40 // Happy Birthday: Celebrating Blade Runner 2049

Patrick, Dan and Jaime convene to celebrate the first year of Blade Runner 2049. From their memories of that first screening, and what the film means, to its complete embrace by fandom, the team at Shoulder of Orion raises its glass to what can be only be described as a miracle: Blade Runner 2049, released October 6th, 2017.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

93 // Where Do You Go After Alien? (40 Miles of Bad Road: Part 1)

In this first of a series, Patrick and JM sit down to discuss where the Alien series could possibly go after the surprise success that was Ridley Scott's first entry into the franchise, Alien. Join us for an enjoyable reset of Perfect Organism: The Alien Saga Podcast as we embark on a ten-part (or more) series investigating Aliens, a film that's become the litmus test for every science fiction film since its release in 1986.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay


39 // I Think, Sebastian, Therefore I Am: A Conversation on Philosophy and Blade Runner: Part Two

In the second of two episodes, JM and Dan sit down with Dr. Timothy Shanahan, Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University. This episode is the conclusion of an in-depth and gratifying discussion which covers philosophy and Blade Runner 2049. Enjoy.

Here is a link to the book, also available on Amazon etc:
https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9781137412287

For more info on Timothy Shanahan and his other writings:
http://faculty.lmu.edu/timothyshanahan/

The Pacific Standard interview on Blade Runner 2049:
https://psmag.com/news/meaning-of-life-blade-runner-2049

Like Stories of Old: In Search of the Distinctively Human
https://youtu.be/O4etinsAy34

Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", explained
https://youtu.be/SWlUKJIMge4

Tunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

92 // Fandom Spotlight: Aaron Percival of Alien vs. Predator Galaxy

JM sits down with Aaron Percival, site runner of Alien vs Predator Galaxy to discuss his roots within fandom, how he got started, and the current state of fandom. Aaron is a pillar in the community, responsible in part for the creation and promotion of Perfect Organism Podcast, and one of the most genuine, kind and selfless people active in fan communities today. Enjoy the conversation. 

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

38 // I Think, Sebastian, Therefore I Am: A Conversation on Philosophy and Blade Runner (Part One)

In the first of two episodes, JM and Dan sit down with Dr. Timothy Shanahan, Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University. From Descartes to Deckard, Nietzsche to Batty, the discussion explores Tim's book Philosophy and Blade Runner as together they shed old light on new problems and new light on old problems.

Here is a link to the book, also available on Amazon etc:
https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9781137412287

For more info on Timothy Shanahan and his other writings:
https://bellarmine.lmu.edu/irishstudies/faculty/?expert=timothy.shanahan

The Pacific Standard interview on Blade Runner 2049:
https://psmag.com/news/meaning-of-life-blade-runner-2049

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

91 // Dark Silver: The Shoot (Reengaging Resurrection: Part 4)

The set is lit, the cameras are rolling, and we are ready to dive into part four of our ongoing miniseries on Alien Resurrection. In this episode, Hosts JM and Patrick are joined by Contributing Host Mike and Special Contributor Clara (MUTHUR9000). Join us as we dive into the complicated story behind the on-set production of this crazy film.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

37 // Uncharted Territory

In another exclusive interview, Dan sits down with Territory Studio Creative Lead Peter Eszenyi, who created the screen effects for some of the most memorable scenes in Blade Runner 2049. From the spinner displays, to the Denabase, to the beautiful bone scan sequence in the morgue, Peter gets into great detail on the direction his team received from Denis Villeneuve himself and how they were able to incorporate abstract concepts into beautiful, iconic screens that the actors could interact with on set during filming. Join us in another deep dive into the beautiful visuals of the film and the artists behind them.

For screenshots and videos from Territory's work in 2049, visit:
http://territorystudio.com/projects/blade-runner-2049/

Peter's portfolio and other works: http://petereszenyi.com

More info on Territory's work on 2049: www.engadget.com/2017/10/20/designing-the-technology-of-blade-runner-2049/

MAXON's Cinema 4D press release: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171206005964/en/MAXON-Cinema-4D-Powers-Territory-Studio-Workflow

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

90 // Fandom Spotlight: A Harbinger Down: An Interview with StudioADI's Christopher Moonlight

Welcome to Fandom Spotlight, a series that has us talking with several notable players in the Alien fan universe. It was JM's pleasure and honor to speak with Christopher 'Moonlight' Cooksey, a regular of StudioADI, filmmaker, writer, and fanboy. Christopher is promoting his new book Harbinger Down: A Pictorial Journey Through the Production of A Practical Effects Film. There's a giveaway of a signed Blu-ray of Harbinger Down, so listen all the way through!

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

36 // The Best One: Luv

If there’s one character who crystalizes the beautiful ambivalence that defines Blade Runner 2049, it’s Luv. In this sprawling roundtable, DanPatrickMicah, and returning guest Dr. Robin Bunce dive headfirst into the mysteries surrounding this fascinating character. Stay tuned at the end for some insightful guest commentary from Iain Souter

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

35 // Shoulder of Orion: A One Year Anniversary

We have come upon the one year anniversary of Shoulder of Orion: The Blade Runner Podcast. What a year it's been. In this mini episode Jaime, Patrick, and Dan discuss their first year, and how incredible the journey has been so far.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

89 // Scripting the Resurrection (Reengaging Resurrection: Part 3)

In part three of our Reengaging Resurrection series, JMPatrick, and special guest Conar Murdoch discuss the scripting stages of Alien Resurrection, while outlining three key scenes and how they went from script to screen.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

34 // A Future Noir: Interviewing Author and Film Historian Paul M. Sammon (Part Two)

This is the second part of a two-part series with film historian Paul M. Sammon to discuss his life and his history with Blade Runner. Along the way, Dan and Jaime continue the discussion of the newly released edition of his legendary book: Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

88 // Development (Reengaging Resurrection: Part 2)

Our ongoing miniseries investigation into Alien: Resurrection continues with this spirited discussion on the origins of the film. JMPatrick, and Mike (our new recruit!) explore the complicated early stages of Resurrection's development, using firsthand accounts and script excerpts to uncover what was really going on behind the scenes.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

33 // A Future Noir: Interviewing Author and Film Historian Paul M. Sammon

On this episode of Shoulder of Orion, Jaime and Dan sit down with film historian Paul M. Sammon to discuss his life and his storied history with Blade Runner. Along the way, they also discuss the newly released edition of his legendary book: Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

87 // A Deep Dive into Alien: The Cold Forge

Alex White's Alien: The Cold Forge sent shockwaves through fandom when it hit shelves last spring. In this roundtable conversation, PatrickClara, and David go deep into the terrifying halls of RB-232 to talk storytelling, xenomorphology, transhumanism, and much more. 

This episode contains spoilers; if you haven't read Alien: The Cold Forge yet, be sure to pick it up and finish it at least once before listening.

For more on White and his work, be sure to sign up for his newsletter at http://www.alexrwhite.com/. And be sure not to miss Clara's extensive blog posts on Plagiarus praepotens and Manumala noxhydria.

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

32 // Finding Deckard

It's no accident that it has taken the Blade Runner podcast nearly a year to release a Deckard episode: he's one of the most complex, nuanced characters in a saga full of complexity and nuance, and he's surprisingly hard to talk about. In this deeply personal episode, JMDan, and Patrick take the conversation far beyond the typical is-he-or-isn't-he-a-replicant argument and discuss the full arc of this complicated character, from his roots in Philip K. Dick's novel to the sublime moment in 2049 when he meets his child for the first time.

We also look to our social media group (Fields of Calantha) for inspiration, sharing some personal reflections on Deckard from listeners.

It might've taken us a year to get to this moment, but we feel like the resultant conversation was worth it. We brought our all to this one. 

We hope you enjoy it.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

31 // Joi: Everything You Want to Hear

Joi, as played by Ana de Armas, continues to be one of the most discussed characters from Blade Runner 2049. In our ongoing conversations, Shoulder of Orion hosts: DanPatrickJM, and contributing host Micah invite Dr. Robin Bunce back on to speak on Joi's role in 2049 and her humanity (or lack thereof) within the story. Rounding out the symposium panel is special guest Barbara Schmuker, a first-time guest on the show, and yet another important voice in the fandom. Please join us for this exciting/long-awaited/often requested episode.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay

85 // Interview with Odd Studio (Yutani Collab)

In this special collaborative interview with Yutani Podcast, JM and Clara talk to Adam Johansen and Damian Martin of the prolific effects house Odd Studio. Odd Studio (along with Creatures Inc) provided many of the astonishing makeup, creature, and prosthetic effects in Alien: Covenant.

In this far-ranging interview, Adam and Damian give us a glimpse into the innermost workings of the Covenant production, and answer some of fandom's burning questions along the way. You won't want to miss it!

iTunes: bit.ly/perfectorganismitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/perfectorganismgoogleplay

30 // Building the Spinner: An Interview With Peter Tindall

We recently delved into the history and design of the iconic Spinner on our first-ever Tech Spotlight (see episode 26); now, with this exclusive interview, we're taking things even deeper. JM recently had the opportunity to chat with Peter Tindall—one of the artists responsible for bringing the Spinners of 2049 to life.

iTunes: bit.ly/shoulderoforionitunes // Google Play: bit.ly/shoulderoforiongoogleplay