The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts will launch its first ever narrative podcast on June 26 and stars Lisa Kudrow.
“Jack & Lou: A Gangster Love Story” comes from the school’s film and television production division. Inspired by the real-life Jack “Machine Gun Jack” McGurn and the Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, the six-episode podcast features Kudrow as Louise Rolfe, otherwise known as “The Blonde Alibi,” and Leigh Joel Scott as McGurn. Listeners hear Rolfe at age 57 reminisce to a reporter about her life as a young woman in Capone-era Chicago, her greatest love and the events surrounding the famous post-massacre trial.
Intended to be a feature film, it was adapted for audio storytelling by students and recent graduates of the film school when the pandemic forced the closure of USC’s in-person classes. “Jack & Lou” was produced entirely remotely.
“We are incredibly proud of how the students stepped up to the plate and turned a challenging moment into one of the most entertaining and informative podcasts out there,” producing professor John Watson said. “It has always been our mission to make sure the students are ready to meet the unexpected shifts and challenges faced in the industry and this podcast is the perfect example of their excellent training, hard work and ability to adapt.”
“Jack & Lou: A Gangster Love Story” will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
CASTING
Ray Panthaki (“Away,” “Colette”) joined the cast of Starz’s new 16th century drama, “The Serpent Queen.” He will portray Charles Guise, a Catholic Cardinal who revels in stealing from Protestants under the guise of raising funds for war, but really puts it toward funding their families lifestyles. He joins previously announced cast members Samantha Morton, who stars as Catherine de Medici, Enzo Cilenti, Barry Atsma, Nicholas Burns and Danny Kirrane. Charles Dance and Colm Meaney have recurring roles in the series from writer and executive producer Justin Haythe. Francis Lawrence also serves as executive producer.
LATE NIGHT
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” will have on Charlize Theron, Willie Nelson and Beabadoobee.