LCJ Q&A Podcast

Guest: 'David' Directors Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham

Angel Studios' "David" is an epic new animated feature in theaters Dec. 19 (with nationwide early access screenings on Dec. 14). Directors Brent Dawes and Phil Cunningham share how they adapted the text of The Bible to create a dramatic, musical adventure experience for the whole family.

Guest: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 — Lost in New Jersey' Director Kent Seki

Kent Seki, the cinematographer of 2023 animated feature "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" (and its 2027 sequel), has directed the new holiday short "Chrome Alone 2 — Lost in New Jersey". Seki dives into the making of the short, which is Oscar qualified and will screen in theaters nationwide with "The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants" starting December 19th.

Guests: 'Wednesdays with Gramps' Co-Director Chris Copeland and Producer Shabrayia Cleaver

A new DreamWorks Animation short focuses on a teen who visits his grandpa and discovers a passion that will strengthen their relationship. It is Oscar qualified and vying for Best Animated Short Film consideration. Co-Director Chris Copeland and producer Shabrayia Cleaver share what makes them so proud about "Wednesdays with Gramps".

Guests: 'Two Ships' Director McKinley Benson, Co-Writer Mackenzie Benson and EP Jodi Benson

We've all heard the phrase, "two ships passing in the night". A new animated short, which is qualified for the Best Animated Short Film Oscar this year and is vying for consideration, takes that phrase and presents it in emotional ways. McKinley Benson, Mackenzie Benson and Disney Legend Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) join me to discuss "Two Ships"... and a little bit on "The Little Mermaid".

Guests: 'A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas' Writers & EPs Zac Moncrief and Jon Colton Barry

The iconic Chuck E. Cheese is getting the animated holiday special treatment. "A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas" premieres this Thursday Nov. 27 on Prime Video and YouTube. Annie winner Zac Moncrief and Emmy winner Jon Colton Barry join me for a chat about the look, the story, the songs, working with star Nathan Kress ("iCarly") and hopes for more adventures in the "CEC" animation space.

Guest: 'A Magnificent Life' Director Sylvain Chomet

Four-time Academy Award nominee and BAFTA and Caesar Awards winner Sylvain Chomet (director of "The Triplets of Belleville" and "The Illusionist") joins me to discuss his latest animated feature, "A Magnificent Life", about French playwright, poet and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. It opens in select theaters for an awards-qualifying run this Friday Nov. 21 and will officially release in North America on Feb. 20, 2026.

Guest: 'A PAW Patrol Christmas' EP Laura Clunie

New one-hour holiday special "A PAW Patrol Christmas" premieres Friday Nov. 28 at 8pm on CBS. Executive Producer Laura Clunie, who also serves as Senior VP of Development, Current Series & Feature Film at Spin Master, shares highlights of this new adventure, plus more holiday treats for "PAW" fans, and a preview of next summer's theatrical "Dino Movie".

Guests: 'Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol' EPs Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton

"Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol" is the third half-hour special in the beloved, Emmy-winning animated franchise. It premieres Thursday Nov. 27 at 7pm on Disney Channel, Friday Nov. 28 on Disney+, and Sunday Nov. 30 at 9pm on ABC. Executive Producers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton discuss the lasting impact of "P&L", including this new adventure.