Cinema Yūgen

My Breakfast with Andre

In this intriguing episode, join us as we explore the world of cinema with highly talented filmmakers, Hugo Andre and Lucas A. Ferrara. They offer insider perspectives on their filmmaking journey, their unique creative processes, and chat about their award-winning films "Blind Innocence" and "Makeup", currently available on Tubi. The conversation promises insights sure to engage film enthusiasts, aspiring moviemakers and audiences who enjoy intricate storytelling and diverse characters.
We initially discuss "Blind Innocence", the thrilling short film from Hugo Andre which tells the gripping story of a father and daughter living in an isolated 1800s countryside cottage. The narrative takes an unexpected twist when a sinister secret comes to light. In spite of similarities to M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village", our guests interestingly reveal that they had never watched the film before.
The conversation then progresses to their latest feature film, "Makeup", also available on Tubi. This movie offers a compelling narrative about a friendship between two individuals from entirely different backgrounds, navigating the many complications of their lives. The film’s character development, riveting storyline, and the meticulous detailing of their interests indeed makes it a must-watch for anyone.
Hugo and Lucas also touch upon the difficulties they faced while working during the COVID-19 pandemic, their unexpected sources of inspiration, and the profound impact relationships have on mental health as highlighted in "Makeup".
Further into the episode, they tease exciting details about their future project ‘Happy as Larry’. As we conclude, an enthusiastic Lucas also reveals another surprise movie they've been working on, ensuring more great cinema for independent film enthusiasts. Tune in to hear their extraordinary journey in independent filmmaking, and their unwavering dedication to quality cinema.

A Book to rule the Galaxy

In this captivating episode of "Cinema Yugen," we are thrilled to welcome our distinguished guest, Erik Samuel Wofford, acclaimed author of "Krull: The Unofficial Film Companion." Wofford shares a behind-the-scenes look at his journey crafting this glorious tribute to the often under-appreciated cinematic masterpiece, "Krull." Engage with us as we delve into his unparalleled passion for the film, the comprehensive compilation of the book, and his stories behind securing hard-to-obtain interviews with the film's cast and crew.
Erik expertly unravels the secrets, stories, and surprises from the making of Krull, despite the obstacles he encountered on this dream project. Not only that, but he opens our eyes to the fascinating merchandise that contributes to building Krull's legacy, including the astonishing fact why some crucial scenes from the original film did not make it past the cutting room floor.
Wofford shares his fascinating journey of tracking down the film's cast, securing interviews, and even researching Krull’s memorabilia to indulge his passion for the project. Learn about the trials, the victories, and the intriguing trivia about Krull, giving us a unique glimpse into the world of movie-making.
Then comes an engaging exploration of the concept of movie remakes and the importance of retaining the original's core. A special highlight is a stimulating discussion about the potential Krull remake rumored to be helmed by J.J. Abrams. All this culminates in Wofford's heart-felt plea to preserve the authenticity of "Krull's" original.
Regardless if you're an avid 'Krull' fanatic or a movie-lover curious about the enigma of the film-making process, this riveting episode of 'Cinema Yugen' is a must-listen. Submerge yourself in this treasure trove of Krull trivia and enter the magical universe of a cult classic, exclusively with us!
 
CHECK IT OUT:
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550990986159&refid=13&__tn__=%2Cg
https://hill33kjw.podbean.com/e/the-krull-show-special-edition/
https://youtu.be/ndpV6qfQJVw
 
 

Set to ESCAPE

Join Cinema Yugen this week as we shine a spotlight on the imminent release of the action-packed thriller, 'Escape,' by Saban Films, set to hit theaters and VOD on March 15. We'll be welcoming the film's lead actors, Sarah Alexandra Marks, and Louis James, into the conversation, discussing their personal forays into cinema, preparation for their roles, and experiences on this potentially game-changing movie.
'Escape' breathes new life into the action genre, pushing boundaries by showcasing strong, capable women rallying against adversity. We will be hearing from the cast about the intricate plot, multifaceted characters, and the unique elements that sets 'Escape' apart from other films in its genre.
Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the complexities of movie-making, from casting to filming in exotic locales, and fostered camaraderie among the casts. Hear the stars spill on the thrill of the premiere, the memorable moments, and the anticipation of the audiences' reactions.
Dive into the riveting components of 'Escape,' a tantalizing mix of suspense, action, harsh realities, and humor, all designed to keep audiences glued to their seats. Stay tuned as our guests share their thoughts on the evolving landscape of independent cinema, the impact of technological advancements, and expectations from the film's release.
In conclusion, we explore the significance of independent films in the industry, pushing boundaries, and facilitating innovation. We discuss how indie films have leveraged technological developments to lower barriers to entry and enable filmmakers to bring their visions to life.
Join us in anticipation of 'Escape' and celebrate the triumphs of indie cinema with its fearless storytelling and discovery of new talent.
 
