Episodios

  • 146 Don Bies - Inside the Lucasfilm Archives

    146 Don Bies - Inside the Lucasfilm Archives
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode, I sit down with Don Bies – former Lucasfilm archivist and special effects artist at ILM – for a deep dive into his career and his time inside the Star Wars archive. Don takes me right back to his childhood in Chicago, where a viewing of the 1931 Frankenstein sparked a lifelong fascination with makeup effects and filmmaking . From experimenting with homemade prosthetics to building a full-size R2-D2, his early passion eventually led him to California. We talk about his first major break working on The Fly, where he contributed to several effects – many of which ended up on the cutting room floor, but gave him invaluable experience. From there, Don’s path into Lucasfilm begins, starting with operating R2-D2 on commercials alongside Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and even George Lucas. That connection ultimately led to him working on the Lucasfilm archives. This is where things get really interesting. Don describes what it was like stepping into a warehouse full of original Star Wars props, models and documents – much of it undocumented and at risk of being lost or discarded . He shares stories of discovering key items like Darth Vader’s helmet hidden in a crate, uncovering original manuscripts and audio recordings, and building one of the first digital catalogues of the collection. We also get into:
    • His role in early Lucasfilm exhibitions and the growth of the archive
    • Working at Skywalker Ranch and the unique creative environment there
    • The transition period between Return of the Jedi and the Special Editions
    • Wearing multiple costumes (including Boba Fett) during the Special Edition shoots
    • The reality of preserving film history inside a working production company
    It’s a brilliant conversation that really captures a moment in time when Star Wars history could easily have been lost – and the people who helped save it.

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    1 h y 48 m
  • 145 - Alec Gillis - Special Creature Effects Artist

    145 - Alec Gillis - Special Creature Effects Artist
    Mar 17 2026
    In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I’m joined by creature effects designer Alec Gillis, founder of Studio Gillis and co-founder of Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. (ADI) alongside Tom Woodruff Jr.Alec has spent more than four decades helping bring some of cinema’s most memorable creatures to life.

    After beginning his career working under the legendary Stan Winston, he went on to contribute to films including Aliens, Predator, Alien³, Tremors, Death Becomes Her, Starship Troopers and many more.In this conversation we talk about how a childhood encounter with Ray Harryhausen’s Jason and the Argonauts set him on this path, the early days building stop-motion creatures in his parents’ garage, working for Roger Corman alongside a young James Cameron, and what it was like joining Stan Winston Studio during one of the most exciting periods in creature effects history.

    We also talk about the eight-week scramble to build the Predator, working with David Fincher on Alien³, forming ADI with Tom Woodruff Jr., and how practical creature effects continue to evolve in an industry now dominated by digital tools.

    This interview was recorded remotely, but I recently had the chance to visit Alec in Los Angeles while filming interviews for our upcoming Joe Alves documentary, where we spoke in person about his work on Jaws 3-D.

    Topics discussed

    • Discovering movie magic through Ray Harryhausen
    • Building stop-motion creatures as a kid
    • Learning the craft during the Roger Corman years
    • Meeting and working alongside James Cameron
    • Life inside Stan Winston Studio
    • Creating the Predator in just eight weeks
    • The production of Alien³ and working with David Fincher
    • Founding Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. with Tom Woodruff Jr.
    • Practical effects in the digital era
    • Mentoring the next generation of creature artistsSupport the PodcastIf you enjoy The Filmumentaries

    I hope you enjoy it.

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    1 h y 49 m
  • 144 - Randy Thom - Director of Sound at Skywalker Sound

    144 - Randy Thom - Director of Sound at Skywalker Sound
    Feb 10 2026
    In this episode, I chat with Academy Award-winning sound designer Randy Thom about his journey from college radio to shaping the soundscapes of some of cinema’s most iconic films.We discuss:
    • Growing up loving movies and discovering sound via college radio in Ohio
    • Making a cold call to Walter Murch and landing a job on Apocalypse Now
    • Early sound experiments at Skywalker Ranch
    • Recording effects for The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark
    • Collaborating with Robert Zemeckis and David Lynch
    • Why sound should be involved in pre-production
    • The evolution from analog to digital workflows
    • The creative and economic impact of AI on film sound
    • The philosophy behind “inventing” sonic space
    • Winning an Oscar for The Right Stuff
    • Winning a BAFTA for The Revenant
    Randy also reflects on mentorship, collaboration at Skywalker Ranch, and why storytelling always matters more than authenticity.Listen now and take a deep dive into the craft of cinematic sound.

    See below for all the links you might need!

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    1 h y 4 m
  • BONUS - Crowdfunding for the LA Trip

    BONUS - Crowdfunding for the LA Trip
    Feb 5 2026
    This is a short bonus episode with a very specific purpose. Patrick Tyndall and I are in the middle of a GoFundMe campaign to get us back to Los Angeles to finish filming Not Your Average Joe, our documentary about legendary production designer Joe Alves. This episode is me explaining where the project is at, what we’ve already achieved, and why this upcoming LA trip feels so important. We’ll be in Los Angeles from 22–28 February 2026, filming interviews and B-roll that cover some key chapters of Joe’s life and career, including:
    • Joe’s short but intense motor racing career, including racing alongside Dickie Smothers
    • The story of Joe introducing a major Hollywood actor to racing, setting them on a path to a serious motorsport career
    • An interview with Alec Gillis the effects artist who built the articulated sharks for Jaws 3
    • A conversation with Ann Dusenberry, who worked closely with Joe on Jaws 2
    • An interview with Dean Cundey, cinematographer on Escape from New York
    • Ongoing efforts to involve Steven Spielberg in the project
    The documentary has only been shot over a relatively small number of days so far, all fitted around regular jobs and family life, but the material we’ve captured already has been incredible. This next trip is about joining the dots and getting the remaining pieces that will allow us to bring Joe’s story properly over the finish line. At the time of recording, the GoFundMe is sitting at around $1,000, and we need roughly $3,000 to make the trip work. Any contribution helps, but just as importantly, sharing the campaign on social media genuinely makes a difference. If you’ve ever enjoyed the podcast, the articles, or the behind-the-scenes conversations, this is me asking for a bit of help to make sure this story gets told.

    Donate here!

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    6 m
  • 143 - The Farmer and the Shark - with John Campopiano and Jim Beller

    143 - The Farmer and the Shark - with John Campopiano and Jim Beller
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I’m joined by filmmaker John Campopiano and producer Jim Beller to talk about their new documentary, The Farmer and the Shark. The film centres on Craig Kingsbury, a farmer from Martha’s Vineyard who appeared in Jaws (1975), playing Ben Gardner, the local fisherman whose abandoned boat is discovered by Chief Brody early in the film.

    From that small but unforgettable role, the documentary explores Craig’s life, his connection to the island, and how his story intersects with the legacy of Jaws.

    John Campopiano is the director of the film and is known for documentaries including Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary and Pennywise: The Story of IT. Jim Beller is one of the producers of The Farmer and the Shark - former producer of my Inside Jaws - A Filmumentary and all round Jaws expert.

    I should note that I haven’t seen the finished film yet, so this conversation focuses on the making of the documentary, how the project came together, why Craig Kingsbury’s story stood out, earning trust, and shaping a film around a real person whose life briefly intersected with a cinematic landmark. If you’re looking for a calm, thoughtful conversation about film history, storytelling, and the people behind the scenes, I hope this episode provides a welcome distraction. Guests
    • John Campopiano — Director
    • Jim Beller — Producer
    Films Discussed
    • The Farmer and the Shark
    • Jaws (1975)
    Support the Podcast - If you enjoy The Filmumentaries Podcast, you can support the show on Patreon. Your support helps cover the time, research, travel, and production costs involved in making these episodes. Thanks for listening.

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • 142 - New Mike Hodges Book - By Jon Spira

    142 - New Mike Hodges Book - By Jon Spira
    Jan 6 2026
    Jon's Kickstarter Link

    Summary
    In this conversation, Jon Spira discusses his new book 'I'll Settle for Nothingness: Conversations with Mike Hodges', detailing the genesis of the book, his friendship with the legendary filmmaker, and the exploration of Hodges' versatile career. The discussion covers many things including the making of 'Morons from Outer Space', the challenges of unproduced films, and the emotional journey of writing the book. Spira also shares insights into Hodges' legacy, his experiences with the BFI, and the Kickstarter campaign for the book's publication.

    Takeaways
    The book is a collection of conversations with Mike Hodges.
    Jon Spira's friendship with Hodges developed through their shared love of cinema.
    'Morons from Outer Space' is a film that has gained a cult following despite its initial failure.
    Hodges was a versatile filmmaker, working across various genres.
    The Terminal Man is a significant film that was poorly marketed and overlooked.
    Hodges had many unproduced films that reflect his creative vision.
    The BFI is preserving Hodges' legacy through his film archive.
    Spira aims to honor Hodges' memory through this book.
    The emotional journey of writing the book was profound for Spira.
    The Kickstarter campaign is a way to celebrate Hodges' work and legacy.

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    43 m
  • 141 - Rob Spera - Film/TV Director’s Field Manual

    141 - Rob Spera - Film/TV Director’s Field Manual
    Dec 23 2025
    Rob Spera is a film and television director, educator, and the author of Film/TV Director’s Field Manual: 70 Maxims to Change Your Filmmaking. With decades of experience directing features, episodic television, and theatre, Rob brings a deeply practical, human-centred approach to directing and leadership. In this conversation, we discuss:
    • Why Rob describes his book as an “anti-textbook”
    • The idea that the camera’s job is to photograph subtext
    • Building non-redundant frames that invite the audience to participate
    • Why kindness and psychological safety are essential creative tools
    • Letting go of control and empowering collaborators
    • What “write what you know” really means
    • How directors can practise their craft between jobs
    Film/TV Director’s Field Manual – available via Amazon and Rob’s website

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • 140 - Lucas Wars - With Laurent Hopman and Renaud Roche

    140 - Lucas Wars - With Laurent Hopman and Renaud Roche
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I’m joined by Laurent Hopman and Renaud Roche, the writer and artist behind the acclaimed graphic novel Lucas Wars, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Star Wars from a deeply personal, human perspective. Laurent shares his background as an entertainment journalist and how years of research, interviews, books and documentaries fed into the script. Renaud talks about coming from a traditional animation and storyboarding background, studying at Gobelins in Paris, and how cinematic visual language shaped the way he approached the book’s artwork. We discuss:
    • Why the emotional journey of George Lucas became the heart of the story
    • How the pair condensed vast amounts of historical research into a tightly structured graphic novel
    • The challenge of visually dramatising meetings, offices and creative conflict
    • The relationship between Lucas and Spielberg, and how it shapes both volume one and the upcoming sequel
    • The meaning behind the iconic twin suns cover
    • Visiting Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm after the book’s release
    • Balancing historical accuracy with storytelling
    • Why Lucas Wars connected with readers beyond the core Star Wars fandom
    We also talk about the upcoming second volume, which covers The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark, and how expanding into Spielberg’s world adds a new layer to the story. As always, if you enjoy the podcast and would like to support what I do, you can find me on Patreon, and the show is also available on YouTube if you prefer to watch the interviews.

    BUY IT HERE

    This podcast is completely independent and made possible by listener support. If you’d like to help me keep making these episodes, you can join my Patreon community here: https://patreon.com/jamiebenning

    Watch more on YouTube:
    Check out the Filmumentaries YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes clips and extra content: https://youtube.com/filmumentaries

    All my links
    Más Menos
    58 m