The Frame

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.

“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.

Between "Portlandia," "Documentary Now" and "Seth Meyers: Late Night," Fred Armisen may be the hardest working man in show business; since its release in May, Ezra Edelman's "O.J.: Made in America" continues to resonate as a chronicle of the relationship between African-Americans and law enforcement.

Google announced a slew of new products today, including the Pixel phone, Chromecast Ultra and the Daydream VR headset; Willie Bobo was a Latin music legend from the '60s-'80s. His son, Eric, has assembled an album of his father's previously unreleased music; for 40 years, filmmaker Terrence Malick has been working on a documentary about the origins of the universe. We talk to the producers who shepherded the project into existence.

We debate the issues surrounding the film, "The Birth of a Nation," and its writer-director-star, Nate Parker; remembering two L.A. cultural icons: Gordon Davidson of the Center Theatre Group and conductor Sir Neville Marriner, the first music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

The creators of “For the Record” build cabaret-like stage shows around classic pop songs used by top filmmakers; "Saturday Night Live" returns in the heat of the presidential campaign; L.A. singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart uses the city as inspiration on his latest album.

Bell says the title of his new comedy album refers to his being called on as a news show commentator only after more prominent people are unavailable; Kirsten Johnson is an award-winning documentary cinematographer who has woven footage from her 25-year career into a documentary memoir called “Cameraperson."

Filmmaker Andrea Arnold cast “American Honey” with amateur actors, including Sasha Lane, who was discovered on a beach in Florida; the Wanda Group's purchase of American movie theaters and production companies has some members of Congress worried; there's an effort to make vinyl copies of a recording of life on earth that was sent into outer space.

The success of "Between Two Ferns" with Hillary Clinton explains why Funny or Die opened a bureau in the nation's capitol; a new state bill aims to prevent websites like IMDb from publishing the age of actors and actresses; Grammy nominee Austin Wintory composed the music for the new video game, "Abzu."

Director Mira Nair's new movie, "Queen of Katwe," tells an inspirational story that's set in Uganda, showing a side of Africa not often seen in big studio movies; TV producers are high on reboots and remakes, with no sign of slowing; photographer Phil Toledano's bizarre attempt to deal with his death anxiety is documented in the film, "The Many Sad Fates of Mr. Toledano"

Alexandra Dean's documentary, “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story,” reveals the actress' other life as an inventor; director Bryan Singer was fired and sued this week; Alynda Segarra of the band Hurray for the Riff Raff explores her Puerto Rican roots.

Morris' new documentary examines the mysterious 1953 death of a government biochemist who was given LSD by the CIA; John Adams and Peter Sellars collaborate on the opera "Girls of the Golden West"; SoCal wildfires are affecting TV and film production.

Brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick think musicals are a little absurd, so they wrote the parody, “Something Rotten!”; six women have filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and they're seeking class action status; Cornerstone marks its 25th year in L.A. with the culmination of an eight-play cycle.

"SpongeBob SquarePants" is now a Broadway musical. Playwright Kyle Jarron reveals how the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon was adapted for the stage; Russia's banishment from the 2018 Olympics is connected to Bryan Fogel's documentary "Icarus" about trying to dope his way through bicycle races.

"Beauty and the Beast" lyricist died before the original film was complete. We put together this remembrance of his life and legacy; "Call Me By Your Name" screenwriter James Ivory talks about adapting the celebrated gay love story for the screen; a pot entrepreneur takes issue with Hollywood portrayals of the pot industry.

Actor Doug Jones has made a career of playing monsters in Guillermo del Toro films. His latest is half-man, half-fish; Women in Film holds gathering to discuss how to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.

Franco directs and stars (with his brother, Dave) in a film about the making of "The Room" — considered one of the worst movies ever made; Amy Adrion directed a documentary that examines the long history of systemic discrimination against women filmmakers

The director's WWII film returns to theaters as awards season heats up in Hollywood; "The Today Show" co-host Matt Lauer was fired amid allegations of sexual misconduct; the group Women in Film is launching a help line to support victims of harassment.

Jay-Z led the pack with 8 nominations, including his first ever Album of the Year nod, in a year when rap and R&B dominate the major categories; Mary Harron talks about directing the TV adaptation of another Margaret Atwood book.

Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina co-wrote and co-directed the latest hit from Pixar Animation; Kyle Buchanan of Vulture.com looks at the early contenders for the Academy Awards.

We revisit two of our favorite interviews of the year: Jordan Peele on his hit social thriller; and Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, creators of the Netflix series about women's wrestling in the 1980s.

Anthony McCarten was inspired by Winston Churchill's oratorical skills for his "Darkest Hour" screenplay; Pixar chief John Lasseter is the latest Hollywood figure accused of sexual harassment; two companies led by women are interested in buying all or some of The Weinstein Co.