Kingdom of Dreams Podcast

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Join music composer David Robbins as he delves into the creative process behind the acclaimed documentary Project Kashmir. In this episode, Robbins reflects on scoring a film that remains as relevant today as it was 20 years ago—a deeply personal and politically charged exploration of the Kashmir conflict through the eyes of two friends, one Hindu and one Muslim. He shares how he approached the emotional and cultural nuances of the story through music, bringing depth and resonance to a narrative rooted in identity, friendship, and one of the wo...

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Step behind the scenes of Ridley Scott’s American Gangster in this captivating episode featuring renowned Art Director Sonja Klaus. Klaus shares her unique approach to visual storytelling and the behind-the-scenes challenges of filming across Thailand and New York. From navigating union hurdles and recreating Bangkok markets in Chiang Mai to using unexpected props like mules, her stories are as vivid as the film itself. With tales of lavish butler service and unpredictable on-set moments, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves cinema, design, and the art of...

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César Charlone is an acclaimed Uruguayan cinematographer, director, and screenwriter best Step inside the world of "American Made" as cinematographer Cesar Charlone Herrera joins the Kingdom of Dreams podcast to share exclusive insights into making of the movie starring Tom Cruise and directed by Doug Liman. 

From piloting real planes to creating scenes with documentary-style authenticity, Herrera reveals the challenges and triumphs of capturing the essence of this thrilling true story.

Known for his Oscar-nominated work on City of God (2002). His visually dynamic style ha...

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In today’s episode, we’re joined by acclaimed production designer Guy Hendrix Dyas, who takes us behind the scenes of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He shares his design journey, from early concept sketches to the intricate work behind the legendary Temple of Akator.

Guy also recounts his experience collaborating with film icons Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford—offering a rare glimpse into the visual storytelling that brings epic adventures to life.

Guy Hendrix Dyas is a British-American produc...

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From Bomb Shelters to Freedom: The Journey of Actress Hanna Novak
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Ukrainian actress Hanna Novak recounts her escape from the war-torn streets of Kyiv to safety in Poland. With raw honesty, she shares her time sheltering deep in the Kyiv subway system alongside her beloved cat, Mister Joseph, and the harrowing 12-hour evacuation train ride that changed her life forever.

Hanna Novak is known for her roles in The Thaw (2022), Ballad of Kychiev (2023), and Good Grief. This is her...

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On today’s episode, I sit down with cinematographer Darryl Macdonald, whose recent work is featured in the NBC series The Americas, narrated by Tom Hanks.
We had a powerful conversation—not just about his craft, but about life, personal challenges, and the journey that shaped him.

Go behind the scenes with Darryl as he shares his experience working on The Americas and how his love for outdoor sports and adventure has deeply influenced his visual storytelling.

Through his company, Clear Blue Photo, Darryl spec...

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Go behind the scenes of the hit series "North of North" in this captivating Kingdom of Dreams podcast episode featuringZorga Quanaq.  The episode, explores  Zorqa's journey from small-town dreams to starring in this Canadian Netflix and CBC miniseries. 

Zorga Qaunaq is a multidisciplinary Indigenous artist and podcaster. She's known for her tattooing, graphic art, jewelry, workshops, and storytelling. Qaunaq works as a facilitator and Inuktitut instructor while pursuing her art career. She is also the host of a podcast, "Inuk-Centric Podcast", where she interviews Inuit individuals about the...

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Step into the world of storytelling and cinema in this episode of Kingdom of Dreams, featuring acclaimed editor Eric Kissack. Go behind the scenes of Apple’s hit series The Studio, starring Seth Rogen, Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, and more. Eric reveals how live editing on set reshaped the production process—merging real-time creativity with post-production precision. From comedic timing to complex oners, he breaks down the challenges and artistry behind the cut.

Eric Kissack is an award-winning film and television editor known for his shar...

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Alex McDowell, the visionary production designer behind movies like *Fight Club*, *The Crow*, and *Minority Report*, shares his fascinating journey into cinema and the meticulous world-building behind Spielberg's futuristic masterpiece 'Minority Report'.

This episode dives deep into how cinema reflects and predicts societal shifts, featuring insights into collaborating with experts from MIT and corporations like Apple to build a believable future. Discover the challenges faced during production, including the innovative techniques behind iconic scenes like the Spidey sequence and vertical car chase.
 
Designer. Royal Designer f...

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In today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Zareen Khan and her husband, Umair Khan.

From their modest roots in Karachi to establishing the acclaimed Zareen’s restaurant chain in California, their story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. Zareen reflects on how her love for cooking transformed into a successful business, the hurdles they faced in opening their first restaurant, and the release of her new cookbook, Zareen’s Pakistani Kitchen: Recipes from a Well-Fed Childhood. This conversation shines a light on their...

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In today's episode of the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, a series dedicated to exploring cinema and the art of storytelling. Host Jawad Mir sits down with director Jack Macinnes, one of the creative forces behind the Netflix documentary series "Surviving Blackhawk Down," produced by Ridley Scott Productions. Together, they dive into the groundbreaking approach of the series, which humanizes both sides of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, offering a cinematic and emotional perspective rarely seen in war documentaries.

Jack MacInnes is an award-winning British documentary filmmaker known for...

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This episode features conversation Simon Bryant, one of the editors behind the groundbreaking concert documentary "Hans Zimmer and Friends: Diamond in the Desert." This episode dives into the intricate process of editing a film that celebrates Zimmer’s legendary career in cinema and music.
 
Simon shares his experience working with director Paul Dugdale, Zimmer’s powerful music, and the challenges of translating the magic of live performances into a cinematic spectacle. From epic tracks like "The Dark Knight" to the genius collaborations that define Zimmer’s work, this co...

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Producer Shashi Ranjan explores the rich legacy of music, lyrics, and poetry in South Asian cinema—once the soul of storytelling—and how their influence is gradually fading in the face of Westernization and evolving audience tastes. This episode delves into the unique narrative power of Indian musical traditions and the poetic essence that once defined the region's films, while examining the cultural shifts reshaping global cinematic narratives.

​Shashi Ranjan is an Indian actor, director, and producer known for his contributions to the Bollywood film and television indust...

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Behind the Scenes stories about the film's production, the inspiration from J.V. Hart’s son, and the creative vision of Spielberg, Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and the incredible cast and crew. 

Get Your Hands on the Rare First Draft of Hook!
Want to own a copy of the very first draft screenplay of Hook: The Return of the Captain?
For a $25 tax-deductible donation to Lionfish University (a 501(c)(3) non-profit), you’ll receive this rare gem written by Jim V. Hart and Nick Castle.

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Yet another episode with veteran VFX artist Steven Rosenbaum who uncovers the groundbreaking technology and behind-the-scenes innovations that brought James Cameron's epic vision to life. From performance capture to virtual production, learn how this revolutionary film set a new standard for visual effects in the industry.

Stephen Rosenbaum is an American visual effects artist and supervisor, and has worked on numerous movie, tv and music productions, including six that have won Academy Awards. He has been nominated three times for an Academy Award and two times for...

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The acclaimed editor Namrata Rao to explore her creative journey in editing the beloved film "Band Baaja Baaraat." Namrata discusses her collaboration with director Maneesh Sharma and producer Aditya Chopra, the challenges of editing her first studio film, and her unique perspective on shaping the story of Shruti and Bittoo, played by Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh.

 Namrata Rao is an acclaimed Indian film editor known for her sharp storytelling and innovative editing style. She gained widespread recognition for her work on films like Kahaani (2012), Band Baaja B...

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In this episode, editor Jim May shares his journey through the creation of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." Discover behind-the-scenes secrets, including how key moments like Lucy’s first steps into Narnia came to life and the challenges of crafting compelling edits that resonate with audiences.

Jim May is a seasoned film editor known for his dynamic storytelling, precise pacing, and ability to elevate narratives across genres. With a career spanning over two decades, he has worked on major Hollywood blockbusters, cr...

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"Tommy Boy" turns 30! In this Kingdom of Dreams podcast episode, director Peter Segal shares untold stories from the making of the beloved comedy starring Chris Farley and David Spade. From the film's chaotic script development to behind-the-scenes moments that shaped its iconic humor, Peter reflects on working with Farley during his most productive and heartfelt years.  

Peter Segal is an accomplished film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in comedy and action films. With a career spanning over three decades, Segal has directed hit movies s...

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Renowned storyboard artist and director Simon Wells dives into the art and secrets of storyboarding while working on iconic animated films like "Prince of Egypt," "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," "Balto," and more. 

Simon Wells is a British director, animator, and screenwriter known for his work in animated and live-action films. A protégé of Steven Spielberg, Wells made his mark directing beloved animated films such as An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991), We're Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993), Balto (1995), and The Prince of Egypt (1998). His seamless story...

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In this episode, return guest Stephen Rosenbaum explores the groundbreaking visual effects, collaboration, and technical innovations that brought Spielberg’s dinosaurs to life. 

From the evolution of CGI in film to the stories of industry legends like Phil Tippett, Stan Winston, and the ILM team, this conversation dives deep into how Jurassic Park transformed the world of filmmaking.

Stephen Rosenbaum is an American visual effects artist and supervisor, and has worked on numerous movie, tv and music productions, including six that have won Academy Awards. He...

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Go behind the scenes of Tim Burton’s "Frankenweenie 🎬" in this exciting episode of the Kingdom of Dreams podcast.  From its origins as a 1984 short to its stunning black-and-white feature-length remake, discover how Tim Burton brought his unique vision to life. Mark shares fascinating insights into collaborating with Burton, the challenges of stop-motion animation, and how the film pays homage to classic horror with heartwarming charm.

Mark Solomon is an accomplished film editor with a career spanning [X] years in the industry. Known for his precision, storytelling instin...

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Get an inside look at what makes "Superboys of Malegaon" a timeless tale of perseverance and passion. The actors Vineet, Shashank & Adarsh share personal anecdotes, their connection to the story, and the transformative power of filmmaking. They also discuss the teamwork between writers, directors, and producers that brought this extraordinary film to life. 

Adarsh Gourav Bhagavatula is an Indian actor known for his works in Hindi and English-language films and television series. Gourav began acting with the drama film My Name Is Khan

Shashank Arora i...

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Zoya Akhtar & Reema Kagti discuss the filmmaking challenges behind their latest feature, "Superboys of Malagaon," in this insightful episode of the Kingdom of Dreams podcast. 

In this episode, Zoya and Reema share their creative process, the challenges they faced on set, and how "Superboys of Malagaon" resonates with audiences worldwide. Discover how their character-driven narratives and passion for cinema continue to inspire, and hear firsthand stories about their collaborative journey and creative synergy.

Don't miss the release of "Superboys of Malagaon," hitting theaters on February 28! 

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From the intricate feather sequence to seamlessly integrating Tom Hanks into historical footage, Rosenbaum explains the artistry of "invisible effects" and how they served the story without overshadowing it. This captivating discussion also explores the challenges of creating Lieutenant Dan's realistic prosthetic look and the evolving role of computer graphics in filmmaking.  

Stephen Rosenbaum is an American visual effects artist and supervisor, and has worked on numerous movie, tv and music productions, including six that have won Academy Awards. He has been nominated three times for an A...

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Today, my guest is cinematographer Glen Keenan, who worked on Star Trek: Section 31.  In this engaging interview, Glenn shares his journey from art school to becoming a sought-after director of photography, offering insights into his creative process, lens selection, lighting techniques, and the challenges of crafting visually stunning narratives. 

Glen Keenan is a Canadian cinematographer, who worked as Director of Photography on Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Short Treks, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. He photographed the odd-numbered episodes of Discovery's first season (starting with the fi...

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Go behind the scenes with Joshua Woodstock (writer/director) and Topher Horn (composer/producer) as they discuss their indie film, *One Night in Tokyo*. 

This episode dives into the creative process, challenges of independent filmmaking, and the artistry of storytelling. Learn how the film’s unique Tokyo setting, heartfelt narrative, and atmospheric score came together in just seven days with a lean production team.

Topher Horn is a composer and producer based in New York. His music has been used in television series, short films, and...

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Today, my guest is Taha Sadaqat, who served as the Line Producer for Netflix’s The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan. He played a key role in managing the complex Pakistan shoot and shares insights from working with cricket legends like Shoaib Akhtar and Javed Miandad. In this episode, we explore his journey in cinema, collaborations with international stars, and his passion for storytelling within one of the world’s most iconic sporting rivalries.

Taha Sadaqat is a Pakistani entrepreneur known for his work in healthcare and ente...

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Today's episode features Author James Clarke who explores the legacy of Paul Newman, the epitome of cool on the silver screen. From iconic performances to candid moments captured in the book "Paul Newman: The Blue-Eyed Cool," James Clarke shares insights on Newman’s cinematic journey and his collaborations with renowned photographers. 

James Clarke has written several books on cinema, including War Films (2006), George Lucas (2002), Ridley Scott (2003), Movie Movements (2011), Animated Films (2007), Steven Spielberg (2004), and Coppola (2004).

#paulnewman #biography #biographer #paulnewmanthelegend #robertredford

http://twitter.com/dre...

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Step into the world of cricket's most iconic clash with Stewart Sugg, Director of the gripping Netflix series "India vs Pakistan: The Greatest Rivalry." This three-part documentary dives deep into the history, politics, and passion that underscore the epic rivalry between the cricket teams of India and Pakistan.

 Stewart is a Writer & Director whose films have won multiple awards, including a BAFTA for Best Production and the Grand Prix at Cannes. In his commercial work, Stewart Sugg often specialises in sports, working with legendary stars i...

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Discover how James Cameron’s "Terminator 2 - Judgement Day" revolutionized VFX forever.

VFX artist Steven Rosenbaum dive into the fascinating process behind creating the iconic T-1000 character that changed the way we see CGI in film. From the challenges of animating liquid metal to the innovative techniques pioneered by the team, this conversation offers unparalleled insight into how James Cameron's vision brought this sci-fi masterpiece to life. 

Stephen Rosenbaum is an American visual effects artist and supervisor, and has worked on numerous movie, tv and mus...

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Discover the secrets behind Cannes hit "The Substance" in this captivating interview with film editor Jérôme Eltabet.

 🎬 Dive into the artistry of cinema and storytelling as they discuss the film's unique style, editing challenges, and comparisons to iconic works like "The Shining" and "Requiem for a Dream." Starring Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid, "The Substance" explores themes of anti-aging, societal pressures, and identity, blending striking cinematography, sound design, and production elements.

Jérôme Eltabet is known as an Editor. Some of their work inc...

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Discover the incredible behind-the-scenes magic of "Flight Risk" 🎥 as Cinematographer Johnny Derango dives into the process of working with Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, and Topher Grace.

 In this exclusive interview, hear firsthand how the film’s stunning visuals were achieved using advanced LED technology and helicopter-acquired plates, creating a cinematic experience like no other. Learn how Mel Gibson’s visionary direction and collaborative spirit brought a 90s-style action thriller to life, blending suspense, drama, and emotional depth.

Johnny Derango is an established, sought-after cinematographer and a respec...

