Rephonic
Artwork for Film Stories

Film Stories with Simon Brew

Simon Brew
Hollywood
Film Stories
Marvel
James Bond
Disney
Warner Bros.
Sony
Film Production
Quentin Tarantino
Film Industry
Cinema
Filmmaking
Tom Cruise
Clint Eastwood
Robert De Niro
Warner Bros
Warner Brothers
Christopher Nolan
Robin Williams
Star Trek Beyond

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.patreo... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes462Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Film HistoryTV & Film

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Film Stories

Latest Episodes

Robert Zemeckis' 1997 film of Carl Sagan's Contact is a remarkably grown-up science fiction movie for a summer blockbuster. Starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey, it took nearly 20 years to bring the story to the screen - and along the way, M... more

It's pretty well known that originally, Steven Spielberg was interested in directing a remake of Cape Fear, and that Martin Scorsese held the rights to what became Schindler's List. That the two then swapped projects. Yet that's just part of the stor... more

June 1990 saw Disney spend big on a summer movie, at a point when that was the last thing it was inclined to do. But 1990's Dick Tracy - specifically the way it was promoted - was hugely influenced by Warner Bros' success with Batman the year before.... more

The summer of 1999 brought with it some huge successes, and also the combination of Will Smith, Salma Hayek and Kevin Kline in Wild Wild West. Based on the TV show from the 1960s, this became a hugely expensive Warner Bros blockbuster, one that Georg... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Kermode on Film
Kermode on FilmMark Kermode
Screenshot
ScreenshotBBC Radio 4
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
Kermode & Mayo’s TakeSony Music Entertainment
Pilot TV
Pilot TVEmpire Magazine

Recent Guests

David Mackenzie
Director of Fuze, Relay, Hell Or High Water, Starred Up
Director
Episode: In conversation with David Mackenzie | Fuze, Relay, Hell Or High Water, Starred Up, AI and more
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
Director, Radio Silence
Radio Silence
Episode: In conversation with Radio Silence - Ready Or Not 2, Sega Dreamcast, Samara Weaving and more
Tyler Gillett
Director, Radio Silence
Radio Silence
Episode: In conversation with Radio Silence - Ready Or Not 2, Sega Dreamcast, Samara Weaving and more
Christopher Miller
Writer/Director (guest)
Miller Lord/production collaborations
Episode: In conversation with Christopher Miller and Phil Lord | Project Hail Mary, Rocky IV, Geostorm 2 and more
Phil Lord
Writer/Director (guest)
Miller Lord/production collaborations
Episode: In conversation with Christopher Miller and Phil Lord | Project Hail Mary, Rocky IV, Geostorm 2 and more
Drew Goddard
Writer and director discussed in interview
Screenwriter and director
Episode: In conversation with Drew Goddard | A very nerdy film chat
Andrew Stanton
Director, In The Blink Of An Eye
Disney+ streaming era film projects
Episode: Kevin Costner's Horizon project and where it's up to, plus Andrew Stanton
Kevin Goetz
Author and integral figure in film audience testing.
Screen Engine
Episode: What on earth is film 'testing'? | A podcast special, with Kevin Goetz
Angel Manuel Soto
Director known for 'The Wrecking Crew' and 'Blue Beetle'
Film Director
Episode: In conversation with director Angel Manuel Soto | The Wrecking Crew, Blue Beetle, toilet roll

Host

Simon Brew
Host of Film Stories and the founder of Film Stories magazine, providing unique insights into the film industry and storytelling.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Often a fun listen

    Sometimes for how ridiculously Simon mispronounces names. Endearing but it’s a little unprofessional.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    readunderstory
    Canadaa month ago
  • What a lovely podcast

    This podcast never fails to cheer me up, even when the story is sad, it is still channels across the life affirming power of film. I can’t wait for each episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FMToast
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Excellent!

    Great research! Expertly written and delivered.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Renie Realtor
    United States2 months ago
  • Do women exist?

    I started following this podcast in December 2025 only. I haven’t listened to any because after browsing the first few listed from oldest to newest and then from newest to oldest, it seemed like these aren’t really film stories, but men’s film stories.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Lawopstipops
    South Africa4 months ago
  • Brilliant

    Hi Simon, I’ve just listened to your episode about Rocky V and was very sad to hear about your dad passing away. I hope you’re doing okay, and also wanted to say a big thank you for creating such a wonderful podcast. It’s been a blessing to be able to listen to it over the years. It’s full of wonderful information, you come across as a really nice bloke, and whenever I hear your ‘hello’ at the start of each episode it never fails to put a smile on my face. Thanks again for your fantastic work, a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nolan 72
    United Kingdom4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many reviews highlight the host's enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about movies.
The vast majority of comments are positive, emphasizing thorough research and captivating narratives.
Listeners praise the podcast for its insightful and engaging exploration of film-making stories.
Some feedback suggests a desire for a more diverse exploration of topics beyond a primarily male-focused perspective.
Listeners appreciate the access to behind-the-scenes filmmaking knowledge that enriches their understanding of beloved films.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

In conversation with Paul Feig - The Housemaid, Bridesmaids at the Oscars, Ghostbusters and more
Q: How did The Housemaid differ tonally from your earlier thrillers or comedies?
He explains that The Housemaid blends thriller elements with darker, more brutal backstory and uses pacing and character nuance to ground extreme moments, making the shifts feel earned rather than arbitrary.
In conversation with Paul Feig - The Housemaid, Bridesmaids at the Oscars, Ghostbusters and more
Q: When did you know The Housemaid was working for audiences and what moments confirmed that?
Feig cites positive test screenings, responsive audiences during key scenes like the kitchen sequence, and the ability to maintain momentum across a theater run as signs the film was connecting; he also notes feedback from focus groups showing engagement beyond initial laughs.
In conversation with David Mackenzie | Fuze, Relay, Hell Or High Water, Starred Up, AI and more
Q: So what else have you got coming? If Veritas is one project, is this anything else?
I'm working on several other projects, including a Donner Party piece and a space sci-fi concept, with various development stages and potential homes; Veritas is a priority, and I'm always exploring new formats, including episodic possibilities.
In conversation with Dean DeBlois
Q: What was the role of the studio in shaping the live-action version?
The studio pressed for a story that wasn't just inspired by the original but brought to life with greater depth, immersive action, and expanded folklore, while keeping the core characters and identity intact.
In conversation with Dean DeBlois
Q: How did your experience in various countries influence the project?
Living and working across Ireland, the United States, and Iceland broadened my storytelling instincts and reinforced the importance of grounding fantastical creatures in real, emotionally resonant human experiences.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Film Stories

What is Film Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the fascinating narratives behind the filmmaking process, this podcast highlights the tumultuous journeys of popular movies from conception to release. Listeners can expect detailed discussions on troubled productions, rights issues, and the hidden challenges that often go unnoticed in the final product. The host's extensive knowledge of cinema coupled with interviews with industry professionals allows for unique insights into the hardships and triumphs of filmmaking, making it a rewarding listen for film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Notably, it approaches cinematic stories with a sense of positivity and respect for the craft, celebrating the art form while providing in-depth analysis.

Where can I find podcast stats for Film Stories?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Film Stories. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Film Stories and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Film Stories get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Film Stories, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for Film Stories?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Film Stories, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Film Stories have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Film Stories has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Film Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Film Stories:

1. Kermode on Film
2. The Empire Film Podcast
3. Screenshot
4. Kermode & Mayo’s Take
5. Pilot TV

How many episodes of Film Stories are there?

Film Stories launched 8 years ago and published 462 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Film Stories?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Film Stories?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Film Stories from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Film Stories?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Film Stories. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on Film Stories?

Recent guests on Film Stories include:

1. David Mackenzie
2. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
3. Tyler Gillett
4. Christopher Miller
5. Phil Lord
6. Drew Goddard
7. Andrew Stanton
8. Kevin Goetz

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days