Following Films Podcast

Thank you for listening to this episode of the FOLLOWING FILMS podcast. A movie podcast that takes you on a weekly journey into the world of cinema and the minds of the talented individuals who shape it. I'm your host, Chris Maynard, and today I’m joined by Tracy Lynn Cruz.

With a career spanning over two decades, Tracy has captivated audiences with her remarkable performances in film and television. Best known for her iconic role as Ashley Hammond, the Yellow Ranger in "Power Rangers Turbo" and "Power Rangers in Space," Tracy has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. In this interview, we'll delve into something a bit more personal and discuss parenting children on the spectrum, the need to rethink the way we handle comic book conventions, and her non-profit NuroLux.com, an organization whose mission is “to ensure every family impacted by Autism receives meaningful education, resources and a custom care plan to light their path ahead.” As anyone with a child on the spectrum will attest, this service is greatly needed.

But before we dive into our conversation with Tracy, I'd like to take a moment to thank our sponsor, Bookmans. Bookmans is your go-to independent bookstore, where you can find an extensive selection of books, movies, music, and more. They truly believe in the power of storytelling and the magic of the cinematic arts. So, if you're looking to expand your film, music, or movie collection, be sure to visit your nearest Bookmans, there is always something truly wonderful to discover.

Have you followed the Following Films Podcast on Spotify? If you have, thank you! If you haven’t head on over to Spotify, search for Following Films, and give us a follow. It really does help the show.

As a quick production note, this episode was recorded at the Tucson Comi-Con in the green room. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my normal mics, so this was recorded using lapel mics. I think it is absolutely listenable but you can hear a bit of room noise throughout the interview. Now, without further ado, here is my conversation with Tracy, for more information about NuroLux go nurolux.com.

Enjoy the show.

Ten Tricks, a Fandor Exclusive, follows a glamorous madam, Grace (Lea Thompson), who has spent years being surrounded by men. When she decides she wants to start a family, she realizes the list of potential prospects is shockingly thin. Thankfully, a chance encounter with a neighbor proves there might just be magic in the air after all. The seductive satire was directed by Emmy Nominee Richard Pagano, and also stars Raymond Cruz (The Closer), Sam Hennings (The Aviator), and Damien Leake (Apocalypse Now).

Also written and produced by Pagano, the film takes a humorous look at love, sex, and everything in between. Additional producers include Robert Jay Litz, Randall Miller, with Ryan Bury, James Andrew Felts, and Stephen Silverman acting as executive producers.

FANDOR offers artfully entertaining American indies and the boldest in cult treasures, global voices, and non-fiction storytelling. Our ever-growing streaming library rewards the adventurous on iOS, Android, Prime Video, YouTube TV, Comcast and fandor.com. Visit www.fandor.com for more information.

Today I’m joined by cinematographer Stefan Duscio to discuss his latest work, the Apple TV+ series, Shantaram.

Based on the internationally best-selling novel by Gregory David Roberts, the 1980s set drama follows a fugitive who escapes prison and reinvents himself as a doctor in the slums of Bombay.

Shantaram is the first Apple TV series that uses anamorphic lenses and frame in a 2.40 aspect ratio. When shooting the series Duscio pursued smooth camera movement and widescreen anamorphic because in his own words, “I wanted you to fall in love with Bombay, and unashamedly present it in a romantic way."

Duscio teamed up with production designer Chris Kennedy (Lion) for visual research into 1980s India. In addition to the novel, inspiration for the visual language and aesthetic came from a plethora of art that included street and fashion photography, National Geographic content, and per Duscio, "feelings of travel, wanderlust and philosophy."

Today I'm joined by writer/director Duncan Birmingham to discuss his work on the incredible Shudder original film WHO INVITED THEM.

Adam and Margo's housewarming party is a success. One couple linger after the other guests, revealing themselves to be wealthy neighbors. As one night cap leads to another, Adam and Margo suspect their new friends are duplicitous strangers

Isabelle Fuhrman is best known for her roles as Esther in the 2009 psychological horror film Orphan and Clove in the 2012 dystopian adventure film The Hunger Games. She has been labelled as a "horror icon" for portraying Esther.

I had Isabelle on the show to discuss her latest film The Novice

A college freshman joins her university's rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost.

The will be in theatres and on demand Friday, Dec. 17th