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  • [ 04/06/2025 ] BONUS Episode – Inside Alien War: Paul King on Revisiting the Trocadero’s Terrifying Sci-Fi Experience in “Beneath London” Articles
  • [ 04/06/2025 ] Episode 127 – Max Evry on “A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History” Articles
  • [ 09/05/2025 ] Elstree 1976 Returns: 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Now on Kickstarter Articles
  • [ 08/05/2025 ] Episode 126 – Inside the BFI National Archives – Film on Film Festival – Special Episode Articles
  • [ 22/04/2025 ] “Suddenly Something Clicked” – With Walter Murch Articles
Paul King pictured in a cap and jacket.
Articles

118 – Paul King – Shine On – New The Shining Documentary

28/01/2025 filmumentaries 0

In this conversation, I interview Paul King about his documentary ‘Shine On’, which explores the making of ‘The Shining’ and its lasting impact. We discuss their personal experiences with the film, the significance of Elstree […]

Colin Cantwell pictured smiling
Articles

117 – Colin Cantwell – My Converstion with his long-term partner Sierra Dall

20/12/2024 filmumentaries 1

Episode 117: The Visionary Legacy of Colin Cantwell When we think about the visual language of science fiction, certain iconic designs immediately come to mind. The menacing silhouette of the Death Star. The intricate detailing […]

Articles

116 – Nigel Smith – Cinema Historian and Tour Guide

03/12/2024 filmumentaries 0

In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with cinema historian and walking tour guide, Nigel Smith. Nigel is the creator of Memory Palaces, a website project dedicated to exploring and preserving the […]

Articles

115 – John Bell – Concept Designer and Art Director

19/11/2024 filmumentaries 0

Welcome to Episode 115 of The Filmumentaries Podcast. I’m Jamie Benning, and this week I’m talking to John Bell, a concept artist and art director whose career has spanned some of the most memorable films […]

Articles

My first article for ILM!

05/11/2024 filmumentaries 2

Back in August this year, I was invited by the folks at Lucasfilm to join a group of writers to produce articles for both ILM.com and Skysound.com. Of course, I jumped at the chance to […]

Articles

114 – Laurent Bouzereau – Director of “Music By John Williams”

05/11/2024 filmumentaries 0

In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I’m sitting down with director Laurent Bouzereau to chat about his new documentary, ‘Music by John Williams’. We dive into the emotional punch of Williams’ music, the process […]

Articles

113 – Kevin Jenkins – Production Designer

30/10/2024 filmumentaries 0

In this chat with Kevin Jenkins, we dive into our shared love for movies and what first sparked that passion. We swap stories about our childhood movie experiences and the films that got under our […]

Articles

112 – Jon Spira – “The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee”

07/10/2024 filmumentaries 3

Episode 112 – Jon Spira, Director of The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down once again with Jon Spira, a filmmaker whose passion for British […]

Articles

111 – TyRuben Ellingson – VFX Artist and Educator

25/09/2024 filmumentaries 0

When I spoke with visual effects artist and educator TyRuben Ellingson, I was keen to explore his journey from art student to key figure at Industrial Light & Magic. Known for his work on films […]

Articles

109 – King Kong – 35mm BFI Screening

27/08/2024 filmumentaries 0

In this episode, Jamie Benning interviews Doug Weir and Kieran Webb from the British Film Institute (BFI) about the restoration and screening of the 1933 classic film King Kong – 18th and 16th Sept 2024. […]

Articles

108 – Jett Green – Matte Painter / Artist

20/08/2024 filmumentaries 0

  A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to talk with artist Jett Green. Back in the 80’s she worked for Industrial Light and Magic and created a […]

Articles

107 – Steve Sansweet – Rancho Obi-Wan

06/08/2024 filmumentaries 0

Steve Sansweet, former bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal, shares his passion for movies and collecting, particularly Star Wars memorabilia. He recalls his childhood love for movies and science fiction, and how he started […]

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Your twice monthly dose of genre film history. Conversations between host Jamie Benning and creators in VFX, Sound Design, Directing, Editing and more
Lots of great things happened on Martha’s Vineya Lots of great things happened on Martha’s Vineyard — but one real highlight was getting to interview a personal hero of mine: the brilliant Charles de @lauzirika. Known for his iconic behind-the-scenes documentaries (and a talented director in his own right), Charles gave us some amazing context on Joe’s work in a 45-minute chat. Honestly, we could use 44 minutes of it. I’m lucky to call Charles a friend — He's someone I have a huge amount of respect for. Grateful for his time and insight.
Never expected that I'd get the opportunity to int Never expected that I'd get the opportunity to interview Richard Dreyfuss. And on Martha's Vineyard, where it all happened back in 1974. Crazy.
What an incredible week we had with @joealvesoffic What an incredible week we had with @joealvesofficial (and his amazing wife Jerri, @dennislprince and many others on Martha's Vineyard. All thanks to the folks that donated to the GoFundMe. From chatting with local stars of the movie in Edgar town, to taking Joe back to Menemsha, where he shouted in Dec 1973, this trip couldn't have been more magical. With @lauzirika @michaelfulcherstudios @jimbeller @johncampopiano @gnicotero @jeffreykramerofficial and many more! Thanks to all of you for making it a blast.
For episode 126 of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I w For episode 126 of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I was lucky enough to go behind the scenes at the BFI National Archive in Berkhamsted — a place where film history isn’t just stored, but actively preserved, projected, and celebrated. This visit connects directly to the upcoming BFI Film on Film Festival (June 12–15, 2025), a brilliant event championing the unique experience of watching physical film — nitrate, 35mm, 16mm — rather than the digital formats we take for granted. I spoke with incredible experts who keep film history alive: James Bell, Chris Stenner, Sonya Jeannette, Martin Kofi, and David Jones. Massive thanks to Kieron Webb and Sarah Bemand for making the visit happen. It reminded me just how much passion and craftsmanship goes into archival preservation — and how communal and irreplaceable the experience of watching film on film really is. #Film #BFI #Preservation #Archives #FilmFestival #Cinemas #Podcast #FilmHistory #Community #Restoration #FilmLovers
It’s hard to believe, but The Filmumentaries Pod It’s hard to believe, but The Filmumentaries Podcast has reached its 125th episode — and, with it, the fifth anniversary of the show. What started as a passion project to shine a light on behind-the-scenes artists has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of, thanks in large part to the generous support and enthusiasm of listeners like you. To mark this milestone, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my most frequent and most requested guests: the legendary Walter Murch. Walter needs little introduction. He’s a film editor, sound designer, director, and author whose influence spans across six decades and some of cinema’s most groundbreaking works. From Apocalypse Now to The English Patient, his ability to move between the practical and the philosophical, the technical and the intuitive, has set him apart as one of the true deep thinkers in film. In this conversation, we focus on his new book Suddenly Something Clicked, which is being published by Faber & Faber on 8th May 2025. I’m very grateful to the team at Faber for kindly sending me a preview copy. The book is described by Walter as a “twisted rope” of theory, practice, and history — and it certainly lives up to that. One moment he’s describing the physicality of using a Moviola, the next he’s diving into neuroscience, the grammar of dreams, and the editing instincts wired into our biology. Our conversation mirrors that style — covering a huge range of topics: from how children today seem to absorb film grammar instinctively, to the metaphorical use of sound design, to the unique experience of physically handling film versus the digital environment we now work in. Walter shares his thoughts on AI in filmmaking, and how spontaneity — that ineffable spark of human creativity — is something machines still struggle to replicate. #waltermurch #editing #sounddesign #apocolypsenow #theconversation
“Push the Button”: The Curious Career of Jeff “Push the Button”: The Curious Career of Jeff Okun Like many visual effects artists of a certain vintage, Jeff Okun didn’t plan on a career in VFX. In fact, by his own account, he didn't even plan to work in film at all. "I’m a completely accidental human being," he told me with a chuckle. His ambitions began on a very different stage — as a stand-up comic — until a sharply atheistic routine delivered at home earned him a lifetime ban from performing in front of his parents. Instead, Okun’s creative outlet took the form of magic tricks, homemade stunts, and Super 8 visual gags. “I would blow up model ships and fake fights in rush hour traffic,” he said, “and I’d be in the bushes filming with ketchup for blood.” All of this childhood chicanery ultimately gave way to a fascination with the trickery of movies — the kind of illusions you could only pull off with careful camera work, sleight-of-hand editing, and an appetite for mischief. Learning the Craft the Hard Way Okun's first job in film was with the legendary graphic designer and filmmaker Saul Bass. The experience was, in Okun's words, “awful,” but also profoundly formative. As Bass’s gopher-turned-editor, Okun was thrown into the deep end. “I hated him,” he laughed. “But he taught me everything: editing, sound, post-production supervision, how to shoot, how to frame. It was a masterclass.” Working for Bass meant operating in a visually precise, effects-heavy style — layering camera moves, creating in-camera effects, and often relying on labor-intensive optical printing processes. When optical houses turned down Bass’s business — too exacting, too expensive — Okun stepped in with cost-saving workarounds and pricing schemes that actually worked. “We doubled the budget, added a contingency, and somehow still landed exactly on target.” “By the end of it, I ended up loving the man,” Okun said. “Not because he gave me a break, but because he was so specific and difficult to please that when you did please him, it meant something." Hear the entire conversation in episode 124 of the podcast. https://linktr.ee/filmumentaries
Episode 123 of The Filmumentaries Podcast is now l Episode 123 of The Filmumentaries Podcast is now live, and this time I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with veteran sound editor, ADR supervisor and director, Vickie Sampson. Vickie’s career in film sound goes all the way back to the early 70s, and she’s still going strong. She grew up surrounded by cinema – her mum was Kay Rose, the first woman to win an Oscar for sound editing, and her dad was a director and editor. Between swimming in Verna Fields' pool while Spielberg filmed Jaws inserts, to recording ADR with Keanu Reeves on Speed, Vickie has seen and heard it all. We talked about: What a dialogue editor really does Why good sound starts in pre-production Why so many indie films get sound wrong Working on Return of the Jedi, Romancing the Stone, Ordinary People, On Golden Pond, Christmas Vacation, Tank Girl, The Fifth Element and more How to teach the next generation to respect sound And yes, that time the Jedi reels got stolen from her car… One hour wasn’t enough, but there’s so much in here for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Vickie’s stories are funny, insightful, and packed with practical wisdom. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. #Filmumentaries #PodcastInterview #VickieSampson #FilmSound #ADR #SoundEditing #BehindTheScenes #ReturnOfTheJedi #RomancingTheStone #TankGirl #TheFifthElement #SpeedMovie #FilmmakingPodcast #PostProduction #WomenInFilm #FilmHistory #SoundMatters #StorytellingCraft #FilmPodcast
Episode 123 of The Filmumentaries Podcast is now l Episode 123 of The Filmumentaries Podcast is now live, and this time I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with veteran sound editor, ADR supervisor and director, Vickie Sampson. Vickie’s career in film sound goes all the way back to the early 70s, and she’s still going strong. She grew up surrounded by cinema – her mum was Kay Rose, the first woman to win an Oscar for sound editing, and her dad was a director and editor. Between swimming in Verna Fields' pool while Spielberg filmed Jaws inserts, to recording ADR with Keanu Reeves on Speed, Vickie has seen and heard it all. We talked about: What a dialogue editor really does Why good sound starts in pre-production Why so many indie films get sound wrong Working on Return of the Jedi, Romancing the Stone, Ordinary People, On Golden Pond, Christmas Vacation, Tank Girl, The Fifth Element and more How to teach the next generation to respect sound And yes, that time the Jedi reels got stolen from her car… One hour wasn’t enough, but there’s so much in here for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Vickie’s stories are funny, insightful, and packed with practical wisdom. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. #Filmumentaries #PodcastInterview #VickieSampson #FilmSound #ADR #SoundEditing #BehindTheScenes #ReturnOfTheJedi #RomancingTheStone #TankGirl #TheFifthElement #SpeedMovie #FilmmakingPodcast #PostProduction #WomenInFilm #FilmHistory #SoundMatters #StorytellingCraft #FilmPodcast
In this conversation, I speak with Howard Berry ab In this conversation, I speak with Howard Berry about his film project 'Her Name Was Moviola', which explores the art of film editing through the lens of a a traditional editing setup. Howard shares the origins of the project, his connections with notable filmmakers like Walter Murch and Mike Leigh, who are both involved in the projet. And the challenges he faced in acquiring the necessary equipment for the film. The chat highlights the technical aspects of film editing and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. We look at the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on the editing process and the relationship between directors and editors. Howard shares insights into his experience editing a film about editing, the challenges faced during production, and the importance of preserving cinematic stories. We also touch on the film's reception at various festivals and the future distribution plans. #editing #moviola #waltermurch #mikeleigh
In my latest episode I had a great chat with Jim F In my latest episode I had a great chat with Jim Fredrick, creative marketing exec about his years in the film industry cutting trailers (amongst other things) for the movies we love. Jim's wonderful book "Opening Weekend, An Insider's Look at Marketing Hollywood's Hits and Flops" is a great read. Whether you're a seasoned film nerd or just starting out on your filmmaking journey, Jim's book will resonate with you. Here's Jim talking with me about his first trip to England to cut trailers for the recently passed @stanleykubrick. Hear the whole conversation on episode 121 of The Filmumentaries Podcast and go buy Jim's book! #kubrick #trailer #stalbans #movies #behindthescenes #filmmaking #marketing
Here's Maryan Infield talking to me in episode 120 Here's Maryan Infield talking to me in episode 120 about the challenges of being the only VFX camera op on the crew after she left ILM. Maryan worked on Return of the Jedi and Dune in the 80s. Listen to her story now on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. #womeninfilm #ilm #returnofthejedi
Rediscover episode 63 in which I chatted with VFX Rediscover episode 63 in which I chatted with VFX legend Dennis Muren. Here he is talking about the importance of preserving original releases. #ilm #starwars #georgelucas #specialeditions
In this conversation, Gus Lopez shares his journey In this conversation, Gus Lopez shares his journey as a Star Wars collector, discussing the profound impact of Star Wars on film and culture, the evolution of collecting through the internet, and the importance of storytelling in the collecting community. He also delves into the ambitious plans for the Saga Museum, a collaborative effort among prominent collectors to create a public space for showcasing their collections and sharing their stories with fans. In this conversation, Gus Lopez discusses the ambitious plans for a physical Star Wars museum, focusing on fundraising, educational components, community engagement, and the importance of support from Lucasfilm. He shares insights into the collecting journey, the responsibility of preserving cultural artifacts, and the vision for a location that attracts both fans and tourists. The conversation concludes with ways fans can get involved in the project. #collecting #starwars #sagamuseum
This time I chat with director Paul King about his This time I chat with director Paul King about his documentary Shine On, which dives into the making of The Shining and its iconic filming locations at Elstree Studios. We talk about Kubrick’s legendary attention to detail, the emotional connection fans have with the film, and Paul's journey creating the documentary—from filming challenges to the support of the Kubrick estate. If you’re a fan of The Shining or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories, this one's for you! 📲 Listen now through the link in my bio.
Join me, Jamie Benning, as I chat with Sierra Dall Join me, Jamie Benning, as I chat with Sierra Dall, long-term partner of the late Colin Cantwell—visionary concept artist behind Star Wars’ iconic spacecraft and more! 🌌 In this episode: ✨ Colin’s groundbreaking designs for Star Wars & 2001: A Space Odyssey 🌙 His NASA contributions, including the moon landing broadcast 🎥 Collaborations with legends like Stanley Kubrick & George Lucas 🎮 His creative work on WarGames 🎓 UCLA’s first animation major graduate 🔬 A passion for quantum physics shaping his designs 🌟 Sierra’s efforts to preserve his legacy through a new website & documentary 💡 Exclusive Offer: Visit colincantwell.com and use code FILM15 for 15% off! 🎁 🔗 All my links in bio! #ColinCantwell #StarWars #Filmumentaries #2001ASpaceOdyssey #NASA #StanleyKubrick #SciFiDesign #STEAMeducation #FilmHistory #BehindTheScenes #Wargames #PodcastInterview
What was the first film you saw in the cinema? In What was the first film you saw in the cinema? In this episode of The Filmumentaries Podcast, I sit down with cinema historian and walking tour guide, Nigel Smith. Nigel is the creator of Memory Palaces, a website project dedicated to exploring and preserving the stories of London’s cinemas—both those still standing and those long forgotten. Join me and Nigel as we discuss: Nigel’s early love of cinema, sparked by watching Superman II as a child. The evolution of his passion from movies to the buildings that housed them. The rich history of London’s cinema culture, including iconic locations like the West End’s movie palaces and quirky cinemas like the Prince Charles. Fascinating discoveries from Nigel’s research, such as a Camden cinema run by a medium who let spirits dictate the programming. The enduring importance of community in cinema-going, from bustling matinees of the past to modern film clubs like Tufnell Park Film Club. Nigel also shares anecdotes from his popular walking tours, where participants bring their own memories to add to the tapestry of London’s cinematic past. Whether it’s the glamour of West End premieres or the humble beginnings of Victorian-era musicals, Nigel’s storytelling brings the history of cinema to life in a truly unique way. For more on Nigel’s work and how to join one of his walking tours, visit Memory Palaces.
How to storyboard for the fast mind of Steven Spie How to storyboard for the fast mind of Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park - As told by Art Director John Bell who worked under Production Designer Rick Carter. Listen to the whole conversation in episode 115 of The Filmumentaries Podcast. #design #designer #artdirector #spielberg #rickcarter #jurassicpark #vfx
In this episode of the Filmumentaries podcast, I’m bringing you some updates on my work with ILM and sitting down with director Laurent Bouzereau to chat about his new documentary, Music by John Williams from @lucasfilm. We dive into the emotional punch of Williams’ music, the process behind crafting the documentary, and Williams’ lasting legacy as a composer. Laurent opens up about his experience working closely with Williams and the art of storytelling in documentaries, as well as the challenge of sifting through such a massive collection of iconic work. ‘Music by John Williams’ is available on Disney+ and in cinemas for limited release.
Episode 113 is up. My conversation with production Episode 113 is up. My conversation with production designer, art director, concept designer and VFX artist Kevin Jenkins. We swap stories about our childhood movie experiences and the films that got under our skin—like Jaws, Star Wars, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We talk about how these films not only shaped Kevin's tastes but ignited a passion for storytelling and artistry that's stuck with him. Kevin and I get into the risks filmmakers took back then. We touch on the balance between practical effects and digital tech, and why having a passionate, collaborative team is crucial to making something memorable. There's a bit on the commercialization of genres and how fandom sometimes gets too caught up in nostalgia, missing out on new, original stories. We also cover how filmmaking has evolved with technology, especially for artists like Kevin, who transitioned from traditional illustration to digital tools. Kevin shares insights on how tech influences collaboration and creativity on set. He walks me through the role of a concept artist, the problem-solving and idea generation that goes into projects like World War Z and Edge of Tomorrow—highlighting the creative process behind creature designs and visual effects. Kevin opens up about the challenge of finding the right design and the nuances of working within big franchises. He talks about the essential collaboration between art and costume departments to build a cohesive visual world. Finally, Kevin shares his ambition to work on a historical epic.
In episode 112 of The Filmumentaries Podcast, Jon In episode 112 of The Filmumentaries Podcast, Jon Spira discusses his latest documentary "The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee". See it in the UK on Sky on 24th October 2024. We explore the challenges of public perception and reviews, the emotional depth he aimed to capture, and the innovative storytelling techniques he employed, including the use of puppetry. Jon reflects on the importance of narrative control and the reactions to his creative choices, emphasizing the significance of collaboration with talented individuals in the filmmaking process. He also talks about the importance of empathy in storytelling and the challenges faced in navigating film festivals. The discussion also touches on the future of cinema and the complexities of human nature.
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Recent Posts
  • BONUS Episode – Inside Alien War: Paul King on Revisiting the Trocadero’s Terrifying Sci-Fi Experience in “Beneath London”
  • Episode 127 – Max Evry on “A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History”
  • Elstree 1976 Returns: 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Now on Kickstarter
  • Episode 126 – Inside the BFI National Archives – Film on Film Festival – Special Episode
  • “Suddenly Something Clicked” – With Walter Murch

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