The Oscar Project Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Matthias Strasser, director of the short film "The Panic Inside," a look at what it's like to be a people pleaser in today's constantly "on" world and how you can take control back with one simple word.Listen to hear about the inspiration for the story that came out of a life of "people pleasing", how the production team tried to interpret what a panic attack might look like visually, and the importance of both sound and music in creating the mood of the film.Books mentioned in this episode include:The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. TolkienHarry Potter by J. K. RowlingHoid's Travails by Brandon SandersonNormal People by Sally RooneyFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:“The Panic Inside” directed by Matthias StrasserPuss in Boots: The Last Wish directed by Joel CrawfordThe Wild Robot directed by Chris SandersSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, and Rodney RothmanSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin ThompsonArcane (series)Her directed by Spike JonzeThe Perks of Being a Wallflower directed by Stephen ChboskyEverything Everywhere All at Once directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel KwanThe films of Satoshi KonThere Will Be Blood directed by Paul Thomas AndersonInglorious Basterds directed by Quentin TarantinoPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl directed by Gore VerbinskiShrek directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky JensonThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonProject Hail Mary directed by Phil Lord and Chris MillerAladdin directed by John Musker and Ron ClementsRatatouille directed by Brad BirdFollow the film on Instagram @thepanicinside and Matthew @mat.strasser.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Angad Aulakh, director of the short film "Aurora," a exploration of the loneliness and isolation felt by a man in deep space and those he left behind on Earth.Listen to hear about the musical inspiration for the film, his collaboration with the star of the film, Guy Kent, and the interesting use of sound to convey certain emotions throughout the film.Books mentioned in this episode include:Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthyFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:“Aurora” directed by Angad Aulakh“Resurrektor” directed by Angad Aulakh"The Atomic Dream" directed by Angad AulakhThe Shining directed by Stanley KubrickVertigo directed by Alfred HitchcockThe Double Life of Veronique directed by Krzysztof KieslowskiThe Matrix directed by Lilly Wachowski and Lana WachowskiRaiders of the Lost Ark directed by Steven SpeilbergRear Window directed by Alfred HitchcockFall directed by Scott MannFall 2: Deadpoint directed by Peter and Michael SpierigOther topics mentioned in this episode include:"Planet Earth" by Duran DuranThe music of Nusrat Fateh Ali KhanFollow the film on Instagram @aurora_mov.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Svengali. I'm joined by film and theater director Enrico Banson who writes the Director's Notes newsletter and we talk about whether this film belongs with the great Universal horror films of the era, how the film portrays bohemian artistic culture of the late 1800s, and some of the most incredible production design we have seen in Oscar nominated films to date. You can watch Svengali on Tubi, YouTube, or Amazon Prime and be sure to check out Enrico's newsletter.Other films mentioned in this episode include:King Kong directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. SchoedsackDracula directed by Tod BrowningFrankenstein directed by James WhaleThe Royal Family of Broadway directed by George Cukor and Cyril GardnerA Free Soul directed by Clarence Leon BrownSvengali (1954) directed by Noel LangleySvengali (1983) directed by Anthony HarveyThe Love Parade directed by Ernst LubitschHow Green Was My Valley directed by John FordBackrooms directed by Kane ParsonsCasablanca directed by Michael CurtizCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesTabu: A Story of the South Seas directed by F.W. MurnauMorocco directed by Josef von SternbergJaws directed by Steven SpielbergOther referenced topics:Trilby by George du MaurierThe Phantom of the Opera (novel) by Gaston LerouxRebecca by Daphne du MaurierPeter Pan by J. M. BarrieThe New York Times reviewEl Santo on 1000 Misspent Hours and CountingSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Deborah Lee Smith and Brian Leahy, producer, star, writer, and director of the short film "Glitterbomb," which follows a woman through a harrowing situation while she tries desperately to keep her composure on a virtual job interview.Listen to hear about Deborah's real life experience that inspired the film, the incredible achievement of an extremely small crew that worked on the film on a very tight timeline, and the logistics of shooting one of the best one-shots I've seen in a long time.Books mentioned in this episode include:Midnight Library by Matt HaigAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:“Glitterbomb” directed by Brian LeahyButterfly in the Sky directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb"5 Stages of Grief" directed by Foster Wilson"Made Public" directed by Foster WilsonSingin' In The Rain directed by Gene KellyNorth by Northwest directed by Alfred HitchcockMiss Congeniality directed by Donald PetrieEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michel GondryVanilla Sky directed by Cameron CroweLove Liza directed by Todd LouisoGhostbusters directed by Ivan ReitmanSideways directed by Alexander PayneMy Cousin Vinny directed by Jonathan LynnThe Big Lebowski directed by Ethan and Joel CoenLegally Blonde directed by Robert LuketicWait Until Dark directed by Terence YoungFriends (series)Breaking Bad (series)The Matrix directed by Lana and Lilly WachowskiSolar (podcast)Sell Your House directed by Eric Foss and Brandon PickeringYou can read more stories from people who have experienced a miscarriage at glitterbombfilm.com and share your own story. Follow the film on Instagram @glitterbombfilm and find Deborah @deborah_lsmith and Brian @brianpleahy.Also check out Deborah's podcast More Than You See.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Public Enemy. I'm joined by Gareth Bradwick from the Popped newsletter and we talk about an unexpected level of crime and violence in the film, a wide array of stories surrounding a specific piece of fruit, and rain like we have never seen before on film. You can watch The Public Enemy on Hulu and be sure to check out Gareth's newsletter.Other films mentioned in this episode include:Titanic directed by James CameronAll About Eve directed by Joseph L. MankiewiczThe Grapes of Wrath directed by John FordHow Green Was My Valley directed by John FordGoodfellas directed by Martin ScorseseCasino directed by Martin ScorseseThe Irishman directed by Martin ScorseseWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastA Star is Born directed by William A. WellmanHell's Angels directed by Howard HughesRed Headed Woman directed by Jack ConwayScarface directed by Howard HawksThe Blue Veil directed by Curtis BernhardtGrease directed by Randal KleiserLittle Caesar directed by Mervyn LeroySmart Money directed by Alfred E. GreenThe Doorway to Hell directed by Archie MayoThe Dawn Patrol directed by Howard HawksOther referenced topics:The Prophet by Kahlil GibranThe Sopranos (series)Variety reviewThe New York Times reviewRogerebert.com reviewSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Kate Radcliffe and Sophie King, writer and director of the short film "Still Life," which tells the story of a couple dealing with the loss of a baby and all the daily reminders they face of that loss.Listen to hear about the ability we have to find the humor in dark situations, exploring the effects of dealing with loss and trauma while the rest of the world goes on as if nothing has changed, and the process for getting a cast ready to play characters who have dealt with such a profound loss.Books mentioned in this episode include:Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeThe Housemaid by Frieda McFaddenFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:“Still Life” directed by Sophie KingRomeo + Juliet directed by Baz LuhrmannMoulin Rouge! directed by Baz LuhrmannThe Virgin Suicides directed by Sofia CoppolaThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonThe English Patient directed by Anthony MinghellaHocus Pocus directed by Kenny OrtegaDonnie Darko directed by Richard KellyClueless directed by Amy HeckerlingAmerican Psycho directed by Mary HarronThe Dark Knight Rises directed by Christopher NolanNapoleon Dynamite directed by Jared HessAnora directed by Sean BakerFollow the film on Instagram @still_life_short and find Sophie @sophiekingcr and Kate @katemradcliffe.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Skippy. I'm joined Jonathan Hammond, film director and previous guest on the podcast and we talk about the deep trauma that resulted from watching this film, some major issues with the film's production when you look at it from today's perspective, and a long-standing legal battle over a simply name.You can watch Skippy online and be sure to check out Jonathan's films at a festival near you and give him a follow on Instagram @jonohamm.Other films mentioned in this episode include:Ferris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesJohn Wick directed by Chad StahelskiThe Sixth Sense directed by M. Night ShyamalanE.T. The Extraterrestrial directed by Steven SpielbergA Free Soul directed by Clarence Leon BrownCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesSuperman directed by Richard DonnerLa La Land directed by Damian ChazelleBoys Town directed by Norman TaurogCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinSooky directed by Norman TaurogOur Gang (shorts series)Tom