Harlin House

Episode SummaryWhat happens when filming a horror movie becomes more terrifying than the movie itself?In this Halloween special of Harlin House, Renny and Johanna Harlin explore the fascinating world of horror filmmaking, from the psychology behind our deepest fears to the secrets of creating unforgettable scares. Renny shares how Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho sparked his childhood fascination with horror and reveals chilling experiences from filming Prison and The Dyatlov Pass Incident, including a remote Russian town where real-life danger kept the entire crew indoors.They also dive into the art of suspense, the importance of timing jump scares, and why horror movies connect so deeply with audiences. From classics like The Shining, The Exorcist, and Alien to modern favorites like Smile and Talk to Me, discover their must-watch Halloween recommendations, plus exciting updates on upcoming Harlin House projects.Other Ways to Listen and Watch🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify ▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram🌐 Website: Harlin House

Episode SummaryWhat happens when a Hollywood director enters a film set with no script, no schedule, and no budget?In this episode of Harlin House, Renny and Johanna Harlin take us behind the scenes of Renny's extraordinary six years working in China. From turning down Rush Hour to directing Jackie Chan in Skiptrace, Renny shares the challenges of navigating a different filmmaking culture, his personal experience witnessing September 11, and the unexpected lessons that shaped his career.Renny also reveals how an unscripted scene featuring Jackie Chan singing Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" became a viral moment, including the personal letter that helped secure Adele's permission. Discover how he combined Hollywood's structured filmmaking approach with the creativity and work ethic of Chinese crews to complete Skiptrace in just 83 days. It's a fascinating look at cultural collaboration, filmmaking, and the power of adapting to new challenges.Chapters00:00 Episode Highlights & Introduction01:29 Hollywood vs. Chinese Filmmaking03:10 How Jackie Chan Brought Renny to China04:09 Why Renny Turned Down Rush Hour06:09 Meeting Jackie Chan & the Movie That Never Happened08:23 Witnessing September 1110:59 Why Renny Chose Not to Film the Tragedy13:34 The Personal Side of Harlin House17:12 Finally Working with Jackie Chan on Skiptrace18:28 The Story Behind Jackie Chan Singing Adele22:40 How Adele Gave Permission for the Song25:45 Why Six Months in China Became Six Years27:34 Working with an All-Chinese Film Crew30:10 Making Movies Without Scripts or Schedules33:39 The Incredible Work Ethic in China37:32 Jackie Chan's Leadership on Set40:14 Bringing Hollywood Structure to Chinese Filmmaking44:03 Finishing Skiptrace in Just 83 Days46:05 The Importance of Respecting Different Cultures48:49 Renny's Advice: Stay Humble and Open to LearningOther Ways to Listen and Watch🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify ▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram🌐 Website: Harlin House

Episode SummaryWhat happens when your Hollywood dream finally reaches the big screen, but the reality isn't what you expected?Fresh from the Hollywood premiere of The Beast, Renny and Johanna Harlin share an emotional, unfiltered conversation about filmmaking, success, criticism, and the realities of independent cinema. Renny opens up about the bittersweet experience of releasing a movie after two years of hard work, the pressure of Hollywood reviews, and the emotional journey behind bringing a film to life.They also explore the challenges of independent film distribution, competing with major studio marketing budgets, and Renny's vision for a filmmaker-owned distribution company. From unforgettable Hollywood experiences to exciting plans for future premieres and Harlin House community events, this episode offers an honest look at the film industry, the importance of celebrating personal achievements, and finding fulfillment beyond box office success.Other Ways to Listen and Watch🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify ▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram🌐 Website: Harlin House

Episode SummaryDo film critics still matter?Renny and Johanna Harlin explore how film criticism has changed and how reviews can shape audience perceptions before they even see a movie.Drawing from more than 40 years of filmmaking, Renny reflects on his relationship with critics. He explains the value of criticism and the emotional impact harsh reviews can have on filmmakers who spend years creating a project.They discuss how commercial genres like action, horror, thriller, and comedy can be judged differently from art films. Renny also shares how filmmakers can become defined by their careers.The conversation turns to social media, where TikTok, Instagram, and online commentary can quickly shape the narrative around a film.Renny revisits films whose reputations changed over time, including Citizen Kane, Fight Club, The Greatest Showman, and his own Cutthroat Island. He also recalls the painful reviews of his first film, Born American, and how they were later turned into marketing.The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and advice for aspiring filmmakers. Renny reminds creators that they do not need everyone’s approval. Sometimes one person who believes in you is enough.What We CoverDo film critics still matter?Critics versus audiencesHow social media changed film criticismArt films versus commercial genre moviesWhy filmmakers get stuck in certain creative lanesRenny's experience producing Rambling RoseWhy action films can face different expectationsThe emotional impact of negative reviewsLearning from constructive criticismMovies that found appreciation laterCitizen Kane and Fight ClubRevisiting Cutthroat IslandWhy Johanna loves The Greatest ShowmanThe brutal reviews of Born AmericanTurning bad reviews into marketingRapid-fire questions about HollywoodAdvice for aspiring filmmakersFinding one person who believes in youChapters00:00 — Do Film Critics Still Matter?02:52 — What's Happening at Harlin House03:05 — Preparing Their Next Movie in Madrid04:15 — A Big Announcement Is Coming05:45 — Building Something That Lasts08:48 — Critics vs. Audiences09:30 — Art Films vs. Genre Movies13:05 — Renny on Rambling Rose15:26 — Why Renny Loves Action Filmmaking16:03 — How Filmmakers Get Labeled20:20 — Renny's Most Common Criticism21:25 — What Makes Criticism Fair?22:37 — Should Filmmakers Read Reviews?24:44 — The Social Media Critic Era28:39 — No Movie Has to Be Perfect29:30 — Movies Critics Got Wrong31:10 — Revisiting Cutthroat Island32:16 — The Greatest Showman33:18 — Renny's Most Painful Review34:43 — How Born American Survived the Critics36:07 — Critics, Influencers, and Moviegoers38:13 — 10 Rapid-Fire Questions39:37 — Advice for New Filmmakers40:48 — Final ThoughtsKey TakeawaysFilm critics still have value despite their changing influence.Social media can shape opinions before audiences see a movie.Genre filmmakers can face different expectations from critics.Harsh reviews can have a lasting emotional impact on creators.Constructive criticism can help filmmakers improve their work.A movie's original reception does not define its legacy.Critical, commercial, and cultural success can look very different.Filmmakers should keep creating despite negative opinions.One person who believes in your work can change your career.About Renny & Johanna HarlinRenny Harlin is a filmmaker with more than 40 years of experience across Hollywood and international cinema. Johanna Harlin is a producer who works alongside Renny in developing and producing their projects.Through Harlin House, they share filmmaking stories, industry lessons, family life, and advice for the next generation of creators.Other Ways to Listen and Watch🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify ▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram🌐 Website: Harlin House

Episode SummaryWould Die Hard 2 get made today?Renny and Johanna Harlin reveal what it took to create the action classic. An unusually warm winter forced the production to chase snow across North America with hundreds of crew members, massive airplanes, fake snow, white fabric, and even frozen blocks of ice.They discuss how CGI and AI could simplify production today. They also explain why practical filmmaking still creates an authenticity that technology cannot fully replicate.The conversation shifts to Renny’s upcoming film The Beast, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman. A Paris getaway unexpectedly turned into a movie shoot in Madrid after Renny was asked to take over the project. They discuss eight-camera action sequences and a 270-degree LED environment.Renny shares his perspective on AI and the future of filmmaking. He encourages emerging filmmakers to embrace new technology while keeping storytelling at the center.He also reveals that he was offered GoldenEye. He explains why he walked away and shares what he believes the future of James Bond needs.The episode closes with advice for aspiring filmmakers. Reach out to experienced directors. Ask questions. The filmmaking community may be more willing to help than you think.What We CoverCould Die Hard 2 get made today?The film’s massive budget and practical effectsChasing snow and creating it with fabric and iceWhy practical action still feels differentHow CGI and AI are changing filmmakingMaking The Beast with Samuel L. Jackson and Joel KinnamanShooting action with eight cameras and a 270-degree LED environmentWhy characters matter more than explosionsThe challenges of theatrical releases for independent filmsMentoring the next generation of filmmakersAI’s opportunities for independent creatorsWhy storytelling still matters mostRenny turning down GoldenEyeWhat the next James Bond needsWhy filmmakers should seek advice from other directorsChapters00:00 — Would Die Hard 2 Get Made Today? 02:22 — The Nightmare of Finding Snow05:58 — Trucking Snow Into Spokane08:28 — Making Fake Snow09:36 — When the Entire Set Blew Away10:51 — How CGI Would Change Die Hard 213:37 — What’s Happening at Harlin House14:02 — The Beast16:51 — The Call That Changed Their Paris Trip18:45 — How The Beast Was Filmed20:09 — Filming Inside a 270° LED World23:00 — Is AI Replacing LED Production?24:56 — Reactions to The Beast28:08 — The Reality of Theatrical Distribution31:38 — Mentoring Young Filmmakers36:29 — AI Is an Opportunity39:02 — Who Should Be the Next James Bond?39:49 — Renny Was Offered GoldenEye41:25 — Following Your Instincts43:07 — Why Denis Villeneuve Is Perfect for Bond45:22 — What the Next James Bond Needs49:01 — Advice for New Filmmakers52:03 — Final ThoughtsKey TakeawaysPractical filmmaking creates an authenticity that is difficult to replicate.Modern technology can make ambitious filmmaking more accessible.Great action means little without characters audiences care about.AI can become a creative tool rather than a replacement for filmmakers.Independent filmmakers face major challenges with theatrical distribution.Following creative instincts can matter more than accepting a prestigious opportunity.New filmmakers should not be afraid to ask experienced directors for advice.Creativity and storytelling remain the foundation of great filmmaking.About Renny & Johanna HarlinRenny Harlin is a filmmaker with more than 40 years of experience across Hollywood and international cinema. Johanna Harlin is a producer who works alongside Renny in developing and producing their projects.Through Harlin House, they share filmmaking stories, industry lessons, family life, and advice for the next generation of creators.Other Ways to Listen and Watch🎧 Spotify: 🎧 Watch on Spotify ▶️ YouTube: ▶️ Watch on YouTube🎙️ Apple Podcasts: 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: 📸 Follow on Instagram🌐 Website: Harlin House