Sci-fi Talk

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Prehistoric Planet with Elliot Newman, EFX Supervisor for the groundbreaking Apple TV+ series that reimagines the age of dinosaurs through a documentary-style lens. Over the course of three years, Elliot and his team tackled immense technical and creative challenges—from simulating realistic water physics and animating deep snow to designing 58 entirely new dinosaur species. Elliot shares how visual effects and virtual production techniques were used to seamlessly blend real-world location photography with CGI assets, creating environments that feel both scientifically accurate and emotionally immersive. He also discusses the critical role of previsualization in shaping the narrative, refining workflows, and grounding each scene in a believable setting—whether it’s a windswept desert or a frozen tundra. In This Episode:

In this episode, we dive into the epic scope of Apple TV+’s Foundation with Chris MacLean (Overall Visual Effects Supervisor) and Mike Enriquez (Visual Effects Supervisor). From the grandeur of the Starbridge to the intricate planetary environments, they reveal how the show’s ambitious world-building was achieved under pandemic constraints and relentless deadlines. Chris and Mike share how they collaborated with production designer Rory Cheyne to translate abstract concepts from Isaac Asimov’s legendary sci-fi saga into tangible, cinematic experiences. They discuss the challenges of remote workflows, the evolution of visual effects pipelines, and the emotional weight behind designing scenes that feel both futuristic and mythic. In This Episode:

In this mind-bending episode, I zoomed with authors M.E. Ellington and Steven Stiefel to explore their provocative story that begins with a routine paleontological dig—and ends with a challenge to everything we think we know about time, science, and human history. When the bones of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex are unearthed alongside modern human skeletons and a piece of an aircraft—stripped of all identifying marks—the scientific community is thrown into chaos. Ellington and Stiefel take us behind the scenes of their genre-defying narrative, where paleontologists and crash investigators must confront the limits of their disciplines and the uncomfortable possibility that their academic foundations may be built on sand. As personal agendas clash and professional reputations hang in the balance, the mystery deepens: What really happened more than 65 million years ago? Take Advantage Of My Black Friday Special Before It's Gone

In this special episode, Batmen, we bring together three iconic voices who have defined the Dark Knight across generations: Adam West, Kevin Conroy, and Jason O’Mara. Each actor reflects on their favorite moments inhabiting Gotham’s most famous vigilante and shares how they approached the role in their own unique way. What You’ll Hear

In this episode, Tony Zooms with Cuban-American actress and dancer Jeanine Mason, the voice behind Eva in Wondla. Known for her breakout role in Roswell, New Mexico, Jeanine brings a rich background in dance and theater to her animated performance—infusing Eva with instinct, empathy, and fierce loyalty.

In this episode of Byte on Horror, Tony dives into three distinct corners of the genre universe—audio fiction, folk magic, and extraterrestrial terror—to explore how creators are reinventing horror across platforms.

In this episode, Tony speaks with Chris Porter, creator and co-director Jenny Curtis of the acclaimed science fiction audio drama Solar. Together, they explore the creative vision behind this immersive series and the challenges of bringing a cinematic story to life through sound.

This holiday episode brings a feast for film lovers as Tony sits down with Donald Mowat, the celebrated Make-Up Department Head for Dune. Together, they carve into the artistry behind one of cinema’s most visually striking epics. ✨ Designing Duke Leto Donald walks us through the creative process of shaping Duke Leto’s look, balancing subtle character cues with the grandeur of Denis Villeneuve’s vision.

In this episode, Tony Zooms with acclaimed actor Russell Hornsby for a wide-ranging conversation about craft, legacy, and the joy of storytelling. Hornsby opens up about the roles that have defined his career and the lessons he’s carried with him along the way. ✨ Playing Don King Russell shares how embodying the legendary boxing promoter was about tapping into showmanship and theatricality. He reveals that the role allowed him to explore aspects of his personality that Hollywood hasn’t often seen, but that his friends and family know well. It was a chance to bring hidden layers of himself to the screen.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes with two titans of the make-up world: Bruce Grayson and Jeff McKinnon. From red carpets to starships, their work has shaped how we see Hollywood’s biggest icons. Bruce Grayson, his lifelong passion that led Bruce to become the Make-Up Department Head for The Oscars, The Emmys, The Golden Globes, and The Grammys. I caught up with him while he’s in the thick of prepping Mariah Carey’s Holiday Special, and he reflects on the evolution of glamour, precision, and storytelling through make-up. Jeff McKinnon, Emmy Award-winning artist and head of the Make-Up Department for Star Trek: Picard, joins us from the set to talk prosthetics, sci-fi aesthetics, and the emotional power of transformation. With credits that include Halloween H20 and Bicentennial Man, Jeff brings a deep understanding of genre, character, and craft. Together, Bruce and Jeff offer insights into the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define their careers—and the unforgettable faces they help bring to life

In this  episode, Tony Tellado Zooms with Alan Tudyk, who voices Cademus Pryde in WondLa. They explore the layered psychology of his character, including a pivotal “chess match” moment that defines the stakes of the series. The conversation also touches on the resonant theme “There is No Them, Just Us”—a message that echoes across Alan’s work. Beyond WondLa, Alan shares insights this year's projects: Creature Commandos, Superman, and Andor, reflecting on his busy schedule. he teases a second season that he is will be working on too. Bonus Content

Step through the gate with us as we revisit Stargate Origins, the ambitious web mini-series that expanded the mythology of one of science fiction’s most enduring franchises. In this episode, we sit down with director Mercedes Bryce Morgan to explore the making of the 10-part digital series, later cut into the feature-length film Stargate Origins: Catherine. Morgan shares her vision for telling the untold story of Catherine Langford, the young woman whose life was forever changed when she and her father, Paul Langford (played by Star Trek’s Connor Trineer), first uncovered the Stargate in 1939. ✨ What you’ll hear in this conversation: How Mercedes Bryce Morgan approached directing a new chapter in the Stargate saga The challenges and opportunities of crafting a web-first mini-series for a passionate fanbase Insights into Catherine Langford’s journey and why her perspective matters in the larger Stargate mythology Behind-the-scenes stories from production and working with a cast that bridges sci-fi lega

In this episode, I chatted with filmmaker Kyra Elise Gardner—writer, producer, editor, and director of Living With Chucky. Gardner’s documentary is more than a chronicle of horror’s most infamous doll; it’s a deeply personal exploration of the creative family behind Chucky and the sacrifices that brought him to life. Through intimate interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, Gardner weaves together the legacy of the Child’s Play franchise with her own upbringing in the shadow of the killer doll. The result is a film that balances blood-soaked fun with heartfelt reflection on art, family, and fandom.

When Don Mancini brought his iconic killer doll to television, horror fans braced themselves for a new chapter in the Child’s Play legacy. Premiering on SyFy in 2021, Chucky transformed the long-running film franchise into a serialized story that ran for three seasons through 2024. With Brad Dourif once again supplying the chilling voice of Chucky and his daughter Fiona Dourif joining the cast, the series blended nostalgia with fresh blood—literally and figuratively. In this episode of Rewind, we revisit Season One, exploring how Mancini adapted his cinematic universe for TV, weaving in themes of identity, trauma, and transformation while keeping the dark humor and slasher thrills intact. We’ll look at how the show expanded the mythology, introduced new teen protagonists, and balanced legacy characters with fresh faces.

What happens when the King of Wakanda must confront not only an army of undead but also the ghosts of his own past? In Black Panther: Sins of the Father, T’Challa strives to embody excellence—as a fair and worthy king, a global citizen, and an Avenger. But when Wakanda faces its most chilling threat yet, The Black Panther turns to his long-lost father in a battle against forces that test his leadership, his legacy, and his humanity. In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed author Tananarive Due to explore how she brought this gripping Marvel story to life. A former journalist turned award-winning novelist, Due is celebrated for her African Immortals and Tennyson Hardwick series, and has been honored with the American Book Award, Carl Brandon Award, Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award, and multiple Bram Stoker Awards. Her work blends horror, history, and Afrofuturism to illuminate the human condition through genre storytelling. You’ll also hear excerpts from the audio adaptation, performed by The Good Place’s

A cantankerous alien, a found family, and a war that changes everything. In this episode, I zoomed with actor and voice legend Gary Anthony Williams, who brings the complex and beloved character Rovender to life in Apple TV+’s animated sci-fi series WondLa. From his gruff wisdom to his unexpected tenderness, Rovender is more than just Eva’s alien companion—he’s a symbol of survival, transformation, and reluctant hope.

The Back To The Future star looks back at playing different versions of McFlys.