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by Following Films
Interviews with some of the most unique voices in independent film and popular culture. Think of it as a weekly film recommendation for something a bit off the beaten path. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/followingfilms/subscribe
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- 4 days ago34 min
Jennifer E. Montgomery on This Tempting Madness, Scoring a Film with Simone Ashley’s Voice, and The Resposibility of Adapting Trauma Into Art
Welcome back to the podcast, everyone. Today, we are examining the architecture of memory, trauma, and the blurred lines of reality. Hitting theaters and VOD on June 12, 2026, is a film that I promise is going to get under your skin. It’s called This Tempting Madness, a breathtakingly tense psychological thriller that marks the feature directorial debut of Jennifer E. Montgomery. Now, if you think you’ve seen all sides of Bridgerton superstar Simone Ashley, think again. She delivers a raw, bold, and genuinely transformative performance as Mia, a woman who awakens from a coma with a fractured memory, a grievously injured body, and the devastating realization that the man she loves is completely missing. Alongside an incredible supporting cast, the film takes us directly inside Mia's disoriented mind as she tries to piece together a past she can no longer trust. But what makes This Tempting Madness truly unforgettable is where the story came from. This isn't just a Hollywood script; it is deeply inspired by a harrowing true story. Director Jennifer E. Montgomery wrote the film with her longtime collaborator and spouse, Andrew M. Davis, after living through her own firsthand tragedy. Years ago, Montgomery watched her own best friend's life quietly collapse over a period of six months—culminating in an act of severe violence. When her friend finally woke from a coma, those entire six months of memory were completely gone. Instead of making a straightforward documentary, Jennifer and Andrew built an immersive cinematic landscape that mirrors how trauma actually works—in loops, contradictions, and shifting colors. From a custom score built literally out of Simone Ashley’s own vocal tones to vintage Panavision lenses that make the frames feel like unpredictable memories, every single detail of this film was crafted to make us question what is real right along with Mia. We are incredibly lucky to have the mastermind behind this phenomenal film with us today. Joining me to talk about the immense responsibility of turning personal trauma into art, pushing cinematic boundaries, and running towards the fire of complex storytelling... please welcome the director and co-writer of This Tempting Madness, Jennifer E. Montgomery!
- 1 weeks ago41 min
Darin Toonder on OBSESSION, Christmas Music, and Paul McCartney
Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast, I’m your host Chris Maynard. Today, we are taking a look at one of the most talked-about, bone-chilling releases of the year. It’s sitting at a massive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics are calling it an absolute standout horror masterpiece. I am talking, of course, about Curry Barker’s hit horror-thriller, Obsession.Joining us today is a veteran of the screen who has over two decades of experience and more than 70 television episodes under his belt—from intense dramas like Ozark and Will Trent to beloved comedies like Modern Family. But in a movie defined by pure psychological tension, he manages to steal the show with a brilliant comedic performance that has quickly become an audience favorite.I’m thrilled to be speaking with the incredibly versatile, risk-taking, and man behind Harry in Obsession—the fantastic Darin Toonder! Thank you for listening!
- 2 weeks ago16 min
Kevin Dunn on MERMAID
Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m Chris Maynard.Every once in a while, a movie comes along that refuses to fit into a neat little box. It doesn’t care about genres, and it certainly doesn't care about playing it safe. That’s exactly what writer-director Tyler Cornack has delivered with Mermaid. Released by Utopia, this film is a sun-drenched, deeply surreal piece of indie cinema centered on a desperate Florida man who discovers a wounded, reptilian mermaid and decides to shield her from a ruthless world.It’s bizarre, it’s beautiful, and it features a brilliant ensemble cast—including today's guest.You know him from massive blockbusters, definitive political satires, and decades of unforgettable character work in projects like Veep, Dave, and Transformers. In Mermaid, he steps into the frame to play Keith, a calculating, menacing figure who serves as a massive threat to our main characters. The phenomenal Kevin Dunn is on the show today.It’s a loose, insightful, and entirely candid conversation with an absolute veteran of the craft.Here is my interview with Kevin Dunn.
- 3 weeks ago32 min
Paul Bunnell on A Blind Bargain
Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, and today we are diving into a project that is a must-see for anyone interested in lost cinematic history.One notable entry of the silent era is the loss of Lon Chaney’s 1922… classic? A Blind Bargain. For decades, it has lived only in production stills and the imaginations of horror historians. But our guest today has done something much more ambitious than a simple remake. Paul Bunnell has reimagined this macabre tale, transporting the gothic dread of the original into a stylized, 1970s landscape.The film follows a desperate young man who, driven by the need to save his mother, strikes a devastating deal with an unhinged physician. It’s a story of twisted experiments, moral decay, and the high price of hope.We’re going to talk about the challenges of reviving a "lost" story, the influence of the man of a thousand faces, working with Crispin Glover, and the process of bringing this dark vision to life. Please welcome to the show, the director of A Blind Bargain, Paul Bunnell.