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https://youtu.be/qCLbAMD1fjM
 

Scriptwise

In this captivating episode of 'Cinema Yugen', host Kent Hill sits down with renowned screenwriter, Jamie Grefe. Grefe, with his rich portfolio of suspense, horror, and action narratives, has made a name for himself in the literary world. The discussion takes a deep dive into his thrilling career journey, from striking gold with Eraserhead Press to his collaborations with Jim Wynorski. The episode also offers valuable insights into the challenging path of making it as a writer.
Grefe shares his love for the 'Bizarro' genre and discusses how the world of bizarre fiction shaped his writing style. The conversation also explores his transition to screenwriting after moving to Los Angeles. Learn from Jamie’s unique approach to the writing process, where he doesn't believe in adhering to "writer's hours" but lets mood and inspiration guide his work.
The discussion then delves into the nuances of screenwriting, exploring original scripts versus requested scripts from directors. Grefe talks about working within budget constraints and how hurdles like scene restructuring are just part of the process. Discover more as Jamie shares his experiences from the production of two films created from the same script.
Concluding the episode, Grefe imparts essential advice to aspiring screenwriters about resilience amidst rejection and the importance of championing their own work. Tune in for an intriguing behind-the-scenes look into the world of screenwriting, filled with compelling narratives and transformative storytelling. The episode is a treasure trove of insights for budding writers, established authors, cinephiles and everyone else curious about the fascinating world of screenwriting.
 
CHECK IT OUT:
https://jamie-grefe.com/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0339517/
https://www.instagram.com/jamiegrefe/
 

KENT'S CLASSICS: PHILLIP NOYCE

In this edition of Kent's Classics on Cinema Yugen, join us for a riveting interview with the celebrated filmmaker, Phillip Noyce. Known for directing influential films like Newsfront, Heatwave, Dead Calm, and Blind Fury, Noyce provides a fascinating look into his journey through the cinematic world, exploring the immense changes and opportunities that have arisen with the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
Noyce generously shares his personal experiences and insights, discussing Hollywood's quest for fresh talent and the recent influx of women and African-American filmmakers. He sheds light on his unique directing methods, working with both veteran and novice actors, and the adaptability required in the thrilling, pre-production phase of filmmaking.
We delve deeper into Noyce's film Blind Fury, an American adaptation of a lesser-known Japanese series. Our guest reminisces about his first time directing an action film, the fluctuating journey of a movie across global markets, and working with Val Kilmer amidst challenging times.
Noyce also tackles seminal moments of his career, like his collaboration with infamous Harvey Weinstein on a Young Adult Fiction project, The Giver, led by Jeff Bridges. He rounds off with tales from his visits to rural Queensland, emphasizing the personal connections he has formed throughout his illustrious career. Tune in for an episode packed with enlightening behind-the-scenes stories and a unique glimpse into the world of film directing.

The BANG BANG BETTY Gang

Join Kentus Maximus, our esteemed host, as he takes you on a journey behind the curtains of the much acclaimed 'Bang Bang Betty' series on this episode of Cinema Yugen podcast. Get an exclusive commentary from the mastermind behind the series, Alex T. Hwang (writer-director), and his skillful team; Adam Beck, Joe Fanene, Gerald Parrish and Emily Hernandez. Unlock the secret recipe behind their extraordinary work in the world of indie filmmaking.
Immerse yourself in the inspiring yet challenging tale of how 'Bang Bang Betty' evolved from a dream to an action-packed series amidst budget constraints. Hear firsthand accounts from the crew as they unfold the captivating process of filmmaking. From intriguing tales of shooting films in record time to detailing their unique filming style, this podcast episode has it all.
Harness insight into what future holds for Hollywood as Adam Beck shares his thoughts on the growth trajectory of the 'Bang Bang Betty' franchise and his perspective on filmmaking. Explore Emily's indispensable role in the franchise, Joel's animated retelling of the audition processes, and a glimpse into Gerald's multi-faceted personality, this episode packs it all into one awe-inducing package.
This podcast is a salute to the exciting world of indie filmmaking and offers a sneak peek into the thrilling world of the 'Bang Bang Betty' series. It's available for streaming on Spotify and other podcast platforms of your preference. As a bonus, get to witness unfiltered conversation about the constructive changes in filmmaker's approach making movie-making glamorous in modest budgets, sustainability in film industry, and fun facts of the filming process.
Discover how they maximize their resources to provide an impression of a grand production and the evolution of their team from colleagues to friends. Hear Kevin Caliber’s inspiring journey with the franchise and the creative ways around Joe Fanene's absence in the upcoming movie. Get to know about future plans of the cinematic franchise and the team’s unending exploration and dedication to 'Bang Bang Betty'.
 
