The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer Erik Jendresen and writer-director Christopher McQuarrie about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Jason Isaacs about Season 3 of The White Lotus. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Dichen Lachman about Season 2 of Severance. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator-writer Charlie Brooker about Season 7 of Black Mirror. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to Producers Craig Perry and Sheila Hanahan Taylor + co-writers Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor about Final Destination: Bloodlines. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Tony Gilroy, the brilliant creator and showrunner of Andor, shares insights on the second season of the acclaimed series. He discusses the intricate balance of character development and dialogue, revealing the challenges of crafting a cohesive story under budget constraints. Gilroy dives into the dynamics between key characters like Luthen and Cassian, exploring themes of rebellion and loyalty. He also reflects on the creative choices behind a pivotal episode, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving narrative depth. Tune in for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look!

Tom Bissell, a talented screenwriter known for his work on Andor and The Disaster Artist, dives into the creative journey behind the gripping finale of Andor Season 2. He discusses the delicate balance of adapting beloved narratives while infusing new ideas. Bissell shares insights from the writer's room, detailing the complex character arcs and emotional stakes, especially the tragic fate of Lonnie. He also reveals intriguing unexecuted concepts and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in crafting rich, character-driven stories.

Dan Gilroy, a talented screenwriter known for his work on Andor and Nightcrawler, dives into the creative challenges behind crafting the show's narrative. He shares insights into a discarded draft featuring K2SO and the symbolism of visual cues like a blinking light on Coruscant. The conversation highlights character complexities, including Cassian's skepticism and Mon Mothma's moral dilemmas within a revolutionary context. Gilroy also hints at exciting upcoming projects, making it a must-listen for fans of storytelling in film.

Beau Willimon, the creative mind behind House of Cards and writer for Andor, dives into the political intricacies of Season 2's episodes 4-6. He shares his evolution as a storyteller, influenced by formative experiences and the chaos of real-world politics. The discussion highlights character motivations, emphasizing the emotional and moral complexities that drive the narrative. Passionate insights on the rewriting process for a pivotal heist scene showcase the balance between dialogue and visual storytelling, enriching the series' themes of resistance and victory.

Tony Gilroy, the mastermind behind *Andor*, takes listeners behind the scenes of Season 2. He reveals how COVID-19 reshaped the creative process, leading to innovative storytelling techniques. The evolution of character arcs is discussed, particularly how audience feedback influences plot developments. Gilroy also dives into themes of misinformation and power dynamics, resonating with today's societal issues. Plus, he highlights the clever use of humor amid serious narratives, enriching the character-driven storytelling that defines *Andor*.