Checkin' The Gate

Owen Rogers
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Checkin’ the Gate is a film, television and culture podcast taking a look at the week's in content through the eye of an Atlanta based actor with an insatiable appetite for all things scripted ! Each episode explores the real experiences and realities of being an actor pursuing greatness. Hosted by Owen Rogers each episode features a breakdown in the latest prestige and Fandom television and all the hotest movies. Additionally each week spotlights an independent project created by people of color not produced by a major streamer. From directors and cinematographers to producers, artists, and cultural insiders, Checkin’ the Gate offers unfiltered insight into how stories get made and what project make it out production into the zeitgeist. Honest dialogue, sharp observations, and practical perspective for anyone navigating or curious about the film and creative world. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a fellow actor or a content junkie, this is where you check in before takeoff.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Super Bowl Trailers, Fallout Finale, Industry Chaos & Black Indie Film on a 30K Budget | Episode 3

    🎙️ Podcast: Checking the Gate 🎭 Host: Owen Rogers 🎬 Episode: 3 📍 Perspective: Working Black actor navigating Atlanta and the entertainment industry In This Episode Owen checks in from the road after a recent audition and reflects on the reality of being a working actor with no guarantees lined up. From featured extra work to packed screenings for Crime 101, he talks about the tension between opportunity and gatekeeping in prestige television. 📰 The Check-In: Life of a Working Actor • One audition while traveling • No auditions currently lined up • Featured extra role insights • Crime 101 screening hype • Gatekeeping in Hollywood and prestige TV A candid look at what it actually feels like to build a career from the inside. 📺 Super Bowl Trailers & Commercial Reactions Owen reacts to the biggest Super Bowl commercials and film trailers: • He-Man starring Idris Elba and Jared Leto • Project Hail Mary and the “one man in space” formula • Supergirl and franchise fatigue • Mario sequel rumors and Yoshi speculation • Minions expansion • Disney’s Hoppers body swap concept • Scream 7 release date • Jurassic Park Xfinity commercial • Squarespace spot with Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos • Bradley Cooper and Matthew McConaughey campaign • Melissa McCarthy ELF ad Trailer culture, nostalgia marketing, and blockbuster strategy unpacked. 🧬 Checking the Gate: TV Breakdown This week’s TV recap includes: Abbott Elementary Zac Fox episode spotlight and ensemble expansion. Animal Control Character shifts and comedic momentum. Going Dutch Singles mixer episode reaction. Fallout Finale • Resetting the father storyline • Maximus and Lucy dynamic • The Ghoul’s ongoing arc • Macaulay Culkin speculation Will Trent • Malcolm introduction • Multi episode arcs merging • Return to strong character driven storytelling Industry Season 4 • Rishi being sidelined • Africa storyline • Yasmin and Harper power shifts • Kwabena unraveling • Sex, status, and self destruction themes Prestige TV through the lens of performance, power, and character risk. 🎬 Black Indie Spotlight: Bullet Rush A look at indie action film Bullet Rush: • Female lead performance by Leslie Sheri • Strong drone cinematography • Acting highs and lows • Heavy use of effects • Estimated 30K budget • Directed by Jonathan Armour • Shot in 2020, released in 2025 Owen breaks down what indie filmmaking teaches about scale, ambition, and execution. 🎥 Current Box Office Talk • Zootopia still holding strong • Send Help, Iron Lung, and Solo Mio leading the weekend • No film crossing 10 million What box office trends signal about audience behavior right now. Why Listen? If you’re into: Prestige TV podcasts Fallout recaps Industry HBO breakdowns Black actor perspectives Super Bowl trailer reactions Indie film analysis Atlanta film industry conversations Movie reviews without studio spin This podcast is built for you. 🔗 Follow & ConnectInstagram: @checkinthegate X (Twitter): @checkinthegateTIKTOK: @checkinthegatepod Email : checkinthegatepod@gmail.com  Have recommendations for shows, films, or Black-created projects to spotlight? Reach out on social. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m

  2. 3 FEB

    Best episode of Industry ever??? Social media stars make it to the big screen | Episode 2

    🎧 Host: Owen Rogers @theowenrogers ⏱️ Episode Length: Approx. 60 minutes 🎬 Topics: TV reviews, film criticism, Black indie film, acting industry, Atlanta film scene In This Episode Owen Rogers opens the episode with a personal industry check in, sharing recent auditions, actor logistics, and reflections on life as a working actor in Atlanta before diving into the week’s cultural slate. Rest in Peace Catherine O'Hara 🔹 Life of a Working Actor • Auditions and actor access • Finding scene partners and navigating casting logistics • Industry screenings and staying visible 📺 TV Check In and Weekly Reactions Owen reacts to new episodes, trailers, and ongoing conversations around: • Industry season 4 episode 4 • Fallout season 2 episode 7 • St. Denis Medical,  Animal Control,  Going Dutch,  Stumble • Cartoon Corner and animated culture moments Primal The Darwin Incident  Smart critiques, cultural context, and actor focused observations throughout. 🧬 Black Indie Spotlight A closer look at Black and independent storytelling, including: • Terri Joe: Miami Missionary  and its social media to screen pipeline • Tyler Perry parallels and audience targeting • Once Again (For the Very First Time) directed by Boaz Yakin • Byron Bowers and Bronx Science alumni connections • The balance between artistry, platform, and greenlighting decisions 🎬 Movie Review Owen gives an honest, spoiler aware review of new releases:  • Mercy I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not   CHECKIN THE GATE  a CHNO ENTERPRISES production 🔗 Follow & ConnectInstagram: @checkinthegate X (Twitter): @checkinthegateTIKTOK: @checkinthegatepod Email : checkinthegatepod@gmail.com  Have recommendations for shows, films, or Black-created projects to spotlight? Reach out on social. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
  3. Wonder Man, Acting, and the Cost of Getting in Your Own Way

    29 JAN

    Wonder Man, Acting, and the Cost of Getting in Your Own Way

    Welcome to Episode 1 of Checkin’ the Gate. In this first episode, host Owen Rogers launches the podcast with a deep, spoiler-filled breakdown of Marvel’s Wonder Man Season 1—a series that uniquely centers a superhero who is also an actor.   Using Wonder Man as a starting point, Owen explores how the show functions not just as a Marvel property, but as a meta commentary on acting, perfectionism, mental health, code-switching, and the emotional cost of navigating creative spaces—particularly as a Black man in the industry.   🦸‍♂️ Main Topics DiscussedMarvel Spotlight series and Wonder Man’s self-contained storytellingSimon Williams as a method actor and superheroRace-swapping in fandom and audience receptionToxic fandom culture and resistance to changePerfectionism, self-sabotage, and “getting in your own way”Set hierarchy, power dynamics, and day-player realitiesSelf-tape culture and modern audition stressCode-switching and navigating professional spacesMental health themes embedded in superhero storytellingMeta storytelling: actors playing actors playing superheroesTrevor Slattery, betrayal, and Damage ControlMarvel genre experimentation (WandaVision, Andor comparisons)🎥 Key Character & Story HighlightsSimon Williams / Wonder Man as a talented actor battling internal obstaclesTrevor Slattery’s double-agent arc and emotional betrayalThe Doorman episode as a standout vignette on fame and disposabilityCommentary on insurance, liability, and superpowered regulationMarvel’s synergy and self-referential storytellingA superhero whose greatest villain is himself  🌍 Black in the Spotlight (Independent Feature)As part of the show’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting independent projects by creators of color, Owen highlights: Send Help (2022) — originally released on ALLBLK (AMC)A series centered on Black actors navigating the industryFeatures overlap with Wonder Man cast membersExplores collaboration, visibility, and Black Hollywood ecosystemsNot produced by a major streamer at launchThis segment establishes a recurring feature of the podcast: uplifting independent Black-created film and television projects that deserve more attention. 🍿 Additional Watches This WeekSent Home (Amazon Prime) — Jason Momoa & Dave BautistaHeist Season 1 (Amazon Prime)Industry Season 4, Episode 3 (HBO)  ⏱️ Useful Timestamps00:00 — Podcast introduction & Wonder Man setup 03:05 — Spoiler warning & episode breakdown begins 06:00 — On-set hierarchy & acting realism 12:00 — Self-tape culture & audition life 16:00 — Code-switching & identity 21:00 — The Doorman vignette & fame commentary 32:00 — Trevor Slattery betrayal & climax 37:30 — Black in the Spotlight: Send Help 42:30 — What else Owen watched this week 47:00 — Closing thoughts & future episodes 🔗 Follow & ConnectInstagram: @checkinthegate X (Twitter): @checkinthegateTIKTOK: @checkinthegatepod Email : checkinthegatepod@gmail.com  Have recommendations for shows, films, or Black-created projects to spotlight? Reach out on social. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  4. Trailer

    29 JAN

    Trailer

    Welcome to Checkin’ the Gate—a weekly podcast breaking down film, television, and the entertainment industry through the eyes of a working actor actively navigating the space.   In this trailer episode, host Owen Rogers introduces the mission behind the show and the lens through which every conversation is approached. Drawing from his real experiences as an up-and-coming actor in Atlanta, Owen sets the tone for a podcast that blends prestige television, fandom-driven series, blockbuster films, and industry news with cultural awareness and honest insight.   Each episode of Checkin’ the Gate will feature: Weekly discussions on film and television, including prestige TV, fandom culture, and major releasesCommentary on the realities of pursuing acting and creative excellenceIndustry insight into how projects move from production into the cultural zeitgeistA weekly spotlight on independent films and projects created by people of color that are not backed by major streamersThis podcast is designed for aspiring filmmakers, working actors, and content lovers who want more than surface-level reviews. It’s about representation, process, and perspective—both on screen and behind the scenes. 🔗 Follow & ConnectInstagram: @checkinthegate X (Twitter): @checkinthegateTIKTOK: @checkinthegatepod Email : checkinthegatepod@gmail.com  Have recommendations for shows, films, or Black-created projects to spotlight? Reach out on social. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 min

Trailer

About

Checkin’ the Gate is a film, television and culture podcast taking a look at the week's in content through the eye of an Atlanta based actor with an insatiable appetite for all things scripted ! Each episode explores the real experiences and realities of being an actor pursuing greatness. Hosted by Owen Rogers each episode features a breakdown in the latest prestige and Fandom television and all the hotest movies. Additionally each week spotlights an independent project created by people of color not produced by a major streamer. From directors and cinematographers to producers, artists, and cultural insiders, Checkin’ the Gate offers unfiltered insight into how stories get made and what project make it out production into the zeitgeist. Honest dialogue, sharp observations, and practical perspective for anyone navigating or curious about the film and creative world. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a fellow actor or a content junkie, this is where you check in before takeoff.

Information

  • Creator
    Owen Rogers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Checkin' The Gate
  • Show Website
    Checkin' The Gate