Podcast Summary: All Of It - "Metrograph's New Print Magazine for Film Lovers and Beyond"

Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Guests: Annabelle Brady Brown (Senior Editor, Metrograph) and Kelly Weston (Editor, Metrograph)
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the exciting launch of Metrograph's new biannual print magazine designed for cinephiles and cultural enthusiasts alike. Annabelle Brady Brown and Kelly Weston, the magazine's senior editor and editor, join Stewart to discuss the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind this fresh addition to the film culture landscape.

Creating a Print Magazine in the Digital Age

Alison Stewart opens the discussion by addressing the apparent contradiction of launching a print magazine amidst a digital-dominated media environment. She poses a critical question to Annabelle Brady Brown:

"In the last decade a lot of print publications have reduced or shut down operations in favor of a digital or a streaming market. Why did you feel it was the right move to make a print magazine called the Metrograph?" [01:52]

Annabelle Brady Brown responds thoughtfully:

"It may seem like we are going against the grain a little... we have writers who are smart and intelligent at film writing. People respond and they come and show up. The magazine and the response we've had so far is sort of really like a testament to that. If you make the thing with love and care, people are there and they're actually really hungry for a magazine like this to exist." [02:45]

She emphasizes the enduring love for tangible print media and the community-centric approach that Metrograph embodies both in its theater and its publication.

Content of the First Issue

The inaugural issue of Metrograph's magazine showcases a blend of in-depth features and artistic contributions. Kelly Weston highlights some key articles:

"For the first issue, the publication speaks to both cinephiles and cultural connoisseurs. Featuring cover art from celebrated cinematographer Ed Lockman... a piece from Midsommar director Ari Aster and graphic novelist Daniel Clowes on the minor indignities of moviegoing, plus a 30-page centerfold celebration of director Clint Eastwood." [00:16-01:06]

Annabelle Brady Brown adds context to the cover art selection:

"Ed is someone we love. He comes to the theater all the time... we discovered this incredible archive of never-before-seen images that he wanted to start sharing with the world. It includes the COVID image, which is one of a series inside the magazine that features Jean-Luc Godard in 1981 at a unique moment in cinema history." [08:32-09:36]

The magazine aims to intertwine film analysis with broader cultural elements, creating a multidisciplinary space for readers.

Building a Community Around Cinema

Both Annabelle Brady Brown and Kelly Weston emphasize the magazine's role in fostering a global film community. Annabelle explains:

"Metrograph is the solid theater space in New York... part of our goal is to create a community where cinema is a meaningful part of everyone's life." [04:12]

Kelly Weston echoes this sentiment by discussing the importance of context in film criticism:

"We try to chart the lineage of cinema, which is also very discernible in our programming. People just love to read good, solid writing and passionate writing about films." [03:16-04:04]

Anecdotes and Listener Experiences

The podcast features engaging anecdotes from the editors illustrating the vibrant community Metrograph cultivates:

• Kelly Weston shares a memorable movie-going experience involving an unexpected conversation about the film Mother! with a stranger, highlighting the magazine's mission to build connections through shared cinematic experiences. [05:40-06:59]

• Annabelle Brady Brown recounts a dramatic Q&A session with Ari Aster that led to a brawl outside the Paris Theater, showcasing the passionate reactions that cinema can evoke. [07:04-07:56]

Additionally, listeners contribute their own stories:

• Douglas from Albuquerque praises the film Dylan and discusses Timothy Chalamet's performance, recommending it to folk music lovers. [11:24-13:00]

• Joe from Brooklyn shares his unique experience watching The Incident at Metrograph, emphasizing the theater's role in showcasing exclusive and impactful films. [12:04-13:45]

• Sharon from Suffran reflects on a personal movie-going incident mirroring a scene from You've Got Mail, illustrating life's intersections with cinema. [15:49-16:21]

Editorial Vision and Future Content

The editors discuss their aspirations for future issues, aiming to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance:

Annabelle Brady Brown speaks to the magazine's design inspiration and multidisciplinary approach:

"We were thinking about the incredible energy of film publishing in the 60s and 70s... we wanted to bring a little bit of that back. We're also incorporating elements from music, books, and visual arts to create a more holistic cultural publication." [16:48-18:18]

Kelly Weston shares insights into feature articles, such as her piece on Edward Yang:

"I wanted readers to explore the late Edward Yang's work by examining how his characters' fashion embodies their emotional and social turmoil." [09:45-11:24]

They hint at content that delves into subversive film analysis and celebrates diverse cinematic voices, ensuring each issue remains fresh and engaging.

Collaborative Editorial Environment

The dynamic between Annabelle and Kelly underscores a collaborative and inclusive editorial process:

Kelly Weston praises Annabelle for fostering a creative and safe environment:

"Annabelle has crafted an environment where it feels safe to come to her with your half-baked ideas. It's so collaborative and feels like its own community." [18:18-19:40]

This teamwork is pivotal in maintaining the magazine's innovative and passionate voice.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation wraps up, the editors express excitement for future issues:

"We are at work on the second issue and it will be just as brilliant as the first." [19:55-20:01]

While specifics are kept under wraps, Annabelle teases the ongoing pursuit of their editorial dreams:

"We have so many secrets... we start from this very incredibly utopian place where we're like, what's our absolute dream?... Every now and again those land and that's the most thrilling experience in the world." [20:09-20:44]

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Alison Stewart congratulating the Metrograph team and encouraging listeners to engage with the new print magazine. By blending passionate film criticism, community stories, and artistic collaborations, Metrograph's magazine emerges as a celebrated addition to New York City's vibrant cultural scene.

For those interested in exploring the intersection of film and culture through a thoughtfully curated print medium, Metrograph's inaugural issue promises a rich and immersive experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Annabelle Brady Brown: "If you make the thing with love and care, people are there and they're actually really hungry for a magazine like this to exist." [02:45]

• Kelly Weston: "We try to chart the lineage of cinema... people just love to read good, solid writing and passionate writing about films." [04:04]

• Annabelle Brady Brown: "We want cinema to be a meaningful part of everyone's life." [04:12]

• Kelly Weston: "That's a real team effort." [19:52]

Engage with Metrograph:

To experience Metrograph's new print magazine and join a thriving film community, visit their stands or subscribe through their official channels. For further updates and interactions, listeners are encouraged to connect via WNYC’s provided contact methods.