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335 episodes

EP 335 · Oct 19, 2026 · 57 min

Editing Whalefall | Oscar Winning Editor Pietro Scalia

Editor
About this episode

How do you edit a movie that takes place inside a whale?
Academy Award winning editor Pietro Scalia takes us inside Whalefall, from the squid fight to that final note.

On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Academy Award winning film editor Pietro Scalia to talk about his work on Whalefall, the survival thriller directed by Brian Duffield and starring Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin and Elisabeth Shue. Pietro walks us through the transitions that bridge the real and the imagined, why some shots need to simply let the audience breathe, and how he told so much of the story with almost no dialogue. We also get into his own life underwater, what he learned working with Oliver Stone and Ridley Scott, why JFK and Black Hawk Down were the hardest films he has ever cut, and the Black Hawk Down scene Jerry Bruckheimer kept asking him to trim.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• How matching shot angles and breathing sounds bridge the real world and the imagined one
• Why the long take after the squid fight lets the audience breathe with the character
• Telling a story visually when your lead can barely say a word
• What Pietro learned from Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott and the masters around them
• Why JFK and Black Hawk Down were his toughest edits, and why he loves holding on a face

CHAPTERS
0:00 Teaser
1:43 Welcome and Why the Editing Stood Out
4:43 Balancing Survival With Father and Son
8:30 Bridging the Real and the Imagined
15:19 Fathers and Sons
18:19 Isolation in The Martian vs Whalefall
23:56 The Most Emotional Scene to Edit
26:30 Pietro's Life Underwater
31:03 Lessons From Oliver Stone and Ridley Scott
38:43 JFK and Black Hawk Down, the Hardest Films
45:30 The Black Hawk Down Water Scene
49:32 Visual Effects, Music and That Final Note

ABOUT THE GUEST
Pietro Scalia is a Sicilian born film editor who has won two Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, for Oliver Stone's JFK and Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down, with further nominations for Good Will Hunting and Gladiator. After earning his MFA at UCLA, he started out as an assistant editor on Oliver Stone's Wall Street and Talk Radio. His long collaboration with Ridley Scott includes G.I. Jane, Gladiator, Hannibal, American Gangster and The Martian, and his other credits include Stealing Beauty, Little Buddha, Memoirs of a Geisha, Ferrari and The Gray Man. Most recently, he edited Whalefall (2026) for director Brian Duffield.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G69IfZ7oQdU

EP 334 · Oct 14, 2026 · 52 min

Shooting Verity's Extreme Close-Ups | DP Jim Frohna

Cinematographer
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Jim Frohna to discuss his work on Verity, starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett.

Jim takes us behind the camera to explore the film’s breathtaking extreme close-ups, unique camera angles, and striking visual compositions.

We also dive into the creative choices behind the film’s tone, color palette, lighting, and mood, and how cinematography plays a crucial role in building tension, atmosphere, and emotion.

A fascinating conversation about visual storytelling, creativity, and the art of cinematography.

Jim Frohna is an Emmy-nominated American cinematographer and director known for his intimate, naturalistic visual storytelling. His impressive credits include HBO’s Big Little Lies, Transparent, Shrinking, The Idea of You, The Chair, and I Love Dick.

Most recently, Frohna served as Director of Photography on Verity (2026), the psychological thriller directed by Michael Showalter and starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with acclaimed directors including Andrea Arnold, Michael Showalter, Jay Duplass, and Mike Mills. His cinematography emphasizes authentic performances, emotional depth, and atmospheric lighting.

#Verity #AnneHathaway #DakotaJohnson #JoshHartnett

EP 333 · Oct 12, 2026 · 33 min

What You Won't Notice in HBO's Youth Costumes | Camille Benda

Costume
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with costume designer Camille Benda to discuss her work on HBO’s Youth.

We explore what inspired her costume designs for the series, the creative choices behind bringing the characters to life, and what she learned throughout the experience.

Camille also shares stories about how her career began, her travels through different European cities, and how those experiences have influenced her creative journey.

Camille Benda is a costume designer known for her work in film and television, including HBO’s comedy series Youth. With a strong eye for character, detail, and visual storytelling, Camille uses costume design to bring authenticity and personality to the screen. Her approach focuses on how clothing reflects a character’s identity, emotions, and journey, helping audiences connect with the stories being told.

#CamilleBenda #CostumeDesigner #HBO #YouthHBO

EP 332 · Oct 9, 2026 · 46 min

Editing AMC+'s Kill Jackie | Editor Byron Smith

Editor
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with editor Byron Smith to discuss his work on Kill Jackie, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones.

We dive into the editing of Episodes 1 and 2, including a key emotional moment in Episode 2 that became one of the standout scenes and was loved by the studio executives.

Byron also talks about the amazing experience of working with Catherine Zeta-Jones, finding the right rhythm and emotion in the edit, and the important role music plays in shaping the series.

A great conversation about editing, performance, music, emotion, and the creative choices behind Kill Jackie.

Byron Smith, ACE, is an Emmy and ACE Eddie Award-nominated film and television editor with over 20 years of experience. His impressive credits include House of Cards, Mindhunter, True Detective, Under the Banner of Heaven, The Mosquito Coast, and 1923.

His latest work includes Kill Jackie, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Lucky, starring Anya Taylor-Joy. A graduate of the American Film Institute, Byron has collaborated with acclaimed filmmakers including David Fincher, Carl Franklin, and James Foley. He is known for his ability to shape compelling performances, build tension, and bring emotional depth to storytelling through editing.

#KillJackie #CatherineZetaJones #TVSeries  #CrimeDrama

EP 331 · Oct 7, 2026 · 1h 14m

Composer David Robbins on Life, Loss & Gladiator

Composer
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with composer David Robbins for a deeply personal conversation about his life, music, and family.

David opens up about losing his parents and his wife, the role music has played throughout his life, and the experiences that have shaped him both personally and creatively.

We also talk about his career, including the story of losing out on Gladiator, his relationship with his brother Tim Robbins, and the remarkable creative legacy of the Robbins family.

A heartfelt conversation about music, loss, family, creativity, and the journey behind it all.

David Robbins is an American composer known for his work across film, television, and theater. Growing up in New York’s Greenwich Village in a musical family, he developed an eclectic style influenced by folk, classical, jazz, rock, and world music. His film credits include Dead Man Walking, Bob Roberts, Cradle Will Rock, King of California, and Buck. He has frequently collaborated with his brother, actor and filmmaker Tim Robbins, and has also composed extensively for the stage.

#davidrobbins #timrobbins #musiccomposer #cancer #wife #parents #gladiator #anygivensunday #weweresoldiers

EP 330 · Oct 5, 2026 · 41 min

The Fine Art of Rocky | Illustrator & Author John Rivoli

Author
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with artist John Rivoli, the official artist for MGM’s Rocky franchise and author of The Fine Art of Rocky: An Artistic Tribute from Screen to Canvas.

We talk about the impact Rocky had on John personally, how the films inspired his journey as an artist, and his connection to a story that has meant so much to generations of fans.

John also takes us through the process of creating The Fine Art of Rocky, bringing together years of artwork, memories, and iconic moments from the films into one book.

John Rivoli is an animator, illustrator, and fine artist best known as the official artist for MGM’s Rocky franchise. His book, The Fine Art of Rocky: An Artistic Tribute from Screen to Canvas, celebrates the legacy of Rocky through original paintings and artwork inspired by the iconic films and characters, with a foreword by Sylvester Stallone.

#rockymovie #sylvesterstallone #iplayrocky #boxing #rambo

EP 329 · Oct 2, 2026 · 27 min

Editing Heart of the Beast | Editor Dody Dorn

Editor
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed editor Dody Dorn to discuss her work on Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt.

Dody takes us inside the editing room, from the importance of music in shaping the film to the emotional process of cutting a scene that deeply affected both her and the director.

We also talk about an unexpected puppy showing up at her door while she was editing the film, the creative decisions that shape a performance and story in post production, and so much more.

Dody Dorn is an acclaimed American film editor known for her work on major films including Memento, Insomnia, Kingdom of Heaven, Fury, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and Rebel Moon. She earned an Academy Award nomination for editing Christopher Nolan’s Memento. Known for her strong sense of rhythm, character, and nonlinear storytelling, Dorn has collaborated with filmmakers including Nolan, Ridley Scott, David Ayer, and Zack Snyder.

#HeartOfTheBeast #BradPitt #Dogs #GermanShepherd #BehindTheScenes

EP 328 · Sep 30, 2026 · 48 min

Back to the Future Trilogy | Writer & Producer Bob Gale

WriterProducer
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Bob Gale, writer and producer of the legendary Back to the Future trilogy.

We talk about the upcoming book, Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay, arriving October 21, and dive into the stories behind the screenplay, the evolution of Back to the Future, and the films that became such an important part of cinema history.

It was a great conversation about the new book, the Back to the Future trilogy, Bob’s creative partnership with Robert Zemeckis, and some of the other films and projects from his remarkable career.

A fascinating look at writing, filmmaking, and the legacy of Back to the Future.

Bob Gale is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, producer, and director best known as the co-creator, co-writer, and co-producer of the Back to the Future trilogy alongside Robert Zemeckis. A graduate of the USC School of Cinema, Gale’s credits also include 1941, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Used Cars, Trespass, and Interstate 60, which he wrote and directed. Beyond film, he has written for major comic-book characters including Spider-Man and Batman and has remained closely involved with the Back to the Future franchise for decades

EP 327 · Sep 29, 2026 · 8 min

Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay | Book Review

Writer
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I dive into Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay, an incredible new book packed with never-before-seen images, the complete screenplay, behind-the-scenes material, and so much new information about the making of this iconic film.

It’s a fascinating look inside the writing, development, and creation of Back to the Future, offering fans a chance to discover details, stories, and material they may have never seen before.

Jawad Mir is a Writer, Director, Producer, and host of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, where he explores the craft of filmmaking through conversations with directors, actors, cinematographers, editors, production designers, and other creatives working behind the scenes. With more than 300 episodes, Jawad brings his own experience as a filmmaker to thoughtful conversations about storytelling, creativity, and the process of bringing films to life.

#backtothefuture #robertzemeckis #bobgale #stevenspielberg #amblin #michaeljfox

EP 326 · Sep 28, 2026 · 16 min

Africa: Earth's Wild Home | Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with National Geographic Explorer Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka to discuss her role in the new National Geographic series Africa: Earth’s Wild Home.

Dr. Gladys shares her journey into wildlife conservation, how she became a veterinarian, and the family expectations she faced around becoming a human doctor rather than an animal doctor. We also explore her work with mountain gorillas, her experiences featured in the series, and what decades of working closely with wildlife and communities have taught her.

It’s a fascinating conversation about conservation, following your passion, family expectations, Africa’s extraordinary wildlife, and the lessons we can learn from the natural world.

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a Ugandan wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, and National Geographic Explorer known for her pioneering work protecting endangered mountain gorillas. She is the founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public Health, an organization connecting wildlife conservation with community health. Her work has helped strengthen the relationship between people, wildlife, and their shared environment across Uganda and beyond.

#nationalgeographic #africa #wildlife #natgeoseries

EP 325 · Sep 25, 2026 · 1h 14m

Storyboarding DreamWorks' The Forgotten Island | Simon Wells

Animation
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with filmmaker and storyboard artist Simon Wells to discuss his work at DreamWorks on The Forgotten Island.

Simon takes us inside the film’s incredibly colorful and imaginative visual world, and why the story is far more emotional and surprisingly moving than you might expect. We also explore the art of storyboarding the film’s climactic final sequences, building emotion through visual storytelling, and the creative choices that bring an animated world to life.

We also dive into Simon’s remarkable career, the evolution of animation, and his thoughts on AI and what it could mean for the future of filmmaking and storytelling.

Simon Wells is a British film director, animator, and storyboard artist known for directing The Time Machine, Balto, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, and We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story. The great-grandson of author H. G. Wells, he has also contributed to major animated films including The Prince of Egypt, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon.

#theforgottenisland #animation #dreamworksanimation #philippines

EP 324 · Sep 9, 2026 · 56 min

Shooting Fall 2: Deadpoint | DP Andrew Strahorn

Cinematographer
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with cinematographer Andrew Strahorn to discuss his work on Fall 2: Deadpoint and the technical challenges of telling a story through the camera.

Andrew takes us inside the visual approach to the film, from camera choices and framing to capturing scale, tension, and emotion. We also explore the challenges of production, the visual arc of the story, and how the journey evolved alongside the cast and crew.

It’s a fascinating conversation about cinematography, technical problem-solving, visual storytelling, and creating a cinematic experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Andrew Strahorn is an Australian cinematographer known for his work across feature films, television, commercials, and music videos. His credits include the survival thriller Fall, where his striking cinematography helped create the film’s intense sense of height, isolation, and danger.

His other feature work includes The Last Son, Inheritance, 211, The 2nd, and One Ranger. Strahorn’s visual style often combines strong cinematic compositions with naturalistic lighting, bringing atmosphere and scale to character-driven stories.

#fall #fall2deadpoint #thriller #drama

EP 323 · Sep 7, 2026 · 27 min

The Cycle of Love | Orlando von Einsiedel, P.K. & Lotta

Director
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Academy Award-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel and protagonists P.K. and Lotta to discuss their remarkable journey of making the film.

We explore how Orlando, P.K. and Lotta came together, the challenges they faced along the way, and the trust and connection that developed as they worked to bring this deeply personal story to the screen.

It’s a beautiful conversation about filmmaking, human connection, resilience, and the extraordinary journey of meeting one another and coming together to tell this story.

Orlando von Einsiedel is an Academy Award-winning British documentary filmmaker and founder of Grain Media. He is best known for directing The White Helmets, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short, and the Oscar-nominated Virunga. His work focuses on powerful human stories exploring conflict, resilience, courage and social change.

#documentary #cycleoflove #lovestory #romance #journey

EP 322 · Sep 4, 2026 · 43 min

Shooting Hanging by the Wire | DP Brendan McGinty

Cinematographer
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with cinematographer Brendan McGinty to discuss his work on the gripping documentary Hanging by a Wire.

Brendan takes us behind the camera to explore how the film captures both the emotional human moments and the edge-of-your-seat suspense surrounding this extraordinary real-life incident in Pakistan. We discuss the visual approach, filming under intense circumstances, and finding the balance between tension and humanity.

It’s a fascinating conversation about cinematography, suspense, emotion, and why, at its heart, Hanging by a Wire is simply a film about human beings caught in an extraordinary situation.

McGinty is a cinematographer and director of photography known for his work across film, television, commercials, and documentary projects. His cinematography is characterized by a strong visual sensibility, naturalistic lighting, and an emphasis on using composition and camera movement to support character and story.

Throughout his career, McGinty has collaborated with directors and creative teams on a range of productions, bringing a thoughtful, story-driven approach to the camera department and balancing technical precision with cinematic imagery.

#hangingbythewire #pakistan #documentary #cinematographer #sundance

EP 321 · Sep 2, 2026 · 43 min

The Last Breath First | Author Nasreen Variyawa

Author
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with author Nasreen Variyawa to discuss her first novel, The Last Breath First, and the deeply personal journey behind the book.

Nasreen opens up about loss, grief, and how those experiences found their way into her writing. We explore the process of turning grief into storytelling, creating characters from a place of emotion, and finding meaning and hope through the creative process.

It’s a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, love, writing, and how some of our most difficult experiences can inspire the stories we tell.

Nasreen Variyawa is a South African author, editor, educator and author coach whose work explores love, faith, personal growth and resilience. After spending more than a decade in Türkiye teaching and working with aspiring writers, she returned to South Africa to continue her writing career. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning Exceptional Authors Are Authentic and the novel Tuqburni: Bury Me Softly. Her latest work, The Last Breath First, is a contemporary Muslim romance exploring second chances, healing, faith and love.

#TheLastBreathFirst #NasreenVariyawa #KingdomOfDreamsPodcast #GriefAndHealing

EP 320 · Aug 31, 2026 · 25 min

Hanging by the Wire | Director Mohammed Ali Naqvi

Director
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Mohammed Ali Naqvi to discuss his documentary Hanging by a Wire, based on an extraordinary real-life incident in Pakistan.

Mohammed takes us behind the scenes of bringing this remarkable story to the screen, from capturing the real people and events to building the edge-of-your-seat suspense that makes the documentary unfold like a thriller. He also shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the production and the challenges of telling such an intense true story.

We also talk about the film’s journey, upcoming and future showings, and what he hopes audiences take away from experiencing Hanging by a Wire on the big screen.

Mohammed Ali Naqvi is an award-winning Pakistani-American filmmaker known for documentaries that explore politics, identity, religion, and social justice in Pakistan and South Asia.

His acclaimed films include Insha’Allah Democracy, Among the Believers, Shame, The Accused: Damned or Devoted?, and Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror. His work has been recognized with Emmy nominations and major international festival screenings, and has appeared on platforms and broadcasters including Netflix, PBS, Showtime, and the BBC.

Naqvi’s filmmaking often combines intimate access with larger political and cultural questions, examining subjects such as religious extremism, democracy, women’s rights, and the relationship between Pakistan and the West. He has become an important documentary voice for stories emerging from Pakistan, bringing complex and often controversial subjects to international audiences.

#HangingByAWire #DocumentaryFilm #TrueStory #PakistaniCinema #Pakistan #BehindTheScenes

EP 319 · Aug 28, 2026 · 46 min

Editing The End of Oak Street | Editor John Axelrad

Editor
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed editor John Axelrad, ACE, to discuss his work on The End of Oak Street, one of the most remarkable films of the year.

John takes us inside the editing room, breaking down how tension and suspense are carefully built, how pacing shapes the audience’s experience, and the choices that turn individual moments into a gripping sequence. We also dive into a specific scene, with John walking us through the editing decisions and creative thinking behind it.

It’s a fascinating conversation about editing, tension, pacing, performance, and the invisible craft behind one of the year’s most impressive films.

John Axelrad, ACE, is an acclaimed American film editor known for his work across independent cinema, studio films, and television. Over his career, he has collaborated with filmmakers including James Gray, David Lowery, and others, developing a reputation for emotionally driven, character-focused editing.

His film credits include We Own the Night, The Immigrant, The Lost City of Z, Ad Astra, The Green Knight, The Old Man & the Gun, Krampus, Crazy Heart, and The End of the Tour. His work spans drama, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, and comedy, demonstrating a versatile approach to pacing, performance, and visual storytelling.

A member of American Cinema Editors (ACE), Axelrad is particularly respected for shaping performances and finding the emotional rhythm of a film in the editing room.

#theendofoakstreet #dinosaurs #jjabrams #annehathaway #ewanmcgregor

EP 318 · Aug 26, 2026 · 43 min

Filming The Odyssey: Nolan's Epic | Author James Mottram

Author
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with author and film journalist James Mottram to discuss his book Filming The Odyssey and the making of Christopher Nolan’s epic film.

James takes us behind the production, sharing stories from the cast and crew, his favorite sequences, Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking approach, and the extraordinary practical effects used to bring the story to life. We also explore the ambitious use of IMAX 70mm and what it means for the scale and experience of the film.

It’s a fascinating conversation about The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan, practical filmmaking, IMAX, and the stories behind one of the most ambitious productions in modern cinema.

James Mottram is a British film journalist, critic and author who has written extensively about cinema for more than two decades. His work has appeared in publications including Total Film, The Independent, The Times, The Sunday Times and Sight and Sound.

He is the author of numerous books exploring major films and filmmakers, with a particular focus on the creative process and behind-the-scenes production. His books include works on Christopher Nolan, Tenet, Oppenheimer and The Odyssey, offering access to filmmakers, craftspeople, production imagery and the making of large-scale contemporary cinema.

#theyodyssey #mattdamon #christophernolan #tomholland #annehathaway

EP 317 · Aug 24, 2026 · 45 min

Pan's Labyrinth, Predator & More | Illustrator William Stout

About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed illustrator and concept artist William Stout to discuss his remarkable career in filmmaking and design.

William takes us behind his work on iconic films including Pan’s Labyrinth, Predator, and The Return of the Living Dead. He shares stories about how he met Guillermo del Toro, sharing an office with Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg, and his experiences working with George Lucas.

It’s a fascinating conversation about illustration, creature and character design, filmmaking, and the incredible people and stories behind some of cinema’s most memorable worlds.

William Stout is an acclaimed American illustrator, concept artist, production designer, and filmmaker whose career spans more than five decades. Known for his richly detailed fantasy, science-fiction, horror, and prehistoric artwork, Stout has contributed designs and concept art to numerous films, including Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, The Return of the Living Dead, Masters of the Universe, Predator, The Mist, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth.

Beyond film, Stout is celebrated for his dinosaur and prehistoric-life illustrations, comic and album artwork, murals, and theme-park design. His distinctive combination of imaginative creature design and traditional illustration has made him an influential figure in fantasy and cinematic art.

EP 316 · Aug 21, 2026 · 51 min

Planet Junk and World-Building | Alex McDowell

Production Design
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed production designer Alex McDowell to discuss his remarkable career in filmmaking and world-building.

Alex takes us behind the creation of films including Minority Report and The Cat in the Hat, exploring how production design helps build entire worlds and shape the audience’s experience of a story. We also discuss his creative approach to world-building and his new venture, Project JUNK.

It’s a fascinating conversation about production design, imagination, world-building, and creating environments that extend far beyond the screen.

Alex McDowell is an acclaimed production designer known for creating immersive cinematic worlds that blend storytelling, design, technology, and world-building. His film credits include Minority Report, Fight Club, Watchmen, Man of Steel, The Terminal, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Beyond filmmaking, McDowell founded the World Building Institute and developed the World Building methodology, an interdisciplinary approach that explores and designs complex fictional and real-world environments. He has also served as a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where his work has helped expand world-building beyond film into areas including architecture, technology, education, and future-focused design.

#productiondesigner #catinthehat #alexmcdowell #planetjunk #designing #world #project

EP 315 · Aug 19, 2026 · 45 min

Prime Video's Sterling Point Costumes | Marissa Schwartz

Costume
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with costume designer Marissa Schwartz to discuss her work on the Amazon Prime Video series Sterling Point.

Marissa takes us behind the costume design process for the show, from developing the characters’ individual looks to bringing the world of Sterling Point to life while filming in Canada. We also discuss her creative process, the challenges and discoveries that came with the production, and what working on the series taught her about herself as a costume designer.

It’s a fascinating conversation about costume design, character, collaboration, and the creative process behind Sterling Point.

Marissa Schwartz is a Canadian costume designer and two-time Canadian Screen Award nominee whose work spans film and television. Her credits include Mean Dreams, which premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, Giant Little Ones, American Woman, Mouthpiece, The Parting Glass, and the acclaimed series Sort Of. Most recently, she served as costume designer on the Amazon Prime Video series Sterling Point, using wardrobe to help define the characters’ personalities, relationships, identities, and emotional journeys. Schwartz approaches costume design as an essential part of storytelling, using clothing to reveal character and support the larger visual world of a production.

#sterlingpoint #amazonprimevideo #costumedesign #behindthescenes

EP 314 · Aug 17, 2026 · 56 min

Directing Mustache | Writer-Director Imran J. Khan

DirectorWriter
About this episode

🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with writer and director Imran J. Khan to discuss his deeply personal film Mustache.

