Explore every episode of the podcast ROLL THE CREDITS

In this episode, Christina sits down with Oscar-nominated production designer Fiona Crombie.

Fiona trained as a theatre designer in Sydney, spent ten years in Australian theatre, then crossed into film through her longtime collaborator Justin Kurzel — first on commercials and music videos, then on his debut feature, The Snowtown Murders. She's since designed films for directors including Yorgos Lanthimos, Jane Campion, Craig Gillespie, Ari Aster, Bong Joon Ho, and Chloé Zhao.

Across the conversation, she shares her process, her philosophy on collaboration with auteur directors, and the piece of advice from a cinematographer that changed her trajectory.

Fiona's credits include:

HAMNET (2025)

MICKEY 17 (2025)

BEAU IS AFRAID (2023)

CRUELLA (2021)

THE KING (2019)

THE FAVOURITE (2018)

MARY MAGDALENE (2018)

UNA (2016)

MACBETH (2015)

SON OF A GUN (2014)

TOP OF THE LAKE S1 (2013)

DEAD EUROPE (2012)

SNOWTOWN (2011)

Follow Fiona and her work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2356249/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiona_crombie_/?hl=en

In this episode, Christina sits down with costume designer Blair James.

Blair never planned to be a costume designer. She was an acting student dressing a college musical because the production couldn't afford one. The costumes won her a national award. A few years of LA celebrity styling later, she got the call to costume design Obsession — her first feature.

She walks us through it all: blind-pitching the entire wardrobe to director Curry Barker the first time they met, why Bear's first look had to feel "really ugly to look at, and really nice to look at," running over a character's clothes in her gravel driveway to age them, and what it feels like to be the entire wardrobe department on a $750K horror film.

Blair's credits include:

INVERTIGO (2027)

OBSESSION (2026)

FALL 2: DEADPOINT (2026)

SHATTERED (2025)

THE PLEDGE (2024)

BROKEN BRANCHES (2025)

COZUMO ROOT (2025)

THE CALLING (2023)

And many more…

Follow Blair and her work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10692673/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blair_james/

Website: https://www.blair-james.com

In this episode, Christina sits down with gaffer Julian White.

Julian started out as a painter. Thirty years later, he's lit films for Werner Herzog, Ridley Scott, Robert Eggers, and John M. Chu — including The Martian, Crazy Rich Asians, and Rescue Dawn.

He walks us through it all: three months of chaos in Thailand with Werner Herzog on Rescue Dawn, what it's like to light fire-only sets for Robert Eggers, Ridley Scott's "tinsel on a fan" trick on The Martian, and why he believes filmmaking (like cooking) should be done by intuition.

Julian's credits include:

WERWULF (2026)

THE MIDNIGHT SKY (2020)

ARTEMIS FOWL (2020)

CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2018)

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (2017)

GAME OF THRONES (2016)

THE MARTIAN (2015)

CINDARELLA (2015)

LOCKE (2013)

OFFENDER (2012)

CONTROL (2007)

RESCUE DAWN (2006)

And many more…

Follow Julian and his work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925030/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodandlight66/?hl=en

In this episode, Christina sits down with Oscar-winning filmmaker and concept artist Brandon Oldenburg.

After watching Raiders of the Lost Ark in third grade, Brandon went home, bought a used Super 8, and started making movies. Decades later, he co-founded Reel FX in 1995, Moonbot Studios in 2009, and Flight School in 2017 — picking up an Academy Award along the way for The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, an Emmy for the Chipotle short The Scarecrow, and credits across some of the most beloved animated films of the past two decades.

He walks us through it all: the cosmic sign that pushed him out of Hollywood, what conceptual design really is, why two-dimensional animation is having a moment again, and the David Needham advice that defined every major pivot of his career — if you're ever going to bet on anything, bet on yourself.

Brandon’s credits include:

LOST OLLIE (2022)

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (2012)

THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE (2011)

THE SCARECROW (2013)

SPY KIDS 2: THE ISLAND OF LOST DREAMS (2002)

PIXEL PERFECT (2004)

HALLOWEENTOWN II: KALABAR'S REVENGE (2001)

TAKING FLIGHT (2015)

MANIFEST 99 (2017)

And many more…

Follow Brandon and his work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1099141/?ref_=fn_t_1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deptofwonderbrandon/

Website: https://weareinbetween.com

In this episode, Christina sits down with scenic painter Rut Villamagna to explore the meticulous craft behind some of cinema's most iconic creatures, props, and worlds.

After getting her start on Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth in Madrid and later relocating to London, Rut has spent two decades transforming raw materials into believable reality — sculpting chrome for Star Wars, painting marble for Gladiator II, and most recently leading the paint work on Rocky, the alien co-star of Project Hail Mary that's captured audiences worldwide.

She breaks down what it takes to bring a non-existent creature to life, why the team built seven or eight Rockies, and how she uses color theory to make a stone-like alien feel cute and alive instead of aggressive. Rut also opens up about the role of failure in a creative career, what it means to work for hands-on directors like del Toro, Wes Anderson, and Tim Burton, and how AI and 3D printing are reshaping the practical effects industry.

Rut's credits include:

PROJECT HAIL MARY (2026)

MICKEY 17 (2025)

THE FLASH (2023)

THE BATMAN (2022)

TOM & JERRY (2021)

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX - THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (2019)

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD (2018)

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (2016)

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN ( 2016)

WARCRAFT (2016)

DRACULA UNTOLD (2014)

FRANKENWEENIE (2012)

PAN'S LABYRINTH (2006)

And many more…

In this episode, Christina sits down with large-format printing expert Bob Joyce of Underground Visuals to unpack the invisible craft behind some of the most iconic sets in television.

With decades in the industry and credits spanning from Saturday Night Live to Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Kelly Clarkson Show, Bob shares what it really means to work in high-speed, large-scale production.

He breaks down how he approaches every file that comes through the shop, what it takes to execute massive designs at scale, and how his work acts as the final step between concept and reality. From last-minute fixes hours before rehearsal to entire sets that may never even make it to air, Bob offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the pace and precision required to keep live production moving.

Bob’s credits include:

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

HAPPY GILMORE 2

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON

LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS

AMERICAN SPORTS STORY

THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW

SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY

TEEN MOM

ELSBET

And many more…

In this episode, Christina sits down with legendary script supervisor Steve Gehrke to unpack the invisible craft that holds films together.

With over 40 years in the industry and credits spanning from Memento to The Dark Knight, Tenet, and Euphoria, Steve shares what it really means to be a script supervisor — and why he considers himself a filmmaker first.

He breaks down how he approaches a script, what it takes to protect story and continuity on set, and how his role acts as the “safety net” for directors, actors, and every department involved. From navigating the complexity of Tenet to collaborating with directors like Christopher Nolan and Ryan Coogler, Steve offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how great films are actually made.

The conversation also explores:

– Why script supervision is something you “fall into”

– The balance between speaking up and knowing when not to

– What makes certain directors elevate everyone around them

– His old-school commitment to pencil and paper in a digital world

– And why, even after decades in the industry, every day on set still feels like a scavenger hunt

Steve’s credits include:

SINNERS (2025)

OPPENHEIMER (2023)

BARBIE (2023)

TENET (2020) 

MINDHUNTER (2019)

YELLOWSTONE (2018)

DUNKIRK (2017) 

WHY HIM? (2017)

INTERSTELLAR (2014)

THE MAZE RUNNER (2014) 

INCEPTION (2010) 

17 AGAIN (2009)

THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

MEMENTO (2000) 

And many more…

Follow Steve and his work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0311826/

In this episode, we sit down with makeup department head Tegan Taylor to explore the craft, innovation, and collaboration behind creating character through makeup in film and television.

Tegan shares how her path into the industry began at a young age, growing up surrounded by film and theater in Los Angeles, and breaks down what it really means to be a makeup artist at the highest level. From running entire departments and managing teams, budgets, and timelines, to working closely with directors, actors, and producers to bring characters to life, this conversation offers a detailed look at both the creative and logistical demands of the role. She also takes us behind the scenes of Avatar, where she helped invent the makeup process for facial capture — developing entirely new products and techniques that didn’t previously exist.

Beyond the technical craft, this episode explores the human side of the work — from navigating creative differences and supporting actors in vulnerable moments, to the importance of communication, adaptability, and maintaining a sense of balance in high-pressure environments. It’s a thoughtful look at what it takes to build trust on set, evolve with an ever-changing industry, and ultimately use your work in service of a larger story.

Tegan’s credits include:

THE SUBSTANCE (2025)

NATIONAL TREASURE (2022-2023)

AMERICAN CRIME (2017)

GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN A LIFE (2016)

THE WEDDING RINGER (2015)

AVATAR (2009)

MR. & MRS. SMITH (2005)

THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)

NCIS (2003)

And many more…

Follow Tegan and her work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853242/

Website: https://tegantaylor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstegantaylor/

In this episode, we sit down with prop maker and model maker Steve Deahl to explore the craft, philosophy, and collaboration behind building the physical worlds we see on screen.

Steve shares how his path into film began through model making and commercials, and breaks down what a prop maker actually does on set. From creating objects that don’t exist and translating drawings into tangible pieces, to collaborating with art departments and understanding how props support story, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the artistry and logistics behind physical filmmaking.

Beyond the craft, this episode explores the deeper philosophy of making — from intuition and adaptability to letting go of your work once it enters the world, and the importance of kindness and collaboration in an ever-evolving industry.

Steve’s credits include:

GLADIATOR II (2024)

AQUAMAN II (2024)

BARBIE (2023)

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (2005)

DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002)

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (2000)

THE MUMMY RETURNS (2001)

LOST IN SPACE (1999)

And many more…

Follow Steve and his work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0212614/

Website: https://stevedeahl.weebly.com

In this episode, we sit down with intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter to explore the craft, care, and collaboration behind filming intimate scenes for screen.

Chala shares how her path into film and television and breaks down what an intimacy coordinator actually does on set. From advocating for performers and navigating boundaries to shaping choreography, closed set protocols, and emotional continuity, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the artistry and logistics behind intimate storytelling in film and TV.

Chala’s credits include:

HEATED RIVALRY (2025)

I USED TO BE FUNNY (2023)

BAND LADIES (2020)

And many more…

Follow Chala and her work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7207020/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chala_hunter/

In this episode, we sit down with Art Director Jeremy W. Foil to explore the collaborative craft of production design and how spaces on screen help shape story, character, and emotion.

Jeremy shares how he got his start, what an art director actually does, and how his background in dance continues to inform the way he thinks about movement, form, and space. From Broadway to television and film, this episode explores the creative and technical work that goes into building immersive worlds.

Jeremy’s credits include:

LOVE STORY (2026)

MARTY SUPREME (2025)

BLACK RABBIT (2025)

AMERICAN HORROR STORY (2023-2024)

SMILE (2022)

IN THE HEIGHTS (2021)

TICK, TICK...BOOM! (2021)

FOSSE/VERDON (2019)

MADAM SECRETARY (2018)

And many more…

Follow Jeremy and his work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4386142/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwfoil/

In this episode, we sit down with Sound Designer, Jacob Ribicoff, to explore the invisible craft of sound and how it shapes what we feel, even when we don’t realize it.

Jacob shares how he got his start, what sound designers actually do, and how sound can completely transform an image. From building the eerie sonic world of Lumon in Severance to crafting grounded, emotional realism in Manchester by the Sea, this episode explores how sound shapes story in so many ways.

Jacob’s credits include:

SONG SUNG BLUE (2025)

SEVERANCE (2022–2025)

BABYGIRL (2024)

PAST LIVES (2023)

BOY ERASED (2018)

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (2016)

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (2011)

FAILURE TO LAUNCH (2006)

SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003)

And many more…

Follow Jacob and his work below:

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0722993/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobribicoff/