

Blank Check with Griffin & David
Blank Check Productions
Not just another bad movie podcast, Blank Check reviews directors' complete filmographies episode to episode. Specifically, the auteurs whose early successes afforded them the rare ‘blank check’ from Hollywood to produce passion projects. Each new miniseries, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve into the works of film’s most outsized personalities in painstakingly hilarious detail. Produced by Ben Hosley.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Jan 21, 2019 • 2h 14min
Glass
A humorous dive into M. Night Shyamalan’s cinematic universe sparks discussions on aging stars like Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. The hosts reflect on their local theater experiences, the evolution of superhero narratives, and the unique storytelling techniques used in 'Glass.' They also share light-hearted anecdotes about meal prep services and personal hotel preferences. With a playful look at character dynamics and narrative pacing, the conversation intertwines nostalgia, cinematic twists, and the joys of community engagement.

Jan 13, 2019 • 1h 43min
Edward Scissorhands with Julio Torres
This week on Blank Check Julio Torres (Saturday Night Live) discusses 1990’s proto-Tumblr Frankenstein remake fantasy, Edward Scissorhands. But is Cole Sprouse the young Johnny Depp of 2019? Should one aspire to create an esoteric Halloween costume with their movie? Why won't they leave the clowns alone? Together they examine the career of legendary costume designer Colleen Atwood, Winnie the Pooh’s acting and joke writing in Christopher Robin, gorgeous improv and constructs.Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X!Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 2019 • 2h 3min
Batman with K. Austin Collins
Blank Check continues it’s mini series covering the films of director Tim Burton with the genre defining 1989 superhero movie, Batman. What was this film's impact on the industry for years to come? What other actors were in the running to play the Joker? Should Bruce Wayne wear jeans and turtlenecks? Joined by K. Austin Collins (Vanity Fair) together they examine the performances of Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton, the history of the iconic character's intellectual property in film and television, how Prince came to be involved in the project and so much more!Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 23, 2018 • 2h 7min
Aquaman
On the week of its release in December of 2018, Griffin and David discussed the latest offering in the DCEU: Aquaman. But how many Oscars did David throw at the screening? is Orm a name? Did Ben’s brain break? Together they examine director James Wan’s career, sea crime and the legacy of Aquaman over the years. This episode is sponsored by Robinhood and The /Filmcast.Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2018 • 2h 10min
Beetlejuice with Rebecca Bulnes
Friend and host of Classroom Crush podcast, Rebecca Bulnes, joins Griffin and David to discuss 1988's masterpiece, Beetlejuice! But was this film nearly called Scared Sheetless? Is this Alec Baldwin at his most handsome? Does Rebecca want to date Beetlejuice? Together they examine the careers of Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara and Michael Keaton, growing up as a goth snake girl and the greatness of pre-CGI Burton special effects and practical design. This episode is sponsored by Brooklinen CODE: CHECK and Bombfell.Plus, big announcement for 2019: Blank Check is launching a Patreon!AND check out Producer Ben Hosley on a recent episode of Classroom Crush!Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2018 • 1h 46min
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Dive into the whimsical world of Tim Burton as the hosts discuss the origins of Pee-wee Herman and Burton's unique comedic director style. They share hilarious anecdotes from Paul Rubens' time with the Groundlings and the journey that led to 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure.' Explore the film's quirky narrative and its cultural significance, along with memorable comedic moments. The conversation also touches on 1980s cinema's lasting influence and the nostalgia that ties audiences to these iconic characters in a delightful and humorous way.

Dec 2, 2018 • 2h 23min
Ralph Breaks the Internet
This week on Blank Check is a discussion of Wreck-it-Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet. Together, Griffin, David and Producer Ben examine the history of Disney Animation sequels, Chekhov’s Mentos, types of metals and the origins of Spies in Disguise. Plus, John Hodgman (Vacationland) leaves a voicemail! Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25, 2018 • 1h 58min
Home Again with Richard Lawson
In the final special bonus episode of our mini-series on the films of Nancy Meyers, Griffin and David invite Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) to weigh in on her daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s directorial debut: Home Again. But what if boys were nice? Was this movie filmed exclusively inside a bottle of white zinfandel? What is the future of the romantic comedy in the major studio system? Together they discuss alternate realities, finding the next Sam Smith, Nancy Meyers’ involvement in inventing rap rock and Reese Witherspoon for mayor. Music selection:“Parting of the Ways - Part 1” by Kevin MacLeodLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseJoin our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 2018 • 1h 40min
The Intern with Jamie Lee
Comedian, writer and actor Jamie Lee (HBO's Crashing) joins Griffin and David to discuss Meyers’ most recent offering, 2015’s The Intern. But what was Griffin and Jamie’s experience auditioning for this movie? Why is the husband so lame and unlikable? Is there a bombshell in this edition of Romilly’s Kitchen Corner? Together they examine why Anne Hathaway rules, avoiding posterboard bits and what Nancy thinks of millennial men. Crashing Season 3 returns to HBO in January. Official Trailer: And check out Jamie’s book Weddiculous and her stand-up comedy album “I mean…”Music selection:“Morning Mandolin” by Chris HaugenLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseJoin our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2018 • 1h 53min
It's Complicated with Sarah-Violet Bliss
Writer/director Sarah-Violet Bliss (Search Party) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2009’s masterpiece, It's Complicated. But what are the two things everyone knows about Alec Baldwin? Who has the name Agnes anymore? Is it really complicated tho? Together they examine Meryl Streep’s singing voice, web cam flim flams and what this new kitchen fortress is going to look like.Music selection:“Bushwick Tarentella” by Kevin MacLeodLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License.Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord.For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices