Hollywood Gold

Producer Debra Martin Chase has worked with some of the greatest talents of our time, including Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. In this episode, Debra talks about how her second career as a film producer began with the timeless classic The Princess Diaries. She explains how this special film inspired Julie Andrews' return to film after a 10 year hiatus and launched Anne Hathaway's career. Debra shares insights into breaking boundaries, forging your own path, what it means to be a leader, and provides glimpses into some of the behind the scenes magic from set. 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.

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.

This episode is brought to you by Arc Studio. Screenwriters, write your next script with Arc Studio—the collaboration-friendly screenwriting app with a distraction-free interface that helps you get in the writing zone and stay there. Arc Studio offers a completely free plan, or to take advantage of its full suite of powerful tools you can get $30 off a Pro subscription by visiting arcstudiopro.com/hollywoodgold.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind producer Anthony Bregman dishes all the behind the scenes movie magic on this iconic film. From having to find a new editor three days into filming, to some little white lies about the daily’s when asked by Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, this movie had no shortage of drama both on and off camera. But, beyond that, its incredible camera work and unique sets helped push the boundaries of what was possible at the time making it one of the 2000s finest films. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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.

Director Steven Shainberg recalls the making of 2002's SECRETARY, a daring film that centers around a BDSM relationship between a lawyer and his new secretary. Inspired by the great filmmakers Jane Campion and Mike Lee, Steven decided to turn his short film into a feature, but knew it would be a challenge to get it made. Many of the executives and financiers who read the script were scared to take on such risky material, but Steven was persistent and secured independent financing. They went out to nearly every young female star of the day, but everyone passed. And then Maggie Gyllenhaal auditioned and he knew she was the one. As Steven explains on the podcast, the film is about so much more than the taboo relationship between boss and employee. It's about two people finding freedom and happiness in each other and honoring their true selves.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time on the podcast, host Daniela Taplin Lundberg talks to her right-hand woman Becca Cammarata to discuss their own trials and tribulations when producing the historical biopic HARRIET. From the stress of pivoting from a indie film to convincing a studio to come on board to taking a risk on casting relatively unknown Cynthia Erivo, the two share spiritual stories from a muddy set with the goal of showcasitng how Harriet Tubman was a real life superhero. Previous guest and legendary producer Debra Martin Chase is the real hero of this story, having been with the project for years and never wavering on her belief that the world had to be ready before this movie could be made. 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 Kevin McCormick recalls the making of 1977's generation-defining SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. Based on a New York Magazine article about working class Italian Americans in Bay Ridge who let off steam by dancing at the local disco, the film became iconic for its bestselling soundtrack, courtesy of the BeeGees, and its incredible dance scenes. It also made a young John Travolta a bonafide movie star for his performance - a turn that was as dark as it was fun, and laid the groundwork for his star turn in Grease. The journey to the screen was filled with drama, like when the original director was fired on the same day he found out he was nominated for an Oscar or production had to shut down to avoid Travolta's hordes of fans, but the film cemented its place in film history when Travolta was nominated for an Oscar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.