The Frame

Writer/director John Ridley (far right, with actor Timothy Hutton) talks about his edgy new TV series, “American Crime"; We crash a viewing party for the breakout TV hit, “Empire"; Musician and attorney Joe Escalante on the fallout from the “Blurred Lines” verdict.

A jury ruled that Robin Thicke (pictured) and Pharrell Williams violated the copyright to Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up"; an assistant director on the film "Midnight Rider" was found guilty of charges relating to the death of a camera assistant; producer David Shore revived a TV project created a dozen years ago by Vince Gilligan, before his "Breaking Bad" success.

"Midnight Rider" director Randall Miller was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to charges resulting from the death of a crew member on the set; Clint Eastwood talks about "American Sniper" (pictured) becoming the biggest-grossing film released in 2014; actress Gillian Jacobs has added director to her resumé with a documentary about computer pioneer Grace Hopper.

A fan laments that legendary radio DJ Art Laboe (pictured) can't be heard in L.A., at least for now; Robert Christgau, the Dean of American Rock Critics, has a memoir covering his 40-plus years on the music beat; Claire Keane is a third-generation artist who left a cushy job to write and illustrate children's books.

The trial for the lawsuit brought by Marvin Gaye's children against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams is nearing an end; how "Dead Man Walking" was transformed from a movie to an opera (pictured); comedian Wayne Federman rounds up his hilarious friends to host a film festival where they chose the lineup; comic book writer Scott Snyder put his anxieties into his version of "Batman."

Ed Piskor’s "Hip Hop Family Tree” (pictured) takes a look at the music's history in a comic book series; young comedians test their chops in roast battles; the Writer's Guild examines the lack of racial and gender diversity among TV writers.

Late night host Conan O'Brien tells us about his trip to Cuba and his thoughts on the late night TV shuffle; Vulture.com's Margaret Lyons recommends some TV shows that have an air of optimism; comic book writer Ed Brubaker goes from Captain America and Batman to a Hollywood noir graphic novel.

Will Smith's "Focus" (pictured) did middling business in its opening weekend, so where does this leave his career?; filmmaker Ed Burns on the highs and lows of his career since bursting on the scene with "The Brothers McMullen" in 1995; Valiant Entertainment has a simple goal: make comic books like they used to be made.

Leonard Nimoy (pictured) died today. We discuss his artistic journey as an actor, writer and photographer; the copyright trial pitting Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and T.I. against Marvin Gaye's children is underway; Will Forte is "The Last Man on Earth," a new Fox comedy.

Singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane (pictured) wrote "The Ambassador," a song cycle inspired by architectural landmarks around L.A.; Yann Demange's new film is set amidst the violent Northern Ireland conflict known as The Troubles; a new study concludes that watching even just one film can change minds about a topic as charged as politics.

The director and co-writer talks about making a movie that's more than just racing scenes; the Congressional Hispanic Caucus meets with Hollywood execs about representation; veterans turn to ancient Greek dramas to tell their own stories.

Mark Ruffalo wants to make movies that make a difference and make Marvel films too; "Honey Boy" director Alma Har'el on how she and Shia LaBeouf bonded; Nell Scovell confronts David Letterman; How "Moonface" was made; Writer Nell Scovell confronts her old boss, David Letterman.

After her longtime stint in Sonic Youth, followed by a two-person band called Body/Head, the singer and bassist has her first solo album, "No Home Record"; writer Nell Scovell mends fences (sort of) with David Letterman; Mati Diop's Senegalese film, "Atlantics."

The author's latest deep dive into pop culture is about his love for cinema; why did the Marciano Art Foundation suddenly shut its doors?; "The Red Thread" magic show.

The director wrote the script based on conversations with friends about marriage and divorce; Adam Driver talks about "Marriage Story," his fourth collaboration with Baumbach; Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz on her ongoing relationship with the L.A. Philharmonic.

Alma Har'el talks about making her narrative feature directing debut in the film that stars Shia LaBeouf in his first feature-length screenplay; an oral history of "Blade Runner."

The former first lady of the Philippines gave access to filmmaker Lauren Greenfield for a new documentary; why are same-sex love scenes being edited out of films on Delta Airlines?; the new podcast "Moonface" examines homosexuality and cultural barriers.

Ed Norton brings "Motherless Brooklyn" to theaters 20 years after he first had the idea; star Cynthia Erivo and director Kasi Lemons tell the story of telling the story of Harriet Tubman on screen; Should arts orgs partner with Saudi Arabia?; Josh Homme of Queens of the Ston

On his new double album, the mixmaster works with other prominent hip hop artists, but he also composed instrumentals for an orchestra; why isn't Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" in more theaters?

Over more than a half-century, George Rodriguez has taken countless photos of celebrities, but also of social movements such as farmworker strikes and student protests; after a high-profile departure, what's next for the "Star Wars" franchise?; singer San Cha

Director Kasi Lemmons and actress Cynthia Erivo talk about bringing Harriet Tubman's story to the big screen; HBO's new streaming service will launch with a vast library; singer, songwriter and producer Ayoni.

Series producer Caroline Dries talks about the responsibility of telling an LGBTQ+ story through the show's heroine; what's at stake for the first batch of shows from Apple Plus?; Josh Homme returns to the desert.