Nicole Brown (President of TriStar Pictures) on Creative Collaboration, Movie Test Screenings, & Keeping Audiences Engaged
01/03/24 • 43 min
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
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
Previous Episode
Marc Evans (Former Paramount Chief & Producer) on the Triumphs and Mistakes of Making Some of Hollywood's Biggest Blockbusters
Kevin is joined by producer and former head of Paramount Pictures, Marc Evans
Marc Evans is a highly respected studio executive with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. Evans worked his way up in Hollywood, becoming President of the Motion Picture Group at Paramount Pictures. In this role, Evans oversaw the creative development and production of major blockbuster films like Mission: Impossible, Transformers, and Star Trek franchises. He has worked closely with top directors including J.J. Abrams, Michael Bay, David Fincher, and Martin Scorsese. Evans provides unique insights into greenlighting films and shares some behind-the-scenes stories of mistakes and triumphs during his studio tenure. After leaving Paramount, Evans founded his own production company Marc Evans Productions which has already scored hits with Netflix's The Mother starring Jennifer Lopez, and action movie The Old Guard.
The value of chaos (3:08)
Kevin and Marc recall what could have been a disastrous experience of his audience being canceled for a test screening of a major studio film.
Early days at Paramount Pictures (5:43)
Marc talks about his early days at Paramount working as an assistant for producer Julia Chasman and executive Nick Wexler, and working with legendary producer Laura Ziskin on the first Spider-Man films.
Giving blockbusters heart (12:52)
Marc shares what screenwriter Alvin Sargent told him about "the pleasure of making something big good" in regards to blockbuster franchise films.
Reshooting World War Z (22:59)
Marc and Kevin discuss what went wrong with the original cut of World War Z and why they had to redo 40 minutes of the film, and how the resulting film resonated better with audiences.
Baywatch and Monster Trucks (25:25)
Marc shares why the Baywatch movie failed to connect with audiences. The pair then discuss how Monster Trucks might have worked better as a smaller family film rather than pushing it as a major tentpole release.
Marc Evans Productions (31:54)
Marc discusses his recent production successes including The Mother starring Jennifer Lopez, The Old Guard starring Charlize Theron, and Instant Family starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. He shares that the common theme in these movies is a strong emotional core.
Marc Evans has worked on some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of the last 20 years. His candid perspectives on succeeding - and occasionally stumbling - reveal thoughtful lessons for creating films that truly resonate with audiences. Evans believes in always staying connected to the emotional core in every project. 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: Marc Evans
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Marc Evans:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marc-evans-productions/about/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0263010/
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
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Next Episode
Hawk Koch (Veteran Producer and Former AMPAS & PGA President) On His Extraordinary Hollywood Career And Working With Icons
Kevin Goetz is joined by veteran Hollywood producer Hawk Koch.
With over 50 years in the movie business, Koch has countless stories to share from his prolific career working on classic films like Chinatown, Marathon Man, Heaven Can Wait, and Wayne's World. He offers a rare insider's perspective on working with icons like Clark Gable, Ingrid Bergman, Jimmy Stewart, Jackie Gleason, and Barbra Streisand. Koch also provides wisdom on key lessons he's learned about the importance of telling the truth, taking care of people in the industry, and establishing your own identity.
What’s in a Name? (6:49)
Koch talks about changing his name at age 50 when he was bar mitzvahed, taking on the nickname "Hawk" to establish his own identity apart from his famous father, producer Howard W. Koch.
Riding Horses with Clark Gable (17:28)
Koch reminisces about getting his first horseback ride from Clark Gable as a young boy on a movie set. He describes feeling Gable's warmth and humanity in that brief interaction.
Working with Legends (20:25)
Koch shares his experience working with and being intimidated by classic actors like Jimmy Stewart and Ingrid Bergman early in his career.
Icon Lightning Round (24:01)
Kevin asks Hawk to give his quick impressions of industry figures he's worked with like Roman Polanski, Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, and Barbara Streisand.
Getting His Start in Music (28:11)
Hawk discusses how he got his start working in music, touring with The Dave Clark Five and getting to watch recording sessions with Frank Sinatra.
Taking Care of “Family” (33:43)
Koch talks about his dedication to the Motion Picture and Television Fund, taking care of people in the entertainment industry. He shares why it is important to him.
Taming Faye Dunaway’s Hair (35:33)
Koch tells a funny story about shooting Chinatown and director Roman Polanski pulling Faye Dunaway's hair out when it kept sticking up in a shot.
Best Advice Ever Received (38:05)
Koch stresses the importance of telling the truth in the movie business and not trying to mislead people.
Tune in as Hawk Koch shares stories that capture the golden era of Hollywood history through his interactions with legends on set and off. But beyond the celebrity anecdotes, his emphasis on truth, care for others, and finding one's path contain valuable lessons for those both inside and outside the entertainment world. 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: Hawk Koch
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
For more information about Hawk Koch:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk_Koch
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0462242/
Magic Time: https://magictime.pictures/
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
Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz - Nicole Brown (President of TriStar Pictures) on Creative Collaboration, Movie Test Screenings, & Keeping Audiences Engaged
Transcript
Podcast: Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Research Expert Kevin Goetz
Guest: TriStar President, Nicole Brown
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 preview. The recently released
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