Last to Leave

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they dive into the visual storytelling of makeup—or the intentional absence of it. Today, they’re joined by Sharon Tabb, the Makeup Department Head behind The Lowdown. Together, they explore the power of collaboration and how Sharon works closely with directors, actors, and fellow artists to create distinct, lived-in looks for each character, from purposeful eyeliner choices to the smallest details you might not notice.

Sharon also breaks down the art (and science) of creating realistic bruising, particularly for Ethan Hawke’s character, who takes more than a...

Join your hosts, Heather and Zoey, as they dive into the world of documentaries with filmmaker and creator Elly Schmidt-Hopper. We first connected with Elly on TikTok after seeing her video about the current state of documentary filmmaking—and just how difficult it is to secure distribution, let alone funding.

From there, we dig into some of our favorite docs, ranging from No Other Land (2024) and The Gleaners and I (2000) to Roadrunner (2021), Beauty Is Embarrassing (2012), and more. Talking with Elly was a reminder of how special it is to connect with creatives who care this deeply... the wh...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they take an exclusive look at the queer indie film, Clocked, with the help of the Writer & Director, Noah Salzman.

Clocked tells the story of Adolpho, a boxer in Miami who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads them to reckoning with their trans identity and finding acceptance in the drag community. Noah describes this film as a look at a character who is in between families, misunderstood by their blood relations and on the precipice of finding a new family in the queer community. In this...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they dive into the visual poetry of A24’s Opus. Cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw takes us behind the lens — from capturing shots in the freezing cold to crafting color stories that speak louder than dialogue. He opens up about the artistry behind Opus and how his journey from growing up in Boston to shaping cinematic worlds continues to fuel his creative fire.

You can keep up with Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on his instagram @themaddoxdp

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee on Instagram and @Lee_FinalVer on T...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they get the inside scoop on the making of the sci-fi thriller Companion (2025) and the intricacies of the work of the film's First Assistant Director, Siena Brown. In this episode, Zoey & Heather try not to fangirl too hard while Siena recounts her philosophy on running a successful set, collaborating with the director & crew, and pivoting when the plan inevitably goes sideways. 

You can keep up with Siena Brown on her instagram @siena.browntown

At the top of the episode, Zoey & Heather discuss the ICE raids in t...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they step into the world of production management with Joanna Osborn as their guide. With years of experience balancing the demands of high-level productions and the realities of motherhood, Joanna has become both a steady hand on set and a passionate advocate for working moms in the UK film industry. In this episode, Zoey & Heather learn all about Joanna’s time managing the intricate moving parts of Black Doves while also championing systemic change to make production more accessible for parents in film.

You can keep up with Jo...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they embark on a sonic journey through the land of Music Supervision with Jillian Ennis as their guide. With an early love for pairing stories & meaningful music, Jillian was destined for a career in the music side of filmmaking and brings a reverence & thoughtfulness to each project. In this episode, Zoey & Heather learn all about Jillian's collaboration with Anna Kendrick on Woman of the Hour & Ti West on MaXXXine in order to procure the perfect soundtracks for both films. 

You can keep up with Jillian Ennis on instagram a...

Join hosts Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson as they explore the art of still photography on set with their guest, Elise Lockwood. From her early days as a ballerina to capturing cinematic moments behind the lens, Elise brings a unique eye, boundless enthusiasm, and genuine care to every project she touches.

You can follow Elise on Instagram here: @eliselockwoodphoto

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee on Instagram and @Lee_FinalVer on Twitter) for our amazing Logo, M.L. Abbott for our theme song and Cody Schlabaugh for our cover...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they dive into the world of location management with Julian Bivol as their guide! From his early days as a Location Marshall on Wonderwoman to his more recent work as an Assistant Location Manager on the third season of Heartstopper, Julian approaches each set with kindness, curiosity, and gratitude. With 10+ years in the locations department, Julian's career has been the very definition of those last to leave set. 

You can follow Julian Bivol on Instagram @julianbivol!

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee o...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they step inside the heart of Sing Sing, a quietly radical, deeply human film starring Colman Domingo and a cast of formerly incarcerated men telling their own story. In Part Two of our two-part Sing Sing special, we’re joined by Second Assistant Director, Taylor Harris-Butler (@taylorharbu), who leads us through the 15,000 steps she took on set each day. 

With charm and good humor, Taylor has perfected the art of rushing people to ensure that the production moves smoothly. From her owning the mistakes she's mad...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they step inside the heart of Sing Sing, a quietly radical, deeply human film starring Colman Domingo and a cast of formerly incarcerated men telling their own story. In Part One of our two-part Sing Sing special, we’re joined by costume designer Desira Pesta (@desirapesta), who helps us unpack the film’s layered beauty, one look at a time.

From sourcing prison uniforms to designing theatrical dreamscapes, Desira reveals how she built a wardrobe rooted in truth, care, and collaboration. We talk about...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they fall headfirst into the distorted dreamlands of Osgood Perkins' films, Longlegs & The Monkey. In this episode, Zoey and Heather are guided by the co-editors of both movies, Greg Ng & Graham Fortin, on a journey to the heart of these twisted and oh so creative horror films. Whether you're a horror fanatic or just love to get into the weeds on building a sequence, this interview is definitely a gift from the church!

You can follow Greg at @greg_ng_editor & Graham at @grahamfo on Instagram!

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they dive headfirst into the lush, chaotic, and achingly beautiful world of The Buccaneers—a show that stuns on every level, from its sweeping score to its corset-clad costumes and sun-drenched cinematography. And who better to lead the way than the sonic sorceresses behind the music? Composers Anna Phoebe and Aisling Brouwer—also known as the dream duo AVAWAVES—stop by to talk about building the show’s romantic, rebellious sound from the ground up.

We unpack the musical DNA of the series’ Gilded Age-meets-modern vibe, how they threa...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they sit down with David Schlesinger (Set Decorator) and Jeanelle Marie (Assistant Set Decorator) to explore the worlds they helped build in the second season of Apple TV's hit show, Severance.

In this episode, Zoey and Heather get a peek behind the curtain at the triumphs and challenges of the set decoration department while creating the look of Lumon's testing floor, the Eagan mansion, and one very tricky vending machine. 

Yes, there are spoilers for Season 2 so be warned!

A...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they sit down with Sam Strauss (writer, creator, and showrunner) and Sylvia Warmer (post production supervisor) to dive into the making of Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar — the sharp, satirical series inspired by the wild true story of Belle Gibson.

In this episode, Zoey and Heather get the inside scoop on how the show was developed from concept to screen and the writing process behind it, building a full-fledged social media bible, and why media literacy matters now more than ever. It’s a juic...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Philip Messina about his vision for creating the physical manifestation of Mr. Reed's darkest thoughts as the Production Designer on Heretic.

In this episode, Zoey and Heather learn all about Philip's dedication to championing a good story throughout his career on films like Erin Brockovich, Ocean's 11, The Hunger Games Franchise, Mother!, and of course, his first foray into horror - Heretic. 

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee on Instagram and @Lee_FinalVer on Twitter) for our amazing Logo, M.L...

Welcome back for Season FOUR, film nerds!
If you’ve been with us since the beginning, thank you — we appreciate you SO much. And if you’re new here, welcome! We’re so happy to have you. This is a safe space for film lovers of all kinds.

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson, as they kick off the season with a conversation with Bianca Butti (website, IMDB), the A Camera Operator behind the iconic visuals of Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.

In this episode, Zoey and Heather dive into what it re...

Join hosts Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson as they sit down with cinematographer Andrea Gavazzi to discuss his work on the Oscar-nominated short film A Lein!

A Lein pulls you into the high-stakes intensity of a green card interview—one that could change three lives forever. Directed by critically acclaimed filmmakers Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz, this award-winning short is both a love story and a powerful commentary on a system built to divide rather than unite.

In this episode, Zoey and Heather dive into the art of shooting a short film, the challenges and triumphs of...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they reminisce about all of the incredible popcorn buckets that came into their lives this past year... oh and all of the films too! That's right! It's time for an end of the year yap session about the movies that hit for Zoey & Heather in 2024.

Films Discussed: Dune: Part Two, The Watchers, Challengers, Inside Out 2, Woman of the Hour, The Outrun, Trap, Longlegs, Civil War, Anora, Late Night with the Devil, A Real Pain, Wicked, The Substance, Sing Sing, and I Saw The TV Glow
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Join hosts Heather Elaine Abbott and Zoey Danielson as they explore the chilling depths of ghostly cinema in this special bonus episode of Last to Leave. From the terrifying reflections of Oculus (2013) to the submerged horrors of The Deep House (2021), these films have left a haunting mark. Dive in as Zoey and Heather share spine-tingling encounters, insights into the 'King of Ghosts' Mike Flanagan, and essential survival tips for facing the paranormal. Dare to listen... if you can handle the chills! 

These films are scary and deal with some heavy s...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Gabriella A. Moses, the director, and Cecilia Delgado, the editor, all about their new indie drama/coming of age film, Boca Chica! In this episode, Zoey & Heather dive into the world of international independent filmmaking and learn all about the process of bringing this beautiful film to life.

Filmed in the Dominican Republic and championed by a powerhouse team of female filmmakers, Boca Chica follows Desi, a 12 year old girl who spends her days dreaming on the beaches of her hometown of becoming a famous...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with James Philpott about his work as the Production Designer on Death and Other Details! 

In this episode, Zoey and Heather explore the intricacies of bringing a luxury cruise ship to life, delve into the essence of Art Deco, and discuss how to dream like a Production Designer.

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee on Instagram and @Lee_FinalVer on Twitter) for our amazing Logo, M.L. Abbott for our theme song and Cody Schlabaugh for our cover photo (website).
Duration: 00:50:28

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Leah Katznelson about her work as the Costume Designer on the newest LTL Pick for Favorite Christmas Movie, Genie! A Christmas movie in July, you ask? That's right! We are bringing a bit of holiday cheer to this hot summer. 

In this episode, Zoey & Heather dive into Leah's inspiration and process for creating the incredible looks worn by Melissa McCarthy's Genie while bonding over their shared predisposition towards curiosity. 

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee on Instagram and @Le...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Katherine Jakeways about her work as the Creator, Executive Producer and Writer of The Buccaneers! In this episode, Zoey and Heather dive into the powerful and beautiful world of The Buccaneers and why it was important to include queer characters, the epic all-female soundtrack and we finally end the debate on whether Zoey is Team 'Gan' or Team 'Than'. 

You can keep up with Katherine on Twitter (@katherinejake) and IMDB and keep an eye out for The Buccaneers Season 2! 

A bi...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Deven Macnair about her work as the Stunt Coordinator on the LTL Certified Romp, Bottoms! In this episode, Zoey & Heather learn what it takes to move up in the world of stunts and get the tea about the making of the iconic fight sequences that we all love! Heather & Zoey would also like everyone to know that we need more Lesbian Romps and if no one is gonna make 'em, they sure will! Happy Pride, Babes!

Content Warning: Brief References to SA
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Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Jason Oldak about his work as the Director of Photography on episodes 3, 4, 7 and 8 of Lessons in Chemistry! In this episode, Zoey and Heather dive into the world of cinematography through Jason’s process of conceptualizing the show's unique aesthetic while working with a Co-DP! They also get the tea about what it takes to craft the most magical set gifts.

You can keep up with Jason on his instagram @jasonoldak or his website: jasonoldak.com

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.le...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Thibault Deboaisne about his work as the Music Supervisor on Anatomy of a Fall! In this episode, Zoey & Heather dig into the effective use of diegetic music to score the film and uncover the true killer of Samuel.... Just kidding! However, Thibault does reveal the original song that was intended for the opening scene before they landed on P.I.M.P.

Content Warning: Brief mentions of suicide in reference to the plot of Anatomy of a Fall

A big thank...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Michael Lukk Litwak & Joanna Naugle all about their new indie sci-fi rom-com feature, Molli And Max In The Future! In this episode, Zoey & Heather absolutely gush about their adoration for this delightful comedy with so much heart. As the Writer/Director/Producer on the film, Michael provides a delightful peek into the world of miniatures, visual effects, and grit that brought the film together. Returning to the show for her second time, Joanna offers eloquent insight into her approach to editing the film. 

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they reminisce about what a great year it has been for CINEMA! In this episode, Zoey & Heather chat through their favorite films of the year from honorable mentions to top fives and get just a tad giddy about how much they love movies.

CW: Brief Mention of CSA in regards to May December (2023)

Films Discussed: You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Mutant Mayhem, Barbie, No Hard Feelings, Scream VI, Bottoms, Oppenheimer, Saltburn, Eileen, May December, Beau is...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Elise Brown about her work as a Writer on the iconic show Yellowjackets! In this episode, Zoey & Heather get INTO all things writers room, rituals to get into your flow and how connections are everything... Except maybe when it comes to living in a cannibalistic wilderness with your teammates.

We also talk more about how nothing is wasted, an official Last to Leave motto!

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.lee on Instagram and @Lee_FinalVer on Twitter) for our amazing...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Joanna Naugle about her work as an Editor on The Bear! In this episode, Zoey & Heather dive deep into the editing bay with Joanna to learn all about how the iconic style of The Bear is created and how she conquers her fear of a blank sequence. They also uncover how one of the Star Wars sequels inspired the second season of Carmy Berzatto's journey.

You can keep up with Joanna's work on her website!

Also, how could we forget? Happy Thanksgiving, Film...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Aaron McLisky about his work as the Cinematographer on LTL Certified Favorite, Talk to Me (2023). In this episode, Zoey & Heather learn all about the fast-paced, collaborative process that was integral to creating this phenomenal film. Happy Halloween, Film Nerds!

Content Warning: Horror Imagery, Discussions of Addiction, Discussions of Suicide

You can keep up with Aaron's work on his Instagram at @aaronmclisky!

A big thank you to Lee Walls (@Unapologetical.l...

Join your hosts, Heather Elaine Abbott & Zoey Danielson, as they chat with Luci Leary about her time as the Property Master on the iconic film, and Last to Leave favorite, The Menu. In this Episode, Zoey & Heather learn what it takes to print a photo on a tortilla, the fine line between Set Decoration and Props and the magic of an Alfonso Gomez-Rejon set.


You can keep up with Luci's work on her IMDB.
*This was recorded months ago at the beginning of the Writers Strike and is why there...