In Proximity

Before his debut animated feature GOAT claimed the #1 spot at the box office, director Tyree Dilihay joined IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo for an in-depth conversation about the animated sports film. Tyree breaks down his directing process including building the film’s “Brooklyn meets Brazil” world, designing roarball plays with basketball stars Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry, and working with an all-star cast that includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, and Curry (who makes his voice acting debut in the film and produces through Unanimous Media). Tyree also reflects on growing up in Inglewood, California where he was inspired by filmmakers like Spike Lee and John Singleton, and how his supportive mother helped him pursue a career in animation. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (02:49) Stephen Curry’s voice acting debut  (04:22) How GOAT came together (07:12) Worldbuilding “Brooklyn meets Brazil” (10:31) Costume design (12:04) From local Angeleno to seasoned animator (14:22) Spike Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and John Singleton’s BOYZ N THE HOOD (16:03) How Tyree started his animation journey (19:20) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (full story) (22:20) “Roots run deep!” (25:05) The inspo: SPACE JAM I & II, HOOSIERS, MAJOR LEAGUE, MIGHTY DUCKS, ROCKY, RUDY…and more! (28:48) The cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, Steph Curry (30:54) Creating and directing diss tracks, “GOAT TEARS”  (33:31) The seven-year journey to the “right version”  (35:44) Collaborating with studio execs to make the best movie (38:08) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editor: Ben Caloza Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Ben Caloza Production Intern: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz

Here comes the THE BRIDE writer/director/producer Maggie Gyllenhaal, who joins SINNERS writer/director/producer and Proximity founder Ryan Coogler, for an exclusive conversation with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo about her new film THE BRIDE, a wildly original and imaginative take on the Frankenstein story, inspired by the 1935 film THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and Mary Shelley’s original novel. Maggie and Ryan share their processes for writing and directing, working with actors, shooting on IMAX cameras, and working with family. And, yes, Ryan makes some coffee. Cheers! SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (00:32) Here comes the director of THE BRIDE! (02:37) Ryan makes pour-over coffee (05:40) Nighttime inside (08:08) Cheers! (08:57) Exploring the monsters within (09:53) The original films: THE BRIDE OF FRANKESTEIN and FRANKENSTEIN (12:47) Creating Jessie Buckley’s character, the Bride (14:30) Screenwriting is like an hourglass (15:47) Monstrosity vs. Cinematic fantasy (17:14) Jake Gyllenhaal as Ronnie Reed (17:52) How Maggie and Ryan work with actors (22:45) Trippy directorial advice (26:10) Octavia Spencer in FRUITVALE STATION (28:15) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (full story) (31:44) Directing her brother Jake (35:47) IMAX filmmaking (38:18) Sony cameras (40:56) "Wait, you were in THE DARK KNIGHT, though!" (48:00) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editor: Patrick Epino Production Sound Mixer: Mark Patino Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Ben Caloza Production Intern: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Barista: George Stevenson

We are sealing the Honmoon with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS directors and co-writers, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans! The veteran animation filmmakers break down how Maggie developed the story based on Korean culture and music, how she collaborated with Chris as a directing team, and how they pitched the idea to Netflix and K-pop music producers. They also share stories from behind the scenes of their seven-year production process including the creation of the film’s iconic “popcorn eyes” and how they worked with songwriter and producer EJAE to write the music… with a special surprise voice memo from the woman behind Rumi’s singing voice herself! SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORGLEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COMWATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFYFOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK(00:00) K-pop meets demon hunters(00:47) Let’s talk K-pop… and demon hunters!(02:04) Fun fan reactions(03:02) Honmoon in the club, the origin of honmoon(06:12) How Maggie’s Korean upbringing in Toronto shaped her storytelling(07:51) K-pop meets demon hunters (the full story)(09:59) How they became a directing team, WISH DRAGON(11:19) How they pitched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS(12:45) The music was the hardest part, how EJAE’s demos made it seem possible(13:20)EJAE, Teddy Park, THEBLACKLABEL, the demo for HOW IT’S DONE(15:23) Comps: “old people” anime, Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, K-dramas, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY(17:10) Comedy, female empowerment, being your “stupidest self” with your friends(18:04) Collaborating on directing and screenwriting(19:53) Writing the script for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS(20:39) Sony Pictures Animation, shout out to the crew(25:00) The joke that became the iconic “popcorn eyes” scene(27:12) Voice Memo from EJAE (Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Singing Voice of Rumi)(29:45) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben CalozaSound Recordist: Isabella MillerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaProduction Assistant: Ben CalozaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben CalozaMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz

This February, we’re celebrating the 8th anniversary of the release of BLACK PANTHER! We dug deep into the In Proximity archives to re-release this iconic conversation with BLACK PANTHER director Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Ta-Nehisi is a journalist and the bestselling author of books like BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME and THE MESSAGE. He has also written successful comic book runs for CAPTAIN AMERICA and BLACK PANTHER, and hosted the WAKANDA FOREVER podcast back in 2023. On this special re-release episode, we combine the two parts of Ryan and Ta-Nehisi’s original conversation, where they dive deep into their experiences telling T’Challa’s story for BLACK PANTHER, the impact of hip-hop music and art, Ta-Nehisi’s decades-long writing career, and their mutual friendship with the late Chadwick Boseman. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODESRyan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates Episode 1Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates Episode 2WAKANDA FOREVER: THE OFFICIAL BLACK PANTHER PODCAST SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Celebrating the anniversary of BLACK PANTHER the film (01:51) PART 1: Meet Ryan Coogler and Ta-Nehisi Coates  (02:21) Ta-Nehisi’s production company, Maceo-Lyn (06:40) Howard University, meeting Chadwick Boseman (11:18) Hip-hop, poetry, and genres  (15:04) Tupac Shakur (18:27) How Ta-Nehisi’s hip-hop aspirations pushed him to writing poetry (21:54) “Art that feels like it’s always been made”, A PROPHET, GET OUT, MOONLIGHT (29:20) PART 2: The beginning of Ta-Nehisi’s writing career (33:24) The 20-year-old journalist (36:45) The Case for Reparations (39:55) Writing the BLACK PANTHER comics (41:58) Toni Morrisson, James Baldwin, BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME (45:31) Takes on T’Challa’s character (49:59) CREED (53:33) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Production Assistant: Polina Cherezova Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

What does it take to build a successful TV writing career in comedy, procedurals, and drama? Executive producer, showrunner, and author Kimberly Ann Harrison reveals how she landed an internship on FRIENDS, wrote 78 episodes of CRIMINAL MINDS over 12 years, and made the leap to showrunner (DEPUTY, THE CROSSOVER, WASHINGTON BLACK). On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, Kim talks to host Paola Mardo about her transition from comedy to drama, the importance of finding a character's “why”, tips on pitching episodes and applying for writing jobs, lessons on loneliness and leadership, writing her debut novel BEYOND THE PADDOCK, and why her advice for new writers is to keep blinders on and just write.(00:00) Just write!(01:50) Born and raised in LA by teachers - shout out Diamond Bar!(03:30) College, Intro to Broadcasting, Tammy Trujillo, learning about TV(05:28) Interning on FRIENDS(07:15) How to get a job on the “FRIENDS of today”(08:45) Writer tips for the best cover letter ever(09:18) Lessons from the FRIENDS writers room(10:43) CRIMINAL MINDS, transitioning from comedy to drama, mentorship(14:30) Jumping from writers assistant to writer, pitching tips(16:30) It’s all about the “why” of the killer(17:20) Industry advice for writers today: “keep blinders on”, “it just takes one yes”(18:15) Becoming a showrunner(19:48) How lonely showrunning can be, how to lead and manage a team(22:26) Writing a novel: BEYOND THE PADDOCK(28:17) Prox RecsSHOP OUR PROX BOOK RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORGLEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COMWATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFYFOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOKIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaSound Recordist: Isabella MillerMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

SINNERS lead actor Michael B. Jordan and writer/director/producer Ryan Coogler break down the Academy Award®-nominated film and their 10+ year collaboration in this exclusive conversation with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo.Michael dives deep into his acting process for playing dual roles as Smoke and Stack, sharing how he uses character journals, key phrases from archival recordings, and physical details to build his characters. Ryan reveals his screenwriting approach and his never-before-heard timeline mapping the Smokestack Twins’ backstory, including romances with Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) and Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), and their time in Chicago with Al Capone. Ryan also kicks off this very special episode by making lattes, sharing how his love for coffee connects to filmmaking and acts of service for the cast and crew. It's gonna be a real ring-a-ding-ding… so grab a cup of coffee (or Irish beer or Italian wine) and enjoy!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE(00:00) Smokestack Twins Lore(00:30) Host Paola Mardo intro(04:30) The boss today and Michael’s espresso life(06:00) Ryan makes us coffee: Cannes, George Clooney, set coffee culture, abstract latte art(09:30) Acts of service(12:20) From FRUITVALE STATION to SINNERS(14:35) 1A and 1B on the call sheet, why number 1 on the call sheet means leadership(19:00) Questions Michael asked Ryan after reading the SINNERS script, the surreal juke joint montage, Stack and Mary(23:16) Smokestack Twins Lore(27:12) Stack does Smoke’s hair(28:38) Smoke’s tremors(30:55) Journals as part of Michael’s acting process(32:55) When Smoke and Stack broke up, Ryan’s timeline spreadsheet, Mary, Annie, LORE (!), Chicago, Al Capone(36:30) How much older Smoke feels from Stack(38:00) Are you Smoke or Stack? Delta Slim, Mary, mystery, Ryan’s script to Michael’s acting performance(40:00) “When the actor becomes the expert on the character… the twins are his now… then twins belong to the movie”(40:25) Stack being a liar, Smoke telling the truth(42:00) Mike’s improvised moments, Smoke versus Hogwood(45:23) Preparing for the roles of Smoke and Stack, dialect coach, physicality, different sized shoes, chakra work, childhood trauma(49:30) Key phrases(50:35) “Made in Mississippi" documentary archival recordings (directors: William Ferris, Judy Peiser)(51:51) Drawing from history and real people to bring characters and script to life, Michael’s and Ryan’s family history, sharecroppers, ancestry, Uncle James(53:22) Scene Breakdown: Smoke teaching a young girl to negotiate, “numbers in conversation”(56:11) Smoke as “a fun character to write but it was a really fun character to see Mike play”(58:05) “These are very BAD men”(58:59) Mike is “like a Tom Hanks!”(1:00:30) “He never knifed nobody… that I know of!”(1:04:00) Prox RecsSHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORGLEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COMWATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFYFOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOKIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditor: Patrick EpinoProduction Sound Mixer: Mark PatinoCamera Operator: Josh OrtizAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaProduction Coordinator: Joy WooProduction Assistant: Devin SaddlerProduction Intern: Ben CalozaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozBarista: George Stevenson

Essential filmmaking advice from industry pros: writer/director Justin Tipping breaks down the Tagalog needle drop in the Jordan Peele-produced sports horror film HIM and how Busta Rhymes' "Gimmie Some More" and Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO inspired the score (featuring "AIGHT?" by Carl Angelo and music by composer Bobby Krlic); EYES OF WAKANDA creator/director Todd Harris explains why directors should touch multiple departments; and SUPERGIRL actor, writer, and producer Azie Tesfai reveals how a bad audition made her better.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.comIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. Calomay, Andrea WalterMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada, Ben Caloza

Mike Carson is a multidisciplinary creative director and designer. Last year, he co-creative directed and production designed Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, which drew over 133 million live viewers, making it the most-watched halftime performance ever and one of 2025’s biggest cultural moments.On this episode, Mike talks to IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo about his journey from filming music videos at 19 with Big Sean (including the iconic millennial bop “Dance (A$$)” Remix featuring Nicki Minaj) and working alongside mentor Virgil Abloh, to becoming one of the most sought-after creative directors today. He also shares his creative process behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show, filming a documentary on Kanye West and Jay-Z on their 2011 Watch the Throne tour, his approach to production design for live experiences, why his laptop is essential to every project, and the art and business of the music video.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE(00:00) The 12-minute music video(02:00) Director first, designer second(03:00) Creative directing and production designing Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show(08:30) The process of creative directing(10:13) How the LA fires impacted rehearsal; shout out choreographer Charm La'Donna(13:05) How being multidisciplinary helps his work(13:37) Working with Virgil Abloh(17:30) What he learned from Virgil(18:30) Filming Kanye West and Jay-Z on the Watch the Throne(19:54) Voice Memo from the “muse” Big Sean(25:19) Directing music videos(27:12) First big budget video, Big Sean’s “Dance (A$$)” Remix ft. Nicki Minaj(29:40) Bringing back the delusion, childlike curiosity – just create!(31:15) Mike’s design process(36:28) Prox RecsSHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORGLEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COMWATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFYFOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOKIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, Ben CalozaSound Recordist: Isabella MillerMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

Kick off the new year with advice from industry pros: manager James Swoope on why you need “something to manage” before getting representation, actor/writer/producer Azie Tesfai on asking for what you want and crowning yourself, and designer Jeff Staple on balancing art with business. Part of our special "Prox Gems" holiday mini episodes.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.comIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. Calomay, Andrea WalterMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada, Ben Caloza

Highlights from this season’s SINNERS episodes including: cultural consultant Dolly Li on Remmick’s infamous “licking” line, script supervisor Steve Gehrke on tracking continuity with Michael B. Jordan’s Smokestack Twins, and storyboard artist and EYES OF WAKANDA creator/director Todd Harris on storyboarding the surreal juke joint musical montage scene. Part of our special "Prox Gems" holiday mini episodes.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.comIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. Calomay, Ben CalozaMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada, Ben Caloza

Ammar Mohamed, filmmaker and assistant to Ryan Coogler, on how he broke into the industry, his infamous ID story, and a never-before-released story about a special day with Spike Lee. Part of our special "Prox Gems" holiday mini episodes.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.comIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, Ben CalozaMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Interns: Jun Sawada, Ben Caloza

Celebrate the holidays with IN PROXIMITY! Kicking off our series of holiday mini episodes, host Paola Mardo shares the best Prox Recs of 2025. Whether you’re looking for new books to read, films to watch, or advice to fuel your creative journey, this episode gathers this year’s pro recommendations on our podcast from Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sev Ohanian, Steve Gehrke, Dolly Li, Ammar Mohamed, and more.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.comWe earn a small commission when you shop through our links at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!(00:00) Happy holidays!(03:04) Autumn Durald Arkapaw: Photographs by Eudora Welty(04:28) Ryan Coogler: Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez(05:35) Sev Ohanian: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and other screenwriting books(06:28) Chinaka Hodge: The Elements of Style by E.B. White and William Strunk Jr.(07:42) Justin Tipping: La Haine by Mathieu Kassovitz(09:21) James Swoope: “Always remember what got us to these places.”(12:02) Dolly Li: The Wager by David Grann(14:07) Warner Bailey: “Don’t wait for permission.”(15:42) Ammar Mohamed: Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore(16:52) Steve Gehrke: “Learn your craft before getting too deep into it.”(17:35) Angelica Nwandu: Leadership Pain by Samuel Chand(19:01) Azie Tesfai: UCLA Extension classes(20:33) Jeff Staple: Obsessing over something outside your field (sourdough bread!)(22:56) Todd Harris: Constructive Anatomy by George Bridgman, Tuesday Tips by GRIZandNORM, Kill the Dog by Paul Guyot(23:59) Courtney Storer: Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan(25:41) Mary Karaoghlanian: The Mel Robbins Podcast(26:15) Armen Karaoghlanian: The Color of Pomegranates by Sergei Parajanov(27:52) Ludwig Göransson: Working with incredible musicians, getting new instruments(28:55) Ryan Coogler: Deep Blues by Robert PalmerIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, A.J. Calomay, Andrea WalterProduction Sound Mixer: Mark PatinoMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozSound Recordist: Isabella MillerProduction Assistant: Isabella Miller, Devin Saddler, Joshua Flores, Collin GajaPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza, Jun Sawada

From bookstore events to hosting the SINNERS Los Angeles premiere, what’s it like to start a film community from scratch? Armen and Mary Karaoghlanian, founders of Armenian Film Society, share how they turned their passion for cinema and community into a cultural hub that hosts major film festivals, galas, and premieres.They discuss their recent 10-year anniversary gala featuring a conversation with Proximity founders Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian, where Sev was inducted into the Armenian Film Hall of Fame. They also reveal what it’s like to build your dream passion project while working full-time jobs and becoming new parents, the importance of consistency and authenticity in community building, and how they’ve spotlighted everyone from indie filmmakers to major Hollywood productions like SINNERS and ANORA.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian in proximity at AFS(00:55) From a small bookshop event to a widely-attended gala(02:25) Voice Memo from Sona Movsesian (Conan O’ Brien Needs a Friend)(04:02) Why Cher and Charles Aznavour are iconic(04:42) What is the Armenian Film Society?(05:00) First community event at Abril Books in in Glendale(07:41) Screening Sean Baker’s TANGERINE and Alexander Payne’s SIDEWAYS(09:23) Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian at the AFS 10th Anniversary Gala(10:27) Videos from the night of the AFS gala(12:35) Honoring ELIO director Madeline Sharafian & ANORA actor Karren Karagulian(14:58) Steven Zaillian, Rouben Mamoulian, and the importance of Armenians in film(16:17) How Armen and Mary built Armenian Film Society(17:45) Building community takes consistency(19:39) From university film professor to film society founder(21:46) Armen and Mary’s meet cute story… and their AOL Messenger screen name(23:16) Family inspiration: Armenian International Magazine and a vintage film camera(28:17) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaSound Recordist: Isabella MillerMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

Step into the kitchen set with Courtney Storer, culinary producer and co-executive producer of FX's Emmy-winning series THE BEAR. In this special holiday episode of IN PROXIMITY, host Paola Mardo learns how to make Italian red sauce pasta while digging into what it takes to bring THE BEAR’S iconic food moments to life. Courtney shares exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from filming the intense holiday “Fishes” episode with Jamie Lee Curtis, training actors like Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Lionel Boyce on professional cooking techniques, and working alongside her brother, series creator Christopher Storer. From 4:30 a.m. call times to creating detailed culinary reference guides for Michelin-level plating, discover how food becomes a character in one of television’s most acclaimed shows.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) What does a culinary producer do? (clips)(00:55) Storytime!(03:13) Welcome to Courtney’s kitchen studio(04:13) Ingredients for THE BEAR red sauce(05:22) Start cooking(07:16) Cooking on a TV set(09:00) Culinary reference guide(10:30) All the details, Carmy’s chef journey (Jeremy Allen White), TOMORROW episode, peas, chef mentors, Chicago, Ever, Chef Terry, is this the vibe?(13:02) Is the sauce sticking??(14:00) Training actors(14:38) The FISHES episode and the Feast of the Seven Fishes(16:29) Inspiration binder, pre-production, photos, visuals, Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis)(20:20) It was like “art therapy” with the cast, crew, and her brother Christopher Storer(22:00) What does a culinary producer do? (full segment)(23:50) Having real chefs on the set of TOMORROW(24:52) Voice Memo from Matty Matheson… and pasta beauty shot!(28:50) Prox Recs… and plating the pasta!(30:13) Cheers!IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaProduction Sound Mixer: Mark PatinoMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistant: Isabella Miller, Joshua FloresPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

You know that iconic SINNERS juke joint music montage? Todd Harris is the artist who helped bring that sequence to life. A veteran storyboard artist, Todd went from designing action sequences for blockbusters like BLACK PANTHER, AVENGERS, and JOHN WICK to creating, directing, and showrunning his own Marvel series and directorial debut, EYES OF WAKANDA.On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, host Paola Mardo sits down with Todd to discuss his journey from storyboard artist to director. He reveals how he designed the music montage sequence in Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS, shares advice for aspiring filmmakers, and explains the art behind storyboarding action sequences. He also opens up about pitching EYES OF WAKANDA to Kevin Feige and Ryan Coogler, building new characters like Noni and The Lion, and weaving real history into Wakandan lore.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) SINNERS juke joint montage oner(02:13) Voice Memo from Brad Winderbaum, Head of Marvel TV and Marvel Animation(03:40) Advice for emerging directors, working with Taika Waititi on THOR: RAGNAROK(06:00) Tips for presenting ideas to directors(07:14) Storyboard artistry(08:45) How Todd became a storyboard artist(10:59) Process for breaking down script in storyboarding(13:55) Pitching ideas, John Wick(15:48) Storyboarding that iconic SINNERS juke joint montage oner(18:00) The illusion of language, knowing your director’s taste(20:30) Working with Ryan Coogler on BLACK PANTHER and BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (with a pitstop at AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR)(22:45) Creating EYES OF WAKANDA and pitching Kevin Feige(24:40) Real history meets Wakandans(25:05) Memnon, fan reactions, Sea Peoples, Conan the Barbarian, James Earl Jones as inspiration for The Lion(26:50) Working with Marvel, transitioning from storyboarding to directing(29:15) EYES OF WAKANDA behind-the-scenes, creating original characters, Noni(33:22) Iron Fist(34:42) Todd’s Storyboarding Process(40:30) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, Ben CalozaSound Recordist: Isabella MillerMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

What can a $100K riot-inducing sneaker teach us about storytelling, design, and creativity?Jeff Staple’s 2005 Nike Pigeon Dunk didn’t just drop. It ignited a riot in the streets of New York City and helped rewrite the rules of streetwear, brand marketing, and storytelling through design. On IN PROXIMITY, Jeff joins host Paola Mardo to unpack how he built Staple into a global brand one shoe and collab at a time, what filmmakers and creatives can learn from design and brand building, “the power of the t-shirt” and marketing before social media and the internet, the wild story of his elevator pitch to Yasiin Bey (then Mos Def), and how to navigate hustle culture and find creative inspiration anywhere.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) The sneaker riot story(02:40) Jeff Staple did for the pigeon what Walt Disney did for the “rat”(03:15) Not Just Sneakers book and Jeff’s interest in brand design and sneakers at a young age(06:30) Growing up in an immigrant Chinese family in New Jersey in the 1970s and 1980s(09:20) The Staple Origin Story and Connie Chung(13:14) Turning his art into a business(14:50) “The power of the t-shirt” and marketing before social media and internet(18:00) Seeing your art in the wild, streetwear as IYKYK(19:02) Is streetwear still cool?(21:15) Staple and hip-hop(23:36) The Pigeon and trademarking pigeon poop(26:40) Elevator pitching the collaborating with Yasiin Bey (Mos Def)(31:20) Collaborations today(34:00) How to stay connected to the creative, why he started a podcast(35:50) Hacking hustle culture(39:00) The Goods a.k.a. the shoes and the full sneaker riot story(44:50) Jeff’s checklist for designing sneakers(48:04) Jay-Z vs. Andre 3000 creative careers(51:20) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. CalomaySound Recordist: Isabella MillerProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

Azie Tesfai was on track to become a lawyer until a breakup led to an audition and a new career in acting, writing, and producing. She’s appeared on JANE THE VIRGIN, MATLOCK, and DC’s SUPERGIRL, where she starred as The Guardian and became the first Ethiopian and Eritrean person to portray a superhero on screen. She also wrote an episode of SUPERGIRL, working with mentor and executive producer Greg Berlanti. On IN PROXIMITY, she talks with host Paola Mardo about navigating rejection, reframing, and the "tiara syndrome", transitioning from acting to writing and producing, sliding into DM’s (for work!), and bringing her Eritrean-Ethiopian heritage into her storytelling.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) Brutal audition, tiara syndrome, another first(01:27) Voice Memo from 2 Chainz(03:15) Growing up first generation Eritrean and Ethiopian American(08:45) How a college break-up led to an acting audition(10:30) First acting job working on Wicked Wicked Games with Tatum O’Neal(12:17) Building a career in acting, telling immigrant parents(15:30) An awful audition story, remembering why we make art(17:58) Advice for actors today(19:16) Being the first Ethiopian and Eritrean person to play a superhero on screen as The Guardian on SUPERGIRL(23:30) Writing an episode of SUPERGIRL and navigating grief, the pandemic, and racism(27:20) Supportive community + trauma = art(28:42) Lessons in writing and asking for help, working with Greg Berlanti(29:39) Superhero power poses(30:42) The tiara syndrome and sliding into DMs for work(33:45) Process for being a multi-hyphenate(35:20) Writing a DC comic kids book(36:30) Why it’s important to infuse her culture into her work(39:08) Photos from the set of SUPERGIRL(42:11) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. CalomayProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Collin GajaSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

After a family tragedy landed her in foster care, Angelica “Angie” Nwandu turned to writing and poetry. Her first screenplay, NIGHT COMES ON, co-written with director Jordana Spiro, made her a 2014 Sundance Fellow where her mentors included Quentin Tarantino and Kasi Lemmons. The film starred Dominique Fishback and premiered at the festival in 2018 where it won the NEXT Innovator Award.But even as a Sundance darling, she faced setbacks including getting fired from two writing jobs. Today, Angie is the founder and CEO of The Shade Room, a leading media platform covering Black culture, entertainment, and news, with over 30 million followers and 43 billion annual impressions. Dubbed by The New York Times as “Instagram’s TMZ”, TSR is no stranger to controversy.On IN PROXIMITY, Angie joins host Paola Mardo to share her side of the story, opening up about the failures that shaped her, the role of faith and purpose in overcoming rejection, and her journey from aspiring screenwriter to media mogul.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) From shame to “Instagram’s TMZ”(02:00) Voice Memo from Dominique Fishback and filming NIGHT COMES ON(07:56) From poetry slams to co-writing the screenplay for NIGHT COMES ON(10:45) 2014 Sundance Lab and advice from mentor Quentin Tarantino(12:25) The life-changing phone call before going onstage at Sundance(14:25) Getting the $5,000 writing grant and pursuing her passion(15:28) From Sundance grant to The Shade Room origin story(17:50) 3,000 followers in 3 days(20:30) “I’m about to be the biggest media company!”(21:21) Being the 23-year-old CEO of what The NYT called “Instagram’s TMZ”(23:00) George Floyd, audience feedback, investigative journalists, politics, social justice(24:20) Pressure and what keeps her up at night(26:00) A humbling writing career: “I’m done in this town!”(32:00) Proximity and TSR, HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME(34:00) “It took me a long time to get to a place where I was proud.”(35:15) Celebrity reactions and crazy (scary) stories(38:50) Depression, vices, finding God(39:35) Relationship to “gossip” and pop culture news(41:00) The good and the bad of TSR(42:32) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. CalomayProduction Assistants: Isabella MillerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

When Ryan Coogler needed someone to track every detail on SINNERS – including Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack – he called Steve Gehrke, the veteran script supervisor and longtime collaborator of Christopher Nolan. With credits that span MEMENTO, INCEPTION, THE DARK NIGHT, OPPENHEIMER, and the upcoming THE ODYSSEY, Gehrke shares what a Nolan set is like, how he keeps time straight in “Chris Nolan world,” meeting Coogler and working on SINNERS, what a scripty actually does, and why he still takes notes with an old school pencil.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) Meeting Christopher Nolan in 1989 for MEMENTO(02:09) Voice Memo from producer Emma Thomas(04:06) Why Steve “doesn’t care” about the words in a script(05:10) Time and continuity in Chris Nolan world and MEMENTO(06:57) “Every movie that we do makes you think”: INCEPTION, DUNKIRK(07:55) Meeting Christopher Nolan (continued) and getting hired on the spot(08:20) Process for collaborating with Nolan as a script supervisor(09:42) THE ODYSSEY and the 25-year relationship(11:14) What a Nolan set is like(12:10) Preparing for a film, reading TENET(14:04) Breaking down a nonlinear script and making “paper dolls”(17:22) Story order vs. script order(18:44) Why the script supervisor is the on-set editor and keeping track of kisses(21:48) Continuity mental list, issues, eyelines(24:29) Meeting Ryan Coogler and working on SINNERS(28:11) Steve’s script supervisor toolkit and keeping it old school(30:46) The Script Supervising Process: Smoke & Stack Scene(35:03) The squiggles(35:33) How Steve learned the job(37:11) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, A.J. CalomayProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

What’s a crafty run? Why wear a chest vest? What would you do if you lost your boss’ ID? Ammar Mohamed – assistant to Ryan Coogler, SINNERS associate producer, and filmmaker – joins IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo to share what it’s really like supporting one of Hollywood’s busiest directors today. From locking in on set to hard lessons learned on the job, Ammar takes us behind the scenes of SINNERS and BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, while sharing his career journey and offering his perspective and thoughtful advice for other assistants.Learn more and read the transcript at ProximityMedia.comShop our Prox Recs at Bookshop.orgWatch/Listen to IN PROXIMITY on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SpotifyFollow Proximity Media on Instagram, TikTok, ProximityMedia.com(00:00) One of the things about Ryan(02:00) Voice Memo from Hannah Beachler(09:30) Working on BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER(11:00) Becoming Ryan Coogler’s assistant(12:27) Everyday was like climbing Mt. Everest(15:12) Scary moment on the job... a.k.a. ID story part 1(19:30) The bag… and ID story part 2(21:25) Advice for assistants(24:17) Learning from Ryan and Hannah(25:56) Working on SINNERS(30:40) Understanding the moment, locking in, and being in step or a step ahead(32:46) Locked in SINNERS scenes(34:25) Craziest thing he saw on set(36:03) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, Ben CalozaProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada, Ben Caloza