The Open Queue

Open Queue productions, LLc
  • 5.0 (5)
  • TV & FILM

A podcast where we talk about entertainment, pop cultural and the daily life of navigating the entertainment industry as a creative.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    K-pop Demon Hunters: Breaking Records and Barriers

    Send us a text The boundaries between "international" and "mainstream" entertainment are dissolving before our eyes. In this episode, we dive into the global phenomenon of K-pop Demon Hunters, the animated Netflix film that's not just dominating streaming numbers but making Billboard history with four songs simultaneously in the Top 10—a first in the chart's 67-year history. What starts as a skeptical viewing ("I wanted to be a hater") transforms into genuine appreciation as we break down how this film blends familiar animated tropes with fresh cultural perspectives. The movie's themes of acceptance and embracing one's complete identity—demon parts and all—resonate universally despite their culturally specific packaging. We compare it to Chinese box office behemoth Neza, which explores similar themes of fighting against predetermined destiny while shattering global box office records. The conversation expands to examine how streaming platforms have revolutionized our access to global stories. We reminisce about discovering Korean cinema through video store recommendations and how those films influenced our creative sensibilities. From the suspense mastery of "I Saw the Devil" to the heart-wrenching narrative of "A Man From Nowhere," we explore how these international gems offer fresh perspectives on familiar genres.  We wonder if technological innovations like AI-assisted translation might further transform how we experience international content, potentially eliminating the traditional debate between dubbing and subtitles. But perhaps the most powerful insight remains the simplest: whether from Seoul, Shanghai, or Hollywood, compelling stories remind us that "we are more connected than the differences we actually focus on." Share your favorite international films and shows with us on Instagram @TheOpenqueueProductions—we're always looking for recommendations that expand our horizons and yours!

    50 min

  2. AUG 26

    Streaming vs Theaters: Deep Cover and the Future of Comedy

    Send us a text Has streaming created a world where we're drowning in content but starving for quality? This question kicks off our deep dive into how digital platforms are reshaping the entertainment landscape—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. We explore Hollywood's growing obsession with established IP, from the surprising success of Barbie to the head-scratching announcements of Hot Wheels and Sims movies. Studios increasingly shy away from original stories, preferring the safety of pre-existing fan bases. We reveal the startling new hurdle for screenwriters: many are now told to publish their scripts as books first, then return if they sell well. Would Star Wars even exist in today's risk-averse environment? The conversation shifts to film marketing in the streaming era, where traditional advertising channels have disappeared and movies must fight for attention in an oversaturated digital landscape. Comedy films suffer particularly in this new paradigm—something we discovered firsthand while watching "Deep Cover," an absolutely hilarious comedy that received minimal marketing but deserved a theatrical release where audience laughter could have enhanced the experience. We compare the current streaming landscape to a restaurant buffet: abundant options but inconsistent quality. When everything is available, nothing stands out. Yet streaming has created opportunities for mid-budget films and niche content that might never have found distribution in the theatrical-only era. The solution isn't choosing between theaters and streaming, but being more intentional about which content belongs where. The episode wraps with our fantasy reboot picks, including nostalgic favorites like Centurions, Gargoyles, and Dino Riders—properties we believe could thrive with modern technology if approached with genuine creativity rather than cynical cash-grabbing. Join our conversation about where entertainment is heading and share your thoughts on what properties you'd love to see rebooted. Follow us @OpenQueueProductions on Instagram to continue the discussion about the evolving entertainment industry.

    51 min

  3. AUG 12

    Your Friends and Neighbors: Wealth, Whiskey and What Really Matters

    Send us a text Ever wonder what fuels the creative fire of entertainment industry professionals? In this episode, Shaka and Charles take you on a journey through their sources of inspiration and introduce an exciting new segment that pairs premium spirits with thought-provoking content analysis. The conversation opens with reflections on film festivals, where the hosts find themselves reinvigorated by witnessing creators at all levels share their work. There's something profoundly moving about seeing projects made on shoestring budgets alongside more polished productions—a reminder of creativity's raw power regardless of resources. As Charles poignantly notes, "For art, embarrassment is the cost of admission," highlighting the courage required to put one's work before an audience. They explore the evolution of cross-media adaptations, celebrating how properties like Fallout and The Last of Us have transcended their original platforms to become rich expansions of beloved worlds rather than mere marketing exercises. This discussion reveals their deep appreciation for thoughtful world-building across different media formats. The highlight arrives with the debut of "Scripts and Sips," where Macallan 12 Sherry Cask scotch accompanies an incisive analysis of Apple TV+'s "Your Friends and Neighbors." Sipping this smooth, vanilla-noted whiskey, they dissect the show's exploration of wealth, materialism, and emotional emptiness. The hosts unpack how the series portrays characters who accumulate luxury items merely for status while their personal relationships crumble—a pointed commentary on society's problematic equation of wealth with moral worth. What makes this conversation particularly compelling is how it balances entertainment critique with universal human themes. Whether discussing character development that reveals unexpected depths or questioning when "enough is enough" in our pursuit of material success, Shaka and Charles create an engaging dialogue that will resonate with anyone navigating today's complex relationship with success, status, and genuine fulfillment.

    41 min

  4. JUL 30

    Souls in the Machine: Faith Meets Technology

    Send us a text Have you ever wondered what happens when human consciousness meets digital immortality? This thought-provoking episode dives deep into the realm of uploaded intelligence—a concept that goes beyond artificial intelligence to explore what happens when we can transfer our minds into computers. Starting with a captivating discussion of AMC's animated series "Pantheon," we unpack the ethical, existential, and philosophical questions raised when humans upload their consciousness to digital platforms. What does it mean to be human if our minds can exist without bodies? Is an uploaded consciousness truly the same person? And would you choose digital immortality if given the choice? The conversation travels through fascinating territory—from how different dimensions might relate to religious concepts of God and afterlife, to the practical implications of consciousness that moves at computer speed rather than human speed. We share personal reflections on whether we'd choose to upload ourselves, revealing surprising perspectives on digital existence versus natural death. As real-world technology rapidly advances with brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink, these formerly sci-fi questions have become increasingly relevant to our present. We explore how uploaded intelligence could transform geopolitics, redefine human relationships, and potentially create new forms of existence entirely. Whether you're fascinated by technology's cutting edge, philosophical questions about consciousness, or the intersection of faith and digital existence, this episode will leave you questioning what defines humanity in an increasingly digital world. Listen now and join the conversation about our potential digital afterlives.

    1h 10m

  5. JUL 30

    The Culture-Makers: From Sinners to Storytelling Success

    Send us a text Ready to explore what happens when creativity meets commerce in the entertainment industry? Join hosts Shaka Omari and Charles Malone as they kick off their new podcast journey with authentic conversations about navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood. Drawing from their decade of experience as industry professionals, the duo examines what keeps creatives going when success seems distant. They share a powerful perspective on maintaining passion for art while facing industry pressures: "Sometimes we put too much pressure on succeeding that we lose some of the love for the journey and the art." This tension between artistic fulfillment and commercial expectations becomes a recurring theme throughout their conversation. The hosts deliver a captivating analysis of Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," unpacking its rich cultural significance, religious themes, and artistic choices. Their discussion reveals the film's deeper layers, from its exploration of cultural appropriation to its representation of the seven deadly sins. As they break down how the blues music in the film connects generations, they demonstrate how authentic storytelling transcends cultural boundaries by tapping into universal human experiences. Alongside their film analysis, Shaka and Charles tackle the elephant in the entertainment room: artificial intelligence. Rather than falling into doom-and-gloom predictions, they offer a nuanced take on AI as a creative tool that might actually democratize storytelling for those without traditional industry access. Their perspective cuts through the fear with practical insight: "High productivity plus taste equals survival." Whether you're a creative professional, an entertainment enthusiast, or simply curious about the forces shaping today's media landscape, subscribe now to join this thought-provoking journey through the intersection of art, business, and cultural identity.

    1h 3m
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast where we talk about entertainment, pop cultural and the daily life of navigating the entertainment industry as a creative.

Information

  • Creator
    Open Queue productions, LLc
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Open Queue
  • Show Website
    The Open Queue