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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 23:55
    Yuja Wang is an internationally recognized piano genius who is in L.A. for the next two weeks to perform Bartók's piano concertos with the L.A. Phil; David Michod talks about how he’d been looking to make a film about America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for about a decade before he came across Michael Hastings’ book.
    Yuja Wang is an internationally recognized piano genius who is in L.A. for the next two weeks to perform Bartók's piano concertos with the L.A. Phil; David Michod talks about how he’d been looking to make a film about America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for about a decade before he came across Michael Hastings’ book.
  • Listen 23:59
    Luhrmann's love of hip-hop history brought him on to the series 'The Get Down' which Netflix has just decided not to renew for a second season. He discusses his first foray into television– an ambitious project that Luhrmann says was like producing a Broadway show in every episode. And The Frame visits writer-director Robin Swicord on the set of her Bryan Cranston-Jennifer Garner movie 'Wakefield.'
    Luhrmann's love of hip-hop history brought him on to the series 'The Get Down' which Netflix has just decided not to renew for a second season. He discusses his first foray into television– an ambitious project that Luhrmann says was like producing a Broadway show in every episode. And The Frame visits writer-director Robin Swicord on the set of her Bryan Cranston-Jennifer Garner movie 'Wakefield.'
  • Listen 23:58
    "Long Strange Trip" documents how The Grateful Dead found its sound and made Jerry Garcia a reluctant leader. "Wait Wait Don't Kill Me" is a podcast musical that satirizes the podcast "Serial," but it's also about our fascination with true crime and murder. Can Snapchat build an audience for short form shows by well-known TV celebs like Conan O'Brien?
    "Long Strange Trip" documents how The Grateful Dead found its sound and made Jerry Garcia a reluctant leader. "Wait Wait Don't Kill Me" is a podcast musical that satirizes the podcast "Serial," but it's also about our fascination with true crime and murder. Can Snapchat build an audience for short form shows by well-known TV celebs like Conan O'Brien?
  • Listen 23:58
    Documentary filmmaker Ryan White's investigation of a nun's murder led to uncovering a sex abuse scandal in Baltimore; music critic Ann Powers on the connection between young girls and live music.
    Documentary filmmaker Ryan White's investigation of a nun's murder led to uncovering a sex abuse scandal in Baltimore; music critic Ann Powers on the connection between young girls and live music.
  • Listen 23:58
    "Black Mirror" creator Charlie Brooker and co-executive producer Annabel Jones on their sci-fi show that has become a touchstone for certain moments in real life; promoters of the ill-fated Fyre Festival are reportedly facing a federal fraud investigation.
    "Black Mirror" creator Charlie Brooker and co-executive producer Annabel Jones on their sci-fi show that has become a touchstone for certain moments in real life; promoters of the ill-fated Fyre Festival are reportedly facing a federal fraud investigation.
  • Listen 23:58
    'Guardians of the Galaxy' director James Gunn opens up about how Marvel Comics and Alice Cooper made him realize he wasn't alone in the world. He explains the importance of score and music to the success of the 'Guardians' franchise; Daniel Fienberg, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, and Jeanine Poggi, media reporter at AdAge, recap Upfronts 2017.
    'Guardians of the Galaxy' director James Gunn opens up about how Marvel Comics and Alice Cooper made him realize he wasn't alone in the world. He explains the importance of score and music to the success of the 'Guardians' franchise; Daniel Fienberg, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, and Jeanine Poggi, media reporter at AdAge, recap Upfronts 2017.
  • Listen 24:20
    In "The Handmaid's Tale" Yvonne Strahovski plays Serena Joy. Her cruelty and coldness toward Offred (Elisabeth Moss) — who is essentially a sex slave — made her easy to hate. But as the Hulu series unfolds so do the layers of her character. Dwain Worrell was living an expat's life in China when he submitted his script for "The Wall" to an online Amazon contest. Quickly it got greenlit and now it's a film, starring John Cena and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
    In "The Handmaid's Tale" Yvonne Strahovski plays Serena Joy. Her cruelty and coldness toward Offred (Elisabeth Moss) — who is essentially a sex slave — made her easy to hate. But as the Hulu series unfolds so do the layers of her character. Dwain Worrell was living an expat's life in China when he submitted his script for "The Wall" to an online Amazon contest. Quickly it got greenlit and now it's a film, starring John Cena and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
  • Listen 23:58
    Sam Hodges and Michael Killen are commercial directors turned TV showrunners whose debut series “Downward Dog" premieres tonight on ABC; Playwright Anna Ziegler puts a microscope on the issue of consent and sexual assault on college campuses in her provocative new play, "Actually."
