Talking Pictures with Paul Booth

Our host Paul goes to the San Diego International Film Festival to watch this years films and what experience it was. From the short  "How to a void a sappy goodbye to the documentary films "Passing on wisdom", and "The yin & yang of Gerry Lopez". Then on to the features films with "The Wind & The Reckoning" a Hawaiian film and to round it all off a review of the closing gala film "Empire Of Light" a film by Sam Mendes. 

Paul reviews Find Her a movie about when ex-cop Isaiah Slade arrives in a small town searching for answers to a murdered ranch owner and his missing daughter, it slowly becomes clear he has his own personal agenda to finding the truth.

Host Paul Booth and Director Skye Borgman discuss her latest Netflix hit Sins of Our Mother. This three part series takes a dynamic look at a very scary and true tale..

Skye brings us a refreshing chat about filmmaking, storytelling, journalism and the deep-dive of telling a true story. Skye breaks down, how Crime films are not just "Crime" stories.

Host Paul Booth and award-winning writer/director Nik Fackler dive into all aspects of his new films HIDDEN PLACES. These films fall under Experimental, if you chose a genre, but Nik brings to light that filmmaking is an experiment.

Nik lends insight to discussing music, cinematography, editing and more. A director who has made features as well, Nick has a wide range of conversation topics.

Join us for a discussion about all things Cinema.

Paul takes a trip back in time to review this 2001 classic Almost Famous, written and directed by Cameron Crowe, Starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit and Kate Hudson along many more amazing actors. This being one of Paul's favourite movies, he does have a lot but this must be close it to number one for him. It hit all the right notes, with a stellar cast and one amazing soundtrack.  

Paul reviews April Wrights new documentary "Back to the Drive-in" this is a must see film if you love film and drive-ins

Paul interviews Pamela Alch Script Supervisor her extensive career spans a huge range of movie history from movies such classics as the Big Chill, Ferris Bueller's Day off to modern films Ray with Jamie fox to Mr and Mrs Smith with Brad Pitt just to name only a small few. 

Listen to this fascinating chat with Dr Rebekah Louisa Smith from starting her The Film Festival Doctor business help films get into the right festivals. We then detour into her interesting PHD Thesis on Quentin Tarantino films and the effects on audiences. Weaved in all of this we chat about her new book "Born to do it".   

Paul sits down with Marcus Mizelle to chat about his films "Something In The Water" and "Belle Vie". The conversation then delves into filmmaking as an independent filmmaker to being a filmmaker in Hollywood in and outs. 

King Richard Nominated for an Oscar in the Best Picture Category. Paul Booth reviews King Richard staring Will Smith as Richard Williams, Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams and Demi Singleton as Serena Williams. The film is a look at how this family beat the odds and become tennis superstars.

Paul Booth reviews the latest documentary from Director Amy Goldstein. THE UNMAKING OF A COLLEGE DOC. It is currently has a limited-theatrical run in N.Y.C and Los Angeles. This documentary dives into America's longest sit-in, in the History of the United States over the 2019 financial crisis at Hampshire College.

Host Paul Booth interviews Costume Designer Luis Sequeira whose work garnered him an Oscar-Nominaton on the Best Picture winner The Shape of Water.

Luis describes the collaborative nature of costumes, the various departments that work together to bring the characters look to life. Luis also takes us into the world of other Films he designed such as Kimberly Peirce's Carrie and the wonderful cult-clsssic Charlie Bartlett which is a great performance from a pre-Iron Man Robert Downey Jr.

Sit back and enjoy this wonderful, open and ego-free conversation from yet another Oscar-nominee who brings nothing but great stories to Talking Pictures with Paul Booth.

Our Host Paul Booth reviews Every DAY IN KAIMUKĪ the first Hawaiian feature film to be in Sundance Film Festival. Simply put this film is an Hawaiian story about the difficult decision to leaving the island for the main land to seek out opportunities that can not be found at home.

Our host review The 1992 classic White Men Can't Jump staring Wesley Snips, woody Harrelson and Rosie Perez. 

