#7 Richard LaGravenese: On Making "Freedom Writers"

This episode pulls back the curtain on the making of the feature film Freedom Writers, written and directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank. First, original Freedom Writer Tanya Payne reflects on what it was like to see her experience, her words, represented onscreen in the movie. Then Erin shares her conversation with writer/director Richard LaGravenese, recorded in New York City. Erin and Richard discuss the process of adapting The Freedom Writers Diary into a feature film; the casting choices and the real-life stories behind the talented kids who played Ms. G's students; and those special behind-the-scenes moments that proved to everyone involved that this was more than just a movie. It was a movement. Links and Resources: Richard LaGravanese on Twitter: @RLaGravenese Richard LaGravenese on IMdB: https://imdb.to/2rEOPkj Buy Freedom Writers: https://amzn.to/2XAP9mT Bring a Freedom Writer to Your School or Organization: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/programs/outreach Buy Signed Copies of The Freedom Writers Diary www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/shop Richard LaGravenese Bio: Richard LaGravenese is a film & television writer/director/producer. Writer: “Behind The Candelabra”, (Emmy, BAFTA Nomination). “The Fisher King” (AcademyAward®, BAFTA and WGA award nominations), “Beautiful Creatures” “Unbroken”, “Water for Elephants,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “A Little Princess”, “The Horse Whisperer,” “The Mirror Has Two Faces” “The Ref“. Writer/Director: “The Last Five Years”, “Freedom Writers” (Humanitas Prize winner), “P.S. I Love You”, “Living Out Loud”. With co-creator Tony Goldwyn, LaGravenese wrote and produced the critically acclaimed AMC/WEtv television series,“The Divide”. He co-produced and co-directed (with Ted Demme) the Emmy®-nominated film documentary “A Decade Under the Influence", (National Board of Review's William Everson Film History Award).