Welcome to Following Films, where we dig into the stories behind the movies—and the people—who challenge the way we watch them. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.
Today, I’m joined by philosopher and film lover Matthew Strohl, author of the new book Hard to Watch, a passionate and thought-provoking call to expand the way we engage with cinema.
We’re living in a golden age of movie access—between streaming, physical media, repertory theaters, and more, there’s never been a better time to explore the full range of what cinema has to offer. And yet, most of us tend to stick with the familiar, the comfortable, the easily digestible.
In Hard to Watch, Matthew argues that we’re missing out by avoiding the so-called “difficult” films—the ones that challenge, provoke, confuse, or even frustrate us. From the rigorous minimalism of Jeanne Dielman to the body horror surrealism of Titane, Matthew makes the case that these films can be deeply rewarding—if we’re willing to meet them on their own terms.
Described as part film guide, part self-help book, Hard to Watch is both an enthusiastic celebration of cinematic ambition and a thoughtful roadmap for getting more out of the films that don’t come with easy answers.
Matthew Strohl is a professor of philosophy at the University of Montana, and his writing explores the intersection of aesthetics, art, and popular culture. He’s also the author of Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies—so it’s safe to say his taste is both expansive and refreshingly open-minded.
In our conversation, we’ll talk about what it means to truly watch a film, why discomfort can be a gift, and how embracing the hard stuff can change the way we see not just cinema—but ourselves.
Let’s get into it.
Welcome to Following Films, where we explore the creative journeys behind the films that inspire us. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.
Today’s guest is Steven Martini—an award-winning screenwriter, actor, musician, and the director of the deeply personal new indie film BitterSweet.
This film is more than just a story—it’s Steven’s story. BitterSweet is based on his own real-life breakdown, a turning point that led to his late autism diagnosis and forced him to reexamine everything: his identity, his creative process, and his role as a father.
Steven not only wrote and directed the film—he also stars in it alongside his wife, actress and producer Gabriela Kulaif. You might know his earlier work, including Lymelife and Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire, both of which earned acclaim and were executive produced by Martin Scorsese.
BitterSweet is an unflinching look at undiagnosed autism, toxic masculinity, and the trials of early parenthood. It opens in select theaters June 11 and hits VOD worldwide July 3.
In our conversation, Steven opens up about the emotional and artistic journey behind the film, the challenges of telling such a personal story, and the catharsis of turning pain into art.
Let’s jump into it.
Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films. I’m Chris Maynard, and today I’m talking with director Destry Allyn Spielberg about her new film, Please Don’t Feed the Children.
It’s a tense, gripping horror-thriller set in a world where a virus has wiped out the adult population, and a group of orphans finds themselves taken hostage by a mysterious woman with a dark secret. The film features a fantastic cast — including Michelle Dockery, Giancarlo Esposito, and Zoe Colletti — and marks Destry’s feature directorial debut.
Please Don’t Feed the Children arrives exclusively on Tubi this Friday, June 27, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned — this is a great conversation you’re going to want to hear!
Welcome to the Following Films Podcast, I’m Chris Maynard. Today I’m joined by two special guests from the bold new film Killing Mary Sue. It’s a darkly comic thriller about a corrupt senator plotting to kill his biggest liability — his rebellious step‑daughter — only for her to discover she has a hidden talent as an unstoppable killer.
The film is currently available on VOD, and I’m excited to be talking with its star, Sierra McCormick, and its writer and director, James Sunshine. We’ll dig into the making of this unique story, what drew them to it, and what it was like to bring such a sharp and intriguing character to the screen. Stay tuned — you’re listening to the Following Films Podcast.
Welcome back to The Following Films Podcast, where we look at the craft of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the people who bring it all to life. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.
Today’s episode is a short one, but a good one.
We’re joined by two remarkable guests: acclaimed actor Dermot Mulroney, whose filmography spans everything from My Best Friend’s Wedding to Young Guns and Yellowstone… and director Salvador Litvak, whose bold new film Guns & Moses is already sparking conversation across the country.
