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TV & Film
Jackson Murphy
Film Critic/Entertainment Reporter Lights Camera Jackson interviews the biggest live-action and animation content creators and performers from movies, TV and streaming.
Guest: 'That Christmas' Director Simon Otto
"How to Train Your Dragon" trilogy head of character animation Simon Otto makes his animated feature directorial debut with the comedy adventure "That Christmas". It debuts Wednesday Dec. 4 on Netflix. Otto returns to The LCJ Q&A to discuss adapting Richard Curtis' books, working with Brian Cox and crafting a unique holiday family film.
13:5825/11/2024
Guest: 'Flow' Director Gints Zilbalodis
Five years after he made an animated feature by himself ("Away"), director Gints Zilbalodis is back with a new animated movie — "Flow". It's about a cat on the journey of a lifetime... or maybe nine. "Flow" opens in select theaters this Friday Nov. 22. Zilbalodis shares how he explored animals, nature, weather and the earth in cool and visually breathtaking ways.
18:3120/11/2024
Guest: 'Creature Commandos' EP & Showrunner Dean Lorey
On the new DC animated series "Creature Commandos", it's a unique task force — incarcerated monsters — on wild missions and adventures. Emmy nominated executive producer and showrunner Dean Lorey ("Arrested Development", "Big Shot") joins me to talk about the comedy and action-packed "CC" (premiering Thursday Dec. 5 on Max).
09:1518/11/2024
Guest: 'An Almost Christmas Story' Director David Lowery
David Lowery is the director of the new animated holiday short film "An Almost Christmas Story", which premieres this Friday Nov. 15 on Disney+. It's about an owl named Moon who forms a unique friendship with a girl named Luna in The Big Apple. Lowery shares what the holidays and holiday movies mean to him, along with stories about collaborating with John C. Reilly and Alfonso Cuaron, making "Pete's Dragon" and "A Ghost Story" and more.
15:3113/11/2024
Guests: 'Carl the Collector' Creator Zachariah OHora and Director Lisa Whittick
The new PBS Kids animated series "Carl the Collector" (premiering Thursday November 14th) is about a kid raccoon who has autism. He loves collecting things and sharing his enthusiasm for collections and activities with his friends and family. "CTC" is created by Zachariah OHora (of the Fuzzytown book universe). Lisa Whittick is the show's director.
19:3804/11/2024
Guest: 'The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie' Director Peter Browngardt
Long-awaited, fully animated The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie will receive an awards-qualifying run before the end of 2024, ahead of its official theatrical release on February 28th, 2025. I’ve screened the film and spoke with director Peter Browngardt about this sci-fi action comedy starring beloved characters who are true to themselves and presented in ways you’ve never seen before.
13:4328/10/2024
Guest: 'Memoir of a Snail' Director Adam Elliot
Adam Elliot won the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award 20 years ago for "Harvie Krumpet". He followed that up with acclaimed stop-motion feature "Mary & Max". His latest claymation movie is "Memoir of a Snail", which opens in theaters on Oct. 25.
14:5922/10/2024
Guests: 'HITPIG!' Directors David Feiss and Cinzia Angelini
David Feiss and Cinzia Angelini are the directors of the new animated action comedy "HITPIG!", starring Jason Sudeikis and Lilly Singh, which opens in theaters nationwide on November 1st.
15:0221/10/2024
Guests: 'Max & the Midknights' Co-EPs Sharon Flynn and David Skelly
Nickelodeon's new animated comedy Max & the Midknights (premiering Wednesday October 30th at 7pm) is adapted from Big Nate author Lincoln Peirce's popular book about a girl in medieval times who yearns to become a knight. Co-Executive Producers Sharon Flynn and David Skelly discuss the show's unique tone, visual perspectives and inspirations.
09:1915/10/2024
Guests: 'Kensuke's Kingdom' Directors Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry
A new hand-drawn animated feature film adaptation of the classic novel "Kensuke's Kingdom" opens in theaters on Oct. 18. Directors Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry take me on an adventure, describing what went into the story, music, visual design and much more. Plus, find out what Oscar winner Cillian Murphy did to enhance his vocal performance.
17:4014/10/2024
Guests: 'Mighty Monsterwheelies' Showrunner Stephanie Simpson and Story Editor Kyel White
DreamWorks "Mighty Monsterwheelies" morphs classic movie monsters and monster trucks, creating a fun group of characters and episodes for families as we approach Halloween. It premieres Monday October 14th on Netflix. Kyel White developed the series and serves as story editor. Stephanie Simpson is the four-time Emmy-winning executive producer and showrunner.
13:3409/10/2024
Guest: ‘Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft’ Showrunner Tasha Huo
Lara Croft has been played by Oscar winners Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in movies. She's also an iconic video game heroine. Now she's the focus of a new hand-drawn animated series, with the voice of Hayley Atwell, in "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft". It premieres this Thursday October 10th on Netflix. Showrunner, writer and EP Tasha Huo joins me on this episode of The LCJ Q&A Podcast.
11:1707/10/2024
Guests: ‘The Wild Robot’ Director Chris Sanders and Producer Jeff Hermann
DreamWorks Animation celebrates its 30th Anniversary with the release of "The Wild Robot" (now in theaters). Director Chris Sanders (of "How to Train Your Dragon" and "The Croods") and producer Jeff Hermann ("The Boss Baby: Family Business") share details on how they brought specific scenes to life and what this movie has meant to them and audiences around the world.
14:0402/10/2024
Guests: ‘Gremlins: The Wild Batch' EP & Showrunner Tze Chun and EP Brendan Hay
Max's Gremlins animated series had a successful season one with Secrets of the Mogwai. Season two, Gremlins: The Wild Batch, premieres Thursday October 3rd. Executive Producer and showrunner Tze Chun and fellow EP Brendan Hay preview what fans, including those who love the iconic movies, can look forward to from this fun group of characters and some exciting new ones.
12:3726/09/2024
Guest: ‘The Simpsons’ Co-Showrunner Matt Selman
Annie and seven-time Emmy-winning "The Simpsons" co-showrunner, executive producer and writer Matt Selman joins me on this special 350th Episode of The LCJ Q&A Podcast. He shares as much as he can about Season 36 (which starts this Sunday Sept. 29 at 8pm on FOX) and the first-ever "Simpsons" panel presentation at New York Comic Con (Saturday Oct. 19 at 11:30am on the Main Stage).
22:0623/09/2024
Guests: ‘Twilight of the Gods' Creator, Director & EP Zack Snyder and EPs Deborah Snyder & Wesley Coller
Zack Snyder, director of "300", "Man of Steel" and 2010 animated feature "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole", is the creator and executive producer of new adult animated action series "Twilight of the Gods", now streaming on Netflix. He joins fellow EPs Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller on this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode to talk about the show and the power of animation.
07:5919/09/2024
Guest: ‘Benny vs. the Penny’ Co-Host Tomm Looney
Longtime friend Tomm Looney, co-host of "Benny vs. the Penny" (airing weekends on Peacock and NBC Sports channels nationwide), joins me to talk about Season 2 of the unique sports betting series. We also chat about Looney's childhood and career, Taylor & Travis, current movies, "The Simpsons" and more.
33:3306/09/2024
Guests: ‘Universal Basic Guys’ Creators Adam and Craig Malamut
Adam and Craig Malamut's new animated comedy series "Universal Basic Guys" joins the iconic FOX Animation Domination lineup on Sunday Sept. 8 at 8pmET / 5pmPT (live to all timezones after an NFL doubleheader). They discuss the fun characters, storylines and South Jersey inspirations and what shows like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" have meant to them.
17:4428/08/2024
Guest: ‘Kindergarten: The Musical’ EP and Supervising Director Tom Warburton
Two-time Emmy nominee Tom Warburton ("Muppet Babies") is the executive producer and supervising director of the new family animated series "Kindergarten: The Musical". It premieres Tue Sept. 3 on Disney Junior and Wed Sept. 4 on Disney+. Warburton discusses crafting a high-spirited and authentic musical presentation of the kindergarten experience.
13:1526/08/2024
Guest: ‘200% Wolf’ Director Alexs Stadermann
There's a new sequel to 2020 hit 100% Wolf opening in theaters nationwide on August 23rd. 200% Wolf is double the energy and double the fun for families, with main character Freddy on another life-changing adventure. Director Alexs Stadermann discusses his return to this universe, creating memorable characters, and how A.I. is impacting the animation industry.
14:3914/08/2024
Guests: ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Co-Showrunners Chris Yost and Alan Wan
New animated series "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", starring the voice actors from last summer's hit movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem", premieres Friday August 9th on Paramount+. Co-Showrunners Chris Yost and Alan Wan share insights on this fresh chapter in the 'heroes in a half shell' saga.
08:4202/08/2024
Guests: ‘Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie’ EPs Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli
Sandy and SpongeBob head to Texas in the live-action/CG feature "Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie". It premieres Friday August 2nd on Netflix. Executive Producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli celebrate 25 years of SpongeBob with a deep dive into the beloved characters and the wild new film.
13:1329/07/2024
Guest: ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ Director Carlos Saldanha
At Blue Sky Studios, Carlos Saldanha directed "Ice Age" and "Rio" installments, as well as "Ferdinand", which earned him a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination. Now Saldanha is the director of a new live-action family film featuring some hand-drawn and CG animation. "Harold and the Purple Crayon", adapted from the beloved book, opens in theaters on Aug. 2.
13:0424/07/2024
Guest: ‘Primos’ Creator Natasha Kline
Natasha Kline is the creator of the new Disney animated series "Primos", which is inspired by her childhood growing up in Los Angeles. Tater, who's about to turn 10, has a memorable summer at home with her 12 cousins. "Primos" premieres this Thursday July 25th at 8pm on Disney Channel and this Friday July 26th on Disney+.
14:2922/07/2024
Guests: ‘Exploding Kittens’ Showrunners and Creators Matthew Inman and Shane Kosakowski
Phenomenon card game Exploding Kittens is now an adult animated comedy series, premiering this Friday July 12th on Netflix. Find out how a cat exorcism and Bruce Willis movies have inspired showrunners and creators Matthew Inman (who also co-created the game) and Shane Kosakowski.
10:4210/07/2024
Guests: ‘Sausage Party: Foodtopia’ Co-Creators Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter
Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter co-wrote 2016's hit adult animated comedy Sausage Party. They're now the co-creators, showrunners and EPs of new follow-up series Sausage Party: Foodtopia, premiering Thursday July 11th on Prime Video.
11:4301/07/2024
Guests: ‘Disney Jr.'s Ariel’ EP Lynne Southerland and Art Director Chrystin Garland
It's been 35 years since Disney released the game-changing The Little Mermaid. Disney Jr.'s Ariel, premiering June 27th on Disney Jr. and June 28th on Disney+, is a new CG family music series that spotlights the title character's youth 'under the sea'. Executive Producer Lynne Southerland and Art Director Chrystin Garland share why they enjoy being part of this world.
16:5120/06/2024
Guest: ‘WondLa’ EP & Showrunner Bobs Gannaway
AppleTV+ and showrunner/EP Bobs Gannaway (of Monsters at Work) have adapted author Tony DiTerlizzi’s popular books for the new animated adventure series WondLa, premiering Friday June 28th. Gannaway previews the exciting first season and more!
12:1713/06/2024
Guests: ‘Ultraman: Rising’ director Shannon Tindle and co-director John Aoshima
Animated action dramedy feature Ultraman: Rising is going to be one of the biggest at-home hits of the summer. You can watch it starting next Friday June 14th on Netflix. Emmy-winning director Shannon Tindle (of Lost Ollie and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends) and Emmy & Annie-nominated co-director John Aoshima (of DuckTales and Gravity Falls) suit up to tell me about their influences for this epic film.
13:2306/06/2024
Guests: ‘Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation’ EPs Chris and Shane Houghton
Chris and Shane Houghton celebrate six years of Big City Greens success for The Mouse House with a new feature-length film. Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation premieres this Thursday June 6th at 8pm on Disney Channel and is available on Disney+ starting this Friday June 7th. The Houghtons return to The LCJ Q&A Podcast to discuss how they landed on this story and the giant leap from 11 minutes to 80.
16:5304/06/2024
Guest: ‘Robot Dreams’ Director Pablo Berger
Pablo Berger won an Annie Award and was nominated for an Oscar this past awards season for his incredible feature Robot Dreams. NEON just kicked-off the film's official North American theatrical release in New York City, and it will continue to expand to more cities across the nation throughout the summer. Berger shares what Robot Dreams has meant to him and audiences around the world.
13:1903/06/2024
Guests: ‘Jurassic World: Chaos Theory’ EPs & Showrunners Scott Kreamer and Aaron Hammersley
Get ready for more dino drama! New DreamWorks and Universal animated series Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (premiering this Friday May 24th on Netflix) is the next chapter in a franchise that has delighted and terrified generations. Executive Producers and showrunners Scott Kreamer and Aaron Hammersley detail their latest Jurassic journey.
12:4521/05/2024
Guests: ‘The Garfield Movie’ director Mark Dindal and producer John Cohen
One of the most anticipated movies of 2024 for families and lasagna lovers is Sony’s CG feature The Garfield Movie. Following a successful start overseas, it opens in North America this Friday May 24th. Director Mark Dindal (of Chicken Little) and producer John Cohen (of The Angry Birds Movie) talk about the story, casting, marketing and more.
23:1320/05/2024
Guest: ‘IF’ Stunt Coordinator Mark Pettograsso
Stunt performer and longtime friend Mark Pettograsso has worked on some of the biggest movies, TV shows and commercials of the past 15+ years. As stunt coordinator on "IF" (in theaters now), he collaborated with director John Krasinski and worked closely with star Ryan Reynolds on some of the film's biggest and most challenging sequences. Pettograsso shares behind the scenes stories on "IF" and more in this in-depth interview.
34:5320/05/2024
Guests: ‘Thelma the Unicorn’ Directors Jared Hess and Lynn Wang
Starting this Friday May 17th on Netflix, you can enjoy the new animated music comedy feature Thelma the Unicorn, based on the books by The Bad Guys author Aaron Blabey. Joining me are directors Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite and Oscar nominated short Ninety-Five Senses) and Lynn Wang (Unikitty and Teen Titans Go!).
11:2615/05/2024
Summer 2024 Movie Preview with Jason Black
Oklahoma City film critic and fellow Critics Choice Association member Jason Black joins me as we preview Summer 2024 at the movies. What films are we most looking forward to seeing? Plus get the inside scoop from Jason on three major summer movies that were filmed in Oklahoma — "Twisters", "Reagan" and "Fancy Dance".
35:0329/04/2024
Guest: ‘Knuckles’ EP and 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Director Jeff Fowler
Academy Award nominee Jeff Fowler is the director of the "Sonic the Hedgehog" film franchise, including "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" (which opens in December). He's also the executive producer of new six-episode spinoff series "Knuckles", premiering this Friday April 26th on Paramount+. Fowler talks about working with Idris Elba, bringing Jim Carrey out of retirement and being at the center of the "Sonic" saga.
13:2722/04/2024
Guest: ‘Cash Cab Music’ Host Adam Growe
Adam Growe hosted Canada's version of "Cash Cab" for eight seasons. After nearly a decade he's back in the driver's seat for "Cash Cab Music". Buckle up as Growe and I talk about the music-centric spinoff, which airs weekdays on AXS TV in the U.S. and GameTV in Canada.
20:0315/04/2024
Guests: ‘Puffin Rock and the New Friends’ director Jeremy Purcell and animation director Lorraine Lordan
Cartoon Saloon, the animation house behind "The Secret of Kells", "The Breadwinner" and "Wolfwalkers", is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Their latest feature, the sweet "Puffin Rock and the New Friends" (a continuation of the popular TV series), is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms beginning April 16th. Joining me to discuss the film and Cartoon Saloon's latest milestone are director Jeremy Purcell and animation director Lorraine Lordan.
