Film Stories with Simon Brew
398 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 76 ratingsFilm Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies.From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a movie!
The podcast is hosted by Simon Brew, the founder of Den Of Geek. You can find Simon at www.twitter.com/simonbrew
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Episodes
Casino Royale (2006) and Rise Of The Guardians (2012)
September 05, 2021 21:26 - 1 hourIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that in their own ways changed the course of a few things. Even though Pierce Brosnan was keen to return, the James Bond producers went for a reboot with Casino Royale. It would be a decision not shy of sizeable challenges, not least thanks to some financial troubles. The aftermath of DreamWorks Animation's Rise Of The Guardians tends to dominate its story, but there were plenty of hurdles to get it to the screen in the first pla...
In conversation with Kevin Reynolds: Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, Waterworld, Count Of Monte Cristo, Fandango, Tristan & Isolde and more
September 02, 2021 17:15 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer and director Kevin Reynolds. They talk about his high profile films (Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, Waterworld), his indie breakthrough with Fandango, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and One Eight Seven. Plus, the shoot from hell with Rapa Nui, heading to the small screen with Hatfield & McCoys, finding the sweet spot with The Count Of Monte Cristo and his most recent film, Risen. It's quite a career, and a very ca...
Open Range (2003) and Top Secret! (1984)
August 30, 2021 00:00 - 53 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, one film that overperformed its box office expectations, and one that didn't. Kevin Costner had won an Oscar for his first directorial outing, but his second - The Postman - had been widely criticised. His third, Open Range, would be a very tricky film to get off the ground. Off the back of Airplane!, comedy team Zucker/Abrahams/Zuckler had less of a struggle to get the glorious Top Secret! made. But the problems came a little further down...
The Departed (2006) and La La Land (2016)
August 29, 2021 22:24 - 57 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that both interested the Oscars, albeit taking very different paths. Martin Scorsese may finally have won his Oscar for The Departed, but he saw this one as a B movie, and editing delays meant he only saw the very final print for the first time at its premiere. With La La Land meanwhile, it was seen as a very risky film by Hollywood, and at one stage: but in the end, it was that rare movie where a studio would suggest increasing ...
In conversation with Bob Gale: the Back To The Future trilogy and musical, Interstate 60 and more
August 26, 2021 20:29 - 51 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer, producer and director Bob Gale. They talk about various elements of the Back To The Future trilogy, not least the pressures of the back-to-back filming of Part II and Part III. And, of course, of bringing Back To The Future to the stage in a brand new West End musical. They find time too to discuss Bob's venture into movie directing, Interstate 60, and his work and friendship with Robert Zemeckis. Find Simon on Tw...
Ready Player One (2018) and Working Girl (1988)
August 16, 2021 04:59 - 55 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a Steven Spielberg film that took a long time to make, and a 1980s romcom with a casting challenge. Ready Player One (2018) was subject of a sizeable bidding war. When Steven Spielberg finally came to the film, he'd be able to complete and release a different film from scratch during its post-production. Working Girl (1988) had a parent studio that wanted big star names - not without problems - and the production had to be shut down for 24...
The Rock (1996) and U-571 (2000)
July 26, 2021 05:35 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an action favourite with a lot of writers, and a war movie hit that ended up criticised in UK Parliament. The Rock (1996) utilised lots of writers, and its stars - Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris - all had significant input. Director Michael Bay meanwhile would do a bit of battle with Disney over the film. Jonathan Mostow first had the inspiration for U-571 when he was developing The Game. But as he lost control of that film, his sub...
8 Mile (2002) and To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar (1995)
July 19, 2021 04:59 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films that each came together quickly, and each topped the US box office Hollywood was keen at the start of the 2000s to lure Eminem to a movie project. Thus, 8 Mile came together - a film where he was in pretty much every scene. Problem? He'd never acted before. To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar had no shortage of people wanting to act in it, meanwhile. The problem? Getting insurance for the film, due to its dire...
In conversation with Uberto Pasolini: Nowhere Special, The Full Monty, Palookaville and much more
July 15, 2021 16:01 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer, producer and director Uberto Pasolini. Uberto talks about his new film, the acclaimed Nowhere Special. And the pair go through his career, from buying his own ticket to the set of The Killing Fields, his work alongside David Puttnam, through to his time in Hollywood. Then, they chat about his jump into producing that sparked Palookaville and The Full Monty into life. And finally, Uberto's move towards writing and d...
