A Party Room and a Prison Cell
A look inside the Friends writers’ room and the challenging creative process behind one of the biggest TV hits of all time.
The Invention of the ‘Salvator Mundi’
As the author of this piece puts it – “What connects Leonardo da Vinci, a Russian oligarch, a Baton Rouge sheet metal man, a Saudi prince, several major museums, and a Swiss tycoon?’. The answer – Salvator Mundi.
Future Shock
A piece looking back at Alfonso Cuaron’s 2006 masterpiece Children of Men, which presents a dark yet recognisable version of the world, with one key difference – humans have lost the ability to reproduce. The article finds parallels in the state of the world portrayed in the film and the political moment we find ourselves in today, assesses its cultural impact and explores its cinematography, including its iconic single-shot scenes.
Plastic Surgery With a Mouse Click
An article that looks at how deep the special effects industry’s abilities run in changing the way that film and TV stars appear. Beyond simply documenting how this industry works, the piece raises some questions about what viewers actually want – reality or artifice?
Inside the Binge Factory
A behind the scenes look at how Netflix went from “a digital warehouse for other conglomerates’ intellectual property”, to producing “more television than any network in history”. A de-centralised commissioning structure, data, and a relentless focus on growth are three of the key ingredients.
In Conversation: Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones is fantastically indiscreet in this interview, covering everything from his relationship with the Trumps, to Michael Jackson’s alleged theft of songs and The Beatles’ lack of musical talent.
In Conversation: Kathleen Turner
The celebrated actress reflects on her life and career with refreshing frankness, and doesn’t hold back in discussing collaborators as varied and celebrated as Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, Francis Ford Coppola, Jack Nicholson, and the cast of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.