The Film Situation

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

034 -Hilary Duncanson - Actor

Hilary Duncanson is an actor known for MR HARRIGAN's PHONE (2022), TALES OF A SCORPIO SINGER, and HOMICIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

We talk about filmmaking, working as a background actor, and some of his favorite movies including THE WIZARD OF OZ & 5 EASY PIECES.

 

033- OSCARS Recap 2024 w/Jon Difilippo

Recorded the week following the Academy Awards with Jon Difilippo from Almigos Podcast.

 

Hosted by Zef Cota

032 -Caroline Keene & Dan Kennedy - MERRY GOOD ENOUGH

Dan Kennedy & Caroline Keene directed a nice heartfelt indie film called MERRY GOOD ENOUGH. It's a comedy about a dysfunctional family whose mom disappears on Christmas Eve, and the lengths one daughter must go to bring her family back together again. 

At once funny, intense and hopeful, MGE is led by the indelible Raye Levine and Joel Murray, and features a stand-out ensemble cast that includes Susan Gallagher, Comfort Clinton, Sawyer Spielberg, Daniel Desmarais, Neil Casey, Sophie von Haselberg, Margaret Curry, Kevin O. Peterson and Marcia DeBonis. 

https://www.merrygoodenough.com/

Hosted by Zef Cota

 

031 - Xochi Blymer - 1st AD / Producer / Director

Xochi grew up in the movie business with parents who were well known in the industry. In 1987, she joined the business working with the assistant directors. In 1991, she joined the DGA and has worked on such films as (TERMINATOR 2, DEMOLITION MAN, & LETHAL WEAPON 4) and tv show primarily as a 1st AD. She has a documentary feature in the works called RED DOG & BATES. 

Throwback episode - first recorded in August of 2020

Hosted by Zef Cota

030 - Recap of 2023 w/John Manna & Zef Cota

Filmmaker John Manna joins the podcast for a 2023 recap of the movie industry and to discuss various films that were released last year.

Hosted by Zef Cota

Produced by Andy Price

Post Production by Theodora Harrington 

029 - Amos Poe - Filmmaker

Amos Poe is an American New York City-based director and screenwriter, described by The New York Times as a "pioneering indie filmmaker".

Amos Poe is one of the first punk filmmakers and his film The Blank Generation[2] (1976)—co-directed with Ivan Král— is one of the earliest punk films. The film features performances by Richard Hell, Talking Heads, Television, Patti Smith, and Wayne County. Rolling Stone named it number 6 on its list of 25 Greatest Punk Rock Movies of All Time.[3]

He is also associated with the birth of No Wave Cinema due to films such as The Foreigner (1978), featuring Eric Mitchell, Debbie Harry, Anya Phillips; and Subway Riders (1981),[4] starring Susan Tyrrell, Robbie Coltrane, and Cookie Mueller.[5] During this time he was also the director of the public-access television cable TV show TV Party hosted by Glenn O'Brien and Chris Stein.

Hosted by Zef Cota

028 - Tone Tank - Actor & Street Artist

Tone Tank is a Brooklyn based actor and street artist that has been featured in such films as JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (2021), THE BIRTHDAY CAKE (2021), and NEWLYWEEDS (2013).