Hollywood Gold

David S. Ward, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind The Sting, shares the riveting story of how the iconic film came to life. He reveals the whirlwind pitch that got Robert Redford on board and the challenges faced during production, including chaotic casting decisions. Ward reflects on the musical debates that shaped the film's famous score and recounts memorable interactions between stars Paul Newman and Redford on set. Dive into the behind-the-scenes drama that helped The Sting snag seven Academy Awards and become a cinematic classic.

In this special bonus episode, Daniela and Vanessa dive into the almost impossible challenge of picking their top four movies. From iconic classics like The Graduate and Goodfellas to heartfelt dramas like Kramer vs. Kramer, the duo explores the delicate balance between personal favorites and critically acclaimed masterpieces. They also discuss their favorite hidden gems, the evolution of modern filmmaking, and a few must-watch TV series. To all those who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving and remember to Stay Gold! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Costume Designer Paul Tazewell takes us into the magical world of Wicked and his role in transforming beloved characters Glinda and Elphaba for the screen. Striving to honor the spirit of the original Broadway show while presenting a fresh, cinematic experience, Paul created looks inspired by nature, intricate textures, and dynamic character contrasts. He highlights how Cynthia Erivo’s physicality, emotional depth, and connection to the material made her an ideal choice, while Ariana Grande’s audition showcased a perfect foil to Erivo’s Elphaba, blending charm and authenticity. Both actresses, as fashion icons, brought strong perspectives that enriched the visual storytelling, creating a collaborative experience for Paul as Costume Designer. Get your tickets to Wicked, in theaters November 22nd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Erik Feig reflects on the making of Step Up, the movie that launched one of the most iconic dance/romance film franchises in history. Inspired by classics like Footloose and Save the Last Dance, Erik set out to flip the script by creating a dance movie from a male perspective, transforming the genre from a "chick flick" into a compelling couple’s story. The game-changing decision to cast a fresh-faced Channing Tatum for his breakout role was just the beginning. What started as a small-budget, nearly straight-to-DVD film quickly turned into an international sensation, thanks in large part to its global appeal and dance sequences that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Editor Kevin Tent takes us through the making of Sideways in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary. Kevin dives into his early days of mastering the editing process and his long-term collaboration with director Alexander Payne. He shares captivating insights on how Paul Giamatti, the film's star, was considered an editor’s best friend, making his job easy with his brilliant performances. From the unique perspective of the film's editor, Kevin shares how he was unsure of how the movie would succeed, but by the time the first screening ended, he knew they had created something special that would reach a wide range of audiences. Join us for a deep dive into the art of editing and help us honor Sideways in its 20th year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Heller, executive producer known for his work with Topic Studios, shares insights on Jesse Eisenberg's film, A Real Pain. He discusses the unique character-driven narrative, blending humor with emotional depth. Heller highlights the dynamic chemistry between Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, which sparked creativity during their intense 25-day shoot. He recalls the excitement at Sundance, realizing within an hour of the screening that they had a hit. The conversation reveals the intricacies of balancing artistic vision with distribution strategies.

Producer Alex Coco takes us behind the scenes of the making of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner, 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. Get your tickets to Anora, in theaters now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer/director Hallie Meyers-Shyer reflects on the creation of Goodrich, set to release this Friday, October 18th. In this episode, she delves into the emotional and personal stories that inspired this heartwarming tale of a complex father-daughter relationship. Hallie discusses the casting process and how the legendary Michael Keaton, known for his talent in both comedy and drama, became an essential part of bringing this dramedy to life. The film was produced by Hollywood Gold host Daniela Taplin Lundberg and offers firsthand insights on the difficult but worthwhile process of making and releasing a theatrical movie in today's landscape. Get your tickets now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Alex Saks walks us through the making of The Florida Project, revealing the countless unexpected twists that shaped its creation. Reflecting on her collaboration with director Sean Baker, Alex discusses how her unwavering trust in his vision brought this powerful story to life. From the chaos of helicopter interruptions to a lice outbreak on set, she dives into the challenges and hard work behind crafting this deeply powerful film on childhood innocence. This episode is a compelling tale of trusting your instincts, overcoming obstacles, and embracing flexibility in the creative process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Screenwriter/Director/Producer Scott Z. Burns takes us behind the scenes of the gripping disaster film Contagion, revealing its chilling relevance during the global pandemic. In this episode, Burns reflects on his initial brainstorm with visionary director Steven Soderbergh, sharing how his father’s fascination with pandemics sparked the film’s haunting premise. From dissecting the cultural shockwaves of pandemics to navigating the delicate balance of tone in the face of disaster, Burns unpacks the emotional depth of the characters and the real-world stakes that elevate the film. It’s a masterclass in creativity colliding with reality, offering profound insights into the power of storytelling in uncertain times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.