Director Yuriko Gamo Romer and baseball legend Masanori “Mashi” Murakami, the first Japanese player in Major League Baseball, join Austin Belzer to discuss Diamond Diplomacy, a documentary exploring how baseball became a bridge between Japan and the United States.
Together, they talk about the sport’s cultural impact, the challenges of documenting over 150 years of history, and how Mashi’s legacy continues to inspire players around the world.
Subscribe to The Austin B Media Podcast for more filmmaker conversations.
Learn more and find screenings at diamonddiplomacy.com.
Read the full transcript here.
Support Austin B Media
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider joining my Patreon.
Members get:
Early access to reviews and podcasts ($10 members get unedited episodes)
Exclusive monthly Film Club, where we watch a movie and discuss it together on Zoom
Community polls to help choose what I cover next
Behind-the-scenes research notes
Join here and help shape the future of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:26 – Hot Springs and Babe Ruth’s longest home run
02:05 – What inspired Yuriko to make Diamond Diplomacy
03:33 – Mashi’s minor-league days and first impressions of America
06:10 – From Fresno to the Giants: Moving to the majors
08:40 – Balancing archival footage and modern storytelling
11:00 – Working without AI and preserving history
13:00 – Friendship and collaboration through the film
15:00 – Legacy and baseball as diplomacy
19:30 – Closing remarks and festival screenings
Where to Follow Me
Until next time!
Six-time guest Alise Chaffins returns to talk about Season 4 of FX’s The Bear, and there’s a lot to dig into.
In our nearly two-hour conversation, we discussed Carmy’s “apology tour,” Sydney’s challenges, Richie’s growth, Emmy category fraud, and our hopes for Season 5. The first hour is spoiler-free, so if you haven't finished the season yet, you can stream this episode safely before jumping into the full breakdown.
What’s The Bear Season 4 About?
Following the fallout from the scathing review at the end of Season 3, Season 4 of The Bear serves as an "apology tour" for Carmy as he attempts to make amends and rediscover his passion. The season focuses on the improved, honest communication between Carmy, Sydney, and Richie, explores the heavy toll of burnout, and questions what success means for the crew and the restaurant.
Support Austin B Media
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider joining my Patreon.
Members get:
Early access to reviews and podcasts ($10 members get unedited episodes)
Exclusive monthly Film Club, where we watch a movie and discuss it together on Zoom
Community polls to help choose what I cover next
Behind-the-scenes research notes
Join here and help shape the future of Austin B Media!
Chapters
Where to Watch The Bear
All four seasons of The Bear are now streaming exclusively on Hulu.
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Alise's recommendations:
My recommendation:
Novocaine is streaming on Paramount+.
Where to Follow Alise
Until next time!
In the latest episode of The Austin B Media Podcast, I was thrilled to be joined by Gal Balaban, the founder and extraordinary critic behind the blog FilmToppings, for a comprehensive breakdown of Apple TV's hit series, The Studio.
This show has generated a lot of buzz for being a scathing new satire of modern Hollywood, and Gal and I left no stone unturned. We dove into its sharp critique with a clear love for filmmaking, the standout performances, the chaotic CinemaCon finale, and how the show compares to other great Hollywood satires, such as Barry and The Player.
What's The Show About?
The Studio tells the story of Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), a passionate filmmaker who takes over a struggling legacy movie studio. He must navigate the treacherous waters of modern Hollywood, balancing his artistic ambitions with the commercial demands of IP-driven blockbusters, all while dealing with eccentric actors, egomaniacal directors, and the constant threat of being bought out by a tech giant.
Support the Podcast:
Enjoyed the episode? Support the show on Patreon to get episodes 48 hours early, plus access to uncut recordings, our monthly film club, and more!
Chapters
Where to Watch The Studio
You can watch The Studio on Apple TV+ right now.
Where to Watch Our Recommendations
Gal's recommendation - Under the Bridge — Streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
My recommendation - Presence — Streaming on Hulu.
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Gal
Until next time!
Is the new Lilo & Stitch remake a worthy successor to the 2002 classic? This week, I'm joined by Jack Martin of Film Feeder to break down Disney's latest live-action adaptation. We discuss everything from the film's "soulless" feeling to its questionable pacing and whether any of it works.
A huge thank you to Jack for the fantastic conversation! You can find all of his work at filmfeeder.co.uk.
Enjoyed the episode? Support the show on Patreon to get episodes 48 hours early, plus access to uncut recordings, our monthly film club, and more!
What's The Movie About?
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025) is the live-action reimagining of the 2002 animated classic. The story follows the bond between a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo, who adopts a chaotic alien, Experiment 626, from a shelter, believing he's a dog. Through her love, faith, and unwavering belief in ‘ohana, Lilo helps unlock Stitch's heart, all while they try to evade intergalactic capture.
Chapters
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Jack's recommendation - The Ballad of Wallis Island is available to stream on Peacock in the US.
My recommendation - Opus is available to rent and will likely stream on Max in the future.
Where to Follow Austin B Media
Where to Follow Jack & Film Feeder
Until next time!
On this episode of The Austin B Media Podcast, I’m joined by film critic and podcaster Ben Miller (Ice Cream for Freaks, The Film Experience, Cinema Scholars, DFW Film Critics Association, IFSCritics) to talk all things Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
We dig into Ethan Hunt’s latest adventure, from the film’s wild action set pieces to its emotional moments and franchise callbacks. You’ll hear a hilarious story about a theater marquee mishap, some offbeat movie recommendations, and our honest debate about whether this is really the end for Mission: Impossible.
What did you think of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning?
Let me know in the comments or find me on social media!
Where to Watch:Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is in theaters now.
Our Recommendations:
Ben: The Sheep Has Five Legs (1955)
Me: Black Bag (streaming on Peacock)
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Ben
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association
In this episode, I’m joined by film critic Pedro Lima to break down A24’s Warfare, directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland. This real-time Iraq War film drops you into the chaos and confusion of one fateful night, and Pedro and I dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why it’s already one of my most talked-about films of 2025.
Warfare tells the story of a U.S. Navy SEAL team’s mission on November 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. Co-directed by Garland and Mendoza (who was there), it plays out in real time as a tribute to the soldiers who lived it.
What's The Movie About?
Warfare tells the story of a U.S. Navy SEAL team’s mission on November 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. Co-directed by Garland and Mendoza (who was there), it plays out in real time as a tribute to the soldiers who lived it.
Support Austin B Media
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider joining my Patreon.
Members get:
Early access to reviews and podcasts ($10 members get unedited episodes)
Exclusive monthly Film Club, where we watch a movie and discuss it together on Zoom
Community polls to help choose what I cover next
Behind-the-scenes research notes
Join here and help shape the future of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
02:45 - Film Critique and Recommendations
05:33 - Discussion on Restorations and Classic Films
07:54 - Wes Anderson and Christopher Nolan Films
11:11 - David Lynch and Twin Peaks
15:34 - Initial Thoughts on Warfare
23:03 - Comparing Warfare to Other War Films
28:02 - Performances in Warfare
32:43 - Criticisms of Warfare
34:15 - Critique on the Film's Tagline and Realism
35:27 - Technical Elements: Direction, Cinematography, and Sound
37:41 - Sound Design and Its Impact
40:08 - Rating the Film
41:33 - Spoiler Warning
42:09 - Impactful Plot Points and Action Scenes
47:08 - Portrayal of Warfare and Its Psychological Effects
53:53 - Ending and Real-Life Connections
57:32 - Final Thoughts and Conversations
Where to Watch Warfare
You can watch Warfare via digital rental platforms and may still be in limited theatrical release through A24.
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Pedro’s Picks:
Little Murders (1971, dir. Alan Arkin) — Available on The Criterion Channel
Four Nights of a Dreamer (dir. Robert Bresson) — Currently streaming on MUBI
My Picks:
The French Dispatch – Streaming on Max
Isle of Dogs – Streaming on Disney+
Doodlebug (Christopher Nolan short) - Available on The Criterion Channel
Following (Christopher Nolan's debut) — On MUBI
Retrograde (Matthew Heineman) — Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Pedro
Until next time!
A quick note: you'll notice that my camera feed is missing in this episode. I encountered an unexpected technical issue with Zoom during the recording that prevented my video from being captured, though thankfully, Alise's video and all audio are unaffected. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I will immediately implement new checks to prevent this issue in the future. The conversation itself is fantastic, and I hope you enjoy it!
In this episode of The Austin B Media Podcast, I sat down with five-time guest Alise Chaffins to discuss Sinners after seeing it a couple of weeks ago.
What's The Movie About?
Ryan Coogler's latest film, Sinners, is set in 1932 Louisiana as brothers Smoke and Stack arrive to open their own juke joint.
Support Austin B Media
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider joining my Patreon.
Members get:
Early access to reviews and podcasts ($10 members get unedited episodes)
Exclusive monthly Film Club, where we watch a movie and discuss it together on Zoom
Community polls to help choose what I cover next
Behind-the-scenes research notes
Join here and help shape the future of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:21 - Recommendations and Recent Watches
06:37 - Sinners' Central Premise
09:23 - Our First Thoughts Coming Out of the Theater
13:26 - Our Final Rating for Sinners
14:03 - Who Should Watch Sinners?
15:59 - Viewing Experience: Dolby Atmos, IMAX, and the Importance of Sound
18:44 - Spoiler Warning
19:12 - The "I Lied to You" Musical Scene
22:52 - Vampirism as a Metaphor
23:47 - Shared Histories of Oppression
28:28 - Layered Themes, Religion, Delta Slim, and Rewatch Value
31:03 - Deeper Dive into the Title
34:51 - The Most Compelling Characters
40:27 - Plot Twists
46:41 - Ryan Coogler's Style
47:51 - The Chinese Characters & Subtle Historical Layers
52:32 - Is Sinners Ryan Coogler's Blank Check Movie?
55:32 - Box Office Reception, Original Movies vs. IP, and Industry Narrative
01:01:39 - The Technical Elements of Sinners
01:06:25 - Interpreting the Ending(s)
01:14:35 - The Most Impactful Deaths
01:16:30 - The Vampiric Lure, Villains with Understandable Motives, and Appropriation
01:23:51 - Austin's Reassesment & Effectiveness of Social Commentary
01:30:30 - Final Thoughts
01:33:03 - Where to Find Alise
Where to Watch Sinners
You can watch Sinners in theaters now. Additionally, you'll be able to watch the film on digital platforms starting on June 3rd, 2025, on VOD and digital platforms, followed by a 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD release on July 8th, 2025.
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Alise's recommendation - All seasons of The Handmaid's Tale are streaming on Hulu.
My recommendation: Stitch! The Movie is streaming on Disney+.
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Alise
Until next time!
In this episode of The Austin B Media Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Simpson to discuss the final season of Andor.
What's The Show About?
Andor season two explores the formative years of the Rebel Alliance and Cassian Andor’s missions for the cause before Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Support Austin B Media
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider joining my Patreon.
Members get:
Early access to reviews and podcasts ($10 members get unedited episodes)
Exclusive monthly Film Club, where we watch a movie and discuss it together on Zoom
Community polls to help choose what I cover next
Behind-the-scenes research notes
Join here and help shape the future of Austin B Media!
To celebrate Austin B Media's fifth anniversary, I’m offering 45 free one-month trials of my Wallace’s Warriors tier ($10/month). Experience early access to reviews, exclusive podcasts, and our monthly Film Club—no commitment required! Claim your free month here!
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
00:30 - Matthew Returns
02:57 - Matthew's Recent Projects
09:35 - Matthew Recommends: The Pitt (HBO Max), Andor (Disney+), The Last of Us (HBO Max), The Studio (Apple TV+), Murderbot (Apple TV+), Four Seasons (Netflix)
11:26 - Austin Recommends: The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5/PC), Final Destination (HBO Max)
20:08 - Dolby Atmos & IMAX Aspect Ratios
22:51 - Season 1 Impressions
30:48 - Timeline & Pacing Talk
38:22 - Cassian's Journey
40:57 - Overall Rating for Andor Season Two
47:05 - Spoiler Warning
47:31 - Highlights of Andor Season Two
51:35 - Integrations with Rogue One
57:04 - Mon Mothma's Arc
01:01:42 - Luthen's Journey
01:04:56 - Dedra Meero & Syril Karn
01:11:46 - Imperial Hierarchy
01:14:00 - The Ending of Andor
01:23:21 - Patreon Plugs
01:24:27 - Subscribe, Rate & Review The Austin B Media Podcast
01:24:35 - Where to Follow Matthew Simpson
01:25:31 - Where to Follow Austin B Media
01:25:49 - Episode Sign-off
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Matthew's recommendations: The Pitt season one is now streaming on HBO Max, both seasons of Andor are on Disney+, both seasons of The Last of Us are now streaming on HBO Max, The Studio season one is streaming on Apple TV+, Murderbot season one is streaming on Apple TV+, and Four Seasons season one is streaming on Netflix.
My recommendations: You can play The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PlayStation and PC. Final Destination is streaming on HBO Max.
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Matthew Simpson
In this episode of The Austin B Media Podcast, I sit down with Jack Martin of Film Feeder to discuss the 2002 Disney animated classic, Lilo & Stitch.
What's The Movie About?
Lilo & Stitch (2002) is a Disney animated classic that tells the tale of a young, lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts a small, mischievous blue creature she names Stitch. Stitch would be the perfect pet if he weren't, in reality, a genetic experiment (Experiment 626) who has escaped from an alien planet and crash-landed on Earth. Through her love, faith, and unwavering belief in ohana (the Hawaiian concept of family), Lilo helps unlock Stitch's heart and gives him the ability to care for someone else, all while they try to evade intergalactic capture.
Chapters
00:10 – Episode Overview and Guest Intro
02:36 – Sinners recommendation
04:37 – Mickey 17 recommendation
10:49 – History with Lilo & Stitch
21:55 - Expectations for the Film
27:16 – Disney+ Changes
31:08 – Animation Style
37:23 – Standout Voice Performances
43:16 – Disney's Creative State & Live-Action Remakes
01:00:16 – The State of Film Criticism
01:09:25 – Things That Didn't Work/Concerns About the Original Film
01:10:01 – The Reworked Climax (Original vs. Post-9/11 Version)
01:14:03 – End Credits Sequence Discussion
01:17:04 – The Theme of Ohana and Family Dynamics
01:23:04 – Grounded Sci-Fi & Slice-of-Life Aspects
01:23:52 – Stitch's Design & Chris Sanders Returning for the Remake
01:25:59 – Easter Egg: Lilo's "Badness Meter" Drawing and Lilo & Stitch 2
01:28:24 – Ratings and Final Thoughts (Non-Spoiler)
01:31:25 – Spoiler Warning
01:31:43 – Stitch's Character Arc
01:33:44 – Lilo & Nani's Dynamic
01:35:57 – Hawaii, Elvis, and Cultural Representation
01:45:47 – Final Thoughts and Outro
01:45:59 – Put Stitch in Poor Things!
01:46:47 – Where to Follow Me & Austin B Media
01:47:08 – Patreon Plugs
01:47:57 – Where to Follow Jack & Film Feeder
01:50:40 – Sign-off
Where to Watch Lilo & Stitch (2002)
You can watch Lilo & Stitch (2002) on Disney+ or at the movie retailer of your choice.
Where to Watch Our Recommendations
Jack's recommendation - Sinners is now in theaters.
My recommendation - Mickey 17 is available to rent or purchase on the digital movie retailer of your choice.
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.
Support My Work
If you enjoyed this podcast, consider joining my Patreon.
Members get:
Early access to gaming reviews and podcasts
Exclusive monthly Film Club, where we watch a movie and discuss it together on Discord or Zoom
Community polls to help choose what I cover next
Behind-the-scenes research notes
Join here and help shape the future of Austin B Media!
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Austin B Media, I’m offering 45 free one-month trials of my Wallace’s Warriors tier ($10/month). Experience early access to reviews, exclusive podcasts, and our monthly Film Club - no commitment required! Claim your free month here!
Follow Jack: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube.
Film Feeder Website: https://filmfeeder.co.uk/
The Film Feeder Podcast is available on podcast services and YouTube.
Film Feeder's Patreon: https://patreon.com/filmfeeder
Film Feeder's Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/filmfeeder
Until next time!
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another SXSW 2025 interview with you.
This time, I spoke with Leni Huyghe, the director of Real Faces, and Elisa Heene, the film's producer.
Real Faces follows Julia, an ambitious casting director navigating Brussels' competitive advertising scene, who finds solace in an unlikely bond with a reclusive microbiologist. As their contrasting worlds collide and personal boundaries blur, Julia must confront the steep price of her relentless ambition.
