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The Boom From WABE Studios, a weekly look at Atlanta's growing film and television industry, through trending topics and origin stories of local filmmakers, cast, and crew. Hosted by entertainment and culture reporter Jewel Wicker.
The Boom

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The Boom

The Boom

From WABE 90.1

From WABE Studios, a weekly look at Atlanta's growing film and television industry, through trending topics and origin stories of local filmmakers, cast, and crew. Hosted by entertainment and culture reporter Jewel Wicker.

Most Recent Episodes

Mark E. Swinton writes and produces some of Tyler Perry Studios' biggest shows

In addition to his work as the senior vice president of scripted programming at Tyler Perry Studios, Mark E. Swinton produces and writes on shows like "Sistas" and "House of Payne." Mark talks with Jewel about his move from theatre into television, relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta to work for Tyler Perry, and what fans of the studio can look forward to thanks to the TPS deal with Netflix. Mentioned this episode: Atlanta submits bid to host Sundance Check out what's filming in Georgia iHeart's "Fight Night" is being adapted into a TV series This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark E. Swinton writes and produces some of Tyler Perry Studios' biggest shows

Listen · 27:25

"The Visitor" (1979) is chaos in Downtown Atlanta

When film programmer Millie De Chirico was on The Boom, we asked her what cult films she recommended that had an Atlanta connection. One of the recommendations was Michael J. Paradise's "The Visitor," a sci-fi, horror romp through the heart of Atlanta. Millie returns to The Boom to discuss the film with Jewel, Ian Deaton (composer, writer, and musician who also happens to work at Videodrome), and WABE podcast producer Kevin Rinker. This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glynn Turman's life outside of film and TV informs his acting

Actor Glynn Turman's career has spanned the majority of his life and that means he's able to bring lived experience into many of his roles. After starring in the original Broadway production of "A Raisin in the Sun," he's gone on to act in many TV series and films. "A Different World," "The Wire," and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" are just a few examples. His latest role is playing Walter Newton, father of Black Panther Party founder Huey Newton, in Apple TV+'s limited series "The Big Cigar." Glynn talks about being recruited by the Black Panthers, how his roles often depict Black life in America, and his upcoming projects. Mentioned this episode: Atlanta native Ryan Seacrest set to host "Wheel of Fortune" Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits theaters, portions were filmed in Georgia Adult Swim's "Yule Log 2" is now filming in Georgia Peacock's new series "Teacup" will be set and filmed in the statev This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Matt Akey makes visual effects undetectable

Visual effects producer Matt Akey knows he's done his work effectively if you never notice that he touched a film or TV show in the first place. From "Creed III" and "The Holdovers" to "The Boys" and "West World," he's worked on an array of projects requiring different kinds of imaging. Akey talks about his visual effects work and his path to becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Crafty Apes, a VFX and production services company based in Atlanta. Plus, Sammie Purcell, associate editor of Rough Draft Atlanta, joins Jewel to talk about summer film and TV releases they're looking forward to. This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Millie De Chirico keeps cult classics alive and well

Millie De Chirico got her start in the film and television industry at Turner Broadcasting in the programming department. From there, she programmed "TCM Underground," which broadcast cult classics and late-night films. These days, she co-hosts the podcast "I Saw What You Did," dissecting films every episode and is teaching about film as an adjunct professor. Millie shares exactly what a film programmer does, why she loves cult cinema, and why she wrote her book "TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema." Mentioned this episode: Amazon Prime's "The Bondsmanv" "The Woman in the Yard" "Naked Gun" Reboot "Weapons" This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building films, fans, and community at Film Pitch ATL

Film Pitch ATL is a monthly event where all levels of filmmakers at any point in the creative process can go to pitch their project to a panel of industry experts receiving feedback in real time - in front of a live audience. There's also ample opportunity to meet other people working in or exploring the industry. The Boom visited an event earlier this year and talked with attendees, pitchers, and the founder, Caroline King. Mentioned this episode: Three Georgia cities are vying to host Sundance Film Festival Hulu's "Reasonable Doubt" second season premieres August 22 Production on season three of "P-Valley" is underway "The Idea of You" is Amazon MGM's number one romantic comedy debut This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Wondaland Arts Society is more than just music

Janelle Monae's Wondaland Arts Society goes far beyond music. From fashion and literature to film and TV, they're working to tell stories across all mediums. Chuck Lightning, co-founder and creative director of Wondaland, talks about the expansion into film and TV. Then, musicians Nate Wonder and Roman GianArthur provide a glimpse into the execution of that expansion, sharing their approach to composing music for the screen. Mentioned this episode: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" tops the box office BET+ renews the "Ms. Pat Show" for a fourth season Hulu's "The Other Black Girl" canceled Stay at the house from "The Idea of You" This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiffany Elle Burgess explains how writing improves her acting

Actress Tiffany Elle Burgess (The Color Purple, The Wonder Years) has only been acting since 2020 but has already found herself in some big productions. Notably, she played Olivia, Celie's biological daughter, in the 2023 musical adaptation of "The Color Purple." Tiffany explains how writing screenplays, before jumping into acting herself, has helped her become a better actor. She also talks about her work on "The Color Purple" and how her career jumped from public health to film and TV. Mentioned this episode: Amazon's "The Idea of You" Netflix's "A Man in Full" Universal's upcoming musical project featuring Janelle Monáe, Halle Bailey, and Missy Elliott Tyler Perry's latest film coming to Netflix The AJC's "The South Got Something to Say" documentary This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Going to school for TV and film in Georgia

What does pursuing a degree related to film and television look like? What can you actually study? SCAD students Grace Lawell, Jack Savage, and June Hauser share their experiences working toward degrees related to film and TV at the school and how Atlanta factors into their careers. Grace graduated in 2022 with a B.F.A in performing arts, June Hauser is a senior pursuing a B.F.A in film and television and a minor in casting - and is the student manager of the Atlanta Casting Office at SCAD - and Jack Savage is a first-year student working toward his B.F.A in acting. Sammie Purcell, associate editor of Rough Draft Atlanta, also joins the show to talk about the closing weekend of the Atlanta Film Festival and the city's bid to host the Sundance Film Festival. Mentioned this episode: Atlanta's bid for the Sundance Film Festival Atlanta Film Festival This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alpha Tyler works to get new talent on screen

Alpha Tyler got her start in casting as an intern on James Cameron's "Titanic." Since then, she's worked on shows like "Martin" and as the casting director for Tyler Perry. Ready for a career change, Alpha became a professor of performing arts at SCAD in 2016 and is also the faculty adviser for SCAD's Casting Office. Alpha talks about her career path and explains how SCAD's Casting Office acts as a resource for students and alumni. The school is the only academic institution in the country offering a minor in casting. Plus, reporter Nicole Carr talks about her investigation for ProPublica that revealed texts sent by film executive Ryan Millsap in which he shared racist and antisemitic sentiments. Mentioned this episode: Nicole Carr's follow-up article on texts sent by film executive Ryan Millsap Atlanta Film Festival Netflix's "A Man in Full" Production on "Peacemaker" season begins Starz's "P-Valley" This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Boom

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