The Oscars Podcast with Elvis Mitchell The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

In this episode Elvis talks to legendary Oscar winning composer Bill Conti about how to compose classic movie scores, how to create music for the telecast and how music in the movies has dramatically and perhaps forever changed from full blown thematic orchestration to a more minimalistic approach to sound design.  Iconic melodies like those used to identify James Bond, Darth Vader, Indiana Jones and Rocky Balboa are on the way out as must have components in film production, changing the nature of musical composition for film.  You’ll also hear Mr. Conti tell the story of his wife’s odd yet charming reaction to him winning the award and his insider account of living and working through a unique period in film history marked by radical shifts in what people want and expect from movies and movie stars.

In this episode Elvis talks to legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who recently won an Oscar for her work on Black Panther.  They relish talking about character and costume creation, supporting actors through design, film history and the art and soul of building an authentic and powerful vision for a film.  They talk about Ms. Carter’s meticulous, passionate approach to creativity and her love of storytelling.  Listen in and absorb decades worth of experience, wisdom and joy from one of the most accomplished artists in the history of film.

If you or someone you know needs to fall in love with the movies again this podcast is the place to start. Whoopi shares with Elvis why she loves them so much and the enormous impact they have had on her life, the importance of Sidney Poitier to her and so many others, and how she struggled with representing African Americans in popular culture.  She tells the incredible story of how she got the part that won her the Oscar and what it was like to walk up on stage and receive the award.  Elvis and Whoopi talk Oscars history, how we judge Oscar hosts, the secret to hosting the show and what we should really expect from the telecast.  Whoopi brings the fun, romance and wonder back to the award and explains why it is ok for so many beautiful, rich people to celebrate each other on television.  Listen in and open your heart to the joys of cinema, one of the true, untainted pleasures we have left. 

The "Oscars Podcast with Elvis Mitchell" is your official invitation behind the scenes at the Academy Awards past and present. Legendary hosts share memories of the glamour and glory of the most famous moments in Oscars history, and reveal untold stories that will amaze and delight. In each episode of this five-part series, guests will discuss their upcoming projects and their contributions to filmmaking.