BELOW THE LINE PODCAST

Today we’re talking about the craft of Food Styling, and I’m joined by two guests with expertise to share. Christine Tobin (“Little Women”, “Julia” and “The Holdovers”) and Melissa McSorley (“Chef”, “Mad Men”, and various Star Wars projects) discuss where Food Styling fits into the larger film set environment, and we compare how period, contemporary and futuristic storylines trigger different food styling challenges.

“What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing” is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories from former cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, and I’m thrilled to host them on this episode of the podcast and talk about the book (which was just published last week). Our conversation is both a teaser for the release and a chance to explore some of the set stories in more detail, and we discuss how the theme of service runs through the entire endeavor. Since the West Wing is among my assistant director credits, this was also a nice trip down memory lane for me and a wonderful opportunity to catch up.

“The Dead Don’t Hurt” is an indie western written and directed by Viggo Mortenson, who also starred in the film and composed the score. Costume Designer Anne Dixon joins me to discuss both the challenges of working on a multinational, low-budget film, the rewards of working with Viggo and the tone he sets (both on set and in front of the camera), and little easter eggs that thread through the entire film. It had a theatrical run earlier this summer and is now available for streaming. 

Today we’re talking about “Mayor of Kingstown”, the Taylor Sheridan-produced series starring Jeremy Renner. Score Composer Andrew Lockington returns to the podcast to discuss his contributions across all three seasons, and composer Louis Weeks joins me once again to provide a colleague’s perspective. “Mayor of Kingstown” streams on Paramount+, and the finale of the third season is airing today. Relevance! 

Regular listeners know that this podcast has a lot of respect for the film contribution of props, and we’re excited to discuss the recent endeavors of the Property Masters Guild (founded January 2021). Mikey Trudel and Chris Call, who both serve on the Board of Directors, discuss the PMG’s efforts serving both the society of property masters and the larger community of people who are interested in the craft. We also talk about the first ever MacGuffin Awards, which will be awarded in LA on September 14, 2024, and the PMG’s official podcast, Prop Talk (which they both host).

Netflix’s eight-episode adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was well-received by critics and fans alike, and two more seasons are on the way. Costume Designer Farnaz Khaki-Sadigh discusses the challenge of adapting the popular animated series for live action, and we dive deep into the major battle scenes from the first and last episodes of season one.

“Fallout”, the eight-episode video game adaptation currently streaming on Prime, is retro-futuristic apocalyptic chaos at its best. The series has been applauded by gamers and non-gamers alike, and today’s guests — Set Decorator Regina Graves, Propmaster Michael Jortner and Propmaster Peter Gelfman — share story after story about the effort and creativity it took to bring the aesthetic of the game to a live-action show. Finally, it wouldn’t be a video game adaptation podcast without Gianni Damaia, who joins me once again as co-host. Don’t miss the accompanying photo album on our Facebook page.

It’s a two-guest show! Recreating the historical drama of Apple TV+’s “Manhunt” so it’s relatable to a modern audience was a challenge for both Costume Designer Katie Irish and 1st Assistant Director Gary Goldman. No matter what you think you know about Lincoln’s assassination and the 12-day manhunt that followed, Katie and Gary share some details that I bet will surprise you. Visit our Facebook page for an album of photos that illustrate what we’re talking about.

“Ripley” -- the stylish eight-episode series currently streaming on Netflix -- is a very deliberate bit of filmmaking. While the black-and-white filming and exquisitely framed shots draw attention to the cinematography, today co-host Louis Weeks and I are speaking with Score Composer Jeff Russo. We explore how Jeff’s relationship with the character of Ripley evolved over time, and Jeff illustrates how this score is an integrated aspect of the storytelling. (Jeff also draws parallels between his collaboration with creator Steve Zaillian and his time as a founding member of the rock band, Tonic, which itself is worth the price of admission.)

