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The Frame Tile

The Frame

A daily chronicle of creativity in film, TV, music, arts, and entertainment, produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from November 2014 – March 2020. Host John Horn leads the conversation, accompanied by the nation's most plugged-in cultural journalists.

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  • Listen 25:52
    The comedian talks about his new stand-up special, which is aptly titled "End Times Fun"; for animators, the show must go on; comedian John Thomas insists “Everything's Gonna Be Okay.”
    The comedian talks about his new stand-up special, which is aptly titled "End Times Fun"; for animators, the show must go on; comedian John Thomas insists “Everything's Gonna Be Okay.”
  • Listen 25:42
    The co-hosts of the New York Times culture podcast, "Still Processing," talk about their new season of episodes; podcast expert Nick Quah on what he's recommending these days.
    The co-hosts of the New York Times culture podcast, "Still Processing," talk about their new season of episodes; podcast expert Nick Quah on what he's recommending these days.
  • Listen 25:51
    We devote our entire show today to pop music, asking creators how they’re coping in the Age of Covid. We’ll hear from singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman, country musician Jessi Alexander, and A.J. Jackson, the lead singer from the band Saint Motel, which had to cancel its world tour.
    We devote our entire show today to pop music, asking creators how they’re coping in the Age of Covid. We’ll hear from singer/songwriter Bhi Bhiman, country musician Jessi Alexander, and A.J. Jackson, the lead singer from the band Saint Motel, which had to cancel its world tour.
  • Listen 24:57
    Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a scientist in “Z for Zachariah,” an apocalypse movie unlike any you’ve seen; Jenny Yang and Keiko Agena created a comedy festival as a showcase for Asian-American performers; actors really get tipsy on "Drunk History," which is exactly what creator Derek Waters wants.
    Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a scientist in “Z for Zachariah,” an apocalypse movie unlike any you’ve seen; Jenny Yang and Keiko Agena created a comedy festival as a showcase for Asian-American performers; actors really get tipsy on "Drunk History," which is exactly what creator Derek Waters wants.
  • Listen 24:00
    Jeffrey Tambor and the "Transparent" cast and crew are shooting the second season of the hit show, which has garnered 11 Emmy nominations; a scene in the postponed season finale of "Mr. Robot" rekindles the debate over gun violence on television.
    Jeffrey Tambor and the "Transparent" cast and crew are shooting the second season of the hit show, which has garnered 11 Emmy nominations; a scene in the postponed season finale of "Mr. Robot" rekindles the debate over gun violence on television.
  • Listen 24:24
    Lili Zanuck worked decades to produce her biopic of blues singer Bessie Smith, and to make sure Queen Latifah got the lead role; Sony bought the rights to 33 Van Morrison albums and will make many available digitally for the first time; Rob Cordrry and David Wain on making their spoof of medical dramas.
    Lili Zanuck worked decades to produce her biopic of blues singer Bessie Smith, and to make sure Queen Latifah got the lead role; Sony bought the rights to 33 Van Morrison albums and will make many available digitally for the first time; Rob Cordrry and David Wain on making their spoof of medical dramas.
  • Listen 24:27
    José Padilha tells the story of Pablo Escobar in the new Netflix series, "Narcos;" The indie band Gardens and Villa has an artist compound near Dodger Stadium; Warner Bros. is in talks to co-finance a slate of movies made in China; 40 years ago today, Bruce Springsteen released his landmark album, “Born to Run.”
    José Padilha tells the story of Pablo Escobar in the new Netflix series, "Narcos;" The indie band Gardens and Villa has an artist compound near Dodger Stadium; Warner Bros. is in talks to co-finance a slate of movies made in China; 40 years ago today, Bruce Springsteen released his landmark album, “Born to Run.”
