The Creative Connection Podcast

Step into the world of legendary makeup artist Margaret Beserra as she takes us through her incredible career in Hollywood special effects and makeup. From her early collaborations with Rob Bottin on The Howling and The Thing with John Carpenter, to groundbreaking work with icons like Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, Rick Baker, Stan Winston, and David Fincher, Margaret shares stories from behind the scenes of some of cinema’s most unforgettable films. Hear about her journey from starting in SFX hair and makeup, to problem solving on set, creating innovations in age makeup, and working on classics like Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Robocop, Mission Impossible, Coming to America, Seven, AI, and even Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Whether you’re a fan of practical effects, horror history, or the artistry behind Hollywood transformations, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn and Ian Rayburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

Today we sit down with Dan Pinchbeck, the founder of The Chinese Room, a UK games development studio. We talk about many aspects of games development, his games, Dear Esther & The Rapture, our mutual love of The Thing and what it takes to get a game made, published and released to the public. 'The superb game that the hosts played this year called 'Still Wakes the Deep' comes up and all this and much more! The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn and Ian Rayburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

Welcome to Episode 16! In this jam-packed episode, Alex and Ian recap their New Year's and holiday experiences while diving into some fascinating topics. In Episode 16, Alex and Ian recap their New Year's and holiday experiences, including Ian’s visit to the Zero Latency VR experience and his Christmas-themed watchlist. They also share exciting updates about upcoming guests like Dan Pinchbeck (Still Wakes the Deep) and legendary makeup artist Margaret Baserra (Robocop, The Thing). Behind the scenes, Alex discusses his work on the documentary Queering Blackpool and the challenges of editing and production. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is host by Alexander Blackburn and Ian Rayburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

We hope your having a wonderful holiday period and here is a message from me (It's Alex here) for Christmas period. Whether you're a film lover, a creator, or just someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with exciting content. Please leave us a review wherever you can. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

In this special episode of The Creative Connection Podcast, we dive into their top film picks of 2024! From blockbuster hits to indie gems, we discuss the movies that left the biggest impression on us this year. PLUS, we reveal our favorite overall film of 2024! Do you agree with our choice? Let us know 🍿 🎥 But that’s not all—Alexander and Ian reflect on their collaboration for The Creative Connection and share insights into what it’s like to join forces as creators. We also chat about our latest video production projects, sharing what we’ve been working on and what’s inspiring us creatively right now. 💡 Whether you're a film lover, a creator, or just someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with exciting content. Please leave us a review wherever you can. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

In this captivating episode of The Creative Connection, hosts Alexander Blackburn and Ian Rayburn sit down with the talented Pierre Olivier-Persin, the Special Effects Makeup Designer and Supervisor behind the groundbreaking visuals in the award-winning film The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat. Dive into the fascinating world of special effects makeup as Pierre shares his creative journey, the challenges of crafting the film's unforgettable aesthetics, and the innovative techniques he used to bring The Substance to life. From the intricacies of designing hyper-realistic effects to collaborating with Coralie Fargeat on her visionary storytelling, this episode is an inspiring exploration of the artistry and technical prowess that define modern cinema. Whether you're a filmmaker, a creative enthusiast, or a fan of The Substance, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of special effects and the dedication it takes to create cinematic masterpieces. Don't miss it! The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

This week Ian and I sit down with the talented creative mind, Jeremy Selenfield. Prosthetic Makeup Designer of Smile and Smile 2, Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story and much more. We chat about how he got started in the film industry, working with director Parker Finn on the first two Smile movies and our mutual love of all things horror. A full breakdown of what we talked about can be seen in the chapters below. Other properties he has worked on: Men in Black, John Wick, Hunters, Elementary and a lot more (IMDb at the bottom of this description). The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

We are back with a brand new episode of the creative connection with Visual Effects Supervisor, Joshua Petrino to talk about his career in visual effects, how he got started and working on the incredible horror movie franchise, Damien Leone's Terrifier. We talk things all things horror, the differences in the levels of effects, what are practical effects and clear up some misunderstandings with the post-production side of filmmakig. Joshua Petrino was visual effects supervisor on Terrifier 2 & 3. When you see the Art the Clown sticker appear, we have carefully taken out what could be considered spoilers for Terrifier 3. Hosted by me, Alexander Blackburn and Filmmaker Ian Rayburn. The Creative Connection Podcast The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram Ian Rayburn on Instagram

We sit down with the incredibly talented people behind the horror film 'The Roots of Evil'. Joining me on the episode is uber talented Director, Writer and Producer Cindy Stenberg, Lead Actor Ludvig Karmalm and Production Designer Ian Wilson. We talk all things Roots of Evil, from joining the production, how they got started in the film industry, building the world the film sits, how to de-goth an apartment, The Production Designer's haunted loft and how much Ludvig looks like the ho-ho-ho guy from Die Hard. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

Nelly Naylor is a photographer based in the UK and has been a successful wedding photographer for a long time now. Nelly joins me for the first in-person filming of the Creative Connection Podcast, in my new cabin space at home. We talk about how Nelly got started, finding her voice as a female photographer, cornering the market for the LGBTQ+ community, her doorstep portraits creative project during 2020-2022 (Covid) and keeping things interesting and fresh in the world of wedding photography. Please join us to find out more about Nelly Naylor, Photographer. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

Film composer Paul Talos joins us on the Creative Connection podcast to talk all things music and composing music for film. Paul wrote and scored the music for 'Turbo Cola' and talks about how he got involved, the working collaboration with the director and hearing the mix at the premiere of the film. We also talk about how Paul got started making music, our mutual love for the x-files and its music, finding your musical voice and his future collaborations. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

It's my pleasure to introduce this week's guest, Vincenzo Natali. He is a Director, Producer and Writer of several feature films including: Cube, Cypher, Nothing, Splice and In the Tall Grass. He has also directed episode of some the the biggest shows in television like: HBO's Westworld and The Strain and has also directed episodes of Hannibal and the Stand. He also co-created the television series The Peripheral on Amazon, directing half of the episodes and worked with Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy to get the show made. We also talk when he first started making films, working with talented crews and cast (like Ed Harris and Anthony Hopkins), his iconic 90's move Cube, with longtime collaborator David Hewlett, getting out of the way of actors as a director, how to spin plates in the industry and what advice he would give to young filmmakers. All this and so much more. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

We have the creative duo Brigitte Kingsley and Andrew Cymek on the podcast this week, a married couple who produce and direct films together including the fantastic ‘Astonishing Tales of Terror: Rocktapussy!’ Featuring at the S.I.C.K. festival. I delve into how they work together, what they love to make and how they first met and flourished creatively together. They have worked together for decades now and have great stories of highs and lows in the film industry, so please check it out right here. The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

This week we are joined by horror icon Lynne Griffin joins me to talk about the Sudbury Indie Creature Kon, going from the stage to the silver screen, starring in the iconic ‘Black Christmas’ horror movie and what fan interaction is like for her. Plus her husband getting residual cheques for being HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey (which he didn’t even work on!), working on the new Priscilla movie with Sofia Coppola and getting a fireman’s lift from Max Von Sydow (star of The Exorcist). Plus lots more! The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

Alex is joined (that's me typing) by the super talented stunt performer and filmmaker Alex Chung. He has had a wide ranging career in the film and television industry in some of the biggest shows like 'The Handmaids Tale', 'Fubar', 'The Boys', 'The Expanse', 'Psycho Goreman' and much more. Alex talks about when he started loving cinema and action, directing himself and others in his action film 'Contracts' (available to stream on Amazon) and being directed by Elizabeth Moss in 'The Handmaids Tale'. He also talks about his involvement in the Sudbury Indie Creature Kon (S.I.C.K.). The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

"Join us for an exclusive interview with legendary production designer Joe Alves, the creative genius behind iconic films like Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Escape from New York. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, his artistic process, and insights from a Hollywood pioneer who shaped the look of some of cinema's most unforgettable moments. Don't miss this fascinating conversation!" The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

Welcome to the third episode of the Creative Connection podcast! We’re joined by the incredible horror and comic book artist, Dave Kendall. This conversation was originally part of the Hellbound Horror Festival, but we knew it had to be included here. Dave’s unique artistic voice and insights are so relevant to what Creative Connection is all about—celebrating creativity and its power to inspire. Let’s dive into this amazing discussion! The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

Welcome to this special episode of the Creative Connection podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to feature filmmaker and director Alex Proyas, the visionary behind films like The Crow and Dark City. This conversation was originally part of the Hellbound Horror Festival, but we felt it was so important to bring it here. Alex’s perspective on storytelling and creativity is deeply relevant to what we’re exploring with Creative Connection. So sit back, and let’s dive into this inspiring discussion! The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram

Welcome to the very first episode of the Creative Connection podcast! We’re thrilled to kick things off with none other than legendary horror author, Ramsey Campbell. Originally recorded as part of the Hellbound Horror Festival, we knew we had to share this conversation here because it’s such a vital part of what Creative Connection is all about—amplifying voices that inspire and challenge us. Ramsey’s insights are as relevant today as ever, so let’s dive in and set the tone for what’s to come. Enjoy!" The Creative Connection Podcast This episode is hosted by Alexander Blackburn The Creative Connection on YouTube Alexander Blackburn on Instagram