CINEMACTIVIST
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsFilmmaking at the intersection of art and activism. We explore the films and filmmakers who use the art form to bring about political or social change, inform their audiences of important issues and perspectives, and whose goal is to ultimately make the world a better, more informed and empathetic place.
This is the official podcast of Lyons Den Productions, the filmmakers behind 2021's fracking horror film, Unearth.
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Episodes
30 - Meet Priscilla Smith
June 22, 2022 04:00 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBFrom an extra on Phone Booth, to Cannes in her 20’s and breaking out on her own, meet Priscilla Smith the domestic sales agent for Unearth and owner of The Coven and Foxglove Entertainment. This is Part 1 of our conversation. Part 2 releases next week. 00:00 - The Road to France 03:43 - Heading to Hollywood and Finding her way to Film Sales 10:55 - The Cannes Experience in your 20’s and the Social Aspects 15:53 - How a Sales Agent can help you and your Film and the Importance of Pacing ...
29 - Unleash with Shiara Pettis
June 08, 2022 04:00 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MBIn episode 28 you met writer, Shiara Pettis. In this episode we introduce you to our remote writing process over the past 12 months and tease some Unleash script details. 00:00 - The Big Ask 05:24 - Writing and Eco Horror Film 09:04 - Meet Unleash’s characters 13:40 - Our Process and Timeline 17:38 - Reader Feedback after Year 1 22:18 - Differences from Unearth’s development process 24:11 - Next steps | Published on June 8, 2022 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C...
28 - Meet Shiara Pettis
June 01, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBWriter, Shiara Pettis, received her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing - Poetry at Southern New Hampshire University and her Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Journalism at Slippery Rock University. When John was ready to further explore a sequel to Unearth, he was sent her name. That was a year ago. In this episode, get to know Shiara. And in next week’s Part 2, learn about our process for writing a script with a partner. 00:00 - Meeting Shiara 04:25 - School & Early Interests 10:14...
Season 2 Teaser
May 25, 2022 15:02 - 4 minutes - 6.76 MBCOMING SOON! Season 2 of CINEMACTIVIST Featuring: UNLEASH - the sequel to UNEARTH, co-written by Shiara Pettis LAKE ERIE, OUR KIN - two-part documentary collaboration with Melissa Troutman and more! | Published on May 25, 2022 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons Den Productions by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...
27 - Master with Dr. Rhonda Matthews
April 27, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 113 MBIn this episode, I am joined by educator, Dr. Rhonda Matthews. Dr. Matthews has been a university professor of Sociology & Politics in Higher Ed since 1992 and was the perfect guest to dive into Mariama Diallo's Sundance film, Master. Beyond the film, we talk about how truth-telling media is dangerous, Incrementalism in storytelling and representation, Individual Work vs Institutional Change and much more. Master is available on Amazon Prime and stars Regina Hall, Zoe Renee and Amber Gray. ...
26 - Preview of the Unearth Ultimate Edition Blu-ray
April 19, 2022 04:00 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBToday, April 19 2022, we are self-releasing the UNEARTH Ultimate Edition Blu-ray. You can purchase the film through all the major online retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, you name it. We’re there. You can also order through www.unearthmovie.com. On today’s episode, I wanted to give you a preview of a couple of the new extra features on the Blu-ray. First, you’ll hear some comments from Marc Blucas, Allison McAtee, PJ Marshall, Monica Wyche and Rachel McKeon from last year’s cast reunion...
25 - Trans Portrayal & What Moves the Social Needle with Dr. Tyler Titus and Elisabeth Koromaus
April 13, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 94 MBIn this episode, we take a deep dive on trans portrayals in Film, TV and other media. I am joined by Dr. Tyler Titus and Elisabeth Koromaus. Dr. Titus is a mental health professional, small business owner and recently ran an awesome campaign for County Executive in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Elisabeth is finishing up her degree in the Animation program at Edinboro University. Our conversation should be of use to all writers, filmmakers, and all creatives considering the inclusion of characte...
24 - Time to Take Off the Blinders with Jane Saunders [Part 2]
April 06, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with Jane Saunders. Jane Saunders is a New York based composer, arranger, musician and educator. As a music technology & musicology enthusiast, she has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with various projects and is the creator of the Avant-Garde Metal project The Greatest Fear (recipient of The Independent Music Awards Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal Album of the year). Jane composed the awesome film score for our feat...
BONUS - Nationalizing Gas, Fracking Fuels Plastic and Unifying Against Greed
March 17, 2022 16:22 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBIn this episode, John sounds off about our reliance on fossil fuels, an update on a plastics processing plant in Erie Pennsylvania, and more. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. This episode references: The Guardian Exclusive: oil companies’ profits soared to $174bn this year as US gas prices rose https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/06/oil-companies-profits-exxon-chevron-shell-exclusive Breaking Points https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingpoints Break...
