The Gala Show

On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with film journalist and educator Rich Johnson to chat all about monsters.  Rich shares with Gala his definition of a monster, the importance of the horror genre to his daughter Francesca, and his favorite monster movies  — but first, a question about what movie he's excited to show his daughter.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with filmmaker Marc Jobst as he shares with Gala his passion projects.  Marc shares with Gala the concept of home, how Marc's origins inspired his passions, and how important community is — but first, a question from Gala's brother about One Piece.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with filmmaker Adam Rifkin as he tells her his advice for young filmmakers: just do it!  Adam shares with Gala the origins of his first projects, how to make movies when you have no resources, and how to "just do it" — but first, a question about where the monicker Rif Coogan comes from.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with one of the lead projectionists at The New Beverly Cinema, David Chien, to chat about 35mm film projection.  David shares with Gala how he got in to the profession, stories about special movies he's projected, and the importance of preservation — but first, a question about how fatherhood has influenced his cinematic interests.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with writer Josh Olson (A History of Violence) to chat about the movies he believes to be right wing cinema.  Josh shares with Gala his opinion on what makes a "right wing" film, various titles that cineasts should check out, and argues that anyone (regardless of their political affiliation) should be able to enjoy these movies — but first, a question about his time at the original Video Archives.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down one of the managers at The New Beverly Cinema Jeff Smith to chat about excessive film marketing.  Jeff shares with Gala the best and worst marketing campaigns, his favorite Ghibli experiences, and his process for making the monthly teaser trailers for the Bev — but first, a question about movie going experiences.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with actor Sam Benjamin (The Pay Day) ahead of the release of his new short film SCREWJOB to talk about his passion for professional wrestling.  Sam shares with Gala the impact professional wrestling had on him, the characters he loved to watch, and how social media changed the industry  — but first, a question about James Bond.

Sam's short film, SCREWJOB, will be premiering at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, FL on April 27th.  Follow him on Instagram and Twitter for updates on the digital release.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with KJ Relth-Miller (Director of Film Programs at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures) as she bakes a pie and chats all about the importance of home archives.  KJ shares with Gala some of her favorite memories, why she collects the things she does, and opportunities that the Academy Museum has for screening home archives — but first, a question about discovering your personal style.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala meets up with filmmaker Chris Alexander (Parasite Lady, Necropolis: Legion, and author of Corman/Poe) as he touches down in Los Angeles so that they can geek out over Dawn of the Dead.  Chris shares with Gala the history of Dawn of the Dead, the hilarity of TV censorship, and a story about Blockbuster  — but first, a question about his time running Fangoria.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with the man behind EC Films, Erik Clapp, to chat about the influence film had on him throughout his life.  Erik shares with Gala how his father helped foster his love of cinema, his incredibly personal relationship with Bobbie Wygant, and where he sees himself in the future — but first, a question about his favorite movie going experiences with his father.

This episode is dedicated to Bobbie Wygant who passed away on February 18th, 2024.  This episode was recorded before her passing.

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As mentioned in my episode with Percy Hynes White, here is a bonus recording that I did with husband and wife duo Michelle Kholos Brooks & Max Brooks after I recorded their respective episodes individually.  

When I was coming up with the idea for The Gala Show, I originally planned on interviewing all duos both individually and together to depict their dynamic and how important a partnership is.  However, I found that most creative partners did not want to be interviewed separately, so I scrapped the idea.  Please enjoy this conceptual episode, and thanks to Max and Michelle for allowing me to test out my format on them.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with actor Percy Hynes White (Wednesday, I Like Movies, The Gifted) to discuss his fascination with outsider art.  Percy shares with Gala how he was introduced to outsider artists through the documentary Turning the Art World Inside Out, the objects he has collected over the year, and what draws him to the outsider — but first, a question about how growing up with creative parents influenced him growing up.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with the lead singer of Smash Mouth, Zach Goode, to discuss how it feels to step in to the limelight as the "new guy".  Zach shares with Gala his road to Smash Mouth, the new and old guys in media that he loves, and some of Zach's favorite films — but first, a question about which movies he wants to show his sons.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with photographer DAVYD to discuss his journey of becoming a creative.  DAVYD shares with Gala how he got started with a camera, his secret double life playing basketball, and his plans for the future — but first, a question about his dream photoshoot.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala hangs out with Amy Nicholson (head film critic for LA Weekly, co-host of Unspooled) to talk about her love of basketball.  Amy attempts to convert Gala into a baller, explains why she roots for the underdog, and shares how basketball can bring a community together — but first, a question about what movie inspired her to become a film critic.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala travels to Chinatown to meet with director Barnaby Clay to talk about movies his older brother Lawrence showed him as a young man.  Barnaby shares with Gala his love for Australian soap opera Prisoner: Cell Block H, the reasons why his brother connected with movies such as The Blues Brothers or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and his strange experience with Bugsy Malone — but first, a question about how fatherhood changed him as a creative.

Barnaby Clay's latest film, The Seeding, will be streaming and in select theaters on January 26th in the United States in Canada.  For Gala's UK listeners, The Seeding will be available digitally starting February 12th.  Until then, check out the trailer and make sure to follow Barnaby on Instagram.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala travels to Ariescope Pictures to chat with filmmakers Joe Lynch & Rebecca Howard all about litmus test movies.  Joe and Rebecca share with Gala what their first movie date was, the films they were obsessed with as a kid, and what movies they can't wait to show each other — but first, a question about how the couple met.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala travels to Old Town Pasadena to meet with author Duane Swierczynski (California Bear, Lush, Revolver) to talk about the concept of "place".  Duane shares with Gala the origin story for his place fixation, how he does his research to uncover Los Angeles mysteries, and the methodology of creating titles for his stories — but first, a question about what book inspired him to become an author.

