Hawk Koch (Veteran Producer and Former AMPAS & PGA President) On His Extraordinary Hollywood Career And Working With Icons

Send Kevin a Text Message

Kevin Goetz is joined by veteran Hollywood producer Hawk Koch.

With over 50 years in the movie business, Koch has countless stories to share from his prolific career working on classic films like Chinatown, Marathon Man, Heaven Can Wait, and Wayne's World. He offers a rare insider's perspective on working with icons like Clark Gable, Ingrid Bergman, Jimmy Stewart, Jackie Gleason, and Barbra Streisand. Koch also provides wisdom on key lessons he's learned about the importance of telling the truth, taking care of people in the industry, and establishing your own identity.

What’s in a Name? (6:49)
Koch talks about changing his name at age 50 when he was bar mitzvahed, taking on the nickname "Hawk" to establish his own identity apart from his famous father, producer Howard W. Koch.

Riding Horses with Clark Gable (17:28)
Koch reminisces about getting his first horseback ride from Clark Gable as a young boy on a movie set. He describes feeling Gable's warmth and humanity in that brief interaction.

Working with Legends (20:25)
Koch shares his experience working with and being intimidated by classic actors like Jimmy Stewart and Ingrid Bergman early in his career.

Icon Lightning Round (24:01)
Kevin asks Hawk to give his quick impressions of industry figures he's worked with like Roman Polanski, Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, and Barbara Streisand.

Getting His Start in Music (28:11)
Hawk discusses how he got his start working in music, touring with The Dave Clark Five and getting to watch recording sessions with Frank Sinatra.

Taking Care of “Family” (33:43)
Koch talks about his dedication to the Motion Picture and Television Fund, taking care of people in the entertainment industry. He shares why it is important to him.

Taming Faye Dunaway’s Hair (35:33)
Koch tells a funny story about shooting Chinatown and director Roman Polanski pulling Faye Dunaway's hair out when it kept sticking up in a shot.

Best Advice Ever Received (38:05)
Koch stresses the importance of telling the truth in the movie business and not trying to mislead people.

Tune in as Hawk Koch shares stories that capture the golden era of Hollywood history through his interactions with legends on set and off. But beyond the celebrity anecdotes, his emphasis on truth, care for others, and finding one's path contain valuable lessons for those both inside and outside the entertainment world. 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: Hawk Koch
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano

For more information about Hawk Koch:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk_Koch
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0462242/
Magic Time:

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