23 - Finding Music on Mars with Jane Saunders
March 09, 2022 05:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with Jane Saunders. Jane Saunders is a New York based composer, arranger, musician and educator. As a music technology & musicology enthusiast, she has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with various projects and is the creator of the Avant-Garde Metal project The Greatest Fear (recipient of The Independent Music Awards Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal Album of the year). Jane composed the awesome film score for our feat...
23 - Finding Music on Mars with Jane Saunders [Part 1]
March 09, 2022 05:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with Jane Saunders. Jane Saunders is a New York based composer, arranger, musician and educator. As a music technology & musicology enthusiast, she has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with various projects and is the creator of the Avant-Garde Metal project The Greatest Fear (recipient of The Independent Music Awards Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal Album of the year). Jane composed the awesome film score for our feat...
BONUS - Monoculture & 2021 Favorite Films
February 16, 2022 05:00 - 9 minutes - 13.7 MBBonus Episode! John talks monoculture and shares his favorite narrative and documentary feature films of 2021. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. NARRATIVES: Nine Days The Power of the Dog Nightmare Alley See for Me The Novice Dune: Part One Coming Home in the Dark The Last Duel Bergman Island Malcolm & Marie Don’t Look Up Boiling Point Test Pattern Last Night in Soho CODA Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part I - The Final Candyman The Dark and...
22 - PJ Marshall and the Driving Force of Survival
February 09, 2022 05:00 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with actor, PJ Marshall. PJ plays Tom Dolan in Unearth and we got to talk about his memories on set, personal connection to the material, and finding a groove with your directors. Listen wherever you podcast. [00:00] How PJ Became Part of the Unearth Family and Marc Blucas: Team Player [06:18] Two worlds: Mindhunter and Unearth [09:06] Personal connection to the material and being moved by the Underdog [12:52] Alice in Chains’ Jar ...
21 - Andrea Londo and Adam Stilwell on Actor|Director Collaboration [Part 2]
February 02, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 56.7 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with Andrea Londo (Narcos on Netflix) and Adam Stilwell (The Triangle) of THE FREE FALL. After attempting to take her own life, a young woman (Andrea Londo) must wrestle with an overbearing husband (Shawn Ashmore). The Free Fall is now available on all the major VOD platforms and limited theaters across the US. John met Adam a decade ago at the Eerie Horror Fest and it was a treat to bring him and Andrea to the festival in 2021 for the...
20 - Unearth Ultimate Edition Blu-ray Announcement
January 26, 2022 05:00 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MBThese days it's rare for independent filmmakers to have the opportunity to release special features for their films. That's why we held onto the Blu-ray distribution rights for Unearth. Today we are happy to share with you some of the details of what to expect on the Ultimate Edition Blu-ray of Unearth, available April 19, 2022! The package will be available through the websites of all major retailers in US & Canada as well as www.unearthmovie.com. But that's not all -- we've also got new ...
19 - Andrea Londo & Adam Stilwell are Possessed by The Free Fall [Part 1]
January 19, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with Andrea Londo (Narcos on Netflix) and Adam Stilwell (The Triangle) of THE FREE FALL. After attempting to take her own life, a young woman (Andrea Londo) must wrestle with an overbearing husband (Shawn Ashmore). The Free Fall is now available on all the major VOD platforms and limited theaters across the US. John met Adam a decade ago at the Eerie Horror Fest and it was a treat to bring him and Andrea to the festival in 2021 for the...
18 - Adrienne Barbeau on Film as a Platform to Entertain and Educate [Part 2]
January 12, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 87.2 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with the legendary Adrienne Barbeau. Adrienne plays Kathryn Dolan in Unearth. We talk politics, the obligation to create socially-conscious cinema, She Kills, Catwoman, Carnivale and much more! Note: Recorded in March 2021. Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. [0:00] Social Media, Politics and Morality [7:30] The A...
BONUS - The Matrix Resurrections with Chris More
January 05, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBChristmas Bonus Episode! 1999 was a big year for cinema. One highlight came from The Wachowski's, who introduced us to the world of The Matrix. A film that unlocked a thirst for stylish, thought-provoking films in LDP's John C. Lyons and Dorota Swies. In this episode, Chris More, who John met in the late 90's while they were both studying Computer Science and Mathematics, takes a trip down the original trilogy rabbit hole. A fresh and original revisit care of the new film: The Matrix Resurre...
17 - Art Unlocks the Side Door with Eleanor Goldfield [Part 2]
December 23, 2021 05:00 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBIn this episode, Part 2 of my conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, journalist, musician, all-around creative radical, Eleanor Goldfield. Eleanor directed "Hard Road of Hope" (www.hardroadofhope.com), a documentary about coal miners and frackers in West Virginia who time and time again find themselves on the frontlines of labor issues and industrial repercussions. We dive into post production, self-releasing your film, how art can be insidious (in a good way) and much more. Patrons of Lyo...
16 - Recontextualizing Home with Tara Eng [Part 2]
December 15, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBOn the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air follows Philly Thrive, a South Philadelphia activist organization, as they mobilize to shut down all operations of Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery. The largest on the east coast of the United States. On the Fenceline just screened at the UN Global Climate Summit in November. In this episode, we bring you Part 2 of our conversation with filmmaker, Tara Eng. Tara is a former Working Films George F. Stoney Fellow and has produced and directed s...
15 - We Are the Villains in this Story with Tertius Kapp
December 08, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBDuring Unearth's festival run, one film title kept coming up in reviews: GAIA. This week, we speak with writer/producer, Tertius Kapp, about all things Gaia, indie film challenges and more. In Gaia, an injured forest ranger on a routine mission is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists. What is initially a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest. Find Gaia on HULU and rent on Amazon Video here in the USA. Or go to https...
15 - We Are the Villains in this Story with Gaia's Tertius Kapp
December 08, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBDuring Unearth's festival run, one film title kept coming up in reviews: GAIA. This week, we speak with writer/producer, Tertius Kapp, about all things Gaia, indie film challenges and more. In Gaia, an injured forest ranger on a routine mission is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists. What is initially a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest. Find Gaia on HULU and rent on Amazon Video here in the USA. Or go to https...
14 - Filmmaking to Change the World: Joshua Pribanic & Melissa Troutman [Part 2]
December 01, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 87.8 MBThis is Part 2 of our conversation with Public Herald investigative journalists, Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman. Public Herald’s mission is two-fold: truth + creativity. Their work uses investigative journalism and art to empower readers and hold accountable those who put the public at risk. Public Herald has garnered millions of readers, over 2,000 Lifetime Members, published exclusive investigations that reshaped the narrative on fracking, been cited in more than 20 peer-reviewed stu...
13 - The Beach House Deep Dive with Jeffrey A Brown
November 24, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBThis week's guest is Jeffrey A Brown. Jeffrey wrote and directed his first feature, The Beach House, and has years of experience as location manager on everything from The OA to Spider-Man 3. In The Beach House, a romantic getaway for two troubled college sweethearts turns into a struggle for survival when unexpected guests - and the surrounding environment - exhibit signs of a mysterious infection. Check it out on Shudder (or rent/own everywhere!) and jump into the deep end with us. [0:0...
12 - And We're Back
November 17, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 7.75 MB... Next week! John here. Cinemactivist took a few months off while we re-launched the Eerie Horror Fest, completed a new short film, and more. We've got some news in this short episode as well and we officially return next week with new interviews. | Published on November 17, 2021 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Support CINEMACTIVIST and Lyons Den Productions by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions --- Send in a ...
11 - How Dance and Film Joined Forces During a Pandemic
August 11, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MBUnder quarantine I got to create a short film, DEINCEPS MOTUS, with dancemakers and choreographers Angela DiFiore, Corinne Justine and Mark Santillano. In this episode, we reunite to talk about the Erie Dance Film Festival, the themes of our film and the process of working together for the first time, during a pandemic. Watch the Festival Cut of Deinceps Motus: https://vimeo.com/517946264 DEINCEPS MOTUS (2021) - 8 minutes Filmmaker: John C. Lyons Dancemakers: Angela DiFiore, Corinne Just...
10 - Unearth Home Release News and Grassroots Theatrical Debrief
June 23, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 34 MBUnearth is just days away from VOD & DVD release in the USA, UK and Ireland! In this episode, we give you all the information on where to see it, and how to help us maximize our release impact. We also recap our theatrical, drive-in and virtual cinema grassroots efforts and share our takeaways and tips for other filmmakers looking to do something similar with their projects -- hopefully not during a pandemic. US residents can find convenient links to Pre-order Unearth at www.unearthmovie.co...
09 - How Monica Wyche Makes it Feel Like Summer Camp
June 16, 2021 04:00 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MBIn this episode, I got to catch-up with actress, Monica Wyche. Monica plays "Aubrey" in Unearth and you're sure to recognize her from TV Series like The Path, The Sinner and For Life. She was a joy both on screen and off. Check out her website at www.monicawyche.com. [3:58] South Carolina to NYC [18:07] Collaboration with your Partner [20:26] Transitioning into TV [24:42] The On Location Experience [27:58] Does Where you Reside Matter for Actors? [41:19] Directing Stylesds on the Page...