Check out Duane's latest book, California Bear -- available NOW!

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with photographer Steven Meiers Dominguez (aka Toastycakes) to talk about discovery.  Steven shares with Gala how the algorithm changed things, the movies he thinks you should watch, and how it's our duty to be shepherds of cinema to the future generations — but first, a question about how he got his moniker.

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2023 was a year!  In today's bonus episode, we'll chat about my favorite films of 2023 and my top ten discoveries of the year.  This episode is spoiler free.

Check out the full list of Discoveries on Letterboxd.
Check out the full list of 2023 Favorites on Letterboxd.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with Rotten Tomato Awards Editor Jacqueline Coley to discuss the new Hollywood shift of the streaming era.  Jacqueline shares with Gala how women like Taylor Swift and Beyonce are changing cinema forever, and how the eventization of films will keep theaters alive, and her theory about Oppenheimer  — but first, a question about Jacqueline's favorite movies.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala is joined in the studio by her best friend, mentor, and father, filmmaker Roger Avary, to chat about their holiday traditions and why family is important.  What better thing to talk about than one of their family's favorite movies: Logan's Run (1976).  Roger and Gala discuss their previous thoughts on the movie, why their family loves it, and the new things they saw upon this viewing.  Before they get into the conversation, Roger and Gala give a brief explanation on what Solstice is and why the Avary Family decides to celebrate it.

Please note, Logan's Run is discussed in full.  If you haven't seen the film yet you may be spoiled.

Happy holidays everyone!

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with author Max Brooks (World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide, Minecraft: The Island) and chats all about how Minecraft will literally save humanity.  Max shares with Gala the history of the Prussian Model of Education, how the future generation will have to adapt in a world of automation, and the lessons that Minecraft teaches.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala visits the lair of animator Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017), Teen Titans (2003-2004), The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes) in order to find out more about his life growing up in a Philly pizza shop.  Ciro shares with Gala the importance of the jukebox, his path to Los Angeles, and how watching a movie at different times in your life can affect how you experience out  — but first, a question about AI generated art.

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It's December 4th, and you know what that means!  It's my birthday.  Today I'll begin my 28th trip around the sun.  Arrow Player is hosting my birthday party, and as a part of my party favors I'm handing out twenty hand picked Selects for your viewing pleasure.  Listen along as I explain what drew me to these movies and why I decided to choose them. 

Check out my my Second Volume of Selects, available on Arrow and Letterboxd.
And, if you want even more, check out my First Volume of Selects, available on Arrow and Letterboxd.

Happy Monday everyone!

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with Craig MacNeil (Craig & Friendspodcast) to talk all about his podcast's movie club!  Craig shares with Gala the origins of his movie club, the beauty of YouTube angels, and the importance of queer cinema — but first, a question about how fatherhood has changed him.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sets the Thanksgiving table with director Eli Roth (Hostel, Knock Knock, Cabin Fever) to chat all about his newest movie Thanksgiving -- available in theaters now.  Eli shares with Gala how his philosophy on filmmaking has changed over the years, how he and writer Jeff Rendell came up with the idea for Thanksgiving when they were twelve, and the ways that social media played a role in the making of the movie -- but first, a question about what's on the menu for the holiday.

Please note, some spoilers to Thanksgivingmay lay within!  Proceed with caution.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with one of the men responsible for her favorite movies in recent years, filmmaker Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog, Silent Night, and Hey... Stop Stabbing Me!) to chat all about what it's like to grow up as a movie kid.  Josh shares with Gala what life was like in Bloomington, how moving to Los Angeles affected him, and his best advice for those who want to find their tribe — but first, a question about dream adaptations.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala makes her way to the Hollywood Hills to chat with Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, Big Eyes, Dolemite Is My Name) about one of her favorite topics -- L.A. movies.  The two enjoy the outdoor scenery as Larry shares with Gala his criteria for what makes a true L.A. movie, his love for the city, and movies that everyone should definitely check out -- but first, a question about Larry's collection of 16mm shorts.

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On this episode of The Gala Show, Gala sits down with acclaimed playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks (H*tler's Tasters, Hostage, and the upcoming War Words) to chat all about how to adapt life stories without exploiting the real person they are based on.  Michelle shares with Gala how she got her start as a writer, the story behind Hostage, and a funny story about a cabby — but first, a question about how one can juggle a fruitful career and motherhood.

Check out Michelle's new play War Wordsplaying at the A.R.T./New York from November 14th to through December 17th.  Tickets are available through On The Stage.

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On this premiere episode of The Gala Show, Gala travels to Nice Guy Productions World Headquarters overlooking the glamorous San Fernando Valley to chat with one of the nicest guys in Hollywood, Mick Garris (Sleepwalkers, Critters 2, and the Post Mortem Podcast).  Mick walks Gala through the nuances and challenges of adaptations, his collaborations with Steven King and Clive Barker, and how one can even adapt their own original material — but first, a question about the set of Critters 2.

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The Gala Show is coming October 26th with Gala's first guest, film director Mick Garris.