On August 1, 2025, renowned American producer and director Jonathan Kaplan died. In remembrance of Kaplan’s remarkable career, we are resharing this 2011 interview from NPL staffer Bill Chamberlain who interviewed Kaplan as part of our 'Legends of Film' podcast.

On April 10, 2025, renowned Canadian-Bulgarian director Ted Kotcheff died. In remembrance of Kotcheff’s remarkable career, we are resharing this 2013 interview from NPL staffer Bill Chamberlain who interviewed Kotcheff as part of our 'Legends of Film' podcast.

During this bonus episode Bill talks to writer Tim Lucas. Lucas was the publisher of the video review magazine Video Watchdog. He talks about his favorite books about film, and what he's been watching during the pandemic of 2020. In addition to his work on the magazine, Lucas wrote the novels Throat Sprockets and The Book of Reinfield, a deep dive into Cronenberg's film Videodrome called Videodrome, and the biography Mario Bava: All The Colors Of The Dark.

During this episode Bill talks to director of photography Anthony B. Richmond. You may know Mr.  Richmond's work from such films as Let it Be, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and Don't Look Now. Richmond discusses the making of Don't Look Now, filming The Beatles' final concert (!), and working with David Lean on Doctor Zhivago.

During this episode Bill talks to novelist and screenwriter Stephen Geller, best known for writing the screenplay for Slaughterhouse Five. Mr. Geller discusses writing his script based on the legendary Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. novel, his unfulfilled movie project (vampire alert!), and how he really feels about the cult movie Pretty Poison, based on his novel She Let Him Continue.

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriter Jeffrey Alan Fiskin. Fiskin’s credits include Revenge, Crackers, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature Cutter’s Way (1981) starring Jeff Bridges. Mr. Fiskin discusses writing the script for Cutter’s Way, how Jeff Bridges’ dog got him a starring role in the film, and more recently, his experience working on the TV series Bosch.

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriter Tom Baum. Mr. Baum’s credits include Carny, The Manhattan Project, and The Sender. Baum discusses writing The Sender script, what he sees wrong with today’s movie trailers, and working at HBO during the early days. 

During this episode Bill talks to director Brian Trenchard Smith. Mr. Trenchard Smith’s credits include Dead End Drive In, BMX Bandits, Turkey Shoot, and The Siege of Firebase Gloria. Trenchard Smith discusses the making of the film, and also talks about the best stunt he ever directed. 

Legends of Film podcast host Bill Chamberlain mourns the loss of another legend of film, William D. Wittliff (1940-2019).

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriters David Webb Peoples and Janet Peoples. This husband and wife duo co-wrote the upcoming Movies @ Main feature 12 Monkeys. During the interview they discuss what inspired the writing of 12 Monkeys. Webb Peoples also talks about writing the screenplays for Blade Runner and Unforgiven.

During this episode, Legends of Film host Bill Chamberlain talks to Film Editor Mark Goldblatt. Mr. Goldblatt's credits include Rambo: First Blood Part II, Pearl Harbor, True Lies, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature The Terminator. 

During this episode we talk to Film Composer Charles Bernstein. Mr. Bernstein’s credits include A Nightmare on Elm Street, White Lightning, and Mr. Majestyk. Bernstein discusses scoring the job on Mr. Majestyk, his thoughts on temp tracks, and how cooking can have an impact on film composing.

During this episode we talk to Sara Karloff, daughter of the late great Boris Karloff.

During this episode we talk to Filmmaker Carroll Ballard. Mr. Ballard’s credits include the films Never Cry Wolf, Fly Away Home, and The Black Stallion. Ballard discusses making The Black Stallion, his role in the making of Star Wars: Episode IV, and working with legendary Illustrator and Author Maurice Sendak.

During this episode we talk to Film Editor Barry Malkin. Mr. Malkin’s credits include The Godfather Part 2, The Rain People, and Cops and Robbers. Malkin discusses working on Cops and Robbers, collaborating with Francis Ford Coppola, and missed opportunities with Director Jonathan Demme.

During this episode we talk to Screenwriter Simon Barrett.  Mr. Barrett’s credits include the films A Horrible Way to Die, You’re Next, Blair Witch, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature The Guest. Barrett discusses writing the script for The Guest, his experiences being a screenwriter working in Hollywood, and why he thinks every movie he makes will be a disaster.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Neil Marshall.  Mr. Marshall’s credits include Dog Soldiers, Doomsday, Centurion, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature The Descent.  Marshall discusses the making of The Descent, as well as his experiences directing episodes of two recent book-inspired TV series: Game of Thrones, and Popular Materials staff favorite Hannibal. Marshall also talks about the music that inspires him while he's writing.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Michael Mann. Mr. Mann’s filmmaking credits include Heat, Manhunter, The Insider, Collateral, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature Thief. Mann discusses the making of Thief, including working with real cops and robbers on set. Mann also speaks about the importance of time in his films.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Matthew Robbins. Mr. Robbin’s credits include Corvette Summer, The Legend of Billie Jean, Batteries Not Included, and the Movies @ Main feature Dragonslayer. Robbins discusses the making of Dragonslayer, writing the script for Steven Spielberg’s first theatrical movie, and working with Director Guillermo del Toro.

During this episode we talk to Director Tim Hunter. Mr. Hunter’s credits include Tex, Sylvester, and the Movies @ Main feature River’s Edge. Hunter discusses the making of River’s Edge, explains the role of a television director, and recounts his experience directing a climactic episode of cult TV series Twin Peaks (Laura Palmer’s killer is revealed!).