CHECK IT OUT:
https://youtu.be/qZjRzWWFT8Y
https://youtu.be/4TpfyOiUjAI
 

The Making of RoboDoc

Join the host of "Cinema Yugen", Kent Hill with Gary Smart, and Chris Griffiths, as they dive into the backstage happenings behind the making of the world-renowned film, RoboDoc. They walk you through the incredible journey from an idea to a big-screen spectacle, unveiling the grueling process, the obstacles they hurdled, and the tenacious spirit that eventually led to success.
Guests, Gary, and Chris open-up about the challenges they faced in the process of crafting this visual masterpiece. They candidly share their struggles with casting, last-minute alterations, and their tireless pursuit to secure the involvement of key cast members. The film industry's harsh realities are painted shed light and a tribute is paid to the resilience necessary to conquer them.
A special focus is given to the unsung heroes who contribute invaluably to the film's success but often go unheard of. The host also highlights the role of other key contributors such as: makeup artists, special effects whizzes, and designers, emphasizing that their contributions are as significant as those of the leading actors.
Digging deeper into the creative complexities and collaborative efforts that brought to life iconic films like "Robocop", reveals the brilliance and dedication of unnoticed artistes such as Jeff Portis. Discussions extend to cover the unique dynamics of the film crew, the production and post-production challenges, the film's scripting journey, and the creation of its sequels.
Along with these fascinating insights, the episode gives due recognition to accomplished actors like Peter Weller, highlighting their unique contributions and sharing candid anecdotes for an engaging listen. This episode concludes with the earnest hopes of the team for the accessibility of the documentary worldwide along with their plans for a deluxe box set release.
Whether you are a RoboCop enthusiast, an aficionado of documentaries, or someone who admires the intricacies of craft and passion, this episode on the making of "RoboDoc" is a must-watch.
 
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https://youtu.be/lyBL9eINHO8
 

An old fashioned adventure...

Join us on an extraordinary expedition down memory lane with filmmaker power-duo, Garo and Anahit Setian, the creators of the retro-inspired film, "Space Wars, The Quest for Deep Star". This podcast episode immerses you in an evocative conversation where we delve into the journey and thinking behind the construction of this mesmerizing fantasy adventure.
The film, an homage to iconic Star Trek and Star Wars sagas, beautifully encapsulates the enduring allure of these classics. Through magnificent action sequences and captivating narratives, the Setians exemplify the unforgettable charm found in such movies. This podcast episode deepens our understanding of their creative process, from conceptualizing the fantastical elements to designing the emotional core of their story.
Sharing infectious excitement, Garo and Anahit illustrate their breath-taking experiences working with industry legends and recount their collaboration with Executive Producer, Jeff Miller, which helped them elevate their script. Anahit, also an actress in the film, sheds light on her enchanting journey of having a role written specially for her, and she praises the film's enjoyable and inclusive nature, championing it to be an emblem of their collective creative devotion.
Comprehend the significance of retaining a lighthearted core within the throes of all cinematic endeavors, as suggested by Garo and Anahit. Whether it's coining technical jargon with a relatable vocabulary or hanging onto the sheer joy that underpins cinema, every minute of the broadcast will reaffirm your passion for filmmaking.
Culminating in a can't-miss discussion on their forthcoming projects, including a probable sequel, this podcast episode promises a riveting exploration for all film enthusiast and budding directors. Unearth the magic behind indie film production and development with the Setian's and their exemplary work - "Space Wars, The Quest for Deep Star".
 
CHECK IT OUT:
https://youtu.be/vp7QhiHQgR0