Inspired by real events, Guns & Moses follows a desert rabbi who becomes an unlikely warrior when his community is attacked—blending the intensity of an action-thriller with the heart of a deeply personal story. It’s a film that takes on antisemitism, courage, and what it means to protect what matters most… all with style, grit, and yes, a little Hitchcock flair.
We talk about the making of the film, the urgency of its message, and the humanity behind the characters. So stay tuned—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
You're listening to Following Films, the podcast where we dig beneath the surface of cinema to uncover the stories behind the screen. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today we’re going deep into the heart of Diablo — a lean, ferocious action-thriller starring Scott Adkins that lands today in theaters and on demand.
Diablo is the story of Kris Chaney — a man fresh out of prison, carrying the weight of a promise and running from the kind of danger you can’t hide from. Directed by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, the film mixes brutal martial arts choreography, a relentless villain, and a surprising emotional core.
In this special episode, I’m joined first by Scott Adkins, who talks about the physical and emotional challenge of playing Kris — a man torn between violence and redemption.
Then, I speak with Alanna de la Rossa, who plays Elisa — a pivotal role that grounds the story with vulnerability and strength. We dive into her experience on set, working opposite Adkins, and what it meant to represent her Colombian roots in an international action film.
And finally, I close things out with director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, who shares his vision for Diablo — from crafting terrifying villains to building tension through movement, silence, and raw human conflict.
This is one of our most action-packed episodes yet — and there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than just fists and bullets.
Welcome to Following Films. Let’s get into Diablo
Welcome to Following Films, the show where we talk to the creators behind today’s most compelling cinema. I’m your host, and today we’re honored to be joined by filmmaker Amir Kovacs, director of the beautifully animated new feature, Book of Joshua: Walls of Jericho.
Now available on major VOD platforms, Walls of Jericho is a powerful retelling of the biblical story from the Book of Joshua—a tale of faith, endurance, and divine triumph. Set after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the film follows Joshua and the Israelites as they confront the towering walls of Jericho with little more than their faith and God's instructions. What unfolds is a miraculous victory, brought to life through stunning animation and a moving score.
The film has already garnered major festival recognition, winning “Best Animated Film” at the 2025 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and earning a top-three spot for “Best Picture” at the International Christian Film & Music Festival. It’s a cinematic achievement that blends timeless storytelling with artistic innovation.
Today, Amir Kovacs joins us to talk about adapting this epic for the screen, working with a global creative team, and the vision behind Walls of Jericho. Whether you’re drawn to animation, inspired by stories of faith, or just curious about what goes into making a film like this, you’re in the right place.
I had the chance to sit down with Harley Flanagan — punk pioneer, founding member of the Cro-Mags, and the subject of the new feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS. Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller, this no-holds-barred film dives into Harley’s life — from the violent streets of ‘70s New York to the hardcore scene that defined a generation.
This isn’t just about music — it’s about survival. Abuse, addiction, squats, street fights, punk gigs, Jiu-Jitsu, fatherhood — Harley’s lived through it all. And the film, which features interviews with Flea, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Michael Imperioli, and the late Anthony Bourdain, shows a side of him many haven’t seen before.
Now, quick heads up — there’s a slight audio issue on my end during this episode. I didn’t realize my mic wasn’t plugged in, so you’ll hear me through my laptop’s onboard mic. It’s definitely listenable, just a bit rougher than usual — but honestly, it kind of fits the vibe of this episode.
So with that, let’s get into it. This is Harley Flanagan — loud, raw, and real
Welcome to The Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by acclaimed horror filmmaker Sean Byrne — the visionary behind The Loved Ones and The Devil’s Candy.
Sean is back with his most intense and ambitious film yet: Dangerous Animals — a razor-sharp fusion of shark thriller and serial killer horror, set against the vast, unforgiving waters of the Australian coast. With a bold script from screenwriter Nick Lepard, and haunting performances by Hassie Harrison and Jai Courtney, this is a film that doesn’t just scare — it lingers.
Shot on location, loaded with tension, and layered with unexpected emotional depth, Dangerous Animals is a high-concept genre film that asks: What if the real monster isn’t in the water, but standing right beside you?
Dangerous Animals opens exclusively in theaters tomorrow — June 6, 2025. You’ll want to see this one on the biggest screen possible, surrounded by people gripping their seats just as hard as you are.
In today’s episode, Sean and I dive into the making of the film, the creative evolution of its characters, and what it means to make horror with heart — and teeth.
Let’s get into it.
Show Notes – Following Films
Episode Title: “GOING POSTAL: Filmmakers Tda Sallee & Jason Sikorsky on Gaming’s Most Notorious Underdog”
Hosted by: Chris Maynard
Guests: Ted Sallee & Jason Sikorsky, directors of GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD
Now Streaming on VOD
Episode Summary:
Host Chris Maynard sits down with filmmakers Tad Sallee and Jason Sikorsky to unpack their five-year journey making GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD—a bold, heartfelt, and cinematic deep dive into one of gaming’s most controversial franchises. What started as a casual conversation in Tucson turned into an unexpected story of friendship, chaos, controversy, and creative grit.
Set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert and steeped in gaming subculture, the film tells the behind-the-scenes story of Postal—a cult-favorite game infamous for its violence, and beloved for its refusal to conform. But at its heart, GOING POSTAL isn’t just about a game. It’s about two creators, Mike J. and Vince, and their decades-long fight to keep their vision alive.
In This Episode:
How a ramen lunch sparked a five-year filmmaking odyssey
Tucson roots and the strange comfort of seeing Arizona on screen
The evolution from YouTube docuseries to fully cinematic film
The unexpected emotional core: Mike J., Vince, and the underdog bond that drives it all
Balancing voices: how fans, historians, and critics helped shape the narrative
Courting controversy: how Postal leaned into the chaos—and why
Why GOING POSTAL is more than a hot take on violent games—it's a story of survival and passion in indie gaming
About the Film:
GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD chronicles the story of Postal, one of gaming’s most infamous franchises, and the unlikely duo behind it. What unfolds is a decades-long journey filled with backlash, cult fandom, and a relentless belief in staying true to your vision.
Now available on VOD – Stream it wherever you rent or buy films.
Links & Resources:
Watch GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD now on VOD https://goingpostaldoc.com/
Learn more about Postal and Running With Scissors: https://runningwithscissors.com/
Read POSTAL by Brock Wilbur https://www.amazon.com/Postal-Brock-Wilbur/dp/1940535220
Join the Conversation:
Like what you heard? Subscribe to Following Films, leave a rating or review, and share your thoughts. Are you Postal enough?
Some films aim to entertain; others aim to provoke. Lemonade Blessing dares to do both—and does so with unapologetic flair. At first glance, the film is a bold, raunchy sex comedy. But peel back the irreverent humor, the teenage horniness, and the sacrilegious hijinks, and you’ll find something much deeper pulsing beneath the surface: a raw, reflective exploration of generational trauma, toxic masculinity, and the quiet desperation of growing up with inherited wounds.
In this interview, Following Films sits down with writer-director Chris Merola, a Gen Z filmmaker whose work channels both playful nostalgia and piercing cultural critique. With scenes shot in his own childhood home and props pulled from his real-life video game collection, Lemonade Blessing is as personal as it is provocative. Merola opens up about the journey of making the film, the adolescent awakening that inspired it, and his hope that the film’s outrageous "skin" might draw in teen boys—particularly those vulnerable to toxic influencers—and leave them with something more lasting: its soul.
Audiences will have the chance to experience Lemonade Blessing at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, with four scheduled screenings:
Don’t miss this bold, timely, and soul-searching debut from a filmmaker with something vital to say—and a wild, unforgettable way of saying it.
Hey everyone, welcome to The Following Films Podcast. I'm your host, Chris Maynard.
Today’s episode is something really special — I had the chance to sit down with Renn Hawkey, a musician and producer you probably know from his work with Deadsy. But this time, we’re talking about something brand new: The Yagas, a deeply personal project that blends music, myth, and mood in powerful ways.
Their debut album, Midnight Minuet, was just released — and it’s haunting, cinematic, and full of depth. Even more compelling, the band is fronted by none other than Vera Farmiga. Yes, that Vera Farmiga — acclaimed actress and now the spellbinding voice at the center of The Yagas. Her vocals bring a hypnotic, otherworldly energy to the entire record.
In our conversation, Renn opens up about the creative process behind Midnight Minuet, collaborating with Vera, and how this project channels folklore, emotion, and atmosphere into something truly unforgettable.
So whether you’re already listening to the album or just curious about this unexpected musical journey, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get into it.
Welcome to Following Films, the show where we go behind the scenes with the people who make the movies we love. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by a filmmaker whose new film is both a gritty Boston drama and a deeply personal debut.
Eric Aronson is a Boston-based writer and director with over 22 years of experience as a Hollywood screenwriter. He’s written for major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, Miramax, and Lionsgate, and collaborated with creative forces like Sacha Baron Cohen. Now, with his directorial debut Any Day Now, Aronson brings a raw, heartfelt story to the screen — and back home to Boston.
The film stars Boston native Paul Guilfoyle, best known for CSI, L.A. Confidential, and Spotlight. He plays Marty Lyons, a streetwise hustler who pulls a drifting young night watchman — played by Taylor Gray — into a murky world of misfits, regret, and second chances.
Featuring an outstanding cast including Alexandra Templer, Thomas Kee, and Armando Rivera, Any Day Now is a love letter to the city and a story about finding meaning when everything feels lost.
👉 The film will be available on digital platforms May 20th
Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast, the show that dives deep into the world of independent cinema—where creativity meets grit, and stories are told against all odds.
Today’s guest is an indie filmmaker who truly embodies that spirit. We're joined by the writer, director, and editor of Blind Blood, an award-winning crime thriller now streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and UK, and on Tubi in Australia.
From writing the script to pulling off a feature film on limited resources, he’s here to talk about the blood, sweat, and storytelling that went into bringing Blind Blood to life. We’ll explore the harsh truths, hard-earned lessons, and occasional victories of making—and marketing—an indie film in today’s crowded landscape.
Whether you're a fellow filmmaker, a fan of gritty thrillers, or just someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories, this episode has something for you.
🔥 Episode Overview:
Guests: Stephen Leonhardt & Isabella Scanoni, Production Designers of Beast Games
Host: Chris Maynard
Streaming now on: Prime Video
On this episode of the Following Films Podcast, we dive into the jaw-dropping production behind one of the most ambitious reality competition shows ever created: Beast Games. Host [Name] sits down with acclaimed production designers Stephen Leonhardt and Isabella Scanoni to talk about what it really took to build the massive, surreal world that captivated millions of viewers.
With 1,000 contestants, mind-blowing challenges, and a $5 million prize, Beast Games isn’t just a show—it’s a logistical marvel. Stephen and Isabella break down how they turned an empty military hangar into a sprawling, 11-foot-high game platform, how they built a temporary city to house hundreds of people, and how they navigated the stress of delivering groundbreaking design on a brutally short timeline.
🎧 In This Episode:
What it's really like to design a show of unprecedented scale
How the team tackled the challenges of building sets for 1,000 players
Behind-the-scenes details on the infamous trapdoor platform
Working under intense timelines and limited resources in Toronto
Why Beast Games is more than just a game show—it's a human story
Thoughts on the future of big-scale competition shows
Hints at what’s next for Stephen and Isabella
🎯 Notable Quotes:
“It’s like Lawrence of Arabia meets a game show.”
“We built a city. We housed hundreds of people. We created stunts 115 feet in the air… and we did it all in just a couple of months.”
“They didn’t just want big—they wanted the biggest ever. And they meant it.”
📺 About Beast Games:Streaming on Prime Video, Beast Games is a high-stakes reality competition from YouTube sensation MrBeast. With never-before-seen scale, inventive game design, and cinematic ambition, it’s redefining what’s possible in unscripted television.
🎵 Outro music: Fort Worth
Enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Following Films Podcast. And tell your friends—especially those who love bold, behind-the-scenes stories from the world of film and television.
🙌 Thanks for Listening!
In one of the most unexpected turns in recent entertainment news, President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States.
In this episode, host Chris Maynard unpacks the potential consequences of this controversial proposal and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood and global filmmaking.
Later in the episode, Chris sits down with Sonnet Daymont, a therapist and horror film consultant, to discuss her work on the film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, her unique approach to trauma recovery, and her upcoming memoir, When Dangerous Feels Like Home.
Introduction
Welcome from Chris Maynard
Overview of today’s topics
Trump’s 100% Tariff Proposal
Trump’s Truth Social post and policy goals: “Bring movies back to America”
Analysis of Hollywood's recent struggles: COVID, strikes, wildfires, and shifting viewing habits
Industry stats: 2024 production budget cuts, 2025 box office rebound
Policy Uncertainty and Industry Questions
What qualifies as a foreign film?
Challenges with co-productions and digital releases
Legal questions around presidential authority and possible court battles
Global Fallout and Industry Reaction
Backlash from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand
Concerns over lost jobs in international markets
Threat of retaliatory tariffs and a global trade war in entertainment
Economic Nationalism vs. Global Industry
Could tariffs work? Only if paired with serious domestic incentives
Warnings from critics like NPR’s Eric Deggans
The broader question: Are tariffs the right solution or just political theater?
Listener Engagement
Share your thoughts on BlueSky @FollowingFilms.com
Email: contact@followingfilms.com
Meet Sonnet Daymont
Psychotherapist specializing in PTSD, ADHD, social anxiety, and trauma
Academic background in Counseling Psychology and Child Development
Former Pearson Teacher Fellow at Tufts University
Film Consulting & Memoir
Discusses consulting for horror films and her psychological approach
THE WOMAN IN THE YARD – now available on VOD
Upcoming memoir: When Dangerous Feels Like Home, a powerful exploration of healing from trauma
THE WOMAN IN THE YARD – Available now on Video on Demand (VOD)
BlueSky: @FollowingFilms.com
Email: contact@followingfilms.com
Website: followingfilms.com
Welcome to The Following Films Podcast — your go-to destination for deep dives into music, movies, and pop culture that push boundaries and spark conversation.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write.
We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and the nostalgia-packed music video that pays homage to VHS-era classics like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, and more. From clever film parodies to existential themes, Durry delivers a cinematic experience in both sound and vision.
Whether you're a fan of retro movies, 90s aesthetics, or just searching for your own rewrite in life’s script, you won’t want to miss this one.
Hit play and step behind the scenes of THIS MOVIE SUCKS with Durry — only on The Following Films Podcast.
Today on The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by cinematographer Martin Ruhe. Martin’s latest film, The Amateur, is a tense, grounded thriller, and we spend a lot of time talking about how he helped shape its unique look and feel. We also get into his earlier work, like the beautifully shot Control, and how his collaborations with George Clooney kicked off with The American and later continued with The Tender Bar. It was a real pleasure hearing Martin break down his process, how he approaches working with directors, and how he keeps pushing himself creatively from project to project.
Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films — I'm Chris Maynard.
Today I'm really excited to have cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on the show.
You probably know his work from Snowfall, Straight Outta Compton, and a bunch of other incredible projects.
We’re talking about his newest film, Opus, and how he approached the look and feel of it, what it was like putting it together, and just his overall process behind the camera.
It’s a great conversation — so let's jump right in.
On this episode, we’re diving into a story that blends nostalgia, music, and the origins of esports — a follow-up to one of the most beloved documentaries in gaming history. I’m talking about Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day.
This new film is the feature directorial debut from Oscar-winning producer Ed Cunningham — best known for Undefeated and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. If you're a fan of the latter, you're in for a real treat, because this film brings us back into the world of Walter Day — the iconic star of The King of Kong, and the man often credited as the father of esports.
Now 74, Walter is taking center stage once again in this musical documentary that follows his legal battle to protect his legacy, all while chasing a long-held dream: recording and performing the rock-opera love songs that have been echoing in his mind since his heart was broken back in the golden days of the arcade.
This episode features not one but two great interviews — first with Ed Cunningham, the director of Arcades & Love Songs, and then with the legend himself, Walter Day. We’ll talk about everything from the making of the film, to Walter’s unique musical vision, to what this journey has meant for him personally.
So whether you’re a longtime fan of The King of Kong, a lover of indie film, or just curious about this one-of-a-kind story, stick around — you won’t want to miss this.
