The Black List Podcast

Happy Independence Day. Spike Lee joined Franklin and Kate to talk about narrative filmmaking, his longtime collaborators, and the movement for Black lives. From Do the Right Thing, to Malcolm X, to Bamboozled, to his ilm for Netflix, Da 5 Bloods, the trio talks about how culture talks to movies, and how movies talk back to the culture.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode first aired in mid-2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Do The Right Thing: rottentomatoes.com/m/do_the_right_thing+Malcom X: rottentomatoes.com/m/1042135-malcolm_x+Bamboozled: rottentomatoes.com/m/bamboozled+Da 5 Bloods: netflix.com/title/81045635

Emmy winner and two-time Oscar nominee Kirby Dick joins Kate and Franklin for a riveting conversation about the role of investigative journalism in film and the responsibility of storytellers to speak truth to power. The acclaimed director, known for his groundbreaking work exposing abuse and institutional cover-ups, discusses the #MeToo movement, his HBO Max documentary On the Record (co-directed by Amy Ziering), and why he “doesn’t love movies”—at least not in the conventional sense. From navigating social issues to challenging powerful institutions, Kirby unpacks the ethics, impact, and urgency behind his change-making work.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

Maybe you love Adaptation, or Synechdoche, or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.The prolific screenwriter Charlie Kaufman discusses some of the diverse and notable projects of his career, starting with his early days as a staff writer for shows like Get A Life, and The Dana Carvey Show. He also recounts the unbelievable, and ultimately life-changing story of his screenplay for Being John Malkovich, a film that nobody initially wanted to make. Franklin and Kate dive with Charlie into the continued fan love for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (for which Kaufman won a writing Oscar), the reactions they all have to Adaptation, and wrap up with a discussion of the Jessie Buckley/Jesse Plemons film I'm Thinking of Ending Things, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place during 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: I’m Thinking of Ending Things: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/im_thinking_of_ending_things Get A Life: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/get_a_life  Being John Malkovich: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/being_john_malkovich Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/eternal_sunshine_of_the_spotless_mind Antkind: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/546823/antkind-by-charlie-kaufman/ 

When cultural tastemakers get stuck inside what do they watch, read, or play? In this throwback episode that has since become a classic, Franklin and Kate talk to each other about the things they discovered or rediscovered during lockdown. From Animal Crossing and Sarah Cooper, to Ted Lasso and Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You, you'll have some new gems to add to your list. See the show notes for more details!  Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This convo took place in 2020. Learn more about The Black List, visit ⁠www.blcklst.com.⁠ Mentions: Animal Crossing: ⁠https://animal-crossing.com⁠ 40-Year-Old Version: ⁠https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forty_year_old_version⁠ Radha Blank on The Black List Podcast: ⁠https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/ninth-planet-audio-&-the-black-list/the-black-list-podcast/radha-blank/d6c5b3d7-5e87-4aa1-92d1-aabacbe918b8⁠ Inside Out by Demi Moore: ⁠https://www.harpercollins.com/products/inside-out-demi-moore?variant=32131129442338⁠ It by Stephen King: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/830502.It⁠ Caste by Isabel Wilkerson: ⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653196/caste-oprahs-book-club-by-isabel-wilkerson/⁠ Sarah Cooper: ⁠https://sarahcpr.com⁠ Ted Lasso: ⁠https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ted_lasso⁠ I May Destroy You: ⁠https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/i_may_destroy_you⁠ You Must Remember This Podcast: ⁠http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com⁠Karina Longworth on The Black List Podcast: ⁠https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/ninth-planet-audio-&-the-black-list/the-black-list-podcast/karina-longworth/ccc9d152-7947-48dc-bab8-871300e0c72a⁠ .

Actor and director Jay Ellis joins Kate and Franklin for some real talk. Jay opens up about starring in Top Gun: Maverick and how becoming a father has shifted his perspective on life and work. He also reflects on his iconic role as Lawrence in Insecure—including some truly wild fan encounters—and takes us behind the scenes of his directorial debut on the show. The trio covers career milestones, Mel Brooks, and the magic of storytelling. Plus, in one of the most unexpected turns, Jay shares how Spaceballs (yes, Spaceballs) first made him fall in love with acting. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally published in 2020, behind a paywall. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Insecure: https://www.hbo.com/insecure +Top Gun: https://shadowandact.com/new-top-gun-maverick-trailer-shows-at-jay-ellis-in-tom-cruise-sequel 

Jeremy O. Harris joins Kate and Franklin to talk about eliciting polarized audience reactions to Slave Play, describes his co-writing process with Janicza Bravo on Zola and talks about accessing the fascinating intersections of high and low culture, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Slave Play: http://slaveplaybroadway.com+Zola: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/zola

Academy award winning writer and director Lee Isaac Chung joins Kate and Franklin to talk about the trip to Rwanda that changed his filmmaking trajectory, his deep admiration for Charlie Chaplin and Wong Kar-wai, the making of his irresisitable Minari, and so much more.  Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020 To learn more about The Black List, visit ⁠www.blcklst.com.⁠ Mentions: Minari: ⁠https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/minari⁠ 

A very special encore. Kate talks to Barbara Crampton, BJ Colangelo, and Gigi Saul Gurerro about their lives in the horror community, what they're working on, what types of stories they'd like to see told about women in horror, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation is from 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: Barbara Crampton: https://twitter.com/barbaracrampton BJ Colangelo: https://twitter.com/bjcolangelo Gigi Saul Gurerro: https://twitter.com/HorrorGuerrero 

Encore episode with award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien. She joins Franklin for a conversation about growing up Black, her approach to documentary filmmaking, the state of journalism in the Trump era, and so much more. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation was recorded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions:+New York Times, Soledad O'Brien: A Me Too Movement for Journalists of Color, www.nytimes.com/2020/07/04/opinion/soledad-obrien-racism-journalism.html+Black in America: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/in.america/black.in.america/+Latino in America: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/latino.in.america/  

[Encore] Kate and Franklin sit down with Steven Canals, the brilliant mind behind Pose, to talk about growing up Afro-Latinx in the Boogie Down Bronx, why Cardi B is everything, and how a 2004 screening of Paris is Burning lit the spark that would eventually become one of TV’s most groundbreaking shows. They dig into the complicated, beautiful realities of intersectional identity, the tough questions that came up in the Pose writers’ room, and how Steven stayed true to his vision every step of the way. Plus, he drops some incredible answers to the Black List Pod questionnaire — including a wild (and amazing) mash-up of The Color Purple and Transformers.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Pose: fxnetworks.com/shows/pose+Paris is Burning: rottentomatoes.com/m/paris_is_burning+The Color Purple: rottentomatoes.com/m/color_purple+Terminator: rottentomatoes.com/m/terminator

In a special Emmy-themed roundtable, Franklin and Kate welcome three powerhouse creators—Billy Porter (Pose), Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show), and Ramy Youssef (Ramy)—for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation recorded just ahead of the 72nd Annual Emmy Awards. This episode breaks the usual format to let the magic of the moment unfold. The trio dives into what it means to bring their full selves to the screen, the evolving responsibility of the artist, and the lessons they’d share with their younger selves. (As Billy memorably puts it: “A b*tch has to have boundaries!”)It’s raw, real, and refreshingly honest—touching on identity, representation, and the complexity behind creating truly authentic work. As Kate says, “We just got out of the way and let it flow.” And flow it does.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Pose: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/pose +A Black Lady Sketch Show: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/a_black_lady_sketch_show +Ramy: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ramy 

Olympic gold medalist. Figure skating icon. Self-proclaimed "dramatic monster." Adam Rippon joins Franklin and Kate for an unhinged and hilarious episode that covers everything from Molly Shannon obsession to curating the perfect skating soundtrack. The trio dives into Useless Celebrity History, shares pop culture hot takes, and gets wonderfully derailed during a chaotic movie quiz. Plus, Adam opens up about his first on-screen crush (spoiler: Zac Efron inHigh School Musical) and the very unexpected hobbies that moment inspired. This episode is pure gold — just like Adam’s medal.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally released in 2020 To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Superstar: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/1093874_superstar

In this episode, Franklin and Kate sit down with visionary director Cathy Yan to discuss her dynamic approach to crafting action sequences in Birds of Prey. From blending practical effects with high-energy combat to her grounded take on VFX, Cathy shares how she brought Gotham’s most stylish mayhem to life. The conversation also delves into her journey from journalist to filmmaker, revealing how her investigative mindset influences her storytelling. Plus, Cathy opens up about her views on the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, the evolution of DC films, and—just maybe—a little tease about a Birds of Prey sequel. This conversation from 2020 goes deep on all this filmmaking, and genre storytelling, plus the art of making an oddball, feminist superhero movie that breaks all the rules.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally published in 2020, behind a paywall. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Birds of Prey: www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/cathy_yan

[Reprise] Franklin and Kate are joined by the incredible Radha Blank—director, playwright, rapper, and friend of The Black List. Her debut feature, The 40-Year-Old Version, premiered at Sundance and earned her the Directing Award, making an unforgettable mark on the industry. The film is a deeply personal and hilarious take on reinvention and artistic expression. Radha takes us through her journey—from playwriting and rapping to stepping behind the camera for her first feature. We also dive into her early cinephile roots, exploring the films that shaped her storytelling, from The Landlord to Cinema Paradiso. Plus, she shares the moment she realized film was her true calling, and how her mother’s love of cinema influenced her creative path.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: The 40-Year-Old Version: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forty_year_old_version 

[Encore! ¡Otra!] Two powerhouse talents, one unforgettable episode. When The Black List teamed up with Hulu to launch the first-ever Latinx List, it was only natural for Franklin and Kate to sit down with two of the initiative’s driving forces: Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time) and Tanya Saracho (Vida). In this classic conversation, the acclaimed showrunners discuss how their friendship fuels creativity, their commitment to uplifting the next generation of Latinx storytellers, and the impact of authentic representation in Hollywood.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This was recorded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.Mentions: +Deadline, The Black List, Latin Tracking Board, NALIP, And Untitled Latinx Project Unveil Latinx TV List: https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-black-list-latin-tracking-board-nalip-remezcla-untitled-latinx-project-unveil-inaugural-latinx-tv-list-diversity-inclusion-representation-1202972696/ +One Day at a Time: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/one_day_at_a_time +Hollywood Reporter, ‘One Day at a Time,’ ‘Star Trek’ Sub for Returning Originals on CBS Fall Schedule: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/one-day-at-a-time-star-trek-sub-for-returning-originals-on-cbs-fall-schedule +Vida: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/vida +Variety, ‘Vida’ Creator Tanya Saracho Signs Overall Deal With UCP: https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/vida-tanya-saracho-overall-deal-ucp-1234740022/ 

[Listen again]. Filmmaker Alice Wu joins Franklin and Kate to discuss her journey back into Hollywood as a queer Asian-American storyteller. She shares how Chinese-language films shaped her love of cinema, her time away from the industry, and the creative process behind The Half of It—a fresh take on the teen romantic triangle movie. From Saving Face, which was a huge hit at Sundance, to The Half of It landing on the Black List, Alice’s path is as inspiring as her films. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This episode was originally published in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Saving Face: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/saving_face +The Half of It: www.netflix.com/title/81005150

Gremlins, Goonies, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire—iconic films that few of us haven't seen. But how did they come to be? In this episode, Kate sits down with legendary filmmaker Chris Columbus to explore his journey from aspiring screenwriter to Hollywood heavyweight. Columbus shares how his college screenplay sold for just $5K, the professor who told him success was 50% talent, 50% luck, and the serendipitous moment when Steven Spielberg discovered his Gremlins script. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and collaborating with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell on The Christmas Chronicles 2.This conversation took place in, and was originally published, in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick, Insecure) joins Kate and Franklin for their signature movie survey, diving into the films that shaped him—from Spaceballs (his surprising answer for what made him fall in love with movies) to He Got Game and White Men Can't Jump. They also talk about his experience starring in Top Gun: Maverick, how fatherhood has changed his perspective, his Insecure directorial debut, and more. Plus, a deep dive into basketball movies and '90s sports film nostalgia.

Franklin and Kate sat down with comedy legend Ed Helms to explore his journey from Saturday Night Live-fueled interest in high school, to performing with the Upright Citizens Brigade as a young adult to making waves on The Daily Show during the George W. Bush era. They discuss how those experiences shaped his perspective on political comedy today, dive into his roles in blockbuster hits like Vacation and The Hangover trilogy, and chat about his Netflix project, Coffee & Kareem. Plus, don’t miss the surprising twist: Ed Helms isn’t just a comedic genius—he’s also a talented bluegrass musician.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This conversation was recoreded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Coffee & Kareem: https://www.netflix.com/title/80220009 +Upright Citizens Brigade: https://ucbcomedy.com +The Daily Show: http://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show-with-trevor-noah.

In honor of her electric performance of a Michael Jackson cover--to honor the late great Quincy Jones, at this year's Grammys ceremony, we're bringing back her conversation with Franklin and Kate from a few years ago. The trio talk about how her music has informed her film career, her childhood memories of Steel Magnolias, seeing herself onscreen in Sister Act 2, and so much more.Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.This encore episode's conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:+Homecoming: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B085SVBCBP/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r +Steel Magnolias: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/steel_magnolias  +Sister Act 2: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sister_act_2_back_in_the_habit