Film Stories with Simon Brew
Film Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies. From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a movie! The podcast is hosted by Simon Brew, the founder of Den Of Geek. You can find Simon at www.twitter.com/simonbrew
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In conversation with director John Madden: Operation Mincemeat, Mrs Brown, Miss Sloane and more
08/05/2022
In conversation with director John Madden: Operation Mincemeat, Mrs Brown, Miss Sloane and more
In a Film Stories special episode, Oscar-nominated director John Madden reflects with Simon on the release of his latest film, Operation Mincemeat. The pair look at its changing release plans, and its eventual success. Plus the perils of bringing a true story to the screen. They also touch on the release of Madden's 2016 film Miss Sloane, and go back to investigate the casting of his breakthrough movie, Mrs Brown. All this and more in our latest special episode...
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The Living Daylights (1987) and Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
07/25/2022
The Living Daylights (1987) and Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that delayed production to get their star of choice on board. The Living Daylights - the 15th James Bond film - ended up with around 18 months start to finish to get made. And it was complicated by the fact that the search for a new 007 wasn't going entirely to plan. With Crazy Rich Asians, the core of behind the camera creatives would have never had to work again had they sold the film to Netflix. But they accepted a much lower offer from Warner Bros for the film - and they certainly had their reasons for doing so. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007) and Jaws 3-D (1983)
07/18/2022
Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007) and Jaws 3-D (1983)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of sequels that both did well at the box office, but faced other problems. Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer should have been fan gold, and was planned to set up a couple more movies. But the Fantastic Four sequel found itself looking a little out of time - and even promoting it, the cracks were showing. Jaws 3-D meanwhile nearly ended up a very different film: an official Jaws comedy movie called Jaws 3 People 0. When the decision was made to go 3-D instead? Well, again, let's just say there were problems. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) and Revenge (1990)
07/11/2022
Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) and Revenge (1990)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a high budget sequel, and Kevin Costner's first box office disappointment. The original Speed movie was lean, relatively modestly costed and a big, surprise hit. Speed 2 was pretty much the opposite - and its story ended up being reverse-engineered from a dream its director had. Revenge meanwhile brought together director Tony Scott and star Kevin Costner, but neither would quite get the film they wanted. And Scott didn't have final cut... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Beethoven (1992)
07/04/2022
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Beethoven (1992)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a deeper look at a sequel that took a while to happen, and a film that spawned no shortage of sequels itself. The wheels of Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) started moving nearly a year before the 2009 reboot of the franchise hit the big screen. Yet it'd have to wait, not least for a definite yet from director JJ Abrams. And there'd be a bit of a post-mortem too. Beethoven meanwhile generated no shortage of follow-ups - but the story goes its original director wasn't, er, overly keen on dogs. Quite the tail (chortle) this one... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The Black Phone (2021) with director Scott Derrickson (spoilers)
07/01/2022
The Black Phone (2021) with director Scott Derrickson (spoilers)
This episode contains spoilers. In a Film Stories special episode, director Scott Derrickson joins Simon to chat about his new film, The Black Phone. They talk about adapting and changing the source short story, one or two moments within the film itself, right through to overseeing the release of the film. Note that the discussion does veer into spoiler territory, hence we're releasing this after the film has landed in cinemas. Nothing major, just things you'd likely rather not know until you've seen the movie!
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Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and American Pie 2 (2001)
06/27/2022
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and American Pie 2 (2001)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of comedy sequels, that each managed to financially outperform their predecessors. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) proved to be a masterclass in how to market a movie. But even ahead of production, all concerned were determined to make it a much bigger film that the original. Things weren't quite as straightforward on 2001's American Pie 2, a film that originally Universal wasn't in a rush to make, then suddenly was very much in a rush to make. What's more, it underwent quite significant changes in post-production too... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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In conversation with director Dexter Fletcher: The Offer, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Wild Bill, Sherlock Holmes 3, The Saint and more
06/24/2022
In conversation with director Dexter Fletcher: The Offer, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Wild Bill, Sherlock Holmes 3, The Saint and more
In a Film Stories special episode, director Dexter Fletcher returns to the podcast. He chats to Simon about his latest project, the Paramount+ series The Offer, about the making of The Godfather (it's streaming on Paramount+ now). They also find time to chat about projects as varied as Sherlock Holmes 3, Wild Bill, The Saint, Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman and his upcoming film Ghosted. And we try and land Dexter the Bond job as well...
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Episode 250: RoboCop (1987) and Ace Ventura When Nature Calls (1995)
06/20/2022
Episode 250: RoboCop (1987) and Ace Ventura When Nature Calls (1995)
In the 250th episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an all-time science fiction classic, and a very difficult comedy sequel. 1987's RoboCop needs little introduction. Yet the ultra-violent crime-battler was the result of two diffierent film ideas being brought into one. And a bit of a battle with the American ratings board was involved too. Jim Carrey was contractually obliged to make 1995's Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, and it'd put him off sequels for the bulk of his career. Not surprisingly: it proved to be a very, very difficult production. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The Irishman (2019) and Zack And Miri Make A Porno (2008)
06/13/2022
The Irishman (2019) and Zack And Miri Make A Porno (2008)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a Martin Scorsese film that took years to come together, and a career-altering Kevin Smith movie. The Irishman was a long talked about reunion of Scorsese and Robert De Niro - but it was always set to be expensive, long, and not family-friendly. Just who would want to pay the bill? Finding a financier was much easier where Kevin Smith's Zack And Miri Make A Porno was concerned - but other problems were around the corner. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Jurassic World Dominion (2022), with director Colin Trevorrow
06/10/2022
Jurassic World Dominion (2022), with director Colin Trevorrow
In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by Colin Trevorrow, the director of the newly-released Jurassic World Dominion. They talk about the coming together of the film, of how it changed since it was originally conceived, and the inclusion of a small shop in London. Plus, they reflect on Trevorrow's career since his superb debut, Safety Not Guaranteed, and how the ecosystem of the moives has changed since he made it...
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Trainspotting (1996) and Days Of Thunder (1990)
06/06/2022
Trainspotting (1996) and Days Of Thunder (1990)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a British sensation and the reunion of the Top Gun team. Trainspotting came together quickly, as director Danny Boyle and his team built on the success of 1995's Shallow Grave. Small problem? Even as the script was being written, the rights to the source book hadn't been secured. With Days Of Thunder, it looks simple: bring the star, producer and director of Top Gun back together, and box office gold would follow. What happened though was one of the most infamous blockbuster movie shoots of its era. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Prisoners (2013) and Indecent Proposal (1993)
05/30/2022
Prisoners (2013) and Indecent Proposal (1993)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two box office successes, one far more acclaimed than the other. Prisoners was the English-language breakthrough film for director Denis Villeneuve. But by the time he got the script, several filmmakers had already come and gone. Indecent Proposal had no such director trouble, meanwhile. Instead, it had one lead star who wanted to quit, and another whose casting got the studio sued. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Top Gun: Maverick with director Joseph Kosinski
05/26/2022
Top Gun: Maverick with director Joseph Kosinski
In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by Joseph Kosinski, the director of the already-acclaimed belated follow-up, Top Gun: Maverick. The pair talk about the film's journey to the screen and the challenges involved in its making. Plus, they touch on David Fincher's impact on Kosinski's career, and the temptation to tinker with the movie during lockdown...
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Terminator Salvation (2009) and King Ralph (1991)
05/23/2022
Terminator Salvation (2009) and King Ralph (1991)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that did decent box office, but had other problems. Terminator Salvation ended up in the hands of two producers who got a stroke of luck. However, things began to turn sour as the costs mounted up. King Ralph meanwhile was a comedy that was filming in the UK - but had to do some careful stepping around the British Royal Family. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Paddington 2 (2017) and Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
05/16/2022
Paddington 2 (2017) and Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of hit family movies with very different stories behind them. It took a little while for writer/director Paul King to confirm he was returning for Paddington 2. And for the sequel, there was a big idea that didn't fit into the first movie, plus a much-loved sequence that nearly got the chop. Mrs Doubtfire meanwhile was a film that saw its star, the late Robin Williams, spend over 100 hours in a make-up chair. What's more, it was a movie sparking a lot of behind the scenes debate about its ending. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Interstellar (2014) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
05/09/2022
Interstellar (2014) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that both interested Oscar-winning directors - and ended up with different ones. Steven Spielberg was originally pursuing directing Interstellar. But it was in part for reasons not related to the film he stepped away - and Christopher Nolan took over. The big screen take on the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street meanwhile had Sam Mendes linked for a while. But it'd be Tim Burton who steered it to the screen - and the trailer proved to be quite infamous. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The Goonies (1985) and Father Of The Bride (1991)
05/02/2022
The Goonies (1985) and Father Of The Bride (1991)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that - unusually - came together really quickly. Steven Spielberg had the idea for The Goonies, with Richard Donner directing and Chris Columbus writing. It'd turn out to be a quite a lively shoot, though. The biggest delay hitting a remake of Father Of The Bride was securing the rights in the first place - oh, and having to replace a major role in the film less than two weeks before filming. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The Game (1997) and World War Z 2 (unmade)
04/25/2022
The Game (1997) and World War Z 2 (unmade)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, arguably the forgotten David Fincher movie, and the unmade sequel he nearly directed too. The Game (1997) originally had a different director involved, but David Fincher was able to get it moving quickly after Seven hit - yet there was a sizeable legal problem with the film. World War Z 2 should have been a logical project for Paramount after the first film hit, and it quickly greenlit the film. Yet the plug would ultimately be pulled, with the film deep in pre-production. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Moonfall (2022)
04/16/2022
Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Moonfall (2022)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a trouble Marvel Studios production, and a hugely expensive independent movie. Thor: The Dark World was a sequel quickly greenlit - but it'd prove to one of Marvel's most troubled productions, with problems arising from pretty much the get go. Roland Emmerich meanwhile raised over $130m to shoot one of the world's most expensive independent films, Moonfall. He didn't have studio problems to contend with - but there were plenty of other challenges. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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National Treasure (2004) and Fortress (1992)
04/11/2022
National Treasure (2004) and Fortress (1992)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a dose of Nicolas Cage, and a futuristic prison movie. National Treasure (2004) was originally announced for a summer 2000 release. Yet by the time it finally got going, it had nine writers who'd worked on it - and Nicolas Cage agreeing to star. 1992's Fortress meanwhile was originally developed as a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger. When he turned it down, the budget was slashed - but in the hands of star Christopher Lambert and director Stuart Gordon, it'd be in profit before it opened in America. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The Mummy (2017) and Notting Hill (1999)
04/04/2022
The Mummy (2017) and Notting Hill (1999)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, an attempt to launch a cinematic universe, and an attempt to not directly follow-up an earlier success. The Mummy (2017) was the starting point for Universal's planned Dark Universe of movies. Things changed a little when Tom Cruise was cast - but it became clear too late the project was in trouble. Following the success of Four Weddings & A Funeral, there was an assumption that 1999's Notting Hill would be a sort-of follow up. Not so, the filmmakers insisted - as they faced the challenge of bringing a huge movie star to the streets of London. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Coda (2021)
03/28/2022
The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Coda (2021)
In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a James Bond film that arrived quicker than expected, and a small remake that ultimately soared. The World Is Not Enough (1999) brought in new writers, an unlikely director, and the press for an American star. And it got on the nerves of some British MPs... Coda (2021) meanwhile was shot quickly, after nearly a year of preparation. The wait for its release was a long one - and then it looked like it'd come and gone. But then awards season kicked in. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Last Action Hero (1993) and The Cannonball Run (1981)
03/21/2022
Last Action Hero (1993) and The Cannonball Run (1981)
In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a notorious film of the 1990s, and an early hit of the 1980s. Last Action Hero was Arnold Schwarzenegger's eagerly-awaited first action movie following Terminator 2. It was billed as the big ticket for summer 1993. Things did not go to plan. Burt Reynolds meanwhile vowed to never go faster than 35mph in a movie again following a string of car films. But a cheque making him the most expensive movie star in the world for The Cannonball Run helped change his mind... Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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In conversation with Simon Farnaby: The Phantom Of The Open, Ghosts, Mindhorn, Bill and more
03/18/2022
In conversation with Simon Farnaby: The Phantom Of The Open, Ghosts, Mindhorn, Bill and more
In a special episode of the Film Stories podcast, Simon is joined by actor and writer Simon Farnaby. They talk about The Phantom Of The Open, Farnaby's latest work as screenwriter. Plus, other topics that come up include Ghosts, Mindhorn, Bill and a little bit of Paddington 2. Oh, and a tractor as well...
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Creed (2015) and The Postman (1997)
03/14/2022
Creed (2015) and The Postman (1997)
In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, one film that found an audience, one that struggled to. Few were enthused at the idea of another Rocky movie, yet alone a spin-off. But a young filmmaker had a pitch for Sylvester Stallone - and the worst case scenario would be he got a signed copy of a Rocky II DVD for his dad. The Postman meanwhile was Kevin Costner's first directorial outing following his Oscar-winning success with Dances With Wolves. This time though, the reception would be very different. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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In conversation with Lord Puttnam
03/10/2022
In conversation with Lord Puttnam
Academy Award-winning producer Lord David Puttnam - a giant of the British film industry - joins Simon for a very special episode of the podcast. They chat about Lord Puttnam's career, his early successes with David Essex-headlined movies, his lifelong friendship with the late Alan Parker, and films as varied as Local Hero, Memphis Belle, Chariots Of Fire, The Mission and more. Plus: no shortage of thoughts on modern film, the future of the UK industry and a whole lot more...
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The Iron Giant (1999) and The A-Team (2010)
03/07/2022
The Iron Giant (1999) and The A-Team (2010)
In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films that both struggled to fully find their audience. The Iron Giant was quickly regarded as a modern masterpiece. But Brad Bird's directorial debut was made as Warner Bros was shutting down hand drawn feature animation - and the film was only given a release date very late. The A-Team meanwhile was in development for a good decade at 20th Century Fox before making it to the screen. And it faced some uphill battles of its own. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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The Abyss (1989) and Big (1988)
02/28/2022
The Abyss (1989) and Big (1988)
In the new episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, two films facing very different challenges. James Cameron knew he was trying to do things that hadn't been done before on film with 1989's The Abyss. The film would be such a difficult shoot that even its trailer would boast about it. Big meanwhile earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar nomination. But Robert De Niro nearly starred, and director Penny Marshall had some difficult tonal challenges to balance. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and The Big Sick (2017)
02/21/2022
Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and The Big Sick (2017)
In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a sci-fi sequel and a low budget romcom, both of which sparked at the box office. Star Trek: First Contact was ordered whilst the previous film in the series - Generations - was still in cinemas. This time though, there'd be fewer studio mandates, but a very tight production schedule. The pressure with The Big Sick was on getting the script right: it took years of work before the $5m film went before the cameras, and it all ended up with an Oscar nomination. Stories of both are told in this episode. Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriespod. Support our work at www.patreon.com/simonbrew.
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