Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz Robbie Brenner (Mattel Films President & Producer) on Audience Testing of "Barbie" Movie & More!
Kevin is joined by Academy Award-nominated producer and President of Mattel Films, Robbie Brenner who helped reinvent Barbie and create a contemporary movie classic.
Robbie produced the record-breaking blockbuster movie Barbie and has had an illustrious career making acclaimed films including Dallas Buyers Club, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and that went on to win three Academy Awards. We'll hear Robbie's insider stories of how Barbie went from an idea that seemed destined to fail to the biggest comedy hit in years. She also shares her war stories guiding Barbie through development and testing, while creating the bold creative vision needed to reinvent an iconic brand by bringing on director Greta Gerwig at the suggestion of Margot Robbie. Robbie Brenner also shares her vision for Mattel Films and insight into her upcoming projects.
Getting Barbie Off the Ground (8:00)
Robbie shares the early development process for Barbie, and why Kevin initially thought it would fail.
The High Heel and the Birkenstock (12:16)
How Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach got attached to the project and shifted the tone.
Behind-the-scenes stories from test screenings of Barbie (18:18)
Kevin and Robbie share stories from the early screenings of Barbie, and the changes that were made to the film.
Convincing Mattel (25:44)
Robbie explains how she had to convince the Barbie brand team to "get comfortable with being uncomfortable" during the filmmaking process.
Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and Barney (35:46)
Robbie discusses the future slate of films based on Mattel brands, including Hot Wheels, Barney, and more. She shares the big Hollywood names attached to the projects; people like J.J. Abrams, Lena Dunham, and Daniel Kaluuya.
The Cultural Significance of Barbie (38:33)
Robbie explains how Barbie substantively unpacks cultural issues, beyond just being commercially appealing.
Taking Risks (42:25)
Robbie talks about having conviction as a filmmaker to take bold risks, even if you "fail miserably.”
Tune in for an entertaining glimpse behind the scenes of a contemporary classic in the making. Robbie brings an infectious energy as she shares anecdotes that capture the importance of conviction and the power of meaningful storytelling in producing great films. Robbie has an innate sense for compelling stories, a passion for telling them authentically, and the talent relationships and tenacity to get films made. Her insights into utilizing audience research to craft satisfying endings, grabbing viewer attention early, and leaning into a filmmaker's unique voice reveal why she's been behind so many memorable movies.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Robbie Brenner
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Robbie Brenner:
Mattel Films: https://corporate.mattel.com/robbie-brenner
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