
Go beyond the screen with the official podcast from Required Watching. This is your audio masterclass in the art of storytelling, designed for filmmakers, screenwriters, and dedicated cinephiles.
Each week, host and film analyst Tray Epps (and sometimes other guests) deconstruct the craft of cinema, providing practical "Toolkit" episodes to improve your work and in-depth interviews with industry p... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 154 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | How ToEducationTV & FilmFilm Reviews | |||

In this comprehensive review of the year in film, Tray Epps explores the trends, triumphs, and disappointments of 2025. He presents a definitive list of the top 10 films that are expected to resonate for years to come, while also addressing notable d... more
In this episode of East of Everywhere, Tray Epps explores the concept of filial piety in traditional East Asian society, contrasting it with Western individualism. The discussion delves into the philosophy of Confucianism, the importance of family ha... more
In this episode of Required Watching, I dive into the fascinating role of food in cinema, focusing on films like 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' and 'Chef.'
I explore how food serves as a metaphor for emotions, relationships, and charact... more
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 stereotypic... more
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 communiti... more
Tray Epps dissects Kill—the train-bound action film that weaponizes violence as narrative. We explore how evolving fight choreography, crushing foley work, and immersive camerawork turn every bruise and heartbeat into story. Drawing connections to Th... more
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 t... more
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 influence... more
Love this podcast ❤️ I will recommend this podcast to my friends and family. Keep it up 👍
This podcast is just what I was looking for. I enjoy looking at the list of movies and reflecting back to compare my critique with yours. Good stuff!
Hm this show is interesting. I like that it isn’t too preachy. I enjoyed the conversation for Bamboozled. I like a good chit chat about films. I like it.
As much as I like a podcast that goes on for an hour, I like hearing this guy have his thoughts that are short and sweet. I’m ready to Stan.
This is what my friends and I talk about all of the time. Can’t wait for more episodes.
A movie review about older films that I can take part in.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #125 |









Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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This podcast focuses on the intricate art of storytelling in cinema, making it an essential resource for filmmakers, screenwriters, and film enthusiasts. It offers a blend of practical advice and in-depth interviews, giving listeners insights into various aspects of filmmaking from dialogue writing to sound design. Featuring episodes where guests share their experiences and industry knowledge, the content emphasizes not only technical skills but also creative exploration. The engaging format and diverse topics discussed make it appealing above all to those passionate about film but can also attract anyone interested in the nuances of storytelling and creativity.
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Required Watching launched 6 years ago and published 154 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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