Curated by Chance

EPISODE 7: Falling for Lee Pace and Cozy Mysteries

In this week's episode, Neal talks about digital heartbreak and reveals two pieces of good news: his next book comes out October 1st (Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book) and he will be appearing on Season 2 of Fox's The Floor with Rob Lowe. Today Neal talks about an Agatha Christie classic, the origins and brilliance of Hercule Poirot, and why the book is perfect for the fall season. Lauren switches gears and breaks down a movie for the first time, The Fall (2006) highlighting its unique production process, practical sets, breathtaking locations, and what makes it a hidden gem. Does Kenneth Branagh deserve to be in the conversation of best Poirot adaptations ever? Listen and find out!

EPISODE 7 PROMPTS: 69, Eggshell, Fall

Pre-order Neal's next two books!

Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)

Watch The Floor premiering September 25th on Fox/Hulu

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www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

Neal's Topic:

Hallowe'en Party (1969)

by Agatha Christie

Where to get the book

Poirot TV Series

Lauren's Topic:

The Fall (2006)

Stream the film starting September 27th

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed: Agatha Christie, Halloween Party, Hallowe'en Party, Hercule Poirot, David Suchet, Kenneth Branagh, Indie Filmmaking, Tarsem Singh, The Fall (2006), Eiko Ishioka, Practical Effects in Film, Agatha Christie Adaptations, British Mysteries, Classic Mysteries, Halloween Mysteries, Art Direction in Film, Visual Storytelling, Lost Photos, Lawrence of Arabia, Anne V. Coates, Photo Storage, Google Photos, Social Media Marketing, Instagram Content, Patreon Support, Film Recommendations, Gothic Cinema, Limited Location Films, Child Acting, Film Production, Practical Filmmaking, Murder Mysteries, Timeless Movies, Salvador Dali, Ariadne Oliver, Apples

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EPISODE 6: It All Comes Back to Pastry

In today's episode, Neal and Lauren bring fascinating insights into art theory and indie filmmaking. Lauren dives deep into Walter Benjamin's theory of "The Diminishment of the Aura" and explores how it applies to the iconic Mona Lisa. She breaks down the painting's mysterious history, including lesser-known theories about its subject and Da Vinci's artistic mastery. Meanwhile, Neal takes on the world of indie filmmaking, sharing his thoughts on the improvisational sci-fi thriller Coherence (2013). He discusses the innovative ways filmmakers can work with limited budgets and no script and does a deep dive into the Dogma 95 movement and suggests some other limited location movies to check out. Lauren and Neal also coin a new rating system for movies (in the spirit of Siskel & Ebert) by a movie being a Popcorn Movie or a Cheesecake Movie!

EPISODE 6 PROMPTS: 1763, Replica, Indigo

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Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

Lauren's Topic:

Walter Benjamin's Diminishment of the Aura

High Res Scan of the Mona Lisa

Learn more about Da Vinci

Go see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre!

Neal's Topic:

Coherence (2013)

Where to stream the film

Trailer for the film

The film explained by the director

Recommendations:

Lauren

Neal

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed: Walter Benjamin, Diminishment of the Aura, Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci, Art History, Renaissance Art, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Art Theory, Mechanical Reproduction, Louvre Museum, Art Heists, Mona Lisa Theories, Famous Paintings, La Giaconda, Italian Renaissance, Fumato Technique, Eyebrows in Art, Da Vinci Code, Coherence Movie, Indie Film, Independent Filmmaking, Low-Budget Films, Improvisational Filmmaking, Psychological Thriller, Science Fiction Movies, Filmmaking Techniques, Long-form Improv, Limited Location Films, Dogma 95, Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, TikTok Content Creation, Social Media Marketing, Patreon Support, Shakespeare in Love, Best Picture Controversies, Harvey Weinstein, Best Picture Winners, Tiramisu, Pistachio Desserts, Restaurant Recommendations, Art Criticism, Modern Art, Teaching Art History, Mentoring Students, Branded TikToks, Film Directing, Improvisation in Movies, Creative Freedom in Filmmaking, French Art, Da Vinci’s Masterpieces, Reproduction in Art

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Today's episode goes back to the eighties...well, sort of! Neal decides to move away from film (at least for a few minutes) while talking about the jukebox musical Rock of Ages (2009). He shares fascinating insights about this nostalgic musical and it's film adaptation that features the unlikely musical debut of the biggest movie star in the world. Lauren discusses Frederic Leighton's Flaming June and the beauty of aestheticism in the late 19th century. She delves into Leighton's life and connection to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the deeper meaning of women in paintings. Lauren and Neal also come up with new ways of reviewing theatre and quote a member of Wu-Tang Clan to describe our connection to the world of art. All that and more on the fifth episode of Curated by Chance. What would YOU have done with the prompts?

EPISODE 5 PROMPTS:

Orange, Actor, 700, Honey

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Neal's Topic:

Rock of Ages

Where to stream the original Broadway cast album

Learn more about the show

Stream the film adaptation starring Tom Cruise

Lauren's Topic:

Frederic Leighton

Flaming June

1895

Where to see the art

Where to learn more about the painting

Learn more about Leighton

RECOMMENDATIONS:

& Juliet (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

LAUREN'S HOMEWORK:

Go check out some Victorian Art!

Check out Only Murders in the Building

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed: Jukebox musicals, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Constantine Maroulis, Kyle Gass, Laura Bell Bundy, Legally Blonde, 1980s, Rock of Ages, Tom Cruise, Frederic Leighton, Flaming June, Victorian Art, Greco-Roman, Aesthetic Movement, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Art History, Musical Theatre, Film, Adaptations, Madonna, Lactation, Grapes of Wrath, Wu-Tang Clan, Abba, Mamma Mia!, Only Murders in the Building, Big Night

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Get ready for a thrilling journey underwater and through Japan and New York City in Episode 4 of Curated by Chance! Hosts Neal and Lauren tackle an eclectic mix of topics that blend art history and cinematic suspense. This week, Lauren takes us through the fascinating life and works of Yayoi Kusama, the avant-garde queen of polka dots. From her early struggles in Japan to her rise as an influential artist in New York, Lauren sheds light on Kusama’s unique artistic vision, including her iconic Infinity Nets and her collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Neal dives into the tension-filled world of 1990s cinema with a breakdown of Crimson Tide (1995). Learn about the powerhouse performances by Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington, the intense mutiny aboard a nuclear submarine, and the genius of director Tony Scott.

Stay tuned as the duo navigates the themes of creativity, conflict, and collaboration in both the art world and film industry. Plus, discover how Kusama's personal battles shaped her groundbreaking works, and what makes Crimson Tide a quintessential dad movie full of suspense and moral dilemmas.

EPISODE 4 PROMPTS:

Red, 450, Failure

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Send us follow-up questions or questions relating to Art & Film for our Patreon Bonuses!

Neal's Topic:

Crimson Tide (1995) -

Where to stream the film

Where to buy the film

Lauren's Topic:

The Work of Yayoi Kusama

Where to see the art

Where to learn more about Kusama

Kusama: Infinity - Documentary

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Adventure Zone Podcast

My Brother, My Brother and Me Podcast

The Rest is Entertainment Podcast

All About Agatha (Christie) Podcast

Hoge & Jahns: Chicago Bears Podcast

LAUREN'S HOMEWORK:

12 Places To Find Infinity Rooms

NEAL'S HOMEWORK:

If you like Gene Hackman, check out Night Moves:

Trailer for Night Moves (1975)

Tony Scott: An Artist of Pure Cinema - Scott's style and influence

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed: Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Rooms, Avant-Garde Art, Polka Dots, Crimson Tide (1995), Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Tony Scott, Film Direction, Art Commercialization, Artistic Struggles, Submarine Movies, Mutiny in Cinema, 90s Blockbusters, Biography, Influence, Art Installations, Mental Health, Creativity, Louis Vuitton, Submarines, Dad Movies, Underwater, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, Steve Zaillian, Silver Spoons, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Inside Man, Spike Lee

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Neal and Lauren Dive into Cinema and Art in Episode 3! This week, the dynamic duo takes on three intriguing prompts that lead to fascinating discussions. Neal explores the film Ocean's Eleven (2001), revealing the technical brilliance of Steven Soderbergh and the star-studded cast that makes this heist movie a fan favorite. Lauren, on the other hand, transports listeners to the world of Japanese Ukiyo-e art with an in-depth look at The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, offering insights into the artist's life and the lasting influence of this masterpiece. Plus, they share laughs over Brad Pitt’s endless snacking on set and Neal’s attempts at recreating early 2000s fashion. Stay tuned as Lauren pulls from Chance for the next episode’s prompts—what surprises await?

