The Backlot: Recent Episodes
New York Film Academy
The entertainment industry influencers sit down with the New York Film Academy to discuss the world of filmmaking to share their experience and knowledge. Hear from legends of the industry like Al Pacino, Bryan Cranston, Aubrey Plaza, Seth Rogen and many more.
Listen as Paramount Pitcures CEO Jim Gianopulos talks about his professional path from being an aspiring lawyer for the Rolling Stones to head of Fox and then Paramount.
Writer, Director, and Producer Eileen Cabiling discusses her creative process and her inspiration for the critically acclaimed short film Basurero.
Screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen discusses working with Luc Besson on The Professional (Leon), The Fifth Element, Kiss of The Dragon, the Taken series, and his inspiration for and work on The Karate Kid.
On this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with Nollywood filmmaker, Femi Odugbemi as he discusses the rise of Nollywood and the direction he hopes the industry will take.
Nathalie Emmanuel discusses her iconic role as Missandei on Game of Thrones as well as her more recent roles, including starring along side Kevin Hart in Quibi's Die Hart and Mindy Kaling's Four Weddings and a Funeral reboot.
On this episode Academy Award nominated actress Juliette Lewis recounts her start in the industry, her experience filming "Cape Fear" with Martin Scorsese and "Kalifornia" with then boyfriend Brad Pitt.
Listen to cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, whose work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind garnered him an Academy Award, as he speaks on his career and his experience filming McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The Deer Hunter, and working with Steven Spielberg.
Since he was an acting student at NYFA, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has worked in Hollywood hits such as "The Magnificent Seven", "Widows", and "Murder on the Orient Express". On this Episode of The Backlot, he takes time to come back to his alma mater and discuss how he got started, his career, and his experiences on set.
After breaking onto the scene with a Golden Globe-winning performance for his role in Stand and Deliver (1988), Lou Diamond Phillips remains a strong name in Hollywood. Listen to our interview with him as he discussing directing, acting opposite Denzel Washington, and more.
Get to know Amy Smeed, head of animation on Disney's Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon. Smeed discusses the process of creating the character of Moana and the importance of truly understanding and knowing your character as well as acting out scenes.
In this episode, we sit down with Janusz Kaminski, an Oscar-winner from his work as the cinematographer on Schindler's List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Listen along as he speaks about his start in the industry and working with the legendary Steven Spielberg.
Kelly Fremon Craig gathered an impressive reputation after working as the writer and director of The Edge of Seventeen (2016) and takes the time to discuss her experience on the film with us, including working closely with Oscar-winner James L Brooks.
On this episode, NYFA alum Hayden Szeto discusses how he got his start in the industry, the auditioning process, and what it was like filming "The Edge of Seventeen" (2016).
After playing prominent roles in hit films "Lady Bird" and "Booksmart", Beanie Feldstein recently worked as the star on "How to Build a Girl." Talking to Eric Conner from NYFA, Feldstein takes times to discuss her experience on Broadway and her challenges as Johanna in "How to Build a Girl".
Former Oscar nominee Alec Baldwin has made his mark all over Hollywood, such as starring in the popular sitcom "30 Rock", his role in the action-filled "Mission Impossible" series, and his legendary monologue in "Glengarry Glen Ross." Listen as he recounts his acting career.
Reginald Hudlin, director of "House Party" and producer of "Django Unchained," "Marshall," and Netflix's "The Black Godfather", discusses his experience working with the award-winning Quentin Tarantino on Django.
Noted film critic and author Peter Rainer joins The Back Lot to discuss the profession of film critic after working for The New Yorker, The L.A. Times, and currently the Christian Science Monitor.
From comedies such as 21 Jump Street and Super Bad to Oscar-nominated performances in Moneyball and Wolf of Wall Street, Jonah Hill has carved out an impressive career in Hollywood. Take a listen as he discusses how he became an actor and his experiences working with living legends such as Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brad Pitt.
On this week's podcast, we sit down with Steve Mitchell and Matt Verboys, the directors of "King Cohen", to discuss the career of legendary Sci-fi and horror screenwriter Larry Cohen.
Ron Howard joins us to discuss his acting and directing career in Hollywood, including his Oscar-winning work on A Beautiful Mind and other classics such as Apollo 13 and American Graffiti.
In this episode, Peter Rainer discusses his career, approach to film critique and how critics can uplift films that would otherwise go relatively unnoticed.
There are few working today with as an illustrious career as Steven Spielberg, whose works have been nominated for 14 Oscars, including three wins. Listen as he discusses the filming of Jaws and how he came to choose films such as Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan.
Nicole Avant's father, Clarence Avant, worked as a music executive who kickstarted countless musicians, including the late Bill Withers. Listen as we sit down with her to talk about her powerful new documentary on Netflix, The Black Godfather.
For the fans of the snappy dialogue from the John Wick trilogy, Derek Kolstad is the man to thank. We got the chance to sit with him and discuss his career, from how he got into screenwriting to how he treats his characters.
Peter Rainer has a long career has a film critic, but the inspiration to get into the film industry goes back even further. Listen here as he talks about the works and directors that inspired him, such as American classics like The Godfather and international innovators like Japanese director Akria Kurosawa.
Film Critic Peter Rainer looks back at the 2020 Academy Awards, including Parasite's historic night, his takes on the acting categories, and more. Listen to his review here.
Rachel Bloom started as the creator of videos on the internet, eventually garnering attention that would lead to the creation of her hit Golden Globe-winning TV show, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend". She sits down with us today to discuss her work on the show she stars in.
Tony Hale has put together quite the comedic career in Hollywood, featuring heavily in two of the most successful comedy TV shows: Arrested Development and Veep. We talked with him to discuss his start in the industry and his career.
A conversation with founder and CEO of Ace Entertainment, Matt Kaplan, who produced Netflix's 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before.'
Potentially nothing has changed film over the past decade-plus quite like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Kevin Feige is the man behind the mission that has led them to so much success. He sat down with NYFA to discuss how he did it.
Sir Ben Kingsley has played some of the most powerful roles in film, from his Oscar-winning performance in "Gandhi" to his character in "Schindler's List." Listen here to when he joined us to discuss his career.
On this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with NYFA senior directing instructor Nick Sivakumaran to discuss a Christmas (or is it?) classic: Die Hard.
On this episode of The Backlot, we speak with the lead actor, Isabelle Germain, and director, Coco de Bruycker, of the NYFA Student Directed Play, Ugly Lies The Bone.
In this episode of The backlot, we sit down with Mario Van Peebles (New Jack City, Ali) as he talks about the challenges of directing, acting and the balancing act between the two.
In this episode, we sit down with NYFA Filmmaking alum Bill Hader as he speaks about his hit show Barry as well as his experience on Saturday Night Live.
In this episode, we speak with writer-producer John Altschuler, the mind behind two of TV's most legendary shows King of the Hill and Silicon Valley.
Film critic and NYFA master faculty member Peter Rainer takes a look back at the film greats we lost in 2018: from Doris Day to Stanley Donen to John Singleton. Listen now!
We sit down with director Steven Caple Jr. and Ivan Drago himself, Dolph Lundgren as they discuss Creed 2 and the Rocky franchise.
In this episode, we bring you writer and producer Allan Heinberg whose credits include Wonder Woman, Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, The O.C., and Sex and the City just to name a few.
In this episode, we sit down with Ayelet Zurer, an accomplished Israeli actress who has had several iconic roles in Hollywood US, like that of Vanessa Marianna in "Daredevil."
Join us, as we sit down with Cedric the Entertainer, one of the hardest working people in show business, and discuss his career and credits including "Barbershop."
In this episode, we sit down with writer and producer, Nancy Meyers, to discuss her career and what sets her apart in Hollywood: putting female characters front and center.
In this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with Gordon Smith, the Emmy Award-winning writer for Better Caul Saul as he recounts his approach to screenwriting.
This week we sit down with Jan De Bont, the Producer and Academy Award nominated Director behind Speed, Twister, Minority Report, and The Haunting.
We sat down with Careen Ingle, director of Unikitty, Anne Walker Farrell, director of Bojack Horseman, and Kelly Harper who works as a development executive at Comedy Central.
On this episode of The Backlot, we speak with Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos. He's the man who green-lit some of your favorite shows, like Stranger Things, and The Crown and so many more..
In this episode of The Backlot, we talk with Chad Stahelski, stuntman turned director who's worked on action blockbusters Captain America: Civil War, John Wick, and The Matrix Reloaded.
Join us as we sit down with actor Sean Young as she recounts her experience filming one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time, Blade Runner.
Join us as we talk to actor Ernie Hudson and discuss his role as one of the OG Ghostbusters as well as his other roles in The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, and Congo.
In this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with Adam Driver as he discusses his career path to acting as well as his experience in the military. Known for his roles in Start Wars, Paterson, and Girls, Driver explained his acting technique and his approach to learning lines as well as characters. Join Us!
Join us as we sit down with director, producer, and writer Jay Roach as he recounts his experience filming Trumbo, Meet the Parents, Austin Powers, and Borat.
On this episode of The Backlot, Sergey Valyaev and Andrei Dementiev, two of the stuntmen stars of Hardcore Henry, recount their experience filming with a Go Pro and basically recreating a "first-person film" not dissimilar from video games like Halo or Call of Duty.
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood as they discuss auditions, comedy, and their comedic partnership. Listen to this episode of The Backlot now!
