Wassup Conversations: Recent Episodes

Hamidreza Nikoofar

Chat with the icons and legends of the video game industry and the people who inspire them.

View Details

Julian Winding, the Danish composer and electronic artist behind The Demon Dance from Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon, joins me on Bonfire Conversations. In this episode, we dive deep into his upbringing in Denmark and England, his early rock beginnings, and how he found his voice in electronic and film music.Julian opens up about collaborating with his uncle, Nicolas Winding Refn, on projects like Copenhagen Cowboy, the pressures and joys of scoring atmospheric silence, and the art of balancing bold experimentation with emotional resonance. We also talk about his love for dance-oriented music, the influence of Nordic folk traditions, and the future of sound in an age of AI.In the Penny for Your Thoughts segment, Julian shares his dream collaboration, a beautiful mistake that changed his music, his top five films, and what he thinks music will sound like 500 years from now.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Bonfire Conversations for more inspiring conversations with the artists, composers, and storytellers shaping our culture.#JulianWinding #TheNeonDemon #nicolaswindingrefn #CopenhagenCowboy #filmcomposer Chapters:0:00 – Intro & Nicolas Winding Refn connection2:13 – On kindness, empathy, and caring for others4:24 – Childhood in Denmark and England5:30 – Early musical influences: Britpop, trip-hop, and electronic revolution6:20 – Rock beginnings before moving into electronic music7:04 – England vs. Denmark: cultural impact on his sound8:14 – First big break: The Neon Demon and “The Demon Dance”8:58 – Transition into film scoring9:53 – Revealing his family tie: Nicolas is his uncle11:06 – Working on Copenhagen Cowboy12:42 – The challenge of scoring silence and atmosphere13:55 – Co-composing with other musicians15:12 – Future collaborations with Nicolas Winding Refn15:37 – Working with other directors and projects beyond Denmark16:52 – Story about “The Demon Dance” at a party17:38 – Creating dance-oriented music & primitive rhythms19:25 – Love for Nordic traditional/folk music21:25 – Combining orchestral and electronic elements22:22 – Penny for Your Thoughts segment22:33 – Childhood music memory (The Land Before Time)23:37 – Dream collaboration (Massive Attack)24:39 – Vocalists and unexpected pairings25:02 – Funny story from Copenhagen Cowboy soundtrack26:37 – Alternate career: cooking27:25 – A film he wishes he had scored (A Single Man)28:40 – Most beautiful mistake in music (“White Country”)29:30 – Top 5 favorite films30:43 – What music will sound like 500 years from now31:32 – On video games & Cyberpunk 2077’s music32:15 – Cycles of music, retro revival, and AI in composition34:02 – Future of live music: AR/VR, authenticity, and performance36:12 – Closing reflections & gratitude

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, host Hamidreza Nikoofar sits down with Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, the visionary artist and game director behind Hell is Us and the art director of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Mankind Divided.Jonathan reflects on his journey from Montreal to the global stage, the creation of the iconic Cyber-Renaissance and Cyber-Noir aesthetics that redefined cyberpunk in gaming, and the deeply personal process of directing Hell is Us, an ambitious original IP from Rogue Factor that explores war, trauma, and self-discovery.We dive into:- His childhood, inspirations, and path into games- Reinventing the look of Deus Ex and shaping cyberpunk for a new generation- The challenges and philosophies behind Mankind Divided- Directing and writing Hell is Us- Designing its haunting creatures and unique world- Collaborating with composer Stéphane Primeau- Thoughts on games as both art and social commentary- And of course, a round of fun and deep “Penny for Your Thoughts” questionsIf you’re a fan of Deus Ex, curious about Hell is Us, or passionate about game art and storytelling, this conversation is not to be missed.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with the creators shaping the future of games, film, and art.Chapters:0:00 Intro 1:34 Childhood & Early Dreams 8:40 Discovering Art and First Inspirations 15:10 Entering the Games Industry 21:55 Shaping the Look of Deus Ex: Human Revolution 29:45 Creating the Cyber-Renaissance Aesthetic 37:20 Transitioning to Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Cyber-Noir) 45:05 Lessons from the Deus Ex Years 52:30 Founding Vision at Rogue Factor 59:10 Directing & Writing Hell is Us 1:07:00 Inspirations Behind Hell is Us 1:14:25 Designing the Creatures & Visual Language 1:20:40 Working with Composer Stéphane Primeau 1:26:15 Penny for Your Thoughts (Fun + Deep Questions) 1:32:00 Closing Reflections & Farewell

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with award-winning filmmaker Mor Loushy, director of Netflix’s powerful three-part documentary series American Manhunt: The Osama Bin Laden Mission.With the remembrance of September 11 approaching, this story carries an even deeper weight. The series takes us inside one of the most dramatic manhunts in modern history — the decade-long search for Osama Bin Laden and the Navy SEAL mission that ended it. Through gripping interviews, rare archival footage, and cinematic reenactments, American Manhunt makes history unfold like a thriller.In our conversation, Mor shares the origins of the project, the challenges of editing such a massive story, her collaboration with composer Jasha Klebe, the role of reenactments, and how she approaches truth, trust, and controversy in her films. We also talk about courage, history, and the future of documentary filmmaking.And of course, we wrap things up with our Penny for Your Thoughts segment — where Mor reveals her favorite films, thoughts on AI, and what courage means in everyday life.✨ Subscribe to Bonfire Conversations for more in-depth talks with extraordinary creators from film, games, and beyond.American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden is available on Netflix.Chapters:0:00 – Intro1:34 – Starting the Conversation2:16 – Origins of the Project5:25 – Editing a Massive Story8:29 – Remembering 9/1111:24 – Research and Accuracy13:41 – Gaining Trust of Interviewees17:26 – Working with Composer Jasha Klebe20:21 – Shooting Reenactments23:06 – Zero Dark Thirty & Fiction vs. Documentary25:53 – Penny for Your Thoughts26:12 – Objectivity in History26:22 – Favorite Food27:13 – Meaning of Courage28:30 – Favorite Films31:02 – Truth vs. Emotion31:42 – Pixar Question32:55 – AI and Documentary Filmmaking34:54 – Small but Powerful Life Moments36:06 – Season 2 of American Manhunt37:11 – Rating the Interview37:49 – Closing Thoughts#AmericanManhunt #NetflixDocumentary #MorLoushy #BonfireConversations

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Emma Harvey, founder of Harvey Voices, one of the UK’s leading voice talent agencies.Emma shares her journey from drama school to building a powerhouse agency representing some of the industry’s most recognized voices. We discuss:- How Harvey Voices began and grew into one of the UK’s top agencies- What Emma looks for when signing new voice talent- The rise of video games and performance capture in voice acting- The challenges and opportunities of AI in the voiceover industry- Practical advice for aspiring voice actors who want to break into games- Tips for directors and developers when casting and working with voice talent- Emma’s hopes for the next generation of voice actors- And many moreThis conversation is an invaluable resource for anyone dreaming of a voice acting career, as well as for developers, casting directors, and fans curious about the people who help bring voices to life.🔥 Subscribe to Bonfire Conversations for more inspiring interviews with the creative minds shaping games, film, and beyond.Harvey Voices: https://harveyvoices.co.uk/Emma Harvey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emharveyvoicesHamidreza Nikoofar on X: https://x.com/HRNikoofarChapters:0:00 Intro 0:12 Introduction to Emma Harvey & Harvey Voices 1:49 How Emma started Harvey Voices 3:09 Building the agency and first clients 3:30 Day-to-day life of a voice agent 5:20 Meeting actors & working remotely 5:20 How Harvey Voices hires new talent 7:02 The rise of games & animation in voice acting 8:40 What makes a great voice actor stand out 9:44 The impact of AI on voice acting 12:16 Why human performance matters more than AI 13:19 Advice for aspiring voice actors in games 15:05 Advice for game developers & audio directors 16:19 Preparing the next generation of voice talent 18:30 Fully immersing in the game industry (Amelia Tyler example) 18:40 Penny for Your Thoughts – Deep & Fun Questions 19:01 A voice Emma will never forget 20:11 The one UK food you must try 21:09 What makes someone unforgettable 21:29 A quote Emma lives by 22:01 Meeting Keanu Reeves (story) 23:42 What the world will always need 24:37 Emma’s favorite films & TV shows 25:48 What success means to Emma 26:56 In a noisy world, what’s worth turning the volume up for 27:16 Closing thoughts & gratitude 28:54 Resources for aspiring voice actors (Harvey Voices website, Gravy for the Brain) #VoiceActing #AI #HarveyVoices #BonfireConversations #EmmaHarvey

View Details

On this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with GmanLives — the Australian critic and YouTuber known for his sharp takes, dry humor, and love for first-person shooters.We talk about his journey from childhood gaming memories to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in video game criticism. Along the way, we dive into:The origins and history of the GmanLives channelHis unique approach to creating honest, entertaining reviewsWhat makes Australian humor so distinct (and why some people don’t get it)Balancing fatherhood, gaming, and content creationHis favorite games and films of all timeWhat modern shooters are missing todayThoughts on creativity, burnout, and leaving a legacyIt’s a fun, honest, and thoughtful conversation that goes beyond gaming — into life, comedy, and the stories behind the screen.If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to Bonfire Conversations for more inspiring talks with creators, artists, and storytellers.GmanLives on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GggmanlivesChapters:0:00 - Intro0:13 - Welcome to Bonfire Conversations1:15 - A Huge Fan1:49 - The Curse of the Podcast2:25 - Return to Castle Wolfenstein2:56 - Childhood & Gaming Origin Story5:21 - The History of the Gman Lives Channel9:03 - The Creative Process12:27 - Australian Humor15:02 - Parenthood & Work-Life Balance18:37 - Penny For Your Thoughts19:13 - Going to Bed Early20:18 - The "Chad" Persona vs. Real Life21:11 - Best Australian Food?22:04 - What Does Success Mean?23:02 - Avoiding Burnout & Daily Routine25:13 - Top 5 Favorite Games28:23 - The Future of Doom30:57 - Thoughts on Max Payne32:50 - Is the Future of Thief Dead?34:11 - On Multiplayer Games35:36 - Which Video Would Be Your Legacy?52:12 - Secretly Loved Games55:36 - The Game That Makes Him Rage58:59 - What Are Modern Shooters Missing?1:01:49 - Outro#GmanLives #fps #podcast

View Details

In this heartfelt and revealing episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. We dive deep into her creative process, her unique path from finance to storytelling, and the emotional, philosophical, and human layers that make Expedition 33 such a profound experience.Jennifer opens up about her multicultural background, the power of empathy in storytelling, and how curiosity, hardship, and connection shape the way she writes. We also explore how she handles exposition, builds authentic characters, and creates narratives that truly resonate with players — all without ever underestimating their intelligence.Whether you're a writer, game developer, or a fan of thoughtful storytelling, this conversation is packed with insights, vulnerability, and inspiration.📍 Topics we discuss:Her journey from Wall Street to game writingWriting characters with emotional depthBuilding story through empathy and subtextWhat success feels like after a major releaseHer creative inspirations across games, books, and lifeAnd of course, our signature segment: Penny for Your Thoughts🎮 Games mentioned: Expedition 33, Disco Elysium, Hollow Knight, God of War, Stray, Baldur’s Gate 3, Inscryption, Elden Ring, Subnautica, and more.📣 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with the brilliant minds behind your favorite stories in film, games, and beyond.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & life before the interview02:30 – Processing the success of Expedition 3305:20 – Fan reactions and emotional impact07:50 – Jennifer’s childhood and early love for storytelling13:00 – Career journey: from finance to games18:10 – Meeting Sandfall Interactive & joining the team22:50 – Empathy, character depth, and writing philosophy30:10 – Legacy and the message behind “For those who come after”32:10 – Writing exposition without handholding37:00 – 💭 Penny for Your Thoughts segment begins41:20 – Fun hobbies and unexpected inspirations45:00 – Favorite games & storytelling influences48:20 – Fears as a writer & character-driven storytelling52:40 – What she hopes people remember about her writing54:10 – Favorite games in terms of narrative59:40 – Final thoughts & closing remarks#expedition33 #GameWriting #podcast

View Details

In this very special episode of Bonfire Conversations, I finally sit down with Ludvig Forssell—composer and audio director behind Metal Gear Solid V, Death Stranding, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.We talk about his journey from Sweden to Japan, how he landed his first gig at Konami, and what it’s really like collaborating with Hideo Kojima. Ludvig shares stories from behind the scenes, the emotional philosophy behind Death Stranding 2, and why AAA games may be forgetting the beauty of music.We also explore love, fear, and absurdity in our Penny for Your Thoughts segment—including what it’s like to work with Norman Reedus and the moment a fishbone beach became the sound of another world.This conversation took place while I was in Iran—just weeks after the country was bombarded and cut off from the world. But against all odds, through chaos and broken signals, we made this connection happen. And maybe that’s the spirit of Death Stranding too.🎧 Subscribe to Bonfire Conversations on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.📌 Hosted by Hamidreza Nikoofar :https://x.com/HRNikoofar📍 Guest: Ludvig Forssell: https://x.com/ludvig_forssellChapters:00:00 - Intro 01:27 - Interview almost didn’t happen 02:24 - Connection & Death Stranding’s message 03:11 - Growing up in Sweden 04:53 - Moving to Japan 06:01 - Becoming a composer 07:06 - First job at Konami 11:45 - Joining Kojima Productions 13:05 - Was Ludvig a gamer? 14:54 - Meeting Hideo Kojima 16:12 - How Kojima directs music & sound 17:45 - Recording real fish bones for Death Stranding 19:02 - Collaborating with other composers 20:17 - Creating Death Stranding 2’s music 21:49 - Lollipop Chainsaw story 23:20 - Leaving Kojima Productions & going freelance 25:21 - Penny for Your Thoughts begins 27:28 - Beauty vs. truth in music 30:10 - A belief about art 32:59 - What he’s unlearned 34:12 - Hardest emotion to score 34:59 - Funniest Kojima moment 36:05 - Working with Norman & Mads 37:21 - Final thoughts & outro #LudvigForssell #DeathStranding2 #HideoKojima

