What Are We Watching? Summer 2024

We love being inspired and educated by the very mediums we work in. So when we’re not in development-mode or production-overdrive, we are glued to the tube. Do people still call televisions, tubes? Can we bring that back?

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ADRIAN

MASTERS OF THE AIR… I know what you’re thinking, "Really Spielberg? Another WWII series?” Well, the answer is emphatically YES. Unlike the current news cycle, it’s comforting to know the good guys will ultimately triumph over evil. Hi-5 to Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck for directing my favorite episodes which made terrific use of sound design to highlight the vulnerability of the characters. If you liked MEMPHIS BELLE, you’ll love MASTERS OF THE AIR.

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RUFUS

In addition to being a great craftsman, gaffer Russell Burger has had a long-time interest in Modern Monetary Theory. At his suggestion, I recently watched FINDING THE MONEY and I highly recommend it. It's not easy to turn economic theory into an exciting film. But this one manages to do it!‍

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COREY

You might think a show about that time Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought a soccer team in Wales would be a vapid celebrity vanity project, but WELCOME TO WREXHAM is not that! It's a sweet, funny and moving portrait of a community and the beloved underdog team that unites them. I initially watched it because I'm a player and a coach, and I love me a soccer film. I was so surprised by the tender portraits of the regular, not superhero people. The production team made so many great choices on who to profile, and they take really good care of their stories.

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MICHAEL

Peacock’s THE TRAITORS seamlessly marries the gameplay of “Mafia” to premium production values and high camp. The cast of familiar reality superstars makes it feel like you’re sitting in on a game with old friends, while Alan Cumming’s arch performance as host invites viewers to constantly cackle along. Underneath all the giggles and gasps is a kitschy but killer examination of group-think.

MIGUEL

ROBOT DREAMS is an incredible love letter to friendship, cinema, and New York City. I wasn’t surprised at all to learn the Spanish director lived in the East Village during the same time as I did. This dialogue-free animated feature is great for all ages. We watch it over and over at my house with the kids!

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