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Inside the Mind of a Filmmaker & Novelist – Michael Mandaville (Ep. 232)
About this Episode
Tonight I sit down with Michael Mandaville—writer, filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur—for a deep dive into storytelling across film, novels, and independent media.
Michael holds a Master’s degree from USC’s prestigious Professional Writing Program and has worked as a Producer, Line Producer (PGA), and Unit Production Manager (DGA) on major projects including the Taken series (produced by Luc Besson, starring Liam Neeson), Havoc with Anne Hathaway, The Kiss with Terence Stamp, and American History X. He also produced the indie feature The Almighty Fred and directed the award-winning films Into the Flames and Conviction, with Conviction winning Best Screenplay at the Culver City Film Festival.
As a novelist, Michael is the author of the award-winning thriller series Stealing Thunder (Thrillspy Award winner), the murder mystery Murder in the City of Light, and the literary magical realism novel Journey So Dreams May Come. His work spans screenplays, plays, documentaries, commercials, and online media.
With a background in philosophy (UC Santa Barbara) and formal film training at Columbia College–Hollywood, Michael brings a unique depth to his stories—blending action, mystery, meaning, and imagination.
Guest:
Michael Mandaville
https://creativeexplorer-michaelmandaville.com/
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Special thanks to:
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Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
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Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
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(00:01:45) Cold open: cryptic lines and a teaser twist
(00:03:09) Live from Asylum Studios: Friday vibes and show intro
(00:04:12) Tonights guest setup: filmmaker and author Michael Mandeville
(00:05:16) Weekend programming note: Sunday Bible study and dispensations
(00:06:51) Live show cadence, growth goals, and audience asks
(00:07:29) Housekeeping: platform tools and live podcasting workflow
(00:11:24) Guest intro proper: Michael Mandevilles Hollywood career
(00:12:10) Opening banter: voice, command presence, and bridge talk
(00:14:04) Icebreaker: three must-keep phone apps and habits
(00:17:19) Ambivert lives: cycles of film set chaos and quiet writing
(00:22:29) Style and small rebellions: ties, Henleys, and defiance
(00:23:39) Origin story: Aunt Molly at Fox and studio childhood
(00:26:12) First set job: paid in a sandwich and Larry the Gaffer
(00:28:16) Glass door disaster: blood, ash, and youre hired
(00:33:59) Books vs screens: why paper still wins
(00:37:42) Censorship, samizdat, and the case for physical books
(00:43:41) Traditions and textures: reading Dickens the tactile way
(00:44:41) Back to film and fiction: defining the line producer
(00:46:42) Logistics at scale: shutting freeways and global moves
(00:50:24) On-set curiosities: eagles, tipis, and unexpected experts
(00:53:34) Working with Liam Neeson: humility and focus
(00:55:01) Comedy cutaways: parody minds and stunt dummies
(00:55:46) Thrillers with foresight: Stealing Thunder and China
(00:57:41) New works: Paris murder mystery and literary journeys
(01:00:07) Morocco scouting: passport control and a texting mishap
(01:06:45) Embracing mistakes: risk, humor, and learning curves
(01:07:15) Seven Graves to Marrakesh: fatherson stakes and ethics
(01:10:03) Page to screen: compromises and creative scouting
(01:15:07) Rocky lessons: constraint-driven brilliance
(01:19:27) Signing off with style: risk, Star Trek, and doing the Ruse
(01:25:19) Guest links and site: where to find Michael Mandeville
(01:25:32) Wrap and closing remarks: schedule, thanks, and send-off
- Wayne Rankin
- Rosanna Rankin
- Carolina Jimenez
Hosts & Guests
No transcript available for this episode.
