Following Films Podcast

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast, your go-to source for in-depth interviews with today’s most exciting filmmakers and performers.In today’s episode, we’re joined by the legendary Doug Jones to discuss his latest film, Operation Taco Garry’s — a wildly absurd sci-fi comedy that blends alien invasions, outrageous humor, and a taco joint at the center of a cosmic conspiracy.Operation Taco Garry’s follows two brothers who accidentally uncover an intergalactic plot hidden inside Taco Gary’s. What starts as a wrong-turn road trip quickly turns into a fight to save Earth. This off-the-wall alien invasion comedy stars Simon Rex, Dustin Milligan, Brenda Song, Jason Biggs, and Doug Jones in a cast packed with comedic talent.Known for his transformative performances and iconic creature roles, Doug Jones brings his signature physicality and creativity to this unique sci-fi adventure. In this exclusive interview, we explore:What attracted Doug Jones to Operation Taco Garry’sHow he approached the film’s over-the-top sci-fi comedy toneWhat makes this alien invasion story stand out from traditional genre filmsBehind-the-scenes insights from working with the castIf you’re a fan of sci-fi comedies, alien invasion movies, or Doug Jones’ unforgettable performances, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Operation Taco Garry’s hits theaters Friday, February 27, so grab your tickets and experience the chaos, comedy, and cosmic conspiracy on the big screen.Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the Following Films Podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing you exclusive interviews with the filmmakers and actors you love.Now, let’s dive in. Here’s our conversation with Doug Jones.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast! I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today, we are diving into a massive double-feature cinematic event. Releasing simultaneously on Digital today, February 20, 2026, are One Mile: Chapter One and One Mile: Chapter Two. This is a unique, two-part saga from director Adam Davidson that prioritizes grit and tension, designed to be experienced as a complete journey.In Chapter One, Ryan Phillippe stars as a former special forces operative attempting to reconnect with his teenage daughter (played by Amélie Hoeferle) during a college road trip. When an unexpected detour puts them in the sights of a secretive, off-the-grid community, the trip devolves into a desperate fight for survival.The narrative deepens in Chapter Two, as he is forced back to a remote island when that same violent community abducts his daughter in an act of revenge. It’s a relentless hunt where the emotional stakes are just as heavy as the physical ones.We have two vital perspectives on how these character-driven thrillers came to life:C. Thomas Howell: First up, the legendary actor joins me to discuss his role in the films. We talk about the complexities of his character and what it's like stepping into a world where the "villains" believe they are the heroes of their own story.Adam Davidson: Following that, I’m joined by the director himself. Adam breaks down the process of filming two features back-to-back and how he maintained the grounded, character-focused tone across both chapters.Up first, my interview with C. Thomas Howell...

Welcome to another episode of the Following Films Podcast. Today, we are exploring a project that is equal parts hilarious, bizarre, and incredibly poignant: the animated feature film MARS. This film marks the final project from the legendary cult comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know, serving as a bittersweet and brilliant capstone to the legacy of the late, beloved Trevor Moore. Joining me to discuss the Herculean effort required to bring this vision to the big screen is the film’s director and producer, Sevan Najarian. He has been a vital force in the alternative media landscape for years, and in this episode, we trace his fascinating career path, from his early days getting into the director’s chair for animation to his involvement with the irreverent and influential world of Channel Zero.We also dive deep into the "scrappy" and often painstaking labor of love that was the production of MARS. Conceptualized over a decade ago, the film follows Kyle, a man who enters a contest to go to the Red Planet mostly to escape his impending wedding, only to find himself stranded with a crew of lunatics on a ship that is anything but luxury. With an 8-city screening tour kicking off February 20th at participating Alamo Drafthouse locations and a wider theatrical release on March 13th, there has never been a better time to celebrate the return of the WKUK. So, let’s get into my conversation with Sevan Najarian about the decade-long journey to the Red Planet, the evolution of his career, and why this story is more relevant today than ever before.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today, I’m sitting down with Matt Johnson and Jay Carroll to talk about Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie. If you’ve followed their journey from the early web series days to the cult-hit TV show, you know the drill: two guys, zero songs, and a delusional obsession with booking a gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. This time around, the stakes are hilariously high, we’re talking skydiving into the Skydome, accidental time travel fueled by a discontinued bottle of Orbitz soda, and a DIY mission to 2008 that is as heartfelt as it is ridiculous. It’s a brilliant mix of guerrilla filmmaking and high-concept adventure that you have to see to believe, so make sure to check your local listings for showtimes. Before we jump in, if you enjoy this conversation, please remember to leave a review and subscribe, it really helps the show grow. I hope you enjoy the show.

Today’s episode is a special one. I’m joined by John Kinnane, writer, and Brendan Kinnane, executive producer—two members of the Kinnane Brothers, an eight-sibling filmmaking family who are redefining what an independent film operation can look like.Their new feature, Solo Mio, is in theaters right now. Released by Angel Studios on 3,000 screens, the film opened in second place at the box office—an enormous achievement for a true micro-budget production. It’s the kind of story exhibitors and indie filmmakers dream about: a scrappy, family-run production going toe-to-toe with studio titles and winning over audiences.If the Kinnane name sounds familiar, it might be from their viral “sound guy” shorts with Kevin James during the pandemic—videos that exploded online and put them on the industry’s radar. From there, brothers Chuck and Dan directed Home Team for Adam Sandler, starring Kevin James, which debuted at number one on Netflix.Now with Solo Mio, all eight brothers are officially credited on a single feature for the first time—each one leading a different discipline, from writing and directing to editing, VFX, and music. They operate as a fully self-contained creative unit out of a charming old farmhouse in Little Compton—main floor as production headquarters, basement transformed into an Irish pub. It’s part think tank, part film studio, part family legend in the making.Directed by Charles and Daniel Kinnane and co-written with Kevin James, Solo Mio follows a man who heads to Rome on his honeymoon alone after being left at the altar. It’s romantic, funny, and set against a stunning Italian backdrop—but behind it is a uniquely American filmmaking story about family, hustle, and building something from the ground up.Today we’re talking about how eight brothers divide creative roles without dividing each other, how you scale from viral shorts to a 3,000-screen theatrical release, and what it really takes to turn a micro-budget film into a box office hit.

Today on the Following Films Podcast, we’re joined by Zainab Azizi, producer at Sam Raimi’s Raimi Productions and one of the key creative forces behind the upcoming film Send Help. We talk about working inside Raimi’s production company, developing elevated genre films, and what it’s really like collaborating with one of the most iconic voices in modern horror. From behind-the-scenes process to navigating the studio system, this is a conversation about making bold films and surviving the chaos that comes with them.Send Help will be in theatres on Jan. 30th

Welcome back to the podcast. Today’s episode might challenge a few assumptions, and that’s kind of the point.We’re talking about Heated Rivalry, a story that’s often labeled as “not for straight men.” It’s a romance written largely for women, shaped by the female gaze, and centered on an intense relationship between two men. So why are we bringing it up here? Because it opens the door to a much bigger conversation about curiosity, desire, and what it actually means to be a good partner.This episode isn’t about changing who you’re attracted to, or telling anyone what they should like. It’s about asking better questions: Why do our partners love the stories they love? What are they getting from them emotionally? And what can we learn when we step outside media that’s been made exclusively for us?We’ll talk about how curiosity strengthens relationships, how emotional connection is often the core of attraction, and why engaging with stories written for the female gaze can give straight men a clearer understanding of what many women want, and often don’t feel safe asking for directly.So whether you’ve watched Heated Rivalry, heard about it in passing, or dismissed it outright, stay with us. This conversation isn’t really about a show at all. It’s about attention, empathy, and how listening, sometimes in unexpected ways, can make you a better partner.

Welcome back to The Following Films Podcast, where we dive into the stories behind the films that move us, challenge us, and stay with us long after the credits roll.Today’s episode brings us a powerful new drama that explores trauma, resilience, and the complicated journey home after war. Sheepdog, written and directed by Steven Grayhm, arrives in theaters January 16, 2026, and it’s a deeply human story about what it really takes to heal.The film centers on Calvin Cole, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran who is court-ordered into treatment under the care of a VA trauma therapist in training. Just as he begins confronting his past, his estranged father-in-law—a retired Vietnam veteran recently released from prison—arrives at his doorstep, forcing Calvin to face everything he’s been trying to outrun. Through community, tough love, and compassion, Sheepdog becomes a story about putting yourself back together again—for your family, and for yourself.The film features an extraordinary ensemble, including Steven Grayhm, Vondie Curtis Hall, Dominic Fumusa, Lilli Cooper, Matt Dallas—and today’s guest, Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen, whose work continues to bring depth, grace, and emotional truth to every project she touches.Madsen, best known for films like Sideways, brings a remarkable presence to Sheepdog, helping ground the story in empathy and emotional realism. Her performance is part of what makes this film resonate so deeply, especially as it tackles the generational impact of war and the quiet battles that continue long after soldiers come home.I’m thrilled to welcome Virginia Madsen to The Following Films Podcast to talk about her work on Sheepdog, what drew her to the project, and why stories like this feel so vital right now.Let’s get into it.

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by writer-director Ali Cook to talk about his Oscar-shortlisted new short film, The Pearl Comb.Starring Beatie Edney (Highlander) and Ali Cook (Kajaki), The Pearl Comb follows the wife of a fisherman whose miraculous healing powers draw the scrutiny of the medical establishment. When she becomes the first person known to cure tuberculosis, a skeptical doctor is sent to investigate. Set in a time when women were barred from practicing medicine, the film explores power, belief, and the limits society places on women—what begins as an attempt to expose her becomes a journey that challenges long-held scientific and gender-based assumptions.Inspired by the true story of the Edinburgh Seven, the first women to study medicine in the UK, The Pearl Comb blends historical drama with mysticism. It has already been nominated for five British Short Film Awards, winning two, and will also screen at the Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival later this year.Beyond filmmaking, Ali has had a remarkable career as both a magician and stand-up comedian, and in today’s conversation we dig into how those experiences shaped his storytelling voice, his sense of misdirection and wonder, and how performing live informed his work behind the camera.I’m thrilled to have him on the show.For more information, go to https://www.alicook.co.uk/

Actor Jon Heder joins host Chris Maynard for a wide-ranging conversation about his new film Tapawingo. Best known for his iconic role in the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite, Heder talks about choosing meaningful projects, the creative process behind Tapawingo, and where he’s at in his career today. The episode also looks back at his collaboration with Billy Zane in Waltzing With Brando, with behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on independent filmmaking. Tapawingo is available on Blu-ray starting today, December 16th. A great listen for movie lovers, film fans, and anyone interested in the art of acting.

Today on the podcast, Chris Maynard sits down with filmmaker Kevin Lewis—yes, that Kevin Lewis, the mad genius who gave us Willy’s Wonderland and cemented his place in modern cult horror. He’s back with a new Southern-Gothic nightmare, Pig Hill, a film that premiered at FrightFest and is now available on VOD courtesy of Cineverse, the folks behind Terrifier 3 and The Toxic Avenger.Pig Hill follows Carrie, played by Rainey Qualley, a young woman obsessed with the eerie legend of the “pig people”—grotesque creatures said to stalk the wooded hills of her rural hometown. As the disappearances of local women reach a chilling tenth victim, Carrie, her brother (Shiloh Fernandez), and their friend Andy (Shane West) begin digging into the folklore… and discover there may be more truth to the stories than anyone wants to believe.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFSo let’s dive into Pig Hill, the filmmaking process, and what keeps Kevin chasing the next nightmare. Pig Hill is available on VOD today—and I’m thrilled to welcome Kevin Lewis back to the pod.

Welcome to another episode of The Following Films Podcast. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined once again by director Simon Cellan Jones. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll remember our fantastic conversation around his film Arthur the King — and I’ve been eager to have him back on ever since.Simon returns at a particularly exciting moment in his career. His highly anticipated new project, The Family Plan 2, starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, will be hitting Apple TV+ on November 21st. We’ll be diving into the making of the film, revisiting his experience on Arthur the King, and exploring how his storytelling continues to evolve across such varied and ambitious projects.I’m genuinely grateful to have him back on the show — so without further ado, here is my conversation with Simon Cellan Jones.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today we’re diving into a film that’s been buzzing in genre circles for all the right—and very strange—reasons. Before we get started, a quick reminder: if you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a review. It really helps the show grow and keeps conversations like this one coming your way.

Today’s episode is a really fun one — I got to sit down with Augie Duke to talk about her work on The Workout, but like all good conversations, we ended up going everywhere.We talk about the fear that creeps in when you become a parent, the joy and tragedy of video stores, pets, and a bunch of other beautifully random things along the way.Now, full disclosure — this one’s got some real-life texture to it. Augie’s Wi-Fi drops out here and there, so there are a few abrupt edits, and I had the office door open because, you know, life happens — the dogs are making noise, one of my kids and the love of my life walk by. It’s a bit chaotic… and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.So settle in, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy this conversation with Augie Duke.

So today we’re diving into Mulholland Drive — David Lynch’s weird, beautiful, haunting masterpiece. It’s one of those movies that stays with you for days after you watch it. You think you’ve got it figured out, and then you realize… no, you really don’t.It starts off like this dreamy Hollywood story — a young actress, a mysterious woman with amnesia, a city full of possibility. But as it goes on, things start to shift. The details don’t line up. Time kind of folds in on itself. And by the end, you’re not sure what’s real, what’s imagined, or whose story you’ve even been watching.That’s what makes Mulholland Drive so fascinating — it’s not really a mystery to solve, it’s more like a dream unraveling. It’s about love, guilt, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.In this episode, we’re going to break down that ending — who Diane really is, what the dream means, and how Lynch turns Hollywood itself into this strange, almost spiritual landscape of illusion and despair.So… let’s open the box and see what’s inside. David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive

Today I'm breaking down one of the most enigmatic endings in horror film history! The ending of The Shining isn’t just about madness, ghosts, or cabin fever; it’s about consumption. The Overlook Hotel doesn’t merely haunt its guests; it devours them. By the time Jack Torrance swings his axe through the snow-covered halls, he’s no longer a man losing control. He’s a man who’s been completely absorbed by the building itself, body and soul. That’s the real horror of The Shining: evil doesn’t simply kill you, it keeps you.

Today I’m joined by Director and Showrunner Nancy Schwartzman to discuss DEATH IN APARTMENT 603: WHAT HAPPENED TO ELLEN GREENBERG?The emotional and gripping docuseries investigates the mysterious death of Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old Philadelphia schoolteacher found dead in the apartment she shared with her fiancé on a snowy night in January 2011, just seven months before her upcoming wedding. Greenberg sustained 20 knife wounds and had 11 bruises on her body in various stages of healing. To the shock of many who knew her, detectives on the scene treated her death as a suicide; but when her autopsy results came back, her cause of death was ruled a homicide. Shortly thereafter, the manner of death was inexplicably reversed to suicide, and the city of Philadelphia shut the case without further investigation. Now, 14 years later, this three-part series exclusively follows Ellen’s parents, Sandee and Josh Greenberg, as they fight to reopen the investigation and learn the truth about their daughter’s untimely death.  DEATH IN APARTMENT 603: WHAT HAPPENED TO ELLEN GREENBERG?features more than 20 new interviews with those who knew Greenberg best, including close friends, family members, and her former students and colleagues, painting a portrait of a warm, vibrant young woman who was planning her wedding and deeply loved by those who knew her. The docuseries also grants rare access to Greenberg’s case file, including her fiancé’s frantic 911 call, crime scene photos, autopsy analysis and surveillance footage. Additional new interviews include former neighbors and staff who were present in Greenberg’s apartment building at the time of her death, a former colleague of her fiancé, and attorneys and law enforcement experts. The show delivers an intimate look into Greenberg’s life and a probing examination of the cracks in the system that have left one haunting question unanswered: What really happened to Ellen Greenberg?Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We use Google Workspace to keep things running smoothly and efficiently here at Following Films, and I can’t recommend it enough. Try it for your business and see how it can help you stay organized and connected. If you sign up using my link, you’ll get a discount — and you’ll be supporting the show: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uF.DEATH IN APARTMENT 603: WHAT HAPPENED TO ELLEN GREENBERG? Is now streaming on HULUI hope you enjoy the show

Today I’m joined by Sean King O’Grady to discuss his latest project, SUSPICIOUS MINDSSUSPICIOUS MINDS is a docuseries that investigates the disturbing rise of artificial intelligence as a trigger for delusional thinking.Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies. From chatbots to surveillance fears, the show examines how emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of paranoia and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We use Google Workspace to keep things running smoothly and efficiently here at Following Films, and I can’t recommend it enough. Try it for your business and see how it can help you stay organized and connected. If you sign up using my link, you’ll get a discount — and you’ll be supporting the show: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uF.Suspicious Minds is a weekly video documentary series and podcast that is currently airing..Platforms include YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and more. Series One will be released weekly for a total of 8 video and podcast episodes.

Today, I’m joined by two-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth.Jeff joins me to talk about his work on Tron: Ares, which is now in theaters. He also shot Amazon’s Being the Ricardos for director Aaron Sorkin, starring Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem. Kidman was so impressed with Jeff’s work that she later asked him to shoot her now-famous AMC Theatres commercial.We also dive into his long-running collaboration with David Fincher on films like Fight Club, The Social Network, and Gone Girl. Plus, Jeff gives us a glimpse into his latest project — the just-begun follow-up to The Social Network, titled The Social Reckoning. Aaron Sorkin is not only writing but also directing this one, with a stellar cast that includes Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison, Jeremy Strong, Betty Gilpin, and Bill Burr.When I first heard about The Social Reckoning, my initial reaction was, “Why on earth would they make that?” But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized it’s an essential story — a vital piece of modern history that deserves to be explored and cemented in the public consciousness.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We use Google Workspace to keep things running smoothly and efficiently here at Following Films, and I can’t recommend it enough. Try it for your business and see how it can help you stay organized and connected. If you sign up using my link, you’ll get a discount — and you’ll be supporting the show: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uF.Tron: Ares is now playing in theaters everywhere. Go see it on the biggest screen you can — it’s an incredible cinematic experience.I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Today, we’re celebrating a piece of television history. It’s been 25 years since Resurrection Blvd. first hit the airwaves—a groundbreaking series that redefined Latino representation in Hollywood. And now, that legacy is being honored in a big way.On October 19th, 2025, the Fox Tucson Theatre—the crown jewel of downtown Tucson—will host A Day with Resurrection Blvd: The 25th Anniversary Celebration. Presented by Elephant Scout Films, this one-of-a-kind event brings together cast, crew, and fans for an unforgettable reunion. There’ll be a special screening of the pilot, behind-the-scenes insights, and a live panel moderated by Dan Guerrero, featuring an incredible lineup: Dennis Leoni, Tony Plana, Esai Morales, and Nicholas Gonzalez. Today's guests were involved both in front of and behind the camera on Ressurection Blvd—first up, actor/director Lou Diamond Phillips, then show creator Dennis Leoni.Lou joins me to talk about his time on Resurrection Blvd., its cultural impact, and what this reunion means to him. We also chat about storytelling, legacy, and the power of authentic representation on screen.Whether you grew up with the Santiago family or you’re just discovering the series for the first time, this episode is a celebration of community, creativity, and resilience.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. You should try it and see how it can benefit your business as well. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFTickets for A Day With Resurrection Blvd: The 25th Anniversary Celebration are available at www.foxtucson.com/resurrection. Hope to see you there this Sunday, 10/19.