The soundscape of the supernatural, with 'Rabbit Trap' director Bryn Chainey
Writer-director Bryn Chainey joins us to discuss 'Rabbit Trap,' his haunting exploration of how supernatural folklore mirrors our deepest human experiences. Bryn reveals his unique approach to using nature and the otherworldly as tools for confronting inner truths, tracing his thematic evolution from early work like 'Moritz and the Woodwose' to this latest feature.Our conversation centers on Bryn's innovative integration of sound and visuals, where he treats audio not as an afterthought but as the film's heartbeat. He explains how blurring the lines between music, sound design, and visual storytelling creates an immersive experience that resonates on deeply personal levels, emphasizing the crucial synergy between all filmmaking departments.(Photo: Courtesy of Magnet Releasing)
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18:55
Shaking up the future, with 'Happyend' cinematographer Bill Kirstein
This week, we talk with cinematographer Bill Kirstein about his work on ‘Happyend,’ which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year.Bill shares stories from his childhood, and how that rebellious spirit carries into his approach to filmmaking. We explore what draws him to projects where directors have bold visions that challenge conventional execution.Our conversation digs into the artistic choices behind Happyend, a near-future story about friendship set against impending disaster. Bill walks us through how constraints can actually fuel creativity, and breaks down his cinematographic approach - from color palette decisions to camera positioning - that helps immerse viewers in the film’s atmospheric world.(Photo credit: Eunhae Mary Park)
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20:45
Anu Valia on the many layers of 'We Strangers’
This week, we sit down with writer-director Anu Valia to talk about her feature debut ‘We Strangers,’ which premiered at SXSW 2024.Anu walks us through the journey from festival premiere to theatrical release, and how her relationship with the film has evolved along the way. We dig into the story of Ray, a woman navigating spaces where she feels like an outsider, and explore how Anu wove themes of identity, class, and belonging into her character’s journey.Coming from directing episodes of ‘Shrinking,’ ‘Never Have I Ever,’ and ‘The Afterparty,’ Anu also shares what it was like making the leap to feature filmmaking and the collaborative nature of indie storytelling.
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31:25
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31:25
Director Oliver Hermanus on how music shapes the story in ‘The History of Sound’
Director Oliver Hermanus joins us to discuss 'The History of Sound,' drawing from his South African background to explore how cinema can foster empathy across divides. Oliver reflects on his commitment to creating narratives that invite audiences into unfamiliar perspectives, shaped by experiences in a country where marginalized voices were systematically silenced.Our conversation explores his collaboration with Ben Shattuck, who adapted his own short story despite having no screenwriting experience. Oliver reveals his supportive approach to this creative partnership and his thoughtful use of narration to enhance storytelling without overwhelming the visual medium.
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16:18
We Need to Talk About Emmy #25: Alex Disenhof on the art of character-driven action in 'Task'
Cinematographer Alex Disenhof joins us to discuss his work on HBO's limited series 'Task,' revealing the dramatic shift from the fantastical landscapes of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' to the gritty streets of Philadelphia. Alex opens up about his creative philosophy—that every project demands genuine emotional investment, and without that personal connection to the script, he simply cannot deliver his best work.Our conversation explores the nuanced art of genre transition, as Alex explains how he navigates between epic fantasy and intimate crime drama while maintaining his distinctive visual voice. We also discuss the challenge of creating intimacy within high-stakes action sequences, emphasizing his commitment to grounding viewers in the characters' emotional reality rather than relying on spectacle alone.Alex's approach to capturing both the weight of character studies and the intensity of crime narratives offers fascinating insights into contemporary cinematography. His thoughtful balance of philosophical reflection and hands-on technique demonstrates how visual storytelling can elevate material beyond surface-level drama.
We Need to Talk About Oscar offers in-depth interviews with filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. Although inspired by 'Oscar-worthy' titles, our conversations extend to buzzy indie projects and TV shows, exploring both the technical aspects of filmmaking and the personal stories behind them.
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