Bleav No Script No Problem podcast

59:43

This week I talk to Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker GEETA GANDBHIR about two of her latest documentary projects: "Eyes on the Prize III," which is streaming now on MAX , and "The Perfect Neighbor," which just won best directing for a U.S. documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. Listen as Geeta describes her early inspirations, working with the great Spike Lee and the esteemed Sam Pollard and how those experiences shaped her into the filmmaker she is today. Geeta explains the importance of MAX's six-part civil rights-focused docu-series , "Eyes on the Prize III," at this moment in our nation's perilous history and why her independent doc, "The Perfect Neighbor," about Florida's controversial "stand your ground" law is exactly the type of story streamers need to make more of. Geeta also provides some terrific advice for young filmmakers that is definitely worth listening to. You can find the episode anywhere you get your podcasts, including on YouTube. Links to my website and YouTube channel are below. Thanks! My Website My YouTube Channel Adolescence Behind the Scenes Brent Freeburg's GoFundMe for his recovery after a stroke GoFundMe for Jessica Honeycutt to help her fight against cancer GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Filmmaker Alexandra Lacey revisits the 2011 Joplin tornado in Netflix's "The Twister: Caught in the Storm" 51:54

hace 26 días51:54

51:54

This week, I chop it up with filmmaker ALEXANDRA LACEY , the writer and director of "The Twister: Caught in the Storm," a coming-of-age NETFLIX documentary about the devastating 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, told from the perspective of a group of young people, who encounter the extreme power of a rare EF-5, mile-wide monster tornado on high school graduation day. This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, and yet its community overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope. The film features adrenaline-inducing real-life footage, filmed by people in Joplin, taking us into the eye of the storm. Here is the The Twister: Caught in the Storm trailer Listen as Alex explains the painstaking effort that went into creating the sound and look of this epic documentary, so the audience can truly appreciate what the people of Joplin experienced on that fateful day, which changed all of their lives forever. Alexandra also details why she chose a group of then teenagers as her main participants in the documentary and how resilient the citizens of Joplin are. Stream the doc now on Netflix and watch my interview with Alex on my My YouTube Channel or just listen to it anywhere you get podcasts Thanks! Adolescence Behind the Scenes Brent Freeburg's GoFundMe for his recovery after a stroke GoFundMe for Jessica Honeycutt to help her fight against cancer GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
National Geographic Explorer and wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz is blazing her own trail 56:09

hace 6 weeks56:09

56:09

This week, I chat with the adventurous National Geographic Explorer , TV host, and wildlife filmmaker MALAIKA VAZ , the co-founder and CEO of Untamed Planet , a production company dedicated to making incredible environmental documentary films and nonfiction series that will impact and educate the public. Malaika was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and won Best On-Screen Talent at the 2024 Wildscreen Awards. Malaika's amazing work has taken her across some of the most hostile terrain on all seven continents - including hiking across glaciers in the Antarctic, filming undercover with criminal syndicates and diving with tiger sharks. Listen as we discuss how she got started making films at such a young age, why she has chosen to focus on wildlife and the environment with her films, what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer, and how she goes about telling environmental stories differently than celebrities like Al Gore and Leo DiCaprio. You can also watch the show on YouTube. Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. I've also included a link to a GoFundMe for a camera operator I worked with named Brent Freeburg. A few weeks ago he suffered two strokes. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! Brent Freeburg's GoFundMe for his recovery after a stroke State of Create Report GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Why America Loves Serial Killer Docs with Showrunner and Director Amy Goodman Kass 51:38

hace 8 weeks51:38

51:38

America loves true crime documentaries... especially if they are about serial killers. This week, I chat with true crime aficionado AMY GOODMAN KASS about her latest project, " "RICHARD RAMIREZ: THE NIGHT STALKER TAPES," which she executive produced and directed for PEACOCK, and we discuss why our country is obsessed with the stories of the worst of the worst. We dig into how Amy was able to take never-before-heard audio tapes from the notorious Night Stalker and bring them to life. Listen as Amy also shares her experiences working on other critically acclaimed projects like Showtime's "Love Fraud" and "Hollywood Black" (MGM+) and explains why it's important to explore other genres outside of true crime. And of course, we take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about our times attending the one and only Washington University in St. Louis. Lastly... Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
How Nat Geo's "Sugarcane" documentary became an Oscar-nominated phenomenon with co-directors Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat 50:52

hace 11 weeks50:52

50:52

In this episode, I talk to filmmakers EMILY KASSIE and JULIAN BRAVE NOISECAT , who are nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category for their incredible documentary film, " SUGARCANE ," which hails from National Geographic Documentaries. "Sugarcane" chronicles a groundbreaking investigation into decades of systemic abuse at Indigenous boarding schools in Canada. Listen as I talk to Emily and Julian about how they were able to embed with the participants of the film for 160 days of shooting. Learn how the co-directors raised money to make their first documentary feature and how Julian balanced participating on camera with his father while also co-directing with Emily. We also dig into their bold stylistic and story choices, as this film looks and sounds unlike any of the other Oscar nominees. Watch "Sugarcane" on Hulu, Nat Geo, or Disney+ and catch our interview anywhere you get podcasts, including YouTube. Additionally... Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Glitter and Greed filmmakers plus Hollywood responds to the devastating wildfires 42:01

hace 12 weeks42:01

42:01

This week, I chat with award-winning filmmakers MARY ROBERTSON and ARIANNA LAPENNE , the creative forces behind AMAZON PRIME VIDEO'S four-part documentary series , "Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story." Listen as Mary and Arianna explain how and why they investigated the rise and fall of this famously colorful but internally and privately troublesome company. As director, Arianna takes us inside her creative process of how she shaped the unique interview looks, which help drive the series and illustrate who these former employees really are. Plus, Mary discusses why her company - MAXINE PRODUCTIONS - likes these types of nostalgic documentaries that shine a light on certain issues that may not have been so obvious back then. Lastly, I discuss the effects of the horrendous wildfires that are destroying the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in the Los Angeles area. While I am safe, several of my former colleagues and friends have lost their homes. It is the most destructive and devastating fire in my 20 years of living in LA. Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Gladiator II co-editor Sam Restivo takes us inside the edit bay of the hit sequel 59:48

hace 14 weeks59:48

59:48

Gladiator II co-editor SAM RESTIVO joins "No Script No Problem" to talk about cutting the massive action sequel to the Academy-Award winning film and how he came to collaborate with legendary director RIDLEY SCOTT for the 5th time. Listen as Sam shares intimate details of how he and co-editor Claire Simpson cut critical scenes in the film, working with over 10 cameras on some scenes and heavy VFX at times to bring this epic movie to life. Sam brings us amazing stories from inside the edit bay and on the set of this hit film, which has grossed over $435-million at the global box office so far. In the interview, Sam also explains how he got his start in the industry and worked his way diligently up the Hollywood ladder to be able to edit a blockbusters like Gladiator II and Napoleon. He provides some valuable advice for anyone working their way up in the entertainment industry. Sam and I also discuss the ongoing debate about AI's presence in Hollywood. And lastly, I give you my take on Netflix's foray into broadcasting NFL games on Christmas Day. Thanks for listening! You can also watch on YouTube. Gladiator II Trailer The Berk Report My Instagram Connect with me on Bluesky…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Directors Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet explore the murky parole system in their HBO documentary "Nature of the Crime" 52:30

hace 16 weeks52:30

52:30

This week on "No Script No Problem," I chat with award-winning filmmakers RICKI STERN and JESSE SWEET , the directors of the fascinating new HBO documentary, "NATURE OF THE CRIME," which chronicles the emotional journeys of three inmates, as they try to make parole while serving long prison sentences for serious offenses. Listen as they describe a tough 4-year production process and how they were able to get access to the prisons. Plus, Ricki and Jesse describe the struggle to balance the sensitivity with victims of the crimes along with the effort to tell a unique story about the quest for a second chance. Lastly, we discuss the state of documentaries today and what AI's role might be in the future of nonfiction. Listen to the episode anywhere you get podcasts and stream "Nature of the Crime" on MAX. You can check out the trailer below. Thanks! Nature of the Crime trailer My website…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
AI in entertainment, Comcast spins off its cable networks, and Tyson v. Paul 57:57

hace 20 weeks57:57

57:57

This week, I'm joined by Aisha Corpas Wynn, one half of "The AI Chicks", and the hosts of the "AI Powered by People" podcast - Chad Reynolds and Sarah Nagle - for a riveting discussion about how AI is affecting the entertainment industry now and what effects it might have in the future. Chad is a CEO of Vurvey AI , and Aisha provides some outstanding insight on how the technology is working inside Hollywood today. If you are interested or worried about how AI will affect your job or your endeavors, listen to this episode. I also dig into the earth shattering move by Comcast to spin off a slew of its cable companies into a new entity. What does this mean for news? What about Bravo? And I give you my two cents on the disastrous Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson event. Listen anywhere you get podcasts and watch on YouTube. Email any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com My Website AI Powered by People Podcast Vurvey AI company website The AI Chicks Podcast…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Filmmaker Natalie Hewit discusses her epic and innovative Nat Geo documentary "Endurance" 1:03:28

hace 23 weeks1:03:28

1:03:28

In this episode of No Script No Problem, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker NATALIE HEWIT joins the show to talk about her new epic Nat Geo documentary, "ENDURANCE," which deftly chronicles the inspiring stories of two landmark expeditions in Antarctica - the original by Ernest Shackleton in 1914 and the modern-day search for his sunken ship. Natalie shares some riveting details of what it was like to be on the boat with the crew searching for the shipwreck Endurance while filming in below freezing temperatures. She also describes some of the groundbreaking AI technology they used to bring Shackleton's voice into the film. If you love adventure and defying the odds, this is a documentary you will love. You can watch it on Nat Geo, Disney + and Hulu. Listen to my interview with Natalie anywhere you get podcasts and watch it on YouTube. Some other topics I discuss include: Comcast's possible spinoff of its cable assets Governor Newsom's proposal to increase the film tax credit in California Netflix's 3rd quarter earnings Links below for more information: Newsom proposes an increase in tax credit Comcast could spin off cable assets Endurance Trailer…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Documentary filmmaker Amy Nicholson gets personal with her latest film, "Happy Campers" 38:27

hace 30 weeks38:27

38:27

This week on No Script No Problem, I talk to documentary filmmaker Amy Nicholson about her new feature doc “ Happy Campers,” which chronicles the final days at a waterfront Virginia trailer park that welcomes all with a smile… until developers come in, buy up the property, and kick the folks who've loved the place for generations out. Listen as Amy explains how she lived in the trailer park during production and how she felt when capitalism collided with this loving community. Amy also explains how she got the film made, which was not easy, and gives some advice for young filmmakers. You can watch "Happy Campers" via video on demand on platforms like Apple TV+ and Amazon. Here's the trailer . Listen to NSNP anywhere you listen to podcasts and watch the show on YouTube . Thanks!…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
"Quiet on Set" filmmakers discuss their shocking, Emmy-nominated docuseries about child actors at Nickelodeon 29:36

hace 33 weeks29:36

29:36

This week I chat with award-winning filmmakers Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz to discuss their Emmy-nominated, critically acclaimed, and hugely popular MAX and Discovery ID docuseries - "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," which sheds light on the troubling experiences of child actors in the entertainment industry, particularly those who worked on popular Nickelodeon shows produced by powerful showrunner Dan Schneider. Emma and Mary explain how they brought the project together and the keys to getting this very sensitive information from folks who were hesitant to talk. We also discuss why these types of projects are so important. The groundbreaking series set the internet ablaze with revelations of a toxic environment on set that included a voice coach getting arrested for sexually abusing one of the young stars. Dozens of former child stars have spoken out both during the series and since causing a reckoning in Hollywood and forcing the industry to make changes. Afterwards, I discuss the recent slew of insane announcements in entertainment, including a famous chicken restaurant entering the streaming wars and journalists declaring cable TV dead.…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Executive Producer Barry Levy discusses his new superhero Apple TV+ series "ME," White dudes zoom for Harris, and Reality TV struggles 52:03

hace 36 weeks52:03

52:03

This week I'm joined by Barry L. Levy , the creator, showrunner and executive producer of the new Apple TV+ original coming-of-age superhero series, “ME”. The show revolves around 12-year-old Ben Vasani, who is struggling at a new school with his new blended family when his life gets even more complicated. Ben discovers that he can transform into anyone he meets. As a shapeshifter, Ben must figure out who he is and who he wants to be. We get into how he sold an original series in the time where IP is everything and platforms are hesitant to buy new ideas. We also talk about his visions of an "Apple Cinematic Universe" and how he crafted the characters based on people he knows in real life. Plus, I get into the struggles in reality TV and the industry at large. Listen to the episode anywhere you get your podcasts and check out "ME" on Apple TV+. You can find the trailer below along with my website. Thanks! ME Trailer My Website…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Horror author Chris Panatier and hip-hop filmmaker Sacha Jenkins 1:10:03

hace 41 weeks1:10:03

1:10:03

A little horror and a little hip-hop in this two-interview episode of No Script No Problem. I'm joined by award-winning documentary filmmaker SACHA JENKINS to discuss his amazing film, "ALL UP IN THE BIZ," about the late rapper BIZ MARKIE, and I talk to author CHRIS PANATIER about his riveting new horror novel, "THE REDEMPTION OF MORGAN BRIGHT." Check out the All Up in the Biz Trailer and watch the documentary on Showtime or Paramount +. Or maybe it's Paramount + with Showtime. Something like that. Biz's hit "Just a Friend" is one of the top 100 greatest hip-hop songs of all time, and his humor was groundbreaking to the genre. I talk to Sacha about the legacy Biz leaves behind and his influence on hip-hop. Chris talks about his evolution as an author and his attraction to the horror genre. His journey from civil litigator to full-time writer is inspiring and definitely worth hearing. The book is scary and gripping. If you like thrillers or horror, this is for you. You can buy The Redemption of Morgan Bright on Amazon here. Send any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com Thanks!…

Bleav No Script No Problem

1
Netflix's Dan Rather Documentary; Unscripted Struggles; the Chiefs' Kicker Controversy; and the WNBA Season Tips Off 1:04:13

hace 47 weeks1:04:13