The Filmumentaries Podcast

Bonus episode.I released episode 40 today. My conversation with author John Glennie. But as it's close to Christmas, I thought "what the heck"... lets put out episode 41 too.Both are with authors of great movie books that you should be adding to your Christmas list.So, here's my chat with author John Walsh about his new book Escape from New York The Official Story of the Film, available now!Twitter - @walshbrosBook on AmazonBook at WaterstonesSupport the showThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Jon's Kickstarter LinkSummaryIn this conversation, Jon Spira discusses his new book 'I'll Settle for Nothingness: Conversations with Mike Hodges', detailing the genesis of the book, his friendship with the legendary filmmaker, and the exploration of Hodges' versatile career. The discussion covers many things including the making of 'Morons from Outer Space', the challenges of unproduced films, and the emotional journey of writing the book. Spira also shares insights into Hodges' legacy, his experiences with the BFI, and the Kickstarter campaign for the book's publication.TakeawaysThe book is a collection of conversations with Mike Hodges.Jon Spira's friendship with Hodges developed through their shared love of cinema.'Morons from Outer Space' is a film that has gained a cult following despite its initial failure.Hodges was a versatile filmmaker, working across various genres.The Terminal Man is a significant film that was poorly marketed and overlooked.Hodges had many unproduced films that reflect his creative vision.The BFI is preserving Hodges' legacy through his film archive.Spira aims to honor Hodges' memory through this book.The emotional journey of writing the book was profound for Spira.The Kickstarter campaign is a way to celebrate Hodges' work and legacy. This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Rob Spera is a film and television director, educator, and the author of Film/TV Director’s Field Manual: 70 Maxims to Change Your Filmmaking. With decades of experience directing features, episodic television, and theatre, Rob brings a deeply practical, human-centred approach to directing and leadership. In this conversation, we discuss:Why Rob describes his book as an “anti-textbook”The idea that the camera’s job is to photograph subtextBuilding non-redundant frames that invite the audience to participateWhy kindness and psychological safety are essential creative toolsLetting go of control and empowering collaboratorsWhat “write what you know” really meansHow directors can practise their craft between jobsFilm/TV Director’s Field Manual – available via Amazon and Rob’s websiteHAPPY HOLIDAYS!This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I’m joined by Laurent Hopman and Renaud Roche, the writer and artist behind the acclaimed graphic novel Lucas Wars, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Star Wars from a deeply personal, human perspective. Laurent shares his background as an entertainment journalist and how years of research, interviews, books and documentaries fed into the script. Renaud talks about coming from a traditional animation and storyboarding background, studying at Gobelins in Paris, and how cinematic visual language shaped the way he approached the book’s artwork. We discuss:Why the emotional journey of George Lucas became the heart of the storyHow the pair condensed vast amounts of historical research into a tightly structured graphic novelThe challenge of visually dramatising meetings, offices and creative conflictThe relationship between Lucas and Spielberg, and how it shapes both volume one and the upcoming sequelThe meaning behind the iconic twin suns coverVisiting Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm after the book’s releaseBalancing historical accuracy with storytellingWhy Lucas Wars connected with readers beyond the core Star Wars fandomWe also talk about the upcoming second volume, which covers The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark, and how expanding into Spielberg’s world adds a new layer to the story. As always, if you enjoy the podcast and would like to support what I do, you can find me on Patreon, and the show is also available on YouTube if you prefer to watch the interviews. BUY IT HEREThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I speak with art director and supervising art director Dominic Masters, whose decades-long career spans some of the biggest films and series of the last 40 years. He grew up around movie sets thanks to his father, the legendary production designer Tony Masters (2001: A Space Odyssey, Papillon, Dune), and started his own journey at 19 when he spent eight months in China on Tai-Pan — the first Western movie ever shot there. Dom talks about learning the foundational skills of drafting, the early struggles of finding work in the British film industry of the mid-80s, and the unique lifestyle of moving from production to production — that strange micro-community that forms on set, often in far-flung locations.  We cover his experiences on Titanic working under James Cameron, the shift from physical sets to set extensions and digital workflows, the evolution of the art department, and how shows like House of the Dragon demand an enormous level of coordination, creativity and technical precision. We also talk about the British Film Designers Guild, the camaraderie that forms in the art department, and his personal creative outlets, photography and music, that keep him balanced between jobs.  It’s a wide-ranging, honest conversation with someone who has seen the industry evolve from the studio backlots of the 1970s to enormous contemporary productions. Topics discussedGrowing up around film sets and learning from legendary designersHis first job on Tai-Pan in 1985 and the experience of shooting in ChinaThe hierarchy and craft of the art departmentCollaboration with directors, designers, construction and VFXWorking on Titanic and the extraordinary scale of the buildThe Harry Potter films, James Bond films, and shifting directorsThe intensity and scale of House of the DragonSurviving the freelance lifestyle and industry downturnsCreative outlets outside the jobGuest Dominic Masters – Art Director / Supervising Art DirectorSelected credits: House of the Dragon, Belfast, Wonder Woman, Now You See Me 2, Casino Royale, Harry Potter, Titanic, The World Is Not Enough, The Avengers.This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast I speak with author and film historian Jay Glennie about his new book, The Making of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time ...In Hollywood. Jay has a real gift for pulling together people, memories and materials, and this book is packed with insight from the cast and crew, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Quentin himself.We get into how long Quentin carried the idea for the film, the script secrecy following The Hateful Eight leak, and the vital work of the ADs, casting team, DP, production designer and producers. Jay talks about the careful balancing act of handling contradictory memories, how he preserves the voices of the people he interviews, and how he approaches a project that is still fresh in everyone’s mind. We also look at what comes next in his ten book Tarantino series.Big thanks to Jay and to TITAN books.Buy Jay Glennie’s book - published by TITAN.This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this bonus episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, host Jamie Benning, that's me... talks with author and filmmaker John Walsh about his new book The Art and Making of Gladiator II. Walsh discusses how he was approached by Abrams Books and Paramount Pictures to chronicle the creation of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, offering rare insights into the production design, visual effects, and creative collaboration behind one of the most ambitious films of the decade. The conversation explores how Walsh handled the challenge of documenting a still-in-production movie, his access to thousands of behind-the-scenes images, and the process of balancing art direction, photography, and storytelling in an official studio book. We also look ahead to Walsh’s next project — a deep dive into The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and reflect on the enduring value of physical “making-of” books in today’s digital film culture.BUY THE BOOK HEREThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with sibling filmmakers Claire and Anthony Bueno, the creative team behind Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters - a feature documentary more than a decade in the making, and the definitive oral history of one of the most beloved comedies of all time. The Buenos spent years interviewing dozens of cast and crew members from the original Ghostbusters, including Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and the late Harold Ramis. The result is an extraordinary behind-the-scenes portrait that captures both the technical wizardry and the creative spirit that defined the 1984 classic. Claire’s new companion book, also titled Cleanin’ Up the Town, builds upon the documentary by presenting full-length interviews, previously unseen material, and new reflections from the filmmakers and craftspeople who brought Ghostbusters to life. In our conversation, Claire and Anthony share what it took to get the project made -the years of persistence, the challenges of rights and access, and the rewards of telling such a beloved story from a fan’s perspective. Whether you’re a lifelong Ghostbusters enthusiast or simply interested in independent documentary filmmaking, this is a fascinating glimpse into the dedication required to bring such a massive project to life.This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Episode 136: A Martha’s Vineyard special report on the Joe Alves Documentary shoot. This week’s episode is a little different. It is a behind the scenes update on our ongoing feature documentary about production designer and director Joe Alves (Jaws, Close Encounters, Escape from New York, Jaws 2, Jaws 3D). I take you through our trip to Martha’s Vineyard in June 2024 to capture Joe’s return to the island for the 50th anniversary of Jaws. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £7,000 to cover the travel, ferry, car hire, and accommodation. Every penny went into the shoot. In this episode, I share:The challenges and triumphs of making the trip possibleShooting new interviews with Joe Alves, Marty Milner, Charles de Lauzirika, and Richard DreyfussFilming at iconic Jaws locations including Menemsha and the 4th July beach.The overwhelming warmth of the Jaws community and the atmosphere of the anniversary celebrationsHow the project has evolved from a short film idea into a full feature documentaryYour support is still needed!We still have more to do, including chasing interviews with Dean Cundey, John Carpenter, Lea Thompson, and Steven Spielberg. If you would like to support the film, visit the GoFundMe link in the show notes. Thanks again for helping us push this project forward. We could not do it without you. Support the documentary GoFundMeThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Cinema historian Nigel Smith joins Jamie to explore the hidden history of London’s picture houses. In particular the Egyptian-style Carlton in Islington. Nigel brings these spaces back to life through stories, archives, and first-hand recollections. In this episode, Nigel and Jamie discuss:How London’s old cinemas became coffee shops, bingo halls, and churchesThe difference between “going to the pictures” in the 1930s–50s and cinema-going todayHow local archives, trade papers, and oral histories help piece together forgotten storiesWhy repertory and community cinemas may hold the key to the future of film-goingNigel’s Memory Palaces project, documenting almost 100 cinema buildings with photos and storiesFind more from Nigel:memorypalaces.co.uk and Instagram @nigelsmithwalks.This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I talk with James Kahn, the novelist behind some of the most iconic movie novelizations of the 1980s, including Return of the Jedi, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and Poltergeist. James shares how a chance encounter while working as an ER doctor in Santa Monica led him onto the set of ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, where he met Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg, an opportunity that set his writing career in motion. We discuss:How James went from emergency medicine to Hollywood writerHis early break writing the Poltergeist novelizationThe creative freedom Spielberg gave him on Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and othersWriting Return of the Jedi under intense secrecy — including how George Lucas gave him a decoy script where Luke kills the EmperorInventing backstory details that became “canon” for decades, like Ben and Owen being brothers and hints about Anakin’s fall into the lava pitsGiving Short Round his own chapter and exploring Mikey’s POV in The GooniesHow his books helped fans relive these films long before home videoWhy a great novelization is about more than retelling a screenplayHis recent memoir, A Jedi Memoir: A Double Life, weaving together stories from Hollywood and emergency medicineIf you grew up with these books, this one’s packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and moments of movie history you probably didn’t know. If you enjoy the show and want to help me keep making these conversations, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon:All the linksThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with Tommy Williamson, a visual effects artist, prop maker, and lifelong creator whose career spans more than three decades. Tommy has worked on films including Spider-Man 2, Sin City, The Mist, Dune: Prophecy, and the modern masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth. Tommy shares his journey from building paper-craft UFOs as a kid to working alongside Guillermo del Toro and becoming one of the artists helping to bridge the worlds of practical effects and cutting-edge digital VFX. We also dive into his passion for prop replicas and his work as the creator behind Nerds and Makers, where he builds incredible recreations of iconic movie props. If you love behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories, prop-making secrets, and hearing from the artists who bring movie magic to life, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss:Tommy’s early love of model making and practical effectsHis first big break on the 1988 remake of The BlobAdapting to the digital VFX revolution after Jurassic ParkWorking closely with Guillermo del Toro on Pan’s LabyrinthThe creative process behind his Nerds and Makers prop replicasWhy keeping one foot in both practical and digital worlds makes him a better artistThe importance of experimentation, curiosity, and lifelong creativity“I’ve always had to make things. It’s absolutely in my DNA. Even now, I’ll work on a show all day and then spend my evenings printing a lightsaber or a blaster. I can’t not do it.” — Tommy WilliamsonYou can follow Tommy and see his incredible prop builds on Instagram: @nerdsandmakersThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Episode 132 - Dave Barclay - My Life With Animatronics. Movies, Puppets and Beyond!At just 19 years old, Dave Barclay found himself stepping into the role of chief puppeteer for Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back. It was the start of an extraordinary career in animatronics and puppetry that would see him bringing to life some of cinema’s most beloved and memorable characters. In this episode, Dave takes us back to his creative beginnings, growing up in a family of puppeteers, and the serendipitous chain of events that led from working in Hamleys toy shop to meeting Mark Hamill — and ultimately joining Stuart Freeborn’s Yoda team. We cover:His early inspirations from Planet of the Apes to making masks at home.The technical and creative challenges of performing Yoda alongside Frank Oz.Becoming chief puppeteer for Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi.Working on The Dark Crystal, Little Shop of Horrors and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.The importance of collaboration between puppeteers, animators, special effects teams and actors.The process of writing his new autobiography My Life with Animatronics, Movies, Puppets and Beyond, filled with stories and photos from across his career.Dave’s journey is a mix of artistry, technical problem-solving, and being in the right place at the right time — but also about saying “yes” when opportunity knocks. Listen now to hear stories from a man whose work has shaped how we see and believe in some of cinema’s most iconic creatures. Find Dave’s book:My Life with Animatronics, Movies, Puppets and Beyond – available now at Cool Waters Productions.All my linksThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this special bonus episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I take you behind the scenes of Propstore’s upcoming Los Angeles auction, featuring some truly jaw-dropping pieces of movie history. I was invited to a press preview at London’s Dorchester Hotel, where I spoke with Propstore’s Tim Lawes (Director of Consignment) and Stephen Lane (CEO and Founder) about some of the headline items, including:A screen- and photo-matched Darth Vader hero lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the JediThe iconic Jaws clapperboard with teeth, plus Bruce the shark’s eyesJane Fonda’s Barbarella costume and blasterWe discuss the thrill of uncovering long-lost props, the stories behind these legendary items, and what it means for collectors to own a piece of cinematic history. The auction runs September 4–6, 2025, streamed online from Los Angeles, with the full catalogue available at propstore.com. Next episode: My interview with puppeteer Dave Barclay, whose incredible career goes far beyond Jabba the Hutt.All my linksThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In episode 131 of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with director Phil Hawkins to talk about his journey from a kid obsessed with Jurassic Park and Star Wars to a filmmaker directing commercials, indie features, and ambitious projects like Star Wars: Origins and the Sky Original Robin in the Hoods. Phil shares how he taught himself filmmaking as a teenager, cutting together VHS tapes and roping in friends to create homemade sci-fi adventures. We discuss how this DIY approach evolved into making shorts and, later, a career in commercials – where he honed his craft in visual storytelling, working with big crews, and balancing creative ambition with tight schedules. We also talk about his fan-favourite short film Star Wars: Origins, which went viral for its bold concept and cinematic scale, and how it helped open doors to bigger opportunities, including his recent family feature Robin in the Hoods. Along the way, Phil reflects on the importance of collaboration, and the lessons learned from juggling creativity with industry realities. If you’re interested in how a director moves from self-taught beginnings to studio-backed projects while staying true to his passion, this is a conversation worth hearing. Listen now to hear:How VHS edits and fan films became Phil’s film school.The leap from shorts to commercials – and what commercials teach about storytelling.Making Star Wars: Origins and the risks and rewards of fan filmmaking.Crafting Robin in the Hoods and wrangling a cast of young actors for an adventure film.Phil’s thoughts on building a creative, respectful set environment.Star Wars OriginsAll the linksThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Episode 130 – Laurent Bouzereau on “Jaws at 50” In this special episode, I catch up with the legendary documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau to discuss his latest project, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, premiering Friday 11th July at 8pm on National Geographic and streaming the same day on Disney+. Laurent, whose behind-the-scenes work on Jaws, Indiana Jones, and Spielberg has inspired me for years, reflects on the challenges of revisiting Jaws 30 years after his original 1995 documentary. We talk about the new angles he explored, from Spielberg’s emotional recollections and rare 8mm footage to fresh perspectives from filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Jim Cameron, and Jordan Peele. Recorded on the fly on Martha’s Vineyard during the Jaws 50th celebrations, this short but meaningful conversation touches on the legacy of Jaws, the humanity behind the production, and how Laurent’s approach has shifted over the years. Also in this episode:An update on my Joe Alves documentary and the incredible support from GoFundMe donorsA mention of my new two-part article on ILM's animation legacy: ILM Evolutions: Animation from Rotoscoping to Rango – now live on ILM.comLinktreeSupport the podcastThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

In this special archival episode, I speak with actor and musician Anthony Forrest, best known to Star Wars fans for playing the sandtrooper who famously waved Obi-Wan and Luke past an Imperial checkpoint with the words: “These aren’t the droids we’re looking for.” Originally recorded over a decade ago, this conversation explores Forrest’s original casting as “Fixer” in the cut Tosche Station scenes, his time filming in Tunisia, and how George Lucas unexpectedly tapped him to suit up as a trooper. Anthony also reflects on working alongside Alec Guinness, the skepticism among the British crew, and the surreal experience of flying home with champagne and Star Wars stickers courtesy of Sir Alec himself. Beyond Star Wars, we also discuss Anthony’s career in music, his time busking in the London Underground, and his low-budget feature The Ballad of Bob’s Garage.  Listen in for rarely heard stories from behind the mask. Mentioned in this episode:Deleted scenes from A New HopeFilming in Tunisia and LondonBusking and recording in the London UndergroundAlec Guinness and the 2007 Academy screeningThe Ballad of Bob’s Garage projectGoFundMe for our Martha’s Vineyard shoot — any support is greatly appreciated!All my linksThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

--------------------------------------------------Our Joe Alves GoFundMe Campaign--------------------------------------------------Episode 129 – Max Evry on A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History.In this episode, I speak with film journalist and author Max Evry about his brilliant and in-depth book A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History. What began as a 150-page entry in a cult film series soon grew into a 560-page epic — much like the film it covers. Max and I talk about the origins of the project, how he managed to get David Lynch himself to take part, and why the oral history format was the right approach for telling this complex story. We also chat about the book’s structure, Max’s archive work, and how his own experiences as a filmmaker gave him a deeper empathy for the challenges Lynch faced. There’s even a fascinating discussion about Max’s restoration of a long-lost scene featuring Molly Wryn — which you can now watch here:You can find Max’s book here. If you enjoy these behind-the-scenes deep dives, please consider supporting the podcast or sharing it with a film-loving friend - patreon.com/jamiebenning--------------------------------------------------Our Joe Alves GoFundMe Campaign--------------------------------------------------This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Episode 126 - Inside the BFI National Archives - Film on Film Festival - Special EpisodeFor this early release of the podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes at the BFI National Archive in Berkhamsted. The reason for the early drop? Tickets for the BFI’s excellent Film on Film Festival go on sale to the public tomorrow, 9th May 2025, and I wanted to give you a bit of insight into what makes this event so special. The Film on Film Festival runs from the 12th to the 15th of June and is dedicated entirely to screenings on physical film – from 35mm to 16mm, and even nitrate. It’s a rare opportunity to experience films as they were originally shown, in all their analogue glory. While at the archive, I spoke with several of the experts who help make the festival possible and who work daily to preserve the history of cinema. You’ll hear from:James Bell – Senior Curator of Fiction and Programme Director, Film on Film FestivalChris Stenner – Film Laboratory LeadSonia Genaitay – Curatorial ArchivistMartin Coffill – Projectionist and QCDavid Jones – Film Scanning LeadA huge thanks to Kieron Webb and Sarah Bemand for organising the day. It was a real privilege to explore the archive, meet the people who keep the machines running and the prints in circulation, and to share it all with you here. If you're attending the festival on the 12th, please do let me know and be sure to say "hi".BFI Film on FilmAll my linksThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links

Episode 125 – Walter Murch: Suddenly Something Clicked (And 5 Years of Filmumentaries!) In this special 125th episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I’m joined once again by the legendary Walter Murch — editor, sound designer, director, author, and true philosopher of cinema. This also happens to mark five years since I launched the podcast, so it felt only fitting to celebrate with someone whose insights have shaped not only cinema itself but how we understand it. Walter and I discuss his new book, Suddenly Something Clicked, which is due for release on 8th May 2025 via Faber & Faber (thank you to them for kindly sending me a preview copy). The book is a rich mix of theory, practice, and history — true to Walter’s description of it as a “twisted rope” of ideas. We cover everything from the evolution of editing, cinema as a biological and neurological phenomenon, the mysteries of sound design, and even the mechanics of live television editing. Walter reflects on the analog vs digital shift, why sound should be metaphorical as well as realistic, and how editing mirrors the way our own bodies process time and perception. We also get into Return to Oz, AI in filmmaking, and his thoughts on films like Adolescence and 1917 that attempt to eliminate the cut entirely. As ever, it’s a joy to speak with Walter — and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it.All my linksSuddenly Something ClickedOriginal 1977 Star Wars ScreeningThis podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning Watch more on YouTube:Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentariesAll my links