The Oscar Project Podcast
A discussion of all the films nominated for Oscars, starting in 1929, plus interviews with filmmakers and authors writing about the film industry.
The Oscar Project Podcast
4.62-Filmmaker Interview with Johnny Russell
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In today's episode, I interview Johnny Russell, director of the short film "A Scent." The film is based on a real person who claimed to have the ability to smell patients with a certain disease.
Listen to hear about how Johnny came to telling this story in his film, the challenges of filming a drama set in a hospital on a short film budget and schedule, and finding the balance between melodrama and the quieter moments of reflection and discovery.
Books mentioned in this episode include:
- Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
- Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory Sutherland
- This is Why We Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life by Rahul Jandial
Films and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:
- “A Scent” directed by Johnny Russell
- Billy Liar directed by John Schlesinger
- Hot Fuzz directed by Edgar Wright
- A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence directed by Roy Andersson
- The Phantom Thread directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
- Camping (series)
- Happy-Go-Lucky directed by Mike Leigh
Follow the film on Instagram @a_scent_film and Johnny @__johnny_russell__.