Back To One

From "Orange Is The New Black" and "Severance" to "Spider-Man:Homecoming" and "Inez & Doug & Kira," Michael Chernus has been consistently delivering performances that place him as one of the most cherished character actors working today. His latest happens to be the first time he's staring in a television series—"Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy"—and it's bringing him some of the best reviews of his career. On this epic episode, he talks about the freedom he felt in knowing he would never truly know that character, and why it took every tool in his "toolkit" to depict him. He takes us back to his early days at Juilliard, generously dives deep into the roots of his acting process, gives us an honest depiction of the lessons he's learned about what it takes to do this work well, talks about the importance of being in service of the larger production, explains why he likes being directed, lays out the problem with "denying what's happening in the room," makes a case for making bold choices, and much much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

June Squibb has only been acting for about seven decades, so forgive her if she hasn't figured this whole acting thing out yet. Luckily she isn't stopping or even slowing down. In fact, at 96 years old, she is more busy than ever before. Since her Oscar nomination for a supporting role in Alexander Payne's "Nebraska," Squibb has been in high demand. Her first leading role in a film, "Thelma," led to another, "Eleanor The Great," directed by Scarlett Johansson. And now she's about to take the stage in the exciting new Broadway production of "Marjorie Prime." On this episode, she talks about what she's anticipating with her return to New York theater. She explains how her acting teacher second husband gave her the tools to go deeper in the work, why the script is so important to her, what she learned from the great Ethel Merman, why she turns down most of the roles offered to her, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Tom Bateman has delivered wonderful performances in "Thirteen Lives," "Death on the Nile," "Murder on the Orient Express," and Peacock's dark comedic thriller series "Based on a True Story," alongside Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina, to name a few. For his latest, "Hedda," he got to work opposite Tessa Thompson and Nina Hoss. On this episode, he explains what made that production special, starting with the 2 weeks of rehearsal that director Nia DeCosta insisted on. He takes us through his beginnings in the theater, how Shakespeare is the gift that keeps on giving, gives examples of direction that ignited discoveries, hard lessons learned in younger days, the curious phenomena of finding similarities in his characters the further he gets away from himself, and much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Corey Fogelmanis' first big break came as the fan-favorite Farkle on the Disney Channel series "Girl Meets World." He later appeared alongside Octavia Spencer in the psychological thriller "Ma," and in Netflix's hit series "My Life with the Walter Boys." Now his first lead performance as Ben, a teen who comes out as non-binary, in the refreshingly modern coming-of-age movie "I Wish You All the Best," has already garnered glowing early reviews. On this episode, he talks about the "very aligned process" of working with director Tommy Dorfman, how music helps him prepare, learning the difference between naturalism and truthfulness, the difficulties of shaking off old childhood sit-com methods, and much more! Plus he just got done acting in the sequel to "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," helmed by David Fincher, so he gives us a slight peak into that production! "I Wish You All The Best" opens in select theaters on Friday November 7th. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Nina Hoss is one of our most respected stage, film, and television actors working internationally. She is known for her collaborations with director Christian Petzold in films such as "Barbara" and "Phoenix," as well as "Tar" opposite Cate Blanchett, the celebrated series "Homeland," and her latest "Hedda," opposite Tessa Thompson. On this episode, she talks about what drew her to Nia DaCosta's bold new reimagining of the Ibsen's classic. She gives us a peek into her process, talks about the "journey of filmmaking" she and Petzold embarked on together, environment as communication, how "The Cherry Orchard" in Brooklyn "landed at the right time," finding enjoyment in "checking out the possibilities," why she sometimes rehearses in German when she's acting in English, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Cooper Raiff returns to the podcast (first time was Ep. 128) to discuss his latest project, the eight-episode, independently-made, decades-spanning series "Hal & Harper." He picks up right where we left off in the first interview, 5 years ago, taking us through the process of getting "Cha Cha Real Smooth" made, and how that green light helped him avoid compromising "Hal & Harper." He explains why no matter what success you've had (like winning top prizes at the biggest festivals for his previous two films) the industry makes you start over and prove each new project's worth. He talks about how the grueling shooting schedule took a toll on his health, what makes Lili Reinhard the perfect Harper, how ignoring good advice paid off, and much more. "Hal & Harper" is streaming now on Mubi. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

This is the second part of my interview with Crispin Glover where we dive deep into his latest film "No! You're Wrong or Spooky Action At A Distance," which he spent the better part of the last 18 years making, completely independently. He touches on many of the technical aspects of the film, such as shooting ratio, color correction, music scores, film vs. digital, why he's bad at sound mixing, what "spooky action at a distance" actually means, and much much more. Go to CrispinGlover.com to find out where you can catch him on tour.  

Crispin Glover is best known for playing George McFly in "Back To The Future," but for the past three decades he's been very thoughtful, patient, and selective about his acting roles and even more thoughtful and patient as a true independent filmmaker, self-financing and self-distributing three films — "What is it?", "It is Fine! Everything is Fine," and his latest, "No! You're Wrong Or: Spooky Action at a Distance." On this episode, which is the first part of a two-part conversation, he talks about a characteristic in certain directors that usually spells trouble for him as an actor, the importance of surrealism in his work, why he became obsessed with "The Hero's Journey" and structure in general, his latest role in Tallulah H. Schwab's film "Mr. K," and much more. Glover is at IFC Center in New York City through October 14th at both "Mr. K". and "No! You're Wrong" screenings, the latter will also include his "Big Slide Show" and book signings. Sign up at CrispinGlover.com for info on his upcoming tour. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Catherine LeFrere plays Isabella Blow in the inventive off-Broadway production "House of McQueen" at The Mansion At Hudson Yards in New York City. The play depicts the life of the brilliant fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who was discovered by Blow. On this episode, LeFrere takes us on a deep dive into the creation of her version of Isabella. She talks about starting with the voice, why she doesn't want to be off-book in first rehearsals, the importance of playing off the audience, and much more. "House of McQueen" has been extending into November. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Josh Pais returns to the podcast (first time was Ep. 77). Aside from being one of the most respected actors in the game, with over 150 credits in film and TV, Pais is the founder of "Committed Impulse," a groundbreaking training born from his own acting process that has since become a "secret weapon" for thousands of top entrepreneurs, artists, doctors, lawyers, public speakers, and creators of all kinds. His work helps people break free from the tyranny of overthinking and drop into a state of embodied, spontaneous brilliance. And now—he has written a book! In "Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility," he shows us how to stop letting fear and anxiety run the show, and start trusting the moment. On this episode, he takes us on a deep dive into many of the most helpful aspects of the book—the 4-step system to activate "peak presence," the hidden advantage of nervousness, the importance of "breathing to feel," and much more—giving everyone (but especially actors)  the tools to step out of the limiting paradigm of the mind and embrace a level of aliveness and spontaneity that we didn't know was possible. "Lose Your Mind" is available on September 30th. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram    

Watching Ruby Cruz's remarkable and seemingly effortless performance in her latest film, "The Threesome," I got a hunch that she was engaging with the work on some kind of intuitive level where connection was paramount. I also sensed that this might not be easy to talk about. In one sense I was right, the gifted young actor, who's credits include "Bottoms," "Willow," "Mare of Easttown" and "The Sex Lives of College Girls," approaches the work in an elusive way, but, lucky for us, she still manages to speak about the intangible and slippery aspects with an eloquence that is inspiring. She talks about always knowing she wanted to act, how she turns insecurity into fuel, the joys of working with Zoey Deutch, why she likes to treat auditioning as "an opportunity to make something," how it all comes down to acceptance, plus much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram  

Tim Blake Nelson is a celebrated actor, writer, and director. His nearly 100 screen credits include "The Thin Red Line," "Lincoln," "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," "Watchmen," and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" For his latest, the independent film "Bang Bang," he plays an aging boxer whose glory days are long past. On this episode, he details how his process has changed by comparing the patience he has now to his approach for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" where "fear inspired hubris" fueled him. He explains why it's the actor's job to retranslate poor direction, how his thirst for knowledge benefits his work, why he shows up on day one knowing the entire script inside and out. Plus he tells a few interesting stories about the Coen Brothers, hilarious ones about Terrence Malick, inspiring ones about directing Amanda Seyfried, and much much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

John Carroll Lynch has delivered so many performances, on so many sets, for both the big and small screen, that it is almost ridiculous. Just a few highlights of his hundreds of credits include: "The Drew Carey Show," "Fargo," "Zodiac," "Big Sky," "American Horror Story," "The Trial of The Chicago 7", and his latest, "Sorry Baby". On this episode, he gives us a deep dive into his approach to the work, and how it has evolved over the years. He explains the benefits of highlighting the text based on lexical categories, how directing his first feature "Lucky" (with Harry Dean Stanton) changed his approach to acting, why he no longer believes his first impressions of a character holds as much significance, the importance of incorporating (and not erasing) everything and everyone on set into the process, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

