BELOW THE LINE PODCAST Skid - DGA Assistant Director
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- TV & Film
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Welcome to Below the Line, where we talk about making movies from the crew perspective. My name is Robert ”Skid” Skidmore, and I worked in Hollywood as an Assistant Director for the better part of eight years. For the podcast, I invite my production friends - both old and new - to tell stories from their time on set. We do our best to make it accessible, with the larger goal of providing some insights as to what really happens behind the scenes. Each episode is organized around a specific film, television show or some other theme relevant to working in Hollywood. I hope you enjoy hearing the stories as much as we enjoy telling them. Thanks for listening, and I welcome your feedback = skid@belowtheline.biz
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S19 - Ep 5 - Before I Change My Mind - Theater-Rooted Filmmaking
“Before I Change My Mind” is a wonderful coming-of-age story with a twist: the gender of our protagonist, Robin (played by Vaughan Murrae), is indeterminate throughout the film. Writer/Director Trevor Anderson shares how his extensive theater experience — and the support of the Edmonton theater scene — was integral to the making of this movie. We also talk about how it’s even possible to set a film in the Alberta, Canada, of 1987 for only half a million dollars (American). Trevor’s answer, which he also credits to his theater experience? A focus on character.
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S19 - Ep 4 - Drugstore June - Cinematography
“Drugstore June”, starring Esther Povitsky, is a refreshingly low-key comedy that I sincerely enjoyed. Indie filmmaking is challenging, and Cinematographer Sherri Kauk explains how she worked with Director Nicholaus Goossen and the rest of the crew on issues of budget and schedule, ensuring that they got the most bang for their limited buck. She also shares insights that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own, like the different visual style of each act and how she plays with color throughout the film. And lest you think I forgot: I ask about that two-foot tall gummi bear baby.
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S19 - Ep 3 - Griselda - Makeup
“Griselda”, currently streaming on Netflix, stars Sofia Vergara as the titular cocaine kingpin, prominent in the Miami drug scene of the 1970s and 1980s. The role is a change of pace for the former “Modern Family” star, and my guest Angela Nogaro, Makeup Department Head for the series, was part of the team that made Sofia’s transformation possible. We talk about the challenges of designing makeup for a period-set project and how everyone came together in support of the vision (actors included).
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S19 - Ep 2 - Sexy Beast - Producing and Editing
The Paramount+ series “Sexy Beast”, with all eight episodes currently streaming, is a prequel to Jonathan Glazer’s 2000 film of the same name. My guest is Producer and Editor Matthew Barber, who joined the production to help establish the tone of the series and worked as an editor on the first and last episodes. We talk about the challenges of doing a prequel series to the well-respected film, and we break down specific scenes from an editor's perspective. The State of the Podcast is strong! Check it out.
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S19 - Ep 1 - Oppenheimer - Props at the Oscars
“Oppenheimer” cleaned up at the Academy Awards last weekend, claiming seven statues for its 13 nominations. My guest this episode is the film’s Propmaster, Guillaume DeLouche. Achievement in Propmastering isn’t recognized with an Oscar, but today, we’re going to discuss how props contributed to all of the nominations and wins for Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. Yes, even Original Score! Oh, and Guillaume and I first worked together back in 2000, so it’s a reunion of sorts. Good times! Join us.
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S18 - Ep 12 - 96th Oscars - Propmastering
BONUS EPISODE! Propmastering is not recognized with an Oscar, but what if it was? Gregg Bilson, Jr. (President of mega-prop conglomerate ISS) and Scott Buckwald (property master and friend of the podcast!) discuss a hypothetical slate of films that could be nominated for their props. This episode wraps our Academy Awards coverage, but if you've listened to the entire series, I promise you'll be the smartest person at your Oscars party.
The 2023 Nominees for Propmastering:
•“The Creator”
•“Last Voyage of the Demeter”
•“Napoleon”
•“Oppenheimer”
•”Poor Things”
Customer Reviews
Best inside to the world of movies
Movies has been my love since I was a little girl. This podcast give amazing insight to the production world of how movies are made and the people behind them. Great insight from Skid and great interviews with the production crews that make them happen. Bravo!
Review from an Amateur Filmmaker
Found this show on a Facebook podcast group. Robert Skidmore commented on my post and recommended I give it a listen, and I love it! As an up and coming filmmaker myself, I love learning about the insights and behind the scenes tidbits from these bigger film productions. Skid is a great host and listener, and his guests are always super intriguing. These episodes are so important for someone like me who is just starting out in the indie film industry, and I’ll definitely be tuning in in the future. The Prestige episode and COVID-19 Production Shutdown episode were so good. Who would’ve thought that Hugh Jackman likes to give out lottery tickets to the entire cast & crew every week? These fun stories and insights into the lives of Hollywood crew members are what make this show so amazing.
- Corbin (BB&C Podcast)
“The Wrestler” Prop Dept Episode
I’m sorry to say but this is my first time hearing this podcast and I’m kicking myself now for Not tuning in Much Much Earlier! So glad I can go back and listen to back episodes. I e already downloaded a bunch. An awesome relaxed yet too the point podcast that’s got great interviews with people who have been in the trenches. Excellently Done. -Brent