Screen Speak

In this episode, I talk about Reign Over Me, and how it speaks to me. Reign Over Me came out March 23rd 2007, and was written and directed by Mike Binder and stars Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler.

Topics Include: Life Updates, Personal Resonance with Film, Performances, Central Themes, Use of Soundtrack and Score, Deeper Themes, Shadow of the Colossus, Best Moments and more.

Learn More About Reign Over Me:

Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler), who lost his family in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, still grieves over their deaths. He runs into his former...

In this episode, I talk with Mackenzie Ramsey about her short film Intermission. This episode marks the eighth (and final) in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.

Topics Include: Intermission’s Story, Ending a Relationship, About Mack, Mack’s Journey into Filmmaking, Mack’s Inspirations, Favorite Films of 2023, Student Film Sets, Writing Aspirations, AI, WGA Strike, Future Plans, Connecticut, LA, Protecting People in the Film Community, Unplugging and more.

Learn More About Intermission:

Intermission is a romantic drama that explores the idea o...

In this episode, I talk with Tyler Gathercoal, Kristopher Gathercoal and Tollef Sorenson about their music video Reunited from their band Through the Darkness. This episode marks the seventh in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.

Topics Include: Intro to Band Members, Submitting Music Videos to Film Festivals, Musical Style, Concept for the Music Video, When Should a Song Have a Music Video, How the Band Began, Awards, Studio Project, How Best to Support Local Music, Cover Music, Thoughts on Marvel and Star Wars, Data...

In this final chapter of Screen Think (segment within Screen Speak), I continue giving you my complete thoughts on physical media in 2023 and beyond.

Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final Words

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In this next chapter of Screen Think (segment within Screen Speak), I continue giving you my complete thoughts on physical media in 2023 and beyond.

Chapter 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?

Upcoming Chapters

Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final Words

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Contact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

In this next chapter of Screen Think (segment within Screen Speak), I continue giving you my complete thoughts on physical media in 2023 and beyond.

Chapter 4 & 5 - True Ownership & Supporting Filmmakers You Love

Upcoming Chapters

Chapter 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?

Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final Words

Get Involved with Screen Speak

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Contact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

In this next chapter of Screen Think (segment within Screen Speak), I continue giving you my complete thoughts on physical media in 2023 and beyond.

Chapter 2 & 3 - Preservation & Given Meaning

Upcoming Chapters

Chapter 4 & 5 - True Ownership & Supporting Filmmakers You Love

Chapter 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?

Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final Words

Get Involved with Screen Speak

Instagram: Click Here

Contact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Screen Speak, I veer off formula and introduce a brand new segment of the show called Screen Think. Think of it as a podcast, audio book and TED Talk all rolled into one, centered on subjects within the world of movies, art and entertainment that lack clear answers that I do my best to provide answers for.

In total, there are nine chapters in this first new segment episode entitled: Preserving Permanence. Throughout all nine chapters, I give you my complete thoughts on physical media in 2023 and beyond.

Chapter 1 - Physical...

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Paulson about his animated short film Not Just Deliveries. This episode marks the sixth in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.

Topics Include: Ego, Software Used to Animate Short, About the Short, Inspiration for Jokes in Short, Music, Future Work, Favorite Films, Cover Music, Attending More Film Festivals, How Movies Speak to Andrew, Figuring Out Who You Are, Working Path for Animation, Not being influenced by “Yes” People, and more.

Learn More About Andrew:

Andr...

In this episode, I talk with Michael Minard about his film You Should Have Killed Me.

Topics Include: About Michael, Accolades, Introduction to Filmmaking, Finding Your Identity, Watching Movies as a Filmmaker, Validation, Determining the Movies Tone, Homages, Filming Locations, Favorite Revenge Films, St. Valentine's Day Massacre, The Patriot, Armageddon, The Fableman’s, Desensitization to Big Movies, Avatar, Spousal Support, Physical Media, Iowa Filmmaking, and more.

Learn More About Michael:

Michael works by day as a commercial videographer (even has an Emmy from it) and filmmaker whenever he has a moment to spare (ou...

