The AndyPlex

Joining Andy to discuss the French film "The Rose Maker" (2020) is linguist and international film festival worker - Andres Fernandez. Andres is quad lingual and landed on a foreign piece (first foreign film on The AndyPlex!). Why is this film so darn great?? How did Andres first encounter it? How does the style and cadence of this French film hit so different and from such a unique vantage point? Let's get international and broaden our paradigm! Andres Fernandez on the Web - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andresalex6/

Returning after Episode 37 "The Clueless Cast" is Hollywood talent manager Desiree Middlebrook. Here to talk about her origin story and journey into the wild world of Hollywood and showbiz. What got her into the talent world? What inspires and fuels her? Desiree Middlebrook on the web: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/desimiddlebrook/ Thanks Feedspot for the incredible mention of The AndyPlex on California's top 10 movie podcasts!!! Here's link! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_movies_podcasts/?feedid=5694751

Talent Manager and pop culture aficionado Desiree Middlebrook joins Andy to talk about the teen comedy "Clueless." Now 29, this movie remains a towering comedic classic. Why is this piece so good at poking fun without being a farce? How does it manage to allow for biting societal critique while effortlessly giving us real, layered characters? Heckerling repeats her prowess as a master of the "slice of life" introduced in 1982's "Fast Time at Ridgemont High." Desiree, having been influenced into the casting/management world by "Clueless," directs a unique lens to view the casting decisions, and get under the hood of this killer ensemble, and why it is indeed a perfect group of players. Desiree Middlebrook on the web: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/desimiddlebrook/

Returning to The AndyPlex talk his journey to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting is J Angel Sierra "Angel." (Episode 35 - "Night of the Living Podcast") Angel is a horror writer and lover and talks his process, method, and how he approaches scaring others and himself! Angel on the Web : Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/angel.sierra.75 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saurian_entertainment/

Joining Andy to breakdown and analyze the 1968 George Romero horror classic "Night of the Living Dead" is horror screenwriter J Angel Sierra - "Angel." Angel moved to LA from Texas to pursue a career in film and these two met at The New Beverly Theater - a church for cinephiles. Angel loves Romero "to death and back" and these two dive into what makes George and "Night of the Living Dead" just so special, important, and continuing to this day to inspire and open eyes. These two also talk about their love of horror and why they gravitate towards it, the power of horror to impact society, and change the world for the better. J Angel Sierra on the web : Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/saurian_entertainment?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/angel.sierra.75?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Joining Andy is actor Miles Berman, who logged many hours and millions of steps picketing for the historic SAG and WGA entertainment business strike. The two met picketing at Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, both being drawn there as "Star Trek" fans. Miles and Andy breakdown this legendary strike, what it was all about, and the future of the entertainment business now that an agreement was met. What were the writers and the actors fighting so hard for? What does AI mean for the future? Why is this strike such a big deal? Miles Berman online: Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3999948/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Instagram: @milesberman

Joining Andy is screenwriter, podcaster, and action aficionado - Phil Gawthorne who threepeats on "The AndyPlex" to talk about 2022's Michael Bay helped Action vehicle (pun intended) "Ambulance." Directed by Michael Bay, this is a film that Phil loves to death and would have to wait for ages to talk about on his action movie podcast, "Die Hard on a Blank," where he analyzes "Die Hard" DNA forensically in movies that date beyond it. Join these two as they dissect this LA story and look "under the hood" of this action piece for many juicy nuggets of wisdom, heart, and soul. Why is this film so throwbacky and contemporary simultaneously? Why do these men find it to be a modern classic?

Returning to talk his journey is film historian Kryzstov Charles Stefanic ("Episode 31 - The Power of Podcast Compels You.") He and Andy met at The New Bev - the one screen cinema church that only plays film. Kryzstov is an avid proponent of film projection, explaining the differences between film and digital. He collects film prints and his collection is stunning. Why is it important to maintain these cinematic gems? What's the difference anyway?? Hailing from Tulsa Oklahoma, Kryzstov ventured to Los Angeles to pursue film and those like minded souls that shared his enthusiasm. Kryztov Charles Stefanic Online : www.facebook.com/kryzstofer.charles www.instagram.com/kryzstofer_that70sguy/