20:4810/04/2024
Guest: ‘DORA’ EP and Showrunner Rich Magallanes
Time to explore a new series starring one of Nickelodeon’s most iconic characters — this time in CG. “DORA” premieres this Friday April 12th on Paramount+. Executive Producer and showrunner Rich Magallanes explains what goes into making sure the returns of Dora, Boots and Swiper are satisfying for fans of the original "Dora the Explorer" show and a new generation of families.
13:2008/04/2024
Guest: ‘Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp’ Director Jon Rosenbaum
The dynamic CG version of beloved cartoon character Woody Woodpecker returns in the new live-action / animated family comedy Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp. It premieres Friday April 12th on Netflix. On this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode I'm joined by... Guess Who?... the film's Emmy nominated director, Jon Rosenbaum.
17:3501/04/2024
Guest: ‘X-Men '97’ Supervising Producer and Director Jake Castorena
Jake Castorena is the supervising producer and head director of Marvel Animation's X-Men '97 (premiering Wednesday March 20th on Disney+). The show gives us new adventures with these iconic characters in the hand-drawn, comic book animation style of the popular X-Men: The Animated Series from the '90s.
08:4719/03/2024
Guest: ‘The Casagrandes Movie’ Director Miguel Puga
Miguel Puga, who co-developed Nickelodeon’s Loud House spinoff series The Casagrandes, makes his feature directorial debut with The Casagrandes Movie. The epic animated action/adventure comedy premieres this Friday March 22nd on Netflix. Puga shares his enthusiasm for the film and what fans of the beloved characters should look forward to.
16:2818/03/2024
JT The Brick Radio: Oscars Picks — 03/05/24
It's a fun annual tradition joining longtime Las Vegas host JT The Brick live on his radio show to make Oscars Predictions!
12:2906/03/2024
2024 Oscars Predictions with John Rocha
To predict this year's Oscars winners, I'm joined by popular entertainment analyst, host, content creator and film critic John Rocha. We name our picks in 12 categories and discuss other aspects of the 96th Annual Academy Awards.
37:2205/03/2024
Guests: ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ director Mike Mitchell, co-director Stephanie Ma Stine and producer Rebecca Huntley
DreamWorks' "Kung Fu Panda 4" is directed by Mike Mitchell, co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine and produced by Rebecca Huntley. I first spoke with them back in December at the launch of the film's first trailer. Now that I've seen the entire movie (which opens in theaters this Friday March 8th), here's my new LCJ Q&A Podcast episode with this trio about what fans of this long-running, nearly $2 Billion franchise should get ready "4".
14:3304/03/2024
Guests: ‘Hot Wheels Let's Race’ EP Rob David and Co-Creator Melanie Shannon
Rob David serves as executive producer, and Melanie Shannon is the co-creator, of Mattel’s new animated family series Hot Wheels Let’s Race. It premieres this Monday March 4th on Netflix. You’ve got the green light to learn what David and Shannon have to say about this super-charged show.
12:1829/02/2024
Guest: ‘Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate’ Director and 'Megamind Rules' EP Eric Fogel
One of DreamWorks' most memorable characters returns this Friday March 1st. Feature-length movie Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate and series Megamind Rules both debut on Peacock. Director & EP Eric Fogel (of Archibald's Next Big Thing) shares how he approached the comeback of this supervillain turned superhero, including making the movie and the show simultaneously.
14:5528/02/2024
Guests: ‘IWAJU’ writer/director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku
“Iwájú” is a new six-episode animated event series premiering this Wednesday February 28th on Disney+. It’s a collaboration of Walt Disney Animation Studios and African studio Kugali. The story centers on 10-year-old girl Tola and friend Kole in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. Crime threatens them and their families. Director and writer Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku join me for this LCJ Q&A Podcast episode.
12:5627/02/2024
Guest: ‘Stopmotion’ Director Robert Morgan
Beginning this Friday February 23rd, you can head to theaters for a new live-action, R-rated horror movie about the art and intensity of stop-motion animation. In director and co-writer Robert Morgan's "Stopmotion", Ella, the daughter of a stop-motion animation legend, takes on a new project that quickly, and viciously, takes over her.
12:1319/02/2024