Retake with John Horn

About the Show

“Retake with John Horn”, a new podcast from LAist Studios, asks: do the stories that Hollywood tells about itself really reflect what's going on? Hosted by veteran entertainment reporter John Horn, Retake provides a critical, informed perspective at a time of tumultuous change in the entertainment business.

Each week, John challenges conventional show business wisdom, talking to insiders with a distinct point of view, tracking the industry’s attempts - or lack thereof - to become more inclusive, and keeping tabs on the forces that maintain the status quo. Each episode helps you navigate the countless hours of entertainment now available, he’ll also highlight innovative work that he thinks deserves your attention, anchored by in-depth interviews with filmmakers, TV writers and other creators.

Note: Retake is no longer in production

Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Funding provided by:

Episodes

Listen • 27:06

Listen • 27:06

Tom Hanks, the Sequel - and Farewell, John Horn!

Part two of John’s discussion with Tom Hanks reflecting on the podcast Dead Eyes and lessons he’s learned on set and in the audition room over the years. Plus, a special message from John.

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Listen • 30:58

Listen • 30:58

Building Worlds with Susan Downey

Producer Susan Downey on creating worlds, the importance of freshness, and her creative relationship with Robert Downey Jr, partner/husband. Also, writer Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz talks about the strike and the cancellation of Gordita Chronicles. Plus, TV recommendations from John.

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Listen • 25:09

Listen • 25:09

The Hollywood Sign “It's a dream. It's a notion. It's a hope.”

A new documentary series Iconic Americaexplores the history of the Hollywood sign, the idea of “Hollywood” in American culture, and our deep affection for a very complicated place. Plus, John’s recommendations of great Hollywood movies.

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Listen • 22:07

Listen • 22:07

Succession’s Jeremy Strong on acting & “lightning strike moments”

As the finale approaches, a deep dive with Succession actor Jeremy Strong on acting - his philosophy on the craft, impactful lessons, and how he doesn’t like to over-rehearse.

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Listen • 30:37

Listen • 30:37

What’s it like to be at the WGA negotiating table? Plus, filmmaker Nicole Holofcener on “You Hurt My Feelings.”

Chris Keyser, co-chair of the WGA’s negotiating committee, calls out the protests of pauperism from film and TV studios. And “You Hurt My Feelings” writer/director Nicole Holofcener talks about receiving criticism — good and bad — of your work, and going with your gut when deciding how to trim a film.

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Listen • 25:40

Listen • 25:40

Fighting A.I. in fiction and in real life: ‘Mrs. Davis’’s Betty Gilpin, and the threat to writers

Betty Gilpin (“GLOW,” “The Hunt”) on fighting an A.I. enemy in her new show “Mrs. Davis.” And Vox’s Alissa Wilkinson explains why A.I. may be the most important issue in the writers’ strike.

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Listen • 31:04

Listen • 31:04

Emma Thompson, plus are screenwriting gigs today “uber for content?”

Why striking screenwriters are mad as hell: Adam Conover and voices from the picket lines. And Emma Thompson on her new film What’s Love Got to Do With It and her thoughts on Hollywood endings, the value of story, and the evolution of roles for women.

Is the strike affecting you? Share your story here.

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Listen • 20:42

Listen • 20:42

BONUS: The Writers Guild Launches a Strike

All the updates on the WGA strike. Is the strike affecting you? Share your story here.

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Listen • 28:07

Listen • 28:07

Can the movie theater business model survive? Plus protecting Wild Life in South America.

Direct from Cinemacon, John reports on the gradual recovery of the movie theater business. And Oscar-winning documentarian Chai Vasarhelyi, and Kris Tompkins, conservationist and former CEO of Patagonia, discuss their new film Wild Life.

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Listen • 24:22

Listen • 24:22

Cheryl Strayed on learning hard lessons, plus “it may get really rough”- the impact of a possible writers’ strike

Author Cheryl Strayed and showrunner Liz Tigelaar on the new Hulu series Tiny Beautiful Things.And as Hollywood faces a looming Writers Guild strike, a production slow down has already begun.

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