This week on Checkin’ the Gate, actor and creative Owen Rogers breaks down the latest in prestige TV, film, and Black indie cinema from the perspective of a working actor navigating Atlanta’s industry hustle. From Industry season 4 and Fallout season 2 to surprising TV swings that almost work, Owen offers smart, honest reactions without the PR filter. The episode also features a Black Indie Spotlight on the newly released Terri Joe’s Miami Missionary and discusses the 2023 the indie film Once Again (For the Very First Time), plus a candid review of the new Chris Pratt film Mercy, as well as the documentary I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not. Along the way, Owen checks in on auditions, screenings, and the realities of chasing a career in entertainment while staying tapped into culture. If you love prestige TV, insider industry talk, and thoughtful takes from someone actually in the arena, you’re in the right place
🎧 Host: Owen Rogers @theowenrogers
⏱️ Episode Length: Approx. 60 minutes
🎬 Topics: TV reviews, film criticism, Black indie film, acting industry, Atlanta film scene
In This Episode
Owen Rogers opens the episode with a personal industry check in, sharing recent auditions, actor logistics, and reflections on life as a working actor in Atlanta before diving into the week’s cultural slate.
Rest in Peace Catherine O'Hara
🔹 Life of a Working Actor
• Auditions and actor access
• Finding scene partners and navigating casting logistics
• Industry screenings and staying visible
📺 TV Check In and Weekly Reactions
Owen reacts to new episodes, trailers, and ongoing conversations around: • Industry season 4 episode 4
• Fallout season 2 episode 7
• St. Denis Medical,
Animal Control,
Going Dutch,
Stumble
• Cartoon Corner and animated culture moments
Primal
The Darwin Incident
Smart critiques, cultural context, and actor focused observations throughout.
🧬 Black Indie Spotlight
A closer look at Black and independent storytelling, including: • Terri Joe: Miami Missionary and its social media to screen pipeline
• Tyler Perry parallels and audience targeting
• Once Again (For the Very First Time) directed by Boaz Yakin
• Byron Bowers and Bronx Science alumni connections
• The balance between artistry, platform, and greenlighting decisions
🎬 Movie Review
Owen gives an honest, spoiler aware review of new releases:
• Mercy
I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not
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