Ah, The Avengers. The 1998 big screen adaptation of the much-loved TV series is a bit of an odd movie, but as Simon discusses in this episode, things weren't quite going to plan at studio level. Not that Warner Bros handled the film particularly well come release time - an infamously late decisiont to avoid a review screening soon backfired. In the case of Step Brothers, the third film together for Adam McKay and Will Ferrell is often cited as their best. Still, the hit comedy has a bit of a story to it - plus the pub quiz fact that McKay shot more footage for Step Brothers than Francis Ford Coppola shot for Apocalypse Now... Stories of both are told in this episode... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, we're delighted to welcome back Paul Feig for his third appearance. This time the starting point is Feig's new film Jackpot!, that's on Prime Video now. They also talk about the already-shot A Simple Favor 2, as well as legal stuff, Naked Gun 33 1/3, and if there's any chance on this planet of getting Spy 2.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Tim Burton's first film, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, proved a surprise hit for Warner Bros, the studio was keen to get a second picture off him. Yet Burton wasn't enamoured with the scripts he was being offered - until an unusual one landed on his desk. Just lacking a bit of an ending. Enter: Beetlejuice. Rye Lane was a much smaller production, a directorial debut for Raine Allen Miller. A British romcom, it had to negotiate Covid restrictions - but then, after strong reviews, there was its release strategy to negotiate. Stories of both are told in this episode... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sequel that took a long time to come together, and an attempt by Sylvester Stallone to change direction. 1992's Basic Instinct didn't immediately seem an obvious candidate for a sequel. A huge box office take soon changed that - but the path to the follow-up would involve a bankruptcy, a legal case, and a lot of people turning the project down. Until all of a sudden, it came together... Daylight was a quicker film to come together, and for Sylvester Stallone, a very lucrative one. He secured a huge pay packet, but also signalled a change in direction for his career. Things didn't quite go to plan. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer, producer and director Aline Brosh McKenna. They talk about her feature directorial debut Your Place Or Mine, and the journey to get to that point. Plus, they go over projects such as The Devil Wears Prada, Morning Glory, My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, We Bought A Zoo and a whole lot more. Plus, her journey into film, and a whole lot more. Your Place Or Mine is on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the belated return of Indiana Jones, and a smart British zombie film that faced a fair few challenges. After the huge success of the much-loved Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade at the end of the 1980s, there was an ongoing clamour for a fourth Indiana Jones adventure. But George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford had packed schedules - and didn't always see eye to eye on where to go next. Things were more straightforward story-wise with The Girl With All The Gifts. Author M R Carey was pretty much writing the novel and the screenplay of the story at the same time. And with a tenacious producer, funding slowly came together... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by a legend of American independent cinema, John Sayles. In a far-reaching conversation, they talk about John's new novel - Jamie MacGillivray: The Renegade's Journey - as well as the movie origins of the project. Plus they go back over Sayles' career, the way he managed to get his films made, ownership and copyright, battles with a movie studio and a whole lot more. Plus: a few thoughts on where cinema stands now, and a screening too of Avatar: The Way Of Water... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, how James Bond responded to Star Wars, and a comedy that onlookers had all but written off. Moonraker wasn't expected to be the Roger Moore James Bond adventure to follow up The Spy Who Loved Me. But then Star Wars happened, and a co-production deal opened up some funding too. 007 was going to space. More down to earth was comedy sleeper hit Look Who's Talking, a genuinely sleeper success that in turn made Bruce Willis very rich for four days of work. It's also the first film on this podcast that involves puppeteers operating sperm. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, crikey. In a very special episode of the Film Stories podcast, two things to tell you about. Firstly, this is episode 300: thank you so much for everyone who's helped me get here. Secondly, the special guest for this episode is Hugh Jackman. We were talking in London about his latest film, The Son, but also snuck one or two other things in there as well. He seemed quite taken with it being episode 300, as you're about to hear... Thanks for all your support, folks. Hope you enjoy the episode... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, how the Die Hard franchise came to a crashing end, and an Elvis Presley biopic finally got over the line. There's not a lot of love out there for A Good Day To Die Hard (2013), and with good reason. But the intent behind it was sound, and the man who landed the director's chair was a clear fan of the series. Producer Gail Berman meanwhile was the person who did a lot battling to bring 2022's Elvis to the screen - not least securing the necessary music rights to Presley's catalogue twice to ensure the project kept moving. And then Baz Luhrmann got involved... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, the film that gave Tim Burton his first hit in over half a decade, and a golfing comedy that took a bit of a path to the screen. Director Tim Burton lost around a year of his working life when the planned Superman Lives film with Nicolas Cage collapsed. Which is when a script to Sleepy Hollow - that had been sat in Hollywood development for years - was sent in his direction. The script for the charming The Phantom Of The Open originally got no traction at all. As such, its story was published in a book, an option was taken out on said book, and the process had to pretty much start all over again. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writers and producers Pen Densham and John Watson. Their story covers a lot of short films, working with Sylvester Stallone to reshape the ending of Rocky II, and the writing and producing 1991's Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. That involved a battle of the Robin Hoods too, and they also had Backdraft in production at the same time. The pair tell their stories in this episode, and there's just time at the end for a quick venture into The Dangerous Lives Of The Altar Boys too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sequel that wasn't originally in the plans, and a comedy where more spin-offs were due to follow. After the very, very difficult shoot of The Bourne Identity, the key creatives weren't rushing to return for The Bourne Supremacy. There was little chance of director Doug Liman coming back either - and that meant a turn in a slightly different direction for the franchise. With Bad Moms meanwhile, the hit comedy lost its original studio backer and then found a home that worked: but plans for spin-offs and further sequels soon hit the buffers. But not before a hit movie came together. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally set to be released by Disney in 2023, Jeff Nichols' new film - The Bikeriders - was dropped by the studio at the last minute, before finally landing a new home with Focus Features and Universal. Nichols joins us for a special podcast to discuss the film, with the conversation also taking in Take Shelter, Michael Shannon, and making a movie without too much money... The Bikeriders finally arrives in cinemas on 21st June 2024. --- EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/filmstories Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, that might just be of interest for any filmmaker fighting their way to get a feature made. Jon Wright's new film, Unwelcome, has the backing of Warner Bros, and it's a UK horror film that gets a full national release. It's been quite a journey for Wright to get this far, and he tells the story in this podcast special, which also takes in films such as Tormented, Robot Overlords and Grabbers. Plus there's a bit of a story for 2000AD fans too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of hit movies, with a religious edge to each. Filmmaker M Night Shyamalan admitted he came to Signs off the back of the mixed response to his previous film, Unbreakable. He came up with a project initially for an older actor, that blended two key ideas - and the bidding war in Hollywood for the film was a swift one. There was a bidding war too for the screen rights to Dan Brown's extraordinarily successful book, The Da Vinci Code. At first, there was a chance it could go to TV, but $6m of Sony's money did the job - and a whole lot of controversy was just around the corner... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an action film that took time to find its audience, and a Formula 1 movie made as a British independent film. Road House (1989) saw Patrick Swayze battling with a knee that had to be regularly drained, and also saw producer Joel Silver on the hunt for a Die Hard-size hit. Plus: the most expensive scene in this action favourite didn't involve any fighting at all. Up until he directed Rush (2013), Ron Howard had made his films for Hollywood studios and within the Hollywood system. When he stepped in to take on this film, though, the financial safety nets were long, long gone... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two hugely acclaimed and much-loved movies, that each had their challenges. When writer/director Michael Mann first happened upon the story that would become Heat, he wasn't in a position to turn it into a major feature film. But he clearly had some unfinished business with the material. Alexander Payne had planned to make Sideways after his success with Election. But even get the source novel published had proven to be a challenge. The film adaptation? Well, that ended up with some waiting to do as well... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by director Marc Forster for a conversation. They chat about Forster's latest movie, A Man Called Otto, a film that seemed to come together really quickly, but actually has been percolating for some time. They also chat about Forster's decision in his teens to up sticks to America. And there's time too for a story from the making of Forster's Stranger Than Fiction... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the final episode of Film Stories in 2022, something a bit special: a welcome back to director Phil Alden Robinson, who joins Simon to tell the story of 2002's Tom Clancy adaptation, The Sum Of All Fears. They talk about how Robinson came to the project, and the challenge when they ended up having to use locations booked for an entirely different film. Plus, dealing with Tom Clancy, the possible sequel that never was, and the incredibly spoiler-y trailer for the film. Robinson also chats about his late addition to directing Band Of Brothers, and what happened post-The Sum Of All Fears. Thanks to everybody who's supported Film Stories this year. The podcast returns in 2023... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films from top notch filmmakers take centre stage. 1992's The Last Of The Mohicans, from Michael Mann, wasn't the easiest of productions. From personnel leaving and the threat of strike action, to the months of required training and the difficulty landing the score, it proved quite the challenge. The Coen Brothers' O Brother Where Are Thou? was a lot calmer by comparison. George Clooney, for instance, signed on without reading the script. But there was still a bit of groundbreaking technical work that needed to be done - and a lot of music that needed to be recorded before filming could begin... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by writer and director Ol Parker, with the pair chatting about his latest film, Ticket To Paradise. They look at how the film came together, and the challenges of making a film led by two major movie stars. Parker also candidly discusses the response to the movie, and the less than stellar critical response to it. He also talks about further projects, and what may lie ahead. Ticket To Paradise is available on demand, and on DVD and Blu-ray, now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a dash of the festive spirit as two Christmas-set movies take centre stage. The first Lethal Weapon movie came together in just a few years, sparked by then-twentysomething Shane Black's script. The project was offered to Leonard Nimoy to look at before Richard Donner signed on the dotted line to direct - and it remains a casting masterclass too. Jingle All The Way meanwhile came together even quicker, with Arnold Schwarzenegger suddenly having a gap in his schedule once a planned Planet Of The Apes movie he was attached to fell apart. Just six months after filming began, the film would be in cinemas - and that didn't help the movie's merchandising plans. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstories Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by Oscar-winning film composer Michael Giacchino. Michael's in the awards running again for his score to The Batman, and that's one of the subjects they talk about (the film is widely available now). They also chat about getting started, about juggling multiple projects, making sure you finish work on time, and general nerdy stuff. Simon nearly manages to offend him too. Ulp... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the one hand in this episode, we've got a comic book movie that should in theory have launched further films. 2022's Morbius was designed to follow Venom into Sony's universe of Spider-Man spin-off characters. Yet so keen was the studio to join it up to the ongoing Spider-Man films, that problems ensued. And Jared Leto, in the lead role, was going method again. The Gift, the directorial debut of Joel Edgerton, was originally called Weirdo. He designed it to be a slim film, that he knew would be up against some tough competition at the box office. Yet he had quite a special film up his sleeve... — EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/filmstories Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a much-loved box office disappointment, and a film that burned through a lot of directors The late, great Jim Henson earned a success with The Dark Crystal, but he knew he wanted his next film to be a bit lighter, and to have human characters in it too. 25 drafts of the script and story later, Labyrinth went before the cameras - but with a lot of challenges in its path. Uncharted meanwhile started its way to the big screen in 2008. By the time cameras rolled over a decade later, six different directors would have left the project. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by director Matthew Warchus and screenwriter Dennis Kelly, with the focus primarily being 2022's Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical. In their conversation, they talk about taking the hugely success musical from stage to screen, and how brutal they had to be as they did so. They chat too the many, many drafts of the script, the songs that were filmed but which didn't make the finally cut, and a bit of CG involving a giraffe. You also get little mentions of both Pride and Utopia too, and the pair both end up with what their clickbait news stories would be... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films from the 1990s that attracted awards attention - one with less controversy than the other. After the way his first film was treated, writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson was adamant things would be different with his second. But who would give a twentysomething filmmaker $15m and creative control for a film on the surface about making adult movies? And why would Burt Reynolds get so upset? Things were more straightforward with 1992's Unforgiven, the film that finally bagged Clint Eastwood an Oscar he never expected to see. However, Eastwood nearly missed the script altogether when he was recommended to avoid it. And even when he read it, it'd be a long, long wait for the film. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of Film Stories, Simon chats to Oscar-winning Disney producer Roy Conli, in part about the new animated film, Strange World. Their chat takes them back to Roy's theatrical origins but also the teacher who pushed him to read. On top of that though, they get into the Oscar bet that Roy didn't deliver on, the new bet that hopefully he will, and the ongoing challenge of making feature films! Strange World is in UK cinemas on the very day this podcast lands... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of 1990s summer blockbusters - one of which proved more problematic than the other. Come 1990 and there were three competing Robin Hood projects on the way from Hollywood. But it was 1991's Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves that won the race to the screen. It'd be fair to say it was not an easy journey to get there. Off the back of making GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan was looking for new projects - and he settled on a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. Small problem though about trying to make a movie about a museum heist: museums don't seem very keen to let you film on their premises... Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of Film Stories, Simon chats to writer/director James Gray. The pair met around the time of the release of his film Armageddon Time, and they chat about the complexities of getting such a movie through the studio system. It's a really candid chat this, as Gray explores opening up his family life for a film, and his feelings on the current state of cinema. Plus, isn't it about time they brought back curtains in cinemas? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that hardy set the box office alight - although the fallout from one was a lot, lot louder than the other! Ed Wood was a movie Tim Burton decided to make when he walked away from a higher profile project. However, the studio paying for the movie panicked a month before production and tried to box Burton into a deal. He wasn't playing ball, though. The Last Duel was a movie project that took over a decade to reach the screen, with the source book optioned three different times (Martin Scorsese circled the project for a while). But then in came Ridley Scott, in come disappointing box office, and in came quite the aftermath... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sequel that was a beast to make, and a British book adaptation that Tom Hanks sort-of-unlocked. Aliens remains the template for how to make an excellent sequel - but heck, was it beset by problems. Not least that writer/director James Cameron and the crew at Pinewood Studios making the film were not exactly on each other's Christmas card lists. Starter For Ten was a bit more straightforward, but even then, it took American money to bring a very British book to the screen. All in a film that had a hand in launching a lot of big name careers... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two hit films come under the microscope - but one of them nearly fell apart days before filming was due to begin. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would become for a long time the most successful independent film of all time in terms of box office returns. Yet none of the major studio would commit to the film, and it'd take a late deal to save the movie. Timecop had a much clearer path the big screen, and this was Jean-Claude Van Damme trying to emulate the success of Arnold Schwarzenegger and cross over into the mainstream. Just don't ask him about the plans for a sequel... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two very successful films - one of which nearly lost the confidence of its parent studio The tale behind Hidden Figures had seemingly been all but lost to history. That was until one writer went digging, and then a producer won a bidding war for movie rights in which barely anyone else was interested. A late release date change also would prove inspired. The LEGO Movie meanwhile would take some negotiating to even get off the ground. And when it did? Warner Bros brought in two funding partners and sold off a sizeable percentage of its box office receipts too. It was not the studio's wisest move... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After enjoying success with the TV series Servant, for which she wrote and directed several episodes, Ishana Night Shyamalan was on the lookout for a story to turn into her feature directorial debut. The tale she found involved a pet store, a creepy forest, a trip to Ireland and some people watching. And in this Film Stories podcast special, she tells us about why she made The Watched (or The Watcher in the US) and tells us more of her story. The Watched is in UK cinemas now... — EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/filmstories Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Feig is a busy man. He's got a new film (The School For Good And Evil) and a new cocktail book too. But he squeezed some time into his schedule for a special podcast recording, where he chats to Simon about his directorial career. Recorded in front of a live audience in London, the pair chat about Paul Feig's early stand-up and acting work, the films that landed him in movie jail, and then the run of Freaks & Geeks, Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy, Ghostbusters: Answer The Call, A Simple Favour, Last Christmas and, of course, The School For Good And Evil. It was quite an evening, and the audio is presented in full here. Right down to the Ski Patrol chat... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films that faced their challenges, but one came out of it all better than the other. A third Blade film was announced even before Blade II had arrived in cinemas. David S Goyer took on the director's chair, but to say the production had a few problems would be quite the understatement. Gulp. Things were a little smoother with 1992's Candyman, although writer/director Bernard Rose was first approached about a different Clive Barker story to adapt. But three different financiers meant there were differing opinions about the film behind the scenes - and distribution wasn't entirely straightforward either. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After building a strong career as an actor over the past few decades, Frances O'Connor has now taken the jump into feature writing and directing. In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, she chats to Simon about why she's decided to take the plunge now, and what was it that unlocked her film, Emily. She takes us into the writing process of the film, the battle to get funding, and making the move into directing. Plus, there's time for a little bit of A.I.: Artificial Intelligence chatter in there too... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that hit much bigger than expected - each of which changed a lot in post-production. Horror hit Paranormal Activity actually first debuted on screen in 2007. But it'd be two years before it got a full wide release in cinemas, and by then the ending would have undergone changes (and a planned remake abandoned). 20th Century Fox was having doubts about 1985's Cocoon, meanwhile, to the point where Robert Zemeckis was fired as its director (making Back To The Future instead!). In came Ron Howard though, and changes would get underway... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decade after decade, director Stephen Frears has maintained an enviable output of movies and TV shows, and his latest film - The Lost King - is now playing in UK cinemas. He joins Simon for a podcast special, where they chat about his work, from breaking through with My Beautiful Laundrette, to the ultra-fast turnaround of Dangerous Liaisons. They also talk about the perils of making studio films in Hollywood, why The Queen went to cinemas rather than TV (and legal advice was involved!), and the assorted challenges of The Lost King... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of films released within a few months of each other, that had one or two things in common. The Silence Of The Lambs was originally earmarked by Gene Hackman for his directorial debut, and a deal was struck for the book rights. But the story's violence was putting people off, and there was a bit of a rights hurdle that had to be negotiated too. Things with Toy Soldiers were lower profile, but still: at one stage this low-ish budget action film was being adapted with Midnight Cowboy director John Schlesinger in mind - and then the company backing the project decided to drop out. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded before a live audience in London in September 2022, this very special episode of Film Stories sees Simon in conversation with writer and director Gurinder Chadha OBE. They chat about her early days, how she broke into movies with I'm British But... and the wonderful Bhaji On The Beach. And then she takes us through tales of films such as Bend It Like Beckham, Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging, Viceroy's House, What's Cookin' and Bride & Prejudice. Be sure too to keep an ear out for the audience gasp when Gurinder reveals the movie she turned down... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two movies that hit at the box office - but it didn't stop one of them being regarded a commercial disappointment. 2006's Mission: Impossible III went though a range of directors before Tom Cruise settled on giving JJ Abrams his feature directorial debut. But that decision brought with it delays, and the film's aftermath would see Cruise's deal with Paramount come to an end (temporarily). The Birdcage meanwhile landed on Oscar-winner Mike Nichols' plate at a point where people were beginning to feel his hit movie days were behind him. Nichols though would turn a Harrison Ford movie down in order to take this one on - and to work again with Elaine May. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a franchise-starting hit, and a modest thriller with an impressive roster of personnel. The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now written large into movie history - but it's often forgotten just what a risk the first Iron Man movie was. And also, that it was arguably Marvel's most tight-fisted production too. Pacific Heights was more modest, but did attract a legendary director, and in Michael Keaton, a man who'd just brought Batman to the big screen. Yet there were, as it turns out, behind the scenes problems on this one... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two big hit movies - but both of them took at least a decade to make it to the screen. In the case of I Am Legend, the latest take on the story was all ready to go in 1997 with Ridley Scott directing and Arnold Schwarzenegger starring: but not everything went to plan there. And there'd be other attempts that failed before we got the version we got. There's Something About Mary didn't start out as the raunchy comedy it became - but after five years sitting still in development hell, a Writers Guild Of America rule change suddenly worked to its favour. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Mendes didn't want to make another James Bond film after completing 2015's Spectre. As we discover in this episode, he had another film lined up that he backed away form. He decided to gamble on 1917, a movie that he had a plan to shoot in a really rather unconventional way. When Gone Girl hit, meanwhile, Hollywood went looking for more books that it felt might be along the same lines. It didn't take long to find The Girl On The Train, and it took seemingly even less time to get a film of it moving. Stories of both are told in this episode... --- EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/filmstories Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special episode of Film Stories, Simon chats to Jan De Bont about his extensive movie career. They chat about his work as cinematographer on movies as varied as Die Hard, Flatliners, The Hunt For Red October and Black Rain. They chat too about De Bont nearly having his face fully ripped off by a wild animal while shooting Roar. And then there's his work as a director, specifically Speed and Twister. Flatliners has just been released by Arrow on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, and is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a massive film that didn't cost too much, and a box office disappointment that did. 1999's The Sixth Sense would prove to be an absolute box office sensation: but heck. Disney wasn't happy about making it. The executive who gave the film the greenlight would ultimately lose his job, and Disney would sell off most distribution rights before it was released. But why? Pixels meanwhile was the last film in Adam Sandler's long-running deal with Sony Pictures, and was chosen only after the studio had turned one or two other Sandler projects down. On paper, combining classic videogame characters with a live action New York-set family feature seemed a good idea. But things did not go to plan. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that went through some tough physical production. Mind you, Quentin Tarantino's second western, The Hateful Eight, nearly didn't get as far as production. A script leak, a law suit, Tarantino dropping the project? That was all before filming began, and the idea of shooting on location in freezing cold conditions suddenly seemed a bit... taxing. The location shoot for Romancing The Stone sequel The Jewel Of The Nile was taxing in the other direction. Piping hit temperatures, a change in personnel behind the camera, and a co-star who was contractually obliged to appear? Yep, this one was a bit of a saga. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices