Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz

Send Kevin a Text MessageKevin is joined by the incredibly talented screenwriter, film producer, television producer, television director, film director, and former actor Dean Devlin to discuss filmmaking and his experiences with audience test screenings.Dean DevlinDean Devlin has produced and co-written some of the most successful feature films of all time -- Independence Day, Stargate, and Godzilla -- which collectively grossed more than 1.4 billion dollars worldwide. In May of 2001, he founded Electric Entertainment, where he serves as chairman and CEO.  Changing the DNA of the film, Stargate (2:00)Kevin and Dean jump right into the test screening for Stargate, and how they decided on a DNA change with that movie based on audience feedback that raised the testing numbers dramatically. They discuss the major changes to the film, which Kevin calls DNA changes, including film length, dialogue changes, pacing, and a pivotal change to the movie’s villain. They also discuss behind the scenes negotiations, and the push and pull with the studio to successfully make the changes they wanted. Dean Devlin partners with Roland Emmerich (6:08)Dean talks about his partnership with Roland Emmerich, and the way they started their working relationship, a relationship that would lead to some of the highest grossing movies of all time. Dean was acting in Roland’s first American film, when Dean asked to re-write some of his lines. Learn how this encounter led to their 12-year partnership.On not testing Godzilla (16:26)Dean was not able to test screen Godzilla, and he talks about what it was like watching that first screening at the back of the theater. Dean could see exactly what was wrong with the movie and talks about his frustration with knowing what was wrong, how to fix it, but not being able to do it. This was the last time Dean ever released something without testing it first.Independence Day (21:32)Dean and Kevin discuss how everything just fell into place with the movie Independence Day. From the audience cheers at the initial screen tests, to how the film changed Dean, to how a small change to a pivotal final scene brought the test score from a 92 to a 98.Testing and directing Geostorm (30:32)There are unique challenges that come from directing a film, and Dean goes into how the testing process differs from the perspective of a director versus that of a producer. Kevin and Dean discuss the heartache of knowing what needs to be changed in a movie based on the audience tests, but not being able to make those changes.Join Kevin and his guest, producer and director Dean Devlin, and learn how they successfully used audience screen testing to craft some of the highest grossing movies of all time, and enjoy some insider stories on Kevin's podcast, Don't Kill the Messenger!Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Dean DevlinProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Dean's upcoming projects:Website: https://www.electricentertainment.com/Facebook:  https://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 Oscar winning movie producer Graham King to discuss film producing, his experiences with audience test screenings,  making and testing Bohemian Rhapsody, and more. Graham King, ProducerGraham King is a four time Academy Award nominated producer, winning the award for The Departed.  He's been involved in the making of more than 50 movies, producing films including Tomb Raider, Gangs of New York, Argo, The Town, Blood Diamond, Hugo, and Bohemian Rhapsody.Getting his start in producing films (1:49) Graham shares how he gravitated towards the storytelling in films and how to capture the telling of these stories through the medium of film.  He has been especially drawn to true life stories and biopics.  Graham looks for characters that are larger than life and finds a way to humanize them on the screen.His first audience screening experience (3:48)Graham speaks of the influence of his earlier films working with Martin Scorsese and how he has shared his love of previewing movies.  It is critical to get the response from those who have no hidden agenda.  The audience is there to like the movies.  Graham believes that if you really want the truth you have to show it to those not in the industry with no personal agenda.Audience impact on his films (6:44)Bohemian Rhapsody was one of the top scoring films in preview and Graham discusses the decision to bring it to the big screen instead of streaming.  He shares the import of capturing the experience that Freddy Mercury provided of bringing joy to the masses in his concerts and how it was important to convey that sense when experiencing the film.About those who say screenings impede the process (13:01)Graham believes that screenings and audience input are absolutely crucial in producing the most successful films.  He believes that it is an irresponsible view to see audience input as an impediment.  Audience input has a significant impact on the film.  The screening process goes beyond just the cards and scores but rather the audience brings an energy when watching the film that is most useful when viewing.  Movie stories (29:15)Graham shares stories about the making of several of his films including The Town, Jersey Boys and his new film about the Bee Gees.  He discusses his responsibility in telling their stories in a way that pays respect and provides enjoyment.  These interesting tidbits give the listener little known aspects of the movie making process.Join Kevin and his guest, film producer Graham King and learn how they crack the code for playability success using audience screen testing and enjoy some insider stories on Kevin's podcast, Don't Kill the Messenger!Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Graham King OBEProducer:  Kari CampanoFor more information about Graham's upcoming projects:Website: http://www.gk-films.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GKFilms?ref=tsTwitter:  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