The Black List Podcast

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The Black List founder Franklin Leonard talks movies with people who love them and people who make them. He and Black List Director of Community Kate Hagen speak with filmmakers, producers, and creators of all kinds, deep diving on movie watching rituals, sharing career highs, and revisiting highly regarded films from the Black List itself. Guests include: Spike Lee, Janelle Monae, Ed Helms, Lulu Wang, Jason Hehir, Rhada Blank, Bowen Yang, Katrina Longworth, Gabrielle Union, and many, many more.

Franklin Leonard | Luminary | Ninth Planet Audio


    • Apr 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 69 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Black List Podcast

    Canals Steven

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 45:13


    [Encore] Kate and Franklin sit down with Steven Canals, the brilliant mind behind Pose, to talk about growing up Afro-Latinx in the Boogie Down Bronx, why Cardi B is everything, and how a 2004 screening of Paris is Burning lit the spark that would eventually become one of TV's most groundbreaking shows. They dig into the complicated, beautiful realities of intersectional identity, the tough questions that came up in the Pose writers' room, and how Steven stayed true to his vision every step of the way. Plus, he drops some incredible answers to the Black List Pod questionnaire — including a wild (and amazing) mash-up of The Color Purple and Transformers.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Pose: fxnetworks.com/shows/pose+Paris is Burning: rottentomatoes.com/m/paris_is_burning+The Color Purple: rottentomatoes.com/m/color_purple+Terminator: rottentomatoes.com/m/terminator

    Ramy, Robin, Billy: Art, Identity, and Boundaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 52:19


    In a special Emmy-themed roundtable, Franklin and Kate welcome three powerhouse creators—Billy Porter (Pose), Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show), and Ramy Youssef (Ramy)—for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation recorded just ahead of the 72nd Annual Emmy Awards. This episode breaks the usual format to let the magic of the moment unfold. The trio dives into what it means to bring their full selves to the screen, the evolving responsibility of the artist, and the lessons they'd share with their younger selves. (As Billy memorably puts it: “A b*tch has to have boundaries!”)It's raw, real, and refreshingly honest—touching on identity, representation, and the complexity behind creating truly authentic work. As Kate says, “We just got out of the way and let it flow.” And flow it does.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Pose: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/pose +A Black Lady Sketch Show: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/a_black_lady_sketch_show +Ramy: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ramy 

    Adam Rippon Unplugged

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 45:14


    Olympic gold medalist. Figure skating icon. Self-proclaimed "dramatic monster." Adam Rippon joins Franklin and Kate for an unhinged and hilarious episode that covers everything from Molly Shannon obsession to curating the perfect skating soundtrack. The trio dives into Useless Celebrity History, shares pop culture hot takes, and gets wonderfully derailed during a chaotic movie quiz. Plus, Adam opens up about his first on-screen crush (spoiler: Zac Efron inHigh School Musical) and the very unexpected hobbies that moment inspired. This episode is pure gold — just like Adam's medal.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally released in 2020 To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Superstar: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/1093874_superstar

    Director Cathy Yan (Birds of Prey)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 38:13


    In this episode, Franklin and Kate sit down with visionary director Cathy Yan to discuss her dynamic approach to crafting action sequences in Birds of Prey. From blending practical effects with high-energy combat to her grounded take on VFX, Cathy shares how she brought Gotham's most stylish mayhem to life. The conversation also delves into her journey from journalist to filmmaker, revealing how her investigative mindset influences her storytelling. Plus, Cathy opens up about her views on the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, the evolution of DC films, and—just maybe—a little tease about a Birds of Prey sequel. This conversation from 2020 goes deep on all this filmmaking, and genre storytelling, plus the art of making an oddball, feminist superhero movie that breaks all the rules.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally published in 2020, behind a paywall. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Birds of Prey: www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/cathy_yan

    Filmmaker Radha Blank is the 40-Year-Old Version

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 52:03


    [Reprise] Franklin and Kate are joined by the incredible Radha Blank—director, playwright, rapper, and friend of The Black List. Her debut feature, The 40-Year-Old Version, premiered at Sundance and earned her the Directing Award, making an unforgettable mark on the industry. The film is a deeply personal and hilarious take on reinvention and artistic expression. Radha takes us through her journey—from playwriting and rapping to stepping behind the camera for her first feature. We also dive into her early cinephile roots, exploring the films that shaped her storytelling, from The Landlord to Cinema Paradiso. Plus, she shares the moment she realized film was her true calling, and how her mother's love of cinema influenced her creative path.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: The 40-Year-Old Version: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forty_year_old_version 

    Gloria Calderón Kellett and Tonya Saracho

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 52:34


    [Encore! ¡Otra!] Two powerhouse talents, one unforgettable episode. When The Black List teamed up with Hulu to launch the first-ever Latinx List, it was only natural for Franklin and Kate to sit down with two of the initiative's driving forces: Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time) and Tanya Saracho (Vida). In this classic conversation, the acclaimed showrunners discuss how their friendship fuels creativity, their commitment to uplifting the next generation of Latinx storytellers, and the impact of authentic representation in Hollywood.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This was recorded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Deadline, The Black List, Latin Tracking Board, NALIP, And Untitled Latinx Project Unveil Latinx TV List: https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-black-list-latin-tracking-board-nalip-remezcla-untitled-latinx-project-unveil-inaugural-latinx-tv-list-diversity-inclusion-representation-1202972696/ +One Day at a Time: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/one_day_at_a_time +Hollywood Reporter, ‘One Day at a Time,' ‘Star Trek' Sub for Returning Originals on CBS Fall Schedule: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/one-day-at-a-time-star-trek-sub-for-returning-originals-on-cbs-fall-schedule +Vida: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/vida +Variety, ‘Vida' Creator Tanya Saracho Signs Overall Deal With UCP: https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/vida-tanya-saracho-overall-deal-ucp-1234740022/ 

    Director Alice Wu Does Know the Half of It

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 61:44


    [Listen again]. Filmmaker Alice Wu joins Franklin and Kate to discuss her journey back into Hollywood as a queer Asian-American storyteller. She shares how Chinese-language films shaped her love of cinema, her time away from the industry, and the creative process behind The Half of It—a fresh take on the teen romantic triangle movie. From Saving Face, which was a huge hit at Sundance, to The Half of It landing on the Black List, Alice's path is as inspiring as her films. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally published in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Saving Face: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/saving_face +The Half of It: www.netflix.com/title/81005150

    Screenwriter/Director Chris Columbus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 43:55


    Gremlins, Goonies, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire—iconic films that few of us haven't seen. But how did they come to be? In this episode, Kate sits down with legendary filmmaker Chris Columbus to explore his journey from aspiring screenwriter to Hollywood heavyweight. Columbus shares how his college screenplay sold for just $5K, the professor who told him success was 50% talent, 50% luck, and the serendipitous moment when Steven Spielberg discovered his Gremlins script. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and collaborating with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell on The Christmas Chronicles 2.This conversation took place in, and was originally published, in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

    Jay Ellis on Directing, Acting, Spaceballs, and Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 41:25


    Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick, Insecure) joins Kate and Franklin for their signature movie survey, diving into the films that shaped him—from Spaceballs (his surprising answer for what made him fall in love with movies) to He Got Game and White Men Can't Jump. They also talk about his experience starring in Top Gun: Maverick, how fatherhood has changed his perspective, his Insecure directorial debut, and more. Plus, a deep dive into basketball movies and '90s sports film nostalgia.

    Ed Helms: Quiet Superstar, Comedic Legend

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 68:55


    Franklin and Kate sat down with comedy legend Ed Helms to explore his journey from Saturday Night Live-fueled interest in high school, to performing with the Upright Citizens Brigade as a young adult to making waves on The Daily Show during the George W. Bush era. They discuss how those experiences shaped his perspective on political comedy today, dive into his roles in blockbuster hits like Vacation and The Hangover trilogy, and chat about his Netflix project, Coffee & Kareem. Plus, don't miss the surprising twist: Ed Helms isn't just a comedic genius—he's also a talented bluegrass musician.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation was recoreded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Coffee & Kareem: https://www.netflix.com/title/80220009 +Upright Citizens Brigade: https://ucbcomedy.com +The Daily Show: http://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show-with-trevor-noah.