View Details

Join me by the fire for a soulful and deep conversation with Grammy-nominated composer Austin Wintory, whose work on Journey, Flow, The Banner Saga, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and the new Towerborne has redefined what music can do in games.In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, we talk about childhood, creativity, meeting your heroes, memoirs, curiosity, and the emotional layers of composing for games. Austin shares his personal stories, creative philosophies, and a deep love for his craft.⚠️ A quick note: we had a few internet hiccups during the recording, so the video is a bit stuttery in places, but the audio is clear and the heart of the conversation shines through.Bonfire Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecTowerborne is out on Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.0:00 - Introduction2:46 - Meeting your heroes & learning from them14:58 - Childhood, environment, and creative influences26:29 - Drawing emotions from memories for music30:08 - The hardest part of the creative process35:58 - Questions for story creators44:51 - Penny for Your Thoughts: Quickfire Q&A45:02 - What DAW he uses45:15 - Soundtrack of his life49:45 - Non-musical inspiration54:24 - Changing his mind on important topics1:00:18 - Conclusion#Austinwintory #gamemusic #journeygame #towerborne #gamecomposer #creativity #podcast #interview

View Details

Dive deep into the sonic landscape of Andor Season 2 (Available on Disney Plus) with composer Brandon Roberts! In this exclusive Bonfire Conversations interview, Brandon shares the incredible journey of stepping into the Star Wars universe, following in the footsteps of John Williams and Nicholas Britell, to score one of the most critically acclaimed chapters in the saga.Discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of his collaboration with the visionary Tony Gilroy, the process of creating new iconic themes for worlds like Yavin and Mina, and the delicate balance of honoring the musical legacy while forging a unique identity for Andor.Brandon also reflects on his long-standing partnership with the legendary Marco Beltrami, his thrilling work on Eli Roth's Thanksgiving, and his passion for the horror genre (including a dream Star Wars horror project!).Don't forget to subscribe to Bonfire Conversations for more in-depth interviews with the creative minds behind your favorite films and shows! Bonfire Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecBrandon Roberts Website:https://brandonrobertsmusic.com/Hamidreza Nikoofar on X:https://x.com/HRNikoofarChapters:0:00 Intro & Meeting Brandon Roberts1:18 Scoring Andor Season 22:53 The Star Wars Music Legacy4:31 Creating New Sounds for Andor7:13 Working with Tony Gilroy9:13 The Scale of Andor's Music11:02 Collaboration with Marco Beltrami12:34 Brandon's Love for Horror & Thanksgiving16:03 Penny for Your Thoughts18:15 Scoring Other Star Wars Projects20:46 Life's Theme Song & Music He Listens To23:38 Outro & Thank You#Andor #StarWars #BrandonRoberts #NicholasBritell #JohnWilliams #TonyGilroy #FilmScore #MovieMusic #ComposerInterview #BonfireConversations #MarcoBeltrami #EliRoth #ThanksgivingMovie #HorrorScore #Yavin #Mina #BehindTheScenes #StarWarsMusic

View Details

🚀 Dive deep into the transformative power of voice with Loire Cotler, the extraordinary vocalist behind the iconic vocals of Dune (Hans Zimmer) 🎶. In this captivating interview 🎙️, Loire shares her insights on music therapy 🧘‍♀️, the spiritual connection between sound and human consciousness 🌌, and the unique vocal language she developed for Dune 🏜️. Discover how her work transcends traditional music, blending Middle Eastern influences 🕌 with otherworldly sounds ✨ to create a truly interdimensional experience 👽. Loire also discusses her collaboration with Hans Zimmer 🎬, the physicality of her performances 💃, and how rhythm and sound can unlock hidden parts of our consciousness 🧠. Whether you're a fan of Dune 📖, interested in music therapy 🎵, or simply curious about the power of the human voice 🗣️, this interview will leave you inspired 🔥. Don't forget to like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and share your thoughts in the comments! 👇Bonfire Conversation is available on YouTube and Podcast apps:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecLoire Cotler:https://loirecotler.com/Hamidreza Nikoofar on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezanikoofarPhoto credit Suzanne Teresa Instagram: @suzanneteresaphoto00:00 - Introduction: The Power of Loire Cotler's Voice02:16 - Loire's Impact on Dune's Soundtrack04:17 - Music Therapy and Vocal Expression11:12 - Emotional Connection Through Music18:15 - Physicality and Live Performance28:08 - Loire's Musical Journey and Personal Experiences37:20 - The Stories Behind the Vocals: Dune and Beyond48:40 - Middle Eastern Influences and Global Sounds58:24 - "Penny For Your Thoughts" - Personal Insights1:09:17 - Music Therapy and Healing Practices1:13:32 - Closing Thoughts and Appreciation#musictherapy #loirecotler #dune

View Details

Welcome back to Bonfire Conversations! In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Lennertz, the mastermind behind the gritty, high-energy score of The Boys, the thrilling music of Back in Action, and legendary video game soundtracks like Medal of Honor, Mass Effect, and The Godfather.We dive deep into:🎬 The Boys – Crafting the dirty, chaotic sound of the hit Amazon series🎥 Back in Action – Scoring Netflix’s new spy thriller starring Jamie Foxx & Cameron Diaz🎮 Game Music – Composing for Medal of Honor, Mass Effect, and the heartbreaking cancellation of Scalebound🎻 Michael Kamen’s Influence – How the legendary composer shaped Christopher’s career🔥 Fun Rapid-Fire Questions – Christopher answers some wild and unexpected questions in my Penny for Your Thoughts segment!👉 If you love film scores, game music, or behind-the-scenes industry stories, this episode is for you!🎧 Listen to Bonfire Conversations on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ec📢 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support the podcast!#ChristopherLennertz #TheBoys #BackInAction #GameMusic #ComposerInterview #VideoGameMusic #FilmScore #MedalOfHonor #MassEffect #BonfireConversations #Podcast #MovieMusic #gamingsoundtracks 00:00 - Introduction01:05 - Early Career and Medal of Honor04:15 - Game Scores05:37 - The Cancellation of Scalebound07:54 - Working with Michael Kamen11:37 - Scoring The Boys14:50 - Homelander and Butcher's Themes16:39 - Back in Action: Spy Movie Vibes20:07 - Penny For Your Thoughts: Biopic Composer22:12 -Super Group25:17 - Music for Aliens26:20 - Impressing Aliens with Own Score27:07 - Ridiculous Sounds31:00 - Conclusion

View Details

UI design is one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of game development. In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Fernando Forero, the legendary UI designer behind The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Diablo 4. We break down what makes great UI/UX, how it shapes our gaming experience, and the biggest challenges in designing immersive interfaces.🔹 Topics We Cover:✅ What makes a great game UI?✅ The biggest UI mistakes and how to avoid them✅ How game UI influences players without them realizing✅ The evolution of UI design in modern gaming✅ Advice for aspiring UI/UX designers💬 What’s a game UI that you love but most people don’t talk about? Drop it in the comments!📢 Subscribe for more deep dives into game development, design, and storytelling!🔗 Listen to Bonfire Conversations on all major podcast platforms!https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecFernando Forero:https://fernandoforeroart.com/Hamidreza Nikoofar on X:https://x.com/HRNikoofar00:00 Intro: Game UI Art01:21 Intuitive UI Secrets03:10 UI Design Process05:11 Diablo UI Design08:34 UI Trends & Evolution12:19 Diablo's Unique UI14:53 Symbol & Font Inspiration22:20 Breaking Into UI Design28:25 Penny for your Thoughts28:39 UI Usability vs. Beauty31:39 If Your Life Had a HUD34:15 Design Influences36:30 Favorite UI Designs40:01 Airport UI Inspiration41:35 What's Next?44:11 Advice for Students49:28 Closing & Gratitude#uidesign #gamedev #interview

View Details

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with the extraordinary Eivør Pálsdóttir 🎤—a Nordic muse whose captivating voice has enchanted audiences around the globe 🌍. Hailing from the mystical Faroe Islands, Eivør masterfully blends ancient folk traditions with modern cinematic soundscapes 🎶. With award-winning albums, breathtaking live performances, and iconic contributions to projects like God of War and The Last Kingdom, she truly is a powerhouse in music.🎟️Get tickets at:https://www.eivor.com/In this deep dive, we explore:Eivør’s Musical Journey: Discover how the mystical Faroe Islands shaped her unique sound 🌊🏞️.The Primal Power of Music: Uncover the deep, spiritual connection between music and the human soul ✨.Creative Process & Live Performance: Go behind the scenes of her creative rituals and learn what makes her shows unforgettable 🔥.Cultural & Mythological Influences: Hear her insights on blending ancient myths with modern music 📜.Rapid-Fire Fun Segment: Stick around for a playful, quick-fire round where Eivør shares quirky insights and personal stories 🤩.If you’re a fan of ethereal music, cinematic soundtracks, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is a must-watch!👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring interviews that dive deep into the magic of music and creativity. Don’t forget to hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated on all our latest content.Bonfire Conversations on YouTube and Podcast Apps:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecEivør on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/eivormusicHamidreza Nikoofar on X:https://x.com/HRNikoofarChapters:0:00 Intro1:24 Touring Life and Inspiration4:53 The Primal Quality of Voice6:59 Music and Spirituality9:00 Live Performances and Rituals10:57 Fashion as Storytelling12:13 God of War and Impactful Voice14:10 Penny For Your Thoughts (Quick Questions)14:26 Beliefs and Childhood Memories16:10 Time Travel and Musical Legends17:59 Describing Her Soul19:06 Asking the Universe19:29 Living Another's Life20:08 Useless Skills and Unexpected Joys22:20 New Abilities and Random Facts24:24 Thoughts on America and Missing Home26:19 Closing Remarks

View Details

Join us for an exclusive interview with acclaimed two times Oscar-Nominated cinematographer Jarin Blaschke 🎥—a long-term collaborator of visionary director Robert Eggers. Discover the creative genius behind some of Eggers' most iconic films, including The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman, and the Oscar-nominated Nosferatu.In this in-depth conversation, Jarin dives into his signature techniques, unique style, and personal favorites that have redefined modern visual storytelling. Learn how his innovative approach and close partnership with Robert Eggers have pushed the boundaries of cinematography and left an indelible mark on the film industry.Whether you're a filmmaker, cinephile, or just passionate about the art of movie-making, this interview offers insider insights and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't want to miss.Bonfire Conversations podcast on YouTube and Podcast apps:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecHamidreza Nikooar on X:https://x.com/hrnikoofarHamidreza Nikoofar on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezanikoofar👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and film insights.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode!#Nosferatu #Cinematography #JarinBlaschke #RobertEggers #FilmInterview #VisualStorytelling #TheLighthouse #TheNorthman #OscarNominee

View Details

Step into the world of psychological horror with Mateusz Lenart, the visionary director behind the highly acclaimed SILENT HILL 2 Remake. In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, we explore the creative process that brought this iconic nightmare back to life.Mateusz shares insights on:Lessons learned from his career.The challenges and triumphs of remaking a beloved classic.The role of sound and music in creating fear.His work on Observer and love for the horror and cyberpunk genres.Tackling community expectations and toxic feedback.His inspirations and dream projects for the future.If you’re a fan of Silent Hill, psychological horror, or game development, this deep dive into Mateusz’s creative mind is not to be missed.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Bonfire Conversations for more incredible interviews with creators and visionaries. Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecMateusz Lenart on X:https://x.com/Mateusz_Lenart_Hamidreza Nikoofar on X:https://x.com/HRNikoofar#SilentHill2Remake #MateuszLenart #GameDevelopment #BonfireConversations

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Grammy-nominated composer Winifred Phillips to talk about her incredible journey in video game music. Winifred has scored iconic titles like Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, God of War, Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, The Sims 4, and LittleBigPlanet 3.We discuss her creative process, how the industry has evolved over the years, and what the future holds for game music. We also explore topics like adapting to ever-changing game development, the challenges of creativity, and the role of AI in music composition.This conversation is full of insights and inspiration for anyone who loves game music or is pursuing a career as a composer.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with industry legends and creatives!📌 Follow Bonfire Conversations on your favorite podcast platforms.https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecWinifred's website:http://www.winifredphillips.com/Hamidreza on X:https://x.com/HRNikoofar#WinifredPhillips #GameMusic #GrammyNominee #BonfireConversations #VideoGameComposer #PodcastInterview

View Details

Step into the dark and twisted world of Charles Manson like never before. In this exclusive episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Billie Mintz, the director of the groundbreaking documentary Making Manson, now streaming on Peacock.Built around 20 years of never-before-heard taped conversations between Manson and journalist John Michael Jones, Making Manson uncovers shocking revelations and offers a fresh perspective on one of the most infamous figures in history.In this conversation, Billie shares even more exclusive insights, taking us behind the scenes of the documentary’s creation. We discuss the chilling reenactments, Tex Watson’s parole battles, Manson’s manipulative relationships, and the haunting truths hidden in the tapes.💡 Highlights:New revelations from Manson’s tapesThe process of creating Making MansonTex Watson and the battle for truthBehind-the-scenes secrets and untold storiesIf you're fascinated by true crime, documentary filmmaking, or the psychology of manipulation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and deep dives into stories that captivate and inspire.Bonfire Conversation on YouTube and Podcast Apps:https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ecBillie Mintz Website:https://www.billiemintz.com/Hamidreza Nikoofar on X:https://x.com/HRNikoofar#CharlesManson #MakingManson #TrueCrime #Documentary #BonfireConversations

View Details

🎙️ In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with the legendary Harvey Smith! 🚀✨ From shaping iconic immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored to sharing his incredible life experiences, Harvey opens up in a heartfelt and insightful conversation that you won’t want to miss.We dive into:🕹️ The creative origins behind his groundbreaking game design🤝 The story of meeting Raphael Colantonio, founder of Arkane Studios🧠 Deep reflections on aging, generational changes, and creative inspiration💭 His thoughts on the future of gaming and what’s next for himWhether you’re a game developer, a fan of immersive sims, or just love a good story, this episode has something special for everyone. It was an emotional and inspiring chat, and I’m thrilled to share it with you all! 🙌❤️🔔 Make sure to subscribe to Bonfire Conversations for more insightful interviews!🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms.Link: https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ec📢 Let’s dive into my conversation with the one and only Harvey Smith! 👇🔥#HarveySmith #BonfireConversations #GameDesign #DeusEx #Dishonored #Podcast

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Ulas Karademir, a key figure in the technical evolution of IO Interactive. Ulas has played an integral role in shaping the studio’s flagship Glacier Engine and has extensive experience with a variety of game engines, including Unity and TMRW. We explore IO Interactive’s incredible 25-year journey, their ambitious Future Devs Program, and the strategic expansion to new locations like Istanbul.Join us as we discuss the unique culture at IO, the company’s growth and evolution, and Ulas’s expertise in engine and technical development. We also dive into the fascinating impact of diverse international influences on their projects and why the Glacier Engine stands out in a world where many companies are migrating to Unreal Engine.Whether you’re a fan of IO Interactive’s iconic games or simply curious about the inner workings of game development, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.🔊 Bonfire Conversation is available on YouTube and Podcast Apps: https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ec🎙️ About Bonfire Conversations: Bonfire Conversations is a podcast where we dive deep into the creative minds shaping the world of entertainment, from filmmakers and composers to game developers and storytellers.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!Ulas Karademir on X: https://x.com/ulskrdmrHamidreza Nikoofar on X: https://x.com/HRNikoofar#IOInteractive #UlasKarademir #GameDevelopment #GlacierEngine #BonfireConversations #FutureDevs #GameIndustry #hitman #007

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I’m joined by Ashley Poprik 🎮✍️, the talented writer behind some of the most successful video games in recent years, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Modern Warfare 3, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.We dive deep into Ashley's impressive career journey, from her early days in short film 🎥 to crafting narratives for blockbuster games. Ashley shares her insights on the writing process for large-scale video game productions, where multiple writers collabor...

View Details

In this mind-blowing episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Marcos Arrut, co-founder of RenovaCode Therapeutics, to explore the future of human evolution and the science of extending life. From reversing aging to the possibility of achieving immortality, Marcos and his team are pioneering breakthroughs in gene therapy that could change the way we think about health and longevity.We discuss everything from the impact of habits like smoking and stress on our genes to the cutting-edge...

View Details

In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Aza Hand, the re-recording mixer behind the explosive Irish film Kneecap, Ireland’s official submission for the 2025 Oscars. Aza takes us behind the scenes of this powerful, music-driven movie, sharing insights on the technical and creative challenges he faced while crafting the film’s dynamic sound. From high-energy concert scenes to balancing music, dialogue, and sound effects, Aza's work brings Kneecap's rebellious spirit to life.Li...

View Details

🎙️ In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with two of the most creative minds in film and television music—Oscar-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and James Griffith of Toydrum (Slow Horses, Three Pines). We dive deep into their collaborative work on the hit spy thriller series Slow Horses, exploring their creative process, technical approach to composing, and the distinctive sound that sets the show apart. 🎶🎬 W...

View Details

🎙️ In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with the brilliant art director Jacinta Leong, whose incredible work has shaped the look and feel of iconic films like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Mad Max: Fury Road, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Alien: Covenant, and many more.

✨ We dive into her career journey, from her early days in architecture to working with legendary directors like George Miller. Jacinta shares her approach to world-building, the unique challenges of designing futuristic environments, and how she creates spaces that feel lived-in and authentic. We also discuss her experiences on The Matrix, The Great Gatsby, and the creative chaos behind The Island of Dr. Moreau.

🎬 Whether you’re a fan of production design, filmmaking, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from some of the biggest film franchises, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Bonfire Conversations!

Bonfire Conversations is available on YouTube and all major podcast streaming apps:
🔗 https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ec

Jacinta's website: 🌐 https://www.jacintaleong.com/
Jacinta's X: 🐦 https://x.com/jacintaleong
Jacinta's Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/jacinta_leong

Hamidreza's X: 🐦 https://x.com/HRNikoofar
Hamidreza's Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezanikoofar

FilmMaking #ArtDirection #JacintaLeong #MadMax #ShangChi #ProductionDesign #BonfireConversations #Podcast #BehindTheScenes

Support the Show.

View Details

🎙️ Welcome to another exciting episode of Bonfire Conversations! In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented composer Wilbert Roget II. Known for his work on iconic video games such as Call of Duty: WWII, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Mortal Kombat 11, Wilbert shares his journey, insights, and experiences in the world of music composition.

🔥 Join me as I delve into:

Wilbert's early influences and what inspired him to pursue a career in music
The creative process behind composing for major video game titles
Challenges and triumphs in the gaming and music industry
Advice for aspiring composers and musicians
Whether you're a fan of video game music, a budding composer, or just love a good conversation, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable takeaways.

Bonfire Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://li.sten.to/bdrq39ec

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations with industry experts!

📌 Follow Wilbert Roget II:

Website: http://www.rogetmusic.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/WilbertRoget
Instagram: / wilbert.roget

📌 Connect with me:
Twitter: https://x.com/hrnikoofar
Instagram: / hamidrezanikoofar

Support the Show.

View Details

Josh Sawyer is the legendary writer and director of games such as Fallout: New Vegas, Pentiment, and Pillars of Eternity at Obsidian Entertainment.

In this episode, we talk about creativity, writing, inspirations, Josh's workflow, and favorite films.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with the legendary Pedro Luque, the cinematographer of
Don't Breath and Society of the Snow. We talk about scenes and shots of
Society of the Snow and Pedro's success story.

Wassup Conversations podcast is available on YouTube and all the major
podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Pedro's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/pedroluque

Hamidreza's X and Instagram:
https://twitter.com/hrnikoofar
https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezanikoofar

Support the show

View Details

Mark Mangini is the legendary two-time Oscar winner and six-time Oscar-nominated sound editor and designer of some of the best-sounding movies in history, such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. In this episode, we talk about his success story, life, career, failure, and winning two Oscars. We also talk about many of his great films and his favorites.

Wassup Conversations podcast is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Mark Mangaini:
https://markmangini.com/
https://www.instagram.com/markmanginisound

Hamidreza Nikoofar: https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Ilkka Villi, the actor of Alan Wake games. In this interview, we talk about Alan Wake II and the differences of making it in comparison to the first entry. We also discuss Ilkka's life growing up and falling in love with acting.

Wassup Conversations podcast is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.

Learn more about Wassup Conversations:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Clive Bradley, creator and writer of Castlevania: Nocturne from Netflix.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Gavin Bocquet, production designer of great movies such as Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Warcraft, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and Silo.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.

www.nikoofarmusic.com

Support the show

View Details

An in-depth conversation with Alex Riviere, audio director of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora about sound design, implementation, mixing audio for games, and his new book "Game Audio Mixing: Insights to Improve Your Mixing Performance"

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Alex on X: https://twitter.com/AAAlexRiviere
Hamidreza on X: https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Jason Graves, the legendary composer of Dead Space, Tomb Raider, Moss, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Warzone.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Tina Guo, Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and cellist on her life, career, and success story.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Support the show

View Details

Anna Megill is a veteran writer of great games such as Guild Wars 2, Control, Dishonored, Fable, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. She has published a new book called The Game Writing Guide: Get Your Dream Job and Keep It, which is a great study about writing for games and working in the video game industry.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Support the show

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations podcast, Chloe Van Landschoot who plays Kristi in From, talks about her life, being a nurse while not acting, and her new short film.

From is a horror show from MGM+ and Amazon Prime praised by Stephen King and it's currently running its season 2.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please subscribe to Wassup Conversations, if you're enjoying the show.

Chloe on social media:
https://twitter.com/chlovls
https://www.instagram.com/chlovls/

Hamidreza Nikoofar on social media:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofa
https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezanikoofar

FROM #Chloevanlandschoot #Interview

Support the show

View Details

An in-depth conversation with Paul Leonard-Morgan, composer of many great projects such as Dredd, Cyberpunk 21077, Tales from the Loop, and the new Hulu movie, Boston Strangler.

We talk about Paul's success story, life, iconic projects, and his new movie.

Boston Strangler is available right now on Hulu.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.

https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

PaulLeonardMorgan #BostonStrangler #Dredd

View Details

An in-depth conversation with the legendary Dan Lauststen, two times Oscar-nominated cinematographer of The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley, John Wick movies, and many more. 

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

johnwick #Danlaustsen #cinematography

Support the show

View Details

An in-depth conversation with Nainita Desai, composer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (Season 3) about her techniques, composing for games and documentaries.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is available on PC and Consoles.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

NainitaDesai #CallofDuty #Soundtrack

Support the show

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, Stephen Barton (Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor) and Frederik Wiedmann (Star Trek: Picard, The Dragon Prince) talk about their lives, career, the way they make music and the future of film music, considering the evolution of AI.

Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard is available on Paramount+.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

startrekpicard #starwarsjedisurvivor #filmmusic

Support the show

View Details

An in-depth conversation with Paul Leonard-Morgan, composer of many great projects such as Dredd, Cyberpunk 21077, Tales from the Loop, and the new Hulu movie, Boston Strangler. 

We talk about Paul's success story, life, iconic projects, and his new movie.

Boston Strangler is available right now on Hulu.

Wassup Conversations is available on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

PaulLeonardMorgan #BostonStrangler #Dredd

Support the show

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, Matt Cox, Creative Director at Gearbox Software, talks about comedy in video games, Borderlands looting system, designing impactful boss fights, and his recent game, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands.

Wassup Conversations on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Emad Ameri's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

gamedevelopment #borderlands #tinytinaswonderlands

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Sam Slater, Score Producer of Joker, Chernobyl and co-composer of Battlefield 2042.

Wassup Conversations on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link: 
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Emad Ameri's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Sam Slater's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sam.slater.music

SamSlater #MusicProduction #Interview

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Jens Matthies, the legendary writer, and director of games like Wolfenstein: The New Order, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, The Darkness, and many more...

Wassup Conversations on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Emad Ameri's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

gamedevelopment #writing #wolfenstein

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Nicolas Bouvier, AKA, Sparth, the art director of Halo Infinite. He talks about his life, success story, inspirations, techniques, and worldview. 

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Emad Ameri's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Sparth on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/sparth
https://twitter.com/nbsparth
https://www.artstation.com/sparth

Halo Infinite is out on PC, and Xbox.

HaloInfinite #ConceptArt #ArtDirection

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Raphael Colantonio, founder of Arkane Studios, and WolfEye Studios. He is the director of some of the most important immersive sim games, such as Dishonored, Prey, and Arx Fatalis.

His new game, Weird West is another ground-breaking title in his career, and in this episode, Raf and I talk about Immersive Sim philosophy, subscription services, the game industry, cutscenes, and storytelling in video games.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Raphael Colantonio on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/rafcolantonio

Weird West is available on PC and Consoles:
https://twitter.com/WolfEyeGames

WeirdWest #Dishonored #RaphaelColantonio

Support the show

View Details

A conversation with Dinga Bakaba, the director of Deathloop on his life, immersive sim, favorite games, and the future of video games.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Dinga Bakaba on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DBakaba

Many thanks to Bethesda Polska for making this possible:
https://twitter.com/bethesda_pl

Deathloop is out now on PS5 and PC.

Deathloop #DingaBakaba #ImmersiveSim

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A conversation with Navid Khavari, Narrative Director and Writer of games such as Far Cry 6, Splinter Cell: Black List, and The Division. Navid talks about politics in video games and how important it is to tell meaningful and controversial stories. He also talks about his own personal life and the way he draws inspiration from it.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Navid on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/navface

Check out Far Cry 6:
https://twitter.com/farcrygame

Many thanks to Ubisoft:
https://twitter.com/Ubisoft

Storytelling #FarCry6 #NavidKhavari

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A conversation with Jean-Francois Dugas, the director of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

We talk about his life, career, looking back at Deus Ex games, and if there will be another one in the work. Also, we talk about today's political and cultural changes compared to the time when Deus Ex came out.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Jean-Francois Dugas on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/jeffachoo

Guardians of the Galaxy is our on Consoles and PC right now. 

Many thanks to Square Enix for making this possible.
https://twitter.com/SquareEnix

GuardiansoftheGalaxy #DeusEx #Interview

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, I had a chat with the amazing Brandon Campbell, , the co-composer of Amazon’s New World. A fantastic MMO with great music from Ramin Djawadi and Brandon. He started his career at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions and has been the co-composer of Ramin Djawadi on many great projects such as Westword, Person of Interest, Game of Thrones and Gears of War franchise.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating and supporting Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Brandon's Links on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/bc3po
http://www.brandon-campbell.com/

NewWorld #BrandonCampbell #Interview

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, I had a chat with Jordan Mechner, the original creator of Prince of Persia about his new book "Samak the Ayyar A Tale of Ancient Persia". The story of the book is a wonderful adventure in ancient Persia.

We talked about Jordan's life and career, the past and the legacy of Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed and his love of Persian mythology. 

You can read more about "Samak the Ayyar" and purchase it from this link:
http://cup.columbia.edu/book/samak-the-ayyar/9780231198790

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services. 

Access via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating to Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Follow Jordan on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/jmechner

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, Paweł Błaszczak, the music composer of great games such as The Ascent, Call of Juarez, Dying Light and The Witcher is my guest to talk about his career, his techniques and making a futuristic world in The Ascent.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services. 

Access via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating to Wassup Conversations via this link: https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter: https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by: https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Follow Paweł Błaszczak on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PawelBlaszczak 

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

گفتگو با شهره آغداشلو، بازیگر افسانه‌ای که نامزد اسکار و برنده تونی شد.
در این گفتگو، به زبان فارسی در مورد زندگی، نگرش و هنر شهره صحبت می‌کنیم.

پادکست واساپ کانورسیشنز در یوتیوب و برنامه‌های مطرح گوش دادن به پادکست از طریق لینک زیر قابل دسترس است:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

لطفا اگر علاقه دارید، از لینک زیر به ما کمک مالی کنید:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

تویتر حمیدرضا نیکوفر:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

اینستاگرم حمیدرضا نیکوفر:
https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezanikoofar

ویدیو ساخته شده توسط عماد عامری:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

تویتر شهره:
https://twitter.com/SAghdashloo

شهره_آغداشلو #پادکست #WassupConversations

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, the legendary Oscar-nominated and Emmy Winner actress, Shohreh Aghdashloo is my guest to talk about her life, acting and video games, such as Mass Effect and Destiny.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services. Access via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating to Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support...

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Shohreh's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/SAghdashloo

Many thanks to Tamara Trione for making this possible.
https://twitter.com/tamaratrione

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

Marcin Czartynski is the audio director of Outriders at People Can Fly. His long and rich career has given us games such as Fortnite, Gears of War, Bulletstorm and Painkiller. 

In this episode, we talk about his background, sound design, mixing games and Marcin's workflow.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating to Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
1:20 Marcin's Background
38:38 Sound Design and Tools
1:19:40 Mixing Games

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, Doug Cockle (Voice actor of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher game series) goes deep about acting, his methods of preparation, advice for newcomers and his journey as an actor from America to England.

Wassup Conversations is on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services.
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Please consider donating to Wassup Conversations via this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Follow Doug Cockle on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DCockle

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, Thierry Dansereau, art director of great games such as Immortals Fenyx Rising and Assassin's Creed Odyssey talks about behind the scene of those games and his general approaches toward creating the visual world of massive games.

Please consider donating to Wassup Conversations via this link"
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations

You can watch or listen to Wassup Conversations on YouTube and all the major podcast streaming services:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar​

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri​

Follow Thierry's work on social media:
https://www.artstation.com/thierry_dansereau
https://www.instagram.com/thierry_dansereau_art
https://www.instagram.com/thierry_dansereau_photo

To get more info about Immortals Fenyx Rising and the games Scott is working on, follow these Twitter accounts:

https://twitter.com/UbisoftQuebec​
https://twitter.com/FenyxRising​
https://twitter.com/Ubisoft

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I celebrate the career of a veteran in the video game industry. Scott Phillips is the director of many great games such as Immortals Fenyx Rising, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Saints Row The Third and Saints Row 4.

We talk about his background, techniques and behind the scene of many great games.

Please consider supporting "Wassup Conversations" to help us continue:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support...​

Watch or listen to this conversation from this link:
https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/wassup​

Hamidreza Nikoofar's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar​

The video is done by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri​

To get more info about Immortals Fenyx Rising and the games Scott is working on, follow these Twitter accounts:

https://twitter.com/UbisoftQuebec​
https://twitter.com/FenyxRising​
https://twitter.com/Ubisoft

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this masterclass, we study the art of UI/UX design in video games. Morten Elgaard, UI designer at IO Interactive talks about his experience and Hitman 3. Arash Naderi, UI designer of Cyberpunk 2077 at CD Projekt Red and Emad Ameri, Visual Artist have joined me to have a fun conversation.

Watch or Listen to Wassup Conversation on YouTube or any other podcast streaming platform via this link:
https://li.sten.to/HYq5GVZ

You can get more from Wassup Conversation, and my work from:
www.nikoofarmusic.com

Morten Elgaard's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Morten_Elgaard

Arash Naderi's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/cosmonauthunter

Emad Ameri's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri
http://emadameri.com/

Hitman 3 is out on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Stadia and PC (via Epic Games Store).
https://twitter.com/Hitman
https://twitter.com/IOInteractive

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

Helen Hindpere is the Award-Winning writer of the genre-defining Disco Elysium. In this episode, she talks about her techniques and the way she and her colleagues wrote Disco Elysium.

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is the definitive edition of the smash-hit RPG. New political vision quests, more characters, and full English voice-acting. Coming to PlayStation and Google Stadia March 2021.

