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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 24:54
    The late L.A. artist Carlos Almaráz is the subject of a new exhibition at the L.A. County Museum of Art; filmmaker Gregory Monro spotlights Jerry Lewis' directing career in "The Man Behind the Clown;" playwright Gretchen Law remembers comedian and activist Dick Gregory, the subject of her play, "Turn Me Loose."
    The late L.A. artist Carlos Almaráz is the subject of a new exhibition at the L.A. County Museum of Art; filmmaker Gregory Monro spotlights Jerry Lewis' directing career in "The Man Behind the Clown;" playwright Gretchen Law remembers comedian and activist Dick Gregory, the subject of her play, "Turn Me Loose."
  • Listen 25:11
    First-time director Geremy Jasper drew from his musical past to make "Patti Cake$," the story of an overweight, white female rapper; the film 'La La Land' gets a drag parody that's so bad it's good; summer box office numbers are down 12 percent from last year. What's keeping fans away from the multiplex?
    First-time director Geremy Jasper drew from his musical past to make "Patti Cake$," the story of an overweight, white female rapper; the film 'La La Land' gets a drag parody that's so bad it's good; summer box office numbers are down 12 percent from last year. What's keeping fans away from the multiplex?
  • Listen 24:40
    Spotify takes down some white supremacist music; Disney Jr. show "Doc McStuffins" draws praise and some criticism for a recent episode that includes a family with same-sex parents; “Gook,” a new film written, directed by and starring Justin Chon, revisits the 1992 L.A. riots from the perspective of Korean Americans.
    Spotify takes down some white supremacist music; Disney Jr. show "Doc McStuffins" draws praise and some criticism for a recent episode that includes a family with same-sex parents; “Gook,” a new film written, directed by and starring Justin Chon, revisits the 1992 L.A. riots from the perspective of Korean Americans.
  • Listen 24:40
    Apple plans to spend $1 billion on original content to rival streaming services; "Lemon" filmmakers Janicza Bravo and Brett Gelman channel their own anxieties into an uncomfortable comedy; Adam Langdon plays a character with an unspecified disorder in the stage adaptation of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."
    Apple plans to spend $1 billion on original content to rival streaming services; "Lemon" filmmakers Janicza Bravo and Brett Gelman channel their own anxieties into an uncomfortable comedy; Adam Langdon plays a character with an unspecified disorder in the stage adaptation of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."
  • Listen 24:42
    What goes into playing Jaime Lannister on "Game of Thrones?" Where did Nikolaj Coster-Waldau find the time to make the new movie "Shot Caller?" The Danish actor opens up about all this and more; investigations are underway in Vancouver where a fatal stunt occurred Monday on the set of “Deadpool 2.”
    What goes into playing Jaime Lannister on "Game of Thrones?" Where did Nikolaj Coster-Waldau find the time to make the new movie "Shot Caller?" The Danish actor opens up about all this and more; investigations are underway in Vancouver where a fatal stunt occurred Monday on the set of “Deadpool 2.”
  • Listen 32:49
    Producer Will Packer has several hit movies under his belt, and now he has the provocative TV series, "Black America," in the works at Amazon; Shonda Rhimes' move is a major development in the networks’ ongoing struggle with the aggressive streaming services.
    Producer Will Packer has several hit movies under his belt, and now he has the provocative TV series, "Black America," in the works at Amazon; Shonda Rhimes' move is a major development in the networks’ ongoing struggle with the aggressive streaming services.
  • Listen 23:57
    Choreographer Kenny Ortega talks about his long-time love of musicals and his dream to make a musical about a gay teenager who comes out; Soundcloud was on the brink of shutting down until new investors surfaced; in "Morningside 5," filmmaker Mike Tollin revisits the subjects of "Hardwood Dreams," his film about high school NBA hopefuls.
    Choreographer Kenny Ortega talks about his long-time love of musicals and his dream to make a musical about a gay teenager who comes out; Soundcloud was on the brink of shutting down until new investors surfaced; in "Morningside 5," filmmaker Mike Tollin revisits the subjects of "Hardwood Dreams," his film about high school NBA hopefuls.
  • Listen 23:58
    In part 2 of our chat Steven Soderbergh, he talks about why "Logan Lucky" was the movie to bring him back to filmmaking. Then, we go behind the scenes at the Hollywood Bowl to find out what exactly goes into making that music sound so good out there, and with the TCA press tour over we find out what's to be learned about the state of the TV business.
    In part 2 of our chat Steven Soderbergh, he talks about why "Logan Lucky" was the movie to bring him back to filmmaking. Then, we go behind the scenes at the Hollywood Bowl to find out what exactly goes into making that music sound so good out there, and with the TCA press tour over we find out what's to be learned about the state of the TV business.
  • Listen 23:58
    With "Logan Lucky," Soderbergh returns to the big screen with a new strategy for indie filmmaking; Disney decides to go its own way with plans to launch two streaming services; a new virtual reality experience puts you into flatline mode.
    With "Logan Lucky," Soderbergh returns to the big screen with a new strategy for indie filmmaking; Disney decides to go its own way with plans to launch two streaming services; a new virtual reality experience puts you into flatline mode.
  • Listen 23:58
    Aubrey Plaza is changing things up with her role in the FX show, “Legion,” and in two movie parts this summer, including the mentally unbalanced title character in “Ingrid Goes West”; When actor Algee Smith auditioned for “Detroit,” director Kathryn Bigelow did not give him the script or tell him much about the film. Smith chats with John about Bigelow’s unusual process.
    Aubrey Plaza is changing things up with her role in the FX show, “Legion,” and in two movie parts this summer, including the mentally unbalanced title character in “Ingrid Goes West”; When actor Algee Smith auditioned for “Detroit,” director Kathryn Bigelow did not give him the script or tell him much about the film. Smith chats with John about Bigelow’s unusual process.
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.