A Film By... Episodes

James Cameron is the most innovative filmmakers of our time. From "The Terminator" to "Avatar," he has been responsible for some of the biggest blockbusters over the past few decades. How did he get his start? While it's not surprising it was a film...

It's that time of year again, when we pile onto the couch for those wonderful Christmas films that warm you up; classics like "The Night the Reindeer Died" with Lee Majors! Okay, so maybe we can't (or shouldn't want to) watch that one, but we've...

Cameron Crowe's movies tend to include great characters and great music. From "Say Anything" to "Almost Famous," we identity with these characters because we are them. In his 1992 romantic comedy "Singles," he examines the lives of a group of...

In just a few short years, Ryan Coogler has reinvigorated the "Rocky" franchise with the compelling story of Adonis Creed in "Creed," and taken us to the advanced civilization of Wakanda to introduce "Black Panther" to the MCU. It is his directorial...

He took us to Middle Earth. He made it possible for King Kong to roar on the silver screen once more. Before that, Peter Jackson gave us a glimpse of the other side with his supernatural horror comedy "The Frighteners." www.afilmbypodcast.com...

"Do you read Sutter Cane?" In 1995, Director John Carpenter delivered the third in what he calls his "apocalypse trilogy" with his supernatural horror mystery "In the Mouth of Madness" We delve into the intended similarities between H.P....

Big budgets. Explosions. Fast cuts. Chances are, you're watching a Michael Bay film. Join us for a look at one of his better films; the based-on-a-true-story crime comedy "Pain & Gain." Bay delves into the Sun Gym Gang's crazy story with his...

With his recent passing, we take a look at the impressive filmography of Wolfgang Petersen and discuss the auteur's knack for delivering hits. Whether it's historical military fare like "Das Boot" and "Troy" or dramatic action like "In the Line of...

Rob Reiner made us laugh with "This Is Spinal Tap." He swept us away into adventure with "The Princess Bride." We discovered the fear of helplessness with "Misery," and he recaptured our childhood with "Stand By Me." In 1996, he educated us about...

From his early days writing for Sid Caesar to his performance of Saul Bloom in the "Ocean's" trilogy, Carl Reiner kept us laughing for seven decades. In 1987, he directed "Summer School." A comedy about a misfit teacher bribed into teaching a group...

On the second half of our 100th episode discussing Kevin Smith and his film, "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," we dive into Kevin's filmography, talk about his many creative endeavors, his upcoming projects, and share stories about our visit to Jay &...

It's our 100th episode! Join us as we discuss Kevin Smith's raunchy romantic comedy, "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" on an episode so big, we had to offer it in two parts! On Part I, Brad, Jeff, and Dave discuss the controversial subject matter, the...

Sidney Lumet is one of the greatest filmmakers with a body of work spanning six decades. His accolades are as impressive as the list of legendary actors he has worked with. From "12 Angry Men", to his final film "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead",...

Taika Waititi seems to be successful no matter what genre he explores. From vampires, and pirates, to superheroes, and droids, Waititi has a gift for evoking emotion when and where you least expect it, even when a young boy's imaginary friend is...

From his early days at Disney, to his blockbusters throughout the years, Tim Burton has consistently delivered everything from gothic fantasy, to quirky oddball tales. He's put his unusual touch on some of Hollywood's biggest characters, including Pee...

Colin Trevorrow is one of the most successful directors to take Hollywood by storm in the last ten years. From his debut film, the brilliant time travel comedy "Safety Not Guaranteed", to the massive box office success of Jurassic World, Trevorrow...

From the beginning of his career, critically acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee has received accolades for his work. From Academy Award winner Sense and Sensibility, to the visually stunning Gemini Man, Lee has proven himself across genres; with two Oscar...

Akira Kurosawa is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of all time. His influence can be seen in the work of many of Hollywood's most successful directors. From Roshomon to Ran, the legendary Kurosawa delivered one incredible film after another. With...

In the late 60's and early 70's, he led several young directors in the creation of a new Hollywood. He's won 6 Academy Awards, 5 Golden Globes, and the Palmes d'Or twice. He is Francis Ford Coppola. From his masterpiece, The Godfather, to his...

Sofia Coppola is the youngest child and only daughter of Francis Ford Coppola. Her films have a visual style that have been described as hazy and dream-like; filled with neglected characters that long to be acknowledged and seen. Coppola has...

To celebrate the 94th Academy Awards, Brad nominates Dayton Johnson of the Docking Bay 77 podcast to join him for a frank conversation on the Academy's hits and their very many misses! From those who were robbed, to those robbed more by the omission...

Catherine Hardwicke has achieved things most directors dream of and so very few accomplish. Her directorial debut, thirteen, garnered Oscar attention. Her adaptation of YA novel, Twilight, was a global blockbuster, and turned relative unknowns Kristen...

Amy Heckerling's written and directorial efforts make her a comedic legend in Hollywood. She gave a voice to teenagers everywhere in separate decades with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and Clueless. She took the Griswold's to Europe, and made us think...

Antoine Fuqua is one of Hollywood's busiest directors because he's one of the most successful directors working today. His appreciation for Kurosawa shows in many of his films, from Tears of the Sun to his Equalizer franchise. Brooklyn's Finest; his...