Hollywood Gold

Producer Sean Covel details the making of 2004's surprise box office smash NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. In contrast to the poppy, feel-good films of the early 2000s, Sean saw genius in the offbeat humor of the film's unlikely hero. Despite being difficult to cast with the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, Jack Black, and Bruce Campbell all passing on the project, the filmmakers eventually found movie magic and a standing ovation at Sundance. After grossing $45 million at the box office, the film remains a cult classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Editor Wyatt Smith guides us through the making of the most ambitious Disney live action remake to date. Wyatt, fresh off the remake of another Disney classic (Mary Poppins Returns), was involved in THE LITTLE MERMAID from day one with his frequent collaborator, director Rob Marshall. The filmmaker faced numerous challenges from updating the music, lyrics, and characters to modernize the story, to finding new and innovative ways to make a VFX heavy film feel organic for the actors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Nina Jacobson recounts the making of 2012's wildly successful THE HUNGER GAMES, the adaptation of the hit book series that became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted Jennifer Lawrence to superstardom. Nina, fresh off a gig as the head of Disney, used her studio experience to navigate the tricky road to successfully launch the first film of a female-centered action franchise that is still putting out new installments over a decade later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Wendy Finerman discusses the making of 2006's Oscar-nominated classic THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Wendy was confident in the unexpected casting of Meryl Streep in a role that many didn't think she would be funny in, and was proved right when Meryl truly embodied a role that immortalized Vogue's already famous Anna Wintour. Paired with the brilliance of Anne Hathaway and a young Emily Blunt in a role that would launch her career, the film went on to be nominated for two Oscars and become a critical and commercial success. 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 career stratosphere and encourage Bradley Cooper’s interest in directing, it remains one of the few films to be nominated for the Big Five Oscars. David O. Russell’s penchant for improv helped him realize the magic in his cast and solidified the film’s iconic status. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Dan Levine recalls the making of 2016's iconic ARRIVAL. From the moment he read Ted Chiang's STORY OF YOUR LIFE, Dan knew he had to find a way to bring it to the screen. Director Denis Villeneuve, an incredible talent but still relatively unknown, was the perfect choice. Producers had to wait until Denis wrapped SICARiO, but things moved quickly once Amy Adams came on board and suggested Jeremy Renner as her co-star. Production went smoothly, although the material presented endless challenges for Denis and the producers. The scariest moment was after the finished film was screened for the studio - they did not like it and wanted rewrites and a reshoot to change the ending. Dan knew the film worked and fought for the ending that garnered 8 Oscar nominations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Sarah Pillsbury details the Superstar women both in front of and behind the screen who made1985's iconic film DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN. Taking a risk on newcomer Madonna, an emerging musician who would walk the streets of New York with a boombox on her shoulder, turned out to be a genius bet. "Like a Virgin" was released during production and Madonna suddenly became a superstar in need of security. Her newfound popularity and pairing her with the brilliant Rosanna Arquette made for movie magic as the film wowed audiences and critics alike at Cannes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nancy Meyers, a writer, director, and producer, talks about how her idea for a romantic film about an older couple was initially rejected. Despite the skepticism, she believed in the value of telling a non-traditional love story. With the brilliant writing and masterful production design, the film found success with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. They discuss the challenges of pitching the script, shooting in different locations, and the impact of physical comedy scenes.

Producers Jason Michael Berman and Jordan Moldo talk about the kismet involved in assembling the perfect team to tell Sonny Vaccaro's story in AIR. From the marriage of sports, movies, and aritst equity in the production comapnies, to Ben Affleck boarding as director, to securing the dream cast and the blessings of Sonny, Michael Jordan, and Nike, the producers describe a production that felt like walking on air. Ben Affleck was a true leader, taking it upon himself to meet Michael Jordan, and then bowing out of the lead role of Sonny and switching with Matt Damon in service of the film. Sonny wanted his truth be told, and the film succeeds in capturing the essence of these characters, that time in sports history, and empire that is Nike. 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 illness, Akiva's connection to the material was evident in his first pitch to Ron Howard's partner Brian Grazer. He knew the subject had to be handled with the appropiate respect and sensitivity, but was also incredibly creative in his vision for how to cinematically portray the intricacies of schizophrenia. Star Russell Crowe, who had to leave in the middle of filming to accept his Oscar for GLADIATOR, was particular and precise in a role that helped define his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.