American film director, film producer, writer, and actor
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Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) is a hot-shot young trumpet player leading his own jazz quintet who loves the music and has a way with the ladies but can't figure out how to reconcile those two things. He's also dating two women (Joie Lee, Cynda Williams) at the same time and can't commit to either of them. He has also a manager (Spike Lee) who's a gambling addict and a saxophonist band-mate (Wesley Snipes) who has developed a rivalry with him. So where does he go from here? In this sprawling romantic musical drama, we follow his complicated story and hear a lot of great music along the way! This was Oscar-Winner director Spike Lee's immediate follow-up to Do the Right Thing and even though it was a pretty unconventional choice to come right after such a seminal film, its reputation has only grown over the past thirty-five years thanks to several sterling peformances from its leads along with a stacked supporting cast including Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, NIcholas Turturro, Ruben Blades, Samuel L. Jackson, and the late, great Robin Harris in his last live action on-screen role. Host: Geoff GershonEdited By Ella GershonProducer: Marlene GershonSend us a textSupport the showhttps://livingforthecinema.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Get access to this entire episode, the entire Denzember catalog, and all of our premium episodes by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.Roger Ebert Associate Editor Robert Daniels returns to the show to once again discuss the work of Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, this time unpacking his brilliant 1998 sports drama He Got Game. The film stars Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth, an Attica inmate who is tasked with getting his high school basketball prodigy son, Jesus (Ray Allen), to commit to playing for the governor's alma mater in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. A film as concerned with the capitalist mechanisms undergirding basketball culture as it is with acknowledging the intoxicating allure of the game's myth, Spike crafts a uniquel rewarding sports movie in a melodrama's skin. We begin with a discussion about Spike's formal ingenuity, and how he positions basketball as inextricable from broader Americana; a definitive part of American culture. Then, we praise the dual leading performances of Denzel Washington and NBA star Ray Allen. Finally, we disscuss the film's showstopper final act, showcasing Denzel and Allen's skills on the court in a brilliantly pitched one-on-one game that approaches the sublime, even supernatural.Follow Robert Daniels on Twitter.Read Robert on the musical direction of Spike Lee films at Letterboxd.....Our Denzember theme song is "Funk" by Oppo.
Episode SummaryIn this festive installment, the hosts shake off their "Wild Turkey" hangovers and travel back to 19571111. After a deep dive into the historical and cultural shifts of the late 1950s—from the launch of Sputnik to the debut of Leave it to Beaver—the discussion turns to the workplace classic Desk Set. The hosts explore the legendary chemistry of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, the timeless fear of being replaced by automation, and the chaotic charm of mid-century office Christmas parties.Timeline & Key Highlights00:00 – Holiday Survival: Banter about surviving Thanksgiving dinner, Aunt Gloria's attire, and the mysterious "Cooter Jack".03:04 – Destination 1957: A historical snapshot of the year, including the Space Age kickoff, school integration in Little Rock, and the birth of icons like Spike Lee and Gloria Estefan5.06:13 – 1957 Nightlife: A look at what was playing in theaters, including The Bridge on the River Kwai, 12 Angry Men, and An Affair to Remember6.08:11 – Feature Presentation: Desk Set (1957): The hosts introduce the story of Bunny Watson, a library reference clerk whose department is threatened by a massive new computer called EMERAC.15:00 – Identity & Intellectual Equality: A deep dive into Bunny Watson's character—a powerful woman in 1957 who holds her own intellectually against Richard Sumner.41:13 – The Office Christmas Party & The "Pink Slip" Incident: Discussing the film's iconic party scene and the spectactular computer malfunction that accidentally fires everyone in the building, including the company president.01:10:00 – Human Ingenuity Wins: How Bunny saves the day with a simple bobby pin, proving that human insight remains essential even as technology advances.01:37:52 – Festive Bonus Recommendations: Quick takes on other holiday watches, including It Happened One Christmas and the 1995 female Scrooge film, Ebbie.Featured Film: Desk Set (1957)The Stars: Katharine Hepburn as Bunny Watson and Spencer Tracy as Richard Sumner (their eighth film together).The Conflict: Man vs. Machine. The installation of "EMERAC" (the big brain) triggers rumors of mass layoffs.The Legacy: A commentary on gender roles and technological disruption that remains relevant in the modern era of AI and automation.Closing Thoughts"Be kind, rewind." The hosts encourage listeners to share their own favorite holiday movies as they head into the new year.
A young Brooklyn artist juggles her multiple relationships in this romantic comedy, Spike Lee's first feature film, giving sex the Rashomon treatment. CW: rape/sexual assault is discussed Starring Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, Spike Lee, Raye Dowell. Written and directed by Spike Lee
Reece and Bjorn take a deep dive into Spike Lee's comeback picture, the insanely entertaining 2018 true crime joint Blackkklansman, starring the son of Lee's favourite leading man, John David Washington, and featuring Adam Driver in his best supporting performance.
It's been a hectic week and things in the world don't feel like calming down at the moment. Hopefully we weather this time with some light hearted material. Soooo... let's dive right into the life of Rob Reiner. This dark moment leads us down the entertaining rabbit hole of filmography of Rob as well as a few others. Somehow we find our way to Spike Lee and a couple of his films as well as Clive Owen. We take a moment of looking into the World Cup and some of the issues peaking their little heads in. As well as we do a little look into the Vanity Fair article recently released. Hopefully everyone is staying safe out there in this wild ride of a plane we're living on.
Hark! It's an 87th Precinct podcast.Well, it's been a while (42 months or so, as of release of this) so we thought it high (not low) time we got back together. Luckily Spike Lee thought to adapt Kurosawa's High and Low into his 2025 film Highest 2 Lowest and so how could we resist this opportunity?Remember, we're Hark87Podcast on most social things, but particularly Bluesky now. Please do rate, review and share the episodes. If you'd like to email us, please use hark87podcast@gmail.com to do so and check out our blog pages for previous episodes, scores and so forth. Why not listen to Paul's song High To Low (by Good Grief) on Bandcamp to accompany this episode?
A Shockingly Authentic Sit-Down with Spike Lee. Spike Lee reveals himself in the most authentic, interactive interview you've seen with the legendary filmmaker (in my humble opinion). Awkward at times, hilarious at others, and authentic every single minute. Watch me figure out which way to go when Spike challenges me on everything like: - why Spike Lee is a tough nut to crack - Spike Lee's beef with Quentin Tarantino - Spike's childhood - Spike Lee's disappointment in the distribution of his new AppleTV movie Highest 2 Lowest - Regrets - Getting Fired (or not) - Therapy and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Watch Spike and me on my Really Famous YouTube channel ➤ https://youtu.be/bcxBgPzyv34 Watch my talk to Danny Aiello in his last interview ever ➤ https://youtu.be/0Gju_wln_f4 Watch my talks with Michael Imperioli ➤ Talk 1: https://youtu.be/xBRlpJl38kw Talk 2: https://youtu.be/uflA0Bh8Ks8 Talk 3: https://youtu.be/Guljjcp7vOA Links to everything: Instagram | @karamayerrobinson TikTok | @karamayerrobinson Facebook | facebook.com/karamayerrobinson/ Subscribe on YouTube ➤ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbR3_S40FqVaWfKhYOTneSQ Share your thoughts ➤ mailto:reallyfamouspodcast@gmail.com Therapy + coaching ➤ https://really-famous.com/therapy-sessions Celebrity interview by Kara Mayer Robinson
We're back with a positively joyful episode about white-knuckling it through life :) These are scenes where characters are undercover, pretending to be different than they are, or otherwise just trying to act normal while being observed and under significant stress. Yikes! To help light a path through this nine-eyed, five-0 vision quest we're joined by writer, actor, comedian, and podcaster Rebecca Rose Bulnes! This is a free-ranging conversation with all the trimmings, so put your shades on and tuck in. Coens Covered: Burn After Reading, Blood Simple, The Hudsucker Proxy, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Intolerable Cruelty, The Ladykillers, Hail, Caesar! Plus: The Beekeeper, Weapons, The Wolf of Wall Street, Spike Lee's “vitaminwater: From New York” Check out Rebecca's podcast Classroom Crush! Want to join the study group? Follow us on social media, tell your friends about the show, and leave a rating/review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. These all really help. **You can also support the show directly at https://ko-fi.com/tothewhitesea** And join the Discord too! For all things TTWS visit tothewhitesea.me
Welcome back to Shoot the Hostage, where Sarah and Dan continue their season dedicated to true crime films with Episode 4 of 8. This week, we take on our first Spike Lee joint in his 1999 New York based film, Summer of Sam. This episode acts as the second movie in our "Big Apple double bill" since it's our second film featuring the incomparable John Leguizamo (or Johnny Legs) playing an Italian man living in New York. Although in this one, he's swapped his wrench for some scissors and leopard print underwear. As we get into his leopard print pants and the surprising extent of his improvisations on set, we discover that although the film is set during the Summer of Sam in 1977, the film is less about the specifics of the case itself and much more about the effect on the local Bronx community. What to Expect in this Episode: Differing opinions on 70s fashion, specifically the dagger collar. We ask whether the film's shift in focus makes it more, or less respectful to the victims' relatives. A look at the film's technical style, including Spike Lee's signature double dolly shots and Scorsese-esque influences. How Adrien Brody's character, Richie, embodies the fear and paranoia directed toward outsiders in the community. Discussion of the film's theme of identity and the hypocrisy exposed by the neighbourhood's judgments. Commentary on Vinnie's vile nature and the hosts' "Johnny Legs bias". The connection between the shift from the disco to the punk era and the film's excellent music selection. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don't need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-12 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025. Enjoy the show but can't support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you're reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven't given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It's easy. If you've done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show. Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube
Reece and Bjorn dive deep in Spike Lee's 2015 quasi-musical, Chi-raq, the first film produced on Amazon's then-brand-new film division.
"Highest 2 Lowest" is an American crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay by Alan Fox. It is an English-language remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film "High and Low," itself based on Ed McBain's 1959 novel "King's Ransom." The film stars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, ASAP Rocky, John Douglas Thompson, Dean Winters, LaChanze, Princess Nokia, and Ice Spice (in her film debut). The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival out of competition, where it received positive reviews for its performances, music, and direction from Lee. Composer Howard Drossin and songwriter/performer Aiyana-Lee, who collaborated on the film's title track, were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now available to stream on Apple TV+. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cassandra Freeman has made her mark in everything from drama to laugh out loud comedy across film, television, and the stage. She is best known for her feature roles in Spike Lee's "Inside Man" and Chris Rock's "I Think I Love My Wife." She has also starred in "The Last O.G.," NBC's "The Enemy Within," and Marvel's "Luke Cage." And now she just finished her 4-season run as Vivian Banks (Aunt Viv) on the hit Peacock show "Bel Air." On this episode, she explains how she came to trust her intuition, how research into African traditions of performance shifted her paradigm, the "thievery" of over-direction and how it robs her of "discovery," the words that every actor should hear from their director, why it all starts with a prayer, and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine. In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on Instagram
The people of New Orleans, Louisiana, knew a storm was coming, but who could have imagined the force of the category 4 hurricane named Katrina? In his documentary, When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, famed director Spike Lee, highlights the response and devastation Katrina had on the city and people. Survivor interviews capture the emotion of the calamity that is still impacting lives to this day. What could have been a typical August storm, became a chaotic and life-altering season of difficult phone calls, food lines, counseling, and make-shift shelters. Life can turn on a dime. Although we may not have experienced Hurricane Katrina, we've all experienced life's sudden shifts. The apostle Paul experienced too many to count, but he understood that God's grace can sustain us through our hardest days and darkest nights.” Life can turn on a dime. Although we may not have experienced Hurricane Katrina, we've all experienced life's sudden shifts. The apostle Paul experienced too many to count, but he understood that God's grace can sustain us through our hardest days and darkest nights. The post LIMITED RESOURCES, LIMITLESS GOD: When Your Circumstances Fall Short (YOU-Win’26, Study S1, Session 2) appeared first on YOU.
Legendary director SPIKE LEE joins the pod and answers the question everyone wants to know: DOES SPIKE PAY FOR HIS OWN COURTSIDE NY KNICKS SEATS? Find out this answer and so much more!
Director Geeta Gandbhir's new film "The Perfect Neighbor" is largely made up of police bodycam footage, tracking the events of a seemingly minor neighborhood dispute in Florida escalating into deadly violence. Geeta shares with Tiller how she got her first film job on Spike Lee's “Malcom X” (2:00), discovering the trove of archival evidence (7:00), how the system failed the entire neighborhood and how the entire tragedy was preventable (19:00), and the thought and craft behind the original photography (33:00). Produced by: Jacob Miller Executive Producer: Tiller Russell Music by: James Carroll, Graham Tracey & Zydepunk Distributed by: Jake Brennan & Brady Sadler, Double Elvis Productions
Today's guest is a true visionary in the world of film and television—Christine Swanson.Born and raised in Detroit, Christine is an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter whose storytelling has captivated audiences across major networks and platforms. With an MFA from NYU's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts and a legacy of work that includes The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, Love Under New Management, and Fannie, Christine's name is synonymous with excellence, authenticity, and impact.She's been called one of the most promising filmmakers of her generation—compared to legends like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee—and her powerful lens continues to shine a light on Black stories, Black women, and cultural truth.So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired as we dive into the journey, passion, and purpose of a woman who truly bosses up in every frame—Christine Swanson.
