Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz Todd Black & Jason Blumenthal (Prolific Producers) on Filmmaking, Development, and Audience Testing!
Kevin is joined by the acclaimed producing team Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal, who give rare insights into their creative process and share lessons learned from decades of successful filmmaking.
In this episode, Kevin Goetz sits down with two of the most prolific, decorated, and respected producers in the business - Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal. As partners at Escape Artists, Jason and Todd have produced an incredible array of award-winning films spanning over 20 years. From critical and commercial hits like The Pursuit of Happyness, The Equalizer franchise, Seven Pounds, and Being the Ricardos, they have cultivated a reputation for making character-driven films with soul and meaning.
Jason Blumenthal’s Superpower [05:05]
Jason believes his superpower is being able to "create something from nothing" when developing film ideas.
Landing Denzel Washington for The Equalizer franchise [10:59]
After years of relationship building, Todd and Jason landed Denzel for The Equalizer by paying for the rights themselves and developing the script extensively before showing him.
The importance of character-driven movies [24:30]
Todd emphasizes having likable characters that audiences connect with as the key ingredient for successful films.
Nerves before every test screening [28:38]
Both Todd and Jason discuss their intense anxiety and physical symptoms before every test screening. Despite the nerves, the trio discuss how important the test screening process has been for the success of their films.
Memorable test screening moments that shaped their films [31:56]
To illustrate how important it is to listen to the audience, the producing pair discusses how cutting a love story from Equalizer 3 significantly improved test scores.
Will Smith's insight on why endings matter most to audiences [43:13]
After a test screening of The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith surprised the audience and gave Jason a valuable piece of advice about the importance of a good ending.
Tune in to hear Jason Blumenthal and Todd Black offer invaluable insights into producing in this wide-ranging conversation with host Kevin Goetz. The pair explain their creative ethos, share how test screenings have shaped their films, and recall sage advice received over their decades-long careers. Their passion for the test screening process illustrates a deep commitment to the audience above all else. With candor and humor, Jason and Todd impart hard-won lessons about the importance of likable characters, owning mistakes, and maintaining integrity in Hollywood. Their openness provides a rare look inside the art and craft of great producing.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guests: Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, & Kari Campano
For more information about Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal:
Escape Artists: https://escapeartists.com/
Instagram:
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