What an intense day at ATX TV Festival! After we lived in day 1, Day 2 was definitely perfect, full of news and new discoveries. I can tell you that every time I watched a panel, I added new shows to the list and I loved each cast because they were so open, so sincere and made us part of their lives, their dreams and their struggles for a few minutes. Also, we review the challenges that still remain to be achieved in terms of diversity. We discuss the top moments of day 2.
Here we go!
Hacks (HBO MAX)
A Conversation with the Creators and Stars of HBO Max’s “Hacks.” Co-creators, co-showrunners and executive producers Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky and Paul W. Downs, who also acts in the series, as well as stars Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Kaitlin Olson for a conversation about season 1.
This cast is a delight, they were charming, kind and sincere. A show that has definitely entered my radar.
New Voices: Launching A First Series (HBO and HBO MAX)
This panel was one of my favorites of the day. They are producers, creators, who had the dream of telling their own stories and fought to achieve it. They reflect their own experiences in the stories they create and always leave a little of themselves in each adventure.
In addition, they give us some clues about what it was like for them to get where they are and how they achieved it.
With some really brilliant questions, the conversation feels natural and sincere. And we love that this panel shows that the producer/writer room starts to not be so white male and that things are changing.
House Broken
An animated animal show? Hell yeah! Also, Lisa Kudrow is part of the project, it’s a win – win. The cast and crew are incredible and the show sounds tremendously fun and different. One of those shows that is worth seeing and that we didn’t know we needed, especially in these difficult times.
Growing Up Is Hard
Being a teenager has always been hard, but the issues they are facing in 2021 are beyond most adults’ comprehension. How these issues are portrayed on TV differs depending on the perspective of the protagonist. These YA creators and actors discuss how they approach these stories based on who their character(s) is and how these elements change how these stories are told.
David Makes Man
Cast and crew discuss this show ahead of its season two premiere, which finds David (Kwame Patterson) in his 30s, a rising businessman facing an opportunity that will change him and his community forever. And this show is as amazing as it sounds. Part of those stories that deserve to be told. “David Makes Man” premieres June 22 on OWN. Season one is available to stream now on HBO Max.
The Messy Middle
While overall representation of disabilities on TV is slowly but surely improving, many series still tend to depict characters with visible disabilities as the Tragic Victim or the Heroic Martyr and we’re not for here. Shows rarely are they depicted as people.
This is a discuss with the writers and actors who are exploring the uncharted territory of the “messy middle,” where characters with disabilities are just as flawed, funny, and despicable as anyone else. And they’re only persons and their disabilities it is not something that slows them down or defines them. They’ll also discuss how creatives can push beyond the fear of getting it “wrong” when it comes to disability representation, and what getting it “right” actually means.
Famously, Ziwe (Showtime)
This panel is everything, really, everything. Ziwe is incredible, close, direct. I loved hearing her talk about her vision of the world, of life and her difficulties to get to where she went. She’s very aware of all that she has achieved but also of all that she has left to achieve. Rarely do you find a person so young and so sincere, who speaks openly about her opinions, her vision, her dreams and her struggle, her activism. This show is definitely worth it and Ziwe just grabs you.
Ultra City Smiths (AMC+)
“Ultra City Smiths” centers on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Ultra City’s most famous magnate and the two intrepid detectives following the case, rallying to fight against their city’s dangerous corruption, at a high cost to themselves and their families, all in pursuit of a gentler place to call home.
Cast and crew sit down to open up about this show, what it means to them and the very different way it has of telling things, which changes the rules of the game a bit. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire panel. I think that says a lot and yes, we assure you that this show is a new discovery and we’re totally in.
And these are the top moments from day 2 of ATX TV Festival Season 10. Stay tuned tomorrow to review the top moments from day 3.
What was your favorite moment? Do you enjoy the day? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!
ATX TV Festival will run from June 11 to June 20 virtually.
