Film Riot

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Writing & Directing ‘I Care a Lot’

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J Blakeson

J Blakeson is the writer/director behind the new Netflix original, I Care a Lot, starring Rosamund Pike.

J started his career like many of us did, making films with his friends and just trying to figure it out. By 21, he had his first agent and went about trying to get his scripts made. After some years of frustration, J took matters into his own hands and wrote a film that he knew he could make himself with the resources he had. That film ended up being his breakout feature, The Disappearance of Alice Creed. Since then, J has carved a spot for himself in the feature and television world with his unique voice, leading to his latest and possibly best film.

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Telling Stories that Matter

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Justin Baldoni

The journey toward making the feature film “CLOUDS”—now available on Disney+—was a long one for director Justin Baldoni. In 2013 Justin released a short doc on Zach Sobiech, a remarkable 17-year-old diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The story of Zach’s life, how he lived, and how he brightened the world for everyone around him struck a massive chord with Justin. Since then, bringing that story to the screen has been both a passion and a promise to keep. With the film’s release, Justin has kept his promise to Zach and gave us all the gift of perspective with this touching story.

CLICK TO WATCH CLOUDS

Seven years after Zach’s death and just two days following the release of CLOUDS on Disney+, Zach’s inspirational song “Clouds” returned to the #1 slot on the iTunes top 100 charts for the second time. The profits from which will be added to the $2 million already raised for cancer research through Zach’s Osteosarcoma Fund. To get involved and donate, please visit the link below.

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Making a Creature Feature

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Pierce Brothers

Brett and Drew Pierce are the writer/director team behind the new horror film THE WRETCHED, an old school creature feature with more going on under the hood than just scares.

While having a background in Hollywood productions, the brothers still approach their work with a “do-it-yourself” attitude and a complete willingness to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to make their film happen. Their infectious passion has led to them releasing their latest feature under IFC Films and will undoubtedly grant them more great features to come.

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Don’t wait for Hollywood to Make Your Film

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FAITH BASED

Make your film! That is what drives the team behind the new comedy FAITH BASED. From shooting with iPhones in their living rooms, to what it ultimately became—a full-blown feature film with an impressive cast (Jason Alexander, Lance Riddick, and David Koechner, just to name a few). Vincent Masciale, Luke Barnett, and Tanner Thomason were going to make this film, come “hell” or high water.

Now with an October 9th release date and a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, the guys have show that with a little luck and a whole lot of passion and talent, you can make your dream project happen.

CLICK TO WATCH FAITH BASED

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Finding Success in Filmmaking

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Quincy Ledbetter

From the beginning of his infatuation with film sitting in a theater watching Last Action Hero, to finding his way into writing and directing through music and photography, Quincy Ledbetter has found success with the mantra: “Proceed as if.”

Now in post on his first feature film Alieu the Dreamer (with Paramount & BET), Quincy looks back on what led him here and all the things he learned along the way.

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Making and Distributing Your Film Independently

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Jim Cummings

“Just make your film” is a rallying cry for many, but very few back up those words with action. Today’s guest, the multifaceted Jim Cummings, is absolutely one of those few. 

Through crowdfunding and self-distribution, Jim has found a lot of success for his first feature “Thunder Road”. He’s following that up with his next two features: the thriller “The Beta Test” and the horror film “The Werewolf” (his first studio film).

Ryan and Jim dive into his unique approach to filmmaking and how he’s carving out a path that’s all his own.

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

How a Hollywood Legend Directs Actors

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JOHN BADHAM

With films like Saturday Night Fever, Short Circuit, WarGames, and Dracula in his filmography, the term “legendary director” flows out of your mouth when talking about John Badham.

But film isn’t the only medium where he left his mark. Badham also directed a list of iconic shows like Heroes, The Shield, and Supernatural. His incredible career has led to a wealth of knowledge about the craft.

Lucky for us, John is passionate about sharing, and in this episode, Ryan and John dive deep into working with actors. They cover everything from staging a scene to managing big-name talent.

John Badham on Directing is a must read! It details methods for working with action, building suspense, and a 12 step “Director’s Checklist” for comprehensively analyzing any scene and how best to approach it with your actors.

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Directing a Blockbuster Film on an Indie Budget

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Aaron Schneider

‘GREYHOUND’ is the latest original film to hit Apple TV+. Oscar winning writer/director Aaron Schneider chats with Ryan about his process for constructing the intricate battle sequences, pulling story out of the technical, and what it’s like to work with the legendary Tom Hanks! From his humble beginnings as a special effects student, to his growth into a cinematographer and eventually Academy Award-winner, Aaron’s story is one you won’t want to miss!

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Produced by Ron Dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Writing & Directing Story Driven Horror

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natalie erika james

There’s perhaps no greater excitement for an aspiring filmmaker than to have their directorial debut receive mass acclaim and distribution. Relic is the directorial debut of Japanese-Australian writer/director filmmaker, Natalie Erika James. It’s a horror film anchored by its deeply emotional and honest themes, and masterfully co-written and directed by James.

Released theatrically in drive-ins, and now available across most major streaming platforms, you’d never guess that Relic is Natalie’s first outing as a feature writer/director. In the episode of the Film Riot podcast, fresh off the experience of making the film, Natalie meets with Ryan to discuss her experience as a first-time writer/director, working with actors, and why she leaned into the horror genre to tell this specific and personal story. 

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PRODUced by ron dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

Emotionally Impactful Cinematography w/ Jody Lee Lipes

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Jody Lee Lipes

As the cinematographer for such beautiful work as A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Manchester by the Sea, and I Know This Much is True, Jody Lee Lipes brings an emotional honesty to all his work.

Of course, every element within the filmmaking process is a part of delivering on that honesty, with arguably two of the most important aspects being the performance and cinematography. Those two elements work together in a creative dance – if one is out of step with the other, the intention won’t land and the emotional impact would be lost. Imagine the scene in Contagion where Matt Damon’s character learns his wife has died, but with constant dolly moves and lens flares.

That emotional honesty is something that Jody pulls off with ease. Today he and Ryan chat about leaning into that meaning and honesty, working with technically difficult scenes (like the twinning in his latest HBO show), and what made him want to be a filmmaker.

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PRODUced by ron dawson

Edited by Emily Connolly

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