During this bonus episode Bill talks to writer Tim Lucas. Lucas was the publisher of the video review magazine Video Watchdog. He talks about his favorite books about film, and what he's been watching during the pandemic of 2020. In addition to his work on the magazine, Lucas wrote the novels Throat Sprockets and The Book of Reinfield, a deep dive into Cronenberg's film Videodrome called Videodrome, and the biography Mario Bava: All The Colors Of The Dark.

During this episode Bill talks to director of photography Anthony B. Richmond. You may know Mr.  Richmond's work from such films as Let it Be, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and Don't Look Now. Richmond discusses the making of Don't Look Now, filming The Beatles' final concert (!), and working with David Lean on Doctor Zhivago.

During this episode Bill talks to novelist and screenwriter Stephen Geller, best known for writing the screenplay for Slaughterhouse Five. Mr. Geller discusses writing his script based on the legendary Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. novel, his unfulfilled movie project (vampire alert!), and how he really feels about the cult movie Pretty Poison, based on his novel She Let Him Continue.

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriter Jeffrey Alan Fiskin. Fiskin’s credits include Revenge, Crackers, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature Cutter’s Way (1981) starring Jeff Bridges. Mr. Fiskin discusses writing the script for Cutter’s Way, how Jeff Bridges’ dog got him a starring role in the film, and more recently, his experience working on the TV series Bosch.

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriter Tom Baum. Mr. Baum’s credits include Carny, The Manhattan Project, and The Sender. Baum discusses writing The Sender script, what he sees wrong with today’s movie trailers, and working at HBO during the early days. 

During this episode Bill talks to director Brian Trenchard Smith. Mr. Trenchard Smith’s credits include Dead End Drive In, BMX Bandits, Turkey Shoot, and The Siege of Firebase Gloria. Trenchard Smith discusses the making of the film, and also talks about the best stunt he ever directed. 

Legends of Film podcast host Bill Chamberlain mourns the loss of another legend of film, William D. Wittliff (1940-2019).

During this episode Bill talks to screenwriters David Webb Peoples and Janet Peoples. This husband and wife duo co-wrote the upcoming Movies @ Main feature 12 Monkeys. During the interview they discuss what inspired the writing of 12 Monkeys. Webb Peoples also talks about writing the screenplays for Blade Runner and Unforgiven.

During this episode, Legends of Film host Bill Chamberlain talks to Film Editor Mark Goldblatt. Mr. Goldblatt's credits include Rambo: First Blood Part II, Pearl Harbor, True Lies, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature The Terminator. 

During this episode we talk to Film Composer Charles Bernstein. Mr. Bernstein’s credits include A Nightmare on Elm Street, White Lightning, and Mr. Majestyk. Bernstein discusses scoring the job on Mr. Majestyk, his thoughts on temp tracks, and how cooking can have an impact on film composing.

During this episode we talk to Sara Karloff, daughter of the late great Boris Karloff.

During this episode we talk to Filmmaker Carroll Ballard. Mr. Ballard’s credits include the films Never Cry Wolf, Fly Away Home, and The Black Stallion. Ballard discusses making The Black Stallion, his role in the making of Star Wars: Episode IV, and working with legendary Illustrator and Author Maurice Sendak.

During this episode we talk to Film Editor Barry Malkin. Mr. Malkin’s credits include The Godfather Part 2, The Rain People, and Cops and Robbers. Malkin discusses working on Cops and Robbers, collaborating with Francis Ford Coppola, and missed opportunities with Director Jonathan Demme.

During this episode we talk to Screenwriter Simon Barrett.  Mr. Barrett’s credits include the films A Horrible Way to Die, You’re Next, Blair Witch, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature The Guest. Barrett discusses writing the script for The Guest, his experiences being a screenwriter working in Hollywood, and why he thinks every movie he makes will be a disaster.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Neil Marshall.  Mr. Marshall’s credits include Dog Soldiers, Doomsday, Centurion, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature The Descent.  Marshall discusses the making of The Descent, as well as his experiences directing episodes of two recent book-inspired TV series: Game of Thrones, and Popular Materials staff favorite Hannibal. Marshall also talks about the music that inspires him while he's writing.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Michael Mann. Mr. Mann’s filmmaking credits include Heat, Manhunter, The Insider, Collateral, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature Thief. Mann discusses the making of Thief, including working with real cops and robbers on set. Mann also speaks about the importance of time in his films.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Matthew Robbins. Mr. Robbin’s credits include Corvette Summer, The Legend of Billie Jean, Batteries Not Included, and the Movies @ Main feature Dragonslayer. Robbins discusses the making of Dragonslayer, writing the script for Steven Spielberg’s first theatrical movie, and working with Director Guillermo del Toro.

During this episode we talk to Director Tim Hunter. Mr. Hunter’s credits include Tex, Sylvester, and the Movies @ Main feature River’s Edge. Hunter discusses the making of River’s Edge, explains the role of a television director, and recounts his experience directing a climactic episode of cult TV series Twin Peaks (Laura Palmer’s killer is revealed!).

During this episode we talk to Second Unit Director, Producer, and Screenwriter Gordon T. Dawson.  In addition to being a longtime Sam Peckinpah collaborator, Dawson co-wrote Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, and acted as associate producer and second unit director on Movies @ Main’s current feature, The Getaway.

During this episode we talk to Film Writer Danny Peary.  Mr. Peary’s books about film include Cult Movies 1,2,3, Cult Movie Stars, Alternate Oscars, and Guide for the Film Fanatic.  Peary talks about how a movie is defined as a cult movie, and discusses little known facts about Movies @ Main’s feature Night of the Demon (AKA Curse of the Demon).

During this episode we talk to Writer/Director Eric Red.  Mr. Red’s credits include The Hitcher, Near Dark, Cohen and Tate, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature Body Parts. Mr. Red discusses the making of Body Parts, including serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s special connection to the movie, and shares how he came to write The Hitcher.

During this episode we talk to Director Dick Richards. Mr. Richards’ directing credits include The Culpepper Cattle Co., Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins, Farewell My Lovely, and March or Die. Richards discusses the origins of making March or Die, working with the late Robert Mitchum, and the allure of the journey in filmmaking.

Legends of Film is proud to present an interview with director of photography, Jules Brenner. Mr. Brenner has photographed such prestigious television productions as Helter Skelter, Salem's Lot, and The Glass House. He has also been the director of photography on the following motion pictures, Dillinger, The Return of the Living Dead, and Johnny Got His Gun.

During this episode we talk to film editor, Frank J. Urioste. Mr. Urioste’s editing credits include Robocop, Die Hard, Total Recall, The Hitcher, and the upcoming Movies @ Main feature, The Spikes Gang. Urisote discusses editing these thrilling movies and much more about his career.

During this episode we talk to Academy Award-winning film editor Paul Hirsch. If you aren’t aware of Mr. Hirsch’s career in film, get ready to be amazed. His editing credits include Star Wars Episodes IV and V, Phantom of the Paradise, Ray, and the upcoming Warcraft movie.

During this episode we talk to Sound Designer, Film Editor, and Director Walter Murch.Mr. Murch's editing credits include Apocalypse Now, Julia, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The English Patient, and The Conversation. Murch won three Academy Awards over the course of his film career.

During this episode we talk to Director Kevin Connor. Mr. Connor’s credits include Motel Hell, The Land That Time Forgot, At the Earth’s Core, and From Beyond the Grave. Connor discusses his career in film, including the making of From Beyond the Grave, directing the legendary Peter Cushing, and editing Richard Attenborough’s historical drama, Young Winston. 

During this episode we talk to filmmaker, William Lustig. Lustig’s directing credits include the cult favorites Maniac, Maniac Cop, and Vigilante. While Mr. Lustig has served in just about every film-making capacity – from actor, to producer, to writer – Lustig also has a passion for film restoration. The Ipcress File is one of the many movies he has restored.

During this episode we talk to director Peter Medak. Mr. Medak’s film credits include The Ruling Class, The Krays, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Medak discusses working with notable actors such as Glenda Jackson and Helen Mirren, his experience directing episodes of two critically acclaimed TV series: Hannibal and Breaking Bad, and finally, his justification for making another film adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

During this episode we talk to Director Steve Carver. Carver’s film credits include Big Bad Mama, Capone, and Lone Wolf McQuade. Carver discusses working with the legendary filmmaker Roger Corman, and explains why it’s NOT a good idea to take over a film from another director.

During this episode we talk to Producer Paul Lazarus. Mr. Lazarus’ producing credits include Capricorn One, Barbarosa, and Westworld. Lazarus discusses the making of Westworld, his experience collaborating with the late Michael Crichton, and what’s involved in producing a motion picture.

During this episode of Legends of Film, we talk to the Academy Award winning production designer, Dean Tavoularis. Mr. Tavoularis discusses his career working on such Francis Ford Coppola films as The Godfather Trilogy, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, and The Outsiders.

During this episode we talk to Film Editor Bud Smith.  Mr. Smith’s editing credits include The Exorcist, Flashdance, and Sorcerer.   Smith discusses the making of Sorcerer, why the original version of The Exorcist is much better than the extended directors cut, and how to edit an X-rated movie to make it an R-rated movie. 

Bill interviews Editor, Director and Producer of the CSI TV series, Alec Smight.  Mr. Smight is the son of the late Jack Smight, who directed No Way to Treat a Lady.  Alec talks about his father’s directing career as well as his own work on CSI.

During this episode of Legends of Film we talk to Jerry Schatzberg, Director of Scarecrow, The Panic in Needle Park, and Sweet Revenge. Mr. Schatzberg discusses casting Morgan Freeman in his breakthrough role, the importance of improvisation, and problems that occur when your lead actor is also your screenwriter.

During this episode we talk to retired New York City Police Officer Randy Jurgensen, who acted as technical advisor on the film set of Report to the Commissioner. Jurgensen explains his role as technical advisor, talks about his acting role as the shooter of Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, and recalls his work on the movie The French Connection (including the case that inspired the film).

During this episode we talk to Film Editor Tina Hirsch. Ms. Hirsch explains her role as a film editor, including how she helps create a great chase scene. Hirsch also recounts a time of “looking out windows” with Director Brian De Palma.

