Welcome to Below the Line, a film industry podcast where we talk about making movies from the crew perspective. My name is Skid: I'm a former Assistant Director and your host. For the show, I invite my production friends - both old and new - to tell stories from their time on set. Each episode is organized around a specific film, television series or some other theme relevant to working in Hollywood. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or peruse the list below: you might learn something new about one of your favorites.
Thoughts about a specific episode or comments about the podcast? I welcome your feedback: skid@belowtheline.biz
Episodes
2 days ago
S19 - Ep 6 - Ripley - Score Composition
2 days ago
2 days ago
“Ripley” -- the stylish eight-episode series currently streaming on Netflix -- is a very deliberate bit of filmmaking. While the black-and-white filming and exquisitely framed shots draw attention to the cinematography, today co-host Louis Weeks and I are speaking with Score Composer Jeff Russo. We explore how Jeff’s relationship with the character of Ripley evolved over time, and Jeff illustrates how this score is an integrated aspect of the storytelling. (Jeff also draws parallels between his collaboration with creator Steve Zaillian and his time as a founding member of the rock band, Tonic, which itself is worth the price of admission.)
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
S19 - Ep 5 - Before I Change My Mind - Theater-Rooted Filmmaking
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
“Before I Change My Mind” is a wonderful coming-of-age story with a twist: the gender of our protagonist, Robin (played by Vaughan Murrae), is indeterminate throughout the film. Writer/Director Trevor Anderson shares how his extensive theater experience — and the support of the Edmonton theater scene — was integral to the making of this movie. We also talk about how it’s even possible to set a film in the Alberta, Canada, of 1987 for only half a million dollars (American). Trevor’s answer, which he also credits to his theater experience? A focus on character.
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
S19 - Ep 4 - Drugstore June - Cinematography
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
“Drugstore June”, starring Esther Povitsky, is a refreshingly low-key comedy that I sincerely enjoyed. Indie filmmaking is challenging, and Cinematographer Sherri Kauk explains how she worked with Director Nicholaus Goossen and the rest of the crew on issues of budget and schedule, ensuring that they got the most bang for their limited buck. She also shares insights that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own, like the different visual style of each act and how she plays with color throughout the film. And lest you think I forgot: I ask about that two-foot tall gummi bear baby.
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
S19 - Ep 3 - Griselda - Makeup
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
“Griselda”, currently streaming on Netflix, stars Sofia Vergara as the titular cocaine kingpin, prominent in the Miami drug scene of the 1970s and 1980s. The role is a change of pace for the former “Modern Family” star, and my guest Angela Nogaro, Makeup Department Head for the series, was part of the team that made Sofia’s transformation possible. We talk about the challenges of designing makeup for a period-set project and how everyone came together in support of the vision (actors included).
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
S19 - Ep 2 - Sexy Beast - Producing and Editing
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
The Paramount+ series “Sexy Beast”, with all eight episodes currently streaming, is a prequel to Jonathan Glazer’s 2000 film of the same name. My guest is Producer and Editor Matthew Barber, who joined the production to help establish the tone of the series and worked as an editor on the first and last episodes. We talk about the challenges of doing a prequel series to the well-respected film, and we break down specific scenes from an editor's perspective. The State of the Podcast is strong! Check it out.
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
S19 - Ep 1 - Oppenheimer - Props at the Oscars
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
“Oppenheimer” cleaned up at the Academy Awards last weekend, claiming seven statues for its 13 nominations. My guest this episode is the film’s Propmaster, Guillaume DeLouche. Achievement in Propmastering isn’t recognized with an Oscar, but today, we’re going to discuss how props contributed to all of the nominations and wins for Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. Yes, even Original Score! Oh, and Guillaume and I first worked together back in 2000, so it’s a reunion of sorts. Good times! Join us.
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
S18 - Ep 12 - 96th Oscars - Propmastering
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
BONUS EPISODE! Propmastering is not recognized with an Oscar, but what if it was? Gregg Bilson, Jr. (President of mega-prop conglomerate ISS) and Scott Buckwald (property master and friend of the podcast!) discuss a hypothetical slate of films that could be nominated for their props. This episode wraps our Academy Awards coverage, but if you've listened to the entire series, I promise you'll be the smartest person at your Oscars party.
The 2023 Nominees for Propmastering:
•“The Creator”
•“Last Voyage of the Demeter”
•“Napoleon”
•“Oppenheimer”
•”Poor Things”
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
S18 - Ep 11 - 96th Oscars - Original Song
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
The Academy Awards are only a week away, and today we’re discussing the Oscar nominees for Original Song. My guests — Chris Molanphy (chart analyst and podcast host), Louis Weeks (score composer), and Tom Peyton (song writer) — offer an assessment of these nominees that encompasses both the technical and the meta.
The 2023 Nominees for Original Song:
•"The Fire Inside" from "Flamin' Hot"
•"I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie"
•"It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony"
•"Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie"
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
S18 - Ep 10 - 96th Oscars - Original Score
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Our tour through the technical categories continues with a discussion of the Oscar nominees for Original Score. My guests — Louis Weeks (score composer), Chris Molanphy (chart analyst/pop critic), and Jennie Armon (executive producer/music supervisor) — offer a multi-layered set of insights.
The 2023 Nominees for Original Score:
•"American Fiction"
•"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"
•"Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
S18 - Ep 9 - 96th Oscars - Film Editing
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
The Oscar nominees for Film Editing compose an interesting slate of films this year, and editors Christopher Angel and Amy Duddleston return to share their insights. For those following along at home, you may be amused to know that they disagree on the merits of at least one of these movies, but they both reinforced my opinion about the one nominee I’ve elsewhere suggested was overrated. What drama! Join us for a listen.
The 2023 Nominees for Film Editing:
•"Anatomy of a Fall"
•"The Holdovers"
•"Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
S18 - Ep 8 - 96th Oscars - Makeup and Hairstyling
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Our Academy Awards series continues with a discussion of the Oscar nominees for Makeup and Hairstyling. Joining me today are Angela Nogaro (Makeup) and Yvonne Depatis-Kupka (Hair), discussing not only the nominated films but - once again - questions about the selection process and who is considered part of the team. Why is there only one name on the team for “Oppenheimer”? We offer some thoughts.
The 2023 Nominees for Makeup and Hairstyling:
•"Golda"
•"Maestro"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
•"Society of the Snow"
Monday Feb 19, 2024
S18 - Ep 7 - 96th Oscars - Cinematography
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Film professionals discussing the nominees in their area of expertise: that’s Below the Line at the Oscars. Today, we’re talking about Cinematography, and my returning guests — Patrick Cady and David Tuttman — are directors of photography with stories to share.
The 2023 Nominees for Cinematography:
•"El Conde"
•"Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"Maestro"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
Friday Feb 16, 2024
S18 - Ep 6 - 96th Oscars - Costume Design
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Costume Designers Helen Huang And Allison Choi Braun return to offer their insights on this year’s Oscar nominees for Costume Design. We mark our halfway point through the Academy Awards season with another great conversation, discussing not only the five nominated films but also how the craft of costume design is such an integral aspect of the filmmaking collaboration.
The 2023 Nominees for Costume Design:
• "Barbie"
•"Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"Napoleon"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
S18 - Ep 5 - 96th Oscars - Animated Feature
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
It’s difficult to sell 12 episodes of Oscars coverage, but if you appreciate the work done by crew, you’re going to appreciate this season, where film professionals discuss the nominees in the category of their expertise. Today’s animated conversation about the nominees for Animated Feature benefits from returning guests, Kent Seki and Camille Leganza. Have YOU seen Oscar nominee “Robot Dreams”? It's the rare case of a nominated film that I didn't get to see, so no spoilers about that one.
The 2023 Nominees for Animated Feature Film:
•“The Boy and the Heron“
•"Elemental"
•"Nimona"
•"Robot Dreams"
•"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse"
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
S18 - Ep 4 - 96th Oscars - Production Design
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Saturday Feb 10, 2024
We’re continuing our deep dive discussions about the Oscar nominees in the technical categories, and today, Production Designer Bob Shaw and Set Decorator Regina Graves - Oscar nominees themselves - offer their insights about the five nominees for Production Design.
The 2023 Nominees for Production Design:
•"Barbie"
•"Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"Napoleon"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
S18 - Ep 3 - 96th Oscars - Visual Effects
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
It’s non-stop conversations about the Oscar nominees in the technical categories from now until the Academy Awards, and I hope you'll follow us for the full season. Today, Kent Seki and Chris Batty return to discuss the nominees for Visual Effects. This year, it looks like any of these nominees could deservedly take the prize. Join us for insights about the surprising group of contenders in this rapidly evolving field.
The 2023 Nominees for Visual Effects:
• "The Creator"
• "Godzilla Minus One"
• "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
• “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One"
• "Napoleon"
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
S18 - Ep 2 - 96th Oscars - Directing
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Below the Line continues our Fifth Annual Oscar Series with a discussion of the nominees for achievement in Directing, and I’m joined by a returning panel of fellow below-the-liners: Katie Carroll, Bill Hardy, Roger Mendoza and Shaun O’Banion. It’s the first year we’ve discussed the directors nominated for the Academy Award, but it’s in lieu of our traditional conversation focused on the Directors Guild of America nominees (the DGA crowns their winners next weekend, Feb 10th). Same panel, same topic, but a slightly different focus; the episode runs long, but I hope you’ll enjoy it.
The 2023 Nominees for Directing:
•"Anatomy of a Fall"
•"Killers of the Flower Moon"
•"Oppenheimer"
•"Poor Things"
•"The Zone of Interest"
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
S18 - Ep 1 - 96th Oscars - Sound
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Our Fifth Annual Oscar Series begins now! Once again, we’ve got panels of film professionals discussing the nominees in their category of expertise. First up: Oscar nominee Steve Morrow (production sound mixer) and Oscar winner Don Sylvester (sound editor) discuss this year's nominees for Sound.
The 2023 Nominees for Sound:
•“The Creator”
•“Maestro”
•“Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
•“Oppenheimer”
•"The Zone of Interest”
Friday Dec 01, 2023
S17 - Ep 11 - Gen V - Film Editing
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Now for something completely different! “Gen V” is a bombastic and provocative take on the Superhero genre, and Film Editor Maura Corey threads a needle balancing the action, the satire, and the humor from scene to scene. Gianni Damaia returns to the co-host seat, and - once again - it’s a laugh-out-loud conversation that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as we did.
Friday Nov 10, 2023
S17 - Ep 10 - Aftersun - Film Editing
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
2022’s “Aftersun” is a slow-burn of a movie which nonetheless resonated with a sizable audience, and Film Editor Blair McClendon brings us inside the collaboration that sits at the center of this film (which is currently streaming on Showtime and Paramount+). Fellow editor (and friend of the podcast) Christopher Angel identified “Aftersun” as an overlooked gem when we discussed Oscar nominees at the start of 2023, and he joins me today in the co-host chair to help tease out what made this rule-defying film so successful.
Friday Oct 27, 2023
S17 - Ep 9 - Hatching - Filming in Latvia
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
“Hatching”, a successful Finnish horror film currently streaming on Hulu, is a good case study for exploring the differences between European filmmaking and the U.S. studio system. I’m joined today by the Producer of “Hatching”, Mika Ritalahti, and two Executive Line Producers from Mistrus Media Film Production, Gints Grube and Elina Gedina. While the film is from Finland, principal photography was conducted in Riga, Latvia, and my panel shares how this entertaining movie came together.
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
S17 - Ep 8 - Dungeons & Dragons - Visual Effects
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” was released in theaters early this year and is now streaming on multiple platforms. Tyler Cordova, Co-Visual Effects Producer, is here to explain how practical effects and visual effects work together to create the magic of the film. And for the first time on the podcast: we’re discussing specific scenes in real time! Let us know if it works.
Friday Sep 29, 2023
S17 - Ep 7 - Jack Ryan - Production Design
Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” wrapped earlier this year after four seasons on Amazon Prime, and Production Designer Derek Hill is here to offer behind-the-scene insights for a team that was based out of Budapest but filmed across Europe, from Greece to Croatia to the Canary Islands. Oh, and COVID: there was COVID.
Friday Sep 22, 2023
S17 - Ep 6 - Twisted Metal - Costume Design
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Costume Designer Liz Vastola talks about her work on “Twisted Metal”, the comedy/action video game adaptation currently streaming on Peacock. I’ve never played the video game, but co-host (and fellow podcaster) Gianni Damaia brings some hard-won expertise to our laugh-out-loud discussion of the series.
Friday Sep 01, 2023
S17 - Ep 5 - Special Ops: Lioness - Score Composition
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Score Composer Andrew Lockington talks about his work on Taylor Sheridan’s “Special Ops: Lioness” (currently airing on Paramount+), and co-host Louis Weeks (composer, recording artist, and friend of the podcast) provides another layer of insight to our conversation. We discuss Andrew’s work on multiple levels, from the intention behind specifics pieces of score to the larger themes that inform the overall arc of the story.