Film Stories with Simon Brew

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that - unusually - came together really quickly. Steven Spielberg had the idea for The Goonies, with Richard Donner directing and Chris Columbus writing. It'd turn out to be a quite a lively shoot, though. The biggest delay hitting a remake of Father Of The Bride was securing the rights in the first place - oh, and having to replace a major role in the film less than two weeks before filming. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, arguably the forgotten David Fincher movie, and the unmade sequel he nearly directed too. The Game (1997) originally had a different director involved, but David Fincher was able to get it moving quickly after Seven hit - yet there was a sizeable legal problem with the film. World War Z 2 should have been a logical project for Paramount after the first film hit, and it quickly greenlit the film. Yet the plug would ultimately be pulled, with the film deep in pre-production. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a trouble Marvel Studios production, and a hugely expensive independent movie. Thor: The Dark World was a sequel quickly greenlit - but it'd prove to one of Marvel's most troubled productions, with problems arising from pretty much the get go. Roland Emmerich meanwhile raised over $130m to shoot one of the world's most expensive independent films, Moonfall. He didn't have studio problems to contend with - but there were plenty of other challenges. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a dose of Nicolas Cage, and a futuristic prison movie. National Treasure (2004) was originally announced for a summer 2000 release. Yet by the time it finally got going, it had nine writers who'd worked on it - and Nicolas Cage agreeing to star. 1992's Fortress meanwhile was originally developed as a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger. When he turned it down, the budget was slashed - but in the hands of star Christopher Lambert and director Stuart Gordon, it'd be in profit before it opened in America. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an attempt to launch a cinematic universe, and an attempt to not directly follow-up an earlier success. The Mummy (2017) was the starting point for Universal's planned Dark Universe of movies. Things changed a little when Tom Cruise was cast - but it became clear too late the project was in trouble. Following the success of Four Weddings & A Funeral, there was an assumption that 1999's Notting Hill would be a sort-of follow up. Not so, the filmmakers insisted - as they faced the challenge of bringing a huge movie star to the streets of London. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a James Bond film that arrived quicker than expected, and a small remake that ultimately soared. The World Is Not Enough (1999) brought in new writers, an unlikely director, and the press for an American star. And it got on the nerves of some British MPs... Coda (2021) meanwhile was shot quickly, after nearly a year of preparation. The wait for its release was a long one - and then it looked like it'd come and gone. But then awards season kicked in. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a notorious film of the 1990s, and an early hit of the 1980s. Last Action Hero was Arnold Schwarzenegger's eagerly-awaited first action movie following Terminator 2. It was billed as the big ticket for summer 1993. Things did not go to plan. Burt Reynolds meanwhile vowed to never go faster than 35mph in a movie again following a string of car films. But a cheque making him the most expensive movie star in the world for The Cannonball Run helped change his mind... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by actor and writer Simon Farnaby. They talk about The Phantom Of The Open, Farnaby's latest work as screenwriter. Plus, other topics that come up include Ghosts, Mindhorn, Bill and a little bit of Paddington 2. Oh, and a tractor as well... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, one film that found an audience, one that struggled to. Few were enthused at the idea of another Rocky movie, yet alone a spin-off. But a young filmmaker had a pitch for Sylvester Stallone - and the worst case scenario would be he got a signed copy of a Rocky II DVD for his dad. The Postman meanwhile was Kevin Costner's first directorial outing following his Oscar-winning success with Dances With Wolves. This time though, the reception would be very different. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Academy Award-winning producer Lord David Puttnam - a giant of the British film industry - joins Simon for a very special episode of the podcast. They chat about Lord Puttnam's career, his early successes with David Essex-headlined movies, his lifelong friendship with the late Alan Parker, and films as varied as Local Hero, Memphis Belle, Chariots Of Fire, The Mission and more. Plus: no shortage of thoughts on modern film, the future of the UK industry and a whole lot more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that both struggled to fully find their audience. The Iron Giant was quickly regarded as a modern masterpiece. But Brad Bird's directorial debut was made as Warner Bros was shutting down hand drawn feature animation - and the film was only given a release date very late. The A-Team meanwhile was in development for a good decade at 20th Century Fox before making it to the screen. And it faced some uphill battles of its own. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films facing very different challenges. James Cameron knew he was trying to do things that hadn't been done before on film with 1989's The Abyss. The film would be such a difficult shoot that even its trailer would boast about it. Big meanwhile earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar nomination. But Robert De Niro nearly starred, and director Penny Marshall had some difficult tonal challenges to balance. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sci-fi sequel and a low budget romcom, both of which sparked at the box office. Star Trek: First Contact was ordered whilst the previous film in the series - Generations - was still in cinemas. This time though, there'd be fewer studio mandates, but a very tight production schedule. The pressure with The Big Sick was on getting the script right: it took years of work before the $5m film went before the cameras, and it all ended up with an Oscar nomination. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that had struggles with their casting. The hugely controversial Showgirls are one stage got close to landing Madonna. But the reunion of writer Joe Eszterhas and director Paul Verhoeven would battle a whole host of problems. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle was a more modest, off-radar production. But it still had two lead female roles that Hollywood stars weren't particularly keen on taking on. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon chats to Patrick Doyle about his work composing film music. They cover his films with Kenneth Branagh - including their latest collaboration, Death On The Nile - and then dive into working with Brian De Palma on the film Carlito's Way. Plus, they go right back to Doyle's first film score too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films that gave 20th Century Fox headaches. Tony Scott first planned to make Man On Fire in the 1980s. When he returned to the idea in the early 2000s, he switched the location to Mexico - and was heading into trouble. The plan with 1999's Office Space was for a low budget comedy. But then Fox decided it wanted a movie star involved - and problems built from there. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon chats to actor Colm Meaney about his most recent film - Confession - and some of the highlights of his career. They touch on filming Confession, how Die Hard 2 changed Meaney's life, working with the late Alan Parker, the joys of Con Air and a whole lot more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films up against immovable release dates. Suicide Squad was part of Warner Bros's attempts to establish a universe of comic book movies - but struggles with a different movie led to late changes. Leap Of Faith was rushed forward when Paramount found itself without a Christmas release at all for the end of 1992. It left little margin for error. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films that wanted to do things for real. The plan with Ronin was to not use CG unless as a last resort, and to do as much as possible for real. All with the help and support of French authorities. Knocked Up was a comedy that turned Seth Rogen into a movie star - but it went through a notable casting change, as well as post-production challenges. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two hit movies that overcome notable obstacles. Wayne's World was filmed on a tight schedule, against a backdrop of sadness for Mike Myers. He'd threaten to leave the project at one point too, and the production was not a happy one. Moneyball meanwhile was all set to film a year earlier than it did, with a different directing and some alternate casting. But Sony pulled the plug on it, five days before shooting. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two glossy Hollywood movies, both boasting impressive casts. Remaking Ocean's Eleven had been in producer Jerry Weintraub's head for many years, but it was sending the script to director Steven Soderbergh and star George Clooney that started things in earnest. At the time Ocean's was released, work was also underway on a Gucci family movie. That one though would take a lot, lot longer to come together... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon invites Ron's Gone Wrong and Arthur Christmas' Sarah Smith back, to chat about her work and career. Her story is an incredible one: from her early days on BBC shows, through to making the jump to Aardman, and then launching the UK's first major digital animation feature studio, Locksmith. There, she co-directed - along with J P Vine - the terrific family movie Ron's Gone Wrong, before leaving. She tells her candid story in this episode, including what she's up to now, post-Locksmith... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two James Bond projects: one got made, one didn't. 2021's No Time To Die was, of course, beset by release delays and and problems. But even before then, it'd been a difficult James Bond movie to put together. After the success of 2002's Die Another Day, MGM and Eon wanted a spin-off movie for Halle Berry's Jinx character meanwhile. It got quite far too, before the plug was abruptly pulled. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of Christmas movies, both released in 2003. Bad Santa was beset by problems. Conceived by the Coen brothers, it had a difficult shoot, lost Bill Murray to another film, and then there were huge battles in post-production. Post-production was tricky on Love Actually too, as a first-time movie director tried to jigsaw together a final cut of a multi-narrative film. It hadn't been the easiest movie to make, either. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an Oscar-nominated one-off, and a hit comedy that was anything but a one-off. After Boogie Nights, writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson had a moment where he could make what he wanted, and get total creative control. It helped that he got Tom Cruise involved in Magnolia too. Police Academy was the film that launched regular templated sequels - but there was a genuine fear that the original film wasn't going to be lowbrow enough to succeed. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, British writer/director Johannes Roberts takes us though his career to date, and with some candour too. He talks about the new release Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City, and career-turners such as F, Storage 24 and 47 Meters Down. And he takes us through the lows as well, and the decade he spent trying to get films noticed. Plus: he's got a Hoff story too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a comedy classic, and a blockbuster hit! Monty Python's Life Of Brian was days away from its cast and crew flying off for shooting when the rug was pulled from beneath it. And when it did finally get made, its problems were far from over. For The Perfect Storm meanwhile, Warner Bros wanted Mel Gibson and wasn't sure about Mark Wahlberg - plus Steven Spielberg gave the idea of directing the movie very little shrift! Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer/director Gil Kenan. They talk through Gil's career, from his early breakout success with Monster House to the commercial disappointment of City Of EmberI And the story is brought right up to date with his new film as director, A Boy Called Christmas, and as co-writer, Ghostbusters: Afterlife... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films long in the planning - but with a fair few bumps on the way. Ridley Scott was eventually lured back to the Alien saga with 2012's Prometheus. Even then, he originally found a different director - and two different writers each took it further away from the original. The Wallace & Gromit film, The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, was the start of the end for a major deal between Aardman and DreamWorks Animation - and Aardman was willing to take the film elsewhere anyway. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two movies that film studios had reluctance over - for different reasons! Anchorman was a film that many passed on, and there were concerns that Will Ferrell was a big enough name to lead a studio comedy. Plus, the movie needed big changes in post-production. Red Notice was a huge movie star package that originally was sold to Universal and Legendary following a Hollywood bidding war. But in the end, there were reasons why it ended up with Netflix. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of movies brought to life by big movie stars. Leonardo DiCaprio beat Brad Pitt to the rights to The Wolf Of Wolf Street. The film would eventually attract a too good to be true independent investor. And yikes, would it prove to be too good to be true. Fighting With My Family happened when Dwayne Johnson was in a London hotel room, and channel hopping. He happened upon a wrestling documentary - and got in touch with his Tooth Fairy co-star. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of hit movies, one made very quickly, one made under a veil of secrecy. Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey followed its predecessor by less than two years. It landed a young first time British director, the company behind it was in financial trouble, and there were reasons it could go so leftfield. 2019's Yesterday ended up on the slate of Richard Curtis and Danny Boyle, and involved a bumper deal for The Beatles songs. But its origins lay elsewhere... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two hit movies, one that proved far more stressful to make than the other. It was the failure of Warner Bros' 1997 blockbusters that led to it gambling on Three Kings. The film's Gulf War subject matter already caused unease: and then came a very, very trouble production. Dodgeball meanwhile was a film virtually every studio passed on, as its writer was insistent he got to direct it too. Even when Ben Stiller got interested, it'd mean a hefty pay cut to get the film off the ground. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two difficult blockbuster productions. The Last Boy Scout brought together writer Shane Black, producer Joel Silver, director Tony Scott and star Bruce Willis. Four heavyweights, lots of arguments, and a film that needed saving in the edit. The Beach's problems came as much before filming meanwhile: the $50m film led to director Danny Boyle and actor Ewan McGregor having a long-running falling out. Things went downhill a bit from there. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon traces the story of Locksmith Animation. Of how it came to life in 2014 with ambitions to make major animated films in the UK, and the seven year, very bumpy path to Ron's Gone Wrong. Simon is joined by four of the Locksmith team: Sarah Smith, Peter Baynham, JP Vine and Octavio E Rodriguez. Between them, they chart the challenges of different studio partners, of making a film on difficult internet connections, and a whole lot more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, how Apollo 13 originally had Kevin Costner in mind, and the thriller that came out of a collapsed Stephen King movie. Apollo 13 was made at a point where practical filmmaking was more logical than relying too much on visual effects. And for the cast, that meant 13 days of particularly intense filming. Breakdown came out of a film that didn't happen, and was equally practical. But that didn't stop the studio wanting to add ten minutes to the start of the film. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that took 30 years between them to get made. Batman (1989) was announced twice before it finally got going. Rewrites continued throughout filming - with a $100,000 prop to fit in - and there was a bit of a casting backlash. Our Ladies could have been made much earlier: but co-writer/director Michael Caton-Jones dug in, and refused to Hollywood-ise the story. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a shorter, extra episode of Film Stories. This time, Simon is joined by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G WIlson, the producers of the James Bond films, to talk 007 and primarily the Daniel Craig era. This conversation was recorded as part of the press tour for No Time To Die, but the conversation goes a little broader than that. A full episode on No Time To Die will inevitably happen at some point in the future! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of horror movies of slightly different sizes. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was set to be the second in a loose trilogy of films. But producer Francis Ford Coppola and director/star Kenneth Branagh wouldn't quite see eye to eye. Frank Darabont's third big screen Stephen King adaptation meanwhile - The Mist - was uncompromising and took around 15 years to get made. But not for expected reasons. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of movies that hit big, both with difficulties behind them. The Firm was the first of John Grisham's novel to make the jump to the big screen. But notable changes were going to be made, and there was a bit of kerfuffle over the star billing on the poster. Meet The Parents was actually a remake of a 1992 movie. At one stage Steven Spielberg and Jim Carrey came close to making the film. And much of the film still needed to be written when filming began. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the 200th episode of Film Stories, a 1989 modern classic that still feels incredible it got through the Hollywood system. That film is Field Of Dreams, and for this special episode, we're delighted to welcome the film's writer/director Phil Alden Robinson. He doesn't give many interviews, and he tells - candidly - the story of the film coming together, and the challenges they faced. Plus, he talks about the legacy of the film, and the recent celebration of it, and the announced TV spin-off. Please note this episode contains big spoilers for the film. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of big hit movies, that each had their challenges to make. With The Expendables, Sylvester Stallone was on acting, writing and director duties. But he ended up with as many injuries as there were action stars in his film, and it'd be a taxing movie to make. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids was the brainchild of Re-animator director Stuart Gordon, and Chevy Chase had been earmarked for the lead. But Chase was busy, and when Gordon fell ill, a new director was required late in the day. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that in their own ways changed the course of a few things. Even though Pierce Brosnan was keen to return, the James Bond producers went for a reboot with Casino Royale. It would be a decision not shy of sizeable challenges, not least thanks to some financial troubles. The aftermath of DreamWorks Animation's Rise Of The Guardians tends to dominate its story, but there were plenty of hurdles to get it to the screen in the first place too. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer and director Kevin Reynolds. They talk about his high profile films (Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, Waterworld), his indie breakthrough with Fandango, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and One Eight Seven. Plus, the shoot from hell with Rapa Nui, heading to the small screen with Hatfield & McCoys, finding the sweet spot with The Count Of Monte Cristo and his most recent film, Risen. It's quite a career, and a very candid chat... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Find Michael at @mcatonjones. You can find the Film Stories website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, one film that overperformed its box office expectations, and one that didn't. Kevin Costner had won an Oscar for his first directorial outing, but his second - The Postman - had been widely criticised. His third, Open Range, would be a very tricky film to get off the ground. Off the back of Airplane!, comedy team Zucker/Abrahams/Zuckler had less of a struggle to get the glorious Top Secret! made. But the problems came a little further down the road... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that both interested the Oscars, albeit taking very different paths. Martin Scorsese may finally have won his Oscar for The Departed, but he saw this one as a B movie, and editing delays meant he only saw the very final print for the first time at its premiere. With La La Land meanwhile, it was seen as a very risky film by Hollywood, and at one stage: but in the end, it was that rare movie where a studio would suggest increasing the budget! Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer, producer and director Bob Gale. They talk about various elements of the Back To The Future trilogy, not least the pressures of the back-to-back filming of Part II and Part III. And, of course, of bringing Back To The Future to the stage in a brand new West End musical. They find time too to discuss Bob's venture into movie directing, Interstate 60, and his work and friendship with Robert Zemeckis. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Find Michael at @mcatonjones. You can find the Film Stories website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a Steven Spielberg film that took a long time to make, and a 1980s romcom with a casting challenge. Ready Player One (2018) was subject of a sizeable bidding war. When Steven Spielberg finally came to the film, he'd be able to complete and release a different film from scratch during its post-production. Working Girl (1988) had a parent studio that wanted big star names - not without problems - and the production had to be shut down for 24 hours too... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an action favourite with a lot of writers, and a war movie hit that ended up criticised in UK Parliament. The Rock (1996) utilised lots of writers, and its stars - Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris - all had significant input. Director Michael Bay meanwhile would do a bit of battle with Disney over the film. Jonathan Mostow first had the inspiration for U-571 when he was developing The Game. But as he lost control of that film, his submarine movie bubbled up - and hit some controversial waters. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films that each came together quickly, and each topped the US box office Hollywood was keen at the start of the 2000s to lure Eminem to a movie project. Thus, 8 Mile came together - a film where he was in pretty much every scene. Problem? He'd never acted before. To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar had no shortage of people wanting to act in it, meanwhile. The problem? Getting insurance for the film, due to its director being pregnant. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices