Following Films Podcast

Welcome to Following Films, the show where we talk to the creators behind today’s most compelling cinema. I’m your host, and today we’re honored to be joined by filmmaker Amir Kovacs, director of the beautifully animated new feature, Book of Joshua: Walls of Jericho.Now available on major VOD platforms, Walls of Jericho is a powerful retelling of the biblical story from the Book of Joshua—a tale of faith, endurance, and divine triumph. Set after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the film follows Joshua and the Israelites as they confront the towering walls of Jericho with little more than their faith and God's instructions. What unfolds is a miraculous victory, brought to life through stunning animation and a moving score.The film has already garnered major festival recognition, winning “Best Animated Film” at the 2025 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and earning a top-three spot for “Best Picture” at the International Christian Film & Music Festival. It’s a cinematic achievement that blends timeless storytelling with artistic innovation.Today, Amir Kovacs joins us to talk about adapting this epic for the screen, working with a global creative team, and the vision behind Walls of Jericho. Whether you’re drawn to animation, inspired by stories of faith, or just curious about what goes into making a film like this, you’re in the right place.

I had the chance to sit down with Harley Flanagan — punk pioneer, founding member of the Cro-Mags, and the subject of the new feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS. Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller, this no-holds-barred film dives into Harley’s life — from the violent streets of ‘70s New York to the hardcore scene that defined a generation.This isn’t just about music — it’s about survival. Abuse, addiction, squats, street fights, punk gigs, Jiu-Jitsu, fatherhood — Harley’s lived through it all. And the film, which features interviews with Flea, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Michael Imperioli, and the late Anthony Bourdain, shows a side of him many haven’t seen before.Now, quick heads up — there’s a slight audio issue on my end during this episode. I didn’t realize my mic wasn’t plugged in, so you’ll hear me through my laptop’s onboard mic. It’s definitely listenable, just a bit rougher than usual — but honestly, it kind of fits the vibe of this episode.So with that, let’s get into it. This is Harley Flanagan — loud, raw, and real

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by acclaimed horror filmmaker Sean Byrne — the visionary behind The Loved Ones and The Devil’s Candy.Sean is back with his most intense and ambitious film yet: Dangerous Animals — a razor-sharp fusion of shark thriller and serial killer horror, set against the vast, unforgiving waters of the Australian coast. With a bold script from screenwriter Nick Lepard, and haunting performances by Hassie Harrison and Jai Courtney, this is a film that doesn’t just scare — it lingers.Shot on location, loaded with tension, and layered with unexpected emotional depth, Dangerous Animals is a high-concept genre film that asks: What if the real monster isn’t in the water, but standing right beside you?Dangerous Animals opens exclusively in theaters tomorrow — June 6, 2025. You’ll want to see this one on the biggest screen possible, surrounded by people gripping their seats just as hard as you are.In today’s episode, Sean and I dive into the making of the film, the creative evolution of its characters, and what it means to make horror with heart — and teeth.Let’s get into it.

Show Notes – Following FilmsEpisode Title: “GOING POSTAL: Filmmakers Tda Sallee & Jason Sikorsky on Gaming’s Most Notorious Underdog”Hosted by: Chris MaynardGuests: Ted Sallee & Jason Sikorsky, directors of GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLDNow Streaming on VODEpisode Summary:Host Chris Maynard sits down with filmmakers Tad Sallee and Jason Sikorsky to unpack their five-year journey making GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD—a bold, heartfelt, and cinematic deep dive into one of gaming’s most controversial franchises. What started as a casual conversation in Tucson turned into an unexpected story of friendship, chaos, controversy, and creative grit.Set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert and steeped in gaming subculture, the film tells the behind-the-scenes story of Postal—a cult-favorite game infamous for its violence, and beloved for its refusal to conform. But at its heart, GOING POSTAL isn’t just about a game. It’s about two creators, Mike J. and Vince, and their decades-long fight to keep their vision alive.In This Episode:How a ramen lunch sparked a five-year filmmaking odysseyTucson roots and the strange comfort of seeing Arizona on screenThe evolution from YouTube docuseries to fully cinematic filmThe unexpected emotional core: Mike J., Vince, and the underdog bond that drives it allBalancing voices: how fans, historians, and critics helped shape the narrativeCourting controversy: how Postal leaned into the chaos—and whyWhy GOING POSTAL is more than a hot take on violent games—it's a story of survival and passion in indie gamingAbout the Film:GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD chronicles the story of Postal, one of gaming’s most infamous franchises, and the unlikely duo behind it. What unfolds is a decades-long journey filled with backlash, cult fandom, and a relentless belief in staying true to your vision.Now available on VOD – Stream it wherever you rent or buy films.Links & Resources:Watch GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD now on VOD https://goingpostaldoc.com/Learn more about Postal and Running With Scissors: https://runningwithscissors.com/Read POSTAL by Brock Wilbur https://www.amazon.com/Postal-Brock-Wilbur/dp/1940535220Join the Conversation:Like what you heard? Subscribe to Following Films, leave a rating or review, and share your thoughts. Are you Postal enough?

Some films aim to entertain; others aim to provoke. Lemonade Blessing dares to do both—and does so with unapologetic flair. At first glance, the film is a bold, raunchy sex comedy. But peel back the irreverent humor, the teenage horniness, and the sacrilegious hijinks, and you’ll find something much deeper pulsing beneath the surface: a raw, reflective exploration of generational trauma, toxic masculinity, and the quiet desperation of growing up with inherited wounds.In this interview, Following Films sits down with writer-director Chris Merola, a Gen Z filmmaker whose work channels both playful nostalgia and piercing cultural critique. With scenes shot in his own childhood home and props pulled from his real-life video game collection, Lemonade Blessing is as personal as it is provocative. Merola opens up about the journey of making the film, the adolescent awakening that inspired it, and his hope that the film’s outrageous "skin" might draw in teen boys—particularly those vulnerable to toxic influencers—and leave them with something more lasting: its soul.Audiences will have the chance to experience Lemonade Blessing at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, with four scheduled screenings:Thursday, June 5 at 7:15 PM – SVA Theater (Beatrice), 333 West 23rd StreetFriday, June 6 at 9:00 PM – Village East Cinemas (VEC-04), 181-189 2nd AvenueSaturday, June 14 at 6:00 PM – Village East Cinemas (VEC-04), 181-189 2nd AvenueSunday, June 15 at 11:15 AM – Village East Cinemas (VEC-02), 181-189 2nd AvenueDon’t miss this bold, timely, and soul-searching debut from a filmmaker with something vital to say—and a wild, unforgettable way of saying it.

Hey everyone, welcome to The Following Films Podcast. I'm your host, Chris Maynard.Today’s episode is something really special — I had the chance to sit down with Renn Hawkey, a musician and producer you probably know from his work with Deadsy. But this time, we’re talking about something brand new: The Yagas, a deeply personal project that blends music, myth, and mood in powerful ways.Their debut album, Midnight Minuet, was just released — and it’s haunting, cinematic, and full of depth. Even more compelling, the band is fronted by none other than Vera Farmiga. Yes, that Vera Farmiga — acclaimed actress and now the spellbinding voice at the center of The Yagas. Her vocals bring a hypnotic, otherworldly energy to the entire record.In our conversation, Renn opens up about the creative process behind Midnight Minuet, collaborating with Vera, and how this project channels folklore, emotion, and atmosphere into something truly unforgettable.So whether you’re already listening to the album or just curious about this unexpected musical journey, you’re in the right place.Let’s get into it.

Welcome to Following Films, the show where we go behind the scenes with the people who make the movies we love. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by a filmmaker whose new film is both a gritty Boston drama and a deeply personal debut.Eric Aronson is a Boston-based writer and director with over 22 years of experience as a Hollywood screenwriter. He’s written for major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, Miramax, and Lionsgate, and collaborated with creative forces like Sacha Baron Cohen. Now, with his directorial debut Any Day Now, Aronson brings a raw, heartfelt story to the screen — and back home to Boston.The film stars Boston native Paul Guilfoyle, best known for CSI, L.A. Confidential, and Spotlight. He plays Marty Lyons, a streetwise hustler who pulls a drifting young night watchman — played by Taylor Gray — into a murky world of misfits, regret, and second chances.Featuring an outstanding cast including Alexandra Templer, Thomas Kee, and Armando Rivera, Any Day Now is a love letter to the city and a story about finding meaning when everything feels lost.👉 The film will be available on digital platforms May 20th

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast, the show that dives deep into the world of independent cinema—where creativity meets grit, and stories are told against all odds.Today’s guest is an indie filmmaker who truly embodies that spirit. We're joined by the writer, director, and editor of Blind Blood, an award-winning crime thriller now streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and UK, and on Tubi in Australia.From writing the script to pulling off a feature film on limited resources, he’s here to talk about the blood, sweat, and storytelling that went into bringing Blind Blood to life. We’ll explore the harsh truths, hard-earned lessons, and occasional victories of making—and marketing—an indie film in today’s crowded landscape.Whether you're a fellow filmmaker, a fan of gritty thrillers, or just someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories, this episode has something for you.

