Explore every episode of the podcast Methods of Fiction

In this episode, our special guest is Riley Barker. He is a cinematographer dedicated to bringing compelling stories to life through cinematic visuals and thoughtful visual storytelling.

We take a deep dive into cinematography, lighting, and the art of visual storytelling. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from working as the Second Assistant Camera alongside his brother, Curry Barker, writer-director of the smash-hit film Obsession, and talks about their work on the popular YouTube channel That's a Bad Idea. He also shares insights into other films he's worked on with his brother, his own filmmaking journey, and what it takes to craft memorable cinematic images.

 Whether you're an aspiring cinematographer, filmmaker, or simply love learning how movies are made, this conversation offers an insightful look into the creative and technical process behind visual storytelling.

In this episode, our special guest is Diane Bell. She is a writer, director, and mentor to screenwriters and filmmakers. She is also the author of the acclaimed book Shoot from the Heart: Successful Filmmaking from a Sundance Rebel, a popular go-to guide for independent filmmakers.

We dive deep into the storytelling process, how to write compelling stories and screenplays, the creative process behind writing, directing, and producing independent films, and the practical lessons she has learned throughout her filmmaking journey.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode, our special guest is Tara Macken. She is a highly accomplished stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and actress who has helped bring the action to some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.

She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her career, discusses her work on major film and television productions, and offers an inside look at what it takes to create compelling action on screen.

We explore how action sequences are designed and executed, how stunt performers, directors, and actors collaborate to tell a story through movement. She also shares valuable insight for aspiring stunt performers, filmmakers, and actors on building a career in the industry, working safely on set, and creating action that is both believable and emotionally engaging.

In this episode, our special guest is Kris Van Damme. He is an actor, writer, director, and producer. Kris shares behind the scenes stories from the films he has worked on, offers unique insight into what it was like growing up as the son of legendary action star Jean Claude Van Damme, and discusses how he forged his own successful career in the entertainment industry.

We also discuss acting, filmmaking, creativity, and the lessons he has learned while building a career in front of and behind the camera. If you are an actor, filmmaker, or film fan, this conversation is packed with honest stories and valuable insight.

John Rosenfeld is a veteran film and television actor who has appeared in numerous acclaimed productions. He is also a highly respected, in-demand acting coach known for helping actors deliver authentic, emotionally compelling performances.

In this episode, we explore storytelling through the eyes of an actor and how understanding an actor's process can help writers, directors, and filmmakers create more authentic and emotionally compelling stories. John shares his approach to character development, script analysis, emotional truth, collaboration on set, and the invaluable lessons he's learned from decades working in the entertainment industry.

Whether you're an actor, writer, director, or filmmaker, this conversation offers practical insights into creating performances and stories that genuinely connect with audiences.

In this episode, our special guest is Matthew Ninaber, a writer, director, producer, and actor known for A Knight's War and Death Valley. He also starred in the cult favorite Psycho Goreman, directed by Steven Kostanski, showing his ability to work both in front of and behind the camera.

We go into his approach to filmmaking, how he got started, and what it actually takes to get independent films made. We also talk about his experience writing, directing, producing, and acting on A Knight's War and Death Valley, including what it was like working on set while sometimes directing from inside a creature costume. We explore his creative mindset, what drives his passion for filmmaking, and his hands-on approach to independent production.

In this episode, our special guest is Doug Morrow. He is a master makeup effects artist who has worked across some of the most recognizable film and television productions in the industry.

He breaks down the craft of practical makeup effects and how those techniques are used to support storytelling on screen. He shares behind-the-scenes insights from projects including the Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk (2025), and other major film and television productions he's contributed to over his career.

We explore how practical effects are designed and executed on set, how makeup effects interact with performance and cinematography, and he shares valuable insight for upcoming makeup artists and filmmakers on how to ensure their makeup application and visual storytelling consistently serve the story and elevate the characters on screen. He also offers insight on how to work closely with directors, understand the tone of a film, and translate that tone into effects that feel seamless, intentional, and cinematic.

If you're a filmmaker, makeup artist, or simply interested in how film magic is built practically on set, this conversation offers a grounded, entertaining look at the craft behind cinematic makeup effects and character transformation.

Malay Kim and Michael Lehr are seasoned stunt performers and fight choreographers known for their work on major action productions, including the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat 2.

In this special joint episode, we dive deep into filmmaking, action design, and the craft of cinematic fight choreography. Malay and Michael share behind-the-scenes stories from working on Mortal Kombat 2, how they collaborate to design action sequences, and what it takes to bring large-scale fight scenes to life on a major studio production.

We also explore their individual approaches to stunt performance and fight choreography, how action is built from concept to execution, and the discipline required to work at the highest level of the stunt industry. From on-set workflow to creative decision-making, this conversation breaks down how modern screen combat is designed for film.

If you're a filmmaker, stunt performer, or action cinema fan, this episode offers a grounded look at the real craft behind Hollywood fight choreography.

Ryan Lambert is best known for portraying the iconic Rudy in the beloved 1987 cult classic The Monster Squad.

In this episode of Methods of Fiction, Ryan joins us to discuss his upcoming directorial debut, what it was like shooting on both 8mm and 16mm film, and his creative process as a writer and director. He shares insights into independent filmmaking, developing stories for the screen, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career in front of and behind the camera.

We also explore punk rock filmmaking, embracing creative limitations, the realities of making independent films today, and Ryan's evolution from cult-classic actor to filmmaker.

Whether you're a fan of The Monster Squad or an aspiring filmmaker, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from a creative who continues to push himself into new artistic territory.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Barker, award-winning screenwriter and script consultant on the hit horror film Obsession, written and directed by his son, Curry Barker. We discuss his journey into screenwriting, his work consulting on Obsession, and the storytelling principles that help shape compelling films.

Jeff shares behind-the-scenes stories from his involvement with Obsession, insights into screenwriting, storytelling, character development, and the realities of building a creative career as a writer. We also explore his upcoming directorial debut, his long history as a writer, and how his sons inspired him later in life to pursue filmmaking.

From screenplay craft to filmmaking lessons and industry experiences, this episode is an in-depth conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the passion behind bringing stories to life on screen.

In this episode, we sit down with Seth Savoy, writer, director, and producer behind the feature film Echo Boomers. We discuss his journey into filmmaking, the process of writing and directing his first feature film debut, and what it was like bringing Echo Boomers to life.

Seth shares behind-the-scenes stories from production, insights into filmmaking, storytelling, directing actors, and the realities of making feature films in today's industry. We also explore his creative process, career path, and what it takes to break into filmmaking as a writer and director.

From filmmaking challenges to industry experiences, this episode is an in-depth conversation about creating films, building a career in cinema, and the passion behind filmmaking.

In this episode, we sit down with accomplished composer Martin Macphail of BLITZ//BERLIN, whose music has been featured in feature films, major movie trailers, television, and video games. We talk about the creative process behind film scoring and sound design, collaborating with directors, storytelling through music, and the unique way Martin and BLITZ//BERLIN broke into the industry and built their career composing for film, TV, trailers, and gaming.

In this episode, we sit down with stunt performer and actor Daniel Nelson to talk about his journey in the film industry, working on upcoming projects including the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat 2, and what it's really like performing high-level stunts for major productions.
We also dive into the world of independent filmmaking, short films, storytelling, choreography, behind-the-scenes experiences on set, and the passion it takes to bring action and cinematic moments to life on screen. From stunt work to character performance, Daniel shares insider stories, creative insights, and lessons from working on major productions in the movie industry.

April Wright is an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story and Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace.

In this episode, April joins us to discuss her upcoming feature documentary All Skate. We dive into her approach to storytelling, the process behind developing a documentary from concept to completion, and what draws her to the real stories behind the screen.

If you're a filmmaker, storyteller, or film fan interested in the craft of documentary filmmaking and the history and culture that shape it, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode we sit down with stunt performer and stunt coordinator Loyd Bateman who has over 20 years of experience working in major blockbuster films. We discuss his transition into directing his first feature film debut Crimson Cove, an action thriller. 

He also shares how he founded his independent film company, Misfit Circus Productions, choosing to take his career into his own hands and create opportunities in independent feature filmmaking.

We explore filmmaking, storytelling, directing, and what it takes to move from a long career in stunt performance into directing feature films.