Making Hollywood Come to You with Talent Manager James Swoope (M88)

Are you a Hollywood assistant a.k.a. a rockstar with thick skin able to work in a fast-paced environment?! This is the episode for you! Assistants vs. Agents creator Warner Bailey joins IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo to share how he turned his viral meme page into a community empowering the next generation of entertainment power players, and a business with a newsletter, job board, podcast, events, merch, creative projects, and partnerships with brands like Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Apple TV+ and more. He also provides actionable tips for assistants and bosses alike, and reveals how he built a business that is helping redefine what success looks like in Hollywood today. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(00:00) The email he caan’t believe was sent(01:58) Voice Memo from Kirk Sommer, WME Global Co-Head of Music(06:15) Warner’s assistant journey at WME Music(09:25) Building Assistants vs. Agents(14:10) The Assistants vs. Agents business model(15:30) Tools for young creatives and people breaking into the industry(16:30) Is the assistant path still the way?(19:00) Providing resources for a career roadmap in entertainment in today’s job market(20:20) Being the boss(24:08) Hard lessons learned about managing people(27:56) Responsibility to the AvA community(28:52) Crazy assistant stories and DMs(29:40) Laughter, group therapy, community, and feeling like we’re not alone(30:14) The Ari Emanuel story (a.k.a. the email you caan’t receive)(32:12) The process a.k.a. the manila envelope that inspires AvA(35:14) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITYNow playing in video on YouTube and in audio on all podcast platforms.For transcripts and more information: ProximityMedia.comPROXIMITY MEDIAFollow us @ProximityMedia on Instagram and TikTok.IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

How did a documentary and Ryan Coogler’s Chinese family ancestry lead to a role consulting on the blockbuster film SINNERS? Journalist, documentary filmmaker, and SINNERS cultural consultant Dolly Li joins IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo to talk about her work on SINNERS, her documentary THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICA’S SOUTHERN CHINESE, and why Remmick’s (Jack O’Connell) iconic lines about licking to Grace Chow (Li Jun Li) were so integral to the story. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(00:00) These lines about licking(01:30) How Dolly started working on SINNERS(06:15) The Delta Chinese community's reaction to the film(08:00) How the Delta Chinese felt about the grocery stores in the film(08:35) Working with production design(09:10) The role of Chinese-owned grocery stores in the segregated south(09:50) What it was like for Dolly to see the film(12:00) These lines about licking (the full story)(14:36) Grace Chow (Li Jun Li) and the internet discussion around her role(21:30) The Mississippi Delta Chinese and Dolly's documentary with AJ+(29:42) Asian American representation in film today(31:08) Voice Memo from Jun Stinson Yamagishi (journalist, supervising producer)(35:06) The Process: "Are You Ornamental? Are We Always Foreigners?"(40:14) The Process: Chinese in Mississippi in 1960(41:55) The Process: Visual art, watercolor, and motion graphics(45:21) Shifting from producer to on-camera host(47:57) Prox RecsIN PROXIMITYNow playing in video on YouTube and in audio on all podcast platforms.For transcripts and more information: ProximityMedia.comPROXIMITY MEDIAFollow us @ProximityMedia on Instagram and TikTok.IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

How do you get a manager? What’s the difference between a manager and an agent? James Swoope, talent manager at M88, breaks it all down with IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo. From Cleveland to Hollywood, Swoope has built a career managing talent like Dominique Thorne (IRONHEART), actor and singer Coco Jones, designer and entrepreneur Jeff Staple, and athlete and podcaster Matt Barnes. In this conversation, he shares his journey from casting intern to working on JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH with Charles D. King and Ryan Coogler, his approach to talent management, what artists should really be working on, why it’s important to “have something to manage,” and why Swoope calls himself a unicorn. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(00:00) How does one get a manager?(01:34) Voice Memo from Charles D. King (Founder & CEO, MACRO)(05:25) Swoope’s unique sense of style and why he’s a unicorn(08:06) From casting intern to working on JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH(12:55) How to get a manager(14:35) What artists should be working on(16:25) “I’m the 10%. You’re the 90%.”(19:18) What does a manager do?(21:31) What’s the difference between a manager and an agent?(23:45) Rapid-Fire Questions and Advice(25:20) Show & Tell: 3 NINJAS and FORREST GUMP(30:07) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITYNow playing in video on YouTube and in audio on all podcast platforms.For transcripts and more information: ProximityMedia.com PROXIMITY MEDIAFollow us @ProximityMedia on Instagram and TikTok IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost/Director/Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken Nana, Andrea WalterMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

Writer/Director Justin Tipping (KICKS, THE CHI) joins IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo to break down the making of his new film HIM, produced by Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions. He reveals how grief and greatness shaped his bold mix of sports and horror, how Hitchcock and Busta Rhymes inspired the film’s genre-bending score, and how growing up Filipino (Ilocano, Visayan) and Scandinavian (Danish, Swedish) in the Bay Area informed his perspective as a filmmaker. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(02:14) Being the G.O.A.T.(04:00) Working with Jordan Peele on HIM(08:38) How grief and greatness inspired HIM(14:48) Filming the training scene, football, and body horror(19:04) The invisible killer(22:17) HIM Score: Sampling CAT scans and MRIs with Bobby Krlic, Guapdad4000, Busta Rhymes, and Hitchcock(26:51) HIM Soundtrack: AIGHT? with Carl Angelo(28:27) Voice Memo from Tyriq Withers: How does being from the Bay set you apart?(31:12) Editing and setting the tone with a lookbook(34:17) Prox Recs IN PROXIMITYNow playing in video on YouTube and in audio on all podcast platforms. For transcripts and more information: ProximityMedia.com PROXIMITY MEDIA Follow us @ProximityMedia on Instagram and TikTok. IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost/Director/Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaMotion Graphics Designer: Apollo BaldozProduction Assistants: Isabella Miller, Devin SaddlerSound Production Assistant: Isabella MillerPost-Production Coordinator: Celine MendiolaSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun Sawada

A voice memo from Ryan Coogler to Paola Mardo – writer, producer, Proximity Media’s head of audio, and the new host of IN PROXIMITY podcast!Starting Monday, September 22nd, catch weekly episodes with exciting guests pushing the boundaries of film, TV, music, art, and culture. Plus updates on Proximity’s latest projects like SINNERS, IRONHEART, EYES OF WAKANDA, and more. Available in video and audio on YouTube, all podcast platforms, and ProximityMedia.com. IN PROXIMITYNow playing in video on YouTube and in audio on all podcast platforms.For transcripts and more information: ProximityMedia.comPROXIMITY MEDIAFollow us @ProximityMedia on Instagram and TikTok.IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIAHost, Director, Producer: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev OhanianTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonCo-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick EpinoSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Patrick Epino, Brittani Brown, Ken NanaProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Ben Caloza

From the Def Jam Poetry scene to the set of a major Marvel TV show, Oakland-raised writer, poet, rapper, actor, playwright, and screenwriter Chinaka Hodge knows how to tell an epic story. Her most recent project, the Marvel TV series IRONHEART, released to Disney+ in June. Starring Dominique Thorne, IRONHEART tells the story of “bad girl genius” Riri Williams on a mission to be the greatest inventor of her generation, which she says doesn't mean much without the resources to bring her ideas to life. Riri resorts to alternative means to get said resources, meeting a host of friends and foes, including an A.I. based on her best friend, N.A.T.A.L.I.E. (played by Lyric Ross), and Parker Robins, also known as “The Hood” (played by Anthony Ramos). To give us insights into pitching, writing, and running IRONHEART, Chinaka sits down with IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo and her longtime friend, Proximity Media founder and IRONHEART executive producer, Sev Ohanian.Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.((3:25) Get Reel(5:31) Chinaka and Ironheart’s Origin Story(21:14) Writing Ironheart Was Personal(33:58) SUITS(40:17) Unmatched Energy On Set and Beyond(45:54) Into Chinaka’s Office(48:09) Sev and Chinaka in Film School(57:05) Chinaka as a Playwright(1:00:10) The Ironheart Writer’s Room(1:08:14) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaIronheart is a production of Proximity Media and Marvel StudiosExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoHost, Director, and Producer: Paola MardoEditor, Sound Mixer, Sound Designer, and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaDirector of Photography: Jonathan ChungTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Jun SawadaSpecial Thanks: Patrick Epino, the Proximity Media team, and our listeners.

SINNERS is only in theaters April 18 and we made a special two-part miniseries about the making of the film! Composer and executive producer Ludwig Göransson spoke with director, writer, and producer Ryan Coogler at his studio to talk about how the Delta blues and their family history inspired the film’s story and sound. They also break down the song “I Lied To You,” written by Ludwig and Raphael Saadiq, and performed by Miles Caton as Sammie in the film. Stay until the end for a special musical demonstration by Ludwig himself.SINNERS marks Ludwig’s fifth feature collaboration with Ryan Coogler, following BLACK PANTHER, CREED, and FRUITVALE STATION. A globally recognized composer and producer, Ludwig has earned multiple awards, including two Academy Awards for BLACK PANTHER and OPPENHEIMER. His film and TV credits include VENOM, THE MANDALORIAN, and TURNING RED. As a record producer and songwriter, he has collaborated with artists like Chance the Rapper, Adele, HAIM, and Childish Gambino. He is also a co-founder of Proximity Media.SINNERS is produced by Proximity Media and Warner Brothers.To hear the songs that inspired the SINNERS score and soundtrack, including artists discussed in this episode, listen here.Listen to the first episode of this special SINNERS series with Ryan Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw here.Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(02:19) Get Reel(07:44) Blues Music(22:22) Writing & Composing “I Lied To You”(32:17) The Hero Guitar(35:42) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaDirector: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoFilm Score, Theme Song, and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonVideo Producer: Bianca CatbaganDirector of Photography: Andrea WalterAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaVideo Editors: Bianca Catbagan and Andrea WalterAudio Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaSound Recordist: Marcelo de OliveiraGaffer: Chris BoulosKey Grip: Kevin “Chui” ChiuProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria SantanaProduction Intern: Faith Wang

SINNERS is only in theaters April 18 and we made a special two-part miniseries about the making of the film! Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw sat down with director, writer, and producer Ryan Coogler at IMAX headquarters to discuss their collaboration as director and DP, how they called Christopher Nolan and Hoyte van Hoytema for advice, and how they brought this movie to life on the biggest screen possible.With SINNERS, Autumn made history as the first woman to shoot a theatrical feature film in 65mm and IMAX. She is a visionary cinematographer known for her work on THE LAST SHOWGIRL, PALO ALTO, and BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER. She was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the first season of Marvel’s television series LOKI. She has also shot music videos for artists like Janelle Monáe and Solange Knowles, as well as Rihanna for the Oscar-nominated song "Lift Me Up" from the WAKANDA FOREVER soundtrack.This episode is presented by IMAX.SINNERS is produced by Proximity Media and Warner Brothers.Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(2:34) Get Reel(12:57) Advice for filming in IMAX(17:07) Testing IMAX shots in Palmdale(24:22) Scene breakdown: Opening scene(31:16) Scene breakdown: Farmhouse scene(44:27) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaDirector: Paola MardoExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoFilm Score, Theme Song, and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaAudio Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerSocial Media Coordinator: Alexandria SantanaSound Recordist: Marcelo de OliveiraVideo Producer: Bianca CatbaganDirector of Photography: Andrea WalterVideo Editors: Bianca Catbagan and Andrea WalterGaffer: Chris BoulosKey Grip: Kevin “Chui” ChiuProduction Intern: Faith Wang

From FRUITVALE STATION to BLACK PANTHER, Rachel Morrison and Ryan Coogler are longtime friends and collaborators. Rachel is a groundbreaking director and cinematographer who made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for MUDBOUND and the first to lens a Marvel film with BLACK PANTHER_._ Her feature directorial debut, THE FIRE INSIDE, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and hits theaters this Christmas. Written by Barry Jenkins, THE FIRE INSIDE tells the inspiring true story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing. Rachel spoke with Ryan about her trailblazing journey from photography to cinematography and directing. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(2:31) Get Reel(12:29) Choosing the right film stock for Fruitvale Station(15:36) Memories from the Fruitvale Station set(21:31) From photography to cinematography(34:13) Stepping into directing with The Fire Inside(44:25) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria Santana

Veteran studio executive Courtenay Valenti began her career as an assistant at Warner Bros. in the 1980s, eventually rising to President of Production and Development. During her tenure, she championed major hits including BARBIE, THE COLOR PURPLE, and Proximity’s JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH. Today, Courtenay is Head of Theatrical and Streaming Films at Amazon MGM Studios where she oversees the company’s film slate and strategic direction. Courtenay sat down with her former colleague, Proximity’s head of film Rebecca Cho, for an empowering conversation about the role of a studio executive, lessons in leadership and mentorship, and the secret to making a sustainable and impactful Hollywood career. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.(2:09) Get Reel(9:31) Difference between a studio exec vs. producer(18:07) What makes a great leader(23:42) Navigating industry changes(33:42) Working with creatives(37:17) Prox RecsCONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.CREDITS:In Proximity is a production of Proximity MediaExecutive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola MardoTheme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig GöranssonProducer: Caitlin PlummerAssociate Producer: Celine MendiolaSound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken NanaEditors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle CamangyanProduction Assistant: Isabella MillerDesign and Social Media: Alexandria Santana