Mark Gordon (Film & Television Producer) on Filmmaking, Getting into Television, and More!
05/03/23 • 46 min
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
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
Previous Episode
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (Film/TV Producer, Manager, & Executive) on Breaking Into the Business, Producing, & More
Kevin is joined by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, founder and CEO of Gotham Group, a management and production company.
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Gotham Group CEO, Producer
Ellen 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 Goetz
Guest: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Ellen Goldsmith-Vein:
The Gotham Group: https://gotham-group.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellengoldsmithvein/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/egvgotham?lang=en
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: @KevinGoetz
Next Episode
Jim Gianopulos (Former Studio Chairman/CEO) on Making Successful Movies, Greenlighting Projects, & More!
Kevin is joined by Jim Gianopulos, former studio head of 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures.
Jim Gianopulos, Studio Head
Jim 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 Goetz
Guest: Jim Gianopulos
Producer: Kari Campano
For more information about Jim Gianopulos:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Gianopulos
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1963549/
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 Eng
Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz - Mark Gordon (Film & Television Producer) on Filmmaking, Getting into Television, and More!
Transcript
Podcast: Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz
Guests: Award Winning Film and Television Producer Mark Gordon
Interview Transcript:
Announcer (00:02):
There's a little-known part of Hollywood that most people are not aware of known as the audience test prev
If you like this episode you’ll love
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