Behind The Marquee | Ann Arbor District Library
by Ann Arbor District Library
The Michigan Theater Foundation's round-table discussion podcast that takes you behind the scenes of an independent Art House Cinema. Featuring discussions on what's new and interesting playing outside the megaplex theater, film festival roundups, and the general love of movies that drives us.
Episodes
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 59 - Roger Rapoport, Coming Up For Air
Nick has a conversation with Roger Rapoport, writer/producer of 'Coming Up For Air', about shooting in West Michigan, writing about mental health, the difficulties of filming high divers, and so much more. Roger will attend a screening of the film on Friday, September 30 with writer/actress…
more -
Behind The Marquee: Episode 58 - The First Degree
Nick has a conversation with Matt Schwarz and Jordan Frank of the band Quasar Wut-Wut and Olivia Babler of the Chicago Film Archives about 'The First Degree', a silent film long believed to have been lost that will screen at the Michigan Theater on Saturday, Sept. 17 with live accompaniment of an...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 57 - Greg Sestero
Nick talks to actor, filmmaker and author Greg Sestero, "oh hi, Mark", of The Room. The two discuss his ongoing tour of the cult classic (coming to the Michigan Theater on Friday, September 2), what makes The Room different from other "bad movies", his thoughts on Tommy Wiseau as an actor and...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 56 - Summer Classics 2022
Nick discusses the upcoming Summer Classics series at the Michigan Theater with some fun facts about the films coming up, context and background, and why they were programmed this year.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 55 - Anna Baumgarten and Danny Mooney, Disfluency
Nick talks with writer/director Anna Baumgarten and producer Danny Mooney of the film 'Disfluency' about its origins from short to feature, filming and editing during the pandemic, and more! You can see the film at the Michigan Theater on Tuesday, March 8, at which they will both be in attendance...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 54 - 2022 Oscar Nominations Round-Up
Nick and Sarah welcome Ellen for her first time on the podcast! The three discuss the recent Oscar nominations, including what they're happy to see, what they're disappointed didn't make the cut, and what they predict to happen on March 27. And as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 53 - Alfred Hitchcock with Al Sjoerdsma
Nick has a conversation about all things Hitchcock with Al Sjoerdsma, host of Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents from the Ann Arbor District Library. They discuss the research that goes into Al's show, some of his favorite episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, the legacy of Hitchcock and the...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 52 - Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound - Filmmaker Q and A
Nick has a conversation with Midge Costin, Bobette Buster and Karen Johnson, the team behind the documentary 'Making Waves: The Art of Cinema of Cinematic Sound'. The three discuss their intentions to make a documentary that highlights women in the industry, their decade long journey in making…
more -
Behind The Marquee: Episode 51 - BTM Replay: Direct from Sundance 2020
Nick flashes back to February 2020, to our Direct from Sundance screenings of 'The Last Shift' and 'Dinner in America' where he spoke with directors Andrew Cohn and Adam Rehmeier. Andrew and Adam talk about their time growing up in metro Detroit, how their individual experiences shaped their…
more -
Behind The Marquee: Episode 50 - Sundance Favorites 2021
Nick and Makenzie discuss a couple of their favorite films from the 2021 Virtual Sundance Film Festival, covering 'Playing with Sharks', 'Together Together', 'Mass', 'Wild Indian', and 'Summer of Soul'. And as always, they conclude with the Movie Magic Moments of the Week!
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 49 - Joe Gantz, 'The Race to Save the World'
Nick has a conversation with Joe Gantz, Emmy winning filmmaker for 'Taxi Cab Confessions' and director of 'The Race to Save the World', a new documentary playing in virtual cinemas about Climate Change activists. They talk about his life as an activist, his philosophies as a filmmaker, the…
more -
Behind The Marquee: Episode 48 - Bruce Campbell
Nick has a conversation with actor, producer, writer, director, and cult legend: Bruce Campbell. They discuss his early cinema experiences in Michigan, a bit about what informed his performances as Ash Williams, why he feels the character is still relevant today and a whole lot more.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 47 - A Virtual Year
Nick is joined by Sarah, Jared, and Ben for a discussion about the last year in programming, how the Virtual Cinema will continue as cinemas reopen, what they're looking forward to this Summer, and as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 46 - A Virtual Conversation with Ann Arbor Chefs
Inspired by the virtual release of 'Her Name is Chef', Sarah Escalante, Director of Programming and Communications, has a virtual conversation and Q and A with local chefs: Abby Olitzky from Spencer, Allie Lyttle from Lala's, Ji Hye Kim from Miss Kim, and Eve Aronoff from Frita Batidos.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 45 - Filmakers of 17 Blocks
Sarah Escalante has a conversation with the filmmakers behind the documentary '17 Blocks': Director Davy Rothbart, born and raised in Ann Arbor, the subjects/filmmakers Cheryl and Smurf Sanford, and with music supervisor Mike DiBella.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 44 - Mitchell Kezin of ‘Jingle Bell Rocks!’
Nick speaks with Mitchell Kezin, director of the film Jingle Bell Rocks!, about his “obsession” with collecting obscure Christmas records, the digital age of music, modern Christmas music, his projects since releasing the documentary in 2014 and a whole lot more.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 43 - Haroula Rose, Bonnie Jo Campbell, and David Macias of Once Upon a River
Nick speaks with writer/director Haroula Rose, author Bonnie Jo Campbell, and producer David Macias of Once Upon a River. The Q and A includes discussion points about how Bonnie’s book was adapted and the relationship between the author and screenwriter, casting and location decisions, Annie...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 42 - Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone, Vinyl Nation
Nick speaks with Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone, directors of the documentary Vinyl Nation, about the resurgence of vinyl over the past decade, filming across the country, their personal connections with records, and more!
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 41 - Melissa Haizlip, Mr. SOUL!
Nick speaks with Melissa Haizlip, director of Mr. SOUL!, about her uncle Ellis’ television program Soul!, the legacy of Ellis Haizlip, the state of television today, and the 10 year journey that was taken to make this film.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 40 - Brigitte Amiri, The Fight
Nick hosts a virtual Q and A with Brigitte Amiri, deputy director at the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project, an Ann Arbor native, and on-screen subject of the ‘The Fight’. Brigitte discusses the trust she had with the filmmakers while making the documentary, how she guards herself from outside...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 39 - A2 Tech Film Showcase
Nick has a virtual discussion with Rik Cordero and Hafsah Mijinyawa from the A2 Tech Film Showcase to discuss the history and inspiration of their showcase, this year’s curation, silver linings of going virtual, and what the films mean for our times.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 38 - Our Virtual Movie Palace
It’s been 4 months since the Michigan and State Theatre debuted the Virtual Movie Palace, so Nick Alderink is joined by Sarah Escalante, Fionn Pooler and Jared Van Eck to discuss some of their favorite films now playing virtually, as well as what they’ve learned over the past four months, some of...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 37 - Nevertheless Film Festival
Nick is joined by Meredith Finch, Festival Director and Founder, and Alana Davis, Director of Artist Relations, of the Nevertheless Film Festival being held virtually July 9-12! Discussion includes the silver linings of holding a virtual film festival, some exciting things that must be held for...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 36 - Classic Movie Madness
Nick is joined remotely by Makenzie and Jay to discuss life in quarantine and the Classic Movie Madness bracket challenge being held on social media! 32 classic movies matched against each other to find the find the best of the best. And as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments!
-
Behind The Marquee: BTM Bonus - Direct from Sundance with Andrew Cohn
Nick is joined by Andrew Cohn, director of The Last Shift, at the Michigan Theater to discuss his Ann Arbor roots, his path as a filmmaker, working with Richard Jenkins, and more!
-
Behind The Marquee: BTM Bonus - Direct from Sundance with Adam Rehmeier
Nick is joined by Adam Rehmeier, director of Dinner in America, at the Michigan Theater to discuss filming in Michigan, how his characters were conceived, music and more!
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 35 - Kiarostami Retrospective
Nick is joined by Ashkan Kazemi of the Iranian Graduate Student Association at the University of Michigan to discuss the upcoming Abbas Kiarostami retrospective beginning in March at the Michigan Theater. They discuss the impact of Kiarostami on each other's lives, the role of the artist in Iran,...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 34 - Barton Organ Restoration
Nick is joined by Michigan Theater house organist David Hufford to discuss his work to restore the historic Barton Organ, what makes it unique, a bit of its history, and what it’s like to accompany a silent film or sing-along.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 33 - 2019 and a Decade in Review
Nick, Makenzie, Ariel and Jay recap 2019, discuss their favorite films of the last decade, what they’re most looking forward to in 2020, what trends they hope to continue in the next decade, and conclude with their “Movie Gifts”.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 32 - Journalism on Screen
Nick is joined by Zoe Clark (Program Director of Michigan Radio and Co-Host of ‘It’s Just Politics’) and Robert Yoon (Visiting Professor of Journalism at U of M and former CNN Director of Political Research) to talk about the upcoming Journalism on Screen film series at the State Theatre!...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 31 - October Newsletter
Nick, Nadeem and Ariel dive into everything that's happening at the Michigan and State Theatre in October including 'Joker', 'El Camino', Late Nights, DOCtoberfest, an anniversary for the Michigan, and more! About half-way through Nick suffers through a coughing fit, and as always, they conclude...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 30 - Audiences vs. Critics