You know the multitalented Sunita Mani from "Glow," "Spirited," "Mr. Robot," or "Save Yourselves!" And now, just this year, she has roles in so many projects (like "The Wild," "Death of a Unicorn," "A Nice Indian Boy," "Government Cheese," "His and Hers," "The Roses") that one wonders how she has to time to do it all. On this episode, she takes us back to where it all started, improv comedy, and explains how being willing to fall down and get back up has served her work. She details the "emptying out" process that she needs to do before a new role, the benefits and drawbacks of learning on sets rather than in a classroom, the lack of regret in turning things down, why new underwear is so important for her latest role, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Mary Neely first came to the world's attention during the pandemic with her viral videos, earning praise from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as being named "Best Theater of 2020" by The New York Times and The Washington Post. Since then, she has been delivering  great work on both sides of the camera, such as the tv pilot "Stars Diner" which premiered at SXSW this year, "Valley Girl," "Lyle Lyle Crocodile," and Netflix's "Happiness For Beginners." Now, she and Kareem Rahma ("Subway Takes") co-wrote and co-star in the true New York low budget indie film "Or Something." On this episode she tells the story of meeting Kareem, how that film came together, and the "endurance test" of shooting a feature in 6 days. She talks about growing up an "acting nerd," what she learned from performing different jobs on a set, the difficulty in accepting herself as more than an actor, why it all starts (and ends) with memorizing the text, and much more. "Or Something" opens in New York on August 22nd and in LA in September Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

You can see Ivan Martin's work in "Billions," "The Sopranos," "Suits," "Ozark," "Gaslit," "What We Do In The Shadows," and much more. Currently, he stars in the exceptional indie film "To Kill A Wolf," writer/director Kelsey Taylor's modern take on Little Red Riding Hood. On this episode, he talks about the circumstances that brought that role his way, the connection he has with the character that made him feel like he could bring him to life, and the environment on set that made it all possible. He explains the round-about way he got interested in acting when he was young, why it's the communal aspect that matters most to him, and much much more. "To Kill A Wolf" is in select theaters now. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Martin Harris has delivered stand-out work on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "Young Sheldon," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Stranger Things," and now he plays the Boravian General in "Superman." On this episode he describes the surprisingly efficient production that James Gunn presided over, and how it felt like "shooting a party video." He surmises why directors keep giving him more scenes on-set, how reading a book between set-ups not only gets you focused but is also a conversation-starter, why he credits Kobe Bryant with helping him get to the next level with his career, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Jason Patel is an emerging actor and artist. He plays the lead role of "Aysha" in "Unicorns," opposite Ben Hardy. It's his feature film debut. The film is co-directed by Sally El-Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, who also wrote the screenplay. "Unicorns" also features Patel's music, a true fusion of both art forms. On this episode, he talks about how he approaches everything in life with creativity and love, and why his life goal is to make people happy even when he's not there. He describes the giant role music plays in his preparation, the importance of staying in the moment, why doing the important sex scene on the first day of production on "Unicorns" was actually beneficial, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

For the 350th episode of Back To One, I sat down with an actor who brings me great joy when he's on the screen, the one and only David Malinsky. He wrote the blurb himself for this episode. It follows: Peter has only met David three times in person before. His filmography includes Onur Tukel's "Abbey Singer/Songwriter," "Black Magic for White Boys," "Poundcake," Theodore Collatos' "Tormenting the Hen," MG Cinecraft's "A Moderate Folly" and more. Dave has also done standup comedy, cabaret singing, and YouTube Video Essays. But Dave thinks it's vital to situate acting within art and human history, now and in the past.  This meandering conversation covers spirituality, identity, railroads, gaming, and how all art—and all consciousness—is related to each other. But Dave, a self-described hardline materialist, would just call it how things work. Visit his YouTube channel here. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Erik Jensen is a multipyphenate who, along with his wife and creative partner Jessica Blank have been called "the foremost practitioners of documentary theater in the U.S." Their genre-defining plays "The Exonerated," "Aftermath," "Coal Country," and "The Line" were all critically acclaimed. As an actor, Jensen's credits include "The Walking Dead," "Mindhunter," "Mr. Robot," "The Americans," not to mention his praised portrayal of legendary NY Yankee Thurman Munson in "The Bronx is Burning." On this episode he details his approach toward playing that beloved figure, and finding out that "almost the entire body of that character was an emotional word-gesture." He talks about learning how much psychology is in people's words, his process of having multiple "wants" for a character so he can easily adapt to what he's given, he explains why it's a disservice to write or act for the audience, why he doesn't believe in monologues, how conducting interviews taught him how to listen and become a better actor, plus much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from  Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram