Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz

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Kevin is joined by the President of TriStar Pictures, Nicole Brown
Join host Kevin Goetz as he engages Nicole Brown in a conversation about her career evolution from child actor to President of TriStar Pictures. Tracing her early acting jobs to producing and executive roles, Brown imparts thoughtful wisdom on creative collaboration, test screenings, and keeping audiences engaged. She shares insights on balancing bold artistic visions with commercial success, studio involvement, and the importance of innovation. From her experiences shepherding original films like The Woman King, Baby Driver, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Brown offers revelations on what goes into crafting compelling films. She also has advice for emerging talent looking to push the industry forward.
Early Life and Career (4:23)
Brown describes getting bitten by the acting bug as a child growing up in Culver City, California. She began booking commercials and roles in shows she watched on TV. She reflects on how quickly acting went from an extracurricular activity to a central part of her young life.
Transition to Producing (6:05)
When Brown attended Columbia University, she began realizing that she derived more joy from facilitating creative projects behind the scenes than being on camera.
Internship with Marc Platt (11:08)
After college, Brown landed a career-changing summer internship with powerhouse producer Marc Platt. She sat in on his meetings at a major studio and soaked up his openness to ideas.
Insights on Studio-Filmmaker Collaboration (19:24)
Brown stresses that every film requires a different type of creative dance between the studio and the director. She notes that the studio's level of involvement often depends on the director's proven track record and the film's genre.
The Origin Story of The Woman King (25:16)
Brown traces how the idea for The Woman King originated when Viola Davis approached her eager to play a fierce African general leading an elite female army.
Elements of Successful Theatrical Films in a Changing Landscape (31:19)
Brown believes today's films require a sense of spectacle, urgency, and relevance that makes audiences eager to experience them immediately on the big screen.
The Power of Test Screenings (36:28)
Brown values seeing real audiences experience a film during test screenings. Beyond just the questionnaire data, she learns a great deal from the crowd's audible reactions and body language.
Advice to Emerging Talent (40:21)
Brown urges the next generation to fully immerse themselves in cinematic history and all forms of storytelling. But she also challenges them to then throw out the rulebook and bring completely new, bold ideas to revolutionize filmmaking.
Tune in as host Kevin Goetz and Nicole Brown unpack valuable filmmaking lessons.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Nicole Brown
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Nicole Brown:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Brown_(film_executive)
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0114352/
Sony Pictures: https://www.sonypictures.com/
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678

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Kevin is joined by veteran producer and Hollywood creative executive, Todd Garner.
Todd Garner, Producer
Todd Garner, formerly the Disney co-head of production, emerged from one of the most turbulent periods in that studio's history and transitioned from executive to producer. He co-founded Revolution Studios and then started his own production company, Broken Road Productions. He has developed, overseen, executive produced, or produced more than 170 films for more than a dozen studios and streaming services, including 25 films & television shows under his banner.
The science and art of audience testing (4:51)
Todd and Kevin discuss some of the intricacies of audience testing. Kevin talks about what he calls the science and art of audience testing and moving the audience from simply liking a film to developing a love connection with it. Todd and Kevin both agree that it’s about more than just the numbers.
Todd’s journey (8:21)
Todd recounts his journey from doing sketch comedy in high school to studying art and economics in college to a job at a major bank, and how that led to working at the Arsenio Hall Show. He talks about how his combined business & art background provided the fertile ground for a career as a producer and creative executive.

Words of advice from Jerry Bruckheimer (21:57)
Kevin states how much he admires how Todd has both the creative and business sense to be such a prolific producer. Todd mentions one of the best pieces of advice he ever received from his mentor, Jerry Bruckheimer, who said “I just make movies for me.” Todd talks about how that has guided his decision making, and how he strives to be emotionally connected to his movies.
The business of movies (28:07)
Kevin and Todd discuss how movies are greenlit in the studio system and the economics of marketing and PR when dealing with a theatrical release versus a release on a streaming service. The pair discuss why comedies, particularly romantic comedies, are easier to produce on a streaming service. What follows is an insider’s perspective on the economic advantage the streaming services have over the Hollywood studios.
A wide range of mentors (36:44)
Kevin asks Todd about his mentors, and who he looks up to in the industry. Todd talks about filmmakers who influenced him like Howard Hawks and Mel Brooks. He then talks about mentors who he worked with like Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Adam Sandler.
Memorable audience screenings (45:16)
Kevin asks Todd about his most memorable audience screenings from the 500 or so they have worked on together. Todd talks about Kevin’s gift of analyzing what is going on behind the audience research numbers and improving the movie through the audience analysis. Todd relates a hilarious story from the Con Air test screening.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Todd Garner
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Todd Garner’s upcoming projects:
Website: https://www.brokenroadproductions.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/todd_garner
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-producers-guide-todd-garner-hollywoods-elite/id1363232295
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram:

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Kevin is joined by one of the most prolific and successful film producers of all time, Neal Moritz.
Neal Moritz, Producer
Neal Moritz has produced over 70 films that have grossed over $11 billion worldwide. Neal founded the production company Original Film and is responsible for projects such as Sonic the Hedgehog, The Escape Room, 21 Jump Street, Passengers, XXX, as well as the TV series Prison Break and The Boys. He started with movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions and went on to produce the Fast and the Furious franchise.
The only opinion that really counts (1:53)
Kevin and Neal jump right into the importance of audience research as Kevin asks Neal which test screenings stand out for him. Neal discusses the process and how it could be the best night of his life, an okay night, or a terrible night as he awaits the results. They go on to discuss major changes that were made to Escape Room, and how the audience reacted to the highly publicized redrawing of the Sonic the Hedgehog character.
The most important question asked in an audience screening (8:21)
Neal to identifies the single most important question asked in an audience test screening. This leads to an interesting discussion about the types of questions that are asked, how to sift through the noise, & how the findings can lead to important changes in the films.
Screening Fast and the Furious 7 after the tragic passing of a star (13:59)
Neal recalls his most memorable screening. Neal describes the decision to continue filming Fast and the Furious 7 after Paul Walker’s tragic passing. Neal shares the fear and nervousness he felt while finishing the movie. Kevin & Neal discuss the iconic final scene and how the audience’s emotional reaction at the test screening proved that Moritz and the studio made the right decision.
Neal’s favorite genre (17:29)
Neal talks about the challenges he enjoys when producing action movies. He discusses 21 Jump Street and how the combined use of action and comedy makes this his favorite type of movie to produce.
How a canvas backpack led to a Hollywood career (29:43)
Neal tells the story of how he got started in Hollywood. He talks about his childhood of growing up in a family-owned movie theater, then becoming an entrepreneur selling canvas backpacks that he saw in China, and his decision to sell his company to become a producer.
The future of the film industry (33:59)
Kevin and Neal discuss the moviegoing experience in the face of the rise of streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Neal talks about the value of seeing a movie in the theater, and how he decides which of his projects should be released theatrically versus streaming. The conversation turns to the economics of moviemaking and the value of having a proven producer attached to a film project.
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Neal Moritz
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Neal Moritz’s upcoming projects:
Website: https://www.originalfilm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalFilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhmoritz/
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram:

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Kevin is joined by prolific comedy director, writer, and producer, Steve Carr
Go behind the laughs with comedy director Steve Carr as he joins host Kevin Goetz for a lively and enlightening conversation. With hit movies like Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Daddy Day Care, and Dr. Dolittle 2 under his belt, Steve has mastered the art of crafting crowd-pleasing and enduring comedies. In this episode, you'll gain insight into Steve's journey from directing hip-hop videos in the 90s to directing comedic blockbusters. Steve also offers thoughtful perspectives on the state of comedy films today.
Movies as comfort food (3:57)
Steve shares a story about John Travolta, and Kevin and Steve discuss how movies like Paul Blart, Mall Cop can be like “chicken soup for the soul.”
Nerves and laughs for Next Friday (09:42)
Steve recounts the magical experience of hearing audiences roar with laughter at his first feature film comedy Next Friday.
The state of comedy (19:46)
Steve and Kevin give their opinions on why big-screen comedies are struggling lately.
A change in focus (21:57)
Steve shares how he's pivoting to writing more original scripts and producing in light of changes in the comedy landscape.
Producing vs. directing (24:08)
Steve details his experience independently producing a gritty, low-budget film and the lessons learned.
Comedic influences (26:16)
Steve lists his biggest comedic influences growing up, including Mel Brooks, The Odd Couple, and "Police Squad."
Tune in for a fascinating conversation as Steve Carr shares tales from decades in Hollywood that reveal both the exhilaration of making people laugh and the challenges facing the genre today. Through it all, Steve retains his authentic humor and commitment to quality comedy with heart. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!
Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Steve Carr
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Steve Carr:
Web: https://www.stevecarrdirector.com/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Carr
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0139867/
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360
Linked In @Kevin Goetz
Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

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Kevin is joined by Mark Gordon, film and television producer, Academy Award nominee, and Golden Globe winner.
Mark Gordon, Producer
Mark 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 Goetz
Guest: Mark Gordon
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Mark Gordon:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330428/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Gordon_(producer)
For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360
Linked In @Kevin Goetz
Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com