In Proximity

Proximity Media
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IN PROXIMITY is a podcast about craft, career, and creativity from Proximity Media, the production company that helped bring you SINNERS, CREED III, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER PODCAST & SOUNDTRACK, and more. Hosted by Paola Mardo. New episodes every Monday.

  1. FROM THE ARCHIVES: Screenwriting Masterclass with Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty

    16 HR AGO

    FROM THE ARCHIVES: Screenwriting Masterclass with Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty

    We’re back in the archives with a re-release of one of our first episodes ever featuring writer, producer, and Proximity Media founder Sev Ohanian and writer/director Aneesh Chaganty. Together, Sev and Aneesh wrote, directed, and produced the hit thrillers SEARCHING (2018), RUN (2020), and MISSING (2023). Their next project together is the upcoming DOPPELGÄNGER, produced with their producing partner Natalie Qasabian at Search Party and Proximity Media. This episode is a deep dive into Sev and Aneesh’s intricate and informative screenwriting process. It’s a masterclass with top tier writing pros well as a peek into what makes a solid creative partnership. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODEScreenwriting Masterclass with SEARCHING’s Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:50) From the archives… Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty! (02:37) Aneesh started his writing partnership with Sev… on a lie!? (08:15) The “Blue Skies” phase of screenwriting (11:44) Outlining: SAVE THE CAT, Google Docs, and phone call arguments (14:53) Share your work with friends! (and ask a thousand questions) (18:33) Research should inform your story, not BECOME the story (21:41) Need a recap? Click HERE (25:19) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

    29 min
  2. FROM THE ARCHIVES: Cord Jefferson and Ryan Coogler on Writing, Directing, AMERICAN FICTION, and SINNERS (sort of)

    30 MAR

    FROM THE ARCHIVES: Cord Jefferson and Ryan Coogler on Writing, Directing, AMERICAN FICTION, and SINNERS (sort of)

    We’re going back into the IN PROXIMITY archives for the next several weeks, rereleasing masterclasses on filmmaking and screenwriting. On this episode, we’re rebroadcasting a conversation between Ryan Coogler and Cord Jefferson, writer/director/producer of the award-winning feature film AMERICAN FICTION. A few weeks after winning the 2024 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Cord hopped on a call with Ryan to discuss their first films, his unconventional path to filmmaking, and his experience as a first-time director. They also talk about their upcoming projects, and Ryan teases a little bit about SINNERS. He recorded this conversation from New Orleans as he was just about to go into production on the film. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODECord Jefferson and Ryan Coogler on Writing, Directing, and What They’re Doing Next SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (01:45) From the archives… Ryan Coogler and Cord Jefferson! (02:30) Get Reel (10:46) Cord’s first writing job took GUTS  (19:28) How Cord learned to collaborate with Jeffrey Wright on AMERICAN FICTION (27:58) Ryan and Cord’s next projects (hint: SINNERS)  (35:48) “You shouldn’t be doing this if the end goal is to win an Oscar.” (39:49) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan  Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Producer: Caitlin Plummer Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Assistants: Isabella Miller, Polina Cherezova Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

    44 min
  3. INSIDE PROXIMITY: Meet (and Learn from!) our Nonfiction Team

    23 MAR

    INSIDE PROXIMITY: Meet (and Learn from!) our Nonfiction Team

    We’re celebrating docs and nonfiction series with Proximity’s Nonfiction department! IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo sits down with Kelli Dunson Buchanan (VP, Head of Nonfiction) and Gaby Arvizu (Creative Executive, Nonfiction), whose projects include the award-winning series HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME, STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED, ANTHEM, and HOMEROOM. They share their career stories and what their day-to-day is like developing and producing nonfiction projects at Proximity Media. They also answer listener questions about selecting stories and subjects, editing hours of footage, advice for first-time filmmakers, and how to ethically document stories and engage with communities around traumatic events. Kelli and Gaby drop a lot of gems here… watch, listen, and take notes! CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS Q&A EPISODEInside Proximity: Working in Film & TV SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) These questions are FIRE! (02:18) Meet Proximity’s Nonfiction department (05:18) The day-to-day of development and production (10:55) Career stories (17:10) Question #1: How to choose your doc’s subject (19:52) Shoutout director Pete Nicks! (20:46) Making HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME with Traci Curry (22:45) Question #2: How to ethically document stories and engage with communities around traumatic events (27:57) Question #3: Tips for first-time filmmakers (30:07) What makes first-time doc filmmakers stand out (32:16) How Kelli and Gaby find and cultivate new talent  (33:11) Question #4: Editing hours of footage into a film| (37:40) What is cinéma vérité? (39:21) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, A.J. Calomay, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

    43 min
  4. BEST OF SINNERS with Academy Award winners Ryan Coogler, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Ludwig Göransson, Michael B. Jordan, and more | PROX GEMS!

    16 MAR

    BEST OF SINNERS with Academy Award winners Ryan Coogler, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Ludwig Göransson, Michael B. Jordan, and more | PROX GEMS!

    For this special episode of IN PROXIMITY, we’re celebrating the artisans who brought SINNERS to life. Relive the insightful conversations with Academy Award winners Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Ludwig Göransson, and more. CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL EPISODESAUTUMN DURALD ARKAPAW AND RYAN COOGLERDOLLY LISTEVE GEHRKELUDWIG GÖRANSSON AND RYAN COOGLERMICHAEL B. JORDAN AND RYAN COOGLER SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Celebrating SINNERS! (01:41) IMAX filmmaking with Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Ryan Coogler (07:23) Delta Chinese history with Dolly Li (11:04) Script supervisor conversation with Steve Gherke (14:38) Blues music with Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler (18:53) Acting with Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza, A.J. Calomay, Brittani Brown, Andrea Walter, Bianca Catbagan Video Producer: Bianca Catbagan Director of Photography: Andrea Walter Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz Production Sound Recordists: Mark Patino, Marcelo de Oliveira Gaffer: Chris Boulos Key Grip: Kevin “Chui” Chiu Production Assistants: Devin Saddler, Isabella Miller Production Interns: Ben Caloza, Jun Sawada, Faith Wang Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Barista: George Stevenson

    26 min
  5. How to Make an Oscar-Winning Short Film with Luke Matheny

    9 MAR

    How to Make an Oscar-Winning Short Film with Luke Matheny

    Luke Matheny is a writer, director, and showrunner who won the Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film in 2010 for GOD OF LOVE. Luke sat down with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo to talk about what makes an Oscar-winning short film, how he prepared for his speech, and how he built a career in comedy and children’s programming writing, directing, and running shows like MARON, GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET, and, most recently, the animated series CHARLOTTE’S WEB on HBO Max starring Amy Adams, Elijah Wood, Jean Smart, and Randall Park. CHECK OUT THE FILMSGOD OF LOVEAWESOME ASIAN BAD GUYS SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Guest intro (02:21) About GOD OF LOVE (04:59) The Oscar trophy — live in the studio! (06:42) Winning an Oscar (10:05) Making GOD OF LOVE at NYU film school (12:10) Using a short film to showcase your talents (16:20) Working with the crew to execute your vision (18:51) What makes a great short film? Imply a sense of structure! (23:54) Remember: time is finite! (28:11) Launching a career after the Oscars, working with Marc Maron (32:13) Showrunning the animated series CHARLOTTE’S WEB  (33:10) The cast: Amy Adams, Jean Smart, Elijah Wood, Cynthia Erivo, Randall Park (37:28) Children’s programming (39:05) Make something, keep going! (41:49) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

    44 min
  6. Directing GOAT, Animation, and Dreaming Big with Tyree Dillihay

    2 MAR

    Directing GOAT, Animation, and Dreaming Big with Tyree Dillihay

    Before his debut animated feature GOAT claimed the #1 spot at the box office, director Tyree Dilihay joined IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo for an in-depth conversation about the animated sports film. Tyree breaks down his directing process including building the film’s “Brooklyn meets Brazil” world, designing roarball plays with basketball stars Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry, and working with an all-star cast that includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, and Curry (who makes his voice acting debut in the film and produces through Unanimous Media). Tyree also reflects on growing up in Inglewood, California where he was inspired by filmmakers like Spike Lee and John Singleton, and how his supportive mother helped him pursue a career in animation. SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (02:49) Stephen Curry’s voice acting debut  (04:22) How GOAT came together (07:12) Worldbuilding “Brooklyn meets Brazil” (10:31) Costume design (12:04) From local Angeleno to seasoned animator (14:22) Spike Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and John Singleton’s BOYZ N THE HOOD (16:03) How Tyree started his animation journey (19:20) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (full story) (22:20) “Roots run deep!” (25:05) The inspo: SPACE JAM I & II, HOOSIERS, MAJOR LEAGUE, MIGHTY DUCKS, ROCKY, RUDY…and more! (28:48) The cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, Steph Curry (30:54) Creating and directing diss tracks, “GOAT TEARS”  (33:31) The seven-year journey to the “right version”  (35:44) Collaborating with studio execs to make the best movie (38:08) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

    40 min
  7. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ryan Coogler: Writing, Directing, and IMAX

    23 FEB

    Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ryan Coogler: Writing, Directing, and IMAX

    Here comes the THE BRIDE writer/director/producer Maggie Gyllenhaal, who joins SINNERS writer/director/producer and Proximity founder Ryan Coogler, for an exclusive conversation with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo about her new film THE BRIDE, a wildly original and imaginative take on the Frankenstein story, inspired by the 1935 film THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and Mary Shelley’s original novel. Maggie and Ryan share their processes for writing and directing, working with actors, shooting on IMAX cameras, and working with family. And, yes, Ryan makes some coffee. Cheers! SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (00:32) Here comes the director of THE BRIDE! (02:37) Ryan makes pour-over coffee (05:40) Nighttime inside (08:08) Cheers! (08:57) Exploring the monsters within (09:53) The original films: THE BRIDE OF FRANKESTEIN and FRANKENSTEIN (12:47) Creating Jessie Buckley’s character, the Bride (14:30) Screenwriting is like an hourglass (15:47) Monstrosity vs. Cinematic fantasy (17:14) Jake Gyllenhaal as Ronnie Reed (17:52) How Maggie and Ryan work with actors (22:45) Trippy directorial advice (26:10) Octavia Spencer in FRUITVALE STATION (28:15) Christian Bale wants to be yelled at too! (full story) (31:44) Directing her brother Jake (35:47) IMAX filmmaking (38:18) Sony cameras (40:56) "Wait, you were in THE DARK KNIGHT, though!" (48:00) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Production Sound Mixer: Mark Patino Camera Operator: Josh Ortiz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Production Coordinator: Joy Woo Production Intern: Ben Caloza Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Barista: George Stevenson

    51 min
  8. Writing and Directing KPOP DEMON HUNTERS

    16 FEB

    Writing and Directing KPOP DEMON HUNTERS

    We are sealing the Honmoon with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS directors and co-writers, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans! The veteran animation filmmakers break down how Maggie developed the story based on Korean culture and music, how she collaborated with Chris as a directing team, and how they pitched the idea to Netflix and K-pop music producers. They also share stories from behind the scenes of their seven-year production process including the creation of the film’s iconic “popcorn eyes” and how they worked with songwriter and producer EJAE to write the music… with a special surprise voice memo from the woman behind Rumi’s singing voice herself!  SHOP OUR PROX BOOKS RECS ON BOOKSHOP.ORG LEARN MORE AND READ THE TRANSCRIPT AT PROXIMITYMEDIA.COM WATCH/LISTEN TO IN PROXIMITYYOUTUBEAPPLE PODCASTSSPOTIFY FOLLOW PROXIMITY MEDIAINSTAGRAMTIKTOK (00:00) K-pop meets demon hunters (00:47) Let’s talk K-pop… and demon hunters! (02:04) Fun fan reactions (03:02) Honmoon in the club, the origin of honmoon (06:12) How Maggie’s Korean upbringing in Toronto shaped her storytelling (07:51) K-pop meets demon hunters (the full story) (09:59) How they became a directing team, WISH DRAGON (11:19) How they pitched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (12:45) The music was the hardest part, how EJAE’s demos made it seem possible (13:20)EJAE, Teddy Park, THEBLACKLABEL, the demo for HOW IT’S DONE (15:23) Comps: “old people” anime, Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, K-dramas, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (17:10) Comedy, female empowerment, being your “stupidest self” with your friends (18:04) Collaborating on directing and screenwriting (19:53) Writing the script for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (20:39) Sony Pictures Animation, shout out to the crew (25:00) The joke that became the iconic “popcorn eyes” scene (27:12) Voice Memo from EJAE (Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Singing Voice of Rumi) (29:45) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza Sound Recordist: Isabella Miller Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana Production Intern: Ben Caloza

    33 min
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About

IN PROXIMITY is a podcast about craft, career, and creativity from Proximity Media, the production company that helped bring you SINNERS, CREED III, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER PODCAST & SOUNDTRACK, and more. Hosted by Paola Mardo. New episodes every Monday.

Information

  • Creator
    Proximity Media
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Proximity Media
  • Show Website
    In Proximity

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