They Came From Outer Space
By Cameron Kit
Aired on WRIR LP 97.3 FM the second Friday of each month!
Find us on Instagram: @theycamefromouterspace_
They Came From Outer SpaceApr 12, 2024
"The Thing" (1982) feat. editor Ben Surber
If there was ever a movie to convince you of the value of practical effects, this is it. John Carpenter's fantastic, ice cold invasion of the body snatchers, featuring some DOGS. Cameron speaks with editor Ben Surber about why this movie and its soundtrack have stood the test of time.
originally aired on WRIR in December 2018.
"Everything Everywhere All At Once" feat. AI researcher and 'Good Robot' co-host Dr. Kerry
"One day I got bored, so I put everything on a bagel. Everything"
Enter the many dimensions of humor, family drama and Michelle Yeoh's badass kung fu skills as Cameron dives in to review EEAAO with distinguished AI researcher Dr. Kerry McInerney.
If you haven’t seen Everything Everywhere All At Once, here’s a quick overview:Released in 2022, Everything Everywhere All At Once is a sci-fi multiverse comedy, family drama, action film written and directed by The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Shienerdt). The film centers around Eveleyn Wang (Michele Yeoh) a 50-something chinese immigrant who runs a failing laundromat with her husband Waymond (played by Key Huy Kwan), who is struggling to connect with her daughter Joy (who is gay). As their IRS audit begins to lean towards disaster, Evelyn is suddenly called to adventure by a Waymond from another dimension, as the only woman who can fight the evil “Jobu TObacki” and save the entire multiverse. What proceeds is equal parts absurdist bathroom humor and a heartwarming story of family, acceptance and love.
About our Guest:
Kerry McInerney is a research associate at Cambridge’s Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, where she researches AI from the perspective of gender studies, critical race theory, and Asian diaspora studies.
Her scholarship has appeared in journals such as Feminist Review, Public Understanding of Science, and Philosophy and Technology. Her work on AI-powered hiring tools has also been covered by media outlets like the BBC, Forbes, the Register, and the Daily Mail.
She also hosts the incredible podcast “The Good Robot” with Dr. Eleanor Drage, dissecting the cross section of AI and gender with the question “What is GOOD technology?”. Please go check this podcast out after you finish listening to this episode!
"Forbidden Planet" (1956) feat. DP Bill Ku, Elemental Visuals
A SPECIAL RE-AIRING OF OUR SECOND EPISODE EVER! Recorded in September 2019 in WRIR studios, Cameron sat down with cinematographer Bill Ku to talk about the visually stunning “Forbidden Planet” - a landmark film in science-fiction cinema. It's Robby the Robot time, the Tempest in Space, and who would have thought Leslie Nielsen could be such a sensitive man?
Find more about Bill Ku:
https://www.elementalvisuals.com/
https://www.instagram.com/elevisu/
Film summary:
In this sci-fi classic, a spacecraft travels to the distant planet Altair IV to discover the fate of a group of scientists sent there decades earlier. When Commander John J. Adams (Leslie Nielsen) and his crew arrive, they discover only two people: Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter, Altaira (Anne Francis), who was born on the remote planet. Soon, Adams begins to uncover the mystery of what happened on Altair IV, and why Morbius and Altaira are the sole survivors.
"District 9" (2009) feat. artist Noah Scalin and screenwriter Victor Koressel
It’s time to talk PRAWNS! Cameron with return super-guests Noah Scalin and Victor Koressel discuss “District 9” from 2009. This movie had just as many SFX shots as a transformers movie for ⅕ the budget, and it packs a punch like no other sci fi film! With a totally unique approach, Neill Blomkamp and his wife Terri crafted a story of alien encounters in Johannesburg South Africa, where Aliens come and no one cares. Do you remember seeing this movie in theaters?
