Brown & Black

Rotten Tomatoes, the notorious film review aggregate website, has been shaping the movie choices of audiences for more than a decade. But a recent exposé reveals the site may be rotting from within.

In this episode, we discuss the New York Magazine article "The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes" and its reporting on how the website has become corruptible and is steadily losing its credibility. We also examine how the site has been vulnerable to manipulation by studios and PR firms alike. So we ask the big question... Is Rotten Tomatoes still a trusted source, or is it time to reconsider how we value artistic consensus? We discuss the biological lure of groupthink, the threat of consensus culture, and whether the public really cares about nuanced criticism versus easy answers.

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On this episode, Rico and Sargent have an in-depth discussion about the past, present and future of film criticism. Is it traditional film critics or opinion reviewers on TikTok? They share their personal journeys into film criticism, the role of Rotten Tomatoes today, the new influencer/film promoters of social media, and predictions for where the industry is heading. This is an insightful conversation for any fan or student of film and media criticism.

Episode Summary:

- How Jack and Mike got their start in film criticism

- The lack of diversity among mainstream film critics

- The impact of Rotten Tomatoes on critics vs audience scores

- How online and social media led to the rise of "everyone is a critic"

- The shift from traditional professional critics to influencers

- The role of ethics and public opinion in film criticism

- Predictions on the future of film criticism and movie watching experiences

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack argues why he believes the Barbie movie is really a Latina film at its core. Its pivotal scene centers on a Latina character and her mixed-race daughter.

The guys peel back the layers of the $150 million dollar marketing campaign that catapulted Barbie into the national spotlight, and examine the long-standing influence of predominantly white-centric advertising on communities of color, and how this latest campaign breaks that mold.

The conversation takes a detour into the sensitive territory of "patriarchy guilt". Jack throws a curveball, questioning Mike on his potential complicity in benefitting from patriarchal systems. The discourse is raw, thought-provoking and timely.

The question of the hour: Is Barbie set to claim the coveted Best Picture award? Mike, ever the devil's advocate, pushes back citing an uneven tone. But given the film's astounding critical acclaim and box-office triumph, will the Academy be able to ignore it?

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Hollywood is on strike! In this OFF THE CUFF episode, Jack and Mike discuss how the WGA and SAG-AFTRA walkouts could reshape the entertainment industry, including how it could lead to the collapse of American culture. They analyze the sociopathic CEO mentality, and why executives feel they can dehumanize actors and writers. The guys also explore a few potential scenarios of the strikes such as the death of the movie theater and decentralized Hollywood 2.0 created by actors and writers.

Episode Summary:

• WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes
• Existential threat to Hollywood
• Studio greed and lack of empathy
• Dehumanization of creators
• Sociopathic CEOs
• Potential boycotts and industry and cultural collapse
• Death of movie theaters?
• Decentralized Hollywood 2.0?

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In this episode of "Brown and Black," hosts Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss the need to challenge the stigma surrounding multi-hyphenates and the superficial nature of the question, "What do you do?" They emphasize the importance of recognizing one's own values and personal branding, highlighting passions and values instead of specific skills. By reframing the conversation, multi-hyphenates of color could overcome societal norms and forge deeper connections with others, leading to a more inclusive and understanding society.

Episode Summary:

• Societal Perceptions and Multi-Hyphenates: Explore why multi-hyphenates, especially those of color, face judgment and often have their social standing diminished.
• The Gig Economy & Perception of Multi-Hyphenates: Dive into how the rise of side hustles and the gig economy have contributed to a perception of multi-hyphenates as amateurs or solely motivated by financial gain.
• Artists vs. Multi-Hyphenates: Learn why artists are more readily accepted as multi-hyphenates, whereas other professions may limit exploration and growth outside of specialized fields.
• Hobbyists vs. Professionals: Understand why multi-hyphenates are often labelled as hobbyists, which can imply a lack of professionalism or commitment.
• Reconsidering The Question - "What Do You Do?": Consider a fresh perspective on this classic question, and why the response should focus on values and passions to foster deeper connections.

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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Actor and musician Rome Flynn joins the podcast to discuss his reprised role as Santiago Zayas in Season 2 of Amazon's hit rom-com series, 'With Love'. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of "casting authentically," the escalating concerns about actors' self-audition tapes, and Flynn's thoughts on the potential havoc a SAG strike could inflict on the Hollywood industry. We also broached the question: could Rome Flynn be the one to bring baseball legend Roberto Clemente's epic story to the big screen?

