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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 25:05
    With rock 'n' roll bands no longer headlining top music festivals, is the genre finally dead?; what to expect from this year's Cannes festival; comedic actor Drew Droege came to L.A. with glamorous dreams of making it in Hollywood, only to find success with a viral video.
    With rock 'n' roll bands no longer headlining top music festivals, is the genre finally dead?; what to expect from this year's Cannes festival; comedic actor Drew Droege came to L.A. with glamorous dreams of making it in Hollywood, only to find success with a viral video.
  • Listen 25:24
    Writer Tanya Saracho talks about her arc in the TV business — from being a "diversity hire" on "Devious Maids" to creating her own show "Vida" about two Latinx sisters who move back home after their mother's death; and Goldenvoice, the concert promoter of FYF Fest has canceled this year's festival because of low ticket sales. Is it a case of festival fatigue or something else?
    Writer Tanya Saracho talks about her arc in the TV business — from being a "diversity hire" on "Devious Maids" to creating her own show "Vida" about two Latinx sisters who move back home after their mother's death; and Goldenvoice, the concert promoter of FYF Fest has canceled this year's festival because of low ticket sales. Is it a case of festival fatigue or something else?
  • Listen 24:16
    Jim DeRogatis has been reporting on allegations of sexual abuse against R. Kelly for nearly two decades including a new report in Buzzfeed today – why this singer may be finally facing his #metoo moment; and as costume designer for "The Crown," Jane Petrie discusses the pressure to get the look of the royal family just right.
    Jim DeRogatis has been reporting on allegations of sexual abuse against R. Kelly for nearly two decades including a new report in Buzzfeed today – why this singer may be finally facing his #metoo moment; and as costume designer for "The Crown," Jane Petrie discusses the pressure to get the look of the royal family just right.
  • Listen 25:59
    A new exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Arts Center celebrates the life and work of composer Leonard Bernstein; the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences votes to expel Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski; and Memphis-based author and filmmaker Robert Gordon captures the grit of his hometown's music in his new book “Memphis Rent Party.”
    A new exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Arts Center celebrates the life and work of composer Leonard Bernstein; the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences votes to expel Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski; and Memphis-based author and filmmaker Robert Gordon captures the grit of his hometown's music in his new book “Memphis Rent Party.”
  • Listen 25:49
    Actor Martin Freeman goes from 'The Office,' to 'Black Panther,' into two small-scale horror films; Billionaire businessman Wang Jailin of the Dalian Wanda Group hoped that Hollywood studios would see China as a location for making movies, but the Wall Street Journal reveals that’s not happening; We go inside the new production called, “theater is a blank space,” which takes you from Powell Library to the rafters of UCLA’s Royce Hall, literally.
    Actor Martin Freeman goes from 'The Office,' to 'Black Panther,' into two small-scale horror films; Billionaire businessman Wang Jailin of the Dalian Wanda Group hoped that Hollywood studios would see China as a location for making movies, but the Wall Street Journal reveals that’s not happening; We go inside the new production called, “theater is a blank space,” which takes you from Powell Library to the rafters of UCLA’s Royce Hall, literally.
  • Listen 26:06
    "Mean Girls” and “SpongeBob” led this year’s Tony nominations with 12 picks each. New York Times theater reporter Michael Paulson helped break down the nominations for us; We talk with 'RBG' co-director Betsy West about convincing Justice Ginsburg to give them access to her life; “Spongebob Squarepants the Musical” snagged 12 Tony nominations today, including the top prize, best musical. We talk with playwright Kyle Jarrow.
    "Mean Girls” and “SpongeBob” led this year’s Tony nominations with 12 picks each. New York Times theater reporter Michael Paulson helped break down the nominations for us; We talk with 'RBG' co-director Betsy West about convincing Justice Ginsburg to give them access to her life; “Spongebob Squarepants the Musical” snagged 12 Tony nominations today, including the top prize, best musical. We talk with playwright Kyle Jarrow.
  • Listen 25:27
    The screenwriters of "Avengers: Infinity War" explain how the sitcom "Frasier" influenced the film; the Hulu documentary “Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie” shows how executives at Mattel went about changing the body shape of their iconic and controversial doll.
    The screenwriters of "Avengers: Infinity War" explain how the sitcom "Frasier" influenced the film; the Hulu documentary “Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie” shows how executives at Mattel went about changing the body shape of their iconic and controversial doll.
  • Listen 25:11
    Alia Shawkat co-wrote and stars in “Duck Butter," a movie about two women who spend 24 hours doing nothing but being with each other and having sex; San Francisco's Grace Cathedral holds a Beyoncé-themed service; YouTube struggles to clean up its act.
    Alia Shawkat co-wrote and stars in “Duck Butter," a movie about two women who spend 24 hours doing nothing but being with each other and having sex; San Francisco's Grace Cathedral holds a Beyoncé-themed service; YouTube struggles to clean up its act.
  • Listen 26:31
    With her new film, "Disobedience," Rachel Weisz found something she had been seeking but couldn't find: a story with two female leads; former comedian and TV host Byron Allen has quietly built a company with interests in both film and television.
    With her new film, "Disobedience," Rachel Weisz found something she had been seeking but couldn't find: a story with two female leads; former comedian and TV host Byron Allen has quietly built a company with interests in both film and television.
  • Listen 25:18
    Movie theater owners look beyond popcorn to find new concessions at CinemaCon; Chicano photographer George Rodriguez captures two very different L.A.'s over a 50-year period; CalArts celebrates world music with its own salsa band.
    Movie theater owners look beyond popcorn to find new concessions at CinemaCon; Chicano photographer George Rodriguez captures two very different L.A.'s over a 50-year period; CalArts celebrates world music with its own salsa band.
Episodes
  • Listen 24:00
    Alice Armendariz, aka Alice Bag, became part of L.A.'s punk scene in the late '70s and she's still keeping that spirit alive; members of SAG-AFTRA want a share of revenue from the lucrative video game industry; Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fire At Sea” is about African migrants risking their lives in the Mediterranean.
    Alice Armendariz, aka Alice Bag, became part of L.A.'s punk scene in the late '70s and she's still keeping that spirit alive; members of SAG-AFTRA want a share of revenue from the lucrative video game industry; Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fire At Sea” is about African migrants risking their lives in the Mediterranean.
  • Listen 24:00
    Actress Naomie Harris wasn’t sure about playing a drug-addicted mother in “Moonlight,” but she couldn’t resist the powerful coming-of-age story; Donald Trump's campaign hosted a Facebook Live show before, during and after the debate; the latest album by Natalie Mering, aka Weyes Blood, was inspired by growing up in a devoutly religious household
    Actress Naomie Harris wasn’t sure about playing a drug-addicted mother in “Moonlight,” but she couldn’t resist the powerful coming-of-age story; Donald Trump's campaign hosted a Facebook Live show before, during and after the debate; the latest album by Natalie Mering, aka Weyes Blood, was inspired by growing up in a devoutly religious household
  • Listen 23:59
    Documentarian Dawn Porter had a legal career before picking up a film camera. Now she uses her legal knowledge to look at social issues such as abortion rights in her new film, "Trapped"; "Hamiltunes LA" was created by a group of superfans whose love of the Broadway musical, "Hamilton," led to the sing-along event that's now being replicated nationwide
    Documentarian Dawn Porter had a legal career before picking up a film camera. Now she uses her legal knowledge to look at social issues such as abortion rights in her new film, "Trapped"; "Hamiltunes LA" was created by a group of superfans whose love of the Broadway musical, "Hamilton," led to the sing-along event that's now being replicated nationwide
  • Listen 24:00
    Actress Rebecca Hall knew nothing of troubled news reporter Christine Chubbuck before she received the script for "Christine." She discusses the larger issues at work in Chubbuck's life; China's Wanda Group announced plans for a huge new studio facility in China and a hefty production incentive to lure filmmakers; After the election, will Donald Trump create his own media empire?
    Actress Rebecca Hall knew nothing of troubled news reporter Christine Chubbuck before she received the script for "Christine." She discusses the larger issues at work in Chubbuck's life; China's Wanda Group announced plans for a huge new studio facility in China and a hefty production incentive to lure filmmakers; After the election, will Donald Trump create his own media empire?
  • Listen 22:30
    In the HBO series "Westworld," Thandie Newton plays a robot prostitute who's one of the "hosts" in the dystopian theme park. She opens up about how this role is empowering in that it gives her the opportunity to challenge sexism and the objectification of women; Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno talks about why she moved to LA and she reflects on border culture in her new album "Illusion."
    In the HBO series "Westworld," Thandie Newton plays a robot prostitute who's one of the "hosts" in the dystopian theme park. She opens up about how this role is empowering in that it gives her the opportunity to challenge sexism and the objectification of women; Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno talks about why she moved to LA and she reflects on border culture in her new album "Illusion."
  • Listen 23:59
    Filmmaker Gavin O'Connor worked with Ben Affleck to make sure the actor's portrayal of a character on the autism spectrum was accurate and respectful; Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and an army of former Prince collaborators were on hand for the tribute; Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig from the band Lucius on working with the Pink Floyd legend.
    Filmmaker Gavin O'Connor worked with Ben Affleck to make sure the actor's portrayal of a character on the autism spectrum was accurate and respectful; Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and an army of former Prince collaborators were on hand for the tribute; Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig from the band Lucius on working with the Pink Floyd legend.
  • Listen 24:23
    The New Yorker editor David Remnick on Bob Dylan's literary cred; Jonás Cuarón explains why he made a movie about immigration as an action-thriller; Amazon wants your music streaming business; "A Nation Engaged": "Fresh Off the Boat" creator Nahnatchka Khan; Neon Trees singer Tyler Green comes out and leaves the Mormon church.
    The New Yorker editor David Remnick on Bob Dylan's literary cred; Jonás Cuarón explains why he made a movie about immigration as an action-thriller; Amazon wants your music streaming business; "A Nation Engaged": "Fresh Off the Boat" creator Nahnatchka Khan; Neon Trees singer Tyler Green comes out and leaves the Mormon church.
  • Listen 23:43
    America Ferrera says she's as much an activist as she is an actress, and she proves it in a documentary for the Epix cable channel; is NBC's attempt at synergy to blame for the Donald Trump/Billy Bush tape debacle?; visual artist Edgar Arceneaux imagines a better future for creatives.
    America Ferrera says she's as much an activist as she is an actress, and she proves it in a documentary for the Epix cable channel; is NBC's attempt at synergy to blame for the Donald Trump/Billy Bush tape debacle?; visual artist Edgar Arceneaux imagines a better future for creatives.
  • Listen 23:58
    "Improvisos Peligrosos" (Dangerous Improvisations) is diversifying the improv comedy scene in L.A.; Actress Constance Wu on what it means to be an American; "Newtown" is a portrait of the small Connecticut town in the wake of the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
    "Improvisos Peligrosos" (Dangerous Improvisations) is diversifying the improv comedy scene in L.A.; Actress Constance Wu on what it means to be an American; "Newtown" is a portrait of the small Connecticut town in the wake of the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
  • Listen 24:50
    How did NBC get beat on its own "Access Hollywood" tape of Donald Trump and Billy Bush? What does this tell us about the blurring of lines between news and entertainment?; the first weekend of Desert Trip was full of music, politics and high-end food; "The Birth of a Nation" underwhelms at the box office; "A Nation Engaged": playwright Jon Robin Baitz
    How did NBC get beat on its own "Access Hollywood" tape of Donald Trump and Billy Bush? What does this tell us about the blurring of lines between news and entertainment?; the first weekend of Desert Trip was full of music, politics and high-end food; "The Birth of a Nation" underwhelms at the box office; "A Nation Engaged": playwright Jon Robin Baitz
  • Listen 25:11
    In the 1973 movie "Westworld," Michael Crichton created a fantasy world that now doesn't seem so far-fetched in the new HBO series; Desert Days may be jokingly called "Oldchella," but the promoters are laughing all the way to the bank; Get Lit was founded with the goal of using poetry to increase teen literacy ... and it’s working.
    In the 1973 movie "Westworld," Michael Crichton created a fantasy world that now doesn't seem so far-fetched in the new HBO series; Desert Days may be jokingly called "Oldchella," but the promoters are laughing all the way to the bank; Get Lit was founded with the goal of using poetry to increase teen literacy ... and it’s working.
  • Listen 24:00
    “Delusion: His Crimson Queen” is a haunt for people who will pay for the privilege of being scared, while "Hollywood Premiere Party: The Show" lets movie fans have the red carpet treatment; as rumors swirl about Netflix being sold, the streaming service continues to throw its weight around.
    “Delusion: His Crimson Queen” is a haunt for people who will pay for the privilege of being scared, while "Hollywood Premiere Party: The Show" lets movie fans have the red carpet treatment; as rumors swirl about Netflix being sold, the streaming service continues to throw its weight around.