Behind The Lens Radio Show – 09/14/2020 with guests TOM PUTNAM, WILLIAM NORRETT & T. ARTHUR COTTAM

First up is writer/director TOM PUTNAM talking about THE DARK DIVIDE. Adapted by Putnam and based on the best-seller WHERE BIGFOOT WALKS: CROSSING THE DARK DIVIDE by Robert Pyle, one of the most foremost authorities on wildlife and acclaimed nature writers, the film is as much about Pyle’s exploration of the “Dark Divide” as it is of himself. Starring David Cross and Debra Messing and showcasing some of the most beautiful wilderness this country has to offer, the visuals and soundscape alone make THE DARK DIVIDE a “must see” film!  Listen as Tom talks about the challenges of shooting within Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the same locations where Pyle trekked, dealing with the forces of Mother Nature, leaving a minimal carbon footprint, working with cinematographer Sean Bagley and the use of natural light and/or very minimal light (such as only a headlamp while lensing inside a lava tunnel), music, the work of sound designer Jeremy Grody and mixer Zach Kahl and incorporating the sounds of nature as the main soundscape, the inherent humor, and so much more.

Then, novelist, screenwriter, and actor WILLIAM NORRETT, and director/cinematographer T. ARTHUR COTTAM are on hand for their first collaboration, ONE HOUR OUTCALL, an examination of a longstanding and complex relationship between an “escort” and her client. Non-linear in its construct, the unfolding dynamic and examinations of internal motivations and conflict fascinate. Listen as William talks about crafting the script in its non-linear form and then T picks it up from there, with additional casting and taking the words on the page and constructing a visual design that adds elements of a thriller thanks to interesting (and often challenging) camera angles and editing, only to be punctuated by effective scoring.  The effortless ease between William and T is evident during our conversation and translates on-screen in the cohesive nature of performance and editing.

Plus, discover just how small and collaborative the independent film world as we hear from all the boys about T. Arthur Cottam providing some ADR on THE DARK DIVIDE while ONE HOUR OUTCALL editor Sam Hook also served as co-editor on THE DARK DIVIDE!  Ironically, it was only an hour or so before showtime that this talented group of filmmakers even knew the others were on the show.

And then we go into overtime talking about BLACKBIRD with our exclusive interview with director ROGER MICHELL.  Long a favorite and always a joy to speak with about filmmaking and storytelling, I spoke with Roger last week about his latest film, BLACKBIRD, an ensemble piece starring Susan Sarandon, Sam Neill, Kate Winslet, Mia Wasikowska, Rainn Wilson, and Lindsay Duncan.  A remake of the 2014 Danish film, Silent Heart, listen as we discuss the film’s themes of a family’s love, life and death, the human condition, as told through powerful performances, and metaphoric storytelling thanks to Mike Eley’s stunning cinematography, Peter Gregson’s exquisite score, and John Paul Kelly’s production design.  After a two-night special Fathom Event premiere screening in 500 screens across the country, BLACKBIRD opens in more theatres as well as digitally and on VOD on the 18th.

And then there’s Unjoo Moon’s I AM WOMAN, her biopic on Helen Reddy, and one of my personal faves of the year.  Already out on VOD and digitally, if you’re a Helen Reddy fan, you’re going to love this film.  If you are new to the magic of Helen Reddy, you will become a fan. You can check out my exclusive interview with UNJOO MOON here.