Podcasting Buffalo

Episode 4: Producer Andrew Gernhard & Christmas Vacation Recast

This week, the crew welcomes Andrew Gernhard of Synthetic Cinema International—producer, executive, and the driving force behind bringing Newport Christmas to Buffalo, NY. Andrew shares his journey from the world of B-horror films to producing beloved holiday hits for Hallmark, Netflix, and beyond. We dive into the potential of Buffalo as a growing film hub, discussing the importance of expanding both crew and talent bases to support a thriving local industry.
 
We also chat with Emily August, a background extra on Newport Christmas and a rising comedy writer/performer whose social media following is built on sharp wit and charm.
 
With more productions on the horizon—including a Hallmark film featuring the Buffalo Bills—what does a tentpole production mean for the Queen City? And as the industry continues to shift toward IP-driven content and AI tools, how might that impact filmmaking here at home?
 
To wrap it all up, Andrew joins Kyle, Peter, Harry, and Jordan for a fun and spirited recast of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation—bringing his studio head perspective to the table, while the crew brings the creative heat.

Episode 3: Turtle Tales, Tarantino Tension & Ghostbusters Recast

This week, the crew reflects on their early industry experiences working on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016) in Buffalo, NY. Kyle shares the pressure of safeguarding film footage and his surreal moment overseeing a stunt helicopter, while Harry recalls the camaraderie of lockups and the impact of filming in local neighborhoods.
We also dive into Buffalo’s 2025 film scene, with The Yeti wrapping production and Fred Olen Ray returning for another Christmas movie. Kyle breaks down a pivotal scene from Inglourious Basterds (2009), exploring how Quentin Tarantino’s masterful suspense blocking and camera work elevated Christoph Waltz’s unforgettable performance. And finally, we cross the streams to recast Ghostbusters (1984), with Jordan fully joining in to reimagine the iconic team of Venkman, Stantz, Spengler, and Zeddemore.
Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, filmmaking insights, and a fresh take on cinematic classics!

Episode 2: On-Set Mentality, A “Dog Day” Deep Dive & Back to the Future Recast

This week, the crew dives into on-set mentality , breaking down the wild story of an actor who tried sneaking onto set as an extra. We discuss the importance of patience in the industry (“Hurry Up & Wait”), how to stay engaged during downtime, and why treating your job like a hobby can hold you back.
Harry leads a deep dive into Dog Day Afternoon (1975), analyzing Al Pacino’s gripping performance and Sidney Lumet’s masterful direction. Meanwhile, Jordan shakes things up with a Back to the Future (1985) recasting—who nailed it? See how Peter and Kyle wrestle with reimagining their all-time favorite film.
Tune in for insider film industry insights, career lessons, and a fresh take on classic cinema!

Episode 1: The Art of Seizing Opportunities, Wesley Snipes' Prop Mastery & Buffalo '66 Recast

This week, the crew dives into the art of seizing opportunities in the film industry, highlighting a local actor with the perfect look for a Hollywood villain. We also shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of filmmaking—stand-ins—while praising one standout performer from the upcoming film The Panic.
Peter brings a scene from New Jack City (1991) to the table, where Wesley Snipes delivers a masterclass in prop acting. Meanwhile, Kyle kicks off our inaugural episode with a bold recasting of the hometown cult classic Buffalo '66 (1998). Who nailed it? Even Jordan surprises us with an unexpected inspired choice!
Tune in for an inside look at filmmaking, career breakthroughs, and the creative twists that keep us talking. Don’t miss it!

Episode 0: A New Venture from Casting Buffalo!

Casting Buffalo's Kyle Mecca, Harry Lipsitz, and Peter Johnson present Podcasting Buffalo, a podcast sharing insights from Buffalo's casting world. In the teaser, they explain why they created it and preview behind-the-scenes stories, scene analysis from acting and directing perspectives, and a fun film recasting game. Tune in for engaging discussions and industry expertise. Listen, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!