

The Business
KCRW
Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 15, 2014 • 30min
Showrunner Jill Soloway on Amazon’s “Transparent”
Writer and producer Jill Soloway traces how she went from being second-in-command on cable shows to creating the most-binged series on Amazon.

Nov 8, 2014 • 30min
TV Legend Norman Lear on a Lifetime of “Experience”
Television icon Norman Lear wrote sitcoms that tackled real issues, like rape, abortion and race relations. Lear talks to Kim Masters about a few lifetimes worth of adventures in film and television and his new memoir.

Nov 1, 2014 • 30min
Damien Chazelle on 'Whiplash'; Jewish Émigrés & Film History
Damien Chazelle, acclaimed director known for his work on 'Whiplash', discusses his journey from a 15-minute short film to a full-length feature that stole hearts at Sundance. He dives into the intense dynamics between a jazz drummer and his tough mentor, fueled by his own high school experiences. The conversation also highlights the pivotal role of Jewish émigrés in shaping film noir and American cinema, illuminating their profound impact on storytelling and cultural narratives.

Oct 25, 2014 • 30min
Producer Steven Schneider on Life After ‘Paranormal’
When producer Steven Schneider discovered Paranormal Activity, he lived the Hollywood dream of sudden, stunning success. Then it all fell apart. He tells us how it happened, and what he’s doing now.

Oct 18, 2014 • 30min
Lynn Shelton’s ‘Laggies’ and Unlikely On-Screen Friendships
Filmmaker Lynn Shelton shares the unique career path that took her from New York theater actor to Seattle indie director. Her new movie Laggies stars Keira Knightley.

Oct 11, 2014 • 30min
Mark Whitaker on ‘Cosby: His Life and Times’
Author and journalist Mark Whitaker has written a new biography of a giant of American comedy. Kim Masters talks with Whitaker about what is and isn’t in the book on Bill Cosby’s life and career.

Oct 4, 2014 • 30min
‘Cristela’ Comes to ABC; Barbara Rosenblat’s Many Voices
Cristela Alonzo was thrilled to sell a script to ABC, but the show seemed dead after the network decided not to shoot a pilot. She tells us how she was able to resurrect Cristela. Then, meet the woman who has been called the Meryl Streep of audiobook narration.

Sep 27, 2014 • 30min
Ben Mezrich Writes with Hollywood in Mind; ‘Hope for Film’
Ben Mezrich’s books have been made into movies like 21 and The Social Network. His new novel, Seven Wonders, came with a movie deal already in place. Plus, Fandor CEO Ted Hope reflects on his many years in the indie film business in his new book Hope for Film.

Sep 20, 2014 • 30min
Gustavo Dudamel and Alberto Arvelo on ‘The Liberator’
Filmmaker Alberto Arvelo and LA Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel sit down with Kim Masters at the Walt Disney Concert hall to talk about the special role of music in the new Simón Bolívar biopic, The Liberator.

Sep 13, 2014 • 30min
A Decade in the Making, ‘The Dog’ Finally Has Its Day
Filmmakers Allison Berg and Frank Keraudren set out to make a documentary about the bank robber who inspired Al Pacino’s character in Dog Day Afternoon. Now, after more than ten years of filming and editing, their self-financed film The Dog is finally out in theaters and VOD.


