On this episode of Center Stage with Mark Gordon, filmmaker Christine La Monte discusses her new documentary Ai Weiwei’s Turandot, which follows artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he makes his operatic directorial debut at the Rome Opera House. Known for his fearless art and political engagement, Ai Weiwei reimagines Puccini’s classic opera Turandot as a reflection of today’s world, where freedom, identity, and resistance collide. La Monte shares insights about working with Ai Weiwei, navigating the impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and creating a film that explores how art can challenge, provoke, and inspire. 🎧 Center Stage with Mark Gordon is produced in Los Angeles and features conversations with the filmmakers, artists, and storytellers shaping culture today.

Filmmaker Yvonne Russo joins Center Stage with Mark Gordon to discuss Viva Verdi!, a powerful documentary that celebrates composer Giuseppe Verdi’s home for aging musicians and the enduring power of music, mentorship, and creativity. 🎬 Viva Verdi! is currently screening across the U.S., including Laemmle Theatres, Lincoln Center, and Sarasota Opera House. 🎧 Hosted by Mark Gordon 🎙️ Produced by Center Stage with Mark Gordon 🌐 Visit stageandscreen.com

"One ride changes everything…" Filmmaker Michael Pierro joins Center Stage to talk about Self Driver, a dark thriller where a cab driver’s morals are tested in the dead of night. Self Driver is currently available for streaming https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/self-driver Share your thoughts in the comments: Would you trust a self-driving car with your life?

Filmmaker Lisa D’Apolito joins Mark Gordon Center Stage to discuss her new documentary Shari & Lamb Chop, exploring the life, career, and lasting legacy of beloved ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her iconic sock puppet sidekick.

In this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sat down with provocative indie filmmaker Gregg Araki to talk about his cult classic Nowhere. Released in 1997 as the final chapter of his so-called “Teen Apocalypse Trilogy,” Nowhere is a bold, kaleidoscopic ride through the chaos of L.A. youth culture—complete with alien abductions, surreal encounters, and razor-sharp social commentary. In our conversation, Araki opens up about the film’s psychedelic aesthetic, its fearless exploration of identity and desire, and why Nowhere remains a strangely prophetic time capsule of pre-millennial angst. Nowhere might be nearly three decades old, but its fearless energy and raw honesty still feel electrifying today. Gregg Araki’s vision—equal parts absurd, emotional, and unapologetically weird—captures a moment in time that speaks across generations.

In 1978, Christina Crawford shook Hollywood to its core with the publication of Mommie Dearest, a raw and unflinching memoir detailing the abuse she endured at the hands of her adoptive mother, screen legend Joan Crawford. The book became an instant sensation, igniting a firestorm of debate and inspiring a cult-favorite film that would etch the phrase “No wire hangers!” into pop culture history. Twenty years later, in 1998, Mark Gordon sat down with Crawford for a deeply personal conversation about the legacy of her memoir. In the interview, she reflected on the backlash of writing the book, the healing process, and how telling the truth became her most significant act of courage. Two decades after the release of Mommie Dearest, Christina Crawford stood by her story with clarity, conviction, and resilience. The conversation was not just about a Hollywood scandal but survival, truth-telling, and reclaiming one’s voice. In revisiting that 1998 interview, we’re reminded that behind the headlines was a woman determined to break the silence and spark change.

In this episode, Mark Gordon talks with acclaimed filmmaker John Kastner about his gripping documentary Life with Murder. The film unpacks the devastating real-life story of the Jenkins family in Chatham, Ontario, whose world was shattered when 18-year-old Jennifer Jenkins was found shot to death in their home. Her brother, Mason, quickly became the prime suspect—and was ultimately convicted of her murder. But Life with Murder is not just a crime story. It’s a powerful exploration of grief, denial, and the unfathomable complexities of familial love in the face of tragedy. In the interview, Kastner offers rare insight into the making of the documentary and the emotional toll it took, not just on the subjects but on the storyteller himself.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sat down with filmmakers Mark H. Rapaport and Kimball Farley to talk about their offbeat and unforgettable new film, Hippo. Quirky, funny, and deeply unsettling, Hippo offers a surreal yet sharply observed portrait of an American family teetering on the edge of dysfunction. In our conversation, Rapaport and Farley pull back the curtain on their creative process, the inspirations behind the film’s bizarre world, and the challenges of balancing absurdity with emotional truth. If you love bold storytelling that dares to get weird—and real—this is one you won’t want to miss.

When it comes to Alfred Hitchcock, most biographies center on the master of suspense himself—his genius, his control, his darkness. But in his latest book, Hitchcock’s Blondes, bestselling author Laurence Leamer flips the lens, focusing instead on the women who helped shape the director’s legacy from the other side of the camera. In this captivating interview for Mark Gordon Center Stage, Leamer takes us deep into the lives of eight iconic actresses—from Grace Kelly to Tippi Hedren—who weren’t just Hitchcock’s muses, but complex women navigating the pressures of fame, image, and a director whose obsession with their every move extended far beyond the film set. With his signature blend of deep research and compelling storytelling, Leamer discusses what drew him to this subject, how Hitchcock’s early years in British cinema shaped his relationships with women, and why these actresses' stories are essential to understanding both the man and the myth. Whether you’re a film buff, a Hitchcock fan, or simply fascinated by the stories history forgot to highlight, this conversation promises revelations and resonance in equal measure.

On this episode of Center Stage, I sit down with filmmakers Lee Roy Kunz and Cru Ennis to explore their provocative and spine-chilling horror film, Deliver Us. Set in a secluded convent, the story begins when a nun claims she is experiencing an immaculate conception, triggering alarm bells at the Vatican. As a team of priests is dispatched to investigate, they uncover more than just mystery—they stumble into an ancient prophecy foretelling the birth of twin boys: one destined to be the Messiah, the other the Anti-Christ. In our conversation, Kunz and Ennis share the inspirations behind the film, how they wove theological dread with psychological horror, and why Deliver Us is more than just a scary movie—it’s a meditation on faith, fear, and the fine line between good and evil.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon dives into the depths with filmmaker Max Erlenwein to discuss his pulse-pounding thriller The Dive. Set against the eerie, isolated backdrop of the open sea, the film tells the gripping story of two sisters on a freediving trip that turns into a desperate fight for survival after a catastrophic underwater accident. In our conversation, Erlenwein shares how he crafted the film’s intense atmosphere, the challenges of shooting underwater, and the emotional core that makes The Dive more than just a survival story—it’s a meditation on fear, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between siblings. Get ready to hold your breath.

Here is a track I created to help you regain a sense of calm and relaxation.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sits down with film producer Michael Pollack to discuss Fields of Gold, a fascinating documentary that unearths the extraordinary life and legacy of agribusiness pioneer A.E. Staley. At the turn of the 20th century, Staley revolutionized the corn and soybean industries, turning his namesake company into a powerhouse that helped shape modern agriculture. But his vision didn’t stop at the fields—his passion for sports led him to found the football team that would eventually become the iconic Chicago Bears. In our conversation, Pollack shares the inspiration behind the film, the challenges of bringing this little-known yet influential figure to light, and why Staley’s story remains relevant in today’s discussions about food, industry, and American identity.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sits down with award-winning filmmaker Yuval Adler to talk about his latest psychological thriller, Sympathy for the Devil. Starring Nicolas Cage and Joel Kinnaman, the film kicks off with a chilling yet straightforward premise: a man is forced at gunpoint to drive a mysterious passenger, but what unfolds is a tense, mind-bending journey where nothing is as it seems. As the story unfolds, Sympathy for the Devil delves into profound questions of identity, morality, and revenge. In our conversation, Adler discusses working with two powerhouse actors, crafting suspense through character, and what it takes to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon sits down with writer-director Franklin Ritch to discuss his thought-provoking and emotionally resonant sci-fi thriller The Artifice Girl. The film tells the story of a team of investigators who develop a highly advanced AI designed to lure and trap online predators, only to discover that their creation may be far more self-aware than they ever imagined. Blending sharp ethical questions with intimate character drama, The Artifice Girl explores what it truly means to be human in an increasingly digital world. In our conversation, Franklin shares the film’s origin, the challenges of crafting a low-budget sci-fi story with big ideas, and why artificial intelligence is both a tool and a mirror for the world we’re building.

Stephen Woolley has never shied away from provocative stories or complex characters. The award-winning producer behind The Crying Game and Interview with the Vampire has built a career on bringing bold, emotionally charged narratives to the screen. In 2005, Woolley came Center Stage with Mark Gordon to discuss his latest project at the time—Stoned, a film that dives into the turbulent life and mysterious death of Rolling Stones co-founder Brian Jones. In this candid conversation, Woolley opens up about the allure of Jones’s tragic arc, the challenges of recreating the 1960s rock scene, and why the film was more than just another rock biopic—it was a story about fame, identity, and the cost of living too fast.

Known for his sharp edge and darker thrills in films like Piranha 3D, Sorority Row, and the Saw franchise entries Jigsaw and Spiral, screenwriter and director Josh Stolberg made an unexpected pivot in 2011 with Conception—a romantic comedy that trades gore for giggles and explores the emotional, awkward, and often hilarious journey of making a baby. In this interview, Stolberg stops by the studio to talk about stepping outside his horror comfort zone, what inspired this heartfelt ensemble piece, and why exploring love and intimacy was just as thrilling as unleashing chaos in 3D.

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon talks with health advocate and filmmaker Joe Cross, the driving force behind the inspiring documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. In the film, Cross takes us on a deeply personal journey—from battling a debilitating autoimmune disease and obesity to reclaiming his health through the simple yet powerful act of juicing. Armed with a video camera, a juicer, and a determination to change his life, Joe hit the road across America, sharing his story and his juice with strangers in hopes of sparking transformation in others. During the interview, Cross opens up about what led him to the brink, how he turned it all around, and why real change starts with what we put on our plate. This is more than a story about food—it’s about taking control of your life, one sip at a time.

Few entertainers wear as many hats—or voices—as Harry Shearer. Emmy-winning actor, writer, musician, and master of political satire, Shearer has carved out a one-of-a-kind career spanning decades of comedy, commentary, and cultural critique. Known to millions as the voice behind some of The Simpsons’ most iconic characters, and to cult film fans as the bassist of This is Spinal Tap, Shearer’s talent for blending sharp wit with sharp insight is unmatched. In 2002, Shearer joined Mark Gordon in the studio to talk about Teddy Bears’ Picnic, a satirical film he wrote and directed that takes a hilariously incisive look at power, secrecy, and the absurd rituals of the elite. In this candid conversation, he reflects on the making of the film, the real-world inspirations behind it, and how comedy can be one of the most potent tools for truth-telling.

Behind the Camera with Mel Stuart: From Willy Wonka to Wattstax Mel Stuart may not be a household name, but his work has left an indelible mark on generations of film lovers. In this rare and insightful interview, the legendary director reflects on his time bringing Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to life—sharing stories about Gene Wilder’s iconic performance, the challenges of turning a whimsical tale into a cinematic classic, and the unexpected magic that happened on set. Stuart also opens up about casting Richard Pryor in Wattstax, the groundbreaking concert film that captured the soul of Black America in the 1970s. It’s a journey through cinema history with a man who helped shape it.