Go beyond the screen with the official podcast from Required Watching. This is your audio masterclass in the art of storytelling, designed for filmmakers, screenwriters, and dedicated cinephiles.
Each week, host and film analyst Tray Epps (and sometimes other guests) deconstruct the craft of cinema, providing practical "Toolkit" episodes to improve your work and in-depth interviews with industry professionals who are shaping the future of film.
If you're looking for actionable advice on everything from writing dialogue to sound design, or you want to hear from the directors, editors, and composers behind your favorite films, you've found your new required listening.
New episodes every week.
Find our full video essays and written guides at requiredwatching.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Go beyond the screen with the official podcast from Required Watching. This is your audio masterclass in the art of storytelling, designed for filmmakers, screenwriters, and dedicated cinephiles.
Each week, host and film analyst Tray Epps (and sometimes other guests) deconstruct the craft of cinema, providing practical "Toolkit" episodes to improve your work and in-depth interviews with industry professionals who are shaping the future of film.
If you're looking for actionable advice on everything from writing dialogue to sound design, or you want to hear from the directors, editors, and composers behind your favorite films, you've found your new required listening.
New episodes every week.
Find our full video essays and written guides at requiredwatching.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Required Watching, I dive into the fascinating role of food in cinema, focusing on films like 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' and 'Chef.'
I explore how food serves as a metaphor for emotions, relationships, and character development, highlighting its universal appeal and emotional depth. Join me as I examine scenes where food acts as a stand-in for unspoken words, showcasing its power in storytelling.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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In this conversation, Tray Epps discusses the film 'American Fiction,' a satirical exploration of race, identity, and the media's portrayal of Black narratives. He highlights the film's critique of the publishing industry's obsession with stereotypical stories and the pressures faced by Black creatives. Epps shares personal reflections on authenticity in storytelling and the complexities of representation in film, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to American Fiction
02:39 Satire and Stereotypes in Black Narratives
05:00 Personal Reflections on Authenticity and Experience
07:52 The Impact of Representation in Film
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Today on Required Watching, Tray breaks down the impact and legacy of the documentary The Problem with Apu, a film that forced Hollywood to confront its long-ignored issues around representation and stereotyping — especially for South Asian communities.
This episode explores what the documentary got right, why it sparked such a seismic conversation, and what every filmmaker should learn from its fallout.
Subscribe to Required Watching and leave a 5-star review (podcast) or comment (YouTube) telling us your favourite film. Each entry counts toward the monthly giveaway.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week:
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Tray Epps dissects Kill—the train-bound action film that weaponizes violence as narrative. We explore how evolving fight choreography, crushing foley work, and immersive camerawork turn every bruise and heartbeat into story. Drawing connections to The Raid, Oldboy, and RRR, this episode shows filmmakers how to harness rhythm, emotion, and consequence in genre cinema. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts—and pick up full show notes and bonus resources at requiredwatching.com.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week:
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Tray Epps dissects Bottoms, Emma Seligman’s razor-sharp, bloodiest teen satire. We unpack how heightened absurdity, messy queer protagonists, and raw fight choreography carry emotional weight without a single set-piece feeling gratuitous. Learn how this film walks the tightrope between meta-comedy and genuine stakes, and why it’s a must-study for any filmmaker pushing genre boundaries. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Full show notes and resources at requiredwatching.com.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Tray Epps explores Martin Scorsese’s cult classic The King of Comedy—the original parasocial horror story. We discuss Rupert Pupkin’s delusional quest for fame, Jerry Lewis’s poignant straight-man role, and how this film foresaw our current influencer culture.
Episode Highlights:
– Scorsese’s use of silence and dread to build tension
– Robert De Niro’s portrayal of ambition vs. delusion
– Satire on celebrity obsession long before social media
– Takeaways for storytellers on character, tone, and satire
Whether you’re editing your next short or mapping out your feature, this breakdown offers cinematic insights you won’t want to miss. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and visit requiredwatching.com for full show notes, timestamps, and exclusive filmmaker resources.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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This episode explores why 'Rush Hour' endures as a beloved film 25 years after its release, dissecting the dynamic partnership between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The video delves into how the film combines action and comedy, the smart pacing, and its respectful handling of cultural differences. It discusses the director's role in creating a movie with perfect balance, the chemistry between the stars, and the film's lasting impact on the buddy cop genre. Concluding with a call for viewers to rewatch the film with a critical eye, the episode emphasizes 'Rush Hour' as essential viewing for understanding action comedies.
