First, we’ve got a big thank you to our two special guests who immediately jumped on board for this week’s show when our originally scheduled guest took ill at the eleventh hour. And a big thanks to that fab OCTOBER COAST publicist, CLINT MORRIS, who took the bull by the horns and worked a marvel in just a few minutes.
And just who are these wonderful guests? I’ll tell you upfront, I think the world of both of them and am a huge admirer of their work as filmmakers. Take a listen now to some of the most insightful filmmaking conversations around thanks to director RYAN BROOKHART talking TWO WAYS TO GO WEST and writer/director KYLE COUCH talking THE TENT. Plus, hear what ALEX WINTER had to say about the much anticipated BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC during our recent exclusive interview!
First up is director RYAN BROOKHART talking about his new film – TWO WAYS TO GO WEST. A drama that showcases some dynamic performances from James Liddell (who also wrote the film), Paul Gennaro, and Drew Kelley as three friends coming together for the wedding of one of them, only to discover – and come to terms with – who they are now as individuals and to each other. Listen as Ryan talks about the specificity and challenges of cinematography in creating an emotional connection with each character while establishing the ever-changing emotional landscape of their interpersonal relationships, location, lighting and use of mirrors, color, sound design and the absence thereof in key moments and the intent behind that silence, casting, working with James Liddell both as an actor and writer, metaphor metaphor metaphor, and so much more. Ryan is a filmmaker who pays such close attention to the minutiae of filmmaking and how each element impacts not only the story but the overall effect on the film as a whole. Discussions with him are enlightening and informative and this conversation is no different.
At the midpoint of the show, writer/director KYLE COUCH joins us talking about his new powerhouse of a film, THE TENT. An “apocalyptic” setting with a very clever entre into the story and an even cleverer “reveal”, this is a film that will speak to everyone on some level. Very well constructed from a cinematic standpoint and a film that uses metaphor so exquisitely and thoughtfully, this is another film that boasts excellent performances; here, from Tim Kaiser and Lulu Dahl. Listen as Kyle talks about the cinematography and sound design of THE TENT and the importance and synergy of each in creating this world in which our protagonists David and Mary now survive, the creation of the “the tent” itself and the masterful production design, marrying Mother Nature and the elements with footage shot within the confines of a controlled atmosphere, the perfect casting of Tim Kaiser and Lulu Dahl, the importance of the subject matter at the heart of THE TENT, score, and the spiritual and religious metaphor and walking that line so as never to become preachy but to have the elements within the film for those who may be familiar with them. As we discuss, Kyle finds a perfect balance so that if one is spiritual or religious the undercurrent will speak to them, and if the audience is not spiritual they are just in for a fascinating thriller with a surprise twist.
Rounding out the show, you’ll hear an excerpt from our exclusive conversation with ALEX WINTER in which he gives us the latest on BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC. Regular listeners will recall that Alex previously appeared live on the show talking about his last documentary which he directed TRUST MACHINE: THE STORY OF BLOCKCHAIN, as well as giving us an update on the next Bill & Ted movie. At that time, Alex advised a script was completed that both he and Keanu Reeves were happy with and expected to be shooting sometime in 2019. We caught up with Alex again the other week for an exclusive interview talking about his newest documentary SHOWBIZ KIDS, but, as always, how can you speak with Alex and not ask about Bill S. Preston and Ted “Theodore” Logan; only this time, shooting is complete and release is imminent.
