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  • [ 22/04/2025 ] “Suddenly Something Clicked” – With Walter Murch Articles
  • [ 08/04/2025 ] “Push the Button”: The Curious Career of Jeff Okun Articles
  • [ 28/03/2025 ] The Art of Dialogue Editing – With Vickie Sampson Articles
  • [ 11/03/2025 ] “Her Name Was Moviola” – With Director Howard Berry Articles
  • [ 05/03/2025 ] 121 – Jim Fredrick – Creative Marketing Exec Articles
shows a photo of a virtual production rig
Articles

102 – Masters of the Air VFX Team – Steve Jelley and Xavier Bernasconi

23/05/2024 filmumentaries 0

For this episode, number 102, I am speaking to to gentleman that worked on the visual effects for Masters of the air, the Apple TV series which is a continuation of Band of Brothers and […]

Articles

Visit to Skywalker Ranch, Lucasfilm and Rancho Obi Wan – April 2024

26/04/2024 filmumentaries 8

What a trip! Over the last 18 months I’ve been able to ask the nice folks at ILM/Skywalker Sound to put me in touch with some of my heroes. Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston and most […]

Articles

100 – Phil Tippett – VFX Legend

09/04/2024 filmumentaries 2

    For this the 100th episode it seems fitting that it’s someone who’s name I’ve known since I was 4, 5 and 6 when my imagination was first sparked, looking through my Empire Strikes […]

Shot of David Whiteley smiling in a Boba Fett Tshirt
Articles

99 – David Whiteley – Presenter, Filmmaker (The Galaxy that Britain Built & Toy Empire)

25/03/2024 filmumentaries 0

For episode 99 I interviewed friend, David Whiteley. If you don’t know David, you should! He’s a news presenter, but also a huge Star Wars Fan. And, has made two fantastic documentaries about the subject. […]

picture shows Amazon kindle e-reader displaying the front cover of Return of the Jedi - Unauthorized Timeline
Articles

New eBook – Return of the Jedi – Unauthorized Timeline

23/03/2024 filmumentaries 0

In June 2023, Justin Berger and I released our first collaboration, “Return of the Jedi – Unauthorized Timeline” – A compendium of every thing we could find associated with the pre-production, production and post production […]

thumbnail for episode 98 showing an original poster of The Empire Strikes Back
Articles

98 – The Empire Strikes Back Commentary – With Giles Terera

13/03/2024 filmumentaries 0

Just wrapped up an epic podcast episode where we dove into a special commentary on ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ with the incredible Giles Terrera! From our love for the iconic scenes to diving deep into […]

Fred North
Articles

97 – Fred North – Helicopter Stunt Pilot

26/02/2024 filmumentaries 0

In episode 97 of the Filmumentaries podcast, I interview helicopter stunt pilot Fred North. Fred shares his journey from a childhood fascination with helicopters to becoming a successful stunt pilot in Hollywood. He emphasizes the […]

Gareth Edwards
Articles

96 – Gareth Edwards and The Creator Effects Team

19/02/2024 filmumentaries 0

I hope you enjoyed my archival interview episodes in December 2023, one with Producer Robert Watts, the other with actor Garrick Hagon. Well now we are back to some recent interviews, I can tell you […]

Biggs himself
Articles

95 – Garrick Hagon – Star Wars Actor

23/01/2024 filmumentaries 0

Ok, this is another one from the archives, but as with the Robert Watts recording, I’ve been wanting to put this one out in podcast form for a while too. This is a conversation I […]

Articles

94 – Robert Watts – Legendary Producer

16/01/2024 filmumentaries 0

This is one from the archives, but I’ve been wanting to put this out in podcast for for some time now. Its my interview with the legendary producer Robert Watts from back in July 2018. […]

Articles

93 – Mission Impossible 7 – VFX Supervisors – Jeff Sutherland & Simone Coco

29/12/2023 filmumentaries 0

Listen on Apple Podcasts Behind the VFX Curtain: Crafting the Visual Spectacle of Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 Step into the world of Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 with ILM VFX […]

Articles

92 – Tom Spina – Sculptor / FX Artist – Regal Robot, Tom Spina Designs92 – Tom Spina –

29/12/2023 filmumentaries 0

Now, for this exciting episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Spina. Tom is an avid Star Wars enthusiast, restoration specialist, and the founder of Tom Spina Designs and Regal Robot. In our […]

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The Filmumentaries Podcast

filmumentaries

Your twice monthly dose of genre film history. Conversations between host Jamie Benning and creators in VFX, Sound Design, Directing, Editing and more
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.
Heartbroken to hear that Robert Watts has passed a Heartbroken to hear that Robert Watts has passed away. The afternoon we spent with him in 2018 was filled with such unforgettable stories. He spoke about the passion needed to succeed in the industry. His own passion shone brightly, right until the end. We owe you so much Robert.❤️
Episode 111 is live! I sit down with TyRuben Ellin Episode 111 is live! I sit down with TyRuben Ellingson, VFX Art Director and educator, to talk early influences, his work at ILM, collaborating with Spielberg, Lucas, and Cameron, and the lessons he's learnt along the way. Check the linktree in my bio.
Episode 110 of The Filmumentaries Podcast is up. T Episode 110 of The Filmumentaries Podcast is up. This time I chat with ILM's very own Andrew Whitehurst. @andrewrjw Andrew’s journey into the visual effects industry is one that really resonates with me, especially when he talks about his childhood fascination with all things movie magic and a certain BBC documentary. Yes, THAT one! Again! Like many of us, it all started with a spark of curiosity. He pursued that passion at art college and gained experience in various roles, which eventually led him to become a visual effects artist. His early work on projects like Tomb Raider 2 and Troy paved the way for his role as VFX supervisor on Ex Machina, ultimately winning him an academy award. In our conversation, we got to dive deep into Andrew’s experience working on films like Ex Machina and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. We talked about the challenges of creating realistic CGI characters and the meticulous attention to detail that’s required for modern audiences. Andrew shares that belief in the value of using traditional tools like pencil and paper in the design process, and on the importance of looking beyond the screen to other forms of art for inspiration. Through our discussion, Andrew provided some great insights into the decision-making process for visual effects and how to strike that delicate balance between realism and audience expectations. Listen in for the whole conversation. Link in bio.#ilm #vfx #indianajones
This is a short bonus episode in which I interview This is a short bonus episode in which I interview author Kelly Knox about her co-authoring of "Return of the Jedi - A Visual Archive". Kelly Knox discusses her love for the Star Wars movies, particularly the original trilogy, and her experience co-writing the visual archive book for Return of the Jedi. The book focuses on the behind-the-scenes details and connections that branched out from the film. Kelly shares her favorite discoveries while researching for the book and the challenge of balancing the desire for detail with limited space. She also hints at future projects and her excitement for attending Star Wars Celebration in Japan. Enjoy!
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Recent Posts
  • “Suddenly Something Clicked” – With Walter Murch
  • “Push the Button”: The Curious Career of Jeff Okun
  • The Art of Dialogue Editing – With Vickie Sampson
  • “Her Name Was Moviola” – With Director Howard Berry
  • 121 – Jim Fredrick – Creative Marketing Exec

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