A Few Good Men (1992) and The Simpsons Movie (2007)
July 12, 2021 05:40 - 55 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a film that took some rescuing from a Hollywood studio, and another that required one hell of a deal to even get going. A Few Good Men started off as a Broadway hit: but come the movie version, executives were really rather keen to cram a sex scene in the middle of it. And its first-time screenwriter was powerless to stop it. As for The Simpsons Movie, it was a project mooted for well over a decade - and when it finally went ahead, it was ...
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) and Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)
July 05, 2021 05:07 - 57 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a film that brought one saga to an end, and another that launched a new trilogy. X-Men: Dark Phoenix was supposed to right some earlier wrongs - but its ending got retooled in post-production, and it got caught up in Disney's takeover of Fox too. The creative control awarded to author E L James meanwhile created challenges on the film of Fifty Shades Of Grey - and it didn't help that one of its stars quit weeks before filming. Stories of ...
Flash Gordon (1980) and The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
June 28, 2021 05:06 - 1 hourIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that fell short of expectations at the box office, but whose reputation has endured. 1980's Flash Gordon was nearly directed by Nicolas Roeg (with Sergio Leono and Federico Fellini rumoured), and when it did get going, there was a sequel planned from the off. But things didn't go to plan. Disney's animation The Hunchback Of Notre Dame remains one of its darkest family films - and a huge corporate problem at the studio meant it co...
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987) and The Muppets (2011)
June 21, 2021 04:47 - 55 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two big screen returns: one that went a little bit better than the other. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987) saw Christopher Reeve return to play the Man of Steel. But a late more than halving of the production budget played havoc with the film, and led it to Milton Keynes. The Muppets (2011) meanwhile in a small way had the hit sex comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall to thank for its existence. It was a seven year battle to get the film...
RoboCop 2 (1990) and Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
June 14, 2021 05:26 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films with very different levels of studio expectation. Much was resting on RoboCop 2 being a huge success, but it didn't bode well when it got its final director just days before filming began. And the studio was very hands on. Drop Dead Gorgeous was a much lower-budget project, with a writer and director who didn't really click. Plus, its studio had a little panic about it very late in the day. Stories of both are told in this episo...
In conversation with writer/director Paul W S Anderson: Monster Hunter, Event Horizon and more
June 10, 2021 19:03 - 35 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer and director Paul W S Anderson. They chat about Monster Hunter (2020), his latest feature that's finally landing in UK cinemas. But also Anderson's love of videogames, of the first Space Invaders machine, the logistics of filming in the middle of nowhere and more. Oh, and there's a bit of Event Horizon too... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Find Michael at @mcat...
Good Will Hunting (1997) and Fame (1980)
June 07, 2021 05:01 - 57 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two Oscar-winning movies The likes of Michael Mann and Mel Gibson toyed with directing Good Will Hunting, and the original idea effectively got cut in two. Plus there was a cunning trick in its script. Fame came together quicker, but it faced a fair few problems - including the New York Board of Education being very unhappy with the tone of the script. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and th...
Maverick (1994) and Secretary (2002)
May 31, 2021 05:38 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a blockbuster that needed a late casting change, and an indie success that struggled to get actors interested. Maverick at one stage interested the likes of Paul Newman and Meg Ryan. And when it did get filming, the first half hour was pretty much dropped months before release. On the other hand, Secretary spent pretty much a year in limbo as high profile actors were put off my its subject matter - and eventual co-lead James Spader turned ...
Sneakers (1992) and Romeo + Juliet (1996)
May 24, 2021 00:30 - 56 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an ensemble film with a reluctant director, and a Shakespeare take that made its studio nervous. Sneakers took years to simply write - and then when it came to finding a director, the man who took the job on had suggested John Badham first. Romeo + Juliet meanwhile needed Leonardo DiCaprio to fly himself to Australia just to keep the studio interested - and then the shoot itself was rocked by a kidnapping. Stories of both are told in this...
Daredevil (2003) and The Greatest Showman (2017)
May 17, 2021 04:54 - 58 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a superhero movie that changed course, and a musical that struggled to get going. Two months into filming on Daredevil (2003), the first Spider-Man movie went stellar at the box office - and Fox figured it might have a bigger project than it thought on its hands. With The Greatest Showman (2017), the studio was less sure - leading to Hugh Jackman performing for studio bosses the day after a medical procedure. Stories of both are told in t...
In conversation with director Will Gluck: Peter Rabbit 2, Annie, Easy A and more
May 13, 2021 21:09 - 35 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer and director Will Gluck They talk about his new film, Peter Rabbit 2, and having to wait an extra year for its release. How did the response to the first movie alter it, and what were the challenges? Also: Will's love of opening credits, the challenges of releasing Annie in the midst of Sony's troubles, and directing Easy A as a second time director (after his first film had struggled). Find Simon on Twitter at @...