Summary:
Released in 2009 for Tristar films with the backing of Peter Jackson, District 9 was directed by Neill (with 2 Ls) Blomkamp and his wife Terri Tatchell, based on Neill’s short film “Alive in JoBurg.” Neill went on to direct Elysium and Chappie btw! District 8 takes place in a universe where refugee aliens with a bug-humanoid look, called “prawns”, land over Johanesburg in South Africa in 1982, where they are relegated to a massive slum, picking for scraps. The story begins in the 2010s, 28 years later, and follows Wikus Van Der Mere played by first time actor Sharlto Copley - a Michael Scott type government employee working alongside the weapons company MNU - Multi-National United to forcibly evict the 1.8 million “prawns” and move them to a concentration camp 200 kilometers outside the city. But when Wikus inhales alien power fluid during a shanty raid, he begins to metamorphasize into a prawn himself, setting off a bloody chain of events that will change both prawn and human history forever.
Check out Noah's art: https://www.noahscalin.com/
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"Under the Skin" (2013) feat. film critic and illustrator Stephanie Monohan
Stephanie and Cameron discuss what is UNDER "Under the Skin" from the ethics of shooting with non-actors and hidden cameras to the art of movie posters. Have you seen this movie? What did you think of ScarJo's performance? Find us on Instagram to share your thoughts: @theycamefromouterspace_
Look at Steph's work:
Insta: @shdwbxng
Her event next Thursday: https://miskatonicinstitute.com/events/never-log-off-horror-and-the-internet-nyc/
Released in 2013 and directed by Jonathan Glazer, Under the Skin is a low budget sci fi that will make your skin crawl. The story follows an alien played by Scarlett Johansson (named “Laura” in the script) as she drives a white sprinter van around Scotland, looking for young men to coax into riding with her. When she has one, she drives him to her pitch-black lair and lures them into a dark pool of liquid so she can take their skins. As she continues this process, her “boss”, a motorcyclist, named in the script as “bad man”) inspects and cleans up after her. But after a series of human acts of kindness, Laura begins to rethink her job and makes a run for it. Will she make it in the land of the humans or return to her own kind?
And here is that AMAZING Making of Documentary we discussed: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8RkCg7ro0c
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"Severance" S1.E3. "In Perpetuity" feat. creative technologist Alex Fiel
This is EAGAN we're talking about! Cameron sits down with Seattle based 3D designer Alex Fiel to run through the many corridors of Apple TV's SEVERANCE, particularly the 3rd episode.
Released in February 2022, directed by Ben Stiller and written by showrunner Dan Erickson (+ many others,_ the third episode of 9-episode season 1 of severance iis titled “IN PERPETUITY”. In this episode new employee Helly R attempts to leave the Macrodata Refinement floor of Lumon’s severed floor, while Mark tries to keep it all together by taking his team on an underground fieldtrip to the “perpetuity wing” - a kind of corporate museum. By the end of the episode, Helly is locked in an orwellian chamber reading a “compunction statement” about how sorry she is. Mark searches for his friend Petey who had {unsevered himself. Will Helly resign her “inie” to her new life? Or continue to fight? Will Mark find the truth?
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Alex Fiel is a creative technologist based out of Seattle Washington, who graduated from University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology, Arts & Media in 2020. . He worked on everything from VR training, to helping a company update 20 year old branding and even making a TikTok for Domino's Pizza. He was even an exhibit designer at the Fiske Planetarium! A true nerd and futurist! My favorite piece of his is called “measuring time” where he turned a measuring tape into a working clock, but he works often in 3D and VR! Currently he works at ELLUMEN inc, which sounds suspiciously like LUMON inc.
"Aliens" (1986) feat. Meghan and Jon, hosts of "The Sci Fi Book Club"
ALIENS! THEY'RE IN THE WALLS!
Released in 1986 for 20th century fox this much awaited sequel to the Ridley Scott classic was directed by James Cameron and features Sigourney Weaver with an all new cast…Ripley is discovered in cryo sleep and wakes up 57 years after the horror aboard the Nostromo, only to find those DANG DASTARDLY capitalists are at it again, and have not only gone back to LV-426 but placed hundreds of workers there to terraform the planet. Despite her better judgement she is drafted to act as a consultant for a motley crew of space marines to go and rescue wat is left of the colony and try to escape alive.
