A little horror and a little hip-hop in this two-interview episode of No Script No Problem. I'm joined by award-winning documentary filmmaker SACHA JENKINS to discuss his amazing film, "ALL UP IN THE BIZ," about the late rapper BIZ MARKIE, and I talk to author CHRIS PANATIER about his riveting new horror novel, "THE REDEMPTION OF MORGAN BRIGHT." Check out the All Up in the Biz Trailer and watch the documentary on Showtime or Paramount +. Or maybe it's Paramount + with Showtime. Something like that. Biz's hit "Just a Friend" is one of the top 100 greatest hip-hop songs of all time, and his humor was groundbreaking to the genre. I talk to Sacha about the legacy Biz leaves behind and his influence on hip-hop.

Chris talks about his evolution as an author and his attraction to the horror genre. His journey from civil litigator to full-time writer is inspiring and definitely worth hearing. The book is scary and gripping. If you like thrillers or horror, this is for you. You can buy The Redemption of Morgan Bright on Amazon here.

Send any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com

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In this episode, I chat with Jeff Hasler, executive producer of the new NETFLIX documentary, "RATHER," which chronicles the career and life of the legendary newsman, DAN RATHER. We discuss the 4-year process to get the film made and how Dan changed journalism during his long tenure at CBS. Jeff and I also break down some of the struggles producers and production companies face right now in the unscripted TV industry, and he reveals how Original Productions' new FAST Channel is a way his company is pivoting during these challenging times.

I also talk to sports reporter EMILY BICKS of Heavy Sports about the controversial commencement speech by Harrison Butker, the kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs. Bicks covers the Chiefs and provides some critical insight on the issue. We also chat about Caitlin Clark's first week in the WNBA, which was a bit bumpy, and what kind of a marriage Netflix and the NFL will have on Christmas Day.

Thanks for listening. Send any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com and you can find me on social media here

In this episode, I chat with sports reporter Emily Bicks of Heavy Sports about the NFL draft and the surprises and decisions that have fans, players and insiders talking. We break down the Atlanta Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr., the New York Giants' choice of Malik Nabers, and the trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, which has given Patrick Mahomes a potentially dangerous weapon in Xavier Worthy.

Emily Bicks covers the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs for Heavy Sports and has interviewed some of the biggest stars in sports, including Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry Rice, and Stefon Diggs. With a passion for delivering breaking news and in-depth analysis, Emily provides readers with the latest updates on player performances, team dynamics, and off-field controversies. Her expertise and experience make her a valuable voice in the world of sports journalism. Check out her reporting on Heavy Sports in the link below.

Emily Bicks - Heavy Sports

I also examine the chaos at Paramount Global as they deal with the firing of Bob Bakish and the uncertainty of a merger or buyout. And finally, I share my thoughts on the battle for NBA broadcast rights, as Amazon emerges with streaming rights.

I chat with filmmakers Rachael Dyer and Scott Ruderman about their PARAMOUNT + documentary "Pay or Die," which explores the skyrocketing prices of insulin in the United States and the impact on individuals and families. The co-directors discuss the genesis of the project and Scott's deeply personal connection to the issue. They highlight the stranglehold of the pharmaceutical companies on insulin prices and prescription medications as a whole. We also discuss the challenges of making and selling impact and issue-based documentaries today. Lastly, Scott and Rachael offer some advice for aspiring doc filmmakers. You can watch the trailer in the link below and see the film on Paramount +.

Pay or Die Trailer

Pay or Die Film on Paramount +

Academy Award winning filmmaker Eva Orner joins the show to discuss her riveting new HBO documentary, "Brandy Hellville and the Cult of Fast Fashion," which is streaming now on MAX. She discusses the challenges of exposing a global, popular and successful... but extremely toxic fashion brand like Brandy Melville and the role of social media in its success. Eva also addresses the lack of accountability from the CEO of Brandy Melville and the responsibility of parents in supporting their young daughters, whom make up a majority of the Brandy Melville employees.

Eva also delves into the fast fashion industry as a whole and the exploitation and environmental damage it causes. She further highlights the importance of consumer awareness and the need to buy less. Additionally, we discuss how she became interested in documentaries and the power they have to bring about change. Lastly, Eva teases her upcoming documentary on the Ohio State wrestling scandal, which is executive produced by George Clooney.

Find the trailer to "Brandy Hellville and the Cult of Fast Fashion" below. Watch the film on HBO or MAX and listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Brandy Hellville Trailer

Filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper discusses her experience directing the four-part documentary series on James Brown, titled "JAMES BROWN: SAY IT LOUD," which you can watch on A&E, the A&E app, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. She shares her excitement in being chosen for the project and emphasizes the importance of putting blackness at the center of the storytelling. Draper explains her detailed approach to the storytelling process, using primary source material and James Brown's own words and music to create an authentic and powerful narrative. Plus, Draper explains the challenges of addressing James Brown's flaws and legal troubles in the documentary, while still celebrating his career and legacy. Check out the film's trailer below. All that plus I talk about the emergence of AI in entertainment. Listen anywhere you get podcasts. Thanks!

Trailer for "James Brown: Say It Loud"

Where to watch the documentary

My Website

In this episode, I talk to award-winning producer/director Kyra Knox about her dynamic feature documentary debut "BAD THINGS HAPPEN IN PHILADELPHIA," which is executive produced by former NBA superstar, Allen Iverson. In "Bad Things," Kyra explores the gun violence problems of her hometown, Philadelphia, and the nonprofit organizations and residents, who are trying to stop the tragedies that are poisoning the City of Brotherly Love.

Hear how Kyra made her first feature doc come to life with a lot of hard work and a little help from her friends. And find out how she was able to get NBA Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson to come onboard as an executive producer and what doors that opened up for the project. You can watch "Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia" on Fox Soul and Amazon Prime Video. Check out the trailer below.

I also discuss some of the issues plaguing the reality TV industry and the rising prices of streaming services. Please make sure to subscribe, download, and rate. My website is below. Thanks for listening!

Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia Trailer

My Website

My guest is Maria Baltazzi - an author, Emmy-winning TV producer, wellbeing teacher, world traveler, and luxury travel designer who specializes in transformative adventures. We discuss her new book, "Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want," which is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, GoodReads, and pretty much anywhere you get books. Check out Maria's website below to buy the book for someone yourself or someone you care about.

One of the original producers on CBS's hit reality show, "Survivors," Maria is an incredibly talented storyteller. We discuss how her work in TV and her world travels inspired her to write this book, which provides 8 Happiness Essentials that can create a happier, more fulfilling life. We chat about how important travel is to finding happiness. And Maria knows. She has walked over 7500 miles to raise funds for charity, including marathons on all 7 continents, climbed the 15,000-foot trail to Machu Picchu, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro twice, and trekked to Everest Base Camp.

I also share my initial reactions to Netflix's surprise release of their "engagement numbers," which reveal what shows and movies are receiving the most hours of viewing. I'm still going through the 18,000 titles and it's really fascinating... if you're into this sort of thing. In the first half of 2023, about 21% of their shows were watched less than 150,000 hours. But on the flip side, “The Night Agent,” a series that debuted globally March 23, racked up 812 million hours viewed by the end of June and finished first. More to come in future episodes.

Lastly, as we near the end of the year, I recommend 3 organizations to donate to. Take a look at the websites below if you need the information.

Maria's Website

Buy Maria's Book on Amazon

Variety Goes Inside the Netflix Numbers

My Website

My Threads

The Cameron Boyce Foundation

Cure Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation