Salty Cinema

Author Gary DeMar talks about the history of Christian apprehension to Hollywood, why making movies based on the Bible is hard, how to think in a presuppositional way about film, and what he calls the "consummating" coming of Christ.

Director Spencer T. Folmar talks about his latest film "Shooting Heroin", how he made his theatrical debut with "Generational Sins", the genesis of the "hard faith" genre, and his vision for the future of gritty films from a Christian perspective.

Jacob and his friend and fellow filmmaker Gabriel Renfro discuss the movies that for one reason or another have had a lasting impact on them, what Gabriel learned studying film at USC, why movies are seemingly losing their life-changing power, and how "Catch Me If You Can" beautifully displays the Gospel. Movies discussed include "The Act Of Killing", "Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves", "The Last Crusade", "Braveheart", "Collapse", "Dumb & Dumber", "American History X", "Requiem For A Dream", "Boogie Nights", "Magnolia", "The Sixth Sense", and "Unbreakable".

Jacob talks to his friend, cinematographer Chris Warren, about balancing the creative and technical aspects of photography, why Roger Deakins is so good, working for Marvel Entertainment, "Searching" and the future of found-footage films, and what makes the cinematography of certain films stand out.

Documentary filmmaker Dan Parris talks about making his latest film "Show Me Democracy", balancing video work that pays the bills with more artistic ventures, finding his way into making documentaries, and how he almost died doing what he loves.

Jacob talks to his friend, actor Bobo Chang, about the trials and tribulations of making a living as an actor in Hollywood, what it was like to do a scene opposite Larry David and Lin-Manuel Miranda on "Curb Your Enthusiasm", trends among actors turned directors, and his favorite moments being an extra in various films.

"Hugo" visual effects artist Mitch Gonzalez talks about current trends in animation and CGI, how his childhood interest in acting influenced his career, working on big-budget films like "Fast Five", "Chronicle" and "Pan", his experience studying at Ringling College, and the astounding creation sequence in "Noah" that he worked on with Ari Handel.

Will Spike Lee finally win his Oscar? Can anyone beat "Roma"? How big of a night will "Black Panther" have? Will "A Star is Born" get any love? Jacob and his good friend, author, screenwriter, and educator Alex Carpenter make their predictions for the 91st Academy Awards. No category is left out of this telecast as they run down the full list of nominees and lock in their picks. 

"Momentum Generation" directors Jeff & Michael Zimbalist talk about making three feature documentaries at the same time, the impact that critic reviews and focus groups have on their work, transitioning to narrative filmmaking with "Pelé", and their approach to story structure.

Jacob discusses the top 10 films of 2018 with author and film critic Brett McCracken. Before getting into their picks Brett talks about working as a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition, his undying love for Terrence Malick, and a few films he loved from last year that didn't quite make the cut. 

Filmmaker Jacob Kindberg returns with the first episode of Salty Cinema in over a year! He explains his absence and his plans for changes to the show. Jacob's cousin Ketch Smith then interviews Jacob on his "Coffee + People Podcast" and Jacob talks about his editing and directing history.

"Last Days in the Desert" executive producer Erik Lokkesmoe talks about the death of mid-budget movies, the importance of brand building, how he transitioned from a career in politics to marketing films, and why timeless art should come from the Church.

"Is Genesis History?" director, Thomas Purifoy Jr. talks about making his polarizing documentary, how he found success releasing the film as a one-night only Fathom event in theaters across the country, the false dichotomy between science and faith, and what the Bible teaches us about good storytelling.

Director Tim K talks about how he climbed the ladder from lowly production assistant to big budget commercial director, what it was like working at Funny Or Die during it's infancy, the panic attack he had directing his first super bowl spot, and being inspired by Jonathan Glazer.

Vox.com film critic Alissa Wilkinson talks about her favorite film of the year so far, "Get Out", how she found her way into writing about movies for a living, why she thinks the best films about faith are usually made by filmmakers who have none, and the future of film criticism.

Director, musician, and record producer Steve Taylor talks about the Nashville film scene, producing one of the biggest songs of the 90's, the trials and tribulations of directing Blue Like Jazz, and the viability of Christian satire. 

"Sully" screenwriter Todd Komarnicki talks about working with Clint Eastwood, his daily writing habits, producing the Christmas classic "Elf", and what kind of movies Jesus would like.

Producer, David Jacobson talks about helping Kanye West pull off his historic Yeezy Season 3 Madison Square Garden show, what he learned working for his mentor, Laura Ziskin, getting Lee Daniel's The Butler made, and starting his new production company, Required Reading.

Producer, author, and film marketing specialist, Mark Joseph talks about what he learned working with Mel Gibson on Passion of the Christ, marketing films to Christian audiences, his Reagan biopic, and why "faith-based" shouldn't be a genre.

Author, film professor, and cultural commentator Craig Detweiler talks about being named Variety's 2016 Mentor of the Year, the future of film education, breaking into the industry as a screenwriter, and Under the Skin.