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Meghan and Jon, a married sci fi couple, are well beloved by the sci fi community for starting and amazing book club simply called “The Sci Fi Book Club” which has grown from just a handful to THOUSANDS of members over the past 9 years. They read books and talk about them monthly on zoom and all year on discord. They also participated in the recent Brooklyn Sci Fi Film Festival as judges, and BOY was that one amazing festival!
Follow Us On Insta! https://www.instagram.com/theycamefromouterspace_/
"The Matrix" (1999) feat. cinematographer Andrew Daugherty (special re-airing!)
Special RE-AIRING from 2020!
Can you believe I still hadn't done the BEST MOVIE EVER? Pick up your Nokia phone and you shall hear a tale of two nerds delighting in trans subtext, lighting and cinematography techniques and the wonders of Hugo Weaving (among about 50 other things). Cinematographer Andrew Daugherty shares why this is a movie you can watch every day.
Aired on WRIR LP 97.3 FM Richmond Indie Radio on 03/19/20
Find out more about Andrew: https://www.andrewfilm.com/ or at @Dr00Film on insta!
Follow this show on instagram! @TheyCameFromOuterSpace_
"The Fly" (1986) feat. director Andrew Lee Ryan and actor Terra Layne from "Chimera"
Is this what a sick man looks like to you? Oh boy, it's the FLY. Cameron is joined by a fabulous two-guest panel to talk about the goop, the gore, the glory and the acting process that made Jeff Goldblum's performance so legendary. They also go in-dept into the short film "Chimera" which has swept awards in festivals across the country. Director Andrew Lee Ryan shares how he wrote the script for the film during Covid, while actor Terra Layne illuminates us with the story of how she came to the lead role and how she brought such a powerful performance.
Follow Andrew Lee Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/andrewleeryan/
Follow Terra Layne: https://www.instagram.com/terra_layne_/
You can also see what I look like and our guests look like by following the show on Instagram: TheyCameFromOuterSpace underscore
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Released in 1986 - “The Fly” was directed by David Cronenberg, adapted from the short story by George Langelaan. We follow the eccentric scientist Seth Brundle (played by Jeff Goldblum) as he meets and seduces science reporter Veronica Quaife (played by Geena Davis) by showing her his brand new invention - teleportation pods or “telepods”. But when Seth gets jealous of Veronica’s past, he drunkenly decides to send himself through the telepods, without realizing a fly has gotten in with him. As his body begins to transform into a human-fly hybrid or “brundlefly” - Veronica must choose how to help the man and monster she loves before it’s too late.
"Barbarella" (1968) with comic creator Julia Reingold
Who nearly dies of pleasure? Who seduces an angel? Who's the bird in the gilded cage? Who conveys love by hand? Who strips in space? Who will save the universe?
As Julia Reingold says, “It’s the audacity of it that we love, this movie got made!” Episode 56 explores sexuality in space through the lens of this utterly bonkers, fantastic dreamscape from Roger Vadim in 1968.
Find out more about Julia Reingold, comic creator and space matriarch here: https://www.juliareingold.com/
And follow TCFOS on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/theycamefromouterspace_/
"Attack the Block" (2011) feat. writer, director and actor Khanisha Foster
Want to watch a movie about lower income black and brown kids that shows their humanity while they fight aliens? Actress, writer and award winning director Khanisha Foster offers a masterclass in storytelling as we dissect this 2011 London-based sci fi film.
Released in 2011, Attack the Block is a sci fi thriller Described by director Joe Cornish as “La Haine” meets “Alien”. Attack the Block stars a young John Boyega as Moses, the 15 year old leader of teen gang of five South London inner-city teens whose mugging of a well-off woman (played by Jodie Whittacker) gets interrupted by, that’s right, an alien invasion. Moses and the gang must arm themselves and protect the block, or get eaten.
