I Was There Too

Screenwriter and co-host of Scriptnotes podcast John August joins Matt to discuss the 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 2003 film Big Fish. John talks about how he hadnt seen the 1971 Willy Wonka movie before writing the script, Johnny Depps original Alfred Hitchcock take on the Wonka character, and how his collaboration with Tim Burton started. Plus, John shares his process of method writing which helped him get in the right mindset while writing his new book Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire. This episode is brought to you by Mubi.com (www.mubi.com/WasThere).

Actress Riki Lindhome joins Matt to discuss her role as Mardell Fitzgerald in the 2004 Best Picture winner Million Dollar Baby. Riki talks about what it was like to work with Clint Eastwood as both an actor and a director, her origins with The Actors Gang, and the amazing food on set. Plus, Riki discusses her other projects such as The Last House on the Left and Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as finding success through casting director workshops. This episode is sponsored by MUBI.

Actor Noah Segan returns this week and joins Matt to discuss his role as Kid Blue in the 2012 film Looper. Noah talks about how he ended up in the film, the origin of his nick name Kid Blue which existed before the film, and the story behind dropping his gun while twirling it. Plus, we hear about the incredible makeup work that went into Joseph Gordon-Levitts transformation into Bruce Willis. This episode is brought to you by Mubi (www.mubi.com/WasThere).

Actor Noah Segan joins Matt this week to discuss his role as X-wing fighter pilot Stomeroni Starck in the 2017 film Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. Noah talks about how he got the role, the origin of the name Stomeroni Starck and the connection to Poe Dameron, and becoming emotional while touring the Millennium Falcon. Plus, Noah shares how he became good friends with director Rian Johnson and has been lucky enough to be a part of his many projects.

Writer, producer, and Maria Blasuccis dad Dick Blasucci joins Matt and Maria to discuss his role as the IBC Television Executive in the 1988 Christmas film Scrooged. Dick explains how his friendship with Bill Murray landed him the role and shares stories of their outings together during their Second City days. Later, Dick recalls working alongside the Solid Gold Dancers before hinting at an SCTV reunion in the works, and top secret guest Starship 1 returns to give a spirited take on Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Background actor Brandon Adams joins Matt this week to discuss his role as a guy on the shuttle - aka Jim Shuttle - in the 2009 Star Trek reboot. Brandon talks about having his face featured right alongside the films stars in the trailer, the joke he made to J.J. Abrams that he thought would get him fired, and the lengths he had to go to in order to fulfill his NDA. Plus, Brandon shares the story of how he became best friends with Chris Pine while working on set. This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh (code: IWTT30) and Casper Mattresses (code: IWTT).

Actor, chess teacher, great storyteller Marcus Henderson joins Matt to discuss his roles in Quentin Tarantinos Django Unchained and Jordan Peeles Get Out. He tells us about his Django audition in which he pretended to be attacked by a dog, the layers he went into in portraying Groundskeeper Walter in Get Out, and running to the point of injury for Get Out. Plus, Marcus shares a memorable encounter with Samuel L. Jackson. This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: IWTT30).

Author and director Russ Banham joins Matt and guest co-host Steve Agee to discuss his role as Bobby Crockett in the 1979 classic comedy Meatballs. Russ tells of how his unusual wardrobe helped him during his audition before sharing stories of filming in a real summer camp and working alongside Bill Murray. Later, Russ talks about transitioning from acting into writing as well as how he ended up alongside the Rolling Stones on an episode of Saturday Night Live.