Hollywood Gold

In this special bonus episode, Daniela and Vanessa share their favorite holiday movies. From Christmas classics such as Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life to modern holiday stories like Love, Actually and The Family Stone, these movies bring joy and comfort every winter season. This episode also brought a reflection of warm holiday traditions with loved ones, bonding over family movie nights and heartfelt stories that last a lifetime. Happy Holidays from Stay Gold and wishing you a joyful and warm holiday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer/director/producer Nancy Meyers joins us to discuss her cozy holiday classic, The Holiday. Masterfully shifting between sunny LA and the charming countryside of England, she discusses how the dual storylines made the crew feel like they were creating two different movies. With a focus on crafting female characters with "gumption," Nancy ensured that stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet not only represented modern womanhood, but also found perfect love interests in Jude Law and Jack Black, who shine as worthy partners. This lighthearted romantic comedy transformed into a holiday phenomenon, warming hearts across the world and becoming a must-watch holiday tradition nearly two decades later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Joe Pantoliano, or "Joey Pants," pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary acting career, sharing captivating behind-the-scenes tales from iconic films like Risky Business, The Fugitive, and Midnight Run. Beginning his Hollywood journey in 1971, he worked as a waiter to make ends meet as a young actor. Rising to the star we know today, Joey offers insights into the lessons he’s learned about humility and building lasting relationships, illustrated through his unique bond with Steven Spielberg and his memorable role in The Goonies. With over 170 acting credits, Joey’s stories showcase his comedic talent, grounded nature, and ability to find joy in Hollywood’s unpredictable world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.