The Treatment

Writer Gay Talese's fame as a journalist began with his fine profiles for Esquire and continued with non-fiction books such as Honor Thy Father and Thy Neighbor's Wife.  With his new book, A Writer's Life, he turns his eye on himself.

The book, Scenes from the City: Filmmaking in New York, is not only a sumptuous and evocative photo-history of New York filmmaking, it's a sharp and compelling look at city's cultural and social history through cinema.  Its editor, James Sanders (co-writer or the Emmy Award-winning PBS series New York: A Documentary Film and its companion volume, New York: An Illustrated History, as well as Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies), connects the dots, from Marlon Brando to Woody Allen.

Breaking and Entering, the title of director Anthony Minghella's new film, could be used to describe the furtive movement between classes dramatized in his work.  It's found in his Talented Mr Ripley, Cold Mountain and here.

George Miller is a celebrated filmmaker known for his iconic work on the Mad Max films, as well as Babe and Happy Feet. He reveals the surprising connections between these diverse projects, emphasizing storytelling that resonates with both children and adults. The discussion covers inspirations drawn from documentaries like March of the Penguins, and how fables shape personal and communal narratives. Miller also explores the influence of Bollywood on Happy Feet's animation and music, all while reflecting on humanity’s relationship with nature.

Christine Vachon, one of most prolific forces in independent films, has opened the door for some of the most singular talent in movies.

Communication is not only a theme in the films of Alejandro González Iñárritu.  In Amores Perros, 21 Grams and his newest, Babel, it's also a plot point.

Writer-director Bill Condon adapted Chicago, and he finally brings Dreamgirls to the big screen.

Director Steven Soderbergh (Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Erin Brockovich, Traffic) likes to use each film he makes as a way to clear his head and palate. He goes from low budget, stark digital film to lush the studio film, The New German. He'll discuss navigating both worlds and what they have in common.

As creator and executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal did more than just add humor. He helped the cast--from novice to veteran--understand its reality.  It's all in his book, Youre Lucky You’re Funny.

Writer-director Brad Silberling (Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, Moonlight Mile) came up with the film 10 Items or Less about an iconic star affair to dip his doe into indie-film waters. Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, The Shawshank Redemption) decided to take the role as star and producer.  Hear all about the ripple effect.