Podcasts, radio shows, writing and more by Alex Fitch
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Architecture Culture: Vivariums and Architecture on Film
March 20, 2020
Posters for Little Joe and Vivarium / Mark Kermode photo by Adam Prosser
Vivariums and Architecture on Film:
In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, we explore examples of architecture on film. Alex Fitch talks to director Jessica Hausner about her psychological thriller Little Joe, which explores the effects of a genetically modified plant designed to alter people’s emotions, plus her movies about uncanny locations such as Hotel, Lourdes and Amour Fou. Alex also chats to Lorcan Finnegan about his film Vivarium that depicts the fortunes of a couple trapped in a maze of identical suburban houses, after a young couple get lured in by a creepy estate agent.
Plus, Mark Kermode discusses depictions of Architecture in such films as Blade Runner and The Shining in a lecture recorded at the University of Brighton. (more…)
This week’s show: Vivariums and Architecture on Film
March 16, 2020
On Wednesday March 18th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Architecture Culture: Vivariums
Posters for Little Joe and Vivarium / Mark Kermode photo by Adam Prosser
In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, we explore examples of architecture on film. Alex Fitch talks to director Jessica Hausner about her psychological thriller Little Joe which explores the effects of a genetically modified plant designed to alter people’s emotions, and to Lorcan Finnegan about his film Vivarium that depicts the fortunes of a couple trapped in a maze of identical suburban houses.
Also, Mark Kermode discusses depictions of Architecture in such films as Blade Runner and The Shining in a lecture recorded at the University of Brighton.
Little Joe is currently screening in UK cinemas, Vivarium is released on VOD on March 27th via such platforms as Curzon Home Cinema and BFI Player.
5.30pm, Wednesday 18th March 2020, repeat broadcast 2.30am Friday 20th March, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com (more…)
Architecture Culture: Double Vision
February 20, 2020
Sill and poster from Impossible Monsters / double page spread from Square Eyes
Double Vision: In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to the creators of two works of fiction involving double vision. Graphic Novelists Anna Mill and Luke Jones discuss their book Square Eyes which depicts a dystopian future where the inhabitants of a city wear augmented reality glasses to see a more idealised version of their environment. Also, director Nathan Catucci explores the uncanny New York landscape of his thriller Impossible Monsters as a psychology professor’s research into sleep disorders leads to deadly results. Interviews recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton and Cine Excess 13, Birmingham City University.
Square Eyes is available now from Jonathan Cape; Impossible Monsters is currently sceeening in US cinemas, with its UK Vimeo / VOD release on March 3rd. (more…)
Next week’s show: Double Vision
February 14, 2020
On Wednesday February 19th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Architecture Culture: Double Vision
Sill and poster from Impossible Monsters / double page spread from Square Eyes
In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to the creators of two works of fiction involving double vision. Graphic Novelists Anna Mill and Luke Jones discuss their book Square Eyes which depicts a dystopian future where the inhabitants of a city wear augmented reality glasses to see a more idealised version of their environment. Also, director Nathan Catucci explores the uncanny New York landscape of his thriller Impossible Monsters as a psychology professor’s research into sleep disorders leads to deadly results. Interviews recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton and Cine Excess 13, Birmingham City University.
Square Eyes is available now from Jonathan Cape; Impossible Monsters is currently sceeening in US cinemas, with its UK Vimeo / VOD release on March 3rd.
5.30pm, Wednesday 19th February 2020, repeat broadcast 2.30am Friday 21st February, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com (more…)
Architecture Culture: Utopias / Dystopias
January 18, 2020
Favela Tower print by Toby Melville-Brown and interior of The Book Club, displaying The Future Was Big / Cover of the novel Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth and film poster
Utopias / Dystopias: In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to artist Toby Melville-Brown and author Emma Jane Unsworth about their depictions of the city. Toby discusses his Tower series of prints which envision fantastical skyscrapers that absorb existing elements of urban architecture, and his exhibition at The Book Club, Hoxton – ‘The Future was Big’ – which contains sci-fi book cover illustrations of retro futures.
Animals is available now on Blu Ray / DVD / VOD and ‘The Future Was Big’ continues at The Book Club, London until February 16th 2020.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 15th January 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Next week’s show: Utopias / Dystopias
January 11, 2020
On Wednesday January 15th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Architecture Culture: Utopias / Dystopias
Favela Tower print by Toby Melville-Brown and interior of The Book Club, displaying The Future Was Big / Cover of the novel Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth and film poster
In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to artist Toby Melville-Brown and author Emma Jane Unsworth about their depictions of the city. Toby discusses his Tower series of prints which envision fantastical skyscrapers that absorb existing elements of urban architecture, and his exhibition at The Book Club, Hoxton – ‘The Future was Big’ – which contains sci-fi book cover illustrations of retro futures.
Emma talks about her Manchester set novel Animals, and writing the screenplay for its film adaption – which relocates the drama to Dublin – in which two young women explore life in the modern city, with drinks, drugs and toxic relationships.
Animals is available now on Blu-Ray / DVD / VOD, and ‘The Future Was Big’ is on display until Feb 16th at The Book Club, 100–106 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH
5.30pm, Wednesday 15th January 2020, repeat broadcast 2.30am Friday 17th January, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Architecture Culture: (Im)possible Worlds
November 21, 2019
Maria Smith and Phin Harper juggle ideas at the University of Brighton / Paul Franklin talks Inception at The Architects Underground (RIBA)
(Im)possible Worlds: In a new monthly show looking at how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch presents talks by artists, curators, film-makers and writers about unique representations of architecture in different media. This month, Maria Smith (Interrobang) and Phin Harper (Architecture Foundation) discuss buildings and architectural forms that have less of an impact on the environment and how these ideas have been expressed at the Oslo Architecture Trienniale. Also, Oscar-winning Creative Director and VFX Supervisor Paul Franklin talks about his work helping to visualise and design impossible architecture on screen in Christopher Nolan’s film Inception. Recorded at the University of Brighton School of Architecture, and ‘The Architects Underground’ (RIBA, London), October 2019. (more…)
This week’s show: (Im)possible Worlds
November 18, 2019
On Wednesday November 20th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Architecture Culture: (Im)possible Worlds
Maria Smith and Phin Harper juggle ideas at the University of Brighton / Paul Franklin talks Inception at The Architects Underground (RIBA)
In a new monthly show looking at how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch presents talks by artists, curators, film-makers and writers about unique representations of architecture in different media. This month, Maria Smith (Interrobang) and Phin Harper (Architecture Foundation) discuss buildings and architectural forms that have less of an impact on the environment and how these ideas have been expressed at the Oslo Architecture Trienniale. Also, Oscar-winning Creative Director and VFX Supervisor Paul Franklin talks about his work helping to visualise and design impossible architecture on screen in Christopher Nolan’s film Inception. Recorded at the University of Brighton School of Architecture, and ‘The Architects Underground’ (RIBA, London), October 2019.
5.30pm, Wednesday 20th November 2019, repeat broadcast 2.30am Friday 22nd November, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Architecture Culture: Locating Design in Fantasy Films
October 28, 2019
Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright in THX 1138 and Gattaca / Mackintosh Chair in Blade Runner / Unicorn Tapestry in Harry Potter
Locating Design in Fantasy Films: In a new monthly show looking at how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch presents talks by artists, curators, film-makers and writers about unique representations of architecture in different media. This month, in a panel discussion chaired by National Trust Head Curator Sally-Anne Huxtable, Robyne Calvert (Glasgow School of Art), Ersi Ioannidou (Kingston University) and Xavier Dectot (Keeper of Art and Design, National Museums Scotland) discuss how architecture and interior design by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh help suggest science-fiction and fantasy worlds in genre films including Blade Runner, THX 1138, Gattaca and the Harry Potter film saga. Recorded at the Art History Association conference, University of Brighton, April 2019. (more…)
Next week’s show: Locating Design in Fantasy Films
October 9, 2019
On Wednesday October 16th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Architecture Culture: Locating Design in Fantasy Films
Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright in THX 1138 and Gattaca / Mackintosh Chair in Blade Runner / Unicorn Tapestry in Harry Potter
In a new monthly show looking at how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch presents talks by artists, curators, film-makers and writers about unique representations of architecture in different media. This month, in a panel discussion chaired by National Trust Head Curator Sally-Anne Huxtable, Robyne Calvert (Glasgow School of Art), Ersi Ioannidou (Kingston University) and Xavier Dectot (Keeper of Art and Design, National Museums Scotland) discuss how architecture and interior design by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh help suggest science-fiction and fantasy worlds in genre films including Blade Runner, THX 1138, Gattaca and the Harry Potter film saga. Recorded at the Art History Association conference, University of Brighton, April 2019. (more…)
Electric Sheep Magazine podcast: Star Gazing
July 26, 2019
Alex Fitch talks to Marcel Barion after a screening of The Last Land / posters for Astronaut / Fonotune / After We Leave