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Visual Effects pioneer Craig Caton Largent. His career has spanned decades and includes classics like Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Tremors and oh yeah, he's also NYFA's Chair of 3D Animation.
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with two of the stars of the smash hit "Riverdale," Casey Cott and Ashleigh Murray. Listen as they speak about what it takes to get a role and keep it in today's film and tv industry.
Get to know Jane Jenkins, the casting director behind classic films and fan favorites like The Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, A Beautiful Mind, When Harry Met Sally, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
In this episode of The Backlot we sit down with John Carpenter, director of horror film classics like "Halloween," "The Fog," and "Escape from New York."
In this episode, we sit down with J. A. Bayona, director of The Orphanage, The Impossible, and most recently, Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom. The director discusses the challenges he faced in filming the disaster movie, The Impossible, and trying to convey the devastation of the 2004 tsunami.
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy takes a closer look at the craft of editing with three masters of the craft Douglas Crise, Claudia Castello, and Michael P. Shawver. Douglas Crise's credits include Ocean's Eleven, Academy Award-winning films Traffic and Birdman. Claudia Castello, and Michael P. Shawver have worked together on Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the billion-dollar blockbuster, Black Panther.
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with writer, J. Michael Straczynski. J. Michael Straczynski discusses his experiences writing for Thor, Spider-man, and Superman on the big screen as well as the groundbreaking Netflix series Sense8. Listen to this episode of The Backlot now!
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Academy Award® Nominated Actor, Kathleen Turner. Kathleen Turner discusses her past acting experiences in classic movies, such as, "Body Heat," "Romancing The Stone," "Prizzi's Honor," as well as the importance of not letting yourself be typecast.
Sit down with the legendary, Oscar-nominated producer Frank Marshall. He has worked closely with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas on movie classics like Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, The Goonies. He's also the producer behind M. Night Shamalan's The Sixth Sense.
Sit down with the actor and producer, Cindy Williams in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. Cindy Williams discusses working with legendary directors George Lucas on "American Graffiti," and Francis Ford Coppola as well as how she eventually landed her iconic role as Shirley on the timeless sitcom, "Laverne and Shirley."
Get to know the talented and versatile Dolph Lundgren on The Backlot as he speaks of his transition into acting and his iconic role, Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.
Get to know the Chief Executive of the Swedish Film Institute and powerhouse of the gender equality in film movement, Anna Serner. Listen as she explains how she devised a plan to make waves and make change within the Swedish film industry and those waves are making their way to Hollywood as well.
Sit down with the actor, director, and producer Henry Winkler in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. Henry Winkler is best known for his role on Happy Days as The Fonze. Check out this episode of The Backlot online today!
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy brings you the Oscar-nominated producer, Sherry Lansing. Sherry Lansing discusses some of her most famous films like "Fatal Attraction," "Indecent Proposal;" how "Saving Private Ryan" magically came together, and how "Titanic" was erroneously predicted by many to be the biggest bust of all time. Listen this episode of The Backlot now!
Sit down with the Academy Award-winning actor J. K. Simmons in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. J. K. Simmons discusses his first experiences on stage and acting in incredible movies and TV shows, such as, "OZ" and "Whiplash." Check out this episode of The Backlot online today!
Get to know Dan Gilroy, the incredible screenwriter behind Nightcrawler as he discusses his creative process and openness to experimental screenwriting.
Join us on New York Film Academy's podcast, The Backlot and listen to our latest interview with actor, producer, and director Edward James Olmos as he describes his experience filming "Stand and Deliver" and gives valuable advice to aspiring actors.
Get to know Stephanie Allain, the producer behind "Boyz n the Hood" and "Hustle and Flow" on The Backlot's new podcast episode! Listen today.
Get to know the incredibly talented and versatile Emmy Award Winning Actor, Bryan Cranston on New York Film Academy's podcast. Bryan Cranston speaks about when he realized he wanted to become an actor, how he separates work from home life, and his infamous role as Walter White in "Breaking Bad." Available on The Backlot now!
In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Academy Award® Winning Actor, Al Pacino. Al Pacino discusses his past acting experiences in classic movies, such as, "The Godfather" and "Scarface," as well as his personal acting approaches and methods. Listen to this episode of The Backlot now!
Get to know the immensely witty actress and comedian, Aubrey Plaza in this podcast episode. Learn about Aubrey Plaza's introduction into comedy, her unforgettable role as April Ludgate in "Parks and Recreation," and her beginnings as a New York Film Academy student. Listen today!
Sit down with the hilariously clever actor, filmmaker, and comedian Seth Rogen in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. Seth Rogan discusses his entrance into the film industry, writing and acting in unforgettable movies and TV shows, such as, "Superbad" and "Freaks and Geeks." Check out this episode of The Backlot online today!