The Final Cut will also be available at no extra cost to all current owners of Disco Elysium on PC and Mac. Original players expand their experience for free while new players can enjoy the new content from their first playthrough."

https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium/

Makes sure to follow ZA/UM at https://twitter.com/studioZAUM

Watch and listen to Wassup Conversations from the link below:
https://li.sten.to/HYq5GVZ

Video by: https://twitter.com/itsemadameri
http://emadameri.com/

Keep up with my work and Wassup Conversations at www.nikoofarmusic.com

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

An interview with the writer of many great games such as Battlefield franchise, The Darkness and The Chronicles of Riddick series. We talk about Mikael Säker's background, behind the scene of many memorable games and some unannounced projects.

Listen or watch to Wassup Conversations, wherever you're getting your podcasts: https://li.sten.to/HYq5GVZ

Mikael Säker's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikaelsaker

My Twitter: https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Keep up with Wassup Conversations at: www.nikoofarmusic.com

Video and the graphics of this interview is done by: https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A chat with Raphael Lacoste, art director of Assassin's Creed franchise and the newly released Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

We talk about Raphael's childhood, techniques, future projects, favourite games and movies.

Watch this interview on YouTube.

More information about Wassup Conversations on www.nikoofarmusic.com

Listen to the podcast from this link:
https://li.sten.to/HYq5GVZ

Follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hamidrezani...

Visit Raphael's website:
https://raphael-lacoste.com/

Video is edited by:
https://twitter.com/itsemadameri

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode of Wassup Conversations, I speak with Tina Amini, editor-in-chief at IGN.com. We talk about Tina's childhood, growing up with games, IGN, females of the game industry, our favorite game developers, and lots of fun stuff.

You can listen to the podcast on all the major podcast streaming services from the link below:
https://li.sten.to/HYq5GVZ

You can keep up with the channel via my Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Also, follow Tina on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TinaAmini

Check out my website to get more from Wassup Conversations:
www.nikoofarmusic.com

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

An interview with Bradley D. Meyer, Audio Director at Sucker Punch. In this video chat, we talk about Bradley's background, Ghost of Tsushima, the ins and outs of the industry, his techniques, and the way Sucker Punch recruits new sound designers and composers.

To get more from "Wassup Conversations" visit: www.nikoofarmusic.com

To keep up with Brad, check out his Twitter handle https://twitter.com/auralsurgeon

You can keep up with each episode and guests of Wassup Conversations on my Twitter https://twitter.com/HRNikoofar

Ghost of Tsushima is out now on PS4.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A chat with Josef Fares, Founder of Hazelight Studios, director of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Way Out and It Takes Two. In this episode, we talk about Josef's background, his techniques, and his life as a game director.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I had a chat with Raphaël Colantonio & Ava Gore, members of the Weird Wolves band. Raphaël Colantonio is the founder of Arkane Studios and the brain behind Dishonored series and his new game, Weird Wolves.

You can watch the video version of this conversation on Wassup Conversations YouTube channel.

www.weirdwolves.com
www.facebook.com/weirdwolvesmusic
https://open.spotify.com/track/2W36qvN2HgqjFANZUanDs8
www.nikoofarmusic.com

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A cool conversation with my cool guest, Sarah Lynn. She is the producer at Firaxis Games, working on XCOM and Civilization series. Her recent work is XCOM: Chimera Squad.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I speak with two talented music composers of Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem about composing that game and trailers for films like Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A chat with Alex Hutchinson about his legendary career. He is the game designer of The Sims, Spore and the director of Assassin's Creed 3, Far Cry 4 and the newly released, Journey to the Savage Planet.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I talked to Jordan Thomas, the designer of Thief: Deadly Shadows, Director and Writer of BioShock 2 and The Blackout Club. We talk about his past, breaking into the video game industry, working with Ken Levine on BioShock and some new interesting insights about his career.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I had a chat with my friend Hamidreza Saeedy about writing and designing the acclaimed indie ARPG, Children of Morta. Since both of us speak Farsi, I thought it'd be cool to do it this way, so, sorry if you don't know the language.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this special episode, I had an awesome conversation with eight awesome guys from Codemasters working on the audio of their games and specially GRID. This conversation is gold for all the sound designers and anyone working with audio in the game industry

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A chat with the audio director of Gearbox Software about sound and creating the audio experience of Borderlands 3.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I had a talk with Terry Hess, lead environment artist of The Outer Worlds. We talked about creating the world of this huge game and environmental story-telling.
Check out Terry's amazing work: https://www.artstation.com/terryhess
http://terryhess.com/

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

A deep and fun conversation with David Chateauneuf, co-founder of Red Barrels and Game Designer of Outlast games. We talk about everything related to the horror genre, crazy stories, games, movies, and techniques of making a horror game like Outlast.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I had the honor to talk to the legendary Johan Söderqvist, composer of many great films like Let the Right One In, Kon-Tiki and Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V. We talk about Johan's background, work and writing emotional music.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, Aryan Hanbeck talks about becoming an artist in video games, how to go up the ladder in the industry, Gears 4 and 5 art style and continuing the saga of this beloved series.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I chat with Jehanne Rousseau, CEO of Spiders and Lead Writer of Greedfall. We talk about her past, making Greedfall, one of the best RPGs of the year with only 50 in 3 years.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In a chat with David Adams, he talks about growing up loving video games, starting Vigil Games and Darksiders. He talks about the new studio and future of Gunfire Games.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode I speak with one of the kindest souls out there, a man who has scored best selling games of this generation, Call of Duty WWII and Mortal Kombat 11, he tells me how he got a call to compose the new Call of Duty

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode, I talk to Patrice Desilets about growing up loving video games and history, Assassin's Creed creation, leaving Ubisoft and starting his own studio.

View Details

From Dead Space to Tomb Raider or The Order: 1886, Jason Graves is one of the most versatile and talented composers in the video game industry. I talk about his childhood, growing up to become a composer and his techniques and tools.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode from my last show "Gameology Conversations" I chat with Inon Zur, the legendary composer of Fallout series, Dragon Age, Crysis, Prince of Persia and many more. The story begins from Israel to Hollywood and making it big.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode which is from my last show "Gameology Conversations" I speak with the great Chris Avellone writer of Star Wars: The Knights of the Old Republic, Fallout New Vegas, Dying Light 2 and many more games.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode which is a part of my last podcast "Gameology Conversations" I talk to Ken Levine about his childhood, making BioShock and politics.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

In this episode that I did back in 2016 for my last show "Gameology Conversations" I talk to Troy Baker about voice acting, singing and creating memorable characters like Joel in The Last of Us or Booker in BioShock Infinite.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)

View Details

This episode is from my previous show "Gameology Conversations" which I did back in 2015 and I had a chat with Konrad, the director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077.

We talk about Konrad's background, starting as an intern in Poland and proving himself to lead the greatest games of CD Projekt Red.

Support the show (https://www.nikoofarmusic.com/support-and-donations)