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Behind-the-Scenes Drama of America's Funniest and Most Adored TV Couple 'Being the Ricardos' at the KCET Cinema Series on Nov. 30

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Being the Ricardos: Official Teaser | Prime Video

Q&A immediately following screening with Oscar-nominated producer Todd Black.

While making "I Love Lucy," Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) face a major crisis that jeopardizes their careers and marriage. Academy Award-winning writer and director Aaron Sorkin explores one production week in the groundbreaking television sitcom to reveal the Hollywood power couple’s romantic and professional relationship. The cast includes J. K. Simmons as William Frawley and Nina Arianda as Vivian Vance, among others.

Aaron Sorkin made it clear he didn't want the actors to do impersonations of the people they would be portraying. "In the moments when they are playing Ricky and Lucy or Ethel and Fred, there needed to be a nod toward the characters, but otherwise I just wanted a suggestion of the person," he says. "As I often said, this is a painting, not a photograph."

Immediately following the screening, Deadline’s chief film critic Pete Hammond, who can also be seen on KCET’s Must See Movies, moderated a Q&A with producer Todd Black. Todd is best known for his work on the films "Antwone Fisher," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and "Fences."

Listen to the Q&A from the screening below.

Producer Todd Black (left) with Cinema Series host Pete Hammond.
Producer Todd Black (left) with Cinema Series host Pete Hammond.
1/2 Producer Todd Black (left) with Cinema Series host Pete Hammond. | KCET Cinema Series
Hammond and Black during the post-screening Q&A.
Hammond and Black during the post-screening Q&A.
2/2 Hammond and Black during the post-screening Q&A. | KCET Cinema Series

The long-running in-person series returns in November to the historic Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, while the popular virtual series continues on Eventive, a technology platform designed specifically to enhance the online film viewing experience.

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