The Film Situation

047 - Emmet Loverde - Filmmaker

In this episode of The Film Situation, Zef Cota chats with Emmet Loverde, a multi-talented writer, director, and producer whose work spans stage, screen, radio, and beyond. With over 200 productions of his stage plays mounted worldwide, Emmet shares his insights into crafting stories that captivate audiences across mediums.

From his feature films like SHE'S OUT OF HIS MIND and BEAUTY, BRAINS, AND PERSONALITY to his acclaimed radio adaptations of THE MOON MAID and THE KILLIST, Emmet’s creative output is nothing short of prolific. We’ll also discuss his latest project, the upcoming horror film WITHOUT A NAME, as well as his experiences as an associate producer on Sony Pictures’ DALLY AND SPANKY.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with a true storyteller who knows how to entertain, enlighten, and engage audiences everywhere.

046 - Joshua Holz - Filmmaker

Joshua Holz is a filmmaker based in New York. He has directed and edited films featured in MovieMaker Magazine's Top 50 Festivals, W.W. Norton & Company, Interview Magazine, and has worked on films and productions worldwide. His graduate film thesis, Another Night (2023) was awarded the Made in NY Grant. He developed his feature script Vera about his great-grandmother for script labs and pre-production in Texas.

045 - George Beno - Producer

In this episode, we’re joined by George Beno, a New York-based film producer whose impressive credits include co-producing Josh Mond’s IT DOESN’T MATTER, starring Christopher Abbott and Jay Will, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, and Rachel Wolther’s THE FRENCH ITALIAN, featured at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.

Beyond producing, George brings a wealth of experience in location management, having worked on major productions like JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX (2024) and INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR (2023).

We dive into some of George’s favorite film moments, including Gaspar Noé’s CLIMAX (2018), David Fincher’s GONE GIRL (2014), and Danny Boyle’s SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (2008), exploring what makes these scenes unforgettable.

Hosted by Zef Cota

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