In this episode, I talk with Adam Orton and Beau Batterson about their short film The Last Minute Till Midnight.

Topics Include: Background on Adam & Beau, Dream City Cinema, Batterson Media, The Last Minute Till Midnight Production & Premiere, Noir Genre, Engaging Imagination in a Green Screen Environment, Reactions to the Short, How to Maintain Passion for Filmmaking, Self Imposed Expectations, Noirvember, Importance of Welcoming Film Communities, Character Actors, Upcoming Projects and more.

Learn More About Adam and Beau:

Adam Orton: Adam is a Midwest -based filmmaker and owner of Dream City Cinema. Early...

In this episode, I talk with Adam Orton and Beau Batterson about their short film The Last Minute Till Midnight.

Topics Include: Background on Adam & Beau, Dream City Cinema, Batterson Media, The Last Minute Till Midnight Production & Premiere, Noir Genre, Engaging Imagination in a Green Screen Environment, Reactions to the Short, How to Maintain Passion for Filmmaking, Self Imposed Expectations, Noirvember, Importance of Welcoming Film Communities, Character Actors, Upcoming Projects and more.

Learn More About Adam and Beau:

Adam is a Midwest -based filmmaker and owner of Dream City Cinema. Early in his...

In this episode, I talk with Michal Sinnott, Katie Braden and Alexandra Clayton about their film Unpacking.

Topics Include: Unpacking Beginnings, Cast Coming Together, Wellness Retreats, Questions Raised in the Film, Where Can People Go For Connective Experiences, Experiences with Strangers, Types of Transformations, Elements of Michal’s Life Infusing Into the Story, Giving Yourself Over To A New Methodology, Importance of In-Person Community, Cultural Appropriation, Explaining Your Position to Someone Else Respectfully, Depiction of Women in Movies, Opportunities Gained from Attending Film Festivals, How to Make Original Diverse Movies Profitable, Where People Can Watch the Movie, Fu...

In this first ever live episode (originally recorded November 2nd, 2023), I answer questions submitted by listeners to celebrate the 100th Episode of Screen Speak. Special appearances by Jake Daniels & Michael Huntington.

Learn more about Jake & Michael

Jake’s Instagram - Click Here

Michael’s Instagram - Click Here

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In this episode, I talk with Mitch McCallson (Filmmaker) about his short film Password Problems and more.

This episode marks the fifth in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.

This was recorded at Mason City Brewing in Mason City, IA.

Topics Include: Inspiration for Password Problems, L.A.M.E. Entertainment, Praise for the Short, Audience Reactions, The Art of Broad Comedy, Determining a Story’s Length, Shaping Comedy, Timing Curse Words, Tarantino Dialog, Curling, Upcoming Projects, Subtitles in Films, Anime, Le...

In this episode, I talk with Carrsan T. Morrissey (Filmmaker) about the Horror Film Genre and more. This episode marks the fourth in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.This was recorded at Mason City Brewing in Mason City, IA.

Topics Include: Thoughts on Renfield, The Tower (Carrsan’s Short Film), Sub-Genres of Horror, Carrsan’s Introduction to Horror, Memorable Horror Moments, Death in Horror Movies, Rot (Carrsan’s Short Film), What Challenges Carrsan, Stigmas Against the Horror Genre, How to Change Stigmas against the Horror...

In this episode, I talk with John Cumberland & John Young (Documentarians) about their documentary Bopper And Me.

This episode is the third in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.This was recorded at 173 Craft Distillery in Clear Lake, IA.

Topics Include: How the Quest for Bopper Began, John C’s Family Thoughts on the Quest, The Importance of the Induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Reverence for Bopper’s Impact on Music, Road Blocks from R&R Hall of Fame, Why...

In this episode, I talk with Joe Garcia (Director, Writer, Composer, Pianist) about a variety of multifaceted subjects within the entertainment industry. This episode is the second in a series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival. This episode was also my first to be recorded outside! Specifically at 173 Craft Distillery in Clear Lake, IA.

