austin film society

On the latest AFS Viewfinders podcast we are joined by Amanda Reyes, who has certainly staked out a place as one of the preeminent expert on that much-maligned hybrid entertainment form, the Made-For-TV movie. Amanda runs the podcast and site Made For TV Mayhem and has done a large number of disc commentaries, most recently for the excellent TV Movie PRAY FOR THE WILDCATS. She has also lectured all around the world on the subject of TV movies. Her book "Are You In The House Alone: A TV Movie Compendium 1964-1999" is both an essential resource for fans of the form and a very entertaining read.

Here, we talk about the origins of the TV Movie, the creative forces behind the best ones, and why they were an important outlet for some very talented women. We also take a moment to discuss the episodic television show CHARLIE'S ANGELS, since our History Of Television screening on that subject was so rudely canceled in light of the current crisis.

Finally, Amanda offers some recommendations of Made For TV movies available on Amazon Prime for streaming.

Here are Amanda's recommendations for streaming TV Movies, though you will find many more films for your watchlist mentioned in the discussion, so take notes as you listen.

• BORN INNOCENT (1974, D. Donald Wrye)
• GO ASK ALICE (1973, D. John Korty)
• SHADOW OF FEAR (1974, D. Herbert Kenwith)
• INVASION OF CAROL ENDERS (1974, D. Burt Brinckerhoff)
• NIGHTMARE AT 43 HILLCREST (1974, D. Dan Curtis, Lela Swift)
• TRILOGY OF TERROR (1975, D. Dan Curtis)
• POLICEWOMAN CENTERFOLD (1983, D. Reza Badiyi)
• FEAR STALK (1989, D. Larry Shaw)
• CAROLINE? (1990, D. Joseph Sargent)
• FACE OF EVIL (1996, D. Mary Lambert)

On this episode of the AFS Viewfinders podcast, we visit with John Doe, one of the leaders of the seminal Los Angeles punk band X. Since the band’s beginning in the late 1970s, Doe has carved out a special place for himself in music history. But that’s only half the story. The same love of storytelling and characterization that makes his songwriting come alive has also produced a multi-decade career as an actor, often in small but important character roles. In this conversation, Doe talks with AFS’s Lars Nilsen about growing up in Baltimore and knowing John Waters, how he got into music and film, the LA years, and going to see movies.

For this episode of AFS Viewfinders, AFS Head of Film and Creative Media Holly Herrick talks with director Lulu Wang at our sneak preview screening of her new feature film, THE FAREWELL. Based on an actual lie, Wang’s feature explores the ways in which family can unite and strengthen us, often in spite of ourselves (A24). Listen in as we discuss Wang’s process and inspiration for the critically-acclaimed film. Please note that there may be discussion about important plot details.