Back To One
The no nonsense, in-depth, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. Hosted by Peter Rinaldi. One working actor every episode doing a deep dive into their approach to the craft. No small talk, no celebrity stories, no inane banter—just the work.
info_outline
Mary Neely
08/13/2025
Mary Neely
Mary Neely first came to the world’s attention during the pandemic with her viral videos, earning praise from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as being named "Best Theater of 2020" by The New York Times and The Washington Post. Since then, she has been delivering great work on both sides of the camera, such as the tv pilot “Stars Diner” which premiered at SXSW this year, “Valley Girl,” “Lyle Lyle Crocodile,” and Netflix's “Happiness For Beginners.” Now, she and Kareem Rahma (“Subway Takes”) co-wrote and co-star in the true New York low budget indie film “Or Something.” On this episode she tells the story of meeting Kareem, how that film came together, and the “endurance test” of shooting a feature in 6 days. She talks about growing up an “acting nerd,” what she learned from performing different jobs on a set, the difficulty in accepting herself as more than an actor, why it all starts (and ends) with memorizing the text, and much more. "Or Something" opens in New York on August 22nd and in LA in September Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37792735
info_outline
Ivan Martin
08/05/2025
Ivan Martin
You can see Ivan Martin’s work in “Billions,” “The Sopranos,” “Suits,” “Ozark,” “Gaslit,” “What We Do In The Shadows,” and much more. Currently, he stars in the exceptional indie film “To Kill A Wolf,” writer/director Kelsey Taylor’s modern take on Little Red Riding Hood. On this episode, he talks about the circumstances that brought that role his way, the connection he has with the character that made him feel like he could bring him to life, and the environment on set that made it all possible. He explains the round-about way he got interested in acting when he was young, why it’s the communal aspect that matters most to him, and much much more. “To Kill A Wolf” is in select theaters now. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37673970
info_outline
Martin Harris
07/29/2025
Martin Harris
Martin Harris has delivered stand-out work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Young Sheldon,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Stranger Things,” and now he plays the Boravian General in “Superman.” On this episode he describes the surprisingly efficient production that James Gunn presided over, and how it felt like “shooting a party video.” He surmises why directors keep giving him more scenes on-set, how reading a book between set-ups not only gets you focused but is also a conversation-starter, why he credits Kobe Bryant with helping him get to the next level with his career, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37586905
info_outline
Jason Patel
07/22/2025
Jason Patel
Jason Patel is an emerging actor and artist. He plays the lead role of “Aysha” in “Unicorns,” opposite Ben Hardy. It’s his feature film debut. The film is co-directed by Sally El-Hosaini and James Krishna Floyd, who also wrote the screenplay. "Unicorns" also features Patel’s music, a true fusion of both art forms. On this episode, he talks about how he approaches everything in life with creativity and love, and why his life goal is to make people happy even when he’s not there. He describes the giant role music plays in his preparation, the importance of staying in the moment, why doing the important sex scene on the first day of production on “Unicorns” was actually beneficial, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37500590
info_outline
David Malinsky
07/15/2025
David Malinsky
For the 350th episode of Back To One, I sat down with an actor who brings me great joy when he’s on the screen, the one and only David Malinsky. He wrote the blurb himself for this episode. It follows: Peter has only met David three times in person before. His filmography includes Onur Tukel’s “Abbey Singer/Songwriter,” “Black Magic for White Boys,” “Poundcake,” Theodore Collatos’ “Tormenting the Hen,” MG Cinecraft’s “A Moderate Folly” and more. Dave has also done standup comedy, cabaret singing, and YouTube Video Essays. But Dave thinks it’s vital to situate acting within art and human history, now and in the past. This meandering conversation covers spirituality, identity, railroads, gaming, and how all art—and all consciousness—is related to each other. But Dave, a self-described hardline materialist, would just call it how things work. Visit his YouTube channel . Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37401395
