Tag

Movies

Jan 14
Love37

Steve Abramson

By Art, Author, Film, Fun, Podcast, TV No Comments

Why do some stories stay with us forever, while others lose their magic?

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome screenwriter, author, and game show researcher Steve Abramson for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, Hollywood, game shows, and the stories that shape who we are.

Steve shares how a childhood viewing of Star Wars sparked a lifelong love of movies, what it is really like working behind the scenes in television and game shows, and why modern franchises often struggle to recapture the joy and clarity that once made them timeless. We also explore why villains are often more compelling than heroes, how pressure changes performance, and what our favorite stories reveal about our hopes, fears, and curiosity.

This is an honest, curious conversation about creativity, culture, and the simple power of a good story told well. If you love movies, game shows, pop culture, or thoughtful conversations that connect the dots between entertainment and real life, this episode is for you.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

  • Why stories matter
  • How Star Wars sparked a love for storytelling
  • Learning screenwriting before the internet
  • Sending a screenplay to Hollywood at 15
  • Why movie franchises lose their way
  • What Star Wars got right and where it went wrong
  • Why villains are more interesting than heroes
  • The reality of writing for television today
  • Behind the scenes of game shows
  • Why game shows are harder than they look
  • Knowing the answer vs performing under pressure
  • How pressure changes creativity
  • Why the stories we consume shape us
  • Passing curiosity to the next generation
  • Why great stories still matter

Quotations:

”I look at myself as a lawyer. I have to comb through every single question to make sure there are no multiple answers and that it’s worded correctly. Even one word out of place could change the whole meaning of it.” ~ Steve Abramson

“It changed the way I looked at every question from that point forward. You have to look at every angle and see if there’s a loophole anywhere.” ~ Steve Abramson

Bio:

Steve Abramson is a screenwriter, author, and television writer whose creative journey began at fifteen when he wrote his first screenplay and even managed to get someone at Amblin Entertainment to read it. After formally studying Film and Television at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Steve broke into professional television writing with credits including In a Heartbeat for the Disney Channel, story pitching for Star Trek, and writing for Survivor: Cook Islands. His career spans television pilots, network pitching, and extensive work on game shows, including Temptation, Boom, Million Second Quiz, and Funny You Should Ask. Alongside years in post production, Steve continues to create across media through projects like KnowItAllJoe.com and his children’s book The Bear in the Chair.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://steveabramson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowitalljoe1977/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Knowitalljoe1977

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-abramson-a550204/

Nov 06
Love18

T.J. Miller

By Comedian, Film, Movies, Podcast No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know, buckle up for a conversation filled with laughter, quirky stories, and a surprising amount of heart! We’re thrilled to welcome T.J. Miller—a comedian, actor, and voice you’ll recognize from Deadpool, Silicon Valley, and How to Train Your Dragon. T.J. is here to share his refreshingly down-to-earth approach to comedy, life, and everything in between.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to use code “Gary20” to get 20% off your order!)

In this Episode:

  • Learn why his website is humorously named tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com, a playful nod to the early 2000s domain craze.
  • Discover the quirky backstory of T.J.’s cowboy baseball hat, inspired by a friend’s bold character transformation that brings plenty of laughs.
  • Get to know his unique perspective on performing in tech-heavy places like San Jose, where he shares how the Bay Area audience has shifted post-pandemic but still appreciates his signature comedy.
  • Uncover T.J.’s approach to comedy, centered around not taking himself too seriously. His live shows are a celebration of authenticity, inviting the audience to laugh with him and at themselves.
  • Learn about his personal life, including meeting his wife in college theater and the steadfast support they’ve shared through life’s many twists and turns.
  • Discover the charm behind his gruff, recognizable voice that’s landed him memorable roles—and why he thinks audiences are drawn to those “rough around the edges” characters.
  • Get to know his love for improv, making each live performance an unforgettable, interactive experience that keeps comedy fresh and engaging.

Quotations:

“I don’t like performing for people who are too self-serious.” ~ T.J. Miller

“My father’s way of sort of showing affection is making fun of someone. So he’ll sort of tease my mother and that’s kind of how, and she knows that means that he loves her and is paying attention to her and thinking about her.”  ~ T.J. Miller

“It still blows my mind when people say like, knew, I knew from the voice because I don’t, my voice doesn’t sound different to me.”  ~ T.J. Miller

“I think there’s something very American in my voice.”  ~ T.J. Miller

“I can wear a mask in the airport and a cap and glass, a regular cap, not a cowboy cap and glasses. And then as soon as I speak, people will be like, I knew it was you.”  ~ T.J. Miller

“Wow, I took care of that whole table. That whole family. I made that whole family laugh. And so because of that, like, yeah, I think I did my job.”  ~ T.J. Miller

“I feel as though I come off as really friendly because I am ultimately a very kind person.” ~ T.J. Miller

“I’m very happy with my rating as an actor in the sense that there aren’t a lot of bad things about any of my work that’s happened.”  ~ T.J. Miller

“We’re all in our screens, androids, and but we’re streaming. Just get out of the house. Put your phone down and come and see a show.”  ~ T.J. Miller

Bio:

T.J. Miller is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer known for his unique style of humor and versatility across television, film, and stand-up comedy. With memorable roles in hit films like Deadpool and Cloverfield, and as the voice of characters like Tuffnut in the How to Train Your Dragon series, T.J. brings his quirky, energetic presence to every project. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Erlich Bachman on HBO’s Silicon Valley, where his eccentric, over-the-top performance made him a fan favorite. A staple in the comedy world, T.J. continues to tour and bring his boundary-pushing humor to audiences worldwide.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://tjmillerdoesnothaveawebsite.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagemillionaire/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nottjmiller/

Youtube: @tjmiller

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nottjmiller

X: https://x.com/nottjmiller

Apr 17
Love13

Gary Schneeberger

By Author, Film, Movies, Sci-Fi No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas sits down with Gary Schneeberger, president of Roar PR. As a seasoned writer and former journalist who crossed over to the public relations realm, Gary brings his unique perspective on the evolution of media alongside his expertise in one of cinema’s most iconic franchises: James Bond.

So if you’re a die-hard 007 fan, be sure to listen because this episode is packed with engaging tales, nostalgia, thoughtful analysis, and passion for all things Bond. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

In this Episode:

  • Introduction to Gary Schneeberger and his career transition from newspapers to public relations.
  • Insights about the shift in media consumption over time and the decline in print journalism contrast with online growth.
  • Listen to personal anecdotes about moving from California back to Wisconsin after decades away.
  • In-depth analysis of why James Bond is a universally appealing character and a cultural phenomenon.
  • Delve into each actor’s portrayal of James Bond and how they brought something different to the role from Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
  • Hear trivia and insights about Barbara Carrera‘s award nomination and Frank Sinatra’s role as the first John McClane in an alternate universe.
  • Speculation on James Bond’s future casting, celebration of six decades of the franchise’s legacy, and continual captivation of audiences worldwide.

Quotations:

“I think that’s one of the reasons why Bond was so popular, has been so popular over 60 years, is that because it has changed up, and Bond has sort of met the times where the times were at, and that’s been the genius of the folks who’ve been producing it all these years.” ~ Gary Schneeberger

“From Connery to Craig is its own cinematic universe. They weren’t talking cinematic universes when they started like Marvel has a cinematic universe like Harry Potter has a cinematic universe, but this is all self-contained.”  ~ Gary Schneeberger

“He has to have that non-American sort of perspective. And I think that’s one of the beautiful things about Bond, Gary, as we, you know, as we talk about it, is that there’s, especially for those of us in America, there’s just something so exotic about it.”  ~ Gary Schneeberger

Bio:

Gary Schneeberger’s three decades in journalism and public relations fuel his passion for, and success in, strategic marketing and communications. As founder and president of ROAR, Schneeberger draws on his executive and executional experience in entertainment, ministry, and media to help individuals and organizations engage audiences with the boldness and creative clarity that ensure they are heard. He has captured his insights and experience on the wise practice of public relations in Bite the Dog: Build a PR Strategy to Make News That Matters, available at most online booksellers.

He has advised Hollywood studios (Universal, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox), television networks (USA, History, The CW), global ministries (Focus on the Family) and publishing houses (Simon & Schuster, Hachette Books), as well as counseled and created communications platforms for some of the biggest names in movies and TV (including Mark Burnett and Roma Downey) and the most influential leaders in the faith community (including Jim Daly and Russell Moore). His writing, under his own name and on behalf of clients, has appeared in Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Washington Post, CNN.com, and The Huffington Post. He has an extensive background as a spokesperson, appearing on the CBS Evening News, CNN This Morning, NPR, and HLN, among dozens of others. Schneeberger also spent more than 15 years as an award-winning reporter and editor for daily newspapers across the country, including the Los Angeles Times. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Camp Lake, Wis., with her two children, Alyssa and Hunter.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://weroar.la/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyschneeberger/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyschneeberger/

X: https://twitter.com/gschneeberger

Youtube: @garyschneeberger3641

Nov 08
Love10

Darren Haruo Rae

By Film, Movies, TV No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had a fascinating conversation with our guest, Darren Haruo Rae, a Japanese-American producer and director based in Los Angeles. Darren shares his journey from being a movie enthusiast to becoming an accomplished filmmaker.

Darren’s love for film was sparked by his father’s passion for movies and his extensive laserdisc collection. Tune into this insightful episode where they also talked about assessing one’s own work, learning by doing, understanding commercial filming vs. authentic performances, and much more!

Filmmaking isn’t just about what you see on screen; it’s also about those behind-the-scenes heroes who make magic happen every day.

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

  • The Genesis of a Filmmaker
  • The Academic Pursuit 
  • A Nostalgic Affair with Physicality
  • Influences Inspirations 
  • Behind-the-Scenes Intricacies
  • Self-assessment and Growth 
  • The Art Of Compromise In Filmmaking    
  • Directorial Philosophy  
  • Casting Decisions And Actor Inputs   
  • Persistence, Patience, and Timing 
  • Physical Fitness In Cinema
  • Representation And Diversity  
  • Respect For Personal Stories   
  • The Importance Of Storytelling   
  • Historical Events As Source Material  
  • Remembering History Through Film
  • Cultural Expectations And Screenwriting  
  • Superhero Movies And Corporate Control 
  • Balancing Commercial Work With Personal Projects 
  • Dream Collaborations 

Quotations:

“I think a big part of being a director is that, essentially, you’re the one that has to pull the plug and say, that’s good enough.” ~ Darren Haruo Rae

“It’s really just making yourself available and just believing yourself and staying, you know, true to yourself and even just hoping that opportunity will come.” ~ Darren Haruo Rae

“The biggest thing I can tell them is, 1, Just make stuff. Even if you don’t feel ready, just make stuff.” ~ Darren Haruo Rae

“The point of the director, in my opinion, is being able to facilitate your actors, being able to work with photographer, your production designer, and your sound designer; you’re the person at the moment having to make the decisions. You’re the yes or no.” ~ Darren Haruo Rae

Guest’s Bio:

Darren Haruo Rae is a Japanese-American producer and director based in Los Angeles who co-founded the boutique production company Roann Films. He has directed high-profile commercials and branded content for clients such as Western Digital, Airbnb, and Cisco. Rae’s directorial debut, Park Arcadia, garnered Best Screenplay at the 2014 International Film Festival Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. His latest film, Nisei, inspired by his Japanese-American grandfather’s WWII experiences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned Best Drama and Audience Choice at the 2023 Poppy Jasper Film Festival and continues its festival circuit, screening at Indy Shorts by Heartland Film, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Cinequest Film Festival.

Currently, Rae is the series producer for the MasterClass G.O.A.T. Original Series and is producing the feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang. Surrender was selected as one of Film Independent’s Fast Track fellowship program’s top 10 narrative fiction features and is slated for production in 2023.

Guest’s Contact Info:

Website: https://www.dhrae.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenhrae/

Nisei Film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niseithefilm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoannFilms/