Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.

On today’s episode, we are diving into the high-stakes world of true crime and the intricate process of bringing procedural intensity to the small screen. Joining us is Executive Producer Matt Robbins to discuss his work on the series FEDS, which is currently airing on Investigation Discovery.

We’re specifically looking at the upcoming episode, "Gangbuster," which premieres on April 1st. It’s a compelling look at a community in Southern Florida gripped by a wave of unsolved shootings, and the story follows rookie FBI Special Agent Jessica Box as she attempts to dismantle the gang responsible.

In our conversation, Matt and I talk about the balance between the gritty reality of gang violence and the character-driven narrative of a rookie agent finding her footing under immense pressure. We also touch on the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement that makes this particular episode so authentic.

It’s an insightful look at the storytelling behind one of the most gripping crime dramas on television right now. So, let’s get into it—here is my interview with Matt Robbins

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. If you are anything like me, you are always searching for those rare stories that feel both intellectually sharp and deeply human, films that capture the messy, rhythmic chaos of life and relationships. Today, we are diving into a project that fits that description perfectly: the new romantic dramedy, Fantasy Life. Fresh off a triumphant run at the SXSW Film Festival—where it took home the Audience Award and a Special Jury Award for its star, Amanda Peet—Fantasy Life is a smart, New York-centric story written and directed by its lead, Matthew Shear.

The film follows Sam Stein, played by Shear, a former paralegal who, after a panic attack, finds himself babysitting for his own psychiatrist. What follows is a summer on Martha's Vineyard involving a stalled actor played by Peet, her rock-bassist husband played by Alessandro Nivola, a house full of grandparents, and the delicate, shared history of mental illness. It features an incredible ensemble cast including legends like Judd Hirsch, Bob Balaban, and Holland Taylor. Joining me today is the multi-hyphenate behind the film, Matthew Shear, to talk about the transition from acting to the director's chair and the inspiration behind this "smart New York rom-com." Because there was so much to dig into regarding the writing process and this stellar cast, we have the entire conversation for you today, presented in two parts.

Fantasy Life opens in New York on March 27th, with a nationwide theatrical release on April 3rd. Let’s get into my interview with Matthew Shear.

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast, your go-to source for in-depth interviews with today’s most exciting filmmakers and performers.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the legendary Doug Jones to discuss his latest film, Operation Taco Garry’s — a wildly absurd sci-fi comedy that blends alien invasions, outrageous humor, and a taco joint at the center of a cosmic conspiracy.

Operation Taco Garry’s follows two brothers who accidentally uncover an intergalactic plot hidden inside Taco Gary’s. What starts as a wrong-turn road trip quickly turns into a fight to save Earth. This off-the-wall alien invasion comedy stars Simon Rex, Dustin Milligan, Brenda Song, Jason Biggs, and Doug Jones in a cast packed with comedic talent.

Known for his transformative performances and iconic creature roles, Doug Jones brings his signature physicality and creativity to this unique sci-fi adventure. In this exclusive interview, we explore:

• What attracted Doug Jones to Operation Taco Garry’s

• How he approached the film’s over-the-top sci-fi comedy tone

• What makes this alien invasion story stand out from traditional genre films

• Behind-the-scenes insights from working with the cast

If you’re a fan of sci-fi comedies, alien invasion movies, or Doug Jones’ unforgettable performances, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Operation Taco Garry’s hits theaters Friday, February 27, so grab your tickets and experience the chaos, comedy, and cosmic conspiracy on the big screen.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the Following Films Podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing you exclusive interviews with the filmmakers and actors you love.

Now, let’s dive in. Here’s our conversation with Doug Jones.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast! I’m your host, Chris Maynard.

Today, we are diving into a massive double-feature cinematic event. Releasing simultaneously on Digital today, February 20, 2026, are One Mile: Chapter One and One Mile: Chapter Two. This is a unique, two-part saga from director Adam Davidson that prioritizes grit and tension, designed to be experienced as a complete journey.

In Chapter One, Ryan Phillippe stars as a former special forces operative attempting to reconnect with his teenage daughter (played by Amélie Hoeferle) during a college road trip. When an unexpected detour puts them in the sights of a secretive, off-the-grid community, the trip devolves into a desperate fight for survival.

The narrative deepens in Chapter Two, as he is forced back to a remote island when that same violent community abducts his daughter in an act of revenge. It’s a relentless hunt where the emotional stakes are just as heavy as the physical ones.

We have two vital perspectives on how these character-driven thrillers came to life:

• C. Thomas Howell: First up, the legendary actor joins me to discuss his role in the films. We talk about the complexities of his character and what it's like stepping into a world where the "villains" believe they are the heroes of their own story.

• Adam Davidson: Following that, I’m joined by the director himself. Adam breaks down the process of filming two features back-to-back and how he maintained the grounded, character-focused tone across both chapters.

Up first, my interview with C. Thomas Howell...

Welcome to another episode of the Following Films Podcast. Today, we are exploring a project that is equal parts hilarious, bizarre, and incredibly poignant: the animated feature film MARS. This film marks the final project from the legendary cult comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know, serving as a bittersweet and brilliant capstone to the legacy of the late, beloved Trevor Moore. Joining me to discuss the Herculean effort required to bring this vision to the big screen is the film’s director and producer, Sevan Najarian. He has been a vital force in the alternative media landscape for years, and in this episode, we trace his fascinating career path, from his early days getting into the director’s chair for animation to his involvement with the irreverent and influential world of Channel Zero.

We also dive deep into the "scrappy" and often painstaking labor of love that was the production of MARS. Conceptualized over a decade ago, the film follows Kyle, a man who enters a contest to go to the Red Planet mostly to escape his impending wedding, only to find himself stranded with a crew of lunatics on a ship that is anything but luxury.

With an 8-city screening tour kicking off February 20th at participating Alamo Drafthouse locations and a wider theatrical release on March 13th, there has never been a better time to celebrate the return of the WKUK. So, let’s get into my conversation with Sevan Najarian about the decade-long journey to the Red Planet, the evolution of his career, and why this story is more relevant today than ever before.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. Today, I’m sitting down with Matt Johnson and Jay Carroll to talk about Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie. If you’ve followed their journey from the early web series days to the cult-hit TV show, you know the drill: two guys, zero songs, and a delusional obsession with booking a gig at the Rivoli in Toronto. This time around, the stakes are hilariously high, we’re talking skydiving into the Skydome, accidental time travel fueled by a discontinued bottle of Orbitz soda, and a DIY mission to 2008 that is as heartfelt as it is ridiculous. It’s a brilliant mix of guerrilla filmmaking and high-concept adventure that you have to see to believe, so make sure to check your local listings for showtimes.

Before we jump in, if you enjoy this conversation, please remember to leave a review and subscribe, it really helps the show grow. I hope you enjoy the show.

Today’s episode is a special one. I’m joined by John Kinnane, writer, and Brendan Kinnane, executive producer—two members of the Kinnane Brothers, an eight-sibling filmmaking family who are redefining what an independent film operation can look like.

Their new feature, Solo Mio, is in theaters right now. Released by Angel Studios on 3,000 screens, the film opened in second place at the box office—an enormous achievement for a true micro-budget production. It’s the kind of story exhibitors and indie filmmakers dream about: a scrappy, family-run production going toe-to-toe with studio titles and winning over audiences.

If the Kinnane name sounds familiar, it might be from their viral “sound guy” shorts with Kevin James during the pandemic—videos that exploded online and put them on the industry’s radar. From there, brothers Chuck and Dan directed Home Team for Adam Sandler, starring Kevin James, which debuted at number one on Netflix.

Now with Solo Mio, all eight brothers are officially credited on a single feature for the first time—each one leading a different discipline, from writing and directing to editing, VFX, and music. They operate as a fully self-contained creative unit out of a charming old farmhouse in Little Compton—main floor as production headquarters, basement transformed into an Irish pub. It’s part think tank, part film studio, part family legend in the making.

Directed by Charles and Daniel Kinnane and co-written with Kevin James, Solo Mio follows a man who heads to Rome on his honeymoon alone after being left at the altar. It’s romantic, funny, and set against a stunning Italian backdrop—but behind it is a uniquely American filmmaking story about family, hustle, and building something from the ground up.

Today we’re talking about how eight brothers divide creative roles without dividing each other, how you scale from viral shorts to a 3,000-screen theatrical release, and what it really takes to turn a micro-budget film into a box office hit.

Today on the Following Films Podcast, we’re joined by Zainab Azizi, producer at Sam Raimi’s Raimi Productions and one of the key creative forces behind the upcoming film Send Help. We talk about working inside Raimi’s production company, developing elevated genre films, and what it’s really like collaborating with one of the most iconic voices in modern horror. From behind-the-scenes process to navigating the studio system, this is a conversation about making bold films and surviving the chaos that comes with them.

Send Help will be in theatres on Jan. 30th