A fantastic episode of BEHIND THE LENS that’s jam-packed with two talented filmmakers, MICHAEL OBLOWITZ and BENJAMIN POLLACK – both who have a music video background – and actor JON LINDSTROM who many of the “General Hospital” fans out there will recognize, as we talk about CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT and WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JONNY FAITH.
Right out of the gate, writer/director MICHAEL OBLOWITZ and actor JON LINDSTROM join us discussing their new film CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT. A well-paced slow-burn noir police thriller with a twist, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT boasts an exceptional cast (along with Lindstrom, there’s Mel Gibson, Nick Stahl, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth) and an interesting story POV that we rarely, if ever, see onscreen.
We get into all the ins and outs of the “making of” CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT including Michael’s A-list cast, crafting and conveying authenticity and reality, the very specific color palette and production design and how that plays into the work of cinematographer Chris Squires, performances, and more, while Jon has some great insight for us on working with Michael, selecting projects, his approach to acting, informing his character, and, of course, what’s up on “General Hospital”! Plus, a lively discussion on reviews, “reviewers” and the algorithms that can seemingly make or break a film, and “who’s that terrific director we all admire”. (A hint for you – he’s been on #BTLRadioShow several times in the past and I adore him.) Two of the nicest guys you could ever hope to chat with, I think you’ll really enjoy hearing longtime friends and collaborators Jon and Michael in this interview.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT is in select theatres and available digitally and On Demand.
Then it’s a big welcome for writer/director/editor BENJAMIN POLLACK who also joins us live talking about his new dramatic short narrative film WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JONNY FAITH. A “Must See” Festival Film at the upcoming LA Shorts Fest (the film screens July 20th), this one has got all the feels, plus a terrific cast, beautiful lensing, and strong production values. An emotional poignancy that fills the story with heart and heartache is only made stronger by the beauteous lightness captured with the cinematography, a first-rate performance by Frank Noon, and music that would easily fit into the structure of an Arthur Freed MGM musical in its heyday.
Energetic and passionate, Benjamin shares all about “the making of” as he discusses the genesis of the film, transitioning from music videos and documentary short films to a narrative film, the benefit of directing and editing (especially with a short film), bringing together a dynamite cast with musician/actor Frank Noon in the title role, Bruce Greenwood, Wayne Knight, Debbie Pollack, and a “cameo” appearance by famed guitarist Rusty Anderson. Plus, Benjamin’s work with cinematographer Allen Chodakowski (put this DP on your radar now!) in designing the film’s visual grammar and color saturation, the art of the dissolve and how it is an integral part of the story itself, and the music of Noon, Greenwood, and Anderson which is a core element of WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JONNY FAITH. We’ve left no stone unturned in this conversation with Benjamin!
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JONNY FAITH makes its World Premiere on Thursday, June 20th at 1:00pm at LA Shorts Fest!
