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PODCAST

We Need to Talk About Oscar

We Need to Talk About Oscar offers in-depth interviews with filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. Although inspired by titles you expect to be represented at the Oscars, our conversations extend to buzzy indie projects and TV shows, exploring both the technical aspects of filmmaking and the personal stories behind them.

tv & film social sciences

All Episodes

24:08

From Stage to Screen - Lovell Holder on the journey...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/05/02

In a world where history and art intersect, Lovell Holder offers fresh insights on 'Lavender Men.' Our conversation traces the journey from stage to screen, balancing historical accuracy with personal storytelling. Lovell candidly describes being a "midwife" to Taffeta's evolution from the play's bookends to the film's protagonist.We also chat about how timing shapes Lovell's creative choices – whether he's working with film or text – and the different approaches each requires.(Photo credit: Luke

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34:52

Rolling with 70 Cameras: Eugene Kotlyarenko and...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/29

Eugene Kotlyarenko and Barton Cortright take us on a wild cinematic ride in their discussion about 'The Code’, a film that defies conventional storytelling and embraces the chaos of modern filmmaking. With a whopping 70 recording devices in play, the film transforms the act of observation itself into a central theme. Eugene's insistence on each camera serving a narrative purpose creates a rich tapestry of perspectives, challenging viewers to consider their roles as witnesses in a world dominated by

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21:40

Dea Kulumbegashvili & Arseni Khachaturan on framing...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/25

This week, we welcome the visionary duo behind the hauntingly beautiful film 'April' – Georgian writer-director Dea Kulumbegashvili and her longtime collaborator, cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan, known for his mesmerizing visual poetry. Together, they've crafted a cinematic experience that defies conventional storytelling while captivating audiences with its deliberate pacing and breathtaking imagery.Our conversation ranges from the magic of what's captured in the frame to the enchanting

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26:23

From Film Critic to Author: Marya E. Gates on her new...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/22

Marya E. Gates, a film critic turned author, takes us on a cinematic journey through the untold stories of women filmmakers in her debut book, 'Cinema Her Way'. We explore the intricate tapestry of female contributions to cinema, uncovering countless voices and narratives that have often been overshadowed.Her decade-long quest to spotlight women directors, which began with her project 'Female Filmmakers in Focus', emerged as both a personal challenge and a passionate response to the male-dominated

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23:12

We Need to Talk About Emmy #20: Inside the Writer's...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/18

Pam Brady, the co-creator and co-showrunner of '#1 Happy Family USA', joins us to share insights from her impressive career that includes hit projects like 'South Park' and 'Team America: World Police'.Our conversation explores how comedy serves as her vehicle for tackling serious themes, inviting audiences to engage with poignant moments through laughter. Pam speaks passionately about her creative partnership with Ramy Youssef and the delicate balance they've struck between humor and heart while

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15:03

We Need to Talk About Emmy #19: 'The Eastern Gate'...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/15

This week we're chatting with Lena Góra, the lead actress starring in 'The Eastern Gate'. We get into the nitty-gritty of her acting process with Lena, especially how she tackles different languages and all that comes with it. She opens up about how each language has its own rhythm and energy that completely transforms her performance – it's not just memorizing lines, but really living and breathing the culture behind the words.The way she preps for those epic fight scenes is seriously impressive –

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42:02

We Need to Talk About Emmy #18: 'Call Me Ted' - A...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/11

Capturing the essence of an iconic figure like Ted Turner is no small feat, but in this conversation, we dive deep with Joni Levin and Keith R. Clarke, the creative minds behind the documentary series 'Call Me Ted'.Their insights reveal how they navigated the complexities of Turner’s life—from his monumental achievements in media to his personal struggles and the shadows cast by familial relationships. This isn't just a biography; it’s a journey through the highs and lows of an individual who has

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35:10

No rest for the independent, with ‘Gazer’ DP Matheus...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/04/04

In this episode, we sit down with Matheus Bastos, the cinematographer of 'Gazer', to talk about his path, intricately weaving tales of passion, creativity, and the sheer love for cinema that drew him into the world of filmmaking.We delve into the production of 'Gazer', exploring the unique challenges of a project shot over an extended timeline, which allowed for a challenging, yet fluid evolution of the narrative and characters. Matheus tells us about the importance of adaptability, revealing how

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19:50

'Audrey's Children' director Ami Canaan Mann on the...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/28

Our conversation with 'Audrey's Children' director Ami Canaan Mann takes us on a journey that explores not just the film itself, but the essence of storytelling, particularly the responsibility inherent in portraying real lives.The film, rooted in the historical context of 1969, serves as a mirror reflecting contemporary societal issues, especially the subtle sexism that women like Audrey faced in male-dominated fields. Ami walks us through the nuances of her directorial approach while showcasing

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26:08

Magic in the Mundane: How 'Some Nights I Feel Like...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/26