“Before I Change My Mind” is a wonderful coming-of-age story with a twist: the gender of our protagonist, Robin (played by Vaughan Murrae), is indeterminate throughout the film. Writer/Director Trevor Anderson shares how his extensive theater experience — and the support of the Edmonton theater scene — was integral to the making of this movie. We also talk about how it’s even possible to set a film in the Alberta, Canada, of 1987 for only half a million dollars (American). Trevor’s answer, which he also credits to his theater experience? A focus on character.

“Drugstore June”, starring Esther Povitsky, is a refreshingly low-key comedy that I sincerely enjoyed. Indie filmmaking is challenging, and Cinematographer Sherri Kauk explains how she worked with Director Nicholaus Goossen and the rest of the crew on issues of budget and schedule, ensuring that they got the most bang for their limited buck. She also shares insights that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own, like the different visual style of each act and how she plays with color throughout the film. And lest you think I forgot: I ask about that two-foot tall gummi bear baby.

“Griselda”, currently streaming on Netflix, stars Sofia Vergara as the titular cocaine kingpin, prominent in the Miami drug scene of the 1970s and 1980s. The role is a change of pace for the former “Modern Family” star, and my guest Angela Nogaro, Makeup Department Head for the series, was part of the team that made Sofia’s transformation possible. We talk about the challenges of designing makeup for a period-set project and how everyone came together in support of the vision (actors included).

The Paramount+ series “Sexy Beast”, with all eight episodes currently streaming, is a prequel to Jonathan Glazer’s 2000 film of the same name. My guest is Producer and Editor Matthew Barber, who joined the production to help establish the tone of the series and worked as an editor on the first and last episodes. We talk about the challenges of doing a prequel series to the well-respected film, and we break down specific scenes from an editor's perspective. The State of the Podcast is strong! Check it out. 

“Oppenheimer” cleaned up at the Academy Awards last weekend, claiming seven statues for its 13 nominations. My guest this episode is the film’s Propmaster, Guillaume DeLouche. Achievement in Propmastering isn’t recognized with an Oscar, but today, we’re going to discuss how props contributed to all of the nominations and wins for Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. Yes, even Original Score! Oh, and Guillaume and I first worked together back in 2000, so it’s a reunion of sorts. Good times! Join us.

BONUS EPISODE! Propmastering is not recognized with an Oscar, but what if it was? Gregg Bilson, Jr. (President of mega-prop conglomerate ISS) and Scott Buckwald (property master and friend of the podcast!) discuss a hypothetical slate of films that could be nominated for their props. This episode wraps our Academy Awards coverage, but if you've listened to the entire series, I promise you'll be the smartest person at your Oscars party.

The 2023 Nominees for Propmastering:

•“The Creator”

•“Last Voyage of the Demeter”

•“Napoleon”

•“Oppenheimer”

•”Poor Things”

The Academy Awards are only a week away, and today we’re discussing the Oscar nominees for Original Song. My guests — Chris Molanphy (chart analyst and podcast host), Louis Weeks (score composer), and Tom Peyton (song writer) — offer an assessment of these nominees that encompasses both the technical and the meta.

The 2023 Nominees for Original Song:

•"The Fire Inside" from "Flamin' Hot" 

•"I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie" 

•"It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony" 

•"Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon" 

•"What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie"

Our tour through the technical categories continues with a discussion of the Oscar nominees for Original Score. My guests — Louis Weeks (score composer), Chris Molanphy (chart analyst/pop critic), and Jennie Armon (executive producer/music supervisor) — offer a multi-layered set of insights.

The 2023 Nominees for Original Score:

•"American Fiction" 

•"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" 

•"Killers of the Flower Moon"

•"Oppenheimer"

•"Poor Things"

The Oscar nominees for Film Editing compose an interesting slate of films this year, and editors Christopher Angel and Amy Duddleston return to share their insights. For those following along at home, you may be amused to know that they disagree on the merits of at least one of these movies, but they both reinforced my opinion about the one nominee I’ve elsewhere suggested was overrated. What drama! Join us for a listen.

The 2023 Nominees for Film Editing:

•"Anatomy of a Fall"

•"The Holdovers"

•"Killers of the Flower Moon"

•"Oppenheimer"

•"Poor Things"

Our Academy Awards series continues with a discussion of the Oscar nominees for Makeup and Hairstyling. Joining me today are Angela Nogaro (Makeup) and Yvonne Depatis-Kupka (Hair), discussing not only the nominated films but - once again - questions about the selection process and who is considered part of the team. Why is there only one name on the team for “Oppenheimer”? We offer some thoughts.

The 2023 Nominees for Makeup and Hairstyling:

•"Golda"

•"Maestro"

•"Oppenheimer"

•"Poor Things"

•"Society of the Snow"

Film professionals discussing the nominees in their area of expertise: that’s Below the Line at the Oscars. Today, we’re talking about Cinematography, and my returning guests — Patrick Cady and David Tuttman — are directors of photography with stories to share. 

The 2023 Nominees for Cinematography: 

•"El Conde"

•"Killers of the Flower Moon"

•"Maestro"

•"Oppenheimer"

•"Poor Things"

Costume Designers Helen Huang And Allison Choi Braun return to offer their insights on this year’s Oscar nominees for Costume Design. We mark our halfway point through the Academy Awards season with another great conversation, discussing not only the five nominated films but also how the craft of costume design is such an integral aspect of the filmmaking collaboration.

The 2023 Nominees for Costume Design:

• "Barbie"

•"Killers of the Flower Moon" 

•"Napoleon" 

•"Oppenheimer" 

•"Poor Things" 

It’s difficult to sell 12 episodes of Oscars coverage, but if you appreciate the work done by crew, you’re going to appreciate this season, where film professionals discuss the nominees in the category of their expertise. Today’s animated conversation about the nominees for Animated Feature benefits from returning guests, Kent Seki and Camille Leganza. Have YOU seen Oscar nominee “Robot Dreams”? It's the rare case of a nominated film that I didn't get to see, so no spoilers about that one.

The 2023 Nominees for Animated Feature Film:

•“The Boy and the Heron“ 

•"Elemental"

•"Nimona" 

•"Robot Dreams"

•"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" 

We’re continuing our deep dive discussions about the Oscar nominees in the technical categories, and today, Production Designer Bob Shaw and Set Decorator Regina Graves - Oscar nominees themselves - offer their insights about the five nominees for Production Design.

The 2023 Nominees for Production Design:

•"Barbie" 

•"Killers of the Flower Moon"

•"Napoleon" 

•"Oppenheimer"

•"Poor Things" 

It’s non-stop conversations about the Oscar nominees in the technical categories from now until the Academy Awards, and I hope you'll follow us for the full season. Today, Kent Seki and Chris Batty return to discuss the nominees for Visual Effects. This year, it looks like any of these nominees could deservedly take the prize. Join us for insights about the surprising group of contenders in this rapidly evolving field.

The 2023 Nominees for Visual Effects:

• "The Creator"

• "Godzilla Minus One"

• "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

• “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One"

• "Napoleon"

Below the Line continues our Fifth Annual Oscar Series with a discussion of the nominees for achievement in Directing, and I’m joined by a returning panel of fellow below-the-liners: Katie Carroll, Bill Hardy, Roger Mendoza and Shaun O’Banion. It’s the first year we’ve discussed the directors nominated for the Academy Award, but it’s in lieu of our traditional conversation focused on the Directors Guild of America nominees (the DGA crowns their winners next weekend, Feb 10th). Same panel, same topic, but a slightly different focus; the episode runs long, but I hope you’ll enjoy it.

The 2023 Nominees for Directing:

•"Anatomy of a Fall" 

•"Killers of the Flower Moon" 

•"Oppenheimer" 

•"Poor Things" 

•"The Zone of Interest"