
Hollyweird #040 - Merger Mystery Tour
16/12/2025 | 1h 9 mins.
In this episode, hosts Lexi and Sean explore the complexities and historical context of media mergers, focusing on the recent developments involving Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, and Paramount. They discuss the impact of these mergers on the film and TV industry, including potential job cuts, distribution changes, and the future of theatrical releases. The hosts also delve into the history of major studio mergers and the 1948 Paramount Supreme Court case that ended studio monopolies on theaters. They provide insights into the current state of streaming services and speculate on the potential outcomes of the ongoing bidding war for Warner Bros. 00:00 Introduction and Positive Feedback 01:00 Patreon Updates and New Stickers 02:50 Exciting Movie Teasers 04:03 Breaking News: Warner Brothers Acquired by Netflix 05:18 Deep Dive: Media Mergers and Acquisitions 06:27 Impact of Mergers on Studios and Distribution 11:25 Major Studios and Their Holdings 16:30 History of Studio Mergers and Acquisitions 29:05 The Role of Studios in Movie Distribution 35:48 High School Drama and Gossip 36:35 The Paramount Supreme Court Case of 1948 37:52 Block Booking and Studio Monopolies 39:08 The Reversal of the Decrees in 2020 40:30 Mergers and Acquisitions: Ted Turner and Amazon 42:02 New Line and Lord of the Rings Lawsuits 42:56 Creative Control and Studio Acquisitions 44:40 Netflix vs. Paramount: The Battle for WBD 48:02 Streaming Services and Theatrical Releases 49:11 Yearly Wrap-Up and Oscar Predictions 52:00 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollyweird #039 - A Gremlins Episode, But Make It An Unhinged Mess
09/12/2025 | 1h 18 mins.
In this episode, Sean and Lexi brings a wild, off-the-cuff take on the 'Gremlins' film, aiming to break away from the usual format. Throughout the episode, the gang touches on various topics such as the new Gremlins movie, the chaotic nature of the original 1984 film, and its impact on the PG-13 rating. Additionally, the show delves into the potential Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros and HBO, industry drama, and hilarious mishaps with animated puppets. Join us as we get Holly Jolly Weird. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Disclaimer 02:39 Netflix and Warner Brothers Merger Drama 06:54 Paramount vs. Netflix: The Battle for Warner Brothers 11:44 Gremlins: A Nostalgic Dive 13:11 Middle School Crushes and Personal Anecdotes 15:07 Gremlins: The Movie Breakdown 35:09 Spielberg's Influence and Directorial Mysteries 39:34 Backlot Trivia and Movie References 40:29 Howie Mandel's Viral Moment 44:11 Gizmo and the Animatronics 49:08 Dark Themes in Gremlins 55:14 Cory Feldman and Cult Allegations 01:04:12 Favorite Gremlins and Scenes 01:05:32 Gremlins 2 and Future Speculations 01:16:02 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollyweird #038 - JoeVember: Joe Begos w/ Director Joe Begos
25/11/2025 | 1h 43 mins.
In this episode, indie filmmaker Joe Begos shares insights into his career, detailing his journey from a young horror fan to a prominent independent director. He recounts his early love for horror films, guided by the impactful box art at his local video store, and his decision to forgo film school in favor of hands-on experience. Begos discusses pivotal moments in his life and career, including a life-changing accident that influenced his creative process and the evolution of his unique filmmaking style. He delves into the making of his films such as 'Almost Human,' 'Bliss,' 'VFW,' and 'Christmas Bloody Christmas,' highlighting the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking. The conversation also covers his collaborations, filming techniques, and his experiences with larger budgets, all while maintaining creative control. The episode provides an in-depth look at Begos' passion for genre films, his innovative approach to storytelling, and his dedication to his craft. 00:00 A Bloody Start 00:34 Welcome to Vember 01:50 Introducing Joe Begus 02:49 Joe Begus' Early Career 05:33 Almost Human and Beyond 09:15 The Mind's Eye and Bliss 15:22 VFW and Christmas Bloody Christmas 19:24 Joe Begus' Unique Style 27:32 Setting the Scene: Jimmy and STIGs Vibe 27:50 Behind the Scenes: Filming Jimmy and STIGs 28:37 The Roadshow and Collaborations 29:59 Creating During the Pandemic 31:15 Challenges of Filming on a Budget 32:47 The Evolution of Jimmy and STIGs 37:09 Childhood Influences and Video Store Memories 48:20 Early Career and Filmmaking Journey 50:34 Working with Stewart Gordon 52:20 Making Almost Human 54:39 Navigating the Studio System 58:05 Alien Fascination and Pop Culture 01:02:45 Shooting on Film: Challenges and Rewards 01:04:02 Discussion on Jimmy and STIGs 01:04:35 Connecting with Horror Section Studios 01:05:31 The Unexpected Breakthrough with Eli Roth 01:08:04 The Cliff Incident in Europe 01:13:47 The Evolution from Mind's Eye to Bliss 01:15:50 Directing VFW and Overcoming Challenges 01:27:20 Christmas, Bloody Christmas and Big Budgets 01:37:06 Promotions and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollyweird #036 - JoeVember: Joe Lynch w/ Director Joe Lynch
18/11/2025 | 2h 29 mins.
In this episode, JoeVember continues with special guest director Joe Lynch! Highlighting Lynch's notable contributions to the horror genre through films like 'Wrong Turn 2' and 'Mayhem.' The conversation delves into Lynch's unique entry into filmmaking, production challenges, and his use of 'rip matic' trailers and practical effects. Lynch shares personal anecdotes from sets like the controversial yet captivating 'Suitable Flesh' and discusses film restoration with remakes and sequels. The episode also features comparisons to films by Joe Begoas, underlining the camaraderie in the horror filmmaking community and recounting Lynch's humorous, behind-the-scenes experiences. 00:00 A Bloody Start 01:04 Welcome to JoVE 01:40 Joe Weber and Joe Lynch 02:08 Discussing Joe Lynch's Career 09:28 Wrong Turn 2: Dead End 22:40 Knights of Badassdom 25:00 Everly and Beyond 29:46 Mayhem and Point Blank 32:30 Suitable Flesh 33:16 Jonah Ray and Suitable Flesh 33:45 Theatrical Release and Limited Run 34:24 Confusion with Joe Lynch 35:57 Everly and Letterbox Reviews 36:57 Holliston and FearNet 37:45 Joe Lynch's Cameos 40:12 Best and Worst Movies 44:07 Saved by the Bell and 90s Sitcoms 48:54 Joe Lynch Interview Begins 01:10:57 Creative Pitching in Filmmaking 01:12:16 The Evolution of Film Financing 01:14:06 Warner Brothers' Recent Strategies 01:18:09 The Importance of Time in Filmmaking 01:21:01 Challenges of Low-Budget Filmmaking 01:29:20 The Making of 'Wrong Turn 2' 01:36:40 Humor and Provocation in Horror Films 01:42:14 The Influence of Howard Stern 01:43:49 The Origin of 'Shit Ghost' 01:49:42 Inviting Back for Another Episode 01:50:32 Discussing Filmmaking Challenges 01:55:46 Double Features and Movie Releases 01:57:20 On-Set Intimacy and Filming Challenges 02:06:47 The Impact of Strikes on Movie Releases 02:15:34 Favorite Movies and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollyweird #037 – Interview w/ Dream Eater Directors Mallory, Jay, and Alex
17/11/2025 | 1h 9 mins.
In this episode, the hosts interview Mallory Drumm, Jay Drakulic, and Alex Williams, the three directors behind the indie horror movie 'Dream Eater.' The conversation covers various aspects of the filmmaking process, including their passion for found footage, filming challenges, and the benefits of collaborating as a trio. They discuss the inspiration and story behind 'Dream Eater,' the impact of receiving distribution through Eli Roth's Horror Section Studios, and the film's unexpected theatrical release. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes related to sleep and nightmares, which influenced the movie's storyline. The interview also touches on the evolution of film promotion using platforms like Letterboxd. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 00:38 Discussing the Movie 'Dream Eater' 01:36 Found Footage Filmmaking Insights 06:58 Challenges and Rewards of Independent Filmmaking 11:03 The Dynamics of a Three-Part Director Group 25:36 Nostalgia and Video Store Memories 31:53 Origins and Inspirations for 'Dream Eater' 37:47 Recurring Nightmares 38:56 Incorporating Personal Sleep Issues into Characters 40:29 Mallory's Exhaustion and Realism in Acting 41:35 Dreams as Inspiration for Movies 43:08 Nightmares and Micro Nightmares 45:29 Production Challenges and On-the-Fly Solutions 48:10 Weather Challenges and Serendipitous Snowfall 56:29 Eli Roth's Interest and Distribution Deal 01:02:44 Theatrical Release and Audience Reception 01:05:10 Innovative Marketing with Letterboxd Reviews 01:07:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices



The Horror Show: A Horror Movie Podcast