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Today's guest is Author Patrick McGilligan about his latest book, "Woody Allen: A Travesty of a Mockery of a Sham," exploring Woody Allen's iconic films, the controversies that clouded his career, and his enduring legacy in cinema. From "Annie Hall" to "Matchpoint," they discuss the highs and lows of Allen's filmography, the cultural impacts of his work, and the complexities of separating art from controversy. 

Patrick McGilligan is Irish American biographer, film historian and writer. His biography on Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness a...

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Discover the untold story of legacy in "The Roshans" as acclaimed director Shashi Ranjan joins the Kingdom of Dreams podcast.

Known for his remarkable work on Netflix's series "The Roshans," Shashi shares his creative journey, from building trust with the Roshan family to crafting a heartfelt narrative that blends cinema, emotion, and human connection.  

Shashi Ranjan is an Indian producer born in New Delhi, India. Ranjan has also worked as actor and director. He is married to his wife Anu Ranjan. He did his graduation i...

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In this episode, critic and author James Mottram joins me as we dissect Jason Reitman’s comedy Saturday Night. We explore the direction, cinematography, and more—sharing both agreements and disagreements along the way.

James Mottram is a film critic, journalist, and author. He has written several books on cinema, including The Making of Memento, The Sundance Kids, and, for Insight Editions, The Making of Dunkirk, Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History, The Secrets of Tenet: Inside Christopher Nolan’s Quantum Cold War, and Jurassic Park: The Ultima...

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It's an absolute honor to welcome the legendary director and producer Rakesh Roshan, a true icon of Indian Cinema, to the podcast. We'll be discussing his produced Netflix series, The Roshans, where he also makes an appearance.

Rakesh Roshan (born 6 September 1949) is an Indian film producer, director, screenwriter and actor who works in Hindi films.  He had appeared in 84 films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As an actor, he was mostly known for his supporting roles in big-budget films. Later, his prominence increased, and he achieved fame f...

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Discover how James Cameron’s "The Abyss" revolutionized VFX forever.

Our guest today VFX supervisor Steven Rosenbaum shares behind-the-scenes stories about the groundbreaking water tentacle sequence that pushed the boundaries of computer graphics. 

Stephen Rosenbaum is an American visual effects artist and supervisor, and has worked on numerous movie, tv and music productions, including six that have won Academy Awards. He has been nominated three times for an Academy Award and two times for a BAFTA Award.

#theabysseffects #maryelizabethmastrantonio #scifi #vfxbreakdown #jamescameroninterview

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The Roshans: Behind Netflix's Nostalgic Docuseries 🎬 takes you on a cinematic journey with the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, exploring the art of storytelling and the legacy of one of Bollywood's most iconic families. Editor Geeta Singh joins the host to share behind-the-scenes insights on editing Netflix's series, "The Roshans." 

This four-part docuseries celebrates the lives and contributions of Roshan Lal, Rajesh Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, and Hrithik Roshan, spanning music, cinema, and family legacy. Explore how this series captures the essence of nostalgia, celebrating Roshan Lal's timeless melodies, the...

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In this episode, host Jawad Nir interviews composer Adam Price, whose music enriches Paramount Plus’s "The Crow Girl." Adam shares insights into crafting evocative soundscapes, drawing on his experience with iconic projects like "Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning" and "Black Adam," as well as his collaborations with master composer Lorne Balfe.

The Crow Girl is a 2025 television series based on the Crow Girl book series by Erik Axl Sund, adapted by Milly Thomas for Paramount+. All episodes released on 16 January 2025. 

It begins in a Stockholm cit...

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Go behind the scenes of Netflix's "Laapataa Ladies" with cinematographer Vikash as he reveals the hidden artistry behind this critically acclaimed film. 

Learn how this veteran cinematographer balanced artistic vision with storytelling, choosing to let the powerful narrative breathe through subtle cinematography rather than flashy camera work. Vikash shares candid insights about his initial hesitation to take on the project, his collaboration with director Kiran, and the technical challenges that led to some of the film's most memorable moments.

Vikash Nowlakha is known for Brahmastra P...