Podcast appearances and mentions of ted braun

WGA-nominated writer, director and USC professor Ted Braun, and TV and film writer and exec. producer Melissa Rosenberg, joined me to talk about reimagining screenwriting education with the MFA in Screenwriting at Bennington College. Ted Braun is the Program's Director and the WGA-nominated writer and director of Darfur Now, Betting on Zero, and Viva Maestro. He is a Professor of Screenwriting and Joseph Campbell Endowed Chair of Cinematic Ethics at USC's School of Cinematic Arts and was named one of Variety's Top Ten Teachers in Film and TV in 2018. Melissa Rosenberg is a writer and executive producer known for Twilight, Jessica Jones, and a 1986 graduate of Bennington College, where she is now a Trustee. She helped create and showrun Jessica Jones and adapted the Twilight film series, while also serving as head writer for Dexter. Bennington College will admit just 12 gifted, driven writers—students who are serious about building a body of work and launching a professional screenwriting career—to their inaugural class of The MFA in Screenwriting. Braun notes, “We're looking for students with imagination and hunger—those who want to develop a foundation for a decades-long screenwriting career.” The MFA in Screenwriting at Bennington College prepares writers for a life as creative and professional leaders in the evolving landscape of film and television. This low-residency, two-year program combines the academic depth of a liberal arts education with the rigorous preparation needed for a career in screenwriting. Learn more at bennington.edu/screenwriting Applications are due by December 1st, 2025. [Discover ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Writer Files Extra⁠⁠⁠⁠: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at ⁠⁠⁠⁠writerfiles.fm⁠⁠⁠⁠] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please ⁠⁠⁠⁠click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews⁠⁠⁠⁠. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Ted Braun, Melissa Rosenberg and I discussed: How life as a screenwriter starts with material that is unique and alive to you A one-of-a-kind screenwriting MFA, a low-residency program that yields six major pieces of work for TV and film, and why it is “perfectly suited to our times” Bennington's legacy of influential writers Why we need strong, original cinematic voices now more than ever And a lot more! Show Notes: bennington.edu/screenwriting Ted Braun on IMDb Melissa Rosenberg on IMDb Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Film director Ted Braun joins us on the Classical Post podcast to discuss his new documentary ¡Viva Maestro! that chronicles two of the most challenging years in the life of Grammy-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel, famously known as the music director of the LA Phil. — Classical Post explores the intersection of classical music, lifestyle, and wellness, diving into meaningful conversations with leading artists in the world today. Based in New York City, Classical Post is a touchpoint for tastemakers. Visit our website for exclusive editorial and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be notified of new content. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Classical Post is an ambassador for NED, a wellness company. Get 15% off their products like CBD oil and many other health-based products by using our code CLASSICALPOST at checkout.

Internationally renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel and Director Ted Braun discuss their new documentary ¡Viva Maestro! with moderator Matthew Carey (Deadline Hollywood). Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on April 8th, 2022. Gustavo Dudamel is the acclaimed Music and Artistic Director for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. When the conductor's international tours are disrupted by deadly protests across his native Venezuela, one of the world's finest and most beloved musicians faces a daunting set of challenges—to his commitment to the mentor who changed his life, to friends and musicians he's led since his teens, and to his belief in art's transformative capacity. ¡Viva Maestro!, the uplifting and timely new documentary from acclaimed director Ted Braun (Darfur Now), follows Dudamel around the world as he responds to unexpected and imposing obstacles with stirring music-making that celebrates the power of art to renew and unite.

David Hayman is a Scottish actor whose credits include The Boy in Striped Pajamas; Macbeth; Atom Egoyan's Where The Truth Lies; Dad's Army (The Lost Episodes); The Tailor of Panama; and Sid & Nancy. He stars as Norm in the Revenge thriller Bull, which is out now. Ted Braun is a documentary filmmaker whose previous films include Darfur Now and Betting on Zero. In his latest - Viva Maestro! - he follows renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel on his quest to ignite social connection and change through music with both the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra and his work with youth. He was also personally asked by the legendary John Williams to work on both West Side Story and Star Wars. Via Maestro! follows Gustavo through preparation, the Venezuelan protests, and back, through multiple cities and seven different countries. The film opens April 8th. Subscribe - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Anchor, Pandora, Deezer, RadioPublic Socials @EndeavoursRadio --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dan-mcpeake/message

Today's podcast is part twp of a two-part interview with Brian McGinn, Executive Producer and Director of the Netflix series Chef's Table and, our primary our primary focus in today's conversation, the feature documentary Amanda Knox. The conversation was recorded as part of a series of classes that I taught at The University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Each week I would host an artist for a discussion that would help us better understand the values and aims of storytellers in the world of crime and justice. I connected with Brian through my USC colleague, filmmaker Ted Braun who joins me in interviewing McGinn on the podcast. I found Brian's perspective on filmmaking in general and the Knox story in particular, refreshingly down to earth and unpretentious. The Knox film is especially insightful, as the New York Times put it, about “how we judge attractive young women who dare to stray from what we consider appropriate social behavior.”

