Alexander Payne

Since 1996, Alexander Payne has made six feature films and a short segment of an omnibus movie. Although his body of work is quantitatively small, it is qualitatively impressive. His movies have garnered numerous accolades and awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay. As more than one interviewer in this volume points out, he maintains an impressive and unbroken winning streak. Payne’s stories of human strivings and follies, alongside his mastery of the craft of filmmaking, mark him as a contemporary auteur of uncommon accomplishment. In this first compilation of his interviews, Payne reveals himself as a captivating conversationalist as well. The discussions collected here range from 1996, shortly after the release of his first film, Citizen Ruth, to the debut of Nebraska at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013. Over his career, he muses on many subjects including his own creative processes, his commitment to telling character-centered stories, and his abiding admiration for movies and directors from across decades of film history. Critics describe Payne as one of the few contemporary filmmakers who consistently manages to buck the current trend toward bombastic blockbusters. Like the 1970s director-driven cinema that he cherishes, his films are small-scale character studies that manage to maintain a delicate balance between sharp satire and genuine poignancy.

This detailed biography gives a portrait of the life of Daniel Alexander Payne, a free person of color in nineteenth century Charleston, South Carolina. This work highlights his life as educator, pastor, abolitionist, poet, historiographer, hymn writer, ecumenist, and bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Payne was a strong voice for the freedom of his enslaved brothers and sisters of color as well as a vociferous supporter of general and theological education. Upon his election as president of Wilberforce University in Ohio in 1863, Payne became the first African American to lead an institution of higher education in the United States. In addition to exploring his work within the United States, this biography highlights and includes sources from Payne’s travels, work, and reception in nineteenth century Europe.

Leo Biga has reported on the career of filmmaker Alexander Payne for 20 years. In this updated collection of essays, the author-journalist-blogger offers the only comprehensive look at Payne's career and creative process. Based in Payne's hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Biga has been granted access to location shooting for Nebraska and Sideways, the latter filmed in California's wine country. Biga has also been given many exclusive interviews by Payne and his creative collaborators. His insightful analysis of Payne's films and personal journey has been praised by Payne for its "honesty, thoughtfulness, and accuracy." The two-time Oscar-winner calls Biga's articles, "the most complete and perceptive of any journalist's anywhere." Payne's films are celebrated for their blend of humor and honest look at human relationships. Members of Hollywood's A-List, including George Clooney (The Descendants), Jack Nicholson (About Schmidt), Reese Witherspoon (Election), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), Laura Dern (Citizen Ruth), and Bruce Dern (Nebraska), have starred in his films.

This is a 2nd edition of the 1985 anthology that examines the religious history of African Americans.

This book is an extensive collection of original interviews with 50 noted filmmakers. Conducted over a seven-year period expressly for this project, the interviews cover various aspects of film production, biographical information, and the interviewees’ favorite or most influential films. Filmmakers interviewed include highly respected auteurs (Richard Linklater, Wim Wenders), B-movie greats (Roger Corman, Lloyd Kaufman), and well-renowned documentary directors (D.A. Pennebaker, Albert Maysles). Each entry includes a brief biography and filmography, while dozens of personal photographs, promotional materials, and film stills appear throughout the work.

Leo Biga has reported on the career of filmmaker Alexander Payne for 20 years. In this updated collection of essays, the author-journalist-blogger offers the only comprehensive look at Payne's career and creative process. Based in Payne's hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Biga has been granted access to location shooting for Nebraska and Sideways, the latter filmed in California's wine country. Biga has also been given many exclusive interviews by Payne and his creative collaborators. His insightful analysis of Payne's films and personal journey has been praised by Payne for its "honesty, thoughtfulness, and accuracy." The two-time Oscar-winner calls Biga's articles, "the most complete and perceptive of any journalist's anywhere." Payne's films are celebrated for their blend of humor and honest look at human relationships. Members of Hollywood's A-List, including George Clooney (The Descendants), Jack Nicholson (About Schmidt), Reese Witherspoon (Election), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), Laura Dern (Citizen Ruth), and Bruce Dern (Nebraska), have starred in his films.