RADIO FREE HOLLYWOOD

Sarah Nicklin & VHS

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:18:09 GMT

In this episode of 'Radio Free Hollywood', hosts Steve Jacob and John Kassir kick off by reminiscing about the Flintstones' 1960 primetime debut. They discuss the show's early adult-targeted advertisements featuring Winston Cigarettes and reflect on old television memories. They transition into contemporary issues with a discussion on Trump's proposed tariffs on overseas films, viewing it as a distraction from the Epstein files. The hosts then delve into the controversial debut of AI actress Tilly Norwood and its implications for Hollywood, touching on the backlash from human actors. Later, they welcome actress Sarah Nicklin, who shares insights on her role in the new 'VHS Halloween' film from Shudder, and the supportive and rapidly evolving indie horror community in Los Angeles. The episode wraps up with discussions on the importance of creativity and collaboration in horror filmmaking.

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Billy Joel

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 23:11:57 GMT

In this episode of 'Radio Free Hollywood', hosts Steve Jacob and John Kassir share a (potentially apocryphal) Wayne's World filming mishap, discuss recent travels, and navigate controversial news including Trump's plan to use the National Guard for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. They touch on rising grocery prices, George Clooney's response to acting criticisms, and then for the back half delve deep into the recent documentary about Billy Joel's illustrious career and his resilience as an artist. And for the final course, enjoy watching them try to end the podcast themselves when the producer is called away during the show!

And So It Goes (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvCB4gg7yS0

From the L.A. Olympics to Oakland, California braces for Trump National Guard deployments (LA Times) https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-13/california-braces-trump-national-guard-deployments

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RFH - And We're Back

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:50:59 GMT

Hollywood's Hidden Past & Present: From WWII Stars to Modern Day Crisis

In this compelling episode of Radio Free Hollywood, Steve Jacob and John Kassir kick off with a humorous historical anecdote from WWII involving the iconic Clark Gable. The conversation transitions into an in-depth discussion about recent ICE protests in LA, Governor Newsom's unique AI-generated videos targeting Trump, and a critical analysis of Texas' new tax incentives for film and TV production. Steve also shares a harrowing personal health scare that significantly impacted his life. Tune in for a blend of humor, politics, and industry insight.

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Stay in LA: Rallying for the Future of Hollywood Productions

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:27:44 GMT

In this live podcast episode of Radio Free Hollywood, hosts John Casser and Steve Jacob take you through the exciting Stay in LA rally, aimed at keeping film, TV, and commercial production in Los Angeles. They delve into Hollywood history, share amusing anecdotes, and interview key figures from the grassroots movement, including Pamala Buzick Kim, Wes Bailey, and Harley Wolitsky. The discussion highlights the alarming decline in soundstage occupancy in LA, the importance of tax incentives, and the impacts of runaway production on local jobs and the economy.

Join the conversation and find out how you can support the movement at stayinla.org.

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Jeff Miller & POPEYE THE SLAYER MAN

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:12:16 GMT

In this episode of 'Radio Free Hollywood', hosts Steve Jacob and John Kassir discuss an array of topics including a wild story about a drunken elephant at a Hollywood party in 1954, Ari Emmanuel's exit from WME and its implications, and the closing deal of Amy Pascal and David Haman to produce the next James Bond film for Amazon. They delve into the shift from cinema to sports within prominent Hollywood agencies, explore the impact of tech industry's business model on traditional filmmaking, and share banter filled with industry insider jokes and personal anecdotes. The episode includes an in-depth interview with Jeff Miller about his latest horror projects, the use of public domain characters, and his journey in low-budget film production. Plus, details on the upcoming 'Stay in LA' rally aimed at fighting runaway production in the entertainment industry are shared

The Offer

Popeye The Slayer Man

Stay In LA

Stay In LA Rally Info

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Super Bowl Insights, Sports Analysis, and the Perils of A Big Meal

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 01:36:39 GMT

Join Steve and John as they dive into a wide range of topics this week. They talk about the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles' impressive season, and the changing dynamics of football team -- along with the most memorable Super Bowl commercials. Also on the docket: digging into the U.S. Treasury and political maneuvers, wrapping up with personal insights on heavier subjects like crimes against the LGBTQ+ community and the concept of performative politics -- but delivered with the usual witty banter!

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

Radio Free Hollywood Links

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RFK Jr. Controversies, Hollywood Fires, and Moving Film Productions to Texas

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 23:04:40 GMT

In this episode of Radio Free Hollywood, hosts Steve Jacob and John Kassir discuss a range of topics from Caroline Kennedy's damning letter to the Senate about her cousin RFK Jr., to Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's controversial commercial advocating for moving film productions to Texas. They also touch on the heroic efforts of firefighters during the recent Hollywood fires and the surprising story of Walter Hudson, a man who held the Guinness World Record for the largest waist circumference.

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

Radio Free Hollywood Links

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Radio Free Hollywood Ep. 1 - Local Fires, Trump in L.A., and Butt Boy

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:03:28 GMT

Live from downtown Hills, California, Steve Jacob and John Kassir kick off the first episode of Radio Free Hollywood. They discuss the recent fires and their personal evacuation experiences, highlight the controversial visit of Donald Trump to L.A., and dive into the quirky film 'Butt Boy.' Additionally, they emphasize the importance of the entertainment industry with support for StayInLA.org and share anecdotes about the fascinating app, Watch Duty. Don't miss out on their insightful takes and humorous banter!

00:00 Introduction to Radio Free Hollywood

02:45 Discussing the Fires in California

04:11 Evacuation Experiences

10:00 Power Outages and Generators

15:22 Trump's Visit to Los Angeles

20:52 Jean Smart's Controversial Suggestion

30:30 Support for Stay in LA Initiative

36:31 The Importance of the Entertainment Industry

37:36 The Role of Arts in Society

40:23 The StayinLA Initiative

42:15 Never Eat Anything Bigger Than Your Head

43:09 Butt Boy: A Peculiar Film

50:39 Horrifying Person of the Week

56:51 The Hypocrisy in Politics

01:01:31 Reflections on Aging and Memory

01:10:17 The Value of Watch Duty and StayinLA

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Post Election Commiseration

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:10:10 GMT

Steve and John discuss a potential name change for the podcast and then try and focus on what their feelings about the recent US Presidential election

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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The State of the Industry

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:30:50 GMT

Steve is joined by guest host Bill Dispoto and returning guest Danny Stephens to discuss the state of the entertainment industry at large.

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Politics, James Earl Jones, & LA Production

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:43:33 GMT

John and Steve discuss the recent presidential debate, then reminisce about the late, great James Earl Jones. And finally they discuss the FilmLA production review numbers and what that means for the industry.

FilmLA Research

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Me at 65

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:03:14 GMT

Please enjoy Steve's essay, "Me at 65"

Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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AI in Hollywood, Telegram, & Art the Clown

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:23:56 GMT

John and Steve discuss the recent legislation in California forbidding the use of AI to replicate actors and the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Valeryevich Durov. Then their guest today: David Howard Thornton discusses his role as new horror icon Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchise.

Art the Clown Appreciation Society

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Let's Get Real

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 23:14:48 GMT

Please enjoy Steve's essay, Let's Get Real

Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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Celebrity Deaths & the Animation Industry

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 22:17:31 GMT

John and Steve discuss Richard Simmons and recent celebrity deaths. Then they chat with Carl Reed of Composition Media about the AI in the animation industry, the voice actors strike, Bad Grandmas, Black Sands, and basing his company out of St. Louis.

Composition Media

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Teamsters Agreement & Video Game Strike

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:31:01 GMT

John and Steve discuss Teamsters and AMPTP reaching an agreement, entertainment production numbers, and the SAG-AFTRA strike against major video game companies. Then they chat with Chad Archibald and Cody Calahan of Black Fawn Films about AI and their 10 picture genre slate with Productivity Media Inc. Finally, Will kicks Cap's fattoush with his performance during the quiz portion of the show.

Black Fawn Films

Black Fawn Insta

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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FilmLA & Homescreen Ads

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 01:09:48 GMT

John and Steve discuss FilmLA raising their prices and the increase in homescreen advertising by the streamers.

Then Cap learns about diegetic sound, bridging shots, and an ozoner.

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Perception...

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 22:34:44 GMT

Please enjoy Steve's essay, Perception...

Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

Here is a link to the Johari Window referenced in the essay.

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EDD vs Loan-Outs

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 01:21:37 GMT

John and Steve discuss what's been going on with California EDD and the use of loan-out corporation in the industry and Newscorp's licensing deal with OpenAI. Then Cap turns the tables and tests Steve and John's film knowledge

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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IATSE, Duplass Bros, & Managers vs Agents

Wed, 29 May 2024 04:21:06 GMT

John and Steve discuss IATSE and the AMPTP concluding negotiations for west coast locals without a deal yet, the Duplass Brothers independent streaming series, Penelope, and the difference between managers and agents with Jairo Alvarado of Redefine Entertainment. Finally, Cap struggles to understand a MacGuffin from a Red Herring.

Redefine Entertainment

Redefine Insta

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Consequences Have Consequences

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:42:47 GMT

Please enjoy Steve's essay, Consequences Have Consequences.

Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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On Suffering Well

Wed, 08 May 2024 01:34:54 GMT

Please enjoy Steve's essay, On Suffering Well.

Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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Rust, Casting Networks, & Below-the-Line Publicity

Wed, 01 May 2024 03:30:02 GMT

For our first news story, we'll go over the recent sentencing of armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed for the death of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. We'll also discuss the class action lawsuit against Casting Networks for alleged pay-to-play tactics. John and Steve will then chat with Meredith Emmanuel and Mackinley Sullivan from EBComs PR about publicity for below-the-line crew. Finally, Cap learns about Morris the explainer.

EBComs PR

EBComs Insta

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Everyone Please Just Take a Breath

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:56:40 GMT

Another mini-episode this week! It's Steve's essay, Everyone Please Just Take a Breath.

Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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Resistance is Futile

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:15:34 GMT

Mini-episode! It's Steve's essay on resistance. Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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Advertising, Voice Engine, and The Pancake

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:47:22 GMT

In this episode we will examine 2 news stories. The first, Magna's new ad spend forecast for 2024 and how it'll affect TV commercial productions. The second, OpenAI's Voice Engine and it's affect on VO Actors.

Kassir and Steve will then have a chat with Keythe Farley (VO actor and director) about the effects of AI on Voice Actors. Lastly, Cap will fight for bathroom privileges.

Keythe Farley website

John Kassir

Steve's Blog, Agent on the Loose

The Line Links

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Motivation Have No Much Of?

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:15:01 GMT

This week we have a mini-episode. It's Steve's essay on motivation. Listen here or read it over on his substack, Agent on the Loose.

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What is the Pickle?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:00:54 GMT

Steve & John chat about Suits LA shooting in Vancouver and the UK Self Taping Scandal involving IAM and their client Mark Barrett. John and Steve then talk with Grip and Industry activist Danny Stephens about the possibility of IA and Teamster strikes as they negotiate their contracts. Lastly, Danny teaches Cap about being a dolly grip.

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Welcome to The Line!

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:59:29 GMT

In this very first episode, hosts Steve Jacob and John Kassir introduce the podcast and themselves. Steve, John, and producer Cap will chat about Tyler Perry's remarks on Sora from OpenAI and the possibility of a third strike in the industry. John and Steve will talk with talent agent, Trevor Kossack about giving constructive feedback to artists. Steve and John will then wrap things up by Quizzing Cap on his knowledge of Hollywood and Production.

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