The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

Bandai and Tsuburaya w/ Kevin Derendorf and RJ Axen (Live Panel at G-Fest 2019)

At G-Fest 2019, Matt was joined by blogger/author Kevin Derendorf (Maser Patrol, Kaiju For Hipsters) and toy reviewer RJ Axen (BoatsCanFly on YouTube) for a panel discussion about the history between Bandai and Tsuburaya Productions, and how this relationship has affected the Ultraman franchise in recent years.  Enjoy!

KT Live at G-Fest 2019: 30 Years of Godzilla vs. Biollante!

At G-Fest 2019, Byrd and Matt were joined for by authors John LeMay (The Lost Films, Kong Unmade) and Kevin Derendorf (Kaiju for Hipsters, Maser Patrol blog) for a live episode dedicated to Godzilla vs. Biollante!  We take an in-depth look at the 1989 classic, including unused scripts, the making of the film, the manga adaptation, and more!  Relax and enjoy!

Kaiju Crescendo! Concert Reflections with John DeSentis and Erik Homenick

Byrd, Matt, and Tom are joined by returning guests composer John DeSentis and Akira Ifukube biographer Erik Homenick to discuss and reflect on the Kaiju Crescendo concert that took place this past July at G-Fest 2019. The concert featured music by Akira Ifukube and Masaru Sato, as well as Michiro Oshima performing her own Godzilla music in her first ever live performance (including new Godzilla music written for the event). We talk about what it takes to organize an event like this, working closely with Michiru Oshima, music selection, creating the suites, and Godzilla fighting serpents in Lake Michigan, as well as insights into these three iconic composers and their creative methods. We also discuss the piano concert held at G-Fest by Patrick Godon and Ifukube student Reiko Yamada, and what went into that event. Enjoy!

The Lake Michigan Monster with Director Ryland Brickson Cole Tews

Tom interviews director Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, director/star of the upcoming micro-budget monster indie, the Lake Michigan Monster!  The movie recently won the audience award for Best International Feature at the Fantasia Film Festival, and played to an enthusiastic audience at G-Fest 2019.  The two discuss Tews' roots, his inspirations, the problems with improv, creature design, having a film on the festival circuit, how he managed to make a 50s style monster movie for $7,000, and a crazy pitch for Road House 2 (in space)!.  Enjoy!

Please check out Lake Michigan Monster on Facebook or follow Ryland Tews on Instagram for upcoming distribution details and to see if the film will be playing at a fest near you!

Festivals, Fanzines and more with Bob Johnson!

Byrd and Matt are joined by special guest Bob Johnson (SciFi Japan, Planet 8 Podcast, GodzillaFest) to discuss a variety of topics including the pre-internet days of kaiju reporting, Russ Tamblyn, the birth and demise of Markalite magazine, clueless Ultraman directors, doing Godzilla DVD commentaries, forming SciFi Japan, a Mothra cast reunion, malfunctioning Ultra suits, and planning GodzillaFest, the largest theatrical Godzilla movie marathon in the country!

GodzillaFest 2019 will be held on August 23-25th at the Balboa theater in San Francisco, CA.  Tickets can be purchased at https://www.cinemasf.com/balboa/godzilla-fest/

Indie Kaiju Review Roundup + Kaneko's Linking Love + G-Fest Recap!

Byrd and Matt are joined by Tom to review a batch of indie kaiju films that they saw at G-Fest 2019!  The trio review the crowd sourced Great Buddha Arrival, effects veteran Yoshikazu Ishii's Attack of the Giant Teacher, and a highlight reel of Daisuke Sato and Keizo Murase's anticipated short film Howl From Beyond the Fog!  Tom also adds his reviews for the kaiju spoof Notzilla and the micro-budgeted Lake Michigan Monster.  We also review Shusuke Kaneko's sci-fi/rom-com/J-Pop musical Linking Love, which had a special screening at the end of the convention.  We also give our thoughts on seeing concerts from Godzilla composer Michiru Oshima and Ifukube student Reiko Yamada, the panels of G-Fest, and our overall con experience!  Listen and enjoy!

King Ghidorah Returns! Interview with Monster Actor Alan Maxson

Byrd and Matt are joined for a second interview with King Ghidorah mo-cap actor Alan Maxson, who portrayed the creature’s right head in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. With the movie being out, Alan was able to tell us a lot more about how King Ghidorah was brought to life, how he worked with the other mo-cap actors, and his direction from Michael Dougherty, as well as his approach to suit acting vs mo-cap, and what projects he has in his future!

The Asylum's Monster Island (2019) + HBO's Chernobyl and News Roundup!

Byrd, Matt and guest host Trev (Days of Future Podcast: Examining the X-Men) discuss Monster Island, the newest giant monster film from the prolific b-movie studio, The Asylum.  Created to cash in on the newest Godzilla film, how does this micro-budget creature feature fare?  We'll tell you!  We also have a mini review of HBO's acclaimed mini-series Chernobyl, including how future Godzilla/kaiju films could benefit from the show's influence.  But first we also have a news roundup, including Godzilla: King of the Monsters box office news, and news on Universal Studios Japan's new Godzilla vs. Evangelion 4D ride.  Kick back and enjoy!

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) Jumbo Sized Spoiler Review!

Byrd and Matt are joined by guest reviewers Tom and Trev to take a deep dive into Legendary Pictures brand new film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters!  We discuss the highly anticipated blockbuster from top to bottom.  We give our thoughts on the writing, directing, effects, characters, monsters, and the themes of the film.  We also talk about the fandom's reactions to the film and the recent divide between fans and critics.  Does the movie live up to its expectations?  Did it honor the traditions of the Godzilla franchise?  What are our predictions for Godzilla vs. Kong?  This was a SUPER exhaustive dissection of the film, and we have LOTS of thoughts on this one, so strap in for the haul!

Monsters (2010) & Monsters: Dark Continent (2014)

Byrd and Matt discuss director Gareth Edwards' pre-Godzilla indie hit, Monsters and its sequel, Monsters: Dark Continent.  Monsters was made on a shoestring budget with a crew of less than ten people and was released to critical acclaim.  The largely improvised film put a relationship drama against the backdrop of a world ravaged by an invasion by giant monsters from space.  Its sequel, Dark Continent was released four years later to a much more mixed reception.  We will take you behind the scenes and discuss our thoughts on both films.  Kick back and enjoy!