Kicking off our first score analysis, we set the stage by discussing the problems that haunted the production of Jaws... and how these same problems were turned into advantages through the creative genius of Steven Spielberg and John Williams. We also give a brief biography of Williams' early life and career, and discuss how his experiences and technique bro ... Show More
Mar 2026
The Phantom Menace - A Musical Introduction
In 1999, Star Wars and its music were about to change forever. In this introductory episode to the Phantom Menace and prequel trilogy, we discuss how George Lucas and composer John Williams had changed the entertainment industry with their genius, and how their work between trilo ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2026
Middle-Earth Sound Design: an Interview with David Farmer (Part II)
Part 2 of our interview with The Lord of the Rings sound designer David Farmer. We discuss the sounds of the Balrog, the Ents, and other various creatures across all three films. David also describes his technical workflow, and speaks with great fondness about the many months he ... Show More
37m 52s
Jun 2021
june 20: Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water…
In this episode of 365 days with mxmtoon, Maia talks about the release of the film Jaws, a 1975 Steven Spielberg thriller and massive hit. The movie, which was Spielberg’s first big film, became the first summer blockbuster, and set the stage for Hollywood’s predilection for high ... Show More
9m 52s
Mar 2022
Top Five Film Scores. Plus: Hans Zimmer on 'Dune'!
Let’s talk movie music. Writer Jayson Greene joins Sean to talk about the art of the film score, the giants of the form, this year’s Oscar nominees, and their top five scores ever (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by legendary composer Hans Zimmer to discuss his Oscar-nominated work o ... Show More
1h 37m
Feb 2024
Deep Blue Sea (1999) and 1984 (1984)
In this latest episode of Film Stories, we start with sharks. Very big sharks. A story imagined by a young screenwriter's memory of a childhood incident, that he eventually turned into a script. Then that script would go on to become Deep Blue Sea.
There were challenges, though: ... Show More
59m 53s