Advertise on podcast: Following Films Podcast

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard. One of the most rewarding parts of this show is getting to highlight filmmakers who possess a truly distinct, non-formulaic voice, and today’s guest is a perfect example. Recently named one of Variety’s 2026 Directors to Watch, Chandler Levack is having a massive moment with two films hitting screens this week. On one hand, there is her indie festival darling, Mile End Kicks, a raw and vibrant portrait of a young writer finding her footing in the Montreal music scene. On the other, she is making her studio debut with the Netflix comedy Roommates. While it features a massive ensemble—including Sadie Sandler, Chloe East, Sarah Sherman, and Natasha Lyonne—it manages to elevate the traditional college freshman comedy into something far more poignant and relatable. Chandler’s background as a music and arts journalist for publications like SPIN and The Village Voice brings a unique texture to her filmmaking, and I’ve been eager to dive into her process. Today, we’re talking about the transition to a major studio project, what it was like collaborating with Adam Sandler, the critical importance of getting the right faces in the right roles, and, of course, the specific films and music that changed our lives. It’s a wide-ranging conversation with one of the most exciting directors working today. Please welcome to the show, Chandler Levack.

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 Robins 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 Robins

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

Welcome back to the podcast. Today’s episode might challenge a few assumptions, and that’s kind of the point. We’re talking about Heated Rivalry, a story that’s often labeled as “not for straight men.” It’s a romance written largely for women, shaped by the female gaze, and centered on an intense relationship between two men. So why are we bringing it up here? Because it opens the door to a much bigger conversation about curiosity, desire, and what it actually means to be a good partner. This episode isn’t about changing who you’re attracted to, or telling anyone what they should like. It’s about asking better questions: Why do our partners love the stories they love? What are they getting from them emotionally? And what can we learn when we step outside media that’s been made exclusively for us? We’ll talk about how curiosity strengthens relationships, how emotional connection is often the core of attraction, and why engaging with stories written for the female gaze can give straight men a clearer understanding of what many women want, and often don’t feel safe asking for directly. So whether you’ve watched Heated Rivalry, heard about it in passing, or dismissed it outright, stay with us. This conversation isn’t really about a show at all. It’s about attention, empathy, and how listening, sometimes in unexpected ways, can make you a better partner.

Welcome back to The Following Films Podcast, where we dive into the stories behind the films that move us, challenge us, and stay with us long after the credits roll. Today’s episode brings us a powerful new drama that explores trauma, resilience, and the complicated journey home after war. Sheepdog, written and directed by Steven Grayhm, arrives in theaters January 16, 2026, and it’s a deeply human story about what it really takes to heal. The film centers on Calvin Cole, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran who is court-ordered into treatment under the care of a VA trauma therapist in training. Just as he begins confronting his past, his estranged father-in-law—a retired Vietnam veteran recently released from prison—arrives at his doorstep, forcing Calvin to face everything he’s been trying to outrun. Through community, tough love, and compassion, Sheepdog becomes a story about putting yourself back together again—for your family, and for yourself. The film features an extraordinary ensemble, including Steven Grayhm, Vondie Curtis Hall, Dominic Fumusa, Lilli Cooper, Matt Dallas—and today’s guest, Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen, whose work continues to bring depth, grace, and emotional truth to every project she touches. Madsen, best known for films like Sideways, brings a remarkable presence to Sheepdog, helping ground the story in empathy and emotional realism. Her performance is part of what makes this film resonate so deeply, especially as it tackles the generational impact of war and the quiet battles that continue long after soldiers come home. I’m thrilled to welcome Virginia Madsen to The Following Films Podcast to talk about her work on Sheepdog, what drew her to the project, and why stories like this feel so vital right now. Let’s get into it.

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by writer-director Ali Cook to talk about his Oscar-shortlisted new short film, The Pearl Comb. Starring Beatie Edney (Highlander) and Ali Cook (Kajaki), The Pearl Comb follows the wife of a fisherman whose miraculous healing powers draw the scrutiny of the medical establishment. When she becomes the first person known to cure tuberculosis, a skeptical doctor is sent to investigate. Set in a time when women were barred from practicing medicine, the film explores power, belief, and the limits society places on women—what begins as an attempt to expose her becomes a journey that challenges long-held scientific and gender-based assumptions. Inspired by the true story of the Edinburgh Seven, the first women to study medicine in the UK, The Pearl Comb blends historical drama with mysticism. It has already been nominated for five British Short Film Awards, winning two, and will also screen at the Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival later this year. Beyond filmmaking, Ali has had a remarkable career as both a magician and stand-up comedian, and in today’s conversation we dig into how those experiences shaped his storytelling voice, his sense of misdirection and wonder, and how performing live informed his work behind the camera. I’m thrilled to have him on the show. For more information, go to https://www.alicook.co.uk/

Actor Jon Heder joins host Chris Maynard for a wide-ranging conversation about his new film Tapawingo. Best known for his iconic role in the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite, Heder talks about choosing meaningful projects, the creative process behind Tapawingo, and where he’s at in his career today. The episode also looks back at his collaboration with Billy Zane in Waltzing With Brando, with behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on independent filmmaking. Tapawingo is available on Blu-ray starting today, December 16th. A great listen for movie lovers, film fans, and anyone interested in the art of acting.

Today on the podcast, Chris Maynard sits down with filmmaker Kevin Lewis—yes, that Kevin Lewis, the mad genius who gave us Willy’s Wonderland and cemented his place in modern cult horror. He’s back with a new Southern-Gothic nightmare, Pig Hill, a film that premiered at FrightFest and is now available on VOD courtesy of Cineverse, the folks behind Terrifier 3 and The Toxic Avenger. Pig Hill follows Carrie, played by Rainey Qualley, a young woman obsessed with the eerie legend of the “pig people”—grotesque creatures said to stalk the wooded hills of her rural hometown. As the disappearances of local women reach a chilling tenth victim, Carrie, her brother (Shiloh Fernandez), and their friend Andy (Shane West) begin digging into the folklore… and discover there may be more truth to the stories than anyone wants to believe. Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uF So let’s dive into Pig Hill, the filmmaking process, and what keeps Kevin chasing the next nightmare. Pig Hill is available on VOD today—and I’m thrilled to welcome Kevin Lewis back to the pod.

Welcome to another episode of The Following Films Podcast. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined once again by director Simon Cellan Jones. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll remember our fantastic conversation around his film Arthur the King — and I’ve been eager to have him back on ever since. Simon returns at a particularly exciting moment in his career. His highly anticipated new project, The Family Plan 2, starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, will be hitting Apple TV+ on November 21st. We’ll be diving into the making of the film, revisiting his experience on Arthur the King, and exploring how his storytelling continues to evolve across such varied and ambitious projects. I’m genuinely grateful to have him back on the show — so without further ado, here is my conversation with Simon Cellan Jones.