    Sam Hodges and Michael Killen are commercial directors turned TV showrunners whose debut series “Downward Dog" premieres tonight on ABC; Playwright Anna Ziegler puts a microscope on the issue of consent and sexual assault on college campuses in her provocative new play, "Actually."
  • Listen 23:58
    Did Conan O'Brien steal jokes from another comedian? A jury may soon deliberate over that very question. Actor and playwright Wallace Shawn wrote "The Designated Mourner" in 1996. Now the play, which is about totalitarianism and anti-intellectualism, is being remounted by director André Gregory. And the artist known as Perfume Genius breaks down a song off his new album in an episode of Song Exploder.
    Did Conan O'Brien steal jokes from another comedian? A jury may soon deliberate over that very question. Actor and playwright Wallace Shawn wrote "The Designated Mourner" in 1996. Now the play, which is about totalitarianism and anti-intellectualism, is being remounted by director André Gregory. And the artist known as Perfume Genius breaks down a song off his new album in an episode of Song Exploder.
  • Listen 23:58
    Bryan Fuller and Michael Green open up about turning the Neil Gaiman book 'American Gods' into the new television series for Starz. They discuss how they approached issues of religion, race, immigration, sex and violence in the show. And Brad Grey, the former CEO of Paramount Pictures, passed away last night. In the wake of his death we discuss his legacy and the fact that he was the sort of movie mogul that Hollywood studios don't hire anymore.
    Bryan Fuller and Michael Green open up about turning the Neil Gaiman book 'American Gods' into the new television series for Starz. They discuss how they approached issues of religion, race, immigration, sex and violence in the show. And Brad Grey, the former CEO of Paramount Pictures, passed away last night. In the wake of his death we discuss his legacy and the fact that he was the sort of movie mogul that Hollywood studios don't hire anymore.
Episodes
  • Listen 24:45
    Ira Sachs' latest is a coming-of-age film with a gentrification angle set in Brooklyn; a dinner theater in Hollywood is combining Shakespeare with '80s pop music and a chef-driven menu; screenwriter Mark Boal is trying to avoid turning over all his taped interviews with Bowe Bergdahl.
    Ira Sachs' latest is a coming-of-age film with a gentrification angle set in Brooklyn; a dinner theater in Hollywood is combining Shakespeare with '80s pop music and a chef-driven menu; screenwriter Mark Boal is trying to avoid turning over all his taped interviews with Bowe Bergdahl.
  • Listen 24:46
    Patricia Rozema, the writer-director of "Into the Forest," says it was hard to get a film with two female leads off the ground; Stephen Colbert could face a legal challenge over the use of his former "Colbert Report" persona; the Hollywood Bowl's production of "A Chorus Line" is directed by a member of the show's original cast.
    Patricia Rozema, the writer-director of "Into the Forest," says it was hard to get a film with two female leads off the ground; Stephen Colbert could face a legal challenge over the use of his former "Colbert Report" persona; the Hollywood Bowl's production of "A Chorus Line" is directed by a member of the show's original cast.
  • Listen 24:46
    Rock the Vote, the non-profit founded by music industry pros doing PSAs on MTV, is still rockin'. The organization has hired a former Bernie Sanders operative to do marketing and was present at both the GOP and Democratic conventions; Bonnie Raitt opens up about a life in music.
    Rock the Vote, the non-profit founded by music industry pros doing PSAs on MTV, is still rockin'. The organization has hired a former Bernie Sanders operative to do marketing and was present at both the GOP and Democratic conventions; Bonnie Raitt opens up about a life in music.
  • Listen 24:44
    Filmmaker Paul Greengrass returns to make a new Jason Bourne movie, this time with cyber security on his mind; Now that Verizon is buying Yahoo!, what will become of the search engine's streaming TV shows?; A Sophocles play gets a modern update with veterans in the cast; Bill Clinton, binge watcher.
    Filmmaker Paul Greengrass returns to make a new Jason Bourne movie, this time with cyber security on his mind; Now that Verizon is buying Yahoo!, what will become of the search engine's streaming TV shows?; A Sophocles play gets a modern update with veterans in the cast; Bill Clinton, binge watcher.
  • Listen 13:09
    What happens when an aspiring filmmaker works as a nanny for wealthy L.A. mothers? Naturally, she comes up with a movie idea. Writer-director Sian Heder talks motherhood, movie-making and "Tallulah;" and a “Star Wars” movie set accident that could have killed Harrison Ford ends with a guilty plea.
    What happens when an aspiring filmmaker works as a nanny for wealthy L.A. mothers? Naturally, she comes up with a movie idea. Writer-director Sian Heder talks motherhood, movie-making and "Tallulah;" and a “Star Wars” movie set accident that could have killed Harrison Ford ends with a guilty plea.
  • Listen 24:44
    The Congressman and civil rights icon was at Comic-Con to introduce the third part of his graphic novel memoir, "March"; there was plenty of news and previews at Comic-Con to keep the fanboys (and fangirls) happy.
    The Congressman and civil rights icon was at Comic-Con to introduce the third part of his graphic novel memoir, "March"; there was plenty of news and previews at Comic-Con to keep the fanboys (and fangirls) happy.
  • Listen 24:45
    The filmmaker leads a tour of the dwelling that houses his extensive collection of horror memorabilia and serves as his retreat; the Republican Convention had plenty of drama, but how much of it was scripted?
    The filmmaker leads a tour of the dwelling that houses his extensive collection of horror memorabilia and serves as his retreat; the Republican Convention had plenty of drama, but how much of it was scripted?
  • Listen 24:42
    The annual pop culture extravaganza is underway in San Diego, with more than 100,000 fans expected to attend; CURRENT: LA chose 16 artists to make water-themed site-specific artwork around the city; "Lights Out" producer Lawrence Grey on why every big Hollywood director secretly wants to do a horror film.
    The annual pop culture extravaganza is underway in San Diego, with more than 100,000 fans expected to attend; CURRENT: LA chose 16 artists to make water-themed site-specific artwork around the city; "Lights Out" producer Lawrence Grey on why every big Hollywood director secretly wants to do a horror film.
  • Listen 26:15
    Comedian Mike Birbiglia's new film is about improv, friendship and the struggles that go along with striving for your big break; "The Wolf of Wall Street" producer Red Granite Pictures is at the center of a federal complaint alleging that the film was financed with embezzled funds from Malaysia; We look into the history of pop song usage at political conventions.
    Comedian Mike Birbiglia's new film is about improv, friendship and the struggles that go along with striving for your big break; "The Wolf of Wall Street" producer Red Granite Pictures is at the center of a federal complaint alleging that the film was financed with embezzled funds from Malaysia; We look into the history of pop song usage at political conventions.
  • Listen 24:45
    R&B singer Irma Thomas never got the acclaim of Aretha Franklin or Etta James, but she is still the undisputed Soul Queen of New Orleans; actor LeVar Burton narrates the kids audio tour of The Broad museum because he's compelled to teach; after tragic shootings of police officers, the USA Network postpones its new series, "Shooter," to the fall.
    R&B singer Irma Thomas never got the acclaim of Aretha Franklin or Etta James, but she is still the undisputed Soul Queen of New Orleans; actor LeVar Burton narrates the kids audio tour of The Broad museum because he's compelled to teach; after tragic shootings of police officers, the USA Network postpones its new series, "Shooter," to the fall.
  • Listen 24:45
    Singer/songwriter Perla Batalla and playwright Oliver Mayer are collaborating on a new project about the iconic Mexican artist; California Light and Space artist Robert Irwin debuts a new work in West Texas; artists are going public with work at the Republican National Convention.
    Singer/songwriter Perla Batalla and playwright Oliver Mayer are collaborating on a new project about the iconic Mexican artist; California Light and Space artist Robert Irwin debuts a new work in West Texas; artists are going public with work at the Republican National Convention.
  • Listen 25:26
    Betty Buckley offers a feminist take on Edie Bouvier in the musical "Grey Gardens," adapted from the Maysles brothers documentary of the same name; musician Rubén Guevera recounts a life in rock and roll; movie marketing in a time when real violence is all too prevalent.
    Betty Buckley offers a feminist take on Edie Bouvier in the musical "Grey Gardens," adapted from the Maysles brothers documentary of the same name; musician Rubén Guevera recounts a life in rock and roll; movie marketing in a time when real violence is all too prevalent.