Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz Marc Evans (Former Paramount Chief & Producer) on the Triumphs and Mistakes of Making Some of Hollywood's Biggest Blockbusters
Kevin is joined by producer and former head of Paramount Pictures, Marc Evans
Marc Evans is a highly respected studio executive with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. Evans worked his way up in Hollywood, becoming President of the Motion Picture Group at Paramount Pictures. In this role, Evans oversaw the creative development and production of major blockbuster films like Mission: Impossible, Transformers, and Star Trek franchises. He has worked closely with top directors including J.J. Abrams, Michael Bay, David Fincher, and Martin Scorsese. Evans provides unique insights into greenlighting films and shares some behind-the-scenes stories of mistakes and triumphs during his studio tenure. After leaving Paramount, Evans founded his own production company Marc Evans Productions which has already scored hits with Netflix's The Mother starring Jennifer Lopez, and action movie The Old Guard.
The value of chaos (3:08)
Kevin and Marc recall what could have been a disastrous experience of his audience being canceled for a test screening of a major studio film.
Early days at Paramount Pictures (5:43)
Marc talks about his early days at Paramount working as an assistant for producer Julia Chasman and executive Nick Wexler, and working with legendary producer Laura Ziskin on the first Spider-Man films.
Giving blockbusters heart (12:52)
Marc shares what screenwriter Alvin Sargent told him about "the pleasure of making something big good" in regards to blockbuster franchise films.
Reshooting World War Z (22:59)
Marc and Kevin discuss what went wrong with the original cut of World War Z and why they had to redo 40 minutes of the film, and how the resulting film resonated better with audiences.
Baywatch and Monster Trucks (25:25)
Marc shares why the Baywatch movie failed to connect with audiences. The pair then discuss how Monster Trucks might have worked better as a smaller family film rather than pushing it as a major tentpole release.
Marc Evans Productions (31:54)
Marc discusses his recent production successes including The Mother starring Jennifer Lopez, The Old Guard starring Charlize Theron, and Instant Family starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. He shares that the common theme in these movies is a strong emotional core.
Marc Evans has worked on some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of the last 20 years. His candid perspectives on succeeding - and occasionally stumbling - reveal thoughtful lessons for creating films that truly resonate with audiences. Evans believes in always staying connected to the emotional core in every project. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Marc Evans
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/
- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360
- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz
- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com