EP 247 - Hearts of Darkness - Editors - Michael Greer / Jay Miracle / Shana Hagan
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On today’s episode of the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, we journey into the chaotic brilliance behind Apocalypse Now through the lens of Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse—one of the most riveting behind-the-scenes documentaries ever made.I chatted with Michael Greer, Jay Miracle, and Shana Hagan—three of the creative forces behind this iconic film—to explore the emotional, technical, and artistic challenges of capturing the madness and genius of Francis Ford Coppola’s vision.Featuring rare audio recordings, behind-the-scenes footage, and Eleanor Coppola’s intimate perspective, Hearts of Darkness is more than a making-of; it’s a masterclass in filmmaking. Tune in as we unpack its legacy and why it continues to inspire storytellers and cinephiles around the world.Michael Greer is a seasoned film editor known for his emotionally resonant, character-driven work across features, documentaries, and television. His standout credits include Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse, where his nuanced editing captured the chaos behind Apocalypse Now. Greer is valued for his visual rhythm, emotional depth, and storytelling precision.Jay Miracle is an Emmy-winning film editor and documentary filmmaker known for his work on Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse, which earned him both an Emmy and an ACE Award. He began his career assisting on classics like Apocalypse Now and Star Wars, and later contributed to the Oscar-winning 20 Feet From Stardom. With decades of experience, Jay is known for his emotionally driven editing and strong storytelling instincts in both feature films and documentaries.Shana Hagan, ASC is an award-winning cinematographer who began her career as an assistant editor on Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. Her background in editing shaped her intuitive, story-driven visual style. She has since shot over 20 feature documentaries and numerous TV series, including Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and Somebody Somewhere, earning recognition for her emotional depth, clarity, and powerful documentary lens. #eleanorcoppola #heartsofdarkness #apocalypsenow #vietnamwar #filmmakingjourney#vittoriostoraro #documentaryfilmmaking #waltermurch #filmmakingresearch #eleanorcoppola http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 246 - 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Review - James Mottram & Jawad Mir
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On today’s episode of the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, we dive into the terrifying brilliance of Jurassic World: Rebirth. Gareth Edwards hits it out of the park with a film that’s as scary as it is stunning. Film critic James Mottram joins me to break down the most intense scenes, the film’s cinematic style, and whether Rebirth stands among the best in the Jurassic franchise.James Mottram is a film critic, journalist, and author. He has written several books on cinema, including The Making of Memento, The Sundance Kids, and, for Insight Editions, The Making of Dunkirk, Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History, The Secrets of Tenet: Inside Christopher Nolan’s Quantum Cold War, and Jurassic Park: The Ultimate Visual History. He has also contributed to numerous critical anthologies, on everything from Japanese cinema to war movies, and is a regular on movie podcast Inside Total Film. He lives in London.#jurassicworld #jurassicpark #jurassicworldrebirth #stevenspielberg #garethedwards #jaws #horror #scary #dinosaur #trex #shortsvideo #scarlettjohansson http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 245 'Terminator: Dark Fate' and it's World - Art Director - Sonja Klaus
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On today’s episode of the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, go behind the scenes of Terminator: Dark Fate with acclaimed art director Sonia Klaus—in a conversation all about cinema and the craft of storytelling.Sonia shares what it was like working with legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, designing the film’s iconic highway sequence, and how she blended practical sets with visual effects to make the action feel grounded and real.Be sure to listen to the Kingdom of Dreams podcast on your favorite platforms for more conversations with the creative forces shaping cinema. Don't miss it! 🎙️Sonja Klaus is a renowned British production designer known for her work on major films like Gladiator, American Gangster, Prometheus, and Taboo. She began in theatre before transitioning to film, collaborating extensively with Ridley Scott. Klaus has also designed acclaimed series like Taboo, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations, earning multiple awards and nominations. She is a BAFTA and AMPAS member and former Chair of the British Film Designers Guild.#artdirection #productiondesignarnoldschwarzenegger #jamescameron #teriminator #sciencefiction http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 244 - Steven Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds' Reflection - 20 Years Later
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ Today on the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, we’re diving deep into Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds—nearly 20 years after its release.Joining us for this conversation is film historian and author James Clarke, whose work on Spielberg and modern cinema brings rich perspective to the discussion.This film often gets overlooked in conversations about Spielberg’s legacy, but it’s a fascinating piece—visually bold, thematically urgent, and emotionally raw. Together, we’ll explore what worked, what didn’t, and why this post-9/11 sci-fi thriller might just be one of his most underrated films.Whether you’re a longtime fan or seeing it through fresh eyes, tune in as we re-examine this dark, chaotic, and surprisingly intimate alien invasion story—and consider its relevance in today’s world. James Clarke is a British author and film producer known for his books on cinema and influential directors, including Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and George Lucas. He was shortlisted for a BAFTA for producing the short drama Space Dance and is recognized for his clear, insightful writing on film history and visual storytelling. #moviereview #scifimovies #psychologicalhorror #movies #waroftheworlds #moviereview #scifimovies #psychologicalhorror #movies #cinematicnaturallight #visualstorytelling #videoessay #masterstorytelling #stevenspielberg #dakotafanning #tomcruise http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 243 - Inside the Art of Editing Apple TV+'s "Stick" 🎬 - Owen Wilson
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ Today on the Kingdom of Dreams podcast, we’re going behind the scenes of Apple TV+’s Stick with editor Ivan Victor.Stick isn’t just a show about golf—it’s a layered, character-driven series that digs into personal growth, identity, and redemption. In this episode, host Jawad Mir sits down with Ivan Victor, the editor who helped shape the tone and emotional rhythm of the show, starring Owen Wilson.Ivan shares his journey into the world of editing and how his past work on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Goldbergs, and 68 Whiskey prepared him for the unique challenges of Stick. He talks about crafting powerful montages, working closely with directors like David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers), and the creative decisions that helped bring some of the show’s most memorable moments—like the stunning circular dolly shot—to life.Ivan Victor is a seasoned film and television editor based in Los Angeles, known for his sharp storytelling and versatility. His credits span a wide range of acclaimed projects, including comedies like Parks and Recreation, The Goldbergs, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Osbournes, and Jackass: The Movie. More recently, he has worked on series such as 68 Whiskey, The Afterparty, Stick, and The Vince Staples Show. With a career spanning over two decades, Ivan is widely respected for his work in both single-camera comedy and high-paced television narratives.#appletv #trailer #governmentcheese #series #bestseriestowatch #stick #appletvstick #vancouverfilmindustry http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
Kingdom of Dreams Podcast is a must-listen for film enthusiasts. As a director, producer, and passionate movie lover, I’ve always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories, especially those from my own filmmaking journey. This podcast is dedicated to uncovering untold stories from Directors, Editors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Production Designers, Producers, Composers, VFX artists, and more. It also explores the highs and lows of building a career in filmmaking and the profound ways it shapes our personal lives.