Star Wars Behind the Scenes: Now it Can Be Told – December 2019 – CONversation with Craig

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Posted: June 2, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:53 — 38.2MB)

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig lifts the curtain on the unsung crew who brought the original Star Wars trilogy to life—Jawas, model-makers, second-unit directors, and yes, Yoda’s actual right hand. From childhood desert shoots to Harrison Ford with a saw, this panel had it all.
  • Jawa Justice League: Three OG Jawas—Tim Donaldson, Andrea Wickman, and Fraser Diamond—recall what it was really like filming in Death Valley, sweating through robes, carrying disassembled droids, and surviving desert wildlife.
  • Ford v. Falcon: Second-unit director Harley Cokeliss reveals how a frustrated Harrison Ford nearly sawed a hole through the Millennium Falcon during a lighting delay.
  • Puppets and Persistence: Mike Quinn, the man behind Nien Nunb and Yoda’s right hand, explains how hanging around the set got him the job—and a footnote in Star Wars history.
“Star Wars is kind of like the genie that just keeps granting wishes.” – Mike Quinn
Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

How to Train Your Dragon

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Posted: May 31, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:18:01 — 53.9MB)

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

On the Viking Isle of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. When an ancient threat endangers both dragons and humans, their bond becomes the key to survival. Together, they must rise above fear and forge a new path toward peace and leadership.

Craig, Elisabeth and Guest Rob Ervin discuss parenting, the Minions, finding your place and the movie “How to Train your Dragon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!!

Show Notes

  • 1:05

    Craig, Elisabeth and Rob talk about cartoons and The Minions.

  • 19:32

    Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss “How to Train Your Dragon”

  • 46:22

    Recasting

  • 1:04:36

    Double Feature

  • 1:08:17

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:15:03

    A preview of next week’s episode “The Conversation”

Next week we celebrate June Hackman! An entire month dedicated to Gene Hackman and we start with “The Conversation”

In Memoriam – Loretta Swit 1937-2025

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Posted: May 30, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57:01 — 80.7MB)

IN MEMORIAM: LORETTA SWIT 1937-2025

Today, May 30th we lost past guest Loretta Swit.

As is tradition. we’re replaying a episode we did on the original MASH that included my panel with Loretta and her cast mate Jamie Farr during last years Retro Expo on July 13th 2024.  I was fortunate enough to meet Lorreta twice.  The first time was in Tampa Bay and was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with her, Jamie and  Jeff Maxwell.  The way she would dote on Jamie who is 90 himself and has limited mobility was so cute and at Retro Expo, she hustled down the entire convention center to give a fan an autograph who had missed her while she was away from her table. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone.  And she certainly did not.

Here’s to you, Loretta.

Kung Fu Panda

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Posted: May 24, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:18:18 — 54.1MB)

KUNG FU PANDA

Po may be the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he secretly dreams of becoming a kung fu legend. When the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung threatens the Valley, Po is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Under Master Shifu’s training, he embarks on a high-kicking adventure to stop Tai Lung’s evil plans.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Riley Brown discuss fanboys, self-belief vs destiny, cryptic mentors and the movie “Kung Fu Panda” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 0:54

    Craig, Elisabeth and Riley talk about cartoons and fandoms.

  • 12:30

    Craig, Elisabeth and Riley discuss “Kung Fu Panda”

  • 48:56

    Recasting

  • 1:07:15

    Double Feature

  • 1:11:14

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:15:36

    A preview of next week’s episode “How to Train Your Dragon”

Next week Ani-MAY-tion ends with a fan favorite “How to Train Your Dragon”

Akira

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Posted: May 17, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:51 — 52.2MB)

AKIRA

In the ruins of Neo-Tokyo, a secret military experiment unravels when a psychic child escapes confinement. His breakout pulls a rebellious biker gang into a deadly conspiracy of government control and psychic warfare. One gang member, transformed by power and rage, wages a brutal vendetta against the world that once mocked his weakness.

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about anime, Louis Anderson, films to watch high and the movie “Akira” on this week’s Matinee heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:07

    Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about the cartoons Alan grew up watching.

  • 6:14

    Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss “Akira”

  • 32:46

    Recasting

  • 59:04

    Double Feature

  • 1:06:41

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:13:28

    A preview of next week’s episode “Kung Fu Panda”

Next week Ani-MAY-tion continues with a modern classic “Kung Fu Panda”

Fantastic Mr. Fox

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Posted: May 10, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44:31 — 72.1MB)

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

After years of playing it safe, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and returns to his wild ways, stealing from the ruthless farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. His actions put his family and their animal friends in danger, forcing them to hide deep underground. Now, Mr. Fox must use all his cleverness to outsmart the farmers and save his community.

Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Movies that Make Us hosts Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz to discuss quirkiness, Wes Anderson, sex shops and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:04

    Craig, Elisabeth, Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz talk about the cartoons Jake’s kids enjoy.

  • 14:41

    Craig, Elisabeth, Tracy and Jake discuss “Fantastic Mr. Fox”

  • 51:33

    Recasting

  • 1:27:44

    Double Feature

  • 1:32:21

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:42:57

    A preview of next week’s episode “Akira”

Next week Ani-MAY-tion gets retro with the classic 80’s anime “Akira”

Star Wars Puppeteers Mike Quinn and David Barclay – Dec 2019 – CONversations with Craig

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Posted: May 5, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:02 — 34.9MB)

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig dives deep into the foam, felt, and freakishly fun world of movie puppetry with two absolute legends: Mike Quinn and David Barclay. These are the guys who’ve literally had their hands inside Yoda—yes, literally—and helped bring the most beloved alien puppet in cinema history to life. From The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi to The Dark Crystal and Little Shop of Horrors, Mike and David have been at the heart of some of the biggest (and weirdest) creatures ever to hit the screen—and yes, they even pulled out a Yoda puppet mid-panel. You’ve never seen a conversation get this real.

  • The Secret Life of Yoda: Mark Hamill helped launch David’s career after meeting him in a London toy store, while Mike snuck onto The Muppet Show set using cigarettes and chocolate.
  • Audrey II’s Gym Routine: It took eight weeks—and some torn muscles—to shoot one song for Little Shop of Horrors with the massive Audrey II puppet.
  • Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Performing Muppets live is no joke—just ask Mike, who once took a couch to the head mid-show.

“Yoda in Return of the Jedi? That was me. Just the right hand. But hey, sometimes that’s all you need.” – Mike Quinn

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

Chicken Run

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Posted: May 3, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:37 — 44.7MB)

CHICKEN RUN

When a flashy American rooster struts into the coop, the hens think he might just be their ticket to freedom. But when the farmers roll in a chicken-pie making machine, escaping becomes a lot more urgent—and they’ll have to hatch a new plan to get out alive. Time is running out, and the flock will need brains, bravery, and a little bit of luck to pull off the ultimate breakout.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about rural business plans, deceptive fowls, 90s cartoons and the movie “Chicken Run” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:19

    Craig and Elisabeth talk about the cartoons they watched as kids.

  • 9:44

    Craig and Elisabeth discuss “Chicken Run”

  • 37:25

    Recasting

  • 53:12

    Double Feature

  • 55:25

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:01:55

    A preview of next week’s episode “The Fantastic Mr. Fox”

Next week Ani-MAY-tion gets extra quirky with Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox”.

Goon

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Posted: April 26, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:29 — 51.4MB)

GOON

A soft-spoken bouncer is recruited to a struggling minor league hockey team after showcasing his raw fighting skills during a brawl. Thrown into the brutal world of professional hockey, he battles opponents, wrestles with his own insecurities, and struggles to earn the respect of hardened teammates, all while trying to understand what he’s truly fighting for.

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Great F’n Movies, Casa Bonita, the Jack Reacher of hockey and the movie “Goon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 0:49

    Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Denver’s Casa Bonita.

  • 17:32

    Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss “Goon”

  • 37:55

    Recasting

  • 1:00:10

    Double Feature

  • 1:08:12

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:12:01

    A preview of next week’s episode “Chicken Run”

Next week we start Ani-MAY-tion with a claymation classic “Chicken Run”

Special Presentation – Andor 2

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Posted: April 21, 2025

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:52 — 24.1MB)

The Matinee Heroes crew is back with a special presentation on Andor Season 2, and let’s just say—this one doesn’t play it safe.

Host Craig Price joins Alan Cerny and Elizabeth Rapp to discuss how Andor ditches the fan service for real stakes, mature storytelling, and brutal political commentary. With all 12 episodes dropping early, Disney clearly believes in this season—and they should.

Star Wars Grows Up

Season 2 doesn’t just flirt with heavy themes—it wades into fascism, rebellion, and moral ambiguity without a life jacket. If Season 1 surprised you, Season 2 swings even harder, turning the spotlight on characters who are messy, conflicted, and all too real.

No Lightsabers, No Problem

From Cassian Andor’s emotional descent to Mon Mothma’s political sacrifice, this is Star Wars with consequences. Yes, there are familiar faces, but this show earns them. It’s not about nostalgia—it’s about impact.

Final Thoughts

This might be the best storytelling Star Wars has ever produced. Period. Even if you’re not a fan of the galaxy far, far away, Andor Season 2 is worth your time.
📺 Now streaming on Disney+

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