Hello, Alex!
I'm new-ish to the TMA universe, so I apologize if you've answered this one twenty times already.
I was recently re-listening to Ep. 118 The Masquerade, and I wondered if you would talk a bit about how you approach directing scenes in which you're also performing, especially really visceral ones like the one between Elias and Martin?
Thank you!
It’s quite annoying really. it’s easier these days since I have more help so producers and editors can call me up on stuff. Mostly it was just a case of going by feel. If it felt wrong then I need to figure out if it was me or someone else and go from there. Truthfully though I never really developed a system beyond “really pay attention” which isn’t great advice really.
Who do you think would win in a fight between The Boneturner and Mr bonzo?
Why on earth would they fight? That’s the steamiest romance of 2025.
Hey Alex this is random but have you watched good omens
Yes. Read the book years ago then have watched the series with interest.
Truth be told I think the TV series actually has a more satisfying narrative arc. Season 2 was especially enjoyable, which is damn hard by the way, getting second season at all is an achievement, making one that actually is arguably better than the first is nigh on impossible. Kudos to the team working on it!
Sidebar: I have been told there is a super obscure Magnus Easter Egg in there somewhere in the visual design but I didn’t catch it while watching.
Is there ever a possibility for your/rusty quill’s work to be adapted into different mediums, or is it a hard “no, we won’t be doing this”?
I mean sure there is a possibility but it’s much harder than you think and ultimately isn’t really up to me. When adapting to a new medium it’s on the people already in that medium to open the door for you. It’s nigh impossible to do without someone giving you a helping hand. We’ll keep trying though because we think it would be cool but I wouldn’t hold your breath or anything.
Which TMA avatar do you think you could beat in a fight and which one would you never under no circumstances want to ever fight
I reckon I can take Callum Brodie as he appeared in Archives. (If he grew up though I am screwed!). (Also I am aware that beating up a child isn’t great PR but since you asked.)
I would never want to fight any of them though. That’s sort of the point.
How was it that in a podcast with some of the grossest sound effects I've ever had the pleasure of listening to, the sound of kissing was where you and Johnny drew the line? It's just funny to me xD
Because kissing is gross.
Well I mean, all human processes are gross but kissing… blerg.
Jokes aside, it’s hard to explain. I guess it is worse hearing something that is meant to sound nice and isn’t than something that was meant to sound bad from the start.
Certainly enough listeners agreed that I think I am onto something here, not sure yet.
hey alex! i love love tma and tmp so, so, so much!!!!!!!!!!
i just wondered if you could settle a debate for me? see, my friend, a relatively small person who refuses to exercise or sleep thinks they can thrash peter lukas in a fistfight while he has powers. can you please tell them they can't?
I dare not, lest your short and punchy friend correct me with a pugilistic retort!
I know you probably can’t answer because of spoilers, but is there any chance you could confirm we don’t hear any harm done to children in Protocol? Jack’s introduction has set me a bit on edge, things happening to kids is a huge trigger for me.
Happy to answer this one. We are following the same rules as Archives, if you are introduced to an animal or child as a character, (basically if they are named) they will be all right in the end. They may encounter peril but will not be harmed. (see ep 19 as an example).
Have you ever given any thought to the “what does John collect in his free time” question? I’ve heard chess pieces, stamps, etc., but I was wondering if you had any silly interjections on this topic.
Barbie dolls, perhaps?
John collects scars.
The two fears everyone is born with are fear of falling (Vast) and fear of loud noises, which fear/fears do you think it goes under?
I wonder if it is the dark since ultimately the fear is that of the unknown because everything is unknown at that age.
Hi Alex, which Magnus characters do you think would thrive in Night Vale?
Most of them really. It’s a pretty wholesome place to live as long as you don’t go near the dog park.
Hi Alex!
So I run these ghost story periods at the summer camp I work at. Last time I read Do Not Open (with a few tweaks because kids) and the cabin was not impressed (no taste ig). What statement would you reccomend for 10-13 year olds for ghost stories?
Yeah not surprised Do Not Open didn’t work. That one is a subversion of the payoff people have come to expect from horror. At 10-13 I think you are still interested in a standard payoff.
My guess is you’ll want something a bit more more direct, more visceral with a stronger sting in the end that doesn’t require context.
Maybe something from S5 Mag?
Which fear would you recommend licking?
The Extinction. I think we need to get that licked as soon as possible.