Buy tickets for Real Faces's SXSW screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:10 - Introduction and Welcome
00:28 - Overview of Real Faces
01:25 - Screening Experiences at SXSW
01:53 - Audience Feedback and Reactions
10:29 - Filmmaking Challenges
15:27 - Collaboration and Production Insights
18:57 - Future Plans for Real Faces
20:27 - Closing Remarks
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another SXSW 2025 interview with you.
This time, I spoke with Thea Gajić & Slavko Sobin from the film Surviving Earth.
Surviving Earth is a poignant drama based on a true story about Vlad, a talented harmonica player, and counselor who fled the conflict in Yugoslavia and rebuilt his life in Bristol. As he rekindles his passion for Balkan music by forming a band with his friends, unresolved traumas begin to resurface, jeopardizing his relationships, especially with his daughter, Maria.
Buy tickets for Surviving Earth's SXSW screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:15 - Meeting Thea and Slavko
00:37 - Synopsis of Surviving Earth and Screening Details
01:09 - Inspiration Behind the Film
02:08 - Slavko's Preparation for the Role of Vlad
03:45 - Thea's Perspective on the Stigma of Addiction
05:20 - Mental Health in Balkan Culture
06:17 - Balancing Lightness and Darkness in Vlad's Character
07:29 - Connecting with Vlad
07:59 - Balkan Culture and Music
08:28 - Exploring Vlad's Complexity
09:20 - Capturing the Nuances of Vlad
09:35 - Thea & Slavko's Collaboration Process
12:48 - Language and Identity in the Film
15:27 - Challenges and Reflections
20:04 - Core Message and Audience Takeaways
24:01 - Conclusion and Farewell
25:41 - Plugs
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another SXSW 2025 interview with you.
This time, I spoke with the documentary Your Higher Self director, Annie St-Pierre.
Your Higher Self is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the vibrant world of health and wellness entrepreneurship. By observing fifteen life coaching sessions, the film weaves an offbeat philosophical essay on the quest for meaning, capturing both the intimate and the absurd aspects of individual emancipation.
Buy tickets for Your Higher Self's SXSW screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Synopsis of Your Higher Self
01:36 - Annie St. Pierre's Personal Connections to the Topic
03:09 - Exploring the Self-Help Industry
04:26 - Balancing Empathy and Absurdity
06:01 - The Search for Meaning
07:46 - Filmmaking Techniques and Philosophy
09:36 - Framing Intimacy and Distance in Filmmaking
16:22 - Insights on the Human Search for Meaning
19:44 - Audience Takeaways and Final Thoughts
21:26 - Closing Remarks & Screening Information
22:09 - Plugs
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another SXSW 2025 interview with you.
This time, I spoke with the creative team behind the film Glorious Summer: Helena Ganjalyan, Bartosz Szpak, and Daniela Komędera.
Glorious Summer is a stunning drama set in a sun-drenched Renaissance palace where three women live under one command: never cross the wall. As hidden emotions and a desire for freedom emerge, their idyllic existence unravels into a powerful tale of repressed passion and the quest for autonomy.
Buy tickets for Glorious Summer's SXSW screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to share this one-of-a-kind interview with you from SXSW 2025!
I spoke with Danielle Poirer, the assistant general manager of Holey Moley's East Austin location, last week.
If you're not familiar with Holey Moley, it's a multi-sensory mini-golf experience with locations in Texas, California, and Colorado.
If you're interested in visiting, you can book a visit here.
If you're in Austin and attending SXSW, you can present your SXSW badge to play 18 holes for the price of nine holes.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to share this one-of-a-kind interview with you from SXSW 2025!
Last week, I had the opportunity to talk to corto.alto, one of the many musicians participating in showcases at SXSW 2025.
If you are in Austin for SXSW, corto.alto will play shows at The Velveeta Room on March 12th and the British Music Embassy on March 13th.
Buy tickets for corto.alto's SXSW appearances here.
I hope you enjoy this new conversation as much as I did!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to share another film festival interview with you.
This time, I spoke with Julie Wyman from the documentary The Tallest Dwarf.
The Tallest Dwarf is a documentary about the Little People community and the rumors of "partial dwarfism" in Julie's family.
