The Tv Campfire

How authentic do plotlines about police need to be? Criminal justice plotlines and police procedurals have been a staple of both current and past TV programming. Shows today however, have the opportunity--and some say the obligation-- to explore the nuances and the contradictions inherent in real-life characterizations of police, the criminal legal system they work in, and the communities they affect. These writers and producers, along with a criminal law expert from the ACLU, discuss the importance and power of story, how they work together to ensure authentic representations of current issues, as well as the impact it has on viewer opinions on such issues as police practices, racial profiling, and the inequitable cash bail system—all in the name of fighting crime.Panelists: Sunil Nayar (Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer, The Red Line)Caitlin Parrish (Co-Creator/Writer, The Red Line)Joanna Johnson (Showrunner/Executive Producer, Good Trouble)Moderator: Twyla Carter (Senior Staff Attorney with the National ACL

As networks and studios look to diversify their writers rooms through non-traditional routes, playwrights have quickly become some of TV’s top staffing contenders and most influential showrunners. Hear from several writers who made the jump from the theater to the writers room as they discuss what drew them to television, the unique challenges of writing for both stage and screen, and what this trend means both industries moving forward.Panelists: Tanya Saracho (Creator/Executive Producer, Vida)Rachel Rusch (Senior Vice President, Television, Bad Robot)Beau Willimon (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer, The First)Alexander Woo (Co-Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer, The Terror)Moderator: Ben Travers (IndieWire)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!For details on THE PITCH COMPETITION, please visit: atxfestival.com/pitchWHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @A

Following the 2016 presidential election, U.S. culture saw a dangerous rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, rousing many in the entertainment industry to resist with a counter-narrative of inclusion. Within days MPAC (the Muslim Public Affairs Council) was flooded with inquiries requesting consultation on television shows with Muslim characters and recommendations for repped Muslim screenwriters to join their writers rooms. This panel of TV creatives, executives, and consultants discuss how they’ve impacted the industry in the last two years by raising the quantity and quality of Muslim characters; their efforts to increase visibility on and off-screen; and the forward-thinking importance of turning this moment into a sustained movement.Panelists: Carina Adly MacKenzie (Showrunner/Executive Producer, Roswell, NM)Mohammed Amer (Actor, Ramy)Nijla Mu'min (Writer/Director, Jinn)Sue Obeidi (Director, MPAC Hollywood Bureau)Moderator: Sonia Saraiya (Vanity Fair)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of you

While it’s true that television productions are increasingly aware of the emotional & physical stakes of performers on-set — many writers, actors, and directors still struggle with how to safely navigate scenes that contain intimate or sexual content. Join the creatives involved in crafting these scenes from start to finish for an honest discussion about empowering both writers and actors, and improving safe “sex” practices behind the camera.Panelists: Tanya Saracho (Creator/Executive Producer, Vida)Nicki Micheau ( Actor, Animal Kingdom)Alicia Rodis (Intimacy Coordinator, HBO series)Moderator: Joy Blake (Producer/Writer, Outlander)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!For details on THE PITCH COMPETITION, please visit: atxfestival.com/pitchWHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on th

While the original Twilight Zone (1959) helped popularize the format, the anthology series has taken on new life with the success of series like True Detective, Fargo, and Black Mirror. It's unique style of contained storytelling has attracted everyone from "movie stars," to fresh faces, to troupes of familiar players looking for variety onscreen. In this conversation, join the Casting Directors behind these dynamic short-form series as they discuss the unique intricacies and challenges associated with casting both episodic and serial anthologies.Panelists: Sherry Thomas (Casting Director, The Twilight Zone)Rachel Tenner (Casting Director, Fargo) Andrew Femenella (Casting Director, High Maintenance) Moderator: Ben Travers (IndieWire)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let

Through innate intimacy and week-to-week stories, television is arguably our most impactful medium, having the power to change hearts and minds. Hear creators, writers, and actors discuss how series can rise above trends and token characters by weaving in storylines of gender, race, religion, aging, immigration, health care, and many more — all with the belief that exposing audiences to a variety of people, experiences, and worlds they might never encounter will foster understanding, empathy, and community. Panelists: Elisabeth R. Finch (Co-Executive Producer/Writer, Grey's Anatomy)Sunil Nayar (Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer, The Red Line) Dee Harris-Lawrence (Showrunner/Executive Producer, David Makes Man)Justin Baldoni (Executive Producer/Director/Actor/Entrepreneur, My Last Days)Moderator: Maury McIntyre (President & Chief Operating Officer, Television Academy)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to

The cast and creatives behind Hulu's hit import LETTERKENNY discuss going from web series to full-fledged show, Canadian humor, and pulling pranks in this Q&A from ATX Season 8.Season 7 of Letterkenny is now streaming on Hulu!Panelists: Jacob Tierney (EP/Director/Cast)Mark Montefiore (EP)Nathan Dales (Cast)Michelle Mylett (Cast)K. Trevor Wilson (Cast)Moderator: Joanna Robinson (Vanity Fair)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on this episode (or any episode!) using #TheTVCampfire!SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to watch full panels (like this one) and Q&As from Season 8 and past festivals!BUY A BADGE at atxfestival.com/buy-a-badge and join us next June for ATX Season 9 (June 4-7, 2020)!Episode produced by: Caitlin McFar

TV series broaching stories of mental health and mental illness are on the rise, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and PTSD. By exploring everything from diagnosis and treatment, to daily ups-and-downs, they’re bringing to light what often goes unsaid: the journey towards mental health is universal. Join the writers from a few of TV’s bravest, smartest, weirdest, kindest, most challenging series for an honest discussion about destigmatizing the conversation around mental illness, and breaking open the incredibly un-universal notion of ‘normal.’Panelists: Stephen Falk (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer/Director, You're The Worst)Mike Royce (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer, One Day At a Time) Meredith Averill (Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer, The Haunting of Hill House)Arielle Kebbel (Actor, Midnight,Texas)Moderator: Ben Travers (IndieWire)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.c

As the crisis at the border continues, Amnesty International has been mobilizing and uniting people to welcome refugees and asylum seekers who are fleeing violence and persecution. Too often, these people are portrayed in politics and in the media as two-dimensional tropes -- victims or villains -- without a platform or access to tell their own stories. So what is the role of television in breaking down these harmful stereotypes? Tune in for a discussion with writers & advocates about how to restore agency to refugees and asylum seekers through inclusive representation, multi-faceted characters, and humanist narratives.Panelists: Elisabeth R. Finch (Grey's Anatomy), Alexander Woo (The Terror: Infamy), Rafael Agustin (Jane the Virgin), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time)Moderator: Ashley Houghton (Amnesty International)Correction: The first ATX Season 8 podcast release from The Syndication Project was Better With Age: Growing Older on TV presented by Hollywood Health and Society. --DISCOUNT for Podcas

Each year, ATX seeks to recognize an individual whose body of work encompasses the very best of the medium; whose career endures as thought-provoking, lasting, genuine, expansive - and ultimately - entertaining. This year we were honored to present our "Award in Television eXcellence" to legendary actress Phylicia Rashad (David Makes Man, The Cosby Show), who was joined in conversation by friend and co-star Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us) for this one-of-a-kind look back and forward at her ongoing and remarkable career.Panelist: Phylicia RashadModerator: Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on this episode (or any episode!) using #TheTVCampfire!SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to watch full panels (

As the spectrum of inclusivity on TV grows, so has the number of shows exploring later-in-life narratives. Never before has there been such an array of characters who redefine what life is like after sixty-five. From series that center on the senior experience, to characters who are part of a multi-generational story, to unpredictable yet relatable solo journeys -- join the writers and actors behind these fully-formed, authentic characters for a timeless discussion about aging onscreen.Panelists:Sarah Thompson (writer, How To Get Away with Murder) Mike Royce (creator/writer/EP, One Day at a Time) Brent Miller (executive producer, One Day at a Time) Mimi Kennedy (actor, Mom) Moderator: Kate Langrall Folb (Director, Hollywood, Health & Society)To learn more about Hollywood, Health & Society, please click here. --DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purcha

