Explore every episode of the podcast And Another Thing...with Shalako

YouTube directors are no longer just making content — they’re making movies.

In this episode of And Another Thing, Shalako looks at the rise of filmmakers who built their voices online and are now finding success in Hollywood. From viral shorts and internet horror to feature films and theatrical releases, this new wave of YouTube-born directors may be creating a modern version of the indie film movement.

But the bigger question is: Who Gets Included?

This episode explores the history of outsider filmmakers, why platforms like YouTube have become a new kind of film school, and why this movement needs to open doors for creators of different races, backgrounds, and perspectives.

And as part of that conversation, Shalako also highlights his own short film The Truth About Lies, starring Ser’Darius Blain and Lamorne Morris, currently available on YouTube.

Watch The Truth About Lies here:
https://youtu.be/af6jvjKCZcM?is=d_Z8bfgLi7io88MM

In the world of film, few genres have dominated like the superhero genre. However, as we enter a new era for both Marvel and DC, a pressing question looms: Can these giants of the comic book world regain the trust of an audience that is becoming increasingly selective? In this episode, Shalako dives into the evolving landscape of superhero films, examining the successes and failures of both franchises and what they need to do to keep audiences engaged.

The conversation delves into the expectations placed on filmmakers, particularly black filmmakers, to represent specific cultural narratives. It highlights the industry pressure and lack of originality in filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of allowing filmmakers the freedom to tell authentic stories without being burdened by external expectations.

Takeaways

• Filmmakers' Responsibility
• Pressure on Black Filmmakers

As the Oscars come and go, film enthusiasts are always eager to witness the results of a year’s worth of cinematic artistry. In this episode, Shalako reflects on his predictions for the 2025 Oscars and compare them to the actual winners, diving deep into the vibrant film landscape of the past year. Listen as he break down the awards, shares his thoughts, and reveal what this year's Oscars taught us about the film industry.

In this conversation, Shalako discusses the realities of film festivals, emphasizing that acceptance into a festival does not equate to success, and rejection does not reflect a lack of talent. He explores the differences between prestige and regional festivals, sharing insights from his personal experiences in the festival circuit. Shalako also highlights the importance of understanding where a film fits within the festival landscape and the significance of storytelling and technical quality in film submissions.

In this conversation, Shalako discusses the current state of Marvel, particularly in light of the new show 'Wonder Man'. He explores the unrealistic expectations placed on Marvel Studios, the impact of corporate pressures from Disney, and the nature of storytelling within the Marvel universe.

• Marvel is facing unrealistic expectations from audiences.
• The novelty of Marvel has worn off, leading to inflated expectations.
• Marvel's creative survival involves experimenting with different characters and tones.
• Disney's corporate structure has changed how Marvel operates.
• Marvel is under more scrutiny than other studios due to its success.
• Not every Marvel project needs to be a blockbuster hit.
• The storytelling in comics is often messy and experimental.
• Casting decisions can be smart storytelling choices.
• Marvel's challenges reflect broader industry pressures.
• The audience should allow Marvel to take creative risks.

Chapters

00:00Marvel's Current Landscape and Expectations

02:59Creative Survival vs. Corporate Pressure

05:47The Role of Disney in Marvel's Evolution

09:07Character Dynamics and Storytelling in Marvel

11:03The Future of Marvel and Audience Expectations

The conversation covers the 2025 Oscars nominations and predictions, discussing various categories and sharing opinions on the potential winners. The host provides insights and analysis on each category, highlighting the standout films and performances.

Takeaways

• 2025 was a great year for film
• The Oscars nominations and predictions

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Oscars Nominations and Predictions
• 05:25 Best Music and International Feature Film Categories
• 14:55 Best Cinematography and Leading Actor/Actress Categories
• 20:44 Supporting Actor/Actress Categories and Writing Categories

In this episode of 'In Another Thing', host Shalako Gordon discusses the exciting landscape of the film industry in 2025, highlighting the diversity of films and the significance of award season. He provides in-depth analyses of four key films: 'Hamnet' by Chloe Zhao, 'Sinners' by Ryan Coogler, 'One Battle After Another' by Paul Thomas Anderson, and 'Marty Supreme' by Josh Safdie, emphasizing their unique storytelling techniques and the directors' approaches. The conversation concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of this year's films on the future of cinema.

In this conversation, Shalako Gordon discusses the omission of the film 'Sinners' from major best films lists, exploring the reasons behind this exclusion and its implications for the film industry. He highlights the film's critical acclaim, cultural significance, and the discomfort surrounding horror films that challenge traditional narratives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of representation and the impact of industry standards on filmmaking and audience perception.

In the world of documentary filmmaking, authenticity and passion play pivotal roles in storytelling. In this podcast episode, we delve into the creative journey of One9, an accomplished filmmaker whose work has redefined how we perceive hip-hop culture through the lens of film. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey from a graffiti artist in Washington, D.C. to the director of the acclaimed documentary on Allen Iverson and Nas, "Time Is Illmatic."

Are minority filmmakers still being supported - or has Hollywood quietly pulled back?

In this powerful solo episode, filmmaker Shalako Gordon breaks down the rise and fall of Hollywood's post-2020 diversity push and explores why many creators of color are feeling a sudden shift in opportunity, resources, and visibility.

We discuss:

• What really happened after the 2020 "DEI" boom
• Why diversity programs and funding are disappearing
• UCLA and major media reports showing representation declining
• Why trauma-centered stories still get greenlit over joyful or imaginative Black stories
• Where minority filmmakers can find support today