

WHAT WENT WRONG
Sad Boom Media
What Went Wrong covers Hollywood’s most notoriously disastrous movie productions, digging into the behind-the-scenes insanity of everything from massive flops to record-breaking blockbusters. In each episode, hosts Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer dive into a new film to explore the mind-blowing (and sometimes numbing) reasons why making a movie is nearly impossible (especially a good one). Produced by David Boman.Subscribe on Apple Connect or PATREON for 'WWW' BONUS CONTENT! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Iron Giant
Alex Steed, host of the You Are Good podcast, dives into the intricate story of The Iron Giant. He discusses Brad Bird's persistent approach, which ultimately led to this beloved film. The conversation touches on its mature themes, the film’s emotional resonance, and Bird's personal tragedies that influenced the narrative. They also explore the animation landscape during the film's creation, production challenges, and the film's surprising cult status post-release. Steed highlights the core message: we are defined by our choices.

Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Curious Case of Grey Gardens (with Watch What Crappens)
Join Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam, co-hosts of Watch What Crappens, as they explore the fascinating world of Grey Gardens. They delve into the quirky lives of Big and Little Edie Beale, revealing surprising details about their past, finances, and the cultural impact of their story on reality TV. Listen as they discuss the film's production chaos, the role of hidden collaborators, and the fine line between exploitation and intimacy. Their insights offer a fresh perspective on this documentary classic's legacy and enduring influence.

11 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 22min
Toy Story
Delve into the fascinating origins of Toy Story, from initial doubts at Disney to its revolutionary impact on animation. Discover how Steve Jobs transformed Pixar and how the creative team faced challenges turning Woody and Buzz into beloved characters. Uncover the dramatic rewrites that shaped the film's tone and character dynamics, and the clever marketing strategies that propelled it to success. Explore its legacy in legitimizing animation for adults and influencing future filmmakers.

8 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 19min
[Bonus Preview] Frankenstein (2025) Review
Delve into Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, examining how he adapts his favorite book and the intriguing last-minute casting of Jacob Elordi. Discover the two-part structure showcasing Victor and the Creature, alongside praise for Elordi's emotional portrayal. The discussion shifts to themes of parenthood and father-son dynamics, with a debate on moral alignment leading to Victor's monstrosity. Highlights also include a critique of the film's visual style and the questionable choice of an end quote. Join this captivating exploration!

24 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 28min
Heat
Dive into the intricate world behind a cinematic masterpiece! Discover how Michael Mann's life experiences shaped the moral grayness of this LA crime saga. Learn about the real criminals that inspired the film and the hurdles in financing such a sprawling narrative. Uncover the iconic diner scene's spontaneous filming and the challenges of staging the legendary downtown shootout. Plus, explore the legacy and lasting relevance of the film, with whispers of a potential sequel. A captivating look that every film buff will appreciate!

9 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 34min
The Last of the Mohicans
Dive into the turbulent behind-the-scenes drama of a 1992 historical epic. Discover Daniel Day-Lewis's intense method acting and the struggles of an on-set crew facing strikes and tumult. Uncover the film's attempt to portray Native Americans authentically, influenced by 'Dances with Wolves.' Explore how Michael Mann's obsessive attention to detail shaped the film’s stunning visuals and the characters' depth, while addressing issues of feminism and historical inaccuracies. A fascinating look at both the artistry and challenges of filmmaking.

Oct 31, 2025 • 17min
[Bonus Preview] Deep Cuts: October 2025
The hosts dig into listener responses about the viral marketing of Blair Witch, with humorous personal anecdotes. They reminisce about the haunting experience of watching Hereditary at Sundance and its lingering impact. A heartfelt update on their recovery after a fire reveals their resilience. They share dream interviewees from film history, highlighting iconic filmmakers and actors. The discussion includes insights into their research and editing processes, as well as reflections on how their perspectives have evolved over time.

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 24min
Halloween
Dive into the chilling world of Halloween as the hosts explore the film's critical role in shaping the slasher genre. They discuss how babysitters embody vulnerability and analyze the unforgettable performances of Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence. Discover John Carpenter's journey from early struggles to iconic success, motivated by unexpected UK fans. Hear how the movie's haunting score created tension and turned it into a cultural phenomenon. It's a thrilling examination of horror's impact and legacy!

20 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood (with Daisy Eagan)
Daisy Eagan, a host of the Strange and Unexplained podcast and a professional actor, dives deep into the mysterious drowning of Hollywood icon Natalie Wood. The discussion covers Wood's promising comeback in 'Brainstorm' amidst personal turmoil and the dynamic with co-stars. Eagan sheds light on the night of Wood's disappearance, various conflicting accounts, and the subsequent investigation that remains perplexing. The podcast navigates through theories of accident versus foul play while highlighting the unreliability of memory in piecing together this tragic tale.

35 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 19min
The Blair Witch Project
Dive into the chilling world of a 1999 found footage classic that left audiences questioning reality. Discover how clever sound design and minimalist scares created genuine terror. Learn about the innovative casting process, immersive production strategies, and the real-life tensions that fueled authenticity. Explore the impact of its viral marketing, and the unexpected consequences for its young stars. Uncover the fine line between creativity and exploitation as the film's success raised questions about fair compensation in Hollywood.