TV has often told deeply affecting stories of loss, death, and trauma, but rarely has it leaned into its unique ability to linger in the messy, uncomfortable business of grief. Recently a number of series have turned their focus to this universal experience, ranging from animated to comedy to horror, from freshman series to established ones and from broadcast networks to digital platforms. Hear from the creatives behind these stand-out episodes & seasons as they discuss their varied approaches to depicting grief, survivors, and a shared catharsis with viewers.**NOTE: Episode contains spoilers for major character deaths. Please see below for spoiler notes/time codes!**Panelists:Kit Steinkellner (creator/executive producer, Sorry for Your Loss)Meredith Averill (co-showrunner/executive producer, The Haunting of Hill House)Julie Plec (creator/executive producer, Legacies)Carina Adly MacKenzie (showrunner/executive producer, Roswell: New Mexico)Moderator: Daniel Fienberg (The Hollywood Reporter)Intro (Beg

The cast & creators of THE LEAGUE reunite at ATX ten years after the series premiere to revisit how the show came together, their unique approach to filming the semi-improvised comedy, and share a few of their wildest behind-the-scenes stories. Panelists:Jeff Schaffer (Creator/Executive Producer/Director)Jackie Marcus Schaffer (Creator/Executive Producer/Director)Paul Scheer (Cast)Nick Kroll (Cast)Katie Aselton (Cast)Stephen Rannazzisi (Cast)Jason Mantzoukas (Cast)Moderator: Joanna Robinson (Vanity Fair)--DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 15% OFF of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on this episode (or any episode!) using #TheTVCampfire!SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to watch full panels (like this one) and Q&As from Season 8 and past festivals!BUY A BADGE at at

Twelve years after the premiere, ATX Season 8 went back to Cyprus-Rhodes University for a reunion with the cast & creatives of GREEK! Keep listening after the panel to hear more from Spencer Grammer, Jacob Zachar, and Zack Lively.Panelists: Patrick Sean Smith (Creator/Executive Producer)Shawn Piller (Executive Producer)Lloyd Segan (Executive Producer)Spencer Grammer (Cast)Amber Stevens West (Cast)Jacob Zachar (Cast)Zack Lively (Cast)Tiffany Dupont (Cast)Moderator: Breanne Heldman (People Magazine)--ALERT: DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:You can get 15% Off of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on this episode (or any episode!) using #TheTVCampfire!SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to watch full panels (like this one) and Q&As from Season 8 and past festivals!BUY A BADGE at 

In this episode of the TV Campfire, three of the funniest people on TV-- D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place), Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), and Lauren Ash (Superstore)-- join equally funny moderator Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) in conversation. They discuss early comedy influences, share stories from the sets of their hit NBC shows, and more. Plus they make us laugh a whole lot.Keep listening after the panel for some s'more with D'Arcy Carden in our PodcastHQ!Panelists:D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place) Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) Lauren Ash (Superstore) Moderator: Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine)--ALERT: DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:You can get 15% Off of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on this episode (or any episode!) using #TheTVCa

This episode of the The TV Campfire features a behind-the-scenes look at the The Terror: Infamy with the creative team behind the anthology series' second season.Following the Q&A from the premiere screening from Season 8, ATX's own Ashland Viscosi sits down with George Takei in out Podcast HQ for a talk about his history, his love of TV, and how the two come together.Set during World War II, The Terror: Infamy's haunting and suspenseful 10-episode season centers on a series of bizarre deaths that haunt a Japanese-American community, and a young man’s journey to understand and combat the malevolent entity responsible. "Infamy" premiered on Monday, August 12 and airs Mondays at 9/8c on AMC.Panelists: Alexander Woo (Co-Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer)George Takei (Consulting Producer/Cast)J.R. Hawbaker (Co-Costume Designer)John Conroy (Director of Photography)Moderator: Richard Whittaker (Austin Chronicle)--ALERT: DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:You can get 15% Off of your Season 9 (June 4-7)

In this double episode of The TV Campfire the casts and creatives of the Freeform hits grown-ish and Good Trouble join ATX season 8 to discuss their second seasons, spin-offs, and how to tackle real world issues in today's climate.grown-ish follows Zooey Johnson, who audiences first met in the ABC hit black-ish, as she and her friends navigate college. The show's completed second season is available to stream on Freeform and Hulu.Panelists:Craig Doyle (Executive Producer/Writer)Yara Shahidi (Cast)Francia Raisa (Cast)Jordan Buhat (Cast)Trevor Jackson (Cast)Moderator: Amanda N'Duka (Deadline)Hailing from creators Joanna Johnson, Peter Paige, and Bradley Bredeweg, Good Trouble follows the Adams Foster siblings, Callie (Maia Mitchell) and Mariana (Cierra Ramirez), as they embark on the next adventure in their lives in Los Angeles. Good Trouble airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Freeform.Panelists:Joanna Johnson (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer)Maia Mitchell (Cast)Cierra Ramirez (Cast)Moderator: Breanne Heldman (People Ma

The dramatic backstories. The elaborate productions. The showmanship. Get an inside look at the creative & technical process behind your favorite competition shows, and the ways in which they continue to defy “peak TV”.Panelists:Julie Pizzi (Co-Executive Producer, The Challenge)Nicolle Yaron (Executive Producer, Making It)Andrew Llinares (Executive Producer, Dancing With the Stars)Moderator: Emily Longeretta (Us Weekly)WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know your thoughts on this episode (or any episode!) using #TheTVCampfire!SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to watch full panels (like this one) and Q&As from Season 8 and past festivals!BUY A BADGE at atxfestival.com/buy-a-badge and join us next June for ATX Season 9 (June 4-7, 2020)!Episode produced by: Caitlin McFarland, Emily Gipson, AJ Meyers, and audio partner Five Ohm Productions.ATXFestival.com  FiveOhm.com--ALERT: DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:Get 20% off

Whether you've already binged all of season 4 or are taking your time with a full series rewatch, you won't want to miss our ATX Season 8 panel with the men of Veronica Mars. Creator Rob Thomas and cast members Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, and Percy Daggs III joined ATX this year to talk all about the being revived on Hulu, characters old and new, and what keeps them all coming back to good 'ole Neptune, CA.Note: our intro to this episode was pre-recorded with love before Hulu's surprise early release of season 4. Veronica Mars does always love to keep us on our toes...PanelistsRob Thomas (Creator)Jason Dohring (Cast)Enrico Colantoni (Cast)Percy Daggs III (Cast)Moderator: Sarah Rodman (Entertainment Weekly)--ALERT: DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:You can get 15% Off of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFestival.com/Buy-A-Badge and follow links to purchase!WHERE TO FIND USFOLLOW us at @ATXFestival on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and let us know

The creative minds behind the FXX hit Archer returned to ATX for the third time in Season 8. In this Q&A following a very-special- ATX-only version of an episode from the show's tenth season, you'll hear from the minds behind the animation and get some stories from the always charming star, H. Jon Benjamin. Archer is an animated, half-hour comedy that follows Sterling Archer, Lana Kane and their crew of acid-tongued misfits onboard the M/V Seamus salvage ship. In season 10, an important question arises as they explore deep space and try to outsmart giant aliens, intergalactic pirates and vicious bounty hunters: how do they survive each other? Welcome to the space-tastic world of Archer: 1999.Panelists: H. Jon Benjamin (Cast) Taylor Parrish (Lead Storyboard Artist) Chad Hurd (Producer/Art Director) Moderator: Matt Thompson (Executive Producer, Archer) --ALERT: DISCOUNT for Podcast Listeners:You can get 15% Off of your Season 9 (June 4-7) Badge using the promo code: TVCF2020. Go to ATXFe