Joining Andy to tackle the now 50 year old horror masterpiece, "The Exorcist," is film historian, actor, and film maker Kryzstov Charles Stefanic. These two men have a deep appreciation for this film and its director William Friedkin, who just left this planet after a 55 year reign of cinematic trailblazing. It seems no matter what we believe, this film scares us. BAD. Why is that? What makes this film still as powerful now 5 decades after its release? Why is it woven into the fabric of cinema and world culture? Join these two as they wax horrific and honor cinematic Titan, William "Billy" Friedkin. . Kryztov Charles Stefanic Online : https://www.facebook.com/kryzstofer.charles https://www.instagram.com/kryzstofer_that70sguy/

Rich King returns to the AndyPlex after tackling "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990) on the last episode "Podcasts in a Half Shell" to talk about his foray into movie producing. Rich and Andy have been friends for 20 years, have been roommates in multiple states, and collaborated on many projects. Rich King realized his aptitude for film producing while making short films in New Mexico. Rich is also in the San Diego based Ska band "Late for Life" as a saxophone player and singer. Rich King has produced 3 horror features with director Andy Mitton (Episode 25 - "The Creepshow Show," and Episode 26 "Smitten with Mitton.") "We Go On" (2016), "The Witch in the Window" (2018), and "The Harbinger (2022).

Joining Andy is film producer Richard King to talk Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990). These two are huge fans of this film and it was both formative and mind blowing for them. Rich still has an original vhs from Fall 1990! Why is this film still the toast of the live action comic world 33 years later? Why does it endure? What have these two discovered upon watching it again now? Richard Wallace King online : IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2904028/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Joining Andy to deep dive into The Super Mario Bros. (2023) movie is avid gamer, video game enthusiast, and Andy's own brother - Gianni Maiorano. These two get nostalgic about growing up Italian together and share their video game experiences over the years. Gianni is a father and businessman but has maintained his love for gaming. Making time for it despite his busy life, he believes the rich stories and emersion in those stories from gaming is important. Andy and Gianni talk about the new boom of video game films and the rich history of storytelling therein.

Joining Andy to talk about the 1983 often overlooked action powerhouse film, "Blue Thunder," is returning AndyPlex alum Phil Gawthorne "Episode 1: Foggy Days." Phil is a screenwriter and now podcaster "Die Hard on a Blank." Andy and Phil deep dive into this John Badham action vehicle starring Roy Scheider, and Malcolm Mcdowell. This film explores the fine line between state power and danger to the public in a thrilling action romp. Why is this film so frighteningly relevant today? Also the boys talk about Phil's new action podcast - "Die Hard on a Blank." The Film explores "Die Hard" and its influence on all movies succeeding - a deep dive into what Phil calls its genealogy. Phil Gawthorne on the web: Imdb.com - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2834476/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Andy interviews horror writer, director, and composer Andy Mitton ("We Go On," "The Witch in the Window"). Andy Mitton's journey began in musical theater, honing his skills towards his first and truest love - horror. Mitton, now with four horror features under his belt as writer and director, has crafted a unique style of intelligent scary cinema. Please enjoy getting inside this keen horror mind and hearing his colorful origin story. Andy Mitton on the web:
 www.andymitton.com
 Twitter: @andymitton Special thanks : Richard King

Joining Andy Maiorano for this podcast is another Andy - horror writer, director, and composer - Andy Mitton ("We Go On," "The Witch in the Window"). These two discuss a very near and dear piece that tickles the nostalgia spooky bones like no other - 1982's "Creepshow!" "Creepshow" marks the screenplay debut for Stephen King and another major notch on horror meister George Romero's belt after his game changing "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead." Add monster makeup effects from the wizard Tom Savini into the mix and you get one incredible tour de force in practical magic. Five tales of macabre evoking EC Comic style of mischief, mayhem, and spooky fun! Why is this film such a landmark piece in horror? Why is it the best of the horror anthologies? Now celebrating its 40th anniversary - this movie has secured a legacy that grows stronger each year. It truly is "the most fun you'll ever have being scared." Andy Mitton on the Web - Website: www.andymitton.com Twitter : @andymitton IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2347373/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Joining Andy is filmmaker and AndyPlex alum Paul Gonzales (Episode 20's No Time to Podcast)to cover one of their favorite films - "Star Trek 2 : The Wrath of Kahn." Now in its 40th year, these two break down why it is such a great film, sequel, and installment in the franchise. Why is this so enduring? What exactly about it rewove the very fabric of the franchise in such a powerful way?

Part 1 : (0:00 - 46:28 mins) Andy interviews film maker, musician, and mechanical engineer Arian Soheilli about his journey from San Diego to Hollywood. Arian began his studies as an engineer but ended up smack dab in tinsel town with his first post college gig. He makes narrative films, documentaries, music videos, and motorcycle pieces on his hog. Part 2 : (46:28-1:59:00 mins) Andy and Arian deep dive (fly?) into the 2022 box office blowout sequel Top Gun : Maverick. Why is this one of the greatest sequels ever? How has it pushed cinema to new heights (pun intended)? From story to technical achievement, these two men wax poetic about what makes Maverick one of their favorite theater experiences and why it is the future of film making. Arian Soheilli on the web - Website - http://www.modshift.com/ Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/modshift https://www.youtube.com/user/modshiftmotion

Joining Andy for his third appearance on the show is stand up comedian and tv producer, Adam Feuerberg. Andy and Adam decide to process their grief and adoration for fallen comedian giants Norm MacDonald and Bob Saget by discussing their comedy masterpiece, "Dirty Work" (1998). Directed by Saget and starring Norm, this film showcases comedians using their super powers to get back at the powers that be - being funny and pulling pranks. What made Bob and Norm so loved and adored in the entertainment world? What will be their legacy? Bob Saget and Norm MacDonald both had very unique careers ranging from stand up comedy, to sitcoms, to hosting and roast appearances. What about these two is so special? Andy and Adam discovered Bob and Norm's film "Dirty Work" at different points in their lives, but both value it tremendously. There's something special about this flop that has woven itself into our hearts as a cult classic. Join them as they honor these two titans, process the loss, but also analyze the indelible mark left. Adam Feuerberg Online: www.adamfeuerberg.com

Joining Andy in this episode is his father, Giovanni Maiorano. The two discuss Giovanni's journey and then tackle one of their obsessions - A Christmas Carol (1984). Part 1: (0:00 - 33:16) Andy interviews Giovanni about his incredible journey from growing up in Delaware to heading off to Germany during the Vietnam conflict, to starting a travel business, and now collaborating on screenplays with Andy. Part 2: (33:16- 1:23:00) Andy and Giovanni talk about one of their absolute favorite pieces - "A Christmas Carol." Their favorite version that they watch every year is the 1984 one with late powerhouse, George C. Scott. Why are these two so obsessed with this work? They have both read it and just saw a live, one man rendition in Philadelphia. Why is A Christmas Carol such a powerful story that transcends the ages? In this podcast you will learn much about this piece, Dickens himself, and how this story has revolutionized the holiday of Christmas itself. In this age of widening gaps between rich and poor, the shrinking of the middle class, and a dangerous pandemic, "A Christmas Carol" is frighteningly more on the money than ever. This classic transcends religious affiliation and touts a powerful message that humanity MUST heed.

Part 1: 0:00 - 0:25:15 Andy interviews film maker Paul Gonzales about his journey from growing up in California, leaving, only to return married, pregnant (his wife), and seeking a film degree from the Los Angeles Film School to pursue an entertainment career. Paul is a massive film buff who loves to get under the hood to see the movie magic and how it works. He has tried many careers on and his heart keeps bringing him back to the movies. Part 2: 0: 25: 15 - 1:49 Andy and Paul tackle the final installment in the Daniel Craig era of James Bond films in its 25th film "No Time To Die." Why is the Bond franchise such a powerful legacy? Why is the Daniel Craig series so special and different? These two men are massive Bond fans and to really get into the nitty gritty of what makes "No Time To Die" work, they must go back and study all 5 Daniel Craig pieces and their evolution over the last 15 years. No Bond conversation is complete, however, without mentioning and referencing many of the 20 films pre Daniel Craig. "No Time To Die" is a masterfully made film that transcends the spy genre and closes Daniel Craig's chapter in a powerful and unique way.