🔥 Episode Overview:Guests: Stephen Leonhardt & Isabella Scanoni, Production Designers of Beast GamesHost: Chris MaynardStreaming now on: Prime VideoOn this episode of the Following Films Podcast, we dive into the jaw-dropping production behind one of the most ambitious reality competition shows ever created: Beast Games. Host [Name] sits down with acclaimed production designers Stephen Leonhardt and Isabella Scanoni to talk about what it really took to build the massive, surreal world that captivated millions of viewers.With 1,000 contestants, mind-blowing challenges, and a $5 million prize, Beast Games isn’t just a show—it’s a logistical marvel. Stephen and Isabella break down how they turned an empty military hangar into a sprawling, 11-foot-high game platform, how they built a temporary city to house hundreds of people, and how they navigated the stress of delivering groundbreaking design on a brutally short timeline.🎧 In This Episode:What it's really like to design a show of unprecedented scaleHow the team tackled the challenges of building sets for 1,000 playersBehind-the-scenes details on the infamous trapdoor platformWorking under intense timelines and limited resources in TorontoWhy Beast Games is more than just a game show—it's a human storyThoughts on the future of big-scale competition showsHints at what’s next for Stephen and Isabella🎯 Notable Quotes:“It’s like Lawrence of Arabia meets a game show.”“We built a city. We housed hundreds of people. We created stunts 115 feet in the air… and we did it all in just a couple of months.”“They didn’t just want big—they wanted the biggest ever. And they meant it.”📺 About Beast Games:Streaming on Prime Video, Beast Games is a high-stakes reality competition from YouTube sensation MrBeast. With never-before-seen scale, inventive game design, and cinematic ambition, it’s redefining what’s possible in unscripted television.🎵 Outro music: Fort WorthEnjoy the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Following Films Podcast. And tell your friends—especially those who love bold, behind-the-scenes stories from the world of film and television.🙌 Thanks for Listening!

In one of the most unexpected turns in recent entertainment news, President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. In this episode, host Chris Maynard unpacks the potential consequences of this controversial proposal and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood and global filmmaking.Later in the episode, Chris sits down with Sonnet Daymont, a therapist and horror film consultant, to discuss her work on the film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, her unique approach to trauma recovery, and her upcoming memoir, When Dangerous Feels Like Home.IntroductionWelcome from Chris MaynardOverview of today’s topicsTrump’s 100% Tariff ProposalTrump’s Truth Social post and policy goals: “Bring movies back to America”Analysis of Hollywood's recent struggles: COVID, strikes, wildfires, and shifting viewing habitsIndustry stats: 2024 production budget cuts, 2025 box office reboundPolicy Uncertainty and Industry QuestionsWhat qualifies as a foreign film?Challenges with co-productions and digital releasesLegal questions around presidential authority and possible court battlesGlobal Fallout and Industry ReactionBacklash from the UK, Australia, and New ZealandConcerns over lost jobs in international marketsThreat of retaliatory tariffs and a global trade war in entertainmentEconomic Nationalism vs. Global IndustryCould tariffs work? Only if paired with serious domestic incentivesWarnings from critics like NPR’s Eric DeggansThe broader question: Are tariffs the right solution or just political theater?Listener EngagementShare your thoughts on BlueSky @FollowingFilms.comEmail: contact@followingfilms.comMeet Sonnet DaymontPsychotherapist specializing in PTSD, ADHD, social anxiety, and traumaAcademic background in Counseling Psychology and Child DevelopmentFormer Pearson Teacher Fellow at Tufts UniversityFilm Consulting & MemoirDiscusses consulting for horror films and her psychological approachTHE WOMAN IN THE YARD – now available on VODUpcoming memoir: When Dangerous Feels Like Home, a powerful exploration of healing from traumaTHE WOMAN IN THE YARD – Available now on Video on Demand (VOD)BlueSky: @FollowingFilms.comEmail: contact@followingfilms.comWebsite:⁠ followingfilms.com⁠