Star Gazing: In this month’s Electric Sheep Magazine podcast, Alex Fitch talks to four directors about their films on rockets and space exploration. Shelagh McLeod discusses Astronaut starring Richard Dreyfuss, Fint talks about his eclectic musical drama Fonotune: An Electric Fairytale, and Aleem Hossain explores his revenge and redemption saga After We Leave. Also director Marcel Barion, production designer Johannes Bade and Assistant director Carolin Utsch discuss surrealistic sci-fi movie The Last Land, in an interview recorded at SCI-FI-LONDON. Plus classic tracks by Iron Horse, Rilo Kiley and Commander Chris Hatfield. Originally broadcast on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB on Weds 17th July at 5.30pm. (more…)
Next week’s show: Star Gazing
July 13, 2019
On Wednesday 17th July at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Electric Sheep Film Show: Star Gazing
Alex Fitch talks to Marcel Barion after a screening of The Last Land / posters for Astronaut / Fonotune / After We Leave
In this month’s Electric Sheep Film Show, Alex Fitch talks to four directors about their films on rockets and space exploration. Shelagh McLeod discusses Astronaut starring Richard Dreyfuss, Fint talks about his eclectic musical drama Fonotune: An Electric Fairytale, and Aleem Hossain explores his revenge and redemption saga After We Leave. Also director Marcel Barion, production designer Johannes Bade and Assistant director Carolin Utsch discuss surrealistic sci-fi movie The Last Land, in an interview recorded at SCI-FI-LONDON. Plus classic tracks by Iron Horse, Rilo Kiley and Commander Chris Hatfield.
5.30pm Wednesday 17th July 2019, repeated 2.30am Friday 19th July, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Electric Sheep Magazine podcast: Innovation in Animation
April 28, 2019
Posters for Francis and Doozy directed by Richard Squires / Fantastic Mr. Fox, Frankenweenie and Isle of Dogs, line produced by Simon Quinn
Innovation in Animation: In this month’s Electric Sheep Magazine Podcast, Alex Fitch talks to the creators of films which revisit old forms of animation in new and innovative ways. Director Richard Squires discusses Doozy, his semi-animated documentary about actor / Hanna-Barbera voice artist Paul Lynde, and short films Francis and Ontologically Anxious Organism, in an interview recorded at Fabrica, Brighton. Animation Line Producer Simon Quinn talks about working on classic British TV animated shows such as the turn of the century revivals of Fireman Sam and The Wombles, and stop-motion features including Frankenweenie, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Isle of Dogs. The hour long broadcast of this show will be on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB on Weds 15th May at 5.30pm, repeated Fri 17th May at 2.30am. (more…)
Audio Dramatics: Female Time Travellers
April 17, 2019
Promotional image for Dilation by Max Hochrad / Doctor Who audio CDs featuring Jessica Martin
An hour-long bimonthly podcast series in which Alex Fitch talks to actors and creators of audio dramas broadcast on radio or released on CD/mp3.
Female Time Travellers: In this episode, Alex Fitch talks to the writer / director, and star respectively of audio dramas about female time travellers. Max Hochrad discusses his play Dilation about a female physicist from the 1970s who travels to a dystopian 21st century with knowledge of a revolutionary new energy process, in a story that shares the malevolent Forman corporation featured in the director’s short films. Also, actress Jessica Martin talks about the various Doctor Who audio dramas featuring Tom Baker and Sylvester McCoy that she’s appeared in, and the joy of reprising her role of Mags, an alien werewolf, from the TV show for a new trilogy of releases. (more…)
Electric Sheep Magazine Podcast: Documentary / Art
April 4, 2019
Photo of The Tent as displayed in University of Brighton gallery / stills from promotional video for Frames of Representation at the ICA
Documentary / Art: In this month’s Electric Sheep Magazine Podcast, Alex Fitch looks at the presentation of documentaries in art galleries. Director Kannan Arunasalam discusses his films The Tent, Kerosene and Paper being displayed in the Grand Parade Galleries, University of Brighton and at The Tetley Gallery, Leeds, which depict the effect of the Civil War on everyday life in Sri Lanka in the years that followed; ICA Cinema and Film Programme Manager Nico Marzano talks about this year’s Frames of Representation festival, which focuses on political and aesthetic approaches to documentary film. With music curated by Kieron Gillen, including tracks by Imarhan, La Luz, and Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 20th March 2019, on Resonance 104.4 FM
Visit www.archive.org, for more info and formats you can stream / download (more…)
Tomorrow’s show: Documentary / Art
March 19, 2019
On Wednesday 20th March at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Electric Sheep Film Show: Documentary / Art
Photo of The Tent as displayed in University of Brighton gallery / stills from promotional video for Frames of Representation at the ICA
In this month’s Electric Sheep Film Show, Alex Fitch looks at the presentation of documentaries in art galleries. Director Kannan Arunasalam discusses his films The Tent, Kerosene and Paper being displayed in the Grand Parade Galleries, University of Brighton and at The Tetley Gallery, Leeds, which depict the effect of the Civil War on everyday life in Sri Lanka in the years that followed; ICA Cinema and Film Programme Manager Nico Marzano talks about this year’s Frames of Representation festival, which focuses on political and aesthetic approaches to documentary film. With music curated by Kieron Gillen, including tracks by Imarhan, La Luz, and Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks.
5.30pm Wednesday 20th March 2019, repeated 2.30am Friday 22nd March, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: Info about The Tent at the University of Brighton and Tetley Gallery
Info about Frames of Representation and Morag Keil’s solo exhibition at the ICA (more…)
Electric Sheep Magazine Podcast: Dystopias and Parallel Worlds
January 18, 2019
Posters for Hidden Reserves, Nothing Really Happens and Alpha Gateway
Dystopias and Parallel Worlds: In this month’s Electric Sheep Film Show, Alex Fitch looks at dystopias and parallel worlds on film in three interviews recorded at SCI-FI-LONDON, the London International Science Fiction and Fantastic Film Festival. On stage, Alex talks to directors Valentin Hitz and John V. Soto about their films Hidden Reserves (Stille Reserven) and Alpha Gateway which depict worlds where corporations have subjugated humanity and travel between parallels is possible, and in a chat with actor / producer Joseph Graham, the latter discusses the surrealist suburban comedy Nothing Really Happens and his webcomic Monomania. With music selected by Kieron Gillen (The Wicked and the Divine) including future classics by Madge, Hayley Heynderickx, Sylan Esso and Jonathan Bree.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 16th January 2019, on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Next week’s show: Dystopias and Parallel Worlds
January 12, 2019
On Wednesday 16th January at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Electric Sheep Film Show: Dystopias and Parallel Worlds
Posters for Hidden Reserves, Nothing Really Happens and Alpha Gateway
In this month’s Electric Sheep Film Show, Alex Fitch looks at dystopias and parallel worlds on film in three interviews recorded at SCI-FI-LONDON, the London International Science Fiction and Fantastic Film Festival. On stage, Alex talks to directors Valentin Hitz and John V. Soto about their films Hidden Reserves (Stille Reserven) and Alpha Gateway which depict worlds where corporations have subjugated humanity and travel between parallels is possible, and in a chat with actor / producer Joseph Graham, the latter discusses the surrealist suburban comedy Nothing Really Happens and his webcomic Monomania. With music selected by Kieron Gillen (The Wicked and the Divine) including future classics by Madge, Hayley Heynderickx, Sylan Esso and Jonathan Bree.
5.30pm Wednesday 16th January 2019, repeated 2.30am Friday 18th January, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com (more…)
Electric Sheep Magazine Podcast: Shirkers House
November 26, 2018
Posters for Shirkers and The House of the Long Shadows
Shirkers House: In this month’s Electric Sheep Magazine podcast, Alex Fitch looks at appropriation and appreciation of films from the past. Director Sandi Tan talks about rediscovering and restoring the surviving footage from her student film Shirkers, a magical realist look at 1990s Singapore, which was stolen by the film’s producer upon completion, and in an interview recorded at Cine-Excess, Birmingham, cult horror director Pete Walker talks about making British B-Movies in the 1970s and 1980s, such as House of Whipcord, House of Mortal Sin and House of the Long Shadows. Plus classic tracks from Joan Baez, Postmodern Jukebox ft. Wayne Brady and Wiesh.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 21st November 2018, on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Tomorrow’s show: Shirkers and the House of Walker
November 20, 2018
Tomorrow at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Electric Sheep Film Show: Shirkers and the House of Walker
Posters for Shirkers and The House of the Long Shadows
In this month’s Electric Sheep Film Show, Alex Fitch looks at appropriation and appreciation of films from the past. Director Sandi Tan talks about rediscovering and restoring the surviving footage from her student film Shirkers, a magical realist look at 1990s Singapore, which was stolen by the film’s producer upon completion, and in an interview recorded at Cine-Excess, Birmingham, cult horror director Pete Walker talks about making British B-Movies in the 1970s and 1980s, such as House of Whipcord, House of Mortal Sin and House of the Long Shadows.
5.30pm Wednesday 20th November 2018, repeated 2.30am Friday 22nd November, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: Wikipedia pages on Pete Walker and Shirkers
Netflix page on Shirkers
Info about Cine-Excess XII, where the interview with Pete was recorded