- 3 weeks ago17 min
Bobby Farrelly on Driver's Ed, There's Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber, and The Secret to Never Feeling Old
Welcome back to another episode of the Following Films podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today on the show, we’re diving into a genre that feels like it’s been missing from the multiplex for far too long: the warm-hearted, 80s-style coming-of-age comedy. My guest is the legendary Bobby Farrelly, who is here to talk about his latest film, Drivers Ed.In the film, a group of teens hit the road in a stolen driver’s ed car, racing against time to help a lovesick high school senior (Sam Nivola) track down his college-freshman girlfriend and win her back. In 24 chaotic hours, they’re chased by school security and the cops, shot at by small-time crooks, and somehow adopt a three-legged cat. Also starring Kumail Nanjiani and Molly Shannon. Drivers Ed hits VOD this Friday, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air. It has that genuine heart and nostalgic energy that reminds you why we fell in love with these kinds of stories in the first place. Bobby and I get into the nuts and bolts of the new film, but we also take a deeper look at his career—specifically how he approaches the representation of characters with special needs. From the groundbreaking moments in There’s Something About Mary to the intentionality behind Drivers Ed, we discuss why having characters the audience truly cares about is the secret sauce to making his comedies work.We also touch on how laughter could be the fountain of youth. It’s a great conversation with a filmmaker who knows exactly how to balance a punchline with a bit of soul.Let’s get into my interview with Bobby Farrelly.
- 4 weeks ago42 min
"Punk Rock Girl Dad" Sid Broderius on Making Music in the Age of Social Media
Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. Today’s guest has captured the internet's heart by proving that being a parent doesn't mean you have to look like a suburban dad. Known to millions as the "Punk Rock Girl Dad," Sid Broderius has gone viral for his videos introducing his young daughter, Lorelai, to the high-energy world of The Riverboat Gamblers, Ramones, Against Me!, and The Clash.Based in Spokane, Washington, Sid has been a staple of the local music scene for two decades and currently plays in the band The Emergency Exit. Whether he is letting Lorelai explore his guitar collection or spinning classic punk vinyl, his philosophy is rooted in sharing his deepest passions to foster genuine family bonding through music and subculture.With a following of over 32,000 on Instagram and shout-outs from bands like Bowling for Soup, Sid is showing the world that the next generation of music fans starts at home. We’re going to talk about his viral journey, his life in the Spokane scene, and the art of passing down a punk rock legacy. Please welcome to the show, Sid Broderius.
- Apr 26, 202629 min
Todd M. Friedman on Last Shot
Welcome to another episode of the Following Films Podcast. I’m Chris Maynard.Today, we are diving into a project that kicked off this year’s Dallas International Film Festival as the opening night selection. It’s a film that uses the backdrop of competitive youth basketball to explore much larger themes of family, grief, and the weight of expectations.Joining me today is writer and producer Todd M. Friedman to discuss his new film, Last Shot. Starring Jaime Pressly and Michael Rapaport, the story follows a young basketball prodigy navigating life after a significant loss. What makes this project particularly compelling is how it leans into a grounded, realistic drama—a narrative depth that stems from Todd’s own experiences on the sidelines and the unique decision to cast his son, Dylan Friedman, in the lead role.We’re going to talk about the transition from personal experience to the page, the collaborative process of indie filmmaking, and what it’s like to premiere a project of this scale.Todd, welcome to the show!
- Apr 15, 202640 min
Chandler Levack on the Netflix film ROOMMATES
Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.One of the most rewarding parts of this show is getting to highlight filmmakers who possess a truly distinct, non-formulaic voice, and today’s guest is a perfect example. Recently named one of Variety’s 2026 Directors to Watch, Chandler Levack is having a massive moment with two films hitting screens this week.On one hand, there is her indie festival darling, Mile End Kicks, a raw and vibrant portrait of a young writer finding her footing in the Montreal music scene. On the other, she is making her studio debut with the Netflix comedy Roommates. While it features a massive ensemble—including Sadie Sandler, Chloe East, Sarah Sherman, and Natasha Lyonne—it manages to elevate the traditional college freshman comedy into something far more poignant and relatable.Chandler’s background as a music and arts journalist for publications like SPIN and The Village Voice brings a unique texture to her filmmaking, and I’ve been eager to dive into her process. Today, we’re talking about the transition to a major studio project, what it was like collaborating with Adam Sandler, the critical importance of getting the right faces in the right roles, and, of course, the specific films and music that changed our lives.It’s a wide-ranging conversation with one of the most exciting directors working today. Please welcome to the show, Chandler Levack.
About Following Films Podcast
Interviews with some of the most unique voices in independent film and popular culture. Think of it as a weekly film recommendation for something a bit off the beaten path. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/followingfilms/subscribe
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