During this episode we talk to Director Jack Sholder, whose credits include Alone in the Dark, The Hidden, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, and 12:01. Mr. Sholder shares what elements make a great movie trailer, how to turn a B movie into an A movie, and what he didn’t notice about A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 until after the movie’s release.

During this episode we talk to the thinking man’s action director, Andrew Davis. Davis has directed such films as The Fugitive, Holes, and Stony Island. Davis discusses the importance of casting, his collaboration with actor Tommy Lee Jones, and why Chicago’s  ‘ L’ train is important to his movies.

During this episode we talk to Animator and Filmmaker Ralph Bakshi, who directed Fritz the Cat, Wizards, and The Lord of the Rings.   Mr. Bakshi declares the importance of public libraries, expresses his views on animation, and why he won’t watch Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films.

During this episode we talk to Director Ted Kotcheff. Mr. Kotcheff’s directing credits include First Blood, North Dallas Forty, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, and Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?

Legends of Film is proud to present an interview with Director of Photography, Adam Holender. Mr. Holender's film credits include Midnight Cowboy, Smoke, Fresh, and Man on a Swing.

During this episode we talk to Director Lewis Teague. Mr. Teague’s directing credits include Jewel of the Nile, Cujo, and Cat’s Eye.

During this episode we talk to Director Elliot Silverstein. Mr. Silverstein’s directing credits include Cat Ballou, A Man Called Horse, and The Car.

During this episode we talk to Writer and Director Philip Kaufman.  Mr. Kaufman has directed such movies as The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Right Stuff, The Wanderers, and The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid.  

Legends of Film is proud to present a rare interview with Producer, Writer, and Director Walter Hill.  Mr. Hill directed such movies as The Warriors, The Driver, 48 Hrs., and Hard Times with Charles Bronson.

During this episode we talk to Producer and Agent George Litto. Mr. Litto produced Over the Edge, Dressed to Kill, Blow-Out, and Obsession.

During this episode we talk to Filmmaker Stuart Gordon. Mr. Gordon directed Re- Animator, From Beyond, Dagon, and Space Truckers. Gordon speaks candidly about working on a film set (he has seen it all!).

During this episode we talk to Academy Award nominated Cinematographer Owen Roizman. Mr. Roizman has photographed such films as The Exorcist, Network, The Stepford Wives, and The French Connection.

During this episode we talk to Filmmaker Richard C. Sarafian (1930-2013.)  Mr. Sarafian’s directing credits included Vanishing Point, a classic episode of The Twilight Zone “Living Doll,” and Man in the Wilderness.

During this episode we talk to Filmmaker Jonathan Kaplan, whose directing credits include Truck Turner, Over the Edge, The Accused, and Love Field.

During this episode we talk with Writer and Director David Twohy. Mr. Twohy is perhaps best known for the 1993 film The Fugitive. Twohy’s directing credits include Pitch Black, The Perfect Getaway, and The Arrival.

During this episode we talk to Screenwriter Charlie Haas, whose films include Tex, Gremlins 2, Matinee and Over the Edge.

During this episode we talk to Peter Hyams, writer and director of such films as Outland, The Star Chamber, Capricorn One, and 2010.

During this episode we talk to Stunt Performer Loren Janes, whose credits including acting as Steve McQueen's stunt double throughout his entire career.

During this episode we talk to Actress and Producer Catherine Wyler, who speaks to us about the legendary filmmaking career of her late father William Wyler. Mr. Wyler directed such films as Ben Hur, The Best Years of Our Lives, and The Desperate Hours.

During this episode we talk to Producer Jon Davison. Mr. Davison’s producing credits include Starship Troopers, Robocop, Piranha, and Airplane!. Ed. note: due to a technical glitch with Bill’s mic he is a little quiet, but we thought the interview was too cool not to share!

During this episode we talk to Filmmaker Larry Cohen.  Mr. Cohen’s directing credits include Hell Up in Harlem, Wicked Stepmother, and It’s Alive.

During this episode we talk to Director Joe Dante. Mr Dante’s directing credits include Gremlins, The Burbs, and Innerspace.

During this episode we talk to Producer Susan Arnold, daughter of Jack Arnold, Director of The Incredible Shrinking Man. Ms. Arnold reveals the significance of The Incredible Shrinking Man within her father’s oeuvre, and fun stories about her own career in Hollywood.

Legends of Film is proud to present an interview with Cinematographer Jack N. Green. Mr. Green’s film credits include Bird, Unforgiven and the 2005 sci-fi thriller Serenity.

During this episode Bill interviews John Badham, filmmaker and director of such movies as Saturday Night Fever, Dracula, and WarGames.

Bill brings us an exclusive interview with Victor J. Kemper, cinematographer of such films as Dog Day Afternoon, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, and Coma.

Welcome to Legends of Film, an interview series brought to you by William Chamberlain and Clint Tatum, staff members at the Main Library. This debut episode features an interview with filmmaker Richard Blackburn, writer and director of the cult film favorite Lemora: a Child’s Tale of the Supernatural.