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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

20:36

'We Are Pat' director Rowan Haber on how a 90s...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/06/04

Rowan Haber's documentary 'We Are Pat' explores the intricacies of identity and representation in the film industry through the lens of Julia Sweeney's groundbreaking character Pat. As the Tribeca Film Festival premieres approach, we delve into how this character became a cultural touchstone that reflects the evolving conversation around gender non-conformity, examining its unexpected relevance in contemporary discussions of identity.Rowan's approach to the documentary embodies a refreshing blend of

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27:05

Navigating Love and Miscommunication: The Making of...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/06/02

Navigating the choppy waters of modern communication while attempting to craft a film about it can feel like trying to tame a wild goose—an exercise in futility and occasional hilarity. Brian Crano and David Joseph Craig, the duo behind the lens of 'I Don't Understand You,' dive deep into the intricacies of their creative process. Our conversation with the two reveals how they tackled the overwhelming presence of cell phones, a modern-day nemesis that threatens to drown out genuine connection.The

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22:05

Out of place but in control: John Maclean and Robbie...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/05/30

John Maclean and Robbie Ryan take us on an insightful journey through the creative process behind their film 'Tornado', reflecting on their decade-long collaboration that has shaped their artistic identities. We dive deep into the thematic undercurrents of their films, with a keen focus on displacement as a recurring motif.Ryan's cinematographic perspective adds a rich layer to the discussion, as he elucidates how the visual language of 'Tornado' borrows from the stylistic elements of classic

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20:11

Back for More: Julia Max and Ian McDonald talk 'The...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/05/23

We have a delightful treat for you today as we welcome back Julia Max and Ian McDonald to discuss ‘The Surrender,’ which you can now watch on Shudder. This episode is extra special because they are our very first returning guests—yes, you heard that right! Ian joined us last fall to discuss the screenplay for ‘Woman of the Hour,’ while Julia first appeared on the show when ‘The Surrender’ screened at SXSW this March.We explore the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with sharing a deeply personal

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21:56

The Sonic Bridge: Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan on...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/05/16

Today, we're diving deep into the world of sound and its uncanny ability to bridge the chasm between humanity and nature with the incredibly talented Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan! We kick off our chat with a thought-provoking observation: nature is not just a backdrop, but an active participant in our emotional narratives.As we unravel the layers of Don's latest project, 'Vox Humana', we explore how he ingeniously intertwines sound design with storytelling, turning scripts into sonic experiences

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21:13

Unlocking Verona: Tim Bogart on modernizing...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/05/09

Our deep dive into the world of 'Juliet & Romeo' brought us face-to-face with the marvels and tribulations of adapting such a revered text. Writer-director Timothy Bogart opened up about the challenges of reimagining Shakespeare's work, and we couldn't help but chuckle at how he navigated the fine line between honoring the original material and injecting new life into it.What's particularly enlightening is the discussion surrounding the modern reinterpretation of characters like Juliet, who Tim

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27:51

We Need to Talk About Emmy #21: Jo Willems breaks...

We Need to Talk About Oscar ·

2025/05/06

In our chat with Jo Willems about the fourth episode of 'Black Mirror' Season 7, 'Plaything', we took a thrilling detour into the minds of those who create the visual magic behind the screen. Jo, an engaging storyteller himself, painted a vivid picture of his long-standing partnership with director David Slade.What's particularly intriguing is how Jo approached the dual timelines of the episode, threading together the past and future with a cohesive visual narrative that captures the emotional

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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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136 results

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