Hey Virgo fam! We're back with another beautifully chaotic episode — and whew, this one goes from Spike Lee slander to vampire logic, turtles drinking through their butts, fetish deep dives, wild Thanksgiving tech issues, and a 27-part romance scam saga that had us screaming STAND UP!Ryan and Joyhdae kick things off with an unhinged spiral about vampire anatomy (yes, garlic discourse happens), before diving into the latest viral madness: The Danish Deception, Money Long vs. Mariah Carey, Campbell's Soup gate, and the most delusional “Am I The Asshole?” story we've heard in a long time.We also talk sex offender registry foolishness, messy men, love bombing, scams, family members giving strangers $200K (??), and how real friends would never let you be this delulu.If you're new here: welcome to the beautifully chaotic friendship of two Virgos who talk politics, pop culture, real-life mess, and everything in between — always honest, always hilarious, always a little unhinged.Drop those Stars, leave a comment, and tell a friend — because we survived too much tech trauma not to earn it.Connect With Us:• Email: Virgoseasonshow@gmail.com• Website: Virgoseasonshow.com• YouTube, TikTok & Instagram: @VirgoSeasonShow• Ryan: @OhBlackRyan• Joyhdae: @Joyhdae----CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:05 Washed!02:32 Welcome02:53 Weird Animal Facts...& Joyhdae's Proclivities 04:47 Struggle Life...HELP!07:12 AITA?: Facebook Drama12:32 Campbell's Soup Controversy14:14 Money Long vs. Mariah Carey20:41 Joe Budden Podcast: Megan's Law26:31 The Danish Deception: A Romance Scam38:51 Dad vs Auntie Jokes41:55 Find Us On All The Things!42:40 One More For The Road...43:09 Outro
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Denzember 2 kicks off with a conversation about Spike Lee and Denzel Washington's first collaboration, 1990's Mo' Better Blues, a film about jazz, art-making, and the pursuit of greatness at the expense of personal relationships. The terrific Minnie Zondi is our guest! We discuss the film's tepid reception upon release, and how a (predominantly white) critical audience failed to understand the political dimensions of a film about Black music and its commercial and social appropriation. Then, we reflect on Spike Lee's career and his brilliant cohort of collaborators, including composer Terence Blanchard (making his first appearance on a Spike Lee soundtrack), cinematographer Ernest R. Dickerson, and the electric stylings of costume designer Ruth E. Carter. Finally, we reflect on the movie's complicated ending, and what we're to make of its reflections on artistry, family, and whether exceptional talents can hold the two in balance. Follow Minnie Zondi on Twitter. Follow Minnie on Substack. Read Minnie's Twitter thread on Ruth E. Carter's costume work for Ryan Coogler's Sinners.Get access to the whole Denzember experience, all of our premium episodes and bonus content, and an invite to the Hit Factory Discord by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.....Our Denzember Theme Song is "Funk" by Oppo
Nov. 28-Dec. 4: South Park's Christmas origin, Andy Garcia is doing things in Denver, Jeff Bridges is Wild Bill, a ton of terrible Xmas specials, John Cusack's holiday heist, Oprah and Letterman beef, Spike Lee gets Greek, Superstore debuts and Bill Murray toasts Netflix. All that and more from 30, 20, and 10 years ago.
Apple TV released a docuseries about filmmaker Martin Scorsese entitled “Mr Scorsese" so today Asif and Ali this series and their top 5 favourite Scorsese films. They start off by discussing the superb docuseries by Rebecca Miller (2:40), and the interesting facts they learned from it, including his childhood and early movies. The guys then each list their top 5 Scorsese movies. Spike Lee has been quoted as saying “Thank God For Asthma” regarding how this disease made Scorsese stay indoors and watch movies, so in the second half of the podcast, Ali asks Asif about this disease (35:10). Asif talks about what asthma is, how common it is and what causes/triggers it. Asif then talks about the symptoms, the different types as well as the treatment. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from PixabayContact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.comShow Notes:Mr Scorsese review – five hours isn't nearly long enough to do justice to history's greatest film-maker: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/17/mr-scorsese-review-martin-netflix14 Memorable Quotes From ‘Mr. Scorsese': https://thereveal.film/14-memorable-quotes-from-mr-scorsese/Asthma: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430901/Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms/Asthma Canada: https://asthma.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss Spike Lee's ‘25th Hour,' one of the most present tense films ever made. They discuss its fascinating legacy as a somewhat under-discussed masterpiece, explain why Lee's stylistic choices are deeply moving, and identify the impressive fricative tension in all of the movie's ideas. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s episode number 501, so you know what that means: AN ALL JEANS EPISODE! The result is a 40-minute trip into madness that’s at least tangentially connected to denim. We begin with a look back at the famous and/or infamous button-fly Levi’s jeans commercial featuring Rob Liefeld and directed by Spike Lee, a real thing that happened. We debate button-fly vs. zipper, compare our personal experiences with social-media algorithms, and slip into some denim-related tangents. But what of our comics Jeans? Such as Jean Loring, who was put through the ringer in “Identity Crisis”, a superhero event mystery that does not make sense. And of course, Jean Grey, and we try to figure out if literally anyone in the Marvel Universe can defeat the Phoenix! Which superheroes and villains can pull off a costume with jeans, from Superman and the Superboys to Angar the Screamer, Jessica Jones, and even Conan the Barbarian? And just imagine Iron Man’s denim armour, the Mk. D! All this and Gene Colan, too! Direct Download: MP3
On this episode of Cinema Dual, Jon and Chris return to the worlds of Spike Lee featuring Denzel Washington. Movies Discussed: Highest 2 Lowest, Malcolm X Recommendations : The Naked Gun, I Saw the TV Glow (Jon), One Battle After Another, Frankenstein (Chris) For more of our movie thoughts, you can check them out at www.cinemadual.com. Cinema Duals' Mountain of Gloriousness The Films of Cinema Dual Follow us on Blue Sky: @joncinemadual @belownirvana
By the standards of twenty years ago, it is easy to have a film look "gorgeous." So indie filmmakers can't rely on equipment alone to set their films apart. It takes the work of true craftspeople, one of which is my guest, filmmaker Taylor Lee. In October, Taylor was the recipient of the NYU 2025 Grad Film Volker Bahnemann Award for Outstanding Cinematography.His story is an extraordinary one -- majoring in computer science at UCLA in 2020 to some of the most prestigious student awards and fellowships in filmmaking. How did he get there? Let's find out.Also, watch LAYOVER before listening. A Vimeo Staff Pick, it will be with you for awhile.In this episode, Taylor and I talk about:what surprises him in short films now;his reaction to winning the 2025 Grad Film Volker Bahnemann Award for Outstanding Cinematography;his amazing story of pivoting from software engineering to filmmaking;his film viewing background before beginning graduate school and did it help or hinder his start;his contentment with film school (versus YouTube) and what he would tell a software engineer thinking of making the same leap he did;what drew him to cinematography;how he chooses which directors to work with;how he describes his own visual style;why he didn't shoot his directorial debut;what it was like as a writer/director vs. cinematographer or director;do cinematographers become harder to work with as they become more established?his directorial debut, LAYOVER, and what to expect when watching it;how he feels about editing his films;his relationship with receiving feedback;a geeky military uniform question (he used outdated uniforms in service of the script -- really genius);how is LAYOVER different than what he expected?what's next for him with PARKSIDE EAST and how it'll be released;the Spike Lee production grants and how they work for NYU students;how much gear matters to him.Taylor's Indie Film Highlight: THE LOVE THAT REMAINS (2025) dir. by Hlynur PálmasonMemorable Quotes:"Recently I've been pretty drawn to filmmakers who...are very aware that an audience is watching the film and that the audience wants to be surprised.""In terms of a fresh perspective....I think I still need to watch more movies, honestly. I think it helps.""Sometimes it's my prep with directors. I'll ask them to give me like 10 of their favorite films.""I learned pretty much everything I know from film school, and from YouTube, and really just doing it. I think that film school offers you an opportunity to just keep doing it.""In an ideal world, you would look at several of my films and not see the same cinematographer.""if you look at my reel, my cinematography reel, you'll see the same cinematographer. But that's just because I choose the best wide shots for the reel.""The role of the director is really to have the vision and to communicate that vision to your crew and to your actors. And if I were to shoot it at the same time...I would need two of myself.""Directors should treat each film like it's the last film that they're going to direct and cinematographers should treat each film like it's the first film that they shot.""One of my professors always said, your relationship to feedback will define your graduate school experience.""PARKSIDE EAST, it was all my classmates. There was no paid crew."Links:Follow Taylor On InstagramCheck Out Taylor's ReelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Mahler, author of The Gods of New York, to explore the four years that transformed America's greatest city—and foretold the divisions that would come to define the nation.From Wall Street's boom to the crack epidemic, from Howard Beach to the Central Park jogger case, from ACT UP to Spike Lee, the New York of 1986–1989 was a city teeming with conflict, creativity, and change. Mahler paints a vivid portrait of a metropolis at war with itself: between greed and grit, privilege and poverty, rebirth and decay.Together, we discuss how this pivotal era gave rise to figures like Donald Trump, Al Sharpton, Ed Koch, and Rudy Giuliani—and why the battles of 1980s New York still echo in today's America.Support the show
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
I was inspired by an interview that I saw with Denzel Washington and Spike Lee and was enamored by how Denzel stood on business about not needing validation from anything or anyone. I found the perfect song to fit the conversation because there's a song for everything. Here's one about letting go of the bullshi* and setting boundaries.If you enjoyed this, come again and bring a friend! Books by me on byayanaellis.com
Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg stop by to talk about their new holiday film, "The Family Plan 2." Pope Leo XIV will meet with top actors and directors, including Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, and Judd Apatow, to discuss promoting human values and the Church's mission through collaboration. This holiday season, more people are turning to artificial intelligence apps to explore spiritual guidance and connect with religious teachings. Plus, Shop Today contributor Melissa Garcia shares a lineup of travel essentials to make holiday trips smoother, and chef Bobby Flay drops in with recipes to help elevate your NFL game-day spread. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today on the show, I chat with MUBI head of audio and podcast host Rico Gagliano about Spike Lee's vibrant and vital 1989 masterpiece Do The Right Thing. We discuss our initial gut reactions to the film and how its legacy and impact has only gotten stronger since its release, and Rico discusses what he learned from interviewing Spike Lee as well as what people should take away from the film now. Listen to the MUBI podcast and follow Rico Gagliano here.follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite platform via the link below:https://linktr.ee/martynstrangeSupport me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/martynstrange Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Race Recap: NYC Marathon Highlights and Marathon Training Insights In this episode of the 3, 2, 1, GO Podcast, John Pelkey and Carissa Galloway delve into Carissa's remarkable experience running the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. From logistics to race-day happenings, Carissa shares the myriad emotions and memorable moments of the race, including iconic highlights such as Spike Lee's on-course encouragement and the pulsating energy of Brooklyn. Alongside a detailed race breakdown, John reflects on his own training for the St. Jude's Half Marathon, addressing the physical and mental preparations necessary for race day. The episode concludes with engaging listener questions and heartfelt thanks to supporters. This episode is a must-listen for both seasoned runners and those new to marathon experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 Guest Introduction: Carissa Galloway 01:04 Discussing the TCS New York City Marathon 02:41 Travel Troubles and Taxi Tales 02:55 Expo Experience and Pre-Race Preparations 15:18 Race Day Logistics and Staten Island Ferry 28:44 Starting the Race: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge 30:04 Running Through Brooklyn 32:32 Mid-Race Challenges and Personal Moments 37:24 Inspiring Moments on the Race Course 38:03 Navigating Through Brooklyn and Queens 38:34 Using the Rally App for Motivation 40:49 Challenges and Memorable Encounters 43:46 Finishing the Race and Post-Race Reflections 51:24 Post-Race Activities and Reflections 01:04:16 Training Insights and Future Plans Have Olympian Jenny Simpson as YOUR personal coach! Join The Galloway 360 Club- Your All-in-One Running & Wellness Experience Galloway 360 is a revolutionary training platform built on Olympian Jeff Galloway's proven Run-Walk-Run method — designed to help you run smarter, recover faster, and stay injury-free. But it's more than just a training plan. It's a complete support system for your fitness journey. Run Like Magic - Race Nutrition Course https://run-like-magic.newzenler.com/ Discover how proper nutrition and hydration can unlock your running potential and make every race magical. Let Registered Dietitian Carissa Galloway lead you through a science-backed plan to transform the way you think about your diet. Visit www.GallowayCourse.com and use the code PODCAST at checkout for a great discount! Become a 321 Go! Supporter. Help us continue to create! HERE New Apparel!! Wear your support for 321 Go! Join Chris Twiggs in Galloway Customized Training 25% off! Follow us! @321GoPodcast @carissa_gway @pelkman19 Email us 321GoPodcast@gmail.com Order Carissa's New Book - Run Walk Eat Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (BUY IT THROUGH A WEB BROWSER OR THE PATREON ANDROID APP, NOT VIA THE PATREON iOS APP. YOU'LL GET CHARGED EXTRA MONEY AND IT WILL TAKE LONGER TO PROCESS.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk movie night archives, and more!My guest this week is Canadian rapper and host of Hip-Hop Evolution, Shad. We spoke about Highest 2 Lowest and the works of Spike Lee, An American Tale, Welcome to The Dollhouse and the works of Todd Solondz, his work on Hip-Hop Evolution, the 20th anniversary of his debut album When This Is Over, balancing having a message with having fun, the overarching narrative of his last three albums, A Short Story About a War, TAO, and the creative process behind the third, and his latest, album, Start Anew. Come fuck with us.Start Anew is available now wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Consider copping it directly from Shad's Bandcamp. Follow Shad on Instagram and Twitter: @shadkmusicMy first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti. Protest, fight back, and fuck the system.Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weeklySupport the show