Topics Include: Where Joe’s From, Film Freeway, First Movies Watched, Toy Story, Influential Films, Film Release Strategy, WGA Strike Thoughts, AI, Streaming, Fairness in Residuals, Movie Theater Business Strategies, Super Hero Genre La...

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Sherburne, Executive Director & Cofounder of Film Scene, about the upcoming 2nd Annual Refocus Film Festival (October 12-15, 2023).

Topics Include: About Andrew, Film Scene, Iowa City Community, Theatrical Experience, Refocus Film Fest Origins, Art of Adaptation, Literature's Role in this Festival, Inaugural Year of Refocus, Curation Process for the Festival, Special Features of the Festival, Balancing the Tone of the Festival, Fest Pass Options, Goals of the Festival and more.

Learn More About & Connect with Andrew

Andrew Sherburne is an American documentary filmmaker and producer based in...

In this episode, I talk with Jim Brockhohn (Actor) about his adventures over the years as an actor. This episode marks the first in a limited series of exclusive conversations that were recorded on site at the 16th Annual Iowa Independent Film Festival.

Topics Include: About Jim, Volunteerism, Leadership, Characterization in Acting, Jim’s Introduction to Acting, Thoughts on the Iowa Independent Film Fest, Working on Coen Brothers Film Sets, Behind the Scenes Features on Physical Media, Stories from Jim's Past Acting Jobs, Committing to Characters, Advice for Actors and more.

Learn More About & Connect wi...

In this episode, I talk about Neill Blomkamp’s Gran Turismo. Starring Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Maeve Courtier-Lilley and Djmon Hounsou.

Topics Include: The Plot, My Video Game Console History, Gran Turismo's Integration in the Story, Appreciation for the Complexities and Handling of Cars, Sim Drivers Vs. Professional Drivers, The Cast, Fun Fact, Cinematography Praise, Knowing Purpose at an Early Age, Movie Tropes, and more.

Learn More About Gran Turismo

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo pl...

In this episode, I talk with Charlie Gandez, President of the Iowa Independent Film Festival about the upcoming 16th Annual Film Festival (September 7-9 in Mason City & Clear Lake, Iowa).

Topics Include: Iowa Independent Film Festival Overview, Festival Amenities, Opportunities in Festivals, Festivals History, Stand Out Moments, Charlie's Presidential Responsibilities, Charlie's Introduction to the World of Movies, Lessons Learned, Value Brought to the Community, Clear Lake History, Funny Moments/Questions, Celebrity Encounters, and more.

Learn More About & Connect with Charlie

Charlie is a Mexican-American (Xicano) Iowa-based multimedia artist, screenwriter, and educator. His work...

In this episode, I talk with Jake Daniels, Founder of Mediaverse Studios (Based out of Marengo, Iowa), about the creation of the studio and its offerings available within.

Topics Include: Mediaverse Origins, Studio’s Vision, The Mediaverse Team, Resources & Assistance Available, Average Amount of Projects on Site, YouTube Content Coming, Revenue Strategy, Marketing Efforts, Sustainability Measures, Community Engagement Aspirations, Jake’s Introduction to Filmmaking, Importance of Learning about the Entertainment Industry Early, Lessons Learned Leading a Filmset, Collaborative Options, and more.

Learn More About & Connect with Jake

Jake Daniels is filmmaker, entrepreneur, and foun...

In this episode, I talk about Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer.

Topics Include: Source Material, Pulitzer Prize's Background, Rank in Chris Nolan’s Movies, Rewatchability, Prometheus History, Non Linear Storytelling, Moral & Existential Questions, Oppenheimer Himself, The Atomic Bomb, Politics of the Time, Communism, Security Clearance Hearings, 1000 Yard Stares and more.

Learn About Oppenheimer

Imdb - Click Here

Source Material - Click Here

Rotten Tomatoes - Click Here

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In this episode, I talk with Sofia Haan (Content Specialist & Writer) about the latest with the ongoing WGA Strike, as well as SAG-AFTRA joining in the fight.

