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.

Elena Engel is an award winning filmmaker who has worked with Disney, Warner Brothers, Amblin, PBS, and the UN among others. Stories that instill a deeper understanding of the human condition are her passion.

I had Elena on the show today to discuss her documentary short film JOHN LEGUIZAMO LIVE AT RIKERS. In the film actor, John Leguizamo performs his play Ghetto Klown at Rikers Island prison, inspiring justice-involved young men to reflect openly on their own lives and the serious challenges of incarceration.

JOHN LEGUIZAMO LIVE AT RIKERS is screening three times at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, including at home!!! For more information click the link below

https://tribecafilm.com/films/john-leguizamo-live-at-rikers-2022

Zach Kuperstein, a New York-based cinematographer listed among Variety's Artisan Elites, has a passion for visual storytelling. He burst onto the field with the southern gothic film, "The Eyes of My Mother," premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. His work earned him nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Camerimage International Film Festival. Since then he's lensed many more features including "The Climb," winning the jury's heart award at 2019's Cannes Film Festival followed by screenings at Telluride and Sundance, then together with his most recent work, "The Vigil," at the Toronto International Film Festival and the would-be 2020 SXSW Film Festival. With his never-say-never attitude, he's ready to lift any narrative off the page and onto the screen.

I had Zach on the show today to talk about his work on the box-office hit BARBARIAN.

Today I'm joined by Maximiliano Contenti to discuss his neo-giallo slasher film THE LAST MATINEE.

A crazed killer begins to pick off audience members attending the last showing of a horror film in a small downtown cinema. Meanwhile, the only person to notice that something strange is going on is the projectionist's daughter.

Dark Star Pictures and Bloody Disgusting will release the Uruguay-Argentinian horror film THE LAST MATINEE on VOD, Digital and DVD on August 24th.

This episode is sponsored by Bookmans