This week, we depart from spooky season with 1992's Juice. This urban psychological thriller is a genre bending wild ride of a film. We discuss everything from Tupac's meteoric rise to Ernest Dickerson's deft directorial hand. Tangents cover everything from Dickerson's cinematography work, particularly in Spike Lee's films, to Omar Epps' (onscreen) love affair with a member of En Vogue! Listen wherever you get your pods! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest this week is JASON POLLARD, the co-director of OL' DIRTY BASTARD: A TALE OF TWO DIRTYS.We discuss the filmmaking influence of Jason's father (the Peabody and Emmy-winning Sam Pollard) on Jason's own film work, being on the set of Spike Lee films as a young kid, what it was like for Jason to co-direct A Tale Of Two Dirtys with his father, analog vs digital editing, the lore of the grease pencil in the editing world, the cliffhanger editing that an A&E documentary demands, how modern day self-documentation of our lives on cellphones has changed the face of documentaries, Jason's first exposure to Wu Tang Clan, the exploitive nature of the music industry, MTV News attitude towards rap music in the 1990s, what it was like for Jason to work with the family and estate of ODB and more!REVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE:Host Chris Slusarenko (Eyelids, Guided By Voices, owner of Clinton Street Video rental store) is joined by actors, musicians, comedians, writers & directors who each week pick out their favorite music documentary, musical, music-themed fiction film or music videos to discuss. Fun, weird, and insightful, Revolutions Per Movie is your deep dive into our life-long obsessions where music and film collide.The show is also a completely independent affair, so the best way to support it is through our Patreon at patreon.com/revolutionspermovie. By joining, you can get weekly bonus episodes, physical goods such as Flexidiscs, and other exclusive goods.Revolutions Per Movie releases new episodes every Thursday on any podcast app, and additional, exclusive bonus episodes every Sunday on our Patreon. If you like the show, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing it on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!SOCIALS:@revolutionspermovieBlueSky: @revpermovieTHEME by Eyelids 'My Caved In Mind'www.musicofeyelids.bandcamp.com ARTWORK by Jeff T. Owenshttps://linktr.ee/mymetalhand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Singer, songwriter, and now actress Aiyana-Lee previews her performance at Deadline's 2025 Sound & Screen Festival this Friday in Los Angeles, in celebration of her breakout role in the new Spike Lee joint “Highest 2 Lowest”.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Million Dollaz Daily: SPIKE LEE ON EQUIPMENTYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/mworthofgame
In this episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B, alongside super producer A-King and journalist Jayson Rodriguez, dives into a timely and layered conversation about the fine line between critiquing and hating — and how that distinction shapes modern culture, creativity, and discourse. The episode opens with an introduction and book promotion [00:00], followed by a warm welcome to Selective Ignorance [00:38] that sets the stage for an engaging and introspective discussion on the culture of critique and haters [00:57]. Mandii, A-King, and Jayson unpack the difference between constructive feedback and negativity, especially within the entertainment industry. Their conversation transitions into a broader dialogue on Black art and criticism [02:35], where they examine how cultural expression often faces unfair scrutiny compared to mainstream counterparts. The tone remains conversational yet insightful as they introduce the super producer [03:37] — with A-King adding a behind-the-scenes lens to the discussion — before diving into language learning and cultural references [04:16], exploring how global influences shape both art and perception. The hosts briefly pivot to Bad Bunny’s political commentary [06:16], discussing how artists use their platforms for activism and the public’s polarizing reactions to it. The energy stays dynamic as Mandii shares career updates and her new radio show [09:11], giving listeners a peek into her professional growth and reflections on navigating media spaces. This leads naturally into a deeper conversation about the music industry [16:24], the blurred lines between artistry and business, and the constant evolution of creative identity. As the dialogue progresses, the hosts examine the power of social media and public perception [21:35], analyzing how online platforms amplify both critique and hate. They consider the challenges artists face when every opinion becomes public property and every misstep a trending topic. The group transitions to expectations and criticism in art [28:23], exploring how audience bias, nostalgia, and personal preference influence what’s celebrated and what’s condemned. The conversation takes a cinematic turn as Mandii, A-King, and Jayson begin diving into film critiques [40:43], starting with Marlon Wayans’ film Him [41:39]. Mandii praises the project for its symbolism and layered themes [42:23], describing how it thoughtfully examines identity, faith, and self-reflection. The discussion briefly detours into football culture and American society [43:53], drawing parallels between competitive spirit in sports and the cutthroat nature of creative industries. Next, the team tackles critiquing the critics [46:27], reflecting on how discourse itself can become toxic — especially when audiences conflate differing opinions with hate. This meta moment sets up their review of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s ‘Highest to Lowest’ [52:49], where Mandii delivers an unfiltered yet thoughtful analysis of the film’s creative shortcomings and emotional intent. They analyze ‘Highest to Lowest’ in depth [56:15], exploring how execution, storytelling, and audience expectations intersect in shaping reception. As the discussion unfolds, they reflect on the art of critique and audience reactions [01:01:57], questioning whether social media has made honest conversation about art nearly impossible without backlash. The hosts then share their favorite films and personal preferences [01:13:43], grounding the discussion in a shared appreciation for storytelling and diverse perspectives. The episode wraps with final thoughts and an outro [01:19:17], where the trio emphasizes the value of open-mindedness, empathy, and balance when engaging with art — reminding listeners that critique, when done with care, is an act of love, not hate. “No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!Sale Link Follow the host on Social MediaMandii B Instagram/X @fullcourtpumps Follow the guest on Social Media Hey Assante Instagram @heyassante Follow the show on Social MediaInstagram @selectiveignorancepodTiktok @selective.ignoranceX/Twitter @selectiveig_podSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Chill or Be Chilled. Let's Watch It Again is back!Rob Lee is joined by Lea Anderson to discuss the 1995 cult classic Tales from the Hood!Tales from the Hood (1995) is a Black horror anthology directed by Rusty Cundieff, framed by a late-night visit to a funeral home where a mortician guides three men through four supernatural morality tales addressing police brutality, domestic abuse, racism, and gang violence.In this retrospective, host Rob Lee and horror scholar Lea Anderson (Truth in This Art alum; FANGORIA columnist, SHUDDER contributor) examine the film's construction, cultural context, and legacy in Black horror.Topics include:The anthology's frame narrative and how it threads the segments togetherSegment-by-segment themes and social commentaryKey performances, including Clarence Williams III and David Alan GrierPractical effects, puppetry, and memorable set piecesProduction and release context: 1995 box office, competition (Casper, Braveheart, Johnny Mnemonic), and receptionThe film's enduring relevance and place in the horror canonCheck out the episode on the Let's Watch It Again Feed Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about various themes in hip hop and film, particularly focusing on the works of Spike Lee. They explore the impact of Atlanta rappers, delve into the significance of specific films like 'Get on the Bus', 'Summer of Sam', and 'Crooklyn', and conduct a blind ranking of Spike Lee's movies. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and personal reflections on the cultural significance of these works.
Ed Koch. Donald Trump. Rudy Giulian. Al Sharpton. Spike Lee. And more. They were the tabloid gods of New York at a pivotal time in the City's modern history - a time when several issues erupted into crises that caused chaos in NYC and made national headlines. And we discuss them in this interview because many of those issues persist to this day, and continue to polarize NYC's population and politics.
In front of an audience at Chapman University, the iconic New York filmmaker reflects on his 35-year collaboration with Denzel Washington, the role of music in his films and how Akira Kurosawa has influenced his work from his first narrative feature through his 24th and most recent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! You already know what time it is — the Knuckleheads Podcast is back with an exclusive episode you sneakerheads won't want to miss. Q & D welcome Easy Otabor to the pod ahead of the highly anticipated Jordan 17 drop. The Chicago native talks about breaking into art and fashion under the tutelage of Virgil Abloh and Don C, and the creative process behind designing the shoe — all while taking us back to 2002, when your favorite duo originally launched the 17s in a commercial directed by Spike Lee.It's hoops, hustle, and your favorite Jordan PEs. Tap in!Watch and listen to new episodes of Knuckleheads every week during the NBA season and follow us on Social Media for all the best moments from the show:Subscribe on YoutubeFollow on InstagramFollow on Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mahler walks us through The Gods of New York: Egotists, Idealists, Opportunists, and the Birth of the Modern City, 1986–1990—how a late-'80s crucible of crime, crack, and tabloids minted characters like Spike Lee ("the coolest guy in America"), Al Sharpton, Donald Trump, Ed Koch, and Rudy Giuliani. We revisit Howard Beach, Yusuf Hawkins, Do the Right Thing, and the media ecosystem that turned norm-breaking into power, alongside the policy tradeoffs (SROs, development, homelessness) that still echo today. It's a brisk tour of the years when New York became the prototype for how America lives now. Plus: how to read diplomatic reporting—and why Hamas yielded when its only real leverage was other people's bodies. Produced by Corey Wara Production Coordinator Ashley Khan Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact ad-sales@libsyn.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow The Gist List at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack
Million Dollaz Daily: HOW SPIKE LEE STAY CREATIVEYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/mworthofgame
Bomani Jones is joined by Howard Bryant to break down Paul Thomas Anderson's ‘One Battle After Another,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall & Teyana Taylor. They explore themes of capitalism, character representation, and the role of music in film, while discussing many critiques of the film being litigated on social media. Later, they discuss Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. They discuss how it compares to Kurosawa's 'High and Low" and what the movie does and does not say about Black Capitalism. 2:00 - Breaking down "One Battle After Another" 31:50 - Highest 2 Lowest: The High and The Low Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices