In this podcast episode, we explore the life and legacy of Cicely Tyson, from her humble beginnings to becoming a global star in television, film, and theater. Born in 1924 to West Indian immigrants, Tyson faced many challenges growing up as a Black woman in the 1930s America. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, but her dreams of becoming a fashion designer were put on hold when she was discovered by a photographer and began modeling for Ebony magazine. Tyson's modeling career led to her first acting role in the 1951 film "Carib Gold." 

Despite a lack of parental support and limited roles for Black actors, Tyson refused to play roles that perpetuated negative stereotypes. Her breakthrough role was in the 1972 film "Sounder," where she played the role of Rebecca, a Black mother who sacrifices everything for her family. Tyson's nuanced portrayal challenged negative stereotypes of Black women and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her role in the 1974 television miniseries "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" further challenged the prevailing narrative of American history and earned her two Emmy Awards. Tyson's legacy extends beyond her acting performance, as she also used her platform to advocate for civil rights and promote a positive representation of Black women in film and television. 

In the later years of her career, Tyson continued to take on challenging roles that showcased her range as an actress. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Help," "How to Get Away with Murder," and "House of Cards." In 2013, Tyson won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway play "The Trip to Bountiful."

Despite her success, Tyson never forgot the struggles she faced as a Black woman in Hollywood. She used her platform to advocate for better representation of Black actors and actresses on screen, and she was a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Tyson also dedicated much of her time to philanthropic work. She was a strong supporter of education and served as a member of the board of directors for the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a nonprofit organization that provides dance education to young people in Harlem.

Throughout her long and illustrious career, Cicely Tyson remained a trailblazer, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black actresses. Her commitment to social justice, her dedication to her craft, and her unwavering spirit inspired countless people around the world, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

In this podcast, we will explore the life and career of Cicely Tyson, from her humble beginnings in East Harlem to her rise to international stardom. We will delve into the challenges she faced as a Black woman in Hollywood and her tireless efforts to promote social justice and equality. Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most iconic actresses of our time.

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In this episode, we investigate the exceptional existence of Ruby Dee, a lady of numerous gifts, from verse to theater, activism to playwriting. We dig into her initial life, experiencing childhood in Harlem, and her affection for narrating, which drove her to performing expressions. We examine her noteworthy accomplishments in theater, remembering her job for "A Raisin in the Sun," the main play composed by a person of color to be delivered on Broadway. Not only that, but we discuss her activism and her cozy associations with Social equality pioneers Malcolm X and Martin Luther Ruler, Jr. Ultimately, we investigate her change to television acting and her wonderful heritage in media outlets. All through her profession, Dee separated obstructions and made critical commitments to both artistic expression and the Social equality development.

Ruby Dee was a remarkable woman who made an indelible impact on American culture and society. Born in 1922, she grew up in Harlem, New York, at a time when America was still segregated. Despite the challenges she faced, Dee was determined to pursue her passion for the performing arts, and she became an accomplished actor, poet, playwright, and activist.

Dee's love of storytelling began at a young age, and she earned a degree in Romance languages to hone her skills. However, it was her apprenticeship at the American Negro Theatre that solidified her love of the performing arts. During her time there, she met and formed connections with other up-and-coming actors, including Hilda Simms and Sidney Poitier.

Dee's first big break came in 1946, when she landed a role in the all-black Broadway production of "Anna Lucasta." The play was a major success, running for almost 1000 performances, and it helped to launch Dee's career as an actor. She went on to appear in several other plays, including the groundbreaking "A Raisin in the Sun," which was the first Broadway play written by a black woman.

Dee's success on stage led to opportunities in Hollywood, and she became known for her roles in films such as "The Jackie Robinson Story" and "Buck and the Preacher." However, Dee never forgot her roots in the theater, and she continued to perform on stage throughout her career. In fact, she made history as the first black actress to play a lead role in the American Shakespeare Festival.

Dee's activism was an integral part of her life, and she used her platform as a performer to advocate for Civil Rights. Along with her husband, the actor and activist Ossie Davis, she was a close friend and ally of leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Dee and Davis were arrested for protesting the shooting of Amadou Diallo in 1999 and signed the 2003 proclamation "Not in Our Name" in opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Throughout her life, Dee remained committed to using her talents and her voice to effect change in the world. She was a true pioneer for black women in the arts, and her legacy continues to inspire and empower people today.

