EP 257 - Emmy Award Nominated 'Rob Tokarz' - HBO 'Hacks'
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Emmy-nominated production designer Rob Tokarz for an illuminating conversation about his work on HBO’s Hacks, the stunning sequences and set pieces in Red Chair, LA Fires, and even designing sets for the Oscars. We explore the intricate details of his creative process, the behind-the-scenes challenges of building cinematic worlds, and how his life experiences have shaped his artistic vision.Rob Tokarz is an accomplished production designer known for his work on a range of visually striking film and television projects. With a background in art direction and a keen eye for detail, he has contributed to productions that span genres—from gritty dramas to stylized period pieces—bringing immersive worlds to life through meticulous design. Tokarz is recognized for his collaborative approach with directors and cinematographers, ensuring each set enhances the storytelling while maintaining authenticity and aesthetic coherence. His portfolio reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and a deep understanding of narrative-driven design.#moviesets #emmyawards #productiondesigner #films #tvshows #hbo #hacksseason4 http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 256 - Writing 'The Khan' & Struggles Through Life - Author - Saima Mir
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed author and journalist Saima Mir for a powerful conversation about her book trilogy 'The Khan'. We dive into her personal journey—navigating career highs and lows, confronting failure, and redefining success—while also unpacking the complexities of identity, faith, and the deepening polarization in today’s society.Saima Mir is a British journalist and author known for her debut crime novel The Khan, which was a Times bestseller and praised for its powerful portrayal of a British-Pakistani woman navigating crime, justice, and family legacy. She has written for major outlets including The Guardian, The Times, and the BBC, and contributed essays to acclaimed anthologies like It’s Not About the Burqa. Born in London and raised in Yorkshire, Mir’s work often explores identity, power, and cultural duality.#pakistaniauthor #pakistan #british #journalist #author #thekhans #mir #saimamir http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 255 - Eric Kissack Editing Last 5 Episodes of 'The Studio' - Apple TV
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with editor Eric Kissack, who takes us behind the scenes of Apple TV+’s The Studio Episodes 5 through 10.This is where the show truly finds its rhythm—sharpening its satire, doubling down on absurdity, and peeling back the layers of Hollywood dysfunction with hilarious precision. Eric breaks down the now-iconic Las Vegas episode, where a company off-site turns into a fever dream of pitch meetings, emotional meltdowns, and misguided team-building rituals. It’s chaos in the desert, and the editing makes it sing.We also dive into the Golden Globes storyline—an inside look at the ego-driven machinery of award season. From rigged nominations to desperate studio politics, Kissack walks us through how the show blurs the line between satire and brutal industry truth.Eric Kissack is an award-winning film and television editor known for his sharp comedic timing and innovative editing techniques. He has worked on acclaimed projects including The Dictator, Key & Peele, The Good Place, and Apple TV+’s The Studio. With a background in both directing and editing, Kissack brings a unique storytelling sensibility to his work, seamlessly blending humor, emotion, and visual rhythm. His diverse portfolio spans feature films, hit TV series, and viral comedy shorts, earning him recognition as one of the most versatile editors in the industry.#sethrogan #tvseries #hollywood #visualstorytelling #appletv #audienceengagement #thestudio http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 254 - Designing Set Pieces 'Jurassic World Rebirth' - Production Designer - James Clyne
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sat down with legendary production designer James Clyne, who takes us behind the scenes of Jurassic World: Rebirth. He breaks down the making of key set pieces—including the boat sequence, raft escape, and convenience store standoff—and shares how he helped bring Gareth Edwards’ vision to life on an accelerated prep schedule. Clyne reflects on the artistry and pressure of crafting cinematic worlds for one of the industry’s most VFX-savvy directors.James Clyne is a renowned production designer and concept artist known for his visionary work in science fiction and blockbuster films. With a background in industrial design and illustration, he has contributed to the visual development of major franchises including Star Wars, Avatar, Star Trek, and Transformers. Clyne has worked with leading directors such as J.J. Abrams, James Cameron, and Steven Spielberg, shaping futuristic worlds through innovative design and storytelling. As a creative force at Lucasfilm and ILM, he continues to influence the look and feel of some of the most iconic cinematic universes.#jurassicworld #jurassicpark #jurassicworldrebirth #stevenspielberg #garethedwards #jaws #horror #scary #dinosaur #trex #shortsvideo #scarlettjohansson #productiondesigner #backtothefuture #drex #raptors http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
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EP 253 - 'Madagascar' / 'Tortoise & Hare' - John Stevenson
Tell us what you though of the episode🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I chatted with legendary storyboard artist, animator, and director John Stevenson—the creative force behind Kung Fu Panda, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth.From behind-the-scenes tales of DreamWorks hits like Shrek and Madagascar to the untold story of the canceled Aardman project Tortoise and the Hare, this episode is a deep dive into the craft, passion, and imagination that fuel great storytelling.Stevenson also opens up about his ambitious new project, Tin Nopes—a World War I–set animated epic centered on a secret Royal Navy diving unit. He shares the artistic and narrative challenges of bringing historical drama to animation, and what makes Tin Nopes unlike anything audiences have seen before.John Stevenson is a British author best known for his historical and literary fiction. His writing often explores themes of memory, war, and identity, drawing on detailed historical research and psychological depth. Stevenson has contributed short stories and essays to various literary journals and anthologies, and his work is praised for its lyrical prose and nuanced characters. Though not widely publicized, he has built a dedicated readership through his thoughtful storytelling and introspective style. #digitalcircus #ww1 #animation #summary #shortanimatedfilms #madagascar #madagascarpenguins #dreamworks #dreamworksanimation #stevenspielberg #jeffreykatzenberg http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdomhttp://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcasthttp://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast Watch the feature films that I have directedCitizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsuIn Search of My Sister - https://rb.gy/1ke21Official Website - www.jawadmir.com
Kingdom of Dreams Podcast is a must-listen for film enthusiasts. As a director, producer, and passionate movie lover, I’ve always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories, especially those from my own filmmaking journey. This podcast is dedicated to uncovering untold stories from Directors, Editors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Production Designers, Producers, Composers, VFX artists, and more. It also explores the highs and lows of building a career in filmmaking and the profound ways it shapes our personal lives.
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