info_outline
Erik Jensen
07/08/2025
Erik Jensen
Erik Jensen is a multipyphenate who, along with his wife and creative partner Jessica Blank have been called “the foremost practitioners of documentary theater in the U.S.” Their genre-defining plays “The Exonerated,” “Aftermath,” “Coal Country,” and “The Line” were all critically acclaimed. As an actor, Jensen’s credits include “The Walking Dead,” “Mindhunter,” “Mr. Robot,” “The Americans,” not to mention his praised portrayal of legendary NY Yankee Thurman Munson in “The Bronx is Burning.” On this episode he details his approach toward playing that beloved figure, and finding out that “almost the entire body of that character was an emotional word-gesture.” He talks about learning how much psychology is in people’s words, his process of having multiple “wants” for a character so he can easily adapt to what he’s given, he explains why it’s a disservice to write or act for the audience, why he doesn’t believe in monologues, how conducting interviews taught him how to listen and become a better actor, plus much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37330510
info_outline
Bonnie Rose
07/01/2025
Bonnie Rose
Bonnie Rose started her professional career as a stand-in for Bette Midler on “First Wives Club.” Next up, the iconic and legendary film director Sidney Lumet hand picked her for the feature film “Night Falls On Manhattan,” playing a New York City cop opposite Andy Garcia, which led to many other Lumet projects over the next decade including a recurring role as a legal aid attorney on the TV legal drama “100 Centre St.” Bonnie’s massive credits in television and film include “Inside Llewyn Davis,” Marvel's “Jessica Jones,” “Mr. Robot,” “Blue Bloods,” “Broad City,” “The Sopranos,” and the trifecta of all “Law & Orders.” She recently won Best Actress at three different film festivals for her role in Finise Avery’s short film “Living with Grandma.” She also appears opposite Rose Byrne in Stephanie Laing’s feature film “Tow,” which just made its World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival. On this episode, Rose talks about the child-like enthusiasm which fuels her work, what it means to “right-size yourself,” why having only one line is sometimes harder than having many lines, bravely (and hilariously) tackling nudity in her mid-fifties, the importance of always letting gratitude lead the way, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37236300
info_outline
Steve Zahn
06/24/2025
Steve Zahn
Steve Zahn gained early attention for his breakout roles in the 1990s, including “Reality Bites” and “That Thing You Do!” He became a frequent scene-stealer in films like “Out of Sight,” “Happy, Texas,” and “Saving Silverman,” showcasing his offbeat humor and charm. In HBO’s “Treme,” he played a passionate music teacher navigating post-Katrina New Orleans. More recently, he appeared in the first season of “The White Lotus,” earning critical acclaim for his role as a troubled father on vacation. His latest is personal on multiple levels—the indie film “She Dances,” which he co-wrote with his producing partner Rick Gomez, who also directs. On this episode, he talks about co-staring in that film with his daughter Audrey, and being continually blown away by her work. He takes us back to his early stage work, makes a case for the importance of rehearsal, gives us the two attributes that make a great director, explains why he loves the communal aspect of filmmaking, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37129725
info_outline
Tim Bagley
06/17/2025
Tim Bagley
Tim Bagley has so much experience doing comedy on television that his credits read like a comprehensive list of every sit-com over the past 30 years. But his depiction of Brad Schraeder on “Somebody Somewhere” is on another level. It’s beautiful, truthful, restrained work, that is often hilarious and sometimes very moving. Few performances on television this year have impacted me more. On this episode, he talks about how the collaborative nature of that show helped so much with his work, the big part logic plays in his comedy, why it’s important to keep challenging himself, and much more. Plus he tells a couple wonderful stories about discovering that sometimes it’s not about you at all, and you have to just let it go. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/37036715
info_outline
Carrie Preston
06/10/2025
Carrie Preston
Carrie Preston is back in her Emmy-winning role as 'Elsbeth Tascioni' in the second season of the CBS series "Elsbeth," from "The Good Fight" and "The Good Wife," creators Michelle and Robert King. On this episode she gives us a deep dive into her work on that hit show, taking us way back to the “queen of quirk” as just a recurring role on the “Goods”, trying to figure out how to dip her toes into this new character, taking clues from the word “pause,” all the way till the second season of her own show, taking the job of number one on the call sheet seriously, learning what it means to give “more Tascioni,” working with her acting heroes when they come on as guest stars, and much more! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36929495
info_outline
Ian McShane
06/03/2025
Ian McShane
The legendary Ian McShane has been acting for more than 60 years, from “The Wild and The Willing,” “The Last of Shelia,” and “Jesus of Nazareth” to “Lovejoy,” “Sexy Beast,” and the “John Wick” films. His two latest films are “Ballerina,” set in the John Wick universe, and and the action comedy “Deep Cover.” On this episode he talks about what made his time as Al Swearengen on “Deadwood” (perhaps his most iconic role) so special, and tells a story about an unforgettable suggestion from creator David Milch. He explains what sets Wick’s Chad Stahalski apart as a director/producer, why life experience helps an actor, how a few short words from director Tony Richardson placed him right on track to do his work, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36827370
info_outline
Bobby Naderi
05/27/2025
Bobby Naderi
You know Bobby Naderi from his subtle and sometimes hilarious work in films like “Bright” and “The Beekeeper.” Now he brings that same aliveness to the new Amazon series “The Better Sister,” where he plays Detective Matt Bowen. On this episode, he talks about how his nomadic youth shaped his life and work, how failures paved the way for breakthroughs, why he stopped anticipating how a scene will play out, how his mother’s blunt criticism of his acting work helped him get better, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36723910
info_outline
Lovie Simone
05/20/2025
Lovie Simone
The young but wise Lovie Simone is best known for “Selah and The Spades” and “The Craft: Legacy.” Now she stars in the hit Netflix series “Forever,” an adaptation of the Judy Bloom book. On this episode, she talks about the giant role music plays in her preparation, why having a Black hair & make-up person on set is crucial to work, “importance over relevance,” “quality over quantity,” her love of words “and the weight of each word,” the “accidental” way she and Michael Cooper Jr. built their “Forever” chemistry, plus much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36633900
info_outline
Theodore Bouloukos Returns
05/13/2025
Theodore Bouloukos Returns
Theodore Bouloukos returns to the podcast after nearly 7 years (first time was ). The “secret weapon of independent cinema,” as The New Yorker’s Richard Brody called him, brings us up to date on his adventures in acting. He talks about why he never dwells on a project’s prospects after his work is done, explains the kind of characters that attract him, reminisces about a couple exceptional recent shoots (including the wonderful ode to the game of Baseball that is the film “Eephus”), makes a case for going “full on” for every role, and much more. “Eephus” is currently on demand and highly recommended. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36540105
info_outline
Joel Potrykus
05/06/2025
Joel Potrykus
We rarely get to hear Joel Potrykus talk about himself as an actor. The independent filmmaker of such beloved low-budget treasures as “Ape,” “Buzzard,” and “Relaxer” says he has, in fact, never talked about it. In his latest, “Vulcanizadora,” he once again co-stars with the man he loves to point his camera at, Joshua Burge. The two reprise their roles of Derek and Marty exactly ten years after they birthed those characters in “Buzzard.” On this episode, Potrykus explains the decision to take on the role in both films, why he loves working with the “machine” that is Burge, the part of directing actors he likes the least, how the end of “Field of Dreams” helped his acting process, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36447775
info_outline
Brett Gelman
04/29/2025
Brett Gelman
You know him as Murray in “Stranger Things,” or Martin in “Fleabag,” or loved him in “Lemon” (the wonderful indie film he also co-wrote), or his countless guest star roles on Comedy Central, Adult Swim, “The Office,” “Curb” (the list goes on), but lately Brett Gelman has been venturing into more serious projects like “McVeigh” and “Lady in the Lake.” On this episode, he talks about the conscious choice to just “do great roles” that often takes him away from comedy. He talks about his relationship to the craft which started in acting school, explains how bombing on stage doing improv was great training for acting, describes why a method approach continues to serve him, makes a plea for us to stop being afraid to “enter into the ugly,” and much more. Currently you can catch him, and his co-host (and wife) Ari Dayan, on their podcast “” which gives listeners an unfiltered view into their marriage! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36348785
info_outline
Adeel Akhtar
04/22/2025
Adeel Akhtar
Adeel Akhtar is a versatile British actor known for his powerful performances across film, television, and theatre. He gained widespread acclaim for his BAFTA-winning role in the BBC drama “Murdered by My Father,” and won another one, a few years later, for “Sherwood.” His other credits in front of the camera include “Four Lions,” “The Big Sick,” “Enola Holmes,” “Utopia,” and “Sweet Tooth.” On stage, Akhtar has appeared in productions at the National Theatre and the Royal Court. Currently he wows audiences as Lopakhin in a new production of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn. On this episode he talks about the pleasures of performing “with complete freedom” in that production, interacting with the audience, and the interesting connections he finds between that character and his own return to theater. Plus he explains why he no longer finds himself over-preparing for a role, shares something a valued teacher gave him that changed his approach to the work, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36258245
info_outline
Michael Angarano
04/15/2025
Michael Angarano
Michael Angarano has been acting since he was an infant and has a long resume of memorable work in both comedic and dramatic roles—“Almost Famous,” “Will and Grace,” “This is Us,” “Gentlemen Broncos,” “Oppenheimer,” to name a few. His latest is a wonderful comedy with a lot of heart that he stars in, co-wrote and directed called “Sacramento.” On this episode he talks about the long road of getting that film made, how he needed to adjust once he saw Michael Cera’s approach to the role, and the interesting realization that he may not need to act and direct and write at the same time again. He tells a story about suddenly facing a strange form of stage fright, and the sensitive way Steven Soderbergh helped him get though it. He explains why he says he doesn’t have an acting process, has a particular aversion to relaxation exercises, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36133985
info_outline
Jolene Purdy
04/08/2025
Jolene Purdy
Jolene Purdy is always a standout. She gained recognition for her performance as Cherita Chen in the cult classic “Donnie Darko,” and later appeared in hit shows like “Orange Is the New Black,” “Under the Dome,” “Breaking Bad,” “WandaVision,” and “The White Lotus.” She now plays opposite Kevin Bacon in the new Amazon series “The Bondsman.” On this episode, she talks about how the collaborative nature of that production ignited her creativity and brought out the best in her. She tells us her secret to mastering the art of delivering exposition, why she loves to be directed, how she learned to protect her characters, why Kevin Bacon is “boss,” and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/36047185
info_outline
Hadi Tabbal
04/01/2025
Hadi Tabbal
The incredible Lebanese actor Hadi Tabbal just finished the monumental Broadway run of Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “English.” He originated the role of Omid, and performed in various iterations of this powerful and transformative play over the last few years. On this episode, he talks about the fascinatingly unique aspect of “English” that is unlike any other play he’s performed, and what he means when he says it is “alive” every night and “very delicate,” and he has to “take care” not to “derail” it. He explains the difference between “discovery” and “deciding,” talks about the “saddest” part of acting, describes his pre-show ritual, how it all comes down to “learning people,” and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35949815
info_outline
Jonathan Majors
03/25/2025
Jonathan Majors
Jonathan Majors is an actor. His latest film is "Magazine Dreams." He sat down with Peter Rinaldi to talk about the work. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35848935
info_outline
Ariella Mastroianni
03/18/2025
Ariella Mastroianni
Ariella Mastroianni is an actor from New Jersey by way of Ontario, Canada. With director Ryan J. Sloan, she co-wrote and co-produced "Gazer," which she also stars in. The film, which the duo shot on weekends over the course of two years, brings the paranoid thriller genre into wildly original new territory. On this episode, Mastroianni tells the story of deciding to shoot on film, using their own money, with no formal support, no connections, just a deep desire to make the film they were both dying to see. She talks about the tools her acting teachers (like and Kyle Donnelly) provided that still serve her, how “mapping” her character’s physical journey grounded her on the set, the trick she used to stop worrying and love her marks, the “desperate love” it took to see this film through, and much more. "Gazer" open in New York on April 4th and LA on April 11th. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35739105
info_outline
Vincent D'Onofrio
03/11/2025
Vincent D'Onofrio
An actor’s actor of the first order, Vincent D’Ononfrio has been delivering “all in” performances, usually in supporting roles, for nearly four decades—“Full Metal Jacket,” “Men In Black,” “Household Saints,” “Steal This Movie!,” “The Cell,” “The Magnificent Seven,” to name just a few, not to mention 10 audience-loving seasons of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” He’s getting more accolades for his latest performance as Wilson Fisk in “Daredevil: Born Again.” On this episode he talks about the “emotional event” that he has to summon to bring about Fisk’s voice in that series and its predecessor. He takes us all the way back to his introduction to Stanislavsky through Sonia Moore and Method work through Sharon Chatten, talks about renting camera equipment to make an early self-tape to send to Stanley Kubrick, explains why script analysis is the best way to serve the story, how “Law & Order” made him a better actor, the fundamental importance of failure, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35620985
info_outline
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
03/04/2025
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
The celebrated period drama "Belle" marked the arrival of Gugu Mbatha-Raw and since then she hasn’t stopped impressing audiences in films like “Motherless Brooklyn," “Misbehaviour” and series like “Doctor Who,” “Black Mirror” (San Junipero episode), “Loki," “The Morning Show,” and “Surface,” which is now releasing episodes from its second season. On that Apple TV+ series, Gugu plays Sophie, a woman who has lost her recent memories and must piece them together. She talks about the “liberating” feeling she got playing someone with a missing back story and how it forced her to be present. She explains how she utilizes her sense of smell in her preparation process, how she learned to claim her space on set and not be “crushed by the technicalities,” how taking on the leadership role of EP expanded all aspects of her work, plus much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35524105
info_outline
Caveh Zahedi
02/25/2025
Caveh Zahedi
Caveh Zahedi is one of the most influential independent filmmakers of our time. Jay Duplass, Lena Dunham, Richard Linklater, Greta Gerwig, are all big fans of his 30+ years worth of ultra-autobiographical work (five features, “I am A Sex Addict” perhaps being the most popular). His magnum opus, “The Show About The Show,” started out as a “self-reflexive TV show about its own making” for BRIC TV and has continued despite lawsuits, loss of distribution, re-castings, and many more obstacles, thanks to Zahedi’s dogged determination to simply tell the story, mostly through re-enactments using the actual people in his orbit playing themselves, of what happened in his life. He gets a small, but passionate amount of support from his loyal fanbase who want him to see this now decade long journey come to an end in the final season, which is about to be released. Zahedi has done a lot of interviews about his filmmaking, but rarely any, like this one, that focuses on his work as an actor for other filmmakers and in front of his own camera, where he plays a version of himself. He talks about the tonal fine line he has to walk when addressing the camera, nudity (his and others’), actors who work well with his directorial approach (like Emmy Harrington and Jim Fletcher), the rigors of auditioning to play a pedophile rabbi, striving for “non-acting,” and much more. Creative Nonfiction Film Weekend is bringing Zahedi's work (and the man himself) on a UK tour in March 2025. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35418575
info_outline
Lucy Boynton
02/18/2025
Lucy Boynton
Lucy Boynton is known for delivering exceptional performances in films like “Sing Street,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Chevalier,” and “The Greatest Hits.” Her latest is the BritBox’s limited series “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story,” about a woman convicted of killing her abusive lover who then became the last woman to be hanged in the UK. On this episode, she talks about why the challenge she faced portraying Ellis “wasn’t an actor issue,” but more about facing the traumas women are still dealing with decades later. She ponders how acting as a child served her into adulthood, explains why over-direction is never a problem for her, why “turning the dials” on micro-facial acting excites her, makes a plea for more women screenwriters, and much much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35324285
info_outline
Griffin Dunne
02/11/2025
Griffin Dunne
Griffin Dunne has balanced acting, directing, and producing for over 40 years in this business. “Chilly Scenes of Winter,” “An American Werewolf in London,” “After Hours,” “Practical Magic,” “This is Us,” to name just a small handful of his credits. For his latest, “Ex-Husbands,” he delivers a performance revelatory in its ease, miraculously blending lightness and dread. It’s so much fun, and even inspirational, to simply watch him walk around as this character, carrying this load. Hopefully, this is the start of a new chapter: Dunne as the contemplative man of a certain age who has seen it all. On this episode, he shares his favorite piece of direction, talks about how producing affected his acting work, tells the story of discovering he’s a Chekhovian actor, explains why it all comes down to listening and being in the moment, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35232650
info_outline
Margo Martindale
02/04/2025
Margo Martindale
In movies like “Million Dollar Baby,” "August: Osage County,” “Blow The Man Down,” and series like "The Americans,” “Justified,” and “Sneaky Pete,” “esteemed character actress Margo Martindale” loves to play people much different from herself. And she’s been so good at it for so long that she only started to get truly recognized for her work in her 60s. Three Emmys later, she’s able to pick and choose what she wants to do. Her latest, the Amazon series “The Sticky,” finds her number one on the call sheet and having a blast playing the bombastic maple syrup farmer Ruth Landry. On this episode she explains why the first step in her preparation process is knowing where a character was born and raised. She talks about feeling most free when she’s able to “play” like she did in her backyard, what makes Alexander Payne and Robert Benton great directors, why it took some time for her to settle in to sit-com acting, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/35142860
info_outline
Brad Fleischer
01/21/2025
Brad Fleischer
Brad Fleischer is an actor, teacher, coach, filmmaker, producer, and founding partner of GhostLight Media. He originated the role of Doug in “Gruesome Playground Injuries” alongside Selma Blair. On Broadway, he starred opposite Robin Williams in “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” opposite Tony Schaloub in “Golden Boy,” and played the title character in the Olivier award winning “Coram Boy.” On the screen, Brad has worked with Robert De Niro in “The Good Shepherd,” Scott Frank and Liam Neeson in “Walk Among the Tombstones”, Greg Nicotero on “The Walking Dead”, among many others. For 17 years and counting, he continues to run his own professional acting class in New York and Los Angeles, strictly through word of mouth. On this episode, he tells the story of how he came to a level of dedication similar to what athletics required, which he now passes on to his students. He talks about the difference between the visceral and the intellectual; the importance of finding and working with good actors that you can learn from; why it all comes down to focus, specificity, and commitment. Plus much more!
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/34935225
info_outline
Marianne Jean-Baptiste
01/14/2025
Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Marianne Jean-Baptiste is getting accolades and awards for her incredible performance in Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths.” The two last worked together nearly 30 years ago, on Leigh’s “Secrets and Lies,” for which Jean-Baptiste was nominated for an Oscar. On this episode, she takes us all the way back to her first time working with Mike Leigh, on the play “It’s A Great Big Shame,” and details for us the ins and outs of working with him on these three projects. She talks about her love of process, how this intense character work fuels her on less actor-centric jobs, why she’s still mad at Leigh for “murdering” Pansy’s mother, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on
/episode/index/show/filmmakermagazine/id/34845970