PODCAST · tv
Behind the Slate
by Making the greatest films ever made accessible to all
Join host, Aaron Strand, for a historical deep dive into the life and work of cinema's greatest directors. Our mission is to lower the barrier of entry to classic cinema through live screening events, multi-part history series, and interviews.We skip across time, genre, and nationality to explore the greatest and wildest stories from the history of film, and use the lives of these extraordinary artists to examine the broader historical context that shaped their art. Think 'Hardcore History' meets 'You Must Remember This'. Whether you're a hardcore cinephile, a history nerd, or just someone who likes a good story, you'll love these gripping tales about the art and artists that have shaped and defined our modern world! behindtheslatepod.substack.com
Episodes
-
'Vagabond' Live at Cine 11-20-25
The late Agnès Varda is the darling of Filmstagram Bros and Letterboxd Girlies - everyone’s favorite cat-loving feminist grandma. But what was she really like? Join host Aaron Strand as he discusses the incredible story behind Varda’s most commercially successful film ‘Vagabond’. After the...
-
'Possession' Live at Ciné 10-09-25
Today we dive into a film that is as disturbing as it is relatable and bizarre as it is unforgettable: ‘Possession’ from 1981. We explore the chaotic brilliance of Andrzej Żuławski, his turbulent career, and how his personal life shaped this visceral descent into madness, identity, and emotional...
-
'The Battle of Algiers' Live at The Tara 2-26-26
Today we watch one of the greatest war films ever made and the zenith of Italian neo-realism, Gillo Pontecorvo's 'The Battle of Algiers'. I discuss Pontecorvo's incredible backstory of fighting against the fascists in the Italian resistance and the unlikely journey that led him to creating this...
-
Stanley Kubrick Is Not Who You Think He Is
Today we’re diving into Stanley Kubrick's final film, the Christmas classic ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999) - a misunderstood masterpiece that is incredibly prescient of the 21st century we are currently living in. I discuss Kubrick's upbringing and the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation that...
-
THX 1138
Today we’re diving into George Lucas’ debut film, ‘THX 1138’ (1971) - which I argue is one of the most influential films of all time. We talk about the early life of director George Lucas and how he went from underground race-car driver to wannabe experimental filmmaker. We dive into his...
-
68. 'Gojira' Live at Ciné 8-7-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at Ciné in Athens, GA as he presents Ishiro Honda's 1954 film 'Gojira'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the film. Come see us for our next...
-
67. 'Harakiri' Live at the Plaza Theatre 7-24-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Masaki Kobayashi's 1962 film 'Harakiri'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the…
more -
66. 'Withnail and I' Live at the Plaza Theatre 5-22-25 (Q&A w/ Murray Close)
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Bruce Robinson's 1987 film 'Withnail and I'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a special Q&A with legendary stills photographer, Murray Close, who shot many of the iconic images from the...
-
65. 'The Warriors' Live at the Plaza Theatre 3-27-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Walter Hills's 1979 film 'The Warriors'. This podcast features a history intro about the film and a post-film audience discussion! Come see us for our next live show, July 24th where we will be screening…
more -
63. 'Cleo from 5 to 7' Live at the Plaza Theatre 1-23-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Agnes Varda's 1962 film 'Cleo from 5 to 7'. Before the screening we hosted the OFFICIAL Agnes Varda lookalike competition (you can check out the video on our Instagram and Tiktok). So this podcast is featuring...
-
64. 'High and Low' Live at the Tara Theatre 2-4-25
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Tara Theatre in Atlanta, GA introducing Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film 'High and Low' as part of Videodrome's KUROSAWA NOIR screening series. Come see us for our next Behind the Slate live show, March 27th where we will be screening Walter Hill's 1979 film...
-
62. 'Dear Kelly' with Andrew Callaghan
Aaron is joined by one of the most influential independent filmmakers in the world, Andrew Callaghan - creator of 'All Gas No Breaks', 'Channel 5', and director of the new documentary 'Dear Kelly'. Andrew shares what it was like creating his new film, and how his innovative self-distribution...
-
61. Interview with filmmaker Evelyn Lorena
IN 1 WEEK CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED. SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE. Apple Podcasts Spotify Sammie is on vacation so we are inviting a special guest to the show, Evelyn Lorena. Evelyn is an actress and filmmaker who's most recent short film 'Gabriela'...
-
60. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (1-1-25)
HAPPY NEW YEAR! IN 2 WEEKS CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED. SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE. Apple Podcasts Spotify On today's very special episode we look back on the crazy year in film in television that was 2024. You can check out Sammie's work: Rough Draft...
-
59. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (12-25-24)
IN 2 WEEKS CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED. SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE. Apple Podcasts Spotify Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of...
-
58. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (12-18-24)
IN 3 WEEKS CRASH ZOOM WILL BE MOVING EXCLUSIVELY TO OUR OWN PODCAST FEED. SUBSCRIBE NOW TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE. Apple Podcasts Spotify Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of...
-
57. 'Rolling Thunder' Live at the Plaza Theatre 11-20-24
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Sergio Leone's 1967 film 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively...
-
56. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (12-10-24)
Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss: Brand...
-
55. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (12-3-24)
Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss: AI...
-
54. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (11-25-24)
Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss: A newly...
-
53. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (11-18-24)
Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this episode we discuss: CW…
more -
52. Crash Zoom with Sammie Purcell and Aaron Strand (11-13-24)
Welcome to Crash Zoom, a new podcast from Behind the Slate. Join entertainment journalist Sammie Purcell and filmmaker Aaron Strand as they explore the world of film and entertainment and how big picture changes affect the life and work of independent artists. On this debut episode we discuss: An...
-
51. 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly' Live at the Plaza Theatre 9-25-24
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Sergio Leone's 1967 film 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively...
-
50. Is there hope in indie film?
Host Aaron Strand discusses the problems facing indie film makers and the American film industry as a whole. Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok: @behindtheslatepod YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
-
49. 'Five Easy Pieces' Live at the Plaza Theatre 6-30-24
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Bob Rafelson's 1970 film 'Five Easy Pieces'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively audience...
-
48. 'Woman in the Dunes' Live at the Plaza Theatre 5-23-24
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Hiroshi Teshigahara's 1964 film 'Woman in the Dunes'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively...
-
47. Pitch Playoffs II with Greg Kleinschmidt
The boys are back for another thrilling tournament pitting the greatest filmmakers of all time in a head-to-head pitch competition. Hop in the time machine and get ready to laugh, cry, and everything in between. Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok:...
-
46. 'Three Colours: White' Live at the Plaza Theatre 1-14-24
Join host Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Krzysztof Kieślowski's 1994 film 'Three Colours: White'. Aaron gives an opening monologue giving a brief historical background of the filmmaker. After the screening, we open up the conversation for a lively…
more -
45. 'High and Low' Live at the Plaza Theatre 11-26-23
Join Aaron Strand live at the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA as he presents Akira Kurosawa's 1963 masterpiece 'High and Low' Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok: @behindtheslatepod YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt Hosted on...
-
44. Withdrawal Part 10 - Wrap Party with Jonathan Walls, Scout Smith, and Shub Agrawal
After 10 long months, countless rehearsals, meetings and podcasts...we have finally wrapped principal photography on 'Withdrawal'. Special guest host Shub Agrawal sits down with director, Aaron Strand, producer, Jonathan Walls, and assistant director Scout Smith to talk through the experience....
-
43. Should You Hire an Intimacy Coordinator? with Kristina Arjona
Aaron sits down with Actor, Writer, Director, and pioneering Intimacy Coordinator, Kristina Arjona. Kristina gives a crash course on this relatively new role set job, and discusses the facts and misconceptions about the profession. Kristina's webpage: https://www.atlintimacycoordinator.com/about...
-
42. Arts and Crafts with Cécile McLorin Salvant
Aaron is joined by world-renowned vocalist, Cécile McLorin Salvant. Cécile shares her incredible journey from casual singer to multi-time Grammy Award winner, how she coped with stage fright before singing 'America the Beautiful' at the US Open's Women's Tennis Final, and the importance of…
more -
41. Withdrawal Part 9 - Recovery and Redemption with Jeanne Heaton
Aaron is joined by actor, writer, musician and yoga teacher, Jeanne Heaton. Jeanne shares her incredible journey from a Pennsylvania steel town to the rough-and-tumble Lower East Side of the early 1980's. As her artistic career blossomed, so did her addiction, leading to a 19 year battle with...
-
40. He Got Game (A Sportswriter's Journey) with Ben Golliver
Aaron is joined by special guest, Ben Golliver. In addition to working as the National NBA Writer for The Washington Post, Ben hosts a bi-weekly basketball podcast, 'Greatest of All Talk', where he and co-host Andrew Sharp talk hoops, life, and everything in between. Ben shares an incredible…
more -
39. The Future of Film Criticism with Sucharita Tyagi
Aaron sits down with renowned film critic Sucharita Tyagi for a wide ranging discussion of Hindi Cinema, Film Criticism, and finding your path as an independent creator ARTIST. Sucharita on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sucharitatyagi Sucharita on IG: @su4ita Email us:...
-
38. Withdrawal Part 8 - Shoot 1 Recap with Jacqueline Postajian
Aaron is joined by filmmaker and co-host of the 'Scene and Heard' Podcast, Jacqueline Postajian to have a post-set debrief! Jackie on IG: @jacpostaj Scene and Heard on IG: @sceneandheardpod Withdrawal on IG: @withdrawalfilm Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod…
more -
37. Withdrawal Part 7 - Four Days Out
We are four days away from beginning production on 'Withdrawal'. A very tired Aaron Strand gives a brief update on the final weeks of pre-pro. Film Instagram: @withdrawalfilm Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok: @behindtheslatepod YouTube:...
-
36. Withdrawal Part 6 - A Creative Life with Emily Marquet
Aaron is joined by cinematographer Emily Marquet. Emily is serving as the Director of Photography on 'Withdrawal' and takes us through her long journey to finding her passion for camerawork, that included stops in NYU, Haiti, and London School of Film. Emily's Website:...
-
35. Reducing Harm with Dr. Tracy Vettese
Aaron is joined by Dr. Tracy Vettese, a internist at Grady Hospital in Atlanta who works with the Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition on the front lines of the opioid epidemic. Dr. Vettese takes us through her first hand account of the opioid epidemic and how she has responded to the growing crisis....
-
34. Withdrawal Part 5 - Project Update
Aaron shares several updates on the Withdrawal pre-production process and gives his thoughts on the film industry shut down. Email us: [email protected] Instagram: @behindtheslatepod TikTok: @behindtheslatepod YouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast Producer: Greg Kleinschmidt Hosted on Acast....
-
33. Withdrawal Part 4 - Loving the Process with Brent Michal
Aaron is joined by filmmaker, and actor Brent Michal who plays the lead role of 'Jay' in Withdrawal. Brent talks about his journey from child actor to filmmaker back to acting again and shares the love of the process that keeps him going. Brent's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/brentmichal Email us:...
-
32. Indie Film in Athens, GA with Evan McNary
Aaron is joined by filmmaker, Evan McNary. In 2021, Evan released his debut feature film 'Ragged Heart' which was shot in Athens, GA. After scrapping and saving enough money to shoot the film himself, Evan used many unconventional filmmaking techniques to craft a unique and heartfelt story about...
-
31. Withdrawal Part 3 - An Actor Prepares with Millie Rose Evans
Outside of the script, casting is the most part of the filmmaking process. Today, Aaron talks through the casting process for 'Withdrawal' and then speaks with lead actor, Millie Rose Evans. Millie is an actor and musician based in Atlanta, GA. She gives a step-by-step insight into her experience...
-
30. An Indie Education with Noam Kroll
Aaron is joined by filmmaker, podcaster, blogger and all around Indie Film expert, Noam Kroll. Since 2012, Noam has created one of the greatest free resources available to filmmakers, www.noamkroll.com. Through reviews, tutorials, and first hand narratives, Noam provides everything you need to...
-
29. Withdrawal Part 2 - Story and Substance
Today we get into the plot of our upcoming feature film 'Withdrawal'. Aaron discusses where the idea came from and how it evolved from an inspired thought to an actionable project, culminating in a 8-Point 'Upfront Aims Program' inspired by Melvin Van Peebles. Follow the film on IG…
more -
28. Withdrawal Part 1 - Intro
On this episode, I introduce our new summer series, 'Withdrawal'. Unlike our previous historical deep dives, this series is going to go inside the production of a current film project... my own feature-film. I am currently in pre-production and won't have time to do my usual history research so...
-
27. Making Space with Jonathan Braylock
Today Aaron is joined by actor, writer, producer and comedian. Jonathan has acted in shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Broad City as well as commercials and feature films. He is an acclaimed writer working on shows like Grownish, and is currently developing a project with Ramy Youssef and...
-
26. My Friend Melvin with Alfred Preisser
Aaron is joined by award winning director, Alfred Preisser. In 2006, Mr. Preisser directed the acclaimed 2006 revival of 'Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death', during which time he became close friends with Melvin Van Peebles. Preisser went on to act in Van Peebles' final film 'Confessions of…
more -
25. Melvin Van Peebles Part 5 - A Natural Death
Melvin takes over Broadway only to see his midas touch leave him. Later in life he experiences a Renaissance as the first black trader on Wall Street and ages gracefully into one of the greatest elder statesmen in cinema history. Rest In Peace Melvin Van Peebles (8/21/32-9/21/21), one of the...
-
24. Going Underground with Millie De Chirico
Aaron is joined by Millie De Chirico, co-host of the podcast 'I Saw What You Did' and co-author of the book 'TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema'. We talk about five films featured in the book that challenge the preconceived notions of...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join host, Aaron Strand, for a historical deep dive into the life and work of cinema's greatest directors. Our mission is to lower the barrier of entry to classic cinema through live screening events, multi-part history series, and interviews.We skip across time, genre, and nationality to explore the greatest and wildest stories from the history of film, and use the lives of these extraordinary artists to examine the broader historical context that shaped their art. Think 'Hardcore History' meets 'You Must Remember This'. Whether you're a hardcore cinephile, a history nerd, or just someone who likes a good story, you'll love these gripping tales about the art and artists that have shaped and defined our modern world!
behindtheslatepod.substack.com
HOSTED BY
Making the greatest films ever made accessible to all
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Behind the Slate have?
Behind the Slate currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Behind the Slate about?
Join host, Aaron Strand, for a historical deep dive into the life and work of cinema's greatest directors. Our mission is to lower the barrier of entry to classic cinema through live screening events, multi-part history series, and interviews.We skip across time, genre, and nationality to explore...
How often does Behind the Slate release new episodes?
Behind the Slate has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Behind the Slate?
You can listen to Behind the Slate on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Behind the Slate?
Behind the Slate is created and hosted by Making the greatest films ever made accessible to all.
URL copied to clipboard!