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Interview: Filmmaker Ido Fluk Discusses ‘The Ticket’

The Ticket is a highly intriguing film starring Dan Stevens and Malin Akerman. I had an opportunity to speak to the writer and director of the film Ido Fluk. We discussed the making of the movie and talked about the concept of the story. Ido touches on the importance of the cast and a lot more. Listen to the entire audio of the interview below.

MY TAKE: 

It’s really unique to hear about how creative people come up with ideas for their work. For Ido to come up with the idea of this film from a unintentional observation editing another movie is pretty great. I was interested to hear how he also combined the fables his father used to tell him as a kid and that further inspired the plot of this film. Seems like the film came out of randomness combined with some memories from his past, which sounds cool to me. 

I got a kick out of his answer about him being in a band. This is the fun part for me to delve a bit into these filmmakers and actors personal lives and finding out some of their unique interests outside of their craft. Now, I’m compelled to find some footage of him rocking out! It just shows that these people we see on TV creating the content we enjoy so much have other personal interests, hobbies and passions outside of their art. 

Ido seemed like a very personable and forthcoming guy. I appreciated that and had fun talking to him. 

As far as the movie goes, the concept of ‘The Ticket’ really intrigued me. The movie itself is just as intriguing and compelling. Very good plot and storytelling by Ido, incorporated with some fine work from Dan Stevens and the supporting cast really makes this a movie to see. 

‘The Ticket’ is out and available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD

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Interview: Sibling Filmmakers Obin and Amariah Olson Discuss ‘The Shadow Effect’

The Shadow Effect starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Cam Gigandet is out now on DVD, Digital HD and VOD and prior to the release I spoke the the films directors Obin and Amariah Olson. The brothers discussed the making of the movie, what it’s like to be independent filmmakers, the casting of Rhys Meyers and Gigandet and more. Check out the entire audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

What struck me about these guys is how hands-on they are with their projects. They mentioned creating their lighting and assembling their equipment. They seem very passionate about the filmmaking process, which is refreshing to hear. I was also surprised to heir that they finance and produce their films, talk about a do-it-all two man band.

I’ve been a huge fan of Rhys Meyers, to me he’s one of the most underrated actors in the industry (watch his portrayal of Elvis in the CBS TV movie). I enjoyed him in the role of Reese in this film. To be able to land a talent like Rhys Meyers must have been a great feat. The guys stressed how lucky they were to have him sign-on. This seems to be a classic case of knowing people and having friends in the industry to make such connections and seems like the Olson’s have respect in the industry. Gigandet is ideal for a movie like this, he’s made a mark as a solid second level action guy.

The Olson’s seemed like they would be fun guys to be around and creatively open to work with. Even though at times I wasn’t sure which one I was getting responses from (they sound similar), I still enjoyed the energy and casual demeanor they had.

‘The Shadow Effect’ is out now on DVD, Digital HD and VOD

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Interview: ‘The Dinner’ Director Oren Moverman

The Dinner is a intriguing mystery drama recently released. It’s about two couples getting together over dinner for a heated discussion about the impending decisions they have to make in regards to the future of their children, who committed a crime. Writer and director Oren Moverman does a great job of translating this story from book to movie. I spoke to Oren about this process and taking on this movie. Listen to the audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

One thing I noticed is that there is a bit of a difference when I interview foreign directors as opposed to American ones. It has nothing to do with the language barrier, as the foreign directors I’ve interviewed have been very well spoken and clear. The difference I’m noticing is that they seem to be a bit more serious sounding and matter-of-fact. Now this isn’t a bad thing at all, just a different way about them as individuals.

I wasn’t aware that Cate Blanchette was set to direct this film and Oren was supposed to help her write it. I do like how the film turned out at the end so, this was probably a good thing in the end, even though it would be interesting to see how much different it would be with her at the helm. Oren seemed to put a focus on balancing the book with the version he wrote for the movie, which is cool to see a director try to be faithful to the novel even though he had creative freedom to do otherwise.

I’m glad I had a chance to speak to him, as I’ve been a fan of his work on titles such as Rampart and Love & Mercy. This is another well written and crafted movie from him that you should check out, with very good performances.

The Dinner is out now in select theaters 

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Interview: ‘Evanescence’ Amy Lee

Amy Lee had quite the impact on my teenage years. I grew up on her music and band Evanescence. Not to mention having a big crush on her! Imagine how giddy I was when I got a chance to interview her for Voice From The Stone. Amy is lending her incredible voice to the official song of the movie “Speak To Me”. I spoke to Amy about her connection with the movie, about being a new mother and definitely Evanescence. Check out the entire audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

It was such a personal joy for me to speak to Amy Lee. As I mentioned I’m a longtime fan of her work. One of the more underrated musical talents of the last two decades. This was one of the more interesting and insightful interviews I’ve done. She was so cool and personable. Very down to earth. I had a lot I wanted to ask her and luckily I got in most of my questions.

I really felt she was ideal for the soundtrack to Voice From The Stone. Of course it came out great. She really seemed passionate about the film and doing the song for it. It just felt this would be a movie that really meshed her brand, she agreed. She seems to be at a really good point of her life now with the birth of her son. It was interesting to hear her talk about how motherhood has changed her.

So I was quite surprised she isn’t the biggest fan of “My Immortal”. It just goes to show that even though someone is associated to a certain song or it has wide mainstream appeal, it doesn’t mean the artist feels the same connection to it personally. I also was a bit surprised when she said that her recent music is some of her favorite. She did a great job correcting me on the discussion of the early 2000’s being one of the hottest alternative rock eras. I agree, nothing beats the 90’s, but during the peak of Evanescence you had a ton of great bands such as Seether, POD, Drowning Pool, Limp Bizkit, etc. I loved that time.

I really appreciate how genuinely gracious and appreciative she was of me being a fan of her music. It’s one of these interviews that makes you mark out, so the fanboy in me showed up. It was also my second interview with a musician, first was Hailee Steinfeld. Just a very enjoyable interview that I was really pumped about that I feel turned out great. Also, check out Voice From The Stone, it’s really a solid and intriguing suspenseful gothic thriller.

Voice From The Stone is out now on VOD and Digital HD and releases on Blu-ray & DVD on June 6

“Speak To Me” is available now for download on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon and you can stream it on Amazon Music Unlimited, Spotify and Apple Music. 

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Interview: Actress Betty Buckley Discusses ‘Split’

Split is the best psychological thriller of the year, with James McAvoy’s most memorable performance(s).You can buy the movie now on Blu-ray and DVD. I spoke to one of the stars of the film Betty Buckley who plays psychiatrist Dr. Karen Fletcher. Betty discussed working with M. Night Shyamalan and McAvoy, preparing for her role and spoke about her music career. Below you can listen to the entire audio interview.

MY TAKE:

Prior to my interview with Betty, I had no idea about her distinguished music career. She has as long of a music career as she does her acting one. A true dual threat. Betty was interesting to talk to. I started out by asking her about her music career and her recently released new album. I wasn’t familiar with her music, but I did get to listen to a sample from a couple of her songs from the new ”Story Songs” album. It was pretty good. She did talk a little more about her music than I expected her to, but fortunately I did get just enough time to talk about Split. 

I must agree with Betty that James McAvoy’s performance in the film is amazing and one of the all-time best. She had very high praise for him, rightfully so. It was interesting to hear her talk about her preparation for the role and attributing older films she mentioned growing up on and books as preparation for the role. I wasn’t aware that Sterling K. Brown had a scene with her in the movie that ended up getting cut out, but it will be available on the Blu-ray bonus features. Overall, Betty seemed nice and it was a pleasure to talk to her, as I definitely enjoyed her performance in the movie. 

Check out Betty Buckley’s two-disc live album “Story Songs” out now at www.BettyBuckley.com

‘Split’ is out now on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand

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Interview: Jack Lowden & Ophelia Lovibond Discuss ‘Tommy’s Honour’

I had the awesome opportunity recently to speak to actors Jack Lowden and Ophelia Lovibond, the stars of Tommy’s Honour (out now in theaters). The movie about the life of golf’s first superstar and pioneer Tommy Morris. Jack and Ophelia stopped by in Chicago on their promotional tour. Hear the entire audio of my interview with them in the section below.

MY TAKE:

My sit down with Jack Lowden and Ophelia Lovibond was an absolute blast. Those two individuals were so personable and fun. Jack is a very charismatic individual, very excited and talks with passion in his voice. Ophelia was softer spoken and sounded very intelligent. I really go the sense that both actors really understood their roles. Jack was definitive in addressing the fact that this movie is not about golf and that golf was not what attracted him to this role. He definitely shares my sentiment on that. 

I enjoyed listening to Jack talk about the film. He just seemed like a real dude. Ophelia is stunning in person and lights up the room with her smile and presence. My favorite part of the interview was towards the end when I told them about how skeptical I was about the film. Their reaction to it was laughing out loud, in a fun kinda way. They enjoyed that the movie changed my perception. Being with them in the room really gave me an understanding as to how they were able to portray their characters so naturally. They have this very friendly chemistry with each other that is fun to watch. As you can hear, I had a lot of fun meeting them and talking to them. Due to studio and contractual stipulations I wasn’t able to ask Jack about the big upcoming summer movie he’s in that’s directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk. I was so engaged about this film that it ultimately didn’t even matter. My personal highlight was that I had to stones to give Ophelia a hug at the end of the interview. She was so gracious about it. Winning! 

Check out Tommy’s Honour out now in theaters 

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Interview: Director John Hamburg Discusses “Why Him?”

Why Him? Was one of the best comedies in the last year, it recently was released on Blu-ray & DVD. I had a chance to speak to the director of the film John Hamburg. John was the man behind successful comedies such as Meet the Parents, Zoolander, Little Fockers and I Love You, Man. John discusses the making of the film. He talks about working with James Franco and Bryan Cranston, how the idea for the movie originated and a lot more. Check out the audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

John was really cool to talk to. There were some things I learned that surprised me. I thought it was awesome that he was James Franco’s college professor. What are the odds of that happening? Though, how many classes did Franco attend while he was filming 127 Hours? Of course the movie spawned from a story Jonah Hill had told. I can only imagine Johan going to meet the girlfriends parents. 

John is a really engaging individual with a lot of charisma. It was interesting to hear that he doesn’t want to go the route of sequels and seems like from what he said that he wouldn’t come back or entertain a Why Him? sequel. I’m not crazy about sequels myself, but I’d love to see these characters come back. There is no denying that Hamburg is a tremendous writer, his comedies are some classics. No doubt his directing is just as good. This movie couldn’t possibly be easy to direct with all the chaos that ensues. It was a pleasure to talk to John and hear his thoughts on the movie. 

I highly recommend Why Him? It really is a hilarious film. I saw it three times and it’s one of those films that never gets boring. The performances are really good and the casting itself was ideal. Check it out! 

Why Him? is out now on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand