Skip Intro

Skip Intro with Krista Smith is an award-winning show with new episodes semi-monthly. It brings you dynamic conversations with the exceptional people behind your favorite shows, films, specials, and documentaries on Netflix.

TV & Film
Film Interviews
Society & Culture
201
Melissa McCarthy & Octavia Spencer
In this episode, Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer sit down to discuss their new action comedy “Thunder Force,” in which the duo suit up as superheroes. Written and directed by Ben Falcone, who also happens to be McCarthy’s husband as well as her fellow producer on the project, the cast includes Jason Bateman, Bobby Cannavale, Pom Klementieff, and the brilliant newcomer Taylor Mosby.At the center of the film, is a heartfelt story about two women and the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime, a theme with special resonance for McCarthy and Spencer who have been friends for more than two decades. They talk about the history of that friendship, the joys of working together, how it felt to put on those suits for the first time, the best part of being a superhero (and the more disgusting challenges), and they share their advice for the next generation of Hollywood hopefuls.
30 min
202
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner joins the show to discuss “Yes Day,” the hit family comedy based on the book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, directed by Miguel Arteta, and co-starring Edgar Ramirez. Garner, who is also a producer on the movie, talks about the Yes Days she does with her own children, why she wanted to beckon loveliness into her life, and her terror at shooting the rollercoaster scene.She also reflects on the remarkable arc of her career, which has seen her find success across almost every genre, from “Alias” and “Daredevil” to “13 Going on 30” and “Dallas Buyers Club.” And she talks about her passion for causes and projects far beyond Hollywood, including Save the Children and her organic food company Once Upon a Farm.
42 min
203
Eve Hewson
Eve Hewson joins host Krista Smith to discuss “Behind Her Eyes,” the mind-bending limited series created by Steve Lightfoot and based on the novel by Sarah Pinborough, which has transfixed and shocked its legion of fans. Hewson discusses how she came to the role, what she found most challenging, and she shares her own experience with astral projection.The actress, whose star has steadily risen thanks to performances in such shows as “The Knick” and “The Luminaries,” also discusses her career path to date, why formal acting training was so important to her, and she shares what she’s learned from working with Hollywood greats like Steven Soderbergh and Steven Spielberg.
24 min
204
Viola Davis
Over the course of her 33 year career, Viola Davis’ body of work has been celebrated from stage to screen, making her an Oscar winner, a Tony winner, and an Emmy winner, to name just a few of her accolades. She also runs JuVee Productions alongside husband Julius Tennon, and she’s a philanthropist and a leader in the Hollywood community.In this interview, Davis discusses her latest acclaimed performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” based on the play by August Wilson and directed by George C. Wolfe. She talks about the fears she faced in embracing the role, how she prepared to play Ma, and her experience working with Chadwick Boseman. She also reflects on the arc of her career, the significance of playing Annalise Keating in “How to Get Away with Murder,” how her definition of success has evolved over time, and she shares her advice for the next generation pursuing a life in the arts.
45 min
205
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas joins the show from London to discuss her latest feature film “The White Tiger," written and directed by Ramin Bahrani and based on the New York Times bestseller and 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning novel. In addition to starring in the film, Chopra Jonas serves as an Executive Producer.Having established herself as a hugely successful and acclaimed star in the Indian film industry, Chopra Jonas turned her sights to Hollywood and became the first Indian-born actor ever to lead an American network TV series, starring in the ABC dramatic series "Quantico." In this interview, she talks about that extraordinary career arc, and she explains why she was so passionate about being involved with “The White Tiger,” and how the film aligned with her mission as a producer. She also talks about the confidence instilled in her by her upbringing, her long-time commitment to philanthropic endeavors, and the support and partnership of husband Nick Jonas.
24 min
206
Emma Corrin
Emma Corrin’s acting career had only just begun when she landed the role of Princess Diana in The Crown, and prepared to play one of the most iconic and scrutinized women of the modern age. The young British breakout more than met the challenge, capturing Diana’s innate vulnerability and quiet strength, mastering her posture and mannerisms, and even the lilt of her voice.In this interview, Corrin discusses her nail-biting audition process, her intensive research and preparation, and her favorite and most challenging scenes. She’ll also share her advice for actors starting out, including how important it is to move beyond the fear of rejection and to keep your faith and determination.
31 min
207
Gary Oldman
Academy Award winner Gary Oldman joins the show to discuss his extraordinary performance in David Fincher’s new film “Mank,” which was written by the auteur’s late father Jack Fincher. Oldman plays Herman J. Mankiewicz, otherwise known as Mank, the celebrated screenwriter who worked on everything from “The Wizard of Oz” to Marx Brothers comedies and co-wrote “Citizen Kane” with Orson Welles.In this interview, Oldman shares his initial reaction to the project, why he was daunted by Fincher’s directive not to transform physically for the role, and how his own experience with alcoholism informed his performance. He also discusses his deep admiration for Fincher’s approach to the work. And he shares his advice for young actors coming up in the profession today.
50 min
208
Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby joins the show to discuss her haunting portrayal of a young mother who experiences an unfathomable loss in “Pieces of a Woman,” directed by Kornél Mundruczó and written by Kata Wéber. The role marks Kirby’s first lead in a feature film, and her performance was awarded the Best Actress Volpi Cup at this year’s Venice Film Festival.Kirby began her career in the theater, later made her television debut in “The Hours,” delivered scene-stealing work in the action franchises “Mission Impossible” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” and her critically acclaimed performance as Princess Margaret in “The Crown” made her a BAFTA winner and Emmy nominee.In this interview, she shares the intensive research she undertook to prepare for “Pieces of a Woman,” what she was focused on getting right in her performance, and her experience shooting the film’s astonishing 23 minute opening sequence that was shot in one take. She also reflects on the beginning of her career, the kind of characters she’s been drawn to, and she shares her advice for young actors.
40 min
209
George Clooney
George Clooney joins the show to discuss his latest film “The Midnight Sky,” based on the novel “Good Morning, Midnight” by Lily Brooks-Dalton, and produced by Clooney’s longtime collaborator Grant Heslov. The film tells the story of the aftermath of a global catastrophe and a lone scientist in the arctic racing to contact a crew of astronauts and warn them not to return to earth. Clooney directs and produces as well as stars alongside Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, Tiffany Boone, Demián Bichir, Kyle Chandler, and newcomer Caoilinn Springall.The Academy Award winner also reflects on the arc of his career, including the moment that ER made him a household name, the films that made him want to direct, and how becoming a family man has impacted his choices. He also shares his advice for young creatives coming
55 min
210
Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin, one of Hollywood's most celebrated storytellers, and the writer and director of this year's "The Trial of the Chicago 7,” joins the show to reflect on the journey of his career. He discusses his singular talent for dialogue, what draws him to a story, his affinity for a courtroom scene, and why he still feels vulnerable despite all of his success. He also talks about the influence of legendary screenwriter William Goldman, as well as the debates around his family’s dinner table, and his passion for teaching. And he explains why he thinks of “A Few Good Men” the same way he thinks about his high school yearbook picture.
32 min
211
Lily Collins
Lily Collins joins the show to discuss her performance in David Fincher's new film, “Mank,” in which she plays Rita Alexander, secretary to the legendary screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman) as he writes the script for “Citizen Kane.” She talks about the intense audition process, her experience on set, and her love for old Hollywood movies. Collins also talks about the phenomenon that is her new show “Emily in Paris,” and how she flew back and forth from Paris to shoot “Mank” in tandem. She reflects back on the beginnings of her career path, from being a student majoring in broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California, to being cast in “The Blind Side," to writing a bestselling book and opening up about her personal struggles. She also shares how 2020 has been a pivotal year for her (she recently got engaged), and the advice she would go back and give her young self.
48 min
212
Amanda Seyfried
Throughout her career, Amanda Seyfried’s range has been center stage, from her roles in "Mean Girls” to “Lovelace” and “Les Miserables.” And in her latest film “Mank,” directed by David Fincher, she scales new heights, delivering a revelatory performance as actress Marion Davies, the long-term lover of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. In this interview, Seyfried discusses her research for the role, what she wanted to make sure she captured about Marion, and why she particularly relished a pivotal scene where Marion’s emotions play out entirely on her face. She also shares why working with Fincher is such a singular experience and how it’s made her think differently about her own approach to the work.
41 min
213
Amy Adams
Six-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams joins the show to discuss her latest film “Hillbilly Elegy,” based on the bestselling memoir by J.D. Vance, and directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard. It’s the story of three generations of an Appalachian family struggling with volatile relationships, poverty, and drug addiction; and Adams delivers a powerhouse performance as J.D.’s mother Beverly.In this interview, Adams talks about why she was drawn to this story, her preparation for the role, what it was like collaborating with the cast (including Glenn Close who plays the family’s formidable matriarch), and the responsibility she felt playing a real person. She also reflects on the arc of her career, receiving her first Oscar nomination, and maintaining a private life beyond the spotlight.
53 min
214
Michelle Buteau (Welcome to Buteaupia)
Actress, comedian, author, and podcaster Michelle Buteau joins the show to discuss her uproarious new Netflix special: “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia.” The mom of twins has been on a non-stop run of projects lately, hosting and narrating the reality show phenomenon “The Circle,” appearing in films like “Always Be My Maybe” and on shows like “First Wives Club” and “Tales of the City.” "Survival of the Thickest," her debut book of essays, will be published this December. In this interview, Buteau takes us back to the very beginning of her comedy career and talks about the headwinds she’s faced along the way. She reveals when she feels most vulnerable on stage, how her parents felt about her pursuing her passion, and some of the unsolicited advice she’s received from her audiences. Buteau also shares her advice for young comedians starting out, and what she’s learned by observing the extraordinary group of women she’s worked with in her career to date.
40 min
215
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown sat down with Present Company to discuss her latest Netflix project, “Enola Holmes,” in which she plays the intrepid teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes. Brown not only stars in the film but also produces, making her one of the youngest Hollywood actors to have a producing credit on a feature film. In this interview, Brown talks about why she was so passionate about playing Enola, what she found most rewarding about producing, and why she loves working on projects that have a broader message. She also discusses her work with UNICEF and shares her advice for young people who are pursuing their own path.
27 min
216
Sarah Paulson
Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson joins the show to discuss her riveting new drama series “Ratched,” created by Ryan Murphy, her long-time champion, and Ian Brennan. As the show’s lead, Paulson steps into the shoes of one of the most notorious female villains of the modern age: Nurse Ratched of the novel and then the film, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”In this interview, Paulson talks about the trepidation she had in taking on such an iconic role, and she discusses the evolution of her relationship with Ryan Murphy. She reflects on the journey of the career, from her early struggles when she first moved to Los Angeles, to taking on the life-changing role of Marcia Clark in “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” and stepping up as an Executive Producer on “Ratched.” She also shares her advice for young actors, and talks about her legendary fashion game.
36 min
217
The Breakout: Tom Pelphrey
Tom Pelphrey joins the show to talk about his much-discussed performance as Ben, brother to Laura Linney’s Wendy Byrde, on season three of “Ozark.” Pelphrey devoted himself to the task of playing a man living with bipolar disorder, working to ensure the condition was portrayed with both accuracy and thoughtfulness. Born and raised in New Jersey, the Rutgers graduate got his break on the soap opera “Guiding Light,” for which he won two Daytime Emmys, and since then he has worked across film, theater and television. But 2020 is proving a remarkable year, not only on account of the acclaim he’s received for “Ozark,” but also because this fall he’ll be seen in director David Fincher’s “Mank,” which stars Gary Oldman. In this interview, Pelphey talks about the “invisible magic” of the Ozark set and what it was like being the new kid joining the show. He also shares what he learned working in soap operas, his experience working with David Fincher, and his profound advice for young actors.
51 min
218
Charlize Theron
As an Academy-Award winning actress, producer of critically acclaimed film and television, long-time activist, and single mom, Charlize Theron has helped reinvent what the model of success can look like for women in Hollywood. And with her relentless work ethic, eye for challenging material, and willingness to commit to radical physical transformations, she’s created a remarkable gallery of performances, from “Monster” to “Tully,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” to “Bombshell.” In this interview, Theron discusses her new Netflix film “The Old Guard,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and she reflects on some of the choices that have defined her career. She talks about why she relishes the work of being a producer, how fear has been a powerful driving force, why she feels an element of surprise in her films is key, and the importance of never giving up too easily.
36 min
219
Lenox Hill's Amanda Little-Richardson
The documentary series “Lenox Hill,” directed by Ruthie Shatz and Adi Barash, has captivated viewers with its intimate portrait of four doctors dealing with a host of complex personal and professional issues inside a New York City hospital. One of those doctors, Amanda Little-Richardson, a Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the time of filming, joins the show to reflect on the impact the series has had on viewers. She discusses the importance of diversity in medicine, the challenges she's faced as a woman of color pursuing a medical career, and how the support of her parents and her husband Kevin has been invaluable. She also updates listeners on her new life in California and her 16 month-old daughter, Ava Rose.
33 min
220
Shira Haas
Shira Haas joins the show to discuss her astonishing performance in “Unorthodox,” the Netflix original limited series about a young woman from the Hasidic community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn who breaks out of her arranged marriage and travels to Berlin to find herself. Directed by Maria Schrader, created by Anna Winger and Alexa Karolinski, and inspired by Deborah Feldman's bestseller of the same name, “Unorthodox” has captured the imagination of viewers around the world. At 25 years old, Haas is a well-established actress back home in Israel, where she landed her first lead film role at just 16. In the course of her young career, she has already received four nominations for the Israeli Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actress for the film “Noble Savage.” Her work in international film began with her performance in Natalie Portman’s directorial debut “A Tale of Love and Darkness” and “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” directed by Niki Caro. In this interview, Haas talks about how she got her start, how she approaches her work, and her preparation for “Unorthodox,” which included learning Yiddish. She also talks about how she’s navigated the ups and downs of the acting life, how she decompresses between roles, and why she particularly loves the challenge of conveying emotion in scenes with less dialogue.
36 min
221
Laura Linney
Over the course of three decades, Laura Linney’s body of work has spanned the worlds of theater, film, and television, resulting in a long list of accolades, including Tony, Oscar, and Emmy nominations, as well four Emmy wins. Her vast range of choices means fans might cite any number of projects when they approach her — some are Broadway aficionados who loved her performance in “The Little Foxes” or “My Name Is Lucy Barton,” others cite “You Can Count on Me” or “The Savages,” or they might reference series like “John Adams” or “The Big C.” And then there are the legions of “Ozark” fans. In this episode, Linney discusses the latest season of “Ozark,” and the evolution of her character Wendy from soccer mom to “Wolf Bitch.” She also reflects on the arc of her career, the choices that have served her well, and the spirit that she brings to her work. And she discusses growing up in New York, working with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as the enduring charm of “Love Actually.” This interview was recorded on Thursday, May 7
46 min
222
Lisa Kudrow
In the decade that “Friends” was on the air, from 1994-2004, Lisa Kudrow experienced the heights of fame and success that come with starring in a smash-hit show with legions of fans worldwide. But Kudrow’s boundless curiosity and creative instincts have led her far beyond the world of the show, to writing and producing, and starring in independent films. In the course of her career, she has created a gallery of complex, original, captivating women, from Phoebe Buffay in “Friends” to Valerie Cherish in “The Comeback,” Fiona Wallice in “Web Therapy,” and Lucia DeLury in “The Opposite of Sex.” Kudrow joins the show to discuss “Space Force,” the new Netflix comedy series co-created by Steve Carell (who also stars) and Greg Daniels, about a four-star general being tapped to form a sixth branch of the US Armed Forces. Kudrow also discusses what it was like to be an actress in the nineties, why she’s never precious about her writing, handling setbacks, and her relationship to success.
46 min
223
Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani joins the show fresh off the success of his new hit movie “The Lovebirds,” the romantic comedy in which he stars opposite Issa Rae. It’s been a remarkable decade for the actor, comedian, screenwriter and podcaster. He’s appeared on some of the most beloved cult comedy shows in recent memory, from “Portlandia” to “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Community” and “Key & Peele,” and he starred in the hit show “Silicon Valley.” He became an Oscar nominee, alongside his wife Emily V. Gordon, for “The Big Sick,” the critically acclaimed film based on their personal story. And he received an Emmy nomination for his performance on Jordan Peele’s reboot of “The Twilight Zone.” In this conversation, Nanjiani reflects on the pivotal moments in his career, what it was like starting his stand-up career right before September 11th, his advice on handling failure, and the importance of having trust with your directors. He also talks about working with Issa Rae, getting obsessive over his workout regimen, and how his relationship with social media has changed.
48 min
224
David Letterman
David Letterman joins the show and reflects back on his early career and explains why he thinks the high time for the art of comedy is now. He discusses family and fatherhood, the cost of success, and how he dealt with his depression. He also talks about “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” his Netflix series for which he has interviewed everyone from Jay Z to Howard Stern. And he shares a surprising obsession, who he’d love to do a Freaky Friday life swap with, and his thoughts on whether comedians can ever really be friends.
48 min
225
Patton Oswalt
As an actor, writer, and Emmy-winning comedian, Patton Oswalt has created a vast body of work, from his stand-up specials and best-selling books, to his work in television and film, including acclaimed performances in movies as varied as “Young Adult” and “Ratatouille.” In this episode, Oswalt talks about his new stand-up special “Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything.” He also reflects on his childhood, the early days of his career, and the moment that first felt like success. He discusses how dealing with professional set-backs gets easier as you get older, the importance of sustaining the impulse to create new things, and why he’s drawn to producing and directing. Plus, the cinephile shares the films he’s re-watching while he’s sheltering in place.
34 min