Our Hero, Balthazar | Interview with Erin DeWitt and Nate DeYoung

Littermates Interview | Dystopian Dark Comedy

What would you do if you woke up in a world you no longer understood? In this episode of the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with co-directors Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson, alongside stars Joe Bader and Oliver Woolf, to discuss their inventive dystopian dark comedy Littermates. We dive into the film’s unique post-apocalyptic premise, the challenges of balancing humor with psychological tension, creating an immersive world on an independent budget, and how the cast brought these complex characters to life. The team also shares behind-the-scenes stories, their collaborative filmmaking process, and what they hope audiences take away from this thought-provoking indie feature. Whether you’re a fan of character-driven science fiction or independent filmmaking, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Littermates is a dystopian dark comedy set in the aftermath of a devastating chemical attack that has left survivors struggling to remember language and the world they once knew. When two amnesiac strangers find refuge in the isolated countryside home of a mysterious man named Chester, they are introduced to a strange new existence governed by an unusual reward system and increasingly unsettling rules. As their memories and curiosity begin to return, they start questioning the reality they’ve been taught to accept, leading to a gripping exploration of power, identity, and human nature. Blending sharp humor with psychological suspense, Littermates offers a fresh and intimate take on the post-apocalyptic genre.

The Costumes behind Scary Movie 6 with Ariyela Wald-Cohain

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with costume designer Ariyela Wald-Cohain to talk about bringing the world of Scary Movie 6 to life through wardrobe. Ariyela breaks down the challenge of balancing the franchise’s signature comedy and horror influences, reimagining iconic genre-inspired looks, and designing costumes that help sell both the satire and the scares. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with the cast and filmmakers, and how costume design can shape character, tone, and some of the film’s biggest visual moments. If you’ve ever wondered how a costume designer helps build the look of a horror-comedy — and how Scary Movie 6 plays with recognizable horror imagery while still feeling fresh — this is a fun behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss. Ariyela Wald-Cohain is a costume designer known for her work in film and television, with a focus on creating character-driven looks that help define tone, world-building, and visual storytelling. Most recently, she worked as the costume designer on Scary Movie 6, helping reimagine the franchise’s signature horror-comedy style for a new generation. Her work blends creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of character, using costume design to support both performance and story on screen.

Interview with Filmmaker Sam Cutler-Kreutz

This week on the 1st on Film Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Sam Cutler-Kreutz to explore his journey as a director, cinematographer, and storyteller. From his early short films to his acclaimed collaborations with his brother David, Sam discusses the creative process behind crafting emotionally resonant stories, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the experiences that have shaped his career. We also dive into the making of the Oscar-nominated short film A Lien, the importance of authentic storytelling, and what audiences can expect from his future projects. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply a fan of great cinema, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the mind of one of independent film’s most exciting creative voices. Sam Cutler-Kreutz is an American filmmaker, director, cinematographer, and photographer known for his emotionally driven and socially conscious storytelling. Throughout his career, he has directed numerous acclaimed short films, including Where We Must Be, Rocket Men, Flounder, Trapped, and the Academy Award-nominated short film A Lien, which he co-wrote and co-directed with his brother, David Cutler-Kreutz.

Allan Hawco | Canadian Screen Awards

We caught up with Allan Hawco on the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards to talk about the hit crime drama Saint-Pierre. During our conversation, Allan discussed the continued success of the series, what fans can expect moving forward, and the possibilities surrounding a potential third season. To make things a little more interesting, we also put Allan’s character to the test with a fun rapid-fire game, presenting him with a series of unusual police scenarios and asking what his character would do in each situation. The result was a mix of insightful answers, great stories, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Saint-Pierre or just discovering the series, this is an interview you won’t want to miss. Saint-Pierre is a crime drama set on the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, just off the coast of Newfoundland. The series follows a seasoned Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer who is reassigned to the island community, where he partners with a local French police officer to investigate a wide range of crimes. Blending compelling mysteries, character-driven storytelling, and the unique culture and scenery of the archipelago, Saint-Pierre offers a fresh take on the procedural drama genre while exploring themes of justice, community, and second chances. Allan Hawco is an award-winning Canadian actor, writer, producer, and creator best known for his starring role as Jake Doyle in the acclaimed series Republic of Doyle, which he also co-created and executive produced. Born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, Hawco has become one of Canada’s most recognizable television talents, appearing in numerous film and television productions throughout his career. In addition to Republic of Doyle, his credits include Jack Ryan, Frontier, Departure, and Saint-Pierre. Known for his charismatic screen presence and passion for telling distinctly Canadian stories, Hawco continues to be a major force in the country’s film and television industry both in front of and behind the camera.

The Beast in Me | Interview with Composer Sara Barone

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed composer Sara Barone to discuss her work on Netflix’s psychological thriller series The Beast in Me. Sara takes us behind the scenes of crafting the show’s tense, atmospheric score, exploring how music helps shape suspense, character psychology, and emotional storytelling. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with fellow composers, and the unique challenges of scoring a series built on mystery and unease. Whether you’re a fan of film music, television storytelling, or The Beast in Me, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the art of composing for the screen. Sara Barone is an Emmy-nominated composer for film, television, and interactive media whose work spans acclaimed documentaries, feature films, television series, and video games. She is known for her contributions to the BBC’s Planet Earth III, which earned a Primetime Emmy nomination, as well as Netflix’s The Beast in Me, the feature film To Kill a Wolf, and the VR game Alien: Rogue Incursion. Her additional music credits include Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Love, Death & Robots. A graduate of Columbia University and the USC Thornton School of Music, Sara has established herself as one of the rising voices in contemporary screen scoring, known for creating emotionally rich and immersive musical landscapes.