IN PROXIMITY is a podcast about craft, career, and creativity from Proximity Media, the production company that helped bring you SINNERS, CREED III, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER PODCAST & SOUNDTRACK, and more. Hosted by Paola Mardo. New episodes every Monday.
We’ve made over 40 episodes for season 3! To celebrate our season finale, host Paola Mardo takes you on a tour around the Proximity Media office and the IN PROXIMITY podcast studio to answer your questions about how we make the show. Paola also sits down with the podcast crew in her office to look back at our production process, behind-the-scenes memories, and favorite moments. If you head over to our video episode, you can also watch our Prox spin on some popular YouTube shows. Thank you for watching, listening, and supporting us this season! SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK FOLLOW PAOLA MARDO INSTAGRAM SUBSTACK (00:00) Celebrating Season 3 of IN PROXIMITY (01:52) 7 Questions with Paola Mardo (02:25) How she got started in podcasting (06:18) Paola’s favorite advice from the show (10:13) The Production Crew | Chicken Shop Speed Date (11:24) The process of preparing for interviews (16:42) How an episode is made, from pre- to post-production (20:18) The show’s audio and camera equipment (25:51) Inside the Podcast Studio | IN PROXIMITY Digest (26:10) What the crew does behind the camera (27:41) Easter Eggs on set (SINNERS VHS tape) (31:01) Thank you for watching and listening! IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Camera Operator: Joshua Joel Ortiz Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Briana Tolentino
If you’re an emerging filmmaker, this episode is for you! IN PROXIMITY host and first-time filmmaker Paola Mardo sits down with Proximity Media founder Sev Ohanian and Chief Marketing & Operations Officer Terra Potts to answer your questions about navigating film festivals. Before he was a producer on SINNERS, Sev co-wrote and produced the award-winning film SEARCHING, which premiered at Sundance and was the subject of a bidding war. Other films he has produced and sold at festivals include Ryan Coogler’s FRUITVALE STATION, RESULTS, and THE INTERVENTION. Terra is a veteran film marketing executive with indie and studio film experience, leading campaigns for movies like JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH and CRAZY RICH ASIANS before coming to Proximity Media. Paola shares her learnings from her film “tour” with her debut short film VETERANO, a proof-of-concept for a crime thriller feature which she co-produced along with director/writer Patrick Epino. Together, Sev, Terra, and Paola give their take on film festival submission, strategy, networking, and selling, plus how to handle both acceptance and rejection while keeping your moviemaking dreams alive. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (05:45) Pro tip: Don’t wait ‘til you have a film — just go! (10:39) The importance of film festivals today (15:38) Planning out your festival strategy (18:57) The secret to a great distribution pitch (20:25) Choosing which festivals to attend (25:19) The do’s and don’ts of submitting to film festivals (26:44) That time Sev made a FRUITVALE STATION poster (37:37) How to network at film festivals (41:41) The best next steps after your film premiere (47:24) How to handle the anxiety of festival rejection (53:55) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Ben Caloza, Joshua Flores Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Briana Tolentino
More than 30 years after the release of TOY STORY, the Pixar franchise’s latest chapter, TOY STORY 5, premieres in theaters this week. Award-winning writer/director Andrew Stanton and co-director/writer Kenna Harris joined host Paola Mardo for a virtual conversation about why the film pits Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and their gang of toys against tech, in the form of the tablet Lilypad (Greta Lee). Andrew and Kenna also discuss how they collaborated on the film as filmmakers from different backgrounds and generations, the secrets to Pixar’s emotionally-compelling storytelling, and how they plan to continue the TOY STORY legacy to infinity and beyond. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Take a shot when Andrew says “Faustian bargain” (03:27) If Labubu was in the TOY STORY universe… (09:02) The start of the TOY STORY 5 project (16:02) Behind the Pixar “brain trust” days (18:57) Andrew and Kenna’s collaborative process (26:57) Why the toys are tackling technology (34:30) How we emotionally connect with TOY STORY and Pixar (45:53) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Briana Tolentino
