The Backlot

Paramount Pictures CEO Jim Gianopulos Apr 12, 2021

Listen as Paramount Pitcures CEO Jim Gianopulos talks about his professional path from being an aspiring lawyer for the Rolling Stones to head of Fox and then Paramount.

Basurero Writer, Director, and Producer Eileen Cabiling Mar 29, 2021

Writer, Director, and Producer Eileen Cabiling discusses her creative process and her inspiration for the critically acclaimed short film Basurero.

Cobra Kai, Taken, and The Transporter Screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen Mar 15, 2021

Screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen discusses working with Luc Besson on The Professional (Leon), The Fifth Element, Kiss of The Dragon, the Taken series, and his inspiration for and work on The Karate Kid.

Nollywood Filmmaker Femi Odugbemi Feb 26, 2021

On this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with Nollywood filmmaker, Femi Odugbemi as he discusses the rise of Nollywood and the direction he hopes the industry will take.

Actress Nathalie Emmanuel Talks Game of Thrones Feb 22, 2021

Nathalie Emmanuel discusses her iconic role as Missandei on Game of Thrones as well as her more recent roles, including starring along side Kevin Hart in Quibi's Die Hart and Mindy Kaling's Four Weddings and a Funeral reboot.

Academy Award Nominated Actress Juliette Lewis Feb 15, 2021

On this episode Academy Award nominated actress Juliette Lewis recounts her start in the industry, her experience filming "Cape Fear" with Martin Scorsese and "Kalifornia" with then boyfriend Brad Pitt.

Vilmos Zsigmond Feb 01, 2021

Listen to cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, whose work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind garnered him an Academy Award, as he speaks on his career and his experience filming McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The Deer Hunter, and working with Steven Spielberg.

Actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Jan 18, 2021

Since he was an acting student at NYFA, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has worked in Hollywood hits such as "The Magnificent Seven", "Widows", and "Murder on the Orient Express". On this Episode of The Backlot, he takes time to come back to his alma mater and discuss how he got started, his career, and his experiences on set.

Actor and Director Lou Diamond Phillips Jan 04, 2021

After breaking onto the scene with a Golden Globe-winning performance for his role in Stand and Deliver (1988), Lou Diamond Phillips remains a strong name in Hollywood. Listen to our interview with him as he discussing directing, acting opposite Denzel Washington, and more.

Head of Animation Amy Smeed Dec 21, 2020

Get to know Amy Smeed, head of animation on Disney's Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon. Smeed discusses the process of creating the character of Moana and the importance of truly understanding and knowing your character as well as acting out scenes.

Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski Dec 07, 2020

In this episode, we sit down with Janusz Kaminski, an Oscar-winner from his work as the cinematographer on Schindler's List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Listen along as he speaks about his start in the industry and working with the legendary Steven Spielberg.

Director Kelly Fremon Craig Nov 23, 2020

Kelly Fremon Craig gathered an impressive reputation after working as the writer and director of The Edge of Seventeen (2016) and takes the time to discuss her experience on the film with us, including working closely with Oscar-winner James L Brooks.

Actor Hayden Szeto Nov 09, 2020

On this episode, NYFA alum Hayden Szeto discusses how he got his start in the industry, the auditioning process, and what it was like filming "The Edge of Seventeen" (2016).

Actor Beanie Feldstein Oct 26, 2020

After playing prominent roles in hit films "Lady Bird" and "Booksmart", Beanie Feldstein recently worked as the star on "How to Build a Girl." Talking to Eric Conner from NYFA, Feldstein takes times to discuss her experience on Broadway and her challenges as Johanna in "How to Build a Girl".

Actor Alec Baldwin Oct 12, 2020

Former Oscar nominee Alec Baldwin has made his mark all over Hollywood, such as starring in the popular sitcom "30 Rock", his role in the action-filled "Mission Impossible" series, and his legendary monologue in "Glengarry Glen Ross." Listen as he recounts his acting career.

Director and Producer Regina Hudlin Sep 14, 2020

Reginald Hudlin, director of "House Party" and producer of "Django Unchained," "Marshall," and Netflix's "The Black Godfather", discusses his experience working with the award-winning Quentin Tarantino on Django.

Peter Rainer: The Life of a Film Critic Aug 24, 2020

Noted film critic and author Peter Rainer joins The Back Lot to discuss the profession of film critic after working for The New Yorker, The L.A. Times, and currently the Christian Science Monitor.

