S1E18: Duane Hansen Fernandez and A Place to Fall Down

S1E19: Holding On: Why Physical Media Matters

This episode is a deep dive into the enduring value of Blu-rays and DVDs—what they preserve, what they offer and why they still matter. I explore how the simple act of owning a movie creates a more meaningful connection to the story. From the thrill of the hunt to the joy of liner notes, bonus discs, and director’s commentary, there’s something sacred in the tangible experience of film. As studios consolidate and content vanishes with little warning, physical media isn’t just about nostalgia -- it’s about preservation, access, and control. Whether you're a longtime collector or just Blu-ray curious, this is a conversation about keeping cinema real, visible, and in your hands. Vidiots Foundation - Become a member, donate, get involved: A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema, Vidiots is dedicated to inspiring human interaction around film through communal theatrical presentations and preserving, growing, and providing access to its diverse DVD, BluRay, and rare VHS collection, showcasing the work of emerging, master, and underrepresented artists, and producing unique and affordable film events, and vital education programs. https://vidiotsfoundation.org/ [https://vidiotsfoundation.org/] The Smith Society Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez The Smith Society theme song: Steady Cadence The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Ian Rene Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info

S1E18: Duane Hansen Fernandez and A Place to Fall Down

Duane Hansen Fernandez is a writer and director. Born from a Danish mother and Filipino father, Fernandez's ethnic background towed him from his birthplace in Los Angeles, California to numerous corners and countries of the world throughout the years. It was these years that taught him to use his art to reflect an influence from his many cultural environments. Once dreaming of becoming an archaeologist, that passion never really went away, although it evolved. Fernandez found himself becoming his own archetype of an anthropologist -- seeking to understand how people live and interact with one another, but also how they make their lives meaningful. Why do people do what they do? What are their untold stories? Most importantly, how can we make the world a better place by telling them? Fernandez has had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest leaders in the industry, from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney, Marvel, Searchlight, A24, Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate, to Paramount, Sony Pictures, NBC, Fox, and FX. GUEST HOST: Niklaus Lange boasts a diverse and successful 30 year career in the media industry. Lange has transitioned seamlessly from on-screen talent to a sought-after behind-the-scenes creative force garnishing 200+ million video views and documentary filmmaking awards. A PLACE TO FALL DOWN The directorial debut of Duane Hansen Fernandez, A PLACE TO FALL DOWN is a moving short film that delves into the life of Jose, an elite mechanic struggling to cope with overwhelming grief after losing his beloved wife. The film unfolds in the span of a single day, capturing Jose’s emotional journey as he navigates balancing his daily life and with his profound sense of loss. Just when he thinks he might drown, he’s reminded the world works in mysterious ways. Featuring an extraordinary performance from Clifton Collins Jr. (Jockey), A PLACE TO FALL DOWN explores the question: can a person work to make themselves whole again after experiencing trauma? Collins Jr. portrays the grief-stricken Jose with subtlety and elegance, proving it’s in the darkest moments that the resilience of the human spirit shines the brightest.  Teaser Trailer: A Place to Fall Down - Teaser Trailer [https://youtu.be/LW6gXOMeCTU?si=bxiigdF5Kp5hjDf5] Instagram: A Place to Fall Down IG [https://www.instagram.com/aplacetofalldown/] The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Ian Rene Recorded at: Westlake Studios A PLACE TO FALL DOWN - FILM CREDITS Director: Duane Hansen Fernandez Writer: Duane Hansen Fernandez Producer/s: Duane Hansen Fernandez & Rebecca Parks Fernandez Director of Photography: Tobin Oldach Editor: Danielle L. Statuto Executive Producer/s:Kristy Sowin, Devin Stinson First Assistant Director: Devin Stinson Jose: Clifton Collins Jr. Charlotte: Erika Christensen Scott: Niklaus Lange Margo: Larissa Dias Meditation App: David George Grandpa & Lita: Toon$ & Boops Machado Camera First Assistant: Jordan Martin Digital Image Technician: Conrad Radzik Gaffer: Robert Oliva Key Grip: Adam Shambour Sound-Mixer: Amanda Beggs, C.A.S. Texture Photographer: Devin Stinson Still Photographer: Paul Clear Hair & Makeup Artist: Laurie Hallak Key Production Assistant: Nash Oldach Composer: Wink Winkelmann Consulting Music Supervisor: Thomas Page Automotive Consultant: Jasen Remington Assistant Editor: Lucia Wang Colorist: Miles Kula Audio Post-Production: Eleven Sound Mixer/Sound Designer: Jordan Meltzer Sound Mixer, Producer: Andrew Smith Graphic Design - Garage Logo: Chris Scott End titles by: Endcrawl SCORE Track: A Beautiful Disaster 1 Written by: Wink Winkelmann Produced by: Duane Hansen Fernandez Bass & Guitar: Wink Winkelmann Keys: Rashon Murph Guitar: Yunus Iyriboz Drums & Percussion: Garrit Tillman Multitrack Engineer: Ian Rene Multitrack Asst. Engineer: Patrick Gardner Mix Session Engineer: Ian Rene Mix Session Asst. Engineer: Hayden Duncan Courtesy of: VOKSEE Recording/Mixing Studio: Westlake Special thanks: Chelsea Devantez, Nena Erb, Genesis Automotive, Valerie Lertyaovarit, John 'Pliny' Eremic, Fatima Albuquerque Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info]

S1E17: Sean Wang

Today, we’ll be chatting with the writer, director, skater Sean Wang about his beautiful film DÌDI (弟弟), we will discuss the challenges and triumphs he encountered while bringing this story to life. So, whether you’re a film buff, an aspiring filmmaker, or just someone who loves a good story, you won’t want to miss this conversation. DÌDI (弟弟) IN THEATERS NOW! DÌDI (弟弟) - Official Trailer [https://youtu.be/e6gve8GtSuU?si=hulwhBDSXMk9bF5f] SEAN WANG Sean Wang is a filmmaker from Fremont, CA. His latest short film, NǍI NAI & WÀI PÓ, premiered at SXSW 2023 where it won the Grand Jury Prize & Audience Award. Since then, it received Grand Jury Awards at AFI Fest and SIFF 2023 and was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film for the 96th Academy Awards. His debut feature film, DÌDI (弟弟), had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast. THE SMITH SOCIETY Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez [https://www.instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/] The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info]

S1E16: Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Today we sit down with Gabriela Cowperthwaite and discuss her latest documentary film, The Grab. Quietly and seemingly out of sight, governments, private investors and mercenaries are working to seize food and water resources at the expense of entire populations. These groups are establishing themselves as the new OPEC, where the future world powers will be those who control not oil, but food. And it's all beginning to bubble to the surface in real time. Global food prices have hit an all-time high, threatening chaos and violence. Meanwhile, Russia is using food as a weapon against the Ukrainians, and as a geopolitical tool to wield global power. THE GRAB is a global thriller combining hard-hitting journalism from The Center for Investigative Reporting with the compelling character-driven storytelling of director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, taking you around the globe from Arizona to Zambia, to reveal one of the world’s biggest and least known threats. THE GRAB Trailer [https://youtu.be/dws3Rfn_ePo?si=bP2GfAo8zuKCCNR6] THE GRAB Site [https://www.magpictures.com/thegrab/] IN THEATERS NOW! The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Edited by: Marshall Baker Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info]

S1E15: Matthew Chuang, ACS

After a brief hiatus...we’re back with a brand new season of The Smith Society podcast! In our premiere episode, we chat with brilliant cinematographer Matthew Chuang. We discuss his early life and trajectory in this business, and we reflect on his stunning work in past films like Blue Bayou, You Won't Be Alone, and Of an Age. We cover all my favorite talking points: pre-production (IYKYK), comfort food, and of course, his latest project — helping create the epic visual world of Chief of War, a new Apple series (coming soon). More on Matthew Chuang www.matthewchuang.com [http://www.matthewchuang.com/] instagram.com/mattscope [https://www.instagram.com/mattscope/] Host: Duane Hansen Fernandez instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez [https://www.instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/] The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in high school, has so much soul. Edited by: Marshall Baker The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info]