In Proximity

From the Def Jam Poetry scene to the set of a major Marvel TV show, Oakland-raised writer, poet, rapper, actor, playwright, and screenwriter Chinaka Hodge knows how to tell an epic story. Her most recent project, the Marvel TV series IRONHEART, released to Disney+ in June. Starring Dominique Thorne, IRONHEART tells the story of “bad girl genius” Riri Williams on a mission to be the greatest inventor of her generation, which she says doesn't mean much without the resources to bring her ideas to life. Riri resorts to alternative means to get said resources, meeting a host of friends and foes, including an A.I. based on her best friend, N.A.T.A.L.I.E. (played by Lyric Ross), and Parker Robins, also known as “The Hood” (played by Anthony Ramos). To give us insights into pitching, writing, and running IRONHEART, Chinaka sits down with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo and her longtime friend, Proximity Media founder and IRONHEART executive producer, Sev Ohanian.Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.((3:25) Get Reel(5:31) Chinaka and Ironheart’s Origin Story(21:14) Writing Ironheart Was Personal(33:58) SUITS(40:17) Unmatched Energy On Set and Beyond(45:54) Into Chinaka’s Office(48:09) Sev and Chinaka in Film School(57:05) Chinaka as a Playwright(1:00:10) The Ironheart Writer’s Room(1:08:14) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaIronheart is a production of Proximity Media and Marvel StudiosExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoHost, Director, and Producer: Paola MardoEditor, Sound Mixer, Sound Designer, and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaDirector of Photography: Jonathan ChungTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun SawadaSpecial Thanks: Patrick Epino, the Proximity Media team, and our listeners.

SINNERS is only in theaters April 18 and we made a special two-part miniseries about the making of the film! Composer and executive producer Ludwig Göransson spoke with director, writer, and producer Ryan Coogler at his studio to talk about how the Delta blues and their family history inspired the film’s story and sound. They also break down the song “I Lied To You,” written by Ludwig and Raphael Saadiq, and performed by Miles Caton as Sammie in the film. Stay until the end for a special musical demonstration by Ludwig himself.SINNERS marks Ludwig’s fifth feature collaboration with Ryan Coogler, following BLACK PANTHER, CREED, and FRUITVALE STATION. A globally recognized composer and producer, Ludwig has earned multiple awards, including two Academy Awards for BLACK PANTHER and OPPENHEIMER. His film and TV credits include VENOM, THE MANDALORIAN, and TURNING RED. As a record producer and songwriter, he has collaborated with artists like Chance the Rapper, Adele, HAIM, and Childish Gambino. He is also a co-founder of Proximity Media.SINNERS is produced by Proximity Media and Warner Brothers.To hear the songs that inspired the SINNERS score and soundtrack, including artists discussed in this episode, listen here.Listen to the first episode of this special SINNERS series with Ryan Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw here.Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(02:19) Get Reel(07:44) Blues Music(22:22) Writing & Composing “I Lied To You”(32:17) The Hero Guitar(35:42) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaDirector: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoFilm Score, Theme Song, and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonVideo Producer: Bianca CatbaganDirector of Photography: Andrea WalterAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaVideo Editors: Bianca Catbagan and Andrea WalterAudio Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaSound Recordist: Marcelo de OliveiraGaffer: Chris BoulosKey Grip: Kevin “Chui” ChiuProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Faith Wang

In this engaging discussion, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, a pioneering cinematographer known for her groundbreaking work in IMAX and 65mm, teams up with director Ryan Coogler. They delve into their collaborative journey on the film SINNERS and share insights from reaching out to iconic filmmakers for advice. The duo discusses the artistic challenges of shooting underwater and the significance of location in storytelling, offering a glimpse into the innovative techniques that shaped their film, all while celebrating Autumn's historic achievement in the industry.

From FRUITVALE STATION to BLACK PANTHER, Rachel Morrison and Ryan Coogler are longtime friends and collaborators. Rachel is a groundbreaking director and cinematographer who made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for MUDBOUND and the first to lens a Marvel film with BLACK PANTHER_._ Her feature directorial debut, THE FIRE INSIDE, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and hits theaters this Christmas. Written by Barry Jenkins, THE FIRE INSIDE tells the inspiring true story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing. Rachel spoke with Ryan about her trailblazing journey from photography to cinematography and directing. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(2:31) Get Reel(12:29) Choosing the right film stock for Fruitvale Station(15:36) Memories from the Fruitvale Station set(21:31) From photography to cinematography(34:13) Stepping into directing with The Fire Inside(44:25) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria Santana

Courtenay Valenti, a veteran studio executive known for her work on hits like BARBIE and JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, shares insights on thriving in Hollywood. She discusses the difference between studio executives and producers, emphasizing the essential skills in leadership and adaptability. Valenti reflects on the importance of mentorship and building a solid reputation while navigating industry changes. She also highlights her passion for storytelling and the transformative power of cinema in understanding humanity.

We took a trip to Gardena Cinema, one of the last family-owned, independent movie theaters in Los Angeles, to try and answer a simple question: What’s it like to own and operate an indie movie theater today? Proximity’s Head of Audio Paola Mardo talks with owner Judy Kim about how her immigrant parents built their business after they bought the single-screen theater in 1976, why she had to pivot after the 2023 strikes, and the vital role her community plays in keeping the doors open. We also have a fun segment featuring our visit to a marathon of horror exploitation movies screened in 16mm film. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(03:57) Inside the Horror-Exploitation-Thon at Gardena Cinema(10:49) All in the family: Gardena Cinema’s origin story (15:41) How the 2023 strikes changed Gardena Cinema’s business model(23:56) What it’s like to operate an indie theater todayCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonEpisode Producer: Celine MendiolaEpisode Editors: Celine Mendiola, Judybelle Camangyan, Paola MardoProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer, Mix Engineer, Additional Music: Ken NanaAdditional Music: Blue Dot SessionsEditors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria Santana

GMORNING, GNITE! everyone's a aliebn when ur a aliebn too. BOJACK HORSEMAN. GOODBYE, AGAIN. Jonny Sun is a film and TV writer, producer, author, and illustrator who has worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Damon Lindelof. His background is in architecture and engineering as a doctoral candidate at MIT and a creative researcher at the Harvard metaLAB. His writing career took off after he created the beloved alien Twitter persona Jomny Sun which earned him over half a million followers and a place on TIME Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People on the Internet in 2017. On this episode, Jonny sits with Proximity’s head of film Rebecca Cho to share what they’ve learned about collaborating as writer and producer while developing a feature screenplay together. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(02:21) Get Reel(10:24) Jomny Sun the Twitter alien(14:31) The “Asian six-pack” and finding creativity in math and science(21:20) What makes a great collaborator(30:16) Developing their project from idea to screenplay(34:23) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria Santana

Jon Else is an award-winning documentarian, cinematographer, and MacArthur Genius grant recipient. Over 40 years before Christopher Nolan’s OPPENHEIMER, Jon directed THE DAY AFTER TRINITY, a documentary film about J. Robert Oppenheimer. For almost two decades, Jon led the documentary program at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism where he met then journalism student, now collaborator and friend, Pete Nicks. On this episode, Jon and Pete deep dive into their careers in documentary film. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(01:59) Get Reel(09:04) Meeting at Cal and getting into documentary(19:20) From FRUITVALE STATION to THE FORCE(29:57) Advice for documentary filmmakers today(34:30) From THE DAY AFTER TRINITY to OPPENHEIMER(36:22) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria Santana

In this engaging discussion, Jordan Peele, the award-winning director of iconic films like 'Get Out' and 'Nope,' shares his unique journey from comedy to genre filmmaking with Ryan Coogler. They delve into the powerful themes of 'Get Out,' exploring its blend of horror and social commentary. Peele emphasizes the importance of using fear to inspire creativity, reflecting on his early career and the multifaceted influences that shaped his storytelling. The duo also examines the impact of Black filmmakers in redefining horror and the emotional resonance found in their work.

When Sev Ohanian first read a script by Tony Rettenmaier, he was blown away. Tony was then fresh out of film school and working as a PA for an indie film Sev was producing. Just a few years later, Tony and his writing partner Juel Taylor would go on to write the screenplays for CREED II and SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY. On this episode, Juel and Tony share their path from student filmmakers and gym buddies to one of the most in-demand screenwriting duos in Hollywood, their pitch process for Juel’s directorial debut THEY CLONED TYRONE, and their unique experiences writing short stories and building website for their projects. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(01:53) Get Reel(08:34) From gym buddies to writing partners(13:43) Breaking into the industry(17:59) Becoming screenwriters(26:33) Pitching THEY CLONED TYRONE(44:14) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity Media.Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEpisode Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanWith Production Assistance From: Isabella MillerArtwork and Social Media: Alexandria Santana