David Koepp talks screenwriting, Disclosure Day, Jurassic Park, Spielberg, De Palma, Soderbergh, Fincher, Carlito's Way, Al Pacino, Snake Eyes, The Trigger Effect, Colin Firth, Names, Famous Lines

Emile Hirsch talks Speed Racer 4K Blu-Ray release, Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino, Ang Lee, Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn, Catherine Hardwicke, William Friedkin, Christopher Nolan

Jul 3, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of On Film with Kevin McCarthy, actor Emile Hirsch joins the show to discuss his illustrious career, his love for cinema, and the 4K Blu-ray release of his 2008 film Speed Racer. The conversation explores Hirsch’s journey as an actor, touching on his early theatrical memories in Los Angeles and the formative experiences that inspired him to enter the industry. The discussion delves into the complex balance between art and business, using Speed Racer as a focal point to analyze the pressure of blockbuster expectations versus the creative freedom of independent projects. Hirsch reflects on the intensity of working with renowned directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Sean Penn, and the late William Friedkin, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the craft and dedication required on set. He also shares insights into his personal approach to acting, his relationship with physical media as a collector, and how he manages to find a flow state while performing. Through these stories, the episode offers an intimate look at Hirsch’s growth from a young actor navigating the industry to a seasoned professional reflecting on his cinematic legacy.

Jeff Bridges, Allison Janney, Zoey Deutch, Jesse Eisenberg & Bobby Moynihan join the podcast to talk Minions & Monsters, Film History, Babylon, Legacy, Classic Movie Sets, Theatrical Experiences

Jul 3, 202619 minSummary

In this episode of On Film…With Kevin McCarthy, a star-studded panel featuring Jeff Bridges, Allison Janney, Zoey Deutch, Jesse Eisenberg, and Bobby Moynihan gathers to discuss the magic of cinema, the legacy of film history, and their latest project. The conversation serves as a love letter to the theatrical experience, with each guest sharing pivotal memories of seeing films in theaters—from the collective laughter during Anchorman to the terrifying thrill of Jaws. The discussion shifts to the craft of filmmaking as the actors reflect on classic movie sets they would have loved to visit, highlighting the artistry behind iconic shots in films like Citizen Kane and 2001: A Space Odyssey. The group also dives into the unique challenges of voice acting, sharing humorous anecdotes about the physical extremes, such as removing shoes or using "effort bars," required to bring animated characters to life. Finally, the panel contemplates the enduring nature of film and how their work might be perceived by future generations, touching on the intersection of acting, history, and the evolving role of technology in storytelling.

Olivia Wilde on directing The Invite, Booksmart, Catharsis in storytelling, Diane Keaton, Sidney Lumet, Filmmaking, Score, Cinematography, Kodak, Film Projection, Jurassic Park, Theatrical Experience

Jul 2, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of On Film…With Kevin McCarthy, director Olivia Wilde joins the show to discuss her latest project and her profound dedication to the art of celluloid filmmaking. Throughout their conversation, Wilde emphasizes the importance of the theatrical experience and the unique, almost magical atmosphere that shooting on 35mm film creates on set. She shares her experiences traveling to various historic movie palaces and highlights the vital, often overlooked role of projectionists, whom she views as essential creative partners in the filmmaking process. The discussion delves into the technical and emotional aspects of production, including the decision to shoot sequentially, which allowed the cast and crew to grow with the story in a way that mimicked live theater. Wilde also talks about the collaborative nature of filmmaking, praising her cinematographer, Adam Newport-Berra, for his ambition and shared commitment to the film format. By reflecting on the power of the communal experience in cinemas—and recalling her own pivotal memories of films like Jurassic Park—Wilde provides an insightful look at how stories can be crafted to foster connection, curiosity, and lasting impact on audiences.

Samara Weaving on Carolina Caroline, Ready or Not, Ready or Not 2, Over Your Dead Body, Eenie Meanie, Filmmaking, Cinematography, Score, Lord of the Rings, Hugo Weaving, Film Club, and so much more!

Jun 26, 202655 minSummary

In this episode, actor Samara Weaving joins the program to discuss her latest film, Carolina Caroline, and her broader experiences in the industry. Weaving reflects on the unique emotional challenge of saying goodbye to characters after production wraps, describing an actor’s "hangover" period that follows the intense, collaborative bonding of a film set. She opens up about her approach to empathy in acting, specifically regarding the moral complexity of her characters, noting that the ability to question one's own morality is often a sign of goodness. The conversation touches on Weaving’s upbringing in an artistic family and her early exposure to the power of cinema, citing the first Pirates of the Caribbean as the moment she knew she wanted to pursue storytelling. Weaving also shares practical insights into her craft, including her transition from Australian television to American film sets, the "technical" lessons learned from soap operas, and how her recent journey into motherhood has shifted her perspective on script selection and emotional depth. Additionally, she reveals her humorous technique of using an alter ego named Bridget to navigate the demands of photo shoots and red-carpet appearances.

BEEF creator/writer/director/EP and showrunner Lee Sung Jin talks Netflix series & more.

Jun 19, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode, filmmaker Lee Sung Jin joins the podcast to discuss his creative process, the evolution of his storytelling, and the themes behind his critically acclaimed Netflix series, BEEF. Reflecting on his early influences, Lee discusses how seminal films like Jurassic Park and Pulp Fiction shaped his understanding of communal storytelling and structural innovation. He also credits his move into therapy as a pivotal turning point that allowed him to drop performative writing masks and begin creating more authentic, personal work. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Lee’s unique "rise and fall" method of writing, which draws parallels between musical chord progressions and narrative structure. He explains how he utilizes this technique to build emotional arcs and maintain audience engagement through carefully managed tension and release. The discussion also touches upon the importance of empathy in character development, with Lee explaining how he strategically provides glimpses of humanity in flawed characters to earn the audience's investment. Throughout the interview, Lee offers deep insights into the intersection of personal growth, the subconscious influence of childhood, and the power of finding harmony within the dissonance of life.

Mikaela Hoover talks OCD, ADHD, Mental Health, Beef, One Piece, Guardians of the Galaxy, Superman, Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn, Matthew Lillard, Catharsis, Building Characters, and more!

Jun 17, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of On Film…With Kevin McCarthy, actor Mikaela Hoover joins host Kevin McCarthy for an exceptionally vulnerable and candid conversation about living with OCD and ADHD. While the discussion touches on her career in the film industry—including her work with James Gunn and projects like Guardians of the Galaxy—the heart of the episode is a deep dive into the realities of mental health. Hoover and McCarthy share their personal experiences with OCD, moving past common stereotypes to discuss the paralyzing, time-consuming nature of the disorder. They explore the exhausting cycle of intrusive thoughts, the constant need for reassurance, and the shame often associated with the condition. Both hosts highlight the importance of "being present," explaining how the immersive nature of cinema and acting serves as a vital escape from the internal mental loops that can make daily life, such as driving or public travel, incredibly difficult. Ultimately, the conversation shifts to viewing their experiences as a source of deep empathy and inner strength, aiming to offer solidarity to others who may be struggling in silence.

Steven Spielberg on Disclosure Day, Jaws, E.T., Schindler's List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, PG-13 Rating, War of the Worlds, Empathy, John Williams, Editing, Kaminski & more

Jun 2, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of On Film…With Kevin McCarthy, host Kevin McCarthy welcomes legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg for a wide-ranging conversation about his illustrious career and his approach to storytelling. The two dive deep into the central role of empathy in Spielberg’s work, tracing it from his upbringing to its manifestation in iconic moments, such as the grief depicted in Jaws. Spielberg shares his philosophy on visual storytelling, discussing how he treats light as a character and why he values "happy accidents" on set over rigid storyboarding for certain projects. The discussion also explores technical craftsmanship, including the specific challenges of shooting Schindler’s List in black and white and his evolving collaboration with cinematographers like Janusz Kamiński. Spielberg touches on the history of the PG-13 rating, which he helped initiate, and reflects on the unique, tactile nature of film projection compared to digital formats. Throughout the episode, the pair discusses Spielberg’s long-standing partnership with composer John Williams and the importance of music in guiding audience emotion. The conversation concludes with a nostalgic look at the magic of cinema and the enduring power of storytelling through both the lens and the projector.

Ep. 48 - Brendan Fraser talks Pressure, The Mummy, Encino Man, Blast From The Past, The Whale, The Mummy Returns, The Scout, Childhood, Physicality, Filmmaking, Film Score, Rob Simonsen, Cinema

May 29, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of On Film, host Kevin McCarthy sits down with Brendan Fraser for a deeply reflective conversation covering the actor’s storied career, his early inspirations, and his approach to the craft. The discussion begins with the power of the theatrical experience, as Fraser recounts how seeing Star Wars as a child and experiencing live theater in London ignited his imagination and sense of purpose. He shares formative memories of his time living in Holland, where witnessing the lingering, personal scars of World War II gave him a profound appreciation for history and human resilience—themes that deeply inform his latest role portraying Dwight D. Eisenhower in the film Pressure. Fraser offers candid insights into his acting process, emphasizing that he avoids rigid mimicry in favor of finding the humanity within a character. He explains why he embraces uncertainty and risk over confidence, noting that his best work often emerges from feeling slightly untethered. The conversation also touches on the musicality of performance, featuring an amusing anecdote about working with Christopher Walken. Ultimately, the episode serves as a thoughtful exploration of how storytelling fosters empathy and connection in an increasingly complex world.

Ep. 47 - Backrooms director Kane Parsons talks journey from YouTube to A24 feature film, filmmaking, VFX, Cinematography, Music, Mental Health, Sound Design, Clues, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve

May 26, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of On Film, host Kevin McCarthy sits down with director Kane Parsons to discuss his transition from a viral YouTube creator to the filmmaker behind the A24 feature film adaptation of the Backrooms. Parsons provides a fascinating deep dive into the origins of the project, explaining how a mundane, eerie photograph from 2019 evolved into a massive, open-source community phenomenon rooted in the concept of liminal spaces and video game-inspired glitch logic. The conversation explores the intersection of filmmaking craft and mental health. Parsons details his meticulous approach to production design, cinematography, and sound, highlighting how he uses physical sets, forced perspective, and deliberate visual cues to evoke a sense of unease. They discuss the therapeutic nature of storytelling, with both parties reflecting on how themes of OCD and childhood trauma are woven into the narrative. Parsons shares his technical process for achieving the film's immersive, surreal sequences and how he translates his background in 3D animation into practical, haunting imagery. This episode serves as an insightful look at the creative journey of an artist who turns abstract, subconscious anxieties into a compelling cinematic experience.