Hollywood Gold

Producer Moctesuma Esparza explains how Jennifer Lopez beat out 80,000 young women who auditioned to portray the now iconic pop star and, in true diva fashion, made the producers wait 6 months for her. But first, Moctesuma had to win the trust of Selena’s family who were understandably wary to trust someone in entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producers Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman recount the making of their global hit PITCH PERFECT. The success of this film launched a franchise and made Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson household names. The concept wasn't an easy sell, so they used pitch pipes and performed songs during studio pitches. They knew they struck gold when Harvey Weinstein wanted the movie so much that he yelled at Elizabeth in the middle of the Met Ball. Thankfully for fans everywhere, she was not intimidated and the movie found its perfect home in Universal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks recount the fateful moment that Steven Spielberg walked out of his office at the exact right time to seal the deal with American Beauty writer Alan Ball. Taking a chance on theater director Sam Mendes who had never directed a feature film, they brought together a stellar cast and made a film that went on to win 5 Oscars, including Best Picture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S.E. Hinton's classic book The Outsiders has influenced an entire generation of young people, and has inspired artists to create various adaptations. The most well-known of these is Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film starring Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, and Diane Lane. In this episode, producer Fred Roos recounts the story of how Coppola's intense and unique casting process allowed him to discover the perfect cast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Taylor Hackford recounts how buying the rights to Richie Valens's entire catalog from his mom was the smartest way to get his movie made. Star Lou Diamond Phillips had to be convinced to take on the leading role in this story about brotherly competition and ambition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Election, the brilliantly subversive film about an ambitious high school student's run for class president, launched director Alexander Payne's career. Producers Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa believed in Alex from the time they saw his UCLA short film, but the studio took some more convincing before he was hired. Albert and Ron take us inside the struggles that went into the making of Election, and how they expertly balanced the creative and business elements of filmmaking to launch a legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the production of Scream, producer Cathy Konrad received a late night call with a creepy voice saying, "Do you like scary movies?" Thankfully, it was just the film's director, legendary horror filmmaker Wes Craven, calling to discuss what to do about the Weinsteins being unhappy with the mask and the footage. Despite the studio roadblocks, Scream was finished and was a huge success, redefining the horror genre for a new generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, legendary producer Jennifer Todd recalls the production of one of the most ambitious independent films of all time - Christopher Nolan’s Memento. The film that launched the career of one of the most successful and innovative directors of our time struggled to find both buyers and an audience, but Nolan’s vision and perseverance prevailed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Filmmaker Ron Shelton discusses how his experience as a minor league baseball player inspired him to make one of the most authentic sports films of all time. Star Kevin Costner was an early believer in the film and helped secure a studio deal against all odds, while the biggest casting challenge was solved by Susan Sarandon herself with a bold move that convinced the studio heads she was the perfect choice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer and writer Callie Khouri takes us on the journey from script to screen of the beloved film Thelma and Louise. Equal parts inspiration (the story in its entirety just popped into her head one day), great timing (Ridley Scott was suddenly available to direct), and integrity (Callie refused to change the ending regardless of studio notes), the film is a remarkable success story that marks the revolutionary reinvention of female characters on screen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.