Episode Highlights:

"The Power of Authenticity": Rome Flynn discusses his approach to portraying honest and relatable characters, focusing on his role as Santiago Saez, a modern Afro-Cuban American cynic. He shares the challenges inherent in bringing such a layered character to life.

"Afro-Latino Representation and the Casting Process": Flynn illuminates the casting process for Santiago, and discusses the commendable efforts of Black actors in creating opportunities for underrepresented demographics within the industry.

"Navigating the Acting Industry": Flynn candidly shares his journey within the industry, and the strategic choices he has made to maintain his artistic integrity. He underscores the importance of decision-making for actors of color, which sometimes includes turning down certain roles.

"The Impending WGA Strike and AI Disruption": Flynn shares his insights on the ongoing WGA strike, the potential of a combined strike with SAG, and emphasizes the necessity for actors to fight for fair compensation, residuals, and protections against the potential threat of AI-digitization.

"Self-Auditions From Hell": Flynn discusses the current state of self-audition tapes, even though he no longer uses them. He recognizes the emotional weight that actors carry during the process and acknowledges the limitations of self-tapes in capturing a performer's essence.

"The Roberto Clemente Dream": Flynn expresses his enthusiasm for potentially playing such a role. However, he highlights the importance of aligning with the right team and storytellers who can honor and do justice to Clemente's inspiring story.

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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In this special episode of Brown & Black, we sit down with recent Pulitzer Prize-winning, Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer Michael Abels. We take a journey through his life, his passion for music, the challenges he faced as a Black composer in the 1980s, and his latest work on the film "Chevalier," based on the life of Joseph Bologne in the 1800s. We asked him about the barriers he overcame as a Black composer, what sets Joseph Bologne apart from traditional composers, and will classical music has to transform to survive in the era of artificial intelligence. Michael Abels weighed in.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Early Years: Abels reveals his lifelong love for music, sparked by childhood experiences of singing and moving to the rhythm of songs like "The Sound of Music." He started taking piano lessons at the age of four, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey.
2. Breaking Into The Classical Music Industry: Abels discusses the hurdles he faced in the 1980s when trying to establish himself as a film composer. Despite living in LA, he struggled to convince anyone to hire him, leaving him puzzled about the reasons behind his rejection… until he met Jordan Peele.
3. The Film "Chevalier": Hear how Michael was drawn to the film "Chevalier" and why he considered it an honor to contribute to telling Bologne's story. Through his involvement in the project, Abels gained a deeper understanding of Bologne's life and the challenges he faced, while witnessing the recognition Bologne's legacy was finally receiving.
4. The Significance of Joseph Bologne: Abels recalls his discovery of Joseph Bologne, a notable yet often overlooked figure in classical music history. As a groundbreaking composer in 18th-century France, Bologne's influence on the artistic scene is emphasized, underscoring his enduring relevance, particularly to underrepresented audiences.
5. Reclaiming Black Identity Through Music: Abels discusses the musical composition and scoring of the pivotal moment in the film when Bologne reclaims his Black identity and joins the fight for justice. He shares insights into how he fused classical and hip-hop elements to create a song of protest, conveying Bologne's transformation and his willingness to be seen authentically.
6. Helping the Next Generation of Composers of Color: Abels opens up about his involvement as a co-founder of the Composer's Diversity Collective. The advocacy group aims to increase visibility and opportunities for composers of color in the media industry, connecting diverse composers with directors and showrunners who can help tell untold stories.
7. Is The Future of Classical Music AI?: Abels reflects on the future of classical music with artificial intelligence and the need for greater diversity and multicultural representation. He applauds the efforts being made to make classical music more inclusive and accessible using hip-hop and other genres, emphasizing the importance of accommodating and engaging with the evolving world.

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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In this episode, we welcome back the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., to discuss the pressing issues currently facing musicians of color, such as the advancement of AI-generated music, the struggle for fair compensation, and the rise of Regional Mexican Music as a global force. We explore how the Grammys are addressing these issues, and pose the question: Will AI ever win a Grammy for Record of the Year?

Segment 1: Purpose of Grammy's on the Hill

Harvey Mason Jr. discussed the importance of Grammy's on the Hill, an annual advocacy event in Washington DC, which supports three crucial bills: The Hits Act, the American Music Fairness Act, and the RAP Act aim to address fair compensation, creative rights, and freedom of expression for artists. He explains how these bills could be transformative for artists of color, reducing the racial wealth gap and providing better financial opportunities.

Segment 2: Challenges Faced by Artists of Color

Mason acknowledges the historical lack of rights and limited monetization opportunities for artists of color. He recognizes the challenges faced by musicians in the industry and stresses the need for collective action to fight for their rights. He emphasizes the importance of valuing and supporting the creative community.

Segment 4: Live Event Ticketing Reform

Mason emphasizes the need for reform in the live event ticketing marketplace, discussing predatory practices, lack of transparency, and unfair ticket pricing that prevents fans from enjoying live performances and artists from receiving their fair share. He explains the Academy's efforts to work with Congress, bring stakeholders together, and address these issues in order to gain reform support.

Segment 5: The RAP Act and Artistic Expression

Mason explains the significance of the RAP Act, which seeks to protect artists from having their lyrics used as evidence against them in criminal trials. He discusses the importance of ensuring that artistic expression is not used as evidence and the ongoing efforts to pass this legislation at the state and federal levels. He emphasizes protecting artists' rights and freedom of speech.

Segment 6: The American Music Fairness Act

Mason discusses the American Music Fairness Act, which aims to establish performance royalties for songs played on AM/FM radio. He highlights the lack of performance royalties for artists in the United States, making it one of three countries without such provisions. Mason emphasizes the importance of providing equitable compensation for artists and the potential economic benefits for the music industry.

Segment 7: AI's Impact on Music and Grammy Potential

Mason addresses the rise of AI in music creation and its implications for the industry. He explains that AI-generated works are currently ineligible for Grammy consideration, as they are not copyrightable. Nevertheless, he recognizes the creative potential of AI and emphasizes the need for thoughtful regulation and safeguards to protect human creativity and ensure fairness.

Segment 8: Concerns about AI and Cultural Appropriation

Mason acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated music and the potential for cultural appropriation. He expresses the Academy's concern about protecting artists' faces, voices, and names from exploitation without permission or license. He emphasizes the need for regulations to prevent unauthorized use of artists' likeness and vocal sound, regardless of race.

Segment 9: The Rise of Regional Mexican Music

Mason reflects on the borderless nature of music and the opportunity for people to explore and appreciate different genres and cultures. He discusses the global impact of Regional Mexican Music, highlighting its success on streaming platforms. He emphasizes the power of music to connect people, foster understanding, and create positive change, making it an exciting time for the industry.

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In this episode, we are joined by Afro-Venezuelan and Afro-Indigenous singer 'GOTOPO,' who tells us about her new song "Sacudete" and delves into the intriguing concept of 'Ancestral Futurism,' an artistic approach that fuses the past, present, and future of pop culture while exploring heritage and identity. GOTOPO highlights the significance of connecting with cultural roots and using art to create conversations around race and identity in a less polarizing manner. Through ancestral futurism, she aims to bring together the past, present, and future in her work while helping others explore their heritage.

• Ancestral futurism means "looking back to repair the future"
• Integrating knowledge of the past to navigate the future through music
• Gotopo fuses the complexities of the African diaspora through her art, sharing forgotten truths and envisioning a fresh future

• The discovery of indigenous roots in her last name reveals forgotten history and trauma
• In the song "Sacúdete" Gotopo represents a blend of her complex identities and seeks imaginative space to process her past and present

• Movement plays a crucial role in Gotopo's live performances
• Connection to the music and feeling of being a part of the final piece of art

• Gotopo's multidimensional lyrical approach reflects all facets of her identity
• Breaking free from genre norms, she conveys her message through an imaginative blend of words

GOTOPO's Official Website

Ancestral Futurism

The Latino Renaissance: Overlooked by Mainstream Media

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack and Mike discuss two central topics affecting creators of color – the ongoing negotiations between the WGA (Writer's Guild of America) and Hollywood studios, and the invisible Latino renaissance in America that's receiving little recognition from mainstream legacy media.

Segment 1: The Writer's Guild of America Strike and Its Impact on Creators of Color

Jack and Mike dive deep into the WGA strike, examining its possible consequences on the entertainment sector and the specific implications for creators of color. The discussion delves into the potential fallout of a strike on daytime and late-night TV, viewership, and the release schedules of movies and television series.

Segment 2: The Invisible Latino Renaissance in America

The guys analyze the current Latino renaissance sweeping across the United States, calling attention to the glaring lack of recognition it receives from mainstream legacy media. They emphasize the significance of acknowledging and celebrating this cultural transformation, especially given the upcoming elections and their implications for people of color. The conversation also delves into the urgent need for more diverse, inclusive, and authentic storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Sources: The Latino Renaissance: Overlooked by Mainstream Media, Writer's Guild of America

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race.

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