KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts

Mark R. Hasan

Toronto based journalist / filmmaker Mark R. Hasan interviews film composers, directors, and soundtrack & home video producers for the film / filmmusic media site KQEK.com, and the filmmaking site Big Head Amusements.com.

Subscribe Listen in podnodRSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated January 6

Episodes20

Newest first

January 6 · 38 min
BHA+ Season 2, Episode 01: Interview with musician & music video director Maxwell Farrell - 2026-01-06
Musician and music video director Max Farrell spent almost 8 years gathering footage for what became a roughly half-hour short film that supports the release of Blessings Infinity's latest album, Season One. With a specific interest in experimental imagery, he crafted the film's sections into meticulously layered collages of landscapes wild, cultivated, and urban, and although the final work is in HD, for the limited VHS edition, he recomposed the widescreen footage to suit the standard 4:3 ratio of a CRT monitor – the optimum way to enjoy VHS. Whether you prefer to sample Season One or any of Farrell's video work before or after the podcast is up to you; you can listen to our conversation as an audio-only podcast via Libsyn, or as a visually enhanced version on YouTube. In addition to the current Editor's Blog at Big Head Amusements, I'll have a separate blog about creating the visuals for the YouTube version, as well as the workflow used to transfer digital to analogue tape, but here are the necessary links to Farrell's work: Max Farrell's Website: https://fakoandro.world/ Blessings Infinity: Season One - Full Length Video https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPl2nNWk2of/?igsh=MjJkcnd0bmFlZ2xh Blessings Infinity - Season One on bandcamp: https://blessingsinfinity.bandcamp.com/ Other videos mentioned in podcast: COLA - "Water Table" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzT9QJbEssU Karen Ng - "Tactile Black" https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPl2nNWk2of/?igsh=MjJkcnd0bmFlZ2xh Additional Music Videos by Max Farrell on YouTube: Bodywash - "Kind of Light" (khotin remix): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0WD1ce_S7g COLA – "Blank Curtain": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odpAsB6Umf0 Phyla – "Run Until the Sky": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeY5qwF_yoc Reves Sonores – "Mondial": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTHytya3Tds Connect with BHA+ on Facebook and Instagram for further info on the latest posts, blogs, and podcasts at BHA+ - the Patreon-sponsored media channel specializing in reviewing & using vintage video gear in short, narrative, and experimental works - and to inquire about custom audio & video services at Big Head Amusements. --- MRH (2026)
Oct 18, 2025 · 11 min
KQEK.com --- The Great Tape Swap: A Salute to the 15th Annual Video Store Day 2025
To mark the 15th Annual Video Store Day [VSD] in Anno 2025, I've recorded a short nostalgia piece originally published in the second issue of Film Fvckers. "The Great Tape Swap or: How I Learned Even More About Films and People Thanks to VHS" is a true recollection of a special period when friends swapped VHS tapes and expanded their cinematic horizons, and discovered new genres and filmmakers – in my case, schlock, sexploitation, and direct-to-video B-movies. For a related (and rather barbed) blog on some of the piquant trends in home video, do check out the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com, which also contains links to prior VSD blogs, featuring some then-jarring trends, bits of graphic ephemera, and mentions of now long-gone shops that used to pepper Toronto's downtown and mid-town. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Dec 3, 2024 · 55 min
BHA+ Episode 03: Interview with filmmaker-musician schnudlbug - 2024-12-03
When Canadian filmmaker and musician Schnudlbug was making his short film Roach, part of the end goal was to produce a 3D film with very specific visual and sonic palettes, and a limited edition VHS release. In our lengthy conversation we touch upon the making of his film, which draws upon both cinematic influences and a background rich in practical skills, including editing, visual effects, sound design, and composing music with a special affection for noise. Also discussed is sourcing the physical elements to create a VHS release, and the thrill of presenting the film to audiences after meticulous production & post-production stages. Special Thanks to schnudlbug for his generous time and a great conversation. Visit schnoodle VIDEO for his Instagram posts, to view Roach, and info on his multimedia services and exclusive interviews with musicians & composers. Schnudlbug's music is available via schnudlbug on bandcamp. Connect with BHA+ on Facebook and Instagram for further info on the latest posts, blogs, and podcasts at BHA+ - the Patreon media channel specializing in reviewing & using vintage video gear in short, narrative, and experimental works - and to inquire about custom audio & video services at Big Head Amusements. --- MRH (2024)
Dec 1, 2024 · 19 min
BHA+ Episode 02: A Formal Introduction to... BHA+ - 2024-12-01
Announcing the soft launch of BHA+ - my Patreon-sponsored media channel where I review vintage consumer, prosumer, and broadcast video gear; offer practical user info for filmmakers; feature test footage featurettes; publish podcast interviews in blog, audio-only, and visual versions; and feature serialized, historical examinations of unique gear. This podcast is both an Introduction to BHA+, and maps out my mandate to showcase, inform, contextualize, and support the preservation and creative use of vintage video gear from the 1970s thru the 2000s. Coming next: a podcast interview with filmmaker-composer-musician Schnudlbug (https://www.instagram.com/schnoodlevideo/) and the making of his 3D experimental short film "Roach" (https://linktr.ee/schnoodlevideo) and its limited VHS release! Links to mentions, affiliates, sponsors, and sundry in Episode 02: Affiliate Coffee Break MBA: https://comedywriting.samcart.com/referral/Zow9uSZG/EoXGMu5RTUNkHApw Bay Street Video: http://www.baystreetvideo.com/ High Fidelity Magazine, March 1971: https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-High-Fidelity/70s/High-Fidelity-1971-03.pdf NFB short film "Around is Around": https://www.nfb.ca/film/around_is_around/ NFB short film "Begone Dull Care": https://www.nfb.ca/film/begone_dull_care/ CBC News article "Why are Canadians' cellphone bills higher than other countries?": https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/marketplace-high-cell-phone-bills-1.6711205 YouTube Skylabs Audio "Should You Replace Capacitors in Vintage Electronics?": https://www.youtube.com/@skylabsaudio YouTube Alan Zweig's 2000 documentary "Vinyl": https://kqek.com/mobile/?p=10672 Canadian Museum of Broadcast Technology: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081181336258390 BHA+ Official Sponsor Hamza Mughal, specializing in saving and re-homing vintage broadcast video gear: hbetamax2000@gmail.com / +1 (416) 891-4500 Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for further info on the latest posts, blogs, and podcasts at BHA+ - the Patreon channel specializing in reviewing & using vintage video gear in short, narrative, and experimental works - and to inquire about custom audio & video services at Big Head Amusements. --- MRH (2024)
Sep 10, 2024 · 55 min
BHA+ Episode 01: Interview with recording artist & filmmaker Spookey Ruben - 2024-09-10
The first podcast from BHA+ - Big Head Amusement's new media channel - is a lengthy conversation with Canadian-born composer, musician, and filmmaker Spookey Ruben, who celebrates his lengthy career with a tour that takes him to the U.S., Europe, and eastern Canada, including a one-day stop in Toronto on Firday September 13th at BSMT 234. Perhaps best known for his breakthrough hit "These Days Are Old," Ruben will perform selections from his extensive songbook, and debuts his MIDI-triggered Crash Bang Theatre - both of which are tied to his other skillsets as a music video director and filmmaker. Prior to directing and enjoying a fruitful career as a solo artist, Ruben studied film production at York University, and our conversation touches upon those early years, his filmic influences & interests, and selected songs and their inventive videos. Several songs from his Hi-Hat Recordings catalogue are spotlighted, including excerpts from his short film Puzzleface which features one of the last screen appearances by British filmmaker Ken Russell. Special Thanks to Spookey Ruben for his generous time and candor, and David Daniloff and Daniloff Productions for facilitating this interview. Visit Spookey Ruben on bandcamp to listen to & purchase his music, and his website to enjoy his music videos. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for further info on the latest posts, blogs, and podcasts at BHA+ - the Patreon media channel specializing in reviewing & using vintage video gear in short, narrative, and experimental works - and to inquire about custom audio & video services at Big Head Amusements. --- MRH (2024)
Jul 11, 2021 · 29 min
KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with abstract painter Donna Wise (2021)
For ArtScopeTO, I interviewed Toronto-based abstract painter Donna Wise on her unique techniques, and working during the 2020-2021 pandemic. Further info and stills are available via the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Visit artbydonnawise.com and donnawisefine art on Instagram for more info on the artist and samples of her fine work. Special Thanks to Donna Wise for her time, and Glenda Fordham at Fordham P.R. for facilitating the interview.
