Hollywood Gold

Producer Alex Coco takes us behind the scenes of the making of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner and recent winner of the Acadamy's Best Picture award, Anora. Alex reflects on his collaboration with director Sean Baker, revealing how flexibility with the script led to a more authentic and organic storytelling experience, including a spontaneous real-life double rainbow that was written its own scene. He also discusses one of the most important components behind Anora’s success: handpicking the right cast, focusing on who was truly suited for each role over star power. This approach led to the critical casting of Mikey Madison, who played a pivotal role in earning the film the highest honor at Cannes. Congratulations to Anora for its Oscar success! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producers Fred Berger and Alex Heineman take us behind the scenes of A Complete Unknown, a biopic of legendary artist Bob Dylan. A movie six years in the making, Berger and Heineman share how they started this journey by casting a young Timothée Chalamet fresh out of Call Me by Your Name. Chalamet dedicated himself to this role, spending his time mastering piano, guitar, and how to exactly capture Dylan's distinctive voice. Berger and Heineman also dive into how critical James Mangold was in bringing this film to life, never sacrificing the creative and emotional core that was at the heart of Bob Dylan's rise to fame. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, there is no doubt that this film will be at the forefront of audiences' minds for years to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Executive Producer Alexandra Loewy dives deep into the making of 2025 Oscar-nominated horror film, The Substance. She shares how Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat meticulously crafted the film, spending two years writing what Loewy calls the most detailed script she had ever read, paired with an 80-page lookbook including striking visual references. With a very demanding filming process, Fargeat had stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley begin prep six weeks ahead of filming rather than the more conventional two, using the time to explain the demands in prosthetics, acting, choreography, and more. Despite challenges along the way, the film found resounding success starting at Cannes Film Festival and beyond, solidifying its place as one of the most unforgettable films of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Bruce Cohen recounts the making of 2012’s Oscar winning Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell’s brilliant film about a bipolar man and the widow who changed his life. Not only did the film launch a young Jennifer Lawrence into a new... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Michael Roiff takes us behind the scenes of beloved romantic-comedy, Waitress. What started as an underdog project skyrocketed to success, thanks to a mix of luck, timing, and the passionate champions who believed in it. Roiff shares how they met Keri Russell and instantly knew she was the right choice, even delaying production six months to ensure her availability. Waitress not only leaves behind a lasting legacy as a heartfelt and impactful film, but also serves as a tribute to late Director and Screenwriter Adrienne Shelly, who unexpectedly passed shortly before the movie's release. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of Hollywood Gold, Daniela and fellow producer Riva Marker dive deep into this year's Oscar nominations. From Kieran Culkin to Demi Moore, to The Brutalist to Wicked, Daniela and Riva explore each film and performer nominated, using both their personal taste and professional experience to cast their predictions. Tune in for this exciting episode and gear up for Hollywood's biggest night of the year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer and the Co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises Jane Rosenthal joins us to discuss family comedy Meet the Parents and the successful franchise it inspired. What began as the simple yet wildly entertaining premise of meeting a tough, mobster-like father-in-law like the iconic Robert De Niro turned into a comedic phenomenon. Rosenthal reveals how De Niro's commitment to blending realism with laugh-out-loud absurdity created unforgettable moments for audiences everywhere. She shares how the film's success was rooted in the nerve-wracking and often awkward universal experience of meeting your partner's parents, a moment that viewers can bring their personal experience to. The sequel, Meet the Fockers, was envisioned during the first film’s production, with Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand quickly cast as Ben Stiller’s on-screen parents. With rumors of a new installment in the franchise, audiences can look forward to more laughs with the family! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniela and Vanessa discuss their personal experience with the LA wildfires and share their support with the survivors who tragically lost their homes. For more information on how to help, see below for trusted resources:Mutual Aid Network LACalifornia Fire FoundationLAFDFriends in DeedDream CenterEntertainment Community Fund Pasadena Humane SocietyDirect ReliefCalifornia Community FoundationWorld Central KitchenBaby2BabyLA Regional Food BankWestside Food Bank Red CrossMotion Picture Television Fund Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Editor Joe Walker takes us behind the scenes of the sci-fi epic, Dune: Part Two, and its Oscar-winning predecessor. In collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve, Walker shares how they worked together to balance intimate character moments with grand world-building and action, using his specialty in sound to create immersive environments and emotional depth. While Dune: Part One focused on introducing characters and setting the stage, Dune: Part Two adopted a faster pace to depict the main character Paul Atreides' transformative journey. Despite extensive planning, and even a dedicated "worm unit," Walker highlights how Villeneuve and the team embraced spontaneity when better creative opportunities revealed themselves, especially for intimate or ad-libbed scenes, creating one of the greatest sci-fi sagas of our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer Akiva Goldsman guides us through the long and winding road to the production of 2001's Best Picture Oscar winner A BEAUTIFUL MIND. Inspired to take on the challenge of adapting the book by growing up in a house that fostered kids with mental... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.