Nick, Sarah, and Nadeem discuss the discrepancies between critical and audience reviews, where they stand in the great divide, some films they're willing to defend, and as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 29 - Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
Nick, Nadeem, and Jonathan dig into Once Upon A Time in Hollywood and discuss some of the controversies, its themes, the 1960s, pros of 35mm presentation, and as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 28 - Fourth of July Movies
Nick, Makenzie, and Andi sit down to talk about their favorite movies to watch around the Fourth of July that you can find on the shelves of the Ann Arbor District Library, and as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 27 - Tales from the Front of House
Nadeem, Nick, Andi, and Thomas discuss their time working in Front of House in this much looser episode of the Behind the Marquee. They give some Michigan and State Theatre history, what they love most about working in a 90 year old building, what they’ve learned, dig into the FOH Log, and as...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 26 - Summer Movies
Nick and Nadeem recap the 2019 Cinetopia Film Festival before discussing what movies they're looking forward to this Summer, favorite summer movie memories, and which films they predict to be huge successes. And as always, they end with their Movie Magic Moments.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 25 - Cinetopia 2019 Breakdown
Nick, Makenzie, and Ariel give a day-by-day breakdown of the Cinetopia 2019 schedule and discuss which films they would be attending. Program guides are now available for pick-up! Get yours and follow along with their discussion.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 24 - Cinetopia 2019: Hits and Outliers
Nick, Makenzie, and Nadeem discuss the 2019 Cinetopia Film Festival schedule, the anticipated hits, and a few their favorite outlying selections. And as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 23 - Captain Marvel: An Indie Success Story
Nick, Makenzie, and Nadeem discuss Captain Marvel, the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the latest blockbuster to follow the trend of being helmed by former indie directors. Plus, they get into the long awaited conversion of "toxic fandom" and as always, conclude with their...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 22 - Back From Sundance
Nick, Makenzie, and Tyler discuss their experiences from the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, the best movies they saw, and as always, conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the Week
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 21 - Cinetopia Season Has Begun
Nick, Nadeem and Ariel give the first updates to the Cinetopia Film Festival and their favorite films in consideration so far, discuss the documentary The Biggest Little Farm, and as always conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 20 - New Year for Classic Films
Nick, Nadeem, and Jean-Marie discuss Roma and The Favourite, as well as the varying styles and themes of anime, classic musicals, the legacy of Nicolas Roeg, and as always, conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 19 - Mirai and Upcoming Holiday Movies
Nick, Nadeem, and Jean-Marie welcome Jonathan to discuss Mamoru Hosoda's new film Mirai, discuss upcoming features like Mary Poppins Returns, delve into holiday classics like Rare Exports, Gremlins, Elf, and It's a Wonderful Life, and as always, they conclude with their Movie Magic Moments of the...
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 18 - Coming Soon in December
Nick and Nadeem discuss the new films opening in December at the Michigan and State Theatre, and as always, their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 17 - Bergman Breakdown
Nick, Sarah, and Jean-Marie discuss the upcoming Ingmar Bergman Film Series coming up at the State in celebration of his 100th birthday, including his common themes, a little bit of history, our personal favorites and more! Plus, their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind The Marquee: Episode 16 - Behind The Scenes
Nick, Nadeem, and Sarah are joined by Michigan Theater member and podcast listener Chris Steffen to answer questions about what goes on behind the scenes, including how we plan and book our films, how we strategize our programming, our surprise successes and disappointments, and more! Plus, their...
-
Behind The Marquee: Bonus - Top Five Favorite Horror Films
Cut from Episode 15, Nick, Nadeem, and Tyler discuss their favorite horror films.
-
Behind the Marquee: Episode 15 - Halloween Preview
Nick, Nadeem, and Tyler discuss the upcoming Halloween themed schedule at the Michigan and State Theatre including Late-Nights, Nosferatu, Young Frankenstein and more, plus, their favorite experiences watching horror movies at the theater. And as always, their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
-
Behind the Marquee: Episode 14 - Fall Movie Preview
Nick, Nadeem, and Sarah discuss the new movies they're anticipating in the fall season. Plus, their Movie Magic Moments of the Week!
-
Behind the Marquee: Episode 13 - Summer Recap
Nick, Nadeem, and Makenzie reminisce and discuss the Summer of 2018 including their favorite films, Summer blockbusters, movies that surprised them, and more. Plus, their Movie Magic Moments of the Week.
About this show
The Michigan Theater Foundation's round-table discussion podcast that takes you behind the scenes of an independent Art House Cinema. Featuring discussions on what's new and interesting playing outside the megaplex theater, film festival roundups, and the general love of movies that drives us.
Hosted by
Ann Arbor District Library