Find out more about Khanisha here: https://www.khanishafoster.com/
"Annihilation" (2018) feat. Chantelle Castillo
Aliens, gators and bears oh my! Cameron is joined by filmmaker Chantelle Castillo to discuss this very TRIPPY all-girl mutation sci-fi film "Annihilation".
Released in 2018 for Paramount, Annihilation was written and directed by Alex Garland, adapted from the novel by Jeff VanDerMeer. It follows Biologist Lena, played by Natalie Portman, who in her search for clues about her husband Kane (played by Oscar Isaac) volunteers for an all-girl, all-scientist expedition into an alien zone called “the Shimmer” filled with rainbow light and deadly gators. As the shimmer begins to affect the team, Lena must find answers and way out before she too is absorbed by the mutating landscape.
"Minority Report" (2002) feat. Monk Hooper
How did the production design of this film affect our internal portrayal of the future? Cameron talks with art director, filmmaker and comedian Monk Hooper about why this Tom Cruise flick still holds fast in our minds. And don't worry, we are gonna TALK about Tom Cruise! Listen in for tips on making a world feel real with details, and some laughs.
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Guest: Monk Hooper
https://www.instagram.com/hoopseadoopsy/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8865457/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdef3bEb_gu1wH5IWgBQYQ
"Liquid Sky" (1982) feat. Madeleine Olnek, director of "Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same"
“I Kill with my c*nt. You can write about it in Midnight Magazine.”
Released in 1982, Liquid Sky is a sexual sci fi thriller produced and directed by Slava Tsukerman. 40 years later and this movie is taking on things mainstream film is too afraid to touch. Women's bodies, gender, self expression, the other, all under a blaring 80s synth soundtrack.
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Madeleine Olnek is a writer, director and producer, known for her 2018 film “Wild Nights With Emily” starring Molly Shannon - famous for being the first ever queer portrayal of Emily Dickinson - in 2018! Madeleine got her start as a playwright, she wrote and directed over 24 original plays in downtown NYC. She has received dozens of awards and fellowships including the Jerome Foundation. She is a co-author of “The Practical Handbook for The Actor” which is required reading at many universities.
"Signs" (2002) feat. Aaron Bartuska, director of "For Roger"
Don't be afraid! This episode features 'Melly Gibs' and some spooOOoooky aliens! Filmmaker Aaron Bartuska shares why he styles himself an "M. Night Shyamalan apologist" and why this film is worth watching 20 years later!
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Aaron Bartuska is a filmmaker from Philly, currently based in NYC.His debut feature film, “For Roger”, a slow burn horror film that takes place in the DV cam recordings of a young couple, has now been featured in 10 festivals and accepted to 3 more, including a highlight at UK’s Grimfest.
https://www.instagram.com/bartuskaaaron/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/aaronbartusk/media
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"Moonraker" (1979) feat. 'The Stunods' director Joe Plescia
"Space belongs to 007" - In this landmark 50th EPISODE OF THE SHOW, Cameron interviews New York based filmmaker Joe Rocco Plescia on why this installment of the Bond films is still worth watching, how Roger Moore compares to the Daniel Craig era, and how to do great action on a budget.
You can follow Joe on Insta @jroccoplescia
https://www.instagram.com/jroccoplescia/
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"Tank Girl" (1995) feat. Skye King
Filmmaker Skye King shares why this 1995 cult classic is so good, and SO FUN! Lori Petty, Malcolm McDowell and ICE T navigate the post apocalypse. This film, the 2nd in TCFOS's history to be directed by a woman, asks the question "If our world doesn't make sense, why should our protagonist?"
This movie is amazing and insane, and we love it. Tune in to hear about why musicals make sense in a fantasy post apocalypse.