The Man From UNCLE (2015) and Phone Booth (2002)
May 10, 2021 05:24 - 58 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that had very, very long journeys to the big screen. The Man From UNCLE (2015) was months away from starring Tom Cruise, and at one stage Steven Soderbergh was about to start filming too. But the project went through lots of changes. Phone Booth (2002) kept its original writer for over 30 years, and lots of star names nearly took the lead. Directors from Alfred Hitchcock to Michael Bay were interested! Stories of both are told i...
Taken (2008) and American Pie (1999)
May 03, 2021 05:47 - 56 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films that worked from relatively low budgets and turned into sizeable hits. Taken (2008) was originally set to star Jeff Bridges, and eventual lead Liam Neeson suspected it might go straight to DVD. Plus, there were fears piracy had scuppered its US chances. With American Pie (1999), the film was written and sold in under two months - and the impact of it would be felt for much of the decade to follow. Stories of both are told ...
In conversation with director Michael Caton-Jones: Memphis Belle, Rob Roy, This Boy's Life, The Jackal, Basic Instinct 2, Shooting Dogs and more
April 30, 2021 05:07 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by director Michael Caton-Jones for a candid conversation about his work. Films covered go from Memphis Belle and Doc Hollywood, to Rob Roy and The Jackal through to making Shooting Dogs and Basic Instinct 2 back to back. Plus, they chat about his latest film, Our Ladies. Note: this podcast contains some very strong language. It also contains a lot of stories not yet told! Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast...
The Devil's Advocate (1997) and Ghost (1990)
April 26, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two movies that went through a lot of changes on their way to the screen. The Devil's Advocate was originally set to star Brad Pitt, with Joel Schumacher directing. When it got going, it didn't take long for problems to arise. With Ghost, the huge hit movie was originally a lot darker - and it took some convincing before Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg were cast. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @sim...
Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989) and Little Voice (1998)
April 19, 2021 04:29 - 56 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sequel that went through many possibilities, and a smaller movie with an incredible voice. Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade saw Steven Spielberg and George Lucas go through lots of ideas before settling on the one that was supposed to end a trilogy. As for Little Voice, the film's lead - Jane Horrocks - was so good and convincingly, it took even the 500 extras on the set of the film aback a little. Stories of both are told in this episo...
In conversation with producer Lynda Obst
April 16, 2021 04:32 - 41 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by Hollywood producer Lynda Obst. They talk about the current state of the movie business, a look at the future, quantum computing and AI, The Hot Zone vs Outbreak, Lynda's excellent film books and how streaming has opened up the stories. Plus: how things have changed for women in Hollywood, remembering Dawn Steel, and being grateful for Godzilla Vs Kong. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @...
School Of Rock (2003) and Disclosure (1994)
April 12, 2021 04:35 - 56 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a hit family movie from an unusual source, and the most 1990s film of all time. School Of Rock gave Jack Black a big breakthrough commercial hit. But he had doubts over the choice of director, and getting the music too wouldn't be cheap. As for Disclosure, the controversial thriller veered away from the Michael Crichton source novel - but its advertising still got into trouble. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twit...
In conversation with Ol Parker: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Exotic Marigold Hotel and Grange Hill
April 09, 2021 00:00 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer/director Ol Parker for a chat about his varied career. They go from Grange Hill and an unusual first screenplay commission, through the Exotic Marigold Hotel movies and getting the call for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Plus: a look at a movie that never came together, and a whole lot more. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. You can find the Film Stories website he...
Master & Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003) and Copycat (1995)
April 04, 2021 21:28 - 58 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an historical epic that never got the sequels it deserved, and a serial killer thriller that deserved more too. Master & Commander: The Far Side Of The World was eventually helped into life by a studio chief who really believed in it - but the much-loved movie hit box office traffic. As did Copycat, released in the slipstream of Seven, yet it's a rare film in the genre with two female leads working on the same side. That, however, was not...
Mission: Impossible (1996) and The River Wild (1994)
March 29, 2021 04:52 - 52 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the movie where Tom Cruise launched his production company, and the film that made Meryl Streep an action hero. Mission: Impossible was a film whose script hadn't come together even as shooting had begun - and the ending in particular was proving to be a problem. The River Wild's script was more straightforward, but shooting the action was anything but - and then ther was the challenge of selling Meryl Streep as an action hero. Stories of...
Tin Cup (1996) and The 6th Day (2000)
March 22, 2021 05:51 - 57 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, films made by Kevin Costner and Arnold Schwarzenegger after their box office peaks. Tin Cup was the film an exhausted Costner made immediately post-Waterworld. It would turn into one of the best romantic comedies of the decade. The 6th Day came together fast - but it targeted a PG-13 rating, and Schwarzenegger wanted a less violent project. Plus: they couldn't afford to make it in America. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find S...
Star Trek Nemesis (2002) and Sister Act (1992)
March 15, 2021 05:52 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sequel that struggled, and a sleeper hit that overcame a few difficulties of its own. Star Trek Nemesis took a little while to greenlight in the first place - and then the hiring of a director best known for action didn't quite pay off. With Sister Act, in spite of it being a huge hit, its original writer wanted to drop his name off it, in favour of the credit 'Written by Goofy'! Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on ...
Locked Down (2021) and more, with director Doug Liman
March 11, 2021 05:29 - 29 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by director Doug Liman to chat about Locked Down. Their chat covers the conception and making of the film during the lockdown of 2020, as well as The Bourne Identity, and Liman's previously-untapped skills at costume making. Please note: towards the end of this podcast, there is a blip with the interview recording that I've cleaned up as best I can. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @films...
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and 21 Jump Street (2012)
March 08, 2021 05:52 - 55 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a very fast return for 007, and an action comedy that surpassed expectations. Tomorrow Never Dies had to be turned around very quickly thanks to difficulties with MGM - and it meant the script wouldn't be complete until two weeks before filming finished! The script was in place for 21 Jump Street, but then there was the question as to whether Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum would make a good double act. Stories of both are told in this epis...
In conversation with director Michael Hoffman: Restless Natives, Soapdish, One Fine Day, Restoration, Gambit and more
March 05, 2021 06:22 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by Restless Natives, Soapdish and One Fine Day director Michael Hoffman for a special episode. They talk through his film career, from his unconventional start, to stopping in Robert Redford's house, a George Clooney basketball accident and the joy of films such as Soapdish. Plus: the pressures of having made the Royal Film in 1995 - that also happened to be picked as part of the 100 years of cinema celebration! Find Simon o...
Superman Returns (2006) and Blinded By The Light (2019)
March 01, 2021 05:54 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films at either end of the budget scale! Superman Returns took over a decade to come together, with over $50m spent even by the time it was greenlit. But after the successful Batman reboot landed the year before it, the pressure was on. Blinded By The Light took a long time to come together too - but then how do you make a wonderful British coming of age film, whilst also weaving in the music of Bruce Springsteen? Stories of both are ...
In conversation with Simon Mayo
February 26, 2021 05:45 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by one half of the BBC's flagship film programme, Simon Mayo. The pair chat about Kermode & Mayo's Film Review (Wittertainment to its chums) and the absence of Kermode & Mayo's Home Entertainment Service from BBC iPlayer. And they talk too about Simon's books, including his latest thriller Knife Edge, and the screen adaptations of his work. Plus a bit of radio too... Find Simon (Brew) on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podca...
The Social Network (2010) and The Naked Gun 2 1/2 (1991)
February 22, 2021 05:55 - 55 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films where the actors had to get used to a whole load of takes. The Social Network came with a 161-page script from Aaron Sorkin to fit into a two hour movie. And director David Fincher came up with a simple idea to make sure it'd fit. For The Naked Gun 2 1/2, director David Zucker had to make sure his actors stuck very much to the script - and he also wanted to make sure an environmental message snuck into the film. Stories of both ...
True Romance (1993) and Bioshock (unmade)
February 15, 2021 00:30 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a film that took time to find its audience - and one that never got to find one at all. Tony Scott had to choose between directing Reservoir Dogs or True Romance by a young, upcoming talent called Quentin Tarantino. He picked the latter - and by the time filming began, big names were queuing up for a role. After the collapse of the planned Halo movie, a deal was struck to ensure Bioshock didn't suffer a similar fate. But it didn't go to pl...
Alien Resurrection (1997) and Wall Street (1987)
February 08, 2021 05:55 - 53 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an attempt to breathe new life into the Alien saga, and a role that changed Michael Douglas' career. Alien Resurrection went through at least five possible endings, and wasn't originally to feature the character of Ripley. The plan for it to be a lower budget spin-off soon changed. Michael Douglas was known for safe roles before 1987 came along, and Oliver Stone was warned about casting him too. One Oscar later... Stories of both are told...