08 - How Dirty Industries Win the Messaging War with Eleanor Goldfield
June 09, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBIn this episode, Part 1 of my conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, journalist, musician, all-around creative radical, Eleanor Goldfield. Eleanor directed "Hard Road of Hope", a documentary about coal miners and frackers in West Virginia who time and time again find themselves on the frontlines of labor issues and industrial repercussions. We also get into her process, the need for strong unions (now more than ever!) and how damaging industry is able to get entrenched in isolated communiti...
07 - How PJ Marshall Found Purpose on Stage and Screen
May 19, 2021 04:00 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MBIn this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with actor, PJ Marshall. Listen wherever you podcast. [00:00] Exercise gets you back to the Present [03:22] Anxiety and Self-doubt [08:35] Childhood [12:10] Early Inspirations [17:10] NYC and LA [30:00] Navigating the Industry Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. | Published on May 19, 2021 | Produced by Lyo...
06 - How Non-extractive Filmmaking can Strengthen Our Big Picture Bonds with Tara Eng
May 12, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBOn the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air follows Philly Thrive, a South Philadelphia activist organization, as they mobilize to shut down all operations of Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery. The largest on the east coast of the United States. In this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with filmmaker, Tara Eng. Tara is a former Working Films George F. Stoney Fellow and has produced and directed short documentaries about abusive trust in gymnastics ("The Lucky Ones") and ...
05 - How Laemmle Theatres Survived a Pandemic
April 14, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutes - 57 MBAs we announced in last week's episode, Unearth is releasing theatrically on Earth Day: Thursday, April 22, 2021. In this episode, we bring you our full conversation with Gregory Laemmle, the President of Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles county. Greg saw our pitch email and Laemmle Theatres became the first venue in the USA & Canada to agree to program Unearth. Tickets available now! We talk about meeting the arthouse demand in Los Angeles, the importance of curation, pandemic shutdown, chall...
04 - Unearth Theatrical Announcement
April 07, 2021 04:00 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBOur feature film, Unearth, will premiere theatrically, both in-person and in virtual cinema formats, on Earth Day: Thursday April 22nd, 2021! We're kicking off the theatrical opening in person, in Los Angeles, at Laemmle Theatres. How does an independent filmmaker approach independent cinemas? We share our method in this episode. Unearth Theatrical Schedule: http://www.unearthmovie.com/schedule.html Laemmle Theatres Unearth Page: https://www.laemmle.com/film/unearth | Published on April ...
03 - How Adrienne Barbeau Found a Way to Earn a Living Doing What She Loved
March 31, 2021 04:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MBWhen we heard actor/author, Adrienne Barbeau, was interested in being in our upcoming feature film, Unearth, we were over the moon. Her involvement, passion for the material, and efforts as a collaborator took our production to the next level. In this episode, we bring you Part 1 of our conversation. Listen wherever you podcast. Patrons of Lyons Den Productions will receive the complete conversation in the coming weeks. For more information go to www.patreon.com/lyonsdenproductions. Adrienn...
02 - How to Survive the Current Independent Film Landscape with Justin McConnell
March 24, 2021 14:56 - 1 hour - 124 MBWe met filmmaker Justin McConnell, virtually, last year in the Discord filmmaker community space at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where our new feature film, Unearth, had its world premiere and his new documentary, Clapboard Jungle was in the middle of its festival run. Clapboard Jungle follows five years in the life and career of an independent filmmaker (Justin McConnell), supported by dozens of interviews, posing one question: how does an indie filmmaker survive in the curre...
02 - How to Survive the Current Independent Film Landscape with Clapboard Jungle's Justin McConnell
March 24, 2021 14:56 - 1 hour - 124 MBWe met filmmaker Justin McConnell, virtually, last year in the Discord filmmaker community space at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where our new feature film, Unearth, had its world premiere and his new documentary, Clapboard Jungle was in the middle of its festival run. Clapboard Jungle follows five years in the life and career of an independent filmmaker (Justin McConnell), supported by dozens of interviews, posing one question: how does an indie filmmaker survive in the curre...
01 - How Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman Became Investigative Fracking Journalists
March 18, 2021 05:06 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBOur new feature film, Unearth, would not exist without the tireless work of Public Herald. Co-founded in 2011 by investigative journalists Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman, Public Herald’s mission is two-fold: truth + creativity. Their work uses investigative journalism and art to empower readers and hold accountable those who put the public at risk. Public Herald has garnered millions of readers, over 2,000 Lifetime Members, published exclusive investigations that reshaped the narrativ...
00 - The 5 W's of CINEMACTIVIST
March 16, 2021 22:59 - 9 minutes - 13.3 MBCinema is the venue for exhibiting a motion picture or the art or technique of making a motion picture. Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct, or intervene in social, political, economic, or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived greater good. CINEMACTIVIST is a podcast for anyone who appreciates the power of film and craves context. On CINEMACTIVIST, we will be exploring the films and filmmakers who use the art form to bring ab...