Switchblade Sisters

We are so lucky this week to have TV creator, writer, and director Veena Sud on the program. She's most well known for creating the TV show, The Killing. But she's got a new show out now called Seven Seconds. It follows the aftermath of the death of a 15 year old black cyclist who is killed in a hit and run accident by a white police officer. She's also on the program to discuss Alfred Hitchcock's classic Rear Window. Veena elaborates on the effect that Hitchcock has had on her career, and how it has influenced her being drawn to darker stories. She reveals that she's just completed her first feature about a teenage girl who accidentally kills her best friend. She also tells a wonderful story of working with the late Jonathan Demme on her show Seven Seconds. This is a truly engrossing episode that deals with the craft behind writing and cultivating a meaningful story. You can watch Seven Seconds on Netflix. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Rear Window With April Wolfe with Veena Sud You can let us know wh

We've got a packed house today with Angela Trimbur, Lauren Parks, and Jenée LaMarque of the new film The Feels. The three women all act in the film with Jenée directing and co-writing with Lauren. They're on the show to discuss Robert Zemeckis' Death Becomes Her. Although not similar in tone or genre, April and the guests quickly find that both of these films are united in their commentary on women's bodies. The Feels analyzes the shame felt by women unable to have an orgasm. While Death Becomes Her addresses the pressure women face to constantly look young - in, albeit, a very violent and supernatural way. Plus, they all discuss the special effects, the production design, and, of course, the delicious performance of Meryl Streep as the aging movie star, Madeline Ashton. The Feels is available on Amazon. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Death Becomes Her With April Wolfe with Angela Trimbur, Lauren Parks and Jenée LaMarque You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Tw

Rarely do we get a PhD. level academic on the show to discuss horror, but we got one this week! It's writer, director, professor and 'Shock Waves' podcast host Rebekah McKendry. She's on to discuss the underseen Deep Rising. She details her connection to aquatic horrors, dating back to her childhood growing up next to a river infested with alligator gars. April and her "dive" into what separates Deep Rising from all the other late '90's disaster/monster movies. Rebekah also divulges what goes into her filmmaking process; creating characters, directing actors, and designing creatures. To quote the tagline of this film - "Full scream ahead!" Shock Waves is available wherever you listen to podcasts. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Deep Rising With April Wolfe and Rebekah McKendry. You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

We've got a great episode this week with our first pair of sisters - Lizzie and Wendy Molyneux. The 'Bob's Burgers' writers/producers are on to discuss the Danny Boyle film, 28 Days Later. They elaborate on what goes into a storyline for Bob's Burgers, staying true to the format of the show, and seeing Tina Belcher in real life. Plus they explore what makes 28 Days Later such a classic; Cillian Murphy's performance, the introduction of the "fast" zombie, and the humanity behind the film. The sisters also make a case for adopting children during a zombie outbreak. This is a must listen episode for people interested in the process of writing comedic television. Bob's Burgers is on Fox now. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch 28 Days Later With April Wolfe and Lizzie Molyneux & Wendy Molyneux. You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week's episode was recorded LIVE at Resident in downtown LA, as a part of The Voyager Institute's lecture series. So you may hear some noises in the background that you're not normally accustomed to - audience members laughing, drinks being made, and people having the best night of their lives! We have on the program the co-creator of Lifetime's 'UnREAL', Sarah Gertrude Shapiro. She's on to talk about the beloved, 90's, goth-inspiring masterpiece, The Craft. April and Sarah discuss their love for the campiness of the film and the perfect casting of Fairuza Balk as the evil teenage witch, Nancy. Sarah also elaborates on what it is like running a TV show. She dives into the challenges of directing an episode while also needing to be in the writing room. Plus, she details her journey from working on 'The Bachelor', to ending up in advertising in Portland, to creating her own TV show. UnREAL is on Lifetime now. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Craft With April Wolfe and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro. You ca

This week we've got the amazing creator of Syfy's 'The Magicians' - Sera Gamble. She's on to talk about the film that introduced the world to the mind of Charlie Kaufman - Being John Malkovich. Sera elaborates on her deep personal connection to the film. And admits it may have something to do with John Malkovich being her very first celebrity crush. She also takes April through the process of writing, and how often times the best way to write is by not knowing where you're going. They celebrate the performances of Cameron Diaz, John Cusack, and Catherine Keener - and also Cameron Diaz's phenomenal wig! They dissect the writing of Charlie Kaufman and how he came to create one of the most unique screenplays of all time. Sera connects the lessons she's learned from this film to her own work, and how she takes great pleasure in making the audience squirm. The Magicians is on Syfy now. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Being John Malkovich With April Wolfe and Sera Gamble. You can let us know what you think of

This week we are joined by producer Rachel Shane. She's produced such films as Divergent, Lawless, Hell or High Water and the National Geographic show Genius. She's on the program to talk all about David Cronenberg's The Fly. April and Rachel discuss all the aspects that make this movie great; Jeff Goldblum, the disgusting special effects, the efficiency of David Cronenberg. Plus Rachel shares what it is like working as a feature producer. She details the working relationships with directors, getting a hold of a really powerful script, and allowing actors and directors to see out their creative visions. Plus, she also elaborates on what it's like to be on set during risky stunts and how she chooses which projects she will produce. Genius: Picasso is on National Geographic now. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Fly With April Wolfe and Rachel Shane. You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Case

This week, we are joined by the directors of the brand new Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary, RBG, Betsy West and Julie Cohen. They are on to discuss the Brian De Palma classic Carrie. Believe it or not, in this episode several similarities are drawn between the "Notorious RBG" and Carrie White. Julie and Betsy discuss what the world was like when Carrie was released and the type of workplace humiliations they had to put up with back then. Betsy even shares a story involving a penis shaped cake. They dig into the importance and power of Justice Ginsburg and how she actually changed the world. They also discuss the techniques they use to interview people, making sure not to manipulate the audience, and staring at Ruth Bader Ginsburg while she watched the documentary. RBG opens theatrically on May 4th. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Carrie With April Wolfe, Betsy West and Julie Cohen You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@ma

This week director Ramaa Mosley (The Brass Teapot, Tatterdemalion) stops by to discuss George Miller's The Witches of Eastwick. If you're looking for an in depth discussion on making independent feature films, this is a must listen for you. Ramaa opens up about the difficulties and rewards of creating your own movie - from fighting for what you need, to learning how to push back against producers interference, to working with actors. Plus, she discusses the influence that The Witches of Eastwick has had on her as an artist. April and Ramaa praise Jack Nicholson's performance as the devilish Daryl Van Horne, the masterful directing of George Miller, and the powerful women (Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer) that drive the film. Ramaa's latest film is Tatterdemalion And if you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Witches of Eastwick With April Wolfe and Ramaa Mosley You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org P

In a spectacular new episode, director Martha Coolidge (Real Genius, Valley Girl, Rambling Rose) joins April to discuss Howard Hawks' The Big Sleep. The two of them dissect the film: the amazing script by Leigh Brackett and William Faulkner, the electric chemistry between Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, and the masterful directing of Howard Hawks. Plus Martha relays some truly remarkable stories from her celebrated career, including the time the producers on one of her movies secretly cast a prostitute in her film. She also talks about discovering Nicolas Cage for Valley Girl, her work as the DGA president, and screening a film for Princess Diana. This episode is a wild one. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Big Sleep With April Wolfe and Martha Coolidge You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week director Tamra Davis (Billy Madison, Half Baked, CB4) sits down with April to discuss Paul Feig's The Heat. Tamra takes April through what it's like directing comedies, how she worked with actors Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, and collaborating with comedy writers during a shoot. She also discusses the wonderful experience of directing the uber famous Britney Spears during the filming of Crossroads. April and her dissect Melissa McCarthy's performance in The Heat and her ongoing work with director Paul Feig. Tamra also details what it's like directing action scenes and the collaborative process of making a movie. Plus Inkoo Kang stops by to discuss why people should donate to the MaxFunDrive and Switchblade Sisters. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Heat With April Wolfe and Tamra Davis You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

We've got a huge episode this week. Actress, writer, director Heather Graham sits down with April to talk about the salacious Fatal Attraction. The two of them discuss relating to Glenn Close's character, even though she is technically the villain. Heather elaborates on her experience directing her debut feature, Half Magic. She discusses getting the movie made, the inspiration behind it, and how she decided to include a "vagina empowerment" class in the film. She also dives into her acting career; being directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and David Lynch, working with a ton of men who have been accused of sexual harassment, and finding her desire to direct. Plus, Drea Clark stops by to talk with April about the MaxFunDrive. You can see Half Magic on all digital platforms. And if you haven't seen it yet, go watch Fatal Attraction With April Wolfe and Heather Graham You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced b

This week we have on the phenomenal writer of this year's The Post, Liz Hannah, to talk about Jonathan Demme's classic The Silence of the Lambs. Liz delves into her process and how she became a first time screenwriter with her script for The Post. She discusses the amazing talent of Meryl Streep, the story of Washington Post owner Kay Graham, and what it was like collaborating with Steven Spielberg. Plus, April and her dissect everything that makes The Silence of the Lambsa masterpiece. They discuss Anthony Hopkins performance (he only blinks once in the movie), the amazing craftsmanship of director Jonathan Demme, and the groundbreaking character of Clarice Starling played by Jodie Foster. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Silence of the Lambs on HBO Go. Also, you can still see The Post in theaters. With April Wolfe and Liz Hannah You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laur

This week we've got the wonderful director Meera Menon (Farah Goes Bang, Equity, GLOW, Halt and Catch Fire) to discuss Gareth Edwards' Monsters. Meera touches upon how well the film works despite the small budget and how that inspires her to create a monster movie someday. She discusses what it's like to direct using visual effects on The Magicians, and how a lot of it is guess work. Meera also speaks to the difficulties and delights of working with non-actors, the moral obligation of the director, and approaching filmmaking like a journalist. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Monsters. Also check out Meera's latest film Equity. With April Wolfe and Meera Menon You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week we've got the amazing director Lynn Shelton (Humpday, Your Sister's Sister, Laggies) talking about the mostly ignored Michael Winterbottom film, Code 46. Lynn describes the film as the "one of the most romantic films" she's ever seen. April and her dissect the "light futurism" and lack of CGI used in the movie. They discuss the amazing work of Samantha Morton and how her face really carries the emotion of the film. Lynn also talks about her new film Outside In and working with Edie Falco and Jay Duplass. She describes how she went from being an indie filmmaker living in Seattle to working constantly as a TV director for such shows as Mad Men, Fresh Off the Boat, Love, and The New Girl. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Code 46. Also check out Lynn's newest film Outside In which will be in NY/LA on March 30th and all digital platforms on April 3rd. With April Wolfe and Lynn Shelton You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesi

You're in for a real freaky treat this week because April talks to 'Who Shot Ya?' regular, producer Drea Clark, about the under appreciated The Witch Who Came from the Sea. The two of them explore the nutty movie about a psychotic barmaid who sexually fantasizes about murdering large men. They discuss how the character remains relatable despite the murders, and how the film actually does a responsible job representing the effects of child abuse. Drea discusses how she approaches projects to produce, the realities of being an indie producer, and what her working relationship with the director is like. She also discusses her most recent film, No Light and No Land Anywhere, and its similarities to The Witch Who Came from the Sea. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Witch Who Came from the Sea. Also check out Drea's film No Light and No Land Anywhere that comes out on digital platforms (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, etc.) on March 27. With April Wolfe and Drea Clark You can let us know what you think of

"We don't hate you - there's no need for hate now. Or love." Dr. Kibner (Invasion of the Body Snatchers)   Invasion of the Body Snatchers   Don't be a pod! On this week's episode April welcomes director Leigh Janiak (Honeymoon, Scream: The TV Series) to discuss 1978's Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The two touch upon how Leigh's film, Honeymoon, and Invasion both contemplate the question, "What would you do if the people closest to you were suddenly not themselves?" They discuss the incredible sound design of the film and how it creates a very creepy atmosphere. Leigh elaborates on working on the Scream: TV Series and how she learned to improvise on set. They both agree that Donald Sutherland may not be the typical leading man, but that frock of permed hair is really working for him. Plus, they dive into the famous ending of the film and what it really means to be a human being. You can watch Leigh's film Honeymoon on Hulu And if you haven't seen it yet, go watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers. With April W

This week April is joined by the phenomenal writer, director, and actor Amber Benson (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) to talk about the cult classic Night of the Comet. The two discuss the wonderful Kelli Maroney as the gun toting cheerleader, Samantha, how the film does a great job of combining horror and comedy, and how it is actually a realistic representation of being a teenager. Amber also dives into how she learned to be a filmmaker directing her first film Chance. She discusses her time on Buffy, her groundbreaking role as Tara, and the joy that comes from working on something important. She also elaborates on the need for female roles to be written with more complexity and for those characters to not be "perfect." If you haven't seen it yet, go watch Night of the Comet. With April Wolfe and Amber Benson You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org Produced by Casey O'Brien and Laura Swisher for MaximumFun.org.

This week we have the star of Insidious: The Last Key, the wonderful and vibrant Lin Shaye. She speaks with April about the seminal horror film, The Shining. Lin discusses how it was actually Jack Nicholson who discovered her and cast her in the film that brought her to LA. She also talks about convincing the Farrelly brothers to cast her as the disgusting landlady in King Pin, working with James Wan on Insidious, and how she really is game to play any type of character. April also details the intense production of The Shining, the extreme techniques used to get the desired performance from Shelley Duvall, and the effort that went into the set design. This is a fantastic episode for all those interested in the art of acting. Check out Lin Shaye in Insidious: The Last Key in theaters now. And if you haven't seen it yet, go watch The Shining. With April Wolfe and Lin Shaye You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sisters at @SwitchbladePod on Twitter. Or email us at switchbladesisters@maximumfun.org P

"Now, in Russia, they got it mapped out so that everyone pulls for everyone else... that's the theory, anyway. But what I know about is Texas, an' down here... you're on your own." This week April talks to writer/director Julie Hébert (American Crime, The Good Wife, ER) about the phenomenal feature debut of the Coen Brothers, Blood Simple. April and Julie delve into the genius of the directing duo and how they pulled off making such a complete movie on their first try. Julie talks about her directing style and how she likes to let the actors make most of the decisions in creating a character. She discusses working closely with Felicity Huffman. Plus, Julie tells April how she feels bad for actors auditioning, because she can actually smell the sweat of fear coming from the audition waiting room. Check out Julie Hébert's work in American Crime, The Good Wife, and ER. And if you haven't seen it yet, go watch Blood Simple. With April Wolfe and Julie Hébert You can let us know what you think of Switchblade Sister