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.
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.
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.
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.
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 harried executive tries to keep a fledgling TV network afloat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A television producer, named Maggie Baker, is assigned to produce a live Christmas special in Denver. On her way to the assignment, she meets a man named Danny, who is also traveling to Denver. As they navigate the challenges of producing the show and facing their own personal obstacles, they find themselves falling in love.
In a futuristic dystopia, a social critic battles against an alien-controlled society where media and television brainwash the population. As martian invaders threaten the world, the critic must navigate through a world of mass media, blood donations, televised trials, and oppressive tactics. With surrealism and allegory, the film explores themes of control, manipulation, and the struggle for freedom.
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.
Bamboozled is a satirical comedy-drama film directed by Spike Lee. It follows the story of Pierre Delacroix, a successful African-American television writer who becomes frustrated with the lack of opportunities for people of color in the entertainment industry. In a desperate attempt to make a point about racism and stereotypes, Delacroix creates a controversial fictional variety show called Mantan: The New Millennium Minstrel Show, featuring performers in blackface. The show becomes a surprise hit, but Delacroix soon realizes that he has inadvertently perpetuated harmful stereotypes and set off a wave of protests. As the pressure mounts, Delacroix must confront his own self-hatred and the consequences of his actions. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, Bamboozled explores themes of race, media, and the power of satire.
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.
Revenge of a Blonde is a comedy film from 1994 that follows the story of a blonde woman who seeks revenge after discovering her husband's infidelity. Fueled by anger and determined to take matters into her own hands, she embarks on a hilarious journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
A couple of bickering, married performers agree to star in a "Mr. and Mrs." TV show.
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.