Filmmaker and Fan's Film Favorites

Episode SummaryIn this week’s 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 podcast give it a subscribe and follow us on Instagram @filmmakersandfanspodcast. Hope you enjoy!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 executive producer and head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Episodes include deep-dive conversations between Steve and Vince into the heart of cinema and creativity, special guest interviews with creatives from every level of the independent and studio filmmaking world, and live workshops with independent and aspiring filmmakers. New episodes are published every Friday. www.filmmakerandfans.comNew episodes are published every Friday.  New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode of the Filmmaker and Fan’s podcast, Steve and Vince explore the 2003 film, “Love Actually”. Using Love Actually as their foundation they explore topics such as the film's unspoken performances, managing tone across multiple plot lines, and how Love Actually can provide a sense of order and satisfaction in a chaotic world. As a reminder, if you're enjoying this podcast give it a subscribe and follow us on Instagram @filmmakersandfans. Enjoy!Learnings and TakeawaysThe film explores multiple narratives and interrelated stories, delving into the complexities of love and relationships.The power of unspoken performances and the absence of specificity in dialogue create deeper meanings and allow for audience interpretation.Films like Love Actually portray a world that we wish existed, where virtue is rewarded and love conquers all.Balancing tone in a film is crucial and requires investing in the integrity of each scene and using a diagram to score the comedic, dramatic, and dark elements.Hiring great actors and crew is essential to making a great film, as their skill sets contribute to the overall quality.The longevity of films like Love Actually lies in their integrity of vision, complex characters, and quality craftsmanship.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 executive producer and head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Episodes include deep-dive conversations between Steve and Vince into the heart of cinema and creativity, special guest interviews with creatives from every level of the independent and studio filmmaking world, and live workshops with independent and aspiring filmmakers. New episodes are published every Friday. www.filmmakerandfans.com New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode of the Filmmaker and Fan’s podcast, 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 give it a subscribe and follow us on Instagram @filmmakersandfans. Enjoy!Learnings and TakeawaysThe film challenges the traditional three-act structure and focuses on multiple parallel narratives.It emphasizes the importance of all characters and their individual journeys, creating a mosaic-like experience.Magnolia has influenced contemporary filmmaking by encouraging a more expansive approach to storytelling.The conversation highlights the significance of creative integrity and the role of the auteur filmmaker in maintaining artistic vision.Dialogue is used as a tool to reveal character arcs and convey truth in the film.The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by filmmakers in a system that prioritizes volume over quality. Create layered and enigmatic characters to engage the audience and explore the complexity of the human condition.Embrace artistic risk-taking and go beyond the conventional three-act structure in storytelling.Build a safe and collaborative working environment for an ensemble cast to thrive.Surround yourself with a creative community that challenges and supports your artistic vision.Find your people who understand and appreciate your creative process and ideas.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 executive producer and head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Episodes include deep-dive conversations between Steve and Vince into the heart of cinema and creativity, special guest interviews with creatives from every level of the independent and studio filmmaking world, and live workshops with independent and aspiring filmmakers. New episodes are published every Friday. www.filmmakerandfans.com New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryIn this week’s new episode of the Filmmaker and Fan’s podcast, Steve and Vince have a conversation about the 2019 film, “Jojo Rabbit”. Using Jojo Rabbit as their foundation they explore topics such as the importance of perspective in storytelling, the balance between satire and drama, and audience expectations in historical movies.Learnings and TakeawaysThe point of view from which a story is told affects the storytelling and audience connection.Directors should strive to create complex and genuine characters with their own agendas and vulnerabilities.Experimentation with form and unconventional storytelling can have a greater impact on audiences tired of conventional narratives. Surrealism is a powerful tool in filmmaking, allowing for unconventional storytelling and unique perspectives.Production design plays a crucial role in elevating narrative and creating immersive worlds.Taking risks and challenging conventions are essential for creating impactful films.Creativity and collaboration are key in the filmmaking process.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 executive producer and head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Episodes include deep-dive conversations between Steve and Vince into the heart of cinema and creativity, special guest interviews with creatives from every level of the independent and studio filmmaking world, and live workshops with independent and aspiring filmmakers. New episodes are published every Friday. www.filmmakerandfans.com New episodes are published every Friday.  New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryThey're back! In this week’s new episode of the Filmmaker and Fan’s podcast, Steve and Vince have a conversation around the 2019 award-winning film, “Uncut Gems”. Using Uncut Gems as their foundation they explore topics such as the the collaborative partnership between Adam Sandler and the Safdie brothers, the search for like-minded individuals who can challenge and stimulate the artistic process, and the rejection of orthodoxies in favor of experimentation and exploration. Learnings and TakeawaysImprovisation and experimentation can lead to unique and engaging storytelling.Traditional narrative structures may not always be the most effective way to engage an audience.Pacing plays a crucial role in creating emotions and disorientation in films.Visual and auditory elements can enhance the audience's experience and evoke specific reactions.Replicating the fragmented nature of consciousness can result in more authentic and engaging storytelling.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 executive producer and head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Episodes include deep-dive conversations between Steve and Vince into the heart of cinema and creativity, special guest interviews with creatives from every level of the independent and studio filmmaking world, and live workshops with independent and aspiring filmmakers. New episodes are published every Friday. www.filmmakerandfans.com  New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryIn this final episode of season one, Steve and Vince discuss Steve’s upcoming, highly-anticipated film, “GRQ”. Using GRQ as their foundation they explore topics such as the origins and evolution of Steve's new film, his recurring themes as a writer/director, and how documenting his personal experiences during production was an integral part of the filmmaking process for GRQ. Learnings and TakeawaysThe creative process involves uncertainty and the constant reinvention of ideas and forms.Producing a film requires navigating the financial aspects while maintaining creative integrity.Articulating challenges and crises can help gain clarity and make the creative process more accessible.Ordering the world and incorporating oblique references to backstory can enhance the audience's experience and create a sense of heightened drama.Series Overview“Filmmaker and Fan’s Film Favorites is a limited series podcast recorded during the lead-up to the 2024 Academy Awards.Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Each episode is a deep dive into the heart of cinema and creativity and offers an insightful journey through some of the most significant works in film history.Every episode begins with an anchor: a core piece of media that sets the stage for the discussions. Be it a captivating scene from an iconic movie, a stirring track from a legendary film soundtrack, or an enlightening behind-the-scenes interview, these pieces serve as a springboard into the vast world of film and creativity.www.filmmakerandfans.com New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2001 award-winning film, “Amélie”. Using Amélie as their foundation they explore topics such as the wide-ranging narrative techniques used in the film, the power of intuition in filmmaking, and the role of humor in building connections with audiences.Learnings and TakeawaysAmelie employs unconventional narrative techniques, such as nonlinear storytelling and vignettes, to create a unique and engaging viewing experience.The film's surreal and innocent portrayal of Amelie's character allows audiences to see the world through a lens of kindness, love, and decency.Intuition plays a crucial role in filmmaking, as it allows directors to make creative decisions that may not conform to conventional norms.Music is a powerful tool in film, as it can elicit emotional responses and enhance the overall tone and atmosphere of a scene.Humor can be a powerful tool in building connections and empathy with audiences, as it often stems from vulnerability and shared human experiences. Learn to embrace the chaos in the creative process and allow it to guide you.Balancing individuality and flexibility is crucial for longevity and sustainability in a creative career.Homages in filmmaking can add depth and connection to the audience.Series Overview“Filmmaker and Fan’s Film Favorites is a limited series podcast recorded during the lead-up to the 2024 Academy Awards.Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Each episode is a deep dive into the heart of cinema and creativity and offers an insightful journey through some of the most significant works in film history.Every episode begins with an anchor: a core piece of media that sets the stage for the discussions. Be it a captivating scene from an iconic movie, a stirring track from a legendary film soundtrack, or an enlightening behind-the-scenes interview, these pieces serve as a springboard into the vast world of film and creativity.www.filmmakerandfans.com New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode, Steve and Vince discuss the 2003  film “Monster”, written and directed by Patty Jenkins. This is a very special episode as co-host Steven Bernstein was the cinematographer on this award-winning film and shares insights into his approach to visualizing the world of Aileen Wuornos, incorporating realism into the film, and capturing the emotional depth of Charlize Theron's performance as Aileen.Steven and Vince also explore topics such as the importance of collaboration, the balance between realism and cinematic storytelling, and the role of cinematography in enhancing the emotional impact of a film.Learnings and TakeawaysCollaboration between directors and cinematographers is crucial in shaping a film's narrative and visual storytelling.Incorporating realism into a film requires a delicate balance between authentic representation and the overall vision of the film.Cinematography can enhance the emotional impact of a film by capturing subtle nuances of an actor's performance.Balancing realism and cinematic storytelling involves creating a visual language that serves the story and engages the audience.Capturing emotional depth requires close collaboration between the cinematographer, director, and actors to convey the essence of the characters and their experiences.Technical choices, such as the use of high-speed film and underexposure, can significantly impact the visual style of a film.Working in real locations presents unique challenges that require creative solutions.The success of a film is often unpredictable, and even films that initially face challenges can go on to become highly acclaimed. Series Overview“Filmmaker and Fan’s Film Favorites is a limited series podcast recorded during the lead-up to the 2024 Academy Awards.Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Each episode is a deep dive into the heart of cinema and creativity and offers an insightful journey through some of the most significant works in film history.Every episode begins with an anchor: a core piece of media that sets the stage for the discussions. Be it a captivating scene from an iconic movie, a stirring track from a legendary film soundtrack, or an enlightening behind-the-scenes interview, these pieces serve as a springboard into the vast world of film and creativity.www.filmmakerandfans.com New episodes are published every Friday. 

Episode Summary In this week’s 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. Learnings and TakeawaysLost in Translation is a film that explores themes of disorientation and loneliness in a foreign culture.The film uses visual symbolism to reflect the inner states of the characters and convey complex emotions.Sofia Coppola’s personal experiences in Tokyo influenced the authenticity and dynamic of the film.Actors play a crucial role in bringing characters to life and creating a genuine connection with the audience. Images have enigmatic meanings that replicate our experience of the world.Cinematography and photography capture visceral elements more closely than prose.Endings in film have a disproportionate significance and serve as the director's voice to the audience.The beauty of enigmatic endings lies in their ability to evoke emotions and leave room for interpretation. Podcast Series Overview“Filmmaker and Fan’s Film Favorites is a limited series podcast recorded during the lead-up to the 2024 Academy Awards.Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Each episode is a deep dive into the heart of cinema and creativity and offers an insightful journey through some of the most significant works in film history.Every episode begins with an anchor: a core piece of media that sets the stage for the discussions. Be it a captivating scene from an iconic movie, a stirring track from a legendary film soundtrack, or an enlightening behind-the-scenes interview, these pieces serve as a springboard into the vast world of film and creativity. New episodes are published every Friday. 

As a reminder, if you'd like to watch the actual scene that Steve and Vince watch in this episode, head on over to the episode's YouTube video here and check it out. Episode 2 | "Lady Bird"In this week's episode, Steve and Vince explore the 2017 film "Lady Bird", written and directed by Greta Gerwig. Using “Lady Bird” as their foundation they explore topics such as Greta Gerwig's transition from acting to directing, the importance of character development in storytelling, and the complex relationship dynamics in the award-winning film.Learnings and TakeawaysGreta Gerwig's transition from acting to directing influenced her naturalistic tendencies and decision-making in 'Lady Bird'.Character development is crucial in storytelling, and 'Lady Bird' focuses on the complex relationship between the main character and her mother.Creating chemistry between actors involves casting actors comfortable with improvisation and creating a safe environment for them to take risks.Storytelling should serve the exploration of character and ideas, rather than being the sole focus of a film.Chapters00:00 | Introduction and Opening Scene06:16 | Greta Gerwig's Transition from Acting to Directing14:46 | Character Development and the Mother-Daughter Relationship21:23 | The Importance of Storytelling and Character23:28 | Directing Actors and Creating Chemistry Filmmaker and Fan's OverviewFilmmaker and Fan’s Film Favorites is a limited series podcast recorded during the lead-up to the 2024 Academy Awards.Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Each episode is a deep dive into the heart of cinema and creativity and offers an insightful journey through some of the most significant works in film history.Every episode begins with an anchor: a core piece of media that sets the stage for the discussions. Be it a captivating scene from an iconic movie, a stirring track from a legendary film soundtrack, or an enlightening behind-the-scenes interview, these pieces serve as a springboard into the vast world of film and creativity.  New episodes are published every Friday. 

In our inaugural episode, we explore the 1954 film classic "Rear Window", directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Using the Hitchcock classic as our foundation we talk about everything from understanding your craft as a director to the subjective nature of art.__________________Filmmaker and Fan’s Film Favorites is a limited series podcast recorded during the lead-up to the 2024 Academy Awards.Episodes are designed around core conversations with Steven Bernstein, award-winning filmmaker (Monster, Kicking and Screaming, Waterboy, The Wood), and Vince Grimes, former head of creative media at Google...and mega film fan.Each episode is a deep dive into the heart of cinema and creativity and offers an insightful journey through some of the most significant works in film history.Every episode begins with an anchor: a core piece of media that sets the stage for the discussions. Be it a captivating scene from an iconic movie, a stirring track from a legendary film soundtrack, or an enlightening behind-the-scenes interview, these pieces serve as a springboard into the vast world of film and creativity.As they explore these cinematic treats, Steve and Vince engage in rich, thoughtful discussions, delving into the artistry, storytelling, and techniques that make each piece a hallmark of film history.As a reminder, if you'd like to watch the actual scene that Steve and Vince watch in this episode, head on over to the episode's YouTube video and check it out.  New episodes are published every Friday.