Cinema Australia Podcast #98 | Danny & Michael Philippou

Danny & Michael Philippou on the set of Talk to Me.

In this episode of the Cinema Australia Podcast, I’m joined by the frighteningly talented filmmaking duo, twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, to discuss their film Talk to Me.

The movie is already making waves around the world ahead of its official Australian release, and has caught the attention of filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Steven Spielberg, as well as author Stephen King.

Talk to Me follows a group of friends who discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. They become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and opens the door to the spirit world, forcing them to choose who to trust: the dead or the living.

Danny and Michael Philippou, who some of our listeners will know better as YouTube sensations RACKARACKA, are online purveyors of comic horror and action. Their Youtube videos have been watched over 1.5 billion times and amassed over 6.6 million subscribers.

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In 2015 their channel was awarded Best International YouTube Channel at the 6th Streamy Awards. Named one of Variety’s 2016 Fame Changers and ranked 5th on Financial Review’s Cultural Power List, the brothers have won numerous awards, including Best Overall at the Online Video Awards and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for the Best Web Show.

Talk To Me is their debut feature film. I’m sure a lot of you will find that hard to believe once you see it, such it the world-class quality of the film.

In this interview Danny and Michael discuss their horror inspirations, signing a deal with American mega-distributors A24, the disturbing real life event which lead to the themes explored in the film, and more.

This interview was recorded from a hotel room as part of the press tour for the film. The energy that these two have is infectious and it’s difficult not to get caught up in their enthusiasm.

Now that the Barbenheimer hype is over, go and support a local film this weekend and see Talk to Me from Thursday, 27 July. You’ll love it.

Anyway… enjoy.