SAM WITWER Part 1: THE MIST and BEING HUMAN

Damn Dirty Geeks

#Genre #Horror #Monsters #Movies #Cinema #Scott Weitz #Damn Dirty Geeks #Fine Arts #Arts #Film #SciFi

38:30

Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

9 years ago 1:00:03

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The Damn Dirty Geeks have scored another fantastic two-part podcast episode with our special guest, actor Sam Witwer, talking about his film and TV series roles in THE MIST, THE WALKING DEAD and BEING HUMAN.

Joining Frank, Jack, Frank, Scott and Trish, Sam Witwer opens this Part 1 episode with the unlikely, fortuitous story of how he became the first actor cast in Frank Darabont's feature adaptation of THE MIST, Stephen King's Lovecraftian sci-fi horror novella. This discussion twists into a study of notorious film endings and interpretations, including THE MIST along with BLADE RUNNER and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.

Sam also shares several inside stories about his work and the making of SyFy's hit series BEING HUMAN, in which he stars as Aidan Waite, a 2000-year-old vampire who struggles to exist in the modern human world with his werewolf and ghostly roommates.

Blending lighter moments of comedy with dark, emotional scenes of human drama -- even for an undead vampire -- Sam relates his acting process in developing Aidan beyond the tropes of genre expectation. Witwer's own character concerns actually changed scripted moments in the series, ensuring that viewers identified with Aidan's supernatural curse just like drug addiction does in humans. Sam also relates how he strove never to violate Aidan killing humans without confronting the moral cost of his actions, and how that changed his character over the centuries.

This Part 1 episode offers fascinating insights into Sam Witwer's acting philosophy and his work in these favorite films and series, all while the DDG have a very fun evening with him. Plenty of laughs ensue, and this is only the beginning!

In Part 2 of our podcast coming soon, the DDG and Sam begin delving into his lengthy association with the STAR WARS franchise, including THE FORCE AWAKENS, animated series and video games.

60 episodes

SAM WITWER Part 1: THE MIST and BEING HUMAN

Damn Dirty Geeks

16 subscribers

published 9 years ago

MP3•Episode home

In Part 2 of our podcast coming soon, the DDG and Sam begin delving into his lengthy association with the STAR WARS franchise, including THE FORCE AWAKENS, animated series and video games.

60 episodes

#Genre #Horror #Monsters #Movies #Cinema #Scott Weitz #Damn Dirty Geeks #Fine Arts #Arts #Film #SciFi

All episodes

1
Julie Ann Emery Part 2: Star Wars, Catch-22 and more! 1:19:20

5 years ago1:19:20

1:19:20

1
Julie Ann Emery Talks PREACHER, STAR WARS and more Part 1 1:27:12

6 years ago1:27:12

1:27:12

In Part 1 of a special two-part episode, the Damn Dirty Geeks welcome the amazing Julie Ann Emery! Having appeared on such hit shows as FARGO, BETTER CALL SAUL, CATCH-22 and the insane AMC series PREACHER, this versatile actress has demonstrated an ability to slip into all kinds of different characters. We start off talking about the absolutely bonkers show PREACHER, currently in its fourth and final season. Julie Ann enlightens us about the creators' decision to end the series by barreling full speed towards the Apocalypse. She also discusses how much she enjoyed playing Agent Featherstone and the multiple disguises her character takes on. A tardy Jack Bennett arrives to join us discussing Julie Ann's role as the scheming Betsy Kettleman on BETTER CALL SAUL, and as the terribly unhappy Joanna in the feature comedy I HATE KIDS (written by DDG co-host Frank Dietz). Things really get going when we segue into one of Julie Ann's favorite subjects, STAR WARS movies. Yes, Julie Ann is an actual Geek! She talks about how Princess Leia and Han Solo impacted her youth, as Trish agrees that those original movies changed her life. This leads to a discussion with Scott about the zealous side of fandom, particularly on social media. We finish off the episode talking about the fun of playing villains -- and this is only part one! Our next episode will cover more of Julie Ann's career, including a fun story of first meeting with her CATCH-22 co-star George Clooney!…

