Best Film Crew Institute Podcasts (2024)

1
Introducing: The West Wing Weekly Political Film Fest! 4:25

2h ago4:25

4:25

After four years away, we're bringing back The West Wing Weekly in a new form. As this election season heats up, we're taking a weekly respite from the stress of reality, and turning towards political cinema instead. We're watching and discussing some of our favorite films. It's the same mix of analysis and nonsense that you’ve come to expect from …

1
0.21: Celebrating the new West Wing book "What's Next?" (live with Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgerald, Aaron Sorkin, and more) 1:06:59

15d ago1:06:59

1:06:59

On Saturday, August 10, we celebrated the publication of the new book "What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service" by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. Josh and Hrishi moderated a discussion with them, along with special guests Aaron Sorkin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff…

1
First Assistant Accountant 24:18

3+ y ago24:18

24:18

Today’s guest and First Assistant Accountant extraordinaire is Lisa Shillingburg. Some of Lisa’s film credits include Limitless, Munich, The Founder, Stillwater, and a small film you may have heard of called The Avengers. Her tv credits are equally impressive, with titles like Leverage, Constantine, Devs, and Westworld all under her belt. In this e…

1
The Additional Production Assistant 22:35

3+ y ago22:35

22:35

Our guest this week is PA pro, Joel Burnham. Joel chats with our host, Alisha East, and lets you know everything you need to be ready for your first PA job. Some of Joel's credits include movies like Nightcrawler, Get Hard, and Taken 3 as well as television shows like Agents of Shield, Battle Creek, and The Mentalist.…

1
The First Assistant Editor 24:39

3+ y ago24:39

24:39

Kale Whorton is a first assistant editor whose assistant editor credits include films Bumblebee and Black Panther as well as TV series The United States of Tara, Weeds, and Orange is the New Black. Kale spoke to Film Crew 101 about his job and the result was a great episode packed to the brim with insight for young editors.…

1
The Assistant Production Office Coordinator 24:13

3+ y ago24:13

24:13

The APOC works directly under the Production Office Coordinator in the production office. As a go-between between producers, the studio, and production, the production office is a hub that supports every department on a film. The APOC joins this office early on and will work to oversee the pas and the production secretary in the office as well as e…

1
The Location Scout 29:27

4y ago29:27

29:27

Location Scout Jen Farris' location credits include the TV series Lovecraft Country, American Soul, Atlanta, Genius, and Sleepy Hollow. Jen has also worked in the location department on multiple films including Just Mercy, Game Night, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and the upcoming film, Dear Evan Hansen. Today, she unpacks her role as a loc…

1
The Special Effects Makeup Artist 33:10

4y ago33:10

33:10

Matthew Mungle has over 200 film and tv credits to his name as a special effects and prosthetic makeup artist. Matthew has worked on Hillbilly Elegy, The Irishman, August Osage County, Frida, Schindler’s List, Outbreak, Casper, and the movie that won him his Oscar, 1992’s Dracula. In addition, Matthew has worked on numerous television series includ…

1
The Editor 25:44

4y ago25:44

25:44

Host Amy Janes speaks with editor Stuart Levy, whose credits include "Any Given Sunday," "Red Eye," "Nim’s Island," "Foxcatcher," "Insurgent," "Allegiant," and "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms."By The Oklahoma Film and TV Academy

1
The Sound Utility 25:10

4y ago25:10

25:10

The sound utility is the third in line in the sound department, which is often comprised of the sound mixer, the boom op, and the sound utility. This role assists the sound department and acts as a liaison between the sound department and set during production. What do we mean by that? Well, here to help explain this role in full today is our host,…

1
The First Assistant Director 29:49

4y ago29:49

29:49

Kim Richards' 1st AD credits include The Mandalorian, Why Women Kill, and The Lion King in addition to other work in the AD department on projects like The Mentalist, Ray Donavan, The Jungle Book, Silicon Valley, American Horror Story, Young Sheldon and 12 Strong. In this episode, you'll learn what Kim's days look like on set and what skills have h…

1
The Payroll Accountant 15:42

4y ago15:42

15:42

Cathy Marshall-Hart is a payroll accountant that has worked on some amazing and iconic films. Her list of credits includes The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Rent, Rush Hour 3, Twilight, The Book of Eli, Hidden Figures, Hostiles, Ford v Ferrari, and two projects that filmed right here in Oklahoma – Stillwater, directed by Tom McCarthy and…

1
0.20: A West Wing Weekly Special to Discuss A West Wing Special To Benefit When We All Vote (with Aaron Sorkin) 1:15:54

4y ago1:15:54

1:15:54

We’re back! The West Wing cast reunited for this special episode, so we got back together to discuss it. And Aaron Sorkin joins us to talk about his experiences adapting "Hartsfield’s Landing" for this voter turnout initiative. Please go to whenweallvote.org to donate! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/020…

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The VFX Key Grip 21:25

4y ago21:25

21:25

A Key Grip works with the Gaffer and the Director of Photography to help oversee electric and rigging crews on a set. They’ll work with these teams to execute lighting and camera movements with a variety of equipment. A Visual Effects Key Grip differs from a key grip in that they specialize in unique lighting techniques and camera technologies that…

1
The Production Office PA 22:48

4y ago22:48

22:48

Melissa Caswell is an Oklahoma-based script supervisor and production assistant. She has worked as a Base Camp PA on the Sundance award-winning "Minari," an Office PA on "Stillwater," and an APOC on the independent film, "Iké Boys." In this episode, you'll learn about the duties of the Office PA.By The Oklahoma Film and TV Academy

1
The Digital Imaging Technician 24:27

4y ago24:27

24:27

Dino began working in the digital cinema space after the purchase of one of the first Red One cameras. Combined with his extensive background in production, his knowledge of the camera positioned him to stand out as a leading DIT early on as the industry transitioned to digital cinema. In addition to multiple music video credits and TV credits, Din…

1
The Hair Department Head 28:25

4y ago28:25

28:25

Chris Clark's credits include "Pan Am," "Scream Queens," "Feud: Bette and Joan," "American Crime Story," "Pose," "The Politician," and Netflix's recent TV series "Ratched." In this episode, you'll learn what a hair department head does and get some tips on how to get hired in the hair department.By The Oklahoma Film and TV Academy

1
The Gaffer 27:45

4y ago27:45

27:45

A Gaffer, or more formally, the Chief Lighting Technician, is in charge of the crew that runs the lighting on a film set. Gaffer Steve Mathis has worked on films including Halloween, Back to the Future, Mrs. Doubtfire, Moulin Rouge!, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Thor: Ragnarok, and more recently, Wonder Woman 1984. In this episode, Steve talks a…

1
The Post Production Coordinator 21:56

4y ago21:56

21:56

A post production coordinator supports post-production teams as they work to deliver a finished film. Today, our host, Emmy award-winning documentary series editor and award-winning feature documentary producer, Amy Janes, talks with Sue-Ellen Chitunya, who has worked as the in-house post production coordinator for some of your favorite Marvel film…

1
The Key Makeup Artist 29:45

4y ago29:45

29:45

Also referred to as a "Key Makeup" or "Key," a Key Makeup Artist assists the makeup department head and supports the department as a whole. Depending on the Head of Makeup's preferences, tasks for a key could include clerical work, taking pictures of looks and keeping track of continuity, and/or helping achieve makeup looks on talent. During filmin…

1
The Production Sound Mixer 22:16

4y ago22:16

22:16

Mathew Price is a Production Sound Mixer whose skill can be heard in some of your favorite films and tv shows (he's worked on The Sopranos, The Marvelous Mrs. Masiel, Daredevil, You, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to name a few). In this episode, he talks about the nitty-gritty of capturing sound on a film set and how to build a career that lasts…

1
The Background Production Assistant 30:19

4y ago30:19

30:19

A background production assistant works in the AD department. Their main focus is to organize and oversee the background actors, or extras, on set. A background pa works with the 2nd AD to prepare for the shoot day. They’ll organize vouchers for the extras and study the shooting schedule, script, and location maps. They will need to know where depa…

1
The Unit Production Manager 34:39

4y ago34:39

34:39

A Unit Production Manager is responsible for advising on and overseeing the film production budget, working with department heads to hire the production film crew, and helping to keep the production on schedule throughout the filming process. In pre-production, the Unit Production Manager hires crew members and consults with department heads to fig…

1
Film Crew 101 Trailer 0:46

4y ago0:46

0:46

Film Crew 101 pulls back the curtain on all the different roles that go into making a film or TV show. Ever wondered what a Gaffer or Best Boy does? Have you dreamt about working in the art department of a major movie but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you are well on your way building a career in film and TV but want to get more insight int…

1
Introducing: Home Cooking 17:31

4+ y ago17:31

17:31

We want to introduce you to a brand new emergency quarantine podcast mini-series called Home Cooking. It’s from Hrishi and chef Samin Nosrat, author of the award-winning cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and host of the Netflix show by the same name. The first episode just came out, and features Josh as the special guest. If you’ve missed hearing Jos…

1
7.22: Tomorrow (Live with cast and crew of The West Wing) 2:12:24

4+ y ago2:12:24

2:12:24

As the Bartlet administration ends, so does our podcast. We recorded our finale live in Los Angeles, at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. This episode has two parts: first, we discuss "Tomorrow," with several guests joining us. Then, we take a fond look back at the entire series, along with thirty (30!) guests from the cast and crew, including Aaron So…

1
7.21: Institutional Memory (with Janet Ashikaga) 1:12:43

4+ y ago1:12:43

1:12:43

CJ & Danny and Will & Kate all ponder what's next, and Josh & Hrishi do, too, as we discuss "Institutional Memory." We're joined by someone who also posseses institutional memory: the fantastic Janet Ashikaga, editor on The West Wing (including this episode), as well as Sports Night and Seinfeld. Plus: listen to the trailer for Hrishi’s new podcast…

1
7.20: The Last Hurrah (with Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo) 1:19:19

4+ y ago1:19:19

1:19:19

We discuss "The Last Hurrah" in this, our antepenultimate hurrah. And what a hurrah it is, with not one, but two great guests: Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo. Hurrah! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/720By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.19: Transition (Live with Bradley Whitford) 1:17:16

4+ y ago1:17:16

1:17:16

We traveled all the way to London to make a lot of references to "Fiddler on the Roof." Bradley Whitford joined us to record this episode in front of a sold-out crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/719By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
0.19: John Wells 1:00:56

4+ y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

For our last episode of the year, we've got a special one with television legend John Wells. We've been talking about him for seven seasons, and now we finally got him to talk to us directly. Our conversation spans the entire history of The West Wing, since John Wells served as Executive Producer for every single episode. For more, visit thewestwin…

1
7.18: Requiem (with memories of John Spencer from the cast and crew) 1:13:02

4+ y ago1:13:02

1:13:02

In this episode, some thoughts on John Spencer, shared by Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Rob Lowe, Jimmy Smits, Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Del Negro, Emily Procter, Eli Attie, Michael Hissrich, and Josh Malina. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/718 Support The West Wing Weekly and Radiotopia. Make your mark. Go to radiotopia.f…

1
0.18: Small Block of Cheese Day (The West Wing Weekly Forever) 14:31

5y ago14:31

14:31

In the main foyer of our podcast, we have this small block of cheese, there for any and all who might want a snack. We want this block of cheese to stick around forever, and never get moldy, or get thrown out! To do so, we’re hoping you’ll support our wonderful podcast network, Radiotopia, the refrigerator that keeps our show fresh in this increasi…

1
7.17: Election Day, Part 2 (with Jimmy Smits) 1:18:01

5y ago1:18:01

1:18:01

As we finish the long arc of the Presidential campaign with this momentous West Wing episode, Jimmy Smits joins us to tell us about his experience playing Matt Santos. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/717. Right now, Radiotopia is holding its annual fundraiser. Help us keep The West Wing Weekly available and free forever by supporting the netw…

1
7.16: Election Day, Part 1 (with Lauren Schmidt Hissrich and Michael Hissrich) 1:13:36

5y ago1:13:36

1:13:36

This week’s episode is one of love and loss, but with our guests this week, we’re celebrating the joyful side. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich wrote this episode, and she and her husband, West Wing line producer Michael Hissrich, join us to tell us how their path together mirrored and influenced Josh and Donna’s. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/716…

1
0.17: Casting the Pilot (with John Levey) 41:17

5y ago41:17

41:17

Before we get to the end, we're going back to the beginning. For this bonus episode, we talk to John Levey, Emmy-winning casting director for the first two seasons of The West Wing, about putting together our renowned ensemble. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/017By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.15: Welcome to Wherever You Are 51:20

5y ago51:20

51:20

In this week's episode, Toby says, "You should do the crossword," so Hrishi made a mini puzzle to go along with our discussion. Get a PDF of the puzzle at thewestwingweekly.com/715. ACROSS 1. Grammy-winning singer and creator of questionable slogans, Bon _ 5. Nights before, like Erevs Yom Kippur 6. What Josh wants when he yells, "I want the numbers…

1
7.14: Two Weeks Out 45:12

5y ago45:12

45:12

We take this episode in our bone-crushing grip and shake it with everything we've got. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/714By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.13: The Cold (with Janel Moloney and Bradley Whitford) 1:09:02

5y ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Josh and Donna There on my TV K-I-S-S-I-N-G Let's discuss. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/713By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.12: Duck and Cover (with Eli Attie) 55:48

5y ago55:48

55:48

Eli Attie joins us to discuss this tension-filled episode about a potential nuclear disaster. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/712By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.11: Internal Displacement (with Bradley Whitford and Annabeth Gish) 58:00

5y ago58:00

58:00

Bradley Whitford returns to gleefully tell us about writing this episode and giving Josh the lines, "I can't act. I'm a terrible actor." And Annabeth Gish joins us, too! (How lucky are we?) We talk to her about the complicated character of Liz Bartlet Westin, whom she portrayed so thoughtfully. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/711…

1
0.16: Annabeth Schott (with Kristin Chenoweth) 40:57

5y ago40:57

40:57

This week, the great Kristin Chenoweth joins us to discuss her role as Annabeth. She's an Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer, and we’re so glad she’s finally joining us! For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/016By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.10: Running Mates (with Matthew Del Negro) 1:09:22

5y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

This week, we discuss the beautiful performance by John Spencer in "Running Mates," the first episode of his to air posthumously. We’re also joined by Matthew Del Negro to discuss Bram, telebrams, and more. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/710By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.09: The Wedding (with Nina Siemaszko) 58:03

5y ago58:03

58:03

Today, we’re talking about "The Wedding" (or The Marriage, or The Espousal, or The Nuptials, or The Union). We’re joined by Nina Siemaszko, who tells us about the twist in this subplot that she didn’t see coming. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/709By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.08: Undecideds 43:50

5y ago43:50

43:50

In "Undecideds," Santos gives a speech meant to uplift and inspire, but Josh and Hrishi are "Unconvinceds." Plus, we look at Toby’s apartment, Godwin’s Law, and Will’s butt. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/708By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.07: The Debate (Part II, with Ronald Klain and Beth Myers) 58:25

5y ago58:25

58:25

How did Santos and Vinick do in the debate? To help us judge the candidates on both substance and style, we’ve enlisted the people in charge of debate prep on either side of the 2012 Presidential election. Ronald Klain led President Obama’s debate prep, and Beth Myers was in charge of Senator Mitt Romney’s prep. It was fascinating to speak to both …

1
7.07: The Debate (Part I, with Lawrence O'Donnell) 1:01:07

5y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

In our first of two episodes on "The Debate," we talk to Lawrence O’Donnell, who took on the challenge of writing a live episode — one that takes place entirely in the context of a Presidential debate. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/707By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.06: The Al Smith Dinner 51:14

5y ago51:14

51:14

At long last, everyone is ready to unleash their negative ad campaigns. Here's one Hrishi came up with. JOSH MALINA—he's not nearly as mean as he makes himself out to be! He says he "ruined The West Wing," but even Richard Schiff says 'Arctic Radar' is one of the best episodes of the series. What else is Josh hiding? JOSH MALINA—actually pretty nic…

1
7.05: Here Today (with Richard Schiff) 1:14:13

5y ago1:14:13

1:14:13

Richard Schiff joins us to discuss this gorgeous, eerie, heartbreaking episode and to tell us his true feelings about Toby’s storyline. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/705By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
7.04: Mr. Frost 54:16

5y ago54:16

54:16

Joshua Malina and Hrishikesh Hirway (collectively, “The Hosts”) have been served a subpoena to appear on this episode of the podcast, to testify in regards to the above television episode. Pursuant to this agreement, you (“Listener”) are required to listen to our nonsense. Failure to do so may result in missing out on some dumb thing that gets call…

1
0.15: Alex Graves 51:53

5y ago51:53

51:53

At long last, West Wing director and executive producer Alex Graves joins us to talk about his time on the show. From "In Excelsis Deo" to "17 People" to our current episodes in Season 7, we discuss some of the big moments in the series that he helped shape. For more, visit thewestwingweekly.com/015By Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

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