Topics Include: Latest Coverage of the Strikes, Who we Side With, Where to Stay Informed on the Strikes, Actors Issues with AI, Indiana Jones De Aging, Barbenheimer, Strikebreaking Consequences, Importance of these Strikes, Stance on Debate on Motion & Performance Capture Being True Acting, Why Supporting WGA & SAG AFTRA Matters, Greed in the Entertainment Industry, Transparency Ethics, Morals at the Top and more.

Connect with Sofia

Instagram...

In this episode, I talk with Bernd Wittenben (Actor/German Advisor/Producer) about the WWII Independent Film, Reveille.

Topics Include: Reveille’s Distribution Strategy, Reveille’s Production Path, Bernd’s Passion for History, Accolades for the Film, Determining a Films Audience, Financing & Generating Interest for the Film, Prepping the Actors, Shooting Schedule, Using Live Rounds on Set, Rust Incident, Precautions Taken to Handle Weapons, Thoughts on Substance Use on a Set, Post Production Path, Public Relations Importance with Films, Movie Trailers, Practical Advice for Getting a Movie Made, Union Representation Issues in Iowa, Industry Impacting Changes, and more.<...

In this episode, I chat all about Movies & AI with none other than Chat GPT (Artificial Intelligence Itself!)

Topics Include: What is Chat GPT? AI Usage in the Film Industry, Pros and Cons of AI, The Terminator Films, Best & Worst Movies, and more.

Learn More About Chat GPT

Open AI - Click Here

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In this episode, I talk about the 1990 film - Awakenings

Topics Include: Life & Podcast Updates, About the Movie, Catatonia, Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, Watching Difficult Scenes, Stand Out Scenes, Emotional Stand Out Scenes, Joy & Tragedy, What Life Is All About, Harsh Truths and More.

Learn More About Awakenings

Imdb: Click Here

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Contact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

References Made:

Oliver Sacks Foundation - Click Here

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life - Click Here

In this episode, I talk with Lucas Halverson (Actor) and Dillon Jacobson (Filmmaker) about the various ways that movies resonate with us.

Topics Include: How Dillon & Lucas Connected, What You Look For In A Friend, Creative Collaboration, Lucas’s Work & Future Aspirations, Creating Personal Stories That Hit Home While Being Bankable to an Audience, How Movies Speak to Us, Watching Movies Alone vs. Watching With An Audience, Nostalgia, Big Studios Supporting Original Ideas, Horror Genre, How Movies Affect Us, Public Domain, Taking IP and Changing It, The Lion King, Lucas & Dillon's Take on Animation vs. Live Action De...

In this episode, I talk with Eric Freese (Festival Director) and Scott Chrisman (Festival Founder) about their thoughts/reflections on the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival.

Note: Sorry for having my AC running in the background for a fair amount of the episode. Something I will be more mindful about the next time I decide to record in my living room..

About CRIFF

The first CRIFF was held in 2001 at Mount Mercy University’s McAuley Auditorium. In the 20+ years since, CRIFF has continued to provide a venue for Iowa-connected filmmakers to screen their wo...

In this episode, I talk with Tony Cross (Writer/Director) about his short film, The King’s Eye (Official Selection at the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival)

The King’s Eye Synopsis

A man embarks on a scavenger hunt, left behind by his recently deceased father. On his journey, he’s given a chance to remember his past, while also embracing the prospects of his future.

Trailer - Click Here

Topics Include: Tony’s Inspirations, Visual Storytelling, Voiceovers, Geocaching, Lo-fi Music, Short Film Distribution Strategy, Future Projects, How Movies Speak to Us, and...

In this episode, I talk with Sofia Haan (Writer) in depth (via breakdown/analysis) about the ongoing 2023 WGA Strike.

Topics Include: Understanding Strikes and their Terminology, Past Writer Strikes, What This Current Strike Means, Predictions On When It Will End, Who The WGA Is Striking Against, What is the WGA, Why Writers Join the WGA, Other Entertainment Unions, Why the WGA is Striking, Artificial Intelligence Usage, Streaming Issues, WGA Proposals to the AMPTP, and more.

Connect with Sofia

Sofia Haan is a Copywriter at a Content Marketing Agency, as well as Freelance Writer...

In this episode, I talk with University of Iowa Film Major, Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival Volunteer and All Around Nice Guy - Blake Kellinger

Topics Include: Blake’s New Job, What We’re Eating For Lunch, My Passion for Podcasting, Goals for Screen Speak, Initial Thoughts on the WGA Strike, Stunt Community Deserving Academy Recognition, James Cameron, Separating Art from the Artist, Thoughts on Fast X, Anticipated Summer Movies, and more.

Connect with Blake

Blake's Instagram - Click Here

Blake's LinkedIn - Click Here

Get Involved with Screen Spea...

In this episode, I talk with Nate Kaiser (Filmmaker/DP/Producer/Wrestler) about his film - The Way It Was (Official Selection at the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival)

Topics Include: The Work of a Producer, Organization On A Set & Life, Determining a Projects Length, Period Piece Filmmaking, Where the Budget was Spent, Creating a Collaborative and Welcoming Set, Using Cinematography to Serve the Emotions of a Story, Shooting on Location, Post Production Visual Effects Work, Nate Himself and His Background, Working to Get Ahead, Future Projects, Favorite Movies and more.

Connect with Nate

In this episode, I talk with Jake Daniels (Filmmaker) and Michael Huntington (Filmmaker), about movies, film festivals and what they got going on. They were attendees at the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival that I hit it off with. So much so that I decided on the spot - I just want to talk with both these guys and see where the conversation goes.

Topics Include: Shared Tattoos, What Genres We Gravitate Towards, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Cocaine Bear, Experience with the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, Film Festivals Available in Iowa, Operating a Film Festival...

In this episode, I talk with Jörg Rochlitzer (Executive Producer) and Bernd Wittneben (Actor/Executive Producer), about their film - Reveille (Official Selection at the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival)

Reveille Synopsis: In late 1943, an American squad engages in a skirmish with German soldiers along the Winter Line in central Italy. As artillery shells begin to rain down, the Americans must honor the rules of war and protect their wounded prisoners. Huddled together in a cave and made to see the enemy as human, the soldiers wrestle with unimaginable moral questions that lie outside the boundaries o...

In this episode, I talk with Annette Busbee (Writer/Executive Producer), Rod Blocksome (Retired Collins Employee), and Steve Tyson (Retired Collins Employee) about their documentary - The Collins Story - Connecting the Moon to the Earth: Steps to the Moon (Official Selection at the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival)

Steps to the Moon Synopsis: Before personal computers, the internet, smartphones and GPS connected us and guided out journeys, men on board the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space capsules talked to the earth, navigated in space and to the moon and back, and exchanged critical data with mission...

In this episode, I talk with Dillon Jacobson (Filmmaker) about a variety of subjects around movies, as well as his short film Large (Official Selection at the 2023 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival)

Large Synopsis: After letting life pass by and accepting his life at face value, Lucas watches a motivational advertisement that inspires him to take control of his life.Dillon made Large for a course through the University of Iowa’s Cinematic Arts Program.

Content Includes: Dillon's Background, The Academia Side of Filmmaking, 1st Screenings with an Audience, Finding Ideal Audiences, Ari Aster Movies, Ex...

In this episode, I talk about Air, with my wife, Izola Ramalho.

Content Includes: Movie Release Dates, Tones & Vibes, Nike, The Shoe Business, NBA Regulations, Taking Risks, Actors Directing, Shoes, The Power of a Brand, The 80's, The Jordan's, Family Support, Belief, Inner Strength, What Makes True Success and more.

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Contact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

April 14th - 16th 2023

COME SEE ME AT IT! (Booth + Swag)

In this episode, I talk about John Wick: Chapter 4

Content Includes: John Wick (of course), Stunt Choreography, Cinematography, Best Action Sequences, Realism & Hyper Violence, The World of Wick, Memorable Moments, Where the World of Wick goes from here (*Spoilers*) and more.

Get Involved with Screen Speak

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Contact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

April 14th - 16th 2023

COME SEE ME AT IT! (Booth + Swag)

CRIFF Website: Click Here

Prices: Adult...