Yippee-ki-yay, movie lovers! In our 30th episode, we climb all the way up to the 30th floor of Nakatomi Plaza for a full-scale deep dive into Die Hard — the explosive 1988 action classic that redefined the genre.
Join us as we unpack John McClane’s one-man war against Hans Gruber and his band of Euro-terrorists, explore how Die Hard turned everyday vulnerability into heroism, and debate the eternal question: is it really a Christmas movie?
So grab your walkie-talkie, take off your shoes, and crawl through the air vents with us. Welcome to the party, pal.
John Ford’s name is synonymous with American cinema. From Stagecoach to The Searchers, his films helped shape not only the western genre, but the very language of storytelling on screen. In this episode, we explore Ford’s artistry—his eye for landscape, his complex sense of community and individualism, and his enduring influence on generations of filmmakers.
Using the seldom-seen silent film The Girl in Number 29 as our jumping-off point, we trace Ford’s early career and discuss how his themes and techniques evolved into the iconic style that made him one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors.
Whether you’re a longtime Ford admirer or new to his work, this is an invitation to rediscover the man behind the myth.
Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
Guest Host: David Sterritt
Produced & Edited by: Matthew Simmonds
In this thrilling 28th episode of Film by Numbers, we dive deep into the post-apocalyptic horror that redefined the zombie genre — 28 Days Later. And it wouldn't be a proper celebration without a very special guest: Noah Huntley, who plays Mark in the film, joins us on the pod!
We chat with Noah about his experience working on Danny Boyle’s genre-defining classic, behind-the-scenes stories, the film’s gritty production style, and how it helped reshape horror for the 21st century. Plus, we explore the film’s impact, iconic moments, and why it still holds up over two decades later.
Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
Guest Host: Noah Huntley
Produced & Edited By: Matthew Simmonds
Thank you to Noah Huntley for taking time out of his busy rehearsal schedule to chat with us about 28 Days Later.
See Noah in 'The Daughter of Time' at the Charing Cross Theatre: https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/the-daughter-of-time
Noah's website: https://www.noahhuntley.com
BONUS EPISODE: Tamar Jeffers McDonald on the Romantic Comedy
In this special bonus episode of Film By Numbers, we’re thrilled to share the full interview with renowned film historian Tamar Jeffers McDonald.
Join us as Tamar brings her expert eye to the world of the romantic comedy—unpacking its visual language, cultural impact, and enduring appeal. From golden age Hollywood charm to modern-day classics, she explores how these films capture the genre's emotional core and reflect shifting ideas of romance on screen.
Whether you're a rom-com devotee or just curious about how these beloved films are framed and remembered, we hope you enjoy the chat!
Thank you Tamar for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with FBN.
In this episode, we say “I do” to one of the most beloved—and misunderstood—genres in film: the romantic comedy. Using 27 Dresses (2008), starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, as our jumping-off point, we explore the rom-com's tropes, evolution, and cultural impact.
Why do so many critics dismiss rom-coms as fluff? What makes 27 Dresses both a quintessential and subversive entry in the genre? And how have romantic comedies shaped our expectations of love, friendship, and personal growth?
Join us as we break down the genre conventions, the emotional payoffs that define the genre—and find out why rom-coms deserve a little more acknowledgement.
Also joining us for this discussion is Tamar Jeffers McDonald, Professor of Film History, and Dean of the School of Art and Media, at the University of Brighton. Tamar is also the author of Romantic Comedy: Boy Meets Girl Meets Genre and the BFI classic on When Harry Met Sally.
You can find Tamar's books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Tamar-Jeffers-McDonald/author/B0034P8RPS?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
Interview: Tamar Jeffers McDonald
Produced & Edited By: Matthew Simmonds
Original Music: Neil Parmar
Following his passing on 16th January 2025, we take the opportunity to honour the film career and genius of American director David Lynch in this episode of Film By Numbers.
A true artist who transformed cinematic language with his surrealist soundscapes and dream-like imagery, the ‘Lynchian’ dialogue is one of the subconscious manifested as a progressive narrative by which to share our darkest, yet also our most hopeful, feelings and experiences.
Lynch’s dream logic has helped make sense of an often cruel and unforgiving world for many film lovers. His legacy has left an indelible print on the way we tell visual stories and he also leaves behind a formidable body of work that includes several significant masterpieces of the medium.
Hosted by Phil Slatter and David Woods.
Special guest host Paul Risker.
Produced & Edited: Matthew Simmonds
Original Music: Neil Parmar
Full Lynch Lynch Interview: David Lynch - The Idea Dictates Everything: https://youtu.be/_6koYFk6jlA?si=gXMIGvjxOIsH7pMt
To mark our 25th episode, we're diving into 25th Hour and the powerful, provocative filmography of Spike Lee—one of the most vital voices in American cinema.
We're joined by special guest host Odie Henderson, the Boston Globe film critic and Spike Lee expert, for a passionate, insightful conversation about Lee's signature style, recurring themes, and cultural impact—from Do the Right Thing to Da 5 Bloods and beyond.
We’ll unpack how 25th Hour became one of Lee’s most underrated yet emotionally charged works, explore his collaborations with Denzel Washington, Delroy Lindo, and reflect on how his films continue to challenge and inspire.
Tune in for a celebration of bold filmmaking, deep storytelling, and a director who’s never afraid to speak truth through cinema.
#SpikeLee #25thHour #FilmByNumbers #OdieHenderson #BlackCinema #MoviePodcast #DoTheRightThing
Links to Odie's work:
Slant: https://www.slantmagazine.com/author/odienator/
Roger Ebert: https://www.rogerebert.com/contributors/odie-henderson
Books: https://www.waterstones.com/author/odie-henderson/7159097
Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/odie-henderson/movies
Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/odienator/
Blaxploitation Boxset: https://www.filmtreasures.co.uk/blaxploitation-classics-volume-1-4k-blu-ray-boxset-pre-order
Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
Produced by Matthew Simmonds & Paul Risker
Edited by: Matthew Simmonds
Original music by: Neil Parmar
We're delighted to share with you our full interview with filmmaker Elliot Goldener.
In this interview we discuss the complexities of shooting a 'found footage' film and celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his film 'The Borderlands'.
Many thanks to Elliot for taking the time out to speak with us.
Interview conducted by Phil Slatter.
Produced and edited by Matthew Simmonds
Hello and welcome to episode 18 of Film By Numbers!
We've named it Apollo 18 and the subject up for discussion is the fairly unique sub genre of found footage.
The film that gives us our title is the 2011 found footage sci-fi horror that tells the tale of a covert mission to the moon after the Apollo space programme had officially ended.
We're also joined by filmmaker Elliot Goldner. Elliot is responsible for of the best examples of found footage with his film 'The Borderlands' which is currently celebrating its 10 year anniversary.
Many thanks to Elliot and the team at Curtis Brown for helping set up the interview.
Hosts:
Phil Slatter & David Woods
Produced and edited:
Matt Simmonds
Co-producer:
Paul Risker
Music:
Neil Parmar and YouTube music
Clips:
The Borderlands
Blair Witch Project
Apollo 18
Troll Hunter
Extras:
The Borderlands Anniversary Blu-Ray:
Diabolical Podcast:
Hello and welcome to the latest episode of Film By Numbers!
It is Episode 17 and we have called it ‘Meeting at Number 17: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock’. Number 17 was an early feature film of Hitchcock’s from 1932 that the great man himself denounced as “a terrible picture, very cheap melodrama.” It’s a crime thriller about a gang of thieves who gather at a safe house following a robbery whilst being pursued by a police detective.
As well as Number 17 we delve into Hitchcock’s filmography, motifs, and legacy.
Many thanks to Jennie Kermode (writer and director at Eye For Film) and Michael Barrett (film critic and writer) for joining us on this podcast.
Hosts:
Phil Slatter & David Woods
Guest Hosts:
Jennie Kermode & Michael Barrett
Produced by Matthew Simmonds & Paul Risker
Edited by Matthew Simmonds
Original Music by Neil Parmar
Reach out to Jenny and Michael:
- Jennie on X: @jennie_kermode
- Jennie’s books: https://shorturl.at/BFZ58
- Michael on Popmatters: https://shorturl.at/dorvF
You can get in touch with Film By Numbers via X (@FilmNumbersPod) and Instagram (film_by_numbers_podcast)
Further Reading:
Hitchcock/Truffaut – Francois Truffaut
My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock – Mark Cousins
78/52 – Alexandre O.Phillippe
Talking Hitchcock Podcast – Rebecca McCallum
Please do get in touch if you’ve got any suggestions for future episodes or if you’ve got any questions for the team.
We're delighted to share with you our full interview with producer Rebecca O'Brien.
In this interview with discuss working with filmmaker Ken Loach and writher Paul Laverty. We also discuss the state of funding in British cinema and the complexities of working within a co-production.
Many thanks to Rebecca and the team at Sixteen Productions for being part of Film By Numbers.
Interview by David Woods
Produced and Edited by Matthew Simmonds
Hello and welcome to episode 16 of Film By Numbers.
We are now up to Episode 16 and we have named this Sweet Sixteen after both the Ken Loach film of 2002 and the production company set up at that time by Loach his long term screenwriting collaborator Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien.
And We're thrilled to announce we have an excerpt of an interview with Sweet Sixteen producer Rebecca O'Brien in this podcast, the full interview will be made available as a separate podcast in the near future.
Hosts: Phil Slatter & David Woods
Produced & Edited: Matthew Simmonds
Music: Neil Parmar & YouTube Music
Many thanks to Emma and the team at Sixteen Films!