1
Pruitt Taylor Vince and Jennifer Lynn Warren: Part 3 1:22:38

6 years ago1:22:38

1:22:38

In the third and final installment, we resolve our Part 2 cliffhanger with our in-depth conversation with Jennifer Lynn Warren and Pruitt Taylor Vince. We also begin with an emotional discussion about the BBC Dr. Who series. Jennifer is moved to tears by the character River Song (played by Alex Kingston) and explains how she puts that emotion to good use. Next Frank Dietz and Jennifer compare notes on having to appear naked on screen and on stage. We talk about the difference between being nude in front of a live audience (as in the play “Equus”) and the experience of stripping down for a feature film. Following a lively round table discussion of the current state of television series, Pruitt admits that he has never seen a Julia Roberts movie and can’t make it all the way through CADDYSHACK – which prompts some questionable Rodney Dangerfield impressions. Jack wants to know from our distinguished guests what movies they saw when younger that impacted their decisions to become actors. We close out by paying tribute to two genre giants who left us last year. First actor and friend James Karen, who starred in POLTERGEIST, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD and the Trish Geiger produced DARK AND STORMY NIGHT. This leads to a sidebar discussion with Scott about Karen's dear friend, the great Buster Keaton. Then we honor Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-man and lord and master of the Marvel comics universe whose work and collaborators have made a huge impact on popular culture. It’s another episode filled with laughs and surprises, with two terrific actors who are so entertaining we couldn’t squeeze them into just two episodes. Look for photos and show notes on this episode at our Damn Dirty Geeks website .…

1
Pruitt Taylor Vince and Jennifer Lynn Warren Part 2 56:49

6 years ago56:49

56:49

In Part Two of our conversation with actors Pruitt Taylor Vince and Jennifer Lynn Warren, we tackle the trickier aspects of film and stage acting. Jennifer discusses the difficult transitions of taking on an emotionally challenging character, and Pruitt talks about surviving some of the more physically demanding roles. The Geeks get to geek out about some of Pruitt’s high-profile television and movie appearances, from THE WALKING DEAD to STRANGER THINGS to DEADWOOD to THE X FILES and more. Pruitt also tells the gang about working with the legendary Paul Newman on NOBODY’S FOOL, and Jennifer doesn’t get to finish a story…which will be continued in our next episode, Part Three of this amazing discussion! Our first cliffhanger! Visit our website www.damndirtygeeks.com for episode show notes and more photos from Pruitt and Jennifer's work.…

1
WHAT ABOUT BLOB? 1:20:24

6 years ago1:20:24

1:20:24

Get ready to make the clingiest friend you’ll ever meet! It’s the most absorbing Cross-Stream from Damn Dirty Geeks and The Revival Leagueyet: “What About Blob?” A satire inspired by Irvin Yeaworth's 1958 film THE BLOB and Frank Oz's 1991 film WHAT ABOUT BOB?, this radio play tells the story of a neurotic ooze monster (played by honorary Damn Dirty Geek Brian Howe) who comes to Earth and envelops the life of his new psychologist (played by Damn Dirty Geek’s own Frank Dietz). Also featuring Trace Beaulieuand Frank Conniff(MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000), Carolina Hidalgo(SiriusXM) and The Revival League as The Not Ready For Slime Time Players! With original theme song “What About The Blob?” by Storm DiCostanzo(Paul and Storm)! Written and directed by The Revival League’s Robb Maynard! For more parody radio plays from our associates at The Revival League, go to their Soundcloud site . And stay tuned for more comedy specials in the months to come here on Damn Dirty Geeks!…

1
Pruitt Taylor Vince & Jennifer Lynn Warren: Part 1 1:08:45

7 years ago1:08:45

1:08:45

The Damn Dirty Geeks had so much fun talking career projects, favorite movies, geek inspirations and monsters with our two special guests, Jennifer Lynn Warrenand Pruitt Taylor Vince-- we recorded for over three hours -- that we had to split their podcast episode into two parts! We open 2019 with Part 1 of this great episode, recorded just before the DDG went on holiday break, talking with these terrific and successful actors. You've seen Pruitt most recently in BIRD BOX on Netflix, among his many TV appearances including STRANGER THINGS, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., THE MENTALIST, TRUE BLOOD, DEADWOOD and THE WALKING DEAD to name a few. Fans of Pruitt's film work will know him from memorable feature roles in JFK, JACOB'S LADDER, NOBODY'S FOOL, NATURAL BORN KILLERS, ANGEL HEART and DOWN BY LAW. DDG listeners will likely know Jennifer's work best from AMERICAN HORROR STORY Season 3 as Borquita LaLaurie opposite Kathy Bates, the Fox series THE GATES, and the short film CREATURE which inspired a harrowing tale of her unintended interaction with a wild alligator! Our Part 1 discussion also delivers great insights from Jennifer and Pruitt on the beginnings of their careers, and what moments and influences in life helped set them on the path to "find their tribe" among actors on stage and film. This includes Pruitt's story about how he got into acting by accident, and how the group considers Boris Karloff's performance in FRANKENSTEIN as one of the most influential acting performances in cinema. Then we all get into a fascinating exchange about the history of horror movies, classic and modern, and how their mythologies play into franchises and sequels -- and how horror cycles transition into comedy and parody film cycles. Enjoy our first hour of great discussion on acting, filmmaking and entertainment with Jennifer and Pruitt in our first Damn Dirty Geeks episode of 2019 -- with Part 2 coming soon!…

