Another busy week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to our long-awaited special guest, writer/director/editor JONATHAN SMITH talking BATSH*T BRIDE, and our exclusive interview with writer/director/cinematographer JOHN BARR talking BLOOD AND MONEY. And how about some info on a little trivia contest happening this Saturday courtesy of HOLLYWOOD CRITICS ASSOCIATION.
This week we’re taking another walk down the aisle with BATSH*T BRIDE and writer/director/editor JONATHAN SMITH. Our regular listeners will recall that one of the film’s stars, Chad Anthony Miller, was on the show last month and talked about the film from an actor’s perspective. Now we get the man who created the hilarity! (I’m still wondering how many brides (or grooms) out there have pulled a prank like the one Heather pulls in this film!) Listen as Jonathan talks about the idea for the film and his journey in bringing it to fruition, finding the comedic tone while avoiding some more well-known bridal tropes, his casting process and finding the perfect meld of actors, working with cinematographer Jason Merrin and developing a visual tone and color palette that says “light and breezy”, the importance of his chosen locations, and Mike Pettry’s light and lovely score. You can hear the excitement and enthusiasm in Jonathan’s voice as he talks about the film, all of which is reflected in the film itself. BATSH*T BRIDE is available now on all digital and VOD platforms.
But before we go bridal with Jonathan, take a listen to our exclusive interview with cinematographer turned director, JOHN BARR, as we go in-depth talking about his debut feature directorial, BLOOD AND MONEY. It’s always interesting and insightful speaking with a cinematographer/director because of their unique eye when it comes to storytelling. John is no different. The visual immersion he brings to this character study of former Marine Jim Reed, caught in a cat and mouse game with killers and criminals in the dead of winter, is riveting. Staying with Reed’s POV but building in the topography of the landscape into the POV adds dimension and texture, making the ice and snow its own character. Gorgeous to look it, the film stars Tom Berenger…another gorgeous aspect of the film. A terrific conversation for filmmakers and moviegoers alike. BLOOD AND MONEY is available on digital and VOD on May 15th.
Mark your calenders for Saturday, May 16th and the Hollywood Critics Association Movie & TV Triviathon to benefit Covid-19 relief. There will be seven rounds of film & television trivia featuring questions created by HCA members. Each round will highlight a different organization that is doing its part to help out those who have been impacted by COVID-19. The event will include prizes, raffles, bonus giveaways, and appearances by surprise special guests! The HCA Triviathon will consist of seven rounds of film and television trivia that will feature questions created by members of the Hollywood Critics Association. Starting at 4:30 p.m. PDT/7:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 16, 2020, you can go to the Hollywood Critics Association YouTube channel or the Hollywood Critics Twitch Page to view the live stream of the Triviathon. The game will begin promptly at 5pm PT/8pm ET. It’s free to enter and play, but donations are gratefully requested and accepted via Venmo @HollywoodCritics, Via Paypal – paypal.me/HollywoodCritics or via individual GoFundMe Campaigns
- The Actors Fund – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-for-the-actors-fund
- ASPCA – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-for-aspca
- Dine11.org – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-for-dine11org
- Feed America – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-for-feeding-america
- MPTF – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-for-mptf
- UNICEF – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-for-unicef
- United Way Worldwide – https://www.gofundme.com/f/hollywood-critics-association-and-united-way
At the end of the event, the total amount of funds raised will be revealed and then divided up and donated evenly to the seven charity organizations that we have selected. The designated charities supported by the HCA Triviathon are: The Actors Fund, ASPCA, Dine11.org, Feeding America, MPTF, UNICEF, and United Way Worldwide.
