Why is film such an important medium for creating access? How can we use empathy to expand vision?

Hosts Jason and Yvonne Lee share a moment with Spirit Award nominated producer (Songs My Brothers Taught Me), Angela C. Lee who also is the Associtate Director of Artist Development at Film Independent. By examining the ecosystem of filmmaking and producing, these three discuss the larger notion that access to “Hollywood” doesn’t come just because we deserve it. They explore how we can find (or even create) traction within a film system by showing myopic gatekeepers the capability of success from projects that have stories, actors and production teams with whom these power-holders may not associate with viability. As a solution, these three discuss one real truth: diverse producers get diverse projects made.

How do we nurture empathy to gain equity? How do we create a pathway to ownership so that we can control and expand vision?

Listen and be inspired by Angela’s determined passion. LA based and a native Chicagoan, she understands that producing is about seeing and supporting a filmmaker's vision, and sticking with them for the long haul to create space where they can shine. Along with Jason and Yvonne, who are on a mission to provide opportunities for stories that may not otherwise be told, they ask, how can we explain that discovery is infinite?

For more spirited discussions, make sure to subscribe to the podcast.

And if you’ve enjoyed thinking and mocktailing along with us, we’d love for you to leave us a review.

Cheers … and Please Drink Responsibly!

Links:

Guests:

Angela C. Lee

https://www.filmindependent.org/talent/angela-c-lee/

Project Involve

https://www.filmindependent.org/blog/project-involve-is-back-meet-the-30-new-fellows-joining-us-in-2022-2/

Philiane Phang

https://www.filmindependent.org/talent/philiane-phang/

Chloe’ Zhao (Songs My Brother Taught Me, Nomadland)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlo%C3%A9_Zhao

Original source of NPR episode about the ABA:

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/dont-worry-be-tacky/

Kurtis Blow - “Basketball” song

https://youtu.be/_shxzlTRK44

Death & Company

https://www.deathandcompany.com/

Array Now

https://arraynow.com/

Byron Allen

https://entertainmentstudios.com/founder/

Robert Townsend

https://www.roberttownsend.com/

Shonda Rhimes

https://www.shondaland.com/

Sundance Institute

https://apply.sundance.org/

Ruth Ann Harnisch

https://thehf.org/about/

Additional Links + Special thanks to:

Podcast Haven - https://thepodcasthaven.com/

Liam E. Allen (original music) - @Liamea97

Drink Recipe:

A daiquiri variation created by bartender Alex Day for Death & Co in NYC, a company who has been a huge inspiration for Jason. 

Ingredients:

1oz Islay scotch - Lagavulin 

1oz blended scotch - Johnnie Walker red or black

3/4 oz lime juice 

3/4 oz simple syrup

4-6 mint leaves 

Absinthe spray 

Shake ingredients with ice. Finish with absinthe spray.