Batman & Robin (1997) and Scary Movie (2000)
February 01, 2021 05:54 - 53 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, nipples on the Batsuit, and a franchise-starting spoof. Warner Bros wanted Batman & Robin quickly, it wanted it family-friendly, it wanted lots of merchandise. Director Joel Schumacher? He wanted to do the Batman: Year One story. After Scream hit big in 1996, a couple of comedy projects bubbled up - but it was the Wayans brothers who hit gold with Scary Movie (although they weren't invited back for the third film). Stories of both are tol...
Minority Report (2002) and Presumed Innocent (1990)
January 25, 2021 05:53 - 55 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the 2002 sci-fi blockbuster that wasn't Star Wars, and Harrison Ford's haircut. Minority Report was originally set to be made as a Total Recall sequel - then found itself delayed by nearly two years due to commitments from Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise. Harrison Ford was after a less showy role when he took on Presumed Innocent meanwhile - but the hit book would be changed notably for its screen version. Stories of both are told in this...
Team America: World Police (2004) and Pearl Harbor (2001)
January 18, 2021 05:46 - 58 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of movies that left their respective directors working 16 hours a day - sometimes more - to get them finished. Team America: World Police was made by Trey Parker and Matt Stone in the six month gap between seasons of their TV show South Park. Which still included time for a battle with the MPAA. Pearl Harbor had the biggest starting budget ever when it was greenlit by Disney - yet director Michael Bay would quit the film at least t...
In conversation with Mark Kermode
January 15, 2021 05:21 - 1 hourIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by the UK's most prominent film critic, Mark Kermode. They chat about the new series of Mark Kermode's Secrets Of Cinema, as well as the current state of film criticism, Wittertainment, and a film that Simon thinks Mark should never have chosen for worst of the week... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. You can find the Film Stories website here. Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Gangs Of New York (2002) and Crocodile Dundee II (1988)
January 11, 2021 05:41 - 53 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the film that was supposed to win Martin Scorsese an Oscar, and a sequel that originally wasn't going to happen. Back in the late 70s, Martin Scorsese took out an advert declaring Gangs Of New York to be his next film. When he finally got to make it, it'd be something of a nightmare production. Crocodile Dundee II was a happier ship - but it ran into a dispute of its own while shooting in New York. Stories of both are told in this episode...
In conversation with director John Badham: Drop Zone, Blue Thunder, Nick Of Time and more
December 27, 2020 21:50 - 53 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by Saturday Night Fever and WarGames director John Badham for a special episode. They chat about Badham's updated book, and then explore films he's not asked about quite as much: Drop Zone, The Assassin/Point Of No Return, The Hard Way and Nick Of Time for instance. That, and stories of A Perfect World and So I Married An Axe Murderer too... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod...
Home Alone (1990) and Get Santa (2014)
December 21, 2020 06:32 - 57 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the festive favourite realised on a slim budget, and a British Christmas film that had to battle to get to the screen. It's well known that Warner Bros passed on 1990's Home Alone, but even when Fox picked the project up, the budget was tight - leading to some neighbourhood disturbance. Get Santa was ready to go back in 2011 - but the overlooked, charming British festive film would take a few more years yet to make. Stories of both are to...
Bee Gees: How Do You Mend A Broken Heart (2020) and Congo (1995) with producer Nigel Sinclair and director Frank Marshall
December 17, 2020 19:07 - 24 minutesIn a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by director Frank Marshall and producer Nigel Sinclair. They chat about making Bee Gees: How Do You Mend A Broken Heart, and the challenges of narrowing down the story. Plus, who can resist asking Frank Marshall about directing Congo? Simon certainly couldn't... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. You can find the Film Stories website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Gremlins (1984) and In The Bleak Midwinter (1995)
December 14, 2020 05:37 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the practical challenges of bringing small creatures to life, and an overlooked Christmas movie. 1984's Gremlins was quietly groundbreaking, with effects work being cracked often just hours before it was needed. Plus, it caused ratings problems. In The Bleak Midwinter meanwhile soon found an American studio wanting to release it - but there was a sizeable condition attached. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter...
Die Hard (1988) and Anna & The Apocalypse (2017)
December 07, 2020 05:52 - 54 minutesIn the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, how the world first met John McClane, and the world's only Christmas comedy horror musical. 1988's Die Hard got the greenlight quickly once Fox realised it was short on a summer release that year - but it had to negotiate a contractual obligation first. Anna & The Apocalypse meanwhile did something very different with the Christmas movie - and its origins lie in part with Ryan Gosling and some breakfast cereal. Stories of both are told in...