00:00 Introduction: Is Rush Hour a Buddy Cop Classic?
00:18 The Dynamic Duo: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
00:56 Balancing Act: Action and Comedy
01:33 Smart Pacing and Editing
01:56 Cultural Exploration and Respect
02:34 Director's Touch and Film Structure
03:01 Legacy and Impact
03:26 Conclusion: Why Rush Hour is Required Watching
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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This isn’t about Iron Man. It’s about what happens when the biggest film franchise in the world chooses nostalgia over risk, legacy over originality, and comfort over challenge.
In this raw and personal episode, Tray Epps breaks down what RDJ’s return to the MCU really signals:
We also touch on:
This isn’t a hot take. It’s a call for accountability, nuance, and better storytelling — on screen and off.
🎤 New episodes coming soon with filmmaker Kate Driver and more.
🎥 Subscribe and stay tuned for deeper dives into film, culture, and the future of media.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Are we watching the MCU reset or collapse?
Should we separate the art from the artist — or hold studios to a higher standard?
Let’s talk: @RequiredWatching on socials or drop a YouTube comment.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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What happens when you take a classic spy thriller and remix it with Bollywood flair?
In this episode, Tray Epps explores how Ek Tha Tiger redefines espionage cinema through a uniquely Indian lens. From high-octane action and political undertones to an emotionally layered romance, Ek Tha Tiger is more than just a blockbuster—it’s the foundation of the YRF Spy Universe.
We unpack:
Required or not? Absolutely. This is a case study in adaptation, scale, and storytelling beyond Hollywood’s shadow.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Have you joined the YRF Spy University yet? Is Ek Tha Tiger a guilty pleasure or a cultural milestone?
Let us know on YouTube or @RequiredWatching on socials.
Subscribe to Required Watching wherever you get your podcasts.
Let’s watch better, together.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week:
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Speed has one of the cleanest high-concept premises in movie history: A bomb on a bus that can’t drop below 50 MPH. And somehow, that one idea gave us 116 minutes of nonstop tension, character chemistry, and genre-defining moments.
In this episode, Tray Epps breaks down why Speed is more than a 90s action movie — it’s required watching for anyone learning to write or direct films.
We talk about:
Filmmaker Takeaways:
Related Episodes:
QUESTION:
What’s your favorite Speed moment — and what did it teach you about storytelling?
Subscribe to Required Watching for weekly cinematic deep dives with lessons filmmakers can actually use.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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No budget. No experience. No film school. Just vision.
In this episode, Tray Epps explores Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray’s quiet epic that became a landmark of world cinema.
We unpack:
This isn’t just a film. It’s a lesson in how to move people with less.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Does Pather Panchali still hold up?
Have you seen it recently—or is it still on your list?
Tell us on YouTube or @RequiredWatching.
Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly deep dives into global films and essential cinematic lessons.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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In this episode of Required Watching, Tray Epps breaks down Godzilla Minus One and its black-and-white Minus Color version to explore why this movie hits harder than most modern monster films.
This isn’t your dad’s Godzilla.
We talk about:
This is more than spectacle. This is what monster movies should strive to be.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Did you see the color version or Minus Color?
Let us know what you thought in the comments or @RequiredWatching on social media.
Subscribe for more global film deep dives.
Let’s watch better. Let’s make better films.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Beyond music, Michael Jackson crafted groundbreaking short films. We dive into his cinematic influence, his storytelling techniques, and how his work reshaped music videos into an art form.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week:
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Renfield offers a fresh, humorous take on the Dracula mythos. Discover how this film reinvents classic horror archetypes through dark comedy and memorable performances, and what that means for horror-comedy.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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With its haunting visuals and feminist themes, Bulbbul stands out in Indian cinema. We explore its mythical storytelling and powerful themes, analyzing what makes it a modern horror masterpiece.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Bhoot brings a fresh spin to the horror genre in Indian cinema. Join us as we dissect its use of suspense, cultural context, and traditional horror tropes that captivate and haunt audiences worldwide.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Takashi Miike’s Audition remains one of the most disturbing films in horror. This episode delves into how its narrative, suspense, and shock elements create a lasting impact, and what filmmakers can learn from its mastery.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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When two iconic anti-heroes collide, what lessons can filmmakers take from their unique blend of humor, grit, and unpredictability? We explore the evolution of both characters and how they revolutionize the genre.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Trap challenges thriller conventions with its tense, unpredictable plot. In this analysis, we break down the film’s unique narrative, its visual storytelling, and discuss how it keeps audiences on edge from start to finish.
Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.