Reel One explores the hidden depth of movies playing at the GE Theatre at Proctors

Open Stage Media’s podcast focuses on history, cultural impact, and analysis of cinema featuring guest experts

SCHENECTADY— Hidden gems, cult classics, and cinematic legends come alive again on Reel One, the podcast that rewinds film history with fresh eyes. Produced by Open Stage Media and directed by Zebulon Schmidt, Reel One explores and dissects repertory films playing at the GE Theatre at Proctors through deep, insightful conversations with film experts and aficionados.

From Hitchcock to Dario Argento and “Repo Man” to “Return of the Living Dead,” this show is all about taking listeners beyond the surface — to the known, the obscure, and even the infamous masters of cinema history.

“I find a good film as satisfying as a good novel, and — on occasion — the visual artistry of a film can be as fascinating to drink in as a luxurious painting at a museum. And just as I want to know as much as possible about the creation of the novel or the painting, I want to know as much as possible about the creation of a film,” said Paul Kazee Film Program Coordinator at Proctors and a Producer of Reel One.

“This can be true even if the film is not quite a masterpiece. Sometimes it’s enlightening, or at least entertaining, just to know… What the crazy filmmakers were thinking?”

Kazee is responsible for booking films at Proctors and identifying the special guests for the podcast helping to ensure engaging episodes that blend scholarly insight with accessible storytelling.

Reel Ones latest episode takes a comprehensive deep dive into “Shaft” as Jenelle Troxell sits down with acclaimed film historian and author Josiah Howard (“Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide”). They explore how the success of a low-budget comedy, “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” opened Hollywood’s eyes to the power of Black audiences and paved the way for a cinematic revolution.

A look back at summer episodes:

• “High Sierra” with Samm Deighan (Aug. 18): Film historian and Criterion contributor Samm Deighan leads an in-depth breakdown of Raoul Walsh’s “High Sierra” (1941). Topics include Humphrey Bogart’s breakthrough role, the evolution toward film noir, the Hays Code, and how the film bridges gangster cinema with emerging noir strands.
• Flying Heroes of Taiwan (July 20): New York Times bestselling author and New York Asian Film Festival co-founder Grady Hendrix delves into Taiwanese wuxia and martial arts films. The episode explores mythic storytelling, the influence of King Hu (“A Touch of Zen,” “Dragon Inn”), and the rich evolution of fight choreography in Taiwanese cinema.
• “Repo Man” (July 3): Guest Peter Hughes examines “Repo Man” (1984) as a punk-era cult classic, unpacking its anti-establishment ethos, its stripped-down aesthetic, and how producer Michael Nesmith of The Monkees brought a “punk attitude” to movie production, with similarities to literary icons Douglas Adams and Kurt Vonnegut.
• “Return of the Living Dead” (June 26): Featuring Matt Blazi from the George A. Romero Foundation, this episode celebrates the 40th anniversary of “Return of the Living Dead,” analyzing its role in zombie pop culture and its enduring influence on horror-comedy cinema.
• Brian De Palma’s “Blow Out” (June 1): Hosts Kyle Avery and Kyle Kleege dissect the neo-noir thriller “Blow Out” (1981). They explore its commentary on institutional apathy, its masterful use of sound, and how it mirrors, or distorts, the conventions of conspiracy thrillers in modern times.

Coming up, Reel One explores “Warriors” with Michael Gingold and Chris Poggiali (authors of “Armies of the Night”).

Make sure to subscribe and never miss deep dives into cinematic history and cult classics.