Interview With Writer/Director Nicole Riegel

In this episode of “Black & A Half” I have the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Riegel, the brilliant writer and director of the new film “Dandelion,” which has quickly become my top movie of 2024. Nicole’s work on this film is exceptional, and it’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling and beautiful cinematography.

During our conversation, Nicole and I delve into the making of “Dandelion,” discussing her inspiration for the film, the casting process, and the delicate artistry that went into creating such a poignant story. I was particularly struck by her openness to finding the right soul for each role, which truly shines through in the performances.

Video Interview

Audio-Only Podcast

Her dedication to her craft is inspiring, and I believe “Dandelion” is a film that deserves widespread recognition. We also talk about the importance of indie films and how they contribute to the richness of the film industry.

Join us as we explore Nicole’s creative process, her thoughts on the film industry, and the challenges and rewards of being an indie filmmaker. This interview is not only for movie enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking.

Key Highlights:

  • Insight into the making of “Dandelion”
  • Nicole Riegel’s approach to casting and storytelling
  • The impact of indie films on the film industry
  • Personal anecdotes and experiences from Nicole and myself

Make sure to listen to the full interview to get a deeper understanding of why “Dandelion” is such a special film. And don’t forget to check out my review of the movie on the website and past episodes for more great content.

Interview – Dr. Erin MacDonald

This week on “Black and A Half” with Silas Lindenstein, an insightful and engaging interview with the incredible Dr. Erin MacDonald! As an astrophysicist, the science consultant for the Star Trek franchise, and a voice actor on Star Trek: Prodigy, Dr. MacDonald brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our conversation about the intersection of science and science fiction.

In this episode, Dr. MacDonald takes us through her fascinating journey in the world of astrophysics and explains why Star Trek stands out as science fiction rather than fantasy. She also answers my well-known seven questions and responds to some intriguing listener queries, providing a well-rounded look at her professional and personal life.

Watch the Video Interview:

Listen to the Podcast Episode: 

Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to leave your comments and share your thoughts on the interview! Make sure to subscribe to the blog, YouTube channel, and podcast for more exciting interviews and movie reviews.

Interview: Xenia LeBlanc

lcome to another episode of “You’re Watching A Movie With Silas Lindenstein”! This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Xenia LeBlanc, the talented writer and director of the short film “The Exposed.” Xenia takes us through her fascinating journey from studying acting around the world to creating her gripping horror short film.

In this interview, we delve into the unique dynamics of her filmmaking partnership with her husband, Nicholas Acosta, and how they navigate their creative projects together. Xenia reveals the challenges and creative process behind “The Exposed,” a film crafted without CGI or visual effects, and the inspiration she drew from her Russian childhood, including a chilling episode of “Rescue 911.”

Watch and Listen Below:

VIDEO INTERVIEW

AUDIO-ONLY PODCAST

Highlights of the Interview:

  • Filmmaking Couple Dynamics: Insights into working and creating films with her husband, Nicholas Acosta.
  • Creating “The Exposed”: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and overcoming challenges without CGI.
  • Inspirations and Horror Genre Insights: How Xenia’s childhood experiences and love for horror influenced her storytelling.
  • Cultural Influences: Discussions about the impact of her Russian background on her creative process.

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Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation with Xenia LeBlanc, filled with personal anecdotes, filmmaking tips, and a closer look at her latest project. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share your thoughts on the film!

Enjoy the episode and make sure to subscribe for more exciting interviews and movie reviews!

Episode 220: Interview – Action and Comedy on a Budget with Nicholas Acosta

🎬 Episode 220: Action and Comedy on a Budget with Nicholas Acosta

In this exciting episode of “Black & A Half,” Silas Lindenstein sits down with the talented writer-director Nicholas Acosta. Nicholas recently premiered his new short film, “The Pickup,” at the Dances With Films Film Festival on June 25th. “The Pickup” is an action-comedy about an Uber driver who inadvertently becomes involved in a secret agent’s high-stakes mission. Astonishingly, this high-quality film, filled with car chases, fireballs, and even a helicopter, was made on a shoestring budget of just $6,000!

Silas and Nicholas dive into the creative process behind making a visually stunning action short without breaking the bank. They discuss the challenges and innovations of filming during the pandemic, the use of special effects and miniatures, and the remarkable resourcefulness required to produce Hollywood-caliber stunts on an indie budget. Nicholas also shares insights into his popular YouTube series on creating stunts and special effects on a budget, as well as anecdotes from his own Uber driving experiences that inspired the film.

Additionally, Nicholas answers Silas’s “World Famous Seven Questions,” revealing his nerdy passions, favorite foods and drinks, musical tastes, and more.

Don’t miss this fascinating look at indie filmmaking magic and the behind-the-scenes stories that make “The Pickup” a must-watch. Tune in, relax, and enjoy this fun and insightful conversation with Nicholas Acosta.

Video Interview

Audio-Only Podcast

THE TRAILER

Listen now and subscribe to “Black & A Half” for more entertaining interviews and movie discussions!

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7 Questions With Stimson Snead & Samuel Dunning

It’s an interview episode! Silas had a chance to chat with Writer/Director Stimson Snead & actor Samuel Dunning from the new film Time Travers And The Time Traveler’s Paradox. They discuss how the film was made and they answer the world-famous 7 Questions. 

Available in Video and Audio-Only Podcast

About The Film

It is called the Time Traveler’s Paradox. In which a scientist creates a Time Machine and kills their younger self. So now a man who should not- can not- exist, somehow does. That is the Paradox, and Paradoxes are impossible. And the man who has created it, is Tim Travers. A reclusive mad scientist whose stated mission in life is to stand alone with God at the end of time, and tell the bastard off!!

In the course of his adventure, Tim Travers will take on the mercenary gang whose stolen plutonium powers his machine, challenge an Alex Jones esk podcaster to a battle of wits, create a black hole, meet the one woman alive crazier than him, clone himself, destroy the universe, make a new one, and maybe-just maybe- learn to love himself at last.

TIM TRAVERS AND THE TIME TRAVELER’S PARADOX was written & directed by Stimson Snead. The film was executive produced by Ben Yennie, Felicia Day, and Rich Cowan, and produced by Kylie Walchuk and Casey Cowan. The film has a running time 104 minutes and is available for sale in all territories. TIM TRAVERS AND THE TIME TRAVELER’S PARADOX premiered at 2024 Cinequest where it won Best Comedy Feature. It also just screened at BIFFF, Phoenix Film Festival and the Seattle International Film Festival

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Episode #214: Chantel Riley – 7 Questions

Interview with the star of the new film Colorblind, Chantel Riley. She discusses how she got into acting and answers the world-famous seven questions. 

Available in video and audio-only podcast.

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AUDIO ONLY PODCAST

Episode #208: The Cast of The Umbrella Men

This week Silas got to sit down with the Cast of The Umbrella Man, a new South African action/comedy/heist film, while they were in attendance at the Toronto International Film Festival.