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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
Warner Bros
Robert De Niro
Robin Williams
Warner Brothers
Christopher Nolan
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 weeklyEpisodes469Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmFilm History

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Artwork for Film Stories

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

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... more

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 ol... more

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 abou... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Alicia MacDonald
Director of Finding Emily
Episode: In conversation with director Alicia MacDonald - Finding Emily, Mike Leigh, short films, romantic comedies, Kickstarter
Thea Sharrock
Director of Ladies First, Wicked Little Letters, The Comedy Ladies First; has directed Equus on Broadway
Director
Episode: In conversation with Thea Sharrock - Ladies First, Wicked Little Letters, The Beautiful Game, posh chairs
David Frankel
Director of The Devil Wears Prada 2 (interview subject)
Director
Episode: Contact (1997) and how it nearly fell apart, plus David Frankel on The Devil Wears Prada 2
Paul Feig
Filmmaker, writer, producer, director
FeigCo (production)
Episode: In conversation with Paul Feig - The Housemaid, Bridesmaids at the Oscars, Ghostbusters and more
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

Host

Simon Brew
Host of Film Stories magazine and podcast, with a long-running focus on film histories, production stories, and industry context.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Comfort Cine Listening

    Just one of my favourite movie pods, no snark just talks about how as Simon rightfully says the miracle of how movies get made, even the bad ones.

    Prefer the new format of just one move along with the specials, because more than likely it ends up with me rewatching the movie that Simon is talking about!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    munker11
    United Kingdom25 days ago
  • Quality podcast.

    I have given this a 5 star review previously but I’ve downgraded it to 4 stars due to Simon constantly interrupting guests when they try to answer. Even if it’s just a simple “Yep”, “I agree”, “I was just going to ask that”. I wish he’d just shut up while a guest speaks. He’s still an amazing interviewer with unique questions. But please let them speak.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Arsenal_4eva
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Cape Fear. And the rest.

    As always, another great episode, Simon - thank you 👍 I’m liking the one film/episode format. Gives you and the stories a bit more room to breathe.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Benedictinemonk
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Brilliant

    Simon Brew obviously puts the hours in putting each of these episodes together. So informative and always learning new and interesting facts and developments regarding each film he discusses

    Keep up the good work

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tobester79
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Often a fun listen

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    readunderstory
    Canada2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners note mispronunciations but find the host's enthusiasm infectious.
Many describe the show as essential listening for film lovers due to behind-the-scenes insights.
Listeners praise thorough research and engaging storytelling.

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 Thea Sharrock - Ladies First, Wicked Little Letters, The Beautiful Game, posh chairs
Q: What attracted you to the project and how did it come together with Netflix and Sacha Baron Cohen?
Thea explains that Netflix was already on board, Sacha Baron Cohen was attached, and the project offered a unique opportunity to blend comedy with meaningful social commentary, while leveraging a strong team to realize a two-world narrative.
In conversation with director Alicia MacDonald - Finding Emily, Mike Leigh, short films, romantic comedies, Kickstarter
Q: How did the casting process work for the leads, and what was the dynamic like in the room?
She describes finding Anne Gowrey early for the female lead and then quickly bringing Spike for the male lead, noting how chemistry reads and on-set dynamics were crucial for grounding the romantic comedy in reality.
In conversation with director Alicia MacDonald - Finding Emily, Mike Leigh, short films, romantic comedies, Kickstarter
Q: In terms of a feature, this was Project One—how did Working Title come into the picture?
Alicia explains that Working Title approached her with a script she connected to, and after collaborating with Rachel Hirons, they developed it together, aiming to bring a younger generation a new kind of rom-com while staying true to intimate, character-driven storytelling.
Contact (1997) and how it nearly fell apart, plus David Frankel on The Devil Wears Prada 2
Q: What were the main turning points that nearly ruined the project?
The episode outlines several near-disasters, including director changes, budget pressure, and a shifting ending; ultimately, Zemeckis's involvement and a decisive script direction saved the film from collapse.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Film Stories

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

A cinephile-focused show that explores the backstories behind popular films, with a strong emphasis on troubled productions, rights battles, and the twists of development that shape what ends up on screen. Episodes routinely weave market context, studio dynamics, and key decision-makers into long-form storytelling, complemented by candid conversations with filmmakers and writers. Notable strengths include thorough research, accessible storytelling, and a track record of delving into the practicalities and politics of getting films made, from classic to contemporary releases. This makes it valuable for listeners who want a deeper understanding of how big-screen stories come to be, and for potential guests or sponsors seeking a film-angled, w... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Film Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Film Stories:

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

How many episodes of Film Stories are there?

Film Stories launched 8 years ago and published 469 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?

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What guests have appeared on Film Stories?

Recent guests on Film Stories include:

1. Alicia MacDonald
2. Thea Sharrock
3. David Frankel
4. Paul Feig
5. David Mackenzie
6. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
7. Tyler Gillett
8. Christopher Miller

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.

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