In episode 31, Johnny talks to New Zealand director Michael Duignan.

Michael’s debut feature - The Paragon - premiered last year at the New Zealand International Film Festival, and blew audiences away.

Made for a budget of just $25,000 NZD - the dictionary definition of making something ‘off the smell of an oily rag’ - The Paragon is a sci-fi-comedy that punches well above its weight. You can see the film in theatres in five American cities - L.A., New York, Austin, Chicago and Portland - from the 6th of September 2024, or online from Music Box films, and AroVision in New Zealand.

Not surprisingly Johnny and Michael's talk covers the trials and tribulations of making a low-budget psychedelic fantasy film in New Zealand, they discuss the work of Michael Mann - always a favourite subject - and his lasting impact on cinema, and they take a spoiler-filled look at the latest Alien film, Alien Romulus.

This conversation was recorded face to face in late August of 2024. We recorded in the garden of Michael’s house - AKA the Paragon house - and so there’s a lovely soundtrack of birds, ducks and the occasional car driving past.

Thanks to James Van As who wrote and performed the brilliant podcast music (check out James' ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Loco Looper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ game) and to Willow Van As who designed the amazing artwork and provided general podcast support.

You can contact My Movie DNA on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @mymovieDNA or email [email protected].