Antoine Fuqua (Acclaimed Director & Producer) on his Extraordinary Path, Filmmaking, Audience Testing, & More

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Kevin is joined by acclaimed filmmaker, Antoine Fuqua.

Antoine Fuqua, director and producer, is known for his work on the films Training Day, The Magnificent Seven, and The Equalizer.

Kevin Goetz sits down with renowned Hollywood director Antoine Fuqua. They discuss Fuqua's extraordinary path from the tough streets of Pittsburgh to directing blockbusters and working with some of the greatest actors of our time. Fuqua opens up about his encounter with gun violence at age 15, which shaped his artistic style and pursuit of cinematic realism. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Denzel Washington in Training Day, the value he gleans from test screenings, and his upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Fuqua also provides insight into his intense focus on actors, self-criticism, and mission to keep evolving as a director who can capture the human condition under pressure.

Childhood Shooting (2:26)
Fuqua recalls being randomly shot at age 15 while running an errand in Pittsburgh. The traumatic event gave him a visceral sense of violence and mortality. He remembers the shooting like a vivid movie scene engraved in his mind.

Acting Process (11:34)
Fuqua explains his deep reverence for actors. Fuqua believes in giving actors space to use their own creative process and not interfering in their "magic."

“In the Moment Filmmaking” with Denzel Washington (14:18)
Fuqua shares a story from Training Day when he was so absorbed watching Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke improvise in character that he forgot to call "cut." He stresses filmmakers must sometimes "get out of their own way" and just feel unscripted moments unfold.

Test Screenings (16:48)
The pair discuss test screenings, and Fuqua shares that even though he is tortured by the test screening process, he considers it a blessing. Fuqua discusses his love for the audience and how the feedback exposes blind spots and forces him to see the film through their eyes.

Michael Jackson Biopic (21:56)
Fuqua reveals details on his upcoming Michael Jackson biography produced by Graham King. He was drawn to the project by Jackson's global impact and complicated life. Fuqua aims to look beyond tabloid headlines to capture the man underneath.

Men Under Pressure (27:24)
Fuqua discusses men under pressure, a major theme in his filmmaking, and how he is drawn to telling stories about people making tough choices that test their morals and define their character.

Tune in for a fascinating discussion that provides rare insight into the mindset of visionary director Antoine Fuqua. From his rough upbringing to directing actors like Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Will Smith, and Jake Gyllenhaal, he explains how his background shaped his directorial style and gift for portraying the human condition.

Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Antoine Fuqua
Producer:  Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, & Kari Campano

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