Brian Skiba on GUNSLINGERS

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!

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of cinema, storytelling, and the creative minds behind it all. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and on today’s episode, we’re exploring the fascinating intersection of horror and documentary storytelling.Joining me is acclaimed author Elizabeth Hand, here to discuss her participation in FIRST WORD ON HORROR—a gripping new documentary horror series available to stream on Substack. This series features intimate and insightful interviews with some of the genre’s most compelling voices, including Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, and, of course, Elizabeth Hand herself.To watch her episode and explore more from FIRST WORD ON HORROR, head over to etchstudio.substack.com.

Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we explore the art and craft of filmmaking through conversations with the people who bring movies to life. I'm your host, Chris Maynard, and today, we’re diving into the haunting and atmospheric world of The Silent Planet (2024), a sci-fi thriller that blends psychological tension with existential dread.Directed by Jeffrey St. Jules, The Silent Planet follows two inmates sentenced to a lifetime of hard labor on a remote world. As isolation takes its toll, their grip on reality begins to slip, forcing them to confront the past they’ve tried to forget. It’s a film that raises deep questions about memory, identity, and what it means to be truly alone.In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey St. Jules to discuss the inspiration behind the film, its unique approach to storytelling, and how they crafted such an immersive, otherworldly experience.

Welcome to Following Films, the podcast where we explore the crossroads of film, literature, and everything in between. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Paul Tremblay—acclaimed horror author of The Pallbearers Club and The Cabin at the End of the World, the novel that became M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin.We dive into his hauntingly brilliant work, his love of punk rock, and his involvement in the upcoming documentary series First Word on Horror. Plus, in a fun twist of fate, we chat about how he ended up with a t-shirt from a used bookstore in Tucson—the very one that happens to sponsor this show.For more on First Word on Horror, be sure to visit etchstudio.substack.com/s/first-word-on-horror.Strange coincidences, chilling stories, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll—let’s get into it!

Thank you for listening to the Following Films podcast, today I’m joined by Graham Young of Michigan RattlersFollowing the release of their brilliant third studio album, Waving From A Sea, Michigan Rattlers have hit the road for an intimate set of club dates. On their pivotal new Dominic John Davis produced record (Jack White, Willie Nelson, Greensky Bluegrass), the Michigan-based rock & roll band with a blend of folk, American and country influences, pairs the heavy hitting lyricism they’re known for with a newfound sonic depth, evolving alongside the characters in their songs.2/28 – San Francisco, CA – Brick + Mortar3/1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Peppermint Club3/2 – San Diego, CA – Casbah3/4 – Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Live3/7 – Austin, TX – 3Ten at ACL LiveFor more information, please visit www.michiganrattlers.com.