The Boom
Mark E. Swinton writes and produces some of Tyler Perry Studios’ biggest shows
In addition to his work as the senior vice president of scripted programming at Tyler Perry Studios, Mark E. Swinton produces and writes on shows like “Sistas” and “House of Payne.” Mark talks with Jewel about his move from theatre into television, relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta to work for…
27:25
“The Visitor” (1979) is chaos in Downtown Atlanta
When film programmer Millie De Chirico was on The Boom, we asked her what cult films she recommended that had an Atlanta connection. One of the recommendations was Michael J. Paradise’s “The Visitor,” a sci-fi, horror romp through the heart of Atlanta. Millie returns to The Boom to discuss the film…
34:54Explicit
Glynn Turman’s life outside of film and TV informs his acting
Actor Glynn Turman’s career has spanned the majority of his life and that means he’s able to bring lived experience into many of his roles. After starring in the original Broadway production of “A Raisin in the Sun,” he’s gone on to act in many TV series and films. “A Different World,” “The Wire,”…
20:24
How Matt Akey makes visual effects undetectable
Visual effects producer Matt Akey knows he’s done his work effectively if you never notice that he touched a film or TV show in the first place. From “Creed III” and “The Holdovers” to “The Boys” and “West World,” he’s worked on an array of projects requiring different kinds of imaging. Akey talks …
33:55
Millie De Chirico keeps cult classics alive and well
Millie De Chirico got her start in the film and television industry at Turner Broadcasting in the programming department. From there, she programmed “TCM Underground,” which broadcast cult classics and late-night films. These days, she co-hosts the podcast “I Saw What You Did,” dissecting films eve…
28:57
Building films, fans, and community at Film Pitch ATL
Film Pitch ATL is a monthly event where all levels of filmmakers at any point in the creative process can go to pitch their project to a panel of industry experts receiving feedback in real time - in front of a live audience. There’s also ample opportunity to meet other people working in or explor…
24:41
The Wondaland Arts Society is more than just music
Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Arts Society goes far beyond music. From fashion and literature to film and TV, they’re working to tell stories across all mediums. Chuck Lightning, co-founder and creative director of Wondaland, talks about the expansion into film and TV. Then, musicians Nate Wonder and R…
36:02
Tiffany Elle Burgess explains how writing improves her acting
Actress Tiffany Elle Burgess (The Color Purple, The Wonder Years) has only been acting since 2020 but has already found herself in some big productions. Notably, she played Olivia, Celie’s biological daughter, in the 2023 musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” Tiffany explains how writing screen…
26:49
Going to school for TV and film in Georgia
What does pursuing a degree related to film and television look like? What can you actually study? SCAD students Grace Lawell, Jack Savage, and June Hauser share their experiences working toward degrees related to film and TV at the school and how Atlanta factors into their careers. Grace graduated…
34:12
Alpha Tyler works to get new talent on screen
Alpha Tyler got her start in casting as an intern on James Cameron’s “Titanic.” Since then, she’s worked on shows like “Martin” and as the casting director for Tyler Perry. Ready for a career change, Alpha became a professor of performing arts at SCAD in 2016 and is also the faculty adviser for SCA…
32:41