Diving straight into the heart of indie filmmaking, this episode features a captivating conversation with Petersen Vargas, the visionary writer-director of 'Some Nights I Feel Like Walking', and Miguel Odron, the film's breakout star in his debut role. The film, which has taken festivals by storm from Tallinn to Glasgow, explores the intricacies of queer identities within the vibrant yet tumultuous Filipino landscape.Together, they discuss how the film's structure—set in a single night—heightens the

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26:06

Framing fear, with 'Control Freak' cinematographer...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/24

This week on the show, Scott Siracusano, cinematographer of 'Control Freak,' takes us behind the scenes of the nuanced process of bringing a feature film to life, especially one that builds on the eerie undercurrents of its short film predecessor. Scott shares his approach to lighting and camera movement, revealing how he crafted scenes to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense.We also discuss the technical challenges of shooting with mirrors—an innovative choice that not only enhances the

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25:36

From Paintbrush to Camera: Bebe Dierken's cinematic...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/18

Bebe Dierken's journey through the cinematic landscape is a tapestry woven with passion, perseverance, and a dash of serendipity. From her early days as a painter, where the still life of pumpkins nearly sent her to a creative grave, to the bustling film sets where she became a revered cinematographer, Bebe's tale is as vibrant as the frames she captures.In our chat, she shares how she stumbled upon cinematography almost by accident, discovering her love for the craft in a dark room rather than a

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13:48

We Need to Talk About Emmy #17: Peter Craig adapts...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/14

As we dive into the creative universe of Peter Craig, the mastermind behind the gripping series 'Dope Thief', we explore the intricacies of storytelling and character development that make this show a must-watch.Peter shares his passion for writing, revealing that the thrill of crafting a narrative comes from fully immersing himself in his characters' lives. He likens the process to an egoless trance, where the line between himself and his characters blurs, leading to deeply authentic portrayals of

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23:40

We Need to Talk About SXSW #1: Julia Max summons...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/09

Family dynamics can be tricky to manoeuvre, but they’re absolutely worth the struggle! Julia Max's debut feature, 'The Surrender' really highlights this. The horror drama features the amazing Colby Minifie alongside the legendary Kate Burton as a mother-daughter duo, delivering a tough but captivating story for those who can handle it.As we sit down with the incredibly talented pair, Julia and Colby share their experiences in bringing this ambitious project to fruition, the expected yet still

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18:49

Nothing Short of SXSW #1: Cam Banfield’s directorial...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/03/07

As we kick off our coverage of this year's edition of SXSW, we welcome first-time director Cam Banfield on the show, whose short film 'How Was Your Weekend' premieres in the fest's Narrative Competition. The 9-minute film stars James Morosini stuck in the loop of dreadful Monday mornings, alongside the amazing Rachael Harris.Cam walks us through the early days of the project, the fun and challenges of shooting a Monday over the weekend, and the symphony formed by his two leads and the rest of the

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19:35

Exploring family and chaos, with 'Riff Raff' director...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/02/28

Dito Montiel, the director of memorable films like 'Boulevard' and 'A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints', joins us for a riveting chat about his newest project, 'Riff Raff'. The film features a star-studded line-up, including Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Bill Murray, and many more, which only adds to the intrigue of this film that delves into the chaotic yet beautiful world of family dynamics. Montiel’s storytelling is rooted in his personal experiences, particularly the familial bonds he formed in

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27:25

Brace yourselves for 'Lockjaw'

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/02/21

Slamdance is one of those festivals where the voices of the future become the voices of the present! One of the buzziest titles in this year’s lineup is Sabrina Greco’s directorial debut, ‘Lockjaw,’ starring Blu Hunt as Rayna, the main character wearing braces that are the physical manifestation of the titular situation one and a half months after a DUI.But the physical damage is only what’s on the surface. We embark on dissecting the entire affair with the director and star of the refreshingly

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19:15

Lured into injustice, with the co-director and...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/02/14

With the final voting for this year's Academy Awards underway, we bring you a short film that's thematically as timely as it gets. 'A Lien' chronicles a far too common and unjust tearing apart of a family in the midst of the father's immigration process.The 15-minute short is directed by brothers David and Sam Cutler-Kreutz, and today we are joined by Sam and cinematographer Andrea Gavazzi to discuss the baffling situation, the personal stories behind it, and the multi-faceted nature of the family's

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16:45

Jarin Blaschke brings color to the world of 'Nosferatu'

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/02/11

The unsurprising surprise hit of late 2024 - early 2025 was undoubtedly Robert Eggers’ gothic horror retelling of Nosferatu. The familiar story of Count Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, is captured from a fresh perspective, through the eyes and nightmarish life of Ellen, played by Lily-Rose Depp. The two are accompanied in their gory ventures by other talented actors, including Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.The not only thematically but visually striking

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19:09

Maria Bakalova reconciles with grief in ‘O Horizon’

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/02/09

Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova took Hollywood and the world by storm as Tutar in 2020's Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, and her choices ever since have lived up to that. Whether playing a vital role in Halina Reijn and A24's first venture, Bodies Bodies Bodies, voicing Cosmo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, or just last year playing Ivana Trump alongside Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice, she also finds time for passion projects like Triumph, her home country's Oscar submission this

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129 results

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