[Re-release: originally published September 13th, 2024 as episode 27] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the sci-fi franchise, “Alien”. Using the Alien franchise as their foundation, they explore topics such as the challenges of making sci-fi films, the difference between psychological and physical horror, and the integration of deep philosophical questions into commercially successful projects. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakersandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published December 27th, 2024 as episode 42] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “A Complete Unknown,” written and directed by James Mangold. Using A Complete Unknown as their foundation, they explore topics such as the significance of underplayed moments in the film, the complexity of artistic influence and the nature of inspiration, and how the film transcends a mere biography of Dylan and instead offers a deep commentary on art and creativity. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published March 1st, 2024 as episode 5] In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2001 award-winning film, “Amélie”. Using Amélie as their foundation, they explore topics such as the wide-ranging narrative techniques used in the film, the power of intuition in filmmaking, and the role of humor in building connections with audiences. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published January 17th, 2025 as episode 45] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “The Brutalist”. Using The Brutalist as their foundation, they explore topics such as the broader implications of art and cinema, the dynamics between investors and artists, and the intricate details of cinematic techniques from the film, like the use of VistaVision and its impact on film quality. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published May 31st, 2024 as episode 12] In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2013 film, “Inside Llewyn Davis” (written and directed by The Coen Brothers). Using Inside Llewyn Davis as their foundation they explore topics such as artistic integrity, the role of supporting characters in narrative depth, and the underestimation of audiences. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published August 2nd, 2024 as episode 21] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 Marvel movie, “Deadpool & Wolverine”. Using Deadpool & Wolverine as their foundation they explore topics such as the impact of Marvel and superhero movies on Hollywood, the appeal of anti-heroes, and the importance of flawed and relatable characters. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published February 7th, 2025 as episode 48] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “Nickel Boys”. Using Nickel Boys as their foundation, they explore topics such as the challenges of adaptations versus original screenplays, the artistic choices that filmmakers make to convey deeper truths, and the courage required to break conventional filmmaking norms. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published October 18th, 2024 as episode 32] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “My Old Ass”. Using "My Old Ass" as their foundation, they explore topics such as nuances of independent cinema, the significance of creating relatable characters, and the importance of subtext and nuance in performances. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published August 16th, 2024 as episode 23] In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Hollywood film and VFX editor, Justin Yates. Justin is known for his work on films such as Avatar: The Way of Water, Alita: Battle Angel, The Nice Guys, and San Andreas. Most recently Justin was the editor on Steve’s new film GRQ, and they use their recent collaboration to explore topics such as the relationship between directors and editors, the role of editing in creating emotional impact in films, and the future of editing with the integration of AI tools and processes.

[Re-release: originally published January 3rd, 2025 as episode 43] In this episode, Steve and Vince break down the opening scenes of the 2024 film “Conclave,” and explore topics such as the importance of opening scenes in establishing a film's world, the use of symbolism and cutaways to enhance storytelling, and how sound design plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published March 14th, 2025 as episode 53] In this episode, Steve and Vince break down the opening scenes of the 2024 Oscar-winning film, “Anora”, and explore topics such as Sean Baker's unique approach to character development, visual storytelling techniques, and the importance of maintaining an integrity of vision in filmmaking. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

[Re-release: originally published March 28th, 2025 as episode 55] In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2025 Apple series, “The Studio”, starring Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, and Kathryn Hahn. Using The Studio as their foundation, they explore topics such as the intersection of art and commerce in Hollywood, how cinematic techniques, such as lens choices, can significantly impact storytelling, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a commercial environment. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with first-time indie filmmaker Alexandra Robinson. Using Alex’s recent short film (“Meatball”) as their foundation, they explore topics such as her transition from YouTube to professional filmmaking, the challenges of directing and acting simultaneously, and the significance of staying creative and open-minded in artistic endeavors. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with industry-leading entertainment marketing executive Denise Parkinson. Denise is an industry expert in all aspects of entertainment marketing and is currently the Vice President of Business Development at Allied Global Marketing, a full-service marketing agency working with the world's largest entertainment and filmmaking brands. Using Denise’s latest summer blockbuster campaigns as their foundation (like Superman!), they explore topics such as how marketing has evolved from grassroots to digital-first strategies, what indie filmmakers can learn from blockbuster campaigns like Barbie and F1, and actionable takeaways for independent filmmakers, including early-stage marketing, B2B assets, and festival strategies. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning indie filmmaking duo, Carl Fry & Maxwell Nalevansky. Using Carl and Maxwell’s latest indie feature film as their foundation (Rats!), they explore topics such as their journey in independent filmmaking as a creative team, the growing need for originality in filmmaking, and the significance of local communities in supporting independent cinema. If you're enjoying this podcast, please follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning indie filmmaker Luca Pizzoleo. Using Luca’s latest short film as their foundation (“O.C.D.” starring Steven Ogg), they explore topics such as his latest challenges as an indie filmmaker, his digital-first strategy that earned O.C.D. over 1 million views on YouTube in just two weeks, and the rapidly evolving landscape of independent filmmaking today. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Australian actress and indie filmmaker, Ella Cannon. Using Ella’s latest series pilot project as their foundation (“The Yacht Club”), they explore topics such as her experiences transitioning from acting to directing, the community impact of AI on the filmmaking industry, and her journey from a small town in Australia to becoming a working filmmaker in North America. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

In this episode, Steve and Vince welcome back the one, the only, the award-winning director and cinematographer, and friend of the podcast, Ernest Dickerson. Ernest is an American film director and cinematographer. As a cinematographer, he's known for his frequent collaborations with Spike Lee in films such as Do The Right Thing and Malcolm X. As a director, he's known for films such as Juice, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, and Never Die Alone. He's also directed acclaimed television series such as The Wire, Dexter, and The Walking Dead. Using Ernest’s latest trip to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival as their foundation, they explore topics such as the importance of maintaining relationships within the industry, the emotional complexities filmmakers face after completing a project, and the necessity of taking risks in art. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Instagram and YouTube @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

We’ve got Mooch! In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Lego mega-fan and indie filmmaker, Tony Mucci - aka Mooch. Using Tony’s latest project as their foundation, “Money Talks” (which recently premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival), they explore topics such as lessons he learned with his debut short film, the importance of collaboration and community in filmmaking, and Tony’s creative transition from making Lego stop motion animations and directing massive music videos, to narrative filmmaking and debuting at Tribeca. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

We’re back from our pre-summer break with an all-new episode this week! To kick off our exciting lineup of summer episodes, Steve catches up with friend of the podcast Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic at Variety, while Peter was at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Using the festival as their foundation, they explore topics such as the celebration of films and the significance of standing ovations at Cannes, the intricate relationship between American and French cinema, and Peter’s favorite (and not-so-favorite) screenings from this year’s official selections. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.