E-mail a friendJuly 26, 2007
NPR correspondent and author of China Road, Rob Gifford, discusses China's rising global influence. James L. Brooks, producer of The Simpsons Movie, reflects on his successful career.
Rob Gifford
Rob Gifford
Rob Gifford first went to China as a 20-year-old language student and has spent much of the last 20 years studying and reporting there. He previously served as NPR's China correspondent and is now its London bureau chief. Born and raised in the U.K., Gifford received his undergrad degree in Chinese studies and worked for the BBC World Service as a producer and program host before moving to the U.S. His book, China Road, recounts his travels along Route 312—China's equivalent of America's Route 66.
James L. Brooks
James L. Brooks
The Simpsons' executive producer discusses controversy on the show. (:48)
Discusses The Simpsons movie and the show. Full Interview. (12:12)
James L. Brooks is one of the few producer-director-writers to achieve success in both TV and feature films. He's won more prime time Emmys than any person in history, and his first film, Terms of Endearment, won 11 Oscars. Brooks' credits include the landmark TV series Room 222 and The Simpsons and the features Broadcast News and Jerry Maguire. The Brooklyn native began his career as a documentary writer for CBS News and, in '84, founded Gracie Films, to oversee his projects in both mediums.