We’re going back into the archives to rerun this insightful and hilarious conversation with Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele. From GET OUT to US to NOPE, Jordan has delighted – and frightened – audiences with his mastery of horror and social satire. On this episode, he breaks down his journey from clown school to KEY AND PEELE to horror, how he made the decision to direct GET OUT, and that one time a famous Batman actor advised him to use his fear. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler on Genre, Fear, and Filmmaking SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:22) From the archives… Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler! (02:44) Get Reel (14:28) From puppetry to sketch comedy (22:34) How Jordan started writing GET OUT (35:26) Making genre films (42:49) “Your fear will guide you” (43:43) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Playwright Aleshea Harris made her feature film directorial debut with IS GOD IS, adapted from her Obie Award-winning play of the same name. On the day her film opened in theaters, Aleshea sat down with host Paola Mardo to talk about her jump from playwriting to writing and directing a film with an all-star cast including Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Sterling K. Brown, Janelle Monáe, and Erika Alexander. She also talks about how she worked with producers Tessa Thompson and Janicza Bravo to bring her play to the big screen, how the story subverts genre expectations, and how her roots in spoken word poetry and theater sharpened her writing style. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) A revenge thriller with humor (02:21) From theater play to feature film debut (11:24) Making the film with Tessa Thompson and Janicza Bravo (16:12) Casting and directing the twins in IS GOD IS (19:03) Vivica A. Fox as God and Sterling K. Brown as The Monster (22:14) Working with the music composers (32:37) Her origins in theater and spoken word poetry (36:24) Aleshea’s writing process (40:14) How Rihanna inspired IS GOD IS (41:56) Her playwriting vs. filmmaking process (44:48) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
From her Oscar-nominated work in The Daniels’ EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE, to her latest project I LOVE BOOSTERS, written and directed by Boots Riley, costume designer and stylist Shirley Kurata has built her reputation on creative, colorful storytelling through fashion and clothing. Ahead of the premiere of her latest film, Shirley joined host Paola Mardo to talk about collaborating with Boots Riley and designing the maximalist costumes for the film’s ensemble cast, including Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Demi Moore, Poppy Liu, LaKeith Stanfield, Eiza González, and Will Poulter. She also talks about her early days working on music videos and commercial sets, the difference between Los Angeles and Bay Area style, and how growing up in Monterey Park, California shaped her perspective on fashion and storytelling. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) There’s charm in the scrappiness (03:18) How Shirley joined Boots Riley’s latest project (08:44) Styling the I LOVE BOOSTERS cast (15:13) Collaborating with the production designer (18:41) Maximalism and EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE (20:42) Developing her style in Monterey Park (25:18) Shirley’s early days as a costumer and stylist (32:09) Tips on finding your personal style (33:17) Los Angeles vs. Bay Area style (36:14) The costume design process (39:45) Advice for aspiring designers (44:07) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
In this 2-part series, we’re sharing gems about fandoms, creators, and marketing movies from the TikTok SINNERS Symposium. Last week, Paola Mardo sat down with Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Jocelyn Yates (@jocwatchlist) about making SINNERS, thinking about the audience, and creating content around movies. This week, we’re diving into the SINNERS marketing campaign from the perspectives of the production company, social media platform, and studio. On this episode, Proximity Media’s Chief Marketing & Operations Officer Terra Potts sits down with Gold House CEO Bing Chen, TikTok’s Global Head of Entertainment Partnerships Dawn Yang, and Cameron Curtis, Warner Bros. Global Digital Marketing Chief. They break down how to recognize a film’s potential in becoming a cultural moment, the important role creators played, and lessons learned from the viral marketing campaign for SINNERS. CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS EPISODE SINNERS Symposium: How TikTok Creators are Fueling Viral Movies SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Creators, you bring hope! (02:54) Recognizing SINNERS can move culture (04:30) Engagement with the film, by the numbers (05:34) Trusting the community to create and interpret (08:37) Bringing creators into the process early (11:04) How fandoms are sustained (12:44) Lessons learned form the marketing campaign (16:18) Hope for the future of creatives IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza Footage: Mirrored Media for TikTok
In this 2-part series, we’re sharing gems about fandoms, creators, and marketing movies from the TikTok SINNERS Symposium. The day before the Oscars, the Proximity Media team attended a symposium hosted by TikTok, Gold House, and Warner Bros., where panelists explored how fans and creators can help fuel the marketing of a film. In this first episode, IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo sits down with SINNERS writer/director/producer Ryan Coogler, producer Sev Ohanian, and TikTok creator Jocelyn Yates (@jocwatchlist) to talk about viral SINNERS moments, their unique experiences as creators and filmmakers, and how each of them think about their audience. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Who’s never been inside a Blockbuster? (02:26) How Ryan, Sev, and Jocelyn think about the audience (08:12) Viral SINNERS moments on TikTok (14:05) Behind Ryan’s viral aspect ratio breakdown video (17:41) Jocelyn’s decision to make SINNERS content (19:14) Sev’s jump from YouTube to filmmaking (23:27) Building lasting filmmaking collaborations (27:15) The production process for @jocwatchlist TikToks (28:51) Prox Recs (34:04) Question #1: Surprising online takes about SINNERS (35:58) Question #2: The importance of content creators for marketing films (39:21) Question #3: How THE LUCK OF THE IRISH and other films influenced Ryan (42:43) Question #4: When they knew they made something groundbreaking IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza Footage: Mirrored Media for TikTok
YouTube’s daredevil Michelle Khare has tackled the world’s toughest professions and stunts in her award-winning series CHALLENGE ACCEPTED — from mastering Harry Houdini’s water torture cell escape to tackling Tom Cruise’s deadliest stunt. With over 6 million followers, Michelle made history when she successfully petitioned for her independently-produced YouTube series to join the Primetime Emmy ballot for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series. On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, host Paola Mardo sits down with Michelle to talk about her origins as a Buzzfeed producer, the production process for CHALLENGE ACCEPTED, creating viral YouTube content, and her biggest takeaways from running 7 marathons on all 7 continents in 7 days. CHECK OUT MICHELLE’S “THE GREAT WORLD RACE” SERIES I Ran 7 Marathons in 7 Days on 7 Continents SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Can I borrow your military plane? (06:16) From Louisiana girl to interdisciplinary athlete (11:20) BuzzFeed: a crash course on Internet videos (18:03) The creative and production process for CHALLENGE ACCEPTED (20:02) Behind the Houdini water torture trick (22:08) How she pulled off the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE plane stunt (27:52) Pro tip: THIS is how you hook your viewers (30:08) Petitioning to be on the Emmy ballot (36:13) Michelle’s business model as a YouTube creator (43:05) After running 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents… (45:58) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Michael Fallavollita Assistant Editor: Ian Schrank Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Intern: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
We’re going stateside on IN PROXIMITY! Before she became a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated musician, PinkPantheress was a film student in London who loved editing videos and watching Hitchcock movies. Now, she is the first woman and the youngest person to win the BRIT Award for Producer of the Year, and she landed at #1 on the Billboard Global 200 for “Stateside + Zara Larsson,” which was also featured in the Winter Olympics during Alysa Liu’s figure skating exhibition performance. Ahead of her world tour and Coachella debut, host Paola Mardo sat down with PinkPantheress to talk about her music production process, love of film, and advice for artists starting today. Grab your boots for that ego boost and tune into this fun conversation with a talented Gen Z artist pushing the envelope in music production. CHECK OUT PINK’S PLAYLIST fancy playlist for fancy people SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Paola’s supposed to ask PinkPantheress this! (04:39) Casually meeting Alysa Liu (05:50) Why her name is “PinkPantheress” (07:02) Her film editing origin story (13:50) Singing for the WAKANDA FOREVER soundtrack (16:55) Drum and bass and the PowerPuff Girls (18:32) What do music producers do? (21:25) Mura Masa, Oscar Scheller, The Dare, and more! (28:57) How Pink found her singing voice (32:08) Growing beyond a “TikTok artist” (38:33) Can new artists still break out on TikTok? (45:03) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer and Sound Recordist: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
We’re celebrating the theatrical anniversary of SINNERS with a musical deep dive featuring executive music producer Serena Göransson. Alongside her creative partner Ludwig Göransson, the former violinist and concertmaster helped produce the film’s Oscar-winning score and soundtrack. Serena has collaborated with Ludwig on BLACK PANTHER, OPPENHEIMER, and the upcoming THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU and THE ODYSSEY. On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, Serena joins host Paola Mardo to break down the role of an executive music producer – from pairing legend Bobby Rush with Delroy Lindo for Delta Slim’s harmonica performance, to shaping the film’s standout musical moments like the “I Lied to You” surreal montage and the “Rocky Road to Dublin” sequence with Jack O’Connell, Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and more. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Production-wise, SINNERS is a musical! (03:12) The past and future spirits in I LIED TO YOU (04:47) Producing 30+ musical moments in SINNERS (07:34) Building Ryan’s world as the Executive Music Producer (09:19) Collaborating with music consultants (13:37) Filming Delta Slim’s train station scene… with the legend, Bobby Rush! (17:08) Breaking down ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN (25:22) Connecting her Korean-Irish heritage with the film (27:11) Voice Memo from Mary herself — Hailee Steinfeld! (29:59) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistant: Devin Saddler Production Intern: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Take another trip to the archives with Proximity founder and writer/producer Sev Ohanian’s conversation with screenwriting duo Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier! Juel and Tony are the writers behind CREED II, SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY, and THEY CLONED TYRONE, which was also Juel’s directorial debut. Their next project is the upcoming HOT WHEELS movie, directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Bad Robot. On this episode of IN PROXIMITY, Juel and Tony talk to Sev about the origins of their writing partnership, how they landed their first screenwriting projects, and the unconventional – and successful – pitching tips. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE Breaking into Screenwriting with Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, and Sev Ohanian SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (01:00) From the archives… Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, and Sev Ohanian! (02:00) Get Reel (08:21) Gym buddies to PAs to writing partners (13:38) How Juel and Tony broke into the industry after grad school (17:30) Their first professional screenwriting projects (25:22) THEY CLONED TYRONE’s pitch: DIY crafts & Spotify playlists (35:05) Coding websites and writing short stories for film execs (43:22) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
We’re back in the archives with a re-release of one of our first episodes ever featuring writer, producer, and Proximity Media founder Sev Ohanian and writer/director Aneesh Chaganty. Together, Sev and Aneesh wrote, directed, and produced the hit thrillers SEARCHING (2018), RUN (2020), and MISSING (2023). Their next project together is the upcoming DOPPELGÄNGER, produced with their producing partner Natalie Qasabian at Search Party and Proximity Media. This episode is a deep dive into Sev and Aneesh’s intricate and informative screenwriting process. It’s a masterclass with top tier writing pros well as a peek into what makes a solid creative partnership. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE Screenwriting Masterclass with SEARCHING’s Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:50) From the archives… Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty! (02:37) Aneesh started his writing partnership with Sev… on a lie!? (08:15) The “Blue Skies” phase of screenwriting (11:44) Outlining: SAVE THE CAT, Google Docs, and phone call arguments (14:53) Share your work with friends! (and ask a thousand questions) (18:33) Research should inform your story, not BECOME the story (21:41) Need a recap? Click HERE (25:19) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
We’re going back into the IN PROXIMITY archives for the next several weeks, rereleasing masterclasses on filmmaking and screenwriting. On this episode, we’re rebroadcasting a conversation between Ryan Coogler and Cord Jefferson, writer/director/producer of the award-winning feature film AMERICAN FICTION. A few weeks after winning the 2024 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Cord hopped on a call with Ryan to discuss their first films, his unconventional path to filmmaking, and his experience as a first-time director. They also talk about their upcoming projects, and Ryan teases a little bit about SINNERS. He recorded this conversation from New Orleans as he was just about to go into production on the film. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODE Cord Jefferson and Ryan Coogler on Writing, Directing, and What They’re Doing Next SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (01:45) From the archives… Ryan Coogler and Cord Jefferson! (02:30) Get Reel (10:46) Cord’s first writing job took GUTS (19:28) How Cord learned to collaborate with Jeffrey Wright on AMERICAN FICTION (27:58) Ryan and Cord’s next projects (hint: SINNERS) (35:48) “You shouldn’t be doing this if the end goal is to win an Oscar.” (39:49) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
We’re celebrating docs and nonfiction series with Proximity’s Nonfiction department! IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo sits down with Kelli Dunson Buchanan (VP, Head of Nonfiction) and Gaby Arvizu (Creative Executive, Nonfiction), whose projects include the award-winning series HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME, STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED, ANTHEM, and HOMEROOM. They share their career stories and what their day-to-day is like developing and producing nonfiction projects at Proximity Media. They also answer listener questions about selecting stories and subjects, editing hours of footage, advice for first-time filmmakers, and how to ethically document stories and engage with communities around traumatic events. Kelli and Gaby drop a lot of gems here… watch, listen, and take notes! CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS Q&A EPISODE Inside Proximity: Working in Film & TV SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) These questions are FIRE! (02:18) Meet Proximity’s Nonfiction department (05:18) The day-to-day of development and production (10:55) Career stories (17:10) Question #1: How to choose your doc’s subject (19:52) Shoutout director Pete Nicks! (20:46) Making HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME with Traci Curry (22:45) Question #2: How to ethically document stories and engage with communities around traumatic events (27:57) Question #3: Tips for first-time filmmakers (30:07) What makes first-time doc filmmakers stand out (32:16) How Kelli and Gaby find and cultivate new talent (33:11) Question #4: Editing hours of footage into a film| (37:40) What is cinéma vérité? (39:21) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, A.J. Calomay, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
For this special episode of IN PROXIMITY, we’re celebrating the artisans who brought SINNERS to life. Relive the insightful conversations with Academy Award winners Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Ludwig Göransson, and more. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODES AUTUMN DURALD ARKAPAW AND RYAN COOGLER DOLLY LI STEVE GEHRKE LUDWIG GÖRANSSON AND RYAN COOGLER MICHAEL B. JORDAN AND RYAN COOGLER SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Celebrating SINNERS! (01:41) IMAX filmmaking with Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Ryan Coogler (07:23) Delta Chinese history with Dolly Li (11:04) Script supervisor conversation with Steve Gherke (14:38) Blues music with Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler (18:53) Acting with Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, A.J. Calomay, Brittani Brown, Andrea Walter, Bianca Catbagan Video Producer: Bianca Catbagan Director of Photography: Andrea Walter Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz Production Sound Recordists: Mark Patino, Marcelo de Oliveira Gaffer: Chris Boulos Key Grip: Kevin “Chui” Chiu Production Assistants: Devin Saddler, Isabella Miller Production Interns: Ben Caloza, Jun Sawada, Faith Wang Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Barista: George Stevenson
Luke Matheny is a writer, director, and showrunner who won the Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film in 2010 for GOD OF LOVE. Luke sat down with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo to talk about what makes an Oscar-winning short film, how he prepared for his speech, and how he built a career in comedy and children’s programming writing, directing, and running shows like MARON, GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET, and, most recently, the animated series CHARLOTTE’S WEB on HBO Max starring Amy Adams, Elijah Wood, Jean Smart, and Randall Park. CHECK OUT THE FILMS GOD OF LOVE AWESOME ASIAN BAD GUYS SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Guest intro (02:21) About GOD OF LOVE (04:59) The Oscar trophy — live in the studio! (06:42) Winning an Oscar (10:05) Making GOD OF LOVE at NYU film school (12:10) Using a short film to showcase your talents (16:20) Working with the crew to execute your vision (18:51) What makes a great short film? Imply a sense of structure! (23:54) Remember: time is finite! (28:11) Launching a career after the Oscars, working with Marc Maron (32:13) Showrunning the animated series CHARLOTTE’S WEB (33:10) The cast: Amy Adams, Jean Smart, Elijah Wood, Cynthia Erivo, Randall Park (37:28) Children’s programming (39:05) Make something, keep going! (41:49) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
Before his debut animated feature GOAT claimed the #1 spot at the box office, director Tyree Dilihay joined IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo for an in-depth conversation about the animated sports film. Tyree breaks down his directing process including building the film’s “Brooklyn meets Brazil” world, designing roarball plays with basketball stars Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry, and working with an all-star cast that includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, and Curry (who makes his voice acting debut in the film and produces through Unanimous Media). Tyree also reflects on growing up in Inglewood, California where he was inspired by filmmakers like Spike Lee and John Singleton, and how his supportive mother helped him pursue a career in animation. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (02:49) Stephen Curry’s voice acting debut (04:22) How GOAT came together (07:12) Worldbuilding “Brooklyn meets Brazil” (10:31) Costume design (12:04) From local Angeleno to seasoned animator (14:22) Spike Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and John Singleton’s BOYZ N THE HOOD (16:03) How Tyree started his animation journey (19:20) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (full story) (22:20) “Roots run deep!” (25:05) The inspo: SPACE JAM I & II, HOOSIERS, MAJOR LEAGUE, MIGHTY DUCKS, ROCKY, RUDY…and more! (28:48) The cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, Steph Curry (30:54) Creating and directing diss tracks, “GOAT TEARS” (33:31) The seven-year journey to the “right version” (35:44) Collaborating with studio execs to make the best movie (38:08) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
Here comes the THE BRIDE writer/director/producer Maggie Gyllenhaal, who joins SINNERS writer/director/producer and Proximity founder Ryan Coogler, for an exclusive conversation with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo about her new film THE BRIDE, a wildly original and imaginative take on the Frankenstein story, inspired by the 1935 film THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and Mary Shelley’s original novel. Maggie and Ryan share their processes for writing and directing, working with actors, shooting on IMAX cameras, and working with family. And, yes, Ryan makes some coffee. Cheers! SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (00:32) Here comes the director of THE BRIDE! (02:37) Ryan makes pour-over coffee (05:40) Nighttime inside (08:08) Cheers! (08:57) Exploring the monsters within (09:53) The original films: THE BRIDE OF FRANKESTEIN and FRANKENSTEIN (12:47) Creating Jessie Buckley’s character, the Bride (14:30) Screenwriting is like an hourglass (15:47) Monstrosity vs. Cinematic fantasy (17:14) Jake Gyllenhaal as Ronnie Reed (17:52) How Maggie and Ryan work with actors (22:45) Trippy directorial advice (26:10) Octavia Spencer in FRUITVALE STATION (28:15) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (full story) (31:44) Directing her brother Jake (35:47) IMAX filmmaking (38:18) Sony cameras (40:56) "Wait, you were in THE DARK KNIGHT, though!" (48:00) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Production Sound Mixer: Mark Patino Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Intern: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Barista: George Stevenson
We are sealing the Honmoon with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS directors and co-writers, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans! The veteran animation filmmakers break down how Maggie developed the story based on Korean culture and music, how she collaborated with Chris as a directing team, and how they pitched the idea to Netflix and K-pop music producers. They also share stories from behind the scenes of their seven-year production process including the creation of the film’s iconic “popcorn eyes” and how they worked with songwriter and producer EJAE to write the music… with a special surprise voice memo from the woman behind Rumi’s singing voice herself! SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITY YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS SPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIA INSTAGRAM TIKTOK (00:00) K-pop meets demon hunters (00:47) Let’s talk K-pop… and demon hunters! (02:04) Fun fan reactions (03:02) Honmoon in the club, the origin of honmoon (06:12) How Maggie’s Korean upbringing in Toronto shaped her storytelling (07:51) K-pop meets demon hunters (the full story) (09:59) How they became a directing team, WISH DRAGON (11:19) How they pitched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (12:45) The music was the hardest part, how EJAE’s demos made it seem possible (13:20)EJAE, Teddy Park, THEBLACKLABEL, the demo for HOW IT’S DONE (15:23) Comps: “old people” anime, Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, K-dramas, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (17:10) Comedy, female empowerment, being your “stupidest self” with your friends (18:04) Collaborating on directing and screenwriting (19:53) Writing the script for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (20:39) Sony Pictures Animation, shout out to the crew (25:00) The joke that became the iconic “popcorn eyes” scene (27:12) Voice Memo from EJAE (Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Singing Voice of Rumi) (29:45) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Sound Recordist: Isabella Miller Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
