Film Threat

Documentary filmmaker Liza Mandelup follows 16 year-old Austyn Tester, a rising star in the world of digital celebrities. Austyn builds his social media following on optimism and teen girl adoration as he attempts to escape a dead-end life in rural Tennessee. Liza discusses doc filmmaking, social media, Austyn, and making friends in our increasingly digital life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America's greatest onion rings are made by Minnesota native Larry Lang. But do we really need a documentary about these delicious rings? And can obsessively working on a movie become an addiction on the level of gambling and alcohol? Join the filmmakers behind The Ringmaster, Zachary Capp, Molly Dworsky and Dave Newberg for answers to these questions and possibly the secret recipe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary playing a magic trick on its audience? Director Ben Berman and the Amazing Johnathan speak to Chris Gore about this bizarre, funny, poignant and original documentary. BONUS! The Amazing Johnathan performs a magic trick in which you, the listener, can participate -- a Film Threat podcast first! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daniel Harlow is a publicist, marketing expert and tech guru. Through his company Bunker 15 Films, Daniel has researched the state of indie film and there's good and bad news for independent filmmakers today. So let's chat about the state of indie film, dealing with critics, challenges facing indies and how to get good reviews. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar, Liar, The Nutty Professor and Bruce Almighty round out the comedy resume of director Tom Shadyac. His latest is the inspirational true story of Brian Banks, an all-American football star whose life is upended when he's wrongly convicted of a crime. Tom talks Banks, our broken justice system, the California Innocence Project and the NFL. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Star Wars and Marvel movies have divided fandom! And here's the big question: In the age of social media, do we even need movie critics anymore? Chris Gore moderates as April Wahlin (novelist), Steele Saunders (Steele Wars), Robert Meyer Burnett (Robservations), and Film Threat staffers Alan Ng, Dante James and Anthony Ray Bench talk back! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The remarkable sci-fi short film FTL has the big-budget feel of a Hollywood blockbuster but it was actually made on micro-budget. So how did director Adam Stern deliver such a terrific film with so little money? This short interview about Adam's short has all the answers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Light years ahead of its time, Buzz was groundbreaking, confronting audiences with questions we continue to grapple with today. MTV's short-lived documentary series Buzz is as relevant now as it was in 1990 when it first aired. Show creator Mark Pellington (director of indies Arlington Road, The Mothman Prophecies) reveals the incredible story behind this influential cult series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

San Diego Comic-Con celebrates its 50th anniversary this year! And indie filmmaker Kyle Newman's modern classic Fanboys, about Star Wars fans on a journey to Skywalker Ranch, celebrates its 10th anniversary. So let's talk to Kyle about all things Comic-Con, Episode IX and the sometimes dysfunctional relationship fandom has with Star Wars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Best known for playing Mona on TV's Pretty Little Liars, actress and Instagram sensation Janel Parrish takes the lead in a brutal and gruesome horror film. Trespassers is an Airbnb nightmare come to life, though Janel prefers to call it a "scare bnb." So let's talk about the worst vacation ever. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Maron heads up a stellar cast in a story about a pawnshop owner who meets a couple trying to hawk a Civil War-era sword. Hilarity ensues, of course. We chat with filmmaker Lynn Shelton (Humpday, Your Sister's Sister) about comedy, screenwriting, improv, directing, trusting your actors and working with Marc on Sword of Trust. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marvel Phase 3 comes to a close with Spider-Man: Far From Home. Prepare for Mysterio, Jake Gyllenhaal, J. Jonah Jameson, Ned and Peter Parker's tingles. The future of the MCU hangs in the balance! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hereditary director Ari Aster returns to shock audiences with Midsommar. Chris Gore and special guest Norman Gidney from HorrorBuzz attempt to process and dissect what is sure to be one of 2019's most polarizing films. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lo-fi indie sci-fi continues to amaze with hidden gems like The Capture, a feature about a group of scientists who perform an unethical experiment bending both space and time. Writer/Director (and former Film Threat writer) James Agnew engages in a frank chat with Chris Gore about the truths surrounding screenwriting, Sundance, movie critics, and beer. Hilarity ensues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1989 Tracy Edwards led the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling yachting competition covering 33,000 miles and lasting nine months. Filmmaker Alex Holmes is joined by Tracy for a compelling conversation about what it takes to endure this brutal race and to produce a documentary about it years later. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A cynical counselor at a crisis hotline finds himself in a life or death situation when a young man calls and threatens to kill three people and then himself. Director Mark Schwab explains everything about his indie thriller, Crisis Hotline. And we promise no spoilers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Toxic Avenger creator and Troma Films co-founder Lloyd Kaufman is an indie film legend. And if you don't believe he's a legend, you will after this interview. So let's talk to the outspoken maverick filmmaker about the state of independent film, Class of Nuke 'Em High, James Gunn, Poultrygeist, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Tromeo and Juliet and everything in Tromaville. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Filmmaker Tarek Mounib travels to the heart of MAGA country in the US to offer a diverse group of Americans a free trip to Egypt. What follows is a journey of understanding with moments of heartfelt hilarity. Tarek discusses what inspired him to put on a red hat and embark on this adventure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Professor X, Cyclops, Mystique, Magneto and more mutants face their greatest threat yet... Jean Grey. Chris Gore and Alan Ng review Dark Phoenix. Mutant and proud! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

​This stylish ​American Neo-noir ​indie feature ​about the search for a missing actress ​won actor Jon Jacobs an award at Method Fest. ​​Director William Wayne​ ​chats about Lost Angelas, his psychological thriller​ and love letter to Los Angeles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mothra, Rodan, Ghidorah, Godzilla, oh my! This monstrous foursome reunites for the first time in over a decade and team Film Threat assembles to battle it out! Well, actually just review Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Winning the Stanley Cup is an obsession for any NHL player. But for the Detroit Red Wings who were part of the legendary Russian Five, it was the only mission that mattered. Documentary filmmaker Joshua Riehl tells the tale of this magical team that literally changed the way hockey was played. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will Smith as the Genie is not a total disaster! Well, that's the good news. But if we had a lamp and three wishes, we would wish that Disney would stop making live-action versions of their classic animated features. Chris Gore and special guest critic Erick Weber debate the merits of Disney's Aladdin. Hilarity ensues. Mostly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister. Brightburn director David Yarovesky delivers a radical new genre, superhero horror. David chats about Brightburn, costume design, making indie movies and his friend James Gunn's involvement in this original take on comic book heroes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actor David Dastmalchian is a hot commodity as a character actor appearing in memorable roles in The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049, Marvel's Ant-Man and the upcoming Dune film in 2020. Now David takes the lead starring in the remarkable indie feature All Creatures Here Below along with fellow Marvel alum Karen Gillan (Nebula from Avengers: Endgame). So much to discuss... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our interviews with filmmakers from the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival continue in part two of our coverage. Alan Ng chats with Kevin Kreider and Doris Yeung of The Ugly Model; Julian Kim, Peter S. Lee, and Hyanghwa of Happy Cleaners; Sergio M. Rapu of Eating Up Easter; Tim Tsai and Dr. Thao Ha of Seadrift; and Ximan Li, Celia Au, and Yi Liu of In A New York Minute. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 35th anniversary of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival marks a special occasion with so many terrific films and filmmakers. Film Threat managing editor Alan Ng spoke to several LAAPFF filmmakers in attendance including Thien Pham, Thien Nguyen, Long Nguyen of Actress Wanted; Andrea Walter, Dante Basco, Osric Chau of Empty By Design, Diane Paragas of Yellow Rose; and Chris Gore talks to Anna Akana about Go Back to China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Star Trek: Deep Space 9 was groundbreaking television in the 90s but was never fully appreciated during its initial run. What We Left Behind is a thrilling documentary that explores the legacy of DS9 through cast and creator interviews. In addition, the original writers imagine where an 8th season might have taken the beloved characters. Enjoy our candid chat with legendary DS9 producer Ira Steven Behr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is there intelligent life somewhere in the galaxy? Director Akash Sherman attempts to provide the answer in his indie sci-fi story of an astronomer and his research assistant who make an inexplicable discovery. We are joined by the cast of Clara, Patrick J. Adams (Suits) and Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars), to chat about the film as well as love, wine bars and the search for meaning in the universe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York's biggest festival is Tribeca and we've got it covered with Film Threat writers Lorry Kikta and Chuck Foster on the scene. Our dynamic duo meets up for a conversation about the best movies at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival including Come to Daddy, Something Else, Knives and Skin, Initials S.G., Bliss, Crown Vic, It Takes a Lunatic, the Apocalypse Now Final Cut and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May the 4th be with you! The Empire Strips Back tour returns to North American with sexy Stormtroopers, a seductive Boba Fett, some tantalizing Twi'leks, a lady-like Skywalker, the Droids you are looking for and much more. We chat with show creator Russall Beattie along with cast members about Star Wars fandom, Batman obsession and bringing burlesque to a galaxy far, far away. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco was an incredibly influential teacher having mentored film composers such as Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams. Actor Xander Berkeley plays the infamous composer in The Maestro. We also talk about Xander's work on The Walking Dead, making indie films versus studio pictures and working with James Cameron on Terminator 2. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Filmmaker Laura Sheehy has plenty of tips to win at the track. Her documentary, Chasing the Win, follows a rookie trainer who achieves surprising success when a beloved racehorse scores an unprecedented victory. And if you hear horses during the interview, that's because this podcast was recorded at Santa Anita Parkway. And they're off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Assemble! The Film Threat team assembles in Hollywood after a screening of Avengers: Endgame to talk about this monumental moment in comic book and Marvel movie history. Spoilers and the future of the MCU bring some team members to tears. Bring me Thanos! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our hot take, non-spoiler review of Avengers: Endgame. Iron Man. The Hulk. Thor. Ant-Man. Captain Marvel. Captain America. The fate of the entire galaxy is at stake. And the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Film Threat will never be the same. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

British director Suzie Halewood takes indie sci-fi to a new level with Division 19. In a future that seems oddly familiar, we enter a world obsessed with views and social media, turning prisons into entertainment channels where subscribers vote on the fates of inmates. Suzie talks parkour stunts, low budget effects, and our black mirror-obsessed culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Would you squat on a billboard as part of a radio promotion for the chance to win a mobile home and a load of cash? Director Zeke Zelker delivers an indie feature one described as "a horror film for entrepreneurs." Zeke chats with us about Billboard, wacky radio promotions, how to promote and release your indie film in theaters, transmedia and the death of radio. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elle Fanning stars in a modern fairy tale about a singing competition, Teen Spirit, written and directed by Max Minghella. Enjoy this conversation with Max, the actor-turned-director which most will remember for his role on Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale. Sing it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many myths surround Neanderthals, an extinct species of humans that existed in Europe during the Ice Age. Writer/director Tim Disney delivers an indie sci-fi feature that explores what would happen if a Neanderthal lived in the present day. But there's a lot more to this story. So, let's talk about William. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writer/director William Dickerson's brutally honest film No Alternative is set in the 90s in the wake of Kurt Cobain's death. This coming-of-age indie feature is Dickerson's own personal story of two siblings and a family in crisis. Punk. Gangster rap. Grunge. And trying to survive the teenage years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Indie horror film The Wind freaked out audiences at Toronto and Fantastic Fest. Now this frighteningly original western-horror movie comes to theaters. Director Emma Tammi explains those deadly spirits and the true horror awaiting those who dared to live on the prairie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Burton's latest is Dumbo, a live-action remake of Disney's original Dumbo from 1941. But the real question is: Are all these live-action remakes of Disney's classic animated films a dumb move? Also, are some movie critics dumb? Chris Gore invites special guest critic Erick Weber into an idiotic conversation to ponder these stupid questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Indie action film Six-String Samurai debuted at Slamdance in 1998 and the movie from first-time feature director Lance Mungia wowed audiences with its frenetic musical martial arts. Lance's latest is Third Eye Spies, a documentary that investigates the CIA's program to exploit the talents of people with psychic abilities. Is this for real? Let's find out together as things get weird. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Filmmaker Elizabeth Blake-Thomas understands that to get an indie movie made, you must sometimes do it all. Originally from The UK, the director of Pretty Outrageous and her latest film Maybe I'm Fine, is also the author of several books. Elizabeth sat down for a fascinating and inspiring chat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Akio Sakurai is a Japanese guitarist who has turned his passion for Jimmy Page into a lifelong dream to recreate vintage Led Zeppelin concerts note-for-note in small Tokyo clubs. Documentarian Peter Michael Dowd followed Akio as he pursued his dream and both filmmaker and subject sit down for a conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Abigail Blackmore is the writer/director behind this uniquely original horror anthology from England. She is joined by her producer Ed Barrat for a fun conversation about blood and guts and indies. Grab a pint and listen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actors Jackson Rathbone and Xander Berkeley are joined by co-directors Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak for a discussion about their SXSW film The Wall of Mexico. Walls, water and our bleak future are all on the table for a fascinating conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jessica Oreck's true story set in the future is both a unique vision and a cautionary tale. From the barroom at the infamous Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, Jessica tells us all about her film One Man Dies a Million Times. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Films! Parties! BBQ! Beer! Premieres! We wrap up our 2019 SXSW Film Festival experience as Alan Ng, Bobby LePire and Chris Gore from the Film Threat team discuss the best, the worst and the WTF from Austin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seth Rogen steps back into the producer's chair and delivers yet another raunchy comedy, but this time with really, really, really little kids! Child actors Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams and Brady Noon join us for a conversation... and they promise they will not swear! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.