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Topic’s streaming service brings you exclusive TV and films from around the globe. Try it free. Cancel anytime.Learn More

Topic Studios produces award-winning film, TV & podcasts, supporting creators at the forefront of culture.Learn More

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Topic is a First Look Media company

Rough Draft with Reza Aslan

United StatesTalk ShowTV-MA1 Season | 8 Episodes

Filmed live at the historic Mack Sennett Studios in Silver Lake, California, Rough Draft with Reza Aslan is a timely and fast-paced talk show about writers and their lives, craft and inspira

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8 Episodes

Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter, Jessica Jones) talks with Reza about her screenwriting journey from using her dance background to create the movie Step Up, managing the rabid fan base of Twilight, and bringing Jessica Jones to life on screen.

Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely

S1 | E2

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51 Mins

Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (screenwriters behind 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame') talk with Reza Aslan about crafting the highest-grossing film of all time.

Vic Mensa with musical guest Johan Lenox

S1 | E3

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45 Mins

Vic Mensa (activist rapper) talks with Reza Aslan about growing up in Chicago, questioning authority from a young age, and the creation of the 93PUNX collaboration album. Johan Lenox joins Mensa to discuss their collaboration and perform together

Ramy Youssef with musical El Ten Eleven

S1 | E4

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39 Mins

2020 Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef talks with Reza Aslan about his television series Ramy, the challenges of performing stand-up and growing up as a Muslim American in New Jersey. Los Angeles-based, post-rock duo, El Ten Eleven perform.

Gloria Calderón Kellett & Tanya Saracho

S1 | E5

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43 Mins

Writer/showrunners Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day At A Time) & Tanya Saracho (Vida) talk with Reza Aslan about growing up Latin and creating diverse roles in TV.

Viet Thanh Nguyen with musical guest Thao and the Get Down Stay Down

S1 | E6

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41 Mins

2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner for 'The Sympathizer', Viet Thanh Nguyen, talks with Reza Aslan about what it means to be a refuge vs. an immigrant, how to write a sequel, and whether the infamous squid moment was inspired by real life experience. Thao & the Get Down Stay Down perform.

Steven Canals with musical guest Trans Chorus of LA

S1 | E7

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46 Mins

Creator, writer, and executive producer of the Golden Globe-nominated series, Pose, Steven Canals talks with Reza Aslan about his career change into screenwriting, representation on screen, and the origins of Pose. With musical guest The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles featuring Maggie Szabo.

LA's poet laureate and 2015 National Book Award for Poetry winner, Robin Coste Lewis talks with Reza Aslan about growing up between two cities and her travel around the world observing how the Western world describes art featuring African female bodies, leading to her book, Voyage of the Sable Venus and Other Poems. Special guest Marquesha Babers performs.

Credits

Cast

Reza Aslan

Executive Producers

Reza Aslan, Philip Alberstat, Steven Amato, David Andreone, Jesse Rogg, Alfredo de Villa

Cinematographer

Kimo Proudfoot

Editor

Matt Goodhue