PBS SoCal and Variety take you inside the biggest movies and TV shows of the past year through candid conversations with today's hottest actors. Hosted by Variety Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis and Variety Chief Correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister, each episode brings together pairs of actors engaging in intimate one-on-one discussions about their craft and work.
A harried executive tries to keep a fledgling TV network afloat.
Love (2016) explores the lives of two people who meet by chance and navigate the complexities of modern love and relationships in Los Angeles. It delves into themes of intimacy, addiction, friendship, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives.
The Toys That Made Us is a documentary series that explores the history of popular toys and their impact on popular culture. It delves into the stories behind iconic toys such as Transformers, Barbie, and Lego, and examines how these toys have shaped the entertainment industry and influenced generations of children.
The life of a divorced television writer dating a teenage girl is further complicated when he falls in love with his best friend's mistress. The film explores themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of adult life in Manhattan.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is a dark comedy biographical film based on the supposedly true story of Chuck Barris, a successful game show host who claims to have led a double life as a CIA assassin. The film explores his rise to fame as the creator and host of popular game shows like The Dating Game and The Gong Show, while delving into the dangerous and thrilling world of espionage. As his life becomes increasingly entangled with the world of espionage, Barris struggles to maintain his sanity and questioning whether his actions were real or simply a figment of his imagination.
Ichiro is a PE teacher in 1986 feared by his students for a "tough love" approach, harsh tongue and frequently “inappropriate” behavior. He’s also a dad trying to raise a rebellious daughter after having lost his wife to illness. When he gets transported in time to 2024, he encounters modern sensibilities that teach him about empathy but also gives people of today a reason to rethink their own political correctness in this time traversing comedy about change.
Scripted comedy that lovingly satirizes the reality singing competitions that have become a centerpiece of pop culture. When SING IT's executive producer is fired, Stacy Needles' plan to take charge is thwarted with the arrival of newcomer indie producer, Drew. His inexperience and blind passion threaten to off-set the dysfunctional workplace family comprised of duplicitous executives, a rollicking crew, and quirky contestants who are eliminated from the competition each week.
Quiz (2020) is a TV show that tells the story of a major scandal in the British television industry. When a contestant on a popular game show is accused of cheating, an army major and his wife find themselves at the center of a high-profile trial. The show explores themes of manipulation, conspiracy, and the murky world of television history. Based on a true story, Quiz takes viewers on a journey through a captivating courtroom drama.
A portrait of celebrated filmmaker David Chase: his life, his career and his groundbreaking work on the HBO original series The Sopranos.
In the 1950s, during the McCarthy era, a struggling screenwriter facing injustice and political persecution decides to become an informant. He gets caught up in a web of friendship, politics, and betrayal as he navigates the dangerous world of Hollywood. The film is a satirical commentary on the blacklisting and oppression of communist sympathizers in the movie business.
Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street tells the story of how a group of visionaries worked together to create a groundbreaking children's television show that would change the landscape of education and entertainment. Through interviews, archive footage, and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary explores the origins of Sesame Street and its impact on children's television and popular culture.
Miss Representation is a documentary that exposes how the media portrays women and how it influences the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence. It examines the negative impact of media stereotypes, sexism, and objectification on women's empowerment and equality. Through interviews with notable figures and experts, the film reveals the harmful effects of media portrayals on women's self-esteem, body image, and aspirations. Miss Representation also highlights the importance of media literacy and advocacy to challenge and change these harmful narratives.
A young news reporter schemes to take over the job of a veteran news anchor whose ratings he's been hired to promote.
Return to the Batcave - The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003) follows Adam West and Burt Ward as they are lured out of retirement and onto the set of a new Batman movie. During the filming, they encounter old enemies and reminisce about their time as the dynamic duo. The movie highlights the television industry, superhero action, and the historical significance of the original Batman TV series.
A couple of bickering, married performers agree to star in a "Mr. and Mrs." TV show.
Struggling actor Chih-Wen (Michael Hui) got a raw deal from his company, MTV Studios. He signed a binding 8-year contract with the studio and was only given one opportunity to perform live thus far. Soon, he received a better deal with a rival company, who promised a 5-year contract and better opportunities to perform and make money. Since he cannot start working for the new company because of his current 8-year contract with MTV, he and his scientist-aspiring brother (Ricky Hui), with the help of magician Shih-Chieh (Sam Hui), attempt to steal the contract from his ruthless manager.
A Mighty Wind is a satirical mockumentary comedy about a reunion concert of folk musicians. The film follows the preparations for the concert, the personal lives of the musicians, and the challenges they face in their careers. With catchy songs and satirical humor, A Mighty Wind explores the world of folk music and the eccentricities of its performers.
Chaos on the Bridge is a documentary that explores the behind-the-scenes chaos and challenges faced during the production of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The film delves into conflicts, egos, and the troubled history of the show, offering a unique perspective on the making of the iconic sci-fi series.