The itmodchatcast's Podcast

ChatCast 32: Richard Bates Jr. on 'Tone-Deaf'

This week it's Red State vs. Blue State as we dive into the exceptional, satirical slasher "Tone-Deaf" from writer/director Richard Bates Jr. We here at ITMOD are massive fans of Bates' previous work, and we're happy to report that "Tone-Deaf" is easily one of our favorite films of the year. What a treat it is to talk to Bates about his new film as we discuss the influences behind it, the challenges of casting the picture, and the way he balanced a variety of genres to produce this rad mash-up.

Be sure to check out the film when it lands in theaters this Friday, and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @ITMODCast. If you're feeling extra generous, you can even follow the hosts @MouthDork & @WBDass.

ChatCast 31: Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein on 'Freaks'

How do you like your superhero cinema? Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry? Dorks! There are more than 31 flavors out there!! You do not have to settle for the three tastes you've been spoon-fed for decades. Thankfully, fellow comic book nerds Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein are here to serve up a radically new scoop of superhero cinema for folks craving a little variety. Their new film "Freaks" is a fascinating spin on marvelous mutants, and you will not want to miss out when it drops on September 13th. Fresh from the Fantasia Film Festival, we chat with the directors about the joys of updating spandex theatrics for modern audiences, the challenges faced when casting their script, and the thrill of working with Bruce Dern.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @ITMODCast, and follow the hosts @MouthDork and @WBDass. 

ChatCast 30: Jovanka Vuckovich & Munro Chambers on "Riot Girls"

This week, we're back with some remote coverage of Fantasia Festival 2019. While Brad and Lisa were jet-setting to Comic-Con (and chatting with Jason Mewes!), Billy caught up with Jovanka Vuckovich and Munro Chambers for their film "Riot Girls," a punk-rock romance set in an apocalyptic world ruled by teenagers.

We dig into what made the queer romance at the heart of "Riot Girls" the story that had to become Vuckovich's first feature. You might have seen her work in "XX," where she directed the segment "The Box." She was also the editor-in-chief for Rue Morgue Magazine for nearly seven years.

Chambers, who plays the lead villain, got his start on "Degrassi," but has gone on to star in a number of genre film favs like "Turbo Kid." He also stars in "Harpoon," whose director Rob Grant we interviewed during our time at the Chattanooga Film Festival. We dive into the emotional costs of portraying acts of violence and the surprises of working with younger actors.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @ITMODCast, and follow the host @WBDass. "Riot Girls" goes wide on September 13. Be sure to check it out!

ChatCast 29: Jason Mewes on 'Madness in the Method'

We return from the San Diego Comic-Con International with this wild conversation starring the one-and-only Jason Mewes! Breaking out from his iconic role as the chattier half of Jay and Silent Bob, Mewes makes his directorial debut exploring his own life in the meta-comedy "Madness in the Method." The film features a bevy of character actors playing twisted versions of themselves: Kevin Smith, Vinnie Jones, Dean Cain, Terri Hatcher, and Danny Trejo. Mewes is a warm and genuine human being and was very generous with our psychologically invasive questions. 

Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @ITMODCast, and follow the hosts @MouthDork & @sidewalksiren.

ChatCast 28: Larry Fessenden on 'Depraved'

Our time with The Overlook Film Festival must finally come to an end, but damn - we go out with a bang! This week we're chatting with legendary independent filmmaker Larry Fessenden about his Frankenstein obsession and how he's worked it, yet again, into a film. "Depraved" transplants the mythology of Mary Shelley to a modern realm of nightmares that include dive bars, dumpster laboratories, and psychopathic entrepreneurs. We dig deep into why Fessenden can't shake the tale of Frankenstein's monster, and how his new status as a cinematic guru keeps him hungry for his own art.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @ITMODCast, and follow the hosts @MouthDork & @WBDass. More importantly, make sure that your butts are at the theater on September 13th when "Depraved" is unleashed upon the world.

ChatCast 27: Ashlee Blackwell, Robin R. Means Coleman, & Tananarive Due on 'Horror Noire: History of Black Horror'

We're back with another essential conversation from the Overlook Film Festival. This week, we're delighted to have Ashlee Blackwell, Robin R. Means Coleman, & Tananarive Due on the podcast to chat their film "Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror." Recorded just moments before the three producers took the stage to introduce the film to a jam-packed audience, we had a conversation exploring why they are still compelled to tour the film despite its immediate access on Shudder. From there we discuss the genesis of the project, their delight at its reception, and what films we should all be putting on our movie queue.

Be sure to follow our guests on Twitter @GraveyardSister, @MeansColeman, & @TananariveDue. Follow the podcast on Instagram & Twitter @ITMODCast and follow our hosts, @MouthDork & @WBDass.

ChatCast 26: Riley Stearns on 'The Art of Self Defense'

"I want to be what intimidates me." On this week's episode, we chat with filmmaker Riley Stearns about his new film "The Art of Self Defense" starring Jesse Eisenberg as a meek man desperate to belong in the world of masculinity. Finding confidence of self behind the walls of a rather unique karate dojo, Eisenberg's character rises to a world that once made him cower. Stearns discusses the evolution of his style from his previous film "Faults" and how he was enamored with Eisenberg's enthusiasm to collaborate. "The Art of Self Defense" is a bold aesthetic extension for Stearns and he's eager to explore this tonal realm for his next feature.

"The Art of Self Defense" opens this Friday in theaters nationwide, but be on the lookout for special advance screenings at your local Alamo Drafthouse on Thursday. Follow the podcast @ITMODCast on Instagram & Twitter, & follow the hosts @WBDass & @MouthDork.

ChatCast 25: Adam Egypt Mortimer on 'Daniel Isn't Real'

Our Overlook Film Festival continues with an in-depth, obsessive, celebratory conversation with filmmaker Adam Egypt Mortimer discussing his new film "Daniel Isn't Real." Put this movie on your radar folks as it's easily one of the best films we've seen all year long. We go everywhere in this chat. We discuss Mortimer's relationship with Grant Morrison, the various influences that fed this cosmic horror take on the imaginary friend story, and the detailed process in which Mortimer engages with well before filming actually begins. Drop Dead Fred; this movie is not.

As always, follow the podcast on Instagram and Twiter @ITMODCast, & follow the hosts @MouthDork & @WBDass. 

ChatCast 24: Grady Hendrix on 'Paperbacks From Hell II'

We watched a lot of movies throughout the Overlook Film Festival, and we attended several immersive events and a few podcasts. Without a doubt, "Paperbacks from Hell II" was the most uproarious and inspirational experience of the weekend. Grady Hendrix’s presentation on the horrors and delights of pre-Harry Potter YA fiction was an unforgettable work of genius. We're honored to have him join the podcast this week to discuss his obsession with juvenile delinquent art and its place in modern entertainment. Prepare yourself, once this episode is consumed, you will be on the hunt for all the Christopher Pike novels you can muster.

As always, follow the podcast on Instagram & Twitter @ITMODCast, & follow the hosts @MouthDork & @WBDass.

ChatCast 23: Mark Christopher Covino on 'The Crest'

Two surfer cousins connect over a long lost family fiddle and embark on an epic journey to understand their Irish roots. Not just a family album narrative, "The Crest" is an inspiring saga to understand your place in the world through human connection, and yeah, it features some pretty radical surfing footage to boot. On this week's episode, we're chatting with director Mark Christopher Covino about the momentous quest that brought him from "A Band Called Death" to this latest documentary. Whether if you're an aspiring filmmaker or just a regular movie maniac like ourselves, you'll gain great amounts of motivation from intaking the trials and tribulations he's battled to make it to this point in time.

As always, follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @ITMODCast and follow the hosts @WBDass and @MouthDork. "The Crest" is now available on DVD, iTunes, and VOD. Support indie film!