1st Reviews

In this episode, we sit down with Megan and Marcus Bagala for an inspiring conversation about building careers in music and entertainment. From their creative beginnings to navigating the industry, they share honest insights about passion, persistence, and what it really takes to turn talent into a career. Marcus and Megan deep dive into some of their projects including kids podcast programming, DC High vol Batman and discuss some new upcoming projects We talk about: • How they got started in music 🎶 • Breaking into the entertainment industry • Balancing creativity with business • Challenges, growth, and staying motivated • work/life balance as new parents Whether you’re an aspiring musician, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur, this interview offers real-world perspective and motivation from two artists actively shaping their paths in entertainment.

In this special episode, we sit down with cinematographer Ruairí O’Brien to explore the visual storytelling behind Eternity — A24’s imaginative 2025 fantasy romantic comedy that asks what it really means to choose where and with whom you’d spend forever.Directed by David Freyne and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, Eternity follows a recently deceased woman navigating a whimsical afterlife decision: whether to remain with the devoted husband she loved for decades or reunite with her charismatic first love who’s been waiting for her for over 60 years. Ruairí takes us behind the scenes to discuss crafting the film’s distinctive visual worlds — from the bright, nostalgic afterlife landscapes to the emotional interplay of color, light, and camera movement that shapes the story’s emotional core. We dig into his approach to collaboration with director, production design, and color grading, and how his choices help make a fantastical, heartfelt story feel grounded and resonant for audiences. Whether you’re a fan of cinematography, world-building in film, or just love a great love story, this episode reveals how Eternity came alive through the lens.

In this episode, we sit down with Isaiah and Emmett from the reality series Canada Shore for a conversation that’s just as wild as the show itself. Between a couple of drinking games and plenty of laughs, the duo spills on life inside the Canada Shore house, behind-the-scenes moments viewers never see, and what really happens when reality TV meets real friendships. It’s a chaotic, unfiltered, and genuinely fun chat about fame, filming, and surviving the madness—one drink at a time.

On this episode, we sit down with director Angel Manuel Soto to talk about his upcoming Amazon action-comedy The Wrecking Crew. Soto shares what his favorite scenes from the film were to bring to life, how the project challenged him and helped him grow as a director, and what he ultimately hopes audiences take away from the experience.About the Film:The Wrecking Crew is a high-energy action-comedy centered on two unlikely partners thrown together on a dangerous case that quickly escalates into chaos. With explosive set pieces and a strong buddy-movie dynamic, the film aims to deliver both big laughs and big action.

Things get lively on this episode as Emmy, Ryleigh, and Keyaira from the reality TV series Canada Shore join us for laughs, stories, and a few drinking games along the way. Between sips, the trio opens up about life in the Canada Shore house, unexpected moments from filming, and what really happened when the cameras were on—and off. It’s high-energy, unfiltered, and perfect for reality TV fans.

Canada Shore is a reality television series that brings a group of personalities together for an unfiltered look at relationships, conflict, and chaos, all set against a Canadian backdrop. With big moments, strong personalities, and plenty of drama, the show quickly carves out its own lane within the reality TV space.In this episode, we’re joined by Gizelle, Bauer, and Ethan from the reality TV series Canada Shore. The trio breaks down what it was really like living the Canada Shore experience—on and off camera. From navigating group dynamics and unexpected moments to how reality TV differs from what viewers see at home, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the series and the personalities behind it. Honest, fun, and occasionally chaotic—just like the show itself.

Canada Shore is a reality television series that brings a group of personalities together for an unfiltered look at relationships, conflict, and chaos, all set against a Canadian backdrop. With big moments, strong personalities, and plenty of drama, the show quickly carves out its own lane within the reality TV space.In this episode, we sit down with Christopher and Lila to talk about their experience on Canada Shore. They share what it was like being part of the show, reflect on standout moments from filming, and discuss how the experience impacted them. We also play a few games throughout the conversation, keeping things fun and light while diving into their time on the series.

In this episode, we sit down with director John-Michael Powell to talk about his latest film, Violent Ends. Powell breaks down the ideas that sparked the project, the challenges of bringing its intense themes to the screen, and how he approached crafting a story driven by consequence, morality, and choice. We also dive into his creative process, influences, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film. It’s an in-depth conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and navigating dark subject matter with purpose.

Ahead of its season three premiere, we sat down with lead actress, Supinder Wraich to talk about the season, her CSA best actress win and much more.Allegiance season three is available on CBC and CBC GEM Wednesday January 7th

In this special in-person interview, 1st Reviews host, Sarah Hanlon sits down with Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen of Small Achievable Goals to talk all things Season Two. From stepping back into their characters to navigating the emotional growth, challenges, and surprises ahead, they share behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Season two of Saint Pierre is raising the stakes, and this week’s podcast goes straight to the source. I’m joined by Josephine Jobert and Allan Hawco for an inside look at the new season—diving into their characters’ evolving dynamics, the emotional and thematic shifts ahead, and what makes Saint Pierre such a distinctive series.From behind-the-scenes stories to creative challenges and unexpected moments on set, Josephine and Allan share candid insights into bringing season two to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation of the world of Saint Pierre and the performances that drive it.

A new year means a new wave of movies to get excited about! In this episode of 1st Reviews, the team breaks down our most anticipated movies of 2026—from massive blockbusters and long-awaited sequels to intriguing originals that could surprise everyone.We talk expectations, early hype, returning franchises, and which films we think could dominate the box office (or flop hard). Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a full-on film fan, this episode is your early guide to what 2026 has in store for theaters.

Youssef Guezoum is a Moroccan-American composer, orchestrator, and sound designer based in Los Angeles. Born in Marrakech, Morocco, he blends cinematic orchestral music with modern electronic elements and influences from his North African heritage. He began as a guitarist, later studying classical piano and composition in Brussels and sound design at the Vancouver Film School.Guezoum has composed music for films and television, including projects such as Power Rangers and Full Love, and his work has been featured by major studios and streaming platforms. He has received nominations from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and is a member of professional organizations including the Recording Academy and the Television Academy.In this episode, Youssef discusses his projects, his accolades and his favourite moments in his film career.

A Christmas Party (2025) is a holiday ensemble comedy-drama about a college freshman, Adam, who returns home for Christmas and finds himself navigating a chaotic house full of relatives, strangers, and rising tensions. As he tries to reconnect with his childhood friend Ally—who now arrives with a new British boyfriend—the night spirals into awkward encounters, political clashes, and heartfelt moments. The film blends humor, nostalgia, and emotional family dynamics to capture the messy, funny, and warm reality of real holiday gatherings.In this episode we’re joined by director Alex Helmer and cast members Sarah Grace Donnelly and Jaxon Keller for a behind-the-scenes look at their new holiday film, A Christmas Party.

In this episode, we sit down with Meadowlarks director Tasha Hubbard and actor Michael Greyeyes for a thoughtful conversation about their powerful new film, Meadowlarks. They share the creative spark behind the project, the themes that guided their storytelling, and the collaborative process that shaped the film’s emotional core.From community to memory, from responsibility to representation, Hubbard and Greyeyes open up about what Meadowlarks means to them—both on screen and beyond it.Whether you’re a film lover, a storyteller, or someone curious about the deeper impact of Indigenous cinema, this short interview offers a meaningful glimpse into the heart of Meadowlarks.

In this episode, we sit down with Elijah Guess, the cinematographer behind Violent Ends, the 2025 Southern crime-thriller that blends gritty realism with haunting Ozark atmosphere. Elijah shares how he crafted the film’s moody visual language — from capturing the tension of backwoods family feuds to shaping the film’s dark, Gothic tone. We dive into his creative process, the challenges of shooting in the rugged Ozark landscape, and how visual storytelling helps amplify themes of violence, legacy, and redemption. A must-listen for film lovers and anyone curious about the craft behind compelling cinematography.

Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji is an Iraqi-Dutch filmmaker. He completed two master’s degrees in cinematography and directing at the Northern Film School in Leeds.Set in the heart of post-war Baghdad, Irkalla: Gilgamesh's Dream follows the emotional journey of Chum-Chum, an eight-year-old homeless boy living with diabetes. Orphaned and forgotten by the world, he survives in a crumbling city, clinging to ancient myths for comfort. He believes the Tigris River is a passage to Irkalla - the Mesopotamian underworld - where he hopes to reunite with his lost parents. Guided by dreams, stories, and imagination, Chum-Chum sets out on a quest that mixes myth and reality.As his only friend begins to fall into the trap of violence and street crime, Chum-Chum chooses a different path. He embarks on a symbolic journey through Baghdad - a city at once real and mythological - searching for hope, memory, and purpose. Along the way, he encounters visions of ancient figures like Gilgamesh and winged bulls. The city transforms into a surreal playground of history, trauma, and dreams, where every alley and ruin carries echoes of forgotten legends.The film is a powerful blend of magical realism and neorealism. It captures both the physical destruction of modern Iraq and the emotional landscape of its youngest survivors. Through rich visuals and poetic storytelling, director Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji shows how myth can become a lifeline. Chum-Chum is not just a passive victim - he is a storyteller, a seeker, a child-hero recreating the epic of Gilgamesh in his own way.Irkalla is a meditation on grief, memory, and resilience. It reflects on how children process trauma, and how ancient myths can give shape to unimaginable pain. The film reframes childhood not as something broken by war, but as something brave enough to reimagine the world. Chum-Chum's journey reminds us that even in a city torn apart, a child's dream can light the way forward.

A quiet, black-and-white story set on Christmas Eve, 1998. The film follows a weary taxi driver and the strangers who drift in and out of his cab as he waits for a glimpse of the newly launched International Space Station. Blending gentle humor, melancholy, and cosmic wonder, it’s a meditation on loneliness, connection, and the small moments that hold us together.On this episode, Director, Daniel Masciari discusses all of the behind the scenes on the making of the film, its characters and creative choices. Stationed at Home is now available to own or rent on digital download

Lesbian Space Princess is a 2025 Australian adult animated science fiction comedy film written and directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese in their directorial debut. It features the voices of Shabana Azeez, Bernie Van Tiel, Gemma Chua-Tran, Richard Roxburgh, Kween Kong, and comedy troupe Aunty Donna.The story, inspired by the filmmakers' own lives, includes themes that relate to LGBTQI people, and themes include the importance of self-worth and self-love, feeling free to take up space, and being comfortable with your own company.This week on the podcast, Directors, Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese join us for a long format interview in person while in Toronto. We share lots of laughs and get to play some fun game as well.Lesbian Space Princess is in theatres now

Shelby Oaks is a 2024 American supernatural horror mystery film produced, written, and directed by Chris Stuckmann in his feature directorial debut, with Mike Flanagan as an executive producer. A continuation of an online series of fictional found footage videos about a paranormal investigative team named the Paranormal Paranoids, which also starred Durn, the film follows a woman determined to find her sister, who went missing while investigating the mysterious abandoned town of Shelby Oaks.Chris Stuckmann joins us in Toronto for a special screening of his directorial debut and to discuss the film in this weeks episode. Shelby Oaks is in theatres October 24th