Hawke, which premiered at Sundance in 2020, and THE OUTPOST, featuring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom, in which Yunger also had a supporting role and was nominated as a part of the 2021 Top Ten Independent Films by the National Board of Review.

Aside from being a film executive and prolific producer, Jonathan is also an actor and a true raconteur. It was great hearing his stories about how he persevered in the business, overcoming the odds. We also discussed two of his favorite films, FORREST GUMP (1994) and THE FABELMANS (2022).

Hosted by Zef Cota

039 - Heather Buckley & Jenn Wexler - THE RANGER

Original FilmSeen Throwback from 2021.

038 - Throwback - Harri "Indio" Ramkishun

Originally recorded in NYC - March 2020

Harri "Indio" Ramkishun is a Bronx born and raised filmmaker, director of photography, and producer. He is the owner/operator of GuyaRican Productions LLC (GRP). Indio also freelances as a live sports camera operator.

Indio wrote, produced, and directed "BlackOUT City" (2011), a short film about a couple evaluating their relationship during the northeast blackout of 2003. He has also worked on multiple short/feature projects in various roles.

In 2015, Indio was the Director of Photography on the series, Knockout, which aired on NuvoTV. The boxing competition show included Roy Jones Jr., "Sugar" Shane Mosley, and Floyd Mayweather Sr. The series was filmed at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut and directed by Benny Boom.

Hosted by Zef Cota

037 - Byron Werner - Cinematographer

In this episode of The Film Situation Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented Byron Werner, a seasoned cinematographer known for his work on the 2023 feature film SPINNING GOLD, as well as music videos for top artists such as Weezer, Coldplay, and Lil Wayne. Byron shares his journey from making short films in grade school to becoming a sought-after Director of Photography in Hollywood.

Byron discusses the creative process behind SPINNING GOLD, a biopic about Neil Bogart, the founder of Casablanca Records. He delves into the unique visual style of the film, which blends modern techniques with a nostalgic 1970s flair. We also explore his extensive work on music videos, where he brings a dynamic and innovative approach to the screen, and how his early passion for filmmaking has fueled a diverse and successful career.

We also talk about Byron's approach to cinematography, and his thoughts on the challenges and rewards of working in both the film and music video industries. Then we discussed two of his favorite movie scenes from Steven Spielberg's JURASSIC PARK (1993), and Michael Mann's HEAT (1995).

Hosted by Zef Cota

036 - Filmmaker Zachary Treitz

Zachary Treitz is a NYC based filmmaker he produced "The Pleasure of Being Robbed" and co-produced DADDY LONGLEGS. Both films premiered at the Directors’ Fortnight section of Cannes. He directed the short film "We’re Leaving," which premiered at Sundance and is available on the Criterion Channel. His feature film MEN GO TO BATTLE won the Best New Director prize at the Tribeca Film Festival and was distributed by Film Movement.

Inspired by years of hearing his childhood friend Christian Hansen's research into Danny Casolaro’s Octopus conspiracy, Zachary and Christian began a joint investigation and started filming together. This led to a years-long journey across the United States, seeking to uncover the links between Danny Casolaro’s death and his unfinished book about a vast network of political conspiracies. With Zachary directing and Christian leading the research, they partnered with Stardust Frames and Duplass Brothers Productions to create the four-part documentary series "American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders," released by Netflix in February 2024.

We discussed this project and his filmmaking approach.

** Episode 036 w/ Zachary Treitz on The Film Situation

Hosted by Zef Cota ***

 

035 -Alex Darke & Trevor L. Nelson

Alex & Trevor used to host one of my favorite podcasts which was called 'No-Budget Filmmaking'.  We discussed everything from the emergence of A.I. in moviemaking, to their past work with the late Larry King on his series 'Larry King Now'. 

Then of course we talked about some of their favorite movie scenes from AMERICAN PSYCHO, CHILDREN OF MEN,  JURRASIC PARK, & REQUIEM FOR A DREAM. 

Trevor L. Nelson: @TrevorLNelson

Alex Darke: https://filmmakingcentral.com/

Hosted by Zef Cota