Filmmaker and Fan's Podcast

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published October 18th, 2024 as episode 32]

In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “My Old Ass”.

Using "My Old Ass" as their foundation, they explore topics such as nuances of independent cinema, the significance of creating relatable characters, and the importance of subtext and nuance in performances.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast is a podcast for film lovers and creatives, where...

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published August 16th, 2024 as episode 23]

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Hollywood film and VFX editor, Justin Yates. Justin is known for his work on films such as Avatar: The Way of Water, Alita: Battle Angel, The Nice Guys, and San Andreas. Most recently Justin was the editor on Steve’s new film GRQ, and they use their recent collaboration to explore topics such as the relationship between directors and editors, the role of editing in creating emotional impact in films, and the future of editing with the integration of...

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published January 3rd, 2025 as episode 43]

In this episode, Steve and Vince break down the opening scenes of the 2024 film “Conclave,” and explore topics such as the importance of opening scenes in establishing a film's world, the use of symbolism and cutaways to enhance storytelling, and how sound design plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast is a podcast for fi...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince break down the opening scenes of the 2024 Oscar-winning film, “Anora”, and explore topics such as Sean Baker's unique approach to character development, visual storytelling techniques, and the importance of maintaining an integrity of vision in filmmaking.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast is a podcast for film lovers and creatives, where film school meets fandom. 

Episodes are designed around core convers...

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published March 28th, 2025 as episode 55]

In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2025 Apple series, “The Studio”, starring Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, and Kathryn Hahn.

Using The Studio as their foundation, they explore topics such as the intersection of art and commerce in Hollywood, how cinematic techniques, such as lens choices, can significantly impact storytelling, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a commercial environment.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Se...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with first-time indie filmmaker Alexandra Robinson.

Using Alex’s recent short film (“Meatball”) as their foundation, they explore topics such as her transition from YouTube to professional filmmaking, the challenges of directing and acting simultaneously, and the significance of staying creative and open-minded in artistic endeavors.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast is a podcast for film lovers and creative...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with industry-leading entertainment marketing executive Denise Parkinson.

Denise is an industry expert in all aspects of entertainment marketing and is currently the Vice President of Business Development at Allied Global Marketing, a full-service marketing agency working with the world's largest entertainment and filmmaking brands.

Using Denise’s latest summer blockbuster campaigns as their foundation (like Superman!), they explore topics such as how marketing has evolved from grassroots to digital-first strategies, what indie filmmakers can learn from blockbuster campaigns like Barbie and F1, and actionable ta...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning indie filmmaking duo, Carl Fry & Maxwell Nalevansky.

Using Carl and Maxwell’s latest indie feature film as their foundation (Rats!), they explore topics such as their journey in independent filmmaking as a creative team, the growing need for originality in filmmaking, and the significance of local communities in supporting independent cinema.

If you're enjoying this podcast, please follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast is a podcast for film love...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning indie filmmaker Luca Pizzoleo.

Using Luca’s latest short film as their foundation (“O.C.D.” starring Steven Ogg), they explore topics such as his latest challenges as an indie filmmaker, his digital-first strategy that earned O.C.D. over 1 million views on YouTube in just two weeks, and the rapidly evolving landscape of independent filmmaking today.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Fi...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Australian actress and indie filmmaker, Ella Cannon.

Using Ella’s latest series pilot project as their foundation (“The Yacht Club”), they explore topics such as her experiences transitioning from acting to directing, the community impact of AI on the filmmaking industry, and her journey from a small town in Australia to becoming a working filmmaker in North America.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Fi...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Steve and Vince welcome back the one, the only, the award-winning director and cinematographer, and friend of the podcast, Ernest Dickerson.

Ernest is an American film director and cinematographer. As a cinematographer, he's known for his frequent collaborations with Spike Lee in films such as Do The Right Thing and Malcolm X. As a director, he's known for films such as Juice, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, and Never Die Alone. He's also directed acclaimed television series such as The Wire, Dexter, and The Walking Dead.

Using...

Episode Summary

We’ve got Mooch! In this episode, Steve and Vince talk with Lego mega-fan and indie filmmaker, Tony Mucci - aka Mooch.

Using Tony’s latest project as their foundation, “Money Talks” (which recently premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival), they explore topics such as lessons he learned with his debut short film, the importance of collaboration and community in filmmaking, and Tony’s creative transition from making Lego stop motion animations and directing massive music videos, to narrative filmmaking and debuting at Tribeca.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, f...

Episode Summary

We’re back from our pre-summer break with an all-new episode this week!

In this episode, Steve catches up with friend of the podcast Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic at Variety, while Peter was at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Using the festival as their foundation, they explore topics such as the celebration of films and the significance of standing ovations at Cannes, the intricate relationship between American and French cinema, and Peter’s favorite (and not-so-favorite) screenings from this year’s official selections. 

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this po...

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published December 13th, 2024 - episode 40]

Our summer break is extending just a bit longer as we finish prepping for our new summer guests and episodes (new episodes starting June 20th!). In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our past favorites.

In this episode, Steve and Vince welcomed their first Indie Filmmaker (IndieMaker) special guest, BREVI.

Brevi, a former recording artist (Cypress Hill, Universal Republic Records) turned screenwriter, joined the show to explore her journey from music to filmmaking. The conversation explores topics such as th...

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published September 20th, 2024 - episode 28]

Our May break (extended to the first part of June ☀️) is ALMOST over, and this is our last week off before coming back with new summer guests and episodes! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our past favorites. 

In this episode, Steve and Vince explore the 1962 classic, “Lawrence of Arabia”.

Using Lawrence of Arabia as their foundation, they explore topics such as decision-making under pressure, the directing techniques of David Lean, and the importance of delegation when managing large film...

Episode Summary

[May break re-release: originally published August 9th, 2024 - episode 22]

We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes.

In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2004 film “White Chicks”, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, with Steve as the cinematographer.

Using White Chicks as their foundation, they explore topics such as Steve’s collaboration with the Wayans brothers, the multi-camera approach in filmmaking, and the value of l...

Episode Summary

[May break re-release: originally published May 24th, 2024 - episode 11]

We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes.

In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2017 film, “Get Out”. Using Get Out as their foundation, they explore topics such as the film’s nuanced performances, the challenges faced by first-time directors, and the fundamentals of writing for genre.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podca...

Episode Summary

[May break re-release: originally published June 28th, 2024 - episode 16]

We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes.

In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss their first TV series on the podcast, “The Bear” (season 4 premieres June 25 on Hulu!).

Using The Bear as their foundation, they explore topics such as collaboration and risk-taking in show running, the workflow differences between features and series, and the impo...

Episode Summary

[May break re-release: originally published July 12th, 2024 - episode 18]

We’re taking some time off this May to get ready for our exciting new summer guests and book launch! In the meantime, we’re listening back to some of our favorite past episodes.

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince talk with award-winning actor Greg Germann.

Using Steve’s upcoming film GRQ as their foundation (which Greg stars in!), they explore topics such as the complexity of character in storytelling, the importance of creating the right atmosphere on set for...

Episode Summary

[May break re-release - originally published February 16th, 2024, as episode 3]

In this episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2003  film “Lost in Translation”, written and directed by Sofia Coppola. Using Lost in Translation as their foundation, they explore topics such as the writing and directing process, the use of visual symbolism in filmmaking, and the importance of actors in conveying complex emotions. 

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast...

Episode Summary

[Re-release: originally published May 10th, 2024, as episode 9] In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 1999 film, “Magnolia”.

Using Magnolia as their foundation, they explore topics such as the film's impact on contemporary filmmaking, the importance of creative integrity, and how dialogue can be used to convey truth.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast is a podcast for film lovers and creatives - where film school m...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve talks with award-winning film editor, Nathan Orloff. Nathan is an editor known for his work on recent films such as Saturday Night (2024), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), Ghostbusters: Afterlife  (2021), and Plan B (2021).

In their conversation, Steve and Nathan talk about Nathan’s recent work on the 2024 film, “Saturday Night”, and explore topics such as the importance of tracking character arcs in the film, the balance between exposition and emotion in editing, and the use of time as a narrative device.

As a reminder, if you're en...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve answers questions from our listener community + thoughtfully curated ones inspired by our engagement with independent filmmakers around the world.

In this AMA session, Steve and Vince explore practical advice for independent filmmakers such as finding one's creative voice, thoughts and tips for filmmakers working with micro budgets in 2025, and essential business skills for success in the industry.  

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

The Filmmaker and Fan...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 1992 film, “Glengarry Glen Ross”.

Using Glengarry Glen Ross as their foundation, they explore topics such as David Mamet's distinctive writing style, the moral complexities of the film’s characters, and its masterful use of language and performance.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives. 

Episodes are designed...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the new 2025 series, “The Studio”, starring Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, and Kathryn Hahn.

Using The Studio as their foundation they explore topics such as the intersection of art and commerce in Hollywood, how cinematic techniques, such as lens choices, can significantly impact storytelling, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a commercial environment.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" i...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, we bring you a lecture Steve delivered in Winnipeg this month during an acting workshop in collaboration with the Onalee Ames Film Studio.

In this excerpt from his workshop, Steve explores topics such as the intricate relationship between performance and authenticity in acting, how actors often carry internal conflicts and emotions that can influence their performances, and the role of victimhood and anger in character portrayal.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

...

Episode Notes

It’s scene study time! In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince break down the opening scenes of the 2024 Oscar-winning film, “Anora”, and explore topics such as Sean Baker's unique approach to character development, visual storytelling techniques, and the importance of maintaining an integrity of vision in filmmaking.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives. 

Episodes are designed around core conversations...

Episode Notes

It’s our first Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode! In this week’s episode, Steve answers questions from our listener community, along with thoughtfully curated ones inspired by our engagement with independent filmmakers around the world.

In this AMA session, Steve explores practical advice for independent filmmakers such as how to achieve a cinematic look on a budget, the necessity of building strong teams, and sustaining a career in film.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Seri...

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince discuss the current state of filmmaking in Hollywood.

In this conversation, Steven and Vince explore topics such as the economic challenges faced by the local community, the evolving financing models in the film industry, and the potential for growth in the global industry driven by new technologies and changing audience expectations.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creati...

Episode Summary

It’s our 50th episode! To celebrate, we thought we’d drop a teaser (through exploratory conversation, of course) for our very first book, which we’re developing for filmmakers at all levels. It’s the Filmmaker’s Book of Ten!

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince discuss their upcoming new book, The Filmmaker’s Book of Ten, which distills essential principles across various roles in film, including screenwriting, directing, acting, producing, production management, and much more.

They explore specific topics in the book, including the significance of interpersonal relationships...

Episode Summary

In this BONUS episode, Steve and Vince caught up with Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic at Variety, while he was at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Peter talks about the intricacies of the Berlin Film Festival, exploring its scale, the networking opportunities it presents, and the evolving landscape of film festivals post-pandemic.

Their discussion also explored the balance between art and commerce in cinema, emphasizing the role of film festivals as platforms for artistic expression and the evolving landscape of the film industry.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this...

Episode Summary

In this week’s special episode, we’re featuring a lecture that Steve gave in Winnipeg recently on filmmaking and the creative process, in partnership with the Onalee Ames Film Studio.

In his lecture, Steve explores topics such as the importance of creativity and originality in artistic expression, the dangers of consensus and mediocrity in creative environments, and the importance of embracing chaos, vulnerability, and the rejection of orthodoxies.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Over...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “Nickel Boys”.

Using Nickel Boys as their foundation, they explore topics such as the challenges of adaptations versus original screenplays, the artistic choices that filmmakers make to convey deeper truths, and the courage required to break conventional filmmaking norms.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives. 

Episodes are designed ar...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince discuss the current state of film festivals in their inaugural “Industry Insights” episode.

In this conversation, Steven and Vince explore the intricacies and evolution of global film festivals, operational aspects such as selection processes and the politics involved, and the positive impacts of festivals on filmmaking careers.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the ins and outs of the 2025 awards season.

In this conversation, Steven Bernstein and Vince explore the cultural nuances of award season in the film industry, the dynamics of celebrity culture within the context of awards, and the impact of international cinema on Hollywood.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives. 

Episo...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “The Brutalist”.

Using The Brutalist as their foundation they explore topics such as the broader implications of art and cinema, the dynamics between investors and artists, and the intricate details of cinematic techniques from the film like the use of VistaVision and its impact on film quality.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lover...

Episode Summary

This week, due to logistics from the tragic, ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, we won’t be publishing a new episode. Instead, we hope you enjoy a re-release of one of our favorite special guests from 2024, Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic at Variety.

Peter has worked at Variety since 2005 and oversees a team of more than a dozen freelancers worldwide, assigning and editing film reviews for publication. In 2017, he helped co-found the Animation Is Film Festival in Los Angeles, and he has been a member of juries at the SXSW, Reykjavik, Molodist, COLCOA, An...

Episode Summary

It’s scene study time! In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince breakdown the opening scenes of the 2024 film “Conclave,” and explore topics such as the importance of opening scenes in establishing a film's world, the use of symbolism and cutaways to enhance storytelling, and how sound design plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakersandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives. 

Episodes...

Episode Summary

In this last episode of 2024, Steve and Vince catch up on creative ventures of the past year, upcoming films and projects in 2025, and celebrate 2024 as a year of artistic growth and collaboration.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakersandfanspodcast.

Series Overview

“Filmmaker and Fan’s" is a podcast for film lovers and creatives. 

Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former execu...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2024 film, “A Complete Unknown,” written and directed by James Mangold. 

Using A Complete Unknown as their foundation, they explore topics such as the significance of underplayed moments in the film, the complexity of artistic influence and the nature of inspiration, and how the film transcends a mere biography of Dylan and instead offers a deep commentary on art and creativity.

As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast, feel free to follow us on Apple Podcasts, and Instagram @filmmakerandfanspodcast.

Series...