A Filmmaker-Driven Focus with Peter Kujawski

11/13/24 • 32 min

Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley

Bringing movies to the big screen takes passion and expertise. In this episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, to talk about his path from intern to head of a studio known for award-winning, auteur-driven films. Peter shares an inside perspective on Focus’s commitment to unique, culturally relevant stories—from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to NOSFERATU and beyond. Hear how Peter’s lifelong love of cinema shapes his vision for films and inspires the distinctive culture he’s built at Focus Features.

Previous Episode

Opening the Aperture of WICKED with Director of Photography Alice Brooks

As the Director of Photography for WICKED, Alice Brooks shaped the film’s visual identity, bringing Director Jon M. Chu’s vision to life with a vibrant and immersive cinematic experience. In this episode, Alice joins Jacqueline Coley to share her journey working in entertainment, from growing up in a creative family to discovering her passion for cinematography. Learn how Alice’s early college film projects were all leading up to bringing the massive production of WICKED to life. Discover how she balanced technical precision and creative intuition to capture the stunning sets and incredible performances of this cultural phenomenon.
Hear how the deep personal connection Alice formed with the magical world of WICKED created a special bond between her and her daughter during filming, and how it has already begun to inspire a new generation of creatives.

Next Episode

The Power of Music in The Wild Robot with Kris Bowers

In this special episode, Jacqueline Coley sits down with Emmy and Grammy nominated composer and Academy Award® winning filmmaker Kris Bowers, in front of a live audience at the SCAD Film Festival in Savannah, GA.
Known for his genre-defying scores in films like Bob Marley: One Love, The Color Purple, the Emmy winning series Bridgerton and his latest project, DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed hit, The Wild Robot, Bowers reflects on his early passion for piano, the emotional resonance of music, and how personal experiences have shaped his work. We’ll explore his collaborative process with director Chris Sanders, the challenges of crafting melodies that tell a story, and his approach to creating unforgettable moments of sound and cinema.
From his Oscar-winning short The Last Repair Shop to iconic film scores, Kris shares insights into his creative process, lessons learned from his career, and his vision for the future of music and storytelling.