Sean Baker is In Conversation with Ian Haydn Smith on directing Anora. Sean shares his experience casting and working with Mikey Madison, what it was like shooting on a tight budget,  and how the story grew from the film's locations.

Image credit: Christopher Andreou

In Conversation: Sean Baker on Anora

In this episode of 'Screens in Focus,' host Diana and returning guest Grog Hayden discuss the highly anticipated finale of 'Cobra Kai' Season 6, Part 3. They delve into the character arcs, touching moments, and pivotal fights in the final five episodes while also discussing whether the finale successfully honored Mr. Miyagi's legacy. Grog shares his mixed feelings about the series' length and its comedic elements, but appreciates the redemption arcs and emotional growth of characters like Johnny and Daniel. They also provide TV and movie recommendations, including titles like 'Vikings,' 'The Gorge,' and 'Severance.' Grog additionally reminisces about films like 'Fight Club' and discusses upcoming releases such as a new 'Karate Kid' movie. Join Diana and Grog for this deep dive into 'Cobra Kai' and more! 00:00 Welcome to Screens in Focus 00:07 Cobra Kai Season Six Finale Discussion 00:29 Question of the Day: Honoring Mr. Miyagi's Legacy 00:59 Final Five Episodes Breakdown 05:23 Johnny Lawrence: The Lovable Loser 05:54 Character Arcs and Resolutions 08:09 The Evolution of Miguel and Samantha 09:15 Daniel and Amanda's Relationship 10:21 Redemption Arcs and Character Growth 22:28 The Final Fights and Action Sequences 31:49 The Sensei Showdown 38:50 Did the Finale Honor Miyagi's Legacy? 43:33 Reflecting on Cobra Kai's Tribute to Mr. Miyagi 44:02 Final Thoughts on Cobra Kai's Seasons and Future 44:51 Favorite Moments and Highlights 45:53 Speculations and Real-Life Connections 54:45 Johnny's Quotes and Memorable Scenes 01:02:42 TV and Movie Recommendations 01:15:25 Concluding Remarks and Happy TV Time.&nbsp;  Grog Hayden:      &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:

Cobra Kai Series Finale: Epic Fights, Redemption & Mr. Miyagi’s Legacy! Ep. 253

In this edition of EoM Presents, Senior Interviewer Thomas Manning talks with writer and director Corey Sherman about his debut feature film "Big Boys." This queer coming-of-age comedy has been nominated at the GLAAD Media Awards in addition to the Film Independent 2025 Spirit Awards. Sherman discusses Isaac Krasner’s relatable lead performance as a painfully awkward teen, as well as the art of editing in comedy. 

Available on DVD, VOD, digital June 11th, 2024.

https://www.bigboysfilm.com/

Official Synopsis:
Jamie’s dream camping trip is ruined before it begins when he finds out that his cousin is bringing her new boyfriend. However, his initial jealousy of the competent and confident Dan quickly turns into a friendship as they bond over cooking, games and both being ‘big boys’. As his burgeoning crush gets him into awkward scrapes and arguments, Jamie begins to come to terms with who he is, and his desires. Hilarious and heartwarming, "Big Boys" is the type of coming-of-age film we need more of.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/VPPS3SbnTCk?si=QGOfyYHzrw7rUO0q

Directed/Written By: Corey Sherman
Cast: Isaac Krasner, David Johnson III, Dora Madison Burge, Emily Deschanel, Taj Cross

A Conversation with "Big Boys" writer/director Corey Sherman.

In this podcast, Film Ireland is delighted to partner with the National Talent Academy for Film & TV and GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival as we're joined by three participants from their fantastic starGAZE programme. This is a platform for LGBTQIA talent that provides access to Irish and international creatives, full festival access, and mentorship with an established LGBTQIA filmmaker.

Listen back as cinematographer Alba Fernandez, producer and screenwriter Philip Emo, and director and screenwriter Hiram Harrington talk about craft, career and what makes a film great. 

starGAZE 2025 applications are now open

GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival has announced the second year of their professional development programme starGAZE, supporting by the National Talent Academies. The initiative which will support six emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers is now open for applications. starGAZE provides a platform for LGBTQIA talent through an internationally recognised film festival by giving participants access to Irish and international creatives, full festival access and a mentorship with an established LGBTQIA filmmaker.

starGAZE 2025 will accept applications from LGBTQIA people of all backgrounds, particularly encouraging applicants from the global majority, trans and non-binary people, people from working-class communities, the Travelling community, people with disabilities and all equity-seeking individuals facing additional challenges within the film industry. starGAZE is supported by the National Talent Academy Film & TV Drama and by the Arts Council of Ireland.

starGAZE's ambition is to increase the number of Irish LGBTQIA stories on screen and showcase the next generation of Irish queer and trans voices.

Apply by Monday 14 April, 5pm here: 

https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/courses-activities-programmes/stargaze-2025

Read more about these creatives here:
https://filmireland.net/2025/03/21/podcast-introducing-stargaze-participants-alba-fernandez-philip-emo-hiram-harrington/

Presents: StarGAZE Participants Alba Fernandez, Philip Emo & Hiram Harrington

🎙️ In this episode of The RGB Podcast, we sit down with Brian Brough, a prolific filmmaker who has produced and directed around 60 films—and consistently makes money doing it. Brian has mastered the business and creative sides of filmmaking, successfully bringing stories to life while ensuring profitability in an ever-changing industry.

As the founder of Candlelight Media Group, Brian has developed a streamlined approach to production that balances creativity with financial sustainability. In this conversation, we dive into what it really takes to produce and direct films at scale, how to navigate the entertainment industry, and the key strategies for making films that not only resonate with audiences but also turn a profit.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of making movies, this episode is packed with valuable insights from someone who has done it—again and again.

🎧 Listen now to hear Brian’s journey and how he built a successful career producing and directing films that work both artistically and financially!

👉 Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of filmmaking and creative business!

 

Brian Brough: The Secrets to Producing Profitable Films | The RGB Podcast | Ep. 2

For Episode 66 of EoM Presents, EoM Contributor Joel Winstead sits down with documentary filmmaker Liam Le Guillou to discuss "A Cursed Man." Premiering in L.A. on March 22nd ahead of its VOD release on March 25th, Guillou discusses his project to determine the reality of magic and gets into why he doesn't recommend this for anyone else. 

It's an extensive conversation, so strap in.

Premiering in L.A. on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025.
Available on VOD on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025.

https://www.liamleguillou.com/

Official Synopsis:
Documentary filmmaker Liam Le Guillou enters the world of witchcraft: and the occult, searching for an answer to the question “is magic real?” Seeking out some of the world's most powerful dark magic practitioners, Le Guillou will ask the unthinkable - will they put a Curse on him. Meeting with Witches in California, Voodoo practitioners in New Orleans, Tantrics in India, and even a Satanist Shaman in Mexico, the filmmaker exposes himself to some of the world’s darkest magic. On his Journey, Le Guillou meets with psychologists, and scientists studying the real world eﬀects of magic and the power of belief.

As the consequences of his request begin to hit home, Le Guillou seeks out help from the very witches that warned him of his actions, forcing him to question the nature of reality in this dangerous, never-before-seen, dark social experiment.

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/NUcMfQMnzkU?si=fu_NvAy_-E0IzQaN

Directed/Written By: Liam Le Guillou


A Conversation with "A Cursed Man" writer/director Liam Le Guillou.

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the casting process behind Channel 4 series, Queenie, in the latest episode of the Directors UK Podcast.

Recorded live at our career development masterclass last Autumn, Director (episodes 1-4) Joelle Mae David, Casting Director Aisha Bywaters, and lead actor Dionne Brown, explore the show’s approach to casting. Director James Kent hosts their conversation.

Listen to the discussion wherever you get your podcasts.

Working with a Casting Director: A Masterclass on Queenie

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

In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into the long-awaited return of The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2. They revisit where we left off nearly two years ago, refresh listeners on key characters, and unpack major storylines featuring Negan, Maggie, and Hershel. They pose the philosophical question of whether one can fake being a villain without becoming one again. Plus, they introduce the show’s intriguing new characters, break down power struggles between Manhattan and the Babylon Federation, and speculate about what’s ahead. The episode wraps with fresh TV and movie recs, including The Last of Us, You, The Righteous Gemstones, and more. 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;

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 Premiere Breakdown, Ep 264

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

Free background music from JewelBeat.com

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