Back To One

To say Guslagie Malanda plays Laurence Coly in Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer” feels incorrect; she becomes her. It’s a performance that holds such subtle power and authenticity that it’s easy to take it for granted. On this episode, Malanda explains why she turned down countless acting jobs after her first film, “My Friend Victoria.” She talks about the year-long pre-production period that she needed to prepare for the role, the nightmares that plagued her during that time, the breakthrough of learning to breathe, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Tallie Medel is an award winning actor, educator, artist, and one third of the legendary Cocoon Central Dance Team. Her fiercely authentic and nuanced performances in films like Dan Sallitt’s “Fourteen” have garnered attention from critics and audiences alike. This past year she gifted us with Becky in the acclaimed  “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” In this episode, she talks about the communal environment on that production that benefited the performances, the importance of establishing true connection with her scene partners and using the present moment as a tool, how learning and teaching Clown has changed and shaped her work, plus much more. Find out more about Tallie's Clown classes here. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

If the Back To One podcast has one tradition, it is the yearly visit from its very first guest, the living patron saint of the working actor, Kevin Corrigan. This is his fifth time on the show (Ep. 1, Ep. 67, Ep. 133, Ep.185), and as you’ll hear, he still has a healthy supply of great stories, laughs, and inspiration to dish out. He talks about his recent stints on “Law and Order: Organized Crime,” “City on a Hill,” and the indie film “Bang Bang;” tells a hilarious story illustrating the ways he practices acting when not on a job; gets nostalgic describing the masterful mix tapes he used to make; plus much more! It all starts out with my recounting of a Corrigan-themed phone call I had with the legendary Amy Taubin minutes before the interview. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft.  Follow Back To One on Inst

The last time Vicky Krieps (“Phantom Thread,” “Bergman Island”) was on this podcast (episode 174), we learned about how she approaches the work through a kind of “emptying out” of herself, and a “deconstruction” of everything in her obit, even her preconceptions regarding the role. This time she’s back to talk about her astounding work in Marie Kreutzer’s film “Corsage,” an imaginative re-telling (or perhaps a “correcting?”) of a year in the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Krieps talks about treating the work as an invitation to play, how dealing with the coldness of the character had an effect on relationships outside of the frame, why she feels at ease when she’s lost in the reality of unknowing, and much more! (Spoiler Alert: Toward the end of the episode, the conversation turns to the end of the movie. And although nothing is specifically said about what exactly happens in the end, one can certainly make the case that it is a minor spoiler. All the more reason to see “Corsage” as soon as possible. I

The first time Andrea Riseborough was on the podcast (episode 100), we got a chance to hear how this incredible actor approaches her craft. On this episode, we get to focus on her astounding work in the new movie “To Leslie.” She talks about the interesting ways shooting on film in the middle of the pandemic affected everything, why working on her character’s alcoholism would have been a disaster, finding a touchstone with director Michael Morris in Barbara Loden’s “Wanda,” taking the objective “to just exist” from Mike Leigh, seeing constrains as freedoms, the importance of keeping your integrity, and much more. “To Leslie” is streaming now.  Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. 

Marc Maron is a stand-up comedy veteran and the host of the popular “WTF” podcast. As a screen actor, he cut his teeth playing a version of himself in the series “Maron.” Lately the Netflix series “Glow” and Lynn Shelton’s “Sword of Trust” put more of his range on display. And now he delivers the epitome of “supporting” performance in the incredible new film “To Leslie,” opposite Andrea Riseborough. On this episode, he talks about his apprehension with accepting the role, his impatience with the process of acting in general, the importance of making himself emotionally available in his scenes, what it would take for him to feel like this crazy endeavor is “worth it,” and much more. Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. 

Ever since her incredible performance in “I’ve Heard The Mermaids Singing” 35 years ago, Sheila McCarthy has been one of Canada’s most hardworking and reliable actors in theater, television, and film on both sides of the border. In her latest project, she joins a “murderers’ row” lineup of actresses like Judith Ivey, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand, and Rooney Mara in Sarah Polley’s powerful new film “Women Talking.” On this episode, she talks about how the production was both daunting and exhilarating, why it felt like the “acting olympics,” what having this “extraordinarily ordinary” powerhouse director at the helm brought out of her, plus wonderful stories about a debt owed to Liza Minnelli and a letter that changed Bruce Willis. Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the cra

You may know Grace Van Patten from “Nine Perfect Strangers,” “Under The Silver Lake,” or “Tramps.” I first took note of her in "The Meyerowitz Stories,” where her youth belied a seemingly effortless command of her character among the likes of Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Dustin Hoffman. In her latest, the hit Hulu series “Tell Me Lies,” she stars as Lucy Albright, and now she commands the screen with the same effortlessness, mixed with a complexity and nuance that is compelling viewers who are begging for a second season. On this episode, she breaks down one important scene from both “Meyerowitz" and “Lies," and we get an idea of her unique approach to the craft, which is fueled by sizing up the world surrounding her character, connecting with her partner in the scene, and staying in the moment. Plus she talks about how her 11 year old sister June inspires her inner actor, and much more! Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazi

Paul Walter Hauser is that rare character actor who has made a name for himself as a stellar talent in both comedy and drama equally. He established himself in films like “Blackkklansman” and “I, Tanya,” but playing Richard Jewell in Clint Eastwood’s film put him on the map. Now he’s wowing audiences and critics alike with his incredible performance as serial killer Larry Hall in the Apple+ limited series “Black Bird.” On this episode, he lifts the hood and lets us peek in on his acting process. He explains why his first step is all about self amusement, how mundane details help to bring him closer to the character he’s playing, why he believes you do not need to be a dark person to be an effective actor who takes on dark roles, plus much more.  Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craf

Renowned as “a one-woman global village,” Sarah Jones is a Tony Award-winning solo performer, writer, comedian and activist. Her directorial debut, “Sell/Buy/Date,” is a hybrid documentary/meta film which features Jones and four of her characters (all played by her) on a journey across the country to listen to real people telling personal stories about their experiences that land them on both sides of various aspects of the complex topic of sex work in America. On this episode, she talks about overcoming the many obstacles and controversies to bring this important film to life, how trusting in collaborators like cinematographer Joshua Weinstein meant so much to her as a first time director who is also in front of the camera in every scene, why she had to make telling the truth her north star, plus much more! “Sell/Buy/Date” is currently playing in New York City and will be streaming on-demand on November 8th. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each

On a special episode of Back To One, I’m sharing a segment from a recent episode of the popular screenwriting podcast Scriptnotes called “Writing As Acting.” In it, screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin “analyze what lessons writers can learn from acting techniques (such as staying present) and working with actors (like staying open).” When I first heard this segment, I desperately wanted to share it with Back To One listeners because I thought it was very enlightening, and maybe even healing, to hear creatives on the other side of the camera talk thoughtfully, and with sensitivity, about the process of the actor. Some of the points John and Craig make about the unique connection between actors and screenwriters inspire me to facilitate a larger conversation where actors can chime in about their experiences giving life to characters that screenwriters have been living with, in their own way, for years. Something to think about. But first, check out this segment from episode 568 of Scriptnotes, and, if you

Britt Rentschler is the star of “Pretty Problems,” a smart and hilarious new indie adult comedy which she also produced and helped write with screenwriter and co-star Michael Tennant. In this episode, she talks about their lengthy commitment to making the story work, building their characters with depth, and the risky but triumphant decision to cast their talented friends in supporting roles rather than famous actors who might have secured more money. She describes how her apprehension toward playing the lead role of Lindsay actually benefited her performance, the ways director Kestrin Pantera brought the best out of everyone, plus much more. “Pretty Problems” is in select theaters across the US, and on VOD. Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. No small talk, no celebrity stories

Dolly de Leon is a Filipina veteran actor of film and TV who is now, due to her outstanding performance in “Triangle of Sadness,” being spoken about with words like “newcomer” and “breakthrough.” That might have something to do with the “I’m the captain now” nature of the role she plays in the Palme d’Or winning film. It’s like the character and the actor are both saying “I have arrived.” In this episode, she describes the dark place she was in right before auditioning for the part, how director Ruben Ostlund’s collaborative approach sparked her dynamic creativity, why watching the film with audiences cheering for her character feels like live theater, and much more. Follow Back To One on Instagram Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. No small talk, no celebrity stories, no inane banter—just the work.

If Isabelle Huppert is not your favorite actor, she’s the favorite actor of someone you know. Guaranteed. There’s something about her that is unlike any other actor that has ever been on film. But it’s really hard to talk about what that “something” is. In each performance, in every film she’s made, she has such a command of the character, the text, the frame, that we place her in equal authorship with the directors she’s worked with, who happen to be some of most interesting and important in the last half-century—Jean Luc-Godard, Michael Haneke, Claude Chabrol, Michael Cimino, Claire Denis, Joachim Trier, Mia Hansen-Løve, Hong Sang-soo, to name a few. She always found a way to play complex, multi-dimensional, often morally questionable characters, even in a time when the female variety were in short supply. In this woefully short episode, she talks about some of the important, yet somewhat mysterious, aspects of her approach to the craft—curiosity, collaborating with the director, the present moment, listeni

Xolo Maridueña has been playing Miguel Diaz on the hit series “Cobra Kai” for five seasons, starting when he was 16 years old. On this episode, he talks about how preparing for his dream role as “Blue Beetle” (the D.C. superhero movie coming out next year) sent him down a road that expanded his acting capabilities in new and exciting ways. Plus he talks about William Zabka’s positive influence on him, and the ways that played into how he took on his leadership duties when he got to be number one on the call sheet.  Follow Back To One on Instagram

Last year, Lashana Lynch made history as 007 in “No Time To Die,” this year she uses history to energize her powerful performance in “The Woman King.” In this episode, she talks about how filming that movie “barefoot, on that soil,” surrounded by a truly supportive sisterhood, was so significant to her performance. She explains why she doesn’t have (or even want) a go-to preparation process, what choosing the hard road of avoiding typecasting has done for her career, why she cherishes outstanding Assistant Directors, and much more. Plus she gives us a peek at her role as Miss Honey in “Matilda” by way of describing a tiny, but significant, gesture of her hands. Follow Back To One on Instagram

Australian actor Essie Davis is best known for “The Babadook,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.” This year, she stunned me with two incredible performances in two powerful films. In “Nitram,” directed by her husband Justin Kurzel, she plays the important and heartbreaking supporting role of Helen, opposite Caleb Landry Jones. In “The Justice of Bunny King” she broke my heart again, this time playing the house-less titular character who is desperately trying to get her kids out of foster care. It was made pre-pandemic and had a staggered release last year overseas. Look for it in select US cities and on VOD in late September. On this episode, she gives us a glimpse of what’s at the core of her process. She talks about why it takes her an abnormally long time to read a script, the helpful ways Kurzel assists actors in prep, the change that occurred when she stopped “trying” and started “being,” plus much more. Follow Back To One on Instagram

Esteemed veteran actor John Christopher Jones returns to the podcast (his first time was episode 13) to talk about conquering the “real fear” he had of going back to work, in a guest starring role on the television series “New Amsterdam,” while dealing with the unpredictable and often debilitating effects of worsening Parkinson’s. Then he takes us on a brief tour of the various directors that worked well for him over the years, and others that, sometimes hilariously, fell a little short, like José Quintero and his maddening direction in the 1985 production of “The Iceman Cometh” with Jason Robards. He shares frustrating stories of being the understudy who’s thrown into Mike Nichols’ 1984 production of “Hurlyburly,” and having to survive the antics and proclivities of Ron Silver and others. He tells us about the least successful role he ever performed, the most successful, and how looking back on all of it makes him realize how lucky he is. Plus much more! Follow Back To One on Instagram

Austin Pendleton might be best known for “My Cousin Vinny,” or “What’s Up Doc?” but the 82 year old actor, director, playwright, and teacher is a one-man theater institution. It almost seems like there isn’t a great play that he hasn’t performed or directed, somewhere, in his 60+ years in the business, and he’s not slowing down in the slightest. In this epic, 90 minute episode, what Meryl Streep said of Pendleton will ring true—“there’s no line between the man and his work.” He talks about his latest performance, in the celebrated new Tracy Letts play “The Minutes,” then takes us back half-a-century to the the first production of “Fiddler On The Roof,” and tells a few incredible stories of working with the great Jerome Robbins. I ask him how teaching feeds his acting work. He shares some important lessons he’s learned from his teachers (like Uta Hagen, Bobby Lewis, and Elia Kazan), legendary actors (like Jo Van Fleet and Kim Stanley), and disasters (like when a horrifically bad review kept him away from subst

Adrian Pasdar has experienced a lot in his nearly 40 years as a working actor and in this episode he generously shares the wisdom he’s gleaned. Some of the highlights in his credits include “Top Gun,” Near Dark,” “Carlito’s Way,” “Heroes,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” and perhaps the most talked about single-season series of the 90s—“Profit.” Not to mention he’s the voice of Iron Man. He talks about how listening became his prime directive as an actor, his search for truth in performance (and the search for a better word than “truth”), “the method” as protective element, and why he believes “the tools we need as artists are right in front of us.” Plus he bestows upon us a few amazing stories featuring familiar names, such as getting bailed out of a Cannes jail by Woody Harrelson, getting forgiven by Frank Sinatra, taking Kathryn Bigelow to see the Russian masterpiece “Come And See,” eating TV dinners with Gregory Peck, and much more. Follow Back To One on Instagram