"The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) feat. Jeff Roll
EPISODE 1 Re-airing! Originally aired in September of 2018, this premiere episode of the show features Jeff Roll, who was VP of the James River Film Society for 5 years. to discuss The Day The Earth Stood Still. Directed by Robert Wise, this is the ultimate classic for sci-fi fans and starts off the show with Klaatu, the pacifist alien who lands in Washington DC to urge humans to live in peace.
“The film, based on Harry Bates's short story "Farewell to the Master," was made during the Cold War and only a few years after mankind witnessed the atomic bomb's devastation. A third world war possibly would mean the first nuclear war and unimaginable destruction.”
👩🏻🚀 "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century" (1999) feat. Eliana!
ZETUS LAPETUS! Joined by the incredible Eliana, it's time to break down what is widely regarded as the greatest Sci Fi film of the 20th century, the Disney-channel original movie, Zenon. Eliana discusses everything from horse symbolism to space capitalism, so grab your Y2K gear and tune in MAJOR!
"Tetsuo: The Iron Man" (1989) feat. Nathan Ludwig, GenreBlast Film Festival
Why does art matter? Why does independent cinema matter? Nathan Ludwig, director of the GenreBlast film festival, shares why this wild film has stuck with him and what independent filmmakers can learn from it.
Check out Nathan's awesome podcast "The Reel '96".
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Released in 1989, Tetsuo the Iron Man was directd by Shinya Tsukamoto. It is a body horror fever dream- and a black and white cyberpunk cult classic. A classic salaryman accidentally kills a man called “the metal fetishist” and embarks on a nightmarish journey as he turns into a beast made of metal. In this we have classic robot fights, surreal stop motion and a very very bloody intercourse scene all in 67 minutes. It’s incredible, unique and asks the question “when does technology go too far?”
"Soylent Green" (1973) feat. Steve Taylor, Richmond VPA
The Charlton Heston classic about overpopulation gets DISSECTED by President of Richmond's Virginia Production Alliance and professor Steve Taylor in this fascinating episode about the nature of cities and futuristic sexism.
This is a repost of Episode 7, recorded almost 3 years ago PRE PANDEMIC. Aired on WRIR LP 97.3 FM in Richmond.
Find out more about this podcast and see what we look like by following TCFOS on Instagram! @TheyCameFromOuterSpace_
"No 6" (anime) feat. Anna and Emk, directors of "Freely We Serve"
Sci fi anime romance? Heck yes! Cameron is joined by directing duo Emk and Anna of Captain and Captain productions to discuss this very rare anime from the early 2000s - along with PUPPETS, Hamlet, directing as a duo and what to do when your cinematographer drops out the day of your shoot.
Instagram: @captainandcaptain
Released in 2011 the one season minisereis anime adaptation of “Number 6” (release by Bones studio) follows smart but privileged “Shion” who’s life in the futuristic city of “Number 6” is turned upside down by the escaped convict “Nezumi” aka “Rat”, who shows up in his room seeking aid. The two embark on a dangerous adventure of subterguge and romance to reveal what makes the supposedly perfect city tick. It leads to much more than Shion could have imagined.
"Dark Angel" (1990) feat. Chad Farmer, GenreBlast Film Festival
On our 44th episode of They Came From Outer Space we take alien drug dealers to task and bask in the glory of Dolph Lundgren's roundhouse kicks. That's right, we're talking about the cult classic sci-fi action flick "Dark Angel" released in 1990. Chad Farmer of the GenreBlast film festival and Nooga Underground Film Fest shares why this movie lives in a special place in his heart after watching thousands of action and genre films. His recommendations to indie action filmmakers may surprise you!
Star Trek "Trouble with Tribbles" feat. Astrophysicist Dr. Joe Pesce!
It's tribble madness as Cameron discusses a classic Star Trek episode with Dr. Joe Pesce from the National Science Foundation!
Dr. Joe is an astrophysicist who is primarily interested in the environments of the galaxies hosting supermassive black holes (also known as Active Galactic Nuclei). Today, in addition to his work with the NSF, Dr. Joe teaches courses in astronomy at GMU and the University of Colorado. His mission in life is to inspire more people across the world who are interested in space to deepen their connection to the cosmos.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations presented in this session are those of Dr. Joe Pesce and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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Airing first December 29, 1967, the trouble with Tribbles is a fan favorite, smash hit episode of Star Trek the original series (episode 15 of season 2) that was Written by animal loving David Gerrold (23 at the time) and directed by Joseph Pevney.
"The Martian" (2015) feat. TANYA OF MARS, Dr. Tanya Harrison (NASA, Planet Labs)
Dr. Tanya Harrison, aka @TanyaOfMars a bona fide former NASA Scientist and martian geo-morphologist at Planet Labs, answers your burning questions about our cold, red neighbor planet. Is that dust storm for real? How well did Ridley Scott represent those gullies? What about water?
We discuss Dr. Tanya's groundbreaking work and this amazing movie.
Aired on WRIR: 11/18/21
Released in 2015 by 20th century fox, The Martian was directed by none other than Ridley Scott. Adapted by Drew Goddard from the book by Andy Weir, it stars Matt Damon as botanist Mark Watney, one of 6 intrepid astronauts collecting samples from the surface of the red planet.
"Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989) feat. comedy writer/director Becky Prosky
Comedy writer and director Becky Prosky shares the TRIUMPHANT joy that is "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure". Along with host Cameron Kit, they discuss phone booths, how to write a good midpoint and the tantalizing sliver of Alex Winter's navel.
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You can follow Becky at @MyLifeWithHelga on Instagram!
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Released in 1989, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure was directed by Stephen Herek (who also directed Critters and Mr. Holland’s Opus) and written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. It follows the far-out lives of the quintessential california best friends in a ...band? Called WYLD STALLIONS in San Dimas California, who despite their lovable slow wits, somehow bear a crucial role in the future of humanity. George Carlin (in a semi-NEO outfit) leads Ted (keanu reeves) and Bill (Alex Winter) on a rollickibng good time through time and space to make sure these boys pass their History final and finish high school. What follows is adorable, heart-warming and most triumphant.
"Arrival" (2016) w/ Brandon Kelley, Director of 'The Real Thing'
ARRIVAL RULES! 👽🐙 This 21st episode of TCFOS features Director Brandon Kelley, an RVA native like myself living in New York City. We both fangirl about Denis Villeneuve's 2016 masterpiece, covering topics like casting, film language, sound and cinematography.
Brandon Kelley is a director who gets to scuba for pay as one half of the underwater videography team “as above, so below”. They were born in New Jersey, spent time in Richmond Va (WOOT) and currently live in New York City. They have worked on feature films like “Unstoppable” and to date they have written and directed 2 dramatic short films; 'Night (2014) and The Real Thing (2017), starring Michael Torpey (who you might recognize from OITNB or Law and Order) and Sophie Giannamore who is in Transparent. “The Real Thing” is a dramatic short about a father returning from active duty to find his daughter has transitioned. It has 9 laurels including winning the Virginia Film Festival’s Programmers Choice award and the LA Outfest Audience award for Best Narrative Short in 2017. WOW.
Aired on WRIR 97.3 FM Richmond Indie Radio 11/17/2019 (Episode 21)
"Rollerball" (1975) w/ Brian Stillman, Producer of 'Movies That Made Us'
Released in1975 for United Artists, Rollerball is a tale of skating, killing and standing up to a violent culture- where wars no longer exist, but rollerball does, Directed by Norman Jewison (Moonlight, Jesus Christ Superstar).
Cameron is joined by Brian Stillman: a prolific collector and filmmaker, Brian is known for his hand in producing Netflix’s “Movies that Made Us” and “toys that made us”. His work with the Nacelle company has brought nostalgia content to us when we all needed it most. And today we are going to wax nostalgic on this 70s futuristic sports classic.
Learn more about Brian at:
https://www.brianstillman.nyc/
"Possessor" (2020) PART 2 feat. Victor Koressel
We're back with more face-melting, stabby goodness! Victor Koressel breaks down why Girder is actually his fave character. Tune in and prepare for gore talk and feminism!
"Possessor" (2020) PART 1 w/ Victor Koressel
Cameron and screenwriter Victor Koressel discuss Brandon Cronenberg's sci-fi horror film from 2020, and it's SO GOOD they recorded a part 2, coming soon! Yes, this is by the son of David Cronenberg and it's wildly good. Tune in.
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Victor Koressel is a screenwriter, film buff, a jeopardy auditionist and a good chunk of the reason WRIR’s 48 hour film team “face for radio” won best picture runner up in 2018 for the ghost jump scare film “Negative Space”. Victor shares a special love of Horror - his screenplay “You Will Never Walk Alone” (written in 2017) melds together plotlines from 5 of the biggest horror dynasty series to have an all in one scarefest.
The Twilight Zone "Long Distance Call" s2 ep.22 feat. Andy Towe
Can you call from the afterlife? Andy Towe joins Cameron to discuss this dark episode of the Twilight Zone.
Released in 1961, "Long Distance Call: was written by Charles Beaumont and Bill Idleson, and directed by James Sheldon that follows a young boy named Billy (played by the 7 year old Bill Mumy) who maintains a connection to his grandmother (Played by Lili Darvas) after her passing on through a wooden phone.
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Andy Towe is a powerhouse cinematographer, photographer and producer and a recent NYC transplant from LA. He has worked on numerous documentaries and films including anniversary features for the Twilight Zone. His latest endeavor is Andrew Towe Creative, a new firm under his direction which focuses on TV/Film and photography services for TV, Full Feature Films, Documentaries, digital media, and print/promotional projects.
https://www.andrewtowecreative.com/about
"What makes a great Sci-Fi Screenplay?" [Part 2] w/ script doctor Dan Hoffmann
“Script reading is like speed dating, it doesn’t take more than a few minutes or pages to tell if you’re talking to a real person.”
In Part 2 of my interview with script analyst Dan Hoffmann, we dive deep into story, truth and the elements of genre. What makes a great story regardless of genre? The answer is knowing what you are really trying to say.
“You need not to know your deep intention in the first draft, but you need to realize it. Once you do, it will change everything.”
Find out more about Dan and his work here:
"What makes a great Sci-Fi Screenplay?" [Part 1] w/ script doctor Dan Hoffmann
“Science Fiction is a genre that elevates the idea in its most pure form, it puts ideas at the center. No other genre really does that.”
Script Counselor and industry veteran Dan Hoffmann takes us through Asimov, Jules Verne, Arthur C. Clarke and a host of modern films like Interstellar, Passengers, Star Wars, and more, charting what makes an effective entry in the science fiction genre. Dan Hoffmann has 20 years of experience in script doctoring professional screenplays for the European and American film industries, and shares incredible wisdom on what makes sci fi great, or terrible.
“Science fiction is always about the present...you’re writing about us here and now, it has to be relevant.” - Dan Hoffmann.
Find out more about Dan and his work here: https://www.scriptcounseling.com/
"Ex Machina" (2014, Dir. Alex Garland) w/ Nick Rooney and George R. Martens II
"This is a story about a robot who becomes a girl" - Alex Garland
“Ex Machina”, released in 2014 by Universal and Film 4, shot in Norway and at Pinewood Studios in London, is a sci fi thriller set “10 minutes from now”, written and directed by Alex Garland (who you also wrote 28 days later, sunshine, Dredd and more recently wrote and directed “annihilation”). We follow Caleb, a young lonely coder who wins a week at his employer’s secretive estate. We find that Caleb is not there for a contest, but to be a test administrator for Nathan’s robot AI, a lovely faced automaton named Ava. Caleb quickly falls for her, and what results is a beautiful metaphor for mans inability to control his own machine.
“AI is a serious thing and I don’t think people have really caught up to it...Tesla is working on Neuralink” -George
“I can definitely see any of our top 5 evil tech billionaires living in that house.” - Nick
"Dark and Stormy Night" (2009) w/ Filmmaker Tom Peeler and Art Director Kendra Mamula
Tom and Kendra return to TCFOS to crack wise about the HILARIOUS dark house spoof "Dark and Stormy Night" by Larry Blamire, chatting about everything from Gorillas to fast talking journalists to wild set breakdowns,
"Titan A.E" (2000) w/ Ese Oteze and Will Mattimoe!
Cameron is joined by animator and project manager Ese Oteze from the Nigerian animation studio Sporedust and Will Mattimoe, local RVA filmmaker to discuss the 2000 classic Titan AE!
Released in 2000 by Fox Animation Studios, Titan A.E. (Ae meaning After Earth) starts, as one does, with the earth being totally blown to pieces. Co-directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman (who also worked on All Dogs go to Heaven and Anastasia), Titan AE follows the space construction worker and son of famous inventor, Cale (voiced by Matt Damon) who is found by the nefarious Kroso (Bill Pullman) and his band of space pirates. Cale is revealed to be the living key to a second possible earth and home for humans, and the band embark on an action packed space adventure pursued by BLue Meanies- the Drej, aliens made of “pure energy”. We follow the scrappy band of humans and lizard-like friends as they maneuver for a showdown to determine the final fate of humankind in the universe.
"Edge of Tomorrow" (2014) feat. Beth and Cutler Robinson
Renamed in the DVD release as “LIVE, DIE, REPEAT”, “Edge of Tomorrow” is a time-bending Humans Vs Aliens popcorn feature directed by Doug Liman, who you may know as the director of the Bourne Identity. It was released in 2014 for Warner Brothers to only a lukewarm opening weekend. Considered one of the most underrated action films made in the 2010s, the story is based on a Japanese “light novel” (meaning manga) called “All You Need is Kill” written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka in 2004.
“In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray gets to try to become a better person. In this, Tom Cruise gets to kill more aliens."
Listen in to episode 32 recorded live from quarantine with my amazing parents Beth and Cutler Robinson.
Aired on WRIR LP 97.3 FM Richmond Indie Radio on Thursday, July 2nd 2020.
"The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra" (2001) w/ Kendra Mamula (Walking Dead)
"If I wanted a safe life, I wouldn't have married a man who studies rocks."
Join us on an episode full of hearty belly laughs and fun facts about set design, art direction and props buying as we discuss Larry Blamire's b-movie send up "The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra" from 2001.
Cameron is joined by the amazing Kendra Mamula, object obsessor, photographer and many more things, to discuss why the props in this movie make it work SO GOOD, why skeletons are rude, and some surprising lab equipment in "Walking Dead: World Beyond".
See Kendra's work: https://www.kendramamula.com/
Find her shots on instagram at @DJingYourFuneral
Learn more about this fantastic film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0307109/
Episode aired on Thursday May 21st, 2020
WRIR LP 97.3 FM Richmond Independent Radio
WRIR.ORG/LISTEN
"Equilibrium" (2002) w/ filmmaker Senon Davis
Cameron sits down (virtually) with Richmond based photojournalist, documentarian, photographer, and occasional DP, Senon Davis to discuss the action-packed "Equilibrium". Written and Directed by Kurt Wimmer, the story is set in a world following World War 3 where a Facist regime in the land of Libria” keeps the peace by suppressing human emotions through a drug called Prozium. We follow Christian Bale as John Preston, a “grammaton cleric” (highly ranked enforcement officer) charged with killing anyone labeled a “sense offender”.
Check out Senon's website: senondigital.com
Insta: @doppio.co
Episode aired on WRIR on 5/7/20
WRIR LP 97.3 FM Richmond
Wrir.org/listen