Required Watching

What happens when you take a classic spy thriller and remix it with Bollywood flair? In this episode, Tray Epps explores how Ek Tha Tiger redefines espionage cinema through a uniquely Indian lens. From high-octane action and political undertones to an emotionally layered romance, Ek Tha Tiger is more than just a blockbuster—it’s the foundation of the YRF Spy Universe.We unpack:Why Salman Khan’s Tiger is part action hero, part mythHow Katrina Kaif’s Zoya reshapes the damsel tropeThe subtle politics between India and PakistanWhat makes the action operatic, not just over-the-topAnd why this film matters for anyone interested in global filmmakingRequired or not? Absolutely. This is a case study in adaptation, scale, and storytelling beyond Hollywood’s shadow.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have you joined the YRF Spy University yet? Is Ek Tha Tiger a guilty pleasure or a cultural milestone? Let us know on YouTube or @RequiredWatching on socials.Subscribe to Required Watching wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s watch better, together.

Speed has one of the cleanest high-concept premises in movie history: A bomb on a bus that can’t drop below 50 MPH. And somehow, that one idea gave us 116 minutes of nonstop tension, character chemistry, and genre-defining moments.In this episode, Tray Epps breaks down why Speed is more than a 90s action movie — it’s required watching for anyone learning to write or direct films.We talk about:Why a simple, focused concept is the key to tensionWhat makes Keanu & Sandra’s dynamic work without leaning on romanceDennis Hopper’s villain as a case study in controlled chaosEditing that mirrors the heartbeat of the filmThe emotional weight behind every action beatSpeed’s influence on everything from Die Hard 3 to Bullet TrainFilmmaker Takeaways:Simplicity sells — and sustains storyUse pacing as a structural deviceWrite action that’s character-firstLess exposition, more stakesMake your villain a pressure cooker, not a monologuerRelated Episodes:Die HardEk Tha TigerGodzilla Minus OneMission: Impossible (coming soon)QUESTION: What’s your favorite Speed moment — and what did it teach you about storytelling?Subscribe to Required Watching for weekly cinematic deep dives with lessons filmmakers can actually use.

No budget. No experience. No film school. Just vision. In this episode, Tray Epps explores Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray’s quiet epic that became a landmark of world cinema.We unpack:Why Pather Panchali is essential for filmmakersThe deeply human story of Apu and his familyHow natural lighting and real locations created visual poetryMumblecore before mumblecoreThe sound of wind, footsteps, and Ravi Shankar’s sitarWhy slow pacing might be the pointThe global impact and lasting legacy of Ray’s debutThis isn’t just a film. It’s a lesson in how to move people with less.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Does Pather Panchali still hold up? Have you seen it recently—or is it still on your list? Tell us on YouTube or @RequiredWatching.Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly deep dives into global films and essential cinematic lessons.

What if Godzilla wasn’t just a monster—but a metaphor? In this episode of Required Watching, Tray Epps breaks down Godzilla Minus One and its black-and-white Minus Color version to explore why this movie hits harder than most modern monster films.This isn’t your dad’s Godzilla.We talk about:Why Minus One is a return to emotional, allegorical filmmakingHow a $15M budget delivered better results than most blockbustersThe deeper meaning behind Koichi’s arc and Godzilla as traumaThe difference color makes in storytellingTakashi Yamazaki’s masterful direction and use of light/shadowWhat filmmakers can learn about scale, theme, and heartThis is more than spectacle. This is what monster movies should strive to be.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Did you see the color version or Minus Color? Let us know what you thought in the comments or @RequiredWatching on social media.Subscribe for more global film deep dives. Let’s watch better. Let’s make better films.

Beyond music, Michael Jackson crafted groundbreaking short films. We dive into his cinematic influence, his storytelling techniques, and how his work reshaped music videos into an art form.