EPISODE 3 PROMPTS:

Olive, 8, Ocean

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Neal's Topic:

Ocean's Eleven (2001) - A deep dive into Steven Soderbergh’s heist masterpiece

Where to stream the film

Watch for Free Online

Where to buy the film

Lauren's Topic:

The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Hokusai - Discover the story behind Japan’s most famous artwork

Where to see the art

Where to learn more about Hokusai

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Farewell Mr. Bunting - SNL Dead Poet's Society Parody

Steven Soderbergh's Black + White Cut of Raiders of the Lost Ark. (Watch the blocking)

LAUREN'S HOMEWORK:

NEAL'S HOMEWORK:

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed:

Heist Movies, Cinematography, Steven Soderbergh, Ocean's Eleven, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Dead Poet's Society, Hitchcock, Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e, Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Woodblock Prints, Edo Period, Art History, Film Techniques, Lighting in Film, Movie Blocking, Japanese Culture, Prussian Blue, Debussy, Hiroshige, Woodblock, Van Gogh

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Neal and Lauren are back with a vengeance for episode two! This week, Chance has assigned the dynamic duo four prompts that inspire some creative thinking. Lauren takes us on a trip to the museum to discuss abstract painter Mark Rothko and how his work even converted her to the abstract cause. Neal discusses a favorite film of his and even gives a lesson on "coverage" so that every time you watch a movie, you'll be thinking about it. For better for worse. Plus, the pair discuss their excitement for The Thursday Murder Club film adaptation and its cast! At the end of the episode, it's Neal's first time pulling Chance and it's a doozy!

EPISODE 2 PROMPTS:

France, Gold, 59, Rhinoceros

Support our show by becoming a Patron!

www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

Lauren's topic:

Mark Rothko

Where to see the art

Where to learn more about Mark Rothko

Neal's topic:

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Where to stream the film

Where to buy the film

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Watch a few movies and check out the coverage!

The opening of Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed: Abstract Expressionism, Abstract Painting, Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso, Moon Landing, New York City, World War II, The Blacklist, McCarthyism, Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen, Annie Hall, Cinematography, Seagram Building, Jackson Pollock, Psy-op, Colorfield Artists, Exterminating Angel, Dog Day Afternoon, Diagetic Sound, Non-Diagetic Sound, Trans-Diagetic Sound

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In the show's first ever episode, hosts Neal and Lauren describe what each week looks like on Curated by Chance. Powered by an algorithm named Chance, built by a NASA scientist, Neal and Lauren will receive several prompts (words, numbers, colors, etc.) that will spark lively discussions in the world of art, film, literature, theater, and more! On the premiere episode, Neal takes us to the grimy streets of New York City to talk about The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) and its influence on the modern heist movie. Lauren details the behind-the-scenes stories of one of the world's most beloved pieces of art, Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night (1889). Together, the dynamic duo learn, laugh, and hopefully provide enough to keep you coming back week after week to see where Chance takes them!

EPISODE 1 PROMPTS:

New York, Blue, 89

Support our show by becoming a Patron!

www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

Neal's topic:

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

Where to stream the film

Where to buy the film

Lauren's topic:

Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night (1889)

Where to see the art

Where to learn more about van Gogh

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Doctor Who: Season 5, Episode 10 - "Vincent and The Doctor"

The Warriors (1979)

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Topics discussed: Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gaugin, Doctor Who, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Quentin Tarantino, Heist Movies, Cinema Verité, MoMa, At Eternity's Gate, Starry Night, New York City, MTA, Triviality Podcast, Miss Information Podcast, NASA, algorithm

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Join filmmaker Neal Fischer and art curator Lauren Tagliaferro as they dive into the unpredictable world of ‘Curated by Chance,’ a podcast where creativity meets serendipity. Each episode, Neal and Lauren harness the power of a randomizing algorithm named Chance to generate unique prompts that drive their discussions. From exploring the unexpected intersections between film and visual art to dissecting the curious ways randomness shapes artistic expression, this dynamic duo invites listeners to ponder the influence of chance in the creative process. Whether dissecting a random film scene or analyzing an art piece through a whimsical lens, ‘Curated by Chance’ promises a fresh perspective with every episode.

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