Sawyer directed by John CromwellHuckleberry Finn directed by Norman TaurogThe Kid directed by Charlie ChaplinSophie's Choice directed by Alan J. PakulaThe Little Rascals directed by Penelope SpheerisDennis the Menace directed by Nick CastleA Christmas Story directed by Bob ClarkEast Lynne directed by Frank LloydThe Front Page directed by Lewis MilestoneThe Criminal Code directed by Howard HawksOther referenced topics:Skippy (comic)Calvin and Hobbs (comic)Peanuts (comic)Dennis the Menace (comic)Skippy.comThe New York Times reviewThe New Masses reviewOscarchamps.com reviewSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Matt Kennard, director of the short film "Before You Go," which tells the story of a young man who visits a loved one in the hospital to say his final goodbyes.Listen to hear about Matt's thoughts on what seems like a rise in films set in hospitals, how he found his incredible lead actor, and the role that sound plays throughout the film.Books mentioned in this episode include:A Christmas Carol by Charles DickensThe Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade by Andrew FeinsteinFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:“Before You Go” directed by Matt Kennard"Life Goes On" directed by Kat Butterfield and Daniel AudrittThe Gathering (series)"Hymn of Hate" directed by Matt KennardStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin KershnerApocalypse Now directed by Francis Ford CoppolaInside Out directed by Pete DocterStand By Me directed by Rob ReinerThe Thin Red Line directed by Terrence MalickIn Bruges directed by Martin McDonaghPetite Maman directed by Céline SciammaFerris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri directed by Martin McDonaghHome Alone directed by Chris ColumbusThe Muppet Christmas Carol directed by Brian HensonFollow the film on Instagram @beforeyougofilm and Matt @kennardmatt.Support the show

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Front Page. I'm joined by Matthew Carlson from the What Am I Making newsletter and we talk about the level of effectiveness of the film's humor, how this film paved the way for many that came after it including at least one remake of the story, and the deep rooted misogyny of the story.You can watch The Front Page on YouTube, Tubi, or Amazon Prime and be sure to check out Matthew's newsletter and check out his summer music tour this July and August.Other films mentioned in this episode include:A League of Their Own directed by Penny Marshall12 Angry Men directed by Sidney LumetHis Girl Friday directed by Howard HawksThe Philadelphia Story directed by George CukorAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneOppenheimer directed by Christopher NolanThe Hangover directed by Todd PhillipsAce in the Hold directed by Billy WilderWhite Heat directed by Raoul WalshRain directed by Lewis MilestoneSadie Thompson directed by Raoul WalshOcean's Eleven directed by Lewis MilestoneMutiny on the Bounty (1962) directed by Lewis MilestoneMutiny on the Bounty (1962) directed by Frank LloydThe Spirit of St. Louis directed by Billy WilderGentlemen Prefer Blondes directed by Howard HawksThe Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingThe Silence of the Lambs directed by Jonathan DemmeThe Front Page (1974) directed by Billy WilderSwitching Channels directed by Ted KotcheffWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastSunrise: A Song of Two Humans directed by F. W. Murnau7th Heaven directed by Frank BorzageMetropolis directed by Fritz LangNosferatu directed by F. W. MurnauDracula directed by Tod BrowningFrankenstein directed by James WhaleCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinOther referenced topics:The Front Page (play) by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthurDavid Nusair review on Reelfilm.comMad Men (series)Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I interview Johnny Russell, director of the short film "A Scent." The film is based on a real person who claimed to have the ability to smell patients with a certain disease.Listen to hear about how Johnny came to telling this story in his film, the challenges of filming a drama set in a hospital on a short film budget and schedule, and finding the balance between melodrama and the quieter moments of reflection and discovery.Books mentioned in this episode include:Flowers for Algernon by Daniel KeyesAlchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory SutherlandThis is Why We Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life by Rahul JandialFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:“A Scent” directed by Johnny RussellBilly Liar directed by John SchlesingerHot Fuzz directed by Edgar WrightA Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence directed by Roy AnderssonThe Phantom Thread directed by Paul Thomas AndersonCamping (series)Happy-Go-Lucky directed by Mike LeighFollow the film on Instagram @a_scent_film and Johnny @__johnny_russell__.Support the show