Ep 8. Ivan Reitman

In this episode of Kevin Pollak's Chat Show, Pollak sits down with legendary filmmaker Ivan Reitman. Reitman is a prolific director, producer, and writer, best known for his work on classics like Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Animal House.

Pollak and Reitman cover a lot of ground during their conversation. They start by discussing Reitman's early career, including his time as a producer of low-budget horror films in Canada. Reitman talks about what drew him to the horror genre, and how he built up his reputation around Toronto as a filmmaker.

From there, the discussion turns to Reitman's work on Meatballs, his breakout hit. Reitman shares some fascinating stories about the making of the film, including how he cast Bill Murray and what it was like filming at a summer camp in Canada. Pollak and Reitman also discuss the film's lasting legacy and how it changed the landscape for comedies in the 80s.

The conversation then moves on to some of Reitman's other iconic films, such as Stripes and Ghostbusters. Reitman talks about the casting process for those movies, including what he saw in the young Bill Murray and how he convinced comedy legends like Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd to sign on.

Pollak and Reitman also discuss the challenges of making a successful sequel, specifically in the context of Ghostbusters II. Reitman talks about what he learned from the experience and how he approached the development of the film.

Throughout the episode, Reitman shares anecdotes and insights into his career as a filmmaker. He talks openly about his successes and failures, and offers advice for aspiring filmmakers. Pollak, for his part, is an engaging and knowledgeable interviewer who clearly has a deep appreciation for Reitman's work.

In addition to discussing Reitman's films, Pollak and Reitman touch on other topics as well. They talk about the role of humor in difficult times, and Reitman shares his thoughts on how comedy can help people cope with tragedy. They also discuss the importance of representation in Hollywood and how Reitman has tried to make his films more diverse over the years.

Overall, this is a fascinating and insightful episode of Kevin Pollak's Chat Show. Ivan Reitman is a great guest who offers a wealth of knowledge and experience about the film industry, and Pollak is a skilled interviewer who knows how to get the best out of his subjects. Fans of Reitman's films will enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes stories and insights, while aspiring filmmakers will appreciate his candid advice and perspective.