Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Jerry Williams aka TVJerry
Get key takeaways, quotes, and insights from Sifter in a 5-minute read. Delivered straight to your inbox.
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
Brandon Shillingford started Exposure Cinema in 2024 for people to explore, watch, discuss and connect through film. There have been several screening events with the next one coming up this month, “One for the Money,” which he’ll describe in this interview. We’ll also discuss: – Why he’s in Rome – Taking film class in high school – His previous jobs at NPR, CNN and VPM – Why he started Exposure – His podcast on cinema – The event coming up LINKS: Exposure Cinema My podcast with Hard Light Cinema My podcast with Cinema Niche My review of “The Drama”
Phil Trumbo was born and raised in Virginia and he started his career as an animator here with the movie he co-produced with Steve Segal, “Futropolis” (podcast with them about the movie is linked below). After he left Richmond, Phil’s career took him “careening” in several directions: – Not getting accepted in VCU’s art program – Being in bands, including The Orthotonics – Working on national commercials & MTV spots – Animating the opening and dinos for “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” – Designing for “Doug” and other TV shows – Creating the official video game of the 1996 Olympics – Video game design for 100+ games including Harry Potter, Shrek & Spiderman – Developing a bachelor’s degree in Game Design LINKS Phil’s website ”Futropolis” podcast Frank Gresham’s website  
Julian Glander is an accomplished designer, illustrator and animator who’s first feature, “Boys Go to Jupiter” is showing at this year’s Richmond Animation Festival (April 25 & 26). Julian will be here for the screening on April 26 at the Byrd and the animated shorts will show on the 25th at Studio Two Three. Julian has lots of cool things to say: – Reciting the alphabet backwards on “Jepordy” – Desiging for Disney, Cartoon Network & Nickelodeon – The inspiration for “Boys Go to Jupiter” & what the title means – Starting the film with a Dionne Warwick quote – Animation using Blender – Getting an impressive cast including Sarah Sherman, Cole Escola & Janeane Garofalo – Animated frontal nudity – Being nominated for a John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award LINKS Richmond Animation Festival Julian’s website Podcast with Dash & Jane about “Cryptozoo” Podcast with the director of “Griffin in Summer” Marvels of Media Festival website Marvels of Media at the Byrd Theatre (Ap 1 – 4)
VCU’s Institute of Contemporary Art (or the ICA) opened in 2018 and has continually shown films in their auditorium. Amber Esseiva, Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Mimi Luse, Head of Program Production, join me to talk about the numerous offerings that are available including: – Why cinema programs at the ICA? – Films from The Kadist Foundation – The New Richmond Filmmakers Series (featuring Surprise Guest Ken Brisby’s film) – Community Media Center Film Workshops – Exposure Cinema Series – First Friday Film Events LINKS The ICA website To apply for the Community Film Project The Trailer for “Mom, I’m on Drugs” My review of “The Zone of Interest” My podcast with Yossera Bouchtia My podcast with Vivian Owen My podcast with the directors of “Futropolis” (James River Festival this weekend)
University of Richmond professors Anthony Russell and Sonja Bertucci are the guiding forces behind the Italian and French Film Festival that’s running at the University from March 27 thru April 3. We discuss: – Their early film inspirations – Her documentary – How this festival come about – Why the French/Italian combo? – What we can expect in addition to screenings LINKS Italian and French Film Festival First podcast on the French Film Festival Second podcast on the French Film Festival  
Steve Segal and Phil Trumbo co-directed “Futuropolis” a zany animated sci-fi adventure that was released in 1984. It’s being screened at the 32nd annual James River Film Festival (March 29 – April 4). Steve went on to work at Pixar on the first two “Toy Story” movies and Phil won an Emmy for his work on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” but we’ll save those discussions for future podcasts. This show is about “Futropolis:” – The VCU inspiration for the movie – Their expectations and the results – Being influenced by Red Grooms and Max Fleisher – Shooting stop motion with people – Drawing animation on the actual film – Silent movie tributes all over Richmond LINKS: James River Film Festival If you missed it at the Festival, here’s link to it on YouTube A news report from the premiere at the Biograph Steve’s website Phil’s website
This year’s Indie Short Film Festival runs from March 20 – 22 in Charlottesville. Two directors from the festival talk about their films. Jamal Hodge has 2 films: “Take it to the Grave” and “Mourning Meal” Kelsey Nerrie is premiering her first short “Repurcussion(s)” They’ll give us insight into their backgrounds, their inspirations and the challenges for their projects. LINKS Indie Short Film Festival Jamal Hodge website Kelsey Nerri’s social media link: @repercussionsfilm2025 The doc on Terry O’Neill of Penny Lane Pub
Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office, is back for this 5th year to talk about the activity in Virginia’s production industry last year. This also includes a discussion of the film that Andy wrote and directed here. LINKS Virginia Film Office “The Cashier” on Insta “The Cashier” on Facebook The Byrd Theatre Previous podcasts mentioned Griffin in Summer Bird in Hand Daphne Reid Bunt Young Rex Teese
Interviews, news & reviews of film, TV & streaming
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Get key takeaways from Sifter in a 5-minute read.
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Sifter as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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.
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Jerry Williams aka TVJerry.
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
Sifter publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
Sifter covers topics including Film, TV & Film, Film Reviews, Comedy Interviews. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.