Required Watching

In this episode of Required Watching, host Tray Epps delves into the emotional depths of family dramas through the lens of three films: 'Kapoor and Sons', 'Painted Skin', and 'The Jacksons'. He discusses how personal stories can resonate universally by focusing on specific emotions and experiences. Epps emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling, the power of silence, and the legacy...

You have a great idea for a movie. You have a compelling character, a killer ending, maybe even a few memorable scenes. But how do you get from a jumble of brilliant ideas to a rock-solid, 110-page script with a beginning, a middle, and an end that all connect? You don't just start writing. You build it, one scene at a time. In this episode of the RW Toolkit, we're getting analog. We're breaking d...

In this episode of the Required Watching podcast, host Tray Epps discusses the challenges of screenwriting, particularly the fear of the blank page. He presents three practical methods to overcome this fear: the high concept approach, character-driven storytelling, and the final image technique. Each method offers a unique way to spark creativity and develop compelling narratives. Epps emphasizes...

In this comprehensive review of the year in film, Tray Epps explores the trends, triumphs, and disappointments of 2025. He presents a definitive list of the top 10 films that are expected to resonate for years to come, while also addressing notable disappointments in filmmaking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the emotional depth of cinema, and the evolving landscape of...

In this episode of East of Everywhere, Tray Epps explores the concept of filial piety in traditional East Asian society, contrasting it with Western individualism. The discussion delves into the philosophy of Confucianism, the importance of family harmony, and the evolving nature of filial duties in modern times. Tray reflects on the cultural tensions between personal freedom and familial obligati...

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, sho...

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 repres...

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...

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, Sp...

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...

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...

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...

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: Disney’s ongoing shift away from originality toward safer, proven IP The erasure of newer creative voices in favor of fa...

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: Why Salman Khan’s...

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: W...

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: Why Pather Panchali is essential for filmmakers The deeply human story of Apu and his family How natural lighting and real locations created visual poetry Mumblecore before mumblecore The sound of wind, footsteps,...

What if Godzilla wasn’t just a monster—but a metaphor? 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: Why Minus One is a return to emotional, allegorical filmmaking How a $15M budget delivered better result...

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new video essays every week :  ...

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 :   ▶️  Website ▶️  Twitter/X ▶️  Instagram ▶️  Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new video essays ev...

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new video essays every week : &n...

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new video essays every wee...

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new...

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new video ess...

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. ▶️  Subscribe for new...