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Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

Ep680: Waxing Aspirational with WHEELS Writer/Director Paul Starkman

Ep680: Waxing Aspirational with WHEELS Writer/Director Paul Starkman

Ian Simmons

Ian talks with filmmaker Paul Starkman about his stunning feature debut, Wheels!

The black-and-white drama centers on DJ Maximilian (Arnstar), an aspiring Brooklyn DJ whose life is upended when his older brother returns home from prison. As Max struggles to keep his dreams alive, discover new love, and save up for a killer turntable, Starkman chronicles every moment with gorgeous cinematography, grounded performances, and story beats that steer clear of convention.

In this candid and inspiring conversation, Starkman talks about making the move from a day job directing reality competition shows, like Ink Master and Nailed It!, to helming a feature immersed in the world of hip hop. He also gets into the nitty-gritty of making an independent film, and shares his thoughts on writing characters from different racial backgrounds to his own.

Show Links:

  • Watch the Wheels trailer.

  • Rent or own Wheels on Amazon.

  • Learn more about Wheels at the film's official website.

  • Subscribe to, like, and comment on the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel!

Ep681: A Novel Idea: An Interview with SHELL OF A MAN Author Mario Anthony

Ep681: A Novel Idea: An Interview with SHELL OF A MAN Author Mario Anthony
Ep679: Dry Ice and the BLUE MIRACLE with Writer/Director Julio Quintana

Ep679: Dry Ice and the BLUE MIRACLE with Writer/Director Julio Quintana