  • Listen 25:12
    Yo La Tengo's new album has the trio reimagining songs they love by other artists; Regal Cinemas steps up security measures at movie theaters; Emmy-nominated actor Titus Burgess from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"; Neil Young's Pono needs money
    Yo La Tengo's new album has the trio reimagining songs they love by other artists; Regal Cinemas steps up security measures at movie theaters; Emmy-nominated actor Titus Burgess from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"; Neil Young's Pono needs money
  • Listen 23:45
    Jim Reid says he couldn't imagine the band's 1985 debut album, "Psychocandy," remaining popular 30 years later; "Sneakerheadz" is a documentary about obsessive sneaker collectors; writer Steven Johnson says the digital age has not brought on the expected apocalypse for the creative class.
    Jim Reid says he couldn't imagine the band's 1985 debut album, "Psychocandy," remaining popular 30 years later; "Sneakerheadz" is a documentary about obsessive sneaker collectors; writer Steven Johnson says the digital age has not brought on the expected apocalypse for the creative class.
  • Listen 24:15
    Doug Aitken didn't want a traditional documentary about his music and art-filled train project, so he instead made 62 one-minute films; FYF founder Sean Carlson talks about the music festival's growing pains; for bands like Lower Dens and The Drums, FYF is another stop on a never-ending road trip.
    Doug Aitken didn't want a traditional documentary about his music and art-filled train project, so he instead made 62 one-minute films; FYF founder Sean Carlson talks about the music festival's growing pains; for bands like Lower Dens and The Drums, FYF is another stop on a never-ending road trip.
  • Listen 23:35
    "Jackass" stunt master Johnny Knoxville made a documentary, "Being Evel," about his childhood hero; Mac Quayle went from producing dance music for the likes of Donna Summer to composing music for TV shows such as "American Horror Story"; a vote by SAG-AFTRA members could chart the future for Hollywood's biggest union.
    "Jackass" stunt master Johnny Knoxville made a documentary, "Being Evel," about his childhood hero; Mac Quayle went from producing dance music for the likes of Donna Summer to composing music for TV shows such as "American Horror Story"; a vote by SAG-AFTRA members could chart the future for Hollywood's biggest union.
  • Listen 24:00
    “Straight Outta Compton" received rave reviews, but some critics say the movie minimizes the misogyny and violence against women at the heart of N.W.A.’s music; The L.A. band Health continues to rise in the music scene, but is the band at its peak?; poet Claudia Rankine’s book on racism and prejudice gets adapted to the stage.
    “Straight Outta Compton" received rave reviews, but some critics say the movie minimizes the misogyny and violence against women at the heart of N.W.A.’s music; The L.A. band Health continues to rise in the music scene, but is the band at its peak?; poet Claudia Rankine’s book on racism and prejudice gets adapted to the stage.
  • Listen 24:29
    Ice Cube is played by his son in "Straight Outta Compton" and the father/son duo tell us how they wanted the performance to be authentic; Guy Ritchie's "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." isn't your average, everyday spy movie; Star Wars Land and other Disney-related news from D23; Tracy Morgan to return as host of SNL.
    Ice Cube is played by his son in "Straight Outta Compton" and the father/son duo tell us how they wanted the performance to be authentic; Guy Ritchie's "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." isn't your average, everyday spy movie; Star Wars Land and other Disney-related news from D23; Tracy Morgan to return as host of SNL.
Episodes
  • Listen 23:27
    A new study concludes that the people who rate films for the MPAA are becoming desensitized to violence; "Fury" rolls over the weekend box office; and a "Mad Men" actor goes back in time again.
    A new study concludes that the people who rate films for the MPAA are becoming desensitized to violence; "Fury" rolls over the weekend box office; and a "Mad Men" actor goes back in time again.
  • Listen 23:08
    How filmmaker Jorge Gutierrez (far right) got Guillermo del Toro to produce his feature debut, "The Book of Life"; a look at Brad Pitt's WWII drama, "Fury," and other new films out today; and musician Marissa Lauren talks about opening for Lena Dunham.
    How filmmaker Jorge Gutierrez (far right) got Guillermo del Toro to produce his feature debut, "The Book of Life"; a look at Brad Pitt's WWII drama, "Fury," and other new films out today; and musician Marissa Lauren talks about opening for Lena Dunham.
  • Listen 24:06
    Director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu flies high with “Birdman"; undocumented students tell their own stories on stage in “Dreaming Sin Fronteras"; and playwright Dael Orlandersmith confronts family matters in “Forever.”