Today's podcast is part one of a two-part interview with Brian McGinn, executive producer and director of the Netflix series Chef's Table and, our primary our primary focus in today's conversation, the feature documentary Amanda Knox. The conversation was recorded as part of a series of classes that I taught at The University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Each week I would host an artist for a discussion that would help us better understand the values and aims of storytellers in the world of crime and justice. I connected with Brian through my USC colleague, filmmaker Ted Braun who joins me in interviewing McGinn on the podcast. I found Brian's perspective on filmmaking in general and the Knox story in particular, refreshingly down to earth and unpretentious. The Knox film is especially insightful, as the New York Times put it, about “how we judge attractive young women who dare to stray from what we consider appropriate social behavior.”

Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and the Richard Brooks film adaptation of Capote's "non-fiction novel" are watershed moments in crime storytelling. With guests Howard Rodman and Ted Braun, Professors at USC School of Cinematic Arts.

It’s Retail-palooza! We dig into the latest results from Walmart, Target and Alibaba. Home Depot builds record profits, while Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods deliver minor league results. Plus, in the wake of the Chinese government cracking down on multi-level marketing firms we revisit our interview with Ted Braun, director of the Herbalife documentary "Betting On Zero."

Podcast #18 gives us a chance to speak with hedge fund manager and documentary producer, John Fichthorn, about his documentary, "Betting on Zero".   John co-founded Dialectic Capital Management, LLC in 2003 and serves as its Portfolio Manager. "Betting on Zero" offers an inside look at the controversy behind multi-level marketing companies and the gamesmanship that occurs on Wall Street . The documentary follows Bill Ackman, principal of Pershing Square, and the impact on Herbalife after Ackman makes a billion dollar bet against the company. The film documents the short position and the conflict it causes between Ackman, Herbalife CEO Michael Johnson and Wall Street titan, Carl Icahn.  BOZ also follows the stories of former distributors and employees of Herbalife and provides examples of the controversial impacts Herbalife has had on the communities it serves.  The film is available on iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. We cover a lot in a short amount of time including what made the story interesting for John and how he and director, Ted Braun, were able to get the amazing access.  Finally, we hear about the business (or lack thereof) of documentaries and some of John's future plans. [*THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THE PODCAST] QUESTIONS Bill Ackman is a huge figure in the shadowy world of hedge funds and his flirtation with Herbalife has become the stuff of legends. How did you become interested in the man and this particular trade? Why was it important to produce a documentary on the subject? You have a pretty high stress day job . . . How did you become involved with the project? How was the team assembled?  How was the director, Ted Braun, chosen and who were the other driving factors behind the project? The film ultimately comes down to two strong-minded characters, Michael Johnson, then CEO of Herbalife, who believes in the promise and growth of Herbalife, and Bill Ackman who has bet a substantial amount of money that company will fail. In short strokes, take us through why there is such a divergence of opinion as to whether Herbalife is thriving business or a recipe for failure. The film takes great pains to present the various impacts that Herbalife has on its employees, customers and investors. How were these constituencies assembled? In a world of regulations, compliance and other red-tape snarls, I was stunned that Johnson and Ackman provided as much access as the did. How did you get these two figure heads to agree to appear? How did you get them comfortable with the idea of a documentary? One of the key subplots, is there emergence of Carl Ichan, another famous financier, who emerges later in the process and seems to relish, not only profiting on the other side of the Ackman trade, but in embarrassing him as well. How much of that goes on in finance?  When the investments become emotional/personal? When does it become a bet more than an investment? Since the film was released, Michael Johnson has left Herbalife. Governmental investigations haven’t yielded any particular smoking guns. Without having to get too specific, what are the implications of these events? What do you see going forward? The film has a had a nice reception at the Southampton and Tribeca Film festivals. And it’s now on Netflix . . . What is the plan for the documentary now? I was part of a low-budget horror movie and I learned first-hand that movie-making isn’t for sissies. Now that you have one under your belt, has it become an addiction? Are there any other stories that you would like to see told? What is the best way for people to see the “Betting on Zero”? [*THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THE PODCAST]

