The Hive Mind: A Xenomorphing Podcast

Episode 9 - AVP: Requiem

Dave, Michael, and Ryan head over to Smalltown, USA to talk about the almost universally panned Alien vs. Predator sequel, AVP: Requiem.  There, the guys meet up with our first very special guest, Trent Shumway!  Trent is a freelance compositing artist who did uncredited post-production visual effects work on Requiem.  Trent talks to the crew about his time working on the film, and gives some great insight into what goes on during the post-production process.  He also reveals some surprising info about the behind-the-scenes decisions made for the film, and what it was like working with the film's directors, the Strause brothers.  The whole group discusses what we liked about the film (if anything), what we thought went wrong, and if there is a future for the AVP franchise.  As always, thank you for listening!  Stay frosty!

P.S. - Along with his visual effects background, Trent is also an accomplished voice actor!  To hear some of his work, check out the links below!

http://www.kingfallsam.com/

https://makebelieveshow.libsyn.com/

https://www.voices.com/actors/tshumway

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1673488/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 (Visual Effects credits)

Episode 8 - AVP: Alien vs. Predator

The Hive Mind crew set sail to an abandoned whaling station in Antarctica to discuss the much maligned crossover of two iconic franchises: 2004's AVP: Alien vs. Predator.  Dave, Michael, Mykal, and Ryan talk about our first impressions of Paul Anderson's film, what we enjoyed, what we felt went very wrong, and what, if any, lasting impact the film has on us and if it is worthy to be included among the two franchises.  We also take some time to discuss the recent, breaking news on a new Predator film in development from director Dan Trachtenberg (Cloverfield Lane).  As always, thank you for listening and stay frosty!  

Weyland Archives - The Horror Genre

Happy Halloween!!  In our first side episode, where we explore other topics that may not be directly related to the Alien series, Dave, Michael, and Ryan dig deep into the Weyland Archives to talk about the horror genre.  We discuss when we first got introduced to the genre, what our favorite (and scariest) horror films are, and what ultimately draws us into watching horror films again and again.  We also dive into some of the great horror video games that we've played as well.  We hope you enjoy this inaugural side episode, and have a happy and safe Halloween!  Stay spooky, er I mean, frosty!

Episode 7 - Alien 40th Anniversary Short Films

Dave, Michael, and Ryan board the Sulaco to discuss the Alien short fan films that were released in the Spring of 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original release of Alien.  The crew discuss each of the six films ("Harvest," "Alone," "Night Shift," "Ore," "Specimen," and "Containment'), which ones we enjoyed the most and why, and which ones we think fell short in adding to the atmosphere and lore of the franchise.  Regardless of our artistic critiques, for being fan made and given only about 10 minutes each, the films are very well produced and we applaud those fans for their efforts.  If you haven't seen them yet, please check them out!!  They're available to watch on YouTube, courtesy of IGN.  Let us know what you think of them and if you agree or disagree with our assessments.  As always, thank you for tuning in!!  Stay frosty!!!

Episode 6 - Alien: Covenant

Before entering our stasis pods on our way to Origae-6, the whole crew sits down to discuss the latest and arguably the most divisive film in the entire Alien franchise: 2017's Alien: Covenant.  Dave, Mykal, Michael, and Ryan talk about when we first saw Covenant and our initial thoughts on the film.  We then delve into what we liked most about it, and where we think the film went wrong.  We also address the latest news regarding Ridley Scott's comments on the in-development third Alien prequel, and what we think Scott and Disney should do with this final film of the trilogy.  It's an extra long episode and we had much to discuss regarding the film, so we hope you hang in there with us.  Thanks as always for taking the time to listen!  See you at The Hive!

Episode 5 - Prometheus

Dave, Michael, and Ryan land on LV-223 to discuss the first of Ridley Scott's divisive prequels: 2012's Prometheus.  We talk about our first impressions of the film and what we enjoyed most about it, including the astonishing visuals, the Engineers, and some of the performances by the A-level cast.  We also talk about the problems we had with the film, along with the writing and editing issues that were highlighted in the Furious Gods featurette.  What are your thoughts on Prometheus?  Do you believe it is a worthy installment in the Alien franchise?  Let us know in the comments below!!  Also, we would love to have you join our "A Hive Mind: A Xenomorphing Facebook Group" if you have not already.  Thanks as always for listening!  See you at the Hive!

Episode 4 - Alien: Resurrection

The Hive Minders are back to chat about the much-maligned fourth (and likely final) entry in the Ellen Ripley saga: Alien: Resurrection.  Each of the crew chats a bit about some of the elements we enjoyed in the film, ranging from the characters, individual sequences, etc.  Much of the discussion, however, is aimed at where we think this fourth film went wrong, and whether or not it was even a necessary addition to the franchise.  We also close out the episode talking about the recent news of Marvel Comics acquiring the rights to the Alien and Predator franchises and what that could mean for the direction and future of those series' within the comic medium.  We hope you enjoy this discussion!  What do you think of Alien: Resurrection?  Whether you loved it, hated it, or anywhere in between, please let us know!  We welcome and appreciate all opinions.  Thank you so much for listening!  Stay frosty! 

Episode 3.5 - Reaction to Proposed Alien 5 Treatment

Dave, Michael, and Ryan enter the Hive to briefly discuss the recent news of a proposed Alien 5 treatment written by longtime Alien producers and Brandywine founders Walter Hill and David Giler.  We talk about our initial thoughts on the announcement, how we feel about the possibility of bringing Ripley back again and, after the debacle of Neil Blomkamp's Alien 5 being scrapped several years ago, if this is something 20th Century and Disney should even go forward with.  What are your thoughts on Hill and Giler's treatment?  Please let us know!  If you haven't yet, please be sure to join our "A Hive Mind" Xenormorphing Facebook discussion group!  Thanks for listening!

Episode 3 - Alien 3

The Xenomorphing crew come together to talk about a movie that had one of the most troubled productions in film history: Alien 3.  We discuss when we first saw it, our first impressions and how we feel about it today.  We also talk about our favorite moments and characters, the genius of a young David Fincher shining through all the production interference, and the excellent score by Eliot Goldenthal.  We hope you enjoy our discussion and thank you for listening!

Episode 2 - Aliens

The gang is back and discussing the action-packed follow up to Alien: James Cameron's Aliens!  We talk about when we first saw it, what we loved about it, and our favorite scenes and characters.  Almost unanimously considered to be one of the greatest sci-fi action films of all time, and also one of the greatest sequels ever made, we really hope you enjoy this episode.  Let us know what you think of Aliens, and please join our new Facebook page: "A Hive Mind: A Xenomorphing Facebook Group" to have more discussions with us and your fellow fans.  Thanks again for listening!!