Imran takes us behind the making of the film, from drawing on his own experiences to the challenges of bringing such a personal story to the screen. We also discuss how his background as an editor influences the way he writes and directs, and what it was like working with Alicia Silverstone.

It’s a fascinating conversation about directing, editing, writing, personal storytelling, and bringing Mustache to life.

Imran J. Khan is a Pakistani-American writer, director and editor known for telling culturally specific stories with warmth, humor and authenticity. He wrote and directed the coming-of-age feature Mustache, starring Atharva Verma, Rizwan Manji, Meesha Shafi, Alicia Silverstone and Hasan Minhaj, which premiered in competition at SXSW. His work often explores identity, family, belonging and the immigrant experience through a distinctly personal lens. He has also directed short films including Group C and The Boy with the Dinosaur Head.

#mustache #film #pakistani #meeshashafi #rizahmed #aliciasilverstone #hasanminhaj

EP 313 · Aug 14, 2026 · 1h 4m

Directing The Sopranos and Alias | Dan Attias

Director
About this episode

🎙️On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed director Dan Attias to discuss his work on The Sopranos and Alias.

Dan takes us behind his approach to directing, from working closely with actors and shaping performances to understanding the power of silence within a scene. We discuss how sometimes saying less can create greater tension, emotion, and meaning.

It’s a fascinating conversation about directing, performance, collaboration, and the importance of silence in storytelling.

Dan Attias is an acclaimed American television director whose career spans more than four decades. He has directed episodes of some of television’s most celebrated series, including The Sopranos, The Wire, The Americans, Homeland, Alias, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Lost, and Entourage. He won the Directors Guild of America Award for his work on The Wire and has received multiple DGA and Emmy nominations. Attias began his career as an assistant director, working with filmmakers including Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola, before becoming one of the most respected episodic directors in television.

#thesopranos #alias #tvshow #directing #filmmaking #actors

EP 312 · Aug 12, 2026 · 44 min

Shooting Little House on the Prairie | DP C. Kim Miles

Cinematographer
About this episode

🎙️On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Kim Miles to discuss his work on Little House on the Prairie.

Kim takes us behind the cinematography of the series and talks about finding beauty in the simplicity of the story and its world. We discuss the challenges of working with different directors, creating an authentic visual style, and filming within an entire town built from the ground up by the production design team.

It’s a fascinating conversation about cinematography, collaboration, simplicity, and bringing the world of Little House on the Prairie to life.

Kim Miles is an award-winning cinematographer known for his work across film and television. His credits include Welcome to Marwen, The Brothers Sun, Yellowjackets, Lost in Space, Arrow, and Little House on the Prairie. His cinematography is known for combining strong visual composition with character-driven storytelling, using lighting, camera movement, and atmosphere to support the emotional tone of a scene.

#cinematographer #netflix #littlehouseontheprairie #kimmiles

Jawad Mir, host of Kingdom of Dreams Podcast

Your host

Jawad Mir

Award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, and host of Kingdom of Dreams Podcast.

Jawad’s award-winning films include Citizen of Moria, In Search of My Sister, Only 78, and Baristas. They have screened in more than 40 countries at international film festivals, universities, Hot Docs Cinema, the European Parliament, U.S. embassies, and Capitol Hill, and are available on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Kanopy, and more.

  • Citizen of Moria — Award Winner @ Muslim Int’l Film Festival; shortlisted for Hot Docs & Sheffield Doc Festivals.
  • Only 78 — Nominated at Regina Int’l Film Festival.
  • In Search of My Sister — over 150 screenings in over 34 countries, from universities and U.S. embassies to Capitol Hill.

On Kingdom of Dreams he has recorded 300+ in-depth conversations with craftspeople behind films and series audiences know — including guests tied to Gladiator II, Sinners, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Jurassic World Rebirth, Bridgerton, and The Shawshank Redemption.

As seen in: BurlingtonToday, CBC, CTV, Global News, CHCH, Sirius XM, and Euronews. More press.

Visit jawadmir.com ↗

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