Podcast #18 gives us a chance to speak with hedge fund manager and documentary producer, John Fichthorn, about his documentary, "Betting on Zero".   John co-founded Dialectic Capital Management, LLC in 2003 and serves as its Portfolio Manager. "Betting on Zero" offers an inside look at the controversy behind multi-level marketing companies and the gamesmanship that occurs on Wall Street . The documentary follows Bill Ackman, principal of Pershing Square, and the impact on Herbalife after Ackman makes a billion dollar bet against the company. The film documents the short position and the conflict it causes between Ackman, Herbalife CEO Michael Johnson and Wall Street titan, Carl Icahn.  BOZ also follows the stories of former distributors and employees of Herbalife and provides examples of the controversial impacts Herbalife has had on the communities it serves.  The film is available on iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. We cover a lot in a short amount of time including what made the story interesting for John and how he and director, Ted Braun, were able to get the amazing access.  Finally, we hear about the business (or lack thereof) of documentaries and some of John's future plans. [*THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THE PODCAST] QUESTIONS Bill Ackman is a huge figure in the shadowy world of hedge funds and his flirtation with Herbalife has become the stuff of legends. How did you become interested in the man and this particular trade? Why was it important to produce a documentary on the subject? You have a pretty high stress day job . . . How did you become involved with the project? How was the team assembled?  How was the director, Ted Braun, chosen and who were the other driving factors behind the project? The film ultimately comes down to two strong-minded characters, Michael Johnson, then CEO of Herbalife, who believes in the promise and growth of Herbalife, and Bill Ackman who has bet a substantial amount of money that company will fail. In short strokes, take us through why there is such a divergence of opinion as to whether Herbalife is thriving business or a recipe for failure. The film takes great pains to present the various impacts that Herbalife has on its employees, customers and investors. How were these constituencies assembled? In a world of regulations, compliance and other red-tape snarls, I was stunned that Johnson and Ackman provided as much access as the did. How did you get these two figure heads to agree to appear? How did you get them comfortable with the idea of a documentary? One of the key subplots, is there emergence of Carl Ichan, another famous financier, who emerges later in the process and seems to relish, not only profiting on the other side of the Ackman trade, but in embarrassing him as well. How much of that goes on in finance?  When the investments become emotional/personal? When does it become a bet more than an investment? Since the film was released, Michael Johnson has left Herbalife. Governmental investigations haven’t yielded any particular smoking guns. Without having to get too specific, what are the implications of these events? What do you see going forward? The film has a had a nice reception at the Southampton and Tribeca Film festivals. And it’s now on Netflix . . . What is the plan for the documentary now? I was part of a low-budget horror movie and I learned first-hand that movie-making isn’t for sissies. Now that you have one under your belt, has it become an addiction? Are there any other stories that you would like to see told? What is the best way for people to see the “Betting on Zero”? [*THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THE PODCAST]

Blackberry surprises. Dave & Buster's rises. Facebook shares a new story. And Lululemon tumbles. Plus, Betting on Zero documentary filmmaker Ted Braun talks about one hedge fund manager's billion dollar bet against Herbalife. 

Thank you for downloading episode 24 of the 'Highly Relevant Podcast' which you can now subscribe to via the Revolver Podcast network. This week, an important new documentary called "Betting On Zero" hits theaters and it centers on the alleged pyramid scheming of the nutrition company Herbalife. It also chronicles in detail how Latinos have been exploited by Herbalife as well. Ted Braun, the director of the film and Latina activist Julie Contreras also a part of the film, join me to discuss the film’s central premise and the financial ramifications Herbalife’s sketchy business dealings have had on the Hispanic community. Episode Summary: Ted Braun :48 JackedIN (news recap) 11:50 Julie Contreras 13:38 What I'm listening to this week 27:52 Pasos de Cero - Pablo Alboran Breakfast In Bed - Mayer Hawthorne Mas Que Suerte - Beatriz Luengo feat. Jesus Navarro from Reik My NY1 Movie Review of "20 Feet Stardom" 29:01 You'd like to give us your feedback or get a shout-out? Email us at highlyrelevant@showbizcafe.com and help us spread the word on social media: Twitter Facebook Instagram If you enjoyed this episode head on over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review and please subscribe! Ways to subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico: • Click here to subscribe via iTunes • Click here to subscribe via Spotify • You can also subscribe via Stitcher