Milestone of 500+ Consecutive Weekly Episodes
(photo provided)
As of today, Stephen ‘Spling’ Aspeling has been resident movie critic and presenter of Talking Movies at Fine Music Radio for 10 years running since 10 May 2013, having broadcast over 500 consecutive episodes of the weekly film review programme without fail. A much-loved film radio feature, which regular listeners have described as “erudite”, “succinct” as well as “fresh and spontaneous”, it’s been an on-going passion project for Spling.
Being one of the only dedicated movie review radio programmes in South Africa, Spling says it has been his “mission to enrich the understanding of cinema and expand his audience’s love for the art form”. Aiming to establish a conversational tone to keep his reviews accessible and relatable without downplaying the writing, Spling adds that he’s “tried to keep listeners informed, entertained and inspired”.
The 10-year anniversary and 500+ consecutive weekly episodes milestone is a significant achievement, having not missed a single week’s broadcast on arts and culture hub, Fine Music Radio. Described as a “national treasure”, “our generation’s Barry Ronge” and “South Africa’s answer to Roger Ebert”, Spling realises he has a responsibility not only to his readers and listeners, but to empowering the local film industry.
Having commemorated 500 episodes of Talking Movies by making a donation of just as many DVDs to TEARS animal welfare charity, Spling crafted a special show to countdown his top 10 favourite movies of all-time: Monty Python & The Holy Grail, Sunset Blvd., Chinatown, Excalibur, As It Is In Heaven, Into the Wild, The Intouchables, Departures, Army of Darkness and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Whether listening for his way with words, to hear his unique insights, to pick up movie conversation points or waiting for him to finally rate something 10/10, Spling has heard many reasons why listeners tune into Talking Movies over the years. Having met numerous listeners over the years, it’s amusing to hear how some expected him to be older, taller and even blonde.
Opening with “Welcome to Talking Movies, I’m Spling”… and signing off with his catchphrase “…and remember, don’t wing it, SPL!NG it!”, Talking Movies has remained virtually unchanged in its three review format. Aspeling realises that after a decade, it may be time to give the time-honoured Talking Movies show a refresh. So, he’s going to be introducing new types of Talking Movies shows in the coming weeks and months.
A significant milestone achievement on his bucket list, Spling has also recently crossed off another item having published a book called ‘The Essence of Dreams: An Anthology of Film Reviews’. While Spling is known for Talking Movies, he’s not just talking or writing about films, streaming or on circuit, but helping them reach their full potential through his script consultancy, reviewmyscript.com
So, whether you’re hearing about Spling for the first time or have caught every one of his Talking Movies episodes from the get-go, it’s “a big thank you to everyone” that’s made it possible, from the film critic.
About Stephen ‘Spling’ Aspeling
Stephen Aspeling, better known as “Spling” has been a movie critic since 2007, having simultaneously launched his company Spling Movies CC and the brand SPL!NG. Now a trusted independent South African movie authority, Spling’s turned a lifelong passion into a full-time pursuit: reviewing, writing, presenting, promoting, evaluating and adjudicating film for a host of websites, radio stations, magazines, newspapers, TV shows, festivals and events over the years. www.splingmovies.com
About Fine Music Radio
Fine Music Radio is Africa’s only Classical and Jazz FM radio station, based at the Artscape Theatre Complex and committed to delivering accessible and entertaining programming for everyone, as well as the best possible listening experience for classical and jazz music loving audiences. A community radio station, you can listen to Fine Music Radio on 101.3FM, via online streaming at fmr.co.za, DStv Audio Channel 838 or the FMR app. www.fmr.co.za
