Today's guests are Paul Wagner, an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning independent filmmaker who has produced and directed more than fifty films across a remarkable fifty-year career, and his wife and creative partner, Ellen Casey Wagner.

Together, they directed the outstanding documentary GEORGIA O'KEEFFE: THE BRIGHTNESS OF LIGHT, a fascinating portrait of one of America's most influential artists. We discuss the years of research behind the film, working with Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy, Georgia O'Keeffe's extraordinary integrity and artistic vision, and what it takes to tell the story of such an iconic figure.

And if you're a fan of classic cinema, be sure to stay until the end of the episode, where we dive into two of Paul and Ellen's favorite films, EAST OF EDEN and DAYS OF HEAVEN, and talk about the scenes from those movies that have stayed with them throughout their lives.

Hosted by Zef Cota

Produced by Cole Howard

Brought to you by The Alphaville Foundation

Jonathan Yunger returns to THE FILM SITUATION for an in-person conversation following the Washington, D.C. premiere of his latest film, LUCKY STRIKE.

Jonathan discusses producing the World War II survival thriller starring Scott Eastwood, collaborating once again with director Rod Lurie, and the importance of authenticity in historical filmmaking. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the production, explains the fascinating real-life origin behind the film's title, and reflects on meeting one of the last surviving veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

The conversation also explores Jonathan's philosophy on producing, why every filmmaker is ultimately a storyteller and a salesperson, the future of artificial intelligence in cinema through his company Arcana AI, and why he believes AI should empower, not replace...human creativity.

We also dive into the upcoming RAMBO prequel, independent filmmaking, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese's views on AI, and what it truly takes to shepherd a film from script to screen.

A thoughtful conversation with one of the industry's most passionate producers.

Hosted by Zef Cota

Produced by Cole Howard

Recorded in person Washington D.C.

Acclaimed casting director and intimacy coordinator Marci Liroff joins THE FILM SITUATION for a wide-ranging conversation about her extraordinary career working on films including E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, FOOTLOOSE, and FREAKY FRIDAY.

We talk about casting iconic films, working with actors, and her important work as an intimacy coordinator. Marci also shares two of her favorite movie scenes: the heartbreaking goodbye in E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL and the “Tiny Dancer” bus scene from ALMOST FAMOUS.

Hosted by Zef Cota

Produced by Cole Howard