PBS SoCal and Variety take you inside the biggest movies and T.V. 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Surviving Gilligan's Island: The Incredibly True Story of the Longest Three-Hour Tour in History is a movie based on the real-life story of the castaways of Gilligan's Island. It explores their journey to fame and the challenges they faced both on and off the island. The movie provides an in-depth look into the television industry of the 1960s and the lasting impact of the popular 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.
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.
The Barefoot Executive is a comedy film about a young man named Steven Post who works in the mailroom of a television network. He discovers that his girlfriend's chimpanzee, Raffles, has a talent for picking successful television shows. With Raffles' help, Steven rises up the corporate ladder and becomes a successful executive. However, he soon realizes that being successful comes with its own challenges.
An intimate portrait of Tyler Perry and his harrowing but faithful road to the top of an industry that didn't always include him.
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 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.