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 In this podcast episode, we delve into the story of Euzhan Palcy, a filmmaker who had a significant impact on Hollywood by using her platform to bring about positive change. Born in Martinique in 1958, Palcy fell in love with film as a child and was determined to make a difference in an industry that often portrayed black people in a negative light. She directed her first film, La Messagere, as a teenager and went on to make her first feature film, Sugar Cane Alley, which was a huge success, winning 17 international awards. Palcy later directed A Dry White Season, a film that showcased the Soweto riots and apartheid in South Africa, and became the first black woman to direct a film produced by one of Hollywood's major studios. Through her passion for social justice and activism, Palcy used her platform to create positive change in the film industry, and her story serves as an inspiration to filmmakers and activists alike. 

 Despite facing numerous challenges in Hollywood due to her race and gender, Euzhan Palcy continued to push boundaries and tell stories that were important to her. Her next film, the 1999 movie "Ruby Bridges," was based on the true story of the first black child to attend a white elementary school in New Orleans during the Civil Rights Movement. The film starred actress Chaz Monet in the title role, and was produced by Disney for television. 

In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Palcy has also been an advocate for women and minorities in the film industry. She has served on the board of the Sundance Institute, and has mentored many aspiring filmmakers over the years. In recognition of her contributions to cinema, Palcy was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2017, the highest civilian award in France. 

Today, Palcy continues to be an inspiration to filmmakers around the world, proving that with determination and talent, anything is possible. Her legacy in the film industry serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to bring about social change and inspire others to follow their dreams. 

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How much faith do you have in yourself? Meet Michael Augustine, who believes that we should believe in ourselves until it becomes a habit.

Michael Augustine is a writer-director and cinematographer who has worked on films such as She Was Famous (2016) and If I Am to Continue (2021). My Prayers are Precious to God (2022), his directorial feature debut, is currently in post-production. He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving to Atlanta in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Michael earned degrees in Creative Writing, Film, and Performance from Louisiana State University.

In this episode, Michael discusses his upbringing, how he got into the film industry, the various films he has worked on, and words of wisdom for aspiring filmmakers.

Listen and learn from Michael.

Key Talking Points of the Episode:

[03:39] Michael’s move to Georgia

[07:45] Moving back to Louisiana

[10:55] How Michael got into film

[14:42] How Michael got his first job while in school 

[19:35] How Michael became a writer

[21:33] What did Michael’s script look like?

[24:05] Michael’s experience collaborating with other writers

[28:03] Prayers are precious to God

[30:41] Building a film empire through community

[34:23] The decentralized processes in which filmmakers could be relentless within the filmmaking community

[37:01] Finding your tribe and staying on the truck

[40:01] Michael’s parting words you want to leave in upcoming filmmakers

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

“Champion your vision, and do not allow people to be the gatekeepers for whether you can move to the next step.”

“Believe in yourself so long that you know it to where it’s no longer to believe.”

“There is nobody Hollywood can say like this particular film cannot get made because you just gave and funneled money into a movie called Cocaine Bear.”

Support the show

Visual Intonation Website: https://www.visualintonations.com/
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To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

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"Artists are the gate keepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice."- Paul Robeson


In this podcast episode, we explore the life and legacy of Paul Robeson, a true trailblazer in American history. Born into a family that valued education and perseverance, Robeson's determination to succeed was evident from an early age. Despite facing discrimination and racism, he excelled academically and athletically, becoming the class Valedictorian at Rutgers University. However, it was his exceptional singing voice and captivating stage presence that propelled him to fame. Robeson used his platform to advocate for civil rights, performing in the language of each country he visited and donating the proceeds of his shows to support causes such as ending racism and promoting world peace. Join us as we delve into the life and times of this remarkable activist and performer, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

One comment that Robeson made during this time period that would come to define him was his statement that “the artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice.” Robeson chose to use his immense talent and platform to fight for social justice, and he did so unapologetically.

Robeson was particularly passionate about workers’ rights and spoke out in support of labor unions. He believed that workers should have the right to unionize and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. In 1940, he performed at a rally in Madison Square Garden in support of the Trade Union Unity League, which was an organization affiliated with the Communist Party that advocated for workers’ rights. This performance, along with his outspoken support for labor unions, would later lead to his persecution by the US government during the Cold War.

During World War II, Robeson was a staunch supporter of the war effort against fascism. He performed for Allied troops in North Africa and Europe, and his rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” became famous among soldiers. However, after the war ended, Robeson’s outspoken support for the Soviet Union and his criticism of US foreign policy would lead to him being labeled a communist sympathizer and blacklisted by Hollywood.

The blacklist effectively ended Robeson’s film career and limited his ability to perform in the United States. However, he continued to perform abroad, and his concerts in the Soviet Union and other communist countries earned him a reputation as a propagandist for communism. This reputation was not entirely unfounded, as Robeson did believe in the principles of communism and saw it as a way to fight against racism and imperialism.

In the 1950s, Robeson’s passport was revoked by the US government, effectively preventing him from traveling abroad to perform. He was also subjected to intense surveillance and harassment by the FBI, who saw him as a threat to national security. Despite this persecution, Robeson continued to speak out against racism and injustice, and he became a symbol of resistance for many in the civil rights movement.

In the 1960s, Robeson’s health began to decline, and he was largely forgotten by the mainstream

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In this episode, we discuss the lack of diversity in advertising and media, with a focus on the Super Bowl. The NFL's "We See You" advertisement during the Super Bowl drew criticism due to the advertising industry's lack of diversity. Rodney Lucas, a black director, directed the advertisement, which was the only Super Bowl commercial with a black director in 2023.

The lack of diversity in advertising is not a new problem, nor is it restricted to the Super Bowl. In 2022, only 15% of in-game spots were directed by people of color or female directors, according to the podcast. However, in the 2023 Super Bowl, the statistic improved slightly, rising to 18%.

The lack of diversity in the Superbowl is a reflection of what is going on a smaller scale all across the country. It is an issue that must be addressed.

We discuss the age-old justification for a lack of diversity: the people who make these decisions explain their actions without acknowledging their prejudice or lack of inclusivity. According to the podcast, this excuse perpetuates a self-perpetuating circle of non-diverse directors.

According to Sophie Gold, the founder of the black female-owned production company "Eleanor," working with black talent is riskier because black talent has not been given the same opportunities as white talent. There is a distinction to be made between a lack of talent and a lack of opportunity.

The podcast emphasizes that a lack of diversity in advertising and media is not innocuous. These minor microaggressions and lack of equality reveal larger issues that lurk beneath society's surface, unnoticed. The murder of George Floyd, as well as the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement around the world, put pressure on corporations and individuals to change their ways. It was a catalyst for change that had been postponed and underutilized for decades.

Almost three years after George Floyd's death, the reality is that most promises to hire people from diverse backgrounds and increase inclusivity appear to have been broken. Companies have conducted interviews with a diverse range of candidates for positions that have already been filled, with no intention of hiring the talented individuals in front of them. It's box-checking, putting a check in the "diversity box" to improve their public image and appease employees who advocate for inclusion, but with no intention of following through.

Byron Allen, a black television producer and entertainment company founder, filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the telecommunications conglomerate Comcast Corporation. Allen accused Comcast of racism, claiming that the company refused to include Allen's television channels in its cable bundles because he was black.

We conclude by proposing several potential solutions to these problems, beginning with hiring black directors and crews and collaborating with black-owned agencies and businesses. It emphasizes that inclusivity in advertising must begin with selecting a diverse agency and then cascade down to telling an inclusive story and hiring diverse cast and crew members. Without full commitment, attempts at diversity will fail.

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"My films are collective works in which everyone takes an active part." - Safi Faye 

Born in Dakar, Senegal in 1943, Safi Faye went on to become one of the most prominent African female filmmakers of her time. She is widely recognized as the first Sub-Saharan African woman to make a feature-length film and has been an inspiration for generations of African filmmakers.

In this podcast, we'll take a closer look at the life and career of Safi Faye. We'll delve into her early years growing up in Senegal and the impact that her upbringing had on her later work. We'll also explore her groundbreaking films, including "Kaddu Beykat" (1975), which was the first feature-length film directed by an African woman to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival.

Furthermore, we'll also discuss the themes and messages in Faye's films, which often centered around issues of gender, culture, and identity in post-colonial Africa. Likewise, we'll explore her unique storytelling style and the ways in which she used film to challenge stereotypes and present a more nuanced portrayal of African life.

Join us as we celebrate the life and work of this remarkable filmmaker and examine her impact on African cinema and beyond. Whether you're a fan of Safi Faye's films or just interested in learning more about the contributions of African women in film, this podcast is not to be missed.

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Today we'll be speaking on the life and death of the great director Oscar Micheaux.

Born in 1884 in Metropolis, Illinois, Oscar Micheaux went on to become one of the most important figures in early African American cinema. He directed over 40 films throughout his career, many of which were groundbreaking in their portrayal of African American life and culture.

Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, Micheaux persevered and became a pioneer of independent cinema. He founded his own film company, the Micheaux Film Corporation, and used it to create films that were often rejected by mainstream Hollywood studios. His films tackled controversial topics such as interracial relationships and lynching, and showcased the lives and struggles of African Americans in a way that had never been seen before.

In this podcast episode, we'll explore Micheaux's early life, his journey to becoming a filmmaker, and the impact his films had on African American representation in cinema. We'll also discuss the challenges he faced as an independent filmmaker and the legacy he left behind.

Sadly, Micheaux passed away in 1951, but his influence on cinema can still be felt today. Join us as we dive into the life and death of this great director and celebrate his contributions to the art of filmmaking.

Key Talking Points of the Episode: 

[00:53] Who is Oscar Micheaux and what role did he plan in the black history? 

[02:17] Oscar working as a homesteader in South Dakota 

[05:25] Understanding the Jim Crow Era 

[07:29] How Micheaux  designed his films to reach beyond the limitations 

[10:23] Oscar's return after a long pause 

[12:01] Oscar's impact on society 

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In this podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with acclaimed director Sheldon Candis, known for his work on feature films such as "LUV" and "Baltimore Boys."

We dug deep into Sheldon's creative process and talked about his influences for his work. We discussed how he got his start in the film industry, working with prominent actors and producers, and the hurdles he's experienced as a director.

Sheldon opened up about his personal experiences that have influenced his art during the interview. He discussed how his upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, a city with a complicated history of race and poverty, influenced his work and fueled his desire to tell stories that shed light on important social issues. 

Sheldon also discussed his passion for mentoring young filmmakers and the importance of giving underrepresented voices in the film industry opportunities. 

His enthusiasm for filmmaking was palpable throughout the conversation. He spoke about the excitement of working with a talented crew and seeing his vision come to life on the big screen.

Sheldon gave some important insights on what it takes to make a great film, such as the value of collaboration, storytelling, and being loyal to your vision.

We also talked about his next projects and what fans may look forward to from him in the future. This talk with Sheldon Candis is not to be missed if you're a director or simply a fan of great movies.
 

Listen in to hear more from Sheldon. 

Key Talking Points of the Episode: 

[01:25] Sheldon’s experience growing up in Baltimore 

[04:37] Sheldon’s first role as a producer 

[07:18] The first film Sheldon made and how he raised the money 

[09:26] The biggest challenge Sheldon experienced directing his first film 

[10:58] Sheldon’s experience in Los Angeles 

 [13:57] Sheldon’s favorite class in school 

[17:02] Sheldon’s life after graduation 

[22:38] How Sheldon started working with the film "LUV" 

[24:14] The spiral of rewriting 

[25:55] Sheldon’s most challenging moments in the movie, in love and how he dealt with them 

[32:10] Did Sheldon envision being as successful as he is today? 

Magical Quotes from the Episode: 

“Film production and film production is the most competitive and most challenging film major of all the majors.” 

“A director’s job before they even make the film is the casting.” 

“Our greatest responsibility as human beings to be in service of others.”  

Connect with Sheldon: 

Sheldon Candis’ Website: https://www.sheldoncandis.com/ 

Sheldon Candis’ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheldon.candis

Sheldon Candis’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheldoncandis/

Sheldon Candis’ Twitter: https://bit.ly/3IMq2Dv

Support the show

Visual Intonation Website: https://www.visualintonations.com/
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To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations

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Hito Steyerl's Defense of the Poor Image

Hito Steyerl was born in 1966 and quickly became prominent in Germany's filmmaking circles. She's interested in how images and motifs are spread worldwide due to globalization, militarization, and surveillance migration. Steyerl's work defies convention by layering metaphors on top of metaphors and painting satire over serious subjects. One clear thing throughout Steyerl's work is that she wants the audience to think about the topic as much as she did.

In this episode, I share Steyerl's concept of a poor image. According to Steyerl, a poor image symbolizes this democratization and is a way to resist image commodification. A bad image is an image that has been degraded through technological reproduction. The degradation is a loss of quality and integrity in the image.

Listen to this episode and learn Steyerl's definitions of a poor image, how it can be used to exploit vulnerable communities, market cheap products, the significance of poor image in media, and the value of a poor image.

Key Talking Points of the Episode:

[02:14] How to transform an image

[04:03] High versus low resolution images

[08:07] Valid arguments against the poor image 

[10:12] How poor image can be used to exploit vulnerable communities

[12:06] The significance of a poor image

[14:01] The value of a poor image

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

"A poor image is any image that has been distributed or viewed through digital technology, posted on the Internet or shared on social media."

"A high-resolution image is more immersive, visually appealing and of higher quality than a low-resolution image."

"A bad image is only created as a result of being viewed, distributed, modified, and circulated in a digital landscape."

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Visual Intonation Website: https://www.visualintonations.com/
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