Apr 25, 2020 · 39 min
KQEK.com --- Film historian Jason Pichonsky discusses restoring Julian Roffman's THE BLOODY BROOD (1959)
Film historian, home video producer, and restorationist Jason Pichonsky discusses the premiere Blu-ray and DVD release of Julian Roffman's restored suspense-drama THE BLOODY BROOD (1959), from KINO Lorber. This podcast follows in the footsteps of my prior Q&A with Peter Roffman and his book DEAR GUELDA: THE DEATH AND LIFE OF PIONEERING CANADIAN FILMMAKER JULIAN ROFFMAN. For further details and links to related CanCon films (including John Huston's PHOBIA), please see the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Jan 30, 2020 · 29 min
KQEK.com --- Interview with composes Amin Bhatia & Ari Posner (2020)
Composers Amin Bhatia and Ari Posner discuss scoring ANNE WITH AN E, CBC and Netflix's recent production of L.M. Montgomery's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, as adapted by BREAKING BAD's Moira Walley-Beckett. Visit KQEK.com for additional film reviews, soundtrack reviews, interviews, and read the Editor's Blog by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to Amin Bhatia and Ari Posner, and Maike Eilert at White Bear PR. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Oct 10, 2019 · 35 min
KQEK.com --- Interview with composer Austin Wintory (2019)
Composer Austin Wintory discusses scoring the new interactive full motion video game ERICA from Flavourworks, and published by Sony, and his compilation album REMNANTS. Music from both albums are available via Bandcamp. A prior interview from 2010 regarding Paul Solet's psychological shocker GRACE (2009) is also available. Visit KQEK.com for additional film reviews, soundtrack reviews, interviews, and read the Editor's Blog by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to Austin Wintory, and Maike Eilert at White Bear PR. Visit Austin Wintory's website for music samples, news, and media links. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
May 8, 2019 · 9 min
KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with photographer Pengkuei Ben Huang (2019)
For the latest edition of ArtScopeTO, I interview photographer Pengkuei (Ben) Huang, whose current eco-series SOLEMN PINES FADING THINGS is exhibited at Toronto's Urban Gallery (400 Queen Street East) from May 2-31st, as part of the 2019 Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival. Huang discusses the genesis of his series, which examines the location and people in Japan's Tohoku region, and the lingering effects of the triple hit of an earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima Daiishi nuclear disaster in 2011. Further info and stills from the exhibition are available via the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Visit www.benhuangphotos.com for more info on Huang's work. Special Thanks to Ben Huang for his generous time, Urban Gallery's manager Calvin Hambrook and curator Allen Shugar, and Glenda Fordham at Fordham P.R. for facilitating the interview.
May 2, 2019 · 31 min
KQEK.com --- Interview with composer John Murphy (2019)
Composer John Murphy (28 DAYS LATER, MIAMI VICE) discusses scoring the BBC's lavish new 6-part mini-series LES MISERABLES (2018), based on Victor Hugo's epic novel; his main themes & use of the viola; and taking a break from scoring in 2015 after the album ANONYMOUS. Prior interviews with the composer from 2010 (regarding ARMORED) and 2015 (regarding ANONYMOUS)are also available. Visit KQEK.com for additional film reviews, soundtrack reviews, interviews, and read the Editor's Blog by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to John Murphy, and Adrianna Perez at White Bear PR. Visit John Murphy's website for more info on the composer. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Apr 8, 2019 · 14 min
KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with photographer Lori Ryerson (2019)
In the latest ArtScopeTO podcast, I interview photographer Lori Ryerson, whose current series OFF THE BEATEN PATH is showcased from April 6-27, 2018, at Toronto's Urban Gallery, 400 Queen Street East. Topics include abandoned landscapes, vintage cars, capturing small details in unlikely places, and transitioning from a corporate career to working artist. Further info and stills from the exhibition are available via the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Visit www.focalocity.ca for more info on Lori Ryerson's work. Special Thanks to Lori Ryerson for her generous time, Urban Gallery's manager Calvin Hambrook and curator Allen Shugar, and Glenda Fordham at Fordham P.R. for facilitating the interview.
Apr 1, 2019 · 24 min
KQEK.com --- Interview with composer James T. Sale (2019)
Composer-Arranger-Orchestrator James T. Sale discusses his score for SAINT JUDY (2018), the bio-drama on attorney Judy Wood and her successful efforts to improve the laws for immigrants seeking asylum. Also touched upon are temp tracks, Jerry Goldsmith, and Mark Mothersbaugh, with whom Sale worked for several years as an orchestrator and composer. Visit KQEK.com for additional film reviews, soundtrack reviews, interviews, and read the Editor's Blog by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to James T. Sale, and Grecco Bray at The Krakower Group. Visit James T. Sale's website for more info on the composer. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Jun 14, 2018 · 49 min
KQEK.com --- Interview with director Zach Weddington (2018)
Filmmaker Zach Weddington discusses the making of Viva Amiga (2017), his affectionate chronicle of the beloved home computer that evolved from a game machine to a pioneering multimedia system for musicians, filmmakers, gamers, and artists. Available digitally from Vimeo, we also discuss the extensive bonus interviews (many free) and the Amiga's impact, including the iconic video editing system the Video Toaster from Newtek, plus vintage computing and video gear. Visit KQEK.com for a review of Viva Amiga and the lightly discussed Stinking Heaven, and my ongoing blog (Mis)Adventures in Video at Big Head Amusements, which includes a link to Newtek's award-winning Video Toaster demo Revolution 1.0 + 2.0. Special Zach Weddington, whose next project is Arcadia, a history of arcade games. Visit his production site www.rocksteadymedia.com for more info. If you enjoyed this podcast, please read the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com, and connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and myself on Instagram.
May 24, 2018 · 35 min
KQEK.com --- Patricia Rozema and Kiva Reardon on I've Heard the Mermaids Singing, recorded live at The Revue Cinema (2018)
Following the April 18, 2018, screening of I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987) at Toronto's Revue Cinema for National Canadian Film Day, writer-director Patricia Rozema discussed her feature film debut with cléo journal's Kiva Reardon. Topics include the casting of Sheila McCarthy, developing the story, filming in Toronto, a short bit on Harvey Weinstein, Calvinist self-discipline, and Rozema's latest work, Mouthpiece. Bookending the podcast are some thoughts on my shifting tastes since 1987, and at KQEK.com I've posted additional thoughts on the film, related links, and reviews of Rozema's first two features, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing and White Room (1990). If you enjoyed this bonus podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Apr 16, 2018 · 10 min
KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with photographer Andre Vittorio
In this month's ArtScopeTO podcast, I interview photographer Andre Vittorio, whose current series Abstractions on Metal is showcased from April 5-28, 2018, at Toronto's Urban Gallery. Topics include the aesthetics of shooting architectural subjects, especially Brutalist forms in Toronto. Further info and stills from the exhibition are available via the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Visit www.andrevittorio.com for more info on the artist. Special Thanks to Andre Vittorio for his time, Urban Gallery's manager Calvin Hambrook and curator Allen Shugar, and Glenda Fordham at Fordham P.R. for facilitating the interview.
Feb 21, 2018 · 29 min
KQEK.com --- Interview with composer-performer Marilyn Lerner (2018)
Jazz composer & improviser Marilyn Lerner discusses performing her score live for Frank Borzage's silent classic Street Angel (1928) at Toronto's Revue Cinema in November of 2017. Also discussed are Lerner's prior scores, including Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), and the nuances of improvising music live for cinema audiences. Visit KQEK.com for additional film reviews, soundtrack reviews, interviews, and read the Editor's Blog by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to Marilyn Lerner, the Revue Cinema's Eric Veillette, and Silent Revue series programmer & curator Alicia Fletcher. Visit Marilyn Lerner's website for more info on the composer and music samples. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Jan 11, 2018 · 1 hr 1 min
KQEK.com --- Peter Roffman on "Dear Guelda: The Death and Life of Pioneering Canadian Filmmaker Julian Roffman."
2018's first podcast features a conversation with Peter Roffman, who edited and authored Dear Guelda: The Death and Life of Pioneering Canadian Filmmaker Julian Roffman, newly published as an ebook and available from Amazon. The nearly hour-long program has son Peter reflecting on the incredible career of Julian Roffman, best known for producing & directing Canada's first feature-length 3D and horror film, The Mask (1961), which I profiled separately in a May 16, 2016 podcast, archived on this channel. The elder Roffman was invited by John Grierson to join the then-new National Film Board of Canada organization, then became a WWII correspondent, documentarian, and after being blacklisted by Hollywood, Roffman returned to Canada where he established the country's first commercial video post-production house. Our conversation also includes Roffman's involvement with David O. Selznick, Flipper's Ivan Tors, and much, much more. Reviews of Dear Guelda and related film reviews will follow, but please visit KQEK.com for more info and book links on this podcast. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Dec 6, 2017 · 8 min
KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with painter Donna Wise
In this month's ArtScopeTO podcast, I interview Toronto-based abstract painter Donna Wise, whose current series Flights of Fancy is showcased from December 2-30, 2017, at Toronto's Urban Gallery. Further info and stills from the exhibition are available via the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Visit www.donnawiseart.com for more info on the artist. Special Thanks to Donna Wise for her time, Urban Gallery's manager Calvin Hambrook and curator Allen Shugar and Glenda Fordham at Fordham P.R. for facilitating the interview.
Nov 20, 2017 · 9 min
KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with painter Mary Lynne Atkinson
In this month's ArtScopeTO podcast, I interview renowned painter Mary Lynne Atkinson, whose current series Land on Fire is showcased from November 2-25, 2017, at Toronto's Urban Gallery. Further info and stills from the exhibition are available via the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Visit www.atkinsonartworks.com for more info on the artist. Special Thanks to Mary Lynne Atkinson for her time, Urban Gallery's manager Calvin Hambrook and curator Allen Shugar and Glenda Fordham at Fordham P.R. for facilitating the interview.