FOLLOWING FILMS

Today we’re going deep into the heart of Diablo — a lean, ferocious action-thriller starring Scott Adkins that lands today in theaters and on demand. Diablo is the story of Kris Chaney — a man fresh out of prison, carrying the weight of a promise and running from the kind of danger you can’t hide from. Directed by Ernesto Díazo Espinoza, the film mixes brutal martial arts choreography, a relentless villain, and a surprising emotional core. In this special episode, I’m joined first by Scott Adkins, who talks about the physical and emotional challenge of playing Kris — a man torn between violence and redemption. Then, I speak with Alanna de la Rossa, who plays Elisa — a pivotal role that grounds the story with vulnerability and strength. We dive into her experience on set, working opposite Adkins, and what it meant to represent her Colombian roots in an international action film. And finally, I close things out with director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, who shares his vision for Diablo — from ...

Now available on major VOD platforms, Walls of Jericho is a powerful retelling of the biblical story from the Book of Joshua—a tale of faith, endurance, and divine triumph. Set after 40 years of wandering in the desert, the film follows Joshua and the Israelites as they confront the towering walls of Jericho with little more than their faith and God's instructions. What unfolds is a miraculous victory, brought to life through stunning animation and a moving score. The film has already garnered major festival recognition, winning “Best Animated Film” at the 2025 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and earning a top-three spot for “Best Picture” at the International Christian Film & Music Festival. It’s a cinematic achievement that blends timeless storytelling with artistic innovation. Today, Amir Kovacs joins us to talk about adapting this epic for the screen, working with a global creative team, and the vision behind Walls of Jericho. Whether you’re drawn to animation, ins...

I had the chance to sit down with Harley Flanagan — punk pioneer, founding member of the Cro-Mags, and the subject of the new feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS. Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller, this no-holds-barred film dives into Harley’s life — from the violent streets of ‘70s New York to the hardcore scene that defined a generation. This isn’t just about music — it’s about survival. Abuse, addiction, squats, street fights, punk gigs, Jiu-Jitsu, fatherhood — Harley’s lived through it all. And the film, which features interviews with Flea, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Michael Imperioli, and the late Anthony Bourdain, shows a side of him many haven’t seen before. Now, quick heads up — there’s a slight audio issue on my end during this episode. I didn’t realize my mic wasn’t plugged in, so you’ll hear me through my laptop’s onboard mic. It’s definitely listenable, just a bit rougher than usual — but honestly, it kind of fits the vibe of this epis...

  Host Chris Maynard sits down with filmmakers Tad Sallee and Jason Sikorsky to unpack their five-year journey making  GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD —a bold, heartfelt, and cinematic deep dive into one of gaming’s most controversial franchises. What started as a casual conversation in Tucson turned into an unexpected story of friendship, chaos, controversy, and creative grit. Set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert and steeped in gaming subculture, the film tells the behind-the-scenes story of Postal—a cult-favorite game infamous for its violence, and beloved for its refusal to conform. But at its heart,  GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD  isn’t just about a game. It’s about two creators, Mike J. and Vince, and their decades-long fight to keep their vision alive. GOING POSTAL: THE LEGACY FORETOLD chronicles the story of Postal, one of gaming’s most infamous franchises, and the unlikely duo behind it. What unfolds is a decades-long journey filled with back...

Some films aim to entertain; others aim to provoke. Lemonade Blessing dares to do both—and does so with unapologetic flair. At first glance, the film is a bold, raunchy sex comedy. But peel back the irreverent humor, the teenage horniness, and the sacrilegious hijinks, and you’ll find something much deeper pulsing beneath the surface: a raw, reflective exploration of generational trauma, toxic masculinity, and the quiet desperation of growing up with inherited wounds. In this interview, Following Films sits down with writer-director Chris Merola, a Gen Z filmmaker whose work channels both playful nostalgia and piercing cultural critique. With scenes shot in his own childhood home and props pulled from his real-life video game collection, Lemonade Blessing is as personal as it is provocative. Merola opens up about the journey of making the film, the adolescent awakening that inspired it, and his hope that the film’s outrageous "skin" might draw in teen boys—particularly those ...

Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is something really special — I had the chance to sit down with Renn Hawkey, a musician and producer you probably know from his work with Deadsy. But this time, we’re talking about something brand new: The Yagas, a deeply personal project that blends music, myth, and mood in powerful ways. Their debut album, Midnight Minuet, was just released — and it’s haunting, cinematic, and full of depth. Even more compelling, the band is fronted by none other than Vera Farmiga. Yes, that Vera Farmiga — acclaimed actress and now the spellbinding voice at the center of The Yagas. Her vocals bring a hypnotic, otherworldly energy to the entire record. In our conversation, Renn opens up about the creative process behind Midnight Minuet, collaborating with Vera, and how this project channels folklore, emotion, and atmosphere into something truly unforgettable. So whether you’re already listening to the album or just curious about this unexpected musical jou...

Today I’m joined by a filmmaker whose new film is both a gritty Boston drama and a deeply personal debut. Eric Aronson is a Boston-based writer and director with over 22 years of experience as a Hollywood screenwriter. He’s written for major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, Miramax, and Lionsgate, and collaborated with creative forces like Sacha Baron Cohen. Now, with his directorial debut Any Day Now, Aronson brings a raw, heartfelt story to the screen — and back home to Boston. The film stars Boston native Paul Guilfoyle, best known for CSI, L.A. Confidential, and Spotlight. He plays Marty Lyons, a streetwise hustler who pulls a drifting young night watchman — played by Taylor Gray — into a murky world of misfits, regret, and second chances. Featuring an outstanding cast including Alexandra Templer, Thomas Kee, and Armando Rivera, Any Day Now is a love letter to the city and a story about finding meaning when everything feels lost. The film will be available on digital platforms Ma...

Today’s guest is an indie filmmaker who truly embodies that spirit. We're joined by the writer, director, and editor of Blind Blood, an award-winning crime thriller now streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and UK, and on Tubi in Australia. From writing the script to pulling off a feature film on limited resources, he’s here to talk about the blood, sweat, and storytelling that went into bringing Blind Blood to life. We’ll explore the harsh truths, hard-earned lessons, and occasional victories of making—and marketing—an indie film in today’s crowded landscape. Whether you're a fellow filmmaker, a fan of gritty thrillers, or just someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories, this episode has something for you.

  In one of the most unexpected turns in recent entertainment news, President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. In this episode, host Chris Maynard unpacks the potential consequences of this controversial proposal and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood and global filmmaking. Later in the episode, Chris sits down with Sonnet Daymont, a therapist and horror film consultant, to discuss her work on the film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, her unique approach to trauma recovery, and her upcoming memoir, When Dangerous Feels Like Home.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write. We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and the nostalgia-packed music video that pays homage to VHS-era classics like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, and more. From clever film parodies to existential themes, Durry delivers a cinematic experience in both sound and vision. Whether you're a fan of retro movies, 90s aesthetics, or just searching for your own rewrite in life’s script, you won’t want to miss this one. Hit play and step behind the scenes of THIS MOVIE SUCKS with Durry — only on The Following Films Podcast.

Today on The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by cinematographer Martin Ruhe. Martin’s latest film, The Amateur, is a tense, grounded thriller, and we spend a lot of time talking about how he helped shape its unique look and feel. We also get into his earlier work, like the beautifully shot Control, and how his collaborations with George Clooney kicked off with The American and later continued with The Tender Bar. It was a real pleasure hearing Martin break down his process, how he approaches working with directors, and how he keeps pushing himself creatively from project to project.

On this episode, we’re diving into a story that blends nostalgia, music, and the origins of esports — a follow-up to one of the most beloved documentaries in gaming history. I’m talking about Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day. This new film is the feature directorial debut from Oscar-winning producer Ed Cunningham — best known for Undefeated and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. If you're a fan of the latter, you're in for a real treat, because this film brings us back into the world of Walter Day — the iconic star of The King of Kong, and the man often credited as the father of esports. Now 74, Walter is taking center stage once again in this musical documentary that follows his legal battle to protect his legacy, all while chasing a long-held dream: recording and performing the rock-opera love songs that have been echoing in his mind since his heart was broken back in the golden days of the arcade. This episode features not one but two great interviews...

  Today, we’re heading straight into the dust, danger, and drama of the wild west with a very special guest—director and writer Brian Skiba—who joins us to talk about his latest film, GUNSLINGERS. Starring Stephen Dorff, Heather Graham, and Academy Award Winner Nicolas Cage, GUNSLINGERS is a gritty, high-octane Western thriller where justice rides on a hair trigger. When America’s most wanted outlaw lands in a quiet Kentucky town, chaos erupts—brothers clash, bullets fly, and vengeance rides hard and fast. In this conversation, Brian gives us an inside look at crafting the story, assembling an all-star cast, and what it takes to bring an explosive modern Western to life.

Today, we’re diving into LAST BREATH — the sleeper hit that no one saw coming. Directed by Alex Parkinson, this gripping thriller tells the true story of a commercial diver who becomes trapped 100 meters below the surface of the North Sea with only five minutes of oxygen — and no chance of immediate rescue. It’s a harrowing, edge-of-your-seat survival story that’s as emotional as it is intense. With masterful direction, stunning underwater cinematography, and a narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish, Last Breath quickly built momentum through word of mouth and has become one of the most talked-about films of the year. I had the chance to sit down with Alex Parkinson to talk about how he brought this incredible true story to life, the technical challenges of filming under extreme conditions, and what it was like turning real-life events into cinematic suspense. LAST BREATH  is currently available on VOD

  Today, we’re diving into the sonic world of Invincible—Amazon’s hit adult animated superhero series that’s equal parts heartfelt and harrowing. If you’ve been following the journey of 17-year-old Mark Grayson as he discovers his powers and unravels the dark truth about his father, Omni-Man, then you already know this show pulls no punches—visually or sonically. Joining me is Brad Meyer, MPSE, a Golden Reel-winning and Emmy-nominated Supervising Sound Editor whose work has helped define the visceral, emotional landscape of Invincible. Brad brings over a decade of experience in post-production audio and has lent his talents to projects across Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Nickelodeon, and more. From creepy horror flicks to energetic animated adventures, Brad’s sound design isn’t just about effects—it’s about storytelling. In this episode, we’ll talk about how sound shapes the world of Invincible, what it takes to balance superhero spectacle with grounded emotional beats, and why audio is one...

On today’s episode of The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by legendary VFX artist Alec Gillis to talk about his involvement with Shout! TV’s Double Take series, where celebrity guests curate and host themed double features. On April 5, Alec is hosting a special marathon in celebration of Roger Corman’s birthday—a fitting tribute, considering his early work on Battle Beyond the Stars under the legendary producer. But that’s just the beginning. Alec’s career has spanned some of the most iconic sci-fi and horror films of all time, working alongside visionaries like James Cameron and Stan Winston on Aliens, The Abyss, and Terminator 2. He’s also brought creatures to life in fan favorites like Tremors, Monster Squad, and Starship Troopers. Today, we’ll discuss his journey in the industry, his passion for practical effects, and what fans can expect from this upcoming Double Take event. You can also check out his independently produced film Wellwood on VOD today. So, sit back and enjoy my...

  Welcome to The Following Films Podcast , where we dive deep into the world of cinema, storytelling, and the creative minds behind it all. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and on today’s episode, we’re exploring the fascinating intersection of horror and documentary storytelling. Joining me is acclaimed author Elizabeth Hand , here to discuss her participation in FIRST WORD ON HORROR —a gripping new documentary horror series available to stream on Substack. This series features intimate and insightful interviews with some of the genre’s most compelling voices, including Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, and, of course, Elizabeth Hand herself. To watch her episode and explore more from FIRST WORD ON HORROR , head over to etchstudio.substack.com .

  Today, I’m joined by the incredible Paul Tremblay—acclaimed horror author of The Pallbearers Club and The Cabin at the End of the World, the novel that became M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. We dive into his hauntingly brilliant work, his love of punk rock, and his involvement in the upcoming documentary series First Word on Horror. Plus, in a fun twist of fate, we chat about how he ended up with a t-shirt from a used bookstore in Tucson—the very one that happens to sponsor this show. For more on First Word on Horror, be sure to visit etchstudio.substack.com/s/first-word-on-horror.

Today, I’m joined by Graham Young of Michigan Rattlers. Following the release of their brilliant third studio album, Waving From A Sea, the Band has hit the road for an intimate set of club dates.  On their pivotal new Drecord, produced by Dominic John Davis(Jack White, Willie Nelson, Greensky Bluegrass), the Michigan-based rock &androll band, with a blend of folk, American, and country influences, pairs the heavy-hitting lyricism they’re known for with a newfound sonic depth, evolving alongside the characters in their songs. 2/28 – San Francisco, CA – Brick + Mortar 3/1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Peppermint Club 3/2 – San Diego, CA – Casbah 3/4 – Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Live 3/7 – Austin, TX – 3Ten at ACL Live For more information, please visit www.michiganrattlers.com .

  Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by the talented Peter Hastings, the writer and director of the animated adaptation of Dog Man, which is currently in theaters and available on VOD. Peter has had an incredible career in animation, working on beloved projects like Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and Pinky and the Brain. Now, he’s brought Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novel series to the big screen in a way that has delighted fans of all ages—including my son, Jacob. Jacob is such a huge fan of Dog Man that it would be fitting for him to ask the very first question.