Project Hail Mary

Behind the Scenes of FUSE with director David Mackenzie

Join hosts Thalia and Marie in a post-screening conversation with director and UNLV Film professor David Mackenzie [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0533284/] on the making of FUSE. From filming in London’s intricate permitting landscape to refining scenes for maximum tension, this episode is packed with film industry secrets and creative wisdom — perfect for cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers alike! We discuss: * The challenges and nuances of filming in London, including traffic, permits, and coordinating complex scenes * The influence of UK history and locations on the story's setting and mood * The importance of improvisation and scene timing in building tension * How consulting experts like ex-military personnel enhances authenticity * The evolution of the script and editing choices that shape storytelling * Working with a talented cast including Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson * The financing lifecycle of a mid-budget film and navigating international sales * The significance of community and peer collaboration in filmmaking * Decisions behind the film’s ambiguous ending and real-time storytelling Resources & Links: * UNLV Film Program [https://unlv.edu/film] * Professor David McKenzie - I [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0533284/]MDb Credits: Email us: thefilmdeptpod@gmail.com [https://gmail.com/]  HOSTS - Jaidyn Thalia Sanders, Meredith Costello, Marie Palmieri PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand  For The Beverly: Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer Alexi Harber, General Manager Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/ [https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/] Once again, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue. For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com [https://thebeverlytheater.com/] The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning. With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.  Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM [http://unlv.edu/FILM] UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

Women @UNLVFilm: Breaking Barriers

Today's class will follow our hosts, Thalia, Meredith, and Marie in conversation with Professors Andi Isaacs [https://www.unlv.edu/people/andi-isaacs] and Roudi Boroumand [https://www.unlv.edu/people/roudi-boroumand] Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgbLVA87WVDTKLP095pINKBeHXSe6brRn] Breaking Barriers in Film: Women’s Voices and Leadership Get ready for a lively, inspiring conversation about the power of women in the film industry! Dive into stories of resilience, breaking stereotypes, and how education and community are shaping the future of cinematic storytelling. This episode celebrates the progress made and discusses the road ahead for women filmmakers, leaders, and students. In this episode: * The journey of women breaking into Hollywood and behind the scenes * Key statistics on gender parity in film education vs. industry roles * How streaming platforms are creating new opportunities for women directors * The importance of diverse storytelling driven by women’s perspectives * Challenges and victories in navigating a historically male-dominated industry * The role of education at UNLV in empowering the next generation of women filmmakers * How cultural backgrounds influence women’s paths in film * Practical advice for students about overcoming fear, networking, and finding their niche * The impact of festival circuits, distribution, and industry shifts on women-led projects * The importance of intersectionality and community support for sustainable change Timestamps: * (00:00) - Introduction to the episode and the guests * (04:14) - Women’s experiences in the film industry: from Hollywood to Iran * (09:14) - The role of education in fostering female filmmakers * (12:24) - Gender disparities in film roles and leadership * (19:07) - Streaming platforms opening doors for women directors * (21:09) - Celebrating women-driven films like Barbie and their industry impact * (25:42) - Industry shifts and the hope for future female leadership * (27:52) - How UNLV nurtures diverse female talent in film * (33:00) - Final thoughts on supporting women and community-driven growth Resources & Links: * UNLV School of Cinematic Arts [http://www.unlv.edu/cinematic-arts] * Nevada Women's Film Festival [https://nevadawomensfilmfestival.org/] * Gender and Hiring in Film Report 2025 [https://www.reframeproject.org/stamp/film/2025] * Streaming Data on Women Directors [https://www.indiewire.com/2022/10/women-filmmakers-streaming-statistics] Connect with the Guests: * Professor Andi Isaacs [https://www.unlv.edu/people/andi-isaacs] * Roudi Boroumand [https://www.unlv.edu/people/roudi-boroumand] Additional Notes: * The episode highlights the importance of supportive educational environments and community initiatives like UNLV's diverse faculty and festivals. * Emphasizes that success in film isn’t just about gender but talent and perseverance amid industry challenges. * Encourages future filmmakers to embrace all roles and narratives, demonstrating that the industry is evolving toward equity and inclusion. Credits: Email us: thefilmdeptpod@gmail.com [https://gmail.com/]  HOSTS - Jaidyn Thalia Sanders, Meredith Costello, Marie Palmieri PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand  For The Beverly: Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer Alexi Harber, General Manager Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/ [https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/] Once again, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue. For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com [https://thebeverlytheater.com/] The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.  Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM [http://unlv.edu/FILM] UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story. Tune in and be inspired to amplify women’s voices in the magic of cinema!

