Cord Jefferson

Television writer Cord Jefferson has written for the kind of shows that crack hearts open. From The Good Place to Watchmen, Station Eleven to Master of None, Cord has spent his career wrangling human emotions in the writers’ room – but also in his own life. In this episode, Cord speaks about the connection between his personal life and his creative work, how he thinks about vulnerability in making art and why he thanked his therapist in his acceptance speech for his first Emmy. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cord Jefferson, director of 'American Fiction', joins Sean to discuss the challenges of directing a film as a writer and the movie's remarkable cast. They also talk about the state of family dramas and satires, and Cord shares his future projects. Sean and Amanda start the show by sharing their top 5 movie scenes of 2023, and later discuss 'American Fiction' as a refreshing mix of genres.

The Rise and Fall of Black Swan: Episode One from The Vanishing of Harry Pace, a six-part series created by Jad Abumrad and Shima Oliaee.  Harry Pace founded Black Swan Records exactly 100 years ago. Pace launched the career of Ethel Waters, inadvertently invented the term rock n roll, played an important role in W.C. Handy becoming "Father of the Blues," inspired Ebony and Jet magazines, and helped desegregate the South Side of Chicago in an epic Supreme Court battle. Then, he disappeared.  The Vanishing of Harry Pace is a series about the phenomenal but forgotten man who changed the American music scene. It's a story about betrayal, family, hidden identities, and a time like no other. This series was produced in collaboration with author Kiese Laymon, scholar Imani Perry, screenwriter Cord Jefferson, and WQXR’s Terrance McKnight. Jami Floyd is our consulting producer; our fact checker is Natalie Meade. Peter Pace lent his voice for our readings. Based on the book Black Swan Blues: the Hard Rise and Brutal Fall of America’s First Black Owned Record Label by Paul Slade. The series features interviews with Pace's descendants and over forty musicians, historians, writers, and musicologists, all of whom grapple with Pace’s enduring legacy.

Host Jeff Goldsmith interviews Oscar-nominated screenwriters about their creative processes and challenges. Topics include reigniting creative spark, cinematic education, character growth in storytelling, procrastination, cleanliness struggles, vulnerability, and personal touches in scriptwriting.

Bill Simmons wonders if the Golden State Warriors are done after their recent struggles. Nora Princiotti joins to discuss Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, as well as Bill Belichick's future. Cord Jefferson talks about his film 'American Fiction' and pitches an 'Entourage' reboot. Million-Dollar Picks are made for NFL Week 15.

Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike discusses his album 'Michael,' spirituality in music, and activism in communities. Writer Cord Jefferson talks about his film 'American Fiction,' challenging biases in Hollywood, and the power of uncomfortable art.

Reinaldo Marcus Green talks about portraying Bob Marley, Cord Jefferson discusses his Oscar-nominated film 'American Fiction,' and Daniel Dae Kim shares 'The Treat.' Topics include Bob Marley's transformative journey, challenges in portraying complex black characters in Hollywood, and embracing Asian identity in the arts.

Cord Jefferson, writer and director of the Academy Award-nominated film, discusses expanding limited ideas of Black stories in Hollywood. Topics include the need for gun control following the Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting, concerns about the trial of Donald Trump, romantic relationships of US presidents, and the impact of Cord Jefferson's film on Black filmmakers and a primarily white audience.

Cord Jefferson, a writer and director known for 'American Fiction,' which earned five Oscar nominations, dives into the transformative influence of satire and storytelling. He shares how Percival Everett’s novel 'Erasure' inspired his film adaptation and critiques racial stereotypes in the publishing industry. Jefferson reflects on navigating identity and representation in Hollywood while discussing the challenges of complex character development. He also teases future projects, including an erotic thriller and a contemporary Western, showcasing his creative aspirations.

Cord Jefferson, acclaimed writer and director of 'American Fiction,' shares insights on adapting Percival Everett's novel into a poignant film. He discusses the delicate balance of critiquing media representation while exploring profound themes of grief and identity. Cord reflects on the pressures of portraying Black narratives authentically, emphasizing the importance of creative integrity. He also delves into the film's evolution, from its humorous title to a deeper commentary on American culture, and the significance of representation in the industry.