Behind the Scenes of FUSE with director David Mackenzie

Join hosts Thalia and Marie in a post-screening conversation with director and UNLV Film professor David Mackenzie on the making of FUSE. From filming in London’s intricate permitting landscape to refining scenes for maximum tension, this episode is packed with film industry secrets and creative wisdom — perfect for cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers alike!

We discuss:

• The challenges and nuances of filming in London, including traffic, permits, and coordinating complex scenes
• The influence of UK history and locations on the story's setting and mood
• The importance of improvisation and scene timing in building tension
• How consulting experts like ex-military personnel enhances authenticity
• The evolution of the script and editing choices that shape storytelling
• Working with a talented cast including Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson
• The financing lifecycle of a mid-budget film and navigating international sales
• The significance of community and peer collaboration in filmmaking
• Decisions behind the film’s ambiguous ending and real-time storytelling

Resources & Links:

• UNLV Film Program
• Professor David McKenzie - IMDb

Credits:

Email us: [email protected] 

HOSTS - Jaidyn Thalia Sanders, Meredith Costello, Marie Palmieri

PRODUCERS - Tom Bjelic, Sam Decker
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY - Adam Paul, Roudi Boroumand 

For The Beverly:
Kip Kelly, Founding Creative Director | Chief Experience Officer
Alexi Harber, General Manager
Ivy Ergunes, Marketing Manager

To read the hosts' reviews, head over to: https://thefilmdeptpodcast.substack.com/

Once again, The Film Department has teamed up with the mad geniuses of The Beverly Theater. Imagined by The Rogers Foundation, The Beverly Theater brings cinematic connectivity, novel collaborations, live happenings, cultural portals, and a zest for independent spirits to DTLV. With a mission to stage uncommon cinematic, literary, and live experiences, The Beverly Theater is Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue.

For the latest screenings and events at The Beverly, visit thebeverlytheater.com The Film Department Podcast is supported by UNLV Film.

At the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, every story has a beginning. With degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, state of the art equipment and facilities, incredible professional internships around the world, and expert guest speakers, students discover the power and potential of cinema as they prepare for the film and television industry… and beyond. 

Learn more at UNLV.EDU/FILM UNLV Film. Find your voice. Tell your story.