FOLLOWING FILMS

Today I’m joined by Wendy Lobel to discuss ANXIETY CLUB ANXIETY CLUB provides an intimate and humorous look at anxiety through the eyes and minds of some of the most brilliant comedians working today. Marc Maron, Tiffany Jenkins, Baron Vaughn, Aparna Nancherla, Mark Normand, Eva Victor and Joe List offer candid reflections on their relationship with anxiety through exclusive interviews, standup performances, sketch videos, therapy sessions, and everyday life. With rare access to private therapy sessions, the film follows comedian Tiffany Jenkins (a content creator with over 9 million followers) as she undergoes behavioral therapy, capturing the profound changes her treatment brings about. Others find support from alternative sources, such as world-renowned meditation expert Tara Brach, PhD, or the psychologist-in-residence at The Laugh Factory, or simply from mentors in the comedy community. All of the comedians in ANXIETY CLUB have created standup or sketch material about their mental...

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Jeremy Rudd to discuss DIE’CED: RELOADED Seattle, Halloween night, 1987. Benny - an infamous serial killer long thought contained - breaks free from a high-security asylum, reborn behind a twisted scarecrow mask. As he leaves a trail of carnage across the suburbs, whispers of his gruesome past resurface, fueling panic in a city soaked in neon and fear. But Benny isn’t just killing for pleasure - he’s hunting someone. A young woman unknowingly tied to the darkest chapter of his madness becomes his fixation, and the closer he gets, the bloodier it gets. DIE’CED: RELOADED delivers a brutal, synth-drenched slasher soaked in 1980s nostalgia, where Benny carves his place in horror history - one body at a time. DIE’CED: RELOADED will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand on Tuesday, 8/12 Now on to my conversation with Jeremy Rudd. I hope you enjoy the show

  Today’s episode is a real treat—especially for fans of supernatural horror and '80s cult classics. We're joined by legendary director Chuck Russell, whose past work includes genre-defining hits like A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, and The Mask. Now, he's back with a bold and grounded reimagining of Witchboard, the 1986 cult horror film that delivered equal parts cheese and chills. Russell’s new vision trades in the campy charm of the original for a darker, more atmospheric take. Set in present-day New Orleans, this Witchboard follows a young couple as they stumble upon a cursed artifact that awakens a vengeful witch, plunging them into a harrowing world of possession, occult terror, and temptation. Stick around as we chat with Chuck about reinventing Witchboard for a new generation, building dread without leaning on nostalgia, and how the haunted streets of New Orleans helped bring this eerie tale to 

Today I'm joined by Julie Berghoff. Julie is a Production Designer who won the Emmy and the Art Directors Guild award for The Handmaid's Tale. She was also nominated for excellence in production design on Electric Dreams based on the short stories of Philip K. Dick. Her first feature film was Saw, directed by James Wan which earned over 103M. In 2005, she segued into comedy, designing the Oscar and Golden Globe Nominated Film, The Kids Are Alright and in 2015 Emmy Winner, Olive Kitteridge both directed by Lisa Cholodenko.  I had her on the show today to discuss her Emmy-nominated work on Apple TV+ The Studio.

  Today I’m joined by Jamie Bailey, Simon Phillips, Anthony Crivello, and Ken Bresser to discuss their work on The Omro Heist. In the film, an FBI agent goes undercover during a bank siege in his hometown, and he discovers the robbery is an elaborate cover-up orchestrated by the corrupt mayor to destroy evidence of a criminal conspiracy.

  Today, I’m joined by a truly fascinating guest—Martin Harris, who delivers a memorable turn as the Boravian General in the latest entry in the DC Universe, Superman. Sharing the screen with the likes of Nicholas Hoult and Zlatko Burić, Martin’s role is small but powerful—appearing in several key scenes that fans won’t forget. But Martin’s journey to the big screen is as compelling as any superhero origin story. Before acting, he was a sports journalist in Poland, and it was none other than Kobe Bryant who encouraged him to follow his heart and pursue a career in the arts. That leap of faith took him from the press box to sets across Hollywood, with appearances in Stranger Things, NCIS: Los Angeles, Young Sheldon, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, just to name a few.

  Today I’m talking with director Destry Allyn Spielberg about her new film, Please Don’t Feed the Children. It’s a tense, gripping horror-thriller set in a world where a virus has wiped out the adult population, and a group of orphans finds themselves taken hostage by a mysterious woman with a dark secret. The film features a fantastic cast — including Michelle Dockery, Giancarlo Esposito, and Zoe Colletti — and marks Destry’s feature directorial debut. Please Don’t Feed the Children arrives exclusively on Tubi this Friday, June 27, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned — this is a great conversation you’re going to want to hear!

  Today we’re joined by two remarkable guests: acclaimed actor Dermot Mulroney, whose filmography spans everything from My Best Friend’s Wedding to Young Guns and Yellowstone… and director Salvador Litvak, whose bold new film Guns & Moses is already sparking conversation across the country. Inspired by real events, Guns & Moses follows a desert rabbi who becomes an unlikely warrior when his community is attacked—blending the intensity of an action-thriller with the heart of a deeply personal story. It’s a film that takes on antisemitism, courage, and what it means to protect what matters most… all with style, grit, and yes, a little Hitchcock flair. Guns & Moses is now playing. For more information, visit the official website .

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...