Required Watching

In this conversation, Tray Epps discusses the film 'American Fiction,' a satirical exploration of race, identity, and the media's portrayal of Black narratives. He highlights the film's critique of the publishing industry's obsession with stereotypical stories and the pressures faced by Black creatives. Epps shares personal reflections on authenticity in storytelling and the complexities of representation in film, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to American Fiction02:39 Satire and Stereotypes in Black Narratives05:00 Personal Reflections on Authenticity and Experience07:52 The Impact of Representation in Film

Today on Required Watching, Tray breaks down the impact and legacy of the documentary The Problem with Apu, a film that forced Hollywood to confront its long-ignored issues around representation and stereotyping — especially for South Asian communities.This episode explores what the documentary got right, why it sparked such a seismic conversation, and what every filmmaker should learn from its fallout.🎬 Episode HighlightsWhy The Problem with Apu became a cultural turning pointHow one animated character shaped real-world stereotypesThe ripple effect the doc had on casting, voice acting, and authenticityWhy intention doesn’t erase harm — and what filmmakers must considerThe parallels with Black representation and Tray’s own lived experiencesThe importance of acknowledging how media can be weaponisedWhy representation in voice acting deserves the same scrutiny as live-action rolesHow documentaries can spark change even when studios ignore criticismFilmmaking InsightsRepresentation is not optional — it shapes how entire groups are seen.Creative responsibility extends behind the camera, especially in writing, performance, and casting.Voice acting matters — authenticity doesn’t stop at the face on screen.Media has consequences, intended or not.Documentary storytelling can shift culture more than some blockbuster films.⭐Leave a Review & Join the GiveawaySubscribe to Required Watching and leave a 5-star review (podcast) or comment (YouTube) telling us your favourite film. Each entry counts toward the monthly giveaway.

Tray Epps dissects Bottoms, Emma Seligman’s razor-sharp, bloodiest teen satire. We unpack how heightened absurdity, messy queer protagonists, and raw fight choreography carry emotional weight without a single set-piece feeling gratuitous. Learn how this film walks the tightrope between meta-comedy and genuine stakes, and why it’s a must-study for any filmmaker pushing genre boundaries. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Full show notes and resources at requiredwatching.com.

Tray Epps explores Martin Scorsese’s cult classic The King of Comedy—the original parasocial horror story. We discuss Rupert Pupkin’s delusional quest for fame, Jerry Lewis’s poignant straight-man role, and how this film foresaw our current influencer culture.Episode Highlights: – Scorsese’s use of silence and dread to build tension – Robert De Niro’s portrayal of ambition vs. delusion – Satire on celebrity obsession long before social media – Takeaways for storytellers on character, tone, and satireWhether you’re editing your next short or mapping out your feature, this breakdown offers cinematic insights you won’t want to miss. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and visit requiredwatching.com for full show notes, timestamps, and exclusive filmmaker resources.

This episode explores why 'Rush Hour' endures as a beloved film 25 years after its release, dissecting the dynamic partnership between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. The video delves into how the film combines action and comedy, the smart pacing, and its respectful handling of cultural differences. It discusses the director's role in creating a movie with perfect balance, the chemistry between the stars, and the film's lasting impact on the buddy cop genre. Concluding with a call for viewers to rewatch the film with a critical eye, the episode emphasizes 'Rush Hour' as essential viewing for understanding action comedies.00:00 Introduction: Is Rush Hour a Buddy Cop Classic?00:18 The Dynamic Duo: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker00:56 Balancing Act: Action and Comedy01:33 Smart Pacing and Editing01:56 Cultural Exploration and Respect02:34 Director's Touch and Film Structure03:01 Legacy and Impact03:26 Conclusion: Why Rush Hour is Required Watching

This isn’t about Iron Man. It’s about what happens when the biggest film franchise in the world chooses nostalgia over risk, legacy over originality, and comfort over challenge.In this raw and personal episode, Tray Epps breaks down what RDJ’s return to the MCU really signals:Disney’s ongoing shift away from originality toward safer, proven IPThe erasure of newer creative voices in favor of familiar iconsThe unspoken moral inconsistencies behind casting decisionsAnd why the art of superhero cinema may be quietly dyingWe also touch on:Jonathan Majors and the uncomfortable optics of replacementThe moral posturing Disney tries to maintain (and where it fails)Why it’s time to give new talent real chances — and real redemptionThis isn’t a hot take. It’s a call for accountability, nuance, and better storytelling — on screen and off.🎤 New episodes coming soon with filmmaker Kate Driver and more. 🎥 Subscribe and stay tuned for deeper dives into film, culture, and the future of media.JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Are we watching the MCU reset or collapse? Should we separate the art from the artist — or hold studios to a higher standard? Let’s talk: @RequiredWatching on socials or drop a YouTube comment.

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.