Behind the Slate

Today we’re diving into George Lucas’ debut film, ‘THX 1138’ (1971) - which I argue is one of the most influential films of all time. We talk about the early life of director George Lucas and how he went from underground race-car driver to wannabe experimental filmmaker. We dive into his USC-nerd-friends “The Dirty Dozen” and how a budding bromance with Francis Ford Coppola led to one of the most important idealistic yet doomed production companies, American Zoetrope. All this plus an audience discussion after the film, and lobby interviews with Peyton Johnson…it’s a great late night live show, Behind the Slate Style.Recorded live at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on October 9th where we will be screening Andrzej Żuławski’s film ‘Posession’. Tickets here: https://www.athenscine.com/movie/possession Email us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.com Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok: Behind the Slate YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at Ciné in Athens, GA as he presents Ishiro Honda's 1954 film 'Gojira'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film.Come see us for our next live show in Atlanta, GA on September 25th where we will be screening George Lucas' film 'THX-1138'.Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Masaki Kobayashi's 1962 film 'Harakiri'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film.Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on August 7th where we will be screening Ishiro Honda's film 'Godzilla'.Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Bruce Robinson's 1987 film 'Withnail and I'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film.Come see us for our next live show, July 24th where we will be screening Masaki Kobayashi's 'Harakiri'Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Walter Hills's 1979 film 'The Warriors'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a post-film audience discussion!Come see us for our next live show, July 24th where we will be screening Masaki Kobayashi's 'Harakiri'Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Agnes Varda's 1962 film 'Cleo from 5 to 7'. Before the screening we hosted the OFFICIAL Agnes Varda lookalike competition (you can check out the video on our Instagram and Tiktok). So this podcast is featuring the-post film audience discussion!Come see us for our next live show, March 27th where we will be screening Walter Hill's 1979 film 'The Warriors'Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Tara Theatre in Atlanta, GA introducing Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film 'High and Low' as part of Videodrome's KUROSAWA NOIR screening series. Come see us for our next Behind the Slate live show, March 27th where we will be screening Walter Hill's 1979 film 'The Warriors'Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Aaron is joined by one of the most influential independent filmmakers in the world, Andrew Callaghan - creator of 'All Gas No Breaks', 'Channel 5', and director of the new documentary 'Dear Kelly'. Andrew shares what it was like creating his new film, and how his innovative self-distribution strategy led to a $100k opening weekend and over 30,000 week 1 downloads, making it one of the most successful Direct-To-Consumer Documentaries ever made.WATCH 'Dear Kelly': https://www.dearkellyfilm.com/Channel 5 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-AQKm7HUNMmxjdS371MSwgAndrew on IG: @andreww.meChannel 5 on IG: @channel5Email us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

IN 1 WEEK CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED.SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE.Apple PodcastsSpotifySammie is on vacation so we are inviting a special guest to the show, Evelyn Lorena. Evelyn is an actress and filmmaker who's most recent short film 'Gabriela' qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards.She takes through her film development, the health issues she suffered during production, and why post-production budgets are often overlooked by indie filmmakers.You can watch 'Gabriela' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no-20lBmOIAYou can check out Aaron's work:@strandedonstage@withdrawalfilmEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@crashzoompodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR! IN 2 WEEKS CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED.SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE.Apple PodcastsSpotifyOn today's very special episode we look back on the crazy year in film in television that was 2024.You can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackYou can check out Aaron's work:@strandedonstage@withdrawalfilmEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@crashzoompodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

IN 2 WEEKS CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED.SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE.Apple PodcastsSpotifyWelcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss:Disney Cuts Transgender Storyline from 'Win or Lose' (The Hollywood Reporter)ABC's Trump Settlement (CNN)Ethical AI (Variety)Network TV is back! (Vulture)Barry Jenkins' Mufasa and the plight of the American Auteur (Vulture)You can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackYou can check out Aaron's work:@strandedonstage@withdrawalfilmEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@crashzoompodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

IN 3 WEEKS CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED.SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE.Apple PodcastsSpotifyWelcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss:Early Season Cancellations (The Wrap)Sundance 2025 (Deadline)Luca Guadagnino's 'American Psycho' (Variety)WGA Writes a Letter...so scary! (Variety)You can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackYou can check out Aaron's work:@strandedonstage@withdrawalfilmEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@crashzoompodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Sergio Leone's 1967 film 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively audience discussion!Come see us for our next live show, January 23rd where we will be screening Agnes Varda's 1962 film 'Cleo from 5 to 7'Tickets hereEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss:Brand Focused Content with Sugar23 and Fifth Season (Deadline)Legal Battle over AI Voice Over (Puck)Ben Mezrich Hacks Hollywood (Vulture)Diego Mariscal Holding on to Hollywood (The Wrap)Picturestart Shakeup (Puck)You can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackYou can check out Aaron's work:@strandedonstage@withdrawalfilmEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@crashzoompodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss:AI training on Hollywood (The Atlantic)Wicked Cellphone Vids (Variety)David Ehrlich review of 'Wicked' (Indiewire)Thanksgiving Box Office (Indiewire)Jeff Sagansky has Takes (Wrap)Lost John Ford Film Found! (Indiewire)You can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@behindtheslatepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss:A newly discovered Spec Script (The Hollywood Reporter)WBD's outsourced 'Capability Center' (Puck)Sebastian Stan needs a friend (Buzzfeed)Ben Affleck on AI (Youtube)Fallout from the CamerImage Sexism Scandal (The Hollywood Reporter)You can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@behindtheslatepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss:CW Layoffs (Deadline)Recent layoffs at the Academy film Archive (Indiewire)Trump Era M & A (The Hollywood Reporter)The Chrichton Estate vs The Pitt (Puck)Phoebe Waller-Bridge's latest project (Deadline)Come to Behind the Slate Live on November 20th at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta GA for our special screening of John Flynn's 'Rolling Thunder'Get Tickets HereYou can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie on SubstackEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@behindtheslatepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this debut episode we discuss:An AI disclaimer at the end of 'Heretic' (From an article in Variety)A recent study about an untapped Indie Film Market (Check out the study here)A listing of Hollywood Salaries (From The Hollywood Reporter)The death of LA Film (From The Hollywood Reporter)And A24's ever increasing budgets (From Deadline)Come to Behind the Slate Live on November 20th at The Plaza Theatre in Atlanta GA for our special screening of John Flynn's 'Rolling Thunder'Get Tickets HereYou can check out Sammie's work:Rough Draft AtlantaSammie's recent interview with director Sean BakerSammie on SubstackEmail us: crashzoompod@gmail.comFollow us on IG and Tiktok@behindtheslatepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Sergio Leone's 1967 film 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively audience discussion!Come see us for our next live show, November 20th where we will be screening John Flynn's 1977 film 'Rolling Thunder'Tickets: https://www.plazaatlanta.com/movie/behind-the-slate-rolling-thunderEmail us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com

Host Aaron Strand discusses the problems facing indie film makers and the American film industry as a whole.Email us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: @behindtheslatepodYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com