Free Daily Podcast Summary
Film Stories with Simon Brew: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Simon Brew
Film Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies.From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a movie! The podcast is hosted by Simon Brew, the founder of Den Of Geek. Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Thank you!
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday53 min
Fight Club (1999), plus the dig against Rupert Murdoch at the end
Outside of the very well known rules, there's a whole load of other stuff about 1999's Fight Club. There's the director who turned the book down, freely admitting they didn't get it. There's the moment when the budget was suddenly going to soar. There's the bit where the studio boss knew he was going to hit trouble for greenlighting the film (and boy, did he). And then there was a studio left with a film it didn't know how to market. The story is told in this episode. Please subscribe, leave nice reviews, and try not to punch us hard in an after hours fighting establishment... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 days ago56 min
In conversation with Paul Mercurio - Strictly Ballroom, Exit To Eden, and, er, homebrew beer
Over 30 years since its original release, Strictly Ballroom - the debut feature from Baz Luhrmann - is back in cinemas with a 4K remaster. In a Film Stories special, Simon chats to its star - Paul Mercurio - about the making of the film, and looking back on it now. Plus! Paul talks homebrew, cooking, and making Garry Marshall's S&M comedy, Exit To Eden... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago57 min
Jurassic Park (1993), and the struggle to bring dinosaurs to the screen
The original Jurassic Park movie was set to land a few years earlier than it did. Announce in 1990, director Steven Spielberg would move on to making Hook while some of the art team were moved to Death Becomes Her. The reason for the delays? How on earth do you bring dinosaurs to life. Even when that was cracked, though, there was a moment during the shoot when real life peril outweighed dino danger. Even when the film was done, there was the looming threat of Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to cinema with Last Action Hero. It wouldn't turn out to be much of a blockbuster battle... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago59 min
The New Mutants (2020), and a big missed opportunity
The idea wasn't a bad one. With the cost of X-Men movies spiralling, 20th Century Fox was interested in a lower cost, slightly more niche film in the saga. One that could perhaps appeal to a teen audience, that wouldn't put quite the strain on the old finances. Josh Boone - off the back of The Fault In Our Stars - was brought in to write and direct, a dream project for him. But the dream would soon turn sour, with two big, unexpected obstacles, and a whole lot of to and fro over potential reshoots... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago52 min
In conversation with director Alicia MacDonald - Finding Emily, Mike Leigh, short films, romantic comedies, Kickstarter
Alicia MacDonald first feature film as director, Finding Emily, turns out to be a Working Title-backed romantic comedy, the kind that used to fill British cinema charts. Albeit with a twist! In this Film Stories special, she talks to Simon Brew about launching her first feature, the years on her way up when she found herself alongside Mike Leigh, and in a room while Alan Rickman watched her type. Plus a whole lot more... Finding Emily is now in UK cinemas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago49 min
In conversation with Thea Sharrock - Ladies First, Wicked Little Letters, The Beautiful Game, posh chairs
Director Thea Sharrock is the guest for this special edition of the Film Stories podcast. She joins Simon to chat about her new film, Ladies First, which stars Rosamund Pike and Sacha Baron Cohen. Plus! There's time too for conversation about Wicked Little Letters, The One And Only Ivan, directing Equus on Broadway, and the state of the chairs in the posh London hotel she happens to be sitting in. If you like this podcast, you can support it at www.patreon.com/simonbrew Please subscribe, like and that sort of thing too. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 weeks ago1h 4m
Hook, and how it became the Steven Spielberg film that Steven Spielberg doesn't like
Steven Spielberg's 1991 movie Hook was supposed to be his perfect project. The director compared to Peter Pan, making the story of Peter Pan never growing up? What could go wrong? Well, plenty. In this episode of Film Stories, Simon Brew charts the tale of how Spielberg lost control of Hook's production, how it became tied up with a major Hollywood acquistion, and why unexpected competition in the winter of 1991 didn't help its cause either. Plus: why was Spielberg himself not keen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- May 11, 20261h 1m
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003), and one hell of a challenge to secure the Terminator rights
After 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day, James Cameron's interest in making a third Terminator movie seemed to wane. However, that didn't stop others trying to take things forward. And whilst Arnold Schwarzenegger would, for many years, insist that he'd only make T3 with Cameron, a string of underwhelming box office performers started to have an impact for Arnie. That said, just securing the rights to Terminator caused no end of challenges, and would drive a wedge between James Cameron and two of his friends. And that's just part of the story... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Film Stories with Simon Brew
Film Stories with Simon Brew is a podcast that looks to dig into the stories behind popular movies.From troubled productions, to rights issues, to difficulties with release to films nearly falling apart, the podcast will be looking at the stories that don't always seem apparent when watching a movie! The podcast is hosted by Simon Brew, the founder of Den Of Geek. Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/simonbrew. Thank you!
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Film Stories with Simon Brew in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Film Stories with Simon Brew daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Film Stories with Simon Brew as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Film Stories with Simon Brew podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Film Stories with Simon Brew product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Simon Brew.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Film Stories with Simon Brew release new episodes?
Film Stories with Simon Brew publishes 2x weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Film Stories with Simon Brew cover?
Film Stories with Simon Brew covers topics including History, Film, TV & Film. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Film Stories with Simon Brew summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.