Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Jim Gianopulos, former studio head of 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures.Jim Gianopulos, Studio HeadJim Gianopulos is a highly influential executive in the entertainment industry, known for his visionary leadership. With a career spanning decades, he has made significant contributions to film and television, overseeing major blockbusters such as Titanic, Avatar, and more recently, Maverick: Top Gun. Under Jim’s leadership at Paramount Pictures, he took a studio that was at an operating loss of nearly $500 million a year and built it into a significantly profitable studio. Gianopulos is celebrated for his exceptional creative instincts, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to storytelling, making him one of the most influential figures in modern cinema.Influential filmmakers and the privilege of running a studio (10:42)Jim talks about his early influencers in the film industry such as Martin Scorsese and John Cassavetes, his Greek heritage, and the privilege of running a studio.Searchlight's Marketing Strategy (20:57)Jim and Kevin talk about Searchlight's brilliant marketing strategy, and how they took creative risks on movies like Slumdog Millionaire.Ice Age (27:02)Jim shares a story about the almost missed opportunity with Ice Age, the decision to keep it, and the success of the franchise.Avatar's Budget (30:12)Jim talks about the challenges of greenlighting Avatar due to its expensive budget and new technology. He shares what it was like to work with James Cameron on the blockbuster film.Castaway's Ending (34:50)Jim discusses the audience screening of Castaway  and how audience reaction led to a change in the film’s ending that was crucial to its success.Testing Movies with Audience Feedback (39:28)Jim and Kevin discuss the importance of testing movies with audience feedback and how it helps to serve the audience better.The Release of Top Gun: Maverick (45:12)Jim talks about the pressure and decision-making process behind the release of the movie Maverick during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Changing Entertainment Landscape and the Green-Lighting Process (48:23)Jim discusses his thoughts on the future of movie theaters and why he believes they will always exist. The conversation turns to the flexibility of film distribution and how movies can be moved between theatrical releases and streaming platforms.Tune in to hear Kevin and Jim discuss Jim’s career in the movie industry and his guiding principles for making successful movies. Throughout the conversation, Jim stresses the importance of making bold decisions and taking calculated risks. The pair discuss the importance of audience feedback and testing in making successful movies, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the movie industry in the current landscape.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Jim GianopulosProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Mark Gordon, film and television producer, Academy Award nominee, and Golden Globe winner.Mark Gordon, ProducerMark Gordon, a visionary producer and executive in the entertainment industry, boasts an impressive array of career highlights. From producing critically acclaimed dramas to commercially successful films, his portfolio is a testament to his creative prowess. Notable highlights include producing groundbreaking television series like Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds, as well as blockbusters such as Saving Private Ryan and Speed. With a knack for identifying compelling projects and pushing boundaries, Gordon has solidified his status as a true trailblazer. His exceptional talent and creative vision have been recognized with industry honors including Emmy Awards, BAFTA Awards, PGA Awards, and an Acadamy Award nomination.Early beginnings and challenges (8:24)Mark Gordon talks about his decision to go to film school and focus on producing, despite the fact that film schools were primarily for aspiring directors and writers. Mark Gordon talks about his early struggles in the entertainment industry and how he picked himself up after feeling like a failure.Swing Kids and the making of Speed (15:50)Kevin and Mark talk about the making of the movie Swing Kids, the background of the movie, and the cast. Mark goes on to discuss the development and production of the movie Speed, including how it was almost made at Paramount, the surprising audience test screening, and the unexpected success it had at the box office.Saving Private Ryan and the challenges of screenwriting(24:08)Mark discusses how he got involved in producing the movie Saving Private Ryan, including the process of developing the story with Bob Rodat and pitching it to studios. Mark shares the story of keeping the involvement of Steven Spielberg a secret from the studio.Transitioning to television and Grey’s Anatomy (31:09)Mark discusses his transition from producing movies to producing television, including his first project with Shonda Rhimes. Mark Gordon talks about his early creative relationship with Shonda Rhimes and his involvement with Grey's Anatomy, including casting decisions and the editing process. Mark shares his philosophy on producing and how sometimes the best thing a producer can do is get out of the way.Full circle (40:25)Mark addresses his decision to leave Hollywood for New York and London. Kevin and Mark talk about their mutual background and love for New York, and Mark’s current project, The Life of Pi on Broadway.Tune in to hear Kevin and Mark and their fascinating conversation about producing film and television.  Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Mark GordonProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Mark Gordon:IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330428/For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, founder and CEO of Gotham Group, a management and production company.Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Gotham Group CEO, ProducerEllen Goldsmith-Vein is a business woman and producer, widely recognized for her prolific work as the founder and CEO of Gotham Group, a leading management company in the entertainment industry. In addition to her successful career in management, Ellen is a notable philanthropist and political fundraiser, dedicating her time and resources to various charitable causes. With an impressive portfolio spanning both television and film, Ellen has produced blockbuster hits such as The Maze Runner film series, which grossed over 1 billion dollars at the box office worldwide. She has also produced critically acclaimed films such as Star Girl and its sequel Hollywood Star Girl, Wendell and Wild, Abduction, My Best Friend's Exorcism, and The Spiderwick Chronicles. Ellen's work has earned her several accolades, including an Emmy award nomination in 2008 for her contributions to the popular television series, Creature Comforts.Ellen's background and starting Gotham Group (3:00)Ellen talks about being the first woman to own the size of management company that she does. She discusses how she started Gotham Group 30 years ago and how she went from a career in banking to the entertainment industry.Ellen's transition to representation (8:10)Ellen talks about her desire to be on the same side of the table as the talent and how she transitioned to the representation business.Finding White Space(14:15)Ellen discusses the importance of finding white space in the industry and how focusing on the animation space helped Gotham Group become successful.Producing a $125 million movie (17:53)Ellen talks about her experience producing The Spiderwick Chronicles and the challenges of being a producer.Social activism (26:39)Kevin and Ellen discuss Ellen and her husband Jon Vein’s involvement in social activism and their efforts to make a positive impact through their work in the entertainment industry.Challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry (37:10)Ellen talks about the difficulties of being a woman in the entertainment industry and how she had to work hard to be taken seriously. Providing opportunities and advice for young women (38:34)Ellen discusses the importance of providing opportunities for young women in the entertainment industry and how she tries to help them get their foot in the door. Ellen gives advice to young women to focus on their own work and not worry about what others are doing to create success for themselves.Tune in to hear Kevin and Ellen discuss Ellen's career path, her experience as a producer, her political activism, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Ellen Goldsmith-VeinProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Ellen Goldsmith-Vein:The GothamFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Martha Coolidge, a celebrated American film director known for her groundbreaking work in the film industry.Martha Coolidge, DirectorCoolidge has directed a wide range of films over the course of her career, including the iconic 1983 teen comedy Valley Girl, the critically acclaimed drama Rambling Rose, and the romantic comedy Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including the Women in Film Crystal Award. She has served as the president of the Directors Guild of America, making her one of the most influential women in Hollywood. Throughout her career, Coolidge has been a trailblazer for women in the film industry, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers with her innovative storytelling approach and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.An Actor’s Director (4:05)Martha has the reputation of being an actor’s director. Having worked with such names as Nicolas Cage, Val Kilmer, Halle Berry, Laura Dern, and Robert Duvall, Martha shares her directing process and how her goal is to figure out what an actor needs to be relaxed.Early career and turning trauma into a documentary (6:28)Martha talks about her early directing experience at the Rhode Island School of Design. She discusses her early years as a documentary filmmaker. “Gag me with a spoon.” On self-producing Valley Girl(11:28)Kevin asks Martha about her first job in Hollywood, and Martha talks about financing Valley Girl, shooting it in New York, and capturing the idiosyncratic voice of the movement. Martha shares how Brian Grazer saw Valley Girl, liked it, and how that led to her directing Real Genius starring Val Kilmer.The screening process and being a literal nervous wreck (13:19)The test screening process tends to make filmmakers nervous. Martha shares her experience with the audience preview of Valley Girl and how they pulled people in off the street to preview the film.Love for directing and making a movie several times (19:12)Kevin asks Martha about her favorite part of filmmaking. Martha talks about her love of directing and her special relationship with actors. She also shares her passion for post-production and how you make the movie several times in post.First woman president of the Director’s Guild of America (28:45)Coolridge was named the first woman president of the Director’s Guild of America. She talks about how some were not ready for a woman president, but most welcomed the diversity. Kevin and Martha discuss women in filmmaking and the underrepresentation of female directors. Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Martha CoolidgeProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Martha Coolidge:IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004838/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthacoolidge/?hl=enTwitter: For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by highly accomplished film and television producer and former studio executive, Jonathan Glickman. Jonathan Glickman, Producer and Former Studio ExecutiveWith over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, he has established himself as a creative force and a visionary producer with a keen eye for identifying and developing successful projects. As president of the MGM Motion Picture Group, Glickman guided a bankrupt company into a thriving studio. During his tenure, he oversaw production on Skyfall and Spectre, the two highest-grossing installments of the James Bond franchise, as well as No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final outing in the series. Other highlights of his tenure include overseeing the production of the Rocky spinoff Creed and Creed 2 and the 2019 animated hit The Addams Family. After his tenure at MGM, Glickman founded Panoramic Media. His productions include Creed 3 and the Golden Globe-nominated tv series Wednesday, which recently became the second most-watched show in Netflix’s history.Important lessons from growing up in a political family (3:42)Jonathan grew up in Kansas, where his father was a congressman, and he learned an important political lesson that carried over to his career in entertainment, the public is always right. Kevin and Jonathan discuss the intersection of entertainment and politics. “All that matters are beginnings and endings and in the end, the beginning doesn't matter”(10:19)Kevin and Jonathan discuss the importance of a good ending and leaving the audience satisfied. Jonathan emphasized how everything should lead up to that ending in order to have people buzzing about the movie as they leave the theater.The elevator pitch (12:47)Jonathan discusses how he landed his first internship at Caravan Pictures by cornering Joe Roth, the head of Caravan, in an elevator and asking him for the internship. The pair discuss Jonathan’s rise at Caravan, how, as an intern, he pitched the idea for a Jerky Boys movie followed by While You Were Sleeping. Four years later, Jonathan became head of the studio.The Creed Bake-Off (31:53)The pair discuss the film Creed and how screening two different endings led to the decision to have Adonis Creed lose at the end of the first film. Jonathan relates that the film was shot with two endings which were shown to test audiences. Both endings tested well, but one tested higher. He also shares a story of what happened when Sylvester Stallone joined the Creed focus group.Marketing and the streaming platforms (41:38)With the success of Wednesday, Kevin and Jonathan turn the discussion to streaming platforms and marketing. Wednesday as the main character (45:43)Glickman talks about The Addams Family and why he wanted to focus on Wednesday as the main character for the Netflix series.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Jonathan GlickmanProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more infoFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Nancy Kirhoffer, a highly experienced post-production supervisor, to delve into the intricacies of successfully bringing movies to completion.Nancy Kirhoffer, Post-Production SupervisorToday we have the pleasure of speaking with Nancy Kirhoffer, a distinguished post-production specialist with over 150 films to her name. With a remarkable career spanning indie films to blockbuster hits, Nancy has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of bringing movies to completion. In this episode, Nancy shares her insights on the intricacies of post-production, the challenges and rewards of audience test screenings, and the secrets to delivering a successful final product. What is the role of a post-production supervisor/producer? (3:04)Kevin and Nancy discuss the role of a post-production producer and the difference between a post-production producer and a post-production supervisor and how her role has changed over time.How Nancy got her start by working with one of her idols (7:30)Nancy recounts getting her start in Hollywood, crashing film classes, and how she went from a PA to working as an assistant with one of her idols, Mary Lambert.Guiding first-time filmmakers through the screening process (16:07)Nancy has done a lot of work with independent filmmakers and first-time directors. Kevin asks Nancy what it is like walking a first-time director through the screening process. Nancy discusses the importance of getting out of the editing room and into a theater to see how the movie plays on the big screen, and in front of an audience.Screening surprises and Neighbors 2 (20:35)Kevin asks Nancy about the biggest surprise she has seen at an audience test screening. Nancy talks about the screening for Neighbors 2 and the changes that had to be made to improve the testing scores.Walking Olivia Wilde through her first test screening (22:54)Nancy shares a story about the first audience screening for the movie Booksmart and walking first-time director Olivia Wilde through the screening process.Working with Screen Engine/ASI and what sets them apart (28:19)Nancy talks about working with Kevin’s company, Screen Engine/ASI, and how the moderators at Screen Engine have a real and genuine love of movies. The pair discuss some of the intricacies of audience screen testing, and how the moderator’s enthusiasm for movies can add authenticity to the screening process.The most important questions asked at a screen test (32:18)Kevin asks Nancy about moderator questions during a focus group. Kevin and Nancy both share the questions that they find to be the most useful to the filmmakers. Advice for anyone wanting to go into the field of post-production (37:21)Nancy discusses the role of post-production, and the skill set required to be a good post-production supervisor. She talks about money and time and being able to manage both while keeping a project on track.Host: Kevin GoetzGuFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Amy Baer, veteran producer and studio executive, to discuss her multi-faceted Hollywood career.Amy Baer, Producer & Studio ExecutiveToday we have the pleasure of speaking with Amy Baer, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. With a diverse background that includes work at major studios, heading an independent development fund, and producing, Amy's expertise is unparalleled. Her impressive track record speaks for itself, with films under her supervision and/or production grossing a staggering $2 billion worldwide. But that's not all, Amy is also a champion for women in the entertainment industry, serving as the board president of Women in Film and the head of Landline Pictures.The audience is all that matters (3:00)Kevin kicks off the podcast by delving into a topic that holds great significance to both him and Amy - the importance of knowing your audience. Amy talks about creating content, any content, and how important it is to know who you are creating that content for.Heading up CBS Films (6:02)Kevin asks Amy what it was like running CBS Films for four years and having the authority to green-light movies. Amy talks about her experience running the studio in a tumultuous time in the entertainment business during an actors’ strike, a writers’ strike, and an economic downturn. The pair discuss what a tremendous responsibility it is to make the decision to green-light a film and the business factors that go into making that decision.Landline Pictures and the importance of knowing your audience (17:22)Sticking with the theme of knowing an audience, Amy discusses her new production studio, Landline Pictures, where the focus is making movies for older audiences. Kevin talks about the importance of research, and Amy shares the amount of research that went into deciding to make films for this specific audience. Growing up with a famous father and making it on her own (23:22)Kevin asks Amy what it was like growing up with Happy Days’ Tom Bosley as a father. Amy shares childhood memories of visiting the set of Happy Days and hanging out with her father’s work friends including Ron Howard. The pair discuss nepotism in Hollywood and how Amy made it on her own. Advocating and fighting for women in the entertainment industry (35:55)With her extensive filmmaking experience, and as board president of Women in Film, Amy has a unique perspective on being a working woman in the entertainment industry. Amy discusses her early female mentors and successfully maintaining a work-life balance as a Hollywood executive. Amy stresses the importance of communication and community with other women as something that is needed in the industry.What’s next for Amy Baer (43:39)Kevin asks Amy what she is currently working on, and what she is excited about. Amy discusses two new projects at Landline Pictures including Back Nine, a new film starring Renée Zellweger.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Amy BaerProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about AmyFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by Academy Award-nominated editor David Rosenbloom to discuss his experience in the editing room and how audience research affects the final cut.David Rosenbloom, EditorDavid Rosenbloom has had an incredible career, working on critically acclaimed and award-winning films like The Insider, Rudy, The Black Mass, All Good Things, and the recently released Plane. In this podcast, we'll delve into David's background, his process for editing, and his experience with audience screen testing. We'll also hear some behind-the-scenes stories and insights that only a seasoned film editor like David can provide. Whether you're a film buff, an aspiring editor, or just someone who appreciates the art of filmmaking, this podcast is a must-listen!An important and close relationship (2:52)Kevin opens the podcast by discussing the close, important relationship between the film's editor and the person who is running the test screening. Kevin calls it the closest relationship and David agrees as they discuss the value of the information gained during an audience test screening.Good editing vs. bad editing (16:48)David discusses the differences between good editing and bad editing, which  David calls the hardest thing to judge.. He compares editing to the music in a film and knowing when to make a cut or when to let a shot go on longer. How an audience reaction led to a big change (20:26)Kevin asks David about the biggest change that he has made to a film based on the audience's reaction at a test screening. David brings up the film Out of the Furnace, where the lead initially dies at the end of the movie. The two discuss how the audience's reaction led to David recutting the film to save the character. Early mentors and TV work on Hill Street Blues (20:41)David and Kevin discuss David’s early years as an editor on television shows. The two talk about the evolution of editing technology and how a 24-year-old David was given the opportunity to direct an episode of Hill Street Blues.The alchemy of moviemaking (32:24)David talks about the moviemaking process and the important relationship between the film’s editor and the director. They discuss David’s experience in editing sports movies like the audience-favorite Rudy.Applause for editing (37:45)Together, David and Kevin explore what makes great editing and how it can elevate a film to new heights. David shares his personal experience of watching All That Jazz for the first time and the moment he realized that editing could inspire applause. Pace is a 4-letter word (45:18)David and Kevin talk about the intricacies of editing and why David hates the word “pace” in audience feedback. Kevin talks about the film’s length being a director’s issue while the pace is more of an editor’s issue. Audience engagement is discussed as well as when a film is too fast, too slow, or just right.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: David RosenbloomProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by veteran producer Monica Levinson to discuss producing award-winning blockbusters and giving back.Monica Levinson, ProducerMonica Levinson is a renowned film and television producer known for her exceptional range and versatility in the industry. From the critically-acclaimed drama Trial of the Chicago 7 to the blockbuster comedy Borat, Levinson's productions have received both popular and critical acclaim. She is a highly respected member of the film community, as a member of the Producers Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Producers Guild of America, and the Directors Guild of America. Additionally, Levinson is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the film industry and has established a training program for underrepresented groups on the films she produces, and regularly mentors young and emerging filmmakers.Working with legendary producers (5:14)Monica talks about her early years in the film industry, where she got her start working with legendary filmmakers like Alan Pakula, Sidney Lumet, and Michael Mann. She cites her work with Alan Pakula as a defining moment in her career, as it was then that she fell in love with the entire process of film production, from pre-production to post-production.Early work on Zoolander with Ben Stiller (7:13)Monica recounts her experiences working on the set of Zoolander and the challenges of producing the film within budget constraints. She credits her work on Zoolander  with Ben Stiller as a major stepping stone in her career and believes it led to her being recommended to Sacha Baron Cohen and eventually producing the successful film Borat.A raucous test screening of Borat (12:24)Kevin and Monica talk about an early test screening of Borat and the audience reaction to “that scene.”Working with Sacha Baron Cohen and spending the night in jail (14:25)Levinson shares what it was like working with Sacha Baron Cohen, and giving him the freedom to let the creative process flow on Borat. She recounts the story of being arrested while filming Borat.Turning Thanksgiving Dinner into a documentary (24:41)Kevin asks Monica to talk about her recent documentary, The Stories of Us, an intimate portrayal of her family, her Jewish roots, and her upbringing.Test screening her new project with Bill Burr (31:57)Kevin asks Monica to share a time that an audience test screening led to a significant change in one of her films. Monica talks about her new project with Bill Burr, Old Dads, and how the audience response led to a reshoot.Giving back (40:13)Kevin and Monica delve into the topic of diversity and inclusivity in the industry, with a focus on Monica's efforts to advocate for and mentor underrepresented groups. Monica shares her advice for young and emerging filmmakers and highlights some of the projects she is currently working on that aim to empower and promote women within the industFor more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by the critically acclaimed Director/Writer/Producer George Tillman Jr. to discuss making movies from the heart.George Tillman Jr., Director, Producer, WriterWith a career spanning over two decades, George Tillman Jr. has brought a unique voice and perspective to the film industry, tackling a wide range of genres and themes in his work. He is best known for his films Soul Food, Men of Honor, and The Hate U Give, as well as for producing the successful Barbershop franchise.A tale of two test screenings (3:28)George Tillman Jr. reminisces about his disastrous first test screening in Beverly Hills and how that experience made him fearful of future audience screenings. He contrasts this with the audience screening for Soul Foodand how that screening became one of the highlights of his life.Early influences (10:49)Tillman discusses the two films that influenced him as a teenager: Taxi Driver and Cooley High. Cooley High was the first film Tillman saw with African Americans in the lead roles, and it showed real friendships and relationships. Taxi Driver stood out to Tillman for its camera work and the way it controlled the viewer's experience.Working with De Niro (20:35)Kevin asks George about his greatest influences and mentors. George talks about working with Robert De Niro on Men of Honor and how De Niro guided him in post-production, even advising Tillman to cut some of De Niro’s own performance for the sake of the film.The $150,000 movie success (24:18)Tillman talks about raising money for his first film, going mainly to family and friends in Chicago, and taking that movie to Hollywood and selling it to Savoy Pictures for $1,000,000. Unfortunately, Savoy Pictures went out of business, and that first film was lost, but it helped Tillman make connections that led to green lighting Soul Food.Tell the stories you want to tell (31:17)Kevin asks George what he has learned on his journey as a writer, producer, and director. George talks about making movies from the heart and about telling the stories that you want to tell.Feeling the audience's reaction (43:05)Kevin asks George to talk about audience test screenings and if the audience response was responsible for big changes in any of his films. George goes into what it feels like to participate in a test screening and sit among the audience. He talks about how he made changes to a movie based on what he felt around him at the audience test screening. They then go into positive test screenings as a validation of the filmmaker’s instincts.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: George Tillman Jr.Producer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about George Tillman Jr.:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george_tillman/Twitter: https://twitter.com/george_tillmanFor more information about For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com