Our Host Paul Booth reviews this intriguing feature film "Who is Amos Otis?" Written and Directed by Greg Newberry. A film about a man named Amos Otis, after he assassinating the President, Amos Otis pleads self-defense and must convince the jury he saved the world from an unhinged ruler.

Our host Paul Booth reviews House of Gucci directed by Ridley Scott and staring Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci and Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci. Paul give his thoughts on Ridley Scotts latest film.

Host Paul Booth discuss the making of A California Christmas: City Lights coming to Netflix on December 16th the sequel to last year's smash-hit A California Christmas which hit #1 world-wide. We are joined by Cinematographer Brad Rushing C.S.C. and Director Shaun Piccinino to talk about the making of these fun Christmas movies and the fun process they had making them and family-like atmosphere on-set.

Host Paul Booth and First Assistant Director Peter Dashkewytch discuss Netflix's MIXTAPE and the role of the 1st AD. This wonderful-heartwarming movie is directed by Valerie Weiss (The Archer, Outerbanks).

Mixtape is the story of young-girl raised by her Grandma, who discovers a Mixtape made by her deceased mother and father. She is only 12 and has nothing but her innocence and the power of music to answer her life's questions.

Host Paul Booth interviews Alice Brooks A.S.C for Lynn Manuel-Miranda's directorial debut Tick Tick Boom. The game-changing Producer of Hamilton and In the Heights hits a home-run with this incendiary Film starring Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, Hacksaw Ridge).

Alice returns to the show and shares the process of shooting during Covid, the fun of making a movie based on someone's life and tells us about working with the (highly) talent Andrew Garfield.

We dived into lots more. Enjoy!

Host Paul Booth and Director Suzanne Kai dive into her Multi-Award-Winning Documentary (Newport Beach Film Festival Best Music Film) Like a Rolling Stone: The Life and Times of Ben Fong Torres.

As an Emmy-Nominated Journalist in the Bay Area, Suzanne brings us into the world of 70s iconic Rock journalist Ben Fong-Torres. As an Editor at Rolling Stone, Mr. Fong-Torres helped change the way music was written about and observed.

This is the quintessential documentary for music lovers and those who appreciate Music History. Included are wonderful interviews and shared moments with Quincy ones, Carlos Santana, Elton John and Cameron Crowe.

Host Paul Booth and Production Designer Clay Griffith dive into the fun and inspirations of his many film credits. The talk moves around albums, musicians and some lessons that came up along the way.

As a Production Designer Clay Griffith has helped bring to life films such as Dolemite is my Name, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Almost Famous, We Bought a Zoo, Roadies and Radio. He also worked as Set Dec on classics like As Good as it Gets, Sleepless in Seattle, Jerry Maguire and Seven.

Clay was very gracious to share his time with us on a down day from his current gig as a Production Designer.

Host Paul Booth reviews three films from the 22nd Annual San Diego International Film Festival.  Brother, I Cry (Feature, Canada), The Novice (Feature, U.S.A.) presented by IFC Films and Entitled (Short, U.S.A) directed by Kelsey Fordham which Paul interviews Kelsey Fordham on the making of her film.

Host Paul Booth and writer, director Miles Doleac sat down to discuss Miles new film Demigod. Demigod releases Friday October 15th in 10 major cities Theatrically and across multiple streaming platforms Amazon, iTunes, wherever you get your on-demand, rentals.

Miles also Produces and co-stars in his new film Demigod. We got into a wonderful discussion about writing, the process of acting out a script you write. Miles also gave us insight into directing and acting while making a film in a COVID world, as the Pandemic raged on.

Miles brought his unique perspective to provide the audience with a look into his influences and thoughts about the demons, dark themes and multi-faceted world we live in. This is the 5th film Miles has come on the Podcast to discuss and he was Talking Pictures with Paul Booth's first guest seven years ago.

Get ready for a great chat with a highly-educated Filmmaker who is also a College Professor with a PHD.

Host Paul Booth and Cinematographer Checco Varese A.S.C. discuss the Hulu fantastic series DOPESICK which dives into America's heart breaking Opioid crisis. You can stream the series now on Hulu.

In this episode we chat with Checco as he breaks down shooting a fictional story based on real events. We explore what it’s like to create different tones to vary the stories within one bigger one. We also touch on what it’s like creating a full series during the Pandemic.

Oscar-winner Barry Levinson (Rain Man) directs the first two episodes of the series. Staring Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson, Peter Sarsgaard Michael Stuhlbarg and Kaitlyn Dever. We were happy to have Checco Varese A.S.C. back on the show.

Host Paul Booth was joined by Colombian-American writer/director Erick Castrillon to discuss his feature film Blast Beat. Erick brings a unique opinion and wide-variety of experiences to the mic. This episode was a true joy to do for Host Paul Booth given he met Erick in passing at a small Film Festival in 2013. The last time our Host spoke to Erick he was writing a SHORT titled Blast Beat (circa 2015). What happened next is why we love Talking Movies.....

His feature film, Blast Beat, premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Sony Pictures and Vertical Entertainment picked up Blast Beat for distribution, which was released in May, 2021. His work has been critically acclaimed in the U.S. and abroad, connecting with audiences across multiple cultures and genres. In 2021 he consulted for Disney’s animated film, Encanto, and was part of a think tank created by Sony and Montecito Pictures to bring Latinx representation to the big screen. Castrillon got his MFA in Writing for the Screen and Television from the University of Southern California, and his BA in English Literature from the Florida International University.

Host Paul Booth and Jon Bush discuss Jon's experience in the Art Department. Jon has worked as a Set Dresser, Swing Gang Boss, Leadman, Set Decorator and Production Designer on short films, commercials, mainstream television series, limited series, indie and studio features.

Jon also brings the unique perspective gained through working on Films directed by Tim Burton, Oliver Stone, Robert Zemeckis, Rob Reiner, Steven Soderbergh, Michael Bay and Alexander Payne. Host Paul Booth and Jon dive into the process of working with Cinematographer's, Production Designer's and Director's to bring to life the characters and world that is in the script.

Jon's credits include: Alice in Wonderland, Nixon, Castaway, The Story of Us, The Limey, Out of Sight, Transformers, Pain and Gain, Spider-Man, The Last Samurai, That Thing You Do, Murder in the First, Interview with the Vampire, White Boy Rock, Lucy in the Sky, Countdown, Downsizing and Nebraska (to name a few).

Jon shares his journey with humble insight, in-depth curiosity and a kind-nature that made for an informative talk for all Film lovers and Filmmakers.

Host Paul Booth and his Film School classmate Warren Fulton review Sidney Lumet's 1975 classic Dog Day Afternoon. The film won't Best Screenplay, was Nominated for six Oscars including Best Picture, starring Al Pacino, John Gazelle and Chris Sarandon.

Warren brings a unique perspective as a Filmmaker, Poet, Artist and writer based in Vancouver.

Emmy-Winning Production Designer Kalina Ivanov has worked as a Storyboard Artist for Jonathan Damme and Robert Redford. As a designer she has contributed to Cult, Indie and overall Classic Films (Swimfan, Little Miss Sunshine and Silence of the Lambs).

Her contributions can be seen in multiple Oscar-Nominated and Winning Films. On this episode she discussed her contributions to Silence of the Lambs, Quiz Show and relationships working with Jonathan Demme and Robert Redford.

Kalina brought us into process of designing a Film with over 100 sets (Long Shot with Charlize Theron). We had an open talk about the challenges (4 weeks to build a two-story for Long Shot) and fun of working with Cinematographers the caliber of BAFTA nominee Newton Thomas Sigel on the The Conspirator.

Kalina is a NYU Film School graduate and was nominated for a student Oscar for her Film THE LAST DAY OF JUNE. Kalina has over three decades in the Film industry. We also had the pleasure of discussing Film History and how she is influenced by Cinema as a global entity.

She grew up in a Communist Country and that set the tone for a in-depth look at movies and life. Kalina's next work is The Tender Bar (filmed during Covid-19) directed by George Clooney, shot by Martin Ruhe A.S.C.,and the release date has not been announced.

Host Paul Booth and Production Associate Alonzo Greer review The Sunset Limited. Alonzo has almost three decades in the Film business. He was a co-star in Roar with Heather Ledger and has crewed many films from Whoopi's Sister Act, Indecent Proposal , Rob Howard's The Paper, Sliver with Sharon Stone and many more.

Alonzo brings a unique perspective fuelled by experiences and stories like shooting Hoops with Woody Harrelson (Indecent Proposal), playing football with Redford while Oprah is about 30 feet away and a vast list of stories including dinner with Batman, I mean Michael Keaton. He loves Film and our Host Paul Booth has enjoyed 20 years of Film chats with Zo (Alonzo).

Host Paul Booth and Renee Confair Production Supervisor sat down to discuss HBO's The White Lotus, the ups and downs of Production and what exactly a Production Supervisor does.

Renee has worked on blockbusters and a large handful of films that include Aloha, The Descendants and Snowden. Renee shared some stories about working with A-List Oscar-Winners Cameron Crowe, Alexander Payne and Oliver Stone.

We also discussed her Film related card game GET CREW'D. It was a great conversation about Film.

As we approach year seven this August, here is one FROM THE ARCHIVE: Oscar-Nominee Rachel Morrison A.S.C.

Nov. 2017. Rachel called in to discuss her recent Film Mudbound. She would make History shortly after this interview, when she became the first woman to receive an Oscar-Nod for her Cinematography in Mudbound.

Rachel and I discuss Mudbound, her work on Cake, What Happened Miss Simone and other cool Film-related topics. Rachel was kind and gracious to our show (still is).

In this gem from the archives Host Paul interviews the incendiary Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen. Her extraordinary work includes The Girl on the Train, Life, A Quiet Place and Fences directed by Denzel Washington.

In this episode we interviewed her for the Directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin Molly's Game. We enjoyed an extensive talk about film and she even opened up about work with Denzel as a Director. Charlotte is very open, gracious and this interview was a blast.

Host Paul Booth and Cinematographer Nancy Schreiber A.S.C. discuss the Starz hit P-Valley. Nancy describes the gritty nature and fun-challenges or creating a Mississippi strip club on a Soundstage in Atlanta. We also dive into her work on Lisa Kudrow's HBO series The Comeback (2005), the brilliant music documentary about multi-Grammy winner Linda Ronstandt and we peek into her research regiment and how much she enjoys working with her crew.

Nancy is an accomplished Cinematographer with more than four decades lensing television shows, music videos, documentaries, feature-films and commercials

Nancy is an Emmy-Nominated Cinematographer for her work on The Celluloid Closet. She a long working relationship with Two-Time Oscar winning Director Rob Epstein (The Times of Harvey Milk and Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt).

This week's episode is re-edited cut of a gem from our archives. Our 2015 interview with Lulu Wang for the 2015 Palm Springs International Shorts Fest, we discussed her FilmTouch. Lulu graciously shared her artistic process, discussed a feature she was writing (Posthumous) and we had a fun chat about Screwball Comedies.

This episode takes us back to year one of the show. Lulu went on to Direct the critically-acclaimed The Farewell which garnered multiple Awards and was the center of a cultural conversation about Film.

Host Paul Booth interviews Cinematographer Jessica Young (What Drives Us) and Emmy-Nominated Producer John Ramsay (Sonic Highways). We sat down for an in-depth discussion about the television/limited series From Cradle to Stage based on the book by Dave Grohl's Mom Virginia Hanlon Grohl.

Directed by Dave Grohl, Grohl sits down with his Mom and the Mom's of other Rock stars to discuss the dynamic of raising a musician.

From Cradle to Stage episodes include: Dan Reynolds and Mom Christene, Pharrell and Carolyn Williams, Miranda and Bev Lambert, Brandi and Teresa Carlile, Tom Morello and Mary, Gaddy Lee and Mary Weinrib.

Available on Paramount Network and Paramount + streaming.

Hosts Paul Booth and Kai Lovell review and discuss the smash-hit In The Heights. Paul and Kai dive into the music, cinematography, colorful characters and importance of the diversity on the big-screen.

Host Paul Booth and Cinematographer Alice Brooks breakdown the challenges and joy of shooting In the Heights. This episode breaks down the Production Design, location and studio shooting and how to collaborate to bring song, dance and emotion together. Alice also described her personal process and more!

Host Paul Booth and award-winning film director April Wright's discuss her documentary "Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-In Movie". April also discusses the surgence and evolution of the drive-in business during Covid-19.

Host Paul Booth and Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut A.S.C. discuss a wide-range of topics including Shane's work on the Pilot for Resident Alien (Scy-FY, Hulu).  He breaks down technical filming in snowy conditions as well as creating a new world for the Alien who lands on earth.

Shane's passionate description continues with a deep dive into Guns and Roses video for the smash-hit NOVEMBER RAIN.

An avid athlete growing up, Shane shares some sports stories before he and Host Paul Booth discuss Mr. 3000 with Bernie Mac, Drumline, Semi-Pro with Will Ferrell and they touch on the Football drama We are Marshall. Shane is so passionate about Sorts you would think he spends his time at Dick's Sporting Goods not on a FIlm set.

Shane shot the Iconoclastic Political comedy Swing Vote with Kevin Costner, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Hopper and George Lopez. Sit back and enjoy this hour-plus masters class, Shane came to the mic with 150% and left us all with great information to chew on.

Host Paul Booth interviews returning guest Oscar-Nominated Production Designer Anastasia Masaro. Anastasia breaks down the job of a Production Designer as we discuss her process on Films such as Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (her Oscar-nod), Jason Reitman's Tully and Life.

Anastasia discusses a wide range of topics from sketching, location vs. Studio sets, the business side of her job, working with the Director and the all to important relationship with the Cinematographer. This is more than a technical conversation,

Anastasia shares some great stories with precision and insight into the art-form of Film.

Our host Paul Booth chats with Hawaiian local Gerard Elmore about his latest films Red House and Ka Huakai: The Journey to Merrie Monarch.

Host Paul Booth and Film and Television Director Kate Woods discuss the Showtime hit The Good Lord Bird. This unique Western is based on Sheriff John Brown and the underground railroad. The show was created by and stars Ethan Hawke.

Kate and Paul go into Western shoot-out's, stunts, Directing television vs. Film. Kate has an extensive 35 year career including such T.V. shows as NCIS LA, Bones, Law and Order SVU and Hawaii Five-O. The episode is for The Good Lord Bird, but Kate and Paul also dive into her episode of Hawaii Five-O from season two.

Actor Jonah Blechman joined us to discuss the 15th Anniversary of Another Gay Movie. It hit Theaters April 30th and VOD May 4th.

Jonah's career spans nearly three decade's with experience in dancing, writing, producing and acting in the theater as well as Film.

Jonah is also recognized by many who were teenagers in the 90's for his role in This Boy's Life alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

Host Paul Booth, Producer Jim Rota, Editor Dean Gonzalez and Sound Editor discuss rock music, doc documentaries and the making of What Drives Us directed by Dave Grohl.

This new doc takes us into the world of when bands toured and played the road. The movie examines the good, bad and ugly of touring through interviews with Steven Tyler, The Edge, ACDC, Flea, Lars Ulrich and many more.

All pun intended, this doc ROCKS!!

Host Paul Booth talks with Cinematographer Alan Jacobsen to discuss the Netflix series Worn Stories. Alan also shot the Oscar-Nominated, Emmy-Winning documentary Strong Island also available on Netflix.

Join in for Alan's insight on the story, working with Director's and some great personal moments. This is Alan's second time on Talking Pictures with Paul Booth.