The Film Situation

EP 71: Walter Krochmal: Executive Director, Bronx World Film

Actor, writer, translator, and founder of Bronx World Film Walter Krochmal joins me to talk about his incredible journey, from studying theater on a scholarship in New England, to performing, translating, and building one of New York’s most quietly essential film organizations. We discuss how Bronx World Film was born in the basement of Cannes’ Short Film Corner, the post World War II European idea of cinema as a tool for social reconstruction, and why Walter believes true festivals must serve both filmmakers and neighborhood audiences, not the cash grab mentality that’s overtaken so many indie fests. In the final segment we dive into two unforgettable film moments: Fellini’s LA STRADA, which he calls a paragon of empathy and craft, and the timeless comedy of THE NAKED GUN, where Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan genius turns “Nice beaver” into a masterclass in visual timing. Films discussed: LA STRADA (1954) and THE NAKED GUN: FROM THE FILES OF POLICE SQUAD! (1988) Guest links: bronxworldfilm.org and Instagram @bronxworldfilm

070 - Richie Doyle - Producer IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU

Real talk with indie film producer producer Richie Doyle on the making of A24’s IF I HAD LEGS, I’D KICK YOU (dir. Mary Bronstein), starring Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, and A$AP Rocky. We talk about what a producer actually does, living at the intersection of art and commerce and protecting the artists while getting the film into the world. Richie also shares his road in, from a New Line Cinema internship and early industry jobs to standup, launching Sunday Morning Digital (including Webby wins), and building momentum into feature producing. We close on the awards season ride, including Rose Byrne’s Berlin Silver Bear win and what that spotlight means for the work.   Hosted by Zef Cota

069 - Remembering Rob Reiner

Zef is joined by producer Heather Buckley and intern Cole Howard for a heartfelt tribute to cinema of Rob Reiner. They revisit his legendary range; STAND BY ME, MISERY, THE PRINCESS BRIDE, THIS IS SPINAL TAP, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…, and A FEW GOOD MEN and reflect on why his movies feel like childhood, why they’re endlessly quotable, and what his work taught us about story, character, and craft.   Hosted by Zef Cota

068 - Vance Howard - Producer SXSW award winner LUV YA BUM!

Vance Howard is a producer and CEO of Lucky Number 8 Productions. He produced the documentary LUV YA, BUM!, which won the Audience Award for Documentary Spotlight at SXSW 2025. In this conversation, we talk about his move from business into filmmaking, what drew him to the story of Bum Phillips, and how leadership, mentorship, and conviction translate from the football field to the world of film producing. Hosted by Zef Cota

067 - Gregg Blake - The Indie Film Breakdown

Episode 67 features my good friend and collaborator Gregg Blake (Writer, Director, Actor), who recently wrapped production on his debut feature film SOUVENIR in Atlanta. I helped produce the film, and this episode is our first time breaking down the experience from the emotional core of the story to Gregg’s creative plan to rotoscope the film. We talk about working with actors, the energy of the set, the community painting everyone contributed to, and what it really feels like to direct a feature from your own home studio. We also dive into the current state of filmmaking, the Netflix–Warner Bros. deal, and the changing landscape for indie films. A candid, funny, and personal conversation about the craft and the journey of making SOUVENIR.