Cinema Yūgen

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
 

Brett Kelly's Return: The Rotoscope Adventure of Conqueror Queen

Welcome back, Yugenites! In this thrilling episode of Cinema Yugen, we're joined by the legendary Brett Kelly, the director behind cult classics like Jurassic Shark and My Fair Zombie. Brett had planned to step away from filmmaking, but life had other plans. Faced with a cracked foundation in his home, he's diving headfirst into an ambitious new project: a rotoscope animation feature titled Conqueror Queen.
Inspired by the likes of Ralph Bakshi and classic sword-and-sorcery tales, Conqueror Queen promises to be a visual feast. Imagine Fire and Ice meets Heavy Metal with a dash of Filmation's magic. Written by Robert Fries, the mind behind Splatter University and Galaxy Warriors novelization, this film is set to transport you to fantastical realms where warrior women and elves embark on epic quests.
Join us as Brett shares the trials and tribulations of bringing this rotoscope dream to life. From hitting his kids with pool noodles to simulate tentacled monsters to the painstaking process of drawing each frame, Brett reveals the gritty behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a film twice over. Despite the daunting task, Brett's passion and creativity shine through, proving that even the most laborious projects can be a labor of love.
Whether you're a fan of Bakshi's unique style or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a must-listen. Learn about the crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo and how you can be part of this incredible journey. With your support, Brett can bring on more artists and speed up the process, making Conqueror Queen a reality sooner rather than later.
Don't miss out on this epic adventure. Tune in now and discover why Brett Kelly's return to filmmaking is set to be a game-changer in the world of animation. Click the links in the description to support the Indiegogo campaign and follow the progress on the film's Facebook page. Together, we can help the Conqueror Queen conquer!
CHECK IT OUT:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/conqueror-queen#/
https://youtu.be/jOL5ClL1HY8
https://www.facebook.com/people/Conqueror-Queen/61556898054024/
 

KENT'S CLASSICS: Inside the Mind of Event Horizon: A Chat with Screenwriter Philip Eisner

Step into the eerie corridors of the cult classic film "Event Horizon" as we sit down with the brilliant mind behind the screenplay, Philip Eisner. In this riveting episode of Cinema Yugen, host Kent Hill delves into the origins of the film, exploring Eisner's journey from a young dreamer to a screenwriter who captured the dark depths of space horror.
Listen as Eisner recounts the visceral audience reactions that affirmed the film's impact, and discover the harrowing personal experiences that influenced its creation. From the initial concept of "The Shining in space" to the collaborative process with director Paul W.S. Anderson, Eisner's tales from behind the scenes are as gripping as the film itself.
Uncover the challenges faced during production, including budget cuts that shaped key scenes, and the creative decisions that brought the terrifying void of the Event Horizon to life. With anecdotes about the cast, the set design, and the atmospheric scares that define the movie, this episode is a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.
Join us for a deep dive into the making of a modern horror classic, where every frame is crafted to haunt and every story is told with passion. Tune in now to Cinema Yugen and experience the spine-chilling legacy of "Event Horizon" through the eyes of its creator.
https://youtu.be/2nlkEY-3CMI\
 

KENT'S CLASSICS: A Legend Unleashed: The David Argue Interview Part 2

Welcome back, little Yugenites! Dive into the thrilling second part of Kent's Classics as we unravel the extraordinary tales of Australian icon, David Argue. From witnessing his own execution on set to the bizarre world of cinema, David's stories are as gripping as they are hilarious.
Join us as David recounts his unforgettable experiences, from nearly losing his head in a Queensland pit to the surreal moments of working with a cast of Japanese tourists. With every anecdote, he takes us deeper into the heart of filmmaking, sharing the highs, lows, and the sheer madness of the industry.
Whether it's his adventures on "Razorback," the comedic brilliance of "Hercules Returns," or the raw honesty of being an actor in today's world, David's narrative is a rollercoaster you won't want to miss. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh yourself off your seat with this classic episode of Cinema Yugen.