1
MEET THE REVIVAL LEAGUE 1:18:20

7 years ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Our own Frank Dietz recently flew the Damn Dirty Geekjet to Colorado to visit with members of The Revival League Podcast -- Greg Tally, Robb Maynard, Ron McAdams and Jackey Neyman Jones, the actress who survived playing young Debbie in the notorious MST'ed film target MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE. The gang starts off disussing the recent Revival League radio play "What About Blob?", a parody of the classic 1950s teen horror film starring our honorary Damn Dirty Geek, Brian Howe, along with Dietz and MST3K alums Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff. The Revival League has produced nine audio plays along these lines, including a Shakespearean parody of PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE and a riff on Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast. DDG listeners have already sampled The Revival League's comedy stylings in our previous Shorts in a Bunch: Back to School episode , also including Dietz, Beaulieu and Conniff. The Revivalists give listeners previews of fun new plays and shows in their pipeline. Greg, Rob, Ron and Jackey also share their own "geek origins" stories about growing up on a wide range of influences including Godzilla and Toho films, Monty Python comedy, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and '90s TV horror shows. Jackey also shares a behind-the-scenes story about the making of and premiere of MANOS when she was a child. Now it's time to meet the Revival League in our latest podcast episode! Get photos and more info about this episode on the Damn Dirty Geeks website .…

1
DDG & The Revival League present 'Shorts in a Bunch: Back to School!' 1:33:44

7 years ago1:33:44

1:33:44

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! There are some exciting changes coming to the Damn Dirty Geeks podcast! We are pleased to announce that the Damn Dirty Geeks podcast is teaming up with the The Revival Leaguepodcast to bring you something a bit different from our usual programming. This collaboration will present comedy radio plays to entertain you between our continued interview and discussion episodes. In the past, The Revival League has presented very clever radio plays such as “Soylent Scrooge” and “The Tragical Histoire of Plan the 9,” a Shakespearean version of PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE. We have plans for the Damn Dirty Geeks to participate in upcoming and future episodes, as performers and writers of new material. Our first-ever Revival League/Damn Dirty Geeks Cross-Stream Production: “Shorts in a Bunch: Back to School!” Starring the Revival League regulars (joined by the lovable albeit annoying Kruzunka Wunkas), as well as special guests Frank Conniffand Trace Beaulieu(MST3K’s The Mads), Frank Dietz(Zombie Nightmare/Damn Dirty Geeks) and Carolina Hidalgo(SiriusXM/The Mads Are Back! Podcast), this brand new radio play passes the test when it comes to putting the “ass” back in “class.” From an awkward blind date with a singing social outcast, to a gorilla that knows exactly when to lend a hand, to the single most spot-on Donald Trump impersonation of all time, “Shorts in a Bunch: Back to School” features a busload of silly skits written and performed by the Revival League Podcast gang! ***Warning! This radio play is rated NSFW, Not Safe For Work. It contains strong language and adult situations. Listener discretion is seriously advised.***…

