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 college roommate, Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle), and the two rekindle their friendship. Alan himself is feeling the strain of family and professional responsibilities, and his renewed bond with Charlie gives both men the strength to carry on during a turning point in their lives.TrailerPurchase (Amazon)Get Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences:Shadow of the Colossus - Story TrailerShadow of the Colossus - Comparison TrailerYou Were Never Lovelier

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 of young love through Robbie and Tristan, a young couple who have been together since their freshman year of college. During the intermission of a local high school’s play, Robbie and Tristan relive their fondest and most difficult memories with each other, analyzing the entirety of their relationship, eventually, leading them to reconsider the fate of their relationship when the intermission comes to an end.Learn More About Mack:Mackenzie Ramsey is a writer, cinematographer, and director. She is a graduate from Emerson College with a degree in Media Arts Production. Mack has worked on a wide variety of films. In between sets, she can be found working to increase queer representation in media through short amateur films filmed on iPhones and scripts written on Google Docs. Mack’s InstagramGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences:AMC A-ListGreen Lights BookAfter Sun

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 and more.Learn More About Through the Darkness:Through the Darkness binds alternative rock, heavy metal, and ballads in a way that no two songs sound alike. Short radio-friendly tunes are common as six-minute epics. This is a highlight of their live performances, which span genres and tones all anchored in their approach to expressing what makes us human; anger, hope, and total despair.Their inspirations include relationships with friends and loved ones, existentialism, mental health, and exploring ideas that are both imaginative and visionary. Musical inspirations include All That Remains, Bullet for my Valentine, Breaking Benjamin, A Day to Remember and many more.SpotifyReunited Music VideoOfficial WebsiteFaceBookArt of Aries StudiosArt of Aries Studios TrailerGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

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 WordsGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: 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 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?Upcoming ChaptersChapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final WordsGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: 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 LoveUpcoming ChaptersChapter 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final WordsGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: 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 MeaningUpcoming ChaptersChapter 4 & 5 - True Ownership & Supporting Filmmakers You LoveChapter 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final WordsGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: 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 Media Throughout TimeUpcoming ChaptersChapter 2 & 3 - Preservation & Given MeaningChapter 4 & 5 - True Ownership & Supporting Filmmakers You LoveChapter 6 & 7 - Why Physical Media? Why Streaming?Chapter 8 & 9 - What Should We Do? Final WordsGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

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:Andrew is from Des Moines, IA and is a passionate artist in more ways than one. He began getting into animation from all the animated shows he watched as a kid. Eventually, he began exploring drawing on his own, which eventually paved the way for him to get into animations, assets, art and character designs. He creates content, helps others to do the same and has received a few different state of Iowa awards for pieces he's worked on. Now, he’s a graduate from Des Moines Area Community College. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys drawing, designing cartoon characters, writing, and classic vintage cars.Andrew’s InstagramAndrew’s YouTube ChannelAndrew’s Official Websiteawpaulsen15@gmail.comNot Just Deliveries Short FilmGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

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 (outside of being a husband and father). He was born in Waterloo, IA and grew up in a small town called Readlyn. His educational background is in digital mass media. Over the years, he’s made several short films, as well as feature films (this one being his first). He’s no stranger to hard work and has showcased it before running multiple cameras, working sound design and directing crews of many people. Michael’s InstagramYou Should Have Killed Me: TrailerIMDBAmazon (Watch Digitally)Amazon (Blu Ray)VuduGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeLinksBryce TaylorDylan YagerRudy’s TacosBayview EntertainmentThe Patriot Grief Scene

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 his career he worked as a floor director for a local news company. After graduating with a film degree from Columbia College, he worked as an assistant editor for the world famous comedy institution The Second City and eventually began teaching motion graphics at a community college part-time. As a freelance filmmaker, Adam has directed national TV commercials, branded content, as well as several short and feature films. He’s also written music and created visual effects for many of his films.Adam’s Official WebsiteFollow Dream City CinemaBeau Batterson: Beau is a digital media specialist with degrees in video production and communication from Full Sail University and the University of Northern Iowa. He has spent the last several years marketing television and instructing young entrepreneurs how to better market their businesses using web/social media. With over a decade of experience in film and video, Beau specializes in creating exciting content that delivers a creative visual message. As an extra creative outlet, Beau creates short films, web comics, and the occasional nerdy video for YouTube.Beau’s Official WebsiteFollow BeauBeau’s YouTube ChannelThe Last Minute Till Midnight (Short):Watch Here (Watch Party 11/16/23 at 7:00pm CST)IMDBShort DetailsGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeAmelia 2.0October Sky

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, Fun Questions and more.Learn More About Michal, Katie and Alexandra:Michal: Michal’s performed in dozens of plays and over fifty principal/starring roles for radio, television and film. She’s the voice, likeness and performance capture artist for Tracey De Santa, one of the several main characters in the video game phenomena “Grand Theft Auto V”. Performance highlights include roles in Spike Lee’s “Inside Man” and “Quid Pro Quo” with Vera Farminga.Follow Michal on InstagramKatie: Katie is a fixture of the New York theater scene, having performed in numerous classic and new plays throughout the city. She is a co-founder of Ivy Theater Company and film production company Wherever You Go Pictures, LLC, and is also a member of The Workshop Theater Company.Follow Katie on Instagram Alexandra: Alexandra is a director, writer, producer and actor from Los Angeles, California. She has produced several short films, web series, and branded content shoots. In addition, films she has acted in have been screened at over thirty festivals, including Karlovy Vary, NYC’s Rooftop Films, SF’s Cinema by the Bay and more.Follow Alexandra on Instagram Unpacking Movie: Trailer, Website, InstagramGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeThe Bechdel TestJoin or Die

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 & MichaelJake’s Instagram - Click HereMichael’s Instagram - Click Here Get Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.com

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, Learning Foreign Languages through Movies, Office Space, and more.Learn More About Mitch:Mitchell is a filmmaker, writer, videographer and all around creative and funny human being. He went to school for videography at Central Lakes College in Minnesota and currently resides there along with his wife Leah. He has his own YouTube Channel that specializes primarily in comedy. By day, he works as a Multimedia Project Coordinator, and, fun fact, has placed 3rd place in a contest for the sunglasses company Pit Viper’s Intimidation Contest.Password Problems (Short)YouTubeFollow on InstagramFollow on FacebookGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeCanon R6 Mark 2Action VFXAfter EffectsCentral Lakes CollegePit Viper

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 Genre, Process on Shooting Challenging Scenes, Intimacy Coordination, Difficulties in Expression (Emotional/Physical), Representation in Horror Films Today, Art Challenging Norms, Effective Moments in Horror, and more.Learn More About Carrsan:Carrsan T. Morrissey is a filmmaker, author and playwright from Cedar Falls, IA known for elevated horror, tense thrillers, and powerful dramas with a distinctly independent feel.Raw, uncompromising, and often heavy in tone, Morrissey’s films are also known for their diverse casts and characters, especially in regards to the LGBTQIA+ Community.Her films have been viewed over 2.4 million times online, and her novel “Old Wounds” debuted as one of the Top 25 best-selling new LGBT Horror Novels on Amazon, remaining on the Top 100 list for several weeks afterwards.Carrsan’s VimeoOld Wounds (Book)Matriarch Films (Instagram)Get Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeCosmic HorrorMumbleCoreAllegorical Horror MoviesFilm SceneRefocus (Film Festival)Halloween Palooza (Horror Film Festival)Stephanie Schneider (Intimacy Director/Coordinator)The Changeling (1980 Film)

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 Bopper Hasn’t Been Inducted, R&R Hall of Fame Induction Process, An Artists Legacy, The John’s Friendship, Poignant Moments from the Film, What If Bopper Hadn’t Died Young, and more.Learn More About Bopper And MeA scrap metal merchant from England travels to America on a mission to get his hero, The Big Bopper, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Website - Click HereIMDB - Click HereTrailer - Click HereLearn More About & Connect with the JohnsJohn Cumberland: John is a scrap metal merchant from Shildon, England. He originally got interested in the Big Bopper when he borrowed the Bopper’s well known phrase, “Hello Baby” in his business advertisements. From there, he’s spent much of his free time and money exploring The Boppers legacy and has been leading a campaign to get him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ever since. Junkyard Dawg Studio - Click HereJohn Young: John is from Sheffield, England and went to school for engineering. For a good chunk of his life, he spent his time doing just that, engineering. All while doing that, he also held a passion for the arts. Over the years, he’s grown as an artist himself designing everything from custom guitars, canvases, and more. He’s best friends with John Cumberland and has been with him every step of the way in his campaign for The Bopper. John Young Artworks - Click HereGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereYouTube - Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeJP Richardson - Click HereClear Lake, Iowa Plane Crash - Click HereGeorge Jones White Lightning - Click HereSurf Ballroom - Click HereWinter Dance Party - Click Here

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 Lately, Comfort Movies, Whiplash, Growing as a Filmmaker, Road to Making Joe’s Latest Film and more.Learn More About & Connect with JoeJoe Garcia is from central Illinois. He started writing creatively back in the 4th grade. Since then, with the help of his encouraging family, classmates and teachers, his skills and passion for writing led him to Columbia College, Chicago, where he studied directing and screenwriting. Joe has made multiple award-winning short films and has written multiple features and shorts. He is also a founder and co-host of Let’s Go To The Movies, a weekly film podcast, with over 200 episodes. Currently the show is in its fifth and final season. Outside of film, Joe enjoys playing piano and collecting vinyl's.Joe’s Instagram - Click HereJoe’s Website - Click HereLet’s Go To The Movies (Podcast) - Click HereJoe’s YouTube Channel - Click HereGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereYouTube - Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeRetrospection (Trailer for Joe’s Short Film) - Click HereFilm Freeway - Click HereCover Fly - Click HereWhiplash (Original Short) - Click HerePhantom of the Paradise (Movie) - Click Here173 Craft Distillery - Click Here

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 AndrewAndrew Sherburne is an American documentary filmmaker and producer based in Iowa. He was trained as a multimedia artist, holding degrees in Studio Art and Computer Science and also cofounded Film Scene, a non-profit cinema in Iowa City, Iowa.Andrew’s Instagram - Click HereLearn More About Refocus Film FestivalThe 2nd annual festival will take place October 12-15, 2023. Building on the success of the inaugural year, this year’s festival will again include dozens of films, conversations, performances, and art inspired by the work of adaptation, transforming one art form into another.Movie lovers will rejoice at the opportunity to take in multiple films each day, with screenings preceded by performances by local musical and visual artists to form a kaleidoscopic impression of the artistic disciplines that inform our big screen experience. In addition, a series of curated dialogues, in collaboration with Iowa City Book Festival will take us deeper into conversation about how ideas journey from page to screen. And yes, of course, there will be special guests, parties and celebration!Buy Passes - Click HereWebsite - Click HereFestival Program - Click HereInstagram - Click HereGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereYouTube - Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeUniversity of Iowa - Click HereTracie Morris - Click HereSara Varon - Click HereIowa City Book Festival - Click HereHansure Infinite Dream Festival - Click HereWerner Herzog Event - Click Here

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 with JimJim Brockhohn is an Actor and Chiropractor in Forest City, IA. As an actor, Jim has been working steadily since 1994. He’s worked on over 40 films, multiple television roles, commercial work and much more. Jim and his wife Cindy are deeply committed to volunteerism and supporting the arts within the state of Iowa and beyond.IMDB - Click HereGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereYouTube - Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeMason City Brewery - Click HereEvolution (Movie) - Click HereBest Man Down (Movie) - Click HereTucker and Dale vs Evil (Movie) - Click HereIowa Independent Film Festival - Click Here

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 TurismoBased on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.IMDB - Click HereInstagram - Click HereYouTube - Click HereGet Involved with Screen SpeakInstagram: Click HereYouTube - Click HereContact: screenspeakpodcast@gmail.comReferences MadeIowa Independent Film Festival - Click HereConstantine (2005) - Click Here