Panavision Road Trip

Welcome back to The Film Dept Podcast. Get ready for a thrilling course this semester! Today's class will follow hosts Lex, Matthew and Robby as they head off from Las Vegas to LA for a private tour of the legendary Panavision. Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgbLVA87WVDTKLP095pINKBeHXSe6brRn] Join us as we explore the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking with a focus on Panavision's innovative camera systems, the making of a new Marvel film, and exclusive insights from industry experts. Perfect for film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers alike. Chapters: 00:00 Road Trip to California: The Journey Begins 02:04 Exploring Panavision: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour 06:01 Interview Insights: New Filmmaker Program at Panavision 09:31 Private Screening Surprise: Fantastic Four First Steps 16:15 Film Review: Fantastic Four First Steps 23:44 Reflections on the Trip and Final Thoughts Resources: Panavision Official Website - https://www.panavision.com UNLV Film Department - https://www.unlv.edu/film Fantastic Four First Steps on Disney Plus - https://www.disneyplus.com Dan Sasaki - Vice President of Optics at Panavision - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansasaki Tommy Rose - Cinematographer at Panavision - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1234567

Project Hail Mary

Welcome back to The Film Dept Podcast. Get ready for a thrilling course this semester! Today's class will follow our new hosts, Thalia, Meredith, and Marie as they start off the semester discussing the hit book adaptation, PROJECT HAIL MARY, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgbLVA87WVDTKLP095pINKBeHXSe6brRn] In this episode of the Film Department Podcast, hosts Marie Palmieri, Thalia Sanders, and Meredith Costello review 'Project Hail Mary,' starring Ryan Gosling. They discuss Gosling's performance, the film's unique storytelling, emotional impact, and the human connections portrayed in a science fiction setting. The conversation also touches on audience engagement, themes of sacrifice and morality, character complexity, and the significant role of music in enhancing the film's narrative. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Project Hail Mary 01:05 Ryan Gosling's Performance and Character Dynamics 03:26 The Unique Storytelling of Project Hail Mary 05:15 Human Connection in Science Fiction 07:33 The Emotional Impact of the Film 10:24 Audience Engagement and Reactions 12:45 Themes of Sacrifice and Morality 15:08 Character Complexity and Relationships 18:30 Music and Soundtrack's Role in Storytelling 25:10 Final Thoughts and Overall Impressions Credits: Email us: thefilmdeptpod@gmail.com [https://gmail.com/]  HOSTS - Jaidyn Thalia Sanders, Meredith Costello, Marie Palmieri PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand  For The Beverly: Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer Alexi Harber, General Manager Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/ [https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/] Once again, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue. For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com [https://thebeverlytheater.com/] The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond.  Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM [http://unlv.edu/FILM] UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.

If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Welcome back to The Film Dept. Podcast!  In this episode of the Film Department podcast our hosts discuss the intense film IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU, directed by Mary Bronstein. They explore the film's themes of motherhood, mental health, and the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the character of Linda, played by Rose Byrne. The conversation delves into the film's emotional impact, character dynamics, and the significance of its ending and title. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Exploring IIHLIKY 09:16 Themes of Motherhood and Mental Health 16:15 Character Analysis of Linda and Her Relationships 22:54 The Significance of the Ending and Title 25:58 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Watch this episode (and all previous episodes) on UNLV College of Fine Arts Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgbLVA87WVDTKLP095pINKBeHXSe6brRn Email us: thefilmdeptpod@gmail.com  Credits: HOSTS - Lex de Asis, Matthew Trudeau, Robby Baker PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker PRODUCERS - Vance Mellen, Theresa Twa EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand PRODUCTION COORDINATORS- Isa Privetera, Tatyana Odobasic-Cuevas SOUND CREW - Brandon Aguilar, Hunter Cole, Marcie Gentile KEY GRIP- William Stanfield EDITORS - Molly Bilbray-Axelrod, Asher Garduno For The Beverly: Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer Alexi Harber, General Manager Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager To read the hosts' reviews, head over to:  https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/ [https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/] Once again, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue. For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film. At the film department of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning.With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story