Cinema Yūgen

The September Screenwriters Series: Bill Marsilii (Part 1)

Welcome to the grand finale of Cinema Yugens' September Screenwriter Series! This episode spotlights the incredible journey of Bill Marsilii, the co-writer of the blockbuster film Deja Vu, directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington. Discover the fascinating tale behind the highest-paid spec script in history, selling for an astounding $5 million.
In this riveting first part, Bill shares his humble beginnings as a theater actor and playwright in New York City's vibrant East Village. He recounts the trials and triumphs of forming a theater company, honing his craft, and eventually making the leap to screenwriting. From his early days at NYU to the serendipitous moments that led him to Hollywood, Bill's story is one of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
Join us as Bill takes us through the highs and lows of his career, including the unforgettable moment he met his future writing partner, Terry Rossio. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and anecdotes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a screenwriting legend. Don't miss it!

The September Screenwriters Series: Edward Neumeier

Step into the fascinating world of screenwriting with this captivating episode featuring the legendary Edward Neumeier. Known for his groundbreaking work on iconic films such as "Robocop" and "Starship Troopers," Neumeier takes us on a journey through his illustrious career, sharing insights and anecdotes that reveal the passion and creativity behind his most famous projects.From his early days in Marin County, California, where a chance encounter with George Lucas' work inspired his cinematic dreams, to the challenges and triumphs of bringing "Robocop" to life, Neumeier's story is both inspiring and enlightening. Discover the behind-the-scenes struggles and creative decisions that shaped these cult classics, and gain a deeper understanding of the film industry from a master storyteller.Join us for this third installment of the September Screenwriters Series, where we delve into the mind of Edward Neumeier, exploring his unique approach to writing, his thoughts on remakes and sequels, and his latest venture into the world of anime with "Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars." This episode is a must-listen for cinephiles, aspiring screenwriters, and anyone who loves a good story about the magic of movies.

The September Screenwriters Series: Edward Khmara

Welcome back to the September Screenwriter Series! In this episode, we delve into the fascinating career of Edward Khmara, the brilliant mind behind beloved films like Ladyhawke, Enemy Mine, and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. Khmara shares his incredible journey from aspiring actor to renowned screenwriter, offering a rare glimpse into the Hollywood machine.
Join us as Khmara recounts his experiences working on iconic projects, including the groundbreaking sci-fi classic Enemy Mine and the epic Arthurian TV miniseries Merlin. Hear firsthand about the challenges and triumphs that shaped his scripts, and the surprising tales from behind the scenes, such as his time on set with Lou Gossett Jr. and the technical hurdles faced during filming.
Khmara also opens up about his lesser-known works and the scripts that never made it to the screen, sharing his passion for historical narratives and the untapped stories that continue to inspire him. Plus, discover his unexpected acting debut in Gore Verbinski's The Lone Ranger and the unique experiences that came with it.
Don't miss this captivating conversation with one of Hollywood's unsung heroes, filled with insider anecdotes and reflections on a career that has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Tune in and get ready for an unforgettable episode in our September Screenwriter Series!
Stay tuned for more episodes and join us in celebrating the storytellers who bring our favorite movies to life. As always, thank you for listening, and until next time, keep your love for cinema alive!

The September Screenwriters Series: Charlie Haas

Welcome back, Yugenites! In this captivating first episode of our September Screenwriters Series, we sit down with the illustrious Charlie Haas, the mind behind such underappreciated classics as Over the Edge, Tex, Reckless Disregard, Martians Go Home, Gremlins 2, and Matinee.
Charlie takes us on an enthralling journey through his origin story, starting at UC Santa Cruz, where a chance encounter with a film history professor ignited his passion for screenwriting. From his early collaborations with Tim Hunter to breaking into the industry with Over the Edge, Charlie shares the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a career that spans decades.
Dive deep into the creative process behind beloved films like Gremlins 2 and Matinee. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, including how Charlie tackled dialogue rewrites for Tron and the collaborative spirit that brought these iconic movies to life. Discover the untold stories of unaccredited rewrites, the real-life inspirations for his characters, and the intricate dance of navigating Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape.
Join us for an intimate conversation filled with nostalgia, humor, and invaluable insights from a screenwriting veteran. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Charlie Haas' work, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the magic of cinema.
Stay tuned throughout September as we continue to spotlight more talented screenwriters. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey, and as always, keep listening to Cinema Yugen on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.

KENT'S CLASSICS: Behind the Lens: The Uwe Boll Story

Welcome back to Cinema Yugen! This week, we're diving into the enigmatic world of Dr. Uwe Boll, a filmmaker whose name sparks both admiration and controversy. Known for his unique and often polarizing films like "House of the Dead" and "Alone in the Dark," Dr. Boll is a cinematic force unto himself.
In this episode, we sit down for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Boll as he reflects on his career, the challenges of financing films in today's market, and his decision to step away from filmmaking. Discover the untold stories behind his most infamous movies and get a glimpse into his relentless passion for the art of cinema.
We also discuss the newly released documentary "Fuck You All: The Uwe Boll Story," which paints a different picture of this misunderstood artist. From his battles with critics to his innovative production techniques, this episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the complexities of the film industry.
Join us for a candid and compelling narrative that will leave you with a newfound respect for one of cinema's most controversial figures.
CHECK IT OUT:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0093051/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
 

KENT'S CLASSICS: The Hammer Strikes!

Step into the world of cinema legends with this month's fan-requested classic spotlight on Fred "The Hammer" Williamson. Join us as our host, Kent Hill, sits down for a candid conversation with the iconic actor and former football star, known for his roles in films like Black Caesar, Hell Up in Harlem, Bucktown, and many more.
In this exclusive interview, The Hammer shares his remarkable journey from the football field to Hollywood, revealing how he broke into the industry and carved out a unique niche with his badass on-screen persona. Hear about his experiences working on cult classics and his approach to maintaining his powerful image in every role he plays.
Fred also delves into the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking, recounting his adventures at the Cannes Film Festival and the strategies he used to bring his vision to life. With anecdotes from his time on iconic sets like The Inglourious Bastards and Warriors of the Wasteland, this episode is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories.
Don't miss this chance to listen to Fred Williamson's insights on the evolution of black cinema, the business of filmmaking, and his latest action-packed project, Nazi Doomsday Device (also known as Atomic Eden). It's a journey through decades of film history with a true pioneer of the industry.
Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by the man who embodies strength, resilience, and a relentless drive for excellence—Fred "The Hammer" Williamson.
CHECK IT OUT:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004365/?ref_=tt_cl_t_10
 

Still Writing with Fire: A Screenwriter's Journey

Welcome back, Yugenites! Join us on a thrilling ride through the tumultuous world of screenwriting with our special guest, Matthew Bernard Greenberg, the mastermind behind iconic films like "1408," "Reign of Fire," and the recent "Pet Sematary." In this episode, we delve into the power of persistence, the importance of seeking advice from industry veterans, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with striking for your craft.
Matthew shares his experiences from the front lines of the Hollywood strike, painting a vivid picture of the scorching summer heat, the solidarity among writers, and the triumphant moment when actors joined the cause, reminiscent of a scene from "Lord of the Rings." We also explore the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property in the film industry, the challenges of getting original scripts noticed, and the secret to staying in the game: unwavering love for the craft.
Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with invaluable insights, heartfelt advice, and a dash of humor. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring conversation that will ignite your passion for storytelling. Don't forget to check the links in the description for some of the books and screenplays discussed. Until next time, keep writing with fire!
CHECK IT OUT:
https://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-Next-American-Screenwriting/dp/0307393887/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SKFKBU80NZUH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._RSlP2wY5IciXZVrfy6s3fn8Uk2esOV458a8NaBd0qvGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.fqKrUNPij3_FjLusmqy0r7MK5LPGJRyL5pEuWkwS9_I&dib_tag=se&keywords=WHAT+HAPPENS+NEXT+HISTORY+OF+SCREEN+WRITING&qid=1724634793&sprefix=what+happens+next+history+of+screen+writin%2Cspecialty-aps%2C355&sr=8-1
 
https://www.amazon.com/Oppenheimer-Christopher-Nolan/dp/0571381316/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A62JA6Z0FK70&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4BYWMFFpfsV23n0P-yP1knhrTBrHkK7NvzIwVFP2UvYG945-ocy0nw9A8an3DIqVfYUKgeiTFqMaLABjRDElwfDVxWK5OP1Np-atsyYC_VZ3vnbGtrJUxChMRAHzzOTnsyt1R18nEkvRdUZ7Mb51Mw9bXV9XzvV2ICcoJgrNrTE-1hfjbp-7dmvPl4ySYKStp1P35tIQCbfmmNE0JovpbFQcHVniUIMWr5WBQKHOajk.7WgdXfGGxZhX223V1E6xuv9zE02RkFC_F12XFdagMP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=OPPENHEIMER+SCREENPLAY&qid=1724634830&sprefix=oppenheimer+screenplay%2Caps%2C497&sr=8-1
 
https://www.amazon.com/Asteroid-City-Wes-Anderson/dp/0571383203/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WCME2LXH9AVX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yQIl9vlf3DQwsg-10M9XGTmVtM2DXkqnxXaUnkomqxte6fwsv4H6AH-WXdoLEcB0.bhu7EfBnwL1d9JKcS-9HaXfeBhny0aovrJInriXLB8s&dib_tag=se&keywords=asteroid+city+screenplay&qid=1724634859&sprefix=asteroid+city+screenplay%2Caps%2C613&sr=8-1
 
https://www.amazon.com/Collected-Works-Paddy-Chayefsky-Screenplays/dp/1557831947/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19IEDN96WG3DL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OARbeUPARsK9xG4epiF6aHBBF5v67jtdpow8ClpgtCdW5Fozf2h7a6GG1s0kj9kYqljpEz-bPrk7p62itTqpiNhm6tu9ppzg0M28lk76Uu-h9ty9Yf92q8Izf5QqHHRohDiHnvB6R5fc3HZrveU_v9tUqjBtGq5AAZ5ZmNylVcxWn7ZDAxTuSCPd4c0DoZcu74rKDepZyow_MNNv-9wy-AZJrIyIIXelRdk5dtciAlY.f7HR81O41XT-Dq_vhn5TYENPB2FmHTL6nGE296JIuPo&dib_tag=se&keywords=NETWORK+SCREENPLAY&qid=1724634911&sprefix=network+screenplay%2Caps%2C636&sr=8-1
 

Gunslingers Unite: The Epic Journey of Taken from Rio Bravo

Welcome back to Cinema Yugen! Join us as we dive into the thrilling world of "Taken from Rio Bravo," an action-packed Western that redefines the genre. This episode, we have the honor of hosting the masterminds behind this cinematic marvel, Joe Cornet and Alexander Nevsky.
Get ready to be captivated by tales of gunslinging, unbreakable friendships, and epic battles between good and evil. Joe and Alexander share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, from the intense graveyard standoff to the mesmerizing performances that elevate the film to new heights. Discover the intricate chemistry between the cast and crew that makes this sequel a standout.
Hear about the challenges and triumphs of filming in the scorching Arizona heat and the meticulous efforts to create a seamless blend of classical Western and contemporary action. With standout performances from Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, and a menacing James Chalke, this movie is a feast for action and Western aficionados alike.
Don't miss the chance to learn about Joe Cornet's upcoming Western tales omnibus and the exciting future projects from these talented filmmakers. Tune in for an episode filled with passion, creativity, and a shared love for the art of storytelling.
Catch "Taken from Rio Bravo" now streaming on Xumo Play in North America. Get ready for a cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
 
CHECK IT OUT:
https://play.xumo.com/
https://youtu.be/xOLs1hLbNnU