Following Films Podcast

• A 100% Tariff on Foreign Films? Plus, Interview with Sonnet Daymont

  In one of the most unexpected turns in recent entertainment news, President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. In this episode, host Chris Maynard unpacks the potential consequences of this controversial proposal and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood and global filmmaking.Later in the episode, Chris sits down with Sonnet Daymont, a therapist and horror film consultant, to discuss her work on the film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, her unique approach to trauma recovery, and her upcoming memoir, When Dangerous Feels Like Home.IntroductionWelcome from Chris MaynardOverview of today’s topicsTrump’s 100% Tariff ProposalTrump’s Truth Social post and policy goals: “Bring movies back to America”Analysis of Hollywood's recent struggles: COVID, strikes, wildfires, and shifting viewing habitsIndustry stats: 2024 production budget cuts, 2025 box office reboundPolicy Uncertainty and Industry QuestionsWhat qualifies as a foreign film?Challenges with co-productions and digital releasesLegal questions around presidential authority and possible court battlesGlobal Fallout and Industry ReactionBacklash from the UK, Australia, and New ZealandConcerns over lost jobs in international marketsThreat of retaliatory tariffs and a global trade war in entertainmentEconomic Nationalism vs. Global IndustryCould tariffs work? Only if paired with serious domestic incentivesWarnings from critics like NPR’s Eric DeggansThe broader question: Are tariffs the right solution or just political theater?Listener EngagementShare your thoughts on BlueSky @FollowingFilms.comEmail: [email protected] Sonnet DaymontPsychotherapist specializing in PTSD, ADHD, social anxiety, and traumaAcademic background in Counseling Psychology and Child DevelopmentFormer Pearson Teacher Fellow at Tufts UniversityFilm Consulting & MemoirDiscusses consulting for horror films and her psychological approachTHE WOMAN IN THE YARD – now available on VODUpcoming memoir: When Dangerous Feels Like Home, a powerful exploration of healing from traumaTHE WOMAN IN THE YARD – Available now on Video on Demand (VOD)BlueSky: @FollowingFilms.comEmail: [email protected]:⁠ followingfilms.com⁠

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• Durry on THIS MOVIE SUCKS, VHS Vibes, & Movie Parodies

  Welcome to The Following Films Podcast — your go-to destination for deep dives into music, movies, and pop culture that push boundaries and spark conversation.In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write.We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and the nostalgia-packed music video that pays homage to VHS-era classics like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, and more. From clever film parodies to existential themes, Durry delivers a cinematic experience in both sound and vision.Whether you're a fan of retro movies, 90s aesthetics, or just searching for your own rewrite in life’s script, you won’t want to miss this one.Hit play and step behind the scenes of THIS MOVIE SUCKS with Durry — only on The Following Films Podcast.

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• Martin Ruhe on THE AMATEUR

  Today on The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by cinematographer Martin Ruhe. Martin’s latest film, The Amateur, is a tense, grounded thriller, and we spend a lot of time talking about how he helped shape its unique look and feel. We also get into his earlier work, like the beautifully shot Control, and how his collaborations with George Clooney kicked off with The American and later continued with The Tender Bar. It was a real pleasure hearing Martin break down his process, how he approaches working with directors, and how he keeps pushing himself creatively from project to project.

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• Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on OPUS

  Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films — I'm Chris Maynard.Today I'm really excited to have cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on the show.You probably know his work from Snowfall, Straight Outta Compton, and a bunch of other incredible projects.We’re talking about his newest film, Opus, and how he approached the look and feel of it, what it was like putting it together, and just his overall process behind the camera.It’s a great conversation — so let's jump right in.

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• Ed Cunningham and Walter Day on ARCADES AND LOVE SONGS: THE BALLAD OF WALTER DAY

  On this episode, we’re diving into a story that blends nostalgia, music, and the origins of esports — a follow-up to one of the most beloved documentaries in gaming history. I’m talking about Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day.This new film is the feature directorial debut from Oscar-winning producer Ed Cunningham — best known for Undefeated and The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. If you're a fan of the latter, you're in for a real treat, because this film brings us back into the world of Walter Day — the iconic star of The King of Kong, and the man often credited as the father of esports.Now 74, Walter is taking center stage once again in this musical documentary that follows his legal battle to protect his legacy, all while chasing a long-held dream: recording and performing the rock-opera love songs that have been echoing in his mind since his heart was broken back in the golden days of the arcade.This episode features not one but two great interviews — first with Ed Cunningham, the director of Arcades & Love Songs, and then with the legend himself, Walter Day. We’ll talk about everything from the making of the film, to Walter’s unique musical vision, to what this journey has meant for him personally.So whether you’re a longtime fan of The King of Kong, a lover of indie film, or just curious about this one-of-a-kind story, stick around — you won’t want to miss this.

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