In this interview for EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning talks with the cast and crew of the new film “Zero,” including writer and director Jean Luc Herbulot, actor, writer, and producer Hus Miller, and actor Cam McHarg. This geo-political thriller from Well Go USA Entertainment was filmed on location in Dakar, Senegal and explores the oppressive system of capitalism with tightly crafted suspense and tension, as well as a darkly comedic tone. Plus, Oscar-nominee Willem Dafoe appears in a key voice role, acting as the film’s de facto narrator. 

In theaters and on digital April 11th, 2025.

https://wellgousa.com/films/zero

Official Synopsis:
Two strangers searching for purpose in Dakar, Senegal, wake up with bombs strapped to their chests, counting down from ten hours. Controlled by a mysterious voice, they must complete a series of chaotic missions with devastating consequences. As the city erupts in protest against Western influence, the reluctant partners race for redemption. "Zero" is a thrilling, darkly humorous tale of survival, connection, and the human search for meaning.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/_wVUlt_kWko

Directed By: Jean Luc Herbulot
Written By: Jean Luc Herbulot, Hus Miller
Cast: Hus Miller, Cam McHarg, Gary Dourdan, Roger Sallah, Moran Rosenblatt, Willem Dafoe

A Conversation with "Zero" filmmaker Jean Luc Herbulot and actors Hus Miller and Cam McHarg.

Episode 15 of the PAD podcast is a special one featuring our first in-person podcast interview with recent PAD alum and director of the #WashU production of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Brenna Jones! Literally on the Spelling Bee set, Rob talks with Brenna about all things Spelling Bee comprised of an all-student cast, designers, and crew but also discusses her many outside projects that she managed even while a busy WashU student! In 2018, Brenna was approached by the Showboat Theatre Board in her hometown of Hermann, MO and asked to start a program for the local students to experience theatre. Along with her business partner, Brenna created the Half Act Theatre Company, which has grown to a troupe of over 100 students ages 4-18 that continues to bring summer camp theatre to Hermann and change young lives in the process. She has also helped to kickstart the Riverside Theatre Project, which is a cross-community collaboration between St. Louis and Hermann designed to open up dialogue between rural and urban artists. Don’t miss this inspiring episode interview with one of Missouri’s rising theatre stars: Brenna Jones!

15: Brenna Jones

Recorded live at a Directors UK members event, in partnership with Illuminatrix and FOMO House, director Shannon Murphy and DoP Annika Summerson explore their recent collaboration on BBC drama Dope Girls, in a live discussion moderated by DoP Susanne Salavati.

Shannon and Annika share how their creative partnership evolved during filming.

Image Credit: BBC/Bad Wolf/Grant Royce

Shannon Murphy and DoP Annika Summerson on Dope Girls, with Illuminatrix and FOMO House

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to José Miguel Jiménez, Director of 'Amanda', which is screening at Docs Ireland (23-29 June 2025).  We also catch up with Festival Programmer Stuart Sloan about this years' line up. 


Amanda has painted in isolation for years, using art as both expression and refuge. Now, she must face the challenge of speaking out about a painful past she wishes to leave behind.

Once institutionalised and labeled by others, Amanda reclaims her narrative through her unique canvases — works that evoke the chaos of her experience, paintings marked by scars that mirror her own.

As she prepares for her first retrospective and her story reaches national newspapers, Amanda navigates the vulnerability of sharing both her art and truth. Will this confrontation lead to healing, or reopen old wounds?

Through observational hangouts and immersive explorations of her luminous works, the film captures her journey to transform silence into radiance.

Directed by José Miguel Jiménez
Produced by Roisín Geraghty
Funded by: The Arts Council of Ireland's Reel Art Fund

Amanda screens on 27th June 2025 as part of Docs Ireland.

Tickets: https://queensfilmtheatre.com/Whats-On/Amanda

https://www.littlerose.ie/amanda-2025

Docs Ireland Podcast: José Miguel Jiménez, Director of 'Amanda'

Presents: José Miguel Jiménez, Director of 'Amanda' & Docs Ireland Programmer & Stuart Sloan

Since author Bram Stoker published "Dracula" in 1897, countless adaptations of the novel have been released from films seeking to bring the words on the page to life to authors adding their own spin to the tale through original works. One such adaptive work is author Joe Hill’s "Abraham’s Boys," first published in 2007 and now adapted for the big screen by writer/director Natasha Kermani ("Imitation Girl;" "Lucky") in "Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story." Kermani’s original work held its world premiere at The Overlook Film Festival 2025 and is now set for a theatrical release on July 11th. 

In the fourth of four interviews, EoM Contributor Joel Winstead sits down with writer/director Natasha Kermani to discuss her approach to adapting Joe Hill’s story, bringing her perspective to the source material, the opportunity of telling a story post-"Dracula," and more in their brief conversation.

In theaters July 11th, 2025.

Official Synopsis:
Max and Rudy Van Helsing have spent their lives under the strict and overprotective rule of their father, Abraham. Unaware of his dark past, they struggle to understand his paranoia and increasingly erratic behavior. But when they begin to uncover the violent truths behind their father’s history with Dracula, their world unravels, forcing them to confront the terrifying legacy they were never meant to inherit.

Official Trailer: youtu.be/-2BJrCzvEZQ

Directed/Written By: Natasha Kermani
Based Upon the Short Story by: Joe Hill
Cast: Titus Welliver, Jocelin Donahue, Judah Mackey, Aurora Perrineau, Brady Hepner, Corteon Moore

A Conversation with "Abraham's Boys: A Dracula Story" writer/director Natasha Kermani

Deep Dive into the '28' Franchise: Examining the Rage-infected Universe. In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam delve into the 28 franchise, covering 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and teasing 28 Years Later. They explore their personal connections to the genre, character arcs, unforgettable moments, and the emotional impact of each film. The convo even wraps with a fun question: If you were infected, what trait would you want to keep? Let us know yours! Timestamps/Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the 28 Franchise 00:32 Personal Zombie Genre Experiences 05:58 Question of the Day: Zombie Traits 06:34 Diving into 28 Days Later 12:56 Memorable Moments and Reflections 22:52 Exploring Rage and Humanity in 28 Days Later 25:53 First Impressions of 28 Weeks Later 29:06 Don’s Controversial Choices 34:31 Character Relationships and Epic Moments 38:24 Final Thoughts and Future of the Franchise 42:01 Question of the Day and Closing Remarks &nbsp; And hey, we’re on Ko-fi! If you love what we do, you can support us there and help keep the recaps rolling.&nbsp; ☕https://ko-fi.com/screensinfocus Website:  Email: &nbsp; X  Instagram:  Facebook:  Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:&nbsp; Google voice (669) 223-8542‬&nbsp; Free background music from JewelBeat.com:  &nbsp;#CillianMurphy #JeremyRenner #28Dayslater #28WeeksLater #28YearsLater&nbsp;

28 Days, 28 Weeks… and a Glimpse at 28 Years Later

Known in some circles as "The She-Devil with a Sword," author Robert E. Howard's "Red Sonja" has been adapted from his novels into comics and, until recently, only one theatrical title. Director MJ Bassett has changed this with her Matilda Lutz-led adaptation, titled "Red Sonja," that released in theaters for one-night only on August 13th and is set for a VOD release on August 29th, unleashing a new tale with the Hyborian Age for audiences to experience. 

Sitting down with EoM Contributor AJ Friar, Bassett and Lutz discuss how they each became attached to the project, how practical effects impacted the process, and a great deal more in this brief conversation.

Official Summary:
Captured. Chained. Forced to fight for survival. Red Sonja must battle her way through the blood-soaked pits of a tyrant’s empire and rally an army of outcasts to reclaim her freedom and take down Dragan and his ruthless bride, Dark Annisia.

Available on VOD August 29th, 2025.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/-Oqql6RErHc

Directed By: MJ Bassett
Written By: Tasha Huo
Cast: Matilda Lutz, Martyn Ford, Robert Sheehan, Wallis Day, Michael Bisping, Philip Winchester, Trevor Eve, Luca Pasqualino, Rhona Mitra, Sofia Weldon

A Conversation with "Red Sonja" director MJ Bassett and actor Matilda Lutz.

 Olaide Sadiq’s directorial debut Grenfell: Uncovered examines the disturbing chain of events that led to the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, giving survivors, bereaved families and firefighters a platform to share their story.

In the latest episode of the Directors UK Podcast, recorded live at our exclusive member event last month, Olaide sits down with fellow documentary director Toby Trackman, to discuss how she became involved with the project, her approach to working with collaborators and the responsibility she felt towards them as director, and what it was like working with Netflix on this project.

Olaide Sadiq and Toby Trackman on Grenfell: Uncovered

Join JB, J$ and Davey Joe for the first of their freeform segments for the third season of The No-Name Cinema Society.  In this #SoundOff, the boys answer some of your tweeted questions from their 2016 Finale.  They also do a Top 5 Indies of 2011 AND JB revisits one of the 1966 films they didn't get to discuss on their 1966 in Review show.  Originally aired on YouTube in October 2017.

The No-Name Cinema Society Sound Off #23 (Episode 39.4) - Top 5 2011 Indies

Our two new books...  STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
and  17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character -  https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd

In this Film Courage podcast, we speak with husband and wife duo, Jason Gerber and Blue Gerber, a co-directing team working in films and commercials together and individually. Their first feature documentary is DAWN DUSK, available on multiple platforms (link below). 

DAWN DUSK features Chelli Look, an artist specializing in handbags, experiences overwhelming grief after the murder of her sister by her brother-in-law. In the years that follow, Chelli’s journey towards healing forces her to rediscover who she is as an artist, leading to an unexpected revelation that takes her in a new direction.

They have directed commercials for brands such as Walgreens, 7UP, Scotch-Brite, Meiomi Wine, Chipotle, Intelligentsia, LOEWE and more. Their heart for storytelling can be seen in their work for The Boys & Girls Clubs, GE Girls, Athletes Unlimited, Lincoln Park Community Services, which won a Silver Telly, as well as piece for Chicago Connected which was shared by President Barack Obama. Their most recent short film, Otis’ Dream, about voter suppression, debuted during the months leading up to the 2020 election and was shared by Oprah as an official Super Soul Sunday short film, gaining attention from major media outlets.

Female and male, tactful and feeling, they evoke imagination and authentic human narratives directing as one voice.

Where to find the film:

https://www.dawnduskfilm.com

Where to watch:

https://www.dawnduskfilm.com/where-to-watch

Truth About Building A Film Career - DAWN DUSK Filmmakers Blue Gerber and Jason Gerber

Daryl Dixon is back! In the Season 3 premiere, Diana and Renee dive into hope, hot dogs, and heartstrings. From boat rides and stormy waters to Daryl and Carol’s unshakable bond, we break down the biggest moments, emotional themes, and surprising symbols. Along the way, we touch on the haunting English landscapes and the first glimpses of Spain. Plus, our apocalypse food question, best kills, and TV recs you won’t want to miss: The Runarounds, Inside Man, Entitled, Only Murders In The Building and more!&nbsp; 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 Trailer Talk and Episode Highlights 00:56 Question of the Day: Apocalypse Food 01:11 Episode Recap: Key Moments and Reactions 03:50 Daryl and Carol's Chemistry 04:21 Exploring Carol and Daryl's Relationship 14:53 Themes and Cinematography 16:00 New Characters and Mysterious Encounters 24:37 Intriguing First Episode and Mysterious Disappearance 26:20 Rapid Fire Questions: Scariest Walker Moments 28:35 Emotional Moments and Character Reflections 30:28 Best Kills and Action Beats 32:47 Symbolism of Canned Hot Dogs 35:08 Question of the Day: Food That Reminds You of Home 36:56 Parting Thoughts and Anticipations 38:43 TV and Movie Recommendations 46:32 Conclusion and Farewell   Renee Hansen: &nbsp;&nbsp;   &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus. Website:  Email: &nbsp; X  Instagram:  Facebook:  Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Google voice (669) 223-8542‬&nbsp; Free background music from JewelBeat.com:  &nbsp;

Daryl Dixon S3 Premiere Breakdown | Hope, Hot Dogs & Heartstrings

Est. in 2009 - YouTube channel on writing/film/acting

Check out our 2 new books! STORY QUESTIONS and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character
https://payhip.com/StoryQuestions

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I am a Teaching Professor of Drama (Design) at Washington University in St. Louis

Available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.

The Directors UK Podcast allows the listener to attend our member events with top directors. Hear what directors have to say when they speak to a room of their peers, and gain exclusive insight into their creative process.

Directors UK is the professional association for UK screen directors. With over 8,500 members, we represent directors’ rights and concerns, promote excellence in the craft of direction and champion change to the current landscape to create an equal opportunity industry for all.

LINK TO ALL EPISODES: https://www.screensinfocus.com/podcast-1
Diana and Friends love TV shows and Movies and breakdown their favorites and review the latest! They talk about TWD: Daryl Dixon, Cobra Kai, House of the Dragon, movies and more!  

You can find ALL episodes on our website or other apps listed here: 
www.screensinfocus.com

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Elements of Madness is an entertainment website focused on cinematic releases past, present, and future. With so many channels to watch films, and more arriving every day, EoM seeks to help cut through the clutter by focusing on not just the big studio pieces, but also the smaller indie pictures hitting theaters and streaming services. Though our team is small, the combination of their particular talents and view of cinema is the mixture that leads to madness.

Covering all things cinema on the island of Ireland.

New tracks tagged #Directing