We Are So Back (at the Movies) with Sean Fennessey (‘The Big Picture’)
Aug 25, 2024
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Join Sean Fennessey, head of content at The Ringer and co-host of The Big Picture, as he dives into the magic of movies with a focus on recent hits and upcoming films. He explores the emotional depths of M. Night Shyamalan's 'Trap' and highlights compelling documentaries like 'Brats.' The conversation shifts to the impact of the WGA and SAG strikes on Hollywood, along with excitement for Sean Baker’s film 'Nora.' Sean reflects on his career journey from Ithaca College to launching The Ringer, sharing insights on creativity and the film industry's future.
Sean Fennessey shares insights on navigating the film industry post-strike, highlighting the evolving landscape revealed through Borderlands.
The conversation underscores Fennessey's journey from Grantland to The Ringer, showcasing his growth in sports and pop culture journalism.
Fennessey reflects on the impact of parenthood on his film consumption, noting how family experiences reshape his cinematic appreciation.
Despite challenges posed by streaming services, Fennessey remains optimistic about the film industry's resurgence and its communal storytelling future.
Deep dives
The Value of Airbnb Hosting for Frequent Travelers
Frequent travelers can consider listing their homes on Airbnb to generate extra income while they’re away. Malcolm Gladwell highlights this approach as a solution for those who may feel guilty about leaving their homes empty, especially when they could be earning rental income. This platform allows individuals to manage their availability and set their own pricing, making it a flexible option for anyone who travels often. By doing this, homeowners can make productive use of their property and offset travel costs.
Background of Sean Fennessy and the Ringer
Sean Fennessy, head of content at The Ringer, has built a career in sports and pop culture journalism. His journey began at Grantland, where he collaborated closely with Bill Simmons, and he later transitioned to lead content creation at The Ringer. His role involves co-hosting 'The Big Picture,' a popular podcast where he discusses films and pop culture. The Ringer differentiates itself by merging sports with an in-depth examination of movies and television, making it a unique voice in digital media.
The Dichotomy of Anxiety in Creative Roles
Fennessy expresses the mixed feelings of anxiety that can accompany creative roles such as his. Initially, he experienced significant anxiety about the future and potential success of The Ringer but, over time, this has shifted to anxiety focused on daily responsibilities and the pressures of maintaining quality content. Balancing professional demands with personal life, especially as a new father, adds another layer of complexity. Despite these pressures, his experience has taught him to appreciate the achievements and stability he has secured within his career.
Enjoyment of Film and Impact on Personal Life
Discussing his current movie-watching habits, Fennessy shares how being a parent has changed his film consumption. He acknowledges that personal responsibilities often lead to sacrifices, such as less time spent watching films compared to previous years. Despite this, he finds joy in sharing cinematic experiences with his family. The conversation highlights how his perspective on movies evolves, as he now connects his viewing experience to familial interactions and the nostalgia of reliving films from his own childhood.
Impact of Streaming Services on Film Culture
Fennessy discusses the transformative and sometimes destructive effect of streaming services on film culture. He points out that the industry faced significant challenges due to an over-saturation of platforms, which led to fragmented audiences and dilution of the cinematic experience. Yet, he expresses optimism for the future as the film industry experiences a resurgence. The need to continue discussing cinema in a communal context serves as a lifeline for movie enthusiasts, emphasizing that there will always be an audience for compelling storytelling.
Navigating Criticism and Audience Expectations
Criticism, especially negative feedback during the existence of platforms like Grantland, significantly impacted Fennessy’s experience in the industry. He notes a shift in how media entities are perceived, moving from hostile critique to a more supportive community discussion. This evolution is highlighted by the need for creators to remain engaged with their audience while not overselling their work. The balance between producing quality content and meeting audience expectations becomes an essential theme throughout his commentary.
Reflections on Career Longevity and Future Aspirations
Fennessy reflects on the importance of sustained effort in the media industry, marking nearly a decade since he began with The Ringer. He takes pride in his lengthy tenure, which stands out compared to previous jobs that were often shorter lived. His appreciation for the opportunities he has had allows him to maintain a hopeful outlook on potential future developments within the industry. Despite the uncertainties, he remains committed to producing quality content and nurturing the team's creative spirit.
We’re so back at the movies… with head of content at The Ringer and co-host of The Big Picture, Sean Fennessey!
At the top, Sam and Sean discuss Sean Wang’s Dìdi(8:52), the father-daughter story at the heart of M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap(15:52), and why the documentaries Brats(19:39)and Faye(22:35) make the perfect weekend watch.
Then, they talk about the real-life story behind A24’s Sing Sing (27:45), what Borderlandsreveals about post-strike Hollywood (29:57), the anticipation building around Sean Baker’s triumphant upcoming feature Anora (32:13), Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night(33:17), Joshua Oppenheimer’s apocalyptic musical film The End(35:49), and James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown(37:17).
On the back-half, we dive into Sean’s childhood in Long Island (43:37), his early writing at Ithaca College (44:15), working at Complex Magazine in the mid-aughts (53:00), his pivot to Grantland (1:02:10), launching The Ringer (1:15:50), his on-mic personality on The Big Picture (1:11:50), the future of his podcast(s) (1:18:31), and why he remains optimistic about the film industry (1:27:09).
This conversation was recorded at Spotify Studios. Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email us at sf@talkeasypod.com.
