

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.JOIN OUR PATREON FOR 'WWW' BONUS CONTENT!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 36min
Malcolm X
Dive into the captivating journey of Malcolm X's life as depicted in Spike Lee's film. Discover the intense struggles and creative challenges faced during the production, including financial hurdles and the search for authenticity. Explore how the film's narrative evolved, capturing both vibrant moments and heavy themes. Learn about the significant contributions of key figures, and reflect on the complex dynamics between Malcolm X's ideologies and those of his contemporaries. It's a riveting discussion on storytelling, representation, and historical legacy.

22 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 21min
The Godfather - Part 1 (Part 2)
Delve into the fierce rivalries behind the making of 1972's iconic film. Discover how tensions erupted between director Francis Ford Coppola and his crew, examine James Caan's dramatic on-set antics, and revisit the creation of unforgettable scenes like Sonny's death. You'll also hear about Marlon Brando's playful pranks and unique methods. The production's chaotic atmosphere and the intricate ties between Hollywood and organized crime make for riveting storytelling, highlighting both the dangers and creative conflicts that shaped this cinematic masterpiece.

24 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Godfather - Part 1 (Part 1)
Dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of a classic mafia film, where the actual mafia threatened production if the term was used. Discover why both Francis Ford Coppola and Al Pacino faced firing, and how Marlon Brando's intense preparation shaped his iconic role. Explore the cultural legacy of this groundbreaking movie and the intricate casting dynamics that almost excluded key actors. There's a thrilling mix of Hollywood intrigue, personal stories, and reflections on morality and family that highlight the film's enduring impact.

6 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 7min
Listen Now: The Big Flop
Dive into the chaotic rise and fall of Tom Cruise during his infamous 'flop era.' Discover the wild tabloid tales that kept fans guessing amidst scandal and intrigue. Explore how Cruise’s reputation shifted from Hollywood hero to a subject of ridicule, with humorous insights on celebrity culture. Finally, ponder the bizarre rumors and the struggle for relatability in an ever-changing spotlight. This lively discussion captures the essence of fame and folly in Tinseltown.

26 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 45min
Eyes Wide Shut
Dive into the complexities of Stanley Kubrick's final film, where themes of infidelity and societal secrets unfold. Discover how personal struggles influenced the production and reshaped the director's relationships. Explore the casting decisions that could have altered the film's trajectory, and witness the psychological toll on stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman during the intense filming process. Unpack the controversial marketing strategies that shaped public perception, while reflecting on Kubrick's lasting artistic legacy and the film's visual mastery.

Dec 23, 2024 • 39min
Below The Line - Storyboard Artist (Shaft, Nightcrawler, Free Guy)
Warren Drummond, a highly accomplished storyboard artist, shares his insights from working with legends like Denzel Washington and Ron Howard. He highlights the crucial role storyboards play in filmmaking, serving as blueprints for directors. Warren discusses the intense pressure of tight deadlines and the balance of quality and speed. He also delves into the evolution from analog to digital methods and emphasizes the importance of networking and relationship-building in the industry. His experiences offer a vivid glimpse into the art of visual storytelling.

76 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 26min
Die Hard
Explore how a tennis pro, a theater nerd, and a TV actor reshaped the action genre while tackling the surprising journey of Bruce Willis from struggling actor to Hollywood icon. Dive into the chaotic production of a beloved Christmas classic, uncovering behind-the-scenes drama involving key creative choices and cast dynamics. Discover the humorous cultural debate on 'Die Hard' as a holiday film and enjoy personal anecdotes that connect the hosts to this action-packed adventure!

15 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 20min
Gremlins
Dive into the chaotic world of the classic holiday film 'Gremlins,' exploring its wild production challenges and creative struggles. Discover how the mishaps of puppetry almost derailed the project while hilariously questioning the use of live monkeys. Learn why parents were outraged and how the film shaped the MPAA rating system. With insights into the beloved character Gizmo and the unexpected casting choices, this journey reveals the perfect blend of humor and horror that defines this cinematic gem.

11 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 32min
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Part 2)
Dive into the challenges of filmmaking, from the impact of CGI to the complexities of directing actors with blue screens and tennis balls! Discover the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped iconic characters like Darth Maul and Jar Jar Binks. Explore the cultural phenomenon of merchandise and how audience reactions have evolved over time. Plus, a humorous look at the mixed legacy of the film and its polarizing characters. Did Weird Al see it all coming? Spoiler: maybe!

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 25min
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Part 1)
Jedi! Lightsabers! Taxes? This week, Chris tests Lizzie’s midi-chlorians (and patience) with George Lucas’ polarizing return to Star Wars. Was Lucas a victim of his own success, or were we all victims of his divorce? Plus, how Michael Jackson and Denzel Washington were nearly canon, and more!CORRECTIONS:*Doctor Dolittle was release in 1967, not 1976, as Chris mistakenly stated.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.