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.

As the actress wraps up the final season of "Veep," she looks back and ahead; why are so many theater productions based on old movies and TV shows?

The music producer has worked with Randy Newman, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and Los Lobos, and occasionally releases his own music; highlights and lowlights from week one of Coachella; the Write Girl program provides mentoring for teens by actors and writers.

Emma Thompson dropped out of a Skydance movie after the studio hired disgraced former Pixar CEO, John Lasseter. The she wrote a public letter about it. She tells us why. We discuss what's next in the on-going fight between the WGA and talent agencies. And we sample new features coming to a movie theater near you.

The comedian's new Hulu series is a fictionalized version of his life growing up in New Jersey as the son of Egyptian immigrant parents; inside the memorial service for Nipsey Hussle; the all-girl Japanese band, Chai.

Re-animated artists have become a big part of the concert business, now including Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and opera star Maria Callas; why is Netflix buying the Egyptian Theatre?; an experimental production of "King Lear" leaves the king offstage.

The Tony Award-winning actor takes on the role of newsman Howard Beale in a stage adaptation of the 1976 movie; with 'Game of Thrones' about to resume, we visit with the show's weapons master.

Since going viral after the 2017 Women's March, the song by MILCK has taken on a life of its own; what's in store for fans at Coachella this weekend?; the indie hip-hop duo Closegood blends experimental hip-hop with poetry and emo music.

The company specializes in abridged versions of The Bard's works that are played strictly for yuks; what are the challenges facing movie theater owners?; Yo-Yo Ma is embarked on a wildly ambitious Bach Project.

Emilio Estevez writes, directs and stars in the movie, about a library that's a refuge for homeless patrons; "Fresh Off The Boat" hits 100 episodes – what is its lasting impact on the TV landscape?; at CinemaCon, AMC announced theaters in Saudi Arabia, and Helen Mirren yells "F--- Netflix."

The singer's 1972 gospel concert film finally arrives in theaters after decades of technical and legal challenges; the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles is trying to move on from leadership controversies; the Los Angeles Poverty Department has been making theater with the residents of Skid Row for nearly 35 years.

The annual exhibit of site-specific public art has visitors flocking to the Palm Springs area for more than the usual fun-in-the-sun; rapper Nipsey Hussle left behind a legacy of music and community activism.