    Janelle Monáe Won't Stop Still She Gets Enough

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 19:44


    In honor of her electric performance of a Michael Jackson cover--to honor the late great Quincy Jones, at this year's Grammys ceremony, we're bringing back her conversation with Franklin and Kate from a few years ago. The trio talk about how her music has informed her film career, her childhood memories of Steel Magnolias, seeing herself onscreen in Sister Act 2, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This encore episode's conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Homecoming: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B085SVBCBP/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r +Steel Magnolias: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/steel_magnolias  +Sister Act 2: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sister_act_2_back_in_the_habit 

    Bruce Lee Through Bao Nguyen's Lens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 43:21


    Be Water filmmaker Bao Nguyen joins Kate and Franklin to talk about bringing Bruce Lee to a new generation, his Saturday Night Live documentary, depictions of the Vietnam War on screen, and a lot more deep cut film talk.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation originally took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Be Water: espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29249053/be-water-how-watch-stream-espn-bruce-lee-documentary +Live From New York!: rottentomatoes.com/m/live_from_new_york

    Karina Longworth Hollywood History Podcaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 39:57


    Film historian and cultural commentator Karina Longworth joins Franklin and Kate to talk about her love for Judy Garland, the imaginative world of Film social media, and her iconic podcast, You Must Remember This, and more. In honor of the season premiere of YMRT (the 21st season!), we bring back this excellent interview. Meanwhile, we send out our thoughts to the entire community of greater Los Angeles during this catastrophic wildfire event.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +You Must Remember This: http://youmustrememberthispodcast.com

    Director Jason Hehir talks Michael Jordan, Ken Burns, and The Last Dance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 49:19


    What do the NBA, the Chicago Bulls, and Michael Jordan all have in common? Iconic storytelling, brought to life by Jason Hehir, the director of The Last Dance—a documentary miniseries that became a cultural phenomenon during the early months of the Covid lockdown. In this conversation, Franklin and Kate dive deep with Jason to uncover how he got Michael Jordan to finally open up, the parallels between hip-hop and the NBA's meteoric rise to global fame, and the art of humanizing larger-than-life sports legends. They also discuss Jason's unique approach to portraying mythic figures, handling critique from none other than Ken Burns, and the challenge of crafting a hit documentary while the world is already watching your hit documentary.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +The Last Dance, http://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80203144+ESPN: The Last Dance, https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28973557/the-last-dance-untold-story-michael-jordan-chicago-bulls

    Director Marielle Heller (Nightbitch, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Diary of a Teenage Girl)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 60:18


    Her film Nightbitch arrives on Hulu this week; revisit a captivating interview with director and actor Marielle Heller. Too often seen as understated and underappreciated, Heller is undeniably a filmmaking powerhouse. In this conversation, she reflects on her theater roots, the challenges of navigating gender dynamics in the industry, and the experience of directing Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Known for eliciting memorable performances from actors like Amy Adams (Nightbitch) and Melissa McCarthy (Will You Ever Forgive Me?), as well as Hanks, Heller sees herself as the "authenticity police," to make sure every moment feels true. Clearly, it's working. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.More Info:+Nightbitch: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nightbitch+Diary of a Teenage Girl: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/the_diary_of_a_teenage_girl+Can You Ever Forgive Me?: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/can_you_ever_forgive_me+A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/a_beautiful_day_in_the_neighborhood+The Queen's Gambit (Actor): https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_queens_gambit

    Actor/Writer Ben [Sonic] Schwartz

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 51:59


    You may know him as Jean-Ralphio from Parks and Rec, or the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. Friend of The Black List family, Ben Schwartz, joins Kate and Franklin for an insanely funny conversation about his improv adventure on Middleditch and Schwartz, bringing Dewey to life in the DuckTales reboot, his Netflix series, Space Force, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This episode was originally released in 2020. In honor of the release of Sonic 3, listen back to a fun conversation with a talented guy. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Middleditch and Schwartz: http://www.netflix.com/title/81122572+DuckTales: http://rottentomatoes.com/tv/ducktales+Space Force: http://netflix.com/title/81021929

    Director Lulu Wang

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 48:44


    [Encore] Writer and director of The Farewell, Lulu Wang, joins Kate and Franklin to talk about navigating the indie film marketplace, drawing inspiration from her classical piano training, streaming vs. theatrical distribution, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode originally aired in 2020, behind a paywall. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions:+The Farewell: rottentomatoes.com/m/the_farewell_2018Also:+'Moonlight' Director Barry Jenkins Marries 'The Farewell' Filmmaker Lulu Wanghttps://ew.com/moonlight-director-barry-jenkins-marries-the-farewell-filmmaker-lulu-wang-8760124

    Screenwriter Jack Thorne: Authorship is Never Singular

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 44:41


    British screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, Wonder, Enola Holmes, Crip Tales) has created adaptations of extraordinarily beloved characters and works. He.talks to Franklin Leonard and Kate Hagen about the art and responsibility of storytelling--from adapting Harry Potter and The Cursed Child for the stage, to his perspective on collaboration and authorship. Thorne thinks in terms of empowering key storytellers--aware of how much a face tells the story and how much actors need to be celebrated as authors. Thorne is also a big advocate for fuller disability narratives on screen. Trying to get the industry to take disability seriously remains very hard--a point he and Franklin explore from two different seats about a specific film.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: His Dark Materials: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/his_dark_materials Enola Homes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/enola_holmes Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/uk/#  CripTales: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/criptales/s01 Jack Thorne's Adaptation of A Christmas Carol Will Stream Live From The Old Vic: https://www.playbill.com/article/jack-thornes-adaptation-of-a-christmas-carol-will-stream-live-from-the-old-vic 

    Filmaking Duo Julia Hart and Jordan Horowitz

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 75:59


    Remember the Oscars best picture flub? Jordan Horowitz is the guy who stopped that train before it wrecked. In this episode, he and his producing-directing. partner (and life partner) Julia Hart tell the story of that wild night when their film La La Land was announced as the winner, but wasn't. They also describe bringing Black women superheroes to life in Fast Color, working together as a couple, and so much more.Originally released for subscribers only in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. To learn more about The Black List, visit ​www.blcklst.com​. Mentions:+La La Land x Oscars mixup: https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2017/02/27/the-full-story-behind-the-la-la-land-an d-moonlight-oscars-mix-up/#419bc6d42298+Fast Color: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/fast-color-reviewed-a-superhero-movie-that-pa ys-close-attention-to-ordinary-life+Miss Stevens: ​https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/miss_stevens+The Keeping Room: https://www.fastcompany.com/3051556/the-keeping-room-star-brit-marling-and-writer-julia-hart- on-making-a-feminist-western+Stargirl: ​https://ew.com/movies/stargirl-director-julia-hart-disney-plus/ 

    Insecure Showrunner Prentice Penny

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 54:06


    Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny joins Kate and Franklin to talk about his movie-loving roots, his project Brooklyn Nine-Nine, working with Issa Rae, being inspired by Spike Lee, cutting his teeth on television. Plus: the origin story and goals that led him to write and direct the film Uncorked, which presented a different type of father-son relationship.This conversation took place in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Uncorked review and trailer, in Food and Wine magazine: https://www.foodandwine.com/news/netflix-uncorked-trailer-release +Insecure: on HBO: https://www.hbo.com/insecure

    Paul Feig Makes Comedies You Don't Forget

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 52:08


    The premiere episode of The Black List, reprised! Franklin and Kate kicked off The Black List Podcast with filmmaker and actor Paul Feig (@paulfeig) to discuss the 20th anniversary of Freaks and Geeks, his very first film; They went deep on what makes a great comedy, and about the female characters he loved and creates--and so much more. A classic episode from 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. 

    Hello, it's Andrew Rannells

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 39:43


    [Replay] Franklin and Kate welcome Tony-nominated, Grammy-winning actor Andrew Rannells, who shares the journey from his early days in Omaha's children's theater scene to the Broadway spotlight in shows like The Book of Mormon. This episode is packed with entertaining behind-the-scenes stories, from collaborating with Lena Dunham on Girls to starring alongside Meryl Streep in Netflix's The Prom—with a humorous “Best Humblebrag” nod from Franklin! Andrew reveals a movie sequel (including one that others unfairly critique but he stands by as a fave), plus the films that capture his ideas of love and war. Hear the unexpected joy he found while working on The Boys in the Band, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in late 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: The Prom: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_prom_2020 The Book of Mormon: https://bookofmormonbroadway.com/press Black Monday: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_monday The Boys in the Band: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_boys_in_the_band 

    Crafting 'The Post': Screenwriter Liz Hannah on Navigating Genres

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 55:23


    In this episode, screenwriter and 2016 Black List honoree Liz Hannah shares the story behind her acclaimed debut film, The Post. Liz reveals how reading TheWashington Post Publisher Katherine Graham's memoir years prior sparked the inspiration for the screenplay—and how, from the start, she imagined the iconic role of Graham being played by none other than Meryl Streep. Hosts Franklin and Kate dive into Liz's creative process, discussing her approach to writing across genres, exploring the nuanced "gray area of mental health" on screen, her work on the rom-com Long Shot, and much more. Liz's recent work on the Kate Winslet-led film Lee is a great reason to listen back to this excellent 2020 conversation.Originally published in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+The Post: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_post+Long Shot: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/long-shot+Mindhunter: https://www.netflix.com/title/80114855+All the Bright Places: https://www.netflix.com/title/80208802

    Writer, Producer, Director Alan Yang

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 57:58


    [REPRISE] From science major to punk rock band member to comedy writer, he is now the co-creator of multiple popular television shows, a producer, screenwriter, and film director. Alan Yang joins the show to talk about his creative journey to Parks and Recreation (an experience he cherishes for the incredible education it gave him) and beyond. He also dives deep on his developing a character-based approach to comedy, directing his film Tigertail, and some of his creative influences. Plus: the reason he thanked white guys in an awards speech.This conversation took place in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Tigertail: https://www.netflix.com/title/80202958+Little America: https://deadline.com/2018/06/apple-little-america-immigrant-anthology-series-the-big-sick-writers-lee-eisenberg-alan-yang-1202413632/+Master of None: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/master_of_none/s01+Parks and Recreation: https://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation

    Director and Screenwriter Leslye Headland

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 63:18


    [Encore episode] Russian Doll co-creator Leslye Headland joins Kate and Franklin for a wide, thoughtful take on all the things that excite her about movies and storytelling (Headland is also a playwright). She reflects on the origins of her love of film, including the many things her parents let her stay up to watch, or actors and movies they introduced her to. On the Kubrick film that inspired her to become a filmaker, she says: "I watched it almost every day. I just couldn't get enough of it. ...And I just thought, somehow I'm going to do this. Somehow I'm going to make this happen for myself. I don't know how but I'm going to do it." Plus: what it was like writing for the quirky FX drama Terriers, challenging the overwhelming white maleness of the cinematic canon (think: The Graduate, Taxi Driver) and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. This episode was originally published behind a paywall in 2020.Mentions:+Russian Doll: https://www.netflix.com/title/80211627  +The Shining: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shining  +Terriers: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/terriers

    Bowen Yang: From Chemistry to Comedy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 42:08


    With what feels like a very Bowen Yang autumn, we revisit this great convo he had with Franklin and Kate. Among the topics: early comedic discoveries, including SNL and a movie that made him fall in love with the medium. Plus: his Canadian upbringing, his academic vs. extracurriculars at NYU, the real world consequences of political comedy, and so much more. And if you didn't catch his profile in the Sept 23rd issue of the New Yorker, check it out. (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/09/23/bowen-yang-profile-comedy)Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation is from late 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: + Las Culturistas podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasculturistas/?hl=en+Saturday Night Live: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live +Mean Girls: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mean_girls 

    Akiva Goldsman on Telling the Right Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 38:21


    [Encore] Academy Award winner Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I, Robot, The Da Vinci Code screenplay, multiple Star Trek and Batman scripts, and more) joins Franklin and Kate to talk about his beginnings in Brooklyn, how his early family life influenced his writing career, and his memories of Joel Schumacher on the late 90s Batman films. Plus, the writing teachers he studied with at NYU (including Russell Banks, Margaret Atwood, E.L. Doctorow) and much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +A Beautiful Mind: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/beautiful_mind+Mr. and Mrs. Smith: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/mr_and_mrs_smith+Batman & Robin: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/1077027_batman_and_robin

    Roxane Gay on Film and Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 44:19


    [Encore] Roxane Gay, NYT bestselling author and columnist, talks to Franklin and Kate about her time writing Marvel comic books, representations of fat characters in media, her love for the Fast and Furious franchise, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Roxane Gay on writing for Marvel: https://time.com/4866569/roxane-gay-marvel-lumberjanes/

    Seth Rogen's Super Badass Origins

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 42:53


    [Encore] There's one guarantee about having, or listening to, a conversation with Seth Rogen. Laughter will ensue. This episode is no exception. Among the topics he covers with Franklin and Kate: the legacy of Freaks and Geeks, his writing process with longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg, and becoming one of Hollywood's leading men. He also shares more about his advocacy for cannabis and Alzheimer's prevention, and his very cool pottery making.  Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To llearn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: Freaks and Geeks: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/freaks_and_geeks Houseplant: https://www.houseplant.com Hilarity for Charity: https://wearehfc.org 

    Movies to Know: Franklin and Kate Talk Films with Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 52:49


    Welcome to the ultimate cinephile's salon, where our co-hosts and two dear friends talk movies of all stripes, paired with some rich personal stories. Open up your "to watch" list and settle in. Franklin and Kate are joined by fellow film lovers Lauren Brown and Boris Khentov. The crew reflects on the films that grounded their childhoods, helped them grieve, and brought great joy to their lives during the first year of the pandemic (This conversation took place in 2020). Thank you for joining us this season! To stay connected with us and learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.

    Writer/Director of 'Minari,' Lee Isaac Chung

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 37:32


    This week, writer and director Lee Isaac Chung joins Kate and Franklin to talk about the trip to Rwanda that changed his filmmaking trajectory, his deep admiration for Charlie Chaplin and Wong Kar-wai, the making of his film and 2020 Sundance festival winner, Minari, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: Minari: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/minari 

    Chris Columbus ('Mrs. Doubtfire,' 'Home Alone')

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 44:21


    Kate sits down with the legendary filmmaker Chris Columbus to talk about his beginnings as a screenwriter, directing beloved family films like Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire, collaborating with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in The Christmas Chronicles 2, and more behind-the-scenes stories.  Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation first took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

    Andrew Rannells

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 39:43


    This week, Tony-nominated actor Andrew Rannells joins Franklin and Kate to talk about his beginnings in children's theatre in Nebraska, Broadway and The Book of Mormon, working alongside Meryl Streep in the forthcoming Netflix film, The Prom, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

    Documentarian Kirby Dick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 41:38


    This week, two-time Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick joins Kate and Franklin to talk why he “doesn't love movies,” how he thinks about the concept of truth, the #MeToo movement and his documentary, On The Record (co-directed by Amy Ziering, HBO Max), and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

    Jack Thorne's Fantastic Materials

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 44:41


    British screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne joins Kate and Franklin to talk about bringing Harry Potter and The Cursed Child to the stage, his advocacy for fuller disability narratives on screen, season two of His Dark Materials, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: His Dark Materials: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/his_dark_materials Enola Homes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/enola_holmes Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/uk/#  CripTales: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/criptales/s01 Jack Thorne's Adaptation of A Christmas Carol Will Stream Live From The Old Vic: https://www.playbill.com/article/jack-thornes-adaptation-of-a-christmas-carol-will-stream-live-from-the-old-vic 

    Franklin and Kate's Top 5 Recs from Quarantine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 36:27


    As much watching, reading and listening time as we all had during the first year of the pandemic, you probably missed something great. Rewind your mind and pick up some gems from the pros. Franklin and Kate talk to each other about the things they loved in 2020. From Animal Crossing and Sarah Cooper's comedy special, to Ted Lasso and Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You, you'll have some new gems to add to your ongoing list. See the show notes for more details! Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in late 2020. Learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: Animal Crossing: https://animal-crossing.com 40-Year-Old Version: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forty_year_old_versionInside Out by Demi Moore: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/inside-out-demi-moore?variant=32131129442338 It by Stephen King: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830502.It Caste by Isabel Wilkerson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653196/caste-oprahs-book-club-by-isabel-wilkerson/ Sarah Cooper: https://sarahcpr.com Ted Lasso: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ted_lasso I May Destroy You: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/i_may_destroy_you You Must Remember This Podcast: http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.comKarina Longworth on The Black List Podcast: https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/ninth-planet-audio-&-the-black-list/the-black-list-podcast/karina-longworth/ccc9d152-7947-48dc-bab8-871300e0c72a 

    Women in Horror: A Rountable

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 57:56


    This one's very special and very spooky. Kate talks to Barbara Crampton, BJ Colangelo, and Gigi Saul Gurerro about their lives in the horror community, what they're working on, what types of stories they'd like to see told about women in horror, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation from 2020 is still a banger. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: Barbara Crampton: https://twitter.com/barbaracrampton BJ Colangelo: https://twitter.com/bjcolangelo Gigi Saul Gurerro: https://twitter.com/HorrorGuerrero 

    Radha Blank, 40-Year-Old Version

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 52:03


    Friend of The Black List director Radha Blank joins Kate and Franklin to talk about her Sundance award-winning feature, The 40-Year-Old Version (Netflix), the leap from playwriting and rapping into filmmaking, growing up in an intentional arts community, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: The 40-Year-Old Version: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forty_year_old_version 

    Seth Rogen's Super Badass Origins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 42:53


    Comedy actor-writer--and ceramics designer (who knew?) Seth Rogen talks about the legacy of Freaks and Geeks, his writing process with longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg, becoming one of Hollywood's leading men, his advocacy for cannabis and Alzheimer's prevention, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: Freaks and Geeks: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/freaks_and_geeks Houseplant: https://www.houseplant.com Hilarity for Charity: https://wearehfc.org 

    Encore: Desus Nice and The Kid Mero

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 58:28


    The Bronx is in the building! This week, Franklin and Kate talk to Showtime's late-night hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero about their favorite films, the power of the Bodega Hive, their process as co-writers (shout out to Google Docs!) of their book, God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This conversation was recorded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +DESUS & MERO (Showtime): https://www.sho.com/desus-and-mero +God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588771/god-level-knowledge-darts-by-desus-and-mero/ 

    Bowen Yang of SNL, Las Culturistas, and Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 42:08


    As Saturday Night Live kicked off a new season, writer and comedian Bowen Yang joined Kate and Franklin to talk about his Canadian upbringing, why Mean Girls made him fall in love with filmmaking, the real world consequences of political comedy, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. Learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Saturday Night Live: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live +Mean Girls: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mean_girls 

    Conquering TV One Day at a Time | Gloria Calderón Kellett and Tanya Saracho

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 52:34


    The Black List partnered with Hulu to launch the inaugural Latinx List. Around the time it happened, it only made sense that Franklin and Kate talk to two of the initiative's chief architects: Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time) and Tanya Saracho (Vida). The showrunners talk about how their friendship nurtures creativity, cultivating the next generation of Latinx talent, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation is from 2021. Kearn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Deadline, The Black List, Latin Tracking Board, NALIP, And Untitled Latinx Project Unveil Latinx TV List: https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-black-list-latin-tracking-board-nalip-remezcla-untitled-latinx-project-unveil-inaugural-latinx-tv-list-diversity-inclusion-representation-1202972696/ +One Day at a Time: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/one_day_at_a_time +Hollywood Reporter, ‘One Day at a Time,' ‘Star Trek' Sub for Returning Originals on CBS Fall Schedule: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/one-day-at-a-time-star-trek-sub-for-returning-originals-on-cbs-fall-schedule +Vida: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/vida +Variety, ‘Vida' Creator Tanya Saracho Signs Overall Deal With UCP: https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/vida-tanya-saracho-overall-deal-ucp-1234740022/ 

    Billy Porter, Robin Thede, Ramy Youssef: Roundtable for the Emmy's

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 52:19


    Ahead of the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, Kate and Franklin talk to nominees Billy Porter, Robin Thede and Ramy Youssef. The creators sound off on bringing their full selves to the screen, the true responsibility of the artist, the advice they'd give to their younger selves (or as Billy says: “a b*tch has to have boundaries!”), and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Pose: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/pose +A Black Lady Sketch Show: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/a_black_lady_sketch_show +Ramy: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ramy 

    Soledad O'Brien

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 51:42


    This week, award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien joins Franklin for a conversation about growing up Black, her approach to documentary filmmaking, the state of journalism in the Trump era, and so much more. (And guess what? Soledad is the host of another Luminary original, Murder on the Towpath.) Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions:+New York Times, Soledad O'Brien: A Me Too Movement for Journalists of Color, www.nytimes.com/2020/07/04/opinion/soledad-obrien-racism-journalism.html+Black in America: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/in.america/black.in.america/+Latino in America: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/latino.in.america/  

    Creator Steven Canals is a Pose-r

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 45:13


    This week, screenwriter Steven Canals joins Kate and Franklin to talk about growing up in the Bronx, the glory of Cardi B, the origins of how his Emmy-nominated show Pose on FX came to be picked up, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Pose: fxnetworks.com/shows/pose+Paris is Burning: rottentomatoes.com/m/paris_is_burning+The Color Purple: rottentomatoes.com/m/color_purple+Terminator: rottentomatoes.com/m/terminator

    Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman has A Beautiful Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 38:21


    Screenwriters, this is the episode for you. Academy Award winner Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I, Robot, The Da Vinci Code screenplay, multiple Star Trek and Batman scripts, and more) joins Franklin and Kate to talk about his beginnings in Brooklyn, how his early family life influenced his writing career, and his memories of Joel Schumacher on the late 90s Batman films. Plus, the writing teachers he studied with at NYU (including Russell Banks, Margaret Atwood, E.L. Doctorow) and much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation is from 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +A Beautiful Mind: rottentomatoes.com/m/beautiful_mind+Mr. and Mrs. Smith: rottentomatoes.com/m/mr_and_mrs_smith+Batman & Robin: rottentomatoes.com/m/1077027_batman_and_robin

    Scripting High-Low Culture: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play, Zola)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 45:59


    This week, playwright and screenwriter Jeremy O. Harris joins Kate and Franklin to talk about eliciting polarized audience reactions to Slave Play, his co-writing process with Janicza Bravo on Zola, being the youngest well-read person at parties, accessing the fascinating intersections of high and low culture, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Slave Play: http://slaveplaybroadway.com+Zola: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/zola

    The Director Next Door: Marielle Heller

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 60:18


    Understated, undersung, and overly easy to appreciate, director and actor Marielle Heller is this week's enjoyable guest. Heller talks about her beginnings in theatre, the realities of gender in filmmaking, directing the great Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions (Heller's films) +Diary of a Teenage Girl: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/the_diary_of_a_teenage_girl+Can You Ever Forgive Me?: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/can_you_ever_forgive_me+A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/a_beautiful_day_in_the_neighborhood

    A Sonic Force of Hilarity: Ben Schwartz

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 51:59


    You may know him as Jean-Ralphio from Parks and Rec, or the voice of Sonic the Hedgehod: Friend of The Black List family Ben Schwartz joins Kate and Franklin for an insanely funny conversation about his latest improv adventure on Middleditch and Schwartz, bringing Dewey to life in the DuckTales reboot, his new Netflix series, Space Force, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This episode was originallyreleased in 2020To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Middleditch and Schwartz: http://www.netflix.com/title/81122572+DuckTales: http://rottentomatoes.com/tv/ducktales+Space Force: http://netflix.com/title/81021929

    Bringing Bruce Lee to a New Generation: Bao Nguyen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 43:20


    Be Water filmmaker Bao Nguyen joins Kate and Franklin to talk about bringing Bruce Lee to a new generation, his Saturday Night Live documentary, depictions of the Vietnam War on screen, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Be Water: espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29249053/be-water-how-watch-stream-espn-bruce-lee-documentary +Live From New York!: rottentomatoes.com/m/live_from_new_york

    Jason Hehir on Michael Jordan and 'The Last Dance'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 49:19


    What do the NBA, Chicago Bulls, and Michael Jordan have in common? Jason Hehir. This week, Franklin and Kate talk to The Last Dance director about getting Jordan to finally open up, documenting both hip-hop and the NBA's rise to global prominence, humanizing his favorite sports icons, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +The Last Dance, netflix.com/gb/title/80203144+ESPN: The Last Dance, espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29180083/the-last-dance-how-replay-stream-espn-michael-jordan-documentary

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