Buy tickets for The Tallest Dwarf's SXSW screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
The Tallest Dwarf screens during SXSW 2025!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another film festival interview with you. This time, I spoke with Alyx Duncan & Michele Powles from the short film The Sea Inside Her.
The Sea Inside Her is a short
Buy tickets for The Sea Inside Her's Slamdance screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
The Sea Inside Her screened during Slamdance 2025 – stay tuned for my full festival coverage!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
0:07 - Introduction to Alyx Duncan and Michele Powles
0:31 - About The Sea Inside Her
1:07 - The Inspiration for The Sea Inside Her
2:21 - Michelle's Perspective and Collaboration
3:31 - Visual Mediums and Dance Background
5:51 - Kilda Northcott and Movement-Based Process
8:10 - Puppetry & Shark Character Development
9:01 - Telling a Story Without Words
10:04 - New Zealand as Inspiration & Predatory Creatures
11:47 - Themes: Control, Vulnerability, and the Human Relationship with Nature
13:49 - Lessons Learned and Future Projects
15:17 - Touring Art Exhibition
15:47 - Upcoming Screenings and Exhibitions
18:28 - Reaching Different Audiences
18:42 - Goodbyes & Slamdance 2025 Screening Info
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another film festival interview with you. This time, I spoke with Joe Tierney & Kat Whalen from the TV pilot F*ckUps Anonymous.
F*ckUps Anonymous is a coming-of-age TV pilot that follows rebellious teen Joe on his tumultuous first day at a controversial therapeutic boarding school.
Buy tickets for F*ckUps Anonymous' SXSW screenings here.
F*ckUps Anonymous screens during SXSW 2025 – stay tuned for my full festival coverage!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Chapters
00:07 - Introduction to Joe Tierney & Kat Whalen
01:06 - The Inspiration for F*ckUps Anonymous
01:56 - The Real-Life Story Behind F*ckUps Anonymous
03:03 - What Drew Kat to Direct F*ckUps Anonymous
05:20 - Reworking the Script During the Writer's Strike
07:23 - Collaborating on F*ckUps Anonymous
09:57 - Making a TV Series for Gen Z & Audience Takeaways
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Hey everyone!I'm thrilled to share another film festival interview with you. This time, I spoke with Brad Roelandt & Clev Dominguez from the short film Joey Earns Rewards.Joey Earns Rewards is a short that documents Cleveen's unusual marriage proposal at a McDonald's drive-through.Buy tickets for Joey Earn Rewards's Slamdance screenings here.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Joey Earns Rewards screened during Slamdance 2025 – stay tuned for my full festival coverage!
Chapters00:00 - Video Intro00:10 - Introduction to Brad Roelandt and Clev Dominguez00:35 - Joey Earns Rewards Described: An Unusual McDonald's Proposal00:59 - Brad & Clev's First Time at Slamdance01:26 - Slamdance in LA02:30 - LA's Impact on the Film02:57 - Filming Permits & Restrictions in LA03:35 - McDonald's Filming Restrictions & Creative Workarounds05:17 - Producing a Film for $3006:04 - The Inspiration Behind Brad's Single Take Aerial Films07:15 - Cutting Without Digital Push-Ins07:56 - Audience Takeaways & Reactions from Other Filmmakers09:56 - The Origins of Joey Earns Rewards12:17 - How One-Take Filming Works14:46 - The Equipment That Was Used in the Film16:34 - Clev's Proposal17:41 - What's Coming Next from Brad & Clev20:10 - A Message to Aspiring Filmmakers22:51 - Advice for Film Students24:54 - Goodbyes & Where to Watch Joey Earns RewardsYour support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out my other interviews!
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!
Hey everyone!
I'm thrilled to share another film festival interview with you. This time, I spoke with Audio Description's director and writer, Luke Salewski, and its producer and star, Lee Pugsley.
Buy tickets for Audio Description's Slamdance screenings here.
Learn about the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge here.
Audio Description is a short film about Eric, a lonely blind man who makes an unknown birthday wish.
Audio Description screens at Slamdance 2025 – stay tuned for my full festival coverage!
Chapters
Follow Me: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, Mastodon, and Threads.
Support My Work
Your support makes interviews like this possible, so thank you for being part of Austin B Media!