    Director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu flies high with “Birdman"; undocumented students tell their own stories on stage in “Dreaming Sin Fronteras"; and playwright Dael Orlandersmith confronts family matters in “Forever.”
  • Listen 23:48
    HBO will launch a streaming service, but Warner Bros. studios must cut $200 million in overhead; What makes a hit song? Ask the "Song Exploder"; and California tries cultural diplomacy in China.
    HBO will launch a streaming service, but Warner Bros. studios must cut $200 million in overhead; What makes a hit song? Ask the "Song Exploder"; and California tries cultural diplomacy in China.
  • Listen 23:29
    "The Walking Dead" debuted to big numbers — meanwhile, Nielsen's hold on the ratings business is being challenged; Foxygen releases a new album; and the Encuentro Theater Festival launches.
    "The Walking Dead" debuted to big numbers — meanwhile, Nielsen's hold on the ratings business is being challenged; Foxygen releases a new album; and the Encuentro Theater Festival launches.
  • Listen 22:02
    The networks seek Latino viewers with "Cristela" and "Jane the Virgin"; "Gone Girl" stays on top at the box office; and director David Dobkin switches genres for "The Judge."
    The networks seek Latino viewers with "Cristela" and "Jane the Virgin"; "Gone Girl" stays on top at the box office; and director David Dobkin switches genres for "The Judge."
  • Listen 26:40
    Comedian Dan Mintz talks about his new stand-up album and his "Bob's Burgers" character, Tina; Grae Drake of Rotten Tomatoes dissects this weekend's film releases; and John Lydon, née Rotten, speaks his mind.
    Comedian Dan Mintz talks about his new stand-up album and his "Bob's Burgers" character, Tina; Grae Drake of Rotten Tomatoes dissects this weekend's film releases; and John Lydon, née Rotten, speaks his mind.
  • Listen 24:24
    Move over Sundance — the L.A. neighborhood adds an independent film festival; The band OK Go on the new album, “Hungry Ghost”; and Joan Baez adapts to her changing voice.
    Move over Sundance — the L.A. neighborhood adds an independent film festival; The band OK Go on the new album, “Hungry Ghost”; and Joan Baez adapts to her changing voice.
  • Listen 23:10
    29-year-old writer/director Damien Chazelle (in red shirt) makes his feature film debut with "Whiplash"; Deaf West Theatre hits it big with the 2006 Tony Award winner; and Slate's popular podcast comes to L.A. for a live stage show.
    29-year-old writer/director Damien Chazelle (in red shirt) makes his feature film debut with "Whiplash"; Deaf West Theatre hits it big with the 2006 Tony Award winner; and Slate's popular podcast comes to L.A. for a live stage show.
  • Listen 30:24
    "The Judge" is the first release from Robert and Susan Downey's new production company; PBS' "Makers" series looks at women in the entertainment business; Common Sense Media lends its imprimatur to film studios; and a life in photos with Led Zep's guitarist.
    "The Judge" is the first release from Robert and Susan Downey's new production company; PBS' "Makers" series looks at women in the entertainment business; Common Sense Media lends its imprimatur to film studios; and a life in photos with Led Zep's guitarist.
  • Listen 25:47
    Visual effects artists prepare for the day when virtual reality is a filmmaking reality; a low-budget horror film rakes in the bucks; touring tips from Belle & Sebastian's singer.
    Visual effects artists prepare for the day when virtual reality is a filmmaking reality; a low-budget horror film rakes in the bucks; touring tips from Belle & Sebastian's singer.
  • Listen 20:32
    Director John Leonetti joins us to talk about 'Annabelle,' the prequel to the wildly successful "The Conjuring"; we visit the unlikely cultural hub of Marfa, Texas for its annual music festival; and Nicolas Cage takes a dubious step into the rapture film genre.
    Director John Leonetti joins us to talk about 'Annabelle,' the prequel to the wildly successful "The Conjuring"; we visit the unlikely cultural hub of Marfa, Texas for its annual music festival; and Nicolas Cage takes a dubious step into the rapture film genre.