Required Watching

In this episode of the Required Watching podcast, host Tray Epps discusses the challenges of screenwriting, particularly the fear of the blank page. He presents three practical methods to overcome this fear: the high concept approach, character-driven storytelling, and the final image technique. Each method offers a unique way to spark creativity and develop compelling narratives. Epps emphasizes the importance of understanding character desires and the emotional core of a story, ultimately guiding writers to find their unique voice and direction in filmmaking.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this comprehensive review of the year in film, Tray Epps explores the trends, triumphs, and disappointments of 2025. He presents a definitive list of the top 10 films that are expected to resonate for years to come, while also addressing notable disappointments in filmmaking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the emotional depth of cinema, and the evolving landscape of the film industry.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of East of Everywhere, Tray Epps explores the concept of filial piety in traditional East Asian society, contrasting it with Western individualism. The discussion delves into the philosophy of Confucianism, the importance of family harmony, and the evolving nature of filial duties in modern times. Tray reflects on the cultural tensions between personal freedom and familial obligations, inviting listeners to share their own experiences.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Required Watching, I dive into the fascinating role of food in cinema, focusing on films like 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' and 'Chef.' I explore how food serves as a metaphor for emotions, relationships, and character development, highlighting its universal appeal and emotional depth. Join me as I examine scenes where food acts as a stand-in for unspoken words, showcasing its power in storytelling.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Tray Epps discusses the film 'American Fiction,' a satirical exploration of race, identity, and the media's portrayal of Black narratives. He highlights the film's critique of the publishing industry's obsession with stereotypical stories and the pressures faced by Black creatives. Epps shares personal reflections on authenticity in storytelling and the complexities of representation in film, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to American Fiction02:39 Satire and Stereotypes in Black Narratives05:00 Personal Reflections on Authenticity and Experience07:52 The Impact of Representation in FilmRequired Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Required Watching, Tray breaks down the impact and legacy of the documentary The Problem with Apu, a film that forced Hollywood to confront its long-ignored issues around representation and stereotyping — especially for South Asian communities.This episode explores what the documentary got right, why it sparked such a seismic conversation, and what every filmmaker should learn from its fallout.🎬 Episode HighlightsWhy The Problem with Apu became a cultural turning pointHow one animated character shaped real-world stereotypesThe ripple effect the doc had on casting, voice acting, and authenticityWhy intention doesn’t erase harm — and what filmmakers must considerThe parallels with Black representation and Tray’s own lived experiencesThe importance of acknowledging how media can be weaponisedWhy representation in voice acting deserves the same scrutiny as live-action rolesHow documentaries can spark change even when studios ignore criticismFilmmaking InsightsRepresentation is not optional — it shapes how entire groups are seen.Creative responsibility extends behind the camera, especially in writing, performance, and casting.Voice acting matters — authenticity doesn’t stop at the face on screen.Media has consequences, intended or not.Documentary storytelling can shift culture more than some blockbuster films.⭐Leave a Review & Join the GiveawaySubscribe to Required Watching and leave a 5-star review (podcast) or comment (YouTube) telling us your favourite film. Each entry counts toward the monthly giveaway.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tray Epps dissects Kill—the train-bound action film that weaponizes violence as narrative. We explore how evolving fight choreography, crushing foley work, and immersive camerawork turn every bruise and heartbeat into story. Drawing connections to The Raid, Oldboy, and RRR, this episode shows filmmakers how to harness rhythm, emotion, and consequence in genre cinema. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts—and pick up full show notes and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tray Epps dissects Bottoms, Emma Seligman’s razor-sharp, bloodiest teen satire. We unpack how heightened absurdity, messy queer protagonists, and raw fight choreography carry emotional weight without a single set-piece feeling gratuitous. Learn how this film walks the tightrope between meta-comedy and genuine stakes, and why it’s a must-study for any filmmaker pushing genre boundaries. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Full show notes and resources at requiredwatching.com.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tray Epps explores Martin Scorsese’s cult classic The King of Comedy—the original parasocial horror story. We discuss Rupert Pupkin’s delusional quest for fame, Jerry Lewis’s poignant straight-man role, and how this film foresaw our current influencer culture.Episode Highlights: – Scorsese’s use of silence and dread to build tension – Robert De Niro’s portrayal of ambition vs. delusion – Satire on celebrity obsession long before social media – Takeaways for storytellers on character, tone, and satireWhether you’re editing your next short or mapping out your feature, this breakdown offers cinematic insights you won’t want to miss. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and visit requiredwatching.com for full show notes, timestamps, and exclusive filmmaker resources.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores why 'Rush Hour' endures as a beloved film 25 years after its release, dissecting the dynamic partnership between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The video delves into how the film combines action and comedy, the smart pacing, and its respectful handling of cultural differences. It discusses the director's role in creating a movie with perfect balance, the chemistry between the stars, and the film's lasting impact on the buddy cop genre. Concluding with a call for viewers to rewatch the film with a critical eye, the episode emphasizes 'Rush Hour' as essential viewing for understanding action comedies.00:00 Introduction: Is Rush Hour a Buddy Cop Classic?00:18 The Dynamic Duo: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker00:56 Balancing Act: Action and Comedy01:33 Smart Pacing and Editing01:56 Cultural Exploration and Respect02:34 Director's Touch and Film Structure03:01 Legacy and Impact03:26 Conclusion: Why Rush Hour is Required WatchingRequired Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This isn’t about Iron Man. It’s about what happens when the biggest film franchise in the world chooses nostalgia over risk, legacy over originality, and comfort over challenge.In this raw and personal episode, Tray Epps breaks down what RDJ’s return to the MCU really signals:Disney’s ongoing shift away from originality toward safer, proven IPThe erasure of newer creative voices in favor of familiar iconsThe unspoken moral inconsistencies behind casting decisionsAnd why the art of superhero cinema may be quietly dyingWe also touch on:Jonathan Majors and the uncomfortable optics of replacementThe moral posturing Disney tries to maintain (and where it fails)Why it’s time to give new talent real chances — and real redemptionThis isn’t a hot take. It’s a call for accountability, nuance, and better storytelling — on screen and off.🎤 New episodes coming soon with filmmaker Kate Driver and more. 🎥 Subscribe and stay tuned for deeper dives into film, culture, and the future of media.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Are we watching the MCU reset or collapse? Should we separate the art from the artist — or hold studios to a higher standard? Let’s talk: @RequiredWatching on socials or drop a YouTube comment.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you take a classic spy thriller and remix it with Bollywood flair? In this episode, Tray Epps explores how Ek Tha Tiger redefines espionage cinema through a uniquely Indian lens. From high-octane action and political undertones to an emotionally layered romance, Ek Tha Tiger is more than just a blockbuster—it’s the foundation of the YRF Spy Universe.We unpack:Why Salman Khan’s Tiger is part action hero, part mythHow Katrina Kaif’s Zoya reshapes the damsel tropeThe subtle politics between India and PakistanWhat makes the action operatic, not just over-the-topAnd why this film matters for anyone interested in global filmmakingRequired or not? Absolutely. This is a case study in adaptation, scale, and storytelling beyond Hollywood’s shadow.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have you joined the YRF Spy University yet? Is Ek Tha Tiger a guilty pleasure or a cultural milestone? Let us know on YouTube or @RequiredWatching on socials.Subscribe to Required Watching wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s watch better, together.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speed has one of the cleanest high-concept premises in movie history: A bomb on a bus that can’t drop below 50 MPH. And somehow, that one idea gave us 116 minutes of nonstop tension, character chemistry, and genre-defining moments.In this episode, Tray Epps breaks down why Speed is more than a 90s action movie — it’s required watching for anyone learning to write or direct films.We talk about:Why a simple, focused concept is the key to tensionWhat makes Keanu & Sandra’s dynamic work without leaning on romanceDennis Hopper’s villain as a case study in controlled chaosEditing that mirrors the heartbeat of the filmThe emotional weight behind every action beatSpeed’s influence on everything from Die Hard 3 to Bullet TrainFilmmaker Takeaways:Simplicity sells — and sustains storyUse pacing as a structural deviceWrite action that’s character-firstLess exposition, more stakesMake your villain a pressure cooker, not a monologuerRelated Episodes:Die HardEk Tha TigerGodzilla Minus OneMission: Impossible (coming soon)QUESTION: What’s your favorite Speed moment — and what did it teach you about storytelling?Subscribe to Required Watching for weekly cinematic deep dives with lessons filmmakers can actually use.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No budget. No experience. No film school. Just vision. In this episode, Tray Epps explores Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray’s quiet epic that became a landmark of world cinema.We unpack:Why Pather Panchali is essential for filmmakersThe deeply human story of Apu and his familyHow natural lighting and real locations created visual poetryMumblecore before mumblecoreThe sound of wind, footsteps, and Ravi Shankar’s sitarWhy slow pacing might be the pointThe global impact and lasting legacy of Ray’s debutThis isn’t just a film. It’s a lesson in how to move people with less.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Does Pather Panchali still hold up? Have you seen it recently—or is it still on your list? Tell us on YouTube or @RequiredWatching.Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly deep dives into global films and essential cinematic lessons.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if Godzilla wasn’t just a monster—but a metaphor? In this episode of Required Watching, Tray Epps breaks down Godzilla Minus One and its black-and-white Minus Color version to explore why this movie hits harder than most modern monster films.This isn’t your dad’s Godzilla.We talk about:Why Minus One is a return to emotional, allegorical filmmakingHow a $15M budget delivered better results than most blockbustersThe deeper meaning behind Koichi’s arc and Godzilla as traumaThe difference color makes in storytellingTakashi Yamazaki’s masterful direction and use of light/shadowWhat filmmakers can learn about scale, theme, and heartThis is more than spectacle. This is what monster movies should strive to be.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Did you see the color version or Minus Color? Let us know what you thought in the comments or @RequiredWatching on social media.Subscribe for more global film deep dives. Let’s watch better. Let’s make better films.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond music, Michael Jackson crafted groundbreaking short films. We dive into his cinematic influence, his storytelling techniques, and how his work reshaped music videos into an art form.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renfield offers a fresh, humorous take on the Dracula mythos. Discover how this film reinvents classic horror archetypes through dark comedy and memorable performances, and what that means for horror-comedy.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With its haunting visuals and feminist themes, Bulbbul stands out in Indian cinema. We explore its mythical storytelling and powerful themes, analyzing what makes it a modern horror masterpiece.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bhoot brings a fresh spin to the horror genre in Indian cinema. Join us as we dissect its use of suspense, cultural context, and traditional horror tropes that captivate and haunt audiences worldwide.Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: ▶️ Website▶️ Twitter/X▶️ Instagram▶️ Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.