Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on OPUS

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast — your go-to destination for deep dives into music, movies, and pop culture that push boundaries and spark conversation.In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write.We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and the nostalgia-packed music video that pays homage to VHS-era classics like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, and more. From clever film parodies to existential themes, Durry delivers a cinematic experience in both sound and vision.Whether you're a fan of retro movies, 90s aesthetics, or just searching for your own rewrite in life’s script, you won’t want to miss this one.Hit play and step behind the scenes of THIS MOVIE SUCKS with Durry — only on The Following Films Podcast.

Today on The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by cinematographer Martin Ruhe. Martin’s latest film, The Amateur, is a tense, grounded thriller, and we spend a lot of time talking about how he helped shape its unique look and feel. We also get into his earlier work, like the beautifully shot Control, and how his collaborations with George Clooney kicked off with The American and later continued with The Tender Bar. It was a real pleasure hearing Martin break down his process, how he approaches working with directors, and how he keeps pushing himself creatively from project to project.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films — I'm Chris Maynard.Today I'm really excited to have cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on the show.You probably know his work from Snowfall, Straight Outta Compton, and a bunch of other incredible projects.We’re talking about his newest film, Opus, and how he approached the look and feel of it, what it was like putting it together, and just his overall process behind the camera.It’s a great conversation — so let's jump right in.

On this episode, we’re diving into a story that blends nostalgia, music, and the origins of esports — a follow-up to one of the most beloved documentaries in gaming history. I’m talking about Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day.This new film is the feature directorial debut from Oscar-winning producer Ed Cunningham — best known for Undefeated and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. If you're a fan of the latter, you're in for a real treat, because this film brings us back into the world of Walter Day — the iconic star of The King of Kong, and the man often credited as the father of esports.Now 74, Walter is taking center stage once again in this musical documentary that follows his legal battle to protect his legacy, all while chasing a long-held dream: recording and performing the rock-opera love songs that have been echoing in his mind since his heart was broken back in the golden days of the arcade.This episode features not one but two great interviews — first with Ed Cunningham, the director of Arcades & Love Songs, and then with the legend himself, Walter Day. We’ll talk about everything from the making of the film, to Walter’s unique musical vision, to what this journey has meant for him personally.So whether you’re a longtime fan of The King of Kong, a lover of indie film, or just curious about this one-of-a-kind story, stick around — you won’t want to miss this.

Today, we’re heading straight into the dust, danger, and drama of the wild west with a very special guest—director and writer Brian Skiba—who joins us to talk about his latest film, GUNSLINGERS.Starring Stephen Dorff, Heather Graham, and Academy Award Winner Nicolas Cage, GUNSLINGERS is a gritty, high-octane Western thriller where justice rides on a hair trigger. When America’s most wanted outlaw lands in a quiet Kentucky town, chaos erupts—brothers clash, bullets fly, and vengeance rides hard and fast.In this conversation, Brian gives us an inside look at crafting the story, assembling an all-star cast, and what it takes to bring an explosive modern Western to life.

Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we go beyond the screen to bring you conversations with some of the most unique voices in cinema today. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today, we’re diving into Last Breath — the sleeper hit that no one saw coming. Directed by Alex Parkinson, this gripping thriller tells the true story of a commercial diver who becomes trapped 100 meters below the surface of the North Sea with only five minutes of oxygen — and no chance of immediate rescue. It’s a harrowing, edge-of-your-seat survival story that’s as emotional as it is intense.With masterful direction, stunning underwater cinematography, and a narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish, Last Breath quickly built momentum through word of mouth and has become one of the most talked-about films of the year.I had the chance to sit down with Alex to talk about how he brought this incredible true story to life, the technical challenges of filming under extreme conditions, and what it was like turning real-life events into cinematic suspense.Stick around — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we explore the creative minds behind the movies and shows we love. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today, we’re diving into the sonic world of Invincible—Amazon’s hit adult animated superhero series that’s equal parts heartfelt and harrowing. If you’ve been following the journey of 17-year-old Mark Grayson as he discovers his powers and unravels the dark truth about his father, Omni-Man, then you already know this show pulls no punches—visually or sonically.Joining me is Brad Meyer, MPSE, a Golden Reel-winning and Emmy-nominated Supervising Sound Editor whose work has helped define the visceral, emotional landscape of Invincible. Brad brings over a decade of experience in post-production audio and has lent his talents to projects across Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Nickelodeon, and more. From creepy horror flicks to energetic animated adventures, Brad’s sound design isn’t just about effects—it’s about storytelling.In this episode, we’ll talk about how sound shapes the world of Invincible, what it takes to balance superhero spectacle with grounded emotional beats, and why audio is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools in filmmaking.So turn it up and settle in—this is Following Films.

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of cinema with the filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who bring movie magic to life.On today’s episode, I’m joined by legendary VFX artist Alec Gillis to talk about his involvement with Shout! TV’s Double Take series, where celebrity guests curate and host themed double features. On April 5, Alec is hosting a special marathon in celebration of Roger Corman’s birthday—a fitting tribute, considering his early work on Battle Beyond the Stars under the legendary producer.But that’s just the beginning. Alec’s career has spanned some of the most iconic sci-fi and horror films of all time, working alongside visionaries like James Cameron and Stan Winston on Aliens, The Abyss, and Terminator 2. He’s also brought creatures to life in fan favorites like Tremors, Monster Squad, and Starship Troopers.Today, we’ll discuss his journey in the industry, his passion for practical effects, and what fans can expect from this upcoming Double Take event.So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Alec Gillis.

Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of independent cinema and the filmmakers who bring these stories to life. I'm your host, Chris Maynard, and today, we have a fantastic conversation lined up.Joining me is Imani Davis, a key figure behind the Proof Film Festival, a groundbreaking event dedicated to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking films. We’ll be discussing what makes this festival unique, the kind of films audiences can expect, and how it’s creating new opportunities for emerging filmmakers.Be sure to check out the festival at www.prooffilmfestival.com for more details on screenings, events, and how you can be part of this exciting cinematic experience.Now, let’s jump into the conversation with Imani Davis!

Few songs capture the raw energy of the 1980s quite like Maniac, the electrifying hit made famous by Michael Sembello in the classic film Flashdance. Now, decades later, the punk-infused power of Tess and The Details is giving this beloved track a fresh, high-voltage revival.In this episode of The Following Films, we sit down with the band to dive into their bold reimagining of Maniac—exploring what drew them to the song, how they infused their signature sound into the arrangement, and what it means to bring new life to an ‘80s anthem. From studio insights to the personal connections they have with the track, this conversation peels back the layers of their creative process and the thrill of covering a song that still gets hearts racing today.So, turn up the volume and get ready—because Tess and The Details are here to prove that Maniac is more alive than ever!