Episode 40: Close to Home on Criterion + The Future of Streaming with Chris Wells and Nellie Killian

Streaming is a subject that’s often left weirdly opaque, but this week’s guests bring industry insights that are illuminating and informative. The starting point is a new series on the Criterion Channel called Close to Home in which filmmakers drew inspiration from their own homes and everyday lives, from Martin Scorsese to Maya Deren to Blake Edwards to Chantal Akerman. It was co-programmed by Nellie Killian, programmer at Screen Slate, and Chris Wells, who works at MUBI in distribution. They discuss what’s different about programming for streaming, and the specific challenges and opportunities posed by the past year’s upheaval and the reopening of movie theaters. Both are also voracious movie-watchers, so they also talk about their endless pursuit of titles on streaming and beyond. You can support this podcast and read show notes with links at: rapold.substack.com Opening music: “Monserrate” by The Minarets Photo by Steve Snodgrass