Actor Jonah Hill Aug 03, 2020

From comedies such as 21 Jump Street and Super Bad to Oscar-nominated performances in Moneyball and Wolf of Wall Street, Jonah Hill has carved out an impressive career in Hollywood. Take a listen as he discusses how he became an actor and his experiences working with living legends such as Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brad Pitt.

King Cohen: Discovering Larry Cohen Jul 20, 2020

On this week's podcast, we sit down with Steve Mitchell and Matt Verboys, the directors of "King Cohen", to discuss the career of legendary Sci-fi and horror screenwriter Larry Cohen.

Oscar-Winning Director Ron Howard Jul 06, 2020

Ron Howard joins us to discuss his acting and directing career in Hollywood, including his Oscar-winning work on A Beautiful Mind and other classics such as Apollo 13 and American Graffiti.

Film Critic Peter Rainer Jun 22, 2020

In this episode, Peter Rainer discusses his career, approach to film critique and how critics can uplift films that would otherwise go relatively unnoticed.

Director Steven Spielberg Jun 08, 2020

There are few working today with as an illustrious career as Steven Spielberg, whose works have been nominated for 14 Oscars, including three wins. Listen as he discusses the filming of Jaws and how he came to choose films such as Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan.

Producer Nicole Avant May 26, 2020

Nicole Avant's father, Clarence Avant, worked as a music executive who kickstarted countless musicians, including the late Bill Withers. Listen as we sit down with her to talk about her powerful new documentary on Netflix, The Black Godfather.

Screenwriter Derek Kolstad May 11, 2020

For the fans of the snappy dialogue from the John Wick trilogy, Derek Kolstad is the man to thank. We got the chance to sit with him and discuss his career, from how he got into screenwriting to how he treats his characters.

Peter Rainer on Films & Directors Apr 27, 2020

Peter Rainer has a long career has a film critic, but the inspiration to get into the film industry goes back even further. Listen here as he talks about the works and directors that inspired him, such as American classics like The Godfather and international innovators like Japanese director Akria Kurosawa.

Peter Rainer Reviews The 2020 Academy Awards Apr 13, 2020

Film Critic Peter Rainer looks back at the 2020 Academy Awards, including Parasite's historic night, his takes on the acting categories, and more. Listen to his review here.

Actress Rachel Bloom Mar 30, 2020

Rachel Bloom started as the creator of videos on the internet, eventually garnering attention that would lead to the creation of her hit Golden Globe-winning TV show, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend". She sits down with us today to discuss her work on the show she stars in.

Actor Tony Hale Mar 16, 2020

Tony Hale has put together quite the comedic career in Hollywood, featuring heavily in two of the most successful comedy TV shows: Arrested Development and Veep. We talked with him to discuss his start in the industry and his career.

Producer & Ace Entertainment CEO Matt Kaplan Mar 02, 2020

A conversation with founder and CEO of Ace Entertainment, Matt Kaplan, who produced Netflix's 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before.'

Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios Feb 17, 2020

Potentially nothing has changed film over the past decade-plus quite like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Kevin Feige is the man behind the mission that has led them to so much success. He sat down with NYFA to discuss how he did it.

Actor Sir Ben Kingsley Feb 03, 2020

Sir Ben Kingsley has played some of the most powerful roles in film, from his Oscar-winning performance in "Gandhi" to his character in "Schindler's List." Listen here to when he joined us to discuss his career.

Die Hard with Nick Sivakumaran Dec 23, 2019

On this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with NYFA senior directing instructor Nick Sivakumaran to discuss a Christmas (or is it?) classic: Die Hard.

Ugly Lies The Bone Dec 09, 2019

On this episode of The Backlot, we speak with the lead actor, Isabelle Germain, and director, Coco de Bruycker, of the NYFA Student Directed Play, Ugly Lies The Bone.

Mario Van Peebles Nov 25, 2019

In this episode of The backlot, we sit down with Mario Van Peebles (New Jack City, Ali) as he talks about the challenges of directing, acting and the balancing act between the two.

Bill Hader Nov 11, 2019

In this episode, we sit down with NYFA Filmmaking alum Bill Hader as he speaks about his hit show Barry as well as his experience on Saturday Night Live.

John Altshuler Aug 12, 2019

In this episode, we speak with writer-producer John Altschuler, the mind behind two of TV's most legendary shows King of the Hill and Silicon Valley.

Peter Rainer’s 2018 Hollywood In Memoriam Jul 22, 2019

Film critic and NYFA master faculty member Peter Rainer takes a look back at the film greats we lost in 2018: from Doris Day to Stanley Donen to John Singleton. Listen now!

Steven Caple Jr. and Dolph Lundgren discuss Creed 2 Jun 19, 2019

We sit down with director Steven Caple Jr. and Ivan Drago himself, Dolph Lundgren as they discuss Creed 2 and the Rocky franchise.

Allan Heinberg Jun 17, 2019

In this episode, we bring you writer and producer Allan Heinberg whose credits include Wonder Woman, Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, The O.C., and Sex and the City just to name a few.

Ayelet Zurer Jun 03, 2019

In this episode, we sit down with Ayelet Zurer, an accomplished Israeli actress who has had several iconic roles in Hollywood US, like that of Vanessa Marianna in "Daredevil."

Cedric the Entertainer May 20, 2019

Join us, as we sit down with Cedric the Entertainer, one of the hardest working people in show business, and discuss his career and credits including "Barbershop."

Nancy Meyers May 06, 2019

In this episode, we sit down with writer and producer, Nancy Meyers, to discuss her career and what sets her apart in Hollywood: putting female characters front and center.

Gordon Smith Apr 22, 2019

In this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with Gordon Smith, the Emmy Award-winning writer for Better Caul Saul as he recounts his approach to screenwriting.

Jan De Bont Apr 08, 2019

This week we sit down with Jan De Bont, the Producer and Academy Award nominated Director behind Speed, Twister, Minority Report, and The Haunting.

Women in Animation: Careen Ingle, Anne Walker Farrell, and Kelly Harper Mar 25, 2019

We sat down with Careen Ingle, director of Unikitty, Anne Walker Farrell, director of Bojack Horseman, and Kelly Harper who works as a development executive at Comedy Central.

Ted Sarandos Mar 11, 2019

On this episode of The Backlot, we speak with Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos. He's the man who green-lit some of your favorite shows, like Stranger Things, and The Crown and so many more..

Chad Stahelski Feb 25, 2019

In this episode of The Backlot, we talk with Chad Stahelski, stuntman turned director who's worked on action blockbusters Captain America: Civil War, John Wick, and The Matrix Reloaded.

Sean Young Feb 11, 2019

Join us as we sit down with actor Sean Young as she recounts her experience filming one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time, Blade Runner.

Ernie Hudson Jan 28, 2019

Join us as we talk to actor Ernie Hudson and discuss his role as one of the OG Ghostbusters as well as his other roles in The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, and Congo.

Adam Driver Jan 14, 2019

In this episode of The Backlot, we sit down with Adam Driver as he discusses his career path to acting as well as his experience in the military. Known for his roles in Start Wars, Paterson, and Girls, Driver explained his acting technique and his approach to learning lines as well as characters. Join Us!

Jay Roach Nov 12, 2018

Join us as we sit down with director, producer, and writer Jay Roach as he recounts his experience filming Trumbo, Meet the Parents, Austin Powers, and Borat.

Hardcore Henry Oct 29, 2018

On this episode of The Backlot, Sergey Valyaev and Andrei Dementiev, two of the stuntmen stars of Hardcore Henry, recount their experience filming with a Go Pro and basically recreating a "first-person film" not dissimilar from video games like Halo or Call of Duty.

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood Oct 15, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood as they discuss auditions, comedy, and their comedic partnership. Listen to this episode of The Backlot now!

Craig Caton Largent Oct 01, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Visual Effects pioneer Craig Caton Largent. His career has spanned decades and includes classics like Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Tremors and oh yeah, he's also NYFA's Chair of 3D Animation.

Riverdale's Casey Cott and Ashleigh Murray Sep 17, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with two of the stars of the smash hit "Riverdale," Casey Cott and Ashleigh Murray. Listen as they speak about what it takes to get a role and keep it in today's film and tv industry.

Jane Jenkins Sep 03, 2018

Get to know Jane Jenkins, the casting director behind classic films and fan favorites like The Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, A Beautiful Mind, When Harry Met Sally, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

John Carpenter Aug 20, 2018

In this episode of The Backlot we sit down with John Carpenter, director of horror film classics like "Halloween," "The Fog," and "Escape from New York."

J. A. Bayona Aug 06, 2018

In this episode, we sit down with J. A. Bayona, director of The Orphanage, The Impossible, and most recently, Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom. The director discusses the challenges he faced in filming the disaster movie, The Impossible, and trying to convey the devastation of the 2004 tsunami.

The Art of Editing with Douglas Crise, Claudia Castello & Michael P. Shawver Jul 23, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy takes a closer look at the craft of editing with three masters of the craft Douglas Crise, Claudia Castello, and Michael P. Shawver. Douglas Crise's credits include Ocean's Eleven, Academy Award-winning films Traffic and Birdman. Claudia Castello, and Michael P. Shawver have worked together on Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the billion-dollar blockbuster, Black Panther.

J. Michael Straczynski Jul 09, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with writer, J. Michael Straczynski. J. Michael Straczynski discusses his experiences writing for Thor, Spider-man, and Superman on the big screen as well as the groundbreaking Netflix series Sense8. Listen to this episode of The Backlot now!

Kathleen Turner Jun 25, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Academy Award® Nominated Actor, Kathleen Turner. Kathleen Turner discusses her past acting experiences in classic movies, such as, "Body Heat," "Romancing The Stone," "Prizzi's Honor," as well as the importance of not letting yourself be typecast.

Frank Marshall Jun 11, 2018

Sit down with the legendary, Oscar-nominated producer Frank Marshall. He has worked closely with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas on movie classics like Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, The Goonies. He's also the producer behind M. Night Shamalan's The Sixth Sense.

Cindy Williams May 29, 2018

Sit down with the actor and producer, Cindy Williams in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. Cindy Williams discusses working with legendary directors George Lucas on "American Graffiti," and Francis Ford Coppola as well as how she eventually landed her iconic role as Shirley on the timeless sitcom, "Laverne and Shirley."

Dolph Lundgren May 14, 2018

Get to know the talented and versatile Dolph Lundgren on The Backlot as he speaks of his transition into acting and his iconic role, Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.

Anna Serner on Gender Equality in Film Apr 30, 2018

Get to know the Chief Executive of the Swedish Film Institute and powerhouse of the gender equality in film movement, Anna Serner. Listen as she explains how she devised a plan to make waves and make change within the Swedish film industry and those waves are making their way to Hollywood as well.

Henry Winkler Apr 16, 2018

Sit down with the actor, director, and producer Henry Winkler in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. Henry Winkler is best known for his role on Happy Days as The Fonze. Check out this episode of The Backlot online today!

Sherry Lansing Apr 02, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy brings you the Oscar-nominated producer, Sherry Lansing. Sherry Lansing discusses some of her most famous films like "Fatal Attraction," "Indecent Proposal;" how "Saving Private Ryan" magically came together, and how "Titanic" was erroneously predicted by many to be the biggest bust of all time. Listen this episode of The Backlot now!

J. K. Simmons Mar 19, 2018

Sit down with the Academy Award-winning actor J. K. Simmons in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. J. K. Simmons discusses his first experiences on stage and acting in incredible movies and TV shows, such as, "OZ" and "Whiplash." Check out this episode of The Backlot online today!

Dan Gilroy Mar 05, 2018

Get to know Dan Gilroy, the incredible screenwriter behind Nightcrawler as he discusses his creative process and openness to experimental screenwriting.

Edward James Olmos Feb 19, 2018

Join us on New York Film Academy's podcast, The Backlot and listen to our latest interview with actor, producer, and director Edward James Olmos as he describes his experience filming "Stand and Deliver" and gives valuable advice to aspiring actors.

Stephanie Allain Feb 06, 2018

Get to know Stephanie Allain, the producer behind "Boyz n the Hood" and "Hustle and Flow" on The Backlot's new podcast episode! Listen today.

Bryan Cranston Jan 22, 2018

Get to know the incredibly talented and versatile Emmy Award Winning Actor, Bryan Cranston on New York Film Academy's podcast. Bryan Cranston speaks about when he realized he wanted to become an actor, how he separates work from home life, and his infamous role as Walter White in "Breaking Bad." Available on The Backlot now!

Seth Rogen Jan 04, 2018

Sit down with the hilariously clever actor, filmmaker, and comedian Seth Rogen in this New York Film Academy podcast episode. Seth Rogan discusses his entrance into the film industry, writing and acting in unforgettable movies and TV shows, such as, "Superbad" and "Freaks and Geeks." Check out this episode of The Backlot online today!

Aubrey Plaza Jan 04, 2018

Get to know the immensely witty actress and comedian, Aubrey Plaza in this podcast episode. Learn about Aubrey Plaza's introduction into comedy, her unforgettable role as April Ludgate in "Parks and Recreation," and her beginnings as a New York Film Academy student. Listen today!

Al Pacino Jan 04, 2018

In this podcast episode, New York Film Academy sits down with Academy Award® Winning Actor, Al Pacino. Al Pacino discusses his past acting experiences in classic movies, such as, "The Godfather" and "Scarface," as well as his personal acting approaches and methods. Listen to this episode of The Backlot now!

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