1
Uncle Ira's Basement: INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS 17:14

7 years ago17:14

17:14

Hey Damn Dirty Geeks fans, look what’s back! It’s a new episode of “Uncle Ira’s Basement!” Frank Dietz, Scott and Trish take a look at the film from which we coined the name of this series. Uncle Ira, played by actor Tom Fadden, is a character in this classic movie who hides an unusual secret in his basement...something that is just waiting for you to fall asleep. Likewise, the DDG reveal these mini-episodes from our own basement archives to invade your own ears and minds. Don Siegal’s 1956 masterpiece INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS is one of the best sci-fi thrillers of that decade. Alien seedpods have arrived on Earth and are taking over the minds and bodies of our loved ones while they sleep. Right off the bat, the Geeks discuss how the film has often been cited as a metaphor for the era’s Cold War fears of a communist takeover and its accompanying escalation of paranoia and distrust. We extend this analysis to include other 1950s classics with similar topic including THE BLOB (1958) and INVADERS FROM MARS (1953). The Geeks then celebrate the multiple elements that keep INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS elevated above the rest, including Daniel Mainwaring's dynamic script, the taut story pacing and the conviction of the actors. It’s no wonder INVASION has been remade multiple times over the years, with varying degrees of success. There’s a fun little sidebar about childhood memories of keeping the monsters under the bed from getting you! We also remark on the Whit Bissell/Richard Deacon sequences that bookend the movie and provide a glimmer of hope for the human race. Frank talks with great affection about his old friend Kevin McCarthy (1914-2010), the hero who carries the film from beginning to end (and throws in a couple of imitations of him as well!). We wrap out with a toast to Kevin, who is missed by his many friends and fans across the globe. “They’re already here! You’re next! You’re next!” Note: as this is one of Damn Dirty Geeks' earliest podcast episodes retreived from our archives, its recording levels are not up to our standards of clarity and mixing. But you'll still enjoy the discussion of this great film as a vintage treat from the DDG.…

1
That Tom Everett Scott Thing We Do 1:29:16

7 years ago1:29:16

1:29:16

The Damn Dirty Geeks recently enjoyed a podcasting evening of laughs and great stories with actor and friend of the show, Tom Everett Scott. Tom's stories of his career starring in an impressive range of horror, comedy, drama and musical projects made for one of DDG's favorite shows. We open with a discussion about Tom's work in THAT THING YOU DO! and how writer/director/co-star Tom Hanks almost didn't cast Scott in the film because he looked too much like Hanks. Tom also details fascinating moments working with Hanks early in his feature directing career and advice he gave for Scott's first starring film role for which he learned to play the drums. Fans will also recognize Tom Everett Scott from his lycanthropic turmoil in AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS, the 1997 sequel to John Landis' AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and co-starring Julie Delpy. This lighter-tone story showed off Tom's comedic skills again, and how he actually spent little time in heavy makeup as most of the werewolf creature effects were achieved by (disappointing) CG. Also, listen to Tom's behind-the-scenes stories of how the connection from AAWIP to AAWIL were intended to tie the films closer together, but were eventually blurred which hindered the film's stand alone value. Accordingly, a brief debate about what makes a werewolf movie ensued. Tom's acting adventures continue with tales of working with Meryl Streep in ONE TRUE THING, his return to horror in the SYFY series Z NATION (prompting a slow Romero zombie vs. fast zombie debate), another musical venture in LA LA LAND, and a bit of a preview of Tom's role in the upcoming comedy I HATE KIDS, co-written by DDG's own Frank Dietz. Check out our photo gallery of Tom Everett Scott's work and show notes for this episode at our website DamnDirtyGeeks.com a few days after this release.…

1
DEBORAH BAKER JR. ON STAN AGAINST EVIL, PLAN 9 LIVE AND COMEDY 1:14:52

7 years ago1:14:52

1:14:52

Join the Damn Dirty Geeks and our special guest DEBORAH BAKER, JR. as we more fantastic behind the scenes stories of making Dana Gould’s horror comedy series STAN AGAINST EVIL, as she wrapped her second season playing Denise Miller and now about to begin Season 3 of the show. Deborah continues our winning streak with guests from the STAN AGAINST EVIL cast, including creator Dana Gould and co-star Janet Varney . She immediately got us in the mood with stories of her haunted house tales from location shooting in Georgia, related to her own poltergeist experiences from childhood — a surprise turn in our conversation for sure! Just as scary is the show’s rapid shooting schedule, which demands block shooting of all scenes at one location across multiple episode scripts. We delve into Deborah’s character relationships with Varney, Nate Mooney, John C. McGinley, and how Denise often speaks in Gould’s own comedic voice as a spokes-character. Much of our discussion centers on comedy, which leads us into a great talk about Deborah’s multiple appearances in Dana Gould’s live stage readings of Ed Wood’s PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE script. A perfect project to suit Deborah’s sketch comedy acting background, PLAN 9 LIVE turns the cult classic film on its ear with a stellar cast including Jonah Ray, Janet Varney, Baker plus many special guest stars depending on the timing and location, including Laraine Newman and Paul F. Tompkins on the most recent performance. The more seriously and literally the cast performs the script, the funnier PLAN 9 gets. Be sure to check out the Largo at the Coronet website for upcoming shows if PLAN 9 LIVE returns. Check out our photo gallery of Deborah Baker Jr.'s work and show notes for this episode at our website DamnDirtyGeeks.com a few days after this release.…

1
Planet of the Apes 50th Anniversary with Lou Wagner 34:38

7 years ago34:38

34:38

Join the Damn Dirty Geeks at our live podcast recording from the Arena Cinelounge as we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the original PLANET OF THE APES, with our special guest from the film, LOU WAGNER. Lou joins our list of APES actors on our podcast including Bobby Porter and H.M Wynant. Though Lou is our first veteran from the original film, having co-starred with Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, which was a special treat for the DDG and our live audience in attendance for the screening. We talk with Lou about his preparation for playing the rebellious teen chimpanzee as the then-modern voice in the 1968 film, and how what might have been a 60s-dated aspect to the story has now come full circle in relevance, mirroring today's headlines of a new youth movement influencing society and politics. Lou shares several little-known stories from filming PLANET OF THE APES, including a great tale about how Heston looked after his ape costars on location. Also joining the 50th Anniversary celebration was William Conlin, director of the upcoming documentary Making Apes:The Artists Who Changed Film , himself a lifelong fan of the APES films like us. Conlin's film celebrates the brilliant makeup artists and technicians who made the APES films possible and how they changed modern cinema in the 20th century. As part of this documentary, Lou agreed to have makeup artists update Lou's character Lucious as aged 50 years since his original appearance. Jump the link above to learn more about Conlin's film currently in production and seeking support to finish the doc. Listen to this ape-stravaganza and much more in our live podcast marking 50 years of the APES film franchise and counting! Be sure to visit our website DamnDirtyGeeks.com in a couple days for our photo gallery and show notes from this special event!…

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Patricia Tallman on NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD 1:19:44

7 years ago1:19:44

1:19:44

The Damn Dirty Geeks return to the realm of the Living Dead with our latest special guest, Patricia Tallman, known for her acting and stuntwork in KNIGHTRIDERS, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1990), STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, BABYLON 5 and much more. Pat's first film was George Romero's KNIGHTRIDERS in 1981, which began a lengthy collaborative relationship with Romero and his fellow filmmakers. She was first directed by Tom Savini in the "Family Reunion" episode of TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE in 1988, then directed by Romero again in MONKEY SHINES the same year. Then Pat killed it in Savini's 1990 remake of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, scripted by Romero, by turning Barbara into an empowered heroine fighting to survive an apocalypse of the undead. Redefining Barbara's character helped the NIGHT remake earn its own place in horror cinema, adapting to its time and keeping this franchise vibrant decades after Romero birthed it. Tallman turning audience expectation on its ear in a remake certainly increased the impact and success of NIGHT, as she joined the ranks of powerful, intelligent heroines that transformed genre filmmaking in the late 1980s and early '90s. Listen to our great discussion with Pat about her career as actress and stuntwoman, plus her recent projects. Visit our website www.damndirtygeeks.com for full episode notes and photo gallery.…

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Bobby Porter on the Planet of the Apes - Part 2 1:10:46

8 years ago1:10:46

1:10:46

The Damn Dirty Geeks resume our delightful discussion with actor/stuntman Bobby Porter, talking more about his work in BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES, two characters in the APES TV series, and many more films and shows across his continuing career. Bobby reveals two very fun stories about his unplanned public appearances in his APES character makeup created hilarious results, including a live stage play "crossover" with BATTLE and Shakespeare. We also preview the upcoming documentary MAKING APES: THE ARTISTS WHO CHANGED FILM , starring makeup effects artist Tom Burman, actors Bobby Porter and Lou Wagner, and directed by William Conlin. Listen along and you'll join us in eager anticipation for the documentary's release in 2018, just in time for PLANET OF THE APES' 50th Anniversary! Speaking of which, the Damn Dirty Geeks will host some special events for APES' 50th Anniversary, too -- stay tuned for announcements. Bobby also regales us with his behind-the-scenes stories of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, a cult favorite DAY OF THE ANIMALS, the quirky Buck Henry sci-fi show QUARK, Sid & Marty Krofft's LAND OF THE LOST, and meeting the original Catwoman Julie Newmar. Enjoy our second hour-plus of additional APES delight with the magnificent, Bobby Porter -- whom we hope will return for a third episode as MAKING APES makes its release in 2018